Banking and Finance
Varnum is a full-service provider of legal services to publicly traded and privately held borrowers and lenders across their banking and finance needs
Our ability to represent financial institutions in all business lines, combined with the industry and market knowledge we bring to borrowers and lenders, has made Varnum one of the region’s most trusted providers of commercial finance services.
We represent commercial lenders and borrowers on single and multi-bank deals, including working capital lines of credit, term loan facilities, real estate facilities and asset-based lending. Clients enjoy working with us because of our reputation for service and responsiveness. We are timely in our work product and detail oriented, and we pride ourselves on our great working relationships with the ultimate customer.
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“Varnum is always responsive, knowledgeable, understanding and willing to go the extra mile to keep me and my customers delighted.”
Senior Vice President, large retail bank
Comprehensive guidance from attorneys who focus on banking and financial institutions
In addition to our strong commercial loan practice, our banking clients know they can rely on Varnum’s solid representation in matters critical to the industry, including regulatory, acquisitions, employment, litigation and more. For example, we frequently help clients with real estate matters as they expand their branch networks.
Varnum is tuned into financial markets and networks with leading entities within the industry, and our strong banking relationships and market knowledge provide significant value to borrowers seeking financing, including acquisition and growth financing. In addition to structuring, negotiating and documenting transactions, we know the lending trends within the market and provide exceptional value beyond legal counsel to clients with capital needs.
Varnum’s considerable experience in loan workout counsel benefits both borrowers and lenders in efficiently addressing troubled loans, with practical advice geared toward achieving realistic goals. Our complementary approach to service ensures the needs of our clients are met no matter which legal practices are required.
Meet the Team
Our attorneys are routinely recognized for their excellence and ability to litigate, negotiate and advise clients by Top Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Chambers USA and more.
Key Contacts
Legal Practices Related to Banking and Finance
Our banking and finance attorneys work with banks, credit unions and other financial services firms to assist with regulatory matters, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, trademarks, and other services. Through purchase agreements and amendments, business and corporate attorneys assist across every business need.
Varnum’s labor and employment practice team offers guidance on designing, drafting and implementing employee benefits, executive compensation and non-compete agreements for employees and prospective hires that are competitive within banking and finance.
Varnum’s litigation attorneys have the experience to provide clients with effective, high-quality, cost-conscious representation. In a high-profile matter where Varnum represented a depository bank in a breach of fiduciary duty claim initiated by the Department of Labor, the District Court dismissed the claim against the bank as a matter of law helping define the standard for fiduciary liability for depository banks.
Financing is a key component for the practice of mergers and acquisitions. Private equity companies seeking assistance with portfolios, or private lenders looking for leverage on acquisitions turn to Varnum for negotiations and transactions.
Varnum provides complete services in connection with the negotiation, documentation, refinancing and closing of commercial and real estate loans. This includes preparing or renewing commitment letters, performing due diligence, handling collateral priority and perfection issues, drafting and negotiating transaction documents and loan terms, and conducting closings.