BALTIMORE August 18, 2006 Ober|Kaler announced today that William J. Thomas has joined the 128-attorney firm as a principal adding depth to the firm’s expanding national commercial finance and financial institutions practice.
Mr. Thomas brings more than thirty years of experience in the financial services industry.
Previously with Miles & Stockbridge, Mr. Thomas, 51, served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Allfirst Bank (formerly First National Bank of Maryland), where he was employed from 1991 to 2003.
Representing financial institutions and other lenders, Mr. Thomas focuses his practice on commercial transactions, bank regulatory matters, and Uniform Commercial Code issues. While he has experience working on financings for a variety of industries, he has a particular emphasis in the health care, government contracting, international and trade sectors. Mr. Thomas also has extensive experience in representing financial institutions in the delivery of treasury management services in the context of forms development and workouts.
“Bill Thomas has an outstanding reputation with banks and other lenders,” said Alan Mogol, co-chair of the firm’s Lending & Leasing practice. “He is well known and well respected.”
“Bill’s clients find his first-hand experience invaluable,” Mr. Mogol continued. “His many years of service in the banking industry gives him a unique perspective and enables him to be very creative when structuring deals.”
“Ober|Kaler has a strong presence in the finance industry,” commented John Wolf, chairman of the firm. “The experience Bill brings adds depth to our capabilities. He is a top-flight lawyer and will be a fine addition to our Lending & Leasing and Financial Institutions practice groups.”
Mr. Thomas is the latest in a number of new additions to Ober|Kaler’s growing commercial finance practice. Stuart Schabes, a prominent national tax transaction lawyer joined the firm in June, and Steve Cordi, former Maryland Deputy Comptroller, joined the firm in July adding increased capability to the practice.
Mr. Thomas received his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law (1987), and his B.A. from The Ohio State University (1982). He is a member of the American Bar Association and Maryland State Bar Association.
Mr. Thomas is a resident of Towson.
About Ober|Kaler’s Lending & Leasing Group
Ober|Kaler’s nationally recognized commercial finance practice represents many of the largest banks and equipment finance companies in the United States. Our attorneys have vast experience structuring, documenting and negotiating various types of leasing and lending transactions, as well as working out troubled credits.
Ober|Kaler’s ability to stay ahead of changes in laws, accounting rules and industry trends enables our commercial finance clients to remain top competitors in their fields.
Areas of particular experience include: equipment finance, including the financing of aircraft, maritime assets and rolling stock, commercial lending, private placement/mezzanine financing, and government finance.
