Neil Weidner’s practice is concentrated in the areas of securitization, structured finance, and derivative financial products. Neil represents underwriters, dealers, issuers, institutional investors, and sponsors in a wide range of matters involving the financing and securitization of traditional and non-traditional credit assets. Neil has extensive experience using cash flow, market value, and hybrid structures, and is recognized as a leading practitioner in the CLO 3.0 market.
In addition, Neil represents issuers, sponsors, derivatives dealers, and end users in a broad range of matters, including structured swaps, total return instruments, credit derivatives and investment contracts, and other types of structured products.
Neil currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Structured Finance Association (SFA), the leading trade and policy organization in the securitization industry. SFA’s activities include directing policy initiatives, advising on advocacy efforts, organizing educational events, and ensuring that the organization properly represents the full spectrum of its members' views in the area of securitization. Neil led the Cadwalader team that represented SFA in preparing and submitting an amicus briefing in connection with the Hertz Global Holdings Inc. bankruptcy. The rental car giant filed for Chapter 11 protection in May 2020 after its business was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our amicus brief focused primarily on matters of policy and structure related to Hertz’s securitization platform.
Neil is a frequent commentator on industry issues, and has been recognized for excellence in structured finance and securitization by leading industry guides, including The Legal 500 U.S., which named Neil a “Hall of Fame” securitization lawyer, and Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who’s Who Legal and Euromoney’s Expert Guides. He has authored or co-authored numerous comment letters, articles, and memoranda on regulatory and securities law matters, including the Dodd-Frank Act and the Volcker Rule. In addition, Neil provided testimony before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises. The hearing, titled “The Dodd-Frank Act’s Impact on the Asset-Backed Securities,” included CLOs as well as the impact of the Volcker Rule.
Neil earned his J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law, where he was Lead Articles Editor of the Syracuse Journal of International Law & Commerce. He received a B.A., magna cum laude, from Manhattan College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
Neil is admitted to practice in the State of New York and before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He is a member of the New York State and American Bar Associations.
