Dechert LLP announced that Josh Strathman has rejoined as a partner in the firm's global finance practice, where he will focus on residential mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed lending and a range of esoteric asset classes. Additionally, Strathman's arrival broadens the firm's coverage across rated feeders, fund finance and corporate finance. He will be based in Dechert's Los Angeles office.

"Josh knows this firm well, and his decision to return speaks to the strength of what Dechert has built in asset-backed finance," said David Forti, co-chair of Dechert. "As we continue to grow our Los Angeles presence, bringing back an experienced practitioner who is already trusted by our clients and respected by our colleagues is precisely how we advance that goal."

"Having worked with Josh during his time here as counsel, we have a clear picture of the value he brings, and his practice has grown considerably since then," said John Timperio, chair of Dechert's global finance and real estate practices. "His grounding in RMBS and asset-backed lending is now complemented by meaningful experience in rated feeders, fund finance and corporate finance, areas of sustained client demand where his contributions will extend across practice groups."

Strathman advises lenders, borrowers, originators, servicers, issuers, underwriters and placement agents on asset-backed financing and securitizations across a broad range of asset classes, including auto loans and leases, equipment loans and leases, credit card receivables, commercial loans, pharmaceutical royalties and unsecured consumer loans, as well as esoteric areas such as oil and gas and cell phone equipment. He also represents clients in loan portfolio acquisitions and commercial real estate repurchase agreements, and has developed additional experience in rated feeders, fund finance and corporate finance that creates further opportunities for cross-practice collaboration across the firm.

"The caliber of Dechert's global finance group in asset finance and securitization factored heavily into my thinking," said Strathman. "Returning also means picking up relationships with clients and colleagues I have worked with before, which gives me a strong foundation from day one. I look forward to making a real impact."

Strathman joins more than 45 lateral partners Dechert has welcomed this year, reflecting the firm's strategic goal of strengthening capabilities across its steeples of excellence in litigation, investment management, finance and restructuring, capital markets and securitization, and mergers and acquisitions. His arrival follows that of Lawton Camp, a seasoned asset finance and securitization lawyer who joined the global finance practice last month. Together with the promotion of three lawyers to partnership on January 1, the firm has added five partners to its asset finance and securitization group since the start of the year.