As I’m no longer compelled to talk my book (in fact, I actually don’t have a book), I can now talk critically about legal opinions.  Not to bury the lede, but I am of the view that much of our transactional opinion practice is pretty silly and counterproductive.  But, on the other hand, I’m also compelled to

Good morning readers. I am taking the week off so my next commentary will come out the following. Hey it’s a holiday week (and I retired from Dechert yesterday…) a terrific coda to a rainy weekend so a week off seems a proportional response!). Next week, it will be the flaws and basic silliness of 


I seem to be on a self-help kick here (maybe I’ve got interest rate PTSD and simply need to talk about something else). Last week I was pleading for a return of the in-person closing and now here I am bloviating about on how to be a good entrepreneurial lawyer.  This commentary is derived from numerous presentations

As I’m writing this, I’m getting ready to attend CREFC’s 30th New York City Annual Conference and bacchanal.  Once again, we will enjoy the company of our confreres, we will network, we will get educated (yes, CREFC members do actually attend substantive sessions) and will all enjoy the curious joys of the Marriott Marquis (are

As many of you know, I am retiring from Dechert LLP but anticipate staying active in our industry in my advisory vehicle, Jackstay Investments, LLC.  The firm has graciously given me the domain name CRUNCHEDCREDIT and hence, I will begin to resume publishing my commentaries in CrunchedCredit on an ongoing basis.  You will also be

It’s a good time for disaster movies…Civil WarThe Day After TomorrowArmageddon and, of course, in the theatres right now, Godzilla vs. King Kong.  Fun on the big screen, not so much in real life.  Have you seen Godzilla vs. King Kong?  A guilty pleasure (like eating ice cream

I perhaps have a well-earned reputation for an excess of fascination for risks, downside, black swans and other things that prevent the good times from rolling.  Lover of Schadenfreude.  I hope not, but I do often feel compelled to point out risks that seem to be overlooked. 

I could be wrong (shocked…I’m shocked!).  What happens

I’m going to tell you a story.  This is the type of thing told around campfires designed to scare naïfs, who know too little, and PhDs who (think) they know too much.  I don’t necessarily believe in the story, but it could be true. 

Once upon a time, in a time we now call the

Trading Is Not a Dirty Word and Other Thoughts on a More Manageable CRE CLO


As we begin to reflate the CRE CLO business this year with shrinking spreads and hopefully shrinking SOFR, we need to think of this as CRE CLO 3.0. This business,  this technology, which is truly a brilliant way to deliver