Dechert Adds Team of FS/M&A Attorneys From Fried Frank in Washington, D.C.

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Jun 21, 2010, 10:49 ET

WASHINGTON, June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- International law firm Dechert LLP today announced that Thomas P. Vartanian, David L. Ansell, and Robert H. Ledig have joined the firm as partners in the Washington, D.C. office. All three were previously partners at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, where Vartanian served as chair of the Financial Institutions Transaction Group.

Vartanian, Ansell, and Ledig have worked together for more than 25 years counseling commercial and investment banks, holding companies, housing-oriented government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), broker-dealers, private equity investors, hedge funds, credit unions, technology companies, state governmental entities, and financial trade associations.

"We are pleased to welcome such a dynamic team to the firm," said Dechert chairman Barton J. Winokur. "Tom, David, and Bob enjoy high-industry profiles, and together they form one of the premier bank regulatory practices in the United States. This is a critical time for the industry as it faces a sea change in the regulatory environment. Their shared talents and experience will further enhance our brand as a leader in the representation of financial services firms."

Vartanian advises clients in the financial services industry in a wide variety of matters, including mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions; reorganizations, recapitalizations, and acquisitions of distressed banks; purchases from the FDIC as receiver for failed institutions; and matters involving government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs). Vartanian previously served as General Counsel of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. He is a graduate of Cathedral College (B.A., 1971) and Brooklyn Law School (J.D., 1976) and is a member of the New York and the District of Columbia Bars. He is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Chambers USA notes that Vartanian is an "'icon in the financial services space'" who "'knows the law exceptionally well'" and "'has exemplary judgment and is just a class act.'"

"We are very excited to join such a distinguished group of attorneys as are here at Dechert. Our areas of focus are well-suited to the firm's established practices and global resources, and we believe our clients will be well-served by this move," Vartanian said. "Dechert's depth of talent is second to none and we are looking forward to working with such a talented team."

Ansell advises financial services companies on the formation and execution of complex corporate transactions, particularly with regard to bank regulatory matters. He has significant experience in matters pending before the federal bank regulatory agencies, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Housing Finance Board, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the Comptroller of the Currency, where he previously served as an attorney focusing on regulatory, legislative, and securities issues. Ansell is a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (B.S., 1976) and Temple University School of Law (J.D., 1979). He is a member of the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania Bars and is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.

In recognizing Ansell, Chambers USA noted that "'his industry contacts and knowledge of the regulatory process have been invaluable.'"

Ledig advises financial institutions on corporate, regulatory and enforcement, and litigation issues. He previously served as an attorney in the Office of the General Counsel of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, where he was responsible for regulatory policy matters. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Binghamton, Harpur College (B.A., 1979) and George Washington University Law School (J.D., 1982). Ledig is a member of the District of Columbia and New Jersey Bars.

Chambers USA praised Ledig for the "'practical intelligence' he demonstrates in a broad range of enforcement and litigation proceedings."

"We have known and admired them for more than two decades as three of the leading banking regulatory lawyers in the business," said Robert W. Helm, the Washington, D.C.-based head of Dechert's Financial Services Practice and deputy chairman for international activities. "Tom, David, and Bob bring their sophisticated insights and perspectives on financial institutions regulation to bolster our firm commitment to the representation and support of the global financial community."

About Dechert LLP

With offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, Dechert LLP is an international law firm focused on financial services and asset management, corporate and securities, tax law, business restructuring and reorganization, complex litigation and international arbitration, life sciences, labor and employment, intellectual property, and finance and real estate.

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