Ballard Spahr Announces New Finance Department Chairs

National law firm Ballard Spahr has appointed Dominic J. De Simone and Emilie R. Ninan to co-chair the firm's Finance Department, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced.

Mr. De Simone and Ms. Ninan will oversee strategic direction and performance for Ballard Spahr's national Finance Department. With more than 120 attorneys across the country, the firm's Finance Department represents clients across public and private markets in a wide variety of complex debt and equity transactions, bond offerings, and distressed debt matters.

"Ballard has recognized, across-the-board strength in finance. Dom and Emilie have played a critical role in the development and execution of our firm-wide strategy to build on what is a core strength of the firm for the benefit of clients," Mr. Stewart said. "They have the vision, grit, and skill to help our clients successfully pursue every opportunity presented in today's fast-moving market."

Attorneys in the Department—working through cross-disciplinary practice groups focused on specific industry sectors and asset classes—serve clients in several key areas: commercial finance, energy finance, housing finance, project finance, public finance, public-private partnerships and infrastructure, and real estate finance. Last year, they helped clients finance nearly $10 billion in transactions.

Mr. De Simone represents a wide range of clients in large-scale commercial debt and equity transactions—including multi-lender, portfolio and distressed asset transactions. He will continue to lead the firm's Real Estate Finance Group and serve on its Elected Board. Before joining Ballard Spahr, he was a Relationship Manager in the Real Estate Banking Division of PNC Bank.

Ms. Ninan is a noted public finance attorney who represents clients in connection with obtaining lower-cost capital financing through the issuance of tax-exempt bonds and other credit facilities. These transactions pave the way for major infrastructure improvements, health care systems, affordable housing complexes, and educational centers. She will continue to lead the firm's Public Finance Group, a preeminent national industry leader that has participated in the issuance of more than $1 trillion in tax-exempt obligations in every U.S. state and territory.