Four attorneys known for their extensive transactional experience have joined Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP, the law firm announced today. Roddy Bailey, Pat Murphy, Jimar Sanders and Nathan Hertzog focus on middle market transactions involving private equity sponsors, venture capital investments and mezzanine financing. The team, which will work out of both Chattanooga and Nashville, also advises sponsors on the formation and structuring of private equity, venture capital and hedge funds, as well as investors in such funds.
“Roddy, Pat, Jimar and Nathan are skilled and innovative deal lawyers who complement our existing M&A and commercial finance practices and expand the legal services we provide private equity and venture capital clients on fund work, transactional matters, and mezzanine financing,” said Waller chairman Matt Burnstein. “They are a sophisticated team that brings energy and an impressive track record delivering results to their clients.”
Bailey is a trusted advisor in the private equity space, where he leads and advises on private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions and growth equity financings, as well as general corporate law. Bailey routinely represents both investors and portfolio companies in venture capital investment transactions, including early stage and growth equity transactions. He also advises clients on the formation of investment funds – including private equity, venture capital and hedge funds – as well as institutional and individual investors in those funds. Bailey earned his J.D. in 1996 from the Syracuse University College of Law. He earned his B.S. in 1993 from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Murphy has structured sophisticated mezzanine funding deals for scores of middle market transactions. Issuers, investors and financial sponsors rely on Murphy for counsel on complex mezzanine structures including extensive subordination and intercreditor arrangements. Additionally, he represents finance companies, lending institutions, investment funds and private equity funds across the country with a focus on transactions involving senior and subordinated debt components. Murphy earned his J.D., with honors, in 1988 from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He earned his B.S., magna cum laude, in 1983 from the University of Tennessee.
Sanders focuses on the intersection of commercial lending and real estate. He represents a number of private mezzanine and subordinate debt investment funds in connection with investment and lending transactions throughout the United States. Sanders also works extensively with financial institutions and borrowers in commercial real estate, construction and land development financing transactions. His experience spans the purchase, sale, leasing, financing and development of office, industrial, retail, commercial, mixed-use and multi-family residential projects and properties. Sanders earned his J.D., with honors, in 2007 from the University of Georgia School of Law. He earned his B.S., summa cum laude, in 2004 from South Carolina State University.
Hertzog is a critical asset in a wide range of private equity transactions including fund formations, mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, venture capital investments and institutional investments in private and public funds. Hertzog also assists start-up and emerging companies with angel and growth stage fundraising and provides general corporate and business advice. Hertzog earned his J.D., cum laude, in 2013 from Boston University School of Law. He earned his A.B./M.P.A., magna cum laude, in 2009 from the University of Georgia.