Joel J. Berman

Partner

Drawing on more than 30 years of transactional law practice, Joel Berman takes a business approach to his law practice and has developed the unique ability to relate to entrepreneurs and create practical solutions for their needs. In delivering first-rate representation, Joel has established a reputation as being innovative, resourceful, hands-on, friendly and always available.

Joel assists clients in preparing for, implementing and completing sales and other capital events, such as equity capital raises and debt borrowings. He is a discerning specialist in secured transactions with an emphasis on asset-based lending, creditors’ remedies and loan workouts. He has extensive experience representing all types of lenders and also represents parties in structuring and implementing mergers and acquisitions.

Joel’s work principally involves acting as general and strategic counsel for small- and middle-market companies; negotiating stock and asset acquisitions; structuring and documenting all elements of financial transactions, including revolving and term loan agreements, subordinated and senior debt transactions, syndicated transactions, leveraged buyouts, loans secured by all types of collateral, agency, participation and inter-creditor agreements, equipment leases and letter of credit facilities; and exercising all forms of creditor’s remedies.

In addition to his transactional experience, Joel has extensive experience in conducting and supervising commercial litigation in state and bankruptcy courts. Joel has been the lead attorney in charge of workouts involving personal property, real property, mixed collateral and unsecured loans for national banks, community banks, mortgage companies, financial institutions, manufacturers and other business entities.

“With my expertise, client focus and responsiveness, I tell my clients, ‘I will address your problem quickly and take charge in implementing solutions,’” Joel says.

Career Highlights

Ongoing outside general counsel for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, talent agency and other entertainment companies, private equity groups, software and medical device developers and SaaS providers, real estate lenders and developers, business consultants, lenders and investment bankers, specialty pharmacy and medical practices

Sales of companies including aerospace and defense, retail appliance stock chain, manufacturing and fabrication, SaaS providers, pharmacies and other professional services, with purchase prices ranging from $5 million to $400 million

Purchases for private equity groups of service and manufacturing businesses

Implementation of commercial lender’s junior term loan program

Restructuring for lead lender of $100 million syndicated revolving and term loan and letter of credit facility

Origination and amendment of syndicated credit facilities

Origination and exercise of default remedies for lender of secured trust deed commercial loan

Recognitions

Super Lawyers (2004 and 2006-2023)

Fellow, American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers

Eagle Scout

Community

Vice Chair, JVS SoCal Vocational Services

Board Member, C5LA Youth Foundation of Los Angeles

Board Member, Exit Planning Institute of Los Angeles

Member, Financial Lawyers Conference

Member, Business Law Section, Los Angeles County Bar Association