Creighton R. Meland, Jr. practices in the area of banking, finance & major projects. Mr. Meland was named an Illinois Super Lawyer in banking law from 2006-2009 and a leading Illinois lawyer in banking & finance by Chambers USA from 2005-2009. He leads the Firm’s pro bono practice in matters related to microfinance, and is recognized for his work in Crain’s Chicago Business and The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Practice Focus

In addition to Mr. Meland’s customary role as counsel to lending companies in financing matters, he advises financial institutions regarding the delivery of financial products and services worldwide, including regulation of global custodians, mutual funds, investment advisors, and broker and dealers. He has held various positions in the Financial Institutions Committee of the Chicago Bar Association, including chairman, vice chairman and legislative liaison.

Representative Legal Matters

• Represented Dura Automotive Systems in 2008 European financing related to successful Chapter 11 bankruptcy emergence, including term loan facilities aggregating EUR32.2 million and factoring facilities aggregating in the US dollar equivalent of approximately USD70 million. 
• Represented Association of Global Custodians in submission of comments to the President of the European Council in connection with the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Alternative Investment Fund Managers. 
• Represented Medtronic, Inc. in USD100 million medical equipment sale and leaseback transaction. 
• Represented Wells Fargo HSBC Trade Bank, N.A. in export financing insured by Eximbank and supported by PrivatBank of Ukraine. 
• Represented BP North America in equipment lease and financing matters related to the spinoff of its olefins and derivatives business. 
• Represented Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company in the sale of its Brazil subsidiary. 
• Represented Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as agent bank in financing for 84 Lumber Acquisition & Development Company. 
• Represented Hungary-based steering group banks in USD95 million cross-border debt restructuring for North American Bus Industries, Inc. and its Hungarian parent, NABI Rt. 
• Represented several international passenger airlines from Thailand, China, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan in Eximbank-supported financings. 
• Represented Alion Science and Technology in acquisition and financing of IIT Research Institute, including negotiation of senior secured debt and two layers of subordinated debt aggregating approximately USD120 million. 
• Advised Zurich-based international money center bank in relation to the conduct of trust business in the United States. 
• Advised a Bermuda affiliate of a major, diversified US insurance carrier in offshore offerings of variable annuities and other investment products. 
• Advised a major, diversified US insurance carrier in compliance with multi-jurisdictional privacy law requirements. 
• Represent on an ongoing basis six global custodians in obtaining legal opinions in over 90 jurisdictions under SEC Rules 17f-5 and 17f-7. 
• Advised Amsterdam-based international money center bank and US super regional bank in multijurisdictional offering of commercial credit card product. 
• Advised New York-based money center bank in multijurisdictional legal advice related to the international offering of mutual funds, investment advisory services and broker/dealer activities.

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Chicago Bar Association - Financial Institutions Committee

Corporate Social Responsibility

Mr. Meland is active in pro bono matters concerning microfinance, including representation of Opportunity International in loans obtained from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Admission

New York~United States (2002)
Illinois~United States (1989)

Education

University of Michigan Law School  (J.D. magna cum laude) (1989)
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)  (B.S. cum laude) (1978)