Asa (Geordie) Herald concentrates his practice in the areas of structured finance and securitization and related corporate matters. He counsels issuers, underwriters, and investors in connection with domestic and cross-border public offerings and private placements of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities involving a wide variety of asset types and structures, including with respect to resecuritization transactions involving such securities.
Geordie has significant experience with asset classes such as residential mortgage loans (including in connection with residential mortgage-backed security (RMBS) 2.0 take-outs and market movement towards RMBS 3.0), small balance commercial loans, and single family and multifamily construction and permanent loans—or mortgage-backed securities or debentures issued in respect thereof—securitized through Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the US Small Business Administration. In addition, he represents investment banks in matters related to the securitization of credit card receivables.
Geordie’s practice also includes counseling sophisticated clients in connection with servicing transfers, whole loan sales, derivatives, and investments in distressed receivables, including the creation and maintenance of various distressed asset fund structures, as well as with matters related to master repurchase agreements, the issuance of variable rate demand obligations, standby liquidity support agreements, standby bond purchase agreements, letters of credit, and reimbursement agreements. He advises clients in forming affiliated corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), statutory trusts, and other corporate entities (including bankruptcy-remote special purpose vehicles and privately held real estate investment trusts (REITs)). He also represents investment banks in connection with the offerings of securities backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government.
Geordie served on active duty for nearly a decade as a surface warfare officer in the US Navy before beginning the practice of law, and he continued as a reservist for several years thereafter. Prior to leaving military service, he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander and while on active duty was most recently assigned as an Executive Support Officer to the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon.
Education
The George Washington University Law School, 2002, J.D., With Honors
Northwestern University, 1992, B.A., With Departmental Honors
Admissions
District of Columbia
Illinois
Awards and Affiliations
Rising Star, IFLR1000 United States (2018)
Ranked, Rising Star, IFLR1000 Financial and Corporate Guide (2017-2019)
Member, American Bar Association
Member, ABA Business Law Section; Committee on Securitization and Structured Finance; Committee on Federal Regulation of Securities
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar (Rotary International), Universität Hamburg
Executive Notes Editor, The George Washington International Law Review
Military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of second award), National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (with bronze star), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) and numerous other personal and unit awards and decorations; authorized to wear the Surface Warfare Officer insignia and the Office of the Secretary of Defense service badge; held TS/SCI security clearance