Blank Rome Welcomes Former Small Business Administration Deputy GC in Washington, D.C.
Blank Rome LLP announces that Martin Teckler has joined the firm as a partner in the Finance group in the Washington, D.C., office. He joins the firm from Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.
As former deputy general counsel for the U.S. Small Business Administration and senior counsel for the SBA’s Business Lending, Small Business Investment Company, and Development Company programs, Teckler routinely prepared security transactions and interacted with sources of lending and venture capital for small businesses.
In a release, the firm says:
In his private practice, Teckler primarily represents lenders who participate in government-guaranteed loan programs—particularly SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, among other agencies—that make assistance available to small and mid-sized businesses. Furthermore, Teckler represents private equity funds, which are often licensed as Small Business Investment Companies (“SBICs”) and regulated by the SBA, that make investments in the middle-market and small businesses. His experience also includes the formation and licensing of multiple SBICs, including the structuring of fund entities, representation of principal groups before the SBA, resolution of investor issues, obtaining leverage from the SBA, and resolving regulatory matters on behalf of licensed SBICs. Teckler has also structured multiple venture capital and private equity investments by SBICs and other funds in a manner that complies with applicable SBA regulations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Martin to the firm,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Chairman and Managing Partner. “Martin’s previous role as deputy GC for the SBA for more than a decade brings substantive, first-hand knowledge of what it takes to close an SBA-related transaction to Blank Rome. His insider experience at the SBA will be an excellent addition to the team’s capabilities, and we look forward to offering his knowledge of funding sources and related programs to our clients.”
“Martin’s experience with the SBA and other federal agencies, combined with his private practice experience, provides him with a unique perspective,” said Lawrence F. Flick II, Partner and Chair of Blank Rome’s financial services industry team. “Focused on achieving successful outcomes for his clients, Martin is a top-notch negotiator, blending his government experience with knowledge of the law to consider all possible outcomes and deliver unique solutions for his clients.”
In addition to his work with small to mid-size businesses and lenders, Teckler also has experience in government contacts, mergers and acquisitions—particularly with businesses that are acquiring or investing in other businesses—securities, and securitization and secondary market work in securities generated out of loan programs where originators sell portions of loans in secondary market transactions or securitization transactions.
“I am very excited to join Blank Rome, as the Firm’s client base is very compatible with my existing clients.” said Mr. Teckler. “Additionally, I look forward to tapping into Blank Rome’s vast resources and legal talent within the mergers & acquisitions group and financial services industry team, allowing me to better serve my existing clients while simultaneously enhancing Blank Rome’s current service offerings.”
Teckler is a frequent speaker on SBICs, Certified Development Company, and Small Business Lending Fund matters. He participates in, and has presented before, the Small Business Investor Alliance and the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders. Mr. Teckler earned his J.D. from George Washington University Law School and his B.A. from Boston University.