Katten added structured finance and securitization attorney Seth M. Messner as the new managing partner of the firm’s Washington, DC office, replacing Timothy J. Lynes, who led the office for eight years.

“Seth is an exceptionally skilled and experienced structured finance attorney who has filled several leadership roles within the firm,” Gil M. Soffer, chair of Katten, said. “We are confident that he will lead the DC office with the same dedication and excellence that he has shown his clients.”

Seth M. Messner has been named managing partner of Katten’s Washington, DC office.

Messner, who represents borrowers, lenders, collateral managers, rating agencies, credit enhancers and other parties in a wide array of domestic and international financing transactions, has spent his entire career at Katten, joining the firm in 2004. Since then, he has held a number of firm leadership positions while handling a range of complex financing transactions, from asset-backed lending facilities to securitizations, and participating as a frequent panelist at various securitization industry conferences.

Messner currently serves on Katten’s executive committee and board of directors. As managing partner of the Washington DC office, he oversees a team of more than 100 attorneys and business professionals. His responsibilities include managing office performance, fostering leadership and recruitment, strengthening community relations and handling various other key duties.

Widely recognized as a top practitioner in aviation finance, Lynes, retired from the firm after nearly 27 years, during which time he led Katten’s Aviation Finance practice and represented manufacturers, airlines, lessors, financial institutions, equity investors and insurers in aircraft sales, leasing and financing.