Banking & Financial Institutions

Banking & Financial Institutions

Protecting Lenders, Managing Risks, and Resolving Disputes

In the fast-moving world of financial services, risk management and legal compliance are critical to protecting your institution’s stability. Whether originating loans, managing borrower relationships, or addressing disputes, lenders must navigate a complex legal landscape to safeguard their interests.

Danna McKitrick’s financial services attorneys provide comprehensive legal counsel to banks, credit unions, and financial institutions of all sizes, ensuring sound lending practices and effective dispute resolution. We partner with lenders to minimize risk at loan origination, strengthen financial agreements, and protect assets in the event of borrower default.

Structuring Secure Lending Transactions

Limiting risk starts at the loan origination stage. Our attorneys analyze business transactions, financing terms, and collateral to ensure lenders are positioned for loan performance and optimal recovery in the event of default. We assist with the negotiation and documentation of secured and unsecured credit facilities, construction loans, and other lending arrangements.

Our firm has particular expertise in real estate lending, including commercial developments, mini-perm, and permanent financing. While many institutions rely on automated loan documentation software, these tools may not adequately account for complex transactions or unique collateral structures. When red flags arise—such as out-of-state interests, construction financing, or unconventional collateral—seeking legal counsel is essential.

We assist financial institutions with:

  • Corporate governance review of borrowers and guarantors
  • Collateral evaluation to ensure enforceability of security interests
  • Loan documentation for real estate, construction, and asset-based lending
  • Securitization of receivables for structured finance transactions
  • Participation agreements between lending institutions
  • Tax-incentivized financing strategies
  • Leveraged and synthetic leases

Resolving Loan Disputes & Managing Defaults

A decline in loan performance is often a signal for lenders to renegotiate terms, strengthen security positions, or pursue loan workouts. Our team works proactively with financial institutions to monitor troubled loans, assess risks, and develop strategies to protect lenders’ interests. When necessary, we take decisive legal action to enforce financial agreements and recover debts.

Our banking and financial services attorneys are experienced in:

  • Evaluating defaults and assessing recovery options
  • Forbearance agreements to restructure loans and avoid litigation
  • Foreclosure proceedings to reclaim secured assets
  • UCC sales and procedures for liquidating collateral
  • Loan collection litigation against delinquent borrowers
  • Defending lender liability claims and mitigating exposure
  • Bankruptcy representation to protect lenders’ rights in insolvency cases

Your Legal Partner in Financial Services

At Danna McKitrick, we understand the challenges financial institutions face in balancing profitability, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. Our attorneys bring decades of experience in banking law, providing practical solutions and aggressive advocacy when disputes arise. Whether structuring new lending agreements or enforcing creditor rights, we offer proactive legal counsel to protect your financial interests.

Partner with a legal team that understands the financial industry — contact Danna McKitrick to discuss your lending and dispute resolution needs.

Areas of Practice
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights
Banking & Financial Institutions
Business Advisory
Cybersecurity & Data Protection
Government Litigation
Education Law
Employment Law
Estate Planning
Franchise Law
Guardianships & Conservatorships
Health Care Law
Insurance Law
Intellectual Property
Litigation
Probate
Professional Liability Defense
Public Pensions
Real Estate
Tax & Accounting
Trusts & Wills
Workers' Compensation
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Find a Banking & Financial Institution Attorney

William Bruin, Jr. - Attorney Profile

William J. Bruin, Jr.

Principal
Thomas DeWoskin - Attorney Profile

A. Thomas DeWoskin

Principal
Michael McKitrick - Attorney Profile

Michael J. McKitrick

Principal

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Danna McKitrick was founded on three core principles: practical guidance, complete service, and approachable counsel.

Today, those values have helped us grow into one of the most respected mid-sized firms in St. Louis, known for delivering strategic legal solutions with the depth of a large firm and the personal commitment of a trusted advisor.

Meet our legal experts
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Practical
We provide clear, realistic legal strategies designed for real-world success, combining insight with decisive action.
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Complete
Our collaborative team approach ensures every challenge is met with the full strength of our diverse legal expertise.
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We build strong client relationships, serving as trusted advisors who are as invested in your success as you are.