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James Jenkins, III

Managing Associate

Washington, D.C.

James is an associate in Orrick’s Structured Finance group. He advises issuers, sponsors and underwriters in commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and other asset-backed transactions, and helps clients navigate complex capital-markets requirements, including credit risk-retention, disclosure, and securitization-related regulatory compliance.  

James represents a broad range of market participants—including issuers, depositors, sponsors, and underwriters—in public and private CMBS offerings, single-asset/single-borrower (SASB) transactions, conduit securitizations, and other structured finance matters. His practice focuses on helping clients manage every stage of a securitization, from deal structuring and disclosure drafting to closing coordination and post-closing reporting.

He regularly advises clients on the regulatory and transactional components of U.S. credit risk-retention requirements, including vertical and horizontal retention structures, third-party purchaser arrangements, ongoing compliance obligations, and related hedging, transfer, and financing restrictions. James also has experience preparing offering materials for Rule 144A and registered offerings, ensuring consistency across transaction documents and adherence to Regulation AB, SEC Rule 15Ga-2, and rating-agency considerations. He works closely with cross-disciplinary teams to help clients meet tight timelines, manage risk, and achieve efficient closings.

Before entering private practice, James worked in the Credit Risk Management division at Freddie Mac, where he managed the performance of large RMBS portfolios and developed insights into secondary-market operations that now inform his counsel on complex real estate-finance transactions.

  • Beyond his work in structured finance, James is passionate about service, mentorship, and community engagement. He volunteers with youth-development programs, supports local educational initiatives, and frequently mentors students interested in law, finance, and public service.

    A proud Maryland resident, James enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and exploring music, food, and cultural experiences from around the world.

    • Represented issuers and underwriters in multiple conduit CMBS securitizations involving hospitality, multifamily, retail, industrial, and office assets across the United States.
    • Advised issuer, depositors and sponsors on structuring and documenting credit risk-retention interests, including vertical, horizontal, and combined VRR structures.
    • Counseled financial institutions on Offering Memoranda and Prospectus Supplements, including drafting asset summaries, risk-factor disclosures, and transaction-party descriptions.
    • Supported the securitization of single-asset/single-borrower mortgage loans ranging from $200 million to over $1 billion, including trophy office towers, industrial portfolios, and large-scale hospitality properties.
    • Managed regulatory deliverables for registered and 144A offerings, including Form 15G filings, Reg AB certifications, and rating-agency submission materials.
    • Prior to private practice, managed credit-risk analytics for multi-billion-dollar Freddie Mac residential mortgage-backed securities portfolios.