Don Nelms  concentrates his practice in financial and corporate transactions, including lender and borrower financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate representation.  He has extensive experience representing lenders in syndicated loan transactions and serves as co-leader of the firm's Syndicated Lending practice group.  He represents bank lenders and an investment fund in a variety of corporate, real estate, construction, and mezzanine loan transactions.  Mr. Nelms advises corporate and financial institution clients on corporate governance and control issues and has completed several going-private transactions for financial institution clients. He has represented both public and private company borrowers in a variety of financing transactions, including revolving credits, term loans, project loans, mezzanine loans and acquisition financings. He has also served as underwriter's and trustee's counsel on tax-exempt bond transactions.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Nelms was a member of a major regional law firm in eastern North Carolina representing corporate, financial institution and healthcare clients. He also has been president of a manufacturing company in North Carolina.  Mr. Nelms has been a member of two other Atlanta law firms, where he practiced in the areas of secured lending, banking and commercial real estate. 

Bar and Court Admissions

Georgia, 1980

North Carolina, 1997

Education

University of Georgia, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif

University of Virginia, B.S., with distinction

Professional Affiliations

• National Funding Association – Atlanta Chapter, Board Member
• North Carolina Bankers Association
• Center for Banking and Finance – UNC School of Law, Board of Advisors

Civic Involvement and Honors

• Best Lawyers in America (Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions Law, 2005-2011)
• Atlanta Speech School – Board of Advisors
• Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce – Transportation Policy Committee