Julie Formwalt
Shawnee,KS
Summary
Adept at navigating complex finance transactions and leading real estate negotiations, I leveraged strategic thinking and strong negotiation skills at MetLife Investment Management to maintain an automated loan documentation program supporting a $23.1 billion portfolio. My background includes crafting legal strategies for major firms like Dentons Law Firm, enhancing client portfolios and compliance.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Counsel
MetLife Investment Management
04.2008 - Current
- Implemented and developed, and now maintain and update, an automated loan documentation program that leverages off existing loan related data contained in MIM’s loan origination system. The loan documentation program supports 80% of the agricultural mortgage loan closings managed by MIM, which has a portfolio of over $23.1 billion of assets under management.
- Counseled investment managers on matters affecting their clients, including but not limited to regulatory compliance, loan structuring matters, consent issues and other legal related issues applicable to their portfolios.
- Implemented legal strategies in connection with business needs to address numerous ESG related issues affecting MIM’s clients’ collateral, including but not limited to developing protocols, limited consent letters and loan documentation to address changes in the collateral to accommodate for solar and wind energy infrastructure investments and carbon sequestration.
- Navigated complex regulatory landscapes to ensure company operations always complied with applicable laws and standards, including but not limited to data privacy, personal information, anti-money laundering laws, reporting requirements, OFAC, ECOA, CCPA, Small Business Lending Rule and document retention issues.
- Negotiated and documented third party vendor and servicing agreements. Partnered with our business clients and internal privacy, compliance and corporate law attorneys in the review and negotiation of such agreements.
- Team lead and key decision maker on all legal issues related to the Timber, Latin American, Farm and Ranch offices and Agribusiness loan portfolios.
- Advised business clients on structuring secured financings for acquisitions, expansion, working capital or refinancing debt secured by various collateral, including but not limited to timberlands, sawmills, paper mills, wood fiber manufacturing facilities, crops, permanent plantings, agribusiness related equipment, food processing plants, cold storage and distribution warehouses, fixtures, real estate, improvements, water rights, licenses, permits, irrigation equipment (both movable and non-movable), milk proceeds, accounts and receivables.
- Developed strategies and managed outside counsel in connection with bankruptcy, workout and foreclosure matters related to both the US domestic and Latin American mortgage loan portfolios.
- Collaborated with business clients in developing new loan products and entering new markets; and mitigated potential liabilities by work closely with tax, privacy and regulatory law counsel on all such matters.
- Supported MIM’s litigation department by responding to subpoenas, petitions and other legal inquiries related to MIM’s mortgage loan origination and servicing activities.
- Partnered with MIM’s tax and compliance departments to respond to audit inquiries.
Of Counsel
Dentons Law Firm
09.2003 - 04.2008
- ·Lead complex commercial real estate transactions by drafting and negotiating agreements related to commercial real estate financings, acquisitions, dispositions, leases and easements.
- Created comprehensive plan, drafted condominium declarations and worked with surveyors, architects and city planners to develop large scale condominium development, which included multifamily, duplex and single-family options with high-end amenity options.
- Served as outside counsel for, and developed loan program documentation, due diligence requirements and closing processes for, specialized franchisee lender.
- Drafted and negotiated commercial leases for all types of industries, including office, industrial, manufacturing, retail, and luxury retail.
- Advised clients on structuring entities for tax and compliance purposes.
- Represented creditors in bankruptcy proceedings.
- Handled workout related matters for various lending clients including preparing workout related loan documents, deeds in lieu of foreclosure and representing such creditors in both judicial and non-judicial foreclosure actions.
Associate
Bryan Cave
06.2000 - 09.2003
- Lead nationwide commercial real estate financing transactions.
- Handled all negotiations, drafting and due diligence related to such real estate financing transactions.
- Lead and assisted with merger and acquisition transactions by drafting and negotiating agreements related to asset and equity sale and acquisitions and conducted related due diligence.
- Assisted with large scale bankruptcies involving complex employment matters and diverse inventory and equipment, including both moveable and fixed assets.
- Represented lenders in connection with debtor in possession financing transactions.
Associate
Lathrop & Gage
09.1997 - 06.2000
- Lead and assisted in nationwide commercial real estate financing transactions.
- Handled all negotiations, drafting and due diligence related to such real estate financing transactions.
- Drafted and negotiated commercial real estate leases for offices and retail.
Law Clerk
Kansas Court of Appeals
05.1996 - 09.1997
- Created and prepared legal drafts by organizing and assembling information for legal documents and forms.
- Supported attorneys in preparing for trials by organizing case materials and drafting legal documents.
- Developed a reputation for professionalism and reliability, frequently entrusted with sensitive information and high-stakes assignments.
- Supported legal team by conducting research, drafting briefs, gathering information and interpreting legal documents.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economic Theory
American University
Washington DC05.1992
J.D. -
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS05.1992
Skills
Strategic Thinking
Real Estate Transactions
Complex Finance Transactions
Strong Negotiation Skils
Legal Research
Legal Drafting
Additional Information
State Bar Licenses - Kansas (#17732) and Missouri (#49057)
Timeline
Senior Counsel
MetLife Investment Management
04.2008 - Current
Of Counsel
Dentons Law Firm
09.2003 - 04.2008
Associate
Bryan Cave
06.2000 - 09.2003
Associate
Lathrop & Gage
09.1997 - 06.2000
Law Clerk
Kansas Court of Appeals
05.1996 - 09.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Economic Theory
American University
J.D. -
University of Kansas