Vedder Price is pleased to announce that three attorneys have been named as Shareholders in the firm.

Mark J. Ditto, elevated from Associate and a member of the Global Transportation Finance team, represents operating lessors, commercial banks, finance companies, private equity funds, hedge funds, and other investors in all manner of aircraft finance transactions. He also represents the Export-Import Bank of the United States in export credit agency supported financings. He has experience in facility financings, including those in the manufacturing, distribution, and water treatment industries. Mr. Ditto was recently recognized as an Emerging Lawyer in Chicago Lawyer Magazine’s February 2017 issue. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude from University of Texas School of Law and his B.A., summa cum laude from DePauw University.

Michael E. Draz, elevated from Associate and a member of the Global Transportation Finance team, focuses on aircraft and railcar finance and has significant experience representing commercial banks, operating lessors, finance companies, manufacturers, private equity funds, hedge funds and other investors in a variety of financing structures, including securitizations, warehouse loan facilities and other structured financings, cross-border operating leases, leveraged leases and portfolio acquisitions and divestitures. In 2015 and 2016, Mr. Draz was selected for inclusion in Euromoney’s LMG Rising Stars Expert Guide: Aviation. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

“These individuals have the experience, knowledge and work ethic that we look for in a Shareholder. Their commitment to client service and dedication to the firm has led to their professional success,” said Vedder Price Operating Shareholder Douglas M. Hambleton. “We congratulate them on this achievement and look forward to their continued ongoing contributions to the firm.”