Mr. Berkman joined the Firm as an associate in 1978 and was admitted to the partnership in 1985. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Berkman was a Staff Attorney with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for two years. He has extensive experience in a wide range of revenue and general obligation bond financings.

Presently, Mr. Berkman specializes in housing and health care facility financings and has been the partner in charge of the Firm's representation of the New York City Housing Development Corporation, the New York State Housing Finance Agency and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (as well as the New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, a predecessor of the Dormitory Authority) for several years. Among the other clients that Mr. Berkman has served in the role of Bond Counsel are the Battery Park City Authority, the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, several industrial development agencies (including the New York City Industrial Development Agency, the Erie County Industrial Development Agency and the Finance Authority of Maine) and the Maine Municipal Bond Bank. He has also served as underwriters' counsel to virtually all the major investment banking firms.

In addition, Mr. Berkman has represented Marine Midland Bank in transactions involving the Bank's purchase of industrial development bonds and the issuance of the Bank's Letter of Credit. He has also represented the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority in connection with certain financings of the District of Columbia.

Mr. Berkman has also assisted in the drafting of legislation enacted in the States of New York and Maine.

Memberships

American Bar Association