M. Sidney Donica of McCarter & English in Newark, New Jersey. Courtesy photo

McCarter Adds M. Sidney Donica

McCarter & English added M. Sidney Donica as a partner in the tax and employee benefits and real estate practices in Newark. According to the firm, Donica has spent more than 20 years foscued on real estate tax structuring and appeals; real estate syndications and offerings; private lending, real estate development and construction; purchase, sale and refinance transactions; and commercial leasing. He is also a principal in and founder of Glastonbury Homes Co., Warren Homes and NeoPolis Corp. "Clients will benefit greatly from Sid's vast experience in complicated real estate syndications, REITs, and tax structuring," Managing partner Joseph Boccassini said in a statement. "His practice sits squarely at the intersection of real estate and tax law, and his real-world knowledge of the real estate sector will provide tremendous value to our clients and colleagues." Donica added that he is "excited to leverage McCarter's breadth of capabilities, particularly in the federal taxation, real property tax appeals, government affairs and securities areas, to benefit my clients" and looks forward to "lending both my core competencies and unique areas of focus—such as Delaware Statutory Trusts and REITs—to the business owners, developers, investors and private lenders that the firm currently represents." Donica received an L.L.M. from the New York University School of Law, a J.D. from Rutgers Law School in Newark, and a B.A. from the University of Oklahoma. He was formerly a partner at Brach Eichler and Mandelbaum Barrett.

Former In-House Lawyer Joins Rimon

Scott Chait of Rimon PC in Bedminster, New Jersey. Courtesy photo

Scott Chait joined Rimon PC as an equipment leasing and finance partner in New Jersey, the firm announced. Chait was previously with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., where he served as a director and as in-house counsel. Chait has "deep experience in the equipment leasing and finance industry" as both in-house counsel and in the law firm setting, according to the announcement. He advises clients on assets and transactions; and has negotiated, structured, and drafted various direct originations, syndications, assignments, refinancings, workouts, vendor/dealer referrals, and remarketing programs, the firm said. He also advises senior management and other business professionals on commercial law. Rimon managing partner Juan Zuniga said in a statement: "We are pleased to be continuing our growth with the addition of Scott to our team. With substantial in-house experience, Scott is truly in touch with client needs. We are excited to be expanding our equipment finance practice." Firm partner Ken Weinberg added: "Scott not only has a great legal mind (and the ability to spot, understand, explain and address complex legal issues) but also understands practical issues at play, the way the industry works, and how to deliver what clients want and need in the ever-evolving equipment leasing and finance industry—outstanding service at great value." Chait graduated from Brooklyn Law School (J.D.) and New York University (B.A.). Rimon has 48 offices across five continents, the announcement noted.