Chris Gavin

Competent on complex finance matters, but communication could improve

I engaged Chris Gavin at Winston & Strawn for guidance on a residential mortgage-backed securities transaction. His technical knowledge in securitization and structured finance is evident, and it's clear why he's recognized in that specific field. He accurately navigated the regulatory nuances of our deal. However, for a three-star rating, the experience was mixed. While the legal work was solid, responsiveness was inconsistent. There were periods of several days where follow-up emails went unanswered, which created some anxiety during tight deadlines. His explanations, when provided, were thorough, but he sometimes defaulted to jargon without fully bridging to practical business implications. For straightforward, complex finance matters where you need a sharp legal mind, Chris is capable. Just be prepared to manage the communication flow proactively and set very clear expectations on timelines from the outset.