Sameer Kapoor is a seasoned Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Creditor Rights partner at Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs LLP, who provides legal support and advice to clients in defaulted loan workouts, various types of creditors’ rights litigation matters, and bankruptcy cases. Sameer’s client-first approach focuses on providing practical legal advice that efficiently and effectively mitigates the various types of risk faced by lenders.

For more than 20 years, Sameer has represented creditors, commercial lenders, examiners, trustees, purchasers and commercial debtors in various bankruptcy and commercial restructuring matters. He also has experience negotiating, documenting, and closing financial transactions.

Most recently, Sameer worked as an in-house lawyer at a major national bank where he provided legal support to the bank’s asset resolution group, front end commercial lending team, and SBA lending team. Sameer was an integral part of the bank’s team that interpreted the rules and regulations governing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and developed the platform that originated over $12 billion in PPP loans. He also served as Treasurer and Board Member of the bank’s Legal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team. 

Here we spotlight Sameer as a member of SFNet's Inclusiveness Committee.

How did you get into ABL?

I began my legal career as a staff attorney with a standing Chapter 13 trustee in Georgia before moving to Kilpatrick, Townsend & Stockman as an associate. I then held of Counsel positions at Morris & Manning LLP and Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz PC.  While in private practice, my clients included creditors, commercial lenders, examiners, trustees, purchasers, and commercial debtors.

Prior to starting my role at Parker Hudson I was an in-house lawyer at Truist, where I worked on the Commercial Lending Legal Team and supported the: (i) Asset Resolution Group, which handles all matters arising from defaulted commercial transactions; (ii) Small Business Administration Lending Team, which handles all SBA loan origination and servicing issues, including PPP loans, and (iii) the Florida Commercial Community Bank Lending Team, which handles originating and servicing of Florida commercial loans.

Why is inclusiveness and DEI important to you?

I joined SFNet’s Inclusiveness Committee because, throughout my career, I’ve seen a significant lack of diversity within my practice areas. Whether it's in bar organizations, at courthouses, across deal tables, or within in-house legal teams, diversity is often missing. As a member of the DEI committee at Truist and organizations like NAPABA and the Georgia Bar’s creditors' rights and bankruptcy sections, I've witnessed how crucial diverse representation is in fostering fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. By being part of SFNet's Inclusiveness Committee, I aim to contribute to creating a more inclusive environment that attracts and retains talent from all backgrounds, ultimately benefiting the industry as a whole.

How can the secured lending industry increase inclusiveness?

I believe the industry can increase inclusiveness by emphasizing the true purpose of these initiatives: creating equal access to opportunities for people of all backgrounds. There are sometimes misconceptions about the intent of inclusivity efforts, but the goal is to broaden opportunities for everyone, rather than limit them for any group. Our committee’s role is to help member organizations communicate this message clearly and positively to their stakeholders. When people understand that inclusivity is about growth and opportunity for all, they are more likely to support and engage with these efforts. I’m excited to work alongside others on this committee to foster this understanding and promote meaningful change.