Mike Schiffer advises publicly and privately held REITs and other corporations in connection with mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance issues, securities transactions and financings. He also represents community development entities and other parties in connection with Federal New Market Tax Credit financing transactions and represents lenders and borrowers in subordinated loan transactions, second lien loans and related equity investments. Mr. Schiffer co-chairs Venable's Junior Capital / Mezzanine Finance Practice Group.

Mr. Schiffer has served as Maryland counsel to Annaly Capital Management, Arden Realty, Bedford Properties, Nationwide Health Properties, Prentiss and Reckson in their mergers and as counsel or Maryland counsel for the Special Committees of Eagle Hospitality, ECC Capital Corporation and Capital Automotive in their consideration and negotiation of strategic alternatives. Mr. Schiffer represented an acquiring bank in its acquisition of First Mariner Bank in a 363 bankruptcy sale from its holding company, First Mariner Bancorp. He has also represented an electronics manufacturer in its sale to a Fortune 100 company, subordinated lenders in numerous transactions (both secured and unsecured, with equity (including warrants) and without) and has represented community development entities and lenders in numerous New Market Tax Credit transactions.