Law Firm Forming CRE Cap Market Group

The Detroit law firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone is setting up a capital markets lending group for commercial real estate-related transactions.The company has hired James A. Simpson and Katheryne L. Zelenock, previously of e-Cognita Technologies, to lead the venture, the firm said. The new group, which will build on Miller Canfield's existing lending practice, will offer services for lenders "whose portfolios are destined for securitization, including both loan closing and workout or enforcement services." Miller Canfield will install some applications developed by Mr. Simpson and Ms. Zelenock for automating and Web-enabling the process of commercial loan origination, due diligence, and closing. Joseph Wener and Tad Green, two other former e-Cognita employees, are also joining the new group.