Clara J. Pauw

Clara J. Pauw is a Partner at Chapman and Cutler LLP in San Francisco. She is a member of the Corporate Finance Department and focuses on commercial real estate finance. Her work centers on structuring, negotiating, and documenting complex financing transactions for institutional lenders.

Clara earned her J.D., cum laude, from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She also holds a B.A. in History and French Studies, summa cum laude, from Emory University. Her education supports her strong analytical skills and clear approach to legal and financial matters.

Clara represents banks, insurance companies, and alternative lenders, including debt funds and hedge funds. She advises clients on acquisition financings, construction and development loans, bridge financings, and senior secured term loans across a wide range of real estate transactions.

Clara also works on credit-tenant loans, ground-lease financing, mezzanine investments, and preferred equity structures. She regularly handles transactions with multi-layered capital structures involving both single-asset and portfolio financings, helping clients manage risk and structure deals effectively across asset classes.

Clara advises investors and property owners on underwriting and collateral matters. Her work includes guidance on leasing, cash flow structures, borrower-level considerations, and real estate acquisitions and sales, ensuring clients have clear insight into the financial and legal aspects of each transaction.

Clara J. Pauw is admitted to practice in California and is fluent in French. She has contributed to industry discussions through writing and speaking engagements. She continues to support clients with practical advice and strong knowledge in real estate finance and lending matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Chapman and Cutler LLP
• Member, The State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Indiana University Maurer School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Emory University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges