1/6/25

Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen is pleased to announce that Alexis Chernak, C.C. Huang, Clara Kim and Matt McKay have joined the partnership effective January 1, 2025.

Alexis Chernak

Alexis focuses her practice on affordable housing development and finance, representing developers, investors, and lenders in projects involving low-income housing tax credits, historic tax credits, donation tax credits, bond financing, rental subsidies and various loan and grant programs. She previously practiced commercial litigation and earlier in her career partnered with Harvard Law School and Mississippi State University to lead initiatives promoting economic development and community health. Alexis is passionate about working on transactions that transform communities and improve lives. Learn more about Alexis here.

C.C. Huang

Since joining the firm in 2018, C.C. has leveraged her extensive expertise to guide affordable housing developers in structuring and closing affordable housing transactions. Her practice includes 4% and 9% LIHTC, tax-exempt bond financing, commercial and governmental loans, Section 8 project-based rental subsidies, and HUD programs, as well as Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits. C.C. finds great satisfaction in supporting projects that create lasting impacts on communities nationwide. Learn more about C.C. here.

Clara Kim

Clara’s practice centers on New Markets Tax Credit-financed transactions, representing borrowers, lenders, and investors in impactful projects like health clinics, youth centers, and supportive housing. Prior to joining the firm, she supported clients with commercial property transactions, including acquisitions and leasing. Clara’s commitment to community revitalization began during her time at the University of Chicago Law School, where she earned the Edwin F. Mandel Prize for her work in the Housing Initiatives Clinic. Learn more about Clara here.

Matt McKay

Since joining the firm in 2017, Matt has been helping clients navigate tax structuring and negotiation for real estate projects involving federal low-income housing and new markets tax credits. Before joining Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, he practiced at Mayer Brown LLP, specializing in tax planning for mergers, joint ventures, and non-profits. A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, Matt thrives on solving complex problems and finds immense satisfaction in supporting projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Learn more about Matt here.