New York – September 8, 2025 – Cassin & Cassin LLP today announced that William J. Meléndez Díaz has joined the firm as a Partner, focusing on the representation of lenders in the financing of multifamily properties through the Freddie Mac Seller-Servicer and Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting & Servicing DUS programs, with a particular emphasis on affordable housing.
With nearly two decades of experience structuring and negotiating complex affordable housing and multifamily transactions, Mr. Meléndez brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of delivering innovative, tailored solutions to clients.
“I was drawn to Cassin for its exceptional reputation in agency lending and affordable housing. The firm’s leadership and depth of practice provide the perfect platform to continue serving clients and tackling the complex challenges shaping our industry. I’m excited to work alongside such a talented team,” said Mr. Meléndez.
Prior to joining Cassin, Mr. Meléndez served as Associate General Counsel at Freddie Mac, where he played a key role in shaping and executing legal and business strategy for a high volume of Targeted Affordable Housing transactions, including 4% and 9% LIHTC deals, tax-exempt loans, and preservation rehabs. He also spearheaded Freddie Mac’s first initiative to develop a custom AI agent for its Multifamily Real Estate Legal department, with the goal to enhance legal productivity and to pave the way for broader AI adoption within the organization.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Meléndez practiced at Ballard Spahr LLP and Krooth & Altman LLP, representing lenders in HUD/FHA financings for multifamily, nursing home, and assisted living projects, with an emphasis on affordable housing, tax credit financing, and tax-exempt bond transactions. His extensive experience spans a range of financing structures, including ground leases, regulatory agreements, bridge loans, RAD conversions, and various public and private subordinate debt programs.
“William’s depth of experience and his forward-thinking approach, particularly in affordable housing finance, make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Evan E. Blau, Chair, Agency Lending and Affordable Housing Practices at Cassin & Cassin LLP. “His unique perspective from both private practice and in-house at Freddie Mac will further strengthen our ability to serve clients navigating sophisticated financing structures.” Mr. Meléndez received his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with a concentration in economics. He is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Maryland, is a native Spanish speaker, and maintains a strong commitment to pro bono service, particularly in immigration, veterans’ rights, and nonprofit legal support.