IN-PERSON
September 17, 2026
September 17, 2026
12:00 pm (CT)
McDermott Will & Schulte is delighted to host our annual Chicago Boot Camp for Private Equity Professionals, a complimentary workshop. This is the go-to program for entry and mid-level private equity professionals to strengthen their dealmaking skills and network with fellow rising professionals in the industry.
Hear from McDermott lawyers and industry leaders on key legal considerations for private equity transactions and the market trends shaping today’s deal landscape, and gain practical takeaways you can apply to your next transaction.
After the program, join us for a cocktail reception and network with 100+ industry peers. Be sure to catch strolling magician and Chicago Magic Lounge resident Mike O’Donnell, who will perform magic illusions and mind-reading throughout the evening.
Secure your spot today and join the 1,500+ participants who have already completed the Boot Camp series.
Who should attend?
Professionals at the analyst, associate, or vice president levels at private equity funds or investment banks.
The Chicago Boot Camp for Private Equity Professionals is presented in partnership with IVCA.
12–1 PM (CT)
Lunch and fireside chat
With featured speaker, David Dorfman. David has over 19 years of experience as a private equity investor and investment banker. At IOP, he is responsible for deal sourcing and execution as well as managing portfolio investments. Before joining IOP, David served as an Analyst at Harris Williams & Co., focusing on middle-market mergers and acquisitions. Previously, he worked as an investment banker in National City Capital Markets’ Investment Banking Group. David earned a BBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
David Dorfman
Managing Director
Industrial Opportunity Partners
1–1:10 PM (CT)
Break
1:10–1:50 PM (CT)
The deal on paper: The purchase agreement unpacked
1:50–2:30 PM (CT)
Building the capital stack: A practical guide to deal financing
Chris Williams
Director, Private Credit
Apogem Capital
2:30–2:40 PM (CT)
Break
2:40–3:20 PM (CT)
The LLC Agreement: Provisions, protections, and pitfalls
3:20–4 PM (CT)
Incentive equity and restrictive covenants: Aligning stakeholder interests
4–4:10 PM (CT)
Break
4:10–4:50 PM (CT)
From structure to strategy: The nuts and bolts of your fund
4:50–6 PM (CT)
Networking cocktail reception
With strolling magician, Mike O’Donnell
