AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte ranked among Top 50 leading firms in Germany by the JUVE Handbook 2025/2026
November 12, 2025
Read time: 4 min
November 12, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has been recognized in the JUVE Handbook 2025/2026 as one of the top 50 leading law firms in Germany. This year, the firm received 26 practice area rankings and 26 lawyer recognitions, reflecting our sustained excellence across multiple disciplines.
In addition, Monika Richter (Health & Life Sciences) and Matthias Weissinger (Loans and Acquisition Financing) were recognized as “Rising Stars”. The firm also celebrate lawyers recognized as “Leading Names” in their respective practice areas, including Rolf Hünermann (Compliance Investigations), Dirk Pohl (Tax Disputes), Maximilian Uibeleisen (Transactions and Financing for Renewable Energies), and Wolfgang von Frentz (Media: Contract and Copyright Law).
Practice Rankings
- Media: Regulation: Tier 2
- Tax law: Tax Disputes: Tier 2 (NEW)
- Energy law: Energy sector: Deals/Financing/Projects: Tier 3 (UP)
- Media: Contract and Copyright Law: Tier 3
- Tax law: Transaction Taxes – Tax Structuring Advice: Tier 3 (NEW)
- Compliance Investigations: Tier 4
- Corporate law: Tier 4
- Dispute Resolution: Product liability: Tier 4
- Energy law: Regulation: Tier 4 (UP)
- Healthcare: Pharmaceutical law: Transactions: Tier 4
- Transactions – M&A, Private Equity and Venture Capital: M&A: Tier 4
- Transactions – M&A, Private Equity and Venture Capital: Private Equity Transactions: Tier 4
- Tax law: HR Tax: Tier 4 (NEW)
- Tax law: Group Tax – Tax Structuring and Project Consulting: Tier 4 (NEW)
- Tax law: Transaction Taxes – Tax Contract Structuring: Tier 4 (NEW)
- Tax law: Transfer Pricing: Tier 4 (NEW)
- Healthcare: Hospitals, MVZ, and pharmacies: Tier 5
- Healthcare: Pharmaceutical and medical device law: Tier 5
- Insolvency and Restructuring: Restructuring and Reorganization: Tier 5
- IT law: Contracts/Licenses: Tier 5
- IT law: Transactions/Outsourcing: Tier 5
- Loans and Acquisition Financing: Tier 5 (UP)
- Patent Law: Patent Litigation: Lawyers: Tier 5
- Dispute Resolution: Litigation: Tier 6 (NEW)
- Antitrust law: Tier 7
- Employment: Tier 7
View the full ranking results.
About the JUVE Handbook
Published in German, the JUVE Handbook features rankings and editorial assessments of law firms across a significant range of practice areas and includes detailed regional and national coverage. The directory is renowned for its reports and analysis on the legal market in Germany. Rankings and editorial commentary are based on independent research and interviews with clients and lawyers.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Will & Schulte advised Ardian on the sale of its stake in Eloquant to Harris
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte advised Ardian on the sale of its stake in Eloquant to Harris
November 10, 2025
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McDermott Will & Schulte advised Ardian on the sale of its stake in Eloquant, a leading French provider of SaaS solutions for customer experience management (CCaaS, VoC, VoE), to Harris, a global provider of vertical market software and acquirer of businesses.
The McDermott Will & Schulte team on this transaction included Diana Hund and Marie-Muriel Barthelet (Partners), Jordan Ohayon (Associate), and Charlotte Allègre (Juriste).
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Will & Schulte represents GreenWood Investors in agreement with Jack in the Box
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte represents GreenWood Investors in agreement with Jack in the Box
November 7, 2025
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International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte represented GreenWood Investors in its agreement with Jack in the Box Inc., a leading restaurant company that operates and franchises chain restaurants across the country, pursuant to which Jack in the Box added two new independent directors to its Board of Directors and established a Capital Allocation Committee. Leveraging its leading shareholder activism practice, the McDermott team provided strategic counsel to GreenWood Investors during its debut U.S. public engagement campaign, which resulted in a successful outcome and significant milestone for GreenWood Investors.
The McDermott team was led by Ele Klein and Brandon Gold and included Samuel Dayan and John Treon.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Will & Schulte advised H.A.C. Pharma on its acquisition from Roche of the worldwide (excluding the US) rights to the drug ESBRIET®
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte advised H.A.C. Pharma on its acquisition from Roche of the worldwide (excluding the US) rights to the drug ESBRIET®
November 7, 2025
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McDermott Will & Schulte advised H.A.C. Pharma, a French pharmaceutical company, on the acquisition, from Roche, of worldwide rights (excluding the United States) to the drug ESBRIET® (Pirfenidone), used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults.
This transaction enables H.A.C. Pharma to strengthen its position in the rare disease market and accelerate its international development.
The McDermott Will & Schulte team on this transaction included:
Health & Life Sciences Transactions
- Emmanuelle Trombe, Partner
- Anne-France Moreau, Partner
- Caroline Noyrez, Associate
Corporate
- Henri Pieyre de Mandiargues, Partner
- Sophie Lafay, Counsel
Financing
- Stanislas Chenu, Associate
- Hugo Lamour, Associate
- Clarisse de Roux, Associate
IP
- Charles de Raignac, Counsel
- Emie Paganon, Associate
Tax
- Come de Saint Vincent, Partner
- Paul-Henry de Laguiche, Associate
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Will & Schulte named Law Firm of the Year in Tax Law by Best Law Firms® 2026, achieves highest number of practice rankings to date
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte named Law Firm of the Year in Tax Law by Best Law Firms® 2026, achieves highest number of practice rankings to date
November 6, 2025
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November 6, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has once again earned top distinctions in the 2026 Best Law Firms® rankings, including being named Law Firm of the Year in Tax Law. The recognition highlights the firm’s market-leading reputation and the exceptional strength of its tax practice, widely regarded as one of the most respected in the industry.
The firm earned 189 total rankings, with 29 national Tier 1 and 107 regional Tier 1 recognitions. This year’s results include 23 new and 22 improved rankings, reflecting our ongoing growth and legal acumen. These achievements place the firm among the top 15 firms in the United States with the highest number of national Tier 1 recognitions, underscoring our depth of talent, breadth of practice, and sustained leadership across key areas of law.
Firms included in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® are recognized for their professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the firm must be recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
View the full rankings here.
ABOUT BEST LAW FIRMS®
Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers® and respected for over 15 years, is the most credible ranking of exceptional law firms globally. It is rooted in a rigorous, peer-to-peer, industry-driven evaluation. A ranking from Best Law Firms signifies a high-quality practice and a breadth of legal expertise. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and metropolitan scale, providing legal professionals with an elevated stature from the Best Law Firms recognition.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott advises Ardian on the acquisition of a majority stake in centrotherm international AG
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott advises Ardian on the acquisition of a majority stake in centrotherm international AG
November 6, 2025
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Munich, November 6, 2025 — McDermott Will & Schulte has advised world-leading private investment firm Ardian on entering into a definitive agreement with Solarpark Blautal GmbH to acquire its 90% stake in centrotherm international AG, a leading player in the design and production of power semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Ardian will hold the majority stake in centrotherm via Ardian Semiconductor, an innovative private equity platform dedicated to the semiconductor industry, that was formed through an exclusive strategic partnership with Silian Partners, a team of highly successful senior executives from the semiconductor industry. This agreement follows the acquisition of IBS in October 2024 and Synergie CAD in January 2025 and would represent, upon completion, the third investment of Ardian Semiconductor and the first transaction in Germany.
The completion of the transaction is subject to customary precedent conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Centrotherm based in Blaubeuren, Germany, specializes in the development, manufacturing and sale of high temperature thermal processing equipment with a long history of supplying both the semiconductor and the photovoltaic industry.
Ardian is a world-leading independent investment firm, managing or advising $192bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,860 clients globally.
The McDermott team was led by partner Holger H. Ebersberger and comprised partners Philipp Grenzebach, Matthias Weissinger, Felix Ganzer, Christian Driessen-Rolf, Alexa Ningelgen, Stefanie Soltwedel, Steffen Woitz, Florian Schiefer, counsel Thomas Diekmann, Alexandra Prato, Adrian Helfenstein, Holger Mlynek, Claus Färber and Ulrike Witt, as well as associates Parsin Walsi, Manuel Weiß, Julia Külzer, Nicole Kaps, Marion Dalvai-König, Carlota Huth, Darius M. Mosleh, Annabelle Juliette Rau, Tjark Pogoda, Athanasia Eleftheriadou, Sönke Wassermann, Constanze Götz, Tim Becker and Maren Rimbach.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Deepens London Disputes Bench with Key Financial Sector Hire
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Deepens London Disputes Bench with Key Financial Sector Hire
November 4, 2025
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International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte today announced that Hilton Mervis has joined the firm’s Litigation practice in London as a partner. He brings more than two decades of experience advising financial institutions on complex commercial litigation, joint venture/partnership disputes, regulatory investigations, and cross-border disputes.
Hilton’s practice focuses on high-value commercial litigation, with a leading reputation in representing private equity firms and hedge funds. His arrival comes at a pivotal time for the firm, as it continues to expand its offering in London and globally.
“Hilton is an outstanding addition to our global disputes team,” said Joshua Simon, global head of McDermott’s Litigation Practice Group. “He brings deep insight into the financial sector and a collaborative, client-focused approach that aligns perfectly with our culture. His enthusiasm for the McDermott platform and the clear synergies in our practice areas make him a natural fit as we continue to grow our litigation capabilities worldwide.”
Aymen Mahmoud, managing partner of the firm’s London office, commented: “Hilton’s experience working with private capital clients is a powerful complement to our strategic growth ambitions, especially as we build on the momentum of our recent merger. In just a few years, we’ve assembled a team of more than 20 disputes lawyers in London, advising on some of the most complex and high-profile matters in the market. Hilton’s arrival strengthens that trajectory.”
Hilton joins McDermott from a leading international firm, where he advised on landmark commercial litigation cases over a wide number of sectors. His addition reflects McDermott’s continued investment in building premier disputes capabilities in London.
“I’m thrilled to be joining McDermott,” said Hilton. “The firm’s strategic focus, collaborative culture, and deep bench of talent across key sectors — particularly private capital — make this an exciting opportunity.”
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Will & Schulte named finalist for the International Legal Finance Association’s Exceptional Legal Services Provider for Litigation Funders Award
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte named finalist for the International Legal Finance Association’s Exceptional Legal Services Provider for Litigation Funders Award
October 31, 2025
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International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has been shortlisted for the Exceptional Legal Services Provider for Litigation Funders Award by the International Legal Finance Association (ILFA).
The recognition highlights McDermott’s ability to deliver strategic, practical, and value-driven support to litigation funders across all stages of engagement — including deal origination, portfolio management, and operational execution — and underscores the firm’s reputation for consistency, reliability, and excellence within the legal finance industry.
In its inaugural year, the ILFA Awards celebrate the achievements of leading participants across the legal finance ecosystem, including funders, law firms, brokers, and advisors. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on November 13.
Read more about the shortlist.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Will & Schulte advising JANA Partners in its partnership with Travis Kelce and investment in Six Flags
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte advising JANA Partners in its partnership with Travis Kelce and investment in Six Flags
November 3, 2025
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International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is proud to represent JANA Partners in its shareholder engagement with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation — an initiative attracting notable support, including from NFL star and entrepreneur Travis Kelce, who has joined the activist-investor group to help re-energize one of America’s most iconic brands.
With an economic interest of approximately 9% in Six Flags, JANA Partners and its coalition of business and cultural leaders are advocating for strategic changes to enhance marketing relevance, elevate the guest experience, modernize technology, and strengthen leadership focus.
This campaign reflects a shared belief that Six Flags can once again become a premier entertainment destination — delivering greater value for shareholders and a more dynamic experience for consumers.
We’re honored to advise JANA Partners on this effort and to support constructive, high-impact engagement with the company’s Board and management.
McDermott’s Shareholder Activism team is led by Partners Ele Klein, Brandon Gold, Adriana Schwartz, and Craig Warkol.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Will & Schulte lawyers recognized as Securities Docket’s Enforcement Elite for second consecutive year
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte lawyers recognized as Securities Docket’s Enforcement Elite for second consecutive year
November 3, 2025
Read time: 3 min
November 3, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that Paul Helms, Caitlyn Campbell, and Steven Scholes have been recognized as part of the Enforcement Elite 2025 for the second year in a row by Securities Docket.
Paul, Caitlyn, and Steven are distinguished firm leaders, each bringing a wealth of experience from their previous roles at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Paul and Caitlyn co-lead our SEC enforcement practice, where they defend clients in high-stakes SEC investigations, complex internal investigations, and securities litigation nationwide.
As a member of our management committee and the global head of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, Steven focuses on SEC investigations, shareholder litigation – including class and derivative actions – and internal investigations.
Securities Docket aims to recognize lawyers capable of handling critical, high-stakes cases and swiftly addressing government enforcement and regulatory actions. The selection process is based on thorough research by Securities Docket staff, external nominations, and insights from senior lawyers and other industry professionals.
Learn more about Securities Docket’s Enforcement Elite.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
