AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes More Than 400 McDermott Lawyers
September 4, 2025
Read time: 3 min
September 4, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has once again been recognized in the Best Lawyers in America 2026. Overall, 260+ McDermott lawyers were named to the Best Lawyers list, and 150+ were named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list, which recognizes next generation lawyers for professional excellence. These recognitions are based on peer nominations and votes.
The firm ranks among the top 30 law firms for the most lawyers named to the Best Lawyers list and among the top 25 law firms for the most lawyers named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list.
Additionally, eight of McDermott’s lawyers were awarded “Lawyer of the Year” – a distinguished recognition bestowed on individual lawyers with the highest overall peer feedback within a specific practice area and region. Recipients include:
- Sarah Chapin Columbia – Litigation: Patent, Boston
- David Guedry – IT Outsourcing Law, Dallas/Fort Worth
- Laura McLane – Litigation: Health Care, Boston
- M. Read Moore – Trusts and Estates, San Francisco
- Nicole Pearl – Trusts and Estates, Los Angeles
- Harris Siskind – Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Miami
- Jeffrey Stone – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Chicago
- Eric Zimmerman – Health Care Law, Washington DC
View the full Best Lawyers in America 2026 list.
ABOUT BEST LAWYERS
Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional and national publications across the globe.
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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Pankit Doshi named to BTI Consulting Group’s 2025 Client Service All-Stars list
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
Pankit Doshi named to BTI Consulting Group’s 2025 Client Service All-Stars list
September 4, 2025
Read time: 3 min
September 4, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that Pankit Doshi has been recognized as part of BTI Consulting Group’s 2025 Client Service All-Star.
Pankit serves as the office managing partner for the Firm’s San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices. He focuses his practice on preventative counseling and representing employers in both state and federal courts up through trial and appeal. Pankit serves as lead counsel on cases involving issues related to prosecution and defense of unfair business competition claims, including trade secret misappropriation and restrictive covenant enforcement, independent contractor misclassification, whistleblower complaints, wage and hour disputes.
BTI conducts the longest-running independent study that finds and celebrates the lawyers who top legal decision makers say deliver extraordinary client service. BTI’s Client Service All-Stars list draws solely on in-depth interviews as part of its ongoing Annual Survey of General Counsel.
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 represents significant investor in deal to acquire the Boston Celtics
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott represents significant investor in deal to acquire the Boston Celtics
September 3, 2025
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte represented Aditya Mittal and the trustees of the Mittal family trusts in the buying group led by William Chisholm to acquire the Boston Celtics (Celtics), a National Basketball Association (NBA) team. Aditya Mittal will serve as the Vice Chairman, Co-Owner and Alternate Governor of the Celtics.
Why it matters:
This $6.1 billion transaction is the largest sale of an American professional sports team in history, setting a new benchmark in sports valuations.
The Mittal family trusts are part of a syndicate of buyers led by William Chisholm, the founder of Symphony Technology Group, also included private equity firm Sixth Street Partners.
The Celtics hold a winning record against every other team in the league, a league-best total of 18 NBA championships, and the most recorded wins of any NBA team.
The cross-border McDermott team was led by Tom Conaghan, with substantial assistance from Greg Berson and Eric Cunningham. Mike Bruno, Hudson Todd, and Alex Jupp, provided cross-border tax advice. Allison Bernbach and Ted Laurenson provided US regulatory advice. Tommy McGee contributed to the M&A team effort.
Vlad Maly is the relationship partner for the Mittal family.
With the Celtics transaction, the McDermott Sports Team has now worked on the past three “record” deals in professional sports, including the acquisition of the Washington Commanders in 2023 ($6.05 billion) and the acquisition of the Phoenix Suns in 2022 ($4 billion).
About McDermott’s Sports Law Group
For more than 30 years, McDermott has represented owners, investors, players, teams, and sports venues around the world in various leagues – including the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer (MLS), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League, National Football League (NFL), and PGA TOUR – handling their most critical transactional and non-transactional matters. With legal experience ranging from individual investments in teams and the purchase and sale of franchises to solving critical tax, real estate, intellectual property, and labor law problems, our sports lawyers leverage top-tier M&A, tax, and private client talent to provide a problem-solving and client-focused approach to complicated sports law matters in the rapidly evolving sports world.
About McDermott’s Family Office Capital & Investment Strategies (FOCIS) Group
FOCIS is a multi-practice team that draws on the experience of our Private Client, Tax, and Transactional lawyers to provide creative and holistic solutions across all levels of a family wealth structure with respect to direct investing across all industries, including sports and entertainment. We take a comprehensive and multi-level approach to achieve enhanced economic returns through optimal planning for families, returns that might otherwise be lost when working with external advisors with a narrower lens.
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 bolsters its German Transactions Practice with addition of Johannes Eckhardt
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott bolsters its German Transactions Practice with addition of Johannes Eckhardt
September 1, 2025
Read time: 4 min
Frankfurt, September 1, 2025 — McDermott Will & Schulte is delighted to announce the addition of Johannes Eckhardt as a partner in its Transactions Practice Group in Frankfurt, effective 1 September 2025. Johannes brings a unique blend of legal expertise and economic insight, with a proven track record in cross-border M&A, private equity, venture capital, and strategic investments, particularly in the life sciences, healthcare, and technology sectors.
“Johannes is a highly respected transactional lawyer whose experience at the intersection of law, science, and innovation aligns perfectly with our strategic priorities in Germany and beyond,” said Matthias Kampshoff, McDermott’s Managing Partner for Germany. “His deep understanding of the life sciences and technology sectors, combined with his proven ability to lead sophisticated cross-border deals, will significantly enhance our capabilities and client offering.”
Johannes joins from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, where he served as Head of Legal for M&A, Ventures & Finance and as Head of Legal for M Ventures. In these roles, he led the legal strategy and execution of significant global transactions, including the acquisition of Mirus Bio (US) and the sale of Calypso Biotech (Netherlands). Prior to his tenure at Merck, Johannes spent nearly a decade at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, advising on complex private equity and corporate matters for leading global investors. His private equity experience spans a wide range of sectors and deal structures, including leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, and portfolio company matters.
“Johannes is a great addition to our global team,” said Harris Siskind, Global Head of McDermott’s Transactions practice. “His experience advising on transformative deals and his strong relationships with key players in the life sciences and investment communities will be significant assets to our clients. He embodies the kind of forward-thinking, client-focused talent that drives our continued growth and success.”
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 Cognism on the sale of NETSTAG to Positive Group
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott advises Cognism on the sale of NETSTAG to Positive Group
August 28, 2025
Read time: 3 min
Frankfurt, August 28, 2025 – McDermott Will & Schulte advised international B2B data provider Cognism on the sale of German-based NETSTAG to French digital marketing provider Positive Group. The transaction closed yesterday.
Headquartered in London, Cognism is a leading sales intelligence platform and provider of European B2B data, founded in 2015.
NETSTAG specializes in the development, marketing, and distribution of web applications, mobile applications, and Internet-based software solutions.
The McDermott team was led by partner Felix Ganzer and comprised partners Fatema Orjela, Florian Schiefer and Christian Driessen-Rolf, counsel Claus Färber and associate Christian Lebrecht.
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 STADA on extension of biosimilars alliance with Bio-Thera Solutions
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott advises STADA on extension of biosimilars alliance with Bio-Thera Solutions
August 27, 2025
Read time: 3 min
Frankfurt, August 27, 2025 –– McDermott Will & Schulte advised STADA Arzneimittel AG, based in Bad Vilbel, Germany, on the conclusion of a license agreement with China-based Bio-Thera Solutions covering the biosimilar Tocilizumab. The effectiveness of the agreement, which extends the biosimilars alliance between the two companies, is still subject to shareholder approval.
Tocilizumab an immunosuppressant monoclonal antibody indicated for certain inflammatory conditions. Bio-Thera will maintain responsibility for the development, manufacturing, and supply of the tocilizumab biosimilar to Roche’s RoActemra® reference brand. STADA will have exclusive rights to market the biosimilar in the EU, the UK, Switzerland, and selected other countries under its own authorization.
The agreement on tocilizumab builds on an existing partnership for BAT2506, a biosimilar candidate for Simponi® (golimumab), which STADA and Bio-Thera Solutions announced in May 2024. McDermott also acted as advisor to STADA in this initial agreement.
The McDermott team was led by partner Monika Richter and comprised partners Henrik Holzapfel, Margaret J. Sampson and Jana Grieb, as well as associate Katharina Hoffmeister.
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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Wyoming certificate tokens take local US business to global markets
PRESS RELEASE
Wyoming certificate tokens take local US business to global markets
August 25, 2025
Read time: 4 min
The Fintech & Blockchain Group at international law firm McDermott Will & Schulte and Raven Resources Corp. (Raven) used blockchain-friendly Wyoming laws to take a local revenue generating business on-chain and into the global capital markets. Grove Electric & Lighting Supply Inc. (Grove) is a Raven portfolio company that was founded in 1998 and specializes in providing residential, commercial, and industrial electrical products in its home state of Oklahoma and surrounding states.
McDermott and Raven took Grove on-chain by utilizing Wyo. State. 17-16-625, which specifically authorizes the issuance of blockchain “certificate tokens,” representing equity interests in the issuer. The goal was to sell “certificate tokens” internationally, specifically on German exchanges that specialize in selling cryptocurrencies that represent equity interests. Unlike other states, Wyoming explicitly authorizes equity shares to be issued on the blockchain, stating that “the articles of incorporation or bylaws of a corporation may specify that all or a portion of the shares of the corporation may specifics that all or a portion of the shares of a corporation may be represented by share certificates in the form of certificate tokens.”
After a series of submissions, on July 28, 2025, Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) formally approved the publication of its Securities Information Sheet under ISIN US3999172022. Accordingly, Grove certificate tokens will now be available in Germany upon publication.
Paul Scribner, CEO of Raven, noted: “Wyoming’s blockchain-focused developments provide a clear path to use on-chain equity to enable U.S. revenue generating businesses to unlock opportunities in global capital markets.”
“We used progressive Wyoming statutes explicitly authorizing on-chain equity to take a U.S. local revenue generating business to global markets,” said McDermott’s Head of Fintech & Blockchain Joseph (Joe) Evans. “Grove paved the way for local businesses to raise capital entirely on-chain.”
In addition to McDermott, Hess Legal, Kane Russell Coleman Logan (KRCL), Black Manta Capital Partners, and Van Sterling Capital advised on the matter.
The McDermott team was led by Joe Evans with assistance from Dan Woodard, Nishi Gupta, Ethan Heller, and Robert Kaylor.
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 hires veteran advisor Ira Schacter to lead new financial services vertical dedicated to serving clients operating in today’s financial ecosystem
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte hires veteran advisor Ira Schacter to lead new financial services vertical dedicated to serving clients operating in today’s financial ecosystem
August 25, 2025
Read time: 5 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that veteran advisor Ira Schacter has joined the firm as a partner in the Transactions Practice Group, based in New York City. Ira will lead a new financial services vertical that establishes the firm as the go-to counsel for clients operating at the intersection of private equity, hedge funds, insurance, and financial services. He most recently served as global Co-head of the Corporate, M&A, and Securities practices at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.
Ira’s addition will strengthen the firm’s deep relationships with financial institutions and its broader cross-industry client base. He brings decades of experience as a holistic advisor handling mergers, acquisitions and complex finance and restructurings in the financial institutions, life sciences, and technology sectors. Ira will lead with a sharp focus on advising financial institutions on M&A, litigation, crisis response, and complex structured finance transactions.
“Ira is an exceptional leader in this space—not only for his legal talent, but for the trust he builds with clients,” said Ira Coleman, Chair of McDermott Will & Schulte. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the firm and excited about the depth he brings to our financial services offering.”
“We’re moving quickly to identify areas of growth for clients, and we see a hybrid future of lending, especially in an environment where banks are no longer rivals to private credit,” said Harris Siskind, Global Transactions Practice Group Head. “This evolving market landscape spans multiple industries. In the age of AI and rising demand for digital infrastructure, Ira’s arrival will help to position us as the partner of choice as banks and private credit firms embark on co-financing the future.”
Ira’s arrival will enable McDermott Will & Schulte to scale up its suite of services offered to our clients and will firmly plant a flag in a space that naturally complements the firm’s existing and robust investment management practices.
“The surge in bank lending to private credit isn’t just a trend, it’s a strategic response to regulatory realities,” said Marc Elovitz, Global Investment Management Regulatory Head. “The addition of top talent like Ira is a testament to the combined power of our joint practices and firmly positions us as best-in-class counsel to clients during this pivotal redefinition of traditional banking that is being driven by regulation, innovation, and the growing demand for flexible capital.”
“The newly combined McDermott Will & Schulte presents a bold opportunity for financial services clients navigating a rapidly evolving landscape,” said Ira Schacter, “I’m proud to be part of the power of change driving this transformation and excited to take a leading role in connecting the firm’s strengths across private equity, hedge funds, and financial institutions to deliver a fully integrated, market-leading platform for our clients.”
Ira has played a key role in a number of high-profile transactions and restructurings. In particular, he has:
- Represented a top global insurer in a joint venture with two of the world’s highest net-worth families to launch financial services across APAC.
- Advised investors in a complex series of transactions that enabled one of the nation’s leading research universities to monetize payments from its medical system for use of its name—resulting in more than $3 billion raised for the university’s endowment.
- Served as lead counsel in the successful out-of-court restructuring for a major guaranty insurance portfolio, resolving more than $12 billion in debt exposures and contemporaneously reinsuring its $13 billion public finance exposures.
- Represented a large, privately held global energy and commodity trading company in its $3.5 billion acquisition of a major bank’s physical commodities business.
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 Hires Veteran Advisor Ira Schacter to Lead New Financial Services Vertical Dedicated to Serving Clients Operating in Today’s Financial Ecosystem
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte Hires Veteran Advisor Ira Schacter to Lead New Financial Services Vertical Dedicated to Serving Clients Operating in Today’s Financial Ecosystem
August 25, 2025
Read time: 5 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that veteran advisor Ira Schacter has joined the firm as a partner in the Transactions Practice Group, based in New York City. Ira will lead a new financial services vertical that establishes the firm as the go-to counsel for clients operating at the intersection of private equity, hedge funds, insurance, and financial services. He most recently served as global Co-head of the Corporate, M&A, and Securities practices at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.
Ira’s addition will strengthen the firm’s deep relationships with financial institutions and its broader cross-industry client base. He brings decades of experience as a holistic advisor handling mergers, acquisitions and complex finance and restructurings in the financial institutions, life sciences, and technology sectors. Ira will lead with a sharp focus on advising financial institutions on M&A, litigation, crisis response, and complex structured finance transactions.
“Ira is an exceptional leader in this space—not only for his legal talent, but for the trust he builds with clients,” said Ira Coleman, Chair of McDermott Will & Schulte. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the firm and excited about the depth he brings to our financial services offering.”
“We’re moving quickly to identify areas of growth for clients, and we see a hybrid future of lending, especially in an environment where banks are no longer rivals to private credit,” said Harris Siskind, Global Transactions Practice Group Head. “This evolving market landscape spans multiple industries. In the age of AI and rising demand for digital infrastructure, Ira’s arrival will help to position us as the partner of choice as banks and private credit firms embark on co-financing the future.”
Ira’s arrival will enable McDermott Will & Schulte to scale up its suite of services offered to our clients and will firmly plant a flag in a space that naturally complements the firm’s existing and robust investment management practices.
“The surge in bank lending to private credit isn’t just a trend, it’s a strategic response to regulatory realities,” said Marc Elovitz, Global Investment Management Regulatory Head. “The addition of top talent like Ira is a testament to the combined power of our joint practices and firmly positions us as best-in-class counsel to clients during this pivotal redefinition of traditional banking that is being driven by regulation, innovation, and the growing demand for flexible capital.”
“The newly combined McDermott Will & Schulte presents a bold opportunity for financial services clients navigating a rapidly evolving landscape,” said Ira Schacter, “I’m proud to be part of the power of change driving this transformation and excited to take a leading role in connecting the firm’s strengths across private equity, hedge funds, and financial institutions to deliver a fully integrated, market-leading platform for our clients.”
Ira has played a key role in a number of high-profile transactions and restructurings. In particular, he has:
- Represented a top global insurer in a joint venture with two of the world’s highest net-worth families to launch financial services across APAC.
- Advised investors in a complex series of transactions that enabled one of the nation’s leading research universities to monetize payments from its medical system for use of its name—resulting in more than $3 billion raised for the university’s endowment.
- Served as lead counsel in the successful out-of-court restructuring for a major guaranty insurance portfolio, resolving more than $12 billion in debt exposures and contemporaneously reinsuring its $13 billion public finance exposures.
- Represented a large, privately held global energy and commodity trading company in its $3.5 billion acquisition of a major bank’s physical commodities business.
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McDermott named Law Firm of the Year finalist by The American Lawyer, recognized for pioneering innovation
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott named Law Firm of the Year finalist by The American Lawyer, recognized for pioneering innovation
August 18, 2025
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has once again been recognized as a finalist for Law Firm of the Year as part of The American Lawyer Industry Awards 2025, highlighting the firm’s commitment to excellence, forward-thinking legal service delivery, and transformative client partnerships.
McDermott has also been shortlisted in the following categories:
- Best Provider Collaboration: As one of the first firms to adopt Thomson Reuters’ CoCounsel, McDermott’s Knowledge Management Team developed three production-grade solutions that are transforming litigation, transactional diligence, and firm-wide knowledge capture.
- Best Use of Technology: McDermott launched two interactive 50-state surveys – Nurse Practitioner Supervision and Scope of Practice and Physician Assistant Collaborative Practice and Supervision – within McDermott Access, the firm’s secure, in-house digital collaboration platform.
- Legal Services Innovation: McDermott is using AI to transform how it delivers legal services to better serve clients and lead the industry. The firm’s Knowledge Management Team participated in a major AI benchmarking study, is co-developing a corporate-markup capability with a major GenAI platform, and has educated Fortune-class companies and the federal judiciary on GenAI’s practical applications for the legal industry. McDermott partners also authored the first practitioner-led treatise aligning legal doctrine with LLM engineering.
Additionally, Ann Marie Brodarick has been named a finalist for Young Lawyer of the Year (Corporate), underscoring McDermott’s deep bench of emerging talent.
The American Lawyer reviewed hundreds of submissions to identify lawyers, business professionals, law firms, and organizations that are providing the most impactful and innovative work. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in New York City on November 13.
Read more about the 2025 Industry Awards.
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.
