AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Recognized for Sophisticated, Tailored Advice in Chambers France 2025
February 6, 2025
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has been recognized in Chambers France, a regional guide that Chambers created in response to French legal market developments, allowing for more in-depth research at the national level and providing greater coverage of the French market.
McDermott received six practice rankings, with 20 lawyers ranked. The Firm saw notable ranking improvements in Private Equity (Band 3) and Banking & Finance (Band 4) and gained a new practice ranking in Tax (Band 5). Additionally, four lawyers were newly ranked, and two lawyers achieved higher rankings this year, underscoring McDermott’s commitment to legal service excellence.
McDermott received high praise from clients and positive recognition from the market, emphasizing deep understanding of client needs, negotiation skills, prompt responsiveness, and prowess in navigating complex matters. The Firm’s lawyers were noted for delivering “strategic advice” and being “very responsive and very knowledgeable.” One client shared, “The team consists of highly talented lawyers who can handle sophisticated and complex matters while also innovating to help you close the deal.”
Practice Rankings:
- Pharma/Life Sciences – Band 2
- Private Equity – Band 3 (UP)
- Banking & Finance – Band 4 (UP)
- Public Law – Band 4
- Restructuring/Insolvency – Band 4
- Tax – Band 5 (NEW)
Lawyer Rankings:
- Grégoire Andrieux – Band 2 in Private Equity: Mid-Market
- Laurent Ayache – Band 4 in Public Law
- Niels Dejean – Band 3 in Tax (NEW)
- Shirin Deyhim – Up and Coming in Banking & Finance
- Nicolas Faguer – Band 5 in Litigation: Elite
- Timothée Gagnepain – Band 3 in Restructuring/Insolvency
- Diana Hund – Band 3 in Private Equity: Mid-Market (UP)
- Guillaume Kellner – Band 6 in Corporate/M&A: High-End Capability
- Nicolette Kost de Sèvres – Band 3 in Corporate Compliance & Investigations (NEW)
- Anne-Sophie Maes – Band 5 in Tax (NEW)
- Pierre-Arnoux Mayoly – Band 4 in Banking & Finance (UP)
- Anne-France Moreau – Up and Coming in Pharma/Life Sciences: Corporate
- Sabine Naugès – Band 4 in Public Law
- Guillaume Panuel – Band 3 in Investment Funds
- Anthony Paronneau – Band 3 in Pharma/Life Sciences: Corporate
- Romain Perray – Band 2 in TMT: Data Protection (UP)
- Fabrice Piollet – Up and Coming in Private Equity: Mid-Market (NEW)
- Frédéric Pradelles – Band 5 in Competition/European Law
- Emmanuelle Trombe – Band 1 in Pharma/Life Sciences: Corporate
- Antoine Vergnat – Band 5 in Tax
ABOUT CHAMBERS FRANCE
Chambers France is a new guide which is part of a regional approach, with ranking formerly covered in Chambers Europe. With more in-depth investigations into the French legal market, Chambers France will highlight the considerable work carried out by the firms present in the territory. The guide is based on more in-depth research at the national level, making it possible to cover a wider range of sectors of activity and to offer even more in-depth analysis of the most talented teams and lawyers operating in this market.
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
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McDermott Advises Riot on a Series B Financing
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advises Riot on a Series B Financing
February 6, 2025
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Emery has advised Riot, an employee cyber risk monitoring platform, on a second round financing worth $30 million.
Led by Left Lane Capital, this round also benefits from the support of existing investors: Y Combinator, Base10 and FundersClub.
The deal will enable Riot to accelerate its international expansion, double its headcount and scale its vision of employee cyber risk in the AI era.
This cross-border transaction mobilized McDermott teams in Paris with partners Fabrice Piollet and Romain Desmonts, and in the US with partner Todd Finger and associate Sarah Sarb.
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
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McDermott Advised Lauxera Capital Partners on its Investment in Acandis
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advised Lauxera Capital Partners on its Investment in Acandis
February 5, 2025
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Emery advised Lauxera Capital Partners on its investment in Acandis, a leading German neurovascular medical device company dedicated to the prevention and treatment of stroke.
Lauxera Capital Partners’ Acandis transaction is the firm’s first investment out of Lauxera Growth II, its second-generation healthcare growth buyout fund.
The McDermott team on this transaction was composed of:
France
Corporate
Grégoire Andrieux – Partner
Fanny Rech – Counsel
Boris Wolkoff – Associate
Alexandre Bomet – Associate
Ruben Johannsen – Juriste
Tax
Antoine Vergnat – Partner
Paul-Henry de Laguiche – Associate
Competition
Frédéric Pradelles – Partner
Mary Hecht – Associate
Francesca Casalone – Associate
Germany
Corporate
Holger Ebersberger -Partner
Alexandra Prato – Counsel
Marion Dalvai-König – Associate
Parsin Walsi – Associate
Tax
Heiko Kermer – Partner
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
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McDermott Welcomes New M&A Partner in Milan
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Welcomes New M&A Partner in Milan
February 4, 2025
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery welcomes Alfonso de Marco as a partner in its transactions practice in Milan.
Alfonso advises clients on the acquisition, development, and sale of Italian multi-asset portfolios, particularly in the pharma and energy sectors. The strategic, commercial advice he provides international corporate investors and sovereign wealth funds will significantly enhance McDermott’s offerings in the Italian market.
“Alfonso’s experience with handling high-profile transactions in Italy aligns perfectly with our strategic goals,” said Harris Siskind, global head of McDermott’s Transactions Practice Group. “His presence in Milan will bolster our transactional practice and create new opportunities for cross-border collaboration.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Alfonso to our team,” added Giancarlo Castorino, the Firm’s office managing partner in Milan. “His extensive experience and strategic insights will be invaluable as we continue to expand our capabilities and serve our clients with excellence.”
“Joining McDermott is an exciting opportunity to leverage my experience in high-profile transactions and contribute to the Firm’s growth,” said Alfonso. “I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and delivering exceptional service to our clients.”
Joining Alfonso is Milo Molfa, a new international arbitration partner in McDermott’s London office. Their addition underscores the Firm’s commitment to expanding its capabilities and providing top-tier service. Their combined experience in transactions and arbitration will create significant synergies, enhancing the Firm’s ability to offer comprehensive legal solutions across multiple markets.
ABOUT McDERMOTT’S CORPORATE AND TRANSACTIONAL PRACTICE GROUPS
McDermott’s Corporate and Transactional Practice Groups include more than 560 lawyers in 20+ offices globally. The team regularly counsels public and private companies, financial institutions, and private equity firms across various industries on high-impact, transformative transactions. Our lawyers develop forward-thinking solutions for our clients, advising them on everything from M&A to financing deals, investments, fund formations, commercial contracts, capital markets transactions, and restructurings. We lead complex, cross-border transactions in health; energy and project finance; real estate; technology/AI; insurance; alcohol; food and beverage; media, entertainment and sports; and other industries. Clients note in Chambers that our “wealth of knowledge and sound, practical advice is extremely helpful,” and with a network of lawyers across multiple jurisdictions worldwide, our transactions team brings value to clients wherever they do business. McDermott is recognized as a top-tier law firm for transactions by leading league tables including Mergermarket, LSEG, The Deal, Bloomberg and PitchBook.
ABOUT McDERMOTT
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
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Schulte Taps Registered Funds Veteran John Fitzgerald as New Partner in Investment Management Group
PRESS RELEASE
Schulte Taps Registered Funds Veteran John Fitzgerald as New Partner in Investment Management Group
February 3, 2025
Read time: 4 min
Schulte Roth & Zabel (“Schulte” or “the firm”), a leading global law firm focused on private capital, is pleased to announce that John Fitzgerald has joined the firm as a partner in the Investment Management Group in the New York office. With nearly 25 years of experience, John is a highly regarded authority in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“the ‘40 Act”) and related investment products. His deep knowledge will support the growing demand from private investment fund firms for sophisticated advice on registered fund matters.
“John brings a unique combination of technical expertise and strategic insight to our Investment Management Group,” said co-managing partner David Efron. “His work advising on complex matters under the ‘40 Act and his ability to anticipate industry trends will be instrumental as our clients increasingly explore opportunities in registered products and retail distribution.”
Kelly Koscuiszka, co-head of the firm’s Investment Management Regulatory and Compliance Group, noted, “The addition of John reinforces our commitment to providing best-in-class counsel to our clients as they navigate the evolving regulatory and market landscape. His expertise will not only benefit our investment management practice but will also enhance the firm’s ability to support clients across transactional, regulatory and enforcement matters.”
John’s move to Schulte is driven by a shared vision for delivering value to clients and fostering innovation. Reflecting on his decision to join the firm, John said, “I am thrilled to be part of a firm known for its entrepreneurial culture and exceptional client service. This platform provides an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders and support clients as they navigate the growing intersection of private funds and registered investment products.”
John’s impressive career spans a range of roles, including senior in-house positions at major financial institutions. Before joining Schulte, he was part of the registered funds group at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. His practice is comprehensive, encompassing the formation, structuring and operation of registered investment funds across various strategies, including mutual funds, closed-end funds, ETFs, business development companies (BDCs) and private wealth platforms.
John earned his BA from the University of Michigan and his JD from The George Washington University. He has held leadership positions at JP Morgan and Lord, Abbett & Co., where he honed his skill sets advising on US retail funds, private fund offerings and retail distribution strategies.
With John’s addition, Schulte continues to expand its capabilities to meet the changing needs of clients in the investment management and finance sectors.
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Michael Hacker Recognized in Daily Business Review’s 2025 Florida Legal Awards
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
Michael Hacker Recognized in Daily Business Review’s 2025 Florida Legal Awards
January 31, 2025
Read time: 3 min
January 31, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce Michael Hacker has been recognized in the On the Rise category as part of Daily Business Review’s Florida Legal Awards 2025.
Michael focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, and joint ventures, primarily representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies across various industries, including healthcare services. He counsels private equity portfolio companies and other businesses on day-to-day operations such as employment matters, equity incentives, commercial contracts, and corporate governance. Michael is appointed as an attorney ad litem by Lawyers for Children America to represent a foster youth and serves on McDermott’s Technology Advisory Board.
Daily Business Review’s annual Florida Legal Awards recognize distinguished members of the Florida legal community in assorted areas of the law.
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
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McDermott Advises the Founders and Shareholders of Groupe Clémentine on the Sale of the Group to TeamSystem
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advises the Founders and Shareholders of Groupe Clémentine on the Sale of the Group to TeamSystem
January 30, 2025
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Emery advised the founders and other shareholders of Groupe Clémentine, an online accounting specialist, in the sale of the Group to TeamSystem, a European leader in invoicing and business accounting management.
The McDermott team on this transaction was composed of:
Corporate
Herschel Guez – Partner
Marcia Sousa Pereira – Juriste
Regulatory
Charlotte Michellet – Partner
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
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McDermott Advises REInvest on the Acquisition of the “Lombardhaus” in Hamburg
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advises REInvest on the Acquisition of the “Lombardhaus” in Hamburg
January 29, 2025
Read time: 3 min
Frankfurt, January 29, 2025 – McDermott Will & Emery has advised Luxembourg real estate investor REInvest Asset Management S.A. on the acquisition of the iconic “Lombardhaus” in Hamburg’s “Rathausquartier”. REInvest acquired the property for a major German insurance company.
The “Rathausquartier” in Hamburg’s old town is one of the top city center locations in Europe. The “Lombardhaus” comprises a total rental area of around 6,760 square meters. The main tenant of the almost fully let property is the internet retailer “About You”.
REInvest Asset Management S.A. was founded in Luxembourg in 2017 and manages or develops real estate assets with a value of more than €2.6 billion in 14 European countries. To date, the company has completed over 215 real estate transactions with a volume of more than €5.1 billion.
McDermott regularly advises REInvest on real estate transactions.
The McDermott team advising REInvest was led by partner Maximilian Clostermeyer and comprised partner Heiko Kermer as well as associates Tina Happ and Saadet Demir.
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Elena Otero Recognized With Legal Services Corporation’s 2025 Pro Bono Service Award
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
Elena Otero Recognized With Legal Services Corporation’s 2025 Pro Bono Service Award
January 28, 2025
Read time: 3 min
January 28, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is proud to announce that Elena Otero has been recognized with the Pro Bono Service Award by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).
Committed to creating opportunities and building stronger communities, Elena serves in a variety of leadership positions for legal advocacy and charitable organizations. She also offers pro bono legal services to underserved individuals and families. Her work has included aiding a community church in resolving lien issues and expanding affordable housing, representing elderly clients in quiet title litigation to reclaim their homestead properties, and supporting nonprofits that serve underserved populations in Little Havana and beyond.
LSC is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For 50 years, it has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. LSC currently provides funding to 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and US territories.
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
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McDermott Welcomes New Arbitration Partner in London
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Welcomes New Arbitration Partner in London
January 27, 2025
Read time: 5 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce the arrival of Milo Molfa as an international arbitration partner in its London office. Milo – who is dual-qualified in England and Wales and is an Italian avvocato – brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle.
“Milo’s stellar track record in international arbitration and his talent for untangling complex disputes will provide great value to our clients,” said Steven Scholes, global head of McDermott’s Litigation Practice Group.
Milo advises on complex, high-profile international commercial arbitrations and investor-state disputes under public international law. He represents corporations and sovereigns in international arbitration proceedings across a wide range of industries, including airlines, aviation and aerospace, automotive, construction and infrastructure, energy, media and advertising, oil and gas, and metals and mining. Over the past 15 years, Milo has acted as lead counsel and advocate in more than 60 international investment treaty and commercial arbitrations.
“McDermott is well known for fostering entrepreneurial spirit and for its strong appetite to build. As such, I found a superb platform for the continued development of my practice, and I am excited to join a team that values excellence, innovation and collaboration,” Milo said.
“Our London litigation and arbitration team has grown significantly throughout the last few years, and we’re excited to welcome Milo,” said Andrew Savage, London head of the Firm’s litigation practice. “His acumen in handling intricate international arbitration cases will strengthen our reputation as a top-tier dispute resolution practice.”
Highlighting the growth of the London office, Aymen Mahmoud, the office’s managing partner, said the Firm is thrilled to welcome Milo as its 11th lateral partner hire in London over the last year. “Milo’s enthusiasm and dedication to excellence are a perfect fit for our team. The influx of new, energetic talent like Milo underscores the Firm’s commitment to expanding our already first-rate disputes capabilities and continuing to provide best-in-class service to our clients,” Aymen said.
ABOUT McDERMOTT’S LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION PRACTICE GROUP
McDermott’s team of more than 250 litigation and dispute resolution lawyers worldwide includes seasoned litigators, trial lawyers, mediators, arbitrators, appellate lawyers, and former senior US prosecutors. We represent clients across every business segment in high-impact cases, government investigations, and dispute resolution proceedings. Working seamlessly with colleagues spanning a variety of practice areas, our litigators take on emerging issues in virtually every industry (with a focus on energy, finance, healthcare, life sciences, accounting services, private equity, and technology) to help clients stay a step ahead of potential risks. When needed, we also develop effective and cost-efficient solutions to address complex commercial disputes, consumer and data breach class actions, international arbitrations, deal and ERISA litigation, and other business challenges. Our nationally recognized US Supreme Court and appellate practice has successfully handled hundreds of appeals and is named on The National Law Journal’s Appellate Hot List. Known for “superb lawyering combined with practical, hands-on effort” (Chambers), our team is recognized globally in Chambers, Legal 500, Best Law Firms, Global Investigations Review GIR 100, and Global Arbitration Review GAR 100.
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
