AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott recognized for patent and trademark excellence by IAM Patent 1000 and WTR 1000
June 1, 2026
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Schulte has earned recognition from two leading global intellectual property guides, underscoring the strength and depth of the firm’s patent and trademark capabilities across the United States and Europe.
IAM Patent 1000 recognized McDermott for the 11th consecutive year, highlighting the firm’s work across patent litigation, prosecution, transactions, and infringement matters. McDermott was also named a Recommended Firm in the Unified Patent Court category. Additionally, World Trademark Review 1000 recognized McDermott for it’s trademark capabilities in prosecution and strategy as well as enforcement and litigation.
In addition to the firmwide rankings, more than 20 McDermott lawyers were individually recognized across IAM Patent 1000 and WTR 1000, underscoring the depth of talent supporting the firm’s patent and trademark practices across key markets.
IAM Patent 1000
- International – Recommended Firm
- Unified Patent Court – Recommended Firm
- United States: National – Silver Band in Patent Litigation
- United States: California – Silver Band in Patent Litigation
- United States: DC Metro Area – Silver Band in Patent Litigation and Recommended in Patent Prosecution
- United States: Georgia – Bronze Band in Patent Litigation
- United States: Illinois – Bronze Band in Patent Litigation and Recommended in Patent Prosecution
- United States: Massachusetts – Silver Band in Patent Litigation and Recommended in Patent Transactions
- United States: Texas – Bronze Band in Patent Litigation
- Germany – Bronze Band in Infringement and Recommended in Transactions
WTR 1000
- Illinois – Silver Band in Prosecution and Strategy
- Illinois – Bronze Band in Enforcement and Litigation
- Washington, DC – Bronze Band in Enforcement and Litigation
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 1,700+ 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 boosts Nordic M&A strength with senior London hire
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott boosts Nordic M&A strength with senior London hire
June 3, 2026
Read time: 3 min
Global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has appointed Lisa Göransson as senior consultant in its London office, strengthening its cross-border M&A capabilities.
Lisa brings nearly 30 years of experience advising on complex corporate finance and M&A transactions, with a strong focus on Nordic markets and globally. She joins from A&O Shearman, where she was a corporate partner and led the Nordic Desk.
As a dual qualified English and Swedish lawyer with close to 30 years of corporate law experience with leading law firms in both London and Stockholm, most recently as a corporate partner at A&O Shearman, Lisa has advised leading corporates, private equity firms, and financial institutions on complex cross-border M&A and joint ventures across the Nordic region and globally.
Lisa has also held General Counsel roles, including with a Swedish NASDAQ listed multinational company, and served as an acting judge with the Stockholm Court of Appeals.
“Lisa’s arrival is a significant development for our European transactions practice,” said Harris Siskind, global head of McDermott’s Transactions Practice Group. “Her deep relationships across the Nordic market and her command of cross-border M&A give our clients immediate access to a highly skilled advisor who understands both the legal and commercial dynamics of the region. We are delighted to welcome her to McDermott.”
Aymen Mahmoud, McDermott’s London Managing Partner, commented: “McDermott has undertaken a significant number of Nordic transactions in recent years and it represents a strong area for growth. Lisa’s experience, spanning private practice at a leading global firm and an in-house role at a listed company, means she brings a genuinely rounded perspective to every transaction. The synergies are clear and we are excited to deepen our client relationships in the region.”
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McDermott advises the Arcaplanet Group on its acquisition of Animal Store
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott advises the Arcaplanet Group on its acquisition of Animal Store
June 2, 2026
Read time: 4 min
McDermott Will & Schulte, with a team composed of Vincenzo Giannantonio, Giulia Fossati Zunino, and Alessandro Baronchelli, assisted the Arcaplanet Group in the acquisition of Animal Store S.r.l., a chain active in the sale of pet food, accessories and care products.
The transaction involved the integration of 12 stores located in Calabria and forms part of Arcaplanet’s growth and consolidation strategy in the Italian pet care market.
With more than 600 pet stores, Arcaplanet is further strengthening its presence in Southern Italy, continuing its strategy of expanding its retail network nationwide.
The sellers were advised by Lexsential, with a team composed of Stefano Candela, Pasquale Di Mino, Marta Cosi, and Dimitri Cuzzocrea.
Bernoni Grant Thornton acted as tax advisor to the buyers, with a team including Gianni Bitetti and Mattia Tencalla, while financial due diligence was carried out by Alberto Alverà, Edoardo Dell’Acqua, Arianna Campanile, and Francesco Tutucci.
Notarial aspects were handled by Notary Ciro De Vivo and Mario Lado of Studio Notarile Ciro De Vivo.
The Arcaplanet team was coordinated by COO and CFO Alessandro Strati, together with Linda Botto, Pamela Parma, and Andrea Arienti.
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 1,700+ 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 advises G-Square on exit from Medadom
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte advises G-Square on exit from Medadom
May 28, 2026
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Schulte advised G-Square on its exit from the share capital of Medadom, a teleconsultation company.
The London-based fund G-Square had invested in the company during a fundraising round in November 2020.
Medadom’s founders are regaining control alongside Swedish investor Verdane and Bpifrance.
The McDermott Will & Schulte team advising G-Square comprised:
- Grégoire Andrieux, Marie-Muriel Barthelet, partners, and Elodie Pieraggi, Alexandre Bomet, Khimia Maddelin associates, on corporate aspects
- Laurent Ayache and Charlotte Michellet, partners, on regulatory aspects
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 1,700+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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Edward Zacharias honored as a Top Managing Partner by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
Edward Zacharias honored as a Top Managing Partner by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
May 25, 2026
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May 25, 2026 – Global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that Edward (Ed) Zacharias has been named to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Top Managing Partners 2026 list, marking the third consecutive year.
As managing partner of McDermott’s Boston office and co-head of the firm’s Digital Health Practice Group, Ed is widely recognized for helping clients navigate complex regulatory, privacy, and cybersecurity matters that affect a broad range of health-related technologies. He provides legal guidance during the conception, development, launch, and support of artificial-intelligence (AI)-enabled and other digital health products, and structures sophisticated data development, use, and disclosure frameworks.
The Top Managing Partners in Massachusetts list celebrates local leaders who have contributed to their company’s revenue growth, talent retention, community engagement, and the achievement of significant milestones.
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 1,700+ 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 Almirall on collaboration with Huaota
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott advises Almirall on collaboration with Huaota
May 27, 2026
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Frankfurt, May 27, 2026 — McDermott Will & Schulte advised Spanish biopharmaceutical company Almirall, S.A. on entering into a collaboration with Chinese company Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., for the development of a novel monoclonal antibody for medical dermatology.
The collaboration focuses on a joint R&D program for a monoclonal antibody candidate. Huaota will lead early-stage research activities and the initial phases of clinical development and will receive development and commercialization rights for China. Almirall retains worldwide development and commercialization rights outside of China.
Total payments from Almirall to Huaota could amount to up to $340 million, including upfront and milestone payments tied to the success of development and commercialization, as well as tiered royalties on future net sales. Huaota will pay Almirall tiered royalties based on potential future sales of the product in China.
Publicly traded Almirall, headquartered in Barcelona, is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to medical dermatology. With more than 2,100 employees worldwide, the company generated total revenue of over €1.1 billion in 2025.
The McDermott team advising Almirall was led by partner Monika Richter.
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 1,700+ 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 strengthens employment litigation offering with MiRi Song arrival in Los Angeles
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte strengthens employment litigation offering with MiRi Song arrival in Los Angeles
May 26, 2026
Read time: 4 min
As employers face heightened exposure from class and collective actions, retaliation and whistleblower claims, and executive restrictive covenant disputes, global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte continues to strategically expand its Employment Practice Group, welcoming employment litigator MiRi Song today as a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office.
Employers are increasingly seeking experienced litigators who can manage complex matters through trial while providing practical, business‑oriented guidance amid evolving regulatory and enforcement landscapes. With MiRi’s addition, McDermott’s Employment Practice Group strengthens its capacity to help clients navigate their toughest litigation challenges.
“Market demand for sophisticated employment litigators continues to grow, particularly as companies navigate bet‑the‑company disputes,” said Maria Rodriguez, co‑head of McDermott’s Employment Practice Group. “MiRi’s arrival strengthens our ability to lead high‑stakes employment matters from investigation through trial. Her courtroom experience, judgment, and client‑focused approach aligns with our strategy to deepen our bench and deliver exceptional results for employers.”
MiRi brings extensive experience spanning private practice and state and federal government service, including at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and California Department of Justice, advising and defending employers in a wide range of workplace matters. A first‑chair trial lawyer, she advises on motion practice and discovery matters, Fair Employment and Housing Act claims, wage‑and‑hour exposure, and employee mobility issues on behalf of multinational companies. She is known for guiding clients through disputes involving heightened legal, reputational, and business risk.
“I am excited to join McDermott at a time when employers are facing unprecedented challenges in the workplace,” MiRi said. “The firm’s commitment to trial excellence, collaboration, and strategic growth in employment litigation makes it an outstanding platform to serve clients in their most critical matters.”
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 1,700+ 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 advises Voodoo’s co-founder on his acquisition of a majority stake in DC Company
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte advises Voodoo’s co-founder on his acquisition of a majority stake in DC Company
May 21, 2026
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Schulte advised Voodoo’s co-founder, Alexandre Yazdi, on his acquisition of a majority stake in DC Company, the parent company of digital media outlets Konbini, Le Gorafi, Herstory and C’est Qui La Boss.
The McDermott Will & Schulte team involved in the transaction comprised:
- Herschel Guez, Partner, and Marie Mouly, Associate, on corporate aspects
- Stanislas Chenu, Counsel, on financing aspects
- Abdel Abdellah, Counsel, on employment law aspects
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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Doug Carsten and Bill Gaede named among Top Intellectual Property Lawyers by Daily Journal
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
Doug Carsten and Bill Gaede named among Top Intellectual Property Lawyers by Daily Journal
May 20, 2026
Read time: 3 min
May 20, 2026 – Global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that Doug Carsten and Bill Gaede have been named to the Daily Journal’s 2026 Top Intellectual Property Lawyers list.
Doug is the co-head of McDermott’s global Intellectual Property Group and focuses his practice on complex patent litigation disputes. Although his work primarily centers on pharmaceutical products and the life sciences, he has litigated cases across a wide range of technologies, from medical devices to coffee pods. Doug has substantial first-chair trial experience that includes litigating high-profile and billion-dollar patent cases.
Bill is known as one of the foremost intellectual property litigators for the life sciences and medical device industries. He serves as lead counsel for a wide range of companies and research institutes and has extensive experience in litigating life science technologies such as antibodies, proteins, small molecules, and diagnostics.
The Daily Journal’s Top Intellectual Property Lawyers list recognizes standout lawyers in California based on career accomplishments and major achievements in the area of intellectual property over the past year.
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 1,700+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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“Leverest Relationship Tracker”: McDermott retains top spot as advisor on Acquisition Financing in the DACH Region
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
“Leverest Relationship Tracker”: McDermott retains top spot as advisor on Acquisition Financing in the DACH Region
May 20, 2026
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Schulte maintains its leading position in advising on acquisition financing in the DACH region.
For the fourth time in a row, the “Leverest Relationship Tracker,” published in FINANCE magazine, has named McDermott Will & Schulte as the law firm most sought after by banks and debt funds for acquisition financings. With 35 transactions executed, McDermott Will & Schulte’s finance practice ranks once again first in the 2025 rankings.
On the borrower side, the firm once again ranked second as legal counsel to private equity funds, advising on an additional 16 transactions and further reinforcing its strong position in the mid-market segment.
“We are delighted that our firm has once again secured a leading position as a highly sought-after advisor in the German market,” says Dr Matthias Weissinger, partner at McDermott Will & Schulte. “This renewed top ranking is both a recognition of our efforts and a source of motivation for us. It reflects the strength of our platform and underscores the strong, long-standing relationships we have built with numerous banks, debt funds and private equity investors.”
The “Leverest Relationship Tracker,” created by the Frankfurt-based fintech firm Leverest and published exclusively in FINANCE magazine, regularly analyzes mid-market LBO transactions in the DACH region and examines the relationships between private equity investors, legal advisors, and debt advisors. Over 300 transactions in the DACH region were analyzed for the year 2025.
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 1,700+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
