PRESS RELEASE
McDermott supercharges its Milan offering with five partner team in landmark lateral expansion
May 5, 2026
Read time: 4 min
Global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has announced the arrival of a five-partner team in its Milan office, marking one of the most significant lateral expansions in the European legal market this year and underscoring the Firm’s continued investment in Italy.
The team is led by Vincenzo Giannantonio, a highly regarded corporate and private equity lawyer, who joins the firm as co-managing partner in the Milan office. An experienced adviser on mid‑market and sponsor‑led transactions, Vincenzo brings a strong track record in corporate and M&A matters, with a particular focus on private equity and growth capital investments.
Harris Siskind, global head of the firm’s Transactions Practice Group, commented: “This is a standout addition to our European platform and a key step in building McDermott as a pan‑European destination for mid‑market private equity. For clients, it means deeper local capability, delivered through a fully integrated European platform for complex, cross‑border deals.”
Joining Vincenzo are four partners from his core team: Giacomo Pansolli and Domenico Patruno, both focused on transactions; Elisa Mapelli, a leading employment lawyer; and Marco Blei, an intellectual property specialist with deep expertise in life sciences and high‑technology matters.
“This hire meaningfully accelerates the momentum we’ve built in Milan,” said Giancarlo Castorino, managing partner of McDermott’s Milan office. “Vincenzo and his team broaden our capabilities across transactions, employment and IP, allowing us to deliver more integrated, end‑to‑end support for clients through our European and global platform.”
Vincenzo added: “McDermott’s international footprint, entrepreneurial culture and clear focus on private capital align perfectly with the ambitions of our clients and our team. We are genuinely excited to join the firm and to help drive the growth of the Milan office, working closely with colleagues across Europe to deliver high‑impact, cross‑border private equity and M&A solutions.”
In total, McDermott’s Milan office will welcome 12 new lawyers through this expansion, representing one of the largest single boosts in European lateral hiring in recent months. The appointments build on McDermott’s continued expansion in Milan and across Europe, with a strong focus on private capital and transactions, including the recent arrivals of Alfonso Annibale de Marco and Andrea Giaretta in Milan, alongside Kalish Mullen in France and Oliver Sutter in Germany. Together, these hires reflect a coordinated European growth strategy that strengthens the firm’s ability to support sponsors, investors and portfolio companies across key markets.
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 expands Energy & Project Finance team with partners Sebastian Chan and Eli Humphries
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte expands Energy & Project Finance team with partners Sebastian Chan and Eli Humphries
May 4, 2026
Read time: 4 min
As growth in the energy and infrastructure sectors accelerates, global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte continues to invest in its market-leading Energy & Project Finance platform with the addition of partners Sebastian Chan and Eli Humphries, strengthening transactional and private equity capabilities. Sebastian joins from Kirkland & Ellis while Eli joins from Norton Rose Fulbright.
Sebastian and Eli bring deep experience on the debt side of project finance transactions and will help meet rising client demand from leading private equity sponsors, financial institutions, and the federal government. As the project finance market evolves, deals are becoming more complex across renewable energy, infrastructure, LNG, and battery storage, spanning construction and long-term debt financings, tax equity-related structures, and public-private partnership matters.
“Sebastian and Eli meaningfully enhance our team and underscore our commitment to building a go-to platform for high value energy financings,” said Harris Siskind, global head of McDermott’s Transactions Practice Group. “Their work enables us to deliver even greater value on some of the energy sector’s most critical and time-sensitive matters, supporting clients across the full lifecycle of conventional and renewable energy, as well as infrastructure projects.”
With Sebastian’s and Eli’s arrivals, McDermott’s Energy & Project Finance Practice continues to scale its market‑leading capabilities, advising sponsors, developers, lenders, and investors across the full lifecycle of conventional and renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
“I was drawn to McDermott’s growth in the energy and infrastructure sectors and the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the expansion of its energy finance platform,” said Sebastian. “The firm’s integrated Transactions practice and focus on innovation make it an ideal environment to help clients navigate increasingly nuanced financing challenges.”
“McDermott has built a truly collaborative and forward-looking Energy & Project Finance practice with real momentum,” said Eli. “I am excited to join a team that pairs technical excellence with a strong client-first approach and is shaping the future of the energy market.”
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 expands Paris Private Capital capabilities with the arrival of finance partner Kalish Mullen
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott expands Paris Private Capital capabilities with the arrival of finance partner Kalish Mullen
May 4, 2026
Read time: 4 min
McDermott Will & Schulte today announced that Kalish Mullen will join the Firm’s Paris office as a partner in the Transactions Practice, focusing on debt finance for private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies. Joining from Kirkland & Ellis, Kalish will lead and further develop the office’s finance offering with an emphasis on acquisition finance, fund financing, corporate financings and debt restructuring.
Recognized by Chambers France as Up and Coming (2025) and named a Next Generation Partner by The Legal 500 Europe (2024), Kalish brings a strong market profile advising sponsors and credit providers in complex private equity transactions. He is admitted in England & Wales and France.
“We’re focused on accelerating our momentum by investing in exceptional talent and continuing to strengthen the capabilities that matter most to our clients,” said Ira Coleman, Chairman of McDermott Will & Schulte. “Kalish’s arrival does just this by enhancing our finance platform and bringing meaningful depth to our Paris deal teams. We’re excited about the energy and experience he adds as we continue building our premier, fully integrated private capital practice across Europe.”
Kalish’s practice spans acquisition finance (including unitranche, term loan B and senior/holdco structures), recapitalizations, fund level liquidity solutions and other sponsor side financings. He will work closely with colleagues across Paris, London, Milan, Frankfurt and other European hubs on complex, multi jurisdictional matters.
“Today’s sponsors expect seamless, execution-ready support,” added Harris Siskind, global head of Transactions. “Kalish brings deep sponsor side financing expertise and fund level know how at the heart of client demand.”
“The arrival of Kalish is a major step forward for our Financing practice and reflects the outstanding trajectory of our Paris office and the firm globally,” said Grégoire Andrieux, managing partner of the Paris office. “This top-tier hire strengthens our existing teams and enhances our ability to support fund clients across all their financing needs. It also reflects our leading position in Private Equity in France and Europe and underscore our commitment to delivering best in class client service.”
Kalish added, “I am delighted to be joining McDermott, Will & Schulte at such an exciting stage in the firm’s growth. The strength of its private equity platform, combined with its collaborative culture and clear strategic ambition in Europe, creates a compelling environment to build and expand a leading sponsor finance practice in Paris. I very much look forward to working with the team to continue delivering sophisticated solutions to clients.”
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 scales restructuring platform with addition of Lindsay Barca
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott scales restructuring platform with addition of Lindsay Barca
May 1, 2026
Read time: 4 min
Restructuring partner Lindsay Barca is joining McDermott Will & Schulte, strengthening the firm’s distressed practice as private equity sponsors face mounting portfolio company refinancings. Her arrival follows partner Gregg Galardi‘s recent hire and signals the firm’s positioning for complex, billion-dollar reorganizations.
Lindsay brings dual-sided experience that is particularly valuable in today’s market: she has represented creditor groups in billion-dollar restructurings while also guiding debtors through contested Chapter 11 cases involving mass tort liabilities and operational turnarounds. This perspective allows her to anticipate moves from all stakeholders – a critical advantage when sponsors need to protect equity value or creditor groups are negotiating recovery strategies.
“Private equity sponsors increasingly need restructuring counsel who can see around corners – who understand both how to position a portfolio company for the best outcome and how creditor groups will likely respond,” said Gregg Galardi, global co-head of McDermott’s Business Restructuring Group. “Lindsay has successfully managed billion-dollar capital structure challenges across healthcare, consumer, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Having worked with her previously, I know she brings the exceptional commercial judgment and execution capabilities that sponsors demand when valuations are under pressure and time is short.”
Lindsay’s track record includes some of the market’s most sophisticated and high-stakes restructurings. She represented a major orthopedic device manufacturer through a sale process while managing over $350 million in debt and billions of dollars in alleged tort liabilities. In another matter involving a cosmetics company, she helped resolve $870 million in funded debt while untangling complex licensing arrangements.
“The complexity of restructurings has intensified – we’re seeing more special situations involving mass torts, regulatory overlays, and competing stakeholder groups,” said Lindsay. “McDermott gives me the ability to work seamlessly with deeply experienced finance, M&A, and private equity teams – which is exactly what these mandates require. Sponsors don’t want siloed advice; they need integrated counsel that understands both the deal dynamics and the restructuring outcomes.”
Lindsay strengthens McDermott’s ability to serve sponsors through different entry points in the distressed cycle – whether providing early-stage liability management advice, representing debtors in Chapter 11, advising DIP lenders and plan sponsors, or working with creditor groups seeking optimal recoveries. Her experience spans Chapter 11 reorganizations, out-of-court workouts, distressed M&A, and cross-border insolvencies. Lindsay joins the New York office.
The Restructuring Practice Group includes more than 50 lawyers across New York, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, Wilmington, Atlanta, London, Paris, and Düsseldorf, working closely with the firm’s broader transactions, finance, and private equity teams to guide clients through distressed situations globally.
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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Christopher Olson recognized as a Lawyer on the Fast Track by The Recorder
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
Christopher Olson recognized as a Lawyer on the Fast Track by The Recorder
April 28, 2026
Read time: 3 min
April 28, 2026 – Global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that Christopher Olson has been recognized as a Lawyer on the Fast Track as part of The Recorder’s California Legal Awards 2026.
Christopher focuses on corporate and healthcare law, delivering efficient, client-oriented transaction support. He advises healthcare organizations on regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and complex transactions, representing nonprofit and for-profit health systems, hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, and physician organizations.
The California Legal Awards celebrate the achievements of lawyers and companies that are leading in technology, innovation, and the legal profession.
View the full list of honorees here.
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 recognized in the Inaugural Legal 500 US Private Client 2026 guide
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte recognized in the Inaugural Legal 500 US Private Client 2026 guide
April 24, 2026
Read time: 4 min
April 24, 2026 – Global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has achieved exceptional recognition in the inaugural Legal 500 US Private Client 2026 guide. The firm secured three Tier 1 rankings for Private Wealth law in California, Florida, and New York and is the only firm top-ranked in all the three categories and jurisdictions researched this year. McDermott is leading an elite group of firms featured in the first-ever edition. This achievement marks a proud moment for the firm and highlights the strength, depth, and excellence of its Private Client practice.
In addition, the following lawyers were recognized:
- Susan Frunzi: New York: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Julie Kwon: California: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Read Moore: California: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Arianne Plasencia: Florida: Private Wealth – Next Generation Partner
- David Pratt: Florida: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Melissa Price: Florida: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Jay Rivlin: New York: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Caroline Robbins: California: Private Wealth – Recommended
- Jay Scharf: Florida: Private Wealth – Recommended
Our private client practice is distinguished as delivering a truly national, full service offering for ultra-high-net-worth families and entrepreneurs. The firm is noted for deep experience, ranging from establishing private trust companies and family offices, estate administration, charitable giving, to cross-border tax and treaty planning, and complex, multi-generational wealth structures. The team is highlighted for collaboration across global offices and drawing on strong capabilities in tax, corporate governance, investment management, and family law – while also advising on cutting-edge emerging areas such as cryptocurrency assets.
McDermott’s Private Client & Wealth Management Group helps the world’s wealthiest individuals – and their family offices and businesses – preserve and grow wealth across borders and generations. We field a team of more than 100 lawyers who serve as trusted advisors to many of the oldest and largest family offices in the US. We can guide you through the legal and tax implications of investments, real estate holdings, business operations, philanthropic efforts, and asset transfers to heirs and beneficiaries.
View the full rankings here.
About Legal 500 US Private Client
The Legal 500 US Private Client guide marks a major expansion highlighting the firms and individuals shaping high-value private client work across the United States. With 103 firms ranked across key jurisdictions – New York, California, and Florida – this guide reflects the depth, complexity, and sophistication of today’s private client landscape.
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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Michael Morgan and Alex Southwell named to Cybersecurity Docket’s Incident Response Elite list
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
Michael Morgan and Alex Southwell named to Cybersecurity Docket’s Incident Response Elite list
April 22, 2026
Read time: 3 min
April 22, 2026 – Global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that Michael Morgan and Alex Southwell have been recognized within Cybersecurity Docket’s Incident Response Elite list.
Leading McDermott’s Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity Group, Michael (Mike) has guided clients through some of the largest and most complex data breaches, including incidents involving more than 50 million records, affecting individuals in over 100 countries, and involving highly sensitive defense-related information. He also counsels clients on compliance with US and international cybersecurity and data privacy regulations, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and China’s Network Security Law.
Alex is a leading technology-focused litigator and investigations lawyer who advises global companies on high-stakes matters spanning data breaches, regulatory enforcement, and complex litigation, including sensitive cybersecurity incidents, government investigations, and bet-the-company disputes across the US and internationally. A former federal cybercrimes prosecutor in the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), Alex advises clients ranging from emerging companies to global enterprises across all market sectors facing data breaches, security incidents, or cybercrimes.
Cybersecurity Docket’s Incident Response Elite list recognizes the best data breach response lawyers in the business.
View the full list of honorees here.
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 adds top-tier talent as Kyle Faget and Monica Chmielewski join Health and Life Sciences Practice Group
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott adds top-tier talent as Kyle Faget and Monica Chmielewski join Health and Life Sciences Practice Group
April 20, 2026
Read time: 4 min
Global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte further solidified its market‑leading presence in health and life sciences with the arrival of partners Kyle Faget and Monica Chmielewski.
“Kyle and Monica strengthen our elite capabilities in digital health, pharmacy, and regulatory, while expanding our depth in the complex life sciences sub-sectors of pharmaceuticals and biotech. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the firm,” said Kristian Werling, global head of McDermott’s Health & Life Sciences Practice Group.
Kyle focuses on clinical research, digital health, software as a medical device, and AI applications in healthcare, areas that are increasingly shaping how innovation is developed, regulated, and deployed.
She advises life sciences companies, virtual care providers, and academic medical centers on FDA and broader regulatory and compliance matters, helping clients navigate rapidly evolving oversight frameworks while advancing novel technologies to market.
“I am excited to join the McDermott team and work to provide clients with an expanded platform of services to address their increasingly sophisticated healthcare needs,” said Kyle.
Monica brings more than 25 years of experience guiding life sciences, biotech, and healthcare entities across clinical research, grant and grant administration, AI, FDA, and pharmaceutical and medical device regulatory matters.
She counsels clients on supply chain management, compliance, and contracting, helping organizations manage risk, maintain operational resilience, and support long‑term growth in a highly regulated global market.
“I am truly looking forward to joining McDermott’s Health & Life Sciences group,” said Monica. “The firm has a great reputation for providing high quality client services, and I look forward to collaborating with new colleagues to bring that work to life for our clients.”
Both Kyle and Monica bring valuable in-house perspectives, having served as regulatory and compliance counsel for pharmaceutical and medical device companies, as well as health systems.
Kyle joins McDermott’s Boston office, while Monica joins the Miami and Chicago offices.
McDermott Will & Schulte’s internationally recognized health and life sciences practice addresses the critical legal and business needs of leading industry players. The global team leverages deep market intelligence and decades of experience representing clients across all subsectors, including health systems and other providers, payors, private equity and other investors, major healthcare and life sciences companies, health technology developers, and new market entrants. It is the only healthcare practice to receive top rankings from Best Law Firms, Chambers, Legal 500, and Law360, while also ranking among the leading life sciences law firms.
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 advises ISAI and CAPZA on their investment in APL Data Center
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte advises ISAI and CAPZA on their investment in APL Data Center
April 20, 2026
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Schulte, together with Hogan Lovells, advised ISAI (investment fund of Tech entrepreneurs) and CAPZA (a leading private investment firm investing in European SMEs and mid-market companies) on their minority investment in APL Data Center, a leading French consulting and engineering firm specializing in the design and construction of data centers.
With over 40 years of experience, APL Data Center has established itself as a key player in the design, construction and optimization of data center infrastructure. The Group employs nearly 280 people across six offices in Europe and operates across the full data center lifecycle.
This transaction represents a significant milestone in the Group’s development, strengthening its financial capacity to take on larger-scale projects, accelerate its European expansion and consolidate its positioning on critical, complex mandates. CAPZA and ISAI will support APL Data Center over the long term, accompanying its growth trajectory and scale-up ambitions.
The McDermott Will & Schulte team advising ISAI and CAPZA was composed of:
- Grégoire Andrieux and Côme Wirz, partners, and Charlotte Allègre, associate, on corporate matters
- Côme de Saint-Vincent, partner, and Fanny Le Pogam, associate, on tax matters
- Abdel Abdellah, Counsel, and Chloé Marchal, associate, on employment 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 1,750+ 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 named to the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte lawyers named to the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales
April 20, 2026
Read time: 3 min
April 20, 2026 – International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is proud to announce that 35 of its lawyers have been honored in the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales. This list highlights solicitors and barristers across England and Wales who have dedicated more than 25 hours of their time to pro bono work over the past year.
Set up under the sponsorship of the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee, endorsed by the Lady Chief Justice, and supported by the Law Society, Bar Council, and all major pro bono legal organizations, the Recognition List celebrates the valuable contributions of individual lawyers from firms and organizations of all sizes who provide pro bono legal help to those in need.
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.
