WilmerHale has announced new leaders in its Transactional Practices, highlighting its deep bench and reputation as a top choice for corporate and transactional clients in sectors like Technology, Life Sciences, and Financial Services.
“These leadership appointments reinforce our commitment to building depth and continuity within our Transactional Practices,” said Anjan Sahni, WilmerHale’s Managing Partner. “By elevating proven leaders, we are ensuring the strength and agility of our teams to guide clients through increasingly complex transactions and market challenges.”
“As the incoming Chair of the Transactional Department, I see these appointments as an opportunity to enhance collaboration and broaden our capabilities across practices,” said Judith Hasko. “It positions us to anticipate client needs and deliver practical, forward-looking solutions in a rapidly changing business environment.”
Ciara Baker has been named Chair of the Tax Practice Group, succeeding Kim Wethly. Ciara advises clients ranging from emerging companies to established public companies on a broad array of executive and equity compensation matters.
Chris Barnstable-Brown has been appointed Corporate Vice-Chair of the Corporate Practice Group, joining current Vice Chairs Caroline Dotolo and Eric Hanson in leading the firm’s Corporate Practice. In addition, Chris and Andrew Bonnes will succeed Hal Leibowitz as co-Chairs of the M&A Group, where they will leverage their extensive experience in leading transformative transactions for public and private companies across various sectors. Chris focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and financing transactions, with particular emphasis on the technology and life sciences industries. Andrew advises clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, joint ventures, alliances, PIPEs, and other strategic transactions across a broad range of industries.
Hal and Kim remain at the firm, providing peerless counsel to WilmerHale clients. The firm thanks them for their leadership and guidance over the years.
Avery Reaves will join Daniel Zimmermann as co-Chair of the Emerging Company and Venture Capital Practice Group. Avery represents emerging and growth-stage companies throughout the corporate lifecycle and supports companies and investors in financing transactions, including early- and later-stage venture capital and growth equity investments.
Ariel Soiffer has been appointed Chair of AI Technology Transactions within the Technology Transactions Group. Ariel advises life sciences and technology companies on corporate and securities matters, representing emerging and growth-stage businesses and supporting financing transactions across the corporate lifecycle.
The appointments reflect a deliberate approach to succession planning and practice development, positioning the firm to meet evolving client needs and market dynamics.