Frank Chaiken, chair of Corporate Transactions & Securities at Thompson Hine LLP, represents clients in diverse M&A, joint ventures, acquisitions, and divestitures, including sectors like food, packaging, and manufacturing, across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He also advises on strategic alliances and technology agreements.

Cristina DeMento at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP specializes in complex corporate transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings, across industries like technology, financial services, and healthcare, with a successful record in deals with regulatory aspects.

Michael Gray of Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP excels in complex, cross-border transactions across a wide range of industries, from technology to construction to asset management. Specializing in lower middle-market deals and fund formation, Gray is particularly skilled in strategic acquisitions, including restructuring troubled ventures and managing intricate acquisition challenges

Ethan E. Rii at Ice Miller is highly regarded for his expertise in complex healthcare transactions, notably leading the merger of two healthcare systems valued in the billions of dollars and involving tens of thousands of employees, along with significant cross-state, multi-jurisdictional work. Known for navigating the heavily regulated landscape of healthcare law, Rii is recognized for his capabilities in handling multi-layered, high-value deals in the industry.

David Agay of McDonald Hopkins LLC is an experienced attorney specializing in finance, M&A, and bankruptcy. Agay advises on restructurings, Chapter 11 cases, and cross-border matters, with expertise in manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare. Notable matters include AmeriMark’s $475m bankruptcy and the successful restructuring of Invacare Corporation, discharging over $240m in debt while maintaining operational stability.

David Kaufman, co-chair of Thompson Coburn LLP‘s national corporate and securities practice group, specializes in M&A and corporate transactions. Kaufman represents key clients including the CEO of Egg Innovations LLC and WeShall Investments. His notable matters include representing Merk Capital Corporation on a $350m investment in BGI Group, Inc., and the sale of Dorman Trading to Miami International Holdings, Inc.

Timothy Lavender, chair of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP‘s corporate practice, is a trusted and experienced dealmaker specializing in M&A, corporate finance, and strategic alliances. His recent work includes advising Sorcia Minerals on a leverage recapitalization, resolving litigation, and securing lithium resources in Chile, advancing sustainable lithium extraction technology. He serves as the primary outside counsel for a number of clients, including Lifeway Foods, Inc, and has a longstanding relationship advising the company on public securities compliance, corporate governance, and executive compensation matters. Lavender brings extensive experience across industries, including energy, technology, manufacturing, food and beverage, and private equity, and is known for his practical, business-focused approach.

William Loesch at Goldberg Kohn is a highly regarded attorney known for his wide-ranging, generalist practice. He handles mid-sized transactions with values in the hundreds of millions, including cross-border deals. Notable matters include selling a software business to a private equity firm, involving intricate international legal and accounting issues. He also works with small to mid-sized companies and private equity firms, and is active in sectors like post-secondary education, navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

David McHugh, national leader of ArentFox Schiff’s corporate & securities practice, is a seasoned M&A attorney with extensive experience in middle-market deals, including transactions exceeding $1bn. McHugh often advises on cross-border transactions across industries such as consumer products and technology.

Mitchell Roth serves as co-chairman at Much Shelist, P.C. with a broad transactional practice. Roth frequently advises on M&A transactions, serving as outside general counsel for Lakeshore Recycling Systems, guiding them through numerous acquisitions. His background in tax and experience with complex issues, such as environmental and employment matters, make him adept at handling intricate deals.

Marc Carmel is managing partner of McDonald Hopkins LLC's Chicago office, focusing on corporate law and M&A. Carmel represents clients in private equity and other industries, managing acquisitions, financings, and post-closing work. Carmel offers strategic advice with a focus on restructuring, regularly handling complex mandates.

Patrick Croke, a founding partner at Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC, regularly advises Fortune 500 companies, executives, and investment funds on M&A, fund formation, and corporate reorganisations. Croke has led major Chicago tech exits and forms family offices, venture capital, and private equity funds.

Robert Joseph at Husch Blackwell LLP specializes in corporate, securities, and M&A law, with a particular focus on the energy industry. Joseph represents key clients such as NorthWestern Energy, OGE Energy Corp., and Louisville Gas & Electric, advising on complex transactions involving multi-million-dollar reorganizations and public offerings.

Ammara Khan of Gould & Ratner LLP is a skilled transactional lawyer specializing in private equity, venture capital, and commercial finance. With a broad client base, she has significant expertise in advising on complex transactions, including venture capital, manufacturing, and emerging technologies, and excels in managing multifaceted deals from inception to completion.

Peter A. Shepard, vice chair of the corporate & finance group at Much Shelist, P.C., specializes in middle-market deals. Shepard represents key private equity clients like CIVC Partners and Providence Equity Partners, handling complex multi-million-dollar acquisitions and add-on transactions for platform companies.

Fred Tannenbaum at Gould & Ratner LLP focuses on mergers, acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital. Tannenbaum advises companies in the food and beverage, telecommunications, and technology sectors on complex transactions and strategic alliances, while also serving as outside general counsel for various businesses.

Robert Connolly, a partner at Levenfeld Pearlstein, focuses on corporate transactions, private equity, and venture capital. He advises clients on mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments, offering tailored legal solutions that drive business growth. His expertise helps companies navigate complex financial and regulatory challenges with confidence and precision.

Yankun Guo at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP focuses on business acquisitions and securities, with a particular strength in the technology sector. She regularly advises clients, including emerging technology, fintech, and cryptocurrency companies, on matters related to mergers and acquisitions, financing, and corporate compliance. Guo’s experience includes roles as in-house counsel, as well as advising on venture capital and blockchain technologies.

Richard Meller at Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP focuses on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and capital markets transactions. Meller advises management and boards across industries like hospitality, life sciences, and energy, with expertise in corporate restructurings, public equity offerings, and complex joint ventures.

David Morris, chair of the corporate & securities group at Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP, focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, and investment management. Morris has advised clients in significant transactions, including an investment management firm’s acquisitions and sale to a strategic buyer, a private equity-backed manufacturer’s roll-up strategy, and a natural foods company’s capital raises leading to its sale to a Fortune 100 buyer.

Jennifer Norkus, a corporate partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, focuses on mergers, acquisitions, and complex business transactions. She advises clients in the food, logistics, and manufacturing industries on acquisitions, financing, and restructuring. Her expertise spans asset purchases, equity sales, and leasing matters. Known for her strategic approach, Norkus helps businesses navigate intricate deals, ensuring smooth transitions and long-term success in an evolving corporate landscape.

Russell Shapiro, a partner at Levenfeld Pearlstein, specializes in corporate transactions, mergers, and private equity. He advises accounting firms and businesses on complex acquisitions, restructuring, and regulatory compliance. His expertise helps clients navigate strategic transitions with tailored legal solutions that support long-term business growth and success.