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Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Derivatives

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

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Provided by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

For more information about Davis Polk’s practices, please visit https://www.davispolk.com/capabilities.


Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Derivatives - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP boasts a broad-ranging practice, able to provide a full-service offering in all types of derivatives, with a leading reputation for its representation of issuers and underwriters in transactions. The firm's extensive deal experience includes OTC derivatives, repurchases and funded-collar transactions. The attorneys are particularly active advising on margin loans and back-leverage financings and draw upon the firm's global network in providing high end advice to major financial institutions, hedge funds and derivatives organizations.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP advised Equinix, as issuer, in connection with its SEC-registered at-the-market offering program.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Davis Polk is a thought leader in the market. The group provides a perfect balance between highly technical lawyers and counsel who can negotiate to get a deal done.

    Derivatives respondentUSA

  • The Davis Polk team is comprised of subject matter experts who have very good knowledge and visibility about what is happening in the market.

    Derivatives respondentUSA

  • I am always absolutely confident that Davis Polk can answer difficult questions and handle a transaction from start to finish, with the best combination of intelligence and efficiency.

    Derivatives respondentUSA

  • DPW is the gold standard in the industry for margin loans and complex derivative transactions.

    Derivatives respondentUSA

  • I have consistently found DPW’s advice to be firmly grounded in the law while remaining attentive to practical and commercial considerations.

    Derivatives respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Mark Mendez
    Mark Mendez

    Mark Mendez

    Mark Mendez garners excellent feedback for his knowledge of equity derivatives and is highly regarded for his ability to advise on a broad range of equity-linked products.

    • Mark's level of responsiveness is unparalleled. He never fails to provide exceptionally useful and actionable advice with almost absurd speeds. A phone call to Mark is always time well spent.

      Derivatives respondentUSA

    • Mark is the foremost expert in the field. He remains commercial and closes transactions.

      Derivatives respondentUSA

    • Mark provides excellent service and can be depended on for concise and consistent advice.

      Derivatives respondentUSA

    • Mark is a valued resource on many levels. He is responsive with thought, analysis and suggestions. He has a great finger on the pulse of the market and predicts where and how things will develop.

      Derivatives respondentUSA

    • Mark has literally seen everything and can react to any issue quickly and with confidence.

      Derivatives respondentUSA
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  • Mark DiFiore
    Mark DiFiore

    Mark DiFiore

    Mark DiFiore has experience acting for various parties, from investors to corporates, on the full range of equity and equity-linked transactions.

    • Mark has the best balance of hard and soft skills and can debate technical items with the most sophisticated counsel. He can also finesse some of the most delicate negotiations in a way that wins consistently.

      Derivatives respondentUSA
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  • Caitlin Wood
    Caitlin Wood

    Caitlin Wood

    Caitlin Wood bolsters her broad capital markets practice with strength on derivative matters. She regularly acts for initial purchasers, lenders and dealers.

    • Caitlin is excellent at completing complex transactions.

      Derivatives respondentUSA

    • Caitlin provides excellent service and is extremely knowledgeable.

      Derivatives respondentUSA

    • Caitlin knows how to focus in on the issues that are critically important to me.

      Derivatives respondentUSA
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  • Derek Walters
    Derek Walters

    Derek Walters

    Derek Walters has noteworthy experience in equity derivatives and margin loans, among other financial products.

    • Derek is our go-to counsel for listed share margin loans and provides outstanding perspective and guidance on complex transactions. He is highly knowledgeable and responsive.

      Derivatives respondentUSA

    • Derek is particularly expert at managing and analyzing the most complex transactions.

      Derivatives respondentUSA

    • Derek provides excellent service and is the top margin loan expert on the street.

      Derivatives respondentUSA

    • Derek has distinguished himself as one of the best counsels for margin loans and other equity financing and derivative transactions. I trust his counsel implicitly.

      Derivatives respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (4)

USA - Nationwide

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