Department profile

Corporate/M&A

USA Guide 2026 : Illinois

Sidley Austin LLP

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Sidley Austin LLP

For more information on the practice, please visit the practice's page at: https://www.sidley.com/en/us/services/ma/

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - Illinois

What the Team is Known For

Sidley Austin LLP has an acclaimed corporate practice representing a broad list of private equity sponsors and global companies in high profile M&A and private equity-related transactions. The team draws upon its experience in capital markets and financial services regulation to further inform its offering. It represents clients across a range of industries including insurance, automotive, industrial, finance, technology, healthcare and consumer products.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Sidley Austin LLP represented Arthur J. Gallagher & Co in its $13.4 billion acquisition of AssuredPartners.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The M&A team is outstanding. They're responsive, focused on solving problems and take a pragmatic approach. They're always looking for solutions to the challenges that inevitably arise in connection with a large transaction.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
They're very knowledgeable and provide thorough and practical advice.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Band 1
Band 1
Paul L Choi
Paul Choi enjoys a top reputation for his distinguished corporate practice. He possesses experience in complex takeover defense, securities matters and M&A. He serves as co-chair of Sidley Austin LLP's global M&A practice.
Paul is responsive, commercial and consistently looking for pragmatic solutions.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
He is always fully devoted to serving the client’s best interests, providing solutions‑oriented guidance that balances legal considerations with practical execution.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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Band 2
Band 2
Brian J Fahrney
Brian Fahrney acts on high value M&A. He regularly represents clients in sectors such as finance, insurance and energy.
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Band 3
Band 3
Chris E Abbinante
Chris Abbinante represents private equity sponsors and corporations in large transactions. He has experience in the life sciences sector.
Chris is an absolutely incredible attorney. He's very client-oriented and he knows how to adhere to the interests and needs of his clients.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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Band 4
Band 4
Alexis Cooper
Alexis Cooper is an highly respected name in the Illinois private equity market. She represents high profile clients in a broad range of transactions.
Alexis is outstanding. She is extremely knowledgeable, confident and experienced. In addition to her unmatched level of expertise and professionalism, she is a pleasure to work with. It is rare to find such a strong combination of skill and approachable style. I highly recommend her without hesitation.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
Alexis is an exceptional business partner.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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Band 4
Band 4
Beth Berg
Beth Berg is an experienced attorney who offers excellent advise in M&A, corporate governance and SEC-related matters. She is additionally experienced in issues concerning shareholder activism.
She is very smart, thoughtful and business-minded.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
Beth is great and a trusted adviser.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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Band 4
Band 4
Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith represents private equity firms in acquisitions and stock sales. He also handles joint ventures, mergers and restructurings.
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Band 5
Band 5
Jonathan A. Blackburn
Jonathan Blackburn stands out for his high quality advice in public and private M&A. He is active in a range of industries.
He is not only legally-savvy, he is an incredible business person's lawyer.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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Band 5
Band 5
Scott Williams
Scott Williams advises clients on significant M&A transactions and matters of corporate governance. He is active in life sciences, financial services and energy deals.
Scott is a tremendous asset to any deal team. He understands the commercial context and consistently looks for ways through the minefield.
Corporate/M&A respondentUSA
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