Band 1
Provided by Neill Jakobe
Neill Jakobe is vice chair of Ropes & Gray and a member of the firm’s management committee. He previously served as co-head of the firm’s global private equity practice and as managing partner of the Chicago office. Focusing on private equity buyouts and strategic M&A, Neill has helped steer an international roster of private equity and strategic clients through complex deals ranging in size up to billions of dollars.
Neill is one of the most in-demand transactions lawyers in the country, particularly for complex and challenging private equity and M&A deals. Clients have described Neill as “super client-focused, responsive and commercial.” He has been recognized as “Highly Regarded” for 2023–2024/25 by IFLR1000 and a leading lawyer by both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. Crain’s Chicago Business named Neill to its 2024 Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law. He was also named a Midwest Trailblazer by The American Lawyer in 2021.
Neill offers clients rare insight into the dealmaking process. In addition to his legal experience structuring, negotiating and closing complex deals, Neill has firsthand transactional experience from his work as an investment banker with the Financial Sponsors Group at Morgan Stanley. Earlier in his career, Neill also was a member of litigation teams handling high-profile securities fraud matters, including actions arising from Enron’s bankruptcy.
Provided by Chambers
Neill Jakobe acts on high value transactions in the private equity space. He advises on acquisitions and dispositions, among other deals.
Provided by Chambers
Neill is my trusted confidant. He knows our idiosyncrasies and our culture.
Neill is always there for us when needed, offering helpful advice and a can-do attitude.
Neill is an exceptional lawyer and the best I’ve worked with. He always comes prepared with an opinion and suggestion and has extremely high EQ. He's a true thought leader and a great mentor.
Neill is one of the strongest private equity attorneys in Illinois. He is at the top of the pyramid when it comes to client service and responsiveness.
Neill is my trusted confidant. He knows our idiosyncrasies and our culture.
Neill is always there for us when needed, offering helpful advice and a can-do attitude.
Neill is an exceptional lawyer and the best I’ve worked with. He always comes prepared with an opinion and suggestion and has extremely high EQ. He's a true thought leader and a great mentor.
Neill is one of the strongest private equity attorneys in Illinois. He is at the top of the pyramid when it comes to client service and responsiveness.