LAWYER PROFILE
Paul Schnell

Paul Schnell

Global 2026

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Ranked in 3 practice areas

About

Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates

Global

Practice Areas

Paul Schnell focuses on U.S. and global mergers and acquisitions, private equity, anti-takeover and activist preparedness, finance, and corporate governance. Mr. Schnell has been named as one of the leading lawyers practicing in the U.S. and globally, where he has been recognised as a leading lawyer in areas such as M&A, private equity, finance, corporate, corporate governance, health care and Latin America. His practice includes Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America (where he co-chairs the firm’s practice group).

Career

Paul Schnell has been recognized as a U.S. legal “legend” for being included among the top 500 lawyers practicing in the U.S. in each of the last 10 years (Lawdragon).

In 2021, he was named one of the top 29 M&A lawyers in the U.S. (Insider). Mr. Schnell has been named one of the leading lawyers globally and in the U.S. in areas such as M&A/corporate (top Band 1 ranking in Chambers in the U.S., International & Cross-Border, Latin America and Brazil categories), private equity, corporate governance, corporate, finance and health care. He has long been a leading adviser to companies on shareholder activism and hostile takeover preparedness. Surveys that recognize Mr. Schnell include Chambers Global, Chambers USA, Chambers Latin America, U.S. News and World Report, The Best Lawyers in America, Who’s Who Legal, Latinvex, Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, IFLR1000 and LMG Life Sciences.

He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named multiple times as a Dealmaker of the Year and Dealmaker of the Week by The American Lawyer and as a leading lawyer for the Financial Times’ most innovative M&A transactions.

Personal

JD, New York University School of Law; BA, Amherst College.

Work Highlights

Mr. Schnell has worked on many of the most significant M&A transactions over the last several decades. He consistently is involved each year in dozens of transactions, many having a value in excess of $1 billion. Altogether, Mr. Schnell has advised on deals having an aggregate value over $1 trillion in recent years. He has worked extensively in the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, including in all of the BRIC countries.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Corporate/M&A (International & Cross-Border) - USA

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial
Paul Schnell is a significant presence in the New York corporate market, and maintains an exemplary reputation thanks to his track record acting on transformative deals.

Corporate/M&A - Latin America - International Counsel

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Paul Schnell enjoys an excellent reputation for his work in Latin America, offering distinct expertise in matters involving the Chilean market. He is sought after by prestigious clients engaging in complex, multi-jurisdictional acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures.

Corporate/M&A (International Firms) - Brazil

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Paul Schnell is a widely respected name for high-end M&A deals with a Brazilian connection. The New York-based partner is the co-head of Skadden's Latin America practice and is identified by market participants as a leading figure in the field, often involved in sensitive and complex matters.

Corporate/M&A - USA

Foreign Expert
Foreign expert in Latin America-wide

Individual Editorial
Paul Schnell is a significant presence in the New York corporate market, and maintains an exemplary reputation thanks to his track record acting on transformative deals.Paul Schnell is a significant presence in the New York corporate market, and maintains an exemplary reputation thanks to his track record acting on transformative deals.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Paul Schnell is the definition of a trusted and experienced adviser. His counselling goes beyond the legal aspects of a matter.

    Corporate/M&AChambers Global Guide
  • Paul Schnell is focused on M&A. He has a great reputation and is well known in the market.

    Corporate/M&A (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
  • Paul is a senior lawyer and a great lawyer.

    Corporate/M&A (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
  • Paul has handled M&A matters in Brazil for a long time.

    Corporate/M&A (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide

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