Eleanor West > McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Praised for its global network and inter-office collaboration which spans 20 offices across Europe and the US, the corporate M&A practice at McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP is well-versed in acting on high profile mid-market transactions for start-ups, companies, private equity firms, family offices and fund services providers. Supplementing its ability to assist with a full range of corporate matters, the firm can draw on its tax practice and its distinctive sector focus covering life sciences and healthcare, technology, consumer and retail and energy and natural resources. Advising both public and privately owned clients in the commodities, life sciences and energy space is Nicholas Azis. Calum Thom has a broad practice and possesses a wealth of experience in buy-outs, strategic M&A, co-investments, and joint venture transactions. Leading on several cross-border transactions in the past year is Eleanor West , who acts for management teams and high net worth family offices in private equity buy-out transactions and direct investments. Chris Marshall’s client roster features large corporates, high-net-worth individuals and SME’s and new arrival who joined the team from Paul Hastings LLP in October 2022, Garrett Hayes, has significant expertise in the telecoms industry. Stuart Mathews left the firm in March 2023 to join Keystone Law, and former practice head Tom Whelan departed to Reed Smith LLP in February 2024.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP is sought out by both sponsors and portfolio companies for its transactional capabilities across the tech, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. Eleanor West is a highly active adviser who anchors the team’s offering in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, while Calum Thom – experienced in cross-border deals – works with clients who are active in real estate, life sciences, and engineering, among other sectors. Counsel Elisa De Carolis‘ focus ranges from VC-backed growth investors to digital health and medtech-oriented funds. Former practice head Tom Whelan departed to Reed Smith LLP in February 2024, while cross-border PE buyout specialist Fatema Orjela joined from Sidley Austin LLP in April 2024.