Grissel Mercado > Shearman & Sterling LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

Shearman & Sterling LLP has experienced a changing of the guard in its Latin America capital markets practice with the retirement of heavy-hitter Stuart K Fleischmann in January 2021 and following the retirement from the partnership of senior statesperson Antonia Stolper the previous year, although she remains of counsel at the firm. Manuel Orillac and Grissel Mercado have stepped up to lead many of the team’s top engagements, with Roberta Cherman providing further senior-level experience in Sao Paulo. The team continues to represent leading international and Latin American banks, along with a range of regional issuers. The practice remains best known for project bonds, along with financial institutions, energy (including renewables) and infrastructure-related bond offerings. ESG and sustainability-linked bond offerings constitute another growth area for the group. Maria Marulanda Larsen and Sao Paulo’s Jonathan Lewis are additional key names at counsel level. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Shearman & Sterling LLP is rated for both bank side and issuer engagements, particularly those involving Canadian and Latin America entities. The firm is noted for its record in SEC-registered IPOs and debt offerings, along with Rule 144A/Regulation S offerings and private placements. In Latin America, the firm is also active in the sovereign issuance field. The firm’s well established offices in Toronto and Sao Paulo bring it a wealth of engagements with a number of New York partners and team members also plugged into the Canada and Latin America markets. Latin America giant Stuart Fleischmann retired in January 2022 and Latin America leader Antonia Stolper  has become of counsel. Manuel Orillac  and Grissel Mercado  are now the key New York partners on Latin America deals. Jason Lehner  splits his time between New York and Toronto and is key for Canada offerings.