James Wood > Sidley Austin LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Sidley Austin LLP‘s City corporate team regularly advises on cross-border transactions in the insurance, energy and infrastructure sectors. The team benefits from the wider firm’s ‘global expertise’  and has been strengthened with several partner hires, including the addition of Philip Cheveley, former head of Shearman & Sterling LLP’s M&A practice for EMEA and Asia in February 2023. Cheveley, who was previously at Travers Smith, brings significant experience in public company takeovers, mergers, acquisitions and disposals. Practice head Thomas Thesing is a name to note in the team, which also includes James Wood, who handles international transactions and strategic initiatives. Robert Darwin is known for his transactional work with life sciences and healthcare corporations. Also noted in the market is Lyndsey Laverack, who is described by one client as ‘one of the best M&A and private equity lawyers.’ Counsel Ed Perry  has  a broad skillset, handling public takeovers, investments and private equity buyouts in highly regulated industries. Fatema Orjela departed the practice in April 2024.