A&O Shearman

With strong expertise within the financial services sector, A&O Shearman primarily handles the incentives aspects of high-profile M&A matters, and its client roster includes global banks and asset managers. Practice head Paul McCarthy regularly leads on employee equity incentives and executive remuneration matters, acting for publicly listed and private companies. Kate Pumfrey handles employee compensation and benefits matters, with a particular focus on advising financial services and listed companies. Lauded by clients for his ‘exceptional technical knowledge and experience’, Mahesh Varia is skilled at handling corporate transactions, often advising on incentives and tax issues. Varia joined the team from Travers Smith LLP at the beginning of 2025, and his addition has been noted as adding ’to an already strong offering in this space.’