
Advising major aerospace, technology, cryptocurrency and fintech clients, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP maintains its presence in equity and equity‑linked financings, securities underwriting and public offerings, frequently acting for underwriters, initial purchasers and issuers across complex capital markets transactions. Co‑leading the group, Christopher Schell is highly regarded for his work on structured‑products financing transactions, while fellow co‑head Mark Mendez brings extensive experience in convertible, exchangeable and other equity‑linked offerings. Caitlin Wood advises on a wide range of equity‑related matters, including public and private convertible and exchangeable securities offerings, as well as accelerated share repurchase programs. Yan Zhang primarily represents financial institutions in offerings of structured products and is noted for her expertise across diverse asset classes. Mark DiFiore focuses on equity‑linked transactions, particularly convertible notes offerings, which often involve cross‑border elements. Derek Walters handles exchangeable notes transactions and is especially active in the technology and fintech sectors. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Key clients
- ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Bread Financial
- Etsy
- Hertz
- IREN
- Kosmos Energy Ltd.
- Rapid7
- Mirion Technologies
- Uniti
- Ventas
Work highlights
Advised the representatives of the several underwriters in connection with the $5.75 billion SEC-registered offering of 115,000,000 depositary shares by The Boeing Company, including the full exercise by the underwriters of their options to purchase 15,000,000 additional depositary shares.
Advised Etsy, Inc. on its Rule 144A offering of $700 million aggregate principal amount of its 1.00% convertible senior notes due 2030, which included $50 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes issued pursuant to the exercise in full of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional notes.
Advised the representatives of the several underwriters in connection with the $1 billion SEC-registered offering by Shift4 Payments, Inc. of 10,000,000 shares of its 6.00% Series A mandatory convertible preferred stock.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Christopher Schell; Mark Mendez
Other key lawyers
Caitlin Wood; Yan Zhang; Mark DiFiore; Derek Walters

