ArentFox Schiff wide-ranging M&A practice is suited to advise public and private clients with joint ventures, reorganizations and venture capital investments, with the group often receiving mandates from clients in the healthcare, sports and tech sectors. Praised by clients for its ‘ability to combine technical precision with real commercial judgement’. Chicago-based David McHugh , heads the team, advising clients in all stages of the life-cycle, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Also located in Chicago, Steve Isaacs offers experience in high-profile M&A and capital rising transactions. Boston-based, Paul Schmid is highly regarded by clients for ’pragmatic and solutions-oriented’ advice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The individuals I worked with at ArentFox Schiff stood out for their professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to combine technical precision with real commercial judgment. Paul Schmid, in particular, was exceptional throughout our transaction — consistently available, calm under pressure, and highly effective at driving the process forward while staying focused on achieving the right outcome for the client. His guidance was pragmatic and solutions-oriented, and he navigated complex issues without creating unnecessary friction or delay.
- ‘ArentFox Schiff distinguishes itself through practical, deal-focused execution and strong partner-level involvement on complex middle-market transactions. In our experience, the team combines technical rigor with an ability to move matters forward efficiently, particularly in transactions involving negotiated debt instruments, subordination agreements, and multi-party stakeholder dynamics. The firm is solutions-oriented and focused on closing rather than over-lawyering.
- 'Throughout our most recent transaction, Paul Schmid and the broader team were consistently professional, highly responsive, and exceptionally effective at guiding the process from start to finish.
Key clients
- Triumvirate Environmental, Inc
- Sutil Group
- Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB)
- Gordon Operating Company LLC
- Lunawood
- Clearwater Security & Compliance LLC
- USQRisk
- Intermatic Inc.
Work highlights
Represented Triumvirate Environmental, Inc. in a transaction with Boston-based private equity firm, Berkshire Partners, pursuant to which Berkshire made a significant growth investment in Triumvirate, based upon a company valuation of $1.8 billion.
Represented Sutil Group, a leading Chilean agricultural business group, in the acquisition of California-based Sunshine Raisin Corporation, one of the top processors of premium-quality dried fruits in the United States.
Advised Clearwater Security and Compliance in its sale to Sunstone Partners.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
David McHugh
Other key lawyers
Steve Isaacs; Paul Schmid