The ‘business-forward and strategic’ team at Seyfarth Shaw LLP is sought out by clients ranging from start-ups and middle-market companies to major multinational firms to advise on transactions involving specialized industries such as business services, technology and life sciences. Leadership duties are divided between Suzanne Saxman, who operates from the firm’s Chicago office and is praised for her ‘deep expertise’ in transactions and joint ventures, and New York-based Andrew Lucano, who is noted for his ability to stay on top of trends in the market such as fraud carveouts in private target acquisition agreements. Further key contacts at the practice include the ‘exceptional attorney’ Aaron Gillett, who is based in Chicago, and Paul Pryzant, a Houston-based practitioner who excels at handling transactions involving private equity funds. In New York, Stanley Bloch has a focus on transactions involving clients from the communications sector, while Breanne Vaclavik is regularly called upon to act as outside general counsel to clients and is based in the firm’s Chicago office.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘With Seyfarth Shaw we have found deep expertise in employment and M&A law. We have been using them for over 15 years and plan on continuing using them.’
'Many firms have lawyers with various specialties that are brought into projects at different times. However, what I found to be unique and very effective at Seyfarth Shaw is that the various attorneys that brought together functioned like a team that works together routinely. They all were a pleasure to work with and their skills complemented one another perfectly.'
‘Suzane Saxman's advice is always clear, useful and actionable.’
‘This team, led by Andrew Lucano, is the most business forward and strategic team I have worked with in the M&A practice. ’
‘Andrew Lucano is incredibly experienced in this space and leverages his sophisticated deal knowledge to our benefit. He is a great business partner and strategist.’
‘Seyfarth is excellent at striking the right balance, addressing all important elements of the transaction (from diligence, through contract, and on to closing) in an efficient and appropriate way.’
‘Suzanne Saxman is the lead partner and has deep expertise and a great manner, able to size up the issues and communicate them effectively to in-house counsel. Aaron Gillett combines an associate's work ethic and attention to detail with a partner's business sense and good judgment.’
‘They are very responsive to client needs, have a depth of differing expertise, and are very professional.’
Key clients
- NCA SF 16 LLC
- Bluware Corp.
- Veolia North America, LLC
- Merit Management Group Limited Partnership
- iFiber Communications Corporation
- Novack and Macey LLP
Work highlights
- Represented NCA SF 16 LLC in its acquisition of Water Runner, Inc. through a stock acquisition that included secured seller financing with a contingency escrow.
- Represented Bluware-Headwave Ventures, Inc. in its cross-border acquisition by Computer Modelling Group Ltd., a Canadian-based, publicly traded company.
- Represented Veolia North America in a carve-out sale of its “Advanced Solutions” business and in its acquisition of U.S. Industrial Technologies.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Leading partners
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Next generation partners
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Breanne Vaclavik
Practice head
Suzanne Saxman; Andrew Lucano
Other key lawyers
Aaron Gillett; Paul Pryzant; Stanley Bloch; Breanne Vaclavik