Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP advises private equity sponsors across the large-cap and middle-market segments, providing comprehensive support on buyouts, platform acquisitions, financings, and exits. The firm is particularly active in financial services, insurance, technology, healthcare, and industrials, with a full-service platform covering regulatory, tax, and transactional matters. Spearheading the practice, Jeffrey Poss maintains a diverse portfolio that includes multi-billion-dollar take-privates and strategic majority investments. Co-head Neil Townsend has recently been active on significant disposals for healthcare and tech-focused sponsors. Morgan Elwyn regularly advises funds on public and private M&A, secondary transactions, and growth equity investments, while Rosalind Fahey Kruse is a go-to for substantial cross-border mandates. Mark Cognetti is praised as a ‘true business partner’ who is ’adept at finding creative solutions to complex problems’. Matthew Guercio combines M&A and private equity expertise with corporate governance and securities law knowledge. In 2024, Thomas McCaffrey joined from Akin, while the infrastructure and energy-focused Sarah McLean and Holt Foster joined from A&O Shearman and Sidley Austin LLP, respectively. All individuals are based in New York except the new arrivals who join the Dallas and Houston office.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Willkie's practice is distinguished by its deep industry expertise, a collaborative team approach, and a consistent focus on delivering exceptional outcomes for clients. The team demonstrates a unique ability to navigate complex transactions seamlessly, providing creative solutions tailored to the challenges of fairly bespoke transactions.’
‘The individuals I have worked with at Willkie consistently demonstrate exceptional expertise, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of the nuances of large-scale private equity transactions. Their ability to anticipate challenges and offer proactive, pragmatic solutions sets them apart from competitors. The partners and associates stand out for their strategic thinking, tireless work ethic, and ability to distill complex legal concepts into actionable advice.’
'The team is practical and is focused on serving the client and being user friendly for the counterparty. In addition, the firm has strong teammates across the spectrum (finance, restructuring, corporate, etc.), and can marshall appropriate resources for complex, cross-border deals.'
'The team is very strong. Mark Cognetti is a true business partner for deal teams and is very adept at finding creative solutions to complex problems. A trusted advisor who is always working to bring the parties together to achieve a workable outcome.'
Key clients
- 3i Group plc
- Aquiline Capital Partners and Aquiline Technology Growth
- Ariel Alternatives
- Atlas Holdings
- Avista Capital Partners
- Banneker Partners
- Blue Wolf Capital Partners
- Calvert Street Investment Partners
- Capstreet
- CapVest
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jeffrey Poss; Neil Townsend
Other key lawyers
Morgan Elwyn; Rosalin Fahey Kruse; Mark Cognetti; Matthew Guercio; Thomas McCaffrey; Sarah McLean; Holt Foster