Sidley’s Future in Focus: Brian Fahrney Takes the Helm as Chair-Elect of Executive Committee
Sidley Elects Brian Fahrney as Chair of the Executive Committee
Chicago and New York – Sidley is pleased to announce that Brian Fahrney has been elected to Chair of the Firm’s Executive Committee. Mr. Fahrney will succeed Michael Schmidtberger, who has served as a member of the Executive Committee since 2002 and as its Chair since January 2018.
Mr. Fahrney, who currently serves on the Management and Executive Committees, will work closely with Mr. Schmidtberger to ensure a seamless transition. Mr. Schmidtberger will remain a partner in the Firm’s market-leading Investment Funds practice.
“I am honored to be elected Chair of the Executive Committee at one of the leading global law firms. I look forward to working with Mike and Firm leadership to effect a smooth transition,” said Mr. Fahrney. “I commend Mike on his many accomplishments during his tenure as Chair and, before that, as Office Managing Partner of our New York office. His leadership and commitment to Sidley have set a great example for our attorneys as we continue to grow globally.”
“Brian represents the best of Sidley,” said Mr. Schmidtberger, Chair of the Executive Committee and a member of the Management Committee. “He has embraced our client-focused approach and the teamwork required to get the best results possible for our clients. Under his leadership, our M&A and Private Equity practice has consolidated its status as a top-tier practice and has attracted many talented lawyers and noteworthy clients to our platform.”
During Mr. Schmidtberger’s tenure, the Firm has experienced significant growth, with revenue increasing by over 50% and profitability growing commensurately. Mr. Schmidtberger expressed confidence in the Firm’s future under Mr. Fahrney’s leadership.
Yvette Ostolaza, Chair of the Management Committee and member of the Executive Committee, praised Mr. Fahrney’s leadership and vision. “Brian and I have served together on the Management Committee and Executive Committee for many years. We have a compelling and unified vision of how to lead Sidley. Our focus on client service, culture, leadership development at all levels, and platform maximization will move Sidley boldly into the future.”
As global co-leader of the M&A and Private Equity practice, Mr. Fahrney represents both acquirors and sellers in a wide variety of public and private merger and acquisition transactions. He has been a trusted advisor to numerous public companies in their strategic transactions, capital raising activities, and SEC disclosure matters.
About Sidley
Sidley is an elite global law firm with 2,300 lawyers, annual revenue of US$3.2 billion, and experience that spans 158 years. We have established a reputation using Built to Win℠ legal strategies in successfully representing clients in more than 70 countries on complex transactional, investigation, regulatory, and litigation matters.
With 21 offices strategically situated in key commercial and financial hubs throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific, our perspective and our reach are truly global. Our lawyers and business professionals, fluent in more than 80 languages, possess the cultural awareness and cross-border legal acumen needed to bring clarity to a dynamic business landscape.