Acting for the likes of international pharma corporations, tech providers, and energy conglomerates, the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP team comprises a set of corporate specialists who cover matters ranging from cross-border transactions to takeover defense. Ethan Klingsberg and Damien Zoubek co-head the New York offering, with the former routinely advising special committees and boards of directors on impactful mergers and complex governance issues, while the latter is an expert on shareholder activism defense. Also in New York, Jenny Hochenberg frequently tackles transformative M&A transactions, Sebastian Fain is knowledgeable on joint ventures, and both Paul Tiger and Paul Humphreys focus on stockholder activism and all-stock mergers. Based in San Francisco, John Fisher has expertise in the life sciences sector. Joseph Halloum left the firm in August 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘M&A, best in the business with two of the best lawyers I've ever worked with (Damien Zoubek and Jenny Hochenberg).’

  • ‘Damien Zoubek and Jenny Hochenberg are simply two of the best lawyers I've ever worked with. Damien is a force in the boardroom and a true business advocate. Jenny is the smartest and most creative lawyer I've ever worked with and also excels in solving problems no one else can. Jenny is also great with management and the Board.’

Key clients

  • Qualtrics International
  • Coupa Software Incorporated
  • Aristocrat Leisure
  • BP
  • Roivant Sciences Ltd.
  • Holcim Group Services Ltd
  • Schenck Process Group
  • London Stock Exchange Group plc
  • Novartis
  • eBay
  • AmerisourceBergen Corporation
  • 3D Systems
  • Sonoco
  • Exyte Americas Holding, Inc.
  • Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease
  • Japan Tobacco
  • Berkeley Lights, Inc.
  • PhenomeX
  • Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC
  • Google

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

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Ethan Klingsberg, Damien Zoubek