Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP’s ‘deep, highly experienced team’ maintains close relations with leading sponsors as well as a wide array of middle-market funds. The New York-based team’s broad capabilities enable it to advise clients on high-value buyouts and take-private acquisitions, especially in the tech, retail and financial services sectors, as well as on a growing volume of minority stake deals, investments in growth company fundraising rounds, and portfolio company transactions. Steven Steinman, an experienced practitioner with broad M&A and private equity capabilities, leads the practice. Other key contacts include Christopher Ewan, who is active across hedge fund and PE-backed investments, and Randi Lally, whose broad expertise spans carve-outs, recapitalizations, and mergers as well as private equity-linked corporate governance issues. Longstanding private equity expert Robert Schwenkel remains highly regarded for his advice on club deals, and Mark Lucas is a key contact for transactions in the tech, industrials, and infrastructure sectors. Amber Banks and Brian Mangino left the team in September 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Fried Frank private equity team is incredibly knowledgeable about the market and they know how to execute deals in the most beneficial way for clients. They are incredible on top of every detail and make sure the execution is flawless. Their advice, hard work, deliverables, and responsiveness are the best in the market.’

  • ‘Erica Jaffe is so smart, responsive and always three steps ahead. She is creative and finds ways for us to achieve our objectives, often in ways we would not have though of.’

  • ‘Fried Frank has a deep, highly experienced team, who represents a market leader in our space. Their M&A, fund, and tax team works synergistically to provide high quality execution.’

  • ‘Randi Lally serves as our primary point of contact and lead partner on the majority of our investments. She knows the details of our market as well as anyone. Additionally, Randi is commercially-oriented and an effective communicator, which contributes to her being highly impactful in negotiations.’

Key clients

  • AEA Investors
  • Blue Owl Capital
  • Wafra
  • Orangewood Partners
  • Hellman & Friedman
  • Permira Advisers
  • Redbird Capital Partners
  • Stella Point Capital
  • Yellow Wood Partners
  • Monarch Alternative Capital
  • Bonaccord Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised a consortium of investors including Permira and Hellman & Friedman on the $10.2bn all-cash take private acquisition of Zendesk.
  • Advised Blue Owl Strategic Capital in connection with the $835m sale of Energy Capital Partners to Bridgepoint Group.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Randi Lally
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Steven Steinman

Other key lawyers

Robert Schwenkel, Mark Lucas, Christopher Ewan, Randi Lally, Erica Jaffe