Sidley is pleased to announce that Brian Fahrney has begun his tenure as the firm’s Executive Committee Chair, and that he will continue serving on Sidley’s Management Committee. Mr. Fahrney succeeds Michael Schmidtberger, who had served as Chair of the committee since January 2018, and will remain a partner in the firm’s market-leading Investment Funds practice.
Mr. Fahrney was formerly global co-leader of the M&A and Private Equity practice. He represents both acquirors and sellers in a wide variety of public and private merger and acquisition transactions including complex carve-outs, take privates, cross-border transactions, spinoffs, and leveraged acquisitions. He is a trusted advisor to numerous public companies in their strategic transactions, capital raising activities, and SEC disclosure matters. Mr. Fahrney will continue practicing law and serving clients while chairing the Executive Committee.
“It is a privilege to take over as Chair of the Executive Committee and to work closely with Yvette and firm leadership to continue the growth of Sidley through our investment in our people, clients, and communities,” said Mr. Fahrney. “I thank Mike for his exceptional service and commitment as past Chair. He has prioritized Sidley’s culture of collegiality and collaboration throughout his career and has prepared us well for the future.”
“I have worked closely with Brian for over a decade, and am excited about his new role. He is a client-centric, exceptional attorney who has contributed positively to the firm since he began his career as a summer associate. We are aligned on the strategic priorities of the firm,” said Yvette Ostolaza, Sidley’s Management Committee Chair. “As Sidley continues to grow, passing US$3.4 billion in revenue last year, we will continue to provide a premier client experience for our global client base, deliver the highest quality leadership development for our people, and use our talents to positively impact our communities.”
“Brian has been a leader at the firm and in the community during his more than 30 years at Sidley and I know he will continue the firm’s commitment to the values that it has cultivated for almost 160 years,” said Michael Schmidtberger, Chair Emeritus of Sidley’s Executive Committee. “It has been an honor to lead the firm in multiple leadership roles during my tenure, and I look forward to supporting Brian in his role as Chair.”
