Barnes & Thornburg, the Am Law 100 firm growing across 23 offices, added Tim Van Hal and Jeff Connor to the firm. They both have deep experience advising sophisticated clients on complex transactions and fund matters.
Based in the Nashville office and fluent in German, Van Hal focuses on M&A, private equity, venture capital, joint ventures and governance issues, with an emphasis on cross-border and healthcare work.
Dallas-based Connor concentrates on private equity and hedge funds, joint ventures, secondary transactions and mergers and acquisitions, leveraging his prior experience as former in-house counsel for a global private equity advisory firm.
“Tim and Jeff add depth to our practice in two key markets,” Jahan Sharifi, the firm’s corporate department chair, said. “Their complementary skills in M&A, securities and private funds boost our established strength in guiding clients through sophisticated deals.”
Van Hal counsels closely held businesses, private equity sponsors and public companies on transactional and governance matters across healthcare, professional services, technology and advanced manufacturing. Experienced in both U.S. and European markets, he leads clients through regulatory and commercial aspects of cross-border deals. His arrival also bolsters the firm’s European services group, which advises European entities engaged in business in the United States.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim to the firm,” Jay Knight, who heads up the firm’s Nashville office, said. “His industry knowledge and cross-border experience will help serve clients in key sectors like healthcare and technology.”
Connor joins as counsel in Dallas and advises fund sponsors, institutional investors and private equity and hedge fund clients on fundraising, structuring, operational and transactional matters and private credit transactions. His prior in-house role at a global alternative asset manager gives him practical insight into aligning complex legal structures with business goals.
“Jeff’s investment management experience and business perspective will be a real asset to our Dallas clients,” Thomas Haskins, managing partner of the firm’s Dallas office, said.
Van Hal earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and his B.A. in government from Georgetown University. Connor earned his J.D. from Southern Methodist School of Law and his B.A. in political science and government from Texas Tech University.
