Perkins Coie Expands Capital Markets Team in New York With New Hires

Perkins Coie has expanded its corporate and securities practice in New York with the addition of Elliott Smith as a partner and Sarah Ross as counsel. Both attorneys bring significant experience in capital markets transactions and public company advisory work.Smith and Ross specialize in equity capital markets transactions, including initial public offerings, secondary offerings, and private investments in public equity. Their experience extends to corporate governance and securities compliance across industries such as financial services, technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and construction.

“Elliott and Sarah’s background in advising clients on IPOs and capital market transactions will be a valuable asset to our corporate practice,” said Jason Day, co-chair of Perkins Coie’s Corporate Practice. “Their expertise strengthens our ability to support public companies and financial institutions.”

Smith also has a practice focused on special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), representing sponsors, underwriters, and private companies navigating SPAC mergers.

“The opportunity to expand Perkins Coie’s public company and capital markets platform in New York and internationally is exciting,” Smith said. “The firm’s collaborative approach and deep client focus align well with my practice.”

Smith and Ross previously worked at White & Case as part of the capital markets team. Smith holds a law degree from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University. Ross earned her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and a business degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Their arrival follows the firm’s recent hiring of Jacquie Duval, chair of the Private Capital & Fund Formation practice, and Kerry Potter McCormick, a partner in the Corporate and Financial Regulation practice, further expanding Perkins Coie’s presence in New York.