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The basics:
- McCarter & English acquires NYC-based Ross Law Group
- Move adds three lawyers
- Expands corporate and securities practice with cross-border expertise
- Strengthens services for venture capital, asset management, public companies
McCarter & English LLP is strengthening its practice with the acquisition of a three-lawyer boutique firm based in New York City that specializes in securities and corporate law.
In a Sept. 4 press release, the Newark-headquartered firm announced the arrival of Ross Law Group managing partner and founder Gary Ross, special counsel Matthew Winkel and associate Blessing Adeyeye.
Founded in 2013, Ross Law Group’s team focused on representing both domestic and international clients, including venture capital and other investment funds, asset management firms, small- and mid-cap public companies, foreign private issuers and venture-backed companies across the U.S., Asia and Africa. Its work spanned capital market offerings, compliance filings and corporate governance matters.
At McCarter, the trio joins the firm’s corporate practice group in Midtown Manhattan.
The right platform
Commenting on the merger, Ross said, “It was important to find a sophisticated, full-service platform that could build on the success of Ross Law Group while meeting more of our clients’ legal needs. McCarter offers that and shares our commitment to client service, responsiveness and collaboration, and gives us the opportunity to play a part in the continued growth of McCarter’s corporate practice and New York office.”
An attorney with more than two decades of securities law experience, Ross has represented fund sponsors across the spectrum, from top-tier venture capital firms to early-stage micro-funds and special purpose vehicles.
A graduate of Northwestern University School of Law and University of Miami, Ross is active in the American Bar Association and founder and host of the association’s VC law podcast series. Prior to founding his law firm, he practiced at several AmLaw firms and served in the U.S. Treasury Department.
Winkel’s practice focuses on the formation and representation of private investment funds, from venture capital and private equity funds to hedge funds. He earned his law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and bachelor’s degree from Fordham University.
Adeyeye, an alumni of Fordham University School of Law and University of Baltimore, represents foreign and domestic issuers and investors in public offerings and private placements, including SPAC IPOs and PIPE financings, as well as ongoing reporting requirements and securities filings. She also advises public companies on shareholder and governance matters.
A client asset
Theodore Grannatt, chair of McCarter’s corporate practice group, remarked, “This team’s track record advising innovative companies and funds on complex transactions both domestically and internationally enhances our ability to support clients in executing global strategic growth initiatives. Their experience across a variety of industries, particularly in tech and fintech, aligns well with the priorities of many McCarter clients.”
Boccassini
McCarter’s firmwide managing partner Joseph Boccassini added, “Bringing this accomplished group on board reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding the breadth and depth of our capabilities, and further advances our ability to serve clients in key industries and markets. Their cross-border capabilities and sector experience will be an asset to our clients in New York and beyond.”