Welcome to The Docket, amNewYork Law’s weekly column focused on the movers and shakers in New York’s legal community.
Former U.S. attorney joins Eversheds’ white collar investigations department
Eversheds Sutherland’s New York office has brought on former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Robotti as a partner focused on white-collar disputes and investigations.
Robotti comes to Eversheds Sutherland after previously serving with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, based in Brooklyn. He was the deputy chief of the EDNY’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section and as senior trial counsel in its Business and Securities Fraud Section.
He is also the second former federal prosecutor added to the firm’s New York office in the past six months. Last December, Eversheds Sutherland welcomed Negar Tekeei, formerly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, as global co-lead of the firm’s Corporate Crime and Investigations practice.
“Mike’s proven leadership and experience navigating high-stakes matters will resonate immediately with clients,” said Lino Mendiola, Global Co-CEO and US Chief Executive of Eversheds Sutherland. “Together with Negar’s SDNY background and the strength of our broader team, his arrival further enhances our ability to deliver exceptional counsel in complex enforcement environments.”
Robotti brings plenty of trial and appellate experience from his days in the Justice Department, which Eversheds indicated would be valuable for clients who need white-collar criminal defense and representation in government and internal investigations, civil litigation and regulatory compliance.
“I’m thrilled to join Eversheds Sutherland and contribute to the continued growth of its highly regarded white-collar disputes and investigations practice and larger litigation practice group. The firm’s global platform and deep bench of talent create a compelling platform to support clients navigating complex, high-stakes enforcement matters, and I look forward to working collaboratively with my new colleagues to deliver practical, strategic counsel,” Robotti said.
In total, Eversheds Sutherland has hired 21 US litigation attorneys over the past year.
Holland & Knight adds new partner to executive compensation team
Sarah Burke has been named partner at Holland & Knight’s New York office, heading up its Executive Compensation and Benefits Team.Holland & Knight
Sarah Burke has been named partner at Holland & Knight’s New York office, heading up its Executive Compensation and Benefits Team.
Burke, who previously served as counsel at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, has years of experience advising clients on high-profile acquisitions, investments and divestitures involving both U.S. and international clients, as well as private equity sponsors and global corporate buyers.
Burke focus as partner, the firm said, would be on executive compensation and employee benefits matters arising in connection with complex public and private company transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity investments, financings and restructurings.
“We are pleased to welcome Sarah Burke to Holland & Knight,” said Sean Sullivan, co-practice group leader of the Tax, Executive Compensation and Benefits Practice. “Sarah’s deep transactional experience, combined with her knowledge of ERISA compliance and benefits plan governance, makes her an ideal fit for our growing New York office and the increasing demands of our corporate, M&A and private equity clients. We’re confident she will be an outstanding addition to our team and to the Firm.”
Burke received her judicial degree from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, as well as a master’s degree from Loyola Marymount University and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.
“Clients and deal partners want an executive compensation attorney who can move at deal speed, identify issues early and provide clear, actionable guidance without slowing things down,” Burke said. “I am looking forward to bringing those qualities to Holland & Knight and building on the incredible momentum this Firm has already established.”
Alston & Bird has a new partner for investment funds group
Derek Steingarten has joined Alston & Bird as a partner in its New York investment funds group.
Derek Steingarten has joined Alston & Bird as a partner in its New York investment funds group.
Steingarten, the firm said, brings 25 years of experience in advising registered and private fund sponsors and institutional asset managers on a range of investment products and business models.
His practice covers fund formation, capital raising, marketing, governance, and regulatory compliance across hedge funds, private equity and credit funds, separately managed accounts, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), interval funds, business development companies (BDCs), and other registered vehicles.
“A seasoned and respected practitioner in registered and private funds, Derek adds substantial depth to our capabilities in building funds for the democratization of alternative investments,” said Tim Selby, head of Alston & Bird’s Investment Funds Group in New York. “His understanding of complex regulatory frameworks will be invaluable to our asset management clients.”
Steingarten advises clients on U.S. federal securities laws, including the Investment Advisers Act and Investment Company Act, and counsels clients on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) examinations, investigations, enforcement matters, and related disputes.
“Alston & Bird’s integrated investment funds, wealth management, and M&A platform creates meaningful value for asset managers and wealth management businesses,” said Steingarten. “Combined with the firm’s depth in advising on ’40 Act funds, it provides a powerful foundation for helping clients navigate change and seize opportunities.”
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