Americas  Rising Dealmakers

“Distinction in Dealmaking”


WHAT, introduction: The inaugural A-list features highly accomplished, brilliant, and talented young dealmakers from the North American investor, legal and advisory transactional communities.

WHY, value: “Once in a life-time” recognition, validates the individual’s record and enthusiasm for executing value-creating deals. Likewise, these professionals will progressively take-on leadership role at their firms and industries for years to come.

WHO, criteria: Objectively selected based on the young professional’s deal execution track record, seven plus years of industry experience, and unique abilities – personifying the “Distinction in Dealmaking” qualities.

2018, The List: Features 50 professionals comprising of 18 dealmakers from the private and growth equity investor class, 12 from the financial advisory group, 20 lawyers, and a total of 7 young women executives.


Mehdi Ansari
Profession: Lawyer
Location: New York, New York
Education: J.D., UC Berkeley School of Law

Mehdi primarily advises on M&A transactions involving intellectual property matters and general strategic advice. Recent deals involving Mehdi include Amazon.com purchase of Whole Food and Bayer acquisition of Monsanto.


Darío D. Avram
Profession: Lawyer
Location: San Francisco, California
Education: J.D., George Washington University School of Law

Darío mostly advises on deals related to private equity buyouts, financings and restructuring matters. Transactions recently advised by Darío include sale of Accela to Berkshire Partners, HealthCare Source HR, company of Francisco Partners purchase of Centricity Contingent Staffing business from GE.


Holly Buckley
Profession: Lawyer
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Education: J.D., Loyola University, School of Law

Holly counsels on healthcare transactions and related matters for private equity funds and clients, including hospitals and health system. Holly recently advised Revelstoke Capital Partners in its partnership with Cincinnati Eye Institute in formation of CEI Vision Partners.


Garrett T. Charon
Profession: Lawyer
Location: New York, New York.
Education: J.D., Brooklyn Law School

Garrett practices in the Private Equity Transactions group, advising on buyouts, mergers and acquisitions. Deals advised by Garrett include CCMP Capital led group comprising of MSD Partners, Alberta Investment Management purchase of Hayward Industries; and Aretex Capital purchase of Alerian.


Stacey P. McEvoy
Profession: Lawyer
Location: Washington D.C
Education: J.D., George Mason University School of Law

Stacey advises on corporate transactional, commercial and corporate governance matters. Notable transactions involving Stacey includes Home Properties sale to Lone Star Funds, PPG Industries purchase of Consorcio Comex, and advising Lockheed Martin on serveral acquisitions.


Sonia K. Nijjar
Profession: Lawyer
Location: Palo Alto, California
Education: J.D., Columbia University School of Law

Sonia advises on M&A, proxy contests and capital markets matters. Sonia recently represented Intel in its purchase of Mobileye, Intel’s spin-off and joint venture with TPG Capital to form McAfee, and SanDisk sale to Western Digital.


Christina Pearson
Profession: Lawyer
Location: Silicon Valley, California
Education: J.D., University of Virginia School of Law

Christina advises on mergers and acquisitions, capital raise, and initial public offerings. Significant deals advised by Christina includes SYNNEX purchase of Westcon-Comstor’s Latin America and North America operations as well as purchase of Convergys, and Snapfish’s purchase of CafePress.


Keith Hallam
Profession: Lawyer
Location: New York, New York.
Education: J.D., University of Pennsylvania, Law School

Keith concentrates on mergers and acquisitions, activist defense and governance matters. Notable deals advised by Keith includes Florida East Coast Railway sale to Grupo México, Alere sale to Abbott, and Starwood Hotels sale to Marriott International.


Russell A. Hilton
Profession: Lawyer
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Education: J.D., Emory University, School of Law

Russell advises on mergers and acquisitions, financing and securities offerings in the health care sectors. Most recently Russell advised on LHC Group merger with Almost Family, and Sale of MedPartners HIM division by P2P Staffing.


Timothy D. Kincaid
Profession: Lawyer
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Education: J.D., Georgetown University Law Center

Tim concentrates on private equity related transactions . Deals advised by Tim includes A.M. Castle & Co sale of its subsidiary, Total Plastics to Prophet Equity, and Norwest Equity Partners purchase of Ramsey Industries.