William Weld Rejoins McDermott's New York Office
NEW YORK (November 16, 2006) — Former Massachusetts Governor William Weld has joined the international law firm of McDermott Will & Emery as a partner in the Firm's New York office. Weld’s arrival at McDermott marks his return to the Firm, where he served previously as a partner in the Boston and New York offices from 1997 to 2001, serving as head of the New York office from 2000 to 2001. Governor Weld brings his public and private sector background and substantial experience in international business, trade and litigation to McDermott's multifaceted U.S. and international practices.
"We are delighted to have Bill back at McDermott," said Chairman Harvey W. Freishtat. "Bill brings both strength and stature to the Firm. Bill's legal acumen as well as his experience in dealing with federal and state government agencies and governments abroad will be a valuable asset to our broad range of U.S. and international clients."
"Bill's depth of experience and international network enhance our existing strengths in international business issues, finance, energy and trade related matters in New York and beyond," said Peter Sacripanti, partner-in-charge of the Firm's New York office. "His strong business and litigation experience will be a tremendous benefit to our clients and to the Firm."
"Bill brings a unique combination of trial skills and his litigation savvy acquired during his five years as a U.S. Attorney and two years in Washington as head of the Criminal Division," commented Jeffrey E. Stone, head of the Firm's Trial Department. "This talent, coupled with the experience he gained during his years working in the financial sector, makes him exceptionally well qualified to counsel and represent financial institutions facing complex litigation and investigative problems."
"This is an exciting opportunity for me,” said Weld. “McDermott has an innovative and rapidly expanding international group that is actively engaged in markets throughout the world. The Firm's thriving, multinational practices and compelling mix of private and public sector businesses were a powerful attraction for me."
During his tenure on Beacon Hill, Governor Weld was widely credited with improving the business climate in Massachusetts by reducing taxes and cutting state regulations on business. He also served as national co-chair of the Privatization Council and led trade missions to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Canada, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, India, South Africa, Israel, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Prior to becoming Governor, Weld served as head of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and as the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts during the Reagan administration.
The New York office of McDermott has more than 150 lawyers representing a broad range of regional, U.S. and international clients, including some of the world's largest publicly and privately held companies, financial institutions, private equity and hedge funds, venture capital-backed start-ups and individuals. As part of its international practice, the Firm's New York office represents a wide range of multinationals and financial services institutions based in Korea, Israel, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and other countries.
