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Werner in National Law Journal: SEC Push to Revive IPOs Collides With Exchanges' Stricter Listing Rules
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Haynes Boone, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Werner in National Law Journal: SEC Push to Revive IPOs Collides With Exchanges' Stricter Listing Rules
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The SEC's push to encourage more companies to go public comes as stock exchanges introduce stricter listing requirements that could make it harder for small companies to enter public markets. Haynes Boone Partner Rick Werner spoke with the National Law Journal about the developments and how regulatory reforms could affect public-market activity.
Read an excerpt below.
"What you've
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Haynes Boone, a law firm, posted the following news:
* * *
Werner in National Law Journal: SEC Push to Revive IPOs Collides With Exchanges' Stricter Listing Rules
*
The SEC's push to encourage more companies to go public comes as stock exchanges introduce stricter listing requirements that could make it harder for small companies to enter public markets. Haynes Boone Partner Rick Werner spoke with the National Law Journal about the developments and how regulatory reforms could affect public-market activity.
Read an excerpt below.
"What you'veseen is the exchanges putting more barriers to IPOs because there's actually been maybe too many small IPOs that went through for companies that shouldn't be public," said Haynes Boone partner Rick Werner, adding that Chinese-based issuers make up much of the exchanges' concern. ...
Lawyers say it's too soon to pin any increase in IPOs on the SEC reforms, which remain in the proposal stage. The increase in offerings is primarily a market-driven phenomenon rather than a regulatory one, said Werner. The reforms are more about boosting public-market activity generally than specifically increasing IPOs, he said.
"I do think regulatory reform will encourage more public market activity for existing public companies," Werner added.
Read the full National Law Journal article here.
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Original text here: https://www.haynesboone.com/news/articles/werner-in-national-law-journal
Troutman Pepper Locke Grows Health Care and Life Sciences Litigation Practice With Addition of Partners Andreas Ringstad and Debra Schreck
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Troutman Pepper Locke, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Troutman Pepper Locke Grows Health Care and Life Sciences Litigation Practice With Addition of Partners Andreas Ringstad and Debra Schreck
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Experienced Trial Attorneys Bring Significant Mass Tort, Product Liability, and Government Investigations Capabilities to High-Stakes Life Sciences Disputes
PHILADELPHIA and NEW YORK - Troutman Pepper Locke has strengthened its Health Care and Life Sciences Litigation Practice Group with the addition of partners Andreas Ringstad in
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Troutman Pepper Locke, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Troutman Pepper Locke Grows Health Care and Life Sciences Litigation Practice With Addition of Partners Andreas Ringstad and Debra Schreck
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Experienced Trial Attorneys Bring Significant Mass Tort, Product Liability, and Government Investigations Capabilities to High-Stakes Life Sciences Disputes
PHILADELPHIA and NEW YORK - Troutman Pepper Locke has strengthened its Health Care and Life Sciences Litigation Practice Group with the addition of partners Andreas Ringstad inPhiladelphia and Debra Schreck in New York. Their arrivals deepen the firm's bench across mass tort defense, product liability, government investigations, and health care enforcement.
Ringstad joins Troutman Pepper Locke from Campbell Conroy & O'Neil, where he represented clients in national mass tort and toxic tort defense matters. Schreck joins from Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP, where she represented pharmaceutical and medical device clients in federal and state litigation and government investigations, and conducted large-scale internal investigations.
"Health care and life sciences is a key industry sector for the firm, and as litigation work in this space continues to grow in complexity and scale, Andreas and Debra will further strengthen our capabilities in this area," said Sean Fahey, chair of Troutman Pepper Locke's Health Care and Life Sciences Department.
"Andreas brings mass tort defense experience forged in the trenches of pharmaceutical and environmental litigation, while Debra brings a track record supporting clients through highly consequential government investigations and litigation matters. Together, they further strengthen our ability to guide clients through any high-stakes dispute they face," he added.
Ringstad frequently works on matters in the pharmaceutical, opioid, and environmental contamination sectors, defending companies and individuals in high-exposure personal injury and mass tort litigation. He has managed large-scale pharmaceutical mass tort dockets, led scientific strategy involving toxicology, epidemiology, and industrial hygiene in drinking-water contamination litigation, and defended water utilities and environmental engineering firms against water quality class actions. His experience spans the full litigation lifecycle, from pleadings and discovery through depositions, expert challenges, summary judgment, and trial preparation.
"Troutman Pepper Locke has built a destination for top talent in the life sciences space. The opportunity to reunite with former colleagues, including Ryan O'Neil, who joined the firm earlier this year, was a significant draw. I know firsthand the caliber of the firm's lawyers and look forward to renewing those relationships and contributing to the team's continued momentum," said Ringstad.
Schreck is a trusted advisor for life sciences clients, representing pharmaceutical and medical device companies in connection with complex criminal and civil investigations by federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys' Offices, and state attorneys general. She defends companies in federal and state litigation, including actions brought by the government and qui tam relators under the False Claims Act (FCA), and involving the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and other health care statutes and regulations. She also conducts large-scale internal investigations on health care and workplace integrity matters.
"Troutman Pepper Locke's combination of industry depth, sophisticated litigation experience, regulatory capabilities, and integrated national reach is unique," added Schreck. "Life sciences companies are facing evolving enforcement and litigation challenges on many fronts, from FCA litigation and government investigations to product liability exposure. I'm eager to join a nationally recognized firm with the breadth and agility to help clients navigate these interconnected challenges."
Troutman Pepper Locke's leading Health Care and Life Sciences Department encompasses the entire spectrum of legal services for health care and life sciences companies. The team collaborates across disciplines to solve complex legal challenges confronting clients, offering a full suite of corporate, intellectual property, regulatory, and litigation services. Few law firms have a comparable health care and life sciences practice, and Troutman Pepper Locke draws on its deep industry knowledge to provide the precise, holistic advice and guidance clients need throughout their business cycles.
Insight Industries + Practices
Speaking Engagements
National Consumer Reporting Association's Elevate 2026
November 10 - 12, 2026
InterContinental New Orleans by IHG
444 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Speaking Engagements
Trial Lawyers of Mass Torts O'ahu 2026
November 9 - 12, 2026
The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
Speaking Engagements
SOLID Atlanta 2026
November 5, 2026
800 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Sponsored Events
11th Annual Philadelphia Fund Alliance Gala - Troutman Pepper Locke
November 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET
The Rittenhouse Hotel
Philadelphia, PA
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Original text here: https://www.troutman.com/insights/troutman-pepper-locke-grows-health-care-and-life-sciences-litigation-practice-with-addition-of-partners-andreas-ringstad-and-debra-schreck/
Sidley Represents Nous Research in US$90 Million Series B Financing
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Sidley Austin, a law firm, posted the following news release:
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Sidley Represents Nous Research in US$90 Million Series B Financing
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Sidley represented Nous Research, an artificial intelligence (AI) company focused on developing open-source AI models and agents, in its US$90 million Series B financing at a valuation of US$1.5 billion. The financing was led by Robot Ventures, with participation from NVIDIA, Microsoft, Samsung, Union Square Ventures, Y Combinator, Menlo Ventures, and other investors.
Nous Research develops open-source
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Sidley Austin, a law firm, posted the following news release:
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Sidley Represents Nous Research in US$90 Million Series B Financing
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Sidley represented Nous Research, an artificial intelligence (AI) company focused on developing open-source AI models and agents, in its US$90 million Series B financing at a valuation of US$1.5 billion. The financing was led by Robot Ventures, with participation from NVIDIA, Microsoft, Samsung, Union Square Ventures, Y Combinator, Menlo Ventures, and other investors.
Nous Research develops open-sourceAI technology, including Hermes Agent, an AI assistant designed to provide users with greater control over their data and AI systems. The proceeds from the financing will support the company's expansion into enterprise applications, including the development of Hermes for Businesses, a platform designed to enable businesses to deploy and customize AI agents.
The Sidley team was led by Lilya Tessler (FinTech and Blockchain) and Graeme Waller (Emerging Companies and Venture Capital).
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Original text here: https://www.sidley.com/en/newslanding/newsannouncements/2026/10/sidley-represents-nous-research-in-us-90-million-series-b-financing
Polsinelli Strengthens Restructuring & Strategic Capital Practice with Addition of Zach Manning
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Polsinelli, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Polsinelli Strengthens Restructuring & Strategic Capital Practice with Addition of Zach Manning
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Polsinelli today announced that Zach Manning has joined its Restructuring & Strategic Capital Practice as a shareholder in New York. Manning advises companies, lenders, sponsors and investors at every level of the capital structure, from new financings and strategic transactions through large-scale restructurings. His addition is part of the continued build-out of the practice under
... Show Full Article
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Polsinelli, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Polsinelli Strengthens Restructuring & Strategic Capital Practice with Addition of Zach Manning
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Polsinelli today announced that Zach Manning has joined its Restructuring & Strategic Capital Practice as a shareholder in New York. Manning advises companies, lenders, sponsors and investors at every level of the capital structure, from new financings and strategic transactions through large-scale restructurings. His addition is part of the continued build-out of the practice underChair David J. Karp to broaden the solutions the group can offer clients throughout the capital lifecycle.
Polsinelli is building a premier offering specifically designed for the middle-market. Middle-market capital structures are becoming increasingly intricate, and clients operating in this space require sophisticated counsel delivered through a model that reflects the size and complexity of each matter.
"Zach's experience in liability management, recapitalizations and out-of-court workouts broadens the range of solutions we can offer clients as their capital structures grow more layered," said Karp. "He has handled some of the largest and most complex chapter 11 cases in the country and regularly guides boards and management teams through the challenging strategic and practical questions that arise in distressed situations. That combination of versatility, elite level experience and an entrepreneurial mindset is exactly the profile we're recruiting for as we continue to invest in the practice."
The Restructuring & Strategic Capital Practice works closely with the firm's M&A Practice to help clients understand and evaluate the full spectrum of alternatives available to them across the capital stack, well before a situation becomes a crisis. The group designs and executes transactions to address clients' liquidity needs, extend maturities and create the financial flexibility for their businesses to succeed over the long-term. Having represented debtors, creditors and investors in distressed and special situations across industries, Manning expands the group's ability to guide clients navigating complex capital structure issues, financial challenges and strategic opportunities. The practice is also expanding its role as counsel to disinterested directors in large chapter 11 cases across jurisdictions, supporting key governance functions throughout the chapter 11 process.
"I joined Polsinelli because I saw a tremendous opportunity to help shape a growing practice on an exceptional platform," said Manning. "Polsinelli's depth in health care and real estate, two sectors where restructuring and capital solutions are in high demand, gives this group a real advantage, and firm leadership is fully invested in this practice. Clients are coming to us earlier and with harder questions, and I'm excited to help clients find the best answers for their specific situations."
Manning received his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and clerked for Vice Chancellor Joseph R. Slights III of the Delaware Court of Chancery. He is admitted to practice in New York and Delaware.
The Restructuring & Strategic Capital Practice continues to add talent, with a focus on the capabilities clients need most in key markets.
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Original text here: https://www.polsinelli.com/news/polsinelli-strengthens-restructuring-strategic-capital-practice-with-addition-of-zach-manning
Haynes Boone Opens San Diego Office, Expanding California Presence in Leading Life Sciences Market
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Haynes Boone, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Haynes Boone Opens San Diego Office, Expanding California Presence in Leading Life Sciences Market
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Haynes Boone has opened its 21st global office with the launch of a new San Diego location at 12730 High Bluff Drive Ste. 260, strengthening the firm's California presence and enhancing its ability to serve life sciences, healthcare and technology-driven clients in one of the world's leading research and innovation hubs.
The San Diego office is the firm's fourth in California, joining
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Haynes Boone, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Haynes Boone Opens San Diego Office, Expanding California Presence in Leading Life Sciences Market
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Haynes Boone has opened its 21st global office with the launch of a new San Diego location at 12730 High Bluff Drive Ste. 260, strengthening the firm's California presence and enhancing its ability to serve life sciences, healthcare and technology-driven clients in one of the world's leading research and innovation hubs.
The San Diego office is the firm's fourth in California, joiningOrange County, San Francisco and Palo Alto. The San Diego location is led by Office Managing Partner Jeffrey Morton, Ph.D., who also co-chairs the firm's Biotechnology Practice Group.
"Many life sciences companies need a team that can help them navigate every stage of growth," Morton said. "Haynes Boone's platform allows our attorneys to support clients from early innovation and intellectual property strategy through financing, transactions, commercialization and dispute resolution. That's the kind of integrated counsel companies need as they grow and bring new technologies to market."
Home to a globally recognized ecosystem of biotechnology companies, research institutions, healthcare organizations and investors, San Diego is one of the world's leading life sciences markets. The new office positions Haynes Boone closer to the companies and innovators driving industry growth while building on the firm's longstanding work for life sciences clients across its offices throughout California and in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., London and beyond. The firm advises clients throughout the sector on intellectual property, corporate transactions, capital markets, litigation, regulatory matters and other business-critical legal needs.
"San Diego is a natural fit for Haynes Boone," said Firmwide Managing Partner Taylor Wilson. "Our goal is not simply to respond to where markets are today, but to anticipate where our clients are headed and invest ahead of their needs. San Diego's leadership in life sciences, healthcare and innovation makes it an important market for the firm and a place where we can continue helping clients navigate what's next."
The San Diego office also provides a hub near key courts for the firm's 20-plus Southern California-based litigators. Among them is Partner Kevin Crisp, whose practice includes trade secret litigation in various industries, including life sciences and high technology, as well as litigation involving mergers and acquisitions, securities actions and other complex business disputes.
The office complements the firm's established Orange County team, which advises clients on high-stakes intellectual property, commercial, employment, franchise, insurance recovery and other complex litigation matters.
New York Partner Rick Werner, co-chair of Haynes Boone's Capital Markets and Securities Practice Group, has long advised life sciences companies in San Diego and other markets on financings, securities offerings and other strategic transactions.
"We have been working with companies in the market for years, helping them access capital and navigate the complex issues that come with growth," Werner said. "Having colleagues on the ground in San Diego gives those clients a stronger local connection to the firm while making it even easier to bring together our capital markets and other capabilities when they need them."
The opening continues a prolonged period of strategic growth for Haynes Boone. Earlier this year, the firm opened a Boston office, expanding its presence in another key innovation and financial center. Haynes Boone has also recently completed significant office expansions and relocations in New York and London, investing in state-of-the-art workspaces designed to support continued growth and collaboration.
About Haynes Boone
Haynes Boone is among the fastest-growing Am Law 100 firms, providing full-service, Chambers-ranked counsel across sectors, including corporate, energy, financial services, real estate, restructuring, litigation, intellectual property and specialty transactions. Companies at all stages rely on Haynes Boone, whether they're in the Fortune 500 and/or S&P 500, well-funded, exchange-listed, privately held or in emerging-growth mode. More than 750 lawyers practice across 21 global offices in California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., London, Mexico City and Shanghai.
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Original text here: https://www.haynesboone.com/news/press-releases/haynes-boone-opens-san-diego-office
Gibson Dunn Secures Preliminary Injunction Preventing Illinois From Enforcing Sports Wagering Laws Against Prediction Markets
LOS ANGELES, California, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Gibson Dunn Secures Preliminary Injunction Preventing Illinois From Enforcing Sports Wagering Laws Against Prediction Markets
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A team led by Gibson Dunn partner Yaira Dubin secured a preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, preventing the State from enforcing its sports wagering laws against sports-related event contracts traded on prediction markets.
Coinbase filed suit in December 2025, arguing that federal law
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Gibson Dunn Secures Preliminary Injunction Preventing Illinois From Enforcing Sports Wagering Laws Against Prediction Markets
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A team led by Gibson Dunn partner Yaira Dubin secured a preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, preventing the State from enforcing its sports wagering laws against sports-related event contracts traded on prediction markets.
Coinbase filed suit in December 2025, arguing that federal lawpreempts Illinois state laws as applied to Coinbase's event-contract offerings. At oral argument in February, Yaira argued that Congress wrote the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to ensure that one body of law--and one federal regulator, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)--would regulate derivatives trading on nationwide exchanges. Congress deliberately rejected the prospect of piecemeal regulation by 50 different States, recognizing that a patchwork of state requirements would create the kind of market fragmentation and regulatory chaos that are incompatible with nationwide derivatives markets. In June 2026, the CFTC, the Coalition for Fair Markets (also represented by Gibson Dunn), Kalshi, and OG all filed preliminary injunctions seeking similar relief.
In granting the preliminary injunctions, the Court held that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the claim that Illinois' licensing laws as applied to sport-related event contracts are preempted by the CEA and that the core sports-related event contracts at issue are swaps. As the Court put it, "[m]any of the financial instruments at issue are likely swaps as defined by the Commodity Exchange Act--they just happen to be swaps that people find entertaining and fun."
The winning Gibson Dunn teams included partners Jeff Wall, Judd Littleton, Jordan Estes, Matt Owen, and Matt Rozen, of counsel Thomas Fu, and associates John Tienken, Parisa Sadeghi, Abby Walters, Stella Cernak, Brian Yeh, Sarah Kelly, Suzi Kondic, Stephanie Hahn, Angela Coco, Azucena Marquez, Karsyn Archambeau, Lizy Dabanka, Alex Hoyer, Jason Bae, and Trevor Gopnik. Coinbase was also represented by a Sullivan & Cromwell team that included Jamie McDonald, Ben Walker, Akash Toprani, and Rishabh Bhandari.
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Original text here: https://www.gibsondunn.com/gibson-dunn-secures-preliminary-injunction-preventing-illinois-from-enforcing-sports-wagering-laws-against-prediction-markets/
Debevoise Expands Intellectual Property and Technology Transactions Practice with Addition of Brianna van Kan
NEW YORK, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Debevoise and Plimpton, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Debevoise Expands Intellectual Property and Technology Transactions Practice with Addition of Brianna van Kan
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Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announces that Brianna van Kan has joined the firm as a partner in the Intellectual Property & Technology Transactions Group, based in the New York office. Ms. van Kan brings broad experience advising on the intellectual property and technology issues that are increasingly central to complex corporate transactions and other commercial arrangements.
Ms.
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Oct. 12 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Debevoise and Plimpton, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Debevoise Expands Intellectual Property and Technology Transactions Practice with Addition of Brianna van Kan
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Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announces that Brianna van Kan has joined the firm as a partner in the Intellectual Property & Technology Transactions Group, based in the New York office. Ms. van Kan brings broad experience advising on the intellectual property and technology issues that are increasingly central to complex corporate transactions and other commercial arrangements.
Ms.van Kan advises private equity sponsors, public companies and strategic investors on intellectual property and technology matters in connection with mergers and acquisitions, carve-outs, joint ventures, restructurings, financings and other complex transactions. She also advises on licensing, data, collaborations and other commercial arrangements a broad range of industries, including the technology, entertainment, financial services, industrial, life sciences and consumer sectors.
Presiding Partner Peter Furci said, "Technology, data and AI increasingly shape both the strategic decisions our clients make and the way they operate their businesses. Brianna's deep experience advising on these issues in complex transactions strengthens our practice and the counsel we provide our clients."
Henry Lebowitz, Chair of the Intellectual Property & Technology Transactions Group, said, "Brianna brings a valuable perspective to technology matters ranging from complex corporate transactions to licensing and commercial arrangements. She understands how these issues play out both in major transactions and in the day-to-day business decisions clients make about technology, allowing her to approach client matters from multiple vantage points."
Ms. van Kan said, "I was drawn to Debevoise by the strength of its corporate practice, its outstanding client service and the opportunity to work across the firm on sophisticated technology and intellectual property matters. The synergy arising from the firm's depth across corporate, data and AI expertise has created an exciting and robust platform for advising clients on the transactional issues these areas increasingly present."
Prior to joining Debevoise, Ms. van Kan was a partner at another international law firm.
She received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2015 and her B.A. from Wesleyan University in 2012.
The firm's Intellectual Property & Technology Transactions Group advises clients on the technology, intellectual property and commercial issues arising in domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, financings, restructurings, strategic collaborations and standalone commercial arrangements. Working closely with the firm's Corporate, Healthcare & Life Sciences and Data Strategy & Security Groups, the team helps clients navigate the legal, regulatory and commercial challenges presented by rapidly evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence, data-driven businesses and complex technology licensing.
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Original text here: https://www.debevoise.com/news/2026/10/debevoise-expands-intellectual-property
