Reed Smith LLP, a leading international law firm, today announced the addition of James A. Mercadante as a partner in its firmwide Corporate & Securities Group in the firm’s New York office.
Mr. Mercadante’s practice focuses on capital raising and transactional activities of private equity funds, hedge funds and private companies. He advises clients in the formation of a broad variety of private equity funds, including buyout funds, real estate funds, mezzanine funds and funds-of-funds. He represents private equity firms and privately held businesses in acquisitions, dispositions and financing transactions. He has also structured “Dutch auction” and other specialized transactions for secondary market transfers of hedge fund interests.
“Jim has an extensive track record in private equity fund formation and transactional matters. Much of Jim’s work has been cross-border in nature, particularly involving the Middle East, China and India. His skill sets and international experience bolster our expanding group,” said Paul Jaskot, Chair of Reed Smith’s Corporate & Securities practice. “We look forward to having him on the team.”
Prior to joining Reed Smith, Mercadante was a partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. He was also previously a partner at Baker & Hostetler LLP as well as Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP. He received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School; his M.B.A., with distinction, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Columbia College.
“Reed Smith’s corporate and securities team takes pride in fostering a collaborative approach to its transactional practice, seamlessly working across jurisdictions, and I am thrilled to join a highly-skilled and energetic team of attorneys,” said Mercadante. “Outstanding client service and responsiveness are hallmarks of Reed Smith, and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success and expansion.”
“We are continuing to see an increase in lateral activity, including in the private equity and capital markets sectors, and Jim’s substantial knowledge and experience in capital raising and private equity are tremendous additions to the firm and the New York office,” said Edward J. Estrada, managing partner of the firm’s New York office.
