September 24, 2026
Willkie and its attorneys have been shortlisted for numerous awards at the IFLR Americas Awards 2026. The following shortlist recognitions highlight the Firm’s achievements in innovative cross-border transactions:
Deals of the Year:
- M&A — Willkie was shortlisted for its work representing the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Guess?, Inc. in connection with the take-private acquisition of Guess? by certain shareholders in partnership with Authentic Brands Group.
- M&A — Willkie was shortlisted for its work advising The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. on its acquisition by Omnicom, which created the world's leading marketing and sales company.
- Restructuring — Willkie was shortlisted for its work representing the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A.’s chapter 11 restructuring.
- Restructuring — Willkie was shortlisted for its work mediating a $6.5 billion settlement in connection with the landmark Purdue Pharma chapter 11 restructuring.
- Restructuring — Willkie was shortlisted for its work representing Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as the sole lender under Marelli North America, Inc.’s $865 million DIP facility.
- Securitization and Structured Finance — Willkie was shortlisted for its work advising the initial purchasers in the groundbreaking offering of $12 billion of pre-capitalized securities (P-Caps) as part of a series of measures by Mexico to provide support to state oil producer Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX).
Teams of the Year:
- M&A
Law Firms of the Year:
- US Domestic: Best in State — California
- US Domestic: Best in State — Illinois
Additionally, four Willkie attorneys earned shortlist recognitions:
- "Partner of the Year: Structured Finance & Securitization" — Edward Best, Co-Chair of the Capital Markets Practice
- "North America Diversity Champion" — Esther Chang, partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department and Mergers & Acquisitions Practice
- "Partner of the Year: Mergers & Acquisitions" — Danielle Scalzo, partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department
- "Rising Star: Structured Finance & Securitization" — Henri Simonet, associate in the Corporate & Financial Services Department
The IFLR Awards recognize legal innovation through dealmaking and work that improves the cross-border investment environment.
The winners will be announced at an event in New York City on October 15.
View the IFLR Americas Awards 2026 shortlists here.
