Sidley Austin LLP

We are deeply saddened by the devastating impact of the wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles area. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, including our colleagues, alumni, clients, and friends throughout the region. We are grateful to the firefighters and first responders from LA and elsewhere for their tireless efforts to protect lives and property. With nearly 50 years of commitment to Los Angeles, we are dedicated to supporting its resilience and recovery. Our lawyers are heeding the call: assisting clients and providing pro bono legal services in partnership with a variety of local organizations as well as donating generously to support those in need. We are here to help. Together, we are strong.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of #BlackHistoryMonth in the United States, during which we honor and celebrate the experiences and contributions of Black Americans in all areas of American life. As we recognize the social, cultural, and economic influence Black Americans have had on our society, we are particularly proud of the accomplishments of Sidley’s talented Black professionals.

Sidley has been shortlisted across four categories by Daily Business Review for its 2025 Florida Legal Awards — including “Litigation Department of the Year.” Congratulations to Sidley’s Beatriz (Bibi) Azcuy, who has been named a finalist for “Managing Partner of the Year” and “Real Estate Transaction;” and to partner Irwin Raij, who has been recognized as a finalist for “Dealmaker of the Year.” Read more here: https://bit.ly/4jD3HIP.

Two deals on which Sidley advised have been recognized at The M&A Advisor’s 2025 Turnaround Awards. The #restructuring of Rite Aid Corporation was named the winning matter in the “Healthcare/Life Sciences Deal of the Year (Over $1B)” category. The Sidley team, led by Dennis Twomey and Elizabeth Tabas Carson, represented Rite Aid’s largest pharmaceutical product supplier, McKesson Corp., in the Rite Aid bankruptcy. The sale of ICON Aircraft, Inc. assets to an affiliate of Dürkopp Adler GmbH was recognized in the “Industrials Deal of the Year (Under $1B)” category. The Sidley team, led by Sam Newman, represented ICON, a California-based manufacturer of light-sport aircraft, in its filing for Chapter 11 protection. Read more on the deals here: https://bit.ly/4jDRXpK.

Congratulations to Perry Shwachman and Mehdi Khodadad, who have been named co-leaders of Sidley’s M&A and Private Equity global practice group — a team of more than 600 lawyers working across 18 global offices.

Sidley represented Ancala, an independent infrastructure manager, in the formation of short line rail specialist Phoenix Rail and in the subsequent #acquisition by Phoenix Rail of Lehigh Valley Rail Management (LVRM). LVRM, Phoenix Rail’s first acquisition, will provide access to three Class I #railroads, situated between major metropolitan areas, including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. The Sidley team was led by Brien Wassner, Samantha Seley, and Terry Hynes. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4hwl24v.

Wishing everyone prosperity, good health, and every success in the Year of the Snake! Happy Lunar New Year to all!

Sidley’s petition for certiorari in Soto v. United States has been granted by the U.S. Supreme Court. As part of the firm’s pro bono commitment to veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Sidley is representing Simon Soto, a former Marine, and a class of more than 9,000 veterans denied the full extent of their retroactive Combat-Related Special Compensation. The Sidley team included J. Simone Jones, Tacy Flint — who will argue the appeal in April — Emily Wexler, Ankur Shingal, Lakeisha Mays, Esq., and Camille Sanches. The firm is co-counsel with National Veterans Legal Services Program on the matter. Read more on the case here: https://bit.ly/4jvVqGJ. #ProBono #SCOTUS

Sidley welcomes Lisa Miller, former U.S. Department of Justice Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, who will be joining the firm in Washington, D.C. as a partner in our White Collar Defense and Investigations practice. Ms. Miller was the third-highest ranking member of the DOJ’s Criminal Division since her appointment in 2021 and brings more than a decade of experience as a government enforcer, including as a career prosecutor. She worked directly with Kenneth Polite, who joined Sidley in 2023 after serving as Senate-confirmed Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. She will focus on white collar criminal defense, investigation, and compliance matters. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4h7Rham.

Congratulations to Sidley partner Jayanthi Sadanandan, who has been named to The Lawyer Hot 100 2025 List. Based in London, Jay is a global co-leader of the firm’s Leveraged Finance practice. The publication highlighted Jay’s ability to find creative solutions in “uncertain market situations” and long-term relationships with an impressive client roster. Read more on her practice here: https://bit.ly/3Cp8FbC.