Akin announced Tuesday that finance partner Chad Nichols has returned to the firm after two years at Gibson Dunn.
Nichols, who offices in Dallas and New York, will be a part of Akin’s special situations practice. He focuses his practice on liability management transactions, capital structure analysis, and complex private credit transactions. He also has extensive experience with restructuring-related financings, including debtor-in-possession, rescue, and exit financings.
“Akin operates at the top of the market for liability management and other special situations transactions, an area that has grown exponentially,” Akin co-chair elect Abid Qureshi said in the firm’s announcement. “Chad adds depth to the team and will be a benefit to asset managers in need of the most skilled practitioners to handle their most complex matters.”
Nichols provided counsel on financing in several transactions reported on by The Texas Lawbook in 2024:
- The divestiture of Arcosa’s steel unit as part of the Dallas company’s $1.2 billion acquisition of Stavola.
- Constellation Wealth Capital’s investment in Plano-based Avior Wealth Management.
- Esperanza Capital Partners’ agreement with Andros Capital Partners to acquire Exxon Mobil’s assets in the Ursa and Princess Fields resulting in a joint venture focused on acquiring and developing upstream and infrastructure assets in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
Nichols’ first run with Akin was from April 2020 through March 2023. Prior to that, he practiced at Kirkland & Ellis (where he made partner), Sidley, and Weil. Before graduating from law school at Northwestern in 2012, Nichols was a senior associate at KPMG in Dallas.