Greenberg Traurig has enhanced its corporate practice in Texas, recruiting deal lawyers Gemma Descoteaux and Kurt Lyn from Sheppard Mullin and Kirkland & Ellis, respectively.
The firm announced the shareholder additions this week.
“Gemma is a prominent figure in the Dallas area and will be instrumental in enhancing our strengths in Texas,” Richard A. Rosenbaum, executive chairman of GT, said in a statement. “We are also excited to have Kurt join both our corporate practice and our Austin office. His contributions will be pivotal in fortifying our experience in Texas, while also working closely with our offices across the country.”
Descoteaux, a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law, focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions in the middle market across industries including technology, private equity, media, logistics, and transportation. She has represented public companies in divestitures exceeding $1 billion, negotiated international joint ventures, negotiated long term services and licensing agreements, and advised on the acquisition and development of manufacturing facilities.
Prior to nearly seven years at Sheppard Mullin, Descoteuax practiced at Polsinelli and Akin Gump, with a little bit of in-house experience sprinkled in.
“Gemma has a longstanding history as a successful transactional lawyer in Texas and beyond,” Joe Coniglio, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Dallas office, said in the firm’s announcement. “Gemma and her M&A practice will allow us to further expand our corporate team in Dallas, which has grown in a dynamic way over the last several years.”
Lyn counsels public and private companies across industries including technology, infrastructure, energy, and digital infrastructure on M&A, growth equity, and private financing transactions. He started his career at Willkie in New York after graduating from Columbia Law School in 2015. Lyn moved to Texas to join Kirkland’s Austin office in 2021.
Demetrius McDaniel, senior vice president and regional operating shareholder at GT, said Lyn has “amassed substantial experience” working on sophisticated deals.
“Kurt’s knowledge and exceptional skills will provide additional benefits to firm clients,” he said.