Partner Gary Ross, special counsel Matthew Winkel, and associate Blessing Adeyeye Strengthen Corporate Practice
McCarter & English announced today the addition of a three-attorney team to its Corporate Practice Group in New York. Partner Gary Ross, special counsel Matthew Winkel, and associate Blessing Adeyeye join from the boutique securities and corporate law firm Ross Law Group. The trio represents both domestic and international clients, including venture capital and other investment funds, asset management firms, small- and mid-cap public companies, foreign private issuers, and venture-backed companies, across the US, Asia, and Africa. Their work spans capital markets offerings, SEC and FINRA compliance filings, and corporate governance matters.
“This team’s track record advising innovative companies and funds on complex transactions both domestically and internationally enhances our ability to support clients in executing global strategic growth initiatives,” said Theodore M. Grannatt, chair of McCarter’s Corporate Practice Group. “Their experience across a variety of industries, particularly in tech and fintech, aligns well with the priorities of many McCarter clients.”
Drawing on more than two decades of securities law experience, Ross has represented fund sponsors across the spectrum, from top-tier venture capital firms to early-stage micro-funds and special purpose vehicles. He also advises emerging growth companies on public offerings and on a wide variety of securities registration exemptions for both primary and secondary sales. Ross also frequently represents investors in funds and private companies.
Ross is active in the American Bar Association, serving in various leadership roles within the Business Law Section. He is the current ABA Editorial Board Producer for Securities Law and founded and hosts the ABA’s VC Law podcast series.
Ross founded Ross Law Group in 2013 and served as its managing partner before joining McCarter. For a number of years he was a regular columnist for Above the Law, writing about leading a boutique law firm. Prior to founding his law firm, he practiced at several AmLaw firms and served in the US Treasury Department.
“It was important to find a sophisticated, full-service platform that could build on the success of Ross Law Group while meeting more of our clients’ legal needs,” said Ross. “McCarter offers that and shares our commitment to client service, responsiveness, and collaboration, and gives us the opportunity to play a part in the continued growth of McCarter’s corporate practice and New York office.”
Winkel’s practice focuses on the formation and representation of private investment funds, from venture capital and private equity funds to hedge funds. Winkel advises sponsors, family offices, and asset managers on fund formation, secondary transfers, restructurings, and other fund-related corporate transactions.
Adeyeye represents foreign and domestic issuers and investors in public offerings and private placements, including SPAC IPOs and PIPE financings, as well as ongoing reporting requirements and securities filings. She also advises public companies on shareholder and governance matters.
Ross earned his JD from Northwestern University School of Law and his BA from the University of Miami. Winkel earned his JD from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and his BA from Fordham University. Adeyeye earned her JD from Fordham University School of Law and her BA from the University of Baltimore.
“Bringing this accomplished group on board reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding the breadth and depth of our capabilities, and further advances our ability to serve clients in key industries and markets,” said Joseph T. Boccassini, McCarter’s Firmwide Managing Partner. “Their cross-border capabilities and sector experience will be an asset to our clients in New York and beyond.”
The arrival of Ross, Winkel, and Adeyeye is the latest in a series of several significant hires to McCarter’s capital markets team, which includes the recent addition of partners Huan Lou and David Manno, and associate Evelyn Li.