(January 24, 2013, New York) – Reed Smith LLP, a leading international law firm, today announced the addition of Jeff Legault as a partner in its firmwide Corporate & Securities practice in the firm’s New York office.

Mr. Legault’s practice focuses on a variety of business combinations, including mergers & acquisitions and joint venture transactions. He advises a diverse range of clients, particularly private equity firms, family offices, public and private corporations, and global investment banks. He also provides counsel in proxy fights and other corporate governance matters, and interfaces with the SEC and other regulatory agencies on behalf of clients.

“Jeff’s experience in cross-border transactions is a great fit for our expanding corporate and securities group,” said Paul Jaskot, Chair of Reed Smith's U.S. Corporate & Securities Group. “As the European economy continues to stabilize, we believe that 2103 will bring an enhanced deal environment and increased activity for cross-border matters. We are thrilled to have him join the team.”

A 1997 graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Mr. Legault was previously with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, and Shearman & Sterling. Prior to joining Reed Smith, Mr. Legault was a partner in the Private Equity Group of Goodwin Procter.

“Reed Smith has a high-energy group of attorneys in its corporate and private equity practices in New York, and I am excited to be part of a firm that is focused on growth and expansion,” Mr. Legault said. “Because the firm’s priority is outstanding and responsive client service, its lawyers are adept at working collaboratively across practices and jurisdictions. Working with lawyers and legal systems in other parts of the world has always been of great interest to me, and Reed Smith’s broad global platform will enable me to do more of that work.”

“Economic trends are pointing to increased transactional activity and as that work picks up, we are happy to add Jeff to our team of talented corporate attorneys,” said Jordan Siev, the firm’s New York office managing partner.

Reed Smith’s more than 230 Corporate & Securities lawyers are leaders in their local jurisdictions and authorities in their disciplines. The practice regularly represents private equity firms, hedge funds, venture capital funds, financial institutions, banks, portfolio managers, and equity fund investors – including major pension funds. The firm’s international mergers & acquisitions team offers strong industry experience in biotechnology, health care, e-commerce, communications, software development, and basic manufacturing, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the capital markets affecting these industry groups.

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 25 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.

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