According to Crain’s “More than a third of America’s lawyers today are women—but of course, it was not always that way. In the decades since Kate Stoneman (1841-1925) became New York’s first female attorney in 1886, women have contributed immeasurably to the legal profession, excelling in their work but also leveraging the law to promote fairness and provide aid.” The publication added “Crain’s sought to highlight lawyers of this genre: Women at the pinnacle of their profession whose impact radiates well beyond the clients they serve,” the publication stated.

Cheng, who previously served as the Global Vice-Chair of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group. represents Fortune 500, international, and middle market companies in a wide range of corporate transactions both domestic and cross-border, including take privates, public and private mergers, asset and stock acquisitions and divestitures, auctions, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, private equity investments and distress and bankruptcy related acquisitions and divestitures.

The commendation from Crain’s is the second notable accolade Cheng has received this year. In March, The Deal named her to its list of Top Women in Dealmaking 2023, in recognition of her leadership in successfully managing a global practice group of some 200 lawyers, for her contributions in building Reed Smith’s public M&A practice, and for her representation of high-profile clients in several significant M&A transactions.

Additional details pertaining to the Notable Women in Law lists is available on crainsny.com.