“Sid is an accomplished deal maker, exceptional mentor, and skilled leader,” said Matthew Petersen, Reed Smith’s Chicago office managing partner. “As deputy practice group leader of the firm’s Corporate Group, he was instrumental in the firm’s efforts to combine its tech and data practice with the broader corporate group, positioning the firm to capture a greater market share in transactions involving cutting-edge industries. We are thrilled that he has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business.”
In his leadership role, Sid guides the strategies of more than 300 attorneys, as well as provides leadership and mentoring to attorneys at all stages of their careers. Sid has also led a broader integration of the firm’s nationally ranked life sciences practice with the Corporate Group, resulting in numerous transactional engagements in life sciences verticals ranging from medical devices to pharmaceuticals to physician practices.
As competition for talent increased over the last year, Sid focused the Corporate Group’s efforts on attracting and retaining talent at the firm by advocating for increased compensation, creating development opportunities for associates and staff, and creating safe spaces for individuality. In addition, he has been a driving force behind IT infrastructure improvements and increased investment in products, services, technology, and training.
“I am honored to be recognized by Crain’s Chicago alongside an impressive group of Chicago’s Gen X Leaders in 2021,” Sid said.
Sid is an active member of Reed Smith’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiative, having served as partner chair and in other leadership roles with the Asian American Business Inclusion Group. Through his efforts, the firm adopted initiatives to promote associate–partner interactions and encourage associate involvement on sophisticated assignments from partners. Sid implemented a number of strategies to improve inclusion, including partner–associate lunch programs and pitch inclusion and tracking programs. He also serves as a formal mentor to a number of associates.
In addition to his thriving legal practice and leadership responsibilities at Reed Smith, Sid is an active volunteer with Precious Pets Almost Home Association, as well as several other Chicago area nonprofit animal rescue organizations. He also serves on the governing board of the Chicago Committee for Minorities in Large Law Firms, an organization he credits in aiding his own development as a professional.