McDermott Will & Schulte has appointed Robert Rizzo as Global Co-Head of its Private Equity Group.
Rizzo joins from Weil, Gotshal & Manges and brings more than 22 years of experience advising private equity sponsors.
His practice spans transactions across the private-equity investment lifecycle, including leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, independent sponsor transactions, growth equity, recapitalisations, carve-outs, fundraising and divestitures.
Private capital and legal infrastructure
The appointment comes as McDermott continues to invest in its private-equity practice and its New York presence.
For private-capital investors, legal advisers occupy a central role across deal structuring, financing, tax, regulation, fund formation and exits.
The increasing complexity of transactions has also strengthened the need for advisers capable of coordinating specialist expertise across several disciplines and jurisdictions.
Rizzo's appointment is therefore relevant beyond the movement of a senior lawyer between firms. It reflects the continuing investment by major professional-services organisations in private-capital capabilities.
Family offices within private equity
Family offices have also become increasingly relevant participants in private equity through direct investments, co-investments, fund commitments and independent sponsor transactions.
That broadening investor base can create different requirements around governance, transaction structures, holding periods and decision-making.
As private capital becomes more diverse, the professional infrastructure around it continues to develop alongside the investors and managers deploying the capital.
McDermott Will & Schulte announcement, 13 July 2026.