Willkie Lures Two Corporate Finance Partners From A&O Shearman

Christopher Forrester and Yian Huang join Willkie Farr & Gallagher's Palo Alto office

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Willkie Farr & Gallagher announced that Christopher Forrester and Yian Huang have joined the firm as partners in its corporate finance practice in Palo Alto. Forrester and Huang previously worked at A&O Shearman.

Why it matters

The move highlights Willkie's continued expansion in the corporate finance space, particularly in the Palo Alto market, as the firm looks to bolster its capabilities in areas like capital markets, M&A, and securities offerings.

The details

Forrester's practice focuses on capital markets and private securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions transactions and corporate governance. Huang represents companies, investment banks and sponsors in corporate transactions, including securities offerings, venture capital, debt financing, mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate and commercial matters. Forrester will also serve as co-managing partner of Willkie's Palo Alto office.

  • Forrester and Huang joined Willkie Farr & Gallagher on February 25, 2026.

The players

Christopher Forrester

A corporate finance partner who joined Willkie Farr & Gallagher's Palo Alto office. His practice focuses on capital markets, private securities offerings, M&A, and corporate governance.

Yian Huang

A corporate finance partner who joined Willkie Farr & Gallagher's Palo Alto office. She represents companies, investment banks, and sponsors in corporate transactions like securities offerings, venture capital, debt financing, M&A, and other corporate matters.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher

An international law firm that has expanded its corporate finance practice with the addition of Forrester and Huang in its Palo Alto office.

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The takeaway

Willkie Farr & Gallagher's ability to attract high-profile corporate finance partners like Forrester and Huang from a rival firm demonstrates the firm's growing presence and reputation in the Palo Alto market, particularly in areas like capital markets, M&A, and venture capital.