Sheppard Hires New Partners in Chicago Office

Corporate and tax practice groups expand with additions of Christopher Buch and Balazs Danko.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The law firm Sheppard announced on Wednesday that it has hired Christopher Buch and Balazs Danko as new partners in its Chicago office. Buch will join the corporate practice group, while Danko will join the tax practice group.

Why it matters

The additions of Buch and Danko as partners in Sheppard's Chicago office represent an expansion of the firm's corporate and tax capabilities, which could help attract new clients and strengthen the firm's presence in the Midwest market.

The details

Christopher Buch represents shareholders and companies in tax-advantaged sales of securities to employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). He also advises private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies on investments and acquisitions of ESOP-owned businesses. Balazs Danko advises multinational corporations, private equity firms, and investment funds on domestic and cross-border acquisitions, dispositions, and restructurings.

  • Sheppard announced the new hires on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Christopher Buch

A new partner in Sheppard's corporate practice group, representing shareholders and companies in tax-advantaged ESOP transactions and advising private equity sponsors on ESOP-owned business investments.

Balazs Danko

A new partner in Sheppard's tax practice group, advising multinational corporations, private equity firms, and investment funds on domestic and cross-border acquisitions, dispositions, and restructurings.

Sheppard

A law firm that has hired Christopher Buch and Balazs Danko as new partners in its Chicago office.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The additions of Buch and Danko as partners at Sheppard's Chicago office demonstrate the firm's commitment to expanding its corporate and tax capabilities to better serve clients in the Midwest region.