Cadwalader Expands Restructuring Team Ahead of Hogan Merger

The law firm adds two partners focused on creditor-side representation as it prepares to combine with Hogan Lovells.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft has bolstered its financial restructuring practice by adding two new partners, Shai Schmidt and Jakeob Brown, ahead of the firm's upcoming merger with Hogan Lovells. Schmidt, who joins the New York office from Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes, and Brown, who joins the London office from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, both have experience representing creditor groups in major restructurings.

Why it matters

The additions of Schmidt and Brown are seen as a strategic move by Cadwalader to strengthen its restructuring capabilities as it prepares to combine with the larger Hogan Lovells firm. Creditor-side representation has become an increasingly important practice area as the economic impacts of the pandemic continue to reverberate.

The details

Schmidt has represented lender groups in the restructurings of companies like Quest Software, Tropicana Brands Group, and Saks Global. Brown previously served as counsel at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. Cadwalader said the new hires will 'materially bolster' the firm's ability to support its creditor clients throughout the investment lifecycle.

  • Cadwalader announced the new hires on March 2, 2026.

The players

Shai Schmidt

A new partner in Cadwalader's New York office, joining from Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes with experience representing creditor groups in major restructurings.

Jakeob Brown

A new partner in Cadwalader's London office, joining from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld where he previously served as counsel.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft

A law firm that is bolstering its financial restructuring practice ahead of a merger with Hogan Lovells.

Hogan Lovells

The law firm that Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft is preparing to merge with.

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The takeaway

Cadwalader's strategic hires of Schmidt and Brown demonstrate the firm's focus on strengthening its restructuring capabilities ahead of its merger with the larger Hogan Lovells, underscoring the continued importance of creditor-side representation in the post-pandemic economy.