Key individuals and firms: Scott Bennett, a New York-based partner advising issuers, investors, investment banks, and high-growth companies in technology, fintech, digital assets, AI, and other sectors on IPOs, financings, M&A, and governance; Sidley Austin LLP; Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Sidley leaders quoting the hire include Yvette Ostolaza (Management Committee Chair) and Sam Gandhi (global Capital Markets leader).[3]
Context and timeline: Bennett's move bolsters Sidley's capital markets amid its expansion in tech/emerging companies; the firm added partners like Steven Przesmicki (March 2026 from Cooley) and multiple others in 2025 (e.g., in M&A, antitrust, VC).[3][4] This follows Sidley's investments in AI/data infrastructure, including hiring Jane Rheem as Chief Data & AI Officer to drive Data Strategy 2025.[2]
Newsworthiness: Highlights lateral hiring wars in Big Law's tech/VC practices, as firms compete for expertise in booming sectors like AI, fintech, and digital assets amid anticipated IPO waves and growth equity deals; Sidley's hires signal aggressive platform-building for innovation clients.[1][3]