Two Ropes & Gray Lawyers Named Law360 2026 MVPs

Law360 has named M&A partner Emily Oldshue and co-head of the asset management practice Peter Laybourn as 2026 MVPs in the Life Sciences and Private Equity categories. This annual list recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves through significant achievements in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters, and record-breaking deals.

Emily Oldshue was recognized for advising strategic sellers and acquirers on over $40 billion in transactions since July 2025. Emily represented Nuvalent in its $10.6 billion sale to GSK, GSK's largest acquisition since it acquired SmithKline Beecham in 2000, and the second-largest pharmaceutical deal of 2026 by equity value. She also guided Gilead in its acquisition of Arcellx for more than $7.8 billion, signing nine days after Gilead submitted its indication of interest, and guided Novo Nordisk through its largest acquisition ever, the purchase of Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion. Emily also advised Eli Lilly on eight strategic biotech acquisitions valued at up to more than $14 billion, including Adverum Biotechnologies, Ventyx Biosciences, Ajax Therapeutics, Curevo, Vaccine Company, AtaiBeckley and Merida Biosciences.

Peter Laybourn was recognized for playing a central role in fund closings totaling more than $36 billion in capital raised during the nomination period. He was co-lead counsel to Bain Capital on its largest-ever flagship private equity fund, Bain Capital Fund XIV, which raised about $14 billion in total commitments and co-led the team advising Bain on its $10.5 billion Asia Fund VI, which far exceeded its $7 billion target. He also advised GI Partners on a single-asset continuation vehicle and strategic investment in Flexential, the data center provider, and was part of a team that helped Audax Strategic Capital on its 1.3 Billion inaugural fund.

See the full list of 2026 MVPs.