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William M. Shields
Partner
Will Shields was elevated to a member of Ropes & Gray's policy committee, the firm's global governing body, from co-chair of the private equity transactions group. He is also a partner in the Boston office. His practice focuses on representing private equity firms and public and private companies in mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and other direct investments. Will also represents investment management firms in connection with strategic transactions including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and restructurings.
Publications
- Quoted, “Keeping dealmaking personal,” Private Equity International (May 2019)
- Featured, “The American Lawyer's 2019 Dealmakers of the Year,” The American Lawyer (March 25, 2019)
- Quoted, “How Law Firms Are Capitalizing on the Private Equity Boom,” The American Lawyer (October 2, 2018)
- Quoted, “Sellers Gain Leverage With Rep and Warranty Insurance,” WSJ Pro Private Equity (September 5, 2018)
- Quoted, “Behind Ropes & Gray's Busy Spring,” The Deal (June 12, 2018)
- Quoted, “Private Equity Group Of The Year: Ropes & Gray,” Law360 (January 30, 2018)
- Quoted, “GPs grow big insurance platforms through small acquisitions,” Buyouts (November 23, 2015)
- Quoted, “Capital Calls: With exits up, PE add-ons slow,” The Deal (July 24, 2015)
- Quoted, “Sponsor-Backed IPO Market On Fire; More Deals Queued,” Buyouts (June 3, 2013)
Education
- JD, magna cum laude, Boston University School of Law, 1997; Articles Editor, Boston University Law Review
- AB, Yale University, 1991
Admissions / Qualifications
Qualifications
- Massachusetts, 1998
Awards
- Boston Magazine “Top Lawyers” (2021)
- The Best Lawyers in America (2021-2023)
- Legal 500 (2020)
- The American Lawyer “Dealmaker of the Year” (2019)
- Chambers USA – Private Equity (2012-2023)
- Chambers Global (2021-2022)
- IFLR 1000 (2019-2023)
- Law360 MVP (2012, 2013)
- Super Lawyers Rising Star (2006-2007)
