Squire Patton Boggs boosts its Global Corporate Practice with the addition of partner Michael E. Helmer, who joins the firm’s New Jersey office from DLA Piper LLP, where he served as co-managing partner of the firm’s Short Hill, NJ office.
Mr. Helmer focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance and other commercial transactions with a concentration of clients in the energy and power, technology, life sciences and transportation sectors. He also acts as outside general counsel for clients and has particular experience in intermodal transportation and marine port terminal transactions. His recent transactions include representing Seaspan Corporation, the world’s largest container ship owner, in its US$750 acquisition of APR Energy earlier this year.
“Mike brings substantial experience handling sophisticated international transactions for clients, as well as deep industry expertise that overlaps with several of our existing areas of focus,” said Daniel G. Berick, Americas Chair of the Global Corporate Practice. “His private equity and venture capital experience also builds upon our continued growth in those important areas. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”
In a career spanning almost three decades, Mr. Helmer has handled hundreds of transactions in his career representing purchasers, sellers, investors, lenders, management groups, special committees and others in a wide variety of industries and sectors. He is a perpetually rated Chambers M&A lawyer and has been named a NJ Super Lawyer and Top Deal Maker.
Outside of his practice, he was honored by the ARC of NJ – an organization that protects the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – and Boy Scouts of America for his civic contributions. He also served as a City of Summit Councilman and Adjunct Professor of Corporate Finance at Seton Hall Law School.
“I have known Mike for many years and am excited to welcome him to the firm,” said New Jersey managing partner Mark Sheridan. “Mike is a highly regarded corporate M&A and finance lawyer with deep connections in New Jersey and across the New York Metro business community. He is a great fit for our firm and will establish our corporate practice in New Jersey as well as expand our transactional offering across the region and nationally.”
Commenting on his move to the firm, Mr. Helmer said, “I am absolutely delighted to join Squire Patton Boggs and my former colleague Mark Sheridan. The firm has many strong practice areas and capabilities that align well with my background and will bring the substantial advantages of the firm’s global platform to my clients. I am excited to join such an exceptional team of professionals and look forward to working with my new colleagues across the US and abroad.”
The Squire Patton Boggs Global Corporate Practice has over 370 lawyers around the world providing expertise across sectors in all areas of corporate activity. Since the start of the year, the firm has made additions to its corporate practice in Dubai, London, Los Angeles, Milan, Perth and Singapore.