Dechert Expands West Coast Private Equity M&A Firepower With Grimley Hire
Event summary
- Dechert added Leahana Grimley as a partner in its San Francisco office on July 7, 2026.
- Grimley specializes in middle/upper-middle-market private equity M&A with cross-border expertise (US, Australia, Southeast Asia).
- She represents top-tier private equity funds and brings restructuring experience to Dechert's corporate practice.
- This hire marks Dechert's 50th lateral partner addition in 2026 as part of its global growth strategy.
The big picture
Dechert's aggressive lateral hiring campaign reflects the ongoing consolidation among elite law firms serving private equity sponsors. With $1.5 trillion of dry powder chasing deals, specialized M&A talent remains a key differentiator. Grimley's restructuring background is particularly timely as rising interest rates pressure portfolio company valuations.
What we're watching
- West Coast Competition
- How this hire positions Dechert against other elite law firms expanding their Bay Area private equity benches.
- Cross-Border Flow
- Whether Grimley's Australia/Southeast Asia experience can drive more APAC-linked deals for Dechert clients.
- Restructuring Demand
- The pace at which distressed M&A opportunities emerge in middle-market private equity portfolios.
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