Seward & Kissel Bolsters Securities Team with Two New Partners
Event summary
- Adriana Schwartz and Hannah Thibideau joined Seward & Kissel as partners in its New York office on April 14, 2026.
- Schwartz focuses on securities law regulatory and compliance for passive and activist investors.
- Thibideau specializes in regulatory enforcement and white-collar criminal defense.
- Both partners previously worked at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (now McDermott Will & Schulte).
- Their arrivals follow several other high-profile lateral hires in 2025 and early 2026.
The big picture
Seward & Kissel's latest partner hires underscore the firm's strategic focus on expanding its securities and regulatory capabilities. The additions come amid heightened regulatory scrutiny in the financial services industry, positioning the firm to better serve clients navigating complex compliance and enforcement challenges. The firm's recent spree of lateral hires suggests a deliberate effort to bolster its competitive standing in the legal market.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Focus
- How the addition of Schwartz and Thibideau will enhance Seward & Kissel's ability to advise clients on complex regulatory and enforcement matters.
- Competitive Dynamics
- Whether Seward & Kissel can sustain its momentum in attracting top legal talent from competitors like Schulte Roth & Zabel.
- Client Demand
- The pace at which Seward & Kissel can leverage these hires to expand its client base in the investment management and securities sectors.