Amir Shmueli Strengthens Ropes & Gray's Finance Team in NYC

In a significant move, Amir Shmueli has joined Ropes & Gray, a renowned global law firm, as a partner in their New York office, enhancing their distinguished finance practice. His arrival boosts the team of over 100 finance attorneys spread across the U.S. and Europe, further solidifying Ropes & Gray’s position as a leader in the financial legal landscape.

Amir Shmueli is known for forging strong relationships with clients, demonstrating a remarkable track record in managing critical securitization matters. As noted by Julie Jones, chairperson of Ropes & Gray, “Amir is an innovator who gets deals done” which makes him a vital addition to the firm’s expanding finance sector.

Amir has extensive experience representing financial institutions, private equity sponsors, and issuers in various financing transactions. His specialization has largely been in unique financing frameworks backed by unconventional asset types such as franchise royalties, film and television rights, and tax liens. The growing demand for these services indicates a robust shift in the asset-backed securitization sector, which is evolving rapidly.

Co-head of the global finance group, Stefanie Birkmann, expressed enthusiasm about Shmueli’s recruitment, stating, “Our team’s reputation attracts top-tier talent like Amir to meet the expanding market needs.” The commitment to attract qualified professionals is reflective of Ropes & Gray's overall strategy to excel in this niche market. Co-head Leonard Klingbaum added, “Amir’s unique experience structuring and executing complex, innovative securitizations is invaluable.”

Amir joins an impressive roster of finance lawyers including Patricia Lynch and Christopher Poggi, both credited with high-profile financing solutions. These include major transactions like the $2.1 billion fiber securitization for Frontier Communications and the $1.275 billion securitized financing facility for Planet Fitness.

Ropes & Gray’s finance practice has consistently received accolades from prestigious rankings like Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and U.S. News, recognized for excellence in asset-backed securities transactions and pioneering finance facilities. This not only highlights the firm's solid reputation but also reflects its commitment to delivering outstanding service in complex financial legal matters.

Amir returns to the U.S. from Israel, where he was practicing law prior to joining Ropes & Gray, after a successful tenure at Paul Weiss. He expressed excitement about joining the firm and commented, “Ropes & Gray is at the forefront of securitization, having initiated notable projects like Dunkin' Brands' pioneering securitization in 2006. The innovative approach coupled with the team spirit here is exhilarating, and I am eager to contribute.”

Eva Carman, co-managing partner of the New York office, reiterated the strategic significance of Shmueli’s hiring, emphasizing, “Amir is a perfect fit for our culture of collaboration. The growth of our New York office showcases our commitment to providing premier services to our clients.”

Ropes & Gray has firmly positioned itself among the elite law firms with repeatedly impressive rankings, boasting over 1,500 attorneys and legal professionals dedicated to serving clients across various sectors in major cities across the globe, including New York, Boston, Chicago, and more. Their enduring quality of service remains a key driver of their success.

Amir Shmueli's addition is expected to enhance Ropes & Gray's already stellar reputation and improve their offerings in the ever-evolving landscape of financial law. With a focus on innovation, expertise, and partnership, he is poised to play a crucial role in steering the firm’s finance practice toward new heights.