Dechert Adds Leahana Grimley As Partner To Bolster Private Equity M&A Capabilities

Dechert LLP announced on July 7, 2026, that Leahana Grimley has joined the firm as a partner in its corporate and securities practice in the San Francisco office. The appointment signals the firm's continued expansion of its private equity M&A platform on the West Coast and represents a targeted hire to capitalize on robust sponsor activity in the middle and upper middle-market transaction space.

Grimley's practice centers on advising leading private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies on complex leveraged and strategic acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, restructurings, and incentive equity arrangements. Her experience spans multiple industries and brings particular value in transactions involving multiple geographies—specifically the United States, Australia, and Southeast Asia. This cross-border perspective enhances Dechert's ability to serve multinational sponsor clients and portfolio companies pursuing regional or pan-Asian expansion strategies.

Mark Thierfelder, co-chair of Dechert, emphasized that Grimley is "highly regarded in her field, with robust client relationships and a phenomenal track record." Ken Young, co-chair of Dechert's corporate and securities practice, noted that her "sponsor-focused M&A practice" and "strong restructuring background" align with the firm's growth trajectory. The hire arrives amid broader momentum in the private equity market, with Dechert observing strong M&A and private equity activity in early 2026.

Grimley previously held corporate partner status at another leading international law firm in the Bay Area, bringing established relationships and deal execution capabilities to Dechert. Her appointment underscores the competitive intensity for experienced PE-focused corporate partners and reflects Dechert's strategic commitment to deepening its presence in one of the nation's premier financial and technology hubs.