Forbes has selected White & Case partners Richard Brand, Michael Deyong and Kimberly Petillo-Décossard for its America's Top Lawyers 2026 list. Now in its second year, the list recognizes 250 leading US lawyers for recent matter success, client impact, market visibility and broader contributions to the profession and community.
The honored partners are:
Richard Brand
Richard Brand combines high-stakes M&A judgment, boardroom credibility and market-leading shareholder activism experience. A partner in White & Case's Global Mergers & Acquisitions Practice and Global Head of Shareholder Engagement, he advises public companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and investment banks on M&A, takeover preparedness and defense, shareholder activism, securities offerings and complex distressed transactions.
Michael Deyong
Co-Head of Global M&A Michael Deyong represents clients in complex, high-stakes M&A and strategic transactions. He advises on mergers, acquisitions, sales, spin-offs, take-private and private equity transactions across all sectors. His practice also includes general corporate law and corporate governance matters, de-SPAC transactions and US securities law compliance. In 2026, The American Lawyer named him a Dealmaker of the Year.
Kimberly Petillo-Décossard
Co-Head of Global M&A Kimberly Petillo-Décossard advises public and private companies and their boards on complex mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions and corporate governance matters. Known for her business-oriented approach, she helps clients navigate transformational transactions, governance challenges and critical business decisions across a broad range of industries. She is also a frequent speaker on M&A, including at the Milken Institute Global Conference.
The full list can be viewed online here.
