Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP announced that Aron Zuckerman has joined the Firm’s Real Estate Practice as a Partner in the New York office.

“The real estate industry is dynamic, and the rise of private credit continues to present unique opportunities for debt originations and other deals,” said Alden Millard, Chair of Simpson Thacher’s Executive Committee. “Aron’s lender-side financing expertise is highly synergistic with our sponsor-side real estate finance practice and will enhance our ability to provide clients with holistic financing advice across the industry.”

Davis Polk announced that prominent leveraged finance practitioner Luke McDougall will join the firm as a partner in the Finance practice based in London.

Global law firm K&L Gates LLP has added Torsten Limberg as a partner in the Finance practice. He joins the firm’s Frankfurt office from Ashurst LLP.

Haynes and Boone, LLP is delighted to welcome Partner Mark Payne to the firm’s London office and Real Estate Practice Group. After nearly two decades at Clifford Chance, Payne becomes the first real estate lawyer in the Haynes Boone London office, as the firm prepares to establish the practice group in the United Kingdom.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher announced that Thomas J. McCaffrey has joined the Firm as a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department and Private Equity practice group.  He is based in the Firm’s Houston office.

Archie Fallon, Managing Partner of the Houston office commented: “Tom has substantial private equity and M&A experience, which will be a valuable addition for our growing team in Texas and across the firm. We are thrilled to welcome him to Willkie.” 

Holland & Knight has bolstered its Healthcare Regulatory & Enforcement Practice with the addition of Julia Hesse as a partner in Boston. Ms. Hesse was previously a partner with Choate, Hall & Stewart, where she served as co-chair of its healthcare group.

Leading international law firm Proskauer welcomed credit and hedge fund specialist, Jennifer “Jenny” Dunn, as a partner in its Private Funds group. Based in New York, Jenny focuses on advising hedge funds, closed‑end funds (including debt funds), hybrid funds, co‑investment platforms and investment advisers in connection with their structuring, formation and ongoing operational needs, general securities law matters and regulatory and compliance issues.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP announced that it will open an office in Boston, Massachusetts, and that Kenneth E. Burdon will join the Firm as a Partner in the Registered Funds Practice.

Global law firm White & Case LLP has added funds partner Eriko Sakata in Tokyo.

DLA Piper is pleased to welcome Jason Vismantas as a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Practice. He will be based in the firm’s Chicago office.