Sidley Austin LLP announced today that D. Gilbert “Gil” Friedlander has joined the firm in Dallas as senior counsel. He will be a member of Sidley’s M&A, Securities and Corporate Governance practices. Mr. Friedlander, a well-known corporate lawyer, brings more than 40 years of experience to his role. Previously, he was a partner at Weil Gotshal & Manges, where he concentrated on M&A, securities and corporate governance matters. He rejoins a talented team of former colleagues, including top litigators, finance, private equity and M&A lawyers, who made the move from Weil to Sidley’s Dallas office last year.

“I’ve known Gil for many years, we worked together for 10 years, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with him again,” said Yvette Ostolaza, managing partner of Sidley’s Dallas office and co-head of the firm’s Complex Commercial Litigation group. “His considerable experience advising corporate management and board members on various governance issues aligns well with the work we’re currently doing for our clients. We are very excited to welcome Gil to our growing team here in Dallas.”

Mr. Friedlander focuses his practice on M&A, securities and corporate governance matters and is highly experienced in conducting internal investigations. He regularly advises boards and board committees in a wide variety of governance issues, as well as disclosure and crisis management matters. In addition, Mr. Friedlander has experience representing both public and private companies in their major corporate and M&A activities, among them, acquisitions, divestitures and equity and debt financings.

Prior to his time at Weil, Mr. Friedlander, after 19 years as a successful Dallas corporate lawyer, served as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary for more than 13 years at the former Electronic Data Systems Corporation (EDS). During his tenure at EDS, Mr. Friedlander oversaw all aspects of the company’s global legal activities as well as its board and corporate governance matters.

“Gil is a highly regarded practitioner and his board room acumen and experience is well known in the legal and business communities,” said Scott Parel, head of Sidley’s M&A and private equity groups in Dallas. “The addition of Gil to our group reunites many attorney and client relationships, expands our M&A and corporate governance offerings and will help enhance our overall counsel to corporate clients.”

“I am impressed with Sidley’s broad platform, particularly its expansive corporate capabilities serving Texas and the southwest region of the country, a space where Sidley has really distinguished itself with its deep experience and wide range of services,” said Mr. Friedlander. “I am excited to rejoin many of my former colleagues and look forward to continuing my practice alongside new and old friends.”

Mr. Friedlander has been ranked by Chambers USA 2013 in Corporate/M&A for Texas and is ranked in the 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in Corporate Law in Texas.

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