B rendan Hanifin is a deeply respected member of Ropes & Gray’s litigation and enforcement group. And it’s easy to see why: He pos- sesses deep legal knowledge on a range of complex regulatory issues, from the regulations governing the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), to sanctions and export controls, to an- ti-money laundering and anti-corruption issues. But that’s not the extent of Hanifin’s skill set. He’s also a regulato- ry attorney with uncommon transactional experience and proficiency, making him an invaluable resource for his clients across industries. “It’s rare to find a litigator who understands special-purpose vehicles and carried interest, can digest a very complicated transaction struc- ture chart and concisely synthesize the risks from a regulatory aspect,” said Lindsey Sullivan, director of legal affairs and financial operations at 57 Stars LLC. “Brendan uses that acumen to advise his clients on ex- traordinarily complex regulatory issues and, while at Ropes & Gray, I regularly sought his advice and valued his insights.” Hanifin’s peers say he routinely delivers exceptional results for his clients. He takes a pivotal role in guiding clients through CFIUS reviews, advises global asset managers on money laundering and sanctions is- sues during fundraisers, manages hundreds of client transactions a year requiring international risk diligence and performs global diagnos- tic reviews of sanctions and export compliance programs for leading global companies. Brian Coate, general counsel with Hyperion Materials & Technolo- gies, said that Hanifin played a key role when Hyperion was acquired by a leading private equity firm. “From the start, Brendan exhibited ex- cellence and an in-depth understanding at every level, be it for gover- nance, compliance, and assistance preparing new corporate policies,” Coate said. This was no easy task, as Hyperion operates 16 manufac- turing sites across the globe, employs more than 2,000 personnel and ships its products throughout the world. Coate added, “His exceptional knowledge of corporate risks and cross-border regulatory controls has been a key factor in the company’s success.” Hanifin is also a devoted mentor, always looking for opportunities to give junior attorneys visibility and recognition, both within and outside his practice group. Described by his colleagues as incredibly approach- able and supportive, he impresses upon his mentees that success is about doing good work, getting good training, and seeking out oppor- tunities and mentors who can take your career to the next level. Hanifin is that kind of mentor. Despite his busy schedule, Hanifin regularly finds time for pro bono work. Over the last several years, he has represented a pro bono client in asylum proceedings before a U.S. Immigration Court in Chicago, as well as numerous clients in post-conviction relief proceedings.
BRENDAN HANIFIN
AGE 3 6
FIRM Ropes & Gray LLP
LAW SCHOOL Fordham University School of Law
AREA OF PRACTICE International trade and national security
2023 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
Can digest a very complicated transaction structure chart and concisely synthesize the risks from a regulatory aspect.”
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