40 Under Forty 2023

P eter Shepard, a mergers and acquisitions attorney at Much, has rightly earned the respect and admiration of his fellow attorneys and his dedicated clients. When asked to describe Shepard’s legal skills, his colleagues describe him as responsive, knowledgeable and fiercely dedicated to his clients’ needs. They also praise his work ethic and sharp legal mind, underscoring his ability to develop unique solutions and earn the best possible results for his clients. Shepard serves as the vice chair of Much’s Corporate & Finance group. While focused on M&A work, Shepard also provides outside general counsel services to private equity firms, entrepreneurs and oth- er clients, serving as their go-to advisor and facilitating the growth of their businesses. He often handles some of the most sophisticated legal transactions that his clients face. And the legal representation he provides? It is second to none. Jay Hansen, co-founder and partner of O2 Investment Partners, one of Shepard’s clients, said Shepard has led five successful acquisition transactions for his company. While completing these deals, Shepard navigated many complex seller and counsel personalities to reach suc- cessful and timely closings. “He is an excellent deal lawyer,” Hansen said. “Peter has the experi- ence and skill set to quickly distill issues relating to any of our transac- tions. He has the personality and emotional intelligence to utilize this skill set to read the other parties involved and identify what is really important to them.” In addition to his successful legal career, Shepard enjoys spending time with his family and remaining involved with the local community and charities. Maureen Sweeney, senior vice president and general counsel with PSP Partners, another client of Shepard’s, said that Shepard is not only smart and responsive, but he also possesses a keen sense of practicality, quickly understanding what is most important for his clients. “Peter works incredibly well with all types of people,” Sweeney said. “We have worked with some unique personalities, but Peter can handle anyone. Peter is super sharp and focuses on what matters.” Shepard’s reliability and dedication to his practice are unparalleled. Michael Shaw, a fellow attorney at Much, says that no one outworks this young attorney. “He is often one of the first attorneys in the office every day. He is re- sponsive to his colleagues and clients at all hours of the day and night,” Shaw said. “He understands that we are in a client-service profession and fully embraces all the demands that this entails. Clients thoroughly enjoy working with Peter because he is incredibly responsive, is able to explain complex issues in a clear and concise manner and is a tough but fair negotiator.”

PETER SHEPARD

AGE 37

FIRM Much Shelist, P.C.

LAW SCHOOL Loyola University Chicago School of Law

AREA OF PRACTICE Corporate & finance, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, add-on acquisitions

2023 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

He is an excellent deal lawyer.”

40 Under Forty 2023 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN