Linklaters Bolsters Corporate, Capital Markets and M&A Offering with Kristina Trauger in New York

Linklaters is delighted to announce that Kristina Trauger has joined the firm’s New York office as a capital markets and M&A partner, marking another milestone in Linklaters’ significant growth in the U.S. This strategic addition reflects the firm’s unwavering dedication to building the premier U.S. practice, uniquely backed by the unmatched depth, breadth and quality of its global platform.

Kristina’s arrival follows a series of leadership developments that have reenergized the firm’s U.S. strategy, including the reelection of Aedamar Comiskey as senior partner and Paul Lewis as firmwide managing partner, the appointment of George Casey as chairman of the Americas and the reappointment of Tom McGrath as Managing Partner, Americas. Together, Aedamar, Paul, George and Tom have been instrumental in driving the transformation and record-setting success of Linklaters’ U.S. business with the addition of top-tier talent across M&A, finance and disputes. Their ongoing leadership keeps the firm’s vision for leading the U.S. market firmly at the forefront of Linklaters’ global agenda.

George Casey, Linklaters’ chairman of the Americas and global chairman of corporate, said:

“The addition of Kristina further elevates our position as the market-leading U.S. practice within the world’s most elite and integrated global platform. We remain the adviser of choice for clients seeking seamless, top-tier solutions to their most complex needs and are delighted to welcome Kristina as we continue our trajectory in the U.S.”

Pam Shores, Linklaters’ global head of U.S. capital markets and global co-head of equity capital markets, said: 

“Kristina’s deep understanding of complex corporate transactions and securities law will further enhance the unparalleled support we provide to our clients in the U.S. and globally. Her experience and skillset perfectly complement our top-caliber capital markets group in the U.S. and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

Kristina advises publicly traded companies, investment banks and sponsors on a wide range of complex corporate transactions including equity and debt securities offerings, strategic investments, spin-offs, tender offers and M&A. She also provides counsel to U.S. and international clients, ranging from newly formed public companies to established global brands, on corporate governance, securities compliance and public company advisory matters. Kristina joins from Proskauer Rose LLP, where she was co-head of the capital markets group, and prior to that she was a partner at Shearman & Sterling LLP in New York, where she worked closely with George Casey and Heiko Schiwek. 

“Kristina’s impressive track record and deep market insight will be instrumental as we continue to expand our U.S. capital markets platform,” said Linklaters New York capital markets partner Jeff Cohen. “We look forward to building on our strong momentum and delivering exceptional results to our clients.”  

Linklaters has turned its U.S. practice into an elite transactional powerhouse, distinctive for its unique ability to deliver best-in-class U.S. advice fully integrated with its unrivaled global offering. The firm’s U.S. transformation has resulted in a series of landmark mandates including advising: Dow on its partnership transaction with Macquarie Asset Management to launch $6 billion Diamond Infrastructure Solutions; Rio Tinto on its $6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium; Volkswagen Group on its $5.8 billion investment and EV technology joint venture transaction with Rivian; BASF on the $1.15 billion sale of its Brazilian decorative paints business to Sherwin-Williams; Aperam on the acquisition of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc; and General Motors on its partnership with TWG Motorsports to form the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.

Linklaters’ M&A and capital markets practices are consistently ranked Band 1 by Chambers. The firm is distinguished for advising the world’s leading corporates, banks and financial sponsors on their most significant and complex transactions, delivering expertise throughout the entire spectrum of corporate work, from public takeovers, private M&A and joint ventures to equity capital markets, private equity, board advisory and corporate restructurings. In parallel, Linklaters’ capital markets team is a recognized leader across a comprehensive range of securities transactions, including equity, equity-linked, debt and regulatory capital, along with structured finance and the full suite of derivative and securitized products. 

Supported by over 3,100 lawyers spanning 30 offices in 20 countries, Linklaters’ integrated approach ensures clients receive seamless, first-rate advisory across interconnected jurisdictions. With nearly 200 years of experience guiding clients through major historical, economic and commercial developments, the firm combines global reach with a heritage of long-lasting relationships and groundbreaking work.