Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy announced that James Grandolfo, a leading capital markets lawyer known for his work across an array of equity and debt capital markets products throughout Asia, has joined the firm as a partner in the Hong Kong office effective December 16th. He will become a member of Milbank’s Global Securities group.
Mr. Grandolfo joined from Allen & Overy, where he was the head of the Asia Pacific International Capital Markets Group. A U.S. qualified attorney and a registered foreign lawyer in Hong Kong, Mr. Grandolfo has been based in Hong Kong since 2000.
Mr. Grandolfo has advised underwriters, corporates, sovereign and quasi-sovereign issuers in the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Malaysia, the PRC and Thailand. A number of the deals he has advised on have been awarded ‘Best Deal of the Year’ in its country.
Recognized among the leading Asian capital markets lawyers, he is listed as a 1st Tier lawyer in the Philippines and India by Chambers Asia Pacific and the Philippines, India and China by Chambers Global. In the recent IFLR1000 guide, Mr. Grandolfo is listed as a leading lawyer in Hong Kong in Debt Capital Markets and Equity Capital Markets.
Mr. Grandolfo is the Vice-Chair of the International Securities Law Committee of the American Bar Association as well as the Co-Chair of the Practicing Law Institute’s Annual Institute on Corporate & Securities Law in Hong Kong.
“As our capital markets practice in Asia continues to set the industry standard, we are very fortunate to gain the talents of James Grandolfo, who has developed a highly respected and successful practice in the region,” said Milbank Chairman Scott Edelman. “His arrival underscores Milbank’s commitment to Hong Kong and the Asian region.”
David Zemans, managing partner of Milbank’s Asia practice, noted the close ties Mr. Grandolfo brings with key sources of debt and equity financings in the region, including key Philippine and Indian corporations and international banks that are among the most active organizations and financiers in the world.
“Jim has deep relationships within these institutions, as well as with the leading commercial lenders and investment houses, and his connections within the corporate community are equally extensive,” said Mr. Zemans. “Jim has developed an outstanding practice and we look forward to him combining forces with our other attorneys in Asia to fully support clients in the region.”
“Milbank has the resources, international reach, breadth of experience and understanding of global financial markets to support my valued clients in this evolving and challenging field,” Mr. Grandolfo said. “I am very excited to be joining Milbank’s highly regarded Asia team.”
