Sidley Austin LLP announces that Eric Winwood has joined the firm as a partner in its Dallas office. He will be a member of Sidley’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice and the leader of the firm’s Dallas Tax, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group. Previously, Mr. Winwood was an employee benefits and executive compensation partner with Baker Botts LLP and a member of its Oil and Gas M&A team.
Mr. Winwood is a Chambers-ranked practitioner who advises clients on compensation and benefits matters, including those associated with domestic and international M&A and private equity transactions, spinoffs, and joint ventures. He has significant experience in the energy sector. Mr. Winwood also frequently advises on fiduciary, prohibited transactions, and plan assets matters in connection with establishing, operating, and investing in private equity funds, joint ventures, and other investments.
“Eric’s experience advising clients on the executive compensation aspects of transformative M&A and private equity transactions will be a great value to clients across our many practices,” said Laura Barzilai, global leader of Sidley’s Tax, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice. “Additionally, Eric’s knowledge of a wide array of compensation and benefits matters further strengthens our existing team that regularly advises clients on highly sensitive matters, including executive onboarding and exits.”
“As a well-respected lawyer in the Dallas market, Eric has the specialization that we are looking for to continue building on our national employee benefits and executive compensation capabilities,” said Yvette Ostolaza, managing partner of Sidley’s office in Dallas and member of the firmwide management committee. “His experience in the oil and gas sector will be of particular value to our clients in that industry.”
Mr. Winwood’s arrival follows closely that of notable airline and aviation partner Bart Biggers, and continues theexpansion of the firm’s corporate capabilities in Texas.