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January 23, 2026
Michael J. Palermo Joins Freshfields as Private Capital Partner in Boston

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AI-made summary
- Freshfields has announced that Michael J
- Palermo has joined its Boston office as a Private Capital M&A partner
- Palermo specializes in advising private equity sponsors and strategic investors on investments, divestitures, and a range of corporate matters across various industries
- His appointment follows several recent private capital hires in the U.S
- Freshfields is recognized for its global private equity and transactional practices, holding top rankings in multiple legal areas according to Chambers Global 2025.
Global law firm Freshfields today announced that Michael J. Palermo has joined the firm as a Private Capital M&A partner in Boston. Michael’s practice focuses on advising private equity sponsors and strategic investors on the structuring and negotiation of investments and divestitures. He advises private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies on a broad range of corporate matters including corporate governance, regulatory compliance and equity and equityholder arrangements. Michael’s experience spans industries, including consumer products, retail, infrastructure, business services, healthcare and technology. Matt Goulding, Managing Partner of Freshfields’ Boston Office and Partner in Freshfields’ Private Capital group said: “Michael has consistently been the go-to advisor for some of the most demanding private equity clients, executing complex transactions at the highest levels. His depth of experience is exceptionally rare and will be a major asset for our growing Boston office. His client-centricity comes through effortlessly, earning trust and repeat engagements over many years. We’re thrilled Michael has chosen to join our practice.” U.S. Managing Partner Sarah Solum noted: “Michael has cultivated strong client relationships while commanding confidence in high-stakes situations. We are delighted that he has chosen to join forces with our Private Capital team.” Michael's arrival follows private capital additions across the U.S. including Global Co-Head of Private Capital Neal Reenan, Head of U.S. Private Capital Ian Bushner, Head of New York Private Equity Claire James, Ivet Bell and Ryan Blicher in New York, as well as Eva Mak in Silicon Valley/San Francisco and Matt Goulding in Boston. Michael added: “I'm looking forward to joining the firm and collaborating with the Private Capital team and the broader group of Freshfields partners focused on client service and commercial advice. The global strength of the private capital practice provides a uniquely compelling platform for significant growth in Boston and beyond.” Freshfields is regularly recognized across league tables where it excels in cross-border, U.S., Europe, Asia, MENA and private equity markets. Freshfields is also the only firm with Band 1 rankings from Chambers Global 2025 in the following worldwide transactional, regulatory and risk practices: Private Equity, M&A, Antitrust, Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration, Tax and Public International Law.”
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