Atty. Brian F. Richards
Brian Richards is Chair of the Firm’s Global Private Equity Practice and is a partner in the Private Equity and M&A practices at Paul Hastings. Brian has 30 years of experience leading complex domestic and international transactions, including leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, and growth equity investments in a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, distribution, and services.
Profile Summary
About Brian F. Richards at a glance
Brian F. Richards is a business and m&a attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Paul Hastings LLP. Educated at University of Virginia (J.D., 1992). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026), and Lawyer of the Year — Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law (Chicago) (2020). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Brian Richards is Chair of the Firm’s Global Private Equity Practice and is a partner in the Private Equity and M&A practices at Paul Hastings
- Brian has 30 years of experience leading complex domestic and international transactions, including leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, and growth equity investments in a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, distribution, and services
- The volume and breadth of Brian’s experience is relatively unmatched in the middle market
- In 2021 alone, he led more than 30 transactions of all sizes, including several multibillion-dollar deals
- For several years, Brian has been one of only three lawyers ranked Band 1 for Private Equity in Chicago according to Chambers USA, and for 15 years has been recognized as a leading private equity attorney by a number of legal publications including Chambers USA, Legal 500, The Best Lawyers in America, and Illinois Super Lawyers
- According to Chambers USA: “Brian Richards is a private equity expert.” “Brian Richards is a strong presence in the market who is notably active representing private equity clients in the sale of companies
- He regularly handles international mandates.” Quotes in Chambers USA from clients include: “He immediately gains the respect of everyone in the process due to his insight, ability to grasp detailed business issues and good bedside manner.” "He finds solutions which are innovative, practical and a win for both sides." "He has the ability to think through difficult client answers and provide practical suggestions to go with legal advice." "Brian is just the very best both in terms of responsiveness and sophistication
- Quotes in Chambers USA from peers include: “He knows every aspect of a deal
- He’s very personable and cuts through issues very fast.” Brian is “very commercial and practical” and is praised by peers as “a fantastic lawyer to work opposite.” Brian is regularly quoted in the media and is also a frequent speaker regarding private equity and mergers and acquisitions
- Brian has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Illinois Gies College of Business and has spoken at Northwestern University Law School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and events hosted by numerous private organizations
- Brian is actively involved in charitable organizations that provide educational opportunities to low-income children in Chicago, including Holy Trinity High School and The Big Shoulders Fund
Practice Areas Explained
Brian F. Richards's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Brian F. Richards handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Brian F. Richards is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →
Brian F. Richards is one of 49,731 m&a attorneys indexed nationally. Browse m&a attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Illinois
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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