Davis Polk today announced that prominent M&A lawyer Michael Diz has joined the firm as a partner in its Mergers & Acquisitions practice in Northern California.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to Davis Polk,” said Neil Barr, Davis Polk’s Managing Partner. “Michael is an exceptional lawyer. He is an important addition to our Northern California team, particularly as we continue to strengthen our private equity M&A capabilities. Davis Polk strives to be a go-to firm for our clients undertaking major corporate transactions on the West Coast, and Michael’s arrival will help to further that position.”

Mr. Diz has a broad-based practice advising private equity firms, public and private companies, and special committees on mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, spinoffs and other transactions. He also advises companies and their boards on corporate governance and fiduciary duty matters. His work has spanned a range of industries, including tech, media and telecom; industrials; and consumer products.

“Michael has built an impressive practice and is very highly regarded in the market,” said Alan Denenberg, co-head of Davis Polk’s Northern California office. “He has advised marquee private equity and corporate clients on some of their most significant and transformative M&A matters and has strong experience across a range of sectors. This is an exciting development for our elite West Coast corporate offering.”

“We are thrilled to welcome a partner of Michael’s caliber,” said Neal Potischman, co-head of Davis Polk’s Northern California office. “He has extraordinary knowledge of the market and is a key piece in the continued growth of our platform in Northern California.”

Mr. Diz said, “Davis Polk is a preeminent firm with an unmatched global platform. I have always been impressed by the firm’s client-first culture and commitment to excellence, and the firm’s plans for continued investment and growth in Northern California are very exciting. I look forward to joining this fantastic team.”

Mr. Diz is ranked as a leading M&A lawyer in both California and New York by Chambers USA, where clients note that he is “immensely smart,” “creative” and “technically talented.” He also is recognized by Chambers USA for his work in the media and entertainment space.

Mr. Diz earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2004 and his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1999.

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