The international law firm White & Case LLP promoted 14 lawyers to local partners and 25 lawyers to counsel, representing ten global practices and 21 offices in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions.
“Our competitive advantage lies in how we collaborate across borders and practices,” said Heather McDevitt, chair of White & Case. “These lawyers are growing at White & Case because they leverage these connections to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We are proud of all they have achieved in their careers to date and excited about what they will bring in the future.”
At White & Case, the position of local partner is offered in certain regions and locations where it is customary practice in the market. These include Mexico in the Americas; Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, the Middle East, Poland, South Africa, and Spain in EMEA; and China, Japan, and Korea in Asia-Pacific. It is a recognized career step toward admission as a partner in the firm.
The position of counsel is intended for senior lawyers with extensive experience in a specific practice area. The title is used in all White & Case offices, generally as a career alternative to partnership.
The promotions take effect on January 1, 2026.
Latin America
John Dalebroux has been appointed legal counsel for the International Arbitration Practice. Based in Washington, D.C., he specializes in international dispute resolution and transnational disputes involving Latin American governments and countries in various sectors. He has experience in investment arbitrations before ICSID and under UNCITRAL Rules, as well as in commercial arbitration and litigation in various forums.
Dylan Fay has been appointed counsel for the Litigation Practice. Based in Miami, he specializes in complex litigation before trial and appellate courts, as well as commercial arbitration, with an emphasis on cross-border disputes. He represents companies before regulatory agencies in compliance and pre-litigation matters and litigates in bankruptcy cases, representing creditors, creditor committees, and debtor estates in disputes arising from restructurings.
Brian Schmelkin has been appointed counsel in the Asset Finance practice. Based in Miami, he specializes in asset financing and leasing transactions, particularly aircraft financing and leasing.
Spain
Protection from Leyva has been appointed local partner in the Mergers and Acquisitions practice. Based in Madrid, she advises private equity firms, infrastructure funds, and other financial backers on mergers and acquisitions, as well as divestitures, joint ventures, co-investments, and restructurings. With this promotion, the firm now has more than 70 professionals in Madrid, including 17 partners and more than 50 attorneys.
Globally, White & Case has more than 2,600 lawyers distributed across 43 offices and 29 countries, establishing itself as one of the international firms with the greatest presence and influence in complex transactions.
