Steven Winegar, Former Managing Director and Senior Counsel at Goldman Sachs, Joins Paul Hastings in Hong Kong

September 08, 2010

Hong Kong (September 8, 2010) Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, a leading global law firm, announced today that Steven Winegar, previously a Managing Director and Senior Counsel at Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong, has joined Paul Hastings as a partner in its Hong Kong office. Mr. Winegars appointment will strengthen the firms growing Asia capital markets, M&A and private equity practices.

During his 12-year career with Goldman Sachs, Mr. Winegar worked in both New York and Hong Kong. He has been in Hong Kong since 2005 and led the legal coverage team for the investment banking, capital markets and principal investment areas for Goldman Sachs in Asia ex-Japan. Through his work at Goldman Sachs, Mr. Winegar has developed significant experience in equity and debt capital markets, private equity and M&A transactions across the region.

To be effective, lawyers need to understand the full range of challenges that their clients face. In addition to legal and regulatory risks, sophisticated clients focus on issues such as corporate governance, the integrity of vendors, customers and counterparties, the environmental and social impact of their operations, and potential conflicts of interest that can arise out of running complex businesses. Paul Hastings grasps this bigger picture and advises its clients accordingly, said Mr. Winegar.

Paul Hastings reputation for capital markets, M&A and private equity work in the region is second to none and I am delighted to join the firm and be part of its ascending global capital markets and private equity platform.

This is an exciting development in the growth of our Asia capital markets, M&A and private equity practices as we continue to expand our offerings across Asia, said Neil Torpey, chair of the Paul Hastings office in Hong Kong.

Steve is an exceptional talent and a highly regarded U.S. lawyer who brings with him a wealth of experience and contacts with many of the major global investment banks and private equity firms. His appointment will bolster our existing teams in the areas of capital markets, M&A and private equity, where the firm has established itself as one of the market leaders in the region, demonstrating the firms commitment to first-class legal talent and client service.

Mr. Winegars appointment follows a series of new hires for Paul Hastings in Asia. The firm recently strengthened its corporate practice with the addition of Roger Peng, former Managing Partner of Hogan & Hartsons Beijing office, along with Chris Betts, previously Associate General Counsel for Asia at McKinsey, and Catherine Tsang from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.

About our Asia Corporate Practice:

Lawyers at Paul Hastings have advised on some of the most innovative and significant transactions in the region. Reflecting the depth of our experience, our Asia capital markets practice advised on transactions totaling over US$5 billion in 2009, including six completed IPOs and nine top-up placements, rights issues, or bond offerings featuring PRC or Korean issuers and banks such as Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Macquarie, Morgan Stanley, Samsung Securities, and UBS.

In addition, last year our M&A and private equity practice advised on groundbreaking deals such as the first successful formation and closing of an RMB-denominated China real estate investment fund recently completed by Prax Capital. The team is also frequently recognized for its successful work on behalf of fund clients. Recent accolades include:

• Awarded "Asia Law firm of the Year" for the fourth consecutive year, by Private Equity Real Estate.
• Awarded "Private Equity Law Firm of the Year" by Asian-Counsel.
• Awarded "M&A Deal of the Year" in China by Asian Legal Business.
• Awarded "M&A Deal of the Year" in Japan by Asian Legal Business.
• Awarded "Private Equity Deal of the Year" by China Law & Practice and IFLR.
• Awarded "Deal of the Year" by FinanceAsia, IFR Asia, Asian-Counsel, and The Deal Magazine.
• Received an honorable mention for "Hong Kong Capital Markets Team of the Year" in Asian-Counsels annual in-house survey.

Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP is a leading global law firm with offices in Asia, Europe, and the United States. We provide innovative legal solutions to financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. Please visit www.paulhastings.com

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