DALLAS– January 13, 2025 – Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP expanded its Corporate Practice with the addition of Gemma Descoteaux as a shareholder in the Dallas office and Kurt Lyn as a shareholder in the Austin office. Descoteaux joins from Sheppard Mullin, where she was a founding partner in the corporate practice group, and Lyn joins from Kirkland & Ellis.
“Greenberg Traurig is dedicated to Texas and focused on bringing in exceptional legal talent to drive our strategic expansion both within the state and internationally, all while prioritizing our clients' needs. Gemma is a prominent figure in the Dallas area and will be instrumental in enhancing our strengths in Texas,” said Richard A. Rosenbaum, Greenberg Traurig Executive Chairman. “We are also excited to have Kurt join both our corporate practice and our Austin office. His contributions will be pivotal in fortifying our experience in Texas, while also working closely with our offices across the country.”
Descoteaux practices corporate law, focusing on mergers and acquisitions in the middle market across various industries including technology, private equity, media, logistics and transportation. Her practice encompasses advising buyers and sellers in complex M&A transactions. With more than 30 years of experience, Descoteaux has represented public companies in divestitures exceeding $1 billion, negotiated international joint ventures, negotiated long term services and licensing agreements, and advised on the acquisition and development of manufacturing facilities.
“Gemma has a longstanding history as a successful transactional lawyer in Texas and beyond. We are excited to add her to our collaborative platform at Greenberg Traurig, especially in Texas.” stated Joseph F. Coniglio, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Dallas office. “Gemma and her M&A practice will allow us to further expand our corporate team in Dallas, which has grown in a dynamic way over the last several years.”
Descoteaux’s background includes in-house experience at several companies, where she handled commercial agreements, managed inter-disciplinary teams, and coordinated acquisition integrations. She has also negotiated defense systems contracts and joint venture agreements.
“My decision to join Greenberg Traurig was inspired by the firm’s strong community leadership and commitment to providing excellent client service," Descoteaux said. "The firm’s unmatched global network enables me to enhance the services I provide to my clients in Dallas and beyond."
Descoteaux is a distinguished leader in both the business and legal communities, having been recognized by D CEO Magazine for the past 6 consecutive years as one of the most influential business leaders in Dallas. She held key positions such as President of the Dallas Fort Worth Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), where she led initiatives to empower women in the corporate sector. Her dedication to advocacy and mentorship is further exemplified by her active involvement with the University of Texas Center for Women in Law's Leaders Circle and the Dallas Women Lawyers Association. Gemma was also named one of the "Top Women Dealmakers" by Global M&A Network.
Lyn brings experience in handling complex business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), advising private equity funds, and representing both private and public companies. Lyn’s experience encompasses governance and general corporate matters.
“Kurt is an outstanding lawyer who has amassed substantial experience working on sophisticated M&A, private equity, and other corporate matters,” stated Demetrius G. McDaniel, Senior Vice President, and Regional Operating Shareholder. “Kurt’s knowledge and exceptional skills will provide additional benefits to firm clients, as he works with Greenberg Traurig’s exceptional corporate lawyers in Texas and across the firm. We are truly delighted to welcome Kurt to Greenberg Traurig.”
Lyn’s work spans multiple jurisdictions with experience in cross-border matters. He received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.A. in Mathematics & History from Wesleyan University.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP – Texas: Texas is important to Greenberg Traurig, LLP and the firm’s history. With more than 170 Texas lawyers in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Greenberg Traurig has deep roots in the Texas business, legal, and governmental communities. Greenberg Traurig Texas works with clients to address their interdisciplinary legal needs across the state utilizing the firm’s global platform. The Texas attorneys are experienced in industries key to the state’s future, including aviation, chemicals, construction, education, energy and natural resources, financial institutions, health care, hedge funds, hospitality, infrastructure, insurance, media, medical devices, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, real estate, retail, sports, technology and software, telecommunications, transportation, and video games and esports.
About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2750 attorneys in 48 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: www.gtlaw.com.