Howard Sobel advises both US and international private equity firms in leveraged acquisitions of privately held and public companies.
A nationally renowned private equity practitioner, Mr. Sobel handles a diverse range of matters, including auctions, going-private transactions, co-investment opportunities, and acquisitions and reorganizations in bankruptcy proceedings. He has represented many of the world’s leading private equity firms, such as Leonard Green & Partners, Odyssey Investment Partners, Cinven Partners, CVC Capital Partners, Centerbridge Partners, Irving Place Capital, and Vestar Capital Partners. Mr. Sobel offers particular experience in transactions involving the healthcare, business services, and retail and consumer sectors.
Mr. Sobel previously served as Global Co-Chair of Latham & Watkins’ Private Equity Practice.
Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Sobel was a law clerk to Judge Edwin D. Steel, Jr., of the US District Court of Delaware from 1978-1979.
Mr. Sobel has received broad industry recognition for his distinctive transactional work. His honors include being:
Numerous legal publications have highlighted Mr. Sobel’s unique approach to client service. The Legal 500 US 2018 describes him as “extremely smart as well as very business oriented and practical.” According to Chambers USA 2017, the “incredibly responsive” Mr. Sobel is “thought-provoking” and a “great listener” who “is a great human being as well as a great lawyer.” Chambers USA 2018 added that sources also describe him as “incredibly experienced and knowledgeable,” and commend him for “caring deeply about his clients and their projects.”
Mr. Sobel’s experience includes advising:
Chambers USA recognized the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice for “world class expertise when it comes to the most challenging transactions.”
Firm honored by Law360 for advising on big-ticket deals across markets during 2020.
Firm honored for advising on big-ticket deals across markets during 2020.