Industry Leader and Renowned Finance Expert Yvette Austin Smith Joins Compass Lexecon as Chair of its Global Finance Practice

The Compass Lexecon team is excited to announce that Yvette Austin Smith has joined the firm as Senior Managing Director, Chair of Compass Lexecon’s Global Finance Practice, and head of the New York office. She joins from The Brattle Group, where she held the roles of Chair of the Board and Practice Leader for M&A Litigation. Ms. Austin Smith is a proven industry leader who will join our senior management team and provide valuable additional guidance and perspective as we grow and continue to face future challenges and opportunities.

Ms. Austin Smith is a recognized finance expert in multiple areas including valuation, credit and solvency analysis, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy, and damages. She is a highly sought-after expert by major law firms and international clients due to her extensive knowledge in these and related areas. She has a proven track record as an expert witness and has submitted expert oral and written testimony in multiple U.S. and international venues including state courts in Delaware and New York; U.S. federal bankruptcy and district courts; international courts in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom; and the World Trade Organization and other arbitration forums. In addition to providing expert testimony, Ms. Austin Smith advises special board committees on M&A litigation matters and serves as an independent fiduciary and bankruptcy trustee.

Ms. Austin Smith has also authored a number of publications for organizations including the American Bar Association, the American Bankruptcy Institute, the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges, the Delaware State Bar Association, Thomson Reuters, and Bloomberg Law. She is a contributing author to the Model Merger Agreement for the Acquisition of a Public Company, published by the ABA’s Mergers and Acquisitions Committee, and a contributing researcher to The Standard & Poor’s Guide to Fairness Opinions: A User’s Guide for Fiduciaries.

Ms. Austin Smith commented: “This is a uniquely rewarding opportunity to expand Compass Lexecon’s leading market position as a trusted advisor and expert in disputed corporate transactions and restructurings. I am excited to join Compass Lexecon’s well-regarded team in providing world-class service to its global clients.”

Daniel R. Fischel, Chairman and President of Compass Lexecon commented: “We are delighted to have Yvette join our senior management team, spearhead our global finance practice, and build our New York office. Her visionary leadership approach and impressive track record as an expert and advisor in financial disputes and litigation will help ensure we continue providing a forward-thinking perspective and the best quality advice to our clients.”