Dechert enhances Asia Pacific M&A team

Dechert LLP has announced a strategic enhancement of its corporate and securities practice with the recruitment of partners David Cho and Min Kim. This addition aims to strengthen the firm’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) capabilities in the Asia Pacific region and globally, bolstering services offered throughout the private capital lifecycle. Cho, who is rejoining the firm, brings over thirty years of expertise in cross-border M&A and corporate finance, while Kim joins with extensive experience in advising on transactions relevant to technology and energy sectors.

Mr. Cho noted, “Returning to Dechert is an incredibly exciting opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with some of the most talented lawyers in the industry." He has been a key player in advising multinational corporations and is a well-respected figure in the M&A landscape, recognised by Chambers Global. Mr. Kim, previously a special counsel at another major law firm, echoed this sentiment, commenting on how their combined expertise will significantly enhance the firm's offerings.

Mark Thierfelder, co-chair of Dechert, expressed enthusiasm about the duo’s arrival, highlighting that “his return, coupled with Min’s arrival, reflects our broader growth strategy to invest in key markets.” Dean Collins, Singapore Managing Partner, also praised Cho's and Kim’s backgrounds, stating, “Their arrival bolsters our Singapore bench and importantly, deepens our ability to advise clients across the full spectrum of private capital activity.”

These additions are part of a broader trend within Dechert, which has seen over 40 lateral partners join globally in the first half of 2026, strengthening its core practice areas. The firm is well-established in the M&A domain, having represented clients in numerous high-profile transactions across various industries.

Dechert's commitment to M&A advisory has been demonstrated through decades of involvement in landmark deals, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the legal service market globally. As both Cho and Kim aim to leverage the firm's highly regarded M&A platform, their hires are poised to offer significant advantages to clients navigating complex transactions.