01 Jun 2026
Willkie Farr & Gallagher Expands West Coast Private Equity Practice with Partners Stephen Lee and Brian Raynor
"Willkie Farr & Gallagher hires partners Stephen Lee (Los Angeles) and Brian Raynor (San Francisco) into its Private Equity Practice Group to strengthen West Coast private equity capabilities."
Stephen Lee is based in Los Angeles and joins Willkie as a partner from Goodwin Procter. A leader in the private equity industry with more than 25 years of experience, he advises on carve-outs of business divisions, asset and stock acquisitions and sales, mergers, leveraged buyouts and auction transactions. He regularly represents buyers and sellers in cross-border matters and counsels clients on joint ventures, joint development, licensing and manufacturing arrangements, as well as search fund and independent sponsor matters. His work spans the aerospace, software, technology, automotive, medical device and healthcare industries.
Brian Raynor is based in San Francisco and joins Willkie as a partner from Goodwin Procter. He has led a variety of transactions including acquisitions, divestitures, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, minority and growth equity investments, joint ventures and general corporate matters. His practice spans the technology, software, manufacturing and healthcare sectors.