Debevoise Expands London Secondaries Team with Addition of Mary Lavelle

LONDON, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announced today that leading secondaries practitioner Mary Lavelle is joining the firm as a partner in its Private Fund Transactions and Investment Management Groups in London.

Ms. Lavelle will advise both sponsors and investors on complex secondary transactions and related liquidity solutions, including continuation vehicles, LP portfolio sales, co-investments and recapitalizations. Her strong reputation in the secondaries marketplace is reflected in her numerous industry awards and her status as a sought-after commentator on European secondary trends and developments.    

Presiding Partner Peter Furci said, "Debevoise is committed to maintaining our decade-long position as a trusted advisor to private capital sponsors and investors across the full cycle of private fund investing, including secondaries. Mary counsels many of the market's most sophisticated participants, and she will enhance our ability to advise clients on their most complex liquidity transactions."

Rebecca Silberstein, Global Chair of the Investment Management Group, said, "Our client relationships are global, and Mary's arrival will further enhance our ability to offer integrated, market-informed advice across geographies. She possesses a unique combination of experience and judgment that her clients understandably hold in high regard and we welcome her to firm."   

Kevin Schmidt, Co-Chair of the Private Equity Group, said, "The ongoing strategic growth and expansion of our multi-disciplinary Private Fund Transactions practice is greatly enhanced by Mary's arrival. Her standing in the industry is truly impressive, and we are delighted that this experienced lawyer will be joining our London team."

Ms. Lavelle said, "Debevoise has an outstanding global secondaries practice. I look forward to working with my new colleagues in London and globally to help clients navigate the commercial and legal issues presented by liquidity transactions in an ever-evolving market."

Prior to joining Debevoise, Ms. Lavelle was Global Co-Head of Private Funds and Secondaries at another leading international law firm. She completed her legal training at BPP Law School in 2007 and received a B.A. in Modern Languages and Philosophy from the University of Oxford in 2005.