Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is pleased to announce that Franci J. Blassberg, who is Of Counsel and a former longtime partner of the firm, has been recognized with the 2017 Chambers USA Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her remarkable contribution to the practice of law.
This year’s Chambers USA Lifetime Achievement award marks another recognition for her pioneering career.
“Debevoise is truly a ‘one firm firm’ where assembling the best team for the client is what matters most. In my view, this award is as much for my mentors, my current partners and the younger lawyers who have challenged and shaped me along the way as it is mine,” Blassberg said in her award acceptance speech, “I spent my career as a Debevoise lawyer – among a group of creative, driven lawyers and who by nature are as passionate as any I’ve encountered when it comes to putting clients first and delivering exceptional legal work and legal service.”
With a legal practice spanning nearly 40 years, Ms. Blassberg has had a front-row seat in the development and growth of the private equity industry. She co-founded and co-chaired Debevoise’s Private Equity Group before developing it into one of the industry’s largest and preeminent practices, and has earned a reputation as one of the country's foremost PE legal experts. Ms. Blassberg was among the early adopters of assembling an integrated team of lawyers who specialized in various aspects of private equity such as fund formation, buyouts and leveraged finance. Today, more than 200 lawyers at Debevoise advise private equity clients.
As the first female corporate partner at Debevoise, Ms. Blassberg has been a strong promoter of women lawyers throughout her career. She was the first woman to receive the prestigious Judge Learned Hand Award from the American Jewish Committee, given to outstanding members of the legal profession whose professional and community activities have played a significant role in the improvement of the community.
The Chambers USA Lifetime Achievement Award is based on the collective research for the 2017 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business and reflects pre-eminence in the field, outstanding work and excellence in client service.
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. We deliver effective solutions to our clients’ most important legal challenges, applying clear commercial judgment and a distinctively collaborative approach.