Freshfields Adds Leading M&A Lawyer Bethany Pfalzgraf in New York

Freshfields announced today that Bethany Pfalzgraf will join the firm as a New York-based partner in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice. Bethany’s appointment is the latest in a series of strategic M&A partner additions, including NY-based Keith Hallam, reflecting increased client demand for support on the highest-stakes U.S. and global transactions.

Damien Zoubek, U.S. Managing Partner, said: “Bethany is an exceptional lawyer whose technical excellence, sound judgment and business-minded approach make her a trusted adviser on clients’ most complex matters. Having known and worked with her for many years, I’ve seen firsthand her dedication, integrity and ability to build strong relationships with both clients and colleagues. She is a true talent and will be a terrific addition to our team and further strengthen our ability to serve clients while investing in the next generation of leading practitioners.”

Jenny Hochenberg, Global Co-Head of M&A, said: “Having known Bethany and worked alongside her earlier in our careers, I've seen the judgment, technical skills and work ethic she brings to her clients. She is a highly respected M&A lawyer with experience across a broad range of complex U.S. and cross-border public and private transactions, and she will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our team. Just as importantly, Bethany's collaborative style makes her a natural fit for our culture. We are delighted to welcome her to Freshfields."

Bethany said: "I am thrilled to be joining Freshfields and the M&A team. Freshfields has built a market-leading M&A platform defined by an integrated global approach, a commitment to excellence and exceptional client service. The firm's momentum and ambitious trajectory make this a truly exciting time to join, and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the M&A practice and helping clients navigate their most complex transactions."

Bethany’s practice covers public and private mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and disclosure matters. Her transactional experience spans the technology, life sciences, industrials, financial institutions and consumer-facing sectors, and includes cross-border and multi-jurisdictional transactions, carve-outs, strategic collaborations and joint ventures. She has advised on complex public-company deals, corporate governance matters and disclosure issues and has experience across a broad range of industries. She is recognized by IFLR1000 and by Lawdragon as among the "500 Leading Dealmakers in America" and "500 X – The Next Generation." The Deal named Bethany one of the "Top Women in Dealmaking" in 2023.

Freshfields is ranked in the global top 10 across Bloomberg, LSEG and Mergermarket’s H1 2026 M&A league tables, and #1 globally for cross-border M&A (Mergermarket). Almost two-thirds of Freshfields’ global M&A deal value involved a U.S. component, reflecting the firm’s strength in an increasingly U.S.-led dealmaking market.