Attorney Profile

Practice Areas
Closely-held Businesses
Inbound U.S. Investments
Corporate
Lending Law
Mergers & Acquisitions/Private Equity
Technology & Emerging Growth Companies
Areas of Emphasis
Mergers and Acquisitions
Corporate Counseling
Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials
Foreign Companies Expanding into the U.S.
Bar Admissions
New Jersey
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Education
New York University School of Law, J.D.
College of William and Mary, B.A.
Professional Activities
Member, American Bar Association Committees on Small Business and Cyberspace Law

William G. Connolly

Partner

Riker Danzig enjoys an unequaled reputation for the quality legal counsel it provides to middle-market companies, and partner William G. Connolly is a key reason why. Bill focuses his practice on firms with annual revenues from $20 million to $500 million, advising them on a wide scope of transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, financing, workouts, shareholder disputes, governance and joint ventures.

In dealing with smaller companies, Bill understands that his advice must be practical given the size of the company or the transaction. Bill says, "I am not put off when a client does not have a staff of in-house legal counsel. I enjoy working directly with business people on difficult issues with legal components. On the other hand, I am also comfortable coordinating with and supporting a client's legal department." In addition to his middle-market clientele, Bill represents overseas firms with operations in the United States-helping them invest in U.S. businesses.

Bill finds his long-term relationships with clients fulfilling. "I tend to be very passionate about clients," he says. "I care about their business and helping them to be successful. I want clients to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns. Clients receive the best advice when their attorney knows them well and anticipates their needs. I want a collaborative relationship with my client and my colleagues to achieve the best possible result."

For Bill, the highlight of his practice at Riker Danzig has been the opportunity to play a large role over the years in the growth of his clients. "I value my long-term relationships with clients," he says. "I have an opportunity to renew the relationship every time they have a new transaction or seek advice, and I enjoy seeing them grow and prosper."

Representative clients and transactions:

  • For a large French materials manufacturer, Bill acts as its primary U.S. counsel and counsel for strategic U.S. acquisitions.
  • Bill represents pharmaceutical companies and contract research companies in connection with clinical trial and manufacturing agreements.
  • Bill negotiated the purchase of a National Basketball Association franchise, including raising capital, settling league issues and creating an ownership structure.

Bill is a member of the Committees on Small Business and Cyberspace Law of the American Bar Association. While pursuing his law degree, he served on the New York University Moot Court Board and as a member of the New York University Review of Law and Social Change. In its 2011 Guide, Chambers USA praised Bill for his "impressive work involving buyouts and stock placements." Bill has been named a "Best Lawyer" in Corporate Law by The Best Lawyers in America® since 2008, and Law & Politics magazine has named him one of New Jersey's "Super Lawyers" for mergers and acquisitions since 2007.

Related Firm News

William G. Connolly

See Also

Copyright © Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP. All rights reserved. | Legal Disclaimer | Sitemap