Brian Schwarzwalder was a highly accomplished American corporate attorney and Big Law partner based in Hong Kong, recognized as a leading expert in cross-border private equity, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and growth equity investments across the Asia-Pacific region.
Tragically, he passed away in August 2025 at the age of 54.
Legal Career & Profile
Schwarzwalder practiced law in Hong Kong for over two decades, establishing a formidable reputation among global and Asian institutional investors.
- Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher (2017–2025): He joined Gibson Dunn’s Hong Kong office as a partner in 2017, moving as part of a high-profile, four-partner lateral team from Ropes & Gray. At Gibson Dunn, he was a key pillar of the firm’s Private Equity and M&A practice groups. He also served on internal committees focused on associate professional development and mentorship.
- Ropes & Gray LLP (2011–2017): Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, he was a partner at Ropes & Gray in Hong Kong, leading major high-stakes transactions (including advising Tesco on its $6.1 billion sale of its South Korean business arm in 2015).
- Industry Focus: His legal practice covered complex leveraged buyouts and investments spanning technology, life sciences, media, publishing, manufacturing, and real estate. He was consistently ranked as a top-tier attorney by leading industry publications like Chambers Asia Pacific, The Legal 500, and IFLR1000.
Early Career & Public Policy
Before transitioning fully into private corporate legal practice in Hong Kong in 2004, Schwarzwalder worked in the non-profit sector focused on international development and legal reform.
- He served as the China Program Manager for Landesa (formerly the Rural Development Institute), a Seattle-based non-profit organization. In this role, he advised on land property rights reform in developing and transitional economies.
Education
- J.D., University of Washington School of Law (1997) – Served as the articles editor for the Pacific Rim Law & Policy Journal.
- B.A. in Asian Studies, Williams College (1992)
