What were some of your most satisfying successes of the past year, and why? From advising on three of the top five-largest funds raised in the past 17 months and first-of-its-kind fund financings, to high-profile, multi-billion-dollar PE deals and related financings, as well as blockbuster strategic exits, we are very proud of the results we achieved for our PE clients. Some of our marquee matters involve transactions, fundraisings and ongoing guidance for some of the world's most sophisticated sponsors, such as Apax, Blackstone, Carlyle, CVC, EQT, First Reserve, Hellman & Friedman, KKR and Silver Lake, and numerous middle-market funds and independent boutique firms.

What qualities make a great dealmaker? At Simpson Thacher, we believe that the best dealmakers not only have deep and varied experience, but also truly understand their client's business and long-term goals. Dealmakers who take this approach to their clients are best-positioned to anticipate issues, provide clients with holistic, commercially-minded, value-added advice and ensure smooth and efficient execution.