O'Melveny loses third New York partner to Dechert

Dechert has strengthened its corporate and securities group in New York with the hire of a senior partner, Drake Tempest, from O’Melveny & Myers.

Tempest, who joined Dechert today (28 January), was also previously general counsel of Qwest Communications for four years. His move today follows those of two other high-level lawyers from O’Melveny in New York to Dechert, corporate partner Mark Thierfelder and tax specialist Daniel Dunn, who both joined the firm in October 2006.

Tempest’s practice focuses particularly on private equity and public M&A as well as real estate finance. His arrival is seen as providing Dechert with additional muscle in its general corporate and issuer-based group.

While in-house, Tempest was closely involved in Qwest’s $51bn hostile takeover of US West. He was also general counsel during the fraud investigation into the company by the SEC, but was never charged with any offences.

Dechert chairman Bart Winokur said Tempest brought a wealth of practical experience with him, having advised on complex corporate transactions both in private practice and as general counsel of Qwest.

“His experience advising on significant mergers and acquisitions, financings, and real estate transactions will be an important asset to the firm,” Winokur added.

"Drake is a fine lawyer and we wish him well in his new endeavors at Dechert," said Gary Singer, co-chair of O'Melveny's transactions department.