Shearman & Sterling M&A partner David Connolly has been named to The M&A Advisor’s second annual "40 Under 40" list of outstanding lawyers in recognition of the excellent service he offers to clients.

The New York-based Connolly regularly represents multinational corporations and financial institutions in acquisitions and sales of public and private companies, solicited and unsolicited transactions, takeover defense strategies, joint ventures and corporate governance matters. His clients also include professional sports franchises and their owners, and he has been recognized by Legal 500 for his representation of those clients. Connolly joined Shearman & Sterling after earning a J.D. from Fordham University in 2002.

"David has certainly distinguished himself through his leadership role on a number of significant transactions and the way he advises clients," said George Casey, Shearman & Sterling's co-head of Mergers & Acquisitions in New York. "This is a great honor for David and for our firm. David will continue to gain widespread recognition for his overall excellence and client service."

The M&A Advisor is renowned globally for its recognition of leading M&A, financing and turnaround professionals. The 2011 "40 Under 40" award winners have been chosen for their accomplishments and expertise from a pool of prominent nominees by an independent judging panel of distinguished business leaders.