Finn Dixon & Herling is pleased to announce that Matthew B. Danzer, Dillon Smith and John T. Torrenti have been promoted to the position of counsel, effective January 1, 2025. Each of the three attorneys have continuously demonstrated a strong command in their areas of practice and have a proven record of client success and supporting the firm’s commitment to client service.
“The promotions of Matt, Dillon and John are well-deserved based upon their strong performance and their significant achievements,” said Christopher H. Craig, Managing Partner at Finn Dixon & Herling. “These promotions reflect not only their individual accomplishments, but also our firm’s ongoing dedication to recognizing and rewarding exceptional talent.”
Matthew B. Danzer is a litigation attorney and practices in the areas of White Collar Defense, Internal Investigations, and Complex Civil Litigation. He represents clients in investigations conducted by the Department of Justice, Securities & Exchange Commission, and other government agencies, and also represents clients in complex civil litigation in federal and state courts. His experience includes successfully working with clients across a number of industries—including health care, finance, manufacturing, and natural resources—and providing pro bono services to multiple individuals and organizations.
“Matt is a skilled and persuasive advocate,” said Craig. “His ability to navigate complex legal issues has earned him the respect of both clients and colleagues.”
Prior to joining Finn Dixon & Herling, Mr. Danzer was an associate at two large law firms, including one in Washington, D.C., where he worked on SEC, congressional and internal investigations and complex commercial litigation. He also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Gerard E. Lynch, United States Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Mr. Danzer received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and his B.S. from Cornell University. He is admitted to practice in Connecticut, New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.
Dillon Smith is a corporate attorney who represents clients in private equity and venture capital transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and a range of other domestic and international corporate transactions. His experience includes providing ongoing corporate advice to private companies and advising clients on a host of matters, including leveraged acquisitions and divestitures for private equity funds, venture capital and growth equity investments across an array of industries, acquisitions and divestitures of business units and tender offers by private companies.
“Dillon has consistently demonstrated strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to complex legal matters since joining the firm in 2021,” said Craig. ”His contributions have advanced our firm's objectives and strengthened client relationships within the corporate practice.”
Mr. Smith joined Finn Dixon & Herling after working as an associate in the mergers and acquisitions group at an international law firm in New York. Prior to becoming an attorney, he worked in Washington, D.C. for a number of non-profit organizations that supported international development programs in West Africa. Mr. Smith was a Fulbright Scholar in Mali, West Africa.
Mr. Smith received his J.D. from Boston College Law School and his B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University, Walsh School of Foreign Service. He is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.
John T. Torrenti is a tax and investment management attorney who provides clients with federal and state tax advice in connection with domestic and international transactions, including hedge fund and private equity fund formations, mergers and acquisitions, and debt and equity financings and restructurings. Additionally, he assists managers of private funds and institutional investors with the formation, negotiation and operation of private equity, venture capital and hedge funds.
“John has been an integral part of our tax team since joining the firm in 2018, and more recently has become essential to our Investment Management team as well. His strong commercial bent, and commitment to client success make him a reliable advisor to our tax and IM clients,” Craig commented.
Before joining Finn Dixon & Herling, Mr. Torrenti practiced in the tax group at an international law firm in New York City.
Mr. Torrenti received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Washington University in St. Louis and his B.A. from Wesleyan University. He is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.
ABOUT FINN DIXON & HERLING
Finn Dixon & Herling LLP is law firm based in Stamford, CT with extensive experience providing corporate, transactional, securities, bankruptcy, investment management and litigation counsel to local, national and international clients. Clients include publicly-traded companies, privately-held companies, private equity and venture capital groups, banks and financial institutions, hedge funds, investment advisors, third party marketers, broker-dealers, entrepreneurs, start-up ventures and government entities. For the past five years, the firm’s Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations practice has been ranked in the highest tier, Band 1 by Chambers and Partners. The firm’s Corporate/M&A practice has been ranked by Chambers in Band 1 for the past 21 years. For additional information on the firm, visit fdh.com.