Brian Schwarzwalder
In Memoriam
Brian Schwarzwalder
(1970 – 2025)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our partner and friend Brian Schwarzwalder. Brian was a partner in our Hong Kong office and a valued member of our Private Equity and Mergers and Acquisitions practice groups. He cared deeply about training and championing the next generation of talent, having served as a mentor to countless associates. This passion was underscored by Brian’s service on the firm’s Associate Compensation and Professional Development committees.
Brian joined Gibson Dunn in 2017, having practiced in Hong Kong since 2004. He had decades of experience advising private equity funds and other sophisticated asset managers on cross-border leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions and growth equity investments across Asia-Pacific markets. Brian represented both global and Asian investors in some of the largest transactions in the region. In addition to his sponsor-side practice, Brian also represented limited partners who invest as active consortium members and passive equity financing sources.
His practice covered a wide range of industries, including life sciences, technology, media, publishing, real estate and manufacturing. Brian was consistently recognized as a leading lawyer and was highly regarded by various independent legal publications, including Chambers Asia Pacific, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, and IFLR1000.
Before moving to Hong Kong, Brian was the China Program Manager of the Rural Development Institute (now Landesa), a Seattle-based non-profit organization focused on property rights reform in developing and transitional economy countries. Brian received his Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from Williams College in 1992 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law in 1997, where he served as articles editor for Pacific Rim Law & Policy Journal.
Brian was a beloved member of the Gibson Dunn community. At this difficult time, our thoughts are with his family, as well as with the many colleagues who worked with Brian over the years. He will be greatly missed.
Credentials
Education:
- University of Washington - 1997 Juris Doctor
- Williams College - 1992 Bachelor of Arts