Iliana Ongun, a partner in Milbank’s Global Corporate/M&A Group in New York, was named to Bloomberg Law’s 2024 “They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40.” The list recognizes the accomplishments of excellent young lawyers nationwide and their place in the next generation of legal leaders.
Ms. Ongun advises public and private companies across industries through mergers and acquisitions, including cross-border and domestic acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, private equity transactions and spin-offs. She also counsels boards of directors on shareholder activism, takeover defense strategies and other corporate governance matters.
In her Q&A with Bloomberg Law, Ms. Ongun highlights her recent work representing the special committee of the board of directors of Carrols Restaurant Group in its $1 billion sale to Restaurant Brands and representing Apollo Global Management in a first-of-its-kind strategic investment with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company valued at $5.5 billion.
On the topic of defining success in the legal practice, Ms. Ongun commented, “To me, success starts with listening deeply to my clients’ needs so that I can provide the highest quality of strategic advice on matters of critical importance to them. It also means seeking to develop and inspire the next generation of legal talent. And doing all of this in a way that aligns with my core values of integrity and authenticity.”
Ms. Ongun serves on the Milbank hiring committee and is deeply involved in the firm’s Latinx affinity group, LaMano, as well as the firm’s pro bono efforts to help local charities incorporate as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profits so they can serve their missions more efficiently.
Outside the firm, Ms. Ongun serves as chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Committee on Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate Control Contests. She is also an adjunct professor at New York Law School, where she teaches M&A law.
The Bloomberg Law 40 Under 40 selection process includes a review of each nominee’s biggest wins for clients; how they navigated client responsibilities; and how they balanced leadership roles, pro bono commitments, and more.
Read Ms. Ongun’s full Q&A here (subscription may be required).
Learn more about the Bloomberg Law 2024 edition of “They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40.”
