WILLIAM CANDELARIA
Hermosa Beach,CA
Summary
Experienced legal professional specializing in corporate governance and financial structuring. Expertise in high-stakes transactions and compliance management, delivering strategic legal solutions that enhance business operations. Recognized for effective negotiation skills and comprehensive risk assessment.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Assistant General Counsel, Treasury & Corporate Finance
PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL INC.
New York, USA
12.2021 - 12.2023
- Advised PMI’s global M&A and treasury functions on US$16 billion public acquisition of Swedish Match AB, facilitating acquisition bridge lending facility and multiple tranches of SEC-registered debt issuances for refinancing short-term bridge facility.
- Advised PMI’s global treasury function on bank and acquisition financings, SEC-registered debt securities, derivatives transactions, and creditor consent solicitations, ensuring compliance with corporate finance objectives and strategic alignment.
- Prepared PMI board resolutions on debt authorizations and drafted corporate policies for financial commitments exceeding US$100 million, strengthening governance and risk management in financial guarantee issuance.
- Contributed to PMI’s corporate disclosure committee and supported U.S. public reporting on Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K.
Partner
DLA PIPER LLP (US)
New York, USA
11.2017 - 11.2021
- Advised U.S. and foreign companies, lenders, investors, and not-for-profit entities in corporate finance matters, including M&A, corporate governance, project financings, securities placements, and debt restructurings.
- Facilitated high-level negotiations to resolve complex legal issues effectively.
- Managed key client accounts, ensuring alignment with their legal needs.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance client relationships and service delivery.
- Advised clients on regulatory compliance and risk management, enhancing their operational readiness.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement business development strategies.
- Provided leadership and guidance to team members while encouraging collaboration across departments.
- Cultivated long-term relationships with existing clients through consistent communication efforts .
- Provided legal advice on business transactions and claim liabilities to clients.
Partner
CURTIS, MALLET-PREVOST, COLT & MOSLE LLP
New York, USA
07.2011 - 10.2017
- Advised PEMEX on strategic transactions in oil services sector, improving operational effectiveness.
- Led complex legal negotiations for high-profile clients in various industries.
- Advised clients on regulatory compliance and risk management strategies.
- Managed cross-functional teams to deliver legal solutions that addressed client needs.
- Advised Mexican government development banks on financial restructuring of federal electricity commission’s greenfield electricity plant project in Juarez following Abengoa SA's bankruptcy.
Partner
GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP
New York, USA
01.2007 - 07.2011
- Advised Heineken on its acquisition of FEMSA Cerveza, enabling expansion of its brand portfolio with Dos Equis and other notable brands.
- Advised U.S. and foreign companies and financial institutions on bank financings and debt offerings, enabling strategic capital market access.
- Managed complex legal matters to ensure corporate governance and compliance.
- Advised clients on risk management and regulatory compliance, mitigating potential legal risks.
- Led client engagement strategies to enhance legal service delivery.
Partner
MAYER, BROWN, ROWE & MAW LLP
New York, USA
07.2003 - 01.2007
- Advised U.S. and foreign companies and financial institutions on bank financings and U.S. public debt and equity offerings.
- Led initiatives to strengthen client relationships, resulting in improved retention strategies.
- Directed complex negotiations, aligning legal standards with client needs to achieve favorable outcomes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive legal solutions for clients.
- Assisted TV Azteca, Elektra, and IUSACELL in SEC investigation, facilitating resolution that led to delisting of equity.
Associate
CLEARY, GOTTLIEB, STEEN & HAMILTON LLP
New York, USA
04.1997 - 01.2003
- Engaged with clients to identify and address needs and concerns, resulting in improved client satisfaction.
- Represented clients in negotiations with opposing counsels.
- Reviewed contracts for accuracy and compliance with laws, minimizing risk for clients.
- Structured and executed corporate finance transactions, aligning strategies with client goals.
- Mentored junior associates on legal practices and courtroom procedures, fostering professional development.
Associate
O’MELVENY & MYERS LLP
Los Angeles, USA
12.1996 - 04.1997
- Supported senior attorneys in M&A due diligence reviews and contract drafting to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
Law Clerk to Judge Harry Pregerson
U.S. COURT OF APPEALS, NINTH CIRCUIT
Woodland Hills, California
10.1995 - 10.1996
- Functioned as judicial law clerk to an Article III federal judge in connection with appeals relating to federal securities law matters, U.S. environmental laws and regulations, and civil rights claims.
- Drafted legal memoranda and opinions that informed appellate judges' deliberations.
- Reviewed and analyzed briefs to deliver critical insights for court considerations.
- Researched legal precedents and case law, enhancing judicial decision-making.
- Assisted in preparing cases for oral argument before the court.
- Collaborated with court staff to ensure efficient case processing.
- Conducted research on relevant statutes, case law, regulations, and legal articles to support judicial decision-making.
- Proofread judge's orders and opinions for accuracy.
Education
J.D. - Law
HARVARD LAW SCHOOL
Cambridge, MA06-1995
Master of Arts - Latin American Studies
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Stanford, CA03-1993
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Stanford, CA06-1992
Skills
- Financial structuring
- Compliance management
- Risk assessment
- Legal drafting
- Corporate governance
- Stakeholder engagement
- Client relationship management
Recognition
The Legal 500 (U.S. M&A Mid-Market, U.S. Commercial Lending, U.S.-Mexico Private Practice Powerlist, and Latin America Banking & Finance), Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Law360 profiled as a 'Minority Powerbroker', Hispanic Business’ 100 'Influentials' List
Board Service
- NEW YORK CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 01/01/05, 12/31/23, Substantial experience serving as a board member of New York City’s economic development agency and its captive affiliates, including serving as chair of audit and governance committees.
- UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN NEW YORK, CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 01/01/14, 12/31/23, Significant experience in board governance, annual budgeting, finance and investment, institutional risk assessment, litigation management, facilities maintenance, and long-term strategic planning. Led the redevelopment of the campus, including the sale of air rights and construction of a 41-story education and residential building.
- HISPANIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA MUSEUM & LIBRARY, ADVISORY COUNCIL, 01/01/20, present
- MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATIONAL FUND, VICE CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 01/01/11, 12/31/18
- THE WILLIAMS INSTITUTE AT UCLA LAW SCHOOL, FOUNDERS COUNCIL, 01/01/10, 12/31/17
- THE PUBLIC THEATER OF NEW YORK, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 01/01/10, 12/31/13
- LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 01/01/04, 12/31/08
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
State Bar of California (1997-present)
Timeline
Assistant General Counsel, Treasury & Corporate Finance
PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL INC.
12.2021 - 12.2023
Partner
DLA PIPER LLP (US)
11.2017 - 11.2021
Partner
CURTIS, MALLET-PREVOST, COLT & MOSLE LLP
07.2011 - 10.2017
Partner
GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP
01.2007 - 07.2011
Partner
MAYER, BROWN, ROWE & MAW LLP
07.2003 - 01.2007
Associate
CLEARY, GOTTLIEB, STEEN & HAMILTON LLP
04.1997 - 01.2003
Associate
O’MELVENY & MYERS LLP
12.1996 - 04.1997
Law Clerk to Judge Harry Pregerson
U.S. COURT OF APPEALS, NINTH CIRCUIT
10.1995 - 10.1996
J.D. - Law
HARVARD LAW SCHOOL
Master of Arts - Latin American Studies
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
STANFORD UNIVERSITY