Not a financial trader himself, Edward Herlihy is still a powerful insider on the Street. Herlihy is a lawyer who specializes in the largest and most complex bank and financial institution mergers & acquisitions, and recapitalizations throughout the United States. Along with being one of the most sought after lawyers in financial cases, Herlihy also lectures and writes about legal issues involving financial matters and banking.

He has been a partner at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz since 1984, and has often been involved in takeover battles and proxy contests. Herlihy began his career as a staff attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and received a grounding for his future work there. He has worked for Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz since he left the SEC.

His Irish roots can be traced back to counties Kerry and Cork, and he is a third-generation Irish American. He is a native of Great Falls, New York, and earned his bachelor’s degree at Hobart College, and his J.D. from George Washington University. Herlihy is married and has two children.