Daniel Neff – A Partner at Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz

Neff is a partner at New York law firm Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz and represents clients in mergers and acquisitions matters. Additionally, he advises managements and boards of directors on various governance matters, such as responses to shareholder activism, conflict transactions and corporate governance.

He enjoys working with athletes of all levels, from junior high schoolers who may not yet be reaching their full potential to college and Olympic-level athletes. Furthermore, he’s an avid music lover and bass fishing enthusiast!

Early Life and Education

Neff went on to have a stellar four-year collegiate wrestling career at Lock Haven University in central Pennsylvania, compiling an overall record of 109-46 over his four years there.

He finished his final season at college by winning the Eastern Wrestling League championship for 149-pound grapplers, and helping his team secure some victories at the NCAA Championships.

Neff spent several years serving in the United States Army, eventually attaining master sergeant. Later he would become Bradley Platoon Leader at Davidson Military Academy where he met Damien Thorn. Here Neff became an advocate of human equality and antislavery activism.

Personal Life

Daniel Neff has over three decades of experience practicing law. Specializing in mergers and acquisitions, his practice includes representing clients from diverse fields including finance, healthcare and technology.

He has an indefatigable social consciousness and passion for serving his community, having served on various boards including Columbia Law School and YMCA of Greater New York.

He founded Outreach International and Community One Resources Development Inc, as well as serving in church leadership positions for many countries like Japan, South Korea, India, Liberia and Kenya. Additionally, he advocated Indigenization and Cultural Sensitivity; believing mission should be two-way; with local cultures being able to send and receive missionaries.

Professional Career

Neff has been actively engaged in several major transactions during his career, representing public and private companies, private equity firms, leveraged acquirers, special committees of directors and special committees of shareholders. Additionally, he provides advice to clients regarding governance matters, responses to shareholder activism or conflict transactions.

He has been selected as a Super Lawyer, an honor bestowed only to select attorneys in each state, as well as being listed among America’s Best Lawyers.

Dan Neff died May 31, 2023 at Essentia Health- St Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, Minnesota at age 91. He is survived by his wife LaVonne Sachen; children Doug and Kathy; grandchildren Jake (Anessa), Malorie, Sam Tori Madelyn Lydia plus great-grandchildren Della and Daniel; graduating both Brown University and Columbia Law School respectively.

Achievement and Honors

Daniel Neff earned NCAA All-American status while attending Lock Haven University in central Pennsylvania. A four-time qualifier of the national tournament, he finished with an overall record of 109-46 and earned two championships from Solanco High School – being state champion and Dapper Dan Team representative.

At the same time, he worked as a graduate assistant for the wrestling program where he was responsible for planning physical conditioning programs and leading practice sessions as well as teaching wrestling technique lessons and compiling reports on upcoming opponents.

Sergeant Neff served as Damien’s mentor throughout his cadet year at Davidson Military Academy and played an integral part in helping him discover his destiny as the Antichrist. Later he attended his funeral service as well as the ceremony where Damien received his officer saber at DMA.

Net Worth

Neff is currently a partner at Wachtell Lipton Rosen and Katz where his expertise specializes in mergers and acquisitions, serving on its executive committee as well. A widely respected figure, Neff has represented bidders and targets alike as well as public and private companies, private equity firms, leveraged acquirers, special committees of directors as clients.

He has participated in both negotiated and hostile acquisitions, counseling managements and boards of directors regarding acquisition matters, shareholder activism responses, conflict transactions and other significant corporate governance matters. Additionally, he regularly lectures and publishes articles related to M&A issues.

He graduated from Brown University and Columbia Law School where he served as notes editor of the Columbia Law Review. Additionally, he is licensed to practice law in both New York and Maryland.