New York—February 28, 2024—Seward & Kissel LLP announced today that Sonita M. Bennitt, former counsel with Goodwin Procter LLP, has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Tax Group.

In her 11-year tenure in Goodwin Procter’s Tax Department and earlier in her career, Bennitt advised clients on tax issues in connection with the formation and operation of all forms of private investment funds, including private equity, real estate, and private credit funds. She also advised clients on tax aspects of real estate joint ventures and real estate investment trusts.

“Sonita’s wealth of experience makes her a valuable addition to our firm and the Tax Group,” said Jim Cofer, managing partner of Seward & Kissel and a partner in the firm’s Tax Group. “Her deep background in private fund formation and structuring makes her an ideal fit with our Tax Group and the broader work of the firm.”

Prior to Goodwin Procter, Bennitt practiced as a tax associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. She began her legal career at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Bennitt received her J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation from the New York University School of Law. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Economics.

Bennitt’s arrival is the latest in a series of lateral hires by Seward & Kissel from upper-echelon Am Law 100 firms. Other recent notable additions include Kristen Curatolo, the co-head of the firm’s Private Clients/Trusts and Estates Group, from Kirkland & Ellis; Jaimie Nawaday, the current co-head of its Government Enforcement and Internal Investigations Group, from Kelley Drye & Warren; Michael Watling, co-head of the Government Enforcement and Internal Investigations Group, and Russell Johnston, co-head of the Litigation & Investigations Group, from King & Spalding; David Baron, a partner in the Employment Group, from Hogan Lovells; and Daniel Viola, a partner in the Investment Management Group, from Sadis & Goldberg.

Earlier this month, Seward & Kissel also added Nora Shearer, the former chief marketing officer at Shearman & Sterling, as its chief marketing and business development officer.

About Seward & Kissel LLP

Seward & Kissel LLP, founded in 1890, is a leading U.S. law firm with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C., with particular expertise in the financial services, investment management, banking, and shipping industries. The firm is well known for its representation of investment advisers and related investment funds, broker-dealers, major commercial banks, institutional investors, and transportation companies (particularly in the shipping area). Its practices primarily focus on corporate, M&A, securities, litigation (including white collar), restructuring/bankruptcy, real estate, regulatory, tax, employment, and ERISA for clients seeking legal expertise in these areas.

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Sonita Bennitt

(212) 574-1456
bennitt@sewkis.com

James C. Cofer

(212) 574-1688
cofer@sewkis.com

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