Three Sidley partners have been named 2023 “MVPs” in their respective practices by Law360. The annual awards recognize lawyers who have “distinguished themselves from their peers by securing hard-earned successes in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters and record-breaking deals.” Sidley’s honorees are:
- Tai-Heng Cheng — International Arbitration
- Kevin P. Lewis — Transportation
- Irwin P. Raij — Sports & Betting
Tai is a trial lawyer, international arbitration practitioner, and trusted legal adviser to governments, C-suites, and boards. His practice is distinguished by a winning record and a highly strategic, visionary approach to seizing opportunities and leveraging resources. As a result, clients turn to him to solve their most significant legal problems, win their largest disputes, provide strategic advice on — and help close — international transactions, and navigate complex, urgent issues. Since joining Sidley, Tai has won virtually every civil dispute in which he served as lead counsel.
Kevin continues to be at the forefront of leading the transportation industry into a carbon-neutral future. Kevin’s extensive background, experience, and knowledge in the transportation industry have made him one of the most sought-after lawyers in the business. His deep experience in aviation has enabled him to work with major commercial airlines in a host of ESG initiatives aimed at sustainable air travel, including venture capital and other investments, development projects for sustainable aircraft and SAF development, and offtake arrangements. Kevin is also working on the transformation of surface transportation, through his involvement in several nationwide networks of EV chargers.
Irwin Raij, co-chair of Sidley’s Entertainment, Sports and Media group, is a trailblazer in the world of professional sports dealmaking. With a reputation for leading massively complicated — and often politically charged — sports M&A transactions, stadium development and financing, and related licensing deals, his work spans the NFL, MLB, MiLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, NWSL, USL, the European Soccer Leagues, Series A, LaLiga, and Formula 1. Irwin has also represented clients in the collegiate space. As one of the most in-demand lawyers for sports-anchored development, and for both buyers and sellers of professional sports franchises, Raij is usually found on planes working and chasing transactions.
