Edward Rishty Appointed Chair of Debevoise Real Estate Group: A Leadership Transition in Global Legal Excellence

Introduction: A Major Leadership Evolution at Debevoise & Plimpton

In the high-stakes world of international law and institutional real estate finance, leadership transitions at premier firms serve as barometers for broader market trends. On July 28, 2026, premier international law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announced a significant leadership evolution within its ranks.

Effective immediately, Edward Rishty has been appointed as the new Chair of the Real Estate Group. He succeeds Peter Irwin, who has guided the practice with distinction for over 14 years and is transitioning into a new firm-wide leadership role as General Counsel starting October 1. Meanwhile, Chris Tahbaz, who has served as General Counsel for the past eight years, is preparing for his well-earned retirement at the end of the year.

This strategic leadership change highlights Debevoise’s commitment to internal talent development, seamless succession planning, and maintaining its position as a dominant advisor in complex, multi-billion-dollar global real estate transactions.

Part I: Meet Edward Rishty—A Veteran Dealmaker at the Helm

Stepping into the role of Chair is no small task, but Edward Rishty brings a wealth of deep transactional experience, legal acumen, and strategic vision to the position.

Having earned the trust of clients and colleagues across the firm through a collaborative approach and sound commercial judgment, Rishty is exceptionally well-positioned to steer the Real Estate Group into its next chapter.

Core Practice Focus

Mr. Rishty’s legal practice encompasses some of the most sophisticated and capital-intensive segments of the modern real estate market. His regular advisory portfolio includes:

• Private Equity Funds & Hedge Funds: Structuring complex, high-stakes investments and cross-border portfolio acquisitions.
• Real Estate Developers: Guiding landmark development projects from initial land acquisition through complex financing and execution.
• Sovereign Wealth Funds & Family Offices: Advising institutional and ultra-high-net-worth investors on capital deployment, joint ventures, and capital markets transactions.

Nicole Mesard, Deputy Presiding Partner and a member of the Real Estate Group, highlighted Rishty's qualifications:

"Eddie is an outstanding lawyer whose judgment and collaborative approach have earned the confidence of clients and colleagues across the firm. He combines deep transactional experience with a practical approach to serving clients and leading teams. We are confident he will guide the Real Estate Group with the same commitment to excellence that has long defined the practice."

Part II: Honoring Peter Irwin’s 14-Year Legacy

As Edward Rishty steps up, the firm acknowledges the transformative tenure of outgoing Real Estate Chair Peter Irwin.

For more than 14 years, Irwin shaped the trajectory of Debevoise’s real estate practice, transforming it into an elite powerhouse capable of handling the most demanding global transactions. Under his leadership, the practice expanded its capabilities, strengthened its commercial reputation, and consistently delivered client-focused solutions during periods of profound economic volatility and market evolution.

Rather than leaving the firm, Irwin’s institutional knowledge and leadership capacity will be retained at the highest executive level. Effective October 1, Irwin will assume the role of the firm’s next General Counsel, ensuring that Debevoise continues to benefit from his steady hand and strategic insight.

Part III: Celebrating Chris Tahbaz’s Retirement and General Counsel Legacy

The transition also marks the end of an era for long-serving General Counsel Chris Tahbaz, who has managed the firm's legal, compliance, and risk frameworks with distinction for the past eight years.

Reflecting on Tahbaz's contributions, Peter Furci, Presiding Partner at Debevoise, stated:

"Chris's practical judgment and thoughtful counsel have been invaluable to the partnership and firm leadership in navigating an increasingly complex environment. He has also built a highly capable Office of the General Counsel and a strong team that is well positioned to support Peter and the firm going forward. We are deeply grateful for Chris's many contributions to the firm and wish him all the best in his retirement."

Tahbaz leaves behind a deeply institutionalized Office of the General Counsel, ensuring a smooth handoff as Peter Irwin prepares to step into the role ahead of Tahbaz's departure at the end of the year.

Part IV: Inside Debevoise’s Premier Real Estate Group

The leadership handoff occurs against the backdrop of a globally recognized practice group. Debevoise’s Real Estate Group is frequently called upon by a diverse, elite client base to advise on some of the market's most sophisticated and intricate transactions.

Key Capabilities and Services:

• Acquisitions and Dispositions: Managing complex, cross-border asset transfers and corporate real estate portfolios.
• Joint Ventures: Structuring intricate partnership agreements balancing risk, capital contributions, and governance rights.
• Development Projects: Navigating municipal regulations, land use, construction contracts, and equity syndication.
• Financings and Restructurings: Advising on debt placement, refinancing maneuvers, and distressed asset restructuring in changing interest rate environments.
• Leasing Transactions: Negotiating high-value commercial, retail, and industrial lease structures.

By working closely with multidisciplinary teams across Debevoise—spanning tax, environmental, corporate, and litigation departments—the Real Estate Group delivers comprehensive, business-minded solutions to institutional investors, real estate investment trusts (REITs), pension funds, and public companies worldwide.

Conclusion: A Seamless Transition for Continued Excellence

Leadership transitions in major global law firms often signal strategic pivots or periods of organizational strain. However, Debevoise & Plimpton’s announcement regarding Edward Rishty, Peter Irwin, and Chris Tahbaz represents the gold standard in corporate succession planning: honoring a legacy of past growth while empowering proven, dynamic leaders to drive future innovation.

With Edward Rishty at the helm of the Real Estate Group, clients can expect the same rigorous, commercial, and client-first dedication that has defined Debevoise for decades. As the real estate and private equity landscapes continue to evolve, the firm remains exceptionally well-positioned under its renewed leadership team.