Exclusive insights, cutting-edge strategies, and networking that goes beyond business cards – are you ready for the FOCIS Fall Forum 2025?
Join McDermott Will & Schulte's Family Office Capital & Investment Strategies (FOCIS) Group for this one-of-a-kind event, designed exclusively for family office principals, chief investment officers, investment teams, and other C-suite executives.
What to Expect:
- Interactive Panel Discussions: Dive into the most compelling investment trends and opportunities with industry leaders.
- Confidential and Collaborative Environment: Share ideas, challenges, and solutions with your peers in the family office investment community.
- New Opportunities: Discover innovative approaches that can propel your family office to new heights.
Secure your spot today to elevate your family office's investment strategy and build lasting connections.
Confirmed panelists
Joel F. Gemunder Professor of Economics and Finance
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Program
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – All times reflected in EDT
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Networking breakfast
During breakfast, stop by FOCIS on Sports to connect with Thomas P. Conaghan and Greg C. Berson about the forces shaping today’s sports market. From headline-making transactions to emerging trends in investment and ownership, they’ll offer timely perspectives and answer your questions in an informal, drop-in setting.
9:30 – 9:40 AM
Opening remarks
9:40 – 10:40 AM
Fireside chat with Brad Jacobs and David Rubenstein
Get an inside look at the minds of two legendary dealmakers as Brad Jacobs, chairman and CEO of QXO, Inc., sits down with David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and owner of the Baltimore Orioles. Together, they’ll share bold insights on building transformative businesses, identifying overlooked opportunities, and leading with vision in today’s rapidly evolving investment landscape.
Panelists
- Brad Jacobs, Chairman and CEO, QXO, Inc.
- David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Board, Carlyle
10:40 – 11:35 AM
Distressed deals and challenged investments
As volatility creates new risks and opportunities, this session explores the art of acquiring distressed assets through Chapter 11 and other insolvency processes. In addition, attendees will learn practical strategies for spotting warning signs, resolving conflicts, and protecting value when investments go off course, turning challenged situations into opportunities for long-term value creation and/or downside mitigation.
Panelists
- Mohsin Meghji, Founder, M3 Partners
- Finbarr O'Connor, CIO and Founding Partner, TREO Asset Management
- Matthew Perkal, Head of Special Situations and SPACs, Brigade Capital Management
- Geoffrey Richards, Senior Managing Director, Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
Moderators
- Darren Azman, Partner, McDermott Will & Schulte
- Patrick J. McCurry, Partner, McDermott Will & Schulte
11:35 – 11:50 AM
Networking break
11:50 AM – 12:45 PM
The current administration’s impact on investment and business
Legislative and regulatory initiatives are reshaping the family office investment and business landscape. In this panel, the panelists will discuss macroeconomic trends and sector-specific implications in areas such as artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and real estate. Key topics include the administration’s focus on US-based investment and manufacturing, evolving trade policies and tariffs, the sweeping effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and potential future developments.
Panelists
- Jacob Manoukian, U.S. Head of Investment Strategy, J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Wealth Management
- Tom West, Partner, Capitol Tax Partners
- Eric Zwick, Joel F. Gemunder Professor of Economics and Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Moderator
- Thomas P. Ward, Partner, McDermott Will & Schulte
12:45 – 2:00 PM
Networking lunch
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Investing through private placement life insurance
As family offices seek innovative ways to maximize after-tax returns, private placement life insurance (PPLI) has emerged as an increasingly powerful tool. This panel brings together market leaders to share practical insights on tailoring PPLI to diverse family office strategies, highlighting real-world applications, benefits, and key considerations for long-term wealth preservation and growth.
Panelists
- Scott Abookire, Chief Investment Officer, Pincus Capital Management
- David Golub, President, Golub Capital
- Eric Naison-Phillips, CEO, Winged Keel Group
Moderator
- Scott A. Bowman, Partner, McDermott Will & Schulte
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Investing in the space industry
Private investment in the space ecosystem is accelerating as breakthrough technologies and bold innovation create solutions to address both space-based and terrestrial challenges. This dynamic panel features three visionary founders/operators exploring the next wave of opportunities in the rapidly expanding space economy. Get ready for insights that are truly out of this world.
Panelists
- Matt Gialich, CEO, AstroForge
- Bridgit Mendler, Co-Founder and CEO, Northwood Space
- Rob Meyerson, Co-Founder and CEO, Interlune
Moderator
- Patrick J. McCurry, Partner, McDermott Will & Schulte
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Program subject to change
Cocktail reception
McDermott faculty
About FOCIS
FOCIS is a multi-practice team and mindset within McDermott that draws on the experiences of our private client, tax, and transactions lawyers to provide creative and holistic solutions across all levels of a family wealth structure. By taking a comprehensive approach, we seek superior financial returns through optimal planning for your family – returns that would otherwise be lost when working with external advisors who have a narrower lens.
Contact
Disclaimer
McDermott Will & Schulte's FOCIS Fall Forum is designed for the educational benefit of owners and executives of single-family offices. Please be advised McDermott has the right to restrict attendance and may limit participation in this event.