Club Level Feature – Q&A with Partners Chris Archer & Jack Sheehan

Morgan Lewis partners Chris Archer (left) and Jack Sheehan (right) are both based in Philadelphia and advise clients at the intersection of business strategy, transactions, and transformation.

Jack & Chris’s Area of Expertise – A Short Bio

Jack focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions, regularly guiding sponsors and companies through highly negotiated domestic and cross-border transactions. Chris advises companies on technology transactions, outsourcing, and global capability center (GCC) strategies, helping organizations modernize operations and align technology with long-term business objectives.

In the Q&A below, Chris and Jack share perspectives from their practices on the most significant developments they saw in 2025, the issues they’re watching closely in 2026, and—drawing on their local roots—what visitors shouldn’t miss when spending time in Philadelphia.

A Look Ahead—and Around—With Two Philadelphia-Based Partners

From shifting deal dynamics and digital transformation to AI, data, and global operating models, 2025 was a year of meaningful evolution across industries. As we head into 2026, clients are asking sharper questions, deals are becoming more nuanced, and expectations of advisors continue to rise.

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Jack Sheehan: What was the biggest trend or development in your practice in 2025?

In 2025, I saw the return of increased deal activity paired with greater transaction complexity, with private equity sponsors relying on creative structuring to bridge valuation gaps and manage risk. Private credit, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and cross-border considerations became core deal features, reinforcing the importance of integrated M&A, finance, antitrust, and regulatory capabilities. Overall, 2025 reinforced a shift toward more bespoke, heavily negotiated transactions and a greater expectation that M&A counsel act as strategic advisors, not just deal managers.

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Chris Archer: What stood out most in your practice in 2025?

The rapid growth of global capability centers (GCCs) was a defining trend. Companies are increasingly pursuing GCCs to gain greater control, scalability, and strategic value from their operations. Rather than viewing them purely as cost-efficiency tools, organizations are treating GCCs as long-term platforms for innovation and competitive advantage.

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Jack: What hot topics are you tracking for 2026?

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m closely tracking AI and data-related issues from a transactional standpoint—not just the use of AI to increase efficiency in diligence, but how buyers and sellers handle AI diligence, data rights, cybersecurity exposure, and IP ownership. I expect these topics to show up more consistently in representations and warranties, indemnity packages, and insurer expectations across a broader range of industries.

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Chris: What’s on your radar for 2026?

In 2026, my focus is on digital transformation outsourcing—particularly how organizations are using automation and AI to modernize operations, redesign business processes, and better align systems and technology with business strategy. These initiatives are reshaping commercial relationships and risk allocation as companies pursue transformation at scale.

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Jack: What’s one local recommendation for someone visiting Philadelphia?

Skip the stress of trying to land a reservation at nationally acclaimed spots and explore Philadelphia’s long-standing gastropubs and the neighborhoods they anchor. The Standard Tap in Northern Liberties, Fountain Porter in East Passyunk, Monk’s Café near Rittenhouse Square, and Pub & Kitchen by Fitler Square all offer an authentic, local experience in neighborhoods full of character.

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Chris: Your Philadelphia must-see?

Reading Terminal Market is a must—it captures the energy and diversity of the city and is perfect for a quick bite. If time allows, the Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, and the newly opened Calder Gardens offer world-class art experiences just steps from Center City.

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To learn more about these trends and hot topics—and to get to know Chris Archer and Jack Sheehan—visit the Morgan Lewis website for insights on how you can stay ahead of change in an evolving business and legal landscape.

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Article written by: Gail N. Sobha, Senior Director, Business Development, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Featured photo image: Philadelphia Business Journal