Gemma L. Descoteaux practices corporate law, focusing on mergers and acquisitions in various industries including technology, private equity, media, health care, and transportation. Her practice encompasses advising buyers and sellers in complex M&A transactions. She structures deals with consideration for financing, regulatory requirements, and market factors that may impact outcomes. Her approach combines practical strategies with a deep understanding of her clients’ industries.
With more than 30 years of experience, Gemma has worked on numerous high-value transactions. She has represented public companies in divestitures exceeding $1 billion, negotiated international joint ventures, and advised on the acquisition of manufacturing facilities. Her work also includes counseling clients on public offerings, long-term licensing agreements, and pharmaceutical development projects.
Gemma’s background includes in-house experience at several companies, where she handled commercial agreements, managed inter-disciplinary teams, and coordinated acquisition integrations. She has also negotiated defense systems advanced development and production contracts and joint venture agreements.
Concentrations
•Provides practical advice to founders in the sale of their business to private equity or strategic buyers.
•Provides strategic counsel to entities seeking to tack on platform acquisitions.
•Provides savvy counsel to private equity portfolio companies on commercial transactions, acquisitions, and daily matters.
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Recipient, D Magazine, Mergers & Acquisitions Legacy Award, 2025
•Listed, D CEO, “Dallas 500; The Most Powerful Business Leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth,” 2020-2025
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, 2016-2026
•Corporate Law, 2016-2026
•Mergers & Acquisitions Law, 2018-2026
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Texas Super Lawyers, 2019-2025
•Selected, DCEO Magazine, Deal of the Year Award Winner, 2021
•Selected, Global M&A Network, “U.S.A. Top Women Dealmaker,” 2021
•Listed, D Magazine, “Best Lawyers in Dallas,” 2014-2025
•Selected, Texas Lawyer, Professional Excellence Awards, “Best Mentor,” 2019
•Listed, National Diversity Council, “Top 50 Women Lawyers in Dallas,” 2017
•Selected, Dallas Women Lawyers Association, “Outstanding Director,” 2017
•Listed, D Magazine, “Best Women Lawyers in Dallas; Corporate Finance/Mergers,” 2010
•Listed, Best Lawyers Business Edition, Women in the Law; Corporate, 2016
•Selected, Chambers USA American’s Leading Lawyers, “Up and Coming in the area of Corporate/M & A,” 2008