New York — Global law firm Hogan Lovells Cadwalader is proud to announce that Sam Zimmerman has been named a Rising Star in International Arbitration and Lary Stromfeld has been named a Distinguished Leader by the 2026 New York Legal Awards. Honorees will be recognized at the awards ceremony on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
The Rising Star category recognizes New York's most promising lawyers age 40 and under who have distinguished themselves through exceptional legal work, leadership, and contributions to the profession. The Distinguished Leader category honors attorneys in leadership roles who have achieved impressive results while demonstrating exceptional leadership that helps colleagues, clients, and the broader legal community succeed.
Sam Zimmerman, a partner in the firm's International Arbitration practice, exemplifies the qualities recognized by the Rising Star award through his success representing clients in complex, high-stakes disputes spanning the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Over the past year, he secured major victories in matters involving hundreds of millions of dollars, including the successful confirmation of an arbitral award resulting in a judgment in excess of US$200 million in a fraud dispute, and a complete defense victory in a post-M&A ICC arbitration, defeating claims valued over US$150 million. His disciplined judgment, persuasive advocacy, and ability to translate legal risk into strategic business decisions have made him a trusted advisor to multinational clients navigating complex international disputes.
In addition to his client work, Sam is a recognized leader within the international arbitration community. He has held leadership roles with the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR), currently serving as co-chair of its Healthcare and Life Sciences Subcommittee as previously as co-chair of the Y-ADR Steering Committee. He also serves on the New York City Bar Association's International Commercial Disputes Committee and has earned recognition from leading industry publications, including Chambers and Euromoney, for his growing influence in the field. His selection as a Rising Star reflects both his outstanding legal accomplishments and his growing leadership within the international arbitration community.
Lary Stromfeld, a partner in the firm's Structured Finance and Derivatives practice, was selected as a Distinguished Leader for his exceptional client work, industry leadership, and commitment to service. A Band 1-ranked derivatives lawyer, he has helped guide market participants through the LIBOR transition, developing practical solutions to complex regulatory challenges across a US$200 trillion global market. His ability to translate complexity into clear, actionable guidance has made him a trusted advisor on some of the most significant market developments of recent decades.
Lary's leadership extends well beyond his practice. He is the founder of Justice Served, the legal industry's anti-hunger initiative, which is now in its 11th year. The campaign has united more than 40 law firms and corporate legal departments and helped deliver more than 8.1 million meals to New Yorkers facing food insecurity since its launch. His recognition as a Distinguished Leader reflects the vision, influence, and commitment that have defined his leadership within both the legal profession and the broader New York community.
These recognitions reflect the talent, leadership and dedication that Sam and Lary bring to their clients, colleagues, and communities, and we are proud to celebrate these well-deserved achievements.
More information can be found here.