Seasoned Derivatives Expert Jack Habert Joins Seward & Kissel’s Investment Management Group

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seward & Kissel LLP announced today that Jack Habert has joined the Firm as a partner in its Investment Management practice, focusing on derivative products.

Habert has deep expertise and specializes in the analysis, structuring, and documentation of common and complex swaps and security-based swaps, in addition to various other types of financing transactions and their related collateral arrangements. In his practice, Habert draws from his strong command of the regulatory frameworks governing securities, commodities, and insolvency issues affecting derivatives.

“We are delighted to welcome Jack to Seward & Kissel,” said Daniel Bresler, managing partner of Seward & Kissel. “His combination of deep technical expertise and firsthand in‑house experience gives him a uniquely practical, commercial perspective. Jack is exceptionally well positioned to help our clients navigate complex structured finance and derivatives matters with clear, actionable advice grounded in real‑world market and regulatory considerations.”

Habert joins Seward & Kissel from Jefferies Financial Group, an American multinational independent investment bank and financial services company, where he served as in-house counsel to the swap dealer and investment advisory businesses, leading the negotiation and documentation of ISDA Master Agreements, Master Repurchase agreements, Prime Brokerage agreements, and various complex derivatives and financing and trade finance arrangements, on behalf of their managed funds and the registered swap dealer. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly two decades practicing in Big Law as well as a brief hiatus when he joined the SEC to work on rule proposals in connection with the Dodd-Frank Act.

“Jack’s arrival marks an exciting moment of growth for our preeminent Investment Management Group,” said Kevin Neubauer, partner and co-head of the Firm’s Investment Management Group. “His deep expertise in derivatives and various types of financing arrangements enhances the Firm’s ability to advise clients on sophisticated transactions.”

“I’m excited to join Seward & Kissel and to be part of such a highly regarded Investment Management practice,” said Habert. “The Firm’s collaborative approach allows me to bring together my experience in derivatives documentation, structured finance, and their regulation to deliver thoughtful, integrated solutions to clients facing increasingly complex markets.”

Habert received his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and his B.S. from New York University Stern School of Business.

Habert is the fourth high-profile arrival to the Firm in 2026, following Maritime Finance Practice Co-Heads John Benson and Christopher Belisle and Litigation & Investigations Group Chair Craig Warkol. This follows a transformative 2025, marked by the election of Dan Bresler to managing partner and the arrival of eight lateral partners across key practice areas.

About Seward & Kissel LLP

Seward & Kissel LLP, founded in 1890, is a leading U.S. law firm with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C., with particular expertise in the financial services, investment management, banking, and shipping industries. The firm is well known for its representation of investment advisers and related investment funds, broker-dealers, major commercial banks, institutional investors, and transportation companies. Its other practices primarily focus on corporate, M&A, securities, litigation (including white collar), restructuring/bankruptcy, real estate, regulatory, tax, employment, and ERISA for clients seeking legal expertise in these areas.