Bio

Neil Barr is the Chair and Managing Partner of Davis Polk. He advises companies, senior executives and boards on complex and transformative transactions, corporate governance and risk mitigation matters. Clients rely on Neil’s broad skill set and look to him for advice on a wide range of issues in the context of crisis response. Neil has represented Fortune 500 companies, major financial institutions, private equity and other asset managers, and high-net-worth individuals on their most significant matters and difficult challenges. Senior executives appreciate his insights and judgment as a fellow business leader. The American Lawyer recognized him as a 2024 “Dealmaker of the Year” for his work advising Josh Harris and partners on the $6.05 billion acquisition of the Washington Commanders NFL franchise. Among his pro bono and community activities, Neil serves on the Executive, Compensation (as Chair), and Nomination and Governance Committees of the Partnership for New York City’s Board of Directors, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Board of Trustees, the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce Foundation Board, Georgetown University Law Center’s Board of Visitors and the Mount Sinai Department of Medicine advisory board. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Economic Club of New York.