Our team

Drew Macklin

  • FOUNDING PARTNER

    Since founding Macklin Law in 2020, Drew has represented companies, funds, agencies and creatives in a variety of industries, with a special focus on CPG, venture fund, restaurant, fashion, design and emerging consumer clients. Drew advises on company formations, operating arrangements, debt and equity financings, commercial leases and complex commercial transactions.

    Drew leverages his deep industry knowledge and creative insight to guide restaurateurs, winemakers and culinary professionals through transformational financings, acquisitions and joint ventures that position the firm’s clients for long-term success.

    Drew represents venture investors and fund managers in connection with the formation and structuring of early-stage and special purpose investment vehicles, as well as investor-side financings. He also advises artists, fashion companies and design and branding agencies on bespoke services arrangements and investment structures.

    Drew lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Blair, and their two dogs. When he’s not working with founders, you’ll find him traveling, drinking wine and listening to records.

    J.D., Yale Law School
    B.A., University of Virginia

    drew@macklin-law.com
    Linkedin

Lucy Stanley

  • ASSOCIATE

    Lucy started her career in project finance in Los Angeles, where she gained extensive experience in debt and equity financings and complex commercial transactions. In her current role, she works with founders and creatives across a wide range of industries providing advice and counsel on company formations, commercial leases, financings and growth strategy.

    An avid reader, cookbook collector and wine drinker, Lucy takes pride in representing hospitality and CPG professionals. Lucy is currently based in London, but each weekend you’ll find her in a new UK or European destination. She is always looking forward to her next meal.

    J.D., University of California, Irvine
    B.A., The George Washington University


    lucy@macklin-law.com
    Linkedin

Oliver Downie

  • SENIOR ATTORNEY

    Oliver is English law qualified and has been working as a corporate and commercial attorney in New York for the past five years. Oliver began his career as a music and entertainment lawyer with one of London's top music law firms. Oliver left law for a period to build complementary commercial and financial experience running a climate-tech company in the UK. More recently, in addition to advising Macklin Law clients Oliver has been working as a fractional GC to various companies in London and New York.

    Oliver lives in Brooklyn and escapes as often as possible to the nearest (and ideally warmest) surf locations.

    J.D Equivalent - King's College London
    Msc Sustainability Management - Columbia University (New York)

    oliver@macklin-law.com
    Linkedin

Hyanna Cardoso

  • ASSOCIATE

    Hyanna began her career in New York in real estate investments & transactions and has advised on a variety of deals, including joint ventures, financings and debt facilities. A creative herself, Hyanna integrates her insight on hospitality, design and the arts into her legal practice.

    In her free time, she sells records, writes about music culture and works on a sound system project.

    J.D., Brooklyn Law School
    B.A., New York University

    hyanna@macklin-law.com
    Linkedin

  • ASSOCIATE

    James started his career as a manager for Broadway productions. His legal work has primarily involved the arts, creative projects, and mental health. While in law school, he served as a law clerk for production counsel involved in Broadway and off-Broadway productions. He also participated in the Fashion Law Practicum at Cardozo, where he worked with FIT graduate students to launch a start-up.

    In his free time, James can be found attending the theatre, updating his Goodreads account, or walking his dog Drew. He is also passionate about working to create change in the nation’s guardianship and conservatorship systems.

    J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
    B.S., Wagner College (Arts Administration)

    james@macklin-law.com
    LinkedIn

James Robert Collins

Kate Biernat

  • EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

    Kate brings a diverse professional background spanning oncology and ocean agriculture biotech startups, private family support, elevator operations and theatrical production. She has developed deep expertise in operational executive support across industries and is excited to bring this versatile skillset to her role at Macklin Law. With a proven ability to adapt across sectors, Kate specializes in creating efficient systems and providing high-level support that enables companies to scale and thrive. Her unique combination of startup, corporate and creative experience allows her to tackle complex operational challenges with innovative solutions.

    A dedicated explorer of New York City's cultural landscape, Kate can often be found discovering new restaurants, catching Broadway shows, or walking the city's diverse neighborhoods. Her passion for adventure extends globally – she's frequently jetting off in pursuit of new destinations and experiences.

    B.A., Wagner College

    kate@macklin-law.com
    LinkedIn