DLA Piper LLP (US) > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

DLA Piper LLP (US) > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 1

Drawing upon lawyers with ‘first-hand medical practice experience and highly technical expertise’, DLA Piper LLP (US) combines strong procedural nous with deep subject matter knowledge, in turn being well positioned to represent life sciences clients on work throughout the litigation life cycle. As well as regularly acting as national co-ordinating counsel on large-scale domestic MDLs, the team regularly works alongside practitioners throughout its global network of offices on cross-border work, and is recognized for its ‘excellent‘ work in co-ordinating multinational law suits. In this context, ‘outstanding’ Atlanta-based Christopher Campbell continues to take the lead for Bayer on global mass tort litigation involving Essure, leveraging the knowledge and skills gleaned from the firm’s success in the initial US action to good effect on the ensuing international cases. Praised for her ‘ability to see the big picture’, as well as her ‘highly impressive knowledge of the medical facts’, Mary Gately in Washington DC has also been key to the firm’s success for Bayer. New York-based Loren Brown is well-versed in handling large-scale aggregated litigation, including his ongoing work as co-national counsel for Sanofi in the Zantac MDL; where he has gained an excellent reputation for securing the early dismissal of matters through often innovative strategies. From Boston, Matthew Holian is also very effective at representing pharmaceutical companies engaged in MDLs, being as comfortable handling discovery issues, as he is cross-examining expert witnesses in Daubert hearings and in bellwether trials. Other key individuals include Dallas-based trial lawyer Lyn Pruitt; Boston-based Katie Insogna, who excels at developing expert witnesses and on discovery matters; and New York based Lucas Przymusinski , who ‘has an incredibly scientific mind in addition to legal expertise’. 

Finance > Fintech

DLA Piper LLP (US) is well-equipped to advise a broad range of companies on implementing blockchain solutions, and is often engaged in transactional, litigious, and regulatory digital asset work. In Washington DC, Margo Tank co-leads the team with Los Angeles-based James Williams who is experienced in advising blockchain companies on token generation events, SEC compliance, and venture financing. Working out of Washington DC, banking and financial service law specialist Jeffrey Hare is knowledgeable of mobile payments, state licensing requirements, and virtual currency. In Chicago, Ronald David Whitaker often advises clients on privacy and data security laws pertaining to electronic financial services and payments, while in San Francisco Michael Fluhr is particularly active in the financial sector, and is focused on blockchain and digital asset matters.

Government > State attorneys general Tier 1

Leveraging a wide network of relationships with state attorneys general across the country, DLA Piper LLP (US) is equally at home managing ongoing relations between clients and state AG offices as defending investigations and engaging in litigation. The team has played a significant role in pressing issues of active concern to state regulators, including consumer protection, PFAS, children’s online privacy, and cryptocurrency. With offices on both coasts, the practice is co-chaired by Jeffrey Tsai in San Francisco, who specializes in investigations and enforcement actions at both the individual and multistate level, and Scott Wilson in New York, who is frequently retained by Fortune 100 companies and other major corporations in investigations and white collar criminal matters. In Washington DC, of counsel Carlton Davis sits at the intersection of state AG and government relations, fielding a wealth of experience in investigations from his tenure as assistant attorney general of Virginia. Antitrust and competition expert Vic Domen, who previously served in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office as senior antitrust counsel, joined the firm in January 2024 from Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

Known for handling complex patent licensing, acquisitions and sales, patent prosecution, patent due diligence and counseling as well as strategic patent asset management, DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s intellectual property and technology department advises clients across a diverse range of industries and technologies. Boston’s Larissa Bifano leads the team and advises on patents and licenses for AI-driven systems in addition to handling patent litigation. In San Diego, Lisa Haile focuses on patent protection and IP transactional matters. Raymond Miller in Philadelphia covers patent development and strategies with a life sciences focus, and Lauren Murdza is key name for technology transactions and general corporate matters, including licensing and development agreements. Based in Palo Alto, Victoria Lee is adept at handling a range of technology-related matters, including structuring, drafting, and negotiating complex commercial and intellectual property agreements, and Jeffrey Aronson also handles IP-related transactions in the TMT sector. Dallas-based Mark Lehberg extends the team’s expertise in technology licensing transactions. At the beginning of 2023, a large team of attorneys joined the team from Dentons, including San Francisco lawyers Peter Yim, Randy Omid  Parker Kuhl and Brian Ho as well as Seattle attorney Michael Swett and Palo Alto-based Christopher Eide.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 1

Co-led by seasoned ITC litigator and tech expert Erin Gibson in San Diego, DLA Piper LLP (US) has a broad ITC practice with expertise in a variety of issues relating to Section 337 actions. The group is particularly strong in tech and recently successfully defended Lenovo Group Ltd and Motorola Mobility LLC against a wide-reaching claim by Maxell Technologies. San Diego co-head Sean Cunningham frequently handles matters relating to tech, medical devices and power equipment at the ITC. Mark Fowler in Palo Alto is also an expert in medical devices and power equipment-related cases, acting for clients such as Honeywell and Samsung, and Helena Kiepura in Washington DC is a Section 337 expert. Practice co-heads Gina Durham and Michael Sitzman are based in San Francisco and handle a wide range of patent disputes. Daniel Valencia joined the the DC team in August 2023 from Covington & Burlington, and is another well versed trial lawyer at the ITC.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 1

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s ‘robust team of subject matter experts‘ serves a diverse roster of private equity sponsors that ranges from middle-market funds, including Stellex and 5th Century, to blue-chip funds such as Accel-KKR and Carlyle. A deep bench of experts across the country enables the practice to handle a large caseload of transactions, ranging from platform deals, strategic partnerships and high-profile exits to advice on mergers and add-ons for growth and portfolio companies concentrated especially in the tech, healthcare, and industrial sectors. The team is also increasingly active in advising investors on buyouts in the energy space, owing particularly to the sector expertise of New York-based lawyer Ilya Bubel. Atlanta lawyer Joseph Silver  leads the firm and has extensive experience handling a wide range of transactions for venture capital and private equity funds as well as for target and portfolio companies. Further key contacts include New York-based leveraged buyout expert James Kelly, Chicago lawyer Harris Eisenberg, who handles acquisitions and exits as well as recapitalizations, and broad transactional expert Gerry Williams, who practices from Atlanta. In Chicago, Benjamin Galea joined the team from Winston & Strawn LLP in September 2023.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 1

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s data protection, privacy and security team works closely with its regulatory and government affairs practice group to offer clients support in strategic, global data compliance advice. Its workload includes high-profile data breach response, data-driven due diligence, privacy litigation and regulatory enforcement matters. Andrew Serwin is based in San Diego, acting as both chair of the US data protection, privacy and security team and co-chair of the practice group globally. His practice includes international compliance advice, national security issues, health privacy, and wiretap related issues. In Seattle, Kate Lucente has particular expertise regarding e-commerce laws and self-regulatory initiatives. Carol Umhoefer, clients’ ‘go-to resource for all data protection and privacy questions‘, co-leads the EMEA data protection team from Miami: recommended particularly for multi-jurisdictional compliance matters. Washington DC-based James Sullivan draws on previous experience in government to advise clients on developing federal and state data privacy rules; New York’s John Gevertz focuses on privacy governance frameworks with an emphasis on financial services and fintech. Ron Plesco is the key name in Philadelphia, regularly handling cyber investigations, threat intelligence, and cyber crime threats.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 1

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a strong presence in the outsourcing space, with demonstrable expertise in the structuring and negotiation of complex ITO and BPO transactions for clients in the healthcare, tech, and insurance sectors. The firm’s scope of work is expansive, ranging from RFP development and content and process optimization to first-generation sourcing. Benefiting from its global network of lawyers, the department also adopts a multidisciplinary approach by collaborating with its strategic sourcing and digital integration teams. Global co-chair Vincent Sanchez, who works out of the Chicago and Los Angeles offices, is reputed for his know-how in tech acquisitions, digital transformation programs, and supply chain management. Co-heading the team alongside Sanchez is San Diego- and Chicago- based Gregory A. Manter, who primarily assists corporations with the technological elements of outsourcing agreements in addition to handling major ERP implementation agreements. Key contacts in Dallas include Mac Ferguson, who covers cloud computing transactions and the deployment of blockchain technologies, Brian Joe, who is skilled in negotiating complex software license and cloud services agreements, and Hays Thompson Haney, who handles the outsourcing of HR, finance, and accounting systems. San Diego-based Lana Turpie is recognized for her strengths in negotiating SaaS and consulting agreements, while Philadelphia contact Joanna Sykes-Saavedra helps international clients navigate SaaS subscriptions and clinical trial ventures.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 1

With ‘incredible depth and broad experience in the telecoms space’, DLA Piper LLP (US) recently announced the establishment of a global regulatory practice for telecoms and tech. Primarily based in Washington DC, the telecoms team includes a number of regulatory experts with federal government experience. The firm boasts a space exploration and innovation group; the team continues to increase its focus on space and satellite mandates, advising on new innovations in the sector, as well as radio spectrum allocations for space and earth stations. Nancy Victory and Michael Senkowski co-head both the US telecom group and the firm’s global telecoms practice, recently acting as lead regulatory counsels for T-Mobile in its sector-significant merger with Sprint. Peter Karanjia leads the administrative law appellate team, bolstering the practice’s full-service offering. Eric DeSilva offers both regulatory and transactional advice on wireless matters, while Tony Lin advises start-ups, satellite companies and defense contractors on spectrum and other regulatory approvals. San Francisco-based Kristin Jacobson handles communications regulatory, compliance, policy and transactional matters for clients, including telecoms and broadband service providers. Peter Shroyer brings FCC experience, including in enforcement proceedings and advocacy filings, while, in Seattle, Ariel Diamond West advises clients such as global software and communications companies on FCC and CPUC matters. Edward “Smitty” Smith left the firm in December 2023.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactions Tier 1

DLA Piper LLP (US) continues to expand its full-service offering for telecoms and broadcast clients, showcasing its ‘deep knowledge and innovative approach‘. The market-leading telecoms team remains at the forefront of key transactions in the sector, advising T-Mobile on its merger with Sprint and handling telecoms assets, fiber and spectrum deals. The firm’s space and satellite group has also seen continual growth, handling agreements for satellite providers and involved in satellite system deployment on a global scale. Michael Senkowski led the recent integration of the firm’s legal, regulatory and engineering offering, heading both the firm’s US and global telecoms teams alongside Nancy Victory. Eric DeSilva handles wireless communications transactions and Tony Lin boasts particular expertise in the space and satellite sector. Michael Hazzard’s international expertise sees him advise global communications, infrastructure and software clients on cross-border transactions, reorganizations and restructurings. From San Francisco, Kristin Jacobson takes a lead role in investigations and enforcement actions, fielding a wealth of public sector experience. Also bringing FCC experience to the team, Peter Shroyer handles FCC approvals for transactions, as well as commercial matters and spectrum acquisitions. From Seattle, Ariel Diamond West advises an extensive clientele that includes global software and communications companies. The team is based in Washington DC, unless stated otherwise. Edward “Smitty” Smith left the firm in December 2023.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 1

Recognized for being ‘extremely knowledgeable on all related land use and entitlement matters in multiple jurisdictions with long-standing relationships across the industry’, DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s land use, development and government relations lawyers are experienced in handling large development projects as well as governmental regulatory matters and regularly represent clients before trial and appellate courts. The firm operates nationwide with teams co-led by Richard Klawiter in Chicago, who represents developers and investors in securing entitlements and financial incentives for urban and suburban projects. Klawiter is well supported by co-head Katherine Jahnke Dale, who is also based in Chicago and advises on the financing and regulatory aspects of redevelopments, as well as by and co-head Antonio Calabrese in Reston, who advises on land use, zoning and complex development projects. Los Angeles-based contacts include Jerold Neuman, who advises individuals and companies on obtaining local government licenses, permits, rights, or contracts, and Kyndra Joy Casper, an expert on compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Other key members of the team are Reston’s ‘outstanding’ Brian Winterhalter, Bryan Connolly and ‘top real estate attorney’ John Rattigan in Boston, as well as Mariah DiGrino in Chicago.

Real estate Tier 1

‘Strong on knowledge, timeliness, and being business friendly in finding ways to accomplish the end goal’, DLA Piper LLP (US) fields a comprehensive real estate team with capabilities covering a wide range of zoning and development matters as well as transactions, workouts, restructuring, and refinancings, to name a few. The practice is well-versed advising major creditors, private equity investors, and real estate funds, alongside a number of large property owners, developers, and household companies, culminating in a diverse client roster. Equally diverse is the firm’s coverage of asset classes, with recent large engagements encompassing transactions and joint ventures in self-storage, logistics, and data centers, as well as several in the life science space. US real estate chair John Sullivan and co-vice chair Barbara Trachtenberg lead from the firm’s Boston office, while co-head Richard Klawiter takes the lead on land-use matters out of Chicago. Amy Carbins leads the Washington DC real estate practice, with partners Frederick Klein and Lauren Rico also being key names from this office. Meanwhile, Cara Nelson, noted for her experience advising foreign pension funds, heads the Boston real estate team; here, managing partner Bryan Connolly is commended for his full-cycle development expertise. In New York, partner Michael Haworth is highlighted for his cross-border expertise, notably between the US and Asia. Widely praised by clients, ‘extremely knowledgeable’ associate Oriana Montani is another name of note from the firm’s Boston office.

Tax > International tax Tier 1

DLA Piper LLP (US)’s ‘extremely knowledgeable and approachable’ tax practice, headed by Seattle-based Alison Maxwell and New York-based Maruti Narayan , advises clients active in various sectors, such as technology, industrials, and life sciences, on the full spectrum of international tax related matters including tax planning, transactional, and controversy services. Maxwell has a special focus on advising on the structuring of large-scale, international integration and acquisition transactions whilst Narayan has considerable expertise in US tax policy matters, including supporting clients with proposed tax reform provisions and advising on the impacts of OECD provisions on global taxation. Sang Kim, based in Palo Alto, handles a wide range of international tax matters such as global transfer pricing strategy, cross-border M&A, post-acquisition integration, and international tax controversy. New York-based Kevin Glenn has notable experience advising large multinational clients on a broad range of cross-border tax planning issues. Christopher Feldman, who is based in Seattle, assists a wide range of clients from Silicon Valley start-ups to large multinationals on efficient tax structuring. In Boston, the team benefits from Ryan Starr’s global tax and operational business structuring, cross-border M&A, and post-acquisition integration expertise. New York-based Frank Mugabi is considered a multi-disciplinary tax practitioner who splits his practice between international tax planning and transactional tax, including advising on tax aspects of public cross-border M&A transactions. The team welcomed New York's David Pope from Baker McKenzie LLP in February 2023 and Brian Hamano in Los Angeles from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP  in July 2023. At the associate level, Marc Anthony Casale in New York and LA-based Tuan Quang Ngo are notable team members.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 2

The litigation group at DLA Piper LLP (US) assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious matters, including investigations, document review and discovery disputes. The practice is led in San Diego by Jennifer Feldman, an expert in handling disputes involving e-discovery and regulatory matters before federal and state courts in addition to information governance aspects. Andrew Jay Peck provides experience in litigation strategy and is frequently appointed as a special master in discovery disputes before the New York Supreme Court. Reston-based Dennis Russell Kiker regularly acts across technology, pharmaceuticals and automotive industries, while Nathan Marvin Stein has a particular focus on information management-related advisory work. Leeanne Sara Mancari departed the firm in September 2023.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 2

Leveraging a wide range of product liability experts spread throughout the firm’s extensive national network of offices, DLA Piper LLP (US) handles a significant range and volume of large-scale disputes involving a variety of consumer products. The group is noted for its one-stop-shop service to clients, which covers regulatory issues, government investigations and private litigation. The team is currently acting for Danone as one of the defendants in the heavy metals baby food litigation, including handling FDA interactions, a congressional investigation and putative class action and product liability suits filed throughout the US. New York and Los Angeles-based practitioners Loren Brown and Angela Agrusa lead on the civil litigation, recently obtaining an excellent victory before a California state judge. New York-based Colleen Gulliver is also involved in large-scale consumer class actions, including as it relates to alleged false advertising. Atlanta-based Christopher Campbell co-heads the mass tort and class action group alongside Agrusa.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 2

Leveraging ‘a deep bench of experts’ throughout the country including in California, a hotspot for environmental-related matters, DLA Piper LLP (US) provides a ‘very responsive’ service to clients in the defence of a range of toxic tort matters, including on cutting-edge climate change issues, and with regard to the proliferation of claims being brought through the courts with regard to PFAS  contamination.  Co-headed out of Boston and Baltimore by Matthew Holian and John Wellschlager, the firm is currently defending BASF in a high-profile PFAS MDL. Washington DC-based Buffy Mims is also part of this team, and as part of her broad trial practice, regularly represents clients in relation to toxic tort matters. In Los Angeles, first-chair trial lawyer Jayme Long  also regularly handles single and multi-plaintiff toxic tort and product liability cases, including for energy, chemical and manufacturing clients. In San Francisco, George Gigounas is a popular choice for clients seeking to comply with federal and California-specific environmental regulations, and is also regularly engaged in litigation and enforcement actions when litigation is challenged. Also located in San Francisco, the ‘exceptionally responsive’ Greg Sperla  combines regulatory and litigation skills to good effect in the context of Prop 65 work, consumer class actions and similar labeling claims, and is praised for his ability to ‘play the role of both tough litigator and careful negotiator very well’. Los Angeles-based trial lawyer Angela Agrusa, who co-heads the overarching mass torts and class action group with Christopher Campbell in Atlanta, is particularly skilled at defending clients in the food and beverages space, including recent work relating to alleged heavy metals in baby food and PFAS in food packaging.    

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 2

2023 saw DLA Piper LLP (US) grow its team for renewable energy, with five partner hires, though the year did also awthe departure of previous practice head Vanessa Richelle Wilson. Joe Stefano joined the New York office from Allen & Overy LLP, along with Robert da Silva Ashley from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in April 2023; da Silva Ashley acts on complex cross-border and domestic project finance and corporate lending transactions, while Stefano brings extensive experience in structuring and restructuring the full range of secured and unsecured corporate financings. Another new addition was Lindsay MacLeod, who joined the Seattle office from an in-house role and acts for corporate purchasers and developers on negotiating renewable energy transactions. Of the already established team, San Diego-based Raul Farias, an energy sector expert whose practice has an emphasis on M&A, project development and finance, stands out.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) advises clients across the ABS and CLO markets, with lawyers experienced in traditional and non-traditional asset classes. It regularly advises banks and asset managers on their CLO concerns. The firm is also very present in the music royalties-backed securities market. Head of practice Richard Reilly Jr. is experienced in domestic and international CLO matters, advising leading investment banks and firms in the area. Los Angeles-based Claire Hall advises clients on esoteric ABS securitizations, including music royalties, solar leases and LIHTC portfolio-derived cash flows. Jay Williams maintains a diversified ABS practice, advising on CRE, media rights, C-PACE and repo financings matters. Based in Boston, Andrew Sroka adds to the firm’s expertise in different asset classes, with knowledge on esoteric asset classes including student loans, trade receivables, tobacco settlement fee awards and escrow rights, and IP royalties. Unless otherwise stated, lawyers are based in New York.

Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s cannabis practice provides clients with support on litigation and corporate transactions relating to the cannabis industry, as well as handling securities, capital markets and corporate governance matters. It is routinely instructed by private and publicly-traded companies working in the cannabis sector, start-ups, and venture capitals. Boston-based Stefanie Fogel heads up the group and has focused her practice on multinational food and consumer product regulation work, corporate compliance, and commercial and class action litigation. Maggie Craig, also in Boston, majors on regulatory compliance, product recalls, and consumer class action litigation. The Washington DC office was strengthened with the arrival of Perham Gorji from the Food and Drug Administration in July 2023.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s insurance department globally serves major insurance and reinsurance companies, catering to a global client base. The team excels in global insurance placements, master and local policies, and multi-jurisdictional class action litigation. Led by Aidan McCormack in New York, the practice emphasizes strengths in litigation, appellate work, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution. Also in New York, Joseph Finnerty co-leads the representation & warranties practice group, with extensive litigation and advisory experience alongside Megan Shea, who focuses on litigation, investigation, counseling, and M&A insurance coverage disputes. Mark Deckman specializes in coverage strategies, settlements, and product liability, while Stephen Schwab, with a focus on international trade, notably concentrates on insurance and reinsurance regulation and compliance, transactions, dispute resolution, and receivership. From Dallas, Robert Myers Hoffman significantly contributes to the practice, securing over 60 dispositive motions and serving as lead counsel in Covid-19 litigation.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) is sought after for its successful track record representing global and domestic clients in the tech, semiconductor and medical device sectors in patent infringement disputes, with a particular focus on proceedings at the International Trade Commission. San Diego partner Sean Cunningham chairs the firm’s patent litigation group and represent major tech companies like Lenovo, Motorola Mobility and HP Inc. in disputes at all levels of the US court system. Also in San Diego, Erin Gibson is a reputed trial lawyer with particular expertise in the tech industry, litigator Kathryn Riley Grasso represents medical device and tech companies in a wide range of litigation, and Richard Mulloy stands out for his life sciences expertise. The Palo Alto team includes patent litigators Mark Fowler and Carrie Williamson, and the key practitioners in Chicago include Matthew Satchwell, who maintains close relationships with clients in the high-tech space, and Paul Steadman, who handles patent and trade secret matters.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 2

Leveraging its expansive global network to assist notable clients such as Nike and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, DLA Piper LLP (US) is a premier choice for clients requiring assistance with trademarks relating to the blockchain, Web3, and NFTs and is also currently expanding its life sciences practice. Tamar Duvdevani helms the practice from the firm’s New York office, while key contact and branding strategist Keith Medansky and Michael Geller, who is regarded for his capabilities in managing trademark portfolios for multinational brands, operate from the firm’s Chicago office. In Washington DC, Thomas Zutic fields a varied practice that comprises IP licensing, strategic issues and domain name portfolio management, and in San Francisco, Gina Durham maintains a strong reputation in the technology, media, and retail sectors. Other names to note include Sacramento’s Carissa Bouwer and Washington DC’s Alberto Zacapa Zelaya.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 2

The DLA Piper LLP (US) employment team provides the full range of services to a diverse range of major clients, including Best Buy, Dyson, and Levi Strauss. The practice is chaired by Dallas managing partner Marc Katz leads the practice from Dallas. Katz has huge experience of dispute and pre-dispute resolution and is the key point of contact for significant clients based in the region, such as the Dallas Cowboys and Six Flags, Inc. Also in Dallas, of counsel Todd Mobley has a track record of work on collective and class action disputes. The firm’s Palo Alto office advises a range of Silicon Valley companies, including work for their offices abroad – for example, Ute Krudewagen is providing ongoing advice for Zendesk on both US and global employment issues in its over twenty international locations. In New York, Brian Kaplan is seasoned in representing both employers and executives in significant litigation.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) is a go-to firm for major investors, including corporate venture funds such as Softbank, M12, and Thomson Reuters, assisting emerging companies throughout their lifecycle. The firm played a key role in advising Aumni on its acquisition by J.P. Morgan, having previously supported the client’s Series A and B financings. Leading the emerging growth and venture capital group from Virginia, Jeffrey Lehrer focuses on representing companies from early to later stages in corporate and securities transactions. Acting as vice-chair from San Diego, Richard Bull specializes in advising venture capital and corporate venture investors, as well as emerging growth companies. In New York, fellow practice vice-chair Charles Torres brings his expertise in assisting start-ups through financing rounds and exit strategies. Curtis Mo, based in Palo Alto, is active across the tech, life sciences, clean energy tech, and consumer industries, while Randy Socol in San Diego represents emerging companies and investors in equity and debt financing deals.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: transactional and regulatory Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) is well known for its advertising and marketing practice, specifically relating to its work in structuring and negotiating global sports, entertainment, and digital marketing deals. The firm’s experience in branded entertainment and esports initiatives is central to supporting its predominantly sport and sport-sponsorship client base. Additionally, the group is involved in emerging areas such as NFTs and the Metaverse. Benjamin Mulcahy, based in Los Angeles, and Gina Durham, based in San Francisco, co-chair the team. Mulcahey is recognized for his focus on sports media, sports marketing, and entertainment marketing deals for global corporations. He is active in the intersections of entertainment, sports, and advertising, often representing clients in matters regarding rights and sponsorship deals. Associate James Stewart, based in Washington DC, is a valuable member of the team, specializing in celebrity endorsements, student-athlete and influencer agreements, and sports and event sponsorship agreements. He also has expertise in IP issues and contractual rights.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2

The technology transactions practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) maintains a strong position in the market and undertakes both domestic and cross-border work involving tech M&A deals, IP licensing, and open-source software expertise. Victoria Lee anchors the team’s offering and is frequently sought out by emerging startups, venture backed companies, and established tech corporations to undertake both tech and IP-related work. San Diego and Dallas-based Mark Lehberg concentrates on commercial transactions involving emerging tech such as AI and NFTs, while Jeffrey Aronson is well-versed in assisting major public companies with matters relating to software, hardware, and patent licensing. The ‘professional and knowledgeable’ Chung Wei is recognized for his know-how in structuring and negotiating SaaS transactions and supply agreements, while Christopher Stevenson covers open-source software and e-commerce work. Unless otherwise mentioned, all named individuals are stationed in Palo Alto.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) is known for its expertise in public non-traded REITs and also possesses a strong publicly listed REITs practice. Clients of the firm also benefit from the dedicated national REIT tax practice led by New York-based Shiukay Hung. Hung advises real estate sponsors and investors on REIT tax matters and frequently speaks at events on REIT tax. Over in Raleigh, Robert Bergdolt leads the REIT practice of the firm and is the go-to for non-trade public REIT expertise and M&A-related REIT transactions. Real estate specialist Kerry Johnson is an expert in capital market matters involving publicly listed REITs and is based in Chicago, while in San Diego Darryl Steinhause is well-versed in securities and tax transactions. Christopher Stambaugh sits in Raleigh and specializes in NAV REITs. The Baltimore office of the firm enables it to advise on specific Maryland law-related REIT issues.

Tax > Financial products Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s transactional and asset management group advises fund sponsors, investment advisors, and investors focusing on both asset management businesses and complex financial instruments on the technical tax aspects securitization, fund formations, credit fund transactions, cryptocurrencies and NFTs, and products related to renewable energy. The team has specific expertise in dealing with the tax complexities of financial products relating to publishing rights and television royalties in the media and entertainment space. The team is headed by New York-based Gerald Rokoff who has extensive experience advising clients on identification and implementation of tax-efficient structures and has structured investments for clients active across a broad range of industry sectors including real estate, sports and entertainment, debt and equities, operating businesses, and alternative investments. Witold Jurewicz’s practice covers US and international taxation, focusing specifically on tax-efficient structures for non-US operations and investments, tax treaty planning, and US and international tax reporting and compliance. In Chicago, Aalok Virmani advises investment fund sponsors on federal income tax matters and Thomas Geraghty has specific expertise in variable and fixed-rate notes, collateralized debt obligations, and other capital market transactions. In Boston, John Wei advises on tax issues related to insurance company and product taxation, CLOs, and securitizations.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) covers the full gamut of tax disputes, acting on behalf of prominent businesses and high net worth individuals in complex domestic and international matters. The group is particularly noted for its strength in criminal tax, with expertise in managing major, high-profile investigations. Co-leading from New York are Ellis Reemer, who has a strong record of acting at the federal, state, and local levels and formerly worked within the IRS Chief Counsel’s office, and criminal tax expert Diana Erbsen, previously a member of the tax division of the US Department of Justice. Also key are Joseph Myszka in Sacramento, who specialises in international tax issues, and San Francisco-based Henry Cheng, who was promoted to partner in 2023 and covers a range of civil tax disputes, including transfer pricing and matters relating to foreign tax credits. Victoria Gu, who works from Palo Alto, is a further name to note.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 3

Noted by clients for providing ‘expertise, results, and industry knowledge’, DLA Piper LLP (US)'s antitrust practice welcomed the arrival of experienced litigator David Hamilton in Baltimore from Womble Bond Dickinson in February 2023, New York-based Amadeu Ribeiro from Mattos Filho in October 2023, as well as the arrival of former federal DOJ prosecutor Carsten Reichel in Washington DC, who joined the team together with other antitrust lawyers from Norton Rose Fulbright in January 2024. Contributing to the firm’s international capabilities, Ribeiro has significant experience working matters with ties to Latin America, while Reichel represents corporations and individuals in antitrust investigations and intertwined civil litigation, and is also recommended for developing compliance programs to mitigate cartel-related risks. With a specialism in highly-regulated industries such as healthcare, insurance and life sciences, John Hamill in Chicago is at the helm of the practice, and well known as an experienced first chair trial lawyer. San Francisco’s Matthew Jacobs excels in cross-border investigation and is sought out by company boards, audit committees, companies and executives for advice on both internal and government investigations. Allissa Pollard left the firm in June 2023. Former practice head Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey left the firm in January 2024.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

DLA Piper LLP (US) has significant experience navigating complex cross-border investigations for prominent companies across various sectors, including manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. Located in New York, John Hillebrecht is highly capable in handling FCPA investigations, while Karl Buch is skilled at advising on matters concerning healthcare fraud. With her extensive experience as a trial lawyer, Courtney Gilligan Saleski is based in Philadelphia and is recommended for government-related litigation. Practicing in Chicago, Jonathan King frequently counsels both individuals and companies on a wide range of matters such as public corruption, tax offences, insider trading, and compliance requirements. The Washington DC team has grown with the addition of David Stier who joined in January 2023 from the DOJ. Stier brings experience in the financial services industry to the firm with his focus being on financial fraud, cryptocurrency, and money laundering.  

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US) continues to forge a track record of success in M&A litigation, not least through its lead partners John Clarke in New York and head of Delaware litigation John Reed in Wilmington. The firm’s Delaware office increasingly puts it in pole position for high-stakes cases, a prime example being Reed’s work for MSG Networks in a post-closing action alleging breach of fiduciary duty by directors in approving the 2021 acquisition of the company by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. The firm is frequently involved in mid-market transactions and consequent litigation, but it also plays a prominent role in many high-value matters, and Clarke’s work for Bristol-Myers Squibb in an action concerning its 2019 merger with Celgene Corporation is just one example. The firm is active across the US, with Melanie Walker in Los Angeles, Benjamin Schuman in Baltimore, and Jason Hopkins in Dallas all playing central roles in key matters.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: automotive/transport Tier 3

Centered in Philadelphia with further access to broader products and mass tort competence throughout the country, DLA Piper LLP (US) provides ‘outstanding representation’ to multinational automotive and automobile component part manufacturers in complex litigation in federal and state courts across the US. Matthew Goldberg heads up the automotive subgroup and has recently secured a number of victories for Hyundai Mobis, including in multi-party actions (MPAs) regarding alleged defective airbags. Nathan Heller, who is praised for his ‘capacity to ask the right questions to get to the heart of the matter’, also has experience in handling auto-related product liability and consumer fraud class actions, as does associate Timothy Pfenninger, who is active across all phases of litigation. Automotive clients also benefit from the experience of Washington DC-based Paul Hemmersbaugh, who can draw upon vast risk management and regulatory expertise (including in relation to autonomous vehicles) for clients due to his experience both in private practice as well as his former roles at GM and as Chief Counsel to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All named practitioners are based in Philadelphia unless otherwise indicated.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Clients praise DLA Piper LLP (US) for its ‘excellent subject matter expertise’. The firm is best known for its work on behalf of companies in the life sciences, financial services, insurance and technology sectors. The co-chairs of the practice, John Clarke in New York and Melanie Walker in Los Angeles, are highly respected for complex litigation and internal investigations involving securities and financial instruments. Experienced LA-based partner Richard Zelichov is ‘extremely diligent and very creative’. He recently assisted former officers of Workhorse with the resolution of a securities class and nine derivative suits concerning statements about  its participation in the proposal process for a next generation delivery vehicle for the USPS. Seasoned trial and appellate lawyer John Hillebrecht in New York and former SEC attorney Jason Lewis in Dallas are also key members of the practice.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 3

The environmental practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) assists a spread of high-profile clients in matters relating to climate change, sustainability, supply chain and remediation. George Gigounas co-leads from the office in San Francisco, handling environmental contamination, product regulation and climate change law, alongside Gwen Keyes Fleming, best known for her ‘government experience’, who deals with compliance rulemaking and environmental justice. The team is also home to Robert Alessi , New York based environmental and energy lawyer, Adam Baas , of the San Francisco office, who is a key name to note in emerging contaminants and clean up and New York based Jeff Salinger, who is praised by his clients as ‘the best in the business’. His wide practice spans health and safety, ESG and real estate issues as well as corporate social responsibility.  Andrew Cooper joined the Washington DC office in early 2023 from Van Ness Feldman LLP specializing in compliance.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 3

Led by San Francisco-based litigator George Gigounas and regulatory expert Gwen Keyes Fleming, based between Washington DC and Atlanta, DLA Piper LLP (US) continues to advise a range of clients in heavily regulated industries on a variety of environmental issues related to corporate, financial and real estate transactions. Jeff Salinger, based in New York, is a key contact and routinely advises on ESG issues, climate change disclosure, and brownfield redevelopment. In Washington DC, regulatory compliance expert Paul Wierenga is known for advising oil industry clients on energy and environmental issues, including those related to renewable fuels, air quality standards, US policy on oil imports and renewable fuels, and climate change legislation and regulations.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US) handles a range of high value disputes in the sector, helping clients defend their patents in cross-border litigation and also providing support in product liability and personal injury MDLs arising out of allegations of faulty products or drugs. Licensing and supply agreements also fall within the group’s purview, where the group acts for both suppliers and buyers of critical medical ingredients. Heading the team are Matthew Holian, a Boston-based litigator whose practice encompasses multi-jurisdictional product liability disputes, and New York’s Andrew Gilbert, who advises both public and private life sciences companies on M&As and securities law; February 2024 saw the arrival of FDA regulatory specialists Vernessa Pollard and Anisa Mohanty from McDermott Will & Emery LLP‘s Washington office, advising on pre-market strategy and post-market compliance. Loren Brown represents clients across the spectrum of litigation pertinent to life sciences clients, including patent and trade secret infringement claims, and securities class actions, and Lucas Przymusinski focusing on product liability suits tied to drugs and medical devices; both are located in New York. Boston’s Katie Insogna is recommended for her ability to handle both regulatory issues and litigation, including MDLs tied to product liability, and broader commercial litigation.

Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US), led by Aidan McCormack in New York, encompasses a multidisciplinary team proficient in all facets of transactions involving insurers, reinsurers, MGAs, brokers, and insurtech companies. In addition to transactional work, the practice aids fund managers and insurance companies in establishing insurance-focused funds and investments. Leveraging their global reach, the team is adept at supporting clients in intricate cross-border engagements, often advising on global M&A, private equity/venture capital, corporate, and finance attorneys to offer comprehensive advice. In Chicago, Stephen Schwab focuses on international trade, particularly in insurance and reinsurance regulation, compliance, transactions, dispute resolution, and receiverships, while David Mendelsohn brings extensive experience representing insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and other clients in various transactions, including complex regulatory matters and mergers and acquisitions. Furthermore, key figures such as Matthew Gorra, based in Baltimore, offer transactional expertise across a broad range of industries, advising both private and public clients from both seller and buyer perspectives.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US) harnesses the bench strength of a global network  to provide a full range of management and enforcement services and to safeguard the copyrights of major multinational clients (including Pfizer, Nike, and Midjourney) involved in high-stakes litigation. The practice’s active client base spans industries ranging from apparel, fitness, media and entertainment to hospitality, tech, consumer goods, and financial services. The team is led by seasoned intellectual property litigator Tamar Duvdevani in New York, who specializes in the fashion retail and consumer goods sectors. Gina Durham in San Francisco, deputy practice leader of the firm’s IP and technology group, who brings expertise to matters involving copyright, trade dress, false advertising, and AI. Kevin Fee in Washington DC, who draws on extensive copyright litigation experience at the trial and appellate levels. Also in DC, senior associate Rachel Fertig, who counsels clients across such sectors as art, tech, music, and media sectors, and associate Jane Wise, whose client base includes consumer products manufacturers, publishers, retailers, and financial institutions.

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 3

The collective at DLA Piper LLP (US) has been significantly bolstered by the arrival to the West Coast offices of a 30-lawyer IP team from Dentons which includes well-known names in patent prosecution; Peter Yim who has impressive experience handling IPR, PGR and re-examination work arrived to the San Diego office; team lead at his former firm Brian Ho, alongside Randy Omid and Parker Kuhl to San Francisco; Christopher Eide to Palo Alto; and Michael Swett to Seattle. Another key name in San Diego is Lisa Haile who has particular expertise in tech-related cases. Biopharma, life sciences and manufacturing are all industry sectors the team’s workload covers; its cases frequently include assisting with the key elements of the granting of worldwide patents, managing and establishing portfolios and representing clients in the array of patent prosecution as well as litigation matters. Sean Cunningham in San Diego, San Francisco-based Gina Durham and Larissa Bifano who works from the firm’s Boston hub collectively oversee the practice.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3

Leveraging its strong presence across the Americas, and the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions, DLA Piper LLP (US) continues to advise clients in the generative AI space, and assists clients with NFT-related trademark filings, among a variety of other trademark litigation mandates. Tamar Duvdevani helms the practice from the firm’s New York office, harnessing her trademark and right-of-publicity litigation expertise to operate for Nike and other notable clients. Other key contacts include seasoned trademark and copyright litigator Gina Durham, who is based in San Francisco, and San Diego’s Melissa Reinckens, who contributes her wide-ranging experience across trademark, false advertising, and commercial litigation to the team. Washington DC’s Kevin Fee principally focuses on high-stakes trademark litigation before trial and appellate courts, and New York’s Marc Miller is well-versed in handling trademark litigation in federal and state courts.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US)'s dedicated employee benefits and executive compensation team handles a wide range of both design and transactional benefits matters. In Washington DC, Rita Patel leads the practice. Patel oversees many large everyday compliance matters for large corporate clients, including the recent implementation of ERISA covered severance plans and benefit claims. In Chicago, Richard Ashley is experienced with designing and implementing executive compensation programs, including plans which emphasize the implementation of ESG related incentives. Erin Sweeney, working from Washington DC, is a point of contact for large employers in a variety of industries on redesigning existing benefit plans in compliance with ERISA. Also based in Washington DC, Todd Castleton handles retirement plans and various fiduciary governance matters.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 3

The labor and employment group at DLA Piper LLP (US) is equipped to handle wage and hour, collective, and representative actions, as well as discrimination and COVID-related litigation. National practice lead Marc Katz also acts as managing partner at the Dallas office; his broad practice encompasses trade secret and unfair competition litigation, fiduciary duty and partnership disputes, and class action. In New York, Mary Dollarhide is routinely involved in discrimination, harassment, and breach of contract claims; Joseph Piesco, also in New York, regularly works on wage and hour class actions. San Diego-based Julie Dunne has knowledge of private attorney general representative actions under Californian law and the Fair Labor Standards Act. In New Jersey Brian Kaplan disputes experience includes the enforcement of restrictive covenants, and tort and breach of fiduciary duty claims. Partner Troy Valdez joined the team from Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP in April 2023.

Labor and employment > Labor-management relations Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘ team excels in arbitration and is also able to litigate before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The group collaborates with clients in corporate campaigns and other labor activity, as well as regularly advising on and negotiating collective bargaining agreements as well as acting in labor peace (LPA) negotiations. Team leader Marc Katz is based in Dallas and oversees much of the group’s contentious work due to his experience in these matters. Katz is well supported by Joseph Piesco and Kevin Harlow in New York and San Diego respectively.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3

Praised by clients for its ‘consistent collaborative client-centric approach’ and ‘outstanding legal services’, DLA Piper LLP (US) is well-versed in a wide range of corporate governance issues, standing out for its work in the tech and life sciences spaces. The team is jointly led by Christopher Paci and Era Anagnosti. Paci is noted for his extensive experience in the securities law aspects of financial restructuring, while Anagnosti, who joined the team from White & Case LLP, has bolstered the team’s agency experience as a former SEC employee. The ‘top notch’ Sanjay Shirodkar is lauded for his ability to provide clients with ‘sound, practical advice.’ Attorneys mentioned are based in Washington DC.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 3

Demonstrating extensive experience in handling multi-jurisdictional M&A and complex SPAC transactions, the DLA Piper LLP (US) practice maintains a large roster of clients predominantly active in the tech, finance, and aerospace sectors. Operating out of New York, Christopher Giordano is an expert on topics ranging from divestitures to securities law affairs in addition to routinely advising on corporate governance matters. Located in Minneapolis, Kathleen Smith Ruhland focuses on cross-border restructurings and joint ventures, while New York-based Jon Venick specializes in assisting clients with stock transactions and asset deals.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 3

Praised for its ‘ hands-on deal management’ and ‘deep expertise in the entertainment and music sectors’, DLA Piper LLP (US) advises extensively on music rights securitization and is equipped to structure and negotiate a broad range of agreements in areas such as content development, production and distribution. A trio of partners head up the Los Angeles-based team: Tom Ara‘s transactional abilities were most recently showcased in his handling of a VR content production deal for TikTok and parent company ByteDance, Robert Sherman is frequently sought out by music rights acquirers to advise on distressed transactions, and David Markman‘s broad practice includes serving as production counsel for film and television projects. Seasoned entertainment lawyer Richard Petretti is geared to assist with work including secured and unsecured film, television and music financings, while Katherine Imp has extensive experience in negotiating production and post-production agreements for audiovisual content.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US)’s non-contentious tax practice, led by Stacy Paz in Silicon Valley alongside Seattle-based Alison Maxwell, continues to claim its share of middle-market and major transactions, including in emerging areas such as tax insurance and digital assets structuring. The team also has a strong offering in the sports space, recently advising the majority owners of NBA team the Phoenix Suns as well as the investment arm of NFL team the San Francisco 49ers. Senior partner Gerald Rokoff leads a group dedicated to handling the tax structuring of asset management and financial product transactions, while Shiukay Hung is an expert in REIT tax, representing both sponsors and investors. Thomas Geraghty in Chicago advises on mergers, including those involving SPACs and up-C structures, joint ventures, securities offerings, restructurings, real estate investments, and investments in cryptocurrency and digital assets. Frank Mugabi’s broad experience in the oil and gas sector extends to private equity M&A as well as de-SPAC and Reverse Morris transactions. Drew Young has recently focused his efforts on renewable energy matters, especially those concerning the new Inflation Reduction Act. Associate John Wei is highly regarded. Kurtis Weaver in Boston was promoted to partnership in 2023, with the group also strengthened by the arrivals of David Pope, Los Angeles- and Palo Alto-based Brian Hamano, and Andrew Kreisberg in San Diego. Unless otherwise noted, lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

The ‘very diligent, knowledgeable, attentive, and easily accessible’ antitrust team at DLA Piper LLP (US) represents individual executives, insurance companies, and healthcare sector players in the full range of class actions and civil antitrust litigation. John Hamill now heads the practice from the Chicago office and excels in representing clients across the full spectrum of commercial litigation, including antitrust issues and unfair competition matters. The ‘outstanding and efficient’ David Hamilton joined the firm’s Baltimore office from Womble Bond Dickinson in February 2023; Hamilton has a broad practice spanning monopolization, price-fixing, and cartel litigation. Brian Boyle, in Philadelphia, represents corporate clients as plaintiffs and defendants in cartel, merger, and pricing conduct antitrust mandates, while Washington DC-based litigator David Bamberger is a key contact for class actions. The growing team saw its East Coast offering further expanded with the January 2024 arrivals of former FTC attorney Amanda Wait, investigations expert Vic Domen, and former federal prosecutor Carsten Reichel from Norton Rose Fulbright; all are based in Washington DC. Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey left the firm in January 2024.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s nationwide practice group is well-known in the domestic and international marketplaces for its prowess in class action lawsuits, privacy disputes, breach of contract claims, and securities and antitrust litigation. Brett Ingerman and John Gibson co-chair the practice. In Baltimore, Ingerman focuses on commercial disputes, insurance, and bankruptcy litigation, while in Los Angeles, Gibson runs a broad practice which encompasses contracts, IP licensing, commercial, healthcare, technology, and antitrust litigation.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US)’s international arbitration practice impresses with its ability to ‘greatly capitalize on its international presence’, as evidenced by a recent case list that has seen the team act alongside lawyers in Canada, Colombia and Mexico. The group additionally stands out for its extensive experience in Latin American markets, with a focus on infrastructure, energy and natural resources disputes. Global department co-chair Kate Brown de Vejar splits her practice between New York and Mexico City, where she represents corporations, sovereign states and state-owned enterprises in commercial and investor-state disputes. Also in New York, Kiera Gans is building a strong reputation for investment treaty arbitration.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

DLA Piper LLP (US) has an impressive mix of issuer and underwriter engagements in deals ranging from IPOs to follow-on offerings and at-the-market offerings, and is best known for mid-cap transactions. The team’s industry experience includes technology, healthcare and life sciences, consumer and retail, and industrials. Its broad national and international coverage brings it a wealth of domestic and global clients, including many Latin American issuers. New York’s Christopher Paci, who has strong connections to major underwriters, co-leads the US capital markets practice alongside Era Anagnosti in Washington DC. New York-based Stephen Alicanti has an impressive record, including in SPAC deals, while Seattle associate Bianca LaCaille is a team member on many of the firm’s key capital markets engagements.

Government > Government contracts Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) enjoys long-standing trusted advisor relationships with government contractors in the defense, logistics, tech, and energy spaces, who regularly retain the team for investigations, M&A, claims, disputes, and compliance counseling. Sam Knowles and Dawn Stern have jointly assumed leadership of the Washington DC-based team. Knowles runs the gamut of litigation and client counseling, including high profile bid protests for Loyal Source, commercial item contract counseling for UPS, and incorporating expertise in IP, data rights, and FCA issues. Stern’s bread and butter is litigation, collaborating with the firm’s white collar experts on investigations, as well as undertaking claims and disputes work for clients like ANHAM. Former chair Richard Rector remains engaged on bid protests, claims, and disputes. Daniel Cook works extensively with the pharmaceutical, medical device, and life sciences sectors, and Brad Jorgensen in Austin focuses primarily on M&A support.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) handles the full gamut of transactional mandates for its diverse client list of pharma companies and service provider groups. Miami’s Joshua Kaye leads the team with his broad expertise in healthcare-related private equity transactions. In Washington DC, Kristi Kung has a strong focus on digital health, regularly assisting healthcare investors with transactional issues; David Kopans often acts for managed care organizations with value-based pay arrangements; and regulatory expert Tracy Weir is noted for her knowledge of Medicare reimbursement and coverage. Darren Patz and Melesa Freerks joined the Miami and Chicago practices respectively; Patz is well versed in governmental affairs, often liaising with legislators, while Freerks has exceptional knowledge of healthcare service platform mergers. Joshua Samek left the practice in August 2023.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 4

Based at the team’s Silicon Valley hub, ‘incredible collaborator’ Rajiv Dharnidharka oversees DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s trade secrets collective alongside Chicago-based ‘standout partner’ Paul Steadman and experienced litigator Leon Medzhibovsky who works at the New York office. The team is well-regarded for its ‘great litigation’ capabilities and for its ‘excellent practice dedicated to tech’. The team has impressive abilities handling trade secrets, software and tech-related commercial disputes in particular, frequently in relation to misappropriation allegations and surrounding issues such as fraud, as well as breaches of employment contracts. San Francisco attorney Jeanette Barzelay is standout for her strong experience in the range of commercial litigation cases.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) has particular strength representing investors on the entire fund formation and management lifecycle, where they assist clients across real estate and infrastructure, energy, credit and private equity. Additionally, the team is well versed in GP led secondaries and advising on venture capital strategies. The leadership team is spread across Austin and Chicago. In Austin, David Parrish and Nicole Brennig focus on institutional investor clients and their alternative investments, while the Chicago office features Jesse Criz, who is particularly strong in the tax aspects of investment fund structures, and corporate and finance lawyer John Cusack. The team was bolstered in September 2023 when four partners joined the investment management and funds team from White & Case LLP, Evan Zhao, Mara Topping and Katherine McCullough joined the Washington DC office, while Andrew Kreisberg joined the team in San Diego. Former practice co-head Nathaniel Marrs left the team in April 2024.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 4

With a ‘global reach on employment law topics’, DLA Piper LLP (US) guides clients through the complexities of both domestic and international transactions, addressing key issues including change in control, retention agreements, and ERISA compliance. Leading the practice from Washington DC, Rita Patel offers advice on various regulatory frameworks, including ERISA, Section 409A, and Section 280G. Julia Kovacs in DC focuses on executive compensation, deferred compensation, and employee benefits concerns that emerge in the context of M&A, while San Diego-based Michelle Lara assists entities ranging from startups to large public companies with spin-offs, IPOs, and other significant corporate dealings. In Chicago, Richard Ashley brings his expertise to ERISA Title I issues, executive compensation matters, and ESOPs.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) handles the full range of non-contentious mandates for a range of construction clients in the healthcare and real estate industries. The sporting industry is another key strength of the team, representing Tennessee Titans in the development of the new NFL stadium in Nashville and other sporting clients in joint ventures. Baltimore-based Anthony Meagher leads the team, with expertise in negotiating construction and design contracts for large projects and mixed-use developments, while Anita Agajanian advises on regulatory and zoning approval matters, and represents a consortium of major healthcare industry clients in project expansions. Another key point of contact is Atlanta-based Brian Fielden, who handles significant P3 projects in the infrastructure industries and mediating construction disputes respectively. Former co-practice head Robert Crewdson departed in February 2024, alongside John Ducat.

Finance > Project finance Tier 5

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 5

Covering all corporate aspects of cross-border M&A in addition to drawing on firmwide expertise to handle related employment, tax, and potential litigation issues, the DLA Piper LLP (US) team maintains a diverse roster of international corporate clients in the retail, consumer, and food sectors. Operating out of New York, Christopher Giordano heads the practice and is an expert in advising public companies and their boards on corporate governance and strategic matters, while Minneapolis-based lawyer Kathleen Smith Ruhland focuses on restructurings and joint ventures. Also based in New York, Jon Venick assists clients with securities reporting and compliance issues.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

DLA Piper LLP (US) offer services within bankruptcy litigation as well as restructuring advice, with lawyers offering clients including debtors and official and unofficial committees with assistance in matters revolving around Chapter 11 filings and international restructurings. The team is led from New York, Los Angeles and Wilmington, with Rachel Albanese in New York a key name. In Los Angeles, Robert Klyman recently joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and has a practice focused on matters involving financial distress, whereas Craig Martin in Wilmington has worked on numerous cross-border matters.

International trade > CFIUS

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration

DLA Piper LLP (US) has rapidly expanded its Latin America-facing international arbitration practice in recent years; co-global chairs Michael Ostrove and Kate Brown de Vejar sit in Paris and in Mexico City, respectively - with the latter particularly known for her work in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The firm has achieved ever greater prominence in the Mexico market, particularly in the energy sector (notably power and renewables). It has also seen further growth in tech, life sciences and pharmaceutical disputes. The team has a strong mix of investment and commercial arbitration engagements, and represents a number of big-name multinationals. Mexico City co-practice head Gabriela Álvarez Ávila , whose past experience incudes seven years as senior counsel at ICSID, is another key practitioner. Bogota's director of international arbitration, Ricardo Alarcón, is also noted. Former Mexico-office senior partner Gerardo Lozano Alarcón left the firm in November 2022 to become a sole arbitrator and counsel; former Buenos Aires-based senior associate Sabrina Ramos also departed - in her case to undertake an LLM in Stanford.