King & Spalding LLP > Washington DC, > Firm Profile
King & Spalding LLP Offices
1700 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
King & Spalding LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
United States > Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense
King & Spalding LLP, which represents both corporations and private clients, has a dedicated white-collar practice that sits apart from its litigation department, and that is especially renowned for its expertise in serving the financial services, life sciences, energy, automotive, and professional services sectors. Washington DC’s Mark Jensen, whose strengths lie in enforcement actions, investigations, and white-collar litigation, Michael Pauze, a DC-based seasoned trial lawyer, and Andrew Hruska, a New York-based attorney who frequently handles international cases, jointly lead the practice. Also in DC, Wick Sollers is noted for his experience representing clients from the energy, healthcare, and financial services industries. In summer 202, the arrival of powerhouse litigator Randy Mastro from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP further strengthened the team’s New York outfit.Practice head(s):
Wick Sollers; Andrew Hruska; Michael Pauze
Other key lawyers:
United States > Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 1
Counting prominent oil and gas corporations, including Chevron and ConocoPhilips, among its key roster of clients, the trial and global disputes team at King & Spalding LLP handles litigation arising from high-end lawsuits surrounding climate change attribution, environmental justice, decommissioning and further disputes concerning the energy transition. Other key areas of expertise include toxic torts, trade secrets, royalties and administrative agency litigation. The team is led from Houston by Tracie Renfroe, who acts on toxic tort, environmental and commercial disputes civil jury trials, class actions and arbitrations, while San Francisco-based Charles Correll specializes in environmental litigation and mass torts on both a domestic and international scale. Andrew Stakelum handles onshore and offshore litigation, with unique experience supporting energy companies operating on the Gulf Coast, while Elizabeth Taber represents clients in the oilfield services industry in high-stakes litigation involving catastrophic injuries, environmental contamination and mass torts. Houston-based Robert Meadows, who represents clients across state and federal courts, is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Tracie Renfroe
Other key lawyers:
Robert Meadows; Charles Correll; Tim Engel; Elizabeth Taber; Craig Stanfield; Andrew Stakelum; Craig Ledet
Key clients
Baker Hughes
Chevron Corporation
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
ConocoPhillips
G2X Energy
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
Refinería de Cartagena S.A. (Reficar)
Shell
Exterran
Work highlights
- Represented Chevron in an investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Ecuador seated in the Hague, arising out of a US$9.5 billion Ecuadorian court judgment (the “Lago Agrio” judgment) against Chevron for alleged environmental harm caused by historical oilfield operations. In June 2022, a Dutch appeals court dismissed Ecuador’s renewed bid to overturn the award.
- Obtained a key win for client Exterran in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas in a lawsuit brought by Iberoamerica de Hidrocarburos, S.A. (IHSA) alleging tortious interference with IHSA’s contracts with Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), the Mexican state-owned oil company.
- Representing Baker Hughes in litigation arising from chlorinated solvent contamination near Baker Hughes subsidiary Dresser, LLC’s former valve manufacturing and refurbishing facility in Pineville, Louisiana.
United States > Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 1
United States > Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2
King & Spalding LLP often works in conjunction with the firm’s government investigations, healthcare, international trade, and intellectual property departments, routinely representing clients in litigation in trial and appellate courts, and appearing before arbitral tribunals, government enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies. Richard Marooney‘s practice encompasses disputes pertaining to the accounting, energy and financial service industries, and he co-leads the team alongside Andy Bayman in Atlanta. Arriving from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in August 2022, the vastly experienced Randy Mastro represents clients in civil cases, securities litigation and white collar criminal matters. Houston-based Mary-Olga Lovett joined from Greenberg Traurig LLP in July 2023. Dallas-based partner Veronica Moyé joined the team in February 2024 from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. All individuals are located in New York, unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
Andy Bayman: Richard Marooney
Other key lawyers:
Randy Mastro; David Balser; Mark Kirsch; Mary-Olga Lovett; Veronica Moyé
Key clients
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Americold
American Kidney Fund
BASF
Barclays Bank PLC
Beech-Nut Nutrition Company
Benefytt Technologies Inc.
Capital One
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Deloitte Consulting
Ernst & Young
Eaze Technologies
Federal Reserve Banks
Getac Technology Corporation
Global Payments Direct, Inc.
Hims & Hers Health, Inc.
Hillrom
Home Depot
Hope Medical Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a/ Hope Pharmaceuticals
JP Morgan
Lyft Inc.
NSO Group Technologies Ltd.
Old Navy
Progressive Insurance
Ripple Labs
Senior Planning Services, LLC
Varian Medical Systems
Work highlights
- Defended Capital One as lead counsel in over 60 consumer class actions filed in federal courts throughout the country arising from a data breach incident announced in July 2019 involving the compromise of personal information of 100 million customers in the United States.
United States > Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 2
The trial and global disputes; government matters team at King & Spalding LLP offers coast-to-coast expertise and is led by Washington DC’s Granta Nakayama, New York’s Kristen Fournier, San Francisco’s Matt Blaschke and Tracie Renfroe in Houston. The firm fields multidisciplinary groups to advise on litigation and emerging issues, such as forever chemicals, climate change, environmental justice, renewable fuels and ESG matters. Renfroe acts for energy and industrial clients on contamination, toxic tort and product liability cases, and is experienced in international arbitration. Atlanta’s Douglas Henderson is notable for his experience in toxic and mass torts litigation and property rights disputes, while Peter Hsiao in Los Angeles has 34 years’ trial experience, with a focus on environmental and natural resources cases. Recently, Shannon Kasley and Jeremiah Anderson left the firm, as did Megan Nishikawa.Practice head(s):
Granta Nakayama; Kristen Fournier; Matt Blaschke; Tracie Renfroe
Other key lawyers:
Charles Correll; Douglas Henderson; Nick Kayhan; Peter Hsiao; Elizabeth Taber
Key clients
Chevron Corporation
The Renco Group
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Baker Hughes Company
Environmental Resources Management Southwest Inc.
BASF Corporation
International Paper Co.
Dow Chemical Company
Honeywell International
Lafarge/Holcim
Work highlights
- Advising Delta Airlines on a case arising out of an engine failure on a flight shortly after it departed LAX. Class plaintiffs are individuals with homes located under the flightpath who seek damages from the jet fuel jettison based on trespass and nuisance claims.
- Advising Shell Oil Company as trial counsel to defend five benzene groundwater contamination cases in Illinois federal and state courts.
- Advising BASF as lead trial counsel in high-profile lawsuits brought by water purveyors Rio Linda Elverta Community Water District and Sacramento Suburban Water District against the federal government, and manufacturers and suppliers of products alleged to contain the chemical hexavalent chromium.
United States > Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 2
King & Spalding LLP offers clients ‘subject matter experts who have keen insights on the issues, can apply past learning to current risks and use those insights to identify emerging trends’. With teams on both coasts, the firm is well placed to handle regulatory matters across the US, under the leadership of Washington DC’s Granta Nakayama. It is particularly strong in enforcement defense matters and negotiations with regulators, such as the EPA; mobile source emissions; compliance in highly regulated sectors; and issues around toxic chemicals, such as PFAS. Nakayama is a key name for compliance and enforcement matters, while in Los Angeles, Peter Hsiao, a former DOJ environmental attorney, is recommended for natural resources and toxic tort law. Ilana Saltzbart, also in DC, is an EPA alumna with considerable experience of the CAA. Chicago’s Karl Heisler is noted for incident response and workplace health and safety work. Marcella Burke left in July 2022. Adam Sowatzka has also left the firm.Practice head(s):
Granta Nakayama
Other key lawyers:
Peter Hsiao; Ilana Saltzbart; Patrick Runge; Karl Heisler
Testimonials
‘Top-shelf representation; thoughtful; pro-active; sensitive to client needs and goals.’
‘Karl Heisler has been my primary point of contact. He has provided superior representation and counseling, consistently taking initiative, keeping in contact with the client, and providing creative and helpful thoughts and ideas.’
‘The K&S team does a phenomenal job of distilling the complexity of issues down to a manageable and understandable level.’
‘They are subject matter experts who have keen insights on the issues, can apply past learning to current risks and use those insights to identify emerging trends.’
‘They are exceptionally collaborative, exceed expectations and true partners for their clients.’
‘Karl Heisler also shown care in his recognition of client needs, including in his work efficiency and billing practices. I look forward to continuing to work with Karl as needs may arise.’
‘Patrick Runge is exceptional – well versed on the issues and shares insights/analogs to the risks at hand.’
‘Karl Heisler is a true partner to his clients – he is highly credible; distills the complex so that it is understood by non-experts; highly strategic and transparent in his assessments/solutions; and is a great K&S team leader.’
Key clients
Environmental Resources Management Southwest Inc.
Volkswagen AG
Chevron
The Home Depot
Phillips 66
Honeywell International
Baker Hughes
LafargeHolcim
BASF Corporation
International Paper
Work highlights
- Representing Chevron in an appeal of an EPA action related to the Clean Air Act’s Outer Continental Shelf program.
- Advising Volkswagen on the largest ever Clean Air Act enforcement case, ongoing for several years.
- Working with Rayonier Advanced Materials for many years to successfully secure and defend the renewal of the wastewater discharge permit (NPDES permit) for the company’s pulp mill in Jesup, Georgia, one of the largest pulp mills in North America and the largest cellulose specialties plant in the world.
United States > Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 2
The primarily Washington DC based practice at King & Spalding LLP, led by Mark Brown, Nikki Reeves, and Seth Lundy, consists of ‘creative lawyers' who handle both internal and government investigations, life sciences M&A, and fundraising matters. Reeves is known for her regulatory and FDA expertise, advising biologics and pharmaceutical companies on both pre and post-market compliance issues, good clinical practices, and good manufacturing practices. Brown assists biotech and medical device companies on FDA enforcement matters, and is particularly skilled at negotiating consent decrees of injunctions, while Lundy is well-versed in state and federal fraud and abuse issues. Lisa Dwyer maintains a digital health and regulatory focused practice, while Brian Bohnenkamp advises pharmaceutical companies on transparency laws imposed on manufacturers, including the Physician Payments Sunshine Act. John Shakow exhibits ‘extensive, almost encyclopedic expertise‘ across pharmaceutical government pricing, reporting, and Federal Supply Schedule matters, advising biotech entities on their interactions with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Preeya Noronha Pinto has considerable experience acting for life sciences manufacturers in reimbursement planning matters during product development.
Practice head(s):
Mark Brown; Nikki Reeves; Seth Lundy
Other key lawyers:
Laura Bushnell; Lisa Dwyer; Brian Bohnenkamp; John Shakow; Mark Jensen; Preeya Noronha Pinto
Testimonials
‘The team consists of creative lawyers who focus on solving issues. They are willing to provide direct opinions and views.’
‘John Shakow is a highly effective communicator with a willingness to provide a direct assessment and opinion. John has extensive, almost encyclopedic expertise in government pricing programs.’
Key clients
AbbVie
Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Allergan, Inc.
Amarin Corporation
Amryt Pharmaceuticals
Baxter International
BioMarin
Bristol Myers Squibb
Carl Zeiss Vision
Coloplast Corporation
Eli Lilly
EMD Serono
Exact Sciences
GlaxoSmithKline
HeartFlow, Inc.
Hillrom
Hope Medical Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a/ Hope Pharmaceuticals
Imperative Care
Integra LifeSciences
Invacare Corporation
KIYATEC
LEO Pharma, Inc.
Medtronic
Novo Nordisk
Pharmacyclics
Pfizer
PhRMA
PolarityTE, Inc.
SmileDirectClub
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Teleflex, Inc.
Urogen
Zimmer Biomet
Work highlights
- Advised on all FDA regulatory aspects of a $2.4 billion merger between Oaktree Acquisition Corp. II. and Alvotech.
- Represented Walmart in a nation-wide litigation involving allegations that retailers of private-labeled acetaminophen failed to warn pregnant mothers about the potential risks to their children of prenatal exposure.
- Acted for Eisai Pharmaceuticals in several rounds of negotiations regarding its multi-billion-dollar research and development collaboration with Biogen, formed to co-develop products to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease.
United States > International Trade > Trade remedies and trade policy Tier 2
King & Spalding LLP finds favor for its lawyers’ ‘knowledge, innovative thinking and preparation for cases’. The firm’s trade litigation offering forms a key part of its full-service international trade practice and it possesses extensive experience in the full scope of trade remedies, trade policy, WTO matters and related regulatory work. Stephen Orava chairs the Washington DC-based team and has a focus on trade remedies, WTO dispute settlement proceedings and climate change-related trade issues. Orava recently represented an ad hoc coalition of American superabsorbent polymer producers in filing petitions at the DOC and ITC seeking antidumping relief against superabsorbent polymer imports from South Korea. A former General Counsel of USTR, Stephen Vaughn is notably spearheading the firm’s representation of Cleveland-Cliffs in five-year reviews of antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of corrosion-resistant steel, cold-rolled steel and hot-rolled steel. Other key contacts include Michael Taylor, whose practice spans customs and trade remedy-related matters, senior counsel Neal Reynolds, and Jamieson Greer, who maintains a broad trade practice with a focus on trade remedies and trade policy and negotiations.Practice head(s):
Stephen Orava
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Vaughn; Michael Taylor; Jamieson Greer; Neal Reynolds; Daniel Schneiderman
Testimonials
‘King & Spalding supported us in a trade remedy case, providing technical and legal assistance and guiding the international participants through the whole procedure including several hearings with ITC.’
‘The team provides clear guidance and clear communication, particularly Jamieson Greer, Stephen Orava and Neal Reynolds.’
‘King and Spalding has the best team in the practice of international trade. We have seen the results over many years of engaging K&S to represent us in the ITC. There are no other firms that prepare better for their cases.’
‘King and Spalding excel in all areas of international trade disputes.’
‘Their knowledge, innovative thinking and preparation for cases are significantly better than any other firm that has represented the opposite side. Daniel Schneiderman, and Michael Taylor are exceptional individuals.’
Key clients
Ad Hoc Coalition of American Super Absorbent Polymer Producers (coalition of BASF Corp., Evonik Superabsorber LLC, and Nippon Shokubai America Industries)
AMG Vanadium
Briggs & Stratton LLC
CalCIMA (California Construction and Industrial Materials Association)
Coalition for Sustainable Cement Manufacturing and Environment (“CSCME”)
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
Committee for Fair Trade in Ammonium Sulfate, including AdvanSix (formerly Honeywell Resins & Chemicals) and PCI Nitrogen
Domtar Corporation
The Dow Chemical Company
Iowa Fertilizer Company
J.R. Simplot Company
Novelis Corp., Hindalco Industries Ltd. (and affiliates)
Novolex
Olin Corporation and affiliates
United Parcel Service
US Magnesium LLC
U.S. Producers of Citric Acid (coalition of Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, and Primient)
Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company
Wincom, Inc.
Washington Red Raspberry Commission
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Cleveland-Cliffs following the ITC’s unanimous vote to continue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on corrosion-resistant steel from five countries and on cold-rolled steel from five of six countries, respectively.
- Successfully represented Domtar and Finch Paper in reviews at the DOC and the ITC concerning imports of uncoated paper.
- Advised Olin Corporation and its affiliates in the Brazilian antidumping investigation regarding imports of caustic soda from the US.
United States > Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 2
King & Spalding LLP‘s recent track record includes advice on significant automotive industry diesel issues, as well as regulatory, enforcement and policy work. The firm also houses experts in transportation-related high-stakes disputes, government investigations, and corporate and finance work. On the litigation side, the group’s prowess covers both single-plaintiff catastrophic injury cases and multi-district litigation and class actions. As a former assistant administrator for the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance, Washington DC-based Granta Nakayama is go-to practitioner for automakers facing diesel-related issues, and Livia Kiser in Chicago represents automotive manufacturers, automotive technology companies, and distributors and suppliers in matters involving vehicle components. Other names to note are Los Angeles-based Alexander Calfo and Susan Vargas, whose product liability practices cover the automotive sector; DC-based environmental law specialist Ilana Saltzbart; and New York-based automotive industry expert Jacquie Seidel. Also in New York, John Hooper chairs the firm’s automotive and transportation litigation practice, which is co-chaired by Susan Clare in Atlanta, where class action and product liability litigator and newly promoted partner Adam Reinke is located.Practice head(s):
Granta Nakayama; John Hooper
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
American Honda Motor Co
Automobili Lamborghini America
Daimler
Mercedes-Benz USA
Daimler Trucks North America
General Motors
Kia Motors America
Porsche
Porsche Cars North America
Stellantis (formerly FCA)
Subaru of America
Subaru Corp
Toyota Motor Sales
Toyota Motor Company
Volkswagen
Work highlights
- Representing Volkswagen before the Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board and the US Department of Justice in widely publicized matters surrounding emissions from 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter diesel engine-powered vehicles.
- Representing Toyota as strategic counsel in several product liability cases, including actions alleging defects in Denso fuel pumps, defective fuel tanks, defective inverters, and defective batteries.
- Representing General Motors in patent litigation brought by Intellectual Ventures, which concerns patents spanning a range of subject matters and technologies.
United States > Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)
Comprised of ‘creative lawyers who focus on solving issues’, King & Spalding LLP houses a comprehensive appellate practice, which has notched up appearances before federal and state appellate courts nationwide, as well as the US Supreme Court. The group’s ability to leverage subject-matter experts from across the wider firm’s regulatory and litigation practices is a significant differentiator and it is particularly experienced in the energy, IP, and life sciences and healthcare spheres. Jeffrey Bucholtz, who is noted for his experience in representing FDA-regulated companies, co-chairs the department together with Ashley Parrish, whose practice has a strong administrative law dimension; both are based in Washington DC. The team also includes Silicon Valley-based Anne Voigts, who recently paired up with Washington DC-based Medicare reimbursement specialist Daniel Hettich to represent Empire Health Foundation before SCOTUS in a case concerning reimbursement rates for hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of indigent patients.Practice head(s):
Jeffrey Bucholtz; Ashley Parrish
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Creative lawyers who focus on solving issues. Willing to provide direct opinions and views without too much hedging or qualification.’
‘Ashley Parrish is a creative lawyer who quickly sees through complex matters to the core legal issues. Strategic thinker who focuses on end game as well as next steps. Understands, and can help navigate, not just the legal environment but also the broader political and external environment.’
Key clients
ABB, Inc.
AbbVie (including Allergan)
American Clinical Laboratory Association
American Honda Motor Co
Atlanta Gas Light Company
BASF
Benefytt Technologies
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Care Alternatives
Chevron Corporation
Delta
Eaze Technologies, Inc.
Empire Health Foundation
Equifax
Everport
Federal Reserve Banks
Florida Hospital Association
Halliburton
Hope Medical
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.
Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
James Shaw
Julia Hahn
JW Aluminum Company
Lyft, Inc.
Melinta Therapeutics
Mid-American Apartments, Inc.
Molina Healthcare
Nawai Wardak Transportation Company
Novo Nordisk
NSO Technologies
Postmates Inc.
Purdue Pharma
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
RD Legal Funding
SmileDirectClub
Stokes
Texaco, Inc.
The Federal Reserve Banks
Triangle Capital Corporation
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Walmart
Work highlights
- Represented Empire Health Foundation before the Supreme Court in a case concerning reimbursement rates for hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of indigent patients.
- Successfully convinced the Supreme Court to grant its petition for certiorari in a Section 1983 case against a state trooper for malicious prosecution.
- Represented JW Aluminum as counsel of record in opposing a petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court in litigation addressing whether the obligations imposed by the Coal Act are subject to discharge in bankruptcy.
United States > Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 3
King & Spalding LLP’s energy regulatory practice handles the full range of regulation and litigation matters in the oil and gas arena, with demonstrable experience advising on LNG project development, hydrocarbon storage, carbon capture and alternative fuels mandates. The group frequently acts before the FERC and other regulatory bodies on cases concerning regulatory enforcements and investigations, natural gas certificate issues and safety matters associated with natural gas pipelines and LNG facilities. In the Washington DC office, James Bowe is noted for his expertise in the regulation of energy pipelines, energy storage facilities and oil and gas import and export facilities, in addition to carbon capture projects. Bowe jointly leads the team alongside Nikesh Jindal, who advises on regulation surrounding onshore and offshore exploration, while Houston’s Mark Greenberg focuses on energy-related commodities.Practice head(s):
James Bowe; Nikesh Jindal
Other key lawyers:
Mark Greenberg; Tyler Brown
Testimonials
‘Great expertise, collaboration and industry leadership. Specifically James Bowe.’
‘Jim Bowe is an extremely knowledgeable energy regulatory lawyer.’
Key clients
Arbor Renewable Gas
Arena Energy
Cenovus Energy, Inc.
Chevron Corporation
Citadel Advisors LLC
Competitive Power Ventures
ConocoPhillips
Crestwood Midstream Partners, LP
Eagle LNG Partners Jacksonville, LP
EQT Corporation
Freepoint Commodities
Hy Stor Energy LP
J.P. Morgan
Mexico Pacific Limited LLC
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
Starwood Energy Group Global Inc.
Targa Resources Partners
Third Coast Midstream
Trafigura
Work highlights
- Representing ConocoPhillips in an appeal of a U.S. Dept. of the Interior order to decommission oil production platforms and numerous oil wells on a federal lease offshore California, in which ConocoPhillips argues that the successor (now bankrupt) owner of the lease, not ConocoPhillips, is responsible for decommissioning.
- Advising Hy Stor Energy LP on establishing a first-of-its-kind business focused on the production of clean hydrogen, a fuel and feedstock critical to decarbonization.
- Representing PREPA in various commercial and regulatory matters such as the implementation of PREPA’s Integrated Resource Plan, including management of a renewable generation and energy storage resource procurement process, required by an Energy Bureau-approved resource Procurement Plan.
United States > Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 3
King & Spalding LLP handles a broad range of transactional matters in the private equity, project finance, energy and infrastructure sectors, with a focus on M&A, restructurings and financings. With regards to the environmental aspects of transactions, the practice is well versed in perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) issues, sustainability and ESG, and energy transition matters. The team is led by Granta Nakayama, who is a key name for energy and environmental issues, such as regulatory and enforcement matters. Cynthia Stroman is recommended for energy and renewables transactions and is well versed in compliance and land use issues. Joseph Eisert handles transactions, enforcement and incident response, while Chicago’s Karl Heisler deals with workplace safety incidents and government investigations. Marcella Burke left in 2022. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.Practice head(s):
Granta Nakayama
Other key lawyers:
Cynthia Stroman; Joseph Eisert; Les Oakes; Karl Heisler
Key clients
Axium Infrastructure
H.I.G. Capital
Atlas Holdings
Santos Limited
Mativ Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MATV)
Genuine Parts
Macquarie
Paceline Equity Partners
Cogentrix
AIG Asset Management (U.S.), LLC
Paceline Equity Partners (and its portfolio company AHF Products)
Work highlights
- Regularly represent H.I.G. Capital on its most complex transactions, including the the environmental and chemical regulation aspects of these matters.
- Advising AIG Asset Management as agent for its affiliate lenders on a $196m mortgage construction loan comprised of a building loan and a project loan to an affiliate of BRP Companies.
- Advising Mativ Holdings, Inc. (formerly, Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.) on its acquisition of Neenah, Inc. in an all-stock merger of equals transaction valued at $3bn.
United States > Government > Government relations Tier 3
King & Spalding LLP has a strong record in assisting major US and foreign companies with policy advancement, legislative reform and funding matters at federal, state and local levels. Noted for its wealth of experience in policy and regulatory issues related to the healthcare, life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, the group is also sought after by clients from the telecom, aerospace, financial services and tech segments. Thomas Spulak oversees the Washington DC-based group and has significant experience in dealing with the legislative process. David Farber is a key contact for public policy, litigation and regulatory matters. Steve Kupka is a popular choice among healthcare providers and energy companies. J Boggs, who manages the firm’s state attorneys general practice, is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Thomas Spulak
Other key lawyers:
J. Boggs; David Farber; Steve Kupka
Key clients
Adventist HealthCare
Alliance for Aging Research (AAR)
Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA)
Flagler Health
Makana Therapeutics
MCS
Padron Cigars
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA)
Quest Diagnostics
Seaboard Corporation
Silicon Power Corporation
SiCamore Semiconductor Corporation)
United States > Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 3
The Section 337 practice at King & Spalding LLP works increasingly for complainants, protecting domestic US innovators from unfair import competition. Recent prominent matters include representing Causam Enterprises in a six-patent ITC investigation regarding smart thermostats and load control switches and representing Advanced Silicon Group Technologies LLC and Advanced Silicon Group, also in a six-patent ITC investigation. Jeffrey Telep leads the team out of the firm’s Washington DC office, bringing long-standing experience litigating high-profile disputes at the ITC. DC-based Chris Campbell, a first chair trial lawyer regularly representing clients in complex patent infringement litigation, and associate Brian Hill are both integral to the practice.Practice head(s):
Jeffrey Telep
Other key lawyers:
Chris Campbell; Brian Hill; Britton Davis; Katherine Vessels
Testimonials
‘I believe Jeff Telep and Brian Hill have a first-rate knowledge of Section 337 practice and perform admirably for their clients.
‘Jeff Telep is thoughtful, articulate, and knowledgeable. He is not a gun-slinger and seeks solutions, short of trial, when available.’
‘Brian Hill has a comprehensive understanding of Section 337 law and precedent and complements Jeff Telep’s capabilities.’
Key clients
Causam Enterprises
Advanced Silicon Group Technologies LLC
EMD Serono
F5 Networks
Holochip
iApartment
Criterion Technology, Inc.
Amtech Systems LLC
Trive Capital Management
Work highlights
- Represented Causam Enterprises in a six-patent ITC investigation that went to trial against multiple importers of smart thermostats and load control switches using demand response technology.
- Represented Advanced Silicon Group Technologies LLC and its sister company, Advanced Silicon Group, Inc. (collectively “ASG”), in a six-patent ITC investigation that went to trial against multiple Chinese and Korean manufacturers and importers of solar cells and modules.
- Represented EMD Serono in a Section 337 complaint on infringing gray market and falsely advertised imports of IVF products, which were exported by a number of Turkish pharmacies and imported by end users in the United States.
United States > Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3
United States > Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4
King & Spalding LLP handles antitrust litigation for major clients in several industries including education, financial services and healthcare. Its client roster features names such as Deutsche Bank, which it represented against allegations of manipulation of the foreign exchange benchmark prices. The team is led from Washington DC by Jeff Spigel who counsels clients undergoing investigation and advises on strategies, and Norm Armstrong, who offers public and private sector experience and has a broad antitrust practice including civil and criminal investigations and litigation. In Atlanta, Jeff Cashdan focuses on criminal and civil cartel matters and other civil antitrust actions with a recent matters concerning price-fixing claims in the hospitality industry. Other key attorney’s include Atlanta-based partner Emily Newton and DC-based Chris Yook who advises clients on antitrust implications and represents clients in government enforcement and civil litigation.Practice head(s):
Norm Armstrong; Jeff Spigel
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Aaron’s
ACON Investments
Axium
BASF Corporation
Cornell University
Cox
Deutsche Bank
Equifax
Energizer
Evangelical Community Hospital
Genuine Parts Company
Hanesbrands
H.I.G. Capital
Hunter Douglas
J.R. Simplot Company
ManTech International Corporation
Ochsner Health System
Peloton Interactive, Inc.
Piedmont Healthcare
Queen’s Health System
Quikrete Holdings, Inc.
Rice University
The Home Depot
Trafigura Trading LLC
United Parcel Service
Viserion Grain, LLC
Westrock Company
Work highlights
- Represented BASF in its antitrust trial against Ingevity Corp.
- Representing both Cornell University and Rice University in a class action complaint against 16 universities alleging a conspiracy on financial aid.
- Represented Trafigura in responding to California Attorney General investigation into gasoline prices in California in the related class action lawsuit alleging violations of federal and state antitrust laws.
United States > Antitrust > Merger control Tier 5
The Washington DC-based team at King & Spalding LLP handles complex, high-value merger review processes alongside regulatory investigations and litigation arising from contested mergers, working with major names in tech, chemicals, and education, including notable new transactional mandates for Rice University and Cox. The practice offers US-wide expertise, cross-border capabilities, and significant agency experience, with practice co-head Norm Armstrong previously serving as Deputy Director and Deputy Assistant of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, while co-head Jeff Spigel has a successful record in acting before the DOJ and FTC in strategic merger filings and investigations, as well as regularly working on multijurisdictional transactions requiring global antitrust approvals.Practice head(s):
Norm Armstrong; Jeff Spigel
Key clients
Aaron’s
ACON Investments
Axium
BASF Corporation
Cornell University
Cox
Deutsche Bank
Energizer
Equifax
Evangelical Community Hospital
Genuine Parts Company
Hanesbrands
H.I.G. Capital
Hunter Douglas
J.R. Simplot Company
ManTech International Corporation
Ochsner Health System
Peloton Interactive, Inc.
Piedmont Healthcare
Queen’s Health System
Quikrete Holdings, Inc.
Rice University
The Home Depot
Trafigura Trading LLC
United Parcel Service
Viserion Grain, LLC
Westrock Company
Work highlights
- Representing EVO Payments, Inc. in a DOJ Antitrust Division investigation of EVO’s proposed acquisition by Global Payments valued at US$4 billion.
- Represented ManTech International Corporation in its sale to funds managed by global investment firm The Carlyle Group, in an all-cash transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately US$4.2 billion.
- Represented Quikrete Holdings, Inc. in its acquisition of Forterra Inc. The parties received a Second Request from the DOJ and negotiated a settlement with the DOJ that allowed the parties to close on their transaction.
United States > Dispute resolution > International arbitration
United States > Dispute resolution > E-discovery
King & Spalding LLP‘s ‘premiere e-discovery practice’ has a history of more than 25 years of continuous operation, and offers comprehensive services to high profile domestic and multinational clients. The department has expertise in a broad range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, financial services, and technology, and fields a broad team of attorneys, project management professionals, and technologists, able to provide advice on high-stakes litigation, investigations, and crisis management. Well-respected name Ronni Solomon has been active in the e-discovery space since its inception, with almost three decades of litigation experience. Rose Jones, who has particular strength in acting for global clients, leads the team from Atlanta alongside John Tucker, who supervises the firm’s dedicated Discovery Center. Los-Angeles based Michael Shortnacy is a key contact for complex and crisis litigation, and covers civil and criminal investigations. Other core team members include counsel Tanya Canup, of Atlanta, whose practice focuses on information governance, as well as preservation and collection issues.Practice head(s):
Rose Hunter Jones; John Tucker
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘King & Spalding has the premiere e-discovery practice in the nation, full stop. There is no comparison. They have bench strength beyond measure and a team of staff attorneys and specialized e-discovery experts that can handle any issue, no matter how complex or massive.’
‘Ronni Solomon leads the team with exceptional skill and is able to mobilize massive resources on the turn of a dime to execute any size collection, review, and production that is required by the case.’
Key clients
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (client since 2010)
Walmart Inc.
Walmart Inc. and Beech-Nut Nutrition Company
Work highlights
- Handled discovery coordination in Toyota Motor North America, Inc.’s product liability litigation and responses to governmental investigations.
- Advised United Parcel Service of America, Inc. on e-discovery issues for the past 14 years.
- Handled all e-discovery issues for Equifax Inc. related to this cybersecurity breach in the over 240 multiple lawsuits and government investigations filed/served by the United States Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, the SEC, most state attorney generals and plaintiffs in consumer and securities class actions.
United States > Dispute resolution > International litigation
Led by Andy Bayman and Reginald Smith based in Atlanta and Houston respectively, King & Spalding LLP’s trial and global disputes group has undergone significant expansion in New York, welcoming lateral hires such as Randy Mastro from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP along with Mark Kirsch and Matt Biben in August 2022. The firm also gained Samaa Haridi from Hogan Lovells US LLP in early 2022, strengthening its international arbitration and disputes practice with an emphasis on the Middle East and North Africa. Also opening its doors in Miami, the firm has focused its attention on Latin America as well as bolstering its class action litigation capacity in the South. Érica Franzetti, Harry Burnett, and Craig Miles are among those relocating to the Miami office, joined by Brian Miller, Samantha Kavanaugh and Ross Linzer from Akerman LLP. The firm concentrates on parallel proceedings across sectors including energy, mining, financial services, and healthcare, with experience in asset recovery, enforcement actions and anti-suit injunctions. Richard Marooney is a key name to note in New York for his focus on international financial services disputes with major institutional clients in this area.
Practice head(s):
Andy Bayman; Reginald Smith
Other key lawyers:
Randy Mastro; Mark Kirsch; Matthew Biben; Samaa Hiridi; Erica Franzetti; Harry Burnett; Craig Miles; Brian Miller; Samantha Kavanaugh; Ross Linzer; Richard Marooney
Testimonials
‘The firm has extensive experience in international arbitration especially in investor-state arbitrations.’
‘Their experience, knowledge and preparation for cases is impressive.’
Key clients
Chevron Corporation
Deutsche Bank
Ernst & Young Global Limited
Exterran
GOL Airlines
Multiple renewable energy companies
NatWest Markets plc
NSO
Rusoro Mining Limited
Stati (Ascom Group S.A.)
The Government of Mongolia
Viking Group, Inc./The Viking Corporation
Work highlights
- Representing and advising claimants multiple renewable energy investors in global enforcement proceedings arising out of seven arbitration awards against Spain and Italy under the Energy Charter Treaty for the withdrawal or modification of renewable energy incentives.
- Representing Chevron in an investment treaty arbitration and related litigation against the Republic of Ecuador seated in the Hague, arising out of a $9.5bn Ecuadorian court judgment against Chevron for alleged environmental harm caused by historical oilfield operations.
- Representing Deutsche Bank in various class and direct-action litigation matters in that derive from previous investigations into alleged manipulation of the global FX market by traders at various FX dealer banks.
United States > International Trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions
On the customs front, King & Spalding LLP is widely recognized for its adept handling of major US customs investigations; it also provides support on compliance matters, internal investigations and litigation. Team lead Michael Taylor is distinguished by his broad customs and Homeland Security expertise; he recently acted for ASC Engineered Services in a ‘reverse’ False Claims Act case, alleging improper filings and misrepresentations in relation to certain butt-weld fittings from China. Jeffrey Telep and newly promoted partner Patrick Togni are also recommended for customs work. Christine Savage steers the sanctions, export controls and CFIUS practice and brings to bear significant government-side experience from a previous role as attorney-advisor in the Commerce Department. Savage is particularly noted for her experience in the technology, energy, financial services, and aerospace and defense sectors. Other key contacts for sanctions and export controls matters include counsels Danielle Pressler and Shaswat Das, both of whom have served stints at OFAC, and Alexis Early. Named attorneys are based in Washington DC.
Practice head(s):
Michael Taylor; Christine Savage
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Access USA Shipping, LLC (client for over 5 years)
Aegis Security Insurance Company
Atlas Holdings LLC
American Furniture Manufacturers Committee for Legal Trade (client for over 15 years)
Chr. Hansen, Inc.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (client for over 15 years)
Energizer Holdings, Inc. (client for 5 years)
Hunter Douglas, Inc.
Mueller Water Products, Inc. (client for over 5 years)
Novelis, Inc. (client for over 10 years)
Novolex (client for over 10 years)
Porsche Cars North America (client for over 5 years)
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Terphane, Inc. (client for over 5 years)
Embraer S.A. (client for over 15 years)
Hexcel Corporation (client for over 15 years)
Work highlights
- Advised Novelis in relation to the US government’s national security proceedings under Section 232.
- Represented ASC Engineered Services in a ‘reverse’ False Claims Act case, alleging improper filings and misrepresentations by the company to avoid the payment of duties on certain butt-weld fittings from China.
- Advised Chr Hansen on preparing and filing tariff classification litigation before the US Court of International Trade.
United States > International Trade > CFIUS
In 2022, King & Spalding LLP boosted its CFIUS credentials with the hire of Philip Ludvigson from the Department of the Treasury, where he led the office overseeing all CFIUS mitigation agreements. He joins an increasingly prominent team that has recently advised on filings in the defense, energy, infrastructure, and financial services sectors, among other industries. Next-generation partner Alexis Early maintains a thriving national security reviews practice, which takes in CFIUS, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), and FOCI-related matters. The Washington DC-based group also draws on senior trade controls and economic sanctions expert Christine Savage, whose practice has a significant CFIUS component.
Practice head(s):
Christine Savage
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Axium Infrastructure
InstarAGF Asset Management
Kraton Corporation
Santos Ltd.
Roper Technologies, Inc.
T&D Holdings
Work highlights
- Represented Kraton Corporation in its acquisition by South Korea-based DL Chemical in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.5bn.
- Advised Santos on its merger with Oil Search, resulting in a global energy company with a market capitalization of approximately $16bn.
- Advised T&D Holdings on the acquisition by a Carlyle-managed fund and T&D of a 76.6% ownership interest in Fortitude Group Holdings from AIG.
United States > M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m)
With a strong following of public companies, privately held businesses, and private equity firms, King & Spalding LLP is well equipped to support clients in the full spectrum of M&A matters, excelling particularly in the middle-market. The practice also assists in serial and portfolio transactions and continues to advise clients in SPAC-related deals. Based in Atlanta, Keith Townsend, who heads up the public companies practice group, is adept in both corporate governance and transactional matters. Also in Atlanta, Rahul Patel is the main point of contact for some of the firm’s most significant corporate clients engaged in control and non-control transactions. In the New York office, Jonathan Melmed handles strategic, private equity and SPAC deals across the energy, financial, and infrastructure sectors, while Enrico Granata co-chairs the private equity group. Kathleen Blaszak joined from Winston & Strawn LLP in July 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in M&A and strategic alliances in the TMT sector; she is based between Northern Virginia and Washington DC.Practice head(s):
Keith Townsend; Rahul Patel; Jonathan Melmed
Other key lawyers:
Enrico Granata; Cal Smith; Larry Yanowitch; Erik Belenky; Kathleen Blaszak; John Hyman
Key clients
EVO Payments
Genuine Parts Company
Mativ
Exterran Corporation
Cox Enterprises
Roper Technologies
H.I.G. Capital / USALCO
Riverview Acquisition Corp.
BOA Acquisition Corp.
Kraton Corporation
Tomson Technologies and Group 2 Technologies
Equifax
BBB Industries
Axium Infrastructure
Instar Asset Management
ManTech International
Booz Allen Hamilton
Fugue, Inc.
Eisai Pharmaceuticals
Work highlights
- Advised EVO Payments on its pending $4bn sale to Global Payments.
- Advised ManTech International on its $4.2bn sale to Carlyle.
- Assisted Mativ Holdings, Inc in closing its acquisition of Neenah, Inc., in an all-stock merger of equals transaction.
United States > M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies
King & Spalding LLP has invested heavily into its emerging companies and venture capital team in recent years, and this continued into 2022 with the opening of its Miami office, led by partner and practice co-head Daniel Kahan. The firm has a strong following among the venture arms of major companies, including Capital One Ventures, ConocoPhillips, and Moody’s. The team also represents a broad range of startups, both on early stage financings and later stage exits, including SPAC mergers. Kahan co-leads the practice with Tom Knox in Northern Virginia, who represents companies and investors, and Laura Bushnell in Silicon Valley, who assists small and mid-cap companies. Other key individuals include Linda Lorenat in Silicon Valley and Charles Katz in Northern Virginia.Practice head(s):
Tom Knox; Laura Bushnell; Daniel Kahan
Other key lawyers:
Linda Lorenat; Charles Katz
Key clients
Applied Cognition
Analyst!
Atom Power
Avatar Growth Capital
Bessemer Venture Partners
Capital One Ventures
Caresave Technologies (Homecare.com)
Collective Hotels and Resorts
Cox Enterprises
Dapple Security
Eleanor Health Holdings
Glide Holdings/Welcome
HeartFlow Holding
Idyllo
Kiyatec
Mesmerise
Netography
Oh Snap!
Onera Health
Palmetto Clean Technology
Progressive
Sozo Ventures
Steadfast Capital Ventures
Tul
Virtru
Yondr
Work highlights
- Advised Virtru in its Series C financing co-led by Foundry Capital and including ICONIQ Capital and Tiger Global.
- Advised Eleanor Health Holdings in its $50 million Series C financing, which was led by General Catalyst.
- Advised NewView Capital in its $105 million Series C financing of Human Interest.
Latin America: International firms > International arbitration
King & Spalding LLP is a global leader in international arbitration with its Latin America-focused teams primarily located in the key strategic centres of New York, Miami and Houston – the practice having outgrown its original hydrocarbons focus in the latter office. The group has an outstanding record in investment and commercial arbitration, along with arbitration-related litigation before the courts. It has represented clients in some of the biggest, longest running and highest profile cases to involve parties from Latin America. This includes its ongoing pre-eminence in energy sector cases. Clients include some of the largest multinationals and investors with interests in Latin America, and the practice continues to represent Chevron in the long-running investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Ecuador (seated in the Hague), concerning alleged environmental harm caused by historical oilfield operations. Made up of ‘world-class lawyers’, the practice group includes Argentine-born Roberto Aguirre Luzi, who has an exclusive focus Latin America disputes and co-heads the Latin America international arbitration group. Houston and Miami-based Craig Miles and senior arbitration specialist Doak Bishop, who are also both widely acclaimed for their Latin America arbitration expertise; as is Wade Coriell, who divides his time between Houston and Singapore and was recently appointed as the new global head of international arbitration. The immensely experienced Harry Burnett relocated to the firm’s new Miami office in mid-2022; a trilingual practitioner (English, Spanish & Portuguese), he is a ‘true Latin American specialist’ and widely recognised as a leader in Latin America-related mandates. New York’s Edward Kehoe is another key practitioner, along with newly promoted partner Fernando Rodriguez-Cortina and Chicago-based Javier Rubinstein. New York and Washington DC-based Érica Franzetti and New York’s Samaa Haridi (‘an extremely hard-working and sharp lawyer’) also impress. All named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
Harry Burnett; Craig Miles; Roberto Aguirre Luzi; Edward Kehoe; Doak Bishop
Testimonials
‘Leading international arbitration practice.’
‘I have worked with Samaa Haridi who is an extremely hard-working and sharp lawyer, and Harry Burnett, who speaks Spanish and Portuguese, and is a true America specialist.’
‘Outstanding knowledge and capabilities to deliver the best strategy and to provide guidance with each step of the international arbitration and best strategy, with deep knowledge on the singularities of it and excelent communication strategy for the shareholders.’
‘Craig Miles and Arturo Oropeza Casas work in a very coordinated way to provide customer with the best support for its needs, but still dividing the legal work within the law firm to adjust the fees to the structure of lawyers position/knowledge that each step requires, avoiding over bill. Moreover, their understanding of the potential impacts for shareholders -beyond the purely legal aspects- at each step, and the measures to reduce these impacts, are excellent.’
‘Tier 1 team! The go-to firm for international disputes.’
‘Harry Burnett, Erica Franzetti, Fernando Cortina-Rodriguez, Craig Miles and Samaa Haridi are world-class lawyers! The best in the field.’
Key clients
Quanta Services
Gente Oil Ecuador
Chevron
Odyssey Marine Exploration
Desarrollo Vial de los Andes
Sociedad Aeroportuaria Kuntur Wasi
Corporación América
WeBuild
The Williams Companies
Lima Expresa
VINCI
AMERRA Capital Management
Rusoro Mining
Petersen Energía
Eton Park
Work highlights
- Represented subsidiaries of Quanta Services in several separate commercial, insurance and investment arbitrations, including a major ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Peru under the Netherlands–Peru Bilateral Investment Treaty.
- Represented Gente Oil Ecuador in a Spanish-language UNCITRAL arbitration against the Republic of Ecuador concerning the breach and repudiation of a service agreement for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in an Amazon oilfield.
- Represented Chevron in an investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Ecuador seated in the Hague, arising out of a $9.5bn billion Ecuadorian court judgment against Chevron for alleged environmental harm caused by historical oilfield operations.
United States > Healthcare > Service providers
King & Spalding LLP continues to advise a diverse clientele on a full range of issues, including white-bagging, alleged overpayments, and M&A. The practice is known for its distinct expertise in bringing Medicare reimbursement litigation against the HHS, and acting for providers in payment disputes with commercial insurance companies. Jim Boswell co-heads the team alongside Mark Polston. Based in Atlanta, Boswell has extensive experience in representing physician groups, while Stephanie Johnson is particularly adept at defending clients in False Claims Act (FCA) investigations. In the Washington DC office, Polston leads the Medicare reimbursement litigation team, advising a number of clinical laboratories and hospitals, while Chris Kenny is particularly adept at advising on payment systems in relation to reimbursements for organ acquisitions. Adam Robison supports the team from Houston with his broad expertise in Medicare payment programs, often taking the lead in Civil Monetary Penalty investigations for nursing home providers and hospitals; and Washington DC's Daniel Hettich is a Medicare reimbursement specialist.Practice head(s):
Jim Boswell; Mark Polston
Other key lawyers:
Dan Hettich; Adam Robison; Chris Kenny; Richard Zall; Stephanie Johnson
Key clients
GenesisCare (formerly 21st Century Oncology)
Advent Health
Affinity Health Plan
American Clinical Laboratory Association
Antelope Valley Hospital
Archimedes Health Investors
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Ascension Health, Inc.
Athyrium Capital Management
Atrium Health
Baylor College of Medicine & Affiliated Medical Services
Baylor, Scott & White
Bon Secours Health System
BronxCare Health Network
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center Health Care System
California Hospital Association
Capital One/Healthcare Financial Services
CareOne LLC
Charleston Area Medical Center
Clinton Health Access Initiative
Community Health Systems, Inc.
Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation
Cooper University Hospital
Crossroads Hospice
DaVita Inc.
Digital Transformation Opportunities Corp (DTOC)
El Camino Hospital
Eleanor Health
Emory Healthcare
Encompass Health
Exact Sciences
Florida Hospital Association
Work highlights
United States > Finance > Structured finance: securitization
King & Spalding LLP has considerable experience advising on esoteric asset securitizations, non-traditional real estate ABS transactions, healthcare and trade receivables securitizations, in addition to mortgage repurchase transactions. The New York-based practice continues to consolidate its expertise in hybrid leveraged finance and securitization products, whole-business securitization and digital infrastructure securitization with experience in the securitization of restaurant concepts, digital infrastructure, cellular tower and distributed antenna operators, as well as solar and renewable energy assets. Jeff Misher handles structured transactions involving trade, loan and leasing receivables, while Jonathan Arkins, who advises on diverse asset types such as data centers and intellectual property license streams, is another key contact in the group. In January 2022, Washington DC-based David Ridenour joined the firm from DLA Piper LLP (US). Ryan McNaughton left the firm in April 2023. Also in April 2023, Michael Urschel, Kathryn Weiss and Martin Eid departed for Milbank.Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Barclays Capital Inc
Cerberus Capital Management
Credit Suisse
Diamond Communications LLC
Hotwire Communications
Morgan Stanley
Nuveen/TIAA
Five Guys Holdings, Inc.
White Oak
The Toronto Dominion Bank
MUFG
Work highlights
- Represented Barclays Capital Inc as sole structuring advisor and sole book-running manager, in connection with the sale of $427 million Series 2022-1 Notes.
- Represented Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and KKR Capital Markets LLC as initial purchasers, in connection with the offering and sale of the $732.55 million Class A-2 Secured Music Catalog Term Notes of Hi-Fi Music IP Issuer II L.P.
- Represented Hotwire Communications, Ltd., through its newly-created subsidiary, Hotwire BTS Funding I, LLC, in connection with the closing of a Loan and Security Agreement consisting of a $500 million revolving credit facility.
Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy
King & Spalding LLP has a big presence in Latin America offshore oil and gas and LNG projects. The firm has also taken steps forward in renewables and is bringing its hydrogen expertise to the region. The firm has a good mix of project development, project finance and M&A work. This was given further impetus by the launch of a Miami office in February 2022, which included the hire of prominent Latin America project and acquisition finance specialist Fradyn Suárez. The practice continues to especially active in Mexico and Brazil, notably natural gas supply agreements, LNG import and export projects, upstream projects, and the financings of oil rigs and FPSOs; the new team in Miami provides further expertise in transport infrastructure, including toll roads. Scott Greer provides additional construction and project development expertise, and David Lang is highly rated for LNG projects and transactions. Washington DC partner James Bowe is another prominent name in commercial and regulatory matters. Named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
Scott Greer
Testimonials
‘The dedication and customer service by the team led by Fradyn Suárez is exceptional and with great capacity and technical knowledge.’
‘Their dedication to the customer and their understanding of the customer makes this team stand out from the rest.’
‘King & Spalding is a true market leader in the provisions of legal services associated with project development and energy mandates. I would particularly highlight their knowledge and experience in LNG, with special mention to partner David Lang.’
Key clients
Chevron Corporation
MODEC, Mitsui & Co, Marubeni Corporation and Mitsui OSK Lines
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA)
Joint venture of Grupo Gondi and WestRock Company
Sempra Energy
Mexico Pacific
NIC Holding Corporation
Arroyo Energy Investment Partners
Pemcorp
Cosan
Sacyr
Sudinco
Terminal Portuario Paracas
Citibank
Work highlights
- Advised HIF, an eFuels company, on the development of its Chilean project to use green hydrogen to produce carbon-neutral gasoline.
- Advised Modec, Mitsui & Co and Mitsui OSK Lines as project sponsor and operator of the floating, production, storage and offloading vessel FPSO Miamte MV34, under a long term charter to the Mexican subsidiary of Italian oil major Eni and in connection with the development of the Area 1 offshore block, Mexico.
- Advised Sudinco in connection with the project financing of the Naranjal–Tenguel highway, the first P3 toll road project in Ecuador.
United States > Government > State attorneys general
With a nationwide reach, King & Spalding assists US and foreign multinationals with complex state attorneys general investigations and related litigation. Headed by Washington DC-based J Boggs, the group is particular active in areas such as data and tech, real estate, healthcare, environment and food. Boggs co-leads the firm’s fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency group and is often sought after by major corporates and trade associations. In Los Angeles, trial lawyer Peter Hsiao is a key contact for investigations involving environmental matters.
Practice head(s):
J. Boggs
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
American Kidney Fund
Dialysis Patient Citizens, Inc.
Egon Zehnder International RD
Garrison Investment Group LP
Google LLC
RD Legal Funding LLC
The State of Utah
United States > Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection)
Internal investigations following cyber incidents and data governance assistance are frequent mandates for King & Spalding LLP‘s government matters, trial and global disputes department. Chief privacy officer based in Atlanta Phyllis Sumner represents US banks, insurance, pharma, hotel chain and consulting companies in comprehensive responses to high-profile data breaches. Also in Atlanta, David Balser is regularly the first port of call for companies facing data breach litigation claims, brought by a class of consumers and state Attorneys General. Head of the government matters team, in Chicago, Zachary Fardon leverages his white-collar defense and investigations experience to advise financial services firms on government investigations concerning data breaches. Based in Washington DC, Robert Hudock prepares clients for cyber-attacks by implementing information security programs and complying with federal and state specific requirements. Elizabeth Adler, in Atlanta, focuses on multi-district class action defenses arising out of prominent data security incidents. Sean Royall, a consumer protection and antitrust litigator, joined the New York office from Sidley Austin LLP in August 2023.Practice head(s):
Phyllis Sumner; David Balser; Zachary Fardon
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The K&S team takes a holistic view of privacy and cyber when providing advice. They are well versed with the regulations and laws related to cyber. They can provide pointed, relevant and well-thought support.’
‘Responsive, always available, willing to understand your business to provide the most relevant guidance. Phyllis Sumner, Elizabeth Adler and Misty Peterson have all taken this approach to provide excellent client support.’
‘Phyllis Sumner is an absolute star. She is one of the most gifted and calm practitioners that I have ever worked with. She has been instrumental in turning around a case that was quite challenging and headed in a difficult direction and has worked very well under difficult circumstances with other counsel, regulators, and internal senior leaders.’
Key clients
Align Technology
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Capital One
Coca-Cola Company
Deloitte Consulting
Equifax, Inc.
General Motors
Integrity Marketing Group
Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.
National Western Life Insurance
Novant Health
Nuance Communications
Pulse8
Red Beacon, Inc.
ReproSource Fertility Diagnostics, Inc.
Shutterfly, LLC
SolarWinds
Subaru of America Inc.
The Home Depot, Inc.
The Gap, Inc.
Google, Inc.
Work highlights
- Defended Capital One as lead counsel in over 60 consumer class actions filed in federal courts arising from a data breach incident announcement in July 2019 involving the compromise of personal information of a significant number of customers.
- Assisted Google in its investigation and disruption of the novel Glupteba botnet, which used malware to infect and hijack victim computers and then surreptitiously instruct those victim computers to execute commands issued by cybercriminals.
- Represented The Gap and The Home Depot in a privacy class action brought against some of the country’s largest retailers and a third-party fraud protection vendor, under the CCPA.
United States > Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation
A strong background in music litigation has seen the primarily California-based team at King & Spalding LLP represent Google in a far-reaching matter concerning royalty rates for music streaming services that will have an impact across the industry. Additionally, the team advocates on behalf of a number of large entertainment companies in copyright, theft of ideas and defamation disputes. Practice head Kenneth Steinthal is a specialist in IP issues related to digital content distribution. Highly-regarded trial lawyer Arwen Johnson has a strong focus on studio disputes and recently represented New Line Productions in an idea theft dispute concerning the 2018 Melissa McCarthy comedy ‘Life of the Party’. Washington DC-based David Mattern brings additional copyright infringement expertise to the team and is playing a key role in the aforementioned Google streaming dispute.Practice head(s):
Kenneth Steinthal
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
A&E Television Networks
Amazon (including subsidiary Twitch)
AMC Networks
Audacy (formerly known as Entercom and including CBS Radio)
BBC
Bloomberg TV and Radio
Comcast/NBCUniversal
Corporation for Public Broadcasting, including NPR and PBS
Cumulus Media
CW Network
DISH
Disney/ESPN
Film Finances
Fox Cable
Google/YouTube
iHeartMedia
Lodgenet/Sonifi
Madison Square Garden/MSG Networks
Mood Media/Muzak
Netflix
New Line Productions
The Orchard (Sony Music subsidiary)
Pandora Media
Paramount Global (f/k/a ViacomCBS/Showtime)
Peloton
Radio Music License Committee
Rhapsody/Napster
Starz/Lionsgate
TikTok
Townsquare Media
Univision
Vevo
Warner Bros. Discovery (including both former Warner entities such as HBO and Turner and Discovery entities such as Scripps)
Zoom
Work highlights
- Representing Google in the Web V Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) proceedings regarding royalty rate increases on digital performances of sound recordings made by non-interactive music streaming services.
- Represented Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. in a matter in which the plaintiff claimed that the Ben Affleck thriller ‘The Accountant’ was based on his idea.
- Represent Google/YouTube in the Copyright Royalty Board litigation known as “Phonorecords III” to determine the structure and rates for “mechanical” reproduction rights in musical compositions associated with the streaming activities of digital music services.
United States > Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation
King & Spalding LLP > Firm Profile
King & Spalding helps leading companies advance complex business interests in more than 160 countries. Working across a highly integrated platform of more than 1,300 lawyers in 23 offices globally, King & Spalding delivers tailored commercial solutions through world-class offerings and an uncompromising approach to quality and service.
Main areas of practice
Antitrust: tries cases to verdict and defends clients against criminal investigations, opt-out group actions, class actions, appellate matters and other antitrust litigation.
Business litigation: experienced in issues of antitrust, product liability, mass tort, patents and trade marks, class action certification, securities law, franchise law, white-collar defense, and consumer fraud.
Finance: located in offices across the US, Europe, Asia and Middle East represent lenders, investors, funds and borrowers in finance and other commercial transactions.
Employee benefits and executive compensation: advises on employee benefit plans and executive compensation programs and the related funding vehicles.
E-discovery: serves as lead national discovery counsel for Fortune 50 companies in the banking, energy, pharmaceutical, medical device, telecommunications, chemical, manufacturing and tobacco industries.
Energy: informs clients on a spectrum of transactional, regulatory, litigation and arbitration matters in the oil and gas, power and mining industries.
Environmental: assists clients with virtually every type of environmental issue – including regulatory and compliance advice, permit appeals, enforcement actions, and property damage claims.
FDA and life sciences: represents pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology, healthcare technology companies and food manufacturers in a range of regulatory, compliance, policy and litigation matters.
Financial restructuring: directs on reorganizations, including in-court and out-of-court debt restructurings, bankruptcy and insolvency litigation, and distressed asset mergers and acquisitions.
Global transactions: counsels clients through the entire project development process, from concept to ribbon-cutting, with particular emphasis on the energy and transportation sectors.
Government advocacy and public policy: supports clients in managing their interactions with the federal government including congressional investigations, international, and ethics and election law.
Healthcare: as one of the largest practices in the country, the firm is praised for its excellence in transactional, litigation and regulatory representation of clients across the spectrum of healthcare.
Intellectual property: aids clients with the development and strategic planning needed to handle patent and trade mark prosecution and intellectual property litigation matters that stretch across borders.
International arbitration: highly experienced in handling cases before major arbitral institutions such as the ICSID, ICC, LCIA and AAA, as well as under UNCITRAL and other ad hoc rules.
International trade and WTO: the team handles a wide range of international trade and customs matters for US and non-US clients.
Labor and employment: provides labor and employment services to employers ranging from preventive advice and training to litigation and representation under federal and state labor and employment laws.
Mergers and acquisitions: covers acquisitions of public and private companies, tender offers, joint ventures and partnering arrangements, purchases and sales of divisions, and takeover preparation and defense.
Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices: a large team of the firm’s lawyers and professionals devote all or a substantial portion of their practices to clients in these industries, with specialized experience at every stage of the product life cycle.
Private equity and investment funds: draws on the lawyers’ extensive experience in fund formation, mergers and acquisitions, leveraged finance, Islamic finance, securities offerings, tax and restructuring.
Real estate: provides advice on a complete range of commercial real estate transactions. The real estate capital markets practice is known for creative structuring of mergers and acquisitions and complex equity and debt financing transactions.
White-collar: represents corporations and individuals in complex federal and state criminal investigations, internal investigations and congressional investigations.
Tax: covers range of federal income tax issues, with particularly extensive experience in the corporate, partnership and international practice areas.
Tort litigation: offers large-firm litigation resources and lawyers who have tried high-exposure tort cases, including in some of the most plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions in the US.
International practice: The firm’s international practices advise clients in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, trade and customs, e-commerce, energy, Islamic finance and investment, intellectual property, international trade marks, structured finance, and international arbitration and mediation. The firm has undertaken extensive work in Latin America, East Asia and in the Middle East, as well as for foreign companies investing in the United States.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Atlanta | Josh Kamin jkamin@kslaw.com | ||
Austin | Mike Stenglien mstenglien@kslaw.com | ||
Charlotte | Mark Thigpen mthigpen@kslaw.com | ||
Chicago | Zachary Fardon zfardon@kslaw.com | ||
Houston | Tracie J Renfroe trenfroe@kslaw.com | ||
Los Angeles | Peter Strotz pstrotz@kslaw.com | ||
New York | Edward G Kehoe ekehoe@kslaw.com | ||
San Francisco | Charles Correll ccorrell@kslaw.com | ||
Silicon Valley | Timothy T Scott tscott@kslaw.com | ||
Washington, DC | Mark Jensen mjensen@kslaw.com |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Mr Michael Andrews | View Profile | ||
Daniel Coats | Senator Dan Coats is a senior policy advisor in the Government Advocacy… | View Profile | |
Dan Donovan | Dan Donovan specializes in congressional, state attorneys general and parallel government investigations.… | View Profile | |
Daniel Hettich | Dan Hettich focuses his career on assisting hospitals and health systems across… | View Profile | |
Steven Kupka | Steven Kupka is a partner in the Government Advocacy and Public Policy… | View Profile | |
Granta Nakayama | A partner in the Environmental practice with a focus on energy, Granta… | View Profile | |
Amirah Salaam | With two decades of experience in government affairs, Amirah serves as a Government Relations Advisor… | View Profile | |
Thomas Spulak | Drawing upon his deep experience with the legislative process, Tom’s practice includes… | View Profile |
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Assisting clients in the present and anticipating the future
2022 is a pivotal year We are going through unprecedented crises requiring a major evolution of our society. One of King & Spalding’s strengths is to be at the side of our client in this context. So far, more than 330m people have contracted the Covid-19 virus, all variants combined, and at least 6m have …
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