Ropes & Gray LLP > East Palo Alto, United States > Firm Profile

Ropes & Gray LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 1

Ropes & Gray LLP fields a long-established team with experience in the full spectrum of e-discovery matters. This includes class action suits, data breaches, data intrusion issues, and investigations, frequently with multi-jurisdictional elements, necessitating coordination of large and international teams. The group remains at the forefront of technological developments in the field, and has a strong record of managing all discovery aspects of complex litigation. Counsel Shannon Capone Kirk, based in Boston, leads the team; she has a background in complex commercial litigation, is well known as an e-discovery thought leader, and is active in emerging issues such as the regulatory risks of text and app-based messaging. Senior discovery attorney Martha Harrison, also based in Boston, has experience managing large document productions in civil and criminal actions, and advises clients on information governance and document retention policies. Based in the New York office are Emily Cobb, a senior discovery attorney with experience across numerous practice areas, and associate Xueguang Sun, who is primarily active in the firm’s government enforcement group.

Finance > Commercial lending

With activities spanning the breadth of the debt finance area, the team at Ropes & Gray LLP is particularly noted for its prolific record advising its borrower clients on complex transactions. The firm’s borrower-side practice, led by New York-based leveraged lending expert Stefanie Birkmann alongside Boston’s Michael Lee, is distinguished by its flexibility and ability to handle high-value and sophisticated loans involving complex and novel structures. The firm routinely assists private equity firms and their portfolio companies with complex or uniquely secured acquisition financings and leveraged buyouts, including transactions with cross-border elements as well as deals involving unitranche or annual recurring revenue (ARR) structures. Boston-based Byung Choi is a key contact for advice on acquisition financing, while New York’s Alexander Zeltser is highly recommended for his ‘excellent understanding‘ of cross-border lending matters. The firm also maintains an active lender-side practice, led by Boston’s Jeffrey Katz and New York’s Leonard Klingbaum, which stands out for assisting major private credit clients with financings involving borrowers in highly-regulated industries. The firm’s lender offering in Los Angeles was expanded with the arrival of Jennifer Harris from Milbank in early 2022.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 1

Ropes & Gray LLP’s diversified asset management practice is noted for its advising of sponsors of registered funds as well as private funds, with particular focus on the US Investment Advisers Act, the AIFMD and commodities and derivatives regulation and compliance. The leadership team is made of multiple key figures; Jason Brown and James Thomas work out of the Boston office; Melissa Bender is based in San Francisco; Brynn Rail, Mike Doherty, and Bryan Chegwidden are based in New York and; Joel Wattenbarger and Leigh Fraser divide their time between Boston and New York. The firm’s broker-dealer offering, considered a key area of work for the group, is co-led by Rail and management partner Eva Carman in New York.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 1

Ropes & Gray LLP’s healthcare team utilizes its ‘deep and extensive knowledge‘ to assist hospital systems and pharmaceutical companies with acquisitions, drug pricing investigations. The team is known for its broad expertise in handling healthcare privacy and data security mandates. Deborah Gersh heads the practice alongside Timothy McCrystal. Based in Chicago, Gersh advises medical device and managed care companies on value-based care initiatives, while Jennifer Romig dispenses regulatory advice to private equity firms and software companies using her expertise in blockchain tech matters. Working out of the Boston office, McCrystal notably handles healthcare privacy and cybersecurity matters; The ‘extremely knowledgeable‘ Adrianne Ortega frequently advises on Covid-19 financial relief provisions under the CARES Act, and David Peloquin has considerable experience advising life sciences companies on clinical research issues. Stephanie Webster has expansive litigious expertise and often represents hospitals in federal district court cases, situated in Washington DC. In the New York practice, Stephen Warnke assists clients with fraud and abuse related government enforcement proceedings, while associate Sarah Blumenthal advises a number of biologic companies and physician networks. Thomas Bulleit  has since retired.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 1

With a ‘very deep bench‘ and investment fund lawyers that can ‘handle myriad topics‘, Ropes & Gray LLP is equipped to assist with the full spectrum of hedge fund matters. Fund formation, operational and regulatory matters at the highest level are all routinely covered, and the client base includes all types of hedge fund sponsors, from large institutional managers to start-ups. The practice is represented at the firm’s offices across the country and work often has cross-border components too. Leigh Fraser has been an instrumental figure in building the practice over the past decade and is a renowned figure across the broader asset management market. She divides her time between the New York and Boston offices and co-leads the broader funds department with Peter Laybourn in Boston and Morri Weinberg in New York. ‘Thoughtful, seasoned and very commercial‘ lawyer Laurel FitzPatrick in New York is the go-to figure for hedge fund work specifically and a pioneer in the space, having founded the practice group at the firm. Sarah Davidoff is another respected senior figure that acts for some of the largest hedge funds in the world, and Katie Waite in Boston is a more recent partner that comes with client recommendation. On the west coast, Melissa Bender in Silicon Valley is the name to note, along with October 2022 hire from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP Eric Requenez, who focuses on the real estate sector from New York.

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 1

Ropes & Gray LLP is seen as a destination firm for leading names across the funds space, acting for renowned registered open and closed-end funds, including interval funds, exchange-traded funds, and registered funds investing in hedge funds. The department covers the full suite of work in the area, from the operation of innovative fund types and managing regulatory issues, to transactional matters and related disputes, where, according to one client, ‘the litigation expertise of the firm informs ongoing advice more so than in other firms‘. The firm’s Boston office is one of the key locations for the team, the base for practice co-head James Thomas, as well as Thomas Hiller, who advises mutual and registered funds and their independent trustees on the full range of issues, and John Loder, one of the market's most respected figures, whose extensive experience covers the organization of investment advisory firms and investment funds of all types. The other two co-leaders of the practice Bryan Chegwidden and Michael Doherty are based in New York, while in Chicago, Paulita Pike garners client praise as an ‘outstanding‘ lawyer, and advises on a broad range of issues, including governance structures, compliance, and press communications.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Praised for its ‘incredibly strong bench’ consisting of several former federal prosecutors and enforcement lawyers, Ropes & Gray LLP spans the whole gamut of corporate investigations and white-collar criminal matters. Cross-border capabilities and a strong domestic network allow the firm to assist companies and individuals in high-profile, ranging from FCA and qui tam litigation to export control issues and public corruption. The practice is chaired by a trio of practitioners: Chicago’s Laura Hoey, John Bueker in Boston, and Gregg Weiner in New York.  ‘All-around superstar’ Alexandre Rene in Washington DC is reputed for his know-how of the oil and gas, aerospace, and life sciences sectors, while New York-based Michael McGovern regularly represents clients in bet-the-company litigation, oftentimes opposite enforcement authorities such as the DOJ, SEC, and CFTC.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 2

Ropes & Gray LLP has a wealth of experience in M&A and securities litigation, and its lawyers frequently appear in the Delaware Court of Chancery in high-stakes, high-profile cases. The firm has a strong private equity practice that generates significant work for the litigation group, as does the firm's broader corporate client base. The firm has amassed a strong track record in fiduciary duty cases, controlling stockholder litigation, matters arising from friendly and hostile takeovers, and claims filed in connection with going-private transactions. Peter Welsh in Boston and David Hennes in New York are the lead partners. Boston-based Randall Bodner  is also active, as is Anne Johnson Palmer in San Francisco.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Ropes & Gray LLP climbs the ranking this year having continued to bolster its practice with new hires and promotions, and having secured key roles in high-profile matters. It is particularly active in the asset management and private equity space, as well as representing investment banks, life sciences companies and public corporations in securities cases and regulatory enforcement matters. David Hennes in New York and Peter Welsh in Boston are the lead partners. Hennes and New York partner Martin Crisp are advising banks on a federal securities class action filed in connection with the IPO of Jianpu Technology Inc. Gregg Weiner in New York secured the dismissal of securities class action claims against underwriters including Morgan Stanley and Citigroup, which concerned alleged misstatements by AmTrust Financial Services in connection with certain equity offerings. The matters are currently on appeal in the Second Circuit. Robert Skinner is one of the country’s leading asset management litigators in the United States, frequently scoring high-profile victories for the most prominent asset managers. He is acting for Eaton Vance Funds and Nuveen Funds in cases against activist investor Saba Capital. Amy Jane Longo, formerly head of the trial unit at the SEC’s Los Angeles Regional Office, joined the practice, which also made up three new partners in 2022. Emerging talent in San Francisco Anne Johnson Palmer is highly recommended.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Ropes & Gray LLP has earned a significant market share of the SPAC IPO segment and frequently advises private equity houses and their portfolio companies on their equity offerings. It is also particularly known for its representation of underwriters. With the slowdown in IPO activity, the firm has remained active in follow-on offerings, at-the-market offerings and PIPE financings. New York partner Paul Tropp co-heads the capital markets team alongside Craig Marcus, who splits his time between Boston and New York. New York’s Rachel Phillips, Christopher Capuzzi and Faiza Rahman are all emerging talents.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 2

The team at Ropes & Gray LLP provides a diverse offering to biotech startups, biopharmaceutical companies, and private equity investors. The practice handles the full gamut of issues concerning IP asset protection, and research funding. Marc Rubenstein and Michael Beauvais jointly lead the Boston based group. Rubenstein frequently represents pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device corporates in private securities offerings; while Christopher Comeau acts for investors and public companies in minority investment transactions and private mergers within the medical tech industry. Kellie Combs continues to assist biotech companies with regulatory and compliance issues.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 2

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s ‘collaborative and knowledgeable’ team is renowned for its involvement in high-profile licensing and collaboration deals, including data transactions, brand licensing and other strategic commercial transactions. The group boasts a deep substantive and procedural knowledge of international patent regimes, having represented clients in proceedings before both the US and the European Patent Office. Retail and consumer-oriented businesses are a key focus for the firm with regular work executing strategic acquisitions through IP transactions, licensing, and other commercial contracts. The team is jointly led by Boston’s Melissa Rones who is a top choice for international clients in the financial services and international life sciences industry, and Silicon Valley’s Megan Baca whose expertise lies in innovative digital health transactions. David McIntosh, who is active in the Boston office, complements the team with vast experience leading and negotiating complex cross-border life science collaboration and licensing deals. Boston's Hannah England is experienced in advising clients in the life sciences industry on a range of strategic transactions.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 2

Ropes & Gray LLP fields a ‘very thorough and engaging team‘ for private equity and venture capital fund matters, advising on precedent-setting fund formations, drawing on dovetailing expertise in investments and regulatory issues. It represents both sponsor and investor clients in the gamut of fund matters, and has lawyers on the ground in offices across the country, as well as working with the firm’s international offices to be able to assist with multi-jurisdictional mandates. The team’s new engagements in 2022 often focused on innovative sectors, and the venture capital side of the practice has continued to grow, where clients include B Capital Group, Cayuga Venture Fund, and Cowen Investment Management. The highly-regarded ‘very experienced campaigner‘ Morri Weinberg in New York co-leads the department alongside Boston-based Leigh Fraser and Peter Laybourn in Boston. Marc Biamonte in New York is another key name for fund formation and operation, and also represents investment advisers to private equity funds on Advisers Act matters. In Boston, John Ayer is a senior practitioner with great experience in private equity fundraising and related matters.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 2

Ropes & Gray LLP offers vast experience of representing domestic and global companies on every element of executive compensation and employee benefits issues arising in high-end M&A and complex IPOs. The firm’s expertise primarily lies in the life sciences, private equity, and financial services industries, boasting global clients such as LianBio and TriArtisan Capital Advisors. Boston-based Renata Ferrari co-heads the group, specializing in structuring equity-based awards and deferred compensation plans, while co-head, Alexandra Alperovich, handles the benefits and executive compensation aspects of M&A from the New York office. In San Francisco, Ellen Sueda has in-depth knowledge on incentive plans and executive employment. Based in Boston, Jennifer Rikoski advises clients on benefit plans, and Loretta Richard supports clients on equity-related compensation issues. Joshua Lichtenstein and Danna Kivell operate out of New York, with the former focusing on ERISA matters, and the latter on employment and severance issues. Pascal Mayer was promoted to partner, and Christa Sanchez to of counsel, in November 2022.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: large deals ($500m+) Tier 2

Ropes & Gray LLP offers a fully integrated private equity practice, combining a commanding presence both across the US and globally, with a deeply experienced bench capable of handling the most complex and high-value transactions. The outstanding breadth of work is reflected in the scale of headline deals concerning regulatory-heavy situations, complex structurings and and unique financing terms, as well as a particular strength in middle-market transactions. David Blittner leads the team, following the departure of former co-head Amanda Morrison in August 2022. Blittner regularly steers clients through complex leveraged buyouts, minority investments and public recapitalizations, which has led to him becoming a trusted advisor to major market players such as Avista Capital. Carolyn Vardi has advised on numerous large acquisitions across a broad range of industries including financial services, software and health care. In Chicago, Neill Jakobe ’s practice focuses on PE buyouts and strategic M&A, while San Francisco-based Minh-Chau Le represented Genstar Capital in the sale of a majority stake in Advarra to Blackstone and CPPIB. Attorneys located in New York unless otherwise stated.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Shareholder activism Tier 2

One of the standout features of Ropes & Gray LLP‘s practice is its cross-disciplinary nature, with the group regularly operating in tandem with teams from the M&A, litigation, capital markets and corporate governance practices at the firm. Group head Jeffrey Katz, who works out of the firm’s Boston office, is also co-head of the firm’s special situations practice, and regularly assists clients with private and public activist campaigns and proxy contests. Emblematic of the group’s broader investor-side expertise, his recent work includes advising funds on how to bolster their defenses against activist campaigns by investors. New additions to the team include Jackie Cohen in New York, who joined from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in November 2022 and has strengthened the team’s public company capabilities.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 2

Leveraging its global network of offices across the world, with particular advantages held in the cross-Atlantic collaboration between the data privacy team in Washington DC led by Edward McNicholas and the firm's UK presence enables Ropes & Gray LLP to provide solutions to multinational clients operating in a plethora of jurisdictions. The firm works on the full range of issues in the cyber and data privacy space: litigation involving the use and collection of consumer data and cybersecurity incidents, compliance counselling on the topic of the commercialization of data and emerging technologies, and the identification of privacy and cyber risks part of corporate transactions. McNicholas is the key name for companies requiring contentious assistance following data breaches and cyber-attacks. Washington DC-based Fran Faircloth is also a key practitioner for clients requiring assistance following a data breach.

Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 2

Boston-based Kendi Ozmon leads the team at Ropes & Gray LLP and is heavily involved in the group’s transactional work, frequently acting as lead tax counsel in transactions. Ozman also recently represented the National Association of Basketball Coaches, a tax-exempt business league, in the formation and initial financing of Coaches+ Media, Inc. At associate level, Washington DC-based counsel Carolyn Ward ‘s practice is based on advising tax-exempt organizations on a variety of matters, including general tax matters, unrelated business income, fundraising, planned giving, endowment management, investments, employment, real estate, and government relations. Another sector specialism for the firm is the healthcare industry, and Ben Wilson, who works out of the firm’s Boston office, stands out in this regard for the provision of transactional, strategic, and regulatory advice to clients from the healthcare sector.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

Ropes & Gray LLP is highly experienced in private equity transactions, SPACs and de-SPACs, and the cross-border tax implications of licensing and collaboration agreements for life sciences companies. The team is also routinely instructed by global asset managers, where New York-based Jim Brown is one of several key contacts; he advises leading private equity sponsors and investment companies and is further active in credit fund tax matters in the fintech space. Practice head Elaine Murphy focuses on cross-border acquisitions, dispositions and financing arrangements, in addition to leading the firm’s tax, employment and benefits department. David Saltzman concentrates on international tax matters, while Amanda Holt handles corporate and partnership mandates. Kendi Ozmon is a regular port of call for non-profit organizations. Among other recommended individuals are Pamela Glazier and New York-based partners Kristen Winckler and Adam Greenwood. Dan Zuckerman was promoted to partnership in November 2022. All named lawyers are based in Boston unless noted otherwise. Eric Behl-Remijan arrived at the New York office in June 2023.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 3

Ropes & Gray LLP combines its global reach, litigation expertise, and the  governmental agency experience of its bench, providing a full-service cartel offering with particular emphasis on both governmental and internal investigations. Healthcare is a particular area of expertise for the team, who represents healthcare companies and pharma manufacturers in cartel-related investigations and litigation. The team also regularly acts for clients in the tech and financial services industries. Michael McGovern, based in New York, co-leads the team, focusing on high-stakes criminal defense litigation, while Mark Popofsky  oversees the team from Washington DC. Veteran antitrust enforcer Samer Musallam, also in DC, represents clients through all phases of cartel-related litigation, and also advises on domestic and international investigations. Former FTC trial attorney Chong Park rounds out the DC office, representing corporates and individuals in various agency proceedings.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 3

With experience advising debtors and creditors’ committees, New York-based Gregg Galardi and recently elevated New York- and Chicago-based Ryan Dahl, well known for advising debtors and distressed investors, jointly head Ropes & Gray LLP’s business restructuring practice, which represents a variety of borrower, lender, and creditor clients, including large and middle market companies, ad hoc creditor committees, indenture trustees, and litigation parties, in relation to restructurings, reorganizations, and liability management transactions both in and out of court. Galardi has recently led a team, alongside Andrew Devore in Boston, representing Vewd Software AS as debtor in connection with its multijurisdictional pre-packaged Chapter 11 reorganization.

Government > State attorneys general Tier 3

Housing a team of experienced enforcement attorneys, litigators and former government officials, Ropes & Gray LLP is highly experienced in federal and state enforcement matters. Drawing on the firm’s cross-practice capabilities, including data privacy and cybersecurity, antitrust and healthcare, the group frequently handles complex individual and multistate investigations and litigation. From Chicago, former federal healthcare fraud prosecutor Laura Hoey co-leads the practice with experienced litigator John Bueker in Boston and New York-based Gregg Weiner, who is a popular destination for financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. Another key contact is Boston-based James Dowden, whose practice covers investigations brought by federal, state and foreign government agencies.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 3

Ropes & Gray LLP has vast experience at the ITC, with attorneys who familiar with the intricacies of the proceedings. The global nature of the firm and international capabilities make it a strong choice for multi-forum proceedings, with vast experience also in acting on parallel ITC and PTAB proceedings. The team has seen significant victories including for Roku against Universal Electronics, NetApp against Proven Networks, and Marvell against Bell Semiconductor. Steven Pepe in New York is the intellectual property litigation practice head, with great experience litigating multijurisdictional and complex patent infringement cases. Matthew Rizzolo in Washington DC leads the firm’s ITC practice, frequently working with tech companies to defend clients from infringement claims. Silicon Valley-based Andrew Thomases is another key figure in the team – a first chair trial lawyer with deep experience litigating complex patent cases.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 3

The team at Ropes & Gray LLP is based in Boston and advises clients in major industries including manufacturing, private equity and venture capital, retail, health care and life sciences. The team advises on employment concerns including personnel policies, wage and hour compliance, negotiation of employment and separation agreements and pay equity. Megan Bisk counsels employers on issues such as sexual harassment and non-competition matters. Doug Brayley has expertise in issues relating to Covid-19 such as vaccinations and workplace safety.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 3

Relying on a strong international network, Ropes & Gray LLP is well versed in national and global corporate and M&A matters, most notably transactions involving the life sciences, biotech and tech sectors. Besides acting for leading corporate clients on buy and sell-side mandates, the group is also adept in high-end de-SPAC deals. Singled out for his in-depth knowledge of corporate transactions concerning the consumer, life sciences and medical technology industries, Christopher Comeau leads the M&A practice out of Boston. Emily Oldshue is a key reference for both public and private companies, private equity firms and investment banks; her most recent advice to Pfizer on several strategic acquisitions is particularly noteworthy. Jackie Cohen, who joined the New York office from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in November 2022, excels in transactional matters, shareholder activism, and takeover defense. Suni Sreepada further strengthened the New York M&A offering in April 2022, when she joined from White & Case LLP. All practitioners are based in Boston unless stated otherwise.

Real estate Tier 3

Ropes & Gray LLP has an extensive history acting for representing private equity clients and REITs in equity and finance transactions, demonstrated by New York’s Daniel Stanco, who co-leads the team, and Anthony Mongone advising Blackstone Mortgage Trust and Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies in the financing of its $6.4bn acquisition of the Crown Resorts luxury hotel and casino portfolio in Australia. Global co-head John (Jack) Creedon, Richard Gordet and counsel Effie George Floyd in Boston advise on joint ventures and co-investments, distressed debt purchases and restructurings, acquisitions and dispositions, leasing and ground-up development.  

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Ropes & Gray LLP offers broad expertise across DOJ and FTC merger processes, advising a broad range of corporate and private equity clients on  HSR filings through to investigations and regulatory actions, as well as coordinating global merger approvals in concert with its international offices. The firm is particularly strong in the life sciences space, advising strategic purchasers and investors on contested transactions facing significant regulatory scrutiny, such as Medtronic’s $1.1bn acquisition of Intersect ENT, which succeeded following a FTC Second Request in a notable victory for the highly experienced Michael McFalls  and former FTC Mergers I head Jonathan Klarfeld . Additionally, the firm is active in handling merger filings and strategy for private equity clients such as Bain Capital, with the prolific Deirdre Johnson in Boston specializing in HSR work. Mark Popofsky  oversees the team, which also includes Samer Musallam, who focuses on merger-related investigations in a range of regulated sectors, including medical devices, telecoms, and semiconductors. Jacqueline Grise joined the firm in April 2024 from Cooley LLP. All attorneys are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)

Ropes & Gray LLP’s appellate and Supreme Court practice has recently handled cases involving a broad scope of issues, including constitutional law, IP, antitrust, securities and bankruptcy, among other matters. The national group is driven out of Washington DC by department chair Douglas Hallward-Driemeier, who has presented 18 arguments before the US Supreme Court. Among his recent cases, Hallward-Driemeier represented the City of Boston before SCOTUS in a First Amendment case concerning the flying of certain non-governmental flags outside Boston City Hall. Senior counsel James Batchelder, based in Boston, also brings to bear significant appellate experience.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

Ropes & Gray LLP fields a well-regarded team highly sought after by private equity firms and their portfolio companies, financial institutions, and investment management companies. The firm also regularly works with corporations in industries such as life sciences, TMT, consumer goods, and retail, among others, and is able to draw upon strong regulatory expertise across diverse industries. The team is led by Jeffrey Bushofsky in Chicago and Daniel McCaughey in Boston, handling a diverse range of commercial disputes, class actions, and corporate governance issues, as well as displaying strong capabilities in alternative dispute resolution settings.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

Ropes & Gray LLP’s reputation in the DCM market is very much in the ascendancy. Having grown its New York team over the last five years, it brought in Faiza Rahman from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Daniel Forman from Proskauer Rose LLP in April 2022 to further cement the firm’s standing in the city and nationwide. The team is noted for its advice to private equity houses and other fund managers, and also sees high levels of engagements from underwriters. Paul Tropp co-heads the capital markets group from the Boston office and frequently represents underwriters in investment grade offerings by private equity funds, credit funds and business development companies (BDCs). Boston’s Craig Marcus and New York partner Christopher Capuzzi are also key partners.

Finance > Fintech Tier 4

Ropes & Gray LLP is particularly active in fintech-related corporate M&A and private equity, with lawyers acting on a regular flow of high profile deals. In addition to banking and payments-related fintech businesses, the firm is also increasingly involved in transactions in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, where a team led by San Francisco-based Melissa Bender is assisting on digital asset launches, fund formations, web3 technologies, and related regulatory and enforcement work. This can be seen through some of the clients the team represents, with traditional funds increasing their involvement, such as Bain Capital Crypto. Other key partners include TMT co-heads Edward Black (Boston), Andrew Thomases (Silicon Valley), and Los Angeles-based litigation and enforcement partner Amy Jane Longo, who joined in 2022 from the SEC.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 4

Ropes & Gray LLP counts a broad range of asset managers, from institutional managers to start-ups, institutional investors and corporations, as well as private fund sponsors, mutual funds, financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds, among its key roster of clients. The practice advises on investment transactions involving commodities, futures and a range of derivatives, in addition to product structuring and regulatory matters. In the firm’s Boston office, practice leader Leigh Fraser acts for buy-side clients in negotiations concerning ISDA master agreements, master derivatives confirmations and repurchase agreements, and advises on derivatives regulatory reforms under the Dodd-Frank Act. Other key contacts in the group include New York-based Isabel Dische and Chicago-based Jeremy Liabo, who acts for asset managers on commodities mandates.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 4

The intellectual property department at Ropes & Gray LLP has national and global capabilities, trying cases frequently in all major patent litigation forums including district courts, the US Patent and Trademark Office, and US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. A standout mandate for the team is its representation of LG Electronics in a number of complex patent litigations, including a ten-patent case brought by ParkerVision. Steven Pepe, based in the firm’s New York office,  is the chair of the firm’s IP litigation practice, with extensive experience litigating patent cases in almost all of the notable patent jurisdictions. Silicon Valley-based James Batchelder is a key attorney in the group, acting on behalf of prominent international tech clients.

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

New-York based IP litigation specialist Steven Pepe co-leads the team at Ropes & Gray LLP alongside head of false advertising, copyright, trademarks and trade secrets Peter Brody, who works from the Washington DC office. David Chun , who divides his time between San Francisco and Seoul, has significant experience handling trade secret misappropriation cases in particular, and has represented such notable clients as Samsung Electronics and Emerson Electric. Medical device and pharmaceutical-related work is a focus; with a notable matter for the team is its work representing Exactech, Inc. as a plaintiff against Zimmer, regarding the alleged misappropriation of high-stakes medical device technology.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 4

Ropes & Gray LLP has an active transactional team which provides strong support on buy-side and sell-side corporate and private equity M&A. Key to the firm’s success in the technology sector is its experienced bench of transactional IP specialists. In addition to corporate support, the team also advises on more standalone matters, including partnership agreements and product launches, such as NFTs. Key partners include Megan Baca, who co-heads the firm’s digital health practice, and TMT co-lead Edward Black in Boston. Violetta Kokolus in New York is also building a good name for IP transactional advice, plus the privacy and cybersecurity aspects of related M&A.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 5

The team at Ropes & Gray LLP offers multijurisdictional disputes experience and support on claims alleging monopolization, group boycotts and intellectual property antitrust, among other anticompetitive behaviour. In Washington DC is complex business litigation specialist Mark Popofsky  who co-heads the team, represents clients such as Google and whose practice includes jury trials, class actions, cartel litigation and arbitrations. Also co-heading the team and splitting her time between Boston and New York is healthcare law expert Jane Willis who handles antitrust matters for clients in a range of industries including consumer products, sports and transportation. Other noteworthy attorneys include DC-based Samer Musallam who represents clients in private litigation, price-fixing class actions and monopolization lawsuits and Chong Park who handles litigation and government enforcement investigations.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 5

Ropes & Gray LLP has long been a lead player in the private equity fund space, though the firm also has a good track record advising emerging companies on the full range of issues. The team has been especially active for life sciences companies and advised Camp4 Therapeutics in its $100 million Series B financing. Venture capital funds naturally form a large part of the overall workload, and the firm is popular with funds, such as BlueYard Crypto, that target niche assets. Boston-based partners Marc Rubenstein and Brad Flint jointly lead the team, with strong input from Melissa Bender in San Francisco, who leads the firm’s crypto blockchain taskforce.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 5

Finance > Structured finance: securitization

International Trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions