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

DLA Piper LLP (US) > The Legal 500 Rankings

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

Drawing upon the expertise of ‘industry leaders who take a strategic and proactive approach to managing mass tort and related product liability litigation’, DLA Piper LLP (US) is a popular choice among life sciences clients for critical and business sensitive disputes. The firm displays ‘a very collaborative process in how they approach cases’, and is able to very effectively lead major MDLs/class actions utilizing lawyers with ‘a deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry’, as well as core procedural prowess. The firm has secured ‘exceptional results’ for many clients regularly securing mass tort victories at an early stage through persuasive dispositive motions, including as it relates to striking out plaintiff experts through Daubert Motions. Recognized as ‘the pre-eminent leader and authority in the mass tort, product liability and life-sciences area’, New York-based partner Loren Brown  has been pivotal to many of these early successes, including his success, alongside ‘innovative thinker’ Raymond Williams , for Novo Nordisk at summary judgment in mass tort litigation involving claims that its diabetes medication Victoza causes pancreatic cancer. ‘Outstanding’ Atlanta-based product liability team head Christopher Campbell  leads from the front and is noted for his ‘excellent legal skills’ and ‘co-ordination skills’, including in the context of large-scale multinational matters. Based out of Boston, Matthew Holian co-chairs the firm’s life sciences sector and regularly forms a key member of national counsel roles the firm has in complex, multi-jurisdictional product liability suits. Also based in Boston, Katie Insogna continues to impress life sciences clients and is particularly effective developing expert witnesses, on discovery matters and in relation to dispositive motions. Other key members of the team include Lucas Przymusinski , whose ‘knowledge of science and medical aspects of a case is at the cutting edge of the industry’, and Dallas-based first-chair trial lawyer Lyn Pruitt .

Finance > Fintech

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s fintech practice offers clients a broad range of expertise and is noted for its ‘deep understanding of the metaverse, blockchain, cryptocurrency, securities regulations‘. The firm handles a range of issues for its fintech, payments, banking and blockchain clients, including financings, M&A, data privacy, IP, regulatory and litigation. Washington DC’s Margo Tank has ‘stand out expertise in the regulation of electronic transactions‘, and together with fellow practice co-chair Jeffrey Hare, also in DC, has ‘exceeded every expectation‘. The firm added to its Web3.0 capabilities through the recruitment of James Williams from ArentFox Schiff in Los Angeles, who is noted for his ‘deep understanding of this every-evolving industry‘. In Silicon Valley, the ‘very experienced‘ Curtis Mo  is a top choice for related corporate matters, while recently promoted partner Edmund Mokhtarian is singled out for his experience in the digital assets space. In Silicon Valley, senior counsel Mark Radcliffe remains a highly experienced figure in the team.

Government > State attorneys general Tier 1

With a team of experienced lawyers and former elected officials, DLA Piper LLP (US) launched its state attorneys general practice in May 2021 under the leadership of San Francisco-based Jeffrey Tsai  and Scott Wilson in New York. With strong national coverage, the group is especially skilled at handling investigations and lawsuits in key areas such as environmental law, consumer protection, crypto and antitrust. Tsai is the key contact for multistate investigations and enforcement actions on issues related to unfair trade practices, antitrust and healthcare. Wilson is experienced in representing Fortune 100 and other major companies in regulatory investigations and white-collar crime matters, often with a cross-border element.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

DLA Piper LLP (US) acts on behalf of global companies involved in numerous industries and sectors in relation to patent transactions, technologies regarding patent licensing as well as transactions involving covenants. The firm advises clients on patent licensing transactions to settle patent litigation, also possessing expertise in the creation, management and monetization of patent portfolios. Notably, the firm also advises technology clients on patent licensing in connection with M&A, which includes the sale of assets, among others. Its matters encompass a variety of jurisdictions, such as the UK and Germany, with an ability to handle issues on a global market scale. Boston’s Larissa Bifano is experienced in patenting and licensing artificial intelligence driven systems and methods for clients. Victoria Lee, who is based in Silicon Valley, contributes a wide range of expertise, including strategic IP counselling, licensing agreements and technology spin-outs from universities. Alongside them, Sean Cunningham, who is based in the firm’s San Diego office, and Gina Durham, who is based in the firm’s San Francisco office, also lead the team. San Diego's Lisa Haile concentrates on patent protection and IP transactional matters.

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

The patent litigation practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) has widespread expertise in the ITC field, routinely leading cases for blue-chip clients including Toyota, Dell, Lenovo, and Motorola. The team has notably represented Microsoft in a number of ITC cases, and boasts an impressive success rate. Erin Gibson is the chair of the practice, operating out of the firm’s San Diego office, with US chair of the wider intellectual property and technology practice Sean Cunningham in the same location. Two further heads of the team, Gina Durham and Michael Sitzman, also operate out of California, in the San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices respectively. Helena Kiepura completes the leadership of the team, having been appointed to vice chair of the ITC practice. Silicon Valley-based Mark Fowler is another key figure in the team, acting as lead counsel for many technology and medical device companies.

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

Providing high-level data protection advice in relation to acquisitions in the fintech space and assisting major energy sector clients on cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure are key features of the full spectrum cyber law practice at DLA Piper LLP (US). Team head in San Diego Andrew B Serwin works alongside Philadelphia-based Ron Plesco on managing multiple cybersecurity work streams following a global data breach. Miami-stationed Carol Umhoefer focuses on setting up and implementing global compliance programs, assessing data flows, usages, collections and storages. The practice has continued to develop, following the arrival of cross-border data flows and finance expert James Sullivan, in April 2022, in Washington DC, and global privacy programs specialist counsel, and in August 2022, New York’s John Gevertz, both of whom worked at the International Trade Administration (ITA) at the US Department of Commerce.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 1

DLA Piper LLP (US) leverages its global network to focus on tech transactions and outsourcing projects across multiple jurisdictions. Global medical devices and pharma companies call upon the firm for strategic guidance on master outsourcing services agreements and digital transformations. Global co-chair Vincent Sanchez, who works in the Chicago and Los Angeles offices, advises high profile clients across a range of sectors, including the energy, life sciences and TMT industries, on post-contract matters pertaining to implementation, governance, audits and disputes as a result of sourcing relationships. Sanchez is a go-to for digital transformation and supply chain management support. San Diego-based Gregory Manter works with financial institutions and services companies on software and ERP implementation agreements as well as network field services. Dallas-stationed senior attorney Brian Joe is experienced in negotiating software licensing, development, distribution and service agreements for clients in the manufacturing, telecoms and consulting industries, and supports Sanchez on global facilities management outsourcing deals for big tech clients. Associate Joanna Sykes-Saavedra, with former in-house counsel experience, guides multinational clients through balancing risks with creative solutions, and is particularly noted for her assistance to overseas wagering technology companies with their transactions with government agencies. Mac Ferguson and Lana Turpie, in Dallas and San Diego respectively, are key members of the team for SaaS negotiations and hyperscaler contracts.

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

Operating out of Washington DC, DLA Piper LLP (US) maintains an eminent market position through a combination of a strong state regulatory practice, particularly before the CPUC but also appearing in state forums more broadly; an expert engineering practice, employing the industry insights of experienced engineers in regulatory work in cutting-edge telecoms technology; and access to the broader firm’s global resources, leveraging them in cases of foreign ownership and matters of international scope. Satellite, space, and national security are also major and growing areas of activity for the team, with the wider firm’s global satellite practice operating from the DC practice. Co-lead Michael Senkowski is prominent in the telecoms regulatory space, working across satellite, telephony, and spectrum; he is also working alongside co-lead Nancy Victory on the ongoing integration and compliance issues of the T-Mobile merger with Sprint, Victory bringing her experience working with major carriers on the regulatory aspects of M&A, foreign ownership, and enforcement matters. Other lawyers of note include Eric DeSilva, whose focus on wireless cuts across policy, spectrum work, and cutting-edge issues in 5G and private LTE; Edward Smith, who is highly active in the wireless and satellite sectors, and coordinates the firm’s global efforts in regulatory work; Peter Karanjia, who brings his expertise in administrative litigation to telecoms and technology; Tony Lin, who specializes in securing licenses for novel space-based services; and Kristin Jacobson, whose experience practicing before the CPUC and other state utility commissions is of value to clients operating on the West Coast.

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

The Washington DC-based telecoms practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) leverages the global resources and strong M&A capabilities of the broader firm to represent high-profile clients in the telecoms sector in their complex, business-critical transactions. The firm’s strong regulatory capabilities complements the transactional work, able to provide comprehensive assistance for complex transactions, illustrated by the firm’s representation of T-Mobile in its merger with Sprint. The team’s work cuts across all sectors of telecoms and broadcast with a significant and growing practice in space and satellite, the firm supporting operators in this sector through business arrangements and strategy as well as regulatory and technical issues. The team is co-led by distinguished figures Michael Senkowski and Nancy Victory who are noted for their work leading the work on the T-Mobile merger, and whose practices otherwise cut across wireless, traditional telecom, media, and satellite. Michael and Nancy frequently work alongside Edward Smith whose expertise is equally broad in scope, exemplified by his assistance in both market entry for satellite companies and the planning of new submarine cables. Eric DeSilva specializes in wireless, and represents clients on the full range of work in this space, and Michael Hazzard focusses on global communications and infrastructure companies in their multi-jurisdictional mandates, covering corporate restructuring, market entry, and commercial transactions. Associate Peter Shroyer brings his experience working at the FCC to securing approval for transactions, working on the T-Mobile merger, and spectrum auctions.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 1

Praised for its ‘unparalleled in-market experience, expertise and knowledge of key decision makers’, DLA Piper LLP (US) has extensive know-how appearing before before local governments, state and federal agencies and both administrative and judicial tribunals. With real estate and land use a core pillar of the firm’s work, the team acts as legal counsel on large-scale residential, commercial, office, retail, sports and entertainment, and industrial projects across the country. Operating out of the Chicago office, practice leader Richard Klawiter  has a strong track record for handling some of the most significant local land use matters. Katherine Jahnke Dale is another key name in Chicago, notable for obtaining zoning and public financing approvals for large-scale projects in the region. Los Angeles-based Kyndra Joy Casper  remains a pre-eminent practitioner in the space, with extensive experienced in CEQA compliance. Jerold Neuman , head of the California-based practice, is notable for both his affordable housing work and extensive acumen regarding regulatory and legislative issues. Northern Virginia-based co-head Antonio Calabrese  is consistently singled out by clients for his ‘unparalleled knowledge of the zoning process’, also receiving praise for ‘background, expertise and skill’ in the land use and zoning space.

Real estate Tier 1

The ‘top tier‘ team at DLA Piper LLP (US) impresses with its ‘combination of technical talent, commercial savvy, and efficiency’ and is nationally renowned for its representation of estate investors, asset managers, fund sponsors, lenders, developers and owners. Amy Carbins leads its Washington DC real estate team, which also houses the up-and-coming Lauren Rico, and senior statesman, Frederick Klein , who is the go-to advisor for domestic and offshore investors in projects throughout the US. New York’s Michael Haworth is highly experienced in acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and financings, often with a cross-border Asian/U.S nexus. ‘Top of the heap‘ practice chair John Sullivan sits in the Boston office alongside co-vice chair, Barbara Trachtenberg and the offices’ managing partner, Bryan Connolly, who concentrates on real estate development. In the same office, Cara Nelson  represents pension funds, investors and institutional funds in acquisitions, sales and financings of all asset types. Chicago’s Bradley Levy acts for many of the firms’ hospitality and healthcare sector clients in their real estate matters.

Tax > International tax Tier 1

DLA Piper LLP (US) routinely handles tax advisory work on multinational companies’ cross-border integrations and resolves complex jurisdictional issues The practice is well-versed in transfer pricing matters such as international transfer pricing disputes, intercompany transactions, advanced pricing agreements and cross-border supply chain restructuring. The team operates across a range of industries such as technology, industrials and life sciences. Alison Maxwell leads the team out of Seattle and assists clients in legal entity rationalization and intellectual property planning. Sang Kim is based in Silicon Valley and concentrates on operational structuring and joint ventures while New York-located Kevin Glenn works on a broad range of cross-border tax planning issues and opportunities.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s cartel team represents corporate and individual clients from the pharma, insurance, and tech industries in criminal cartel litigation and governmental and regulatory investigations. The team regularly represents multinational clients before both domestic and international competition authorities and regulators, reflecting the firm’s ability to draw on its global network and multijurisdictional expertise. Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey, a former DOJ prosecutor with significant expertise in bet-the-company criminal cartel litigation and investigations, leads the team from San Francisco. Los Angeles-based trial attorney John Gibson represents healthcare and tech clients in high-profile cases in California, while Houston’s Allissa Pollard focuses on corporate investigations. In Chicago, of counsel Michael Pullos focuses on multi-district litigation concerning price-fixing and monopolization. The arrival to the San Francisco office of Jessica Heim and former federal prosecutor Matthew Jacobs from Vinson & Elkins LLP in February 2022 further bolstered the firm’s investigations practice.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) represents a range of high profile domestic and multinational clients in litigation proceedings, investigations, and information management reviews.  The group incorporates lawyers, records and information management professionals, and litigation support analysts, and so is able to coordinate broad corporate policy in addition to litigation and legal matters. Co-leading are senior litigators Jennifer Feldman, based in San Diego, and Leeanne Mancari, who works from Los Angeles. Feldman practices in federal and state courts, and counsels clients on information management and governance policies outside the litigation context. Mancari, who has experience in all aspects of national and international discovery, is regularly active as lead e-discovery counsel on large-scale and multidistrict litigation. New York-based senior counsel Andrew Peck, who served as a United States Magistrate Judge in New York until 2018, is highly respected in the practice area, and advises on litigation strategy and discovery issues.

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

Housed within the firm’s broad-based overarching product liability and mass torts group, which is led out of Atlanta by Christopher Campbell , DLA Piper LLP (US) has a strong and increasingly active presence throughout the country across a range of toxic tort matters. The firm has been at the vanguard of market trends in the space and has consequently picked up some key instructions in relation to many issues, including as it relates to toxic forever chemicals and climate change-related suits. San Francisco-based partner George Gigounas has been at the forefront of many of these environmental disputes, including his work alongside Los Angeles-based Angela Agrusa for a food and beverage manufacturer in litigation brought by a non-profit environmental advocacy group attempting to hold manufacturers responsible for plastic pollution in the California beaches and waterways.  

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 2

DLA Piper’s Energy and Natural Resources sector team is led by Washington DC-based Vanessa Richelle Wilson, an experienced project financing and transactional partner with a particularly strong depth of expertise in the increasingly significant areas of carbon storage and hydrogen power generation. The team acts for clients including energy companies, infrastructure funds, and investors, with Northeast transactional tax practice lead Drew Young in New York a key contact for clients seeking advice on tax equity financing. Boston’s Jameson Calitri is recommended for his experience with energy transactions, including related regulatory matters. Of counsel Andrea Chambers came to the Washington DC office from Covington & Burling LLP in June 2022, extending the firm’s capabilities in regulatory advice.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Praised for its ‘depth of bench and market experience’, DLA Piper LLP (US) stands out for its capability in the CLO arena, with demonstrable experience advising on whole-business securitizations, insurance-linked securities, credit tenant lease financings and esoteric ABS. The team counts Goldman Sachs, Ares Management and BlackRock among its key roster of clients. In the firm’s New York office, practice leader Richard Reilly has experience acting as counsel to arrangers, collateral managers and investors on US and European CLOs, while Grant Buerstetta, who joined the team from Blank Rome LLP in June 2022, and Jay Williams are commended as ‘phenomenal professionals’. Clients have ‘a lot of trust in’ Los Angeles-based Claire Hall, whose practice covers a range of traditional and non-traditional assets classes, while Boston’s Andrew Sroka advises on commercial asset-backed loans. Based in New York, John Murphy is another key contact in the team.

Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) oversees significant litigation, transactional as well as regulatory matters pertaining to the cannabis industry. The department also assists international companies, start-ups, venture capitals in e-commerce, regulatory product development, and contracting work. Stefanie Fogel leads the department from Boston and is frequently engaged in international food and consumer product regulation and compliance, corporate compliance and commercial class action. Washington DC's Sharon Mayl joined the firm from the FDA in September 2022, and possesses extensive knowledge of imports, cannabis products, and food safety, while New York-based Bethany Hills arrived at the firm from Morrison Foerster in April 2022. Also in New York, counsel Jarred Reiling arrived from King & Spalding LLP in March 2022, and possesses extensive experience in FDA and healthcare compliance as well as litigation matters.

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

The patent litigation team at DLA Piper LLP (US) is widely renowned for representing a wide range of international tech and medical device companies, with a talented group of first-chair trial lawyers. The practice has seen significant growth across specific expansion areas including Austin, Washington DC, and Delaware. The team has impressive cross-jurisdictional capabilities, recently acting for Honeywell in the US ITC, Western District of Texas, German, the UK, China, and Delaware. The team leadership consists of Sean Cunningham and Erin Gibson from the firm’s San Diego office, Erin Gibson and Helena Kiepura operating out of Washington DC, Matthew Satchwell in Chicago, and Michael Sitzman in Silicon Valley.

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

DLA Piper LLP (US) harnesses the bench strength of a global network spanning the Americas, and the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions, to advise on the management, prosecution and enforcement of the international portfolios of household names such as Dannon, Dr. Seuss, and Papa John’s, across sectors ranging from food, hospitality, and e-commerce to retail, tech and fitness. The team is headed by tech sector expert Sean Cunningham in San Diego, Gina Durham in San Francisco applies expertise to prosecution, clearance, and brand management matters. IP authority Ann Ford in Washington DC specializes in the restructuring of intellectual property assets for tax planning and developing joint venture arrangements to support co-branding efforts. In Chicago, Keith Medansky brings deep experience to the practice area. Other key figures include seasoned portfolio manager Thomas Zutic in DC, and Michael Geller in Chicago, who was promoted in April 2022 and handles Web3 filings. Kevin Fee in DC joined the firm from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in May 2022.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s employment group is known for providing advice on the full range of US and international matters from policies and compliance to internal investigations, transactions, restrictive covenants and terminations. The team handles sensitive issues from employment opportunity laws, workplace equality, working times, diversity and inclusion. Marc Katz heads the practice from Dallas and represents clients in unfair competition litigation, partnership disputes and class action cases. Evan Parness conducts internal investigations of alleged discrimination and harassment out of New York along with Brian Kaplan who handles disputes involving the enforcement of restrictive covenants. Ute Krudewagen works on employment matters relating to the workforces of global multinational companies.

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

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a versatile practice which is ‘extremely knowledgeable and experienced with corporate transactions in venture capital financing, M&A, and many other areas‘. In addition to being firmly embedded in the Silicon Valley ecosystem, clients also appreciate the firm’s ‘global presence, which makes them ideally suited for cross-border transactions‘. The group’s investor client base is demonstrative of its market standing, with the likes of Softbank and M 12 (Microsoft’s corporate venture arm) regularly using the team.  Jeffrey Lehrer  chairs the practice from Northern Virginia, while other key individuals include Silicon Valley’s Curtis Mo  (‘a highly experienced lawyer who knows all the legal issues inside out‘). Trenton Dykes  in Seattle gives ‘great advice based on the depth of his experience‘, with Randy Socol  and the ‘very knowledgeable, always available’ Richard Bull  serving as key names in San Diego. Over in New York. Charles Torres is a key figure.

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

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a solid reputation in the advertising and marketing space, with the full-service team acting across a wide array of industries, though most predominantly in the sports, esports, entertainment, media, and promotions industries. Key areas of expertise include advising on global sports sponsorship agreements, celebrity, influencer and athlete endorsement deals, sweepstakes and contests, structuring and negotiation of agency and media agreements, and social media campaigns. It also has capabilities in assisting clients with metaverse, NFTs and other new media-related advertising and marketing matters. Los Angeles-based Benjamin Mulcahy chairs the national advertising team at the firm, and has extensive experience handling major sports and entertainment marketing matters, as well as digital media deals, for high-profile brands. In Washington DC, associate James Stewart focuses on celebrity and athlete endorsement agreements on behalf of brands for advertising campaigns.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) is commended for fielding a team of ‘very strong corporate transaction attorneys with significant relationships across growth capital’. In addition to advising on IP and technology-driven corporate and private equity M&A, the lawyers have good experience of cross-border IT and strategic sourcing transactions across a range of technologies, including AI, the Internet of Things, and blockchain. The multidisciplinary team also handles IP licensing and collaboration deals, and assists clients on complex international data transfer agreements. Chicago-based partner Vincent Sanchez  is the global co-chair of the firm’s technology transactions. Key partners include Victoria Lee, managing partner of the firm’s Silicon Valley office and former global co-chair of the firm’s technology sector group. Clients also recommend the ‘always available‘ corporate finance partner Randy Socol in San Diego. Gregory Manter  (San Diego) also has a good track record for outsourcing matters.

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

DLA Piper LLP (US) focuses on advising both public and private REITs, alongside real estate operating and financing companies at every stage of the REIT life-cycle. The team’s steady deal-flow sees REIT formation, debt and equity offerings, UPREIT and DownREIT transactions, alongside complex M&A issues on behalf of major financial institutions and investment banks. Robert Bergdolt leads the team from Raleigh, and is an important name for securities regulations and non-traded REITs. In New York, Kerry Johnson co-chairs the wider real estate department and is vastly experienced in public-exchange listed REITs matters, while San Diego’s Darryl Steinhause  is a core member of the team with deep experience on securities transactions and specialized tax matters. New York’s Shiukay Hung is also an ‘industry savvy‘ go-to name for tax implications of REIT transactions.

Tax > Financial products Tier 2

With ‘a phenomenal team of professionals specialized in financial products’, DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s transactional tax group excels at advising fund sponsors, banks and asset managers on complex tax-efficient structures, with a focus on asset-backed securities and CLOs. The team also demonstrates strength in transformative sectors and emerging industries, where it is increasingly retained to handle acquisitions and securitizations. The practice’s leadership is split between New York-based Gerald Rokoff, who is ‘deeply connected within the industry’ and ‘knows how to right-size the response to a particular issue’, and Stacy Paz in Silicon Valley. From Chicago, Tom Geraghty is the go-to adviser for US and non-US issuers and underwriters of debt and equity instruments, while New York-based Witold Jurewicz is well versed in tax-efficient structures for non-US investments. At the associate level, ‘incredibly smart’ John Wei in Boston is noted.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 2

DLA Piper LLP (US) is active at the international, federal, and state & local levels, with expertise in a diverse range of tax mandates, including international transfer pricing disputes, audit defense, and criminal tax matters. Ellis Reemer, who has expertise in both civil and criminal tax disputes, co-leads the team from New York with Diana Erbsen, whose practice is focused on federal and SALT tax controversies and criminal tax matters. In Los Angeles, Michael Patton has significant knowledge of international transfer pricing, with a record of assisting multinational corporations in complex disputes. Tamara Shepard, located in Boston, specializes in handling appeals, and has experience handling issues arising from inbound investment activities for non-US businesses. Other core team members include Joseph Myszka, who works between Silicon Valley and Sacramento, and covers international tax disputes, and the New York-based Naftali Dembitzer, who handles contentious and non-contentious tax matters at the federal and state level. Associate Victoria Gu, in Silicon Valley, is likewise a key name.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Dealing with all facets of white-collar and regulatory enforcement cases, DLA Piper LLP (US) draws on its ability to supplement its domestic expertise with a vast global network to assist major corporations and individuals in extensive global investigations and enforcement proceedings. Particular areas of note for the practice are False Claims Act matters as well as incidents surrounding cybersecurity. A quartet of attorneys sits at the helm of the team, consisting of Karl Buch and John Hillebrecht in New York, as well as Chicago’s Jonathan King, and Courtney Saleski, who splits her time between Philadelphia and Washington DC. 2022 saw the arrival of a number of new partners to the practice, including former Vinson & Elkins LLP partners Matthew Jacobs and Jessica Heim in San Francisco. Further additions are Boston’s Eric Forni and Michelle Morgan in Wilmington, who held previous positions with the SEC and DOJ, respectively.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a growing workflow of deal-related litigation not only in its Delaware office, but also across its national office network. John Clarke in New York and Melanie Walker in Los Angeles are co-chairs of the corporate and securities litigation group with, in which merger-related cases are handled, and head of Delaware litigation John Reed in Wilmington plays a pivotal role in all of that work - all of them of late have handled heavyweight litigation concerning special purpose acquisition companies. Benjamin Schuman  in Baltimore and Jason Hopkins in Dallas also play central roles in the practice.

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

Primarily centered out of Philadelphia and also drawing upon litigation resources spread throughout the firm’s national network of offices, DLA Piper LLP (US) is well-positioned to represent automotive companies and parts manufacturers in product liability cases at federal and state level throughout the country. Clients benefit from a very efficient service which effective utilizes legal technology and a flexible approach to charge-out rates. Matt Goldberg  has amassed a significant amount of experience in the sector and heads up the firm’s product liability automotive subgroup. Goldberg has had considerable success for Hyundai Mobis in defective airbag disputes, achieving notable successes for the client. Leveraging vast transportation regulatory expertise developed both in private practice, as well as in-house, as chief counsel to the federal auto safety regulator, Washington DC-based partner Paul Hemmersbaugh is popular among clients in a risk management setting as well as in litigation. On the aviation front, the New York office has secured successful outcomes for several airlines in putative nationwide class actions brought by plaintiffs seeking recourse for an  alleged failure to pay refunds for flights cancelled due to Covid-19. Joel Dewey left the firm in November 2022.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 3

Forming a key part of the firm’s ‘best-in-class product liability and mass tort practice’, DLA Piper LLP (US) regularly achieves ‘exceptional results’ for consumer product manufacturers in business critical, high-stakes litigation. The team, which has expertise on both sides of the coast and is also able to mobilize international resources, should the need arise, is best-known for its success in fending off mass tort and class action claims before the trial stage, through the use, for example, of effective Daubert strategies. A number of the firm’s most significant matters arise within the food and beverages space, an area that the team is well-placed to represent clients across the gamut of compliance, regulatory and litigation matters as a result of core industry understanding, litigation prowess and overarching regulatory expertise. Los Angeles-based litigator Angela Agrusa  is particularly accomplished in this area and is currently forming part of multi-pronged defense effort for one the defendants in putative class action and product liability suits filed around the country relating to the alleged existence of heavy metals in baby food. Atlanta-based Christopher Campbell heads up the overarching product liability and mass tort offering and is best-known for his work within the life sciences and healthcare field.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a diverse national corporate and securities litigation practice that spans the US, with offices in New York, California, Texas, Delaware and other key jurisdictions. It is particularly active in cases involving the life sciences, financial services, insurance, and technology sectors, hence a client base that includes Goldman Sachs, Abengoa and AxoGen, Inc. John Clarke in New York and Melanie Walker in Los Angeles are co-chairs of the practice. Clarke is representing Bristol-Myers Squibb Company in an action alleging breaches of a contingent value rights agreement. Caryn Schechtman in New York led the defense of AxoGen, which creates innovative nerve repair products, and achieved the dismissal of claims arising from its IPO. John Hillebrecht in New York and Jason Lewis in Dallas also play key roles in the practice. Experienced LA-based practitioner Richard Zelichov joined the firm from Katten in July 2023.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 3

The environmental practice group at DLA Piper LLP (US) was bolstered in April 2022, with the arrival of Gwen Keyes Fleming from Van Ness Feldman LLP; she splits her time between Washington DC and Atlanta and now co-heads the team alongside George Gigounas, who is based in San Francisco and San Diego. With coast-to-coast expertise, the practice is well placed to handle matters across the US and leverages its international network for support on cross-border mandates. It is particularly strong in emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, climate change and environmental justice issues and provides advice in relation to litigation and transactional matters. Fleming is an EPA alumna with experience in policy, compliance and enforcement defense, while Gigounas is a name for site clean-ups, product-related toxic exposure and pollution liability.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

The ‘top-notch, best-in-class‘ practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) handles a diverse range of mandates, including Hatch-Waxman suits, supply agreements, and drug pricing and market access matters. Matthew Holian and Andy Gilbert jointly head the practice from Boston and New Jersey, respectively. Holian assists medical device and pharmaceutical corporates with compliance investigations and defends clients against claims from patients in clinical trials, while Gilbert dispenses advice to life sciences companies on corporate financing, licensing, and M&A. In the New York office, Loren Brown, rated by clients as an ‘internationally known and respected litigator', heads the disputes practice, frequently leading mass-tort actions for multinational life sciences companies including Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and Honeywell. Katie Insogna works out of the Boston office, handling all matters concerning the defense of medical device and pharmaceutical companies in product liability litigations, while New York-based 'top-tier attorney‘ Lucas Przymusinski handles drug and device litigations, product safety-issues, and recalls.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team leverages the firm’s international presence to take on multi-jurisdictional insurance and reinsurance litigation, with a focus on transactional liability coverage disputes including representation and warranties and loss mitigation matters. The practice also handles matters pertaining to D&O and professional liability, in addition to alternative risk transfer products. Aidan McCormack leads the team, providing support to insurers and reinsurers involved in litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings. Joseph Finnerty III handles representation and warranty matters, including litigation and investigations in relation to both private equity transactions and M&A. Mark Deckman represents insurers in coverage disputes in a range of sectors, including environmental and product liability and first party property claims in the energy sector. All lawyers mentioned are New York-based.

Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US) is valued by clients for its ‘deep industry knowledge,’ advising clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and reorganizations in addition to providing corporate support. On the regulatory front, the team assists clients with state, federal, and international insurance and reinsurance compliance. New York-based practice head Aidan McCormack is the global co-chair of the firm’s insurance practice, advising on cross-border transactional and regulatory issues. Chicago’s David Mendelsohn‘s practice centers on transactional and regulatory matters, while Stephen Schwab, also in Chicago, specializes in international insurance and reinsurance regulation and compliance.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

Backed by the bench strength of a global network spanning the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific region, the practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) provides comprehensive management and enforcement services and safeguards the copyrights of such household names as Nike and The Home Depot through high-stakes litigation. The team is headed by Sean Cunningham in San Diego, Gina Durham in San Francisco, a specialist in rights creation, clearance, and prosecution, and Tamar Duvdevani in New York, a seasoned litigator who counsels clients in the fashion and consumer goods sectors. The group was bolstered by the arrival from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP of partner Kevin Fee, who brings expertise to complex matters involving combined elements of copyright, administrative, and constitutional law, in May 2022 and senior associate Rachel Fertig, who advises clients across the art, music, tech, and media sectors, in September 2022.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US) harnesses the bench strength of a global network spanning the Americas, and the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions. The team is headed by Sean Cunningham in San Diego, seasoned litigator and tech and media sector specialist Gina Durham in San Francisco, and Tamar Duvdevani in New York, who brings expertise to trademark and right of publicity disputes. Other key figures include Melissa Reinckens in San Diego, who provides experience in competitor lawsuits (state and federal Lanham Act) and regulatory and administrative challenges, and Tamany Vinson Bentz in Los Angeles, who handles novel disputes relating to digital media and consumer products. Partner Michael Geller in Chicago was promoted in April 2022, while Kevin Fee in DC joined the firm from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in May 2022.

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

Marc Katz heads DLA Piper LLP (US)’s practice from Dallas, and has a special focus on unfair competition and trade secret litigation. The practice is known for its experience in dealing with the full spectrum of employment matters such as wage and hour litigation, class action work, discrimination matters, and COVID-19 requirements for employers. Other key names within the practice include New York-based Mary Dollarhide and San Diego-based Julie Dunne for wage and hour class actions, Brian Kaplan and Joseph Piesco in New York for extensive litigation experience, and Kim Askew in Dallas for experience in matters relating to discrimination and harassment. Steven Taeusch joined the San Francisco office from Goodwin in March 2022 and brings particular expertise in wage and hour matters.

Labor and employment > Labor-management relations Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US) handles the full range of matters, with particular emphasis on union organizing and contract administration, advice on the National Labor Relations Act and negotiating collective bargaining agreements. Dallas-based lawyer Marc Katz leads the employment practice group, which also adept at handling labor-related arbitrations, and litigation before the NLRB. An ex-employee of the NLRB, Washington DC’s Harriet Lipkin  is an important name for such matters and she lends her considerable experience to unfair labor practice cases and union organizing efforts. From the New York office, Joseph Piesco  is similarly well-versed on traditional labor matters in the space. San Diego-based attorney Kevin Harlow and of counsel Steve Hernández are key names for defending employers against unfair labor practice charges.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s wide-ranging transactional capabilities span M&A, private equity, SPACs, restructurings, fund formations, capital markets, and financings. Recently, the team has been active in a number of emerging industries, including crypto, insurance, media, sports and entertainment. Silicon Valley-based practice head Stacy Paz is known for handling a significant number of the firm’s M&A mandates, while Gerald Rokoff  is dedicated to the tax structuring of asset management and financial product transactions. Chicago-based Tom Geraghty, who advises fund sponsors and investment advisors, is an established authority on investments in digital currencies. Frank Mugabi shifts his focus between international tax planning and transactional tax, with a particular focus on the oil and gas sector. Other recommended individuals include Drew Young and Boston-based associate Kurtis Weaver. All named lawyers are based in New York unless noted otherwise.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) stands out for its prominence in high profile and bet-the-company class action and civil litigation work spanning the pharmaceutical, insurance, and sports industries. Practice head Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey is situated in San Francisco and routinely assists large corporations in price fixing and market allocation conspiracy matters. Washington DC-based David Bamberger’s practice consists of litigating complex antitrust and trade regulation matters across federal and state courts. First-chair trial lawyers include John Gibson in Los Angeles, who specializes in healthcare and high-tech class action and multi-district litigation, and John Hamill in Chicago, who defends clients in a full spectrum of commercial litigation including antitrust and commercial litigation particularly in the telecoms, sports and healthcare areas.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) offers a diverse and geographically broad team, which is especially adept in handling class action lawsuits, privacy disputes relating to cutting-edge technologies, violations of contract and business disagreements, with many of the firm's key litigators offering expertise in areas such as antitrust law, product liability, and white-collar crime. Recent notable work includes defense of Walmart in a Covid-related dispute. Angela Agrusa , a seasoned litigator based in Los Angeles, co-heads the practice with John Hamill based in Chicago. Other highly regarded litigators include Isabelle Ord in San Francisco, Keara Gordon in New York and Christopher Young KC in San Diego.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) scores highly with clients for its advice that ‘marries legal acumen to business sophistication‘. The growing practice recently added new clients across a diverse spread of sectors, including energy, financial services, and manufacturing. Global group co-chair Kate Brown de Vejar splits her time between New York and Mexico and acts on a broad range of commercial and investment arbitration cases; she successfully represented the Republic of Lithuania in an investment treaty case brought by a Russian fund in respect of the nationalization of Bankas Snoras. New York-based Kiera Gans is noted as ‘incredible in her focus on the client‘.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

The environmental practice group at DLA Piper LLP (US) is led by George Gigounas, who splits his time between San Francisco and San Diego, and Gwen Keyes Fleming, who splits her time between Washington DC and Atlanta and joined the firm from Van Ness Feldman LLP in April 2022. The practice offers coast-to-coast expertise and is particularly strong in PFAS, plastics and climate change issues. It acts for high-profile clients in the manufacturing, defense and chemical sectors.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) advises clients on environmental issues relating to corporate, real estate and finance transactions. It utilizes its products liability and PFAS teams for support on transactions in heavily regulated industries and the team is led by George Gigounas, who splits his time between Washington DC and Atlanta, and Gwen Keyes Fleming, who recently joined from Van Ness Feldman LLP and splits her time between San Francisco and San Diego. Jeff Salinger in New York is a key name for ESG issues, climate change matters, brownfield redevelopments and health and safety issues.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

DLA Piper LLP (US) has maintained strong activity levels, advising on a range of IPOs before that market shut down, and then moving on to a steady pipeline of follow-on offerings. The firm worked on an impressive number of SPAC IPOs and during 2022 advised on a series of de-SPAC transactions. It is best known for mid-cap deals, equally strong for issuer and underwriter engagements. Life sciences, technology, REITs, aerospace and defense are key sectors. New York partner Christopher Paci leads the capital markets group, which includes chair of the SPAC transactional practice Jeffrey Selman in San Francisco and New York-based emerging talent Stephen Alicanti, who is also noted for SPAC transactions. Seattle-based Bianca LaCaille impresses at associate level.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

The ‘extremely knowledgeable' team at DLA Piper LLP (US) handles corporate restructurings of service providers, strategic alliances between payors and physicians, and the development of provider networks. As ‘a master of his craft‘, practice head Joshua Kaye exhibits ‘exceptional knowledge and experience‘ in healthcare M&A matters, while Joshua Samek focuses on financing deals and value-based healthcare M&A issues. Russell Sass focuses on advising clients on anti-kickback related matters and the corporate practice of medicine. Based in Washington DC, Kristi Kung is ‘unmatched' in advising providers, emerging health IT companies, and investors in the digital health industry on regulatory issues relating to telehealth products, while Donna Thiel has ample experience in advising on fraud and abuse and reimbursement matters. David Kopans joined the Washington practice from Jones Day in May 2022, contributing his expertise in acting for managed care organizations in transactional and value-based payment arrangements. All practitioners are part of the Miami practice unless specified otherwise.  

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 4

The patent prosecution offering at DLA Piper LLP (US) is led by Boston-based patent prosecution national chair Larissa Bifano , described as ‘incredibly business-minded’; San Diego-based co-practice group leader Sean Cunningham ; and deputy practice group leader Gina Durham , who is based in San Francisco. The team has undergone significant change in 2022 since the arrival to the Philadelphia office of three specialized IP partners from Troutman Pepper in early 2022: health sciences specialist Raymond Miller; patent expert Joseph Helmsen, and N Nicole Endejann, who is adept in patent prosecution. Additionally, patent due diligence partner Melissa Harwood joined the Seattle team from Polsinelli PC in April 2022. Associate Joseph Wolfe, who assists on many of the team’s most complex matters, is a name to note.

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

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s team is headed by Silicon Valley-based intellectual property and tech specialist Rajiv Dharnidharka , Chicago-based Paul Steadman , who leads on many of the team’s most noteworthy cases, and experienced litigator Leon Medzhibovsky, who works from the New York office. Working for clients ranging from Nike to Trilogy 5G, the practice is well-versed in handling trade secret matters with significant values at stake, frequently involving alleged misappropriation by former employees.

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

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s sizeable cross-country practice in investment funds ‘possesses a wealth of structuring expertise‘ and ‘the right specialist knowledge on the LP side of private equity‘. The firm has a strong reputation for investor-side counsel in various respects, and on the sponsor side has developed its practice in recent years, with focus put on the real estate, energy and infrastructure spaces. The broad investment management and funds group is co-led by Jesse Criz and David Parrish, in Chicago and Austin respectively. The sponsor-side subgroup is helmed by Chicago’s Nathaniel Marrs, while Nicole Brennig in Austin oversees the investor-side group.

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

Counting major technology and software companies among its key clients, DLA Piper LLP (US) has in-depth experience of advising on ERISA, executive compensation, and benefits aspects of M&A and equity arrangements, with standout work for the likes of Mozilla, Humana, and Stripe. practice head Rita Patel regularly advises domestic and international companies on complex regulatory frameworks, including ERISA, Section 409A, and 280G. Julia Kovacs’ expertise lies in supporting clients with health and welfare benefit plans, while Michelle Lara provides comprehensive advice with respect to the design and implementation of cash incentive plans and severance arrangements. Associate Mary Claire Blythe handles securities laws related to pension and welfare. All attorneys are based in Washington DC.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: large deals ($500m+) Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) continues to expand its presence in the private equity market, adding a group of around 30 PE attorneys from Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP in April 2022, including five partners. The practice focuses on the middle-market, combining considerable strength in complex cross-border transactions with a sector based approach across key industries including technology and healthcare. The team is headed from Atlanta by Joseph Silver , vastly experienced representing PE firms on M&A, leveraged buyouts, and equity investments. Gerry Williams is also a key contact it Atlanta, while in New York, James Kelly is a trusted advisor to several major funds. The Chicago office has been bolstered by the addition of Joydeep Dasmunshi from Perkins Coie LLP in August 2022, who is highly experienced in the technology sector, while in the same month, New York-based Oliver Olah joined from Greenberg Traurig, LLP to strengthen the team’s international transactional offering.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 4

The Los Angeles-based team at DLA Piper LLP (US) represents a broad mix of high-profile individual artists and organizations from across the entertainment industry in copyright matters, rights of publicity cases and fraud suits.  The team is led by transactions specialist Tom Ara and New York-based sports financing expert Peter White . Seasoned practitioner Michael Garfinkel litigates across the industry; he is currently representing William Morris Endeavor Entertainment in a breach of contract dispute that continues a longstanding working relationship between Garfinkel and the major talent agency. Intellectual property expert Tamany Vinson Bentz takes a keen interest in present-day entertainment issues such as influencer liability and the value of hash tags, representing celebrity  fitness Tracy Anderson in a complex copyright dispute involving copyrighted choreography. Another name to note is Jason Taylor Lueddeke, a resourceful litigator who provides key support to Garfinkel and Bentz.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s Los Angeles-based team handles music and media acquisitions, promotional partnerships and various matters at the intersection of technology and experiences such as the first ever NFT drop from space. Practice co-head Tom Ara specializes in strategic industry transactions and is representing VVIP Venture in the acquisition of National Enquirer, National Examiner and Globe. Fellow practice co-head Robert J. Sherman‘s practice includes music rights acquisitions and entertainment bankruptcy proceedings. Final practice co-head David Markman frequently negotiates on behalf of above and below-the-line talent. He currently represents Jeanie Buss and David McLane on multiple transactional issues relating to their all-female wrestling organization: Women of Wrestling. Another name to note is Katherine Imp who provides key support to Ara on a wide array of matters.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 4

DLA Piper LLP (US) handles the full array of construction mandates, including disputes, project financing and transactional matters on a domestic and international level. The practice’s also oversees non-contentious matters including design and construction agreements for an assortment of clients. Anthony Meager is located in Baltimore and offers extensive expertise construction projects and is also proficient in construction arbitration and disputes. Brian Fielden is based in Atlanta and is reputed for his expertise of P3 and assists the GIIA on matters concerning infrastructure. Robert L. Crewdson and John Ducat  departed the practice in February 2024.

Finance > Project finance Tier 5

DLA Piper LLP (US) has a strong track record in renewable energy infrastructure and handles the acquisition, development and sale of solar, wind, and hydro projects. The firms is also currently advising companies on a number of issues relating to the production of hydrogen in the US such as the negotiation of offtake contracts. Robert Gruendel heads the practice from New York; he centers his practice around oil and gas project development. In Washington, Vanessa Wilson leverages her transactional expertise to advises energy companies and infrastructure funds on project construction and financing.

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

DLA Piper LLP (US) works with a burgeoning roll of blue-chips on an ever growing volume of domestic and cross-border M&A. The US-based team, which maintains a strong foothold in the middle-market space, is increasingly engaged in multi-billion dollar deals in an array of sectors, including healthcare, consumer goods, real estate, manufacturing and technology. Christopher Giordano – the newly appointed chair of the M&A group – specialises in acquisitions, divestitures, securities law issues and corporate governance; he offers advice to a mix of private and publicly traded companies and REIT sponsors. Jonathan Klein is the other key point of contact in the team; he has a strong background in representing companies in negotiated deals, as well as bidders in contested transactions. Both practitioners are based in New York.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration

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