General commercial disputes in United States

Rated by clients for its 'superior knowledge and business oriented approach', Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP's New York team handles corporate disputes spanning various areas, including antitrust, securities, IP infringement and FCPA claims. Its work is equally diverse in terms of the range of industries it covers, with noted strengths in technology, financial services, pharmaceuticals and retail. Veteran litigator and firm chairman Evan Chesler continues to be engaged by prominent companies, including Tesla's CEO and board of directors in two major class actions. David Marriott is another key name; he is representing Alcon in over 50 putative class actions relating to alleged violations of antitrust and consumer protection laws. Kevin Orsini, who has broad strengths in M&A- and antitrust-related cases and tort litigation, is currently representing Palantir Technologies in multiple actions in Delaware. Lauren Moskowitz is a contact for disputes in the financial services sector; she was a key member of the team that successfully represented Credit Suisse in over 50 RMBS cases, and more recently she acted for Goldman Sachs in relation to a breach of contract and fraud claim. Darin McAtee is another important member of the practice.

Well regarded for its consistent success at the motion-to-dismiss stage of court proceedings, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP's 'outstanding' New York team handles cross-border and domestic litigation in various fields, including financial services, healthcare and life sciences. With a wealth of experience in white-collar crime disputes and government investigations, 'stellar attorney' Mark Goodman has continued to attract business critical mandates. In one recent matter, Goodman is representing Georgia-Pacific LLC and Koch Industries regarding Bestwall LLC's pending Chapter 11 proceedings in the US Bankruptcy Court. Fellow practice head Maura Monaghan has a phenomenal reputation in healthcare litigation. Currently, she is retained by former directors and shareholders of Purdue Pharma to defend the company in its nationwide opioid litigation. Maeve O’ Connor stands out for her expertise in securities and insurance litigation. Susan Reagan Gittes and Elliot Greenfield are also key members of team, with diverse experience in commercial litigation.

Known for its roster of prominent trial lawyers, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s nationwide practice group continues to attract praise for its role in high-profile and often precedent-setting disputes. Over the review period, Randy Mastro (New York) secured a win in the US Supreme Court on behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, regarding excessive and unnecessary Covid-19 restrictions on church attendance in New York. Fellow practice head Theodore Boutrous (California), who has argued more than 150 appeals throughout his career, is currently representing Ashley Judd in a high-profile defamation suit against Harvey Weinstein. Trial lawyer Orin Snyder (New York) is engaged in several significant ongoing cases for well-known companies, including Facebook. Trey Cox (Dallas) and Christopher Belelieu (New York) joined the firm in 2020 from Lynn Pinker Cox & Hurst  and Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, respectively.

Fielding a 'creative and dedicated team with deep expertise in class actions', Kirkland & Ellis LLP's nationwide practice group is a popular choice for plaintiffs and defendants in bet-the-company disputes. In a current matter, Mark Filip (Chicago) is leading the team that is defending Allergan in its highly publicized, nationwide opioid litigation involving thousands of civil suits in addition to government investigations. A name to note for class actions is 'top notch' partner Richard Godfrey (Chicago), who represents plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of disputes. Highly regarded trial lawyer James Hurst (Chicago) has over three decades' experience in prominent disputes, with particular strength in the healthcare and life sciences sector. Daniel Donovan (Washington DC) is a go-to partner for clients seeking corporate governance advice, though he also has experience in trials and commercial arbitration. Diana Watral (Chicago), Joshua Greenblatt (New York) and Atif Khawaja (New York) are also key members of the team.

From offices in New York and Washington DC, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP consistently attracts mandates from prominent corporates and financial services companies in their most urgent disputes. Recognized by the industry as a top flight lawyer, Brad Karp's recent work includes securing a landmark victory on behalf of defendant Blackstone Alternative Asset Management in a $50bn derivative lawsuit. Also of note, Karp secured the dismissal of a putative securities class action against Ericsson in January 2020. Highly regarded trial lawyer Theodore Wells continues to advise on ExxonMobil's high-profile disputes related to alleged violations of environmental law, having already secured several wins for the client across the US, including a complete defense verdict in a landmark trial in New York state court. Jaren Janghorbani is noted for her remarkably diverse commercial litigation practice; she has recently been engaged by CBS Corporation's former directors in the defense of a shareholder class and derivative action in Delaware regarding CBS and Viacom's $30bn merger. All named attorneys are based in New York.

With an excellent standing in the financial services, technology, pharmaceuticals and insurance sectors, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's New York team is well positioned to handle major disputes on behalf of global and domestic clients. In a recent highlight, Jonathan Youngwood led the team that represented SeaWorld Entertainment in a series of high-profile disputes, including a federal securities class action in California. Bryce Friedman has an impressive record in fraud and False Claims Act litigation, and is also noted for his experience in insurance disputes. Friedman has also recently handled a number of business interruption disputes on behalf of insurance companies following the outbreak of Covid-19 in the US. Lynn Neuner is a go-to partner for clients involved in securities, M&A, insurance and false advertising disputes. Linton Mann III is highly regarded for his role in major securities and M&A litigation, and Paul Curnin is recognized for his representation of the outside directors of PG&E in matters relating to the 2017/18 California wildfires.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP fields a 'highly skilled and attentive' nationwide team representing clients in commercial disputes and class actions covering consumer fraud, unfair competition, IP infringement, trade secrets and bankruptcy. among other areas. Among recent highlights, a team led by David Lender (New York) obtained a defense jury verdict in an $800m antitrust class action for its client C&S Wholesale Grocers, and Diane Sullivan (New Jersey) and Edward Soto (Florida) successfully defended Repsol against a multibillion-dollar fraudulent conveyance and environmental tort claim in New Jersey. Gregory Silbert (New York) continues to defend Farmers Insurance in multiple cases across the US involving allegations that the company violated antitrust and RICO laws, including a case which Silbert won in the Eleventh Circuit regarding complaints filed in Utah, Indiana and Mississippi. Jared Friedmann (New York) is also a standout litigator, with a strong corporate defense practice.

Based in Washington DC, Williams & Connolly LLP acts for clients in their most critical disputes, showing particular expertise in litigation involving financial institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Noted for his a strong track record in trials and arbitration proceedings, Dane Butswinkas is frequently involved in antitrust-related disputes, securities law cases and product liability matters. Fellow practice head Robert Van Kirk has a remarkable track record in a wide range of white-collar crime disputes. Recently, Van Kirk prevailed in the long-running defense of The Carlyle Group against numerous liquidators' claims relating to the collapse of the company. Trial lawyer Enu Mainigi specializes in representing financial institutions and healthcare companies in complex disputes, including FCA-related litigation and investigations. Among the firm's junior ranks, associate Luke McCloud stands out for his role in complex civil disputes and patent litigation, in addition to his notable experience in appeals up to the level of the US Supreme Court.

Dechert LLP made several significant hires in 2020: first, Kimberly Branscome and Jay Bhimani joined the Los Angeles team from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in April 2020, then, in September, Brenda Sharton and Karen Neuman joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Boston and Washington DC, respectively. The litigation group has particular strengths in multi-district cases and class actions, and frequently defends large corporations in disputes relating to consumer fraud, commercial agreements, M&A, bankruptcy and product liability. Christina Sarchio in Washington DC, who previously worked as a prosecutor, is well known for representing clients in matters before regulatory agencies, such as the DOJ and the SEC. Sarchio jointly leads the group alongside Branscome, who has expertise in product liability and professional negligence.

Jones Day's nationwide team is well equipped to handle the defense of large-scale claims spanning various areas, including product liability, consumer protection and false advertising. Its track record in class actions is particularly impressive. In one recent example, the team is currently defending multiple universities in over 400 putative class actions brought on behalf of former football players suffering from the adverse effects of concussions. In another prominent matter, the team is defending Whirlpool Corp against claims brought by 247 UK residents in connection with the Grenfell fire tragedy in London, in which the plaintiffs allege that a design defect in one of the company's fridge-freezers started the fire. John Majoras (Washington DC) has diverse trial experience, covering consumer class actions, antitrust and M&A disputes. Stephanie Parker (Atlanta) specializes in product liability litigation, with an emphasis on the healthcare and life sciences industry. Elizabeth Manning is a standout associate in the Chicago office.

King & Spalding LLP recruited eighteen partners from Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in 2020, including Damien Marshall, Andrew Michaelson, Leigh Nathanson and Laura Harris, all of whom joined the New York office in June 2020. The firm has particular expertise in class actions in financial services, aviation and healthcare sectors, among others. In Atlanta, David Balser is currently representing Equifax in numerous putative class actions relating to a cyber incident in 2017 that affected approximately 143 million customers worldwide. Bobby Burchfield in Washington DC has notable expertise representing c-suites and boards in antitrust, securities and contract disputes, and San Francisco-based Quyen Ta is noted for her experience in consumer class actions and complex IP and commercial litigation, including trade secrets and patent disputes.

Latham & Watkins LLP's nationwide trial practice represents plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes litigation, including consumer class actions, breach of contract disputes and mass torts. Among its recent highlights, the team is representing PG&E in shareholder litigation relating to the 2017/18 California wildfires, and is also defending Facebook in a consumer class action related to a criminal attack on Facebook's web platform that affected over 29 million global users. In Chicago, Sean Berkowitz ('thoughtful, reassuring and incredibly smart') is recognized for his work in high-profile civil and criminal litigation. Elizabeth Deeley in San Francisco stands out for her consistent role in high-profile litigation, a recent example of which was UBS' $1bn breach of contract case, in which the Deeley and the team secured a complete victory. New York-based James Brandt is another core member of the trial team, with significant experience in bet-the-company litigation; Laura Washington in Los Angeles has a strong reputation in media, entertainment and technology litigation; and Eric Leon (also in New York) acts as global vice chair of the complex commercial litigation practice.

Mayer Brown is frequently engaged by large corporates in class actions and multi-district litigation. Of recent note, Chicago-based Michael Olsen and several other partners are representing 3M Company in over a thousand lawsuits across nineteen states involving a variety of claims, including personal injury, medical monitoring and property damage suits. New York-based appellate specialist Lauren Goldman stands out for her consistent stream of work for Facebook, including numerous appeals in the Ninth Circuit over the last two years. In Los Angeles, John Nadolenco has developed a leading reputation in class actions. Also recommended is Archis Parasharami in Washington DC, who has notable experience in arbitration and class actions. Partners Gina Parlovecchio (New York) and Michael Levy (Washington DC) joined the firm in 2020 from the Eastern District of New York and Paul Hastings LLP, respectively. The commercial litigation practice is jointly led by John Conlon in New York and Reginald Goeke, who divides time between New York and Washington DC. Richard Spehr leads the global litigation and dispute resolution practice.

Based in New York, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP's 'brilliant' team is particularly strong in financial services, technology and consumer products disputes. Over the review period, Elyse Echtman successfully defended Johnson & Johnson in multiple high-stakes cases regarding claims that its talcum powder contains cancerous asbestos. Another contact in the product liability space is Peter Bicks, a popular choice for major corporates embroiled in high-profile, nationwide class actions. Richard Jacobsen is a contact for financial services disputes; he continues to represent clients including Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs in business critical disputes.

Proskauer Rose LLP is well versed in commercial litigation, with particular strength and depth in product liability disputes. The group is also strong in appellate litigation, and has built a strong track record in federal and state court appeals. Timothy Mungovan in Boston stands out for his ongoing work on behalf of the Financial Oversight Management Board of Puerto Rico in connection with the restructuring of Puerto Rico’s finances. New York-based Margaret Dale has a wealth of experience in media and entertainment, financial services and consumer products litigation. Contacts in Los Angeles include Michael Firestein, who has a fantastic reputation in bankruptcy litigation, Bart Williams and Susan Gutierrez. Recently, the Los Angeles team has taken on a number of mandates for Monsanto and Bayer concerning their RoundUp product, which plaintiffs allege caused them to develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

With offices in New York and San Francisco, Shearman & Sterling LLP is highly regarded for its expertise in securities litigation and M&A disputes. In a recent highlight, Adam Hakki in New York secured a decisive victory for Nikko Asset Management, its former CEO and its affiliates, in a case regarding alleged violations of federal securities laws and fraud. Among his ongoing matters, Hakki is representing the underwriters of Tesla (including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley) in a high-value securities class action pending in the Northern District of California. Another name to note in New York is Jerry Fortinsky, who heads up the China group and has a strong standing in cross-border securities litigation. A contact on the West Coast is Patrick Robbins in San Francisco, who has been representing Uber in connection with its highly contentious IPO.

The team at White & Case LLP regularly handles nationwide domestic and cross-border disputes, touching on all areas of commercial law. In June 2020, Tara Lee joined the Washington DC office from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, strengthening the firm's class actions and white-collar investigations offering. Glenn Kurtz chairs the global commercial litigation group from New York. In Miami, Raoul Cantero is leading the firm's representation of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz in the high-profile multi-district Takata airbag litigation. Another key partner is Rachel Feldman in Los Angeles, who has particular expertise in complex litigation involving global technology and social media companies.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP handles a variety of complex commercial disputes and class actions, including securities, antitrust, M&A and patent litigation. Noted for his 'unique blend of talent, tenacity and creativity', firm chairman Tariq Mundiya in New York has a great track record in corporate, securities and derivatives disputes. In a recent highlight, he represented Liberty Tax in high-profile litigation relating to the alleged misconduct of Liberty's founder, John Hewitt, securing dismissal of all claims in New York's Second Circuit. Washington DC-based Elizabeth Bower is recommended for her expertise in corporate international investigations and multi-district litigation. In March 2020, the firm opened a new Chicago office with the hire of six partners from Jenner & Block LLP, including 'outstanding trial lawyer' Craig Martin.

Winston & Strawn LLP fields a large nationwide team of trial lawyers, including six fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a dozen former prosecutors in the US Attorney's Offices. In a recent highlight, Steve D’Amore (Chicago) successfully represented A.J. Gallagher & Co in the defense of a nationwide putative class active filed in Arizona, winning on appeal in the Ninth Circuit. Denise Scofield (Houston) also had a strong year; she has been representing Schlumberger in numerous high-stakes disputes, and also served as part of the team that secured the country's first permanent injunction requiring a prison to introduce measures to protect inmates from  Covid-19. Co-chairs Amanda Groves (Los Angeles), Thomas Walsh (Dallas) and George Lombardi (Chicago) are also key members of the practice.

Arnold & Porter specializes in litigation in the areas of antitrust, financial services, environmental law and life sciences, leveraging its deep bench of regulatory specialists to tackle complex cases. The team also has a strong reputation in mass torts and multi-district litigation. In a recent mandate, Los Angeles-based Rhonda Trotter acted for Planned Parenthood in its high-profile claim against the Center for Medical Progress. Kenneth Chernof in Washington DC is recommended for his work in data breach litigation, and James Herschlein in New York has a diverse trial practice covering product liability, securities and bankruptcy disputes. Craig Stewart, former chief counsel to the US Attorney General, and Jami Mills Vibbert, formerly a partner at Venable LLP, joined the firm in 2020.

Bartlit Beck LLP's Chicago-based team is active in disputes across various industries, including financial services, healthcare, oil and gas and technology. It is particularly well known, however, for its expertise in multi-district litigation and class actions, predominantly in the healthcare and life sciences industry. In a current matter, Sean Gallagher is serving as Pratt & Whitney's lead counsel in environmental tort cases against the company involving alleged property damage and personal injury claims. Also of note, Brian Prestes is defending Sterigenics against over 200 cases brought by more than one thousand plaintiffs alleging that emissions from a sterilization facility caused them to develop cancer and related illnesses. Also recommended are Rebecca Weinstein Bacon, who specializes in class actions, including product liability and antitrust cases, and practice head Jason Peltz.

Based in New York, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP is perhaps best known its expertise in financial services litigation, though the team also stands out in antitrust, insurance, professional liability and media disputes. Joel Kurtzberg and Herbert Washer are representing Credit Suisse in LIBOR-related litigation, having achieved a string of favourable results, including a district court ruling that narrowed the scope of claims against the client. In another highlight matter, David Januszewski is acting for Deutsche Bank in its enforcement proceedings against an investor and his offshore investment entity, Sebastian Holdings. Another key figure in the team is Tammy Roy, rated for her experience in complex commercial and securities litigation.

Based in Houston, boutique firm Gibbs & Bruns LLP regularly represents plaintiffs and defendants in energy, technology and financial services litigation. In an ongoing matter, Kathy Patrick is acting for 21 institutional investors in claims against JP Morgan regarding the distribution of a $4.5bn settlement agreement reached in 2013. Founding partner Robin Gibbs continues to handle major cases in the oil and gas industry, including breach of contract, trade secrets and construction and engineering disputes. Barrett Reasoner is also noted for his impressive record in energy litigation, and Ross MacDonald is a recommended associate in the practice group.

Greenberg Traurig LLP has a varied portfolio of work, which includes major class actions spanning numerous different industries. Of particular note, Las Vegas-based Jacob Bundick and Robert Herrington in Los Angeles are leading several consumer class actions arising from the impact of Covid-19 on international travel. In another ongoing case, Jeff Scott (also in Los Angeles) is defending Activision Publishing in putative class actions involving allegations of unjust enrichment. Another key member of the team is Gregory Ostfeld in Chicago, best known for his strong track record in appeals and class actions involving clients in heavily regulated industries.

Rated by clients for its 'intelligence, creativity and trial skills', Los Angeles-based Hueston Hennigan LLP represents high-profile individuals and major companies in corporate disputes, class actions and other high-stakes trials. Founding partner John Hueston has a phenomenal track record in trials involving securities law, environmental issues and business torts. Among his ongoing matters, Hueston is representing Palantir Technologies in a trade secrets case against one of the company's original investors. Firm co-founder Moez Kaba is also noted for his diverse trial practice. Another key figure in the team is Robert Klieger, a go-to contact for disputes in the area of media and entertainment.

Based in New York, Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP has particular strength in financial services litigation and real estate disputes. Among the team’s recent highlights, founding partner Marc Kasowitz is representing MBIA in a long-running put-back action against Credit Suisse in which MBIA is seeking to recover over $740m. Highly regarded for his trial and appellate practice, Paul O’Connor  is frequently engaged by real estate developers and investors in federal and state court disputes. Paul Burgo is recognized for his ongoing work for former president Donald Trump in multiple disputes, including a defamation suit in New York Court of Appeals. Jennifer Recine is also recommended.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP strengthened its disputes offering with the addition of seven new partners in 2020, including Joshua Simon and Warren Haskel from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and insurance specialists Jane Byrne and Guyon Knight from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP. The firm handles a wide range of cases, but is particularly active in healthcare, antitrust and IP litigation, including class actions. John Calandra in New York is a name to note for complex commercial litigation, while Los Angeles-based Jon Dean is a key contact for IP disputes. Simon, Haskel, Byrne and Knight all joined the New York office.

Based in New York, the team at Milbank represents financial institutions and other corporates, private equity firms and high-net-worth individuals in high-stakes commercial litigation. In addition to core strengths in insurance and financial services litigation, the team has experience of business torts, including fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and tortious interference claims. Firm chairman Scott Edelman maintains a varied caseload cutting across major industries, such as real estate and healthcare; he recently represented VEREIT in 19 high-value securities fraud claims, securing a successful outcome in each claim. Also recommended are Atara Miller and Daniel Perry, who specialize in securities and bankruptcy litigation, respectively.

The team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP handles a range of significant disputes for large corporate clients, but is noted in particular for its expertise in class actions targeting healthcare and life sciences clients. In a recent example of this industry strength, Gordon Cooney has been acting for Teva Pharmaceuticals and various other drug companies in a multi-district litigation regarding alleged antitrust violations in the generic drugs industry. Troy Brown stands out for his strong track record in M&A-related disputes, and Elizabeth Herrington in Chicago is recommended for her experience in multi-district litigation and class actions. Michael Kichline and Washington DC-based Robin Nunn joined the team from Dechert LLP in September 2020. Named lawyers are based in Philadelphia unless stated otherwise.

Based in Los Angeles, O'Melveny & Myers LLP is particularly well known for its strength in high-stakes media and entertainment litigation. Daniel Petrocelli is a key figure in the team, as is Washington DC-based Steve Brody, who has represented clients in mass torts, product liability claims, class actions, government investigations, and appeals. Richard Goetz, who co-heads the practice alongside Randall Oppenheimer, stands out for his broad trial practice, covering false advertising, medical negligence and product liability cases. All attorneys are based in Los Angeles unless stated otherwise.

New York-based boutique litigation firm Selendy Gay Elsberg PLLC has developed a fantastic reputation since entering the market in February 2018. Acting for plaintiffs and defendants, the team attracts a wide range of work, including fraud, unfair competition, securities and trade secrets litigation; however, its track record in financial services litigation is particularly impressive. In just one standout matter, the team is representing plaintiff Cerberus Capital Management in a $950m breach of contract action against the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Highly regarded for his trial practice, David Elsberg displays particular strength in financial litigation, including major bankruptcy and securities cases. Also recommended is founding partner Jennifer Selendy, who has experience in virtually every core area of commercial litigation.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP specializes in cross-border and domestic disputes regarding investment funds, hedge funds and financial restructuring. In addition, the team is well known for handling large-scale disputes for clients in the energy sector. Anthony T. Pierce, based in Washington, DC, stands out for his strong track record in complex commercial litigation, including product liability, data privacy and consumer protection disputes. Stephen Baldini, who runs the practice from New York, has notable expertise in litigation and arbitration involving private equity firms, hedge funds and distressed corporates.

Fielding a nationwide team of trial lawyers, Baker Botts L.L.P. acts for major companies and financial institutions in a wide range of disputes, including fraud, unfair competition and product liability litigation. In addition, the firm has a strong pro bono practice. In a recent standout matter, Danny David in Houston represented Vectren Corporation in proceedings relating to its $6bn merger with Centerpoint Energy. Well known for his trial practice, Washington DC-based Michael Calhoon continues to handle prominent securities and energy disputes. Also recommended is Austin-based associate Stephanie Cagniart, who has experience at trial and appeals.

Cooley LLP's 'extremely impressive' nationwide team is best known for its strong reputation in civil disputes involving major technology and healthcare companies. In this regard, the team has developed particular expertise in contract disputes, IP litigation and antitrust-related cases. Of recent note, Washington,DC-based Michael Klisch represented Patheon in a high-value class action regarding alleged violations of the Sherman Act. Ian Shapiro in New York stands out for his experience in complex commercial litigation, including antitrust claims and shareholder disputes. Patrick Gunn leads the practice from San Francisco. Experienced trial and appellate lawyer Kathleen Hartnett joined the firm's San Francisco office from Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in February 2020.

Dickinson Wright PLLC runs a nationwide corporate defense team that handles a diverse range of matters, showing particular strength in energy, financial services and healthcare litigation. Recently, Detroit-based Thomas McNeill has been representing Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha and Usi International in a series of high-stakes civil class actions in the Eastern District of Michigan against numerous automotive suppliers. Another contact in Detroit is Daniel Quick, who takes a lead role in shareholder disputes, trade secrets cases and IP litigation. Also recommended are John Desmond in Reno, who stands out for his strong appellate practice and wider commercial litigation work; and Scot Claus in the Phoenix office.

K&L Gates LLP' litigation group is active across the US, handling a wide range of business and commercial disputes and class actions. Contacts in the Pittsburgh office include practice co-head Melissa Tea, who is defending several clients in nationwide asbestos litigation, including PPG Industries and United States Steel Corporation, and Thomas Birsic, who has an excellent reputation in environmental class actions and toxic tort litigation. In Seattle, Pallavi Mehta Wahi is a name to note for various corporate and IP litigation. Jeffrey Patterson in Boston jointly heads the practice alongside Tea.

Boutique litigation firm MoloLamken LLP added five lawyers to its ranks in 2020, including Eugene Sokoloff, a general commercial litigator who joined the firm following a clerkship with US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and Jonathan Barbee, who joined from Kobre & Kim, specializing in IP litigation. In New York, practice head Steven Molo remains extremely active in a wide range of cases; he recently represented plaintiff Marion Healthcare in a high-value Sherman Act case against Becton, Dickinson & Co. Robert Kry in Washington DC stands out for his involvement in headline grabbing litigation, including ongoing civil litigation arising from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Trial lawyer Megan Cunniff Church in Chicago and general commercial litigator Jessica Ortiz in New York are also recommended.

Norton Rose Fulbright has recently bolstered its global cyber risk and antitrust offerings, two areas of focus for the litigation team in particular. Chris Cwalina and Steven Roosa joined the cyber risk group in Washington DC and New York, respectively; while Vic Domen joined the antitrust team in Washington DC. Over the review period, Houston partner Layne Kruse obtained summary judgment for Robert Bosch Tool Corp in a $450m antitrust conspiracy claim filed by SawStop. Based in New York, trial lawyer Thomas McCormack remains active in a wide range of disputes. Also recommended are Scott Incerto in Austin, and Dallas-based Richard Krumholz, who heads the global litigation and disputes group.

Ropes & Gray LLP runs a large and experienced team, including former SEC lawyers and federal prosecutors from the DOJ and numerous US Attorney's offices. Its range of expertise covers breach of contract disputes, class actions and various white-collar crime matters, with a particular focus on the healthcare and financial services sectors. In a recent highlight, David Hennes, based in New York, successfully defended Shire Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals in a $425m claim brought by Fortis Advisors under a merger agreement. Jeffrey Bushofsky, based in Chicago, is noted for his diverse trial practice, which includes consumer fraud cases and MDL in the healthcare industry. Boston-based John Bueker also has a strong reputation in healthcare litigation.

Based in New York, Allen & Overy LLP has a deep bench of trial lawyers and regulatory specialists, with a solid reputation in a variety of civil disputes, including professional liability, securities litigation and shareholder suits, at federal and state level. The group also handles the enforcement of arbitral awards. Practice head Jacob Pultman has a strong track record in class actions and general commercial litigation. Bradley Pensyl is recognized for his expertise in financial services litigation, and Andrew Rhys Davies is recommended for securities litigation and cross-border commercial disputes, more generally.

Based primarily in Houston, Bracewell LLP is regularly involved in large disputes in the energy sector, including bankruptcy matters and construction litigation. The team is also well known for representing public sector bodies in complex litigation. In an ongoing matter, Stephen Crain is leading a large team acting for Wells Fargo in relation to Alta Mesa's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, involving over $50m in total defaults. Sean Gorman has expertise in business torts, antitrust and IP litigation, and Daniel Connolly in New York is recommended for trial and appellate work.

Katten displays particular strengths in financial services litigation, shareholder claims and general business disputes. Among the team's recent highlights, New York-based practice head David Crichlow represented UMB Bank as indenture trustee in a case against Caesars Entertainment Corporation for breach of its guarantee of payment under the trust indenture. Also in New York, Anthony Paccione stands out for his ongoing work for several major financial institutions, hedge funds and individual defendants in claims arising from the Madoff Ponzi scheme. Chicago-based Gil Sofer, who previously served as a federal prosecutor, is noted for his expertise in FCA and FCPA matters.

McGuireWoods LLP leverages its network of offices throughout the US to represent clients in a wide range of commercial disputes and class actions, often involving clients in the financial services and energy sectors. Jonathan Blank leads the practice from Charlottesville and has maintained a steady flow of cases in the natural resources sector, including natural gas litigation and cases involving mineral rights. In the Baltimore office, Ava Lias-Booker has an active trial practice covering a variety of commercial and civil disputes. David Powell in San Francisco is a name to note for financial services litigation.

Known for its strength in class actions, cybersecurity disputes and complex commercial litigation, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has recently been engaged in a number of disputes relating to the impact of the pandemic on businesses in the US. With particular strength in real estate litigation and healthcare disputes, Deborah Baum continues to handle high value corporate disputes across all forums. Also recommended is Melissa Lesmes, who has been recognized throughout the market for her expertise in construction and insurance coverage disputes. Both named partners are based in Washington DC.

Based in New York, the litigation group at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP is best known for its expertise in shareholder litigation and financial services litigation involving private investment funds. Among the team's recent highlights, Michael Swartz obtained a major victory for Pantera Capital Management in a high-value case against a cryptocurrency investment fund manager. Another key contact in the team is William Gussman, who is recommended for his role in securities fraud and M&A litigation. Peter White  jointly leads the practice group alongside Swartz.

Leveraging a strong presence across Texas, Vinson & Elkins LLP has particular expertise in litigation in the energy sector, but has been involved in a range of commercial and civil litigation over the review period. In a recent matter, Matthew Moran (Dallas) represented an ad hoc group of lenders in relation to Pioneer Energy Services' Chapter 11 proceedings involving $175m in debt, resulting in a successful settlement. Jim Thompson (Houston), John Wander (Dallas), Craig Seebald (Washington DC) and Michael Holmes (Dallas) jointly lead the practice group.