Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 1

A market stalwart for renewable energy projects in the US for decades, Norton Rose Fulbright continues to be one of the most prominent names in the field, advising on financings of first-of-their-kind projects and major developments in the full range of renewable and alternative energy production. Tax equity matters are a particular strength; since the market for tax credit sales opened at the turn of 2023, the firm has handled a large share of related matters. Keith Martin, based in Washington DC, advises a large number of wind and solar energy companies in the US and jointly leads the practice group with New York-based project finance expert Ben Koenigsberg. Also in New York, Todd Alexander acts for lenders and developers of energy and infrastructure projects, and tax partner David Burton is well versed in energy sector matters. Becky Diffen in Austin has a particular focus on the acquisition and divestiture of renewable energy assets, while Marissa Leigh Alcala in Washington DC is another renewables-focused partner to note, particularly for their international project experience.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 1

With a client base encompassing major financial institutions, healthcare conglomerates, and tech corporations, the Norton Rose Fulbright team is well-equipped to advise on domestic and cross-border M&A in the public and private spheres. The practice’s offering covers a wide array of transactions, ranging from multibillion dollar cross-border deals to mid-market M&A within the US. Dallas-based team co-lead Scarlet McNellie is an expert in leading on divestitures and spin-off transactions, while co-head Sheldon Nussbaum, who is based in New York, chiefly handles corporate governance matters. Houston lawyer Brian P Fenske covers IPOs and venture capital financings, and St. Louis-based Kevin Fischer assists private equity funds with corporate transactional issues. Kevin Friedmann acts on behalf of start-up companies in seed stage and angel financings from Chicago, and both Kessar Nashat and Steve Suzzan focus on joint ventures and corporate governance matters in New York.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright's practice is headed up by David Kessler and Andrea D’Ambra, who lead a team well-equipped to represent clients spanning a multitude of industry sectors in high-stakes and consistently high-value disputes. The global head, Kessler, has strong capabilities in handling strategic cross-border e-discovery and information governance matters, along with portfolio management and data governance. D’Ambra is an experienced litigator who focuses on regulatory investigation, data privacy and cybersecurity issues. Another key member of the team is associate Susana Medeiros, who frequently advises on preservation and collection. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 2

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

Led from Houston by Brett Young and also able to draw upon resources from other key offices including Dallas and Minneapolis, Norton Rose Fulbright has significant visibility among pharmaceutical manufacturers and medical device companies, including in major class actions and MDLs. In Dallas, D’Lesli Davis , who heads up the life sciences and healthcare sub-group, has vast industry knowledge and litigation smarts with which she uses to good effect on MDLs/class actions, as well as in relation to pharmacovigilance matters. As well as regularly representing clients on personal injury matters, Davis has also gained a strong reputation advising on economic loss issues, not only on behalf of affected consumers but also third party payers. Also based in Dallas, Jonathan B. Skidmore regularly forms a pivotal part of the team’s involvement in many of the highest-profile disputes in the sector and has gained particular acclaim for his trial record. Dallas-based senior associate Ellie Norris is also recommended and has experience defending pharmaceutical manufacturers against economic loss, consumer protection, and deceptive practices claims brought by individuals, third-party payers, and state governments.

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

Much of Norton Rose Fulbright‘s toxic tort work is generated from its Houston office, with energy sector clients accounting for the majority of the workflow. Under the guidance of Brett Young, the team is particularly accomplished at providing an all-encompassing crisis response service in the aftermath of an environmental accident. Aided on the regulatory front by Eddie Lewis, Young helps clients manage any reputational issues and to effectively deal with media inquiries, as well as to respond to any attendant governmental investigations and ensuing private litigation. On the West Coast, Los Angeles-based Jeffrey Margulies regularly handles product safety and litigation mandates for consumer product manufacturers, including as it relates to California’s Proposition 65 environmental legislation.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP’s energy litigation lawyers are routinely engaged by a wide range of domestic and international clients, including major oil companies, pipelines, and energy traders, in high value energy disputes and litigation. Commercial litigation specialist Melanie Rother leads the team and regularly represents major clients, including Occidental Petroleum, Anadarko Petroleum, and Shell, in complex litigation before state and federal courts throughout the US. Experienced litigator Daniel McClure is a go-to choice for commercial litigation, including class actions, royalty disputes, and contract disputes, while San Antonio-based Jeffrey Webb represents upstream, midstream, downstream, oilfield services, and retail companies, particularly in traditional oil and gas disputes. Other key contacts include Reagan Brown, whose extensive practice includes commercial litigation, royalty disputes and serious personal injury and wrongful death litigation, and energy litigation expert Carter Dugan. Lawyers are in Houston unless otherwise stated.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright is a key advisor on a number of transactions across the upstream, midstream and downstream space that span M&A, joint ventures, and debt and equity arrangements. The firm is able to count some of the foremost majors and domestic energy companies as part of its impressive client roster, and these players turn to the firm for its vast asset knowledge. The firm demonstrates considerable expertise in deepwater drilling mandates, with activity on a number of corporate and commercial transactions pertaining to the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Brazil, whilst also showing an impressive range of asset engagement that includes carbon capture, ethylene and bromine – among others. Craig Vogelsang continues to helm the practice and is a key figure for names such as BP, Conoco and Shell as he handles their marquee transactions in both major oil and gas basins and offshore sites, possessing the ability to advise across the full gamut of hydrocarbons. Mac Marshall is at the forefront of the group’s upstream and midstream sector transactions, and is particularly strong counseling on commercial agreements. Senior counsel Alex Niebruegge has shown prolific activity across the board, active on M&A, private equity, and commercial agreements, both on the domestic and international front. John Mauel retired in January 2023, while Jessica Rodriguez left the firm in December 2023. All practitioners operate out of Houston.

Finance > Project finance

A ‘very knowledgeable’ team that combines ‘experience and competence coupled with flexibility’ to service a wide-client base, Norton Rose Fulbright handles high-end project finance and development work, demonstrating activity on large scale battery storage ventures, first-of-its-kind tax equity instructions, and multi-billion dollar digital infrastructure and power transmission projects. A strong lead arranger and lender practice is coupled with an increasing sponsor focus, working with both domestic and international infrastructure funds and asset managers. Bridge, toll road, and highway PPPs are intermixed with landmark projects such as the representing the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on the procurement of a design-build agreement for JFK Airport, as well as a strong body of utilities-focused work. Washington’s Keith Martin and New York’s Ben Koenigsberg co-lead the energy practice, with both practitioners noted for the breadth of their asset understanding and the former also highlighted for his tax expertise, while New York’s Todd Alexander’s eminent reputation in the energy sector continues to attract an array of instructions from lenders and investors engaging with both traditional and renewable assets. Douglas M. Fried spearheads the firm’s infrastructure offering from New York and is equally well versed acting for the sponsors, developers and procuring body across a range of PPP projects, often working alongside fellow co-leads Douglas B. Buchanan who is similarly proficient across PPPs and splits his time between New York and Vancouver, and Jacob Falk, a Washington DC-based advisor who has helmed major inner-city transport redevelopments over the past twelve months. Also based in Washington DC, Noam Ayali has been the chief advisor to a consortium of arrangers engaged with the Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line. Becky Diffen handles renewable energy, storage and transmission projects from the Austin office, while Washington D.’s Hilary Lefko provides long-standing tax equity financing expertise to an array of mandates. Rhodri Evans brings experience to bear beyond just the procurement and financial closing of infrastructure ventures, often counselling through the development and completion stage, and operates out of Seattle. Austin’s Luke Edney showcases prolific activity across the full spectrum of energy matters, with particular expertise on development and procurement work. Deanne Barrow, who acts out of San Francisco, is a key feature on the firm's energy transition and clean tech mandates.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): municipal Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s municipal restructuring and bankruptcy group has represented key parties in-court and out-of-court debt adjustment proceedings, alongside representing creditors in Chapter 9 cases including in Detroit and Jefferson County Alabama. New York-based Eric Daucher  heads the practice and has represented major stakeholders and parties including ad hoc groups of insured bondholders in large municipal restructurings, including the restructuring of Puerto Rico’s finances. Ryan Manns , located in Dallas, co-head’s the practice and has been involved in different stages of restructurings involving advising on bond holdings, whereas Rebecca Winthrop, in Los Angeles, has represented secured and unsecured creditors, as well as debtors in insolvency proceedings. James Copeland, in New York is noted for his varied practice, including advising foreign representatives in Chapter 15 proceedings.

Industry focus > Education Tier 2

The practice at Norton Rose Fulbright is routinely called upon by academic medical centers, public and private universities, and their boards, directors, and foundations for its education law expertise. Key areas of practice for the group include transactional, regulatory, and IP support, as well as litigation. The department is jointly directed by two partners who also co-lead the firm’s US healthcare practice. St. Louis-based Stacey Murphy focuses on transactional mandates and the structuring of management services agreements and professional services agreements, while the Houston-based Susan Feigin Harris majors on corporate governance, regulatory, and compliance work. Additional key contacts include New York-based healthcare transactional and regulatory specialist Andrew Roth, who specializes in corporate transactions and medical school accreditation matters. Dallas-based senior counsel Jennifer McDaniel is well-versed in state licensing and federal enrollment and reimbursement matters.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 2

Representing airlines, operating lessors, hedge funds, institutional equity investors, and commercial and investment banks, Norton Rose Fulbright‘s New York-based aviation finance team acts on the full range of transactions, including the acquisition, leasing, conversion and financing of cargo aircraft. The group is particularly active in cross-border deals, as well as being increasingly mandated for Latin American matters. Acting for operating lessors, airlines and lenders on aircraft acquisitions, leasings and financings, Alyssa Marie Vazquez heads up the firm’s aviation team in the US. Flanking Vazquez, Fiona Henderson is ‘extremely well versed in the New York aviation law space’. Henderson’s recent experience includes advising Scandinavian Airlines (as special aircraft counsel) on its Chapter 11 Case. The next line of advisers includes Ryan Apar, who assists lenders, borrowers, lessors and operators with financings, leasings and acquisitions, and is particularly focused on transportation equipment-related finance. Former partner Sean Corrigan  retired from the firm during 2023.

Transport > Shipping: finance Tier 2

Able to ‘put together cross-border teams with the required level of expertise’, Norton Rose Fulbright‘s US shipping practice comprises teams in both New York and Texas that are able to leverage the expertise of the firm’s shipping team globally for cross-border matters. The team routinely represents US and foreign banks in international shipping transactions, while being increasingly active on behalf of non-traditional sources of ship financing, such as funds, governmental finance support entities, and capital markets deals’ issuers. The group advises on the gamut of ship financings, including private debt and equity placements, finance and securities arrangements, and secured and unsecured financing. The firm additionally has a robust structured finance practice. Focused on the representation of financial institutions and borrowers, US head of transport Brian Devine is a specialist in maritime-related assets. Providing key support, past-President of the Connecticut Chapter of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association, Kassandra Savicki, is an expert in maritime and international finance; and Julie Pateman Ward assists with significant corporate restructurings. All attorneys named are based in the firm’s New York office.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

‘Exceptional both in terms of its quality and its geographical reach’, Norton Rose Fulbright’s international arbitration practice leverages a thriving Houston offering, which marks it as a key contender for energy and natural resources-related work. Primarily active on commercial cases, the team is also well versed in investor-state matters, where it has extensive experience in both ICSID and UNCITRAL proceedings. From Houston, global department head, Mark Baker, has acted as counsel or arbitrator in cases spanning more than sixty countries worldwide, with a focus on the energy, infrastructure, mining, transport and financial services spheres. Kevin O’Gorman, also in Houston, spearheads the US international arbitration practice and specializes in commercial, energy, sovereign, treaty and project-related disputes. The group also draws on Washington DC’s Matthew Kirtland, who is praised as ‘inventive in his arguments’; New York-based insurance disputes co-head Mina Matin, who is highly regarded for Bermuda Form arbitrations; and talented San Francisco-based senior associate Katie Connolly.

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

Primarily led from the firm’s Texas offices, Norton Rose Fulbright has considerable experience strategizing trucking and automotive litigation across numerous jurisdictions and states, as well as coordinating discovery on a nationwide basis. The firm combines deep industry and subject matter knowledge to ensure that clients are well protected throughout the litigation process. The firm continues to handle a significant volume of work for clients throughout the automotive value chain, including automotive component part manufacturers, dealers, rental companies and retail outlets. San Antonio-based US head of litigation Steve Jansma is at the forefront of the most significant mandates handled by the team, and has represented Walmart and Sam’s Club in their automotive and tire litigation docket. Also based out of San Antonio, Jeffrey Webb heads up the firm’s automotive practice and is a popular choice for the defense of product liability claims and is also a popular choice for clients seeking to minimize the risk of litigation through effective risk management processes. Brett Young heads up the overarching products and mass tort offering from Houston.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

Representing a diverse client roster in the electric power space, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP has extensive experience across a wide spectrum of regulatory matters, including at the federal and state level as well as in transactions and litigation. Houston-based Caileen Kateri Gamache is particularly active in advising on the financing of renewable energy projects and also handles offtake agreements, PPAs, and supply contracts. Washington DC’s Robert Shapiro is another key name who focuses on power hedging arrangements, project finance, and the regulatory requirements of power projects. Also based in DC is Joseph Williams, whose practice encompasses routinely representing clients before authorities such as FERC and the CFTC. The practice also welcomed energy regulatory, reliability, and project development attorney Debra Ann Palmer to its ranks in 2023.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 3

Demonstrating the ability to advise across a wide array of energy assets, Norton Rose Fulbright‘s client roster comprises a host of investment partnerships, global asset managers, infrastructure funds and major industry developers. The practice, which has an impressive record on renewable energy projects, is under the joint leadership of Austin’s Becky Diffen and New York’s Kessar Nashat. Diffen handles M&A, joint venture and project development mandates, particularly with regard to developers navigating sell-side M&A, while Nashat has notable strength working alongside investors and financial sponsors. The Los Angeles-based Elizabeth Sluder brings wider expertise to the fore through her tax equity financing acumen and ability to consider the environmental and regulatory issues that underpin the firm’s diverse portfolio of transactions. Chicago-based Sameer A. Ghaznavi has been the leading figure on major renewable portfolio deals, advising both domestic and international clients, whereas Anastasia Slivker has overseen investments in both projects and companies from the New York office.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 3

The environmental team at Norton Rose Fulbright acts for industrial, utilities, retail and public agencies in matters concerning government enforcement actions, defense of administrative, civil and criminal proceedings. It is also particularly strong in Superfund site matters, handling toxic tort mandates across the US. Edward Lewis steers the group from Houston, handling incident response and governmental enforcement actions alleging environmental violations. In the Los Angeles office, Elizabeth M Weaver and Jeffrey Margulies are recommended, the former dealing with Superfund, toxic tort, water related issues and matters falling under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, while the latter is known for defending land and air contamination cases as well as those associated with hazardous waste.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright supports all forms of market participants, such as issuers, warehouse-lenders, underwriters, servicers and investors, in their securitizations and warehouse financings. The firm is experienced in a range of asset classes, including esoteric assets like solar loans, property-assessed clean energy bonds, pharmaceutical royalties and aircraft leases. This expertise encompasses domestic and international securitization issues. In New York, Patrick Dolan, who specializes in asset- and mortgage-backed securitizations for issuers underwriters and investors, and Andrew Coronios, who works on syndicated credit facilities, ABCP conduits and various ABS securitization types, lead the practice. Eric Tashman in San Francisco and Matt Hughey in New York are noted within the practice for utility securitizations. Catherine Young Hagerty left the firm in January 2023.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

Regularly advising clients in the video games, banking, tech and automotive sectors among others, Norton Rose Fulbright is capable of advising clients on clearance, prosecution, registration and a host of other transactional trademark mandates. Timothy M Kenny, who wields his considerable experience in opposition and cancellation proceedings to act for a varied client roster, and Felicia Boyd, whose capabilities involve handling trademark mandates arising from the financial services, medical devices, music and pharma industries, jointly helm the team from Minneapolis. Linda M Merritt strengthens the team from the firm’s Dallas office, contributing her diverse expertise across software, food products and pharma sectors. Other key names to note in the practice include Houston’s Andrea Shannon and Austin’s Stephanie Schmidt, who are both senior associates, and Alesha Dominique, who joined as partner from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP in September 2023. Johanna Schmitt joined the firm from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in New York in June 2024.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 3

Incident response and crisis management form the cornerstone of the global cybersecurity and privacy team at Norton Rose Fulbright, which pairs ‘off the charts’ sector expertise with an ‘incredibly tight knit’ team to integrate into clients cyber programs. Global head of the practice group Chris Cwalina works out of Washington DC, leveraging in-house experience to manage large-scale data breaches and particularly recommended for his ‘relationship management and responsiveness‘, which is ‘unparalleled‘. In New York, David Kessler heads the US privacy offering from the team; his practice focuses on compliance and cross-border data transfers. Anna Rudawski, also in New York, is a go-to for clients concerning compliance with international, federal, and state privacy regulations. Andrea D’Ambra , head of the US technology team, along with head of digital analytics and technology assessment Steven Roosa, both in New York, are recommended alongside head of cybersecurity Will Daugherty in Houston.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright’s Atlanta-based team has a well-rounded outsourcing practice capable of handling both traditional and digital ITO and BPO transactions domestically as well as in Europe and Asia. The firm adopts a customer-side focus and regularly undertakes work relating to cloud migration and the negotiation of service agreements. Co-head Sean Christy assists with outsourcing transactions within the financial services and hospitality sectors, while co-head Chuck Hollis handles digital outsourcing arrangements. Tim Carlton concentrates on strategic outsourcing arrangements in regulated industries in addition to handling SaaS agreements and AI-related projects. Derek Johnston primarily counsels public and private companies on deals in the life sciences and tech industries, and Michelle Meiselman serves as global support for the implementation of ERP and cloud services.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP works as part of the firm’s global network to provide comprehensive tax support on an array of complex, multijurisdictional matters. The group covers litigation and administrative proceedings at the federal and SALT level, with expertise in advanced pricing agreements and transfer pricing as well as in criminal tax matters. Robert Morris, who is based in Houston, co-leads the department alongside William Cavanagh in New York. Morris covers disputes at both the federal and state level, while Cavanagh, whose practice is primarily non-contentious, increasingly acts on tax matters that are connected to bankruptcy. Stephen Kuntz, also in Houston, is particularly active in the energy sector, with experience in transfer pricing and energy credits.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

Civil claims litigation, particularly in multi-district class action cases, is a key component of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP’s antitrust practice. The team provides representation at both the state and federal level across the US to clients across a gamut of industries, from medical to telecoms to banking to energy, mining, and manufacturing. Splitting her time between New York and Washington DC, Robin Adelstein leads the team. Layne Kruse focuses his practice on antitrust and business litigation, based in Houston and DC, with a diverse clientele of both plaintiffs and defendants. In Houston, Darryl Anderson fields experience in monopolization and conspiracy claims, as well as national and international government investigations. Also based in Houston and DC, Eliot Turner has a strong background in no-poach and algorithmic price fixing claims, while Geraldine Young, in Houston, brings arbitration experience to the team. Michael Swartzendruber in Dallas and Mark Robertson in New York are other names to note.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

Norton Rose Fulbright is recognized in the domestic and international marketplaces for its expertise in disputes across key industry sectors, including energy, infrastructure, transport, tech, and life sciences. Four attorneys jointly head up the practice group: Richard Krumholz  in Dallas routinely handles securities and bankruptcy litigation, Houston lawyer Steven Jansma represents clients in product liability disputes, Robin Adelstein splits her time between Washington DC and New York, and is a key contact for antitrust matters, and Houston-based Andrew Price is noted for his expertise in IP litigation and professional liability claims.

Finance > Fintech Tier 4

A strong choice for investors, start-ups, and technology companies, Norton Rose Fulbright is praised by clients for its ‘innovative approach to work’, and is particularly experienced in advising financial institutions on regulatory fintech mandates. Stephen Aschettino oversees the New York practice, and is well-equipped to advise sizeable airlines, energy providers, retailers, and social media companies on the development and implementation of paytech solutions. Andrew Lom is often engaged in blockchain, fund formation, securities trading, and tokenization matters, while Denver-based Rachael Browndorf is knowledgeable in cryptocurrency, payments, as well as private and public token offerings.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP‘s restructuring group has offices across the US including New York, Houston and Dallas, with the team experienced in representing clients in the energy sector in various restructurings, alongside healthcare, transportation and cryptocurrency, where attorneys have been involved in a number of Chapter 11 cases involving crypto lenders and digital asset exchanges. Houston based Jason Boland  focuses on business bankruptcy matters and commercial disputes, having represented a range of parties in both transactional and litigation-related engagements in federal courts. Ryan Manns , situated in Dallas, represents public and private corporations both inside and out of court, while New York based Eric Daucher  and Howard Seife  are key names in the team, with Seife representing domestic and international clients in all key industries.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 4

In addition to advising clients in the pharmaceuticals and medical devices clients, Norton Rose Fulbright also advises a number of retail pharmacies and drug distributors, supporting them in the event of data breaches and also providing data security compliance support, with New York-based David Kessler taking the lead on such matters. The practice also takes on a range of contentious work, including antitrust litigation and patent disputes before the ITC. D’Lesli Davis, a Dallas and New York-based litigator who represents clients facing mass tort and MDL cases, leads the group alongside Jonathan Skidmore, who handles disputes revolving around pharmaceutical and medical products and devices liability.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Norton Rose Fulbright houses a practice known for its broad transactional capabilities, regularly advising on affiliation agreements and M&A. The group is also noted for its handling of disputes concerning out-of-network payments. D’Lesli Davis, Stacey Murphy and Susan Feigin Harris co-lead the practice. In the Missouri office, Murphy handles a broad range of issues for hospitals and physician groups, including joint ventures, and academic and clinical affiliations. Harris is a key name within the Texas group, and is known for her knowledge of reimbursement mandates, while Jerry Bell regularly assists clients with M&A and corporate governance issues. Jim Wiehl left the firm in late 2023.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 4

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s insurance team deals with national and international insurance and reinsurance matters, with notable strength in representing major global insurance companies in complex Bermuda Form excess casualty arbitrations. The practice is co-led by four partners: Neel Lane, based in San Antonio, supports the practice in handling insurers in coverage litigation, class action suits, reinsurance arbitrations, and other disputes. In New York, fellow co-head Mina Matin is recognized for her work in Bermuda Form arbitrations, with extensive experience representing international insurers, reinsurers, and captive insurance companies in litigation and arbitrations worldwide, while Robert Romano is notable for his extensive experience in insurance regulatory and corporate matters. This year, the team has gained additional strength with Kevin Fischer joining as co-head from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, contributing experience in complex insurance M&A transactions, bringing with him a team including partners Bruce Baty, Jodi Adolf, and Michael Schwartz.

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

Norton Rose Fulbright fields a group of ‘responsive and very practical’ intellectual property lawyers who represent both patent holders and accused infringers in disputes across a broad range of industries, with particular emphasis on the tech, life sciences, energy and infrastructure, and resources sectors. In Houston, Daniel Leventhal  leadsthe  IP disputes practice and is a seasoned high-tech patent litigator, and Richard Zembek specializes on IP disputes with competition elements. The Dallas group includes Brett C Govett, who focuses on IP, commercial and tort cases, and Art Licygiewicz, who offers clients niche expertise in handling disputes related to LED lighting technology. Mike Solomita in New York, who provides ‘exceptional service and quality of work‘ in the full range of IP disputes, is also a key contact.

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

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s patent prosecution practice is well-equipped to handle the gamut of matters, including filing and prosecuting patent and design applications; performing due diligence and infringement studies; and handling post-grant proceedings. Key team members at the practice include ‘go-to’ attorney Eagle Robinson who is based in Austin. At the same office, Gina Shishima who also spends time at the New York hub, stands out for her biotech/pharma specialism. Tim Kenny in Minneapolis is another name to note. In San Francisco, Jason Novak and Roger Kuan are key practitioners. Robinson and Kenny co-head.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 4

The group at Norton Rose Fulbright, lauded for being ‘cost-efficient, practical, responsive, and knowledgeable’, routinely handles the defense of claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as wage and hour cases. In addition, the team conducts internal investigations and is frequently called upon by clients working in the oil-and-gas sector. Houston-based Shauna Johnson Clark leads the department and handles both litigation and workplace investigations involving allegations of harassment, hostile work environments, discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblowing. Additional key contacts include the firm’s global labor and employment lead M Carter Crow, who is based in Houston; and Mario Barrera, who works from San Antonio and Austin and is lauded for his ‘strong guidance’.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 4

Norton Rose Fulbright, with offices in New York and Texas supported by a strong national and global network, has an especially strong reputation for its work in the energy sector, including in the renewables space. New York’s William Cavanagh, regularly handling domestic and cross-border M&A, spin-offs, project finance transactions, securities offerings, and securitized loan transactions, chairs the team alongside Robert Morris in Houston, who focuses on tax controversy matters. Houston-based William Bowers specializes in federal income tax planning for business transactions involving corporations, partnerships, and real estate investment trusts. He offers clients niche expertise in Up-C structure tax issues. Richard Wright in New York is active in the energy, tech, aerospace, and pharma sectors, while Houston’s Stephen Kuntz concentrates on deals involving corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Hilary Lefko in Washington DC has recently acted in relation to tax equity financings, tax credit sales, and renewables M&A.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense Tier 5

With an expansive global network, Norton Rose Fulbright offers seamless advice to clients involved in multijurisdictional investigations. The team is especially adept at traversing sanction requirements of the EU, UK, and US. Kevin Harnisch and Keith Rosen are based in Washington DC- Harnisch frequently handles matters before regulatory authorities such as the SEC, CFTC, and FINRA. Rosen has significant experience advising on internal and congressional investigations. Also located in Washington DC, associate Ilana Sinkin routinely assists with cases relating to false claims, insider trading, and market manipulation. Practicing in New York, Sandeep Savla is recommended for major financial investigations, while Mayling Blanco has experience with litigation arising out of fraud.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 5

Norton Rose Fulbright has a growing role in securities class actions and shareholder derivative suits on behalf of large US corporates. The firm, which also handles internal and government investigations, including matters concerning alleged false statements to the SEC, insider trading, and misleading financial statements, is primarily active for clients in the energy, life sciences and healthcare, and financial services industries. Kevin Harnisch in Washington DC and Sandeep Savla in New York jointly lead the regulation, investigations, securities and compliance practice, which operates from offices across the US. Experienced litigator Peter Stokes in Austin is currently acting for MoneyGram International in a 10b5 class action and a shareholder derivative action conceding a $125m settlement with the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission over alleged lapses in the company’s fraud detection controls.

Real estate Tier 5

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s ‘highly knowledgeable’ team frequently assists private equity investors, financial institutions, developers, and multinational companies on acquisitions of land and properties, joint ventures, and lender side construction loans and acquisition financings. In the past year, the team has been particularly active in the industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use spaces, in addition to energy matters involving offshore and wind energy. John Jennings leads the team from San Antonio and handles a broad range of transactions as well as negotiations of federal, state and local economic development incentives. Katherine Tapley brings experience in acquisition and development mandates including in multi-family, healthcare, and entertainment venues. Meanwhile, in St. Louis, transaction and finance attorney Dani Davis is also active on a range of matters including workouts.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

Norton Rose Fulbright has one of the largest teams in the market, spread primarily across its New York, Washington DC, Mexico City and Sao Paulo offices. This affords the Latin America team with a broad and enviable client base of sponsors, commercial banks and agency lenders. The firm has a strong pipeline of engagements, particularly in Brazil and Mexico, but also in other key markets such as Chile, Peru and Colombia. It has achieved further growth in data centre infrastructure projects in Brazil and Mexico, along with further urban infrastructure matters and green technology financings. The team is also active on the acquisition of power and renewables portfolios, including existing assets and those under development, along with the renewables refinancings. In Mexico, it remains focused on pipelines and LNG facilities, among other areas. Native Spanish speaker Raquel Bierzwinsky splits her time between Mexico City and New York, and advises on projects and transactions in multiple market segments - including metro lines and LNG liquefaction projects. Washington DC’s Sarah Devine represents numerous of agency lenders and development banks, and has a prolific recent record in Latin America. Sao Paulo partner Daniel Spencer is an experienced figure in energy and infrastructure projects in South American jurisdictions.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance

Norton Rose Fulbright is unique in having a large banking and finance team in São Paulo, that works alongside Latin America-focused colleagues in New York, Washington DC, Mexico City and other offices. The practice has an extensive record in project finance, acquisition finance, restructurings, trade finance and aviation finance, and is also increasingly making its mark in relation to sustainability-linked financings and ESG loans. The Washington DC office has close connections to agency lenders and DFIs, while the broader team has an impressive portfolio of commercial lender clients and large corporate borrowers. Charles Johnson is a leading figure in structured trade finance, asset finance and restructuring, and – although focused on Brazil – he has broad geographic coverage, including Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay. Michael McCourt has impressive connections to Brazilian and international lenders, and has a fine record in structured trade finance, leveraged finance and acquisition finance. Daniel Spencer is a prominent name in project finance and project bonds; while Raquel Bierzwinsky, who splits her time between New York and Mexico City, brings further project finance expertise. In Washington DC, key figures Sarah Devine and Jeremy Hushon frequently represent agencies and DFIs. Counsel Diego Brandão is another prominent team member. All named individuals are based in Sao Paulo unless stated otherwise.