Akin > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

Akin > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 1

Akin is a global force in restructurings. Its giant team, spread across the US, Europe and Asia, has worked on many of the multi-billion dollar restructurings around the world. It frequently acts for official creditors’ committees and ad hoc groups, while also representing debtors and significant investors in major engagements. Ira Dizengoff is global head of the financial restructuring practice and has an established record in major distressed and bankruptcy-related matters; he has represented official creditors’ committees on some of the largest restructurings in the market. Philip Dublin is practice group leader of the financial restructuring group and is also a prominent figure in representing official creditors’ committees and ad hoc groups in large-scale restructurings. Michael Stamer is another senior figure within the team, along with Abid Qureshi, who heads the New York office and is a prominent name in restructuring litigation. Arik Preis and Washington DC’s Scott Alberino are also key partners in the team. Sara Brauner is another emerging talent. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Government > Government relations Tier 1

The full-service lobbying and public policy practice at Akin has a wealth of experience advocating and liaising before congressional committees and the executive branches of government. The team has in-depth knowledge of the political process and regularly advocates for clients across a range of sectors, including technology, automotive, energy, TMT, healthcare and entertainment, with recent expansion in the AI and gig economy fields. The bipartisan practice is jointly led by Hunter Bates, who maintains excellent relationships with the senate and the house to advocate for Fortune 100 and trade associations, and Brian Pomper, who is sought out for his expertise in public policy, regulatory, political advisory and international trade services. The firm houses notable tax lobbyists Jeffrey McMillen and Zachary Rudisill, while Ed Pagano works primarily on antitrust, communications, immigration reform, tech and AI legislative matters. Hans Rickhoff is a further name to note, advising foreign sovereign governments through the US legislative and regulatory landscape, while recently promoted partner Christopher Treanor specialises in the field of climate, energy and environmental policies. Among the teams recent departures were Brendan Dunn and Arshi Siddiqui who left in October 2024 to government relations services companies, while Dario Frommer left the practice for Mayer Brown in 2024. In December 2024 Joe Donnelly rejoined the practice after having served as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See for 2 years.

International trade and national security > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 1

Akin‘s export controls, customs, and sanctions teams have a strong reputation on the market due to a combination of high-end clients and a strong depth of services. On the customs side of the team, the firm’s attorneys are capable of representing companies across a range of market sectors including shipping, rail, and food with a focus on investigations, tariff controversies, and litigation. The firm’s large international trade deal flow, combined with its reputation in the area, has led to wide-reaching global capabilities and experience in the sanctions and export controls space, with ITAR and EAR investigations a notable strength. Part of a very deep bench of lawyers in Washington D.C., Thomas J McCarthy ‘s client base includes significant aerospace and defense companies. Lars-Erik A Hjelm and Suzanne Kane head the custom practice, with vast public and private sector experience. Susan M C Kovarovics focuses her practice on ITAR and EAR sanctions. Shiva Aminian leads the international trade practice on the West Coast, working out of the Los Angeles office. Kevin Wolf remains very important to the team.

International trade and national security > Trade remedies and trade policy Tier 1

Akin‘s global footprint gives them a platform from which they provide trade counsel and advice to significant clients, including companies, industries, and foreign governments. The trade remedy litigation team advises clients in the agriculture, automotive, natural resource, and semiconductors industries, in antidumping and countervailing duties. Yujin Kim McNamara represents clients in trade litigation before US agencies and international bodies, whilst Bernd Janzen is experienced in handling dispute settlements under NAFTA. The firm’s public law policy lawyers and advisors work closely with the trade policy team to provide representation to clients handling global trade crises. Matthew Nicely has extensive experience in WTO disputes, including representing sovereign nations. Stephen Kho is an important member of the team.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Akin specializes in corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense, representing financial institutions—including banks, broker-dealers, and private investment funds, and their executives in complex investigations and enforcement actions under US and international securities and commodities laws. The firm handles matters involving insider trading, accounting fraud, market manipulation, and other trading violations, defending clients before major regulatory bodies such as the DOJ, SEC, and CFTC. The practice is led by a team of experienced lawyers, including Charles Connolly in Washington DC , who focuses on financial fraud and regulatory enforcement. New York-based, Katherine R. Goldstein  specializes in white-collar government and regulatory investigations, particularly in federal securities and commodities laws. Also acting out of New York, James J Benjamin, Jr brings extensive experience in government investigations and securities enforcement. Peter I. Altman in Los Angeles  has deep expertise in securities class litigation, government enforcement matters, and internal investigations. Parvin Daphne Moyne , also in New York is skilled in white-collar criminal defense and complex commercial litigation.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

Akin advises clients across the oil and gas sector on M&A, financing, project development, and industry-specific agreements, leveraging deep regulatory and operational expertise across upstream, midstream, downstream, petrochemicals, LNG, and utilities. Zachary Wittenberg co-heads the firm’s corporate practice, while fellow co-head Wesley Williams is highly active in the midstream and upstream sectors, advising financial sponsors, operators, and producers on complex transactions. Wesley Williams is noted for his extensive experience leading buy-side and sell-side deals involving midstream companies and assets, and John Goodgame is recognised for his expertise in M&A, corporate governance, and capital raising. Mary Lovely is recommended for her proficiency in acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures across the entire oil and gas value chain, while Robert Shearer has recently advised on multi-billion-dollar mergers and disposals. Trent Bridges and Ian Goldberg joined from Sidley Austin LLP and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, respectively, in spring 2024, enhancing the firm’s energy M&A capabilities. Leana Garipova and Dasha Hodge provide support across a broad range of matters. Williams and Wittenberg operate out of Dallas and New York respectively. Bredthauer is based in Fort Worth. All other individuals sit in Houston.

Industry focus > Education Tier 2

The education practice at Akin handles a range of education matters, with the team’s workload consisting of both federal and internal investigations, litigation and research advisory work. Washington DC-based Michael Vernick is at the helm of the practice and is especially active on False Claim Act cases which extends into several aspects of education including government research funding, contracts and grants and research misconduct.  Another notable practitioner in Washington DC is Marta Thompson, who is an expert in compliance obligations associated with federally funded contracts. Scott Barnard in Dallas and Anthony Pierce in Washington D.C. are well-positioned to advise educational institutions on class action lawsuits.

Industry focus > Native American law Tier 2

The Native American law practice group at Akin is regularly instructed by tribal governments and their commercial enterprises on a range of mandates that includes securing capital to expand businesses and educational facilities and advising on non-gaming business opportunities, governmental contracting and renewable energy projects. Additional areas of expertise include advocating for favorable legislative and regulatory environments and litigation involving rights of way issues. The practice is directed by Donald R Pongrace, who specializes in private and government-to-government negotiations involving land and water rights, energy projects and development projects. Also of note are Jason Hauter, whose expertise encompasses federal policy, Indian water rights and environmental regulation; Katie Brossy, who handles both advisory and contentious matters, including representing tribes in litigation relating to water rights and land use; and litigator Merrill Godfrey. All mentioned practitioners are based in Washington, D.C.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 2

New York’s Barbara Niederkofler leads the alternative hedge funds team at Akin, bringing a global perspective to regulatory work in this space, and aiding non-US funds through complex legislation concerning fund formation.  Representing both domestic and offshore hedge fund managers, JP Bruynes is regularly sought after not only for his comprehensive expertise pertaining to structuring, negotiation, and documentation, but also thanks to his technical and regulatory know how of quantitative trading strategies. Ann E. Tadajweski’s practice focuses on advising both long-standing and emerging investment managers on the structuring, launch, and capital raising activities of alternative investment funds. All lawyers are based in New York.

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

Akin is at the forefront of emerging state privacy law, regularly advising clients on the new California Consumer Privacy Act. The firm is also experienced in government and internal investigations brought due to cybersecurity and data privacy concerns. Its sector expertise covers a wide variety of industries, including the financial sectors, healthcare, retail and defense sectors. Located in San Francisco, Natasha Kohne heads the team, advising on AI regulation and representing in investigations and class action. Jo-Ellyn Sakowitz Klein, found in Washington DC, is an expert on a range of regulatory frameworks, such as HIPAA, HITECH, CCPA and the FTC Act. Jo-Ellyn Sakowitz Klein, located in California, is seasoned in consumer and data privacy class actions. Peter Altman works from Los Angeles and advises clients in the public and private sectors, representing companies in government enforcement procedures. Dario Frommer left the team in May 2024, followed by Corey Roush in June 2024 and Michelle Reed in July 2024.

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

The practice group at Akin is regularly engaged by major industry players seeking representation in appeals in Circuit and Supreme courts nationwide. Particular areas of expertise include IP, Native American law, administrative law, labor law, and financial restructuring cases. The practice is coordinated by Washington, D.C.-based Pratik Shah, who brings to the table experience arguing eighteen cases before the US Supreme Court and over sixty in other appellate courts across the country. A recent standout mandate saw Shah successfully defend the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority against constitutional challenges to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, brought by various states and private groups, in multiple circuits. James Tysse and Julius Chen are additional key contacts at the D.C. office. Aileen McGrath left the firm in July 2024.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

In addition to covering conventional securities defense and shareholder derivative actions for public companies and their directors and officers, Akin is perhaps best known for its work on behalf of funds and investment advisers. In this context, investment fund litigation head Douglas Rappaport regularly advises hedge funds seeking to effect change through shareholder activism, as well as often defending them in securities-related cases, including with regard to short-swing trading litigation and insider trading. Stephen Baldini has strong connections among private equity sponsors and hedge funds, regularly defending them in securities fraud disputes as part of his broad business litigation offering  Dallas-based Scott Barnard is focused on issuer-side securities fraud matters, including those involving parallel SEC enforcement actions; he has developed particular skill advising distressed companies in ancillary securities proceedings and counseling public energy companies and energy master limited partnerships in securities suits in Delaware and Texas. Contentious restructuring lawyer Joseph Sorkin co-heads the team alongside Barnard and Rappaport. All named practitioners are based in New York unless otherwise noted.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

Akin‘s projects and energy transition team has a robust offering which covers transactions and advice on development. The practice has particular strengths in project finance, construction and development, and operations and maintenance, as well as tax structuring, equity financing, and M&A transactions, among others. With wide-reaching capabilities, the department has picked up new and impressive clients to its roster which is comprised of notable names from the financial services, energy, and infrastructure sectors such as HSBC and CIM Group. Heading up the team in New York is Ike Emehelu who stands out for his expertise advising on project finance transactions, renewable energy investments, and the acquisition and disposition of energy projects. In Houston, Matthew Kapinos leads the group and concentrates on joint ventures, acquisitions, and divestitures. Other key practitioners in the department include Washington DC’s Shariff Barakat and Vanessa Richelle Wilson, Houston-based Ian Goldberg – who joined the firm in April 2024 – and Hayden Harms, who is also based in Houston.

Government > Government contracts Tier 3

Akin offers a comprehensive service in FCA matters, bid protests, investigations, suspension and debarment, infrastructure procurement, contract negotiations and transactions for major tech, aerospace and defense contractors. The team is based in Washington DC and is led by Michael Vernick, who handles a range of FCA, contracts and grants, bid protests and compliance issues for high education institutions and healthcare and life sciences clients. Susan Lent is adept at procurement matters in the transportation and energy sectors, focusing on financial agreements, domestic regulations and legislation in this regard, while Scott Heimberg’s broad practice includes advice on transactions involving government contractors, bid protests and compliance counselling. Angela Styles advises defense, energy and homeland security clients on grants, costs and pricing issues and federal procurement, Marta Thompson assists on high stakes FCA cases and McKenzie Miller combines expertise in commercial litigation, white collar investigations with government contracts matters.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 3

At Akin, practitioners are go-to contacts for emerging market funds, but the group has core expertise in real estate, venture capital, energy and credit funds. Barbara Niederkofler in New York, who ‘excels across all aspects of structuring complex fund products and advising on compliance matters’ heads up the team, and is well supported by Blayne Grady in Washington DC whose practice is geared towards credit funds, with particular nous in credit fund structuring. New York-based Dennis P. Pereira, described as ‘knowledgeable, very pragmatic, and an excellent communicator’ is a stand out practitioner in the team, and regularly advises Apollo Global Management. Wendy Dodson Gallegos joined the team in May 2025.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3

Akin is particularly active in the energy sector, advising domestic and international corporations on management changes, shareholder proposals, disclosure obligations, and activism matters. Led by Kerry E Berchem in New York, the practice is also equipped to advise on ESG work, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, board reviews, and internal investigations. Berchem is hailed as an ‘exceptional leader’ and regularly advises private and public companies on the full spectrum of governance matters. Alongside her, Dan Fisher focuses on issues that will arise after a company goes through restructuring under Chapter 11. Garrett DeVries in Dallas works on IPOs, mergers, and stock acquisitions, leveraging his corporate finance background into his governance work whilst Houston’s John Goodgame focuses on SEC compliance for clients predominantly in the oil & gas sector.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 3

The team at Akin acts for a range of clients – both sponsor and management side – on a steady flow of high-value middle market transactions, with particular skill in regulated sectors and distressed deals. Zachary Wittenberg leads the team from Dallas, while New York-based co-head Amy Wollensack advises a broad client base on the full spectrum of M&A and PE transactions, also demonstrating expertise in corporate governance matters. Co-head Thomas Yang, also based in Dallas, has recently handled sponsor-side and portfolio company-side transactions for Princeton Equity Group. Andy Lehman rejoined the firm from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in May 2024 and serves as a fourth co-head in Houston, while the final co-head and New York-based Sergio Urias advises private equity firms and sovereign wealth funds on complex cross-border transactions. Eli Miller, also based in New York, is particularly active in the industrials and manufacturing space. Elina Alperovich joined from Greenberg Traurig LLP in October 2024 and brings previous in-house experience at Apollo to the fore. Jeff Potash also joined the firm from Covington & Burling LLP in October 2024. David D'Urso, Elazar Guttman, and Thomas McCaffrey all left the practice in 2024.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Shareholder activism Tier 3

Akin‘s New York-based shareholder engagement practice merges the expertise of a dedicated team with the experience of lawyers across the firm in corporate law, investment management and litigation to advise leading activist investor funds on domestic and global matters, helping clients affect board composition and leadership without disrupting growth and progress. The practice is led by Douglas Rappaport, per one client ‘a joy to work with’, whose skillset spans activist investment advisory work regarding board seat solicitation, corporate governance contests, and public relations and shareholder communications as well as regulatory and compliance issues, all the while being a top-class litigator. Also prominent in the practice is Jason Koenig, who advises on shareholder activism with particular experience in the context of special situations and distressed transactions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 3

Akin stands out for its expertise in media and entertainment financings. The firm's media, entertainment and sports practice mainly advises corporate clientele such as banks, private equity funds and investment banks. Matters include structuring complex finance, M&As and joint ventures. The Los Angeles-based team is led by Chris Spicer who is well-versed in handling deals between movie production companies and financial institutions. Marissa Román Griffith centers her practice on advising financiers, borrower and distributors on production, financing and distribution of film, TV and digital content. Deals made between independent movie production companies and financial institutions are handled by Alissa Miller. Vanessa Roman is also key to handling credit facilities and single-project loans in the entertainment industry. Lauren Epstein advises on financing and equity issues in TV, digital and film transactions for financial institutions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 3

Akin‘s team provides regulatory advice to clients across the telecoms sector, from satellite to emerging tech companies. The group is based in Washington DC and is led by Jennifer Richter who advises on the full spectrum of regulatory matters, including FCC proceedings, government funding and licensing matters, as well as tower and infrastructure development. Douglas Brandon has a wealth of experience handling communications matters for wireless, broadcast, satellite, telecoms and advanced tech companies. Steve Rowings undertakes various matters including FCC proceedings. Michael Mineiro has a particular focus on the regulatory issues affecting space and satellite companies. Virgina Hiner Antypas and Sharanya Sriram are also recommended. Joseph Calascione has departed the team.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

The merger control practice at Akin is headed by ‘stellar antitrust lawyer’ Gorav Jindal, who leverages experience in engineering and economics to provide antitrust analyses in merger clearance and litigation. The team represents the key shareholders in Mattress Firm’s $4.1 billion proposed merger with Tempur Sealy International, an exemplar of its work in high-stakes, complex merger matters. Brian Rafkin heads the firm’s HSR practice, advising on HSR reportability issues as well as preparing and submitting HSR filings. The healthcare, chemicals, airlines and tech industries are all areas of strength for Rafkin. Dennis Schmelzer handles a range of merger reviews, investigations, and antitrust litigation. All attorneys based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated. Corey Roush departed the team in June 2024.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

Drawing on the firm’s international network, Akin represents clients in national and cross-border business-to-business and consumer-to-business disputes, in both litigation and arbitration. Based in New York, practice head Joseph Sorkin represents financial restructuring and investment fund clients in both state and federal courts. Scott Barnard in Dallas co-heads the complex commercial litigation, class actions and trial practice, with a strong track record in securities class actions, shareholder derivative suits and FINRA securities arbitrations. Douglas Rappaport, also based in New York, heads the investment funds litigation practice and co-leads the shareholder activism team.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

Akin‘s projects and energy transition team has deep experience advising electricity and gas utilities, merchant generators, and transmission and distribution companies on a wide range of transactions including debt and equity financing, public and private debt capital markets financings, and securitisations, among others. The group’s capabilities continue to attract new clients including notable names from the financial services and renewable energy sectors. In Houston, Matt Kapinos leads the department and stands out for his aptitude handling acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures for businesses across an array of energy assets such as renewable and traditional power, and petrochemical. Project finance specialist Ike Emehelu heads up the practice in New York and is noted for his expertise assisting lenders, developers, and investors on energy and infrastructure projects both domestically and internationally. Brad Warner in New York is also a key name in the team, handling transactions across a broad range of infrastructure assets.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

Akin’s environment and natural resources practice offer its clients a ‘multidisciplinary approach’ across a comprehensive transactional practice, spanning mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and financial restructurings. The transactional work is supported by broader regulatory capabilities, positioning the practice to advise on restructuring liabilities in environmentally distressed assets.  Washington DC-based David Quigley heads the team and is known for aiding lenders, sellers, and buyers on environmental liabilities in transactions. The team also includes senior counsel Andrew Oelz, operating out of Los Angeles, who offers a broad practice across representations, warranties, and indemnities, and DC’s Jessica Maloney, who handles the evaluation of liabilities in commercial and industrial transactions.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

Akin’s capital markets offering is especially active on issuer-side mandates in the energy, mining, financial services, asset management, and entertainment spaces, among others. Jesse Brush in New York is noted for his experience advising credit investors and distressed companies on recapitalization transactions as well as issuers, investors, and underwriters on public offerings and private placements. He leads the team alongside Dallas-based John Clayton, who regularly represents issuers and private equity sponsors. Ryan Cox and Garrett DeVries, both in Dallas, play key roles in the team; Cox’s varied practice covers convertible securities and 144A offerings, while DeVries is highly experienced in the energy, retail, restaurant, infrastructure, and aviation sectors, among others. John Goodgame in Houston is also a key contact for work in the energy space.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings Tier 4

Spearheaded by Jesse Brush in New York and John Clayton in Dallas, Akin has a strong track record in advising companies and investors on convertible debt offerings, IPOs, and liquidity management transactions. Specialising in debt restructurings and private placements, the practice is especially active in the oil and gas industries. Clayton concentrates on complex secondary offerings, Garrett DeVries is an M&A expert, and Houston’s John Goodgame is also highlighted as a key individual.

Finance > Project finance Tier 4

Akin has a particularly strong client base of commercial and investment banks, PE firms and other financial institutions in a project finance offering whose hallmark is debt and equity energy project financing. The team strikes a balance between traditional power, in which the firm has a notable history, and sustainable projects, from solar and wind, to battery storage and capture capture ventures. At the firm’s New York office, Ike Emehelu co-leads the group and is a key advisor to lenders and investors engaging with renewable projects. From Houston, Matt Kapinos is fellow practice head, assisting with the full lifecycle of energy projects, from acquisition and financing, through development and on to refinancing. The team also has tax equity strength, largely in the shape of Shariff Barakat at the Washington DC office, and April Kim in Irvine. Hayden Harms focuses on commercial contract negotiations and agreements from Houston, while for battery storage finance LA-based Dan Lynch is a contact to note.

International trade and national security > CFIUS Tier 4

Akin‘s CFIUS bench provides an ‘unparalleled depth of expertise’ through the blend of the firm’s wider international reach, comprehensive corporate deal flow, a wealth of seasoned practitioners throughout government relations practices, and a wealth of former high-ranking national security and foreign policy officials within their ranks. These factors enable the team to handle complex matters within CFIUS-sensitive industries and jurisdictions, including defense, energy, and technology for a client base that involves sovereign wealth funds. Christian Davis leads the practice and focuses on CFIUS risk management during high-value corporate transactions. Katherine Padgett is also a key team member. Laura Black departed the team in 2025.

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

Akin has notable experience representing hedge funds, private equity firms and clients in the financial services space in disputes involving terminations, severance, non-competition agreements, discrimination and misappropriation of trade secrets. Robert Lian heads the practice from the Washington DC practice and has significant experience in class and collective action claims. Jessica Taud Rosenberg joined the practice in July 2024 from Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP and brings knowledge of FLSA suits and PAGA claims. Lauren Leyden and Desiree Busching are also both active members of the practice. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York unless specified otherwise.

Real estate Tier 4

Akin‘s real estate team has extensive experience advising on real estate finance, acquisition, disposition, development, and workout matters. The practice has a particular strength focusing on hospitality properties, representing private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices in buying, selling, building, and financing hotels. The Dallas team, led by co-head John Bain, has significant experience advising on data facility transactions, representing prominent investment funds as well as REITs, in connection with data center developments. Marc Epstein is a core part of the practice, with work extending beyond tech-focused data centers to advise investors, owners, and developers on both the retail and assisted living industries. In New York, Avi Feinberg represents clients across the capital structure, regarding various asset classes, handling financings, acquisitions, dispositions, and joint venture matters.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 4

Akin has a strong presence in the energy sector as the ‘go-to tax counsel’ for corporations such as Diamondback Energy, Excelsior Energy Capital, and Saxum Energy Partners. The practice, led by Patrick Fenn and Stuart Leblang in New York, advises on a client’s tax obligations in a wide variety of matters including; mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and joint ventures. Fenn works on fund-related tax matters related to complex multijurisdictional and domestic transactions whilst Leblang possesses valuable regulatory tax expertise built during his time at the US treasury. Alexander Specht, Johnathan Pavlich, and Ryan Dahan bring valuable commercial expertise to the practice.

Finance > Commercial lending > Advice to direct lenders/private credit Tier 5

Often advising investment funds, private credit, and private equity funds, Akin is knowledgeable of fund financing transactions, NAV facilities, as well as secured and unsecured credit facilities. Jaisohn Im oversees the practice from New York and is a strong choice for private credit funds on direct lending transactions, liability management transactions, and restructuring matters. Inn is also noted for his experience in stressed and distressed debt investments, while Scott Colton handles finance transactions and credit agreements. He is also experienced in first-lien loans, second-lien loans, and unitranche facilities. Bill Brady is a strong choice for credit investors and direct lenders and is often engaged in debt restructuring, mezzanine debt, and unitranche facilities. New York-based Scott Colton and Ranesh Ramanathan are also noted as other key team members.  

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 5

Headed by New York-based Jaisohn Im, Akin is a strong choice for financial institutions, investment funds, and private equity funds. The firm is also knowledgeable of debt financing transactions, finance structuring, and funding growth capital transactions. Operating out of Dallas, Matthew Bivona is well-versed in secured and unsecured credit facilities, distressed debt restructurings, and mezzanine arrangements.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 5

Akin represents pharma, medical device, biotech, and healthcare tech clients in global regulatory and legislative strategies. The ‘client-focused’ team leverages its strong legislative and regulatory knowledge to advise on matters at the intersection of healthcare and emerging technology, including digital health, AI, and related data privacy considerations. Nathan Brown leads the practice from Washington DC, drawing on his governmental experience to advise on regulatory, compliance, and policy matters. He also brings ‘cutting-edge knowledge’ in AI and new technology applied to digital health. Also in DC, regulatory lawyer Kelly Cleary has experience in state and federal fraud abuse laws, as well as marketplace regulations under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 5

Akin is highly involved in operational matters for sports leagues and clubs, setting strategies, and is also known for its work on work relating to broadcast rights, including bankruptcy proceedings related to this, as well as assisting clients with gaining broadcast rights. Significantly, the group has bolstered the group’s media rights work with the addition of Randall Boe in New York as senior counsel, who spearheads the group alongside Daniel Nash and Chris Spicer, who are based in Washington DC and Los Angeles respectively.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 5

Akin’s patent litigation team are engaged in all major venues and demonstrates strength in the pharma and biotech industries. Its varied caseload includes Hatch-Waxman cases, IPR proceedings, and competitor disputes. Steven Maslowski, a life sciences patent specialist in Philadelphia, chairs the practice; Malowski’s notable roster of clients includes Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific. Also in Philadelphia, Matthew Pearson is a skilled litigator for life sciences patents, with a particular focus on biologics and antibody tech. Key attorneys in Washington DC include Cono Carrano, whose expertise spans semiconductors, computer and optics tech, and Rachel Elsby, who excels in business-critical life sciences cases. Meanwhile, Daniel Moffett, based in San Antonio, and Michael Kahn, based in New York, are experienced trial lawyers for patent infringement and misappropriated trade secret cases.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 6

The M&A team at Akin works in tandem with the firm’s tax, debt finance, and IP teams to advise on stock sales, leveraged buyouts, tender offers, stock sales, carve-outs, and contested transactions. Primarily active within the energy, tech, and media industries, the group is led by Zachary Wittenberg, who is recommended for his experience in public and private M&A, and the corporate aspects of restructurings. Sergio Urias’ scope of work includes advising private equity funds on cross-border M&A and transactions within Latin America, while Houston-based John Goodgame handles strategic transactions and corporate governance work, and Jason Koenig covers shareholder activism matters. Unless otherwise noted, all named practitioners are based in New York.

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