Arnold & Porter > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

Arnold & Porter > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 1

Arnold & Porter remains a destination practice for high-stakes merger clearances, representing major clients such as AbbVie, AT&T, and Thermo Fisher in securing agency clearance for high-value deals, as well as handling government investigations, Second Request proceedings, and merger litigation. Alongside ongoing transactions such as Fitbit’s acquisition by Google, the firm has also secured new high-profile mandates, with practice co-head Debbie Feinstein representing Bertelsmann in its $2.2bn acquisition of Simon & Schuster, which is facing a Second Request by the FTC. Feinstein is vastly experienced in merger control, regularly advising on major successful clearances, and leads the team alongside Jonathan Gleklen , who combines merger expertise with a strong record in government investigations. The practice was further bolstered at senior level with the arrival of Andre Geverola from the DOJ, adding significant expertise in antitrust litigation and governmental issues. Michael Bernstein is a key name for contentious mergers and associated government investigations, while New York’s Scott Lent handles merger litigation for a variety of blue-chip clients. Associate Francesca Pisano is noted for her expertise in HSR filings and growing profile in large-scale merger clearances. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 1

Arnold & Porter has a market-leading reputation as a result of its successful record defending clients in class actions, multidistrict litigation (MDL), Attorney General lawsuits and individual cases involving personal injury claims and property damage from allegedly defective products. The team, which is largely resourced by lawyers across both East and West coasts of the country, also excels in a risk management context; helping clients minimize risks/liability before they go to market and subsequently in dealings with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Proposition 65 matters are also a core strength of the firm, with numerous California-based lawyers helping clients navigate the tricky terrain associated with the Golden State’s unique consumer protection law. San Francisco-based senior partner Trent Norris co-chairs the consumer products and retail group and is pivotal to the firm’s success in helping manufacturers and retailers avoid litigation and should it occur to minimize subsequent damages, with a particular emphasis on the unique requirements of California law. Daphne O’Connor in Washington DC co-chairs the overarching product liability group alongside New York-based Anand Agneshwar and has developed particular expertise defending clients in relation to tobacco and cannabis/hemp matters. Based out of Washington DC, Michelle Gillice was recently promoted to partner in recognition of her product safety expertise, both in private practice and formerly at a governmental level in-house at the CPSC.

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

Drawing upon comprehensive science and technical knowledge, as well as being able to effectively mobilize substantial litigation resources throughout the country, Arnold & Porter is at the forefront of many of the market’s most significant pharmaceutical and medical devices product liability disputes. Much of this work is of an aggregated nature, with the firm specializing in leading on high-stakes class actions and MDLs, including its continued role as national counsel for Sanofi in product liability litigation involving allegations that the over-the-counter heartburn medication Zantac causes cancer. New York-based Anand Agneshwar is central to many of the pharmaceutical-related MDLs, including the Sanofi mandate, with clients benefiting from his successful record as a trial lawyer. Arthur Brown is also based in New York and is pivotal to developing overall strategy for major pharmaceutical companies subject to bet-the-company mass tort product liability actions, including as it pertains to the preparation of high-level executives for testimony. Other key practitioners include Los Angeles-based Pamela Yates, who is adept at using Daubert motions to exclude the presentation of unqualified evidence to the jury; Washington DC-based Daniel Pariser, whose involvement in many major pharmaceuticals-related disputes include his role for the defense steering committee in the aforementioned Sanofi litigation; and Diana Sterk in New York, who continues to excel since her promotion to partner in early 2021. Washington DC-based Daphne O’Connor co-heads the product liability team alongside Agneshwar.

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

Combining a core environmental practice headed from Washington DC by Brian Israel , with overarching product liability expertise led by Anand Agneshwar and Daphne O’Connor, from New York and Washington DC, respectively, Arnold & Porter is well positioned to advise major multinational entities in toxic tort disputes involving diverse chemicals and other contaminatory materials. As well as its ability to handle private class action claims (often in the role of national co-ordinating counsel), the team is also well-equipped to navigate any pursuant government investigation/enforcement action and is tapped into various regulatory agency’s mindsets at both state and federal level. Indeed, from its San Francisco office, Trent Norris  is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on California’s Proposition 65 law and regularly provides counselling and litigation advice to businesses that fall under its ambit. William Hoffman in Washington DC is a seasoned trial and appellate lawyer, whose product liability prowess has frequently seen him engaged in high-profile toxic tort mandates, including advising Bayer on the ongoing litigation involving the legacy Monsanto product RoundUp.

Government > Government contracts Tier 1

Arnold & Porter’s premier government contracts practice remains active at the top of the market. Under the new leadership of Kara Daniels, the practice has been continuously trusted by prominent contractors across key industries, including aerospace and defense, healthcare, IT, and communications. Covering the full gamut of public procurement disciplines, the team regularly acts for clients in bid protests and litigation, False Claims Act investigations and cases, and national security related matters. There is also strength in offering specialized M&A support for private equity firms and contractors. Daniels is a seasoned contract disputes, bid protests, fraud, and compliance practitioner, particularly experienced in id protests involving federal civilian and defense agencies. Federal claims, terminations and protests litigator Craig Holman has extensive experience in across all levels of courts. Mark Colley‘s experience covers substantial bid protests, contract claims, and disputes. Paul Pompeo is the go-to for accounting, costs, and pricing matters. Compliance and protests in the life sciences and healthcare spaces are the purview of Kristen Ittig. Michael McGill and Charles Blanchard are also recommended, both adept at handling complex litigation and transactional matters across virtually all industry sectors, with specialisms in M&A related matters, and sensitive cybersecurity and national security matters respectively.

Industry focus > Environment: litigation Tier 1

Offering coast-to-coast services, Arnold & Porter has a notable track record for representing market-leading clients from a range of industries in cutting-edge environmental litigation. The firm houses a strong group of litigators who combine district, trial and appellate court experience with deep knowledge of environmental regulations. Practitioners handle a busy caseload which features high-exposure disputes involving toxic tort, Superfund liability, climate change, citizen suits, public nuisance, air and water issues, covering all aspects of federal and state environmental law. Leading the department is Brian Israel , who receives praise for his trial experience in Natural Resource Damages (NRD) cases. He is based in the Washington DC office, where Michael Daneker  is a notable practitioner in the fields of enforcement actions defense, CERCLA and Clean Water Act litigation. Also in DC, Elissa Preheim concentrates her practice in environmental claims related to contaminated sites and large toxic tort class actions. The firm is additionally singled out for its deep bench of experts in California, who are often called upon by clients in relation to challenging regulations and chemical listings under Proposition 65. Sarah Esmaili in San Francisco leads on this type of work. In the same office, Trent Norris  is a key contact for the consumer product and retail sectors, while Zachary Fayne is seasoned in challenges to state and federal rulemakings as well as toxic tort litigation.

Industry focus > Environment: regulatory Tier 1

With the ability to draw upon expertise of a strong pool of attorneys across all levels of seniority, Arnold & Porter is rated as one of the top environmental practices in the country. Clients operating in a host of industry sectors regularly seek the group’s representation in regulatory compliance obligations and enforcement proceedings under the full range of environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act (CAA), which is a key area of strength for the department. The team’s climate change expertise extends to renewable energy, environmental assessment of climate impacts under NEPA, state and local climate regulations, and related litigation. Additionally, the department stands out for its strong track record in chemical regulatory issues, including TSCA and California Proposition 65. Major infrastructure projects’ permitting and environmental reviews are other areas of activity for the team, which is under the leadership of Brian Israel  in Washington DC. Jonathan Martel is a leading name for Clean Air Act regulatory mandates, while Lawrence Culleen is the name to note for EPA regulatory programs that govern chemicals, pesticides and antimicrobials. Ethan Shenkman, who brings a wealth of government experience, assists clients with compliance concerning CAA regulations and greenhouse gas emissions. All named practitioners are based in DC.

Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences Tier 1

With a client base ranging from multinational biopharmaceutical companies to small medical device and biotech firms, Arnold & Porter maintains its leadership in the life sciences sector. Clients are offered a broad range of service, with transactions, IP regulations, data privacy, and litigation being a part of the practice’s portfolio. It has also spearheaded legal work on Covid-19 treatments, advising AstraZeneca on funding and distribution agreements for its vaccine formula. Litigation has also been a highlight this year acting on cases related to the opioid epidemic as well as industry-leading patent cases. Daniel Kracov and Allison Shuren lead the team from Washington DC, respectively advising on FDA biomedical compliance and fraud & abuse defense. Also in the DC office are longtime pricing expert Jeffrey Handwerker, and regulatory attorneys Mahnu Davar and Ariane Horn. Kristin Hicks and Murad Hussain are key names for FCA disputes, while New York-based Anand Agneshwar and Daniel DiNapoli act on patent and product liability cases. Also well regarded is California-based Deborah Fishman who acts in patent trials at the district and federal appeals court levels.

Industry focus > Transport: aviation and air travel - litigation and regulation Tier 1

Arnold & Porter fields a multidisciplinary bench of senior lawyers, who act across the entire commercial, cargo and corporate aircraft sector. It consistently acts as counsel to national, international, and regional clients in a range of commercial disputes and transnational litigation, including jury and non-jury trials. The practice is seen as a go-to firm for crisis incidents, its recent experience including litigation resulting from the COVID-19 outbreaks on international cruise ships in early 2020. It was also recently active in cabin air contamination litigation across the US, which was brought by flight attendants and commercial air passengers. Christopher Odell, whose track record includes significant transportation-related mass tort cases, heads the aviation practice, while Kenneth Chernof in Washington DC and New York’s James Herschlein co-chair the complex litigation group. Also highly rated are Thad Dameris, whose commercial disputes and transnational litigation practice covers aviation matters; and Washington DC-based David Weiner, whose workload includes acting in relation to aviation accidents. At senior associate level, Amanda Thomson‘s experience includes representing a European airframe manufacturer in lawsuits arising out of aircraft incidents. All the attorneys listed are based in Houston, unless otherwise mentioned.

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

Arnold & Porter is a go-to for mergers, stock asset and whole business acquisitions, SPACs, tender offers and leveraged buyouts, among other corporate transactions. Its team hones its focus on deals spanning the $100m-$2bn bracket and is likewise highly reputed for its private equity and corporate governance activities. Kevin Lavin commands an authoritative presence within the government contracting, IT services, telecoms and software sectors, co-heading the practice jointly with New York-based Derek Stoldt, a life science and medical technology expert, and Denver-based corporate and finance chair Ronald Levine. The group is active in a number of additional regulated industries including financial services, national security, FDA and export control and is also home to Matthew Owens, a healthcare sector specialist who handles transactions pertaining to physician practices, surgery centers and diagnostic image providers, among other assets. Lavin and Owens are based in Washington DC and the team is also present in San Francisco where Edward Deibert handles numerous transactions in the semiconductor, technology, consumer product and hospitality industries. Other key locations include Chicago and  also Denver, an office which was recently bolstered by the arrival of Michele Rowland from Ballard Spahr LLP.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

Arnold & Porter represents a wide range of domestic and international clients in high-profile cartel proceedings, with involvements in large and complex investigations into auto parts, municipal bonds, air cargo, government procurement, and cathode ray tubes, among many others. The firm provides integrated support throughout government investigations through to criminal defense and follow-on civil enforcement proceedings, with a strong team offering significant DOJ and FTC expertise and boasting a strong record in securing positive outcomes for clients. The team is overseen by antitrust heads Debbie Feinstein and Jonathan Gleklen, while James Cooper is a standout cartel litigator, currently representing Yamashita Rubber Co. in the In Re auto parts investigation. Laura Shores is an experienced trial attorney and is particularly strong in the life sciences space, representing the likes of Sandoz and Bausch Health, while former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sonia Kuester Pfaffenroth specializes in complex monopolization and price fixing proceedings. Andre Geverola joined the firm in June 2021 having served as Director of Criminal Litigation at the Department of Justice, and specializes in criminal cartel litigation, risk mitigation, and compliance. All lawyers primarily practice in Washington DC.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

With a trial-focused approach Arnold & Porter‘s antitrust and competition practice excels at defending clients before federal and national courts, while at the same time demonstrating a strong track record of being successful in the motion-to-dismiss and summary judgement stages of class actions and civil litigation. The department is led by a Washington DC-based trio consisting of head of global antitrust practice Debbie Feinstein, head of US antitrust practice Jonathan Gleklen , and litigation specialist James Cooper. Also situated in the DC hub are life sciences expert Laura Shores and Anne Davis, who is experienced in representing clients on both sides of the aisle in class actions and opt-out litigation. Scott Lent handles high-profile antitrust matters in sectors such as commodities and pharmaceuticals from the firm’s New York location.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

The white-collar defense and investigations team at Arnold & Porter acts for a range of multinationals and high-profile institutions on domestic and international investigations. It also represents individuals in white-collar fraud and criminal matters. The team is headed by New York’s Marcus Asner and Washington DC’s Amy Jeffress; Asner focuses on complex criminal and civil litigation, FCPA matters and money laundering, and Jeffress handles national security and compliance issues. The team was recently bolstered by several arrivals, including Michael Kim Krouse and Craig Stewart in New York from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York; Valarie Hays in Chicago from Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila; and Ryan Hartman in Houston from an in-house role at BP.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 2

Arnold & Porter‘s international arbitration practice is synonymous with investor-state disputes, where it continues to impress with its work for sovereigns. Notably, the firm has notched up a recent streak of 43 consecutive positive results on behalf of sovereign states in investment arbitrations. Among its wins, Washington DC-based global practice co-chair Paolo Di Rosa acted alongside the firm’s London office to successfully defend the Republic of Chile against a $354m public transport-related claim filed under the Chile-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. The firm also continues to focus on expanding its commercial arbitration practice, with POSCO Energy among its new corporate client additions. San Francisco-based global group co-chair Maria Chedid, who has an emphasis on technology and life sciences arbitrations, recently led the cross-border, cross-office team that represented POSCO Energy in two separate ICC arbitrations initiated by FuelCell Energy. Other recommended names include finance specialist Whitney Debevoise, who leverages premier experience in representing sovereigns in major arbitrations, and Mallory Silberman — both are based in Washington DC. In early 2022, Mélida Hodgson joined in New York from Jenner & Block LLP. Gaela Gehring Flores left to join Allen & Overy LLP.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 2

Arnold & Porter handles a full range of international litigation including disputes involving issues of jurisdiction, foreign immunity, anti-terrorism and disputes arising from regulatory investigations. In 2021, the group further strengthened its white-collar and investigations practice with the additions of former Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Michael Kim Krouse and former federal prosecutor Valarie Hays in New York and Chicago respectively. Other names to note in this area include Soo-Mi Rhee and Craig Margolis in Washington DC and New York-based Marcus Asner. The team also boasts strong sector expertise and benefits from technology sector specialist Matthew Wolf in Washington DC, while the additions of Katherine Ginzburg Treistman and Ryan Hartman, who joined the Houston office from Greenberg Traurig LLP and BP respectively during 2021, bring particular experience in the energy, technology, and financial services sectors. The litigation group, which is led by Washington DC-based Kenneth Chernof and James Herschlein in New York, leverages the firm’s strong international arbitration practice in related litigation, for which Paolo Di Rosa and Maria Chedid, who are based in Washington DC and San Francisco respectively. are noted.

Government > Government relations Tier 2

The legislative and public policy practice at Arnold & Porter has seen an increase in demand for its services and practitioners. The group focuses on offering clients a cross-practice, collaborative approach to their policy, regulatory, investment, and lobbying needs. The team maintains a deep bench of former senior government officials from key government agencies, and is particularly adept at advising on trade policy issues. The healthcare, technology and communications, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and education sectors are where the team shines. Kevin O’Neill spearheads the practice, competent and trusted across a wide range of industries, representing some of the world’s leading foreign manufacturers in the trade and technology industries, as well as the life sciences spaces. Also recommended in the team is Eugenia Pierson – head of the healthcare legislative advocacy practice.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 2

Leveraging a strong multinational presence, the intellectual property group at global law firm Arnold & Porter specializes in representing sports leagues, broadcast and cable networks and major motion picture studios, defending their copyrights in high-stakes litigation. The practice is led  by experienced IP litigators Matthew Wolf in Washington DC and Chicago’s Dina Hayes. Safeguarding the property of household names Fox and Disney, Dori Hanswirth brings media and entertainment expertise to the New York office, along with Theresa House, who handles First Amendment issues and represents major clients in television production and tech. In addition to acting on behalf of film industry clients, Rhonda Trotter at the Los Angeles office currently represents consumer credit giant Experian in complex litigation involving such matters as the copyrightability of licensed databases.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 2

Arnold & Porter has a strong pedigree for handling a broad cross-section of contentious and non-contentious corporate governance matters for clients. Its team is experienced in advising clients on developing, implementing and enhancing corporate compliance programmes. In addition, it advises on board fiduciary duties, executive compensation disclosure, risk management and corporate social responsibility, among other issues. On the contentious side, the firm is a first port of call in internal investigations, as well as governmental and non-governmental investigations. The practice is led out of the Washington DC office by Michael L. Bernstein and Kevin Lavin and they work closely with Benjamin Fackler, who is based in San Francisco. Lavin also routinely handles the corporate governance aspects of M&A and public securities offerings.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 2

Arnold & Porter‘s Washington DC based team advises broadcasters, traditional telecoms and hi-tech companies on regulatory matters pertaining to spectrum licenses and investments. Maureen Jeffreys leads the practice, representing clients before the FCC and NTIA, providing strategic counsel and advising media clients on regulatory compliance. Her colleague Scott Feira  is a specialist in FCC merger reviews and license transfer proceedings.  Peter Schildkraut bolsters the team’s strength with his expertise in spectrum use and broadband regulation. Also noted is associate Darrel Pae- previously serving at the FCC, he advises clients on communications law and the relevant legal and policy framework.

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

Arnold & Porter retains its robust record in representing foreign sovereigns in appellate cases, including recent wins on behalf of the Republic and Canton of Geneva (Second Circuit) and the Dominican Republic (DC Circuit). Among its recent US Supreme Court highlights, the firm successfully represented Hologic in defending the doctrine of assignor estoppel. In Washington DC, department head John Elwood maintains a broad practice, with notable expertise in environmental, government contracting and federal criminal cases. Denver-based Reeves Anderson has represented parties and amici in more than 50 cases before SCOTUS; he is also noted for his expertise in cross-border disputes and led the firm’s recent representations of Geneva and the Dominican Republic. The national group also includes Stanton Jones, who co-led the the Hologic case alongside the IP team, and Allon Kedem — both are based in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 3

Arnold & Porter’s financial services litigation team handles securities and consumer lending class actions, internal investigations, and enforcement proceedings brought by a range of regulators. The team’s work in securities and derivatives is led out of the firm’s New York office by Veronica Callahan, Aaron Miner and Kathleen Reilly, who represent clients in civil litigation and SEC proceedings. The team’s consumer lending work includes acting for Visa in a number of antitrust lawsuits brought by merchants and consumers related to ATM and interchange fees. In addition to its specialist financial services litigators, the firm’s white-collar crime practice is regularly engaged on government investigations in this space. The overall practice is led by David Freeman, who serves as head of financial services, and complex litigation co-chairs James Herschlein and Kenneth Chernof . Chernof and Freeman are based in New York, while Herschlein is based in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 3

The disputes team at Arnold & Porter is well positioned to advise clients on the intersection of regulatory practices, including antitrust, energy, financial institutions, environmental, and health care. The group is active in commercial disputes, trials and class actions as well as in mass torts, product liability, and trade secret matters, and has know-how in cross-border cases. The practice is jointly led by the Washington DC-based Kenneth Chernof and James Herschlein  in New York, both of whom also regularly act for technology companies.

International Trade > International trade Tier 3

Arnold & Porter maintains a thriving trade remedies practice with a global roster, which has seen it recently handle cases for exporters based in countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Significantly, the wider firm's signature strength in representing foreign governments also comes into play in the trade practice and the team has acted for major governments — including Canada, China and Indonesia — in trade remedy proceedings. Group head David Park is the key contact for trade remedies and also advises on customs issues, WTO disputes and trade policy matters. On the export controls and sanctions side, John Barker is sought after for his deep sector expertise earned during his former stint at the Department of State, where he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Export Controls. John Bellinger, who advises US and foreign clients on national security and policy issues, is also recommended.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Arnold & Porter has a national presence in securities litigation and acts for an impressive roster of clients in high-stakes federal and state class action securities and derivative actions, and regulatory enforcement actions before the SEC, PCAOB, CFTC, DOJ and FINRA. Veronica Callahan in New York-chairs the securities enforcement and litigation practice. Callahan and Aaron Miner recently assisted a special committee of the board of directors of Western Union Co. with reviewing and investigating shareholder demand letters alleging breaches of directors’ and officers’ duty to oversee anti-money laundering and fraud compliance related to the cross-border transfer of funds. Jane Norberg, former Chief of the Office of the Whistleblower for the SEC, recently joined the firm to bolster its regulatory enforcement capability in Washington DC.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 3

Arnold & Porter‘s structured finance team is most known for asset, mortgage and commercial mortgage-backed securities, in addition to CLO work pertaining to corporate structured credit and commercial real estate. The group is also regularly called upon by financial institutions to advise on the provision of structured acquisition financing. Based in New York, Henry Morriello has broad expertise across the securitization space, particularly involving esoteric assets such as intellectual property royalties, as well as advising on the formation of fintech companies and their fundraising activities. Also in New York, Lawton Camp assists with the securitization of various real estate assets and receivables. Chicago’s Daniel Hartnett , a senior lawyer in the group, has a strong track-record in real estate-related securitizations. Michael Karol in New York has a solid asset-backed securities practice.

Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 3

Arnold & Porter represents companies in a range of industries, including pharmaceutical and device, consumer products and businesses in the cannabis-oriented growth sector, as well as assisting funds, investors, financial institutions and other stakeholders in the cannabis industry. Key strengths for the cross-discipline practice include regulatory, transactions, IP, litigation, and advising on chemical policies and legislation across the US. Evelina Norwinski  leads the team from Washington DC and advises manufacturer, distributer, retailer and investors in cannabis industry matters.

Industry focus > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

Arnold & Porter ‘has a team of attorneys who are experts in the field’ and that represents clients in administrative litigation before FERC, as well as in appeals and other matters before state and federal courts. The group has experience handling multi-party disputes and is skilled in market manipulation cases and rate proceedings. Practice head Sandra Rizzo is ‘an outstanding attorney' who advises clients on the full spectrum of regulatory and compliance matters, as well as representing them in FERC enforcement-proceedings and investigations. Associate Andrea Kearney handles FERC-related matters involved in commercial transactions, including M&A and financings. Brian Israel chairs the environmental practice. All lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 3

Arnold & Porter’s patent litigation practice is jointly headed from Washington DC by the reputed Matthew Wolf, who has an established track record in patent disputes across the district courts, the ITC, and multiple appellate courts; and Dina Hayes, a skilled patent litigator with a particular expertise in the technology, pharmaceutical, life sciences and consumer products sectors. Further expertise is brought in by Deborah Fishman in Silicon Valley; and San Francisco’s Michael Berta, a regular advisor for Adobe, Google or Crocs, who is experienced in both patent and trade secret litigation. The group, which is also well-versed in Hatch-Waxman litigation, also operates from Los Angeles, New York, Denver and Chicago.

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 3

Arnold & Porter‘s highly reputed IP group offers a solid patent prosecution practice which is particularly renowned in the life sciences industry, with Altria, Bayer, Bruin Biometrics, Finch Therapeutics, and Regeneron as key names in its client roster. David Marsh, who operates from Washington DC, is the key contact of the practice, which, in combination with the firm’s  substantial litigation experience, is also well-suited to protect interests of its clients before the PTAB. Ex parte reexaminations, reissues, supplemental examinations, and interferences are part of the group’s experience. Matthew Wolf and Dina Hayes, based in Washington DC and Chicago respectively, share leadership of the practice. Deborah Fishman in Silicon Valley is another name to note.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3

Arnold & Porter utilizes the experience of its team to protect the trademarks of top clients in high-value infringement and unfair competition litigations. In Chicago and Washington DC, the group is led by veteran IP litigators Dina Hayes and Matthew Wolf, who specializes in disputes for and against major tech companies. At the New York office, Dori Hanswirth brings expertise to advising on protected speech, journalism and public interest issues, and Paul Llewellyn manages trademark conflicts, from the preliminary injunction stage to trial, for brands across the food, pharmaceuticals, retail, consumer products and engineering sectors. Louis Ederer handles anti-counterfeiting litigation in the luxury goods and apparel arenas. Christopher Renk and Michael Harris in Chicago represented Nike in the infringement and dilution case against art collective MSCHF over the ‘Satan Shoes’ shoe line launched by Lil Nas X. DC’s Michael Kientzle, an expert in fintech sector disputes, was promoted to counsel in January 2022.

Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 3

Arnold & Porter’s tax-exempt practice is led out of Washington DC by well-respected practitioner James Joseph , who also leads the firm’s national tax group. The team acts for several leading charitable organizations and private foundations on corporate governance issues, political activity and advocacy work. Cara Koss advises high-net-worth individuals on estate planning and tax compliance matters, specializing in structuring tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, whilst counsel Amy Ryan is the name for transactional work for private foundations and medical research organizations. Bridget Weiss remains a key contact for regulatory work including IRS audits and sensitive internal investigations. The team also works closely with its offices in New York and San Francisco.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

Arnold & Porter is principally known for its background in sovereign offerings, particularly those for Latin American states. The firm also has a burgeoning corporate issuer client base, providing it with a steady pipeline of capital markets offering engagements; this includes clients in the financial services and life sciences sectors, along with SPACs. New York partner Christopher Peterson is noted for sovereign finance and high-yield debt transactions, along with extensive experience in liability management. San Francisco’s Teresa Johnson is another key figure along with the vastly experienced Latin America sovereign issuance expert Whitney Debevoise in Washington DC.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings Tier 4

Arnold & Porter is a highly rated for sovereign, sub-sovereign and state-owned entity (SOE) offerings in Latin America, Hungary, Turkey and other jurisdictions. Clients include the Republic of Colombia, Republic of Panama, Republic of Turkey and Hungary. In 2021, the team continued to advise Colombia and Panama on significant bond offerings, along with key transactions for the Republic of Turkey and Empresa Nacional de Autopista, the Panamanian toll road operator. Washington DC partners Whitney Debevoise  and Gregory Harrington  are co-heads of the sovereign finance team with decades of experience in sovereign offerings from Latin America; Debevoise also previously served as US Executive Director of the World Bank. Washington DC counsel Carlos Pelaez provides further senior-level experience in Latin America sovereign offerings. New York’s Christopher Peterson is another prominent name in sovereign finance.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 4

At Arnold & Porter, the financial services team continues to provide advice to US and international clients on regulatory compliance, offering expertise on issues including BSA/AML, FDIC regulations, the Volcker Rule, and the Bank Holding Company Act. The practice is also engaged by clients to provide assistance on consumer lending regulations, and counts banks, broker-dealers, and asset managers amongst its client base. David Freeman, Christopher Allen and Michael Mancusi lead the team’s advisory work from Washington DC, and the firm also boasts a highly active bank M&A practice, led by Robert Azarow in New York. DC's Kevin Toomey was promoted to partner in January 2021 and has a focus on anti-money laundering regulations.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 4

Arnold & Porter is well versed in both litigation and disputes and transactional work, frequently acting for major professional sports leagues, individual teams, arena and stadium operators, and sponsors and advertisers. As part of its offering, the group advises on an array of issues involving antitrust, copyright, trademarks, bankruptcy, labor, tax, and licensing and advertising. Based in Washington DC, co-head Dan Cantor is particularly known for his deep expertise in high-profile and complex IP and royalty litigation matters affecting the finances of sport leagues. In New York, co-head Scott Lent is sought after to handle high-profile antitrust transactions, disputes and investigations.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 4

Media, technology and telecoms > Fintech Tier 4

Arnold & Porter has a strong transactional and regulatory practice that represents a broad mix of banks, investment funds, strategic investors and fintech companies. The firm has grown its focus on cryptocurrencies and digital assets, including the establishment of blockchain-backed financial products and platforms. Washington DC-based financial services chair David Freeman leads the team and has a good track record assisting banks on regulatory and transactional matters. Also in the capital, Christopher Allen is especially experienced advising on federal and state consumer finance laws and regulations, while Michael Mancusi is one of the main contacts for regulatory, compliance and enforcement issues. New York-based partners Robert Azarow and Lawton Camp are especially active on the corporate and finance side respectively.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 4

Arnold & Porter specializes in technology-based outsourcing transactions, including handling software licensing and software-as-a-service agreements as well as advising on the development of new products in the outsourcing space. The team’s clients include technology companies as well as firms from sectors including financial services, telecommunications, and arts and media. Matthew Maccoby and Ira Moskatel lead the team in Los Angeles, with Thomas Magnani in San Francisco also a name to note.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactions Tier 4

A go-to firm for major clients such as AT&T in Washington DC, Arnold & Porter guides its clients through the regulatory maze which accompanies their most complex transactions. Maureen Jeffreys chairs the practice and is a specialist in regulatory compliance who represents companies before the FCC and NTIA. Alongside Jeffreys, Peter Schildkraut co-leads the team, a specialist in rulemaking and administrative litigation he counsels clients on spectrum use and broadband matters.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4

Arnold & Porter co-head Steve Gliatta has deep experience advising on first mortgage loans, mezzanine financing, preferred equity investments and workouts. Louis Hait also acts for hedge funds, opportunity funds, and pension plans that provide mezzanine, preferred equity, and common equity joint venture investments. Washington DC-based co-head Amy Rifkind focuses on public-private partnerships, while Jeffrey Kapner is the other co-head. All partners are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

Arnold & Porter is well versed in complex bankruptcies and oversees the full spectrum of in-court matters. Significant representation includes that of an ad hoc group of first lien lenders under a senior secured term and revolving credit facility to Hertz Corporation who have over $1bn outstanding in its Chapter 11 cases. The practice is led by Chicago’s Michael Messersmith, who has experience representing lenders, bondholders, agents, indenture trustees and borrowers. Michael Bernstein in Washington DC is also noted for his work on cross-border Chapter 11 proceedings.

Industry focus > Healthcare: service providers Tier 5

Known for its excellent regulatory team, Arnold & Porter advises its provider clientele on government investigations, corporate compliance, and legislative changes. In connection with its life sciences practice, the group offers strong IP and data privacy services, most notably advising diagnostic firm Labcorp on its full suite of regulatory matters. Daniel Kracov and Allison Shuren co-lead the team. All named lawyers are Washington DC-based.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 5

Arnold & Porter is an active mid-market player, advising private equity sponsors and strategic sellers on buyouts, take-privates, carve-outs, and minority investments, as well as offering life-cycle support to portfolio companies, encompassing financing, acquisitions, corporate governance, and support through exits. The team has strength in a number of areas, including a well-established niche in healthcare and medical devices, alongside industrials, government contracting, energy, and consumer goods. The firm acts for a wide range of sponsors, with key names including Castle Harlan, EQT, and DC Capital. New York’s Stephen Koval  and D.C.-based Andrew Varner  head up the private equity offering, both active dealmakers with a strong record in cross-border transactions. Other key names include corporate and finance co-heads Kevin Lavin and Derek Stoldt, based in D.C. and New York respectively. Stoldt is noted for his expertise in healthcare and life sciences deals, alongside cross-border transactions involving South American jurisdictions.

Real estate Tier 5

Arnold & Porter‘s real estate practice is divided between its New York and Washington DC locations. The former is led by Jeffrey Kapner , who is an expert at negotiating innovative terms and deals involving the acquisition, financing and dispositions of all property types for owners and institutional investors, and Steve Gliatta, who works on the acquisition and financing of real estate projects. Heading the Washington DC practice, Amy Rifkind has extensive commercial real estate experience in development, public-private partnerships, ground leases and financings.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 5

Arnold & Porter is regularly instructed by a number of not-for-profits, family offices, data infrastructure providers, and institutional investors for its wide-ranging transactional tax capabilities. New York-based practice co-chair Laurie Abramowitz works across sectors, handling the tax aspects of M&A transactions for both private equity funds and public companies. Practice co-chair James Joseph is a key port of call for the firm’s tax-exempt organization clientele, ranging from public charities and international NGOs to private foundations and trade associations. Bridget Weiss‘ recent non-profit engagements include reorganizations and master collaboration agreements for renowned medical research institutions, while Joseph Howe is best known for his expertise in public and private REIT formations. Cara Koss works with high-net-worth individuals on estate planning and succession matters. Ed Bintz and Stuart Lipton have retired. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 1

The ‘exceptional’ Arnold & Porter international arbitration practice is best known for its impressive track record in investor-treaty matters where it has focused on representing sovereign states. The firm has enjoyed a remarkable streak of 43 consecutive positive results in final and potentially final awards and decisions on behalf of sovereign States, as well as securing significant victories for the corporate clients it represents in commercial arbitration. The ‘impressive’ Paolo Di Rosa has more than 25 years’ practice experience in the sector and serves as co-chair of the firm’s international arbitration global practice group alongside San Francisco-based Maria Chedid, who was recently promoted to the co-chair role and is also one of only two US members of the ICC Court of Arbitration in Paris. ‘Capable and talented’ litigator Patricio Grané Labat also brings more than two decades; investor-state and international commercial arbitration experience to the team; while senior partner Whitney Debevoise is a key figure in the firm’s work for Panama. Mallory Silberman ‘displays mastery of arbitration rules and very good management in arbitral tribunals’; and Raul Herrera  has extensive expertise in international arbitration and corporate securities law. The firm strengthened is ranks with the hire of counsel Latin America-focused Álvaro Nistal from Volterra Fietta in mid-2021, and subsequently reinforced the senior team with the hire of former Jenner & Block LLP arbitral practice-head Mélida Hodgson in January 2022, following the September 2021 departure of Gaela Gehring Flores to Allen & Overy LLP.

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets

Arnold & Porter is a dominant force in sovereign offerings. The firm has represented a number of sovereign and sub-sovereign entities in Latin America over the years. It benefits from the presence of a number of experienced Latin America specialists; Whitney Debevoise and Gregory Harrington are amongst the most senior Latin America experts in the market with deep connections to a number of sovereign states such as Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras and Venezuela. The team worked on high-value bond offerings for the Republic of Panama and the Republic of Colombia in 2021, among a number of other headline transactions. Raul Herrera, a Panamanian, is another senior figure with extensive experience in capital markets offerings by sovereigns and parastatal agencies; he is a former general counsel of IDB Invest. Counsels Arturo Caraballo and Carlos Pelaez round out the seasoned and prominent team. All named individuals are based in Washington DC. Neil Goodman has retired, although the group has been reinforced on the bank lending front by the hire of New York partner Chris Willott from Clifford Chance in 2021.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance

Arnold & Porter's longstanding focus on Latin America was given additional strength in the banking and finance field with the hire of New York-based senior figure Christopher Willott from Clifford Chance in August 2021. Willott brings extensive experience in Brazil and wider Latin America acquisition, bilateral, commodity, project and syndicated financings. The broader team continues to be well connected to sovereign entities and to advise on major debt restructuring exercises, along with other matters; a team led by Arturo Caraballo and Raul Herrera advised the Republic of Colombia in the chapter 11 case of Avianca, the Colombian airline. Whitney Debevoise and Gregory Harrington also provide a huge amount of Latin America experience, particularly in the sovereign segment.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

Arnold & Porter has a longstanding Latin America practice which was further enhanced on the project finance fornt with the hire of New York partner Christopher Willott from Clifford Chance in 2021. This has given the firm an additional presence in Brazil and Chile project financings and energy sector financings – in particular renewables (wind and solar), oil and gas, and LNG. The firm is also active in infrastructure financings, including bond offerings. Washington DC partners Whitney Debevoise and Gregory Harrington provide additional senior level gravitas.