BakerHostetler > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile
BakerHostetler Offices

WASHINGTON SQUARE, SUITE 1100
1050 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20036-5304
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
United States
BakerHostetler > The Legal 500 Rankings
M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 2
Baker & Hostetler LLP is active on a number of different fronts, but counts TMT deals in the middle-market as its keystone. The practice is distinctly knowledgeable of inbound transactions, a particular forte of team co-head Steven Goldberg, and oversees deal flows from the UK, India, France, Germany, Spain and elsewhere in Europe. Asim Grabowski-Shaikh is based in New York alongside Goldberg and recently made partner, having garnered significant exposure to M&A, securities offerings and de-SPAC transactions.Practice head(s):
Steven Goldberg
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The E.W. Scripps Company
MTD Holdings
Transdigm
Dynamo Software
Big River Steel
Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Blue Point Capital Partners
Dow Jones
Metropolitan Real Estate Equity Management
Landmark Properties
The E.W. Scripps Company
MTD Holdings
Transdigm
Dynamo Software
Big River Steel
Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Blue Point Capital Partners
Dow Jones
Metropolitan Real Estate Equity Management
Landmark Properties
Work highlights
- Acted as lead transactional counsel for The E.W. Scripps Company, including on the $2.65bn acquisition of ION Media and the related preferred investment in Scripps by Berkshire Hathaway.
- Served as primary transaction counsel to TransDigm Group Inc. in multiple transactions, including the acquisition of Cobham Aero Connectivity, the sale of ScioTeq and TREALITY Simulation Visual Systems to OpenGate Capital; and the divesture of Avista Engineering Services. (over $1bn).
- Representing Marriott Vacations Worldwide in the acquisition of Welk Resorts, one of the largest independent timeshare companies in North America, for $485m.
Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: transactional and regulatory Tier 2
In the advertising and marketing space, BakerHostetler is particularly known for its activity at the intersection with digital media, privacy and protection of digital assets. Traditional advertising matters are paired with data and privacy work, including in connection to blockchain and cryptocurrency, the metaverse, NFTs and AI, and FTC-related work. The team handles a broad range of matters thanks to its integration within the wider digital assets and data management department. Linda A. Goldstein in New York, who mainly focuses on complex transactions and regulatory issues, co-leads the practice together with Amy Ralph Mudge in Washington DC, who specializes in FTC investigations, NAD challenges and class action defense. Always in Washington DC, associate John Ferry represents clients before the NAD, the FTC and state attorneys general, as well as in federal court in cases involving claim substantiation, sweepstakes and promotions, and social media campaigns. In October 2021, Daniel Kaufman joined the Washington DC team from the FTC, further expanding the team’s capabilities in the area.
Practice head(s):
Linda Goldstein; Amy Ralph Mudge
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
CBS Interactive
Christian Dior
Kraft-Heinz Company
Meredith Corp.
Ticketmaster Entertainment
The Kellogg Company
Henkel
Bayer Consumer Care
AT&T
iRobot
Luxottica
Danone North America
Galderma
Intuit
Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 2
BakerHostetler is well known in the market for having a specialized digital assets and data management group, which particularly stands out in the litigation and class action disputes space, as well as providing a full service around data. The firm particularly stands out in the insurance sector, but the team’s experience also spans to e-commerce platforms, payment service providers, social media players and fintech entities. Incident response, global cybersecurity compliance and tech transactions complete the offering. The practice is led by Theodore Kobus III in New York, whose main clients include Marriott, Abbott and Garmin. Also in New York, associate Nichole Sterling focuses on privacy and data protection, information governance, and emerging technology. In Cincinnati, Craig A. Hoffman is the main contact for security incidents, response preparedness and digital risk advisory work. In May and October 2021, Dallas's Craig Carpenter and Washington DC-based Daniel Kaufman joined the firm from Holland & Knight LLP and the FTC, respectively.Practice head(s):
Theodore Kobus III
Other key lawyers:
Lynn Sessions; Melinda McLellan; Jeewon Serrato; Craig Hoffman; Nichole Sterling; Craig Carpenter; Daniel Kaufman
Key clients
Mitsubishi
Garmin
Hong Kong Tourism Board
NetJets
Bloomberg
State of Vermont
Bissell
Cyrus One
Silver Car
Hawaii Electric Corporation
BJC Healthcare
The Cleveland Clinic
Health Transformation Alliance (HTA)
Scripps Healthcare
Abbott
Premera Blue Cross
Duke University Health System
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Texas Children’s Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
Work highlights
- Helped companies respond to more than 300 ransomware matters in the past 10 months.
Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 2
Bolstered by the arrival of Alexander Reid from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in July 2021, the tax-exempt practice at Baker & Hostetler LLP has a full service offering to clients, leveraging its firm wide capabilities across IP, cybersecurity, and government relations. Housed in Washington DC, the practice is now under the leadership of Reid, who has deep experience advising on tax planning, tax controversy, and transactional matters. He also specializes in non-profit governance, and advises leading universities, foundations, and charities. The core team includes Matthew Elkin who advises on corporate structures for non-profits, particularly the formation of investment funds and joint ventures, and Edward Beckwith who is the name for operational matters of charitable and educational organizations. In Cleveland, Chad Makuch works in private wealth and advises private foundations on fiduciary best practices, grant making, and compliance.Practice head(s):
Alexander Reid
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Alex is a star, a terrific lawyer’
Key clients
The Philanthropy Roundtable
American Red Cross
Fanatics
AmerisourceBergen
John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Work highlights
- Advised AmerisourceBergen, a pharmaceuticals company that distributes medicine to pharmacies, with regards to a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rule change arising from an audit.
- Advised the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on IRS audits andcontroversy with the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue.
- Advised the American Red Cross on the issue of whether its federal instrumentality status overrides state taxing power, which would mean those sales are tax-exempt.
Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 3
BakerHostetler attracts praise for its ‘stellar US litigation team with immensely capable partners‘. Washington DC-based Mark Cymrot, who counts sovereign states among his key clients leads the ‘remarkable‘ international arbitration and litigation team, while ‘top-tier fraud and recovery lawyer‘ and intellectual property litigator Oren Warshavsky and David Sheehan jointly head the global fraud and international asset tracing and recovery team from New York. Other names to note include ‘superb litigator‘ Gonzalo Zeballos in New York, who excels in international investigations, and Houston-based energy disputes expert Sashe D. Dimitroff.Practice head(s):
Mark Cymrot
Other key lawyers:
Oren Warshavsky; David Sheehan; Gonzalo Zeballos; Sashe D. Dimitroff; Michelle Usitalo; Tatiana Markel; Paul Levine
Testimonials
‘Stellar US litigation team with immensely capable partners each of whom are an absolute pleasure to work with. One of the leading go-to firms for fraud-related litigation domestically and internationally.‘
‘The team is particularly remarkable for its extreme reactivity, its ability to find innovative solutions and its strong technical skills. In addition, it has the capacity to mobilise teams tailored to the client’s needs.‘
‘Very business-savvy, pragmatic, great to work with. Good footprint in the litigation funding world.‘
‘Mark Cymrot and Paul Levine are both excellent, talented and hard-working.‘
‘Oren Warshavsky is a top-notch litigator. For many years now, he is our go-to for all our US-related matters. He is very knowledgeable and has an unerring instinct for the right litigation strategy. We have recommended him many times and will continue to do so.‘
‘Tatiana Markel is truly outstanding – her great expertise and quick wit make her very persuasive in and out of court. We love working with her. Highly recommended!‘
‘Michelle Usitalo is a fantastic lawyer. She convinces with her professional know-how and her negotiating skills. You want her on your team!‘
‘Oren Warshavsky is a top-tier fraud and recovery lawyer, down to earth and easy to work with. Gonzalo Zeballos is a superb litigator – pragmatic yet precise.’
Key clients
Irving H. Picard, Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation
TGG Direct
The security holder representative of the Securityholders of Audiam, Inc
The joint liquidators of Hellas Telecommunications (Luxembourg) II SCA
The Susan Zirkl Memorial Foundation Trust and Michael Lissner, Esq., as Trustee and Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien (which is the Jewish Community of Vienna)
The receiver for M3 Fund, a segregated account of Silk Road Funds
Libyan Asset Recovery and Management Office
Alpha Group, International
Jive Investments
Kevin Hellard and Jonathan Thielmann, Joint Trustees in Bankruptcy of Anatoly Leonidovich Motylev
Work highlights
- Representing trustee for the SIPA liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC international investigations and foreign recovery efforts.
- Representing a client in a case involving the dispute over Nazi looted art, a watercolour and charcoal drawing by well-known artist Egon Schiele, valued at over $40m.
- Representing the Libyan Asset Recovery and Management Office in an international asset recovery effort to recover assets misappropriated from Libya including an estimated $100m or more stolen by former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Industry focus > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 3
Industry focus > Transport: rail and road - litigation and regulation Tier 3
Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3
BakerHostetler employs the combined bench strength of its team to provide comprehensive copyright counselling and registration advice to publishers, authors, designers and architects. In addition, the group represents domestic and multinational corporates including J.M. Smucker and Big Lots Stores, in high-value cross-border copyright disputes. The practice is headed by two veteran copyright litigators: firm-wide chair Mark Tidman in Washington, DC and national trademark and copyright team leader Deborah Wilcox in Cleveland, a specialist in the tech, manufacturing, technology, insurance and healthcare sectors. Nancy R. Frandsen offers copyright management and enforcement expertise in the Philadelphia office.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Cardinal Health, Inc.
Ascena Retail Group, Inc.
LL’s Magnetic Clay, Inc.
Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia
Showa Glove Co.
State of Georgia
Culligan International Company
Big Lots Stores, Inc.
HSN, Inc.
Evenflo Company, Inc.
The J.M. Smucker Company
Showa Glove Co.
The Hanson Group, LLC; Guardian Innovations, LLC
State of Georgia
Culligan International Company
Big Lots Stores, Inc.
CBOE Global Markets
Globefill Incorporated
Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 3
Baker & Hostetler LLP’s cross-practice trade secrets team is a regular port of call for a diverse array of major corporates and regional businesses from the worlds of TMT, life sciences, energy, and manufacturing. Orlando-based co-chair Joyce Ackerbaum Cox handles both advisory and litigious matters, assisting clients with employee movement issues, non-compete strategies, and restrictive covenant claims before the federal courts. In New York, co-head John Siegal’s diverse contentious practice sees him handling trade secret injunction cases for various financial services, media, and real estate industry players in courts throughout the nation. Houston-based Mark Temple is reputed for his capabilities in executive disputes, while Scott McIntyre maintains an active trial and appellate practice based out of the firm’s Cincinnati office.Practice head(s):
Joyce Ackerbaum Cox; John Siegal
Other key lawyers:
Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3
The team at Baker & Hostetler LLP advises high-profile international and global clients such asLG Electronics and the J.M. Smucker Company on the management, exploitation and the enforcement of their trademark portfolios. In Washington DC, IP group chair Mark Tidman , who offers deep experience in trademark clearance and expansion, heads the group, along with national trademark and copyright team leader Deborah Wilcox in Cleveland, who represents clients across the manufacturing, technology, healthcare and insurance sectors. In Philadelphia, Kevin Bovard assists start-ups and multinationals with procurement and protection, and Lesley McCall Grossberg has significant litigation expertise, acting for companies in the financial services, social media, e-commerce, software, telecoms and food service industries.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team takes a personalized approach to the practice. They are responsive, can expedite when necessary, and are flexible with our billing requests.’
‘I have worked with Deborah Wilcox for many years. She provides sound, consistent advice and offers helpful suggestions.’
Key clients
Cardinal Health, Inc. (and its numerous affiliates)
Konica Minolta
Ascena Retail Group, Inc.
LG Innotek, LG Electronics Korea and LG Electronics USA
Interblock Gaming
Evenflo Company, Inc., Goodbaby International Holdings, Inc., Cybex
The J.M. Smucker Company
Showa Glove Co.
The Hanson Group, LLC; Guardian Innovations, LLC
State of Georgia
Culligan International Company
Big Lots Stores, Inc.
CBOE Global Markets
Globefill Incorporated
Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions): defense Tier 3
BakerHostetler is well versed in class and collective as well as single-plaintiff claims. With its specialist expertise in discrimination lawsuits, wage and hour claims and issues related to the FSLA and employee misclassification, the group is often retained by clients from a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, insurance, hospitality and telecommunications. Based in New York, Amy Traub heads up the practice. In Cleveland, Gregory Mersol focuses on discrimination, benefits and wage and hour matters. Supporting the team in Los Angeles is Margaret Rosenthal, whose expertise spans PAGA cases and wrongful termination. Kevin Shaughnessy in Orlando and Scott McIntyre in Cincinnati are also noted for their expertise.Practice head(s):
Amy Traub
Other key lawyers:
Labor and employment > Labor-management relations Tier 3
Baker & Hostetler LLP operates a large labor and employment practice with a history of representing businesses in dealing with organized labor. Its key areas of expertise are in representing clients in hospitality, transport and mining. The team is led by Washington DC-based co-leader Jay P. Krupin, whose work includes union avoidance, strikes and due diligence, supported by Orlando-based co-leader Patrick M. Muldowney, and New York-based group chair Amy J. Traub. New York-based Paul Rosenberg remains active on behalf of a number of the firm's key clients.Practice head(s):
Jay P. Krupin; Patrick M. Muldowney; Amy J. Traub
Other key lawyers:
Paul Rosenberg
Key clients
City of Columbus
The Central Florida Regional Transportation Agency
Greater Dayton Regional Transportation Authority
M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3
The Cleveland-based practice at Baker & Hostetler LLP advises boards of directors, board committees and executives on governance and disclosure issues arising from corporate and M&A transactions, such as conflicts of interest, among others. Elsewhere, the group has expertise in proxy advisory firm recommendations and shareholder activism issues. Also notable is that a number of practitioners at the firm are particularly knowledgeable about federal securities law, including in relation to public company reporting and corporate governance requirements. Practice head Janet A. Spreen was part of the team that advised Bloomin Brands on governance and disclosure issues, which were significant, given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the company. John Harrington is also a name to note.Practice head(s):
Janet A. Spreen
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Arhaus, Inc.
Big River Steel
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
Denbury Resources Inc.
Ferro Corporation
Ingevity Corporation
Lordstown Motors Corp.
theMaven, Inc.
Northside Hospital, Inc.
The Progressive Corporation
Signet Jewelers Ltd.
TransDigm Group, Inc.
Work highlights
- Assisted Lordstown Motors Corp. with facilitating the company’s transition to and early stages as a publicly-traded entity
- Represented Arhaus, Inc. in the company’s IPO of its common shares and assisting with establishing its public company corporate governance structure and processes.
- Assists Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. with ‘34 Act reports and other disclosure issues, corporate governance, securities offerings and executive compensation.
Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4
BakerHostetler undertakes a range of commercial and investment arbitration cases, including complex state-to-state disputes. The national group is active across the full scope of industries, with technology, telecoms, and energy and natural resources standing out as core strengths. Key names in Washington DC include international arbitration and litigation group lead Mark Cymrot, investor-state arbitration head Kenneth Reisenfeld and Analia Gonzalez, who spearheads the Latin America arbitration and litigation practice. In Houston, Sashe Dimitroff is noted for his emphasis on energy-related matters. Marco Molina recently relocated to the Costa Mesa office to boost the department's West Coast offering.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Latam Hydro LLC and CH Mamacocha [owned by former eBay executives]
Resolute Forest Products, Inc.
Westmoreland Coal Company
Empresa Siderurgica Del Mutun
True Blue Development, Limited
ITG Brands LLC., Commonwealth Brands Inc., Liggett Group LLC, Japan Tobacco U.S.A. Inc., and others
China Telecom Global and China Telecom (Americas) Corp.
Hydra-Pro Dutch Harbor, Inc.
Pyrotek, Inc.
Evoqua Water Technologies, LLC, successor to Siemens Industry, Inc.
Superior Energy Services, Inc. (as well as its subsidiaries Superior Energy LLC and Integrated Products Services)
Work highlights
- Representing Latam Hydro, and its Peruvian subsidiary, in an investment dispute with the Republic of Peru relating to violations of the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement and breaches of a 20-year guaranteed revenue concession to provide hydroelectric generated renewable energy to the Peruvian grid.
- Representing Resolute Forest Products in a $103m investor-state NAFTA Chapter 11 claim against the Government of Canada, centering on a dispute over the Canadian government’s support for a bankrupt paper mill in Nova Scotia.
- Representing Westmoreland Coal Company in a $500m NAFTA Chapter 11 arbitration against the Government of Canada relating to compensation for the phase-out of coal-fired energy.
Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 4
BakerHostetler has a busy practice representing public and private companies and individual executives in matters ranging from high-profile securities class actions to major governmental investigations, with extensive expertise in complex and often cutting-edge regulatory matters. Among its lawyers are former trial attorneys and senior counsel at the SEC and the DOJ, which gives the firm in-depth understanding of regulatory investigations. The white-collar and securities governance practice acts for clients in a diverse range of industry sectors, among them healthcare, energy, and financial services. John Carney and George A. Stamboulidis in New York lead the practice, along with Cleveland-based Steven M. Dettelbach . Carney acted for the receiver of Michael Kenwood Capital Management, a group of offshore hedge funds and related entities that pled guilty to multiple counts of securities and wire fraud, in a case that will test the ability of US courts to repatriate stolen assets from foreign jurisdictions.Practice head(s):
John Carney; Steven Dettelbach; George A. Stamboulidis
Key clients
Congressman Christopher Collins
Receiver of Michael Kenwood Group
Counsel to receiver in SEC v. Qin receivership
David Pruitt, CPA, former vice president of finance at the Army Sustainment Division subsidiary of L3 Technologies, Inc.
Priyanka Singh
Sridhar Thiruvengadam
Liquid Realty General Partners, LLC; SLRA Inc., Scott Landress
Lordstown Motors Corp.
Charles Jones, former CEO of FirstEnergy
International Trade > International trade Tier 4
BakerHostetler draws praise for its ‘wide variety of specialist attorneys who work together seamlessly‘. Certainly, the firm houses a broad international trade practice that spans trade litigation, national security matters and customs issues. On the national security front, ‘subject matter expert‘ Barbara Linney is noted for her work in export controls, economic sanctions and CFIUS matters. Michael S. Snarr co-heads the department alongside Linney and is a key contact for trade remedies and trade policy issues. Elliot J. Feldman also maintains a robust trade litigation practice, evidenced by his representation of significant Canadian producers in the ongoing softwood lumber trade dispute between the US and Canada. Lana Muranovic and Matthew Caligur are key names in Houston. Melissa Mannino, who specializes in national security matters, recently joined from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Named attorneys are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Baker & Hostetler provides a wide range of legal services, with many skilled attorneys, and quickly responds to our needs.’
‘They make professional and adequate analysis and description of our practical problems. Effectively guide us in gathering evidence to strengthen the argument. They have resources to get further contact with officers for the issues we are dealing with. They have a Chinese speaker as a team member to facilitate communication.’
‘Baker & Hostetler has a wide variety of specialist attorneys who work together seamlessly. We have been with Baker & Hostetler for many years with great success.‘
‘I use the export controls and sanctions practice of the firm. It is one of the best with a combination of regulatory expertise in sanctions, export controls, and CFIUS.’
‘Barbara Linney is a real subject matter expert, in more than one jurisdiction, and has an admirable ability to communicate highly complex and technical legal analysis in straightforward terms — pragmatically, commercially and engagingly.’
‘I have worked most closely with Barbara Linney. She is the senior partner within export control, sanctions and CFIUS. She stands out in terms of evaluation of new regulations and statutes (proposed and final). She is a prodigious writer on such matters.’
‘Michael Snarr provides frequent and thorough updates on the status of our Section 301 Duty litigation. He provides the information in manner that is easy to read and understand and highlights what actions if any he needs from us through the process.’
‘Melissa Mannino is highly appreciated for her comprehensive analysis and excellent communication skills.’
Key clients
Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association
Resolute Forest Products, Inc.
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.
Anchor Tool & Die Company
Component Hardware Group
Monument Chemical
CTC Acquisition Company
Kulkoni Inc.
Oatey Company
The Orvis Company
Prime Time Commerce
BOMAG
Mifab Inc.
Fi-Foil Company
Westmoreland Mining Holdings Inc.
Fontaine, Inc.
Sumecht NA, Inc., d.b.a Sumec North America/ Sumec Hardware & Tools Co., Ltd
Roots Farm
Conseil de l’Industrie Forestière du Québec
Ontario Forest Industries Association
Ashtead Technology, Inc.
Federal Express Ground
Work highlights
- Representing the provincial industry associations and the largest producer from two of the five Canadian provinces whose forestry systems are under investigation for subsidies, as well as acting as advisors to the government of Canada in relation to an appeal to the WTO.
- Advising J.F. Lehman & Company on defense security compliance and various international trade matters connected to its acquisition of four new portfolio companies and a successful divestiture.
Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 4
Baker & Hostetler LLP offers a full-spectrum patent prosecution service with notable expertise across a wide sector range, including computer technology, life sciences, electrical and chemical engineering, aeronautics, and biotechnology. Washington DC’s Kenneth Sheehan, who handles a wide array of patent work, including prosecution, licensing, litigation, and transactions, and earns praise for his ‘technical expertise, very high-quality standards and business acumen’, is a key contact of the group. Tayan Patel and Hussein Akhavannik, also in Washington DC, and Stephanie Lodise in Philadelphia, are also noted. The firm includes a number of attorneys with an extensive background in regulatory bodies such as USPTO. The firm also operates from its office in Atlanta.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Kenneth Sheehan is an excellent professional with technical expertise, very high-quality standards and business acumen.’
‘Kenneth Sheehan has a keen ability to understand highly technical invention disclosures.’
Key clients
AT&T
Comcast Corporation
Amazon.com
Johnson & Johnson
American Water Works Company, Inc.
Bosch
SPX Corporation
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Apple
West Pharmaceutical Services
Fresenius Kabi USA
Sinclair Broadcast Group
CACI (formerly LGS Innovations)
Bruker
comScore
Nordson Corporation
TracFone
Hyatt
Transdigm
Syngenta
Cree
Teleflex
Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 4
BakerHostetler notably advises on multi-employer plans, public company executive compensation arrangements and health and welfare plans. From the firm’s Columbus office, Susan Lubow, who focuses on ERISA compliance issues, jointly leads the practice alongside Cleveland-based Raymond Malone, who frequently acts for tax-exempt organizations such as research universities and hospital systems. Also in Cleveland, Jennifer Mills and Susan Whittaker Hughes focus on health and welfare plan matters, while Columbus-based counsel Seth Hanft advises on HIPAA compliance issues. Ann Caresani, who operates from the Cleveland office, is another key member of the team. Columbus-based Georgeann Peters recently retired.Practice head(s):
Raymond Malone; Susan Lubow
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Mills; Susan Hughes; Seth Hanft; Ann Caresani
Key clients
Parker Hannifin Corporation
Huntington National Bank
The E.W. Scripps Company
Trinity Health Corporation
Teleflex Incorporated
Kaiser Permanente/Kaiser Foundation Health Plan
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
American Automobile Association
The Health Transformation Alliance
Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 4
Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 4
Baker & Hostetler LLP fields a sizeable employment counseling and training group. It has an established track record in advising large, multinational clients on workplace issues, and regularly advises clients on all aspects of employment law and employment-related statutes, including on issues involving leave, hiring and firing, immigration, non-competition agreements and prevention of trade secrets theft, among other areas. The team is led by New York–based group chair Amy Traub, who focuses on the healthcare, hospitality and retail sectors.Practice head(s):
Amy Traub
Other key lawyers:
Gregory Mersol; Scott McIntyre
Real estate Tier 4
Baker & Hostetler LLP‘s practice is co-chaired by Robert H. Gebaide in Orlando and Wendy Markham in Atlanta, with support from a sizeable team of real estate specialists in the Michael Pappert-led Houston office, alongside its Cleveland and Washington DC teams. Areas of expertise include acquisition, sales, financing, and development of offices, healthcare, hospitality and master-planned communities, as well as in regulatory compliance and environmental permitting.Practice head(s):
Robert Gebaide; Wendy Markham
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Aaron’s, Inc.
American Homes 4 Rent
Beazer Homes Inc.
Birkenstock USA
CHEP USA
Chevron Products Company
Diamond Resorts
Five Below, Inc.
Greif, Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented the national real estate developers and owners of a NFL franchise, in the acquisition of the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, along with soccer training facilities and the related business and land.
- Advising a real estate investor on the ownership restructuring of 40 office buildings and projects across the U.S., owned by various investment funds controlled by the client.
- Representing a bank in connection with the drafting, negotiation and implementation of a construction loan facility to finance the horizontal and infrastructure improvements and certain vertical improvements of a $1bn multi-phase master planned community project in Westchester, New York, comprised of an approximately 68-acre parcel of land.
Tax > International tax Tier 4
Based in Washington, DC, Baker & Hostetler LLP advises on tax-related matters related to cross-border transactions, general corporate law, and forensic tax controversies. It is particularly strong dealing with cross-border mergers, joint ventures, and restructurings, as well as taxable presence for corporations and private equity funds. Brian Davis leads the team and covers both complex cross-border tax disputes and transactional work. Jeffrey Paravano deals with tax controversies, investigations, and litigation, cross-border tax planning, as well as REIT and venture capital transactions. Chairman of the firm Paul M. Schmidt is a tax specialist covering transaction structuring and international tax controversies.Practice head(s):
Brian Davis
Other key lawyers:
Jeffrey Paravano; Paul Schmidt
Key clients
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Progressive Insurance Company
American Resort Development Association
Work highlights
- Represented a client as lead tax counsel in Moore v. United States, a tax refund action currently pending in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Represented an aerospace manufacturer in its acquisition of Cobham Aero Connectivity.
- Represented an aerospace manufacturer in its sale of ScioTeq and TREALITY Simulation Visual Systems businesses to OpenGate Capital for approximately $200m.
Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4
Baker & Hostetler LLP represents domestic and international clients on IRS appeals, tax audits, and litigation. It has particular expertise representing tax exempt organizations and representing in SALT-related litigation. Firm-wide chair of the tax group Jeffrey Paravano is based in Washington DC and focuses on multi-jurisdictional tax disputes and audits, as well as IRS appeals. He works alongside associate Nicholas Mowbray, who covers tax controversy for clients in the oil and gas industry. Based in Ohio, Edward Bernert is an expert in SALT controversy at all levels of court, while chair of the firm Paul M. Schmidt represents clients in IRS audits. In Cleveland, tax controversy co-lead Michelle Hervey represents major players in manufacturing, real estate, and agriculture. New York office leader Elizabeth Smith is a specialist in cross-border tax representation for clients in the financial services sector. In 2021 tax controversy specialists Alexander Reid and Matthew Elkin joined the DC office from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in July and August, respectively.Practice head(s):
Jeffrey Paravano
Other key lawyers:
Nicholas Mowbray; Edward Bernert; Paul Schmidt; Michelle Hervey; Elizabeth Smith; Alexander Reid; Matthew Elkin
Key clients
The Archer Daniels Midland Company
Parker Hannifin
The Timken Company
Mars, Inc.
The Carlyle Group
AECOM
Verizon, Inc.
Wyndham Worldwide
Commonwealth Brands, Inc.
American Greetings Corporation, LLC
Work highlights
- Represented Pacific Gas & Electric in bankruptcy cases relating to California wildfires.
- Represented Sherwin-Williams and Progressive Insurance in proceedings relating to tax consequences arising from the fall-out of an alleged $800m Ponzi scheme involving twelve investors in more than 30 funds that invested in mobile solar generators with DC Solar Solutions.
- Represented as lead tax counsel in Moore v. United States, a tax refund action currently pending in federal district court.
Industry focus > Healthcare: service providers Tier 5
Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 5
The practice at BakerHostetler is well known for its patent litigation capabilities acting before the Court of Federal Claims, showcasing its combined expertise in IP and government contract law. The group also holds a solid reputation and presence in other US venues, including the PTAB, the ITC, and the federal circuit, and while it shows a particular strength in the technology sector, it skillfully acts in a wide gamut of industries. Comcast, HP, L3 Harris Technologies, and Crown Holdings, are among the group’s client roster. Daniel Goettle in Philadelphia, Kevin Kirsch in Cincinnati/Columbus, and Leif Sigmond in Chicago and Philadelphia’s John Murphy are key names. Katrina M. Quicker left the firm in February 2021.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
Crown Holdings
Showa Glove Co.
PL Developments, Inc.
PuraCap Pharmaceutical LLC
Smart Communications Holding, Inc
Cardinal Health, Inc.
HSN, Inc.
Zadro Products
Henny Penny Corporation
Hitachi, Ltd.
Nationwide Insurance
HP Inc.
L3 Harris Technologies, Inc.
AT&T/AT&T Services Inc.
Guest-Tek Interactive Ltd.
Trading Technologies International, Inc.
Siemens Gamesa
Trustwave Holdings, Inc.
Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6
BakerHostetler has a breadth of expertise covering the ‘full array of bankruptcy-related work’, placing particular focus upon distressed M&A, restructurings, workouts and litigation. It is well equipped to advise across a range of industries such as energy, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare and retail. Renowned sector expert Elizabeth Green leads the bankruptcy practice from Orlando, offering broad expertise across the firm’s offering.Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Green
Other key lawyers:
Michael VanNiel; Eric Sagerman; Donald Workman; Jorian Rose; Andrew Layden
Key clients
The Official Committee of Tort Claimants of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Irving H. Picard, Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC
Alliance Medical Holdings, LLC
Chapter 11 Trustee of Americore Companies
Lapis Advisors LLP
Samuels Jewelers Inc.
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
WorldPay
AB Volvo (and certain global affiliates)
Limetree Bay Services, LLC, Limetree Bay Refining, LLC, and related entities
Ad Hoc Committee of Deed of Trust Holders of Professional Financial Investors, Inc.
Assignee for the Benefit of Creditors of Aerion Corporation, Aerion Technologies Corporation, Aerion Supersonic LLC, and Aerion Intellectual Property Management Corporation
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Chapter 11 Cases of Advantage Holdco and affiliated companies (d/b/a “Advantage Rent-A-Car” and “E-Z Rent-A-Car”)
Sharity Ministries, Inc.
Entrust Energy, Inc., and its affiliated entities
Gulf States Toyota
White Oak Global Advisors, LLC, through its designee International Keg, LLC
Mack Trucks, Inc.
Kim Funding
Protect America
National Building Maintenance Corp.
Work highlights
- Represented Limetree Bay Services, Limetree Bay Refining and related entities in chapter 11 cases arising from the bankruptcy of a U.S. Virgin Islands oil refinery, unable to upgrade to meet EPA emission standards.
- Represented Official Committee of Tort Claimants of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company in its chapter 11 case and acted as appellate counsel in multiple appeals.
- Represented Entrust Energy and affiliated entities in connection with a pending chapter 11 liquidation, arising from Winter Storm Uri and the resulting 2021 Texas power crisis.
Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6
Working collaboratively between departments and across offices, BakerHostetler consistently works on the full scope of tax-based mandates for clients in the real estate, energy, manufacturing, insurance, and financial services sectors. Practice head Jeffrey Paravano is highly experienced in both transactional and planning instructions, ranging from venture capital transactions to federal policy analyses. Chairman Paul Schmidt is recommended for his knowledge of international taxation, while John Lehrer is a key contact for the firm’s hospitality and media clientele. Cleveland practice head Michelle Hervey‘s broad focus encompasses debt and equity issuances, and private equity investments, while Alexander Szilvas and Nathan Ware are recommended for tax credit finance matters in the property sector. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Jeffrey Paravano
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The E.W. Scripps Company
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Progressive Insurance Company
51 Maple Street LLC
901 South Broadway
310 Retail LLC
Harbor Lofts
Work highlights
- Represented a private equity investor in connection with its investment in Amuze Products II, Inc.
- Represented The E.W. Scripps Company in its acquisition of ION Media from Black Diamond Capital Management LLC.
- Representing Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) in bankruptcy cases relating to California wildfires, with an aggregate settlement value of $13bn.
BakerHostetler > Firm Profile
Recognized as one of the top firms for client service, BakerHostetler is a leading national law firm that helps clients around the world to address their most complex and critical business and regulatory issues. With six core national practice groups – business, digital assets and data management, employment, intellectual property, litigation and tax – the firm has more than 970 lawyers located in 17 offices coast to coast. BakerHostetler is widely regarded as having one of the country’s top-ten tax practices, a nationally recognized litigation practice and an industry-leading business practice. The firm is also recognized internationally for its groundbreaking work recovering or reaching agreements to recover approximately $14.3bn in the Madoff Recovery Initiative, representing the SIPA Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC. Visit bakerlaw.com.
Main areas of practice
Antitrust: BakerHostetler’s antitrust practice is notable for having tried numerous antitrust and competition cases to verdict, representing plaintiffs and defendants in antitrust and competition litigation – including class action lawsuits – and helping clients navigate the US merger review process.
Bankruptcy and creditors’ rights: BakerHostetler’s bankruptcy team is known for its work in fraud investigations, litigation, recovery and workouts. The firm plays major roles in significant US and international bankruptcy cases, capitalizing on extensive experience in business workouts, complex reorganizations and bankruptcy proceedings.
Benefits and executive compensation: BakerHostetler counsels employers on the design and implementation of all types of retirement, savings, health and welfare programs, as well as executive compensation, bonus and other incentive plans, deferred compensation arrangements, and retention and severance plans.
Corporate and M&A: BakerHostetler is a recognized leader in middlemarket transactions, the firm counsels large organisations on multibillion-dollar transactions and provides experienced counsel to publicly traded and closely held businesses of all sizes.
Digital Assets and Data Management: BakerHostetler formed the Digital Assets and Data Management Practice Group (DADM Group) to mirror how clients do business. Leveraging data and technology is a priority for most entities. The firm has united key service offerings and technologists to address all the risks associated with an entity’s digital assets. The new practice group works with the firm’s clients through the life cycle of data – privacy, security, marketing and advertising, transactions, and emerging technology – within an organization.
Employment: BakerHostetler counsels clients on the full array of employment and labor issues, and is known for its national counsel in the hospitality, media and healthcare industries..
E-discovery: BakerHostetler is the firm business leaders turn to for e-discovery advocacy and management solutions to complex electronic discovery and data challenges. The firm focuses only on data that matters to claims and defenses in dispute, which reduces the burden and risk of discovery.
Healthcare: BakerHostetler provides comprehensive legal counsel to those with healthcare interests, focusing on transactions, structuring, finance, reimbursement, compliance, fraud/abuse, investigations, tax and employment law, as well as privacy issues related to data breaches.
Hospitality: BakerHostetler’s hospitality practice is known for its representation of major brands and developers in worldwide hotel and resort projects, and involvement in the creation and operation of vacation clubs.
Intellectual property: BakerHostetler understands that in today’s global economy, patents, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property are among the most valuable assets of market leaders and rising businesses. In thousands of proceedings spanning more than 100 countries, the firm protects clients’ competitive advantage in negotiations, trials and other dispute resolution proceedings.
International asset tracing and recovery: BakerHostetler is a leader in handling complex international insolvencies and in tracing and recovering assets. Clients benefit from the firm’s extensive experience, which strategically maximizes their positions in complex civil and criminal disputes.
Litigation: BakerHostetler’s litigation practice is regarded for its prelitigation strategies and ability to prepare, try and win cases in antitrust, appellate, bankruptcy, class action, commercial, privacy and data protection, environmental, product liability, securities and white-collar areas.
Real estate: BakerHostetler’s capabilities in finance, development, acquisition, disposition and leasing matters offer a full range of legal services to help clients meet their real estate objectives in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Tax and private wealth: BakerHostetler’s tax group is one of the nation’s largest, recognized for its ability to resolve tax controversy matters, implement global planning opportunities and resolve issues through the regulatory and legislative processes. It is also known for its sophisticated private wealth planning practice.
White-collar, investigations and securities enforcement and litigation: With significant trial and monitorship experience, BakerHostetler’s white-collar defense and corporate investigations practice is among the most seasoned in serving corporations and individuals facing government scrutiny.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Antitrust and Competition | Carl W Hittinger | ||
Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights | Elizabeth A Green | ||
Benefits/Executive Compensation | Georgeann G Peters | ||
Benefits/Executive Compensation | Raymond M Malone | ||
Class Action Defense | Paul G Karlsgodt | ||
Corporate/Business | John M Gherlein | ||
Employment | Amy J Traub | ||
E-discovery Advocacy and Management | Edward J Jacobs | ||
Energy | L Poe Leggette | ||
Energy | Martin T Booher | ||
Energy | W Ray Whitman | ||
Healthcare | Charlene L McGinty | ||
Hospitality | John Melicharek Jr | ||
Intellectual Property | Mark H Tidman | ||
International | Kerry T Scarlott | ||
International | Mark A Cymrot | ||
International Asset Tracing and Recovery | David J Sheehan | ||
International Asset Tracing and Recovery | Oren J Warshavsky | ||
International Asset Tracing and Recovery | Mark A Cymrot | ||
Litigation | W Ray Whitman | ||
Mergers and Acquisitions | Steven H Goldberg | ||
Mergers and Acquisitions | Ronald A Stepanovic | ||
Privacy and Data Protection | Theodore J Kobus III | ||
Private Wealth | Robert R Galloway | ||
Real Estate | Robert H Gebaide | ||
Real Estate | Amy E Kellogg | ||
Securities and Governance Litigation | Douglas W Greene | ||
Tax | Jeffrey H Paravano | ||
White Collar, Investigations and Securities Enforcement and Litigation | John J Carney | ||
White Collar, Investigations and Securities Enforcement and Litigation | Steven M Dettelbach | ||
White Collar, Investigations and Securities Enforcement and Litigation | George A Stamboulidis |
Staff Figures
Number of Partners : 452 Number of Other Fee-Earners : 632 Total Staff : 1,778Other
Chairman : Paul M. Schmidt Locations of Offices : Atlanta Locations of Offices : Chicago Locations of Offices : Cincinnati Locations of Offices : Cleveland Locations of Offices : Columbus Locations of Offices : Costa Mesa Locations of Offices : Denver Locations of Offices : Houston Locations of Offices : Los Angeles Locations of Offices : New York Locations of Offices : Orlando Locations of Offices : Philadelphia Locations of Offices : Seattle Locations of Offices : Washington, DC Locations of Offices : Dallas Locations of Offices : San Francisco Locations of Offices : Wilmington- M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m)
- Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: transactional and regulatory
- Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection)
- Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations)
Firm Rankings
- Dispute resolution > International litigation
- Industry focus > Energy litigation: oil and gas
- Industry focus > Transport: rail and road - litigation and regulation
- Intellectual property > Copyright
- Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters)
- Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing)
- Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions): defense
- Labor and employment > Labor-management relations
- M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance
- Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense
- Dispute resolution > International arbitration
- Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense
- International Trade > International trade
- Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings)
- Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design
- Labor and employment > Immigration
- Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling
- Real estate
- Tax > International tax
- Tax > US taxes: contentious