Blank Rome LLP > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

Blank Rome LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 1

Blank Rome LLP excels in navigating a diverse spectrum of insurance matters with a specific focus on policyholders, with expertise spanning various industries and underpinned by considerable trial experience. Noteworthy achievements include leading a $25m lawsuit for Urban Edge Properties related to coronavirus business interruption and advocating for religious organizations in cases involving sexual abuse claims. In Washington DC, negotiation and trial expert John Gibbons and Jim Murray, recognized for his work on institutional liability for sexual abuse of minors, co-head the practice, alongside high-stakes litigation expert Linda Kornfeld from Los Angeles. Also in LA, Mary Craig Calkins supports the practice currently handling diverse coverage matters arising from the 2020 election fraud allegations and media defamation claims. In Washington DC, the team also includes Omid Safa, specializing in insurance issues for high-profile individuals, Kyle Brinkman managing complex insurance coverage matters, and veteran John Heintz in corporate insurance coverage and complex litigation. In New York, Jared Zola focuses on high-stakes litigation and corporate transactions, while Natasha Romagnoli brings notable experience in sexual abuse coverage, discrimination claims, directors’ and officers’ liability, and errors and omissions. Noteworthy additions in March 2023 include partner Minneapolis-based Rikke Dierssen-Morice, joining from Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP, recognized for expertise in food contamination/recall, crime, and construction coverage, and Jason Frye, joining from Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP in Chicago, marking the firm’s continued expansion into the Midwest.

Transport > Shipping: litigation and regulation Tier 1

Government > Government contracts Tier 2

With a strong record in the defense, aerospace, and IT sectors, Blank Rome LLP matches expertise in traditional bid protests and claims with industry-specific experience in national security, export controls, M&A transactions, and government investigations. Justin Chiarodo chairs the Washington DC-based practice, and assists clients with all facets of federal, state, and local procurement law, including FCA claims and cost accounting and audit matters. Dominique Casimir complements strength in suspension and debarment proceedings with notable bid protests work. Luke Meier is adept in bid protests and government investigations, and specializes in contracts with the Department of Energy. Scott Arnold is a stalwart in both litigation and counseling, representing industry giants like Oshkosh Defense. Elizabeth Jochum is best known in the bid protests space, and also counsels the range of prime, sub, large, and small contractors on regulatory compliance, voluntary disclosures, and investigations. Stephanie Harden fields experience in audits and claims, mandatory disclosures, and FCA and Anti-Terrorism Act litigation. Robyn Burrows, who is developing a focus on emerging supply chain and cybersecurity issues, was promoted to partner in January 2024. Brian Gocial left the firm in February 2023.

Transport > Shipping: finance Tier 2

Acting for shipyards, owners, operators, cargo interests, lenders and investors, Blank Rome LLP‘s ship finance practice works across the firm’s DC, New York and Houston offices. The team is consistently sought out to advise on secured ship financing and vessel leasing deals, and has enviable expertise in the Jones Act (which regulates US maritime transportation). Other key areas include M&A-related maritime law advice, ship financing for vessels registered under the laws of Liberia and the Marshall Islands, and maritime restructuring and bankruptcy matters. The group also regularly acts on Title XI financings, which involve government guarantees of debt instruments (issued by shipowners or shipyards for the construction or modification of vessels or shipyards). With longstanding experience in domestic and international maritime financings, Anthony Salgado routinely negotiates and structures maritime deals, such as vessel-secured financings, vessel lease financings and maritime restructurings. Houston-based Douglas Shoemaker is also a maritime transactions specialist, while Natalie Radabaugh focuses on maritime transactions, corporate governance and ship finance. All practitioners listed are based in the firm’s DC office unless otherwise mentioned.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 3

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4

Blank Rome LLP fields a leading SALT team that routinely acts in audits, appeals, and litigation, with expertise in all 50 states. The group is active on behalf of prominent multinationals in addition to advising high net worth individuals and SMEs. Craig Fields, who leads the team from New York, advises on both contentious and non-contentious SALT matters and is recognized as a thought leader in the area. Other key names in New York include experienced litigator Mitchell Newmark, as well as Nicole Johnson, whose practice covers the audit, administrative, and judicial levels, and Eugene Gibilaro, who has a growing reputation for advising clients in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Real estate Tier 5

Headed out of New York, Blank Rome LLP‘s national practice handles single and multi-property portfolio transactions, investments, joint ventures and restructuring, together with commercial leasing where co-head Sam Walker is prominent on retail chain rollouts. The team is also known for its regular representation of institutional lenders and REITs, assisting them on a range of multifamily, retail, and industrial matters. Walker is joined by fellow co-heads Samantha Wallack and Martin Luskin, with the latter being noted for his experience on mergers and leveraged buyouts of publicly traded real estate investment trusts, among other areas. Outside of New York, key offices include Washington DC, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Houston.  

International trade > Trade remedies and trade policy

International trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions

Finance > Commercial lending