Cooley LLP > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

Cooley LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Fielding a team of ‘incredibly experienced’ attorneys, Cooley LLP routinely advises issuers and managers on all aspects of equity offerings, predominantly focusing on high-profile IPOs and direct listings. The practice has extensive expertise across the biotech, biopharma, and healthcare industries, consistently acting on behalf of private and public companies alongside investment banks. Based out of San Diego, co-lead Charlie Kim is an expert in equity and debt issuances, primarily in the tech and consumer sectors, while in San Francisco, co-head David Peinsipp has expertise in follow-on and 144A offerings. From New York, Div Gupta is knowledgeable in IPOs on shares of common stock, and in Palo Alto, Eric Jensen specializes in capital markets and other corporate transactions, and Jon Avina assists tech companies with securities and governance proceedings. With the team also being well versed in proxy contests and acquisitions, Eric Jensen is a standout in New York, and West Coast’s John-Paul Motley is also highlighted as key.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 1

Cooley LLP is a leader across life sciences and healthcare transactions, with significant work in research, licensing and collaboration agreements, M&A, financing, and IPOs. The practice also works on IP strategic counseling and litigation, with San Diego’s Chad Shear leading the firm’s efforts on the latter in 2024. The firm has also led cross-border M&A, demonstrating its ability to work collaboratively across its global offices. The team is headed by Reston-based Christian Plaza and Boston’s Marc Recht, both vastly experienced in public and private transactions, including M&A, securities, and strategic partnerships and collaborations. Showcasing the firm’s strength in supporting partnering transactions, Palo Alto’s Lila Hope led the firm’s representation of SystImmune on the license and collaboration agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb, with a potential value of $8.4bn. Another key member of the team is Ken Krisko, based in Reston, who advises on a range of commercial and corporate finance matters. James Schneider returned to the Boston office in 2024, focusing on emerging companies and venture capital in the life science market. Kate Hillier departed the team in April 2025.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 1

Cooley LLP is a first port of call for start-ups and emerging companies looking for transactional support. The practice handles a considerable number of venture capital financings annually, where it is equally active on behalf of both investors and companies, while it also advises on IPOs, M&A, and corporate governance matters. A trio of high-profile dealmakers head up the emerging companies and venture capital group: Peter Werner , who recently advised Founders Fund as a co-lead investor in Anduril Industries’ $1.5bn Series F funding round, co-steers the practice from San Francisco together with Matthew Bartus, while Sacha Ross co-directs the group from New York. The bench also includes Palo Alto-based Mark Tanoury, whose four decades of experience ensures he is sought after by emerging companies and venture capital investors for support on strategic matters. Recently promoted to firm CEO, San Francisco-based Rachel Proffitt is a go-to specialist for corporate and securities-related issues, where she enjoys close relationships with public and private companies and investors. Adam Dinow, who heads the New York corporate practice, and Derek Colla, who is a founder of the Miami office, are also highly regarded. Palo Alto-based Sale Kwon is a talented next-generation partner.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 1

Advising global tech and software companies, Cooley LLP offers both general compliance advice as well as incident response support for data breaches, credential stuffing attacks and ransomware attacks. The firm is experienced in cyber-related litigation, including class actions, at the state, federal and international levels. It is also knowledgeable of data and privacy issues surrounding generative AI. Splitting his time between Washington DC and San Francisco, Travis LeBlanc is an expert in regulatory enforcement investigations and compliance for cyber and privacy regulations. Matthew Brown, who is based in San Francisco, is a seasoned defense litigator and advisor in government investigations. The Colorado-based David Navetta specialises in data breaches and corporate transactions, especially within the tech and healthcare industries. Divided between Chicago and New York, Tiana Demas supports clients in FTC regulatory enforcements and cybersecurity program assistance. DC-based Michael Egan provides cybersecurity preparedness and response support and has further expertise in cross-borders data flows. Los Angeles-based Teresa Michaud joined the team from Baker McKenzie in February 2024, whilst Kristen Mathews joined from Morrison Foerster in September 2024. Ben Hur  joined the firm in 2025 from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

Cooley LLP is active at the intersection of tech, business, and intellectual property, combining expertise in commercial transactions with a deep understanding of IP law. Based in Palo Alto, TJ Graham , chair of the tech transactions practice, is renowned for his expertise in high-tech, AI, and digital media deals, advising industry giants on transformative transactions such as Rubrik’s $752m IPO and Zillow’s $400m acquisition of Follow Up Boss. Tracy Rubin, an expert in complex IP transactions, has guided clients on major deals across industries like AI, semiconductors, and digital media, including Carmot Therapeutics’ $2.76bn uisition by Roche. Recently promoted to partner, Caitlin Courtney  is highly regarded for her work on strategic licensing, M&A, and commercial deals, including a $125m acquisition, a $1.8bn sale, and a $140m acquisition with a $100m debt facility.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Drawing upon an ‘extremely deep bench of talented attorneys’ who have a ‘strong understanding’ of the technology and life sciences sectors, in particular, Cooley LLP is a very popular choice for companies in those domains facing securities class action cases. The team continues to regularly secure victories in pre-trial motions often before discovery, including for a global biotech company when the appellate court recently affirmed a prior lower court decision to dismiss a case on the basis that the plaintiffs failed to adequately plead a false or misleading statement. Palo Alto-based team head Patrick Gibbs was pivotal to this success and is regularly at the forefront of the highest-profile matters handled by the practice, including its ongoing representation of core firmwide client NVIDIA, which recently saw an important ruling handed down by the Supreme Court regarding the pleading standard for scienter. New York-based Sarah Lightdale was also involved in the aforementioned matter and is a key member of the team that includes San Diego-based Koji Fukumura, who is highly skilled at representing life sciences companies, in particular, accused of securities fraud.

Finance > Financial services regulation

Finance > Fintech Tier 2

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 2

Cooley LLP  demonstrates an impressive strength in patent litigation at all stages of operation and across both the life sciences and technology industries. The practice is engaged by market-leading clients, including Meta, Uber, Sight Sciences and Vifor to navigate high-stakes and business-critical matters. Speaking to the team’s wide-ranging expertise, the team successfully defended and sought damages for Sight Sciences in a patent infringement jury trial. The department is chaired by Steve Smith, in Washington DC; Smith is a leading advisor to leading technology companies in competitor cases across the full array of litigation venues. Also in Washinton DC is Sanya Sukduang, a leading advisor for patent disputes to clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. In Palo Alto, Heidi Keefe is a first-chair litigator for technology patent cases, with particular success at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). In San Diego, Chad Shear focuses on high-stakes pharmaceutical patent disputes. Additionally, Reuben Chen in Palo Alto provides additional expertise in medical device and biotechnology patent litigation.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 2

Demonstrating notable capabilities in the tech and life sciences sectors, Cooley LLP is comprised of a solid bench of practitioners who are capable of assisting with high-stakes trademark litigation. The team is a strong choice for start-ups through to global scale clients. The practice is helmed by Washington DC based Brendan Hughes, who covers a full array of trademark disputes, with experience operating before the Second and Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. In New York, JP Oleksiuk leverages his comprehensive trademark, copyright and advertising law knowledge to assist a plethora of global brands, while in Los Angeles, Bobby Ghajar has a varied practice that encompasses complex trademark and copyright issues, and he is routinely entrusted by sizeable brands and industry leaders.

International trade and national security > CFIUS Tier 2

Cooley LLP, known for its strength in assisting emerging tech and life sciences companies, has been building its CFIUS practice to have the capacity to negotiate National Security Agreements, in line with a marked increase in CFIUS enforcement action. The CFIUS team, in line with the firm’s wider practice areas, regularly supports emerging technology companies in their CFIUS matters and has notable specialisms in complex sectors such as space technology, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. Washington D.C.-based Christopher Kimball established and co-leads the team. Kimball has focussed on developing the team's national security mitigation practice. Kevin King co-leads alongside Kimball, and his client base consists of tech start-ups, established public and private companies, and venture capital firms.  Other key lawyers include Dillon Martinson, who has been integral to the firm's ability to prepare submissions, conduct interactions with CFIUS and obtain regulatory approval.

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

Cooley LLP’s team is based in Washington DC and is well-placed to represent satellite, broadcast and telecoms clients before the FCC. The team is headed up by Robert McDowell who harnesses experience in such FCC work. Travis LeBlanc specializes in crisis management, internal investigations, national security matters and complex litigation, while J.G. Harrington offers advice on the regulations affecting transactions, compliance and bankruptcies, as well as on the development of new products and services. Jason Rademacher routinely represents broadcast, cable, telecoms, tech and new media companies before the FCC and Henry Wendel has a particular focus on transformative transactions and critical advocacy issues. Christy Burrow and Belen Crisp are also standout members of the team. Team changes include the retirement of Michael Basile and the September 2024 arrival of Tony Lin.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 2

Cooley LLP advises the likes of Vantage Data Centers, Brookfield Properties, and BXP, Inc. on a host of land use and zoning issues, including special exemptions, permits, approvals, zoning, and rezoning. Following Colleen Gillis‘s departure, Reston’s Mark Looney has taken the reins as sole departmental leader – he has considerable experience acquiring the necessary approvals for retail, industrial, mixed-use, and community projects. The team is supported by associate Amanda Williams who helps clients with development applications for data center and fiber optic conduit facility projects. Looney and Williams continue to represent the publicly traded company, Pulte Home Company, as it develops the active adult community, Montebello Farm. Despite controversy and opposition, the team managed to secure rezoning allowing the much-needed housing development.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Cooley LLP specializes in domestic and cross-border investigations, defending clients in a range of white-collar matters, and representing clients against enforcement actions from authorities such as the DOJ, SEC, FTC and CFTC. The firm has deep experience representing the financial sector and handling matters like cybersecurity, FCPA violations, tax fraud, FCA, financial fraud and export controls. Andrew Goldstein, head of the white-collar defense group, leads high-stakes litigations and internal investigations, focusing on FCPA and corruption cases. Russell Capone  in Boston brings expertise in white-collar crime, cybercrime, and FCPA violations. John Hemann in San Fransico represents clients in civil trials involving fraud, trade secrets and cybercrimes. The firm also added Rebekah Donaleski, Susanne Sachsman Grooms  and John Bostic  in 2024, enhancing its white-collar practice.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 3

Regularly called upon by tech and life sciences companies, Cooley LLP represents clients in state, federal and international courts and before various arbitral forums and administrative bodies. The team draws on the firm’s international network to advise on the full range of commercial disputes, from antitrust, consumer protection and IP disputes to contractual, securities and fraud litigation. San Diego-based Michael Attanasio is litigation department chair and Ian Shapiro is head of the New York office. Mazda Antia leads the Southern California business litigation department, while Beatriz Mejia is Northern California head of business litigation practice. Luke Cadigan is head of business litigation for the east coast and head of the Boston office. Also in Boston, Adam Gershenson leads the issues and appeals practice, and Michael Sheetz is a go to for major tech and life sciences companies. David Mills in Washington DC excels in trial and appellate work and government investigations, with expertise in antitrust, whistleblower and class action litigation. Ben Hur  and Simona Agnolucci  have joined the team from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 3

Cooley LLP’s product safety team is a truly full-service practice, with expertise spanning pre-market reviews, risk assessments, product recalls, government investigations, and post-recall class actions. The firm advises leading consumer, manufacturing, and technology brands on regulatory mandates and innovative products, including new developments and software such as AR/VR devices and consumer electronics. Amongst other significant matters, Cooley currently represents leading manufacturer SunSetter in federal litigation over delayed CPSC reporting of defective powered awnings, involving a $16m penalty and significant reputational risk. Led by Matt Howsare , former US Consumer Product Safety Commission chief of staff, the firm’s leaders are able to leverage deep regulatory experience to counsel high-profile clients on product safety, recalls, regulatory compliance, and multidistrict litigation. Howsare chairs the firm’s North American product safety practice, advising major clients on CPSC civil penalties, compliance programs, and regulatory advocacy. Elliot Kaye, newly joined in 2024 and former chair of the CPSC, offers clients strategic counsel on complex regulatory challenges, crisis management, and compliance issues for executives and boards. Both Howsare and Kaye operate from the firm’s Washington DC office.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Cooley LLP’s capital markets practice continues to build a strong reputation for advising issuers on investment-grade and convertible bond offerings, adding to its established ECM expertise. The group also has some major underwriter clients. With a strong presence in California, the team is noted particularly for its work in the tech, consumer, healthcare, and life sciences spaces, among others; their recent highlights include advising cloud-based data storage company Snowflake Inc., on its 0% $2.3bn inaugural convertible notes offering. With considerable experience handling offerings in the tech and life sciences sectors, Gian-Michele a Marca in San Francisco leads the team. Jason Savich, also in San Francisco, is active in the healthcare and tech sectors and has major issuer clients. Ellie Seber in Los Angeles has a varied practice that covers Rule 144A and convertible senior notes offerings.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Cooley LLP‘s broad ECM expertise spans IPOs, follow-on offerings, and ADS offerings, with the group standing out particularly when it comes to IPOs by European issuers. With a strong presence in the key capital markets hubs of New York, Chicago, Boston, and California, the group is well placed to advise clients in the tech, e-commerce, and healthcare/life sciences sectors in particular. Charlie Kim in San Diego is especially strong when it comes to biotech and life sciences IPOs. He chairs the group alongside David Peinsipp in San Francisco, whose varied practice spans IPOs, follow-on offerings, and 144A offerings, among other matters. Div Gupta in New York boasts a blue-chip client roster that includes major healthcare and life sciences companies as well as leading investment banks; he regularly handles IPOs, follow-on offerings, and ADS offerings. Palo Alto’s Eric Jensen is noted for advising high-growth tech, consumer, and life sciences companies as well as investment banks. Boston-based Marc Recht has a strong track record working for European-based issuers in the life sciences space.

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

Cooley LLP frequently works with clients on patent portfolio creation and management and related transactions, due diligence, and financings across a range of sectors. The practice is headed up by Boston-based life sciences and health specialist Matthew Pavao, who is experienced in assisting with global patent acquisition. At the same office, Heidi Elracher offers strategic advice on various high-value cases, while Washington DC-based Chris Holly is noted for his expertise in due diligence. On the West Coast, Mika Reiner Mayer‘s workload includes advising life sciences companies and their investors on the due diligence aspects of patent matters, while Madhuri Roy is also a key name to note in Palo Alto. Former team lead Ivor Elfiri left the New York office in August 2024 for an in-house role.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 3

Cooley LLP‘s regular workload includes representing clients in the range of high-value trade secret theft matters, including those that impact the completion of significant transactions. The practice is jointly headed up by Washington DC-based Stephen Smith, noted for his trial experience, alongside Boston-based Adam Gershenson, who has a strong track record of handling cases before the Supreme Court, and Michael Sheetz, who boasts a specialty in tech and life sciences work. Gershenson's noteworthy highlights include representing Pie Insurance on the first appellate ruling to address what constitutes the ‘reasonable measures’ that must be taken to protect a trade secret per the DTSA 2016. Heidi Keefe in Palo Alto is noted for her standout tech expertise.

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

Steering Cooley LLP’s non-contentious trademark practice from Washington DC is Brendan Hughes, who fields a dynamic registration and maintenance based practice for a range of noteworthy clients. The team more broadly is reputed for its considerable skillset that encompasses global portfolio management, filings and registration work. New York-based JP Oleksiuk is prominent across the fields of trademark, copyright and advertising law, and in Los Angeles, Bobby Ghajar is regularly engaged by sizeable tech, beauty and financial services clients for an extensive variety of trademark, copyright and right of publicity issues.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 3

Cooley LLP is widely recognised for its expertise in executive compensation and employee benefits, advising companies at every stage of their lifecycle. The firm plays a critical role in high-stakes M&A, IPOs, SPAC transactions, and other corporate transitions, ensuring that compensation structures align with strategic business objectives. Led by Barbara Mirza in Los Angeles and a team of top-tier attorneys, including Alessandra Murata in Palo Alto, the practice is known for its ability to navigate complex compensation matters across industries, particularly in technology, life sciences, and artificial intelligence. With a strong presence in key innovation hubs, the firm combines deep industry knowledge with a pragmatic, business-focused approach, positioning itself as a go-to advisor for high-growth companies and market-leading public corporations.

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

Cooley LLP‘s shareholder activism practice is an established presence for clients in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, advising established and next-generation public companies on challenges faced by activist investors, including poison pills, proxy contests, board nominations and unsolicited takeover offers. Bill Roegge manages shareholders and reacting to activist campaigns for clients in the contexts of large cross-border corporate transactions and ventures, specializing in proxy contest defense. Also in New York, Kevin Cooper excels in activist campaign preparation all while working on high-profile M&A deals, and San Francisco’s Jamie Leigh, who heads the team, advises boards and committees on strategic matters.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Cooley LLP  is well regarded for its ability to handle domestic and cross-jurisdictional accident litigation and airport disputes, acting for airlines, corporations, and municipal authorities. The firm excels at handling ‘bet the company’ cases involving multiple litigants. For example, San Diego-based department head William O’Connor coordinated the firm’s representation of Texatron in a fleetwide dispute involving 700 aircraft owners in 48 states. O’Connor has built a sterling reputation as a litigator, experienced at handling, state, federal and multijurisdictional cases. Out of Washington DC, Parker Erkmann manages the regulatory arm of the practice group, utilizing his experience built in the antitrust division of the Department of Justice. His federal training aids his work with the FAA and the DOT, which helps his airline clients in merger transactions, licensing, and DOT certification.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Cooley LLP‘s arbitration practice is recognised for its impressive cross-border capabilities, and representing leading technology and life sciences clients on highly sensitive, complex matters. The team represents Google, Zoom, and OpenAI, notably representing Google in a high-value ICDR arbitration against a Hong Kong based advertising company. Leadership of the team is based in New York, consisting of Marc Suskin, Rachel Thorn, and Teresa Michaud. Thorn has vast experience repersenting clients in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, while Suskin represents leading tech clients in matters spanning digital advertising, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency, and notably acts on mass arbitrations. Michaud joined the team from Baker McKenzie LLP in February 2024.

International trade and national security > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 4

Cooley LLP's export control and sanctions practice has continued its impressive growth under the leadership of Kevin King and remains a very active player in the technology market. In line with the firm's wider strength in tech-related legal issues, the export controls and sanctions team has been notably active in issues pertaining to semiconductors, AI applications, space technology, and technology-focused venture funds. Annie Froehlich focuses her practice on matters arising under the EAR and ITAR sanctions programs. Shannon MacMichael handles international review matters such as risk assessments and product and technology classifications. Karen Tsai and Sarah Oliai are key members of the team.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 4

Cooley LLP, whose team is predominantly based in California, but offers a nationwide practice reaching the firm’s Boston office, has a practice which is strongly geared towards the field of venture capital fund formation. The team has clients including some of Silicon Valley’s original venture firms, as well as high-growth emerging companies and investing in early-stage funds, but also is involved in fund deals relating to the US, China, and other jurisdictions. Located in Palo Alto, John Dado spearheads the team, with a client base of early-stage venture capital firms and top venture capital firms, and centers his practice around the formation of venture capital or buyout funds. John Clendenin, also in Palo Alto. In San Francisco, Eric Doherty advises some of the group’s largest funds.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 4

Cooley LLP counsels a diverse range companies on the full spectrum of employment issues, with marked capabilities in the life sciences and tech industries. Based in Palo Alto, Wendy Brenner chairs the group and counsels companies on issues concerning worker classification, employee complaints, workplace investigations and restrictive covenants. In San Francisco, Joshua Mates has extensive experience as a litigator and counselor, handling day-to-day matters such as compliance and diversity initiatives as well as employment issues arising from M&A transactions. Helen Connolley specializes in advising emerging companies on workforce development and is based in Reston.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 4

The growing corporate governance practice at Cooley LLP specializes in assisting boards of established publicly traded corporations and private companies preparing for their IPO. The practice works with high-profile clients such as NVIDIA and Zoom, advising on best board practices, institutional investor voting policies, and SEC compliance. The team is led by San Francisco’s David Peinsipp alongside New York’s Beth Sasfai  and Brad Goldberg. Goldberg excels at ensuring clients remain in accordance with securities law and the rules of exchange listings whilst Safsai works with both domestic and international clients with ESG regulations, risk management, and stakeholder management.

Real estate Tier 4

The real estate team at Cooley LLP consistently plays a key role in major mixed-use, transit-oriented development projects. The practice has a sophisticated knowledge of development projects, regarding office leasing, hospitality, and retail properties. Furthermore, the team evidences an exceptional knowledge of data center transactions, with experience in the acquisition, planning, zoning, construction, and financing of complex data centers. The team is led by John Lavoie, based out of Reston; he focuses his practice on the acquisition and disposition of real estate, including office, industrial, retail, and technology-driven asset classes. Supporting from the Reston office is Michelle Garcia Schulman, who has experience in assisting companies with all aspects of data center transactions, and representing both landlords and tenants involved in major lease transactions.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 5

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 5

Clients in the life sciences and tech sectors regularly seek out the Cooley LLP antitrust and competition team, based in Washington DC and working closely with colleagues across Chicago, San Diego, New York, London, and Brussels. Ethan Glass heads the practice, which was bolstered in October 2024 by the addition of Jeremy Morrison from Jones Day. Morrison takes clients from premerger planning to post-closing investigations, with experience across the energy, transportation, and retail sectors. For matters at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law, Howard Morse is recommended. Kathy O’Neill has departed the firm.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 5

Well-regarded for its life science and technology financing capabilities, Cooley LLP is headed by San Francisco-based Mischi Marca. Marca is notably experienced in debt financing transactions, credit facilities, and acquisition financing, he is also a key port of call for banks and private equity firms on secured and unsecured credit facilities. Operating out of Washington DC, Michael Tollini is highly proficient in syndicated bank lending and royalty-based financing, while New York-based Patrick Flanagan is experienced in both domestic and international leveraged finance transactions. Located in San Francisco, Jason Savich is often engaged in an array of structured financing matters, while Los Angeles-based Elliie Seber is informed in derivatives transactions. Seber’s caseloads also includes convertible bond offerings and capital markets transactions.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 5

The rapidly growing M&A department at Cooley LLP demonstrates expertise in both buy- and sell-side deals and regularly advises leading companies on business expansion opportunities and strategic exits. Integrating a cross-practice approach by liaising with the firm’s corporate and regulatory teams, the group is co-led by San Diego-based Barbara Borden, and San Francisco-based Jamie Leigh, who advises tech and financial companies on takeover and activist defense engagements, and proxy contests. Well-known for representing tech startups, San Diego duo Rowook Park and Rama Padmanabhan are skilled in public and private M&A, and life sciences sector deals, respectively. In New York, Kevin Cooper advises emerging companies on complex corporate transactions, while San Francisco’s Ben Beerle covers joint venture deals.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

Cooley LLP has established itself as a genuine force in restructurings and bankruptcies, particularly in the technology, healthcare and life sciences sectors. The firm is best known for its representation of debtors, including distressed emerging companies or businesses that have been through a de-SPAC process, though it also frequently acts for creditors’ committees in large-scale matters. It has continued to act for clients in a series of major Chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings, and is further recognised for distressed M&A. Cullen Drescher Speckhart is chair of the business restructuring practice. Chicago partner Eric Walker is also recognised for restructurings and bankruptcies in the healthcare sector. Michael Klein is a key figure in New York, while Olya Antle impresses at senior associate level. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

Cooley LLP ’s tax practices represent Uber Technologies, Snowflake, and several other leading firms in the financial services, technology, and life sciences industries. Todd Gluth spearheads the practice in San Diego, which frequently advises clients on the tax implications of large-scale M&A deals, financial restructurings, and joint ventures. Bluth is a technology specialist, involved in some of the industry’s biggest deals including advising Auditboard on their $3bn acquisition by Hg. Other key names in the practice include Eileen Marshall in Washington DC, Rick Jantz,  and Alexander Lee who are both based in Los Angeles.

Tax > Financial products

Worldwide > Capital markets Tier 1

Worldwide > Data protection Tier 1

Worldwide > Private equity Tier 1