Debevoise & Plimpton LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

With a strong international presence, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a go-to firm for clients seeking guidance on complex cross-border investigations. The team has a broad range of experience advising on matters related to money laundering, tax violations, environmental crimes, and embezzlement, among others. The white-collar and regulatory defense team is co-led by David O’Neil in Washington DC and Helen Cantwell in New York. O’Neil stands out for his work defending individuals who are facing high-profile investigations, while Cantwell is especially recommended for sensitive investigations such as allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Based in Washington DC, Kara Brockmeyer is another prominent member of the team who routinely advises on internal investigations and compliance matters. The firm also has a strong team located in New York, which includes Andrew Ceresney, Mary Jo White, and Bruce Yannett. In particular, Yannett is noted for his expertise in FCPA matters. Lisa Zornberg departed the New York office in August 2023.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 1

Widely considered to rank among the leading arbitration groups worldwide, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s US offering is a key contender for major, headline-grabbing cases across the globe. Equally adept at commercial and investor-state work, the New York-based team is routinely involved in landmark matters—across a comprehensive range of industries—on behalf of both corporate and state clients. Department co-chair Catherine Amirfar brings to bear extensive experience in high-stakes, public international law disputes and successfully represented Italian investors in ICSID proceedings against Albania arising out of the claimants’ investments in a hydroelectric plant and a media company. Fellow co-head Mark W. Friedman additionally co-leads the mining and natural resources practice; he paired up with increasingly prominent arbitration specialist Ina Popova to represent Gramercy Funds Management in a complete win on jurisdiction and merits in an UNCITRAL arbitration against the government of Peru under the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA). Other experienced names include Latin America practice co-head Dietmar Prager, who ‘stands out for his decisiveness and sharp intellect’; and Natalie Reid, who co-chairs both the public international law group and the Caribbean practice group. Talented up-and-coming names include next-generation partner Laura Sinisterra and counsel Floriane Lavaud. David Rivkin has retired.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 1

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s litigation practice has extensive knowledge in various areas of litigation, with expertise in white-collar matters and regulatory defense, along with commercial litigation and international arbitration. Intellectual property is another mainstay of the practice that has a presence across the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Andrew Ceresney is the head of the team, frequently representing public companies, financial institutions, asset management firms, and accounting firms, bringing experience from his time with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Mary Beth Hogan co-chairs the practice, with a focus on intricate investigations. Also of note is Catherine Amirfar, working on public international law and treaty arbitration, representing clients in federal and state courts, as well as before the ICJ and arbitration tribunals internationally. The experience of Andrew Levine  with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and David O’Neil with FCPA defense and congressional investigations, adds to the capabilities of the team. Bruce Yannett chairs the white-collar and regulatory defense part of the practice, with Ina C. Popova highly active in international litigation and arbitration. All members of the team are based in New York.  

Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 1

The multidisciplinary practice at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s insurance team offers a comprehensive range of services spanning complex transactions, representation for insurers, reinsurers, and private equity funds in high-value M&A and financing endeavors, as well as assistance with intricate pension risk transfers and cross-border deals. Led by seasoned corporate partners Marilyn Lion and Nicholas Potter, based in New York, the practice boasts a diverse group of lawyers dedicated to M&A, finance, capital markets, regulatory compliance, taxation, and litigation. Further notable figures in New York include Alexander Cochran, specializing in insurance industry transactions and David Grosgold offering expertise in domestic and international corporate transactions. Additionally, Drew Dutton heads the firm’s private funds transactions group, bringing valuable experience in anchor investments, co-investments, joint ventures, and secondaries transactions; while Eric Dinallo, chairs the insurance regulatory practice. Notably, this year saw recent additions to the practice’s partner ranks, including Andrew Jamieson, promoted to partner in 2022, focusing on advising private equity firms and corporate clients on intricate transactions and Kristen Matthews, elevated to partner in May 2023, both based in New York.  

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 1

Maintaining a strong position at the forefront of the trademark litigation space, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP leverages its wide-ranging sector expertise that encompasses tech, consumer goods, pharma, and retail, among others, to advise a multitude of blue-chip clients such as Adidas and SpaceX on market-leading trademark issues. Operating from New York and San Francisco, practice head David Bernstein enjoys a particularly strong reputation in handling market-leading and high-stakes litigation for global clients. Megan Bannigan is active in the firm’s New York office, representing numerous high-profile brands in a range of multifaceted disputes and is also Vice Chair of the American Bar Association IP Section Trademark Division. Bolstering the practice with his experience in litigating in both state and federal courts as well as before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, New York’s Jared Kagan‘s capabilities extend from managing preliminary injunctions to overturning summary judgment decisions. San Francisco’s Christopher Ford is a go-to for trademark matters in the tech and blockchain sectors, also handling investigations brought by the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, among others.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 1

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is well placed to act for a diversity of investment management businesses, ranging from newly established firms and boutiques to leading multi-strategy alternative asset firms and large financial institutions. The investment management group is made up of a fund formation practice and an investor side team that continues to be a popular choice on the structuring and expansion of businesses, regulatory and compliance matters as well as on fund related transactions. Rebecca Silberstein co-leads the team, and her key strengths lie in advising on the formation and ongoing administration of buyout funds, among others. Fellow co-head Lorna Bowen advises some of the firms’ landmark clients and their funds, including Global Atlantic Financial Group and KKR, and they are both based in New York. The deep bench also includes Andrew Ahern, who is based in both the New York and San Francisco offices and advises on secondaries transactions on both the sponsor and investor side, while New York based Jonathan Adler works on establishing private equity funds in the US and across Europe and Asia. Justin Storms and Jason Auerbach are further key names in New York, while Marc Ponchione  and Sheena Paul bolster the Washington DC location, frequently acting for financial services companies on transactional and regulatory mandates. Among the recent team changes were the promotions of Joe Binder in San Francisco and Luke Eldridge in New York to partner in July 2023.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 1

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s executive compensation and employee benefits group is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, leveraging expertise from the firm’s M&A, capital markets, and tax practice areas to deliver ‘incredibly helpful and insightful’ advice. The team is a popular destination for asset management and private equity firms, counting the likes of Blackstone, TPG, and Clayton Dubilier & Rice as key clients. Practice chair Jonathan Lewis covers all facets of executive compensation and human capital management, particularly within public and private M&A in the private equity, healthcare, and insurance industries. Meir Katz serves a broad range of clients from private equity sponsors and their portfolio firms to corporate entities and individual executives. Franklin Mitchell advises private equity fund sponsors and employers on ERISA fiduciary issues, while Michael Snypes counsels companies, management teams, and investors on divestitures, management buyouts, securities offerings, and corporate restructurings. Based in Washington DC, Simone Hicks specializes in designing and implementing employee agreements, equity-based incentive programs, and other compensation plans. Lawrence Cagney retired from partnership at the end of 2023. Lawyers mentioned are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation Tier 1

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a recognized authority in advertising and marketing litigation matters, offering comprehensive services to major clients. The practice has particular expertise in defending advertisements before regulators and handling false advertising disputes before the FTC, FDA, and the NAD. Additionally, it is accomplished in prosecuting and defending against requests for preliminary injunctions. Headed by David Bernstein who is based between New York and San Francisco, the team represents an impressive client base from a wide range of industries including consumer goods, cosmetics, and financial institutions. Bernstein has extensive experience in IP claims and trademark cases. He is an extremely active presence in the firm, often leading in high-profile matters. New York-based Megan Bannigan and Jared Kagan also play key roles in the group, providing deep knowledge of trademark, copyright, false advertising, and contract disputes cases. Bannigan has notably testified as an expert before the United States Senate Judiciary Intellectual Property Subcommittee on the issue of fraudulent trademarks. In Washington DC, Paul Rubin has substantial experience aiding clients through FTC investigations, NAD disputes, and Lanham Act cases.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s transactional tax practice advises clients in a wide range of sectors, including private equity, banking, tech, media, healthcare, insurance, investment management, and real estate, offering considerable expertise in relation to mergers, spin-offs, fund formations, joint ventures, and restructurings, among other matters. Peter Schuur chairs the firm’s global group, regularly advising on M&A, joint ventures, and spin-offs and specializing in corporate transactions in the insurance industry. Peter Furci, the firm’s presiding partner, continues to assist major clients in connection with a wide range of corporate transactions, including debt and equity securities offerings. Michael Bolotin advises on M&A, real estate joint ventures, the formation of real estate investment trusts, and private investment fund formation. Erin Cleary’s client base includes leading private equity and corporate clients. Stephen Jordan focuses on the tax aspects of fundraisings and M&A transactions, while Daniel Priest is strong in the private equity and insurance spaces. Lena Smith, with notable experience advising on the structuring and formation of private investment funds and investment fund manager platforms, was promoted to partner in May 2023. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s commercial litigation team is adept at handling cross-border and domestic disputes of all kinds, including asset management, bankruptcy, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, mass torts, product liability, among others. In terms of personnel, Mark Goodman is a highly experienced trial lawyer whose practice emphasizes complex civil litigation, white collar criminal defense and internal investigations. Goodman co-chairs the group alongside seasoned litigator Maura Monaghan, who has extensive experience in product liability cases, mass tort litigation, and environmental and healthcare-related criminal investigations and arbitrations. Elliot Greenfield and Susan Reagan Gittes are further important points of contact within the practice group.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Clients praise Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in New York for ‘willing to go the extra mile'. Acting for major corporations in high-stakes securities litigation in federal and state courts around the country, the firm frequently handles stock-drop class actions, derivative actions alleging breaches of fiduciary duty, and related federal and state regulatory investigations. The practice is led by experienced partners Maeve O’Connor in New York and Jonathan Tuttle in Washington DC, who is also involved in cutting-edge areas of litigation, notably cases concerning cryptocurrency assets. Mary Jo White and Andrew Ceresney are acting for Ripple Labs in a putative class action concerning the marketing and sale of the virtual currency XRP. O’Connor and  emerging partner talent Elliot Greenfield are currently acting for cloud infrastructure and digital workspace technology company VMWare in a class action and a derivative action, which faces allegations of breaching fiduciary duties, insider trading, and unjust enrichment. Another up-and-coming partner is Susan Reagan Gittes, who frequently acts for insurance companies.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 2

As part of the firm’s broader corporate department, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s New York-based environmental practice continues to handle high-value environmental transactions, with a particular focus on the mining, energy and natural resources sectors. Here, the team advises on complex mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings and financings, while also continuing to address environmental risks and liabilities both in the US and abroad. Stuart Hammer heads the practice and regularly advises private equity firms and corporations on ESG and environmental risk issues in a range of industries, such as energy and natural resources, paper and chemicals, while ESG senior advisor Ulysses Smith serves as a point of contact for major multinationals, NGOs and government institutions in a range of sustainability and governance issues. The team also includes Harry Zirlin, who focuses on the environmental aspects of bankruptcy matters.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 2

Clients highlight Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s finance team as a ‘top-market private equity finance practice’. Maintaining its stronghold in the borrower space, the team regularly handles syndicated bank loans, high-yield debt offerings, second lien financings and mezzanine capital investments. The New York-based team is led by practice head Jeffrey Ross who is adept at advising on major acquisition and leveraged financings, including Discovery’s acquisition of WarnerMedia. The team is ably supported by ‘stand-out partners‘ Ryan Rafferty and Scott Selinger who are both experienced in syndicated bank loan and high-yield bond transactions. Ramya Tiller is also highlighted as a key member of the practice, handling a broad range of acquisition transactions, including fund finance and alternative capital transactions.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 2

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a strong choice for banks undergoing restructuring measures, and is also able to assist with regulations that apply to foreign banks in addition to advising non-bank financial institutions, including insurers, fintechs and broker-dealers on the formation of banking operations. The firm also represents clients facing enforcement actions, including those tied to AML, securities and sanctions compliance regulations. These are areas of expertise for Washington DC-based practice co-head Satish Kini, who represents banks and trade associations in matters ranging from OFAC investigations to regulatory issues arising out of transactions. New York’s Gregory Lyons heads the team alongside him, focusing on advising on the establishment of banking entities in addition to assisting with investigations launched by the likes of the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC and SEC among others. Caroline Swett, also based in New York, straddles transactional and regulatory matters, advising on bank M&A in addition to supporting clients with Regulation W matters, as well as supervisory examinations and downgrades. Counsel Alison Hashmall is noted for her cryptocurrency practice, while Chen Xu handles a range of bank regulatory issues; both are located in New York.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 2

Representing domestic and international clients across the finance, aviation, and insurance sectors, the team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP boasts a network of offices across the US and is highly adept at handling high-value cross-border M&A. Overseeing the San Francisco offering, global co-chair Michael Diz has broad-based transactional expertise, frequently advising public companies and special committees on complex governance issues, whilst the ‘top-notch’ Kevin Rinker co-heads the team from New York and is noted for advising on impactful transactions in the healthcare and banking sectors. Further key contacts in the New York office include Paul Bird, who is highly knowledgeable on leveraged buyouts, and Jennifer Chu, who focuses on joint ventures. Similarly based in New York, Jonathan Levitsky is an expert in the tech and media fields, while both William Regner and Jeffrey Rosen handle critical governance matters on behalf of global corporations.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: large deals ($500m+) Tier 2

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP offers clients ‘significant experience in the full range of PE transactions‘, including domestic and cross-border leveraged buyouts as well as PIPE deals, continuation fund transactions, and take-private acquisitions. Integrated cross-practice expertise in antitrust, tax, finance, and IP matters furthermore enables the team to guide clients through all stages of complexly structured acquisition, including joint governance matters as well as antitrust reviews. The New York-based team, which is particularly active across transactions in the healthcare and industrials sectors, is led by Kevin Schmidt, who stands out for his advice on cross-border acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic investments. Experienced partner Paul Bird is noted for his M&A experience as well as his ability to handle spin-offs and takeover defense matters, and Kevin Rinker is a key contact for private equity deals in the healthcare and life sciences space. Further key contacts include Uri Herzberg and Jennifer Chu, who are sought out by leading funds such as Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in connection with high-value acquisitions, as well as Christopher Anthony, who handles a wide range of public and private M&A.

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

‘A broad team with in-depth knowledge of cyber law‘, the data strategy and security practice at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP handles technically complex cyber investigations and boasts a growing AI team: an area of focus for practice group co-head Avi Gesser, bolstered by the April 2023 addition of counsel Matt Kelly from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. Gesser, based in New York, advises clients on governance, risk and liability issues related to both AI and cybersecurity. In Washington DC, co-head Luke Dembosky leverages significant national security experience to support companies in managing cyber risks, responding to incidents, and the investigations which arise from them. Litigation partner Erez Liebermann works out of New York, and combines both in-house and government experience to handle regulatory counselling and high-impact incident response matters. Also in New York, Jim Pastore and Johanna Skrzypczyk are recommended for breach response and privacy-oriented work respectively. Lisa Zornberg departed in July 2023.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s New York-based team represents a wide variety of clients including investment banks in complex mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs, international transactions, private equity, and hedge fund formations, among other international taxation issues. The team is headed by Peter Schuur, who has extensive expertise in US and cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and spin-offs, with a focus on corporate transactions in the insurance industry, as well as advising clients on the structuring and formation of private investment funds and international investment platforms. Peter Furci ’s practice covers the full range of international taxation matters, including private investment funds, such as emerging markets, hedge, mezzanine, distressed debt, infrastructure, and real estate funds. Michael Bolotin advises US and foreign clients on M&A real estate joint ventures, the formation of real estate investment trusts, equipment finance and private investment fund formation. Erin Cleary supports private equity and corporate clients in a broad range of M&A transactions and advises sponsors on the formation of US and international private equity funds. Stephen Jordan represents private equity and investment management firms on a full range of international transactional and advisory matters and Rafael Kariyev advises clients on tax structuring of acquisitions, holding and disposition of portfolio companies, both pass-throughs and corporations, as well as transactions involving the restructuring and sale of existing funds and asset managers. Daniel Priest and Lena Smith are also key team members.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 2

With longstanding aviation sector experience, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s New York-based practice handles the full range of aviation transactions. Representative work for the group covers aircraft and non-aircraft financings, capital markets, fleet purchases, and M&A. The team also assists with major restructurings, and airport infrastructure developments and financings. Its track record further comprises transactions involving aircraft leasing companies, including outright sales, portfolio sales, joint ventures and financing transactions, as well as aviation-sector deals funded by private equity, pension plans, and hedge and sovereign wealth funds. The department is jointly headed by Paul Brusiloff, who advises borrowers, LBO sponsors and private capital investors on high-stakes debt and equity financings, refinancings, recapitalizations, and restructurings; and aviation and equipment finance specialist Brian Liu, who routinely acts for airlines, leasing companies and financial institutions. Brusiloff and Liu are supported by corporate department and aviation practice member, Iryna Nikolaieva, who focuses on a range of domestic and international corporate and aircraft financings.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP handles a steady flow of HSR filings for major international businesses and private equity investors while providing standout work on contentious merger-related investigations and litigation brought by the DOJ and FTC, as well as international antitrust enforcers. The team has broad sector expertise, with notable involvements in the financial services, consumer goods, pharma, and telecoms sectors, advising major international names in these industries. New York-based co-chair Michael Schaper continues to advise clients on complex transactions and government challenges, while co-chair Ted Hassi is an expert in obtaining merger clearances in transactions reviewed by the U.S. antitrust agencies. Erica Weisgerber, based in New York, specialises in financial services antitrust issues, and lead associate Leah Martin is noted for her work on complex merger investigations and obtaining merger clearances for top clients. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 3

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP provides representation in government enforcement and investigative matters for a range of financial institutions. The firm has extensive experience acting before the CFPB, NYDFS, and SEC and works alongside litigation, corporate, and regulatory attorneys to deliver multi-disciplinary representation in complex cases. The group also offers an advisory practice to support clients in developing strategies and proactive measures to avoid issues. Co-heads of the practice are Mary Beth Hogan and Andrew Ceresney; Ceresney is recognized for his expertise in prosecuting and defending white-collar criminal and civil cases and has been regularly involved in jury and non-jury trials, with experience representing public companies, asset management and accounting firms, financial institutions, as well as boards of directors and individuals. Other key members of the team are Maeve O’ Connor and Elliot Greenfield, both of whom specialize in securities litigation. All individuals mentioned are based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP stands out for its record in financial services and insurance sector debt offerings, along with high-yield debt offerings connected to leveraged financings. The firm’s private equity client base also brings it a wealth of DCM engagements. Media and entertainment is another forte for the firm, which advised Warner Bros Discovery on a $1.5bn senior noted offering. Matthew Kaplan is a leading name in the market, while Paul Rodel and Steven Slutzky are also prominent names. Eric Juergens and Ben Pedersen have blossoming reputations. All named individuals are based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is known for representing private equity houses and their portfolio companies in equity offerings; private equity giant Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is a regular client, along with Providence Equity Partners and other major financial sponsors. It also has a strong reputation for deals in the healthcare, insurance, and media and entertainment sectors. Morgan Hayes is noted for deals involving private equity-backed issuers. Paul Rodel is co-chair of the capital markets group alongside Steven Slutzky . Eric Juergens and Ben Pedersen are also key members of the team. All are based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings Tier 3

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is best known for high-yield debt offerings connected to leveraged financings. It is primarily an issuer-side practice with much of it driven by private equity clients, such as Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, in financing their acquisitions. The firm is also noted for insurance and financial services sector transactions. Steven Slutzky is co-head of the capital markets group and a recognised expert in high-yield debt. Matthew Kaplan is chair of the corporate department and another experienced figure in high-yield. Both are based in New York.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 3

The ‘capable and competent’ team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is based in New York, and represents a diverse range of clients including debtors, bondholders, secured lenders and private equity sponsors in restructurings and bankruptcy proceedings, as well as chapter 11 cases and cross-border insolvencies. Jasmine Ball represents a range of parties for various industries including pharmaceutical and airline companies, and was involved in representing Philippine Airlines in connection with its restructuring efforts in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the aviation industry. Natasha Labovitz  is the co-chair and represents debtors and creditors in and out of bankruptcy and cross-border insolvencies, while Sidney Levinson and Scott Selinger  are key names from the firm.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is equally adept at advising life sciences clients on FDA regulations governing drugs and medical devices as it is assisting major private equity investors with acquisitions in the sector. The practice offers litigation services in relation to price fixing allegations and matters tied to the opioid epidemic. Andrew Bab, Jennifer Chu and Kevin Rinker handle the firm’s transactional workload, advising on the structuring of acquisitions and assisting with licensing issues. Mark Goodman represents clients in civil litigation and white collar trials, while also advising on internal investigations, with Maura Monaghan taking the lead on product liability and mass tort litigation. In Washington DC, Paul Rubin handles FDA matters, including compliance and regulatory enforcement, and is also recommended for carrying out due diligence processes for private equity houses. All lawyers are New York-based unless otherwise specified.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 3

With great expertise in the legal, financial, and regulatory facets of the insurance industry, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP attorneys serve as lead counsel for insurers in major, complex disputes. Specializing in securities, insurance, and litigation, the firm’s recent endeavors encompass the defense against securities class actions, qui tam lawsuits, and consumer class actions. Maeve O’Connor, a securities litigation specialist based in New York, leads the practice, providing counsel in diverse industries and high-stakes litigations involving allegations of misrepresentation, fraud, and regulatory compliance. Susan Reagan Gittes, a regulatory specialist also based in New York, supports the practice by representing insurance companies, directors, and officers in state and federal courts, handling both inquiries and class action suits.

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

Drawing on a wealth of cross-practice expertise, the team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP advises on transactions across the content production and distribution industries and the broadcast, cable and media sectors. Consisting of corporate specialists and seasoned litigators, the group fields experience in M&A, as well as finance and tax matters. Based in New York, Jonathan Levitsky heads the media and telecoms team and is a member of the M&A practice, excelling in public and private M&A and joint ventures in the media, telecoms and technology sectors. Supporting the practice from San Francisco, Michael Diz, global co-chair of M&A, fields an impressive clientele of multinational companies, special committees and private equity firms.

Real estate Tier 3

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s ‘smart, creative, hardworking, reasonable, and always accessible’ team is highly proficient in its handling of joint ventures, financings, and M&A, in addition to recapitalizations, workouts, and restructuring. Acting on borrower and lender sides, clients consist of sizeable private equity groups, funds, and REITs, including major global investors like the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, JP Morgan Asset Management, and Tishman Speyer Properties. Among other asset classes, the firm has seen a stream of mandates relating to industrials and logistics, single and multi-family properties, and life science facilities. Located in New York, the practice is led by highly regarded transaction expert Peter Irwin who brings a wealth of knowledge covering acquisitions and dispositions, among other areas. Edward Rishty is prominent for his advising of family offices and sovereign wealth funds on transactions, joint ventures and capital market transactions, while Nicole Levin Mesard assists on complex financings and infrastructure transactions as well as bankruptcy and loan restructuring.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is best known for offerings by financial institutions and insurance companies, along with having a strong record in representing private equity firms and their portfolio businesses. Headline deals include acting for Westpac Banking Corporation in substantial debt and equity offerings. Chair of the corporate department Matthew Kaplan is an experienced figure in cross-border offerings, as are co-heads of the capital markets group Paul Rodel and Steven Slutzky . All are based in New York.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Predominantly working out of the New York office, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s team is noted for its focus on private equity transactions within the healthcare and life sciences spaces. The group regularly advises on equity and debt financing arrangements, and class actions concerning overbilling practices. Key names within the team include corporate and M&A expert Andrew Bab, and Paul Rubin, who leads the FDA regulatory team from Washington DC. Mark Goodman and Maura Monaghan are noted for their expertise in commercial litigation, with Goodman standing out for his experience in handling white-collar crime matters and government investigations. Kevin Rinker and Jennifer Chu are both known for their expansive knowledge of M&A and private equity buyouts within the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 4

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is geared to assist with a range of high-value transactional work for clients connected to the content production and distribution industries. New York-based duo Jonathan Levitsky and Emily Huang share leadership duties. Both are well-placed to handle corporate transactions for entertainment clients, with Levitsky also a key contact for media clients and Huang frequently mandated by sports sector entities. In San Francisco, Michael Diz‘s broad practice spans M&A, corporate governance and fiduciary duty matters.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 5

Private equity firms are a key client group for Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s antitrust practice, and the team advises significant players in the market, such as Albertsons. The group has experience in negotiations with the FTC and the DOJ, particularly in relation to M&A. Michael Schaper leads the antitrust and competition team from New York, alongside Ted Hassi in Washington DC. Also based in New York, Erica Weisgerber regularly participates in class actions and antitrust and mass tort litigations. Leah Martin, in DC, has a strong background in obtaining merger clearances in transactions reviewed by antitrust agencies.

Latin America: International firms > Compliance and investigations Tier 1

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a global leader in international investigations and this standing is illustrated by its acclaimed track record and reputation in Latin America. It frequently advises clients on internal investigations and public investigations by civil regulators and criminal prosecutors, often involving parallel investigations in multiple jurisdictions. The firm is steeped in FCPA compliance expertise and has extensive experience in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and other key markets. It has landed key roles in connection with Operation Lava Jato and the FIFA corruption scandal. The firm frequently represents major multinationals in cross-border investigations and regulatory defence matters, including matters involving Latin American subsidiaries, and also acts for large Latin American corporates, senior executives and individuals. Along with regular big-ticket investigations, the white collar and regulatory defence team is often involved in risk-based compliance due diligence relating to proposed M&A transactions. Andrew Levine is co-head of the Latin America group and is a ‘rock star’ in anti-corruption and investigations in the region. Washington DC partner Kara Brockmeyer previously had over 15 years working at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including five and a half years as chief of the enforcement division’s FCPA unit. Also in Washington DC, David O’Neil has an extensive record in FCPA investigations around the world, including Latin America. Bruce Yannett is chair of the white collar and regulatory defence group. Named partners are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 1

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has a large team of international arbitration specialists located across its international offices. The practice group evidences a healthy generational spread from prestigious senior figures and seasoned practitioners, through to younger partners, and a deep and specialised associate bench; much of Latin America-focused team is based in New York. The firm has an established record in investor-state and commercial disputes, often representing multinationals in cases against Latin American sovereigns or businesses; it also acts for Latin American entities in cases against entities outside of the region. Multilingual practitioner Dietmar Prager is co-chair of the Latin America practice group and is a recognised leader in international arbitration, notably in investor-state disputes, where he frequently represents investors. Hugely experienced, Mark Friedman is co-chair of the international dispute resolution practice and a preeminent figure in investor-state and commercial disputes; he led on the Perenco Ecuador case, obtaining a record $390m award from the Ecuadorian state. A member of the International Court for Arbitration of the ICC and ‘a very complete lawyer’, New York and Paris-qualified Ina Popova divides her time between the two cities and is particularly noted for energy, mining, and TMT sector disputes. Dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) and a native Spanish-speaker, Laura Sinisterra was raised to the partnership in July 2022; already an experienced practitioner in both investor-state and commercial arbitration, she is praised as being ‘an excellent interrogator of witnesses and experts’. Sinisterra and Prager teamed up to co-lead on both the Freeport-McMoRan & Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, and SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands, cases against Peru – the former a $1bn+ case under the US-Peru FTA; the latter a $250m+ case under the Netherlands-Peru BIT. London-based Patrick Taylor has a global practice but is increasingly involved in Latin America matters; he has a certain focus on upstream oil and gas, energy and telecoms cases. Up-and-coming figure Guilherme Recena Costa  moved in house as head-of-legal for Latin America at Barrick Gold in October 2022; and senior partner David W Rivkin retired in Febraury 2023 after over 40 years at the firm - he now acts as an independent arbitrator.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has an impressive background in representing strategic corporates and private equity sponsors in Latin America. Along with a range of multinationals and international investors, the firm has also built a significant client base of Latin American businesses. Energy, infrastructure, financial services, insurance, mining and telecoms are primary sectors for the Latin America team. The transactional group often work alongside litigation colleagues in relation to anti-corruption due diligence (the firm is ranked tier one for compliance and investigations in this guide). Maurizio Levi-Minzi has huge experience advising private equity houses and strategic investors in Latin America; he led the team that advised Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Alberta Investment Management Corporation on their portfolio company Grupo Saesa’s $1.5bn acquisition of a 99.09% interest in Enel Transmisión Chile. David Grosgold is also noted for transactions in the financial services and insurance sectors. Signalling the firm’s commitment to the Brazil market in particular, the team’s senior ranks were further strengthened with the promotion of dual-qualified (New York/Brazil) Sergio Torres to counsel in July 2023; a key  member of the practice group, he works on many of the firm’s Latin America transactions.