Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 1

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s practice runs across transactional and regulatory issues associated with derivatives and futures, including over-the-counter, exchange-traded and cleared products, in addition to repurchase agreements and matters such as equity and foreign exchange prime brokerage agreements. The group is led from New York by seasoned derivatives lawyer Robert McLaughlin, who has noted expertise in over-the-counter derivatives and cleared swaps. Also in New York, David Mitchell takes the lead for commodities, futures and derivatives deals; while Darren Littlejohn is most known for advising on regulatory reforms impacting the derivatives and financial markets. In Washington DC, William Breslin sits in the asset management department and is an expert in commodities work. New York-based Ray Shirazi, who has a broad practice and is increasing active in relation to digital assets, joined from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP in March 2022, as did Steven Lofchie.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 1

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP ‘s highly regarded alternative investments offering, which works in close conjunction with the firm’s much lauded wider asset management department, is known for advising the largest and most sophisticated participants in the hedge fund and alternative investments industry; the team is no stranger to running as many as 50 projects at a time for clients such as Goldman Sachs and BlackRock. In addition to remaining highly active in core fund formation work, the group is also continually growing its hedge fund-related transactional capabilities, and its fund-of-funds expertise. Recommended attorneys in the New York office include practice founder and head Lawrence Barshay, securities regulation specialist Jessica Forbes and new arrival Russel Perkins, who joined from Dechert LLP in March 2021, and brings significant corporate know-how the role. Washington DC is another key location in terms of funds capabilities – Walid Khuri and Bradford Lucas are the names to note there. In March 2022 the New York team also gained Dorothy Mehta, previously practice head at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.

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

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP continues to stand out as a legal powerhouse in the US and global private equity and closed-end funds market; the offering is noted both for its extensive technical structuring expertise and its ‘deep industry knowledge‘ across a breadth of asset classes. The firm is also active in the funds-related transactional space, where it advises on acquisitions of asset management companies, seed and stake transactions, funds-of funds, spin-outs, restructurings, and GP-led secondaries. Kenneth Rosh – who is singled out by one client as the ‘consummate leader in this market‘ – heads up the private equity funds group, while Lawrence Barshay, the founder and head of the asset management practice, ‘continues to innovate and serve as a thought partner for clients working through complex solutions‘. These leading team members, both based in New York, welcomed a number of recognized senior practitioners throughout 2021 – Rami Turayhi and Russel Perkins arrived from McDermott Will & Emery LLP and Dechert LLP, respectively, with Jeffrey Schatz re-joining from Kirkland & Ellis LLP. This office also fields recommended junior partner Jeremy Berry. Over in Washington DC, Rebecca Neuschatz Zelenka and ‘brilliant negotiator‘ Richard Ansbacher are the key contacts.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 1

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has a renowned presence in New York City land use and zoning law, currently advising on major projects in the city from the acquisition phase through obtaining permits and navigating the development process, as well as managing the city’s complex regulatory landscape. Development expert Melanie Meyers leads the practice with support from head of the wider real estate department, Jonathan Mechanic. ‘By far one of the best and most qualified zoning lawyers in New York‘, Carol Rosenthal is a go-to attorney for planning involving thorny political and regulatory issues, and of counsel Stephen Lefkowitz is another senior figure focused on large-scale projects. Zachary Bernstein‘s practice is land use focused and he represents clients including private developers, not-for-profits, and religious organizations, while David Karnovsky is another name to note, drawing on professional experience at the New York City Department of City Planning prior to joining the firm. Special counsel Wesley O’Brien advises leading real estate owners and developers, lenders and cultural institutions, and Ellen Lehman is one of a strong pool of associates assisting with the development potential of sites, negotiating rights transfers and obtaining land use approvals.

Real estate Tier 1

Industry powerhouse Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has a wealth of experience advising on acquisition and disposition of single assets and portfolios, mortgage, REITs, leasing on behalf of landlords and tenants, environmental issues and land use and development. Department chair Jonathan Mechanic is sought after by developers, owners, investors, REITs, and lenders in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. For commercial leasing and development mandates, Michael Werner, Laurinda Martins and ‘exceptional‘ Washington DC based Valerie Kelly, are all recommended partners. ‘Talented and multifaceted’ Fiona Kelly and associate Alexander Sutherland are likewise recommended for clients investing in overseas markets. All lawyers are based in New York.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Instructed by numerous leading corporations and financial institutions, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is highly capable in the full gamut of tax matters, including real estate transaction structuring, capital markets deals, and multi-billion dollar fund formations in both the private equity and hedge fund arenas. The team is jointly led by the Washington DC-based Alan Kaden, a renowned corporate transactional tax expert, and New York-based David Shapiro, who routinely assists both private equity and mezzanine funds in both financing and deal-based matters. DC-based Michael Alter‘s broad federal income tax practice spans acquisitions, reorganizations, as well as debt and equity securities offerings, while Michelle Gold concentrates on fund sponsors in private equity and hedge fund formations. Christopher Roman is recommended for his knowledge of alternative investment funds and funds-related M&A, including REITs. Joseph Fox routinely advises on capital markets, financings, and derivatives transactions, while Libin Zhang largely focuses on REITs and sovereign wealth funds. DC-based Shane Hoffmann has a wide-ranging practice that notably includes partnership taxation and international tax planning. All named lawyers are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Washington DC-based Jason Schwartz, who routinely advises various financial services players, including banks and insurers, on the tax considerations regarding CLOs, REMICs, and private equity funds, joined from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP in March 2022.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP’s white-collar defense, regulatory enforcement and investigations team was bolstered in the winter of 2020 with the arrival of Geoffrey Berman from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York; he now heads the team alongside Washington DC’s James Wareham. The practice is well known for its representation of individuals and also acts for large corporations on investigations brought by the government and various regulatory authorities, as well as on compliance matters and risk management. Berman is a former federal prosecutor with experience in sanctions, white-collar crime, securities and commodities fraud, and money laundering cases. Wareham and Stephen Juris are both names to note for litigation and investigations. Ilan Graff joined and senior counsel Audrey Strauss re-joined from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York in January 2022. All named partners are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 2

The M&A litigation practice at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is ‘highly insightful, thorough, collaborative, communicative and strategic‘, noted for its strategy of bringing litigators into the deal structure process early to work with the transactional team, and also defends actions relating to M&A in which the firm was did not act as deal counsel. Global chair of litigation James Warehamin Washington DC and New York-based co-chairs of securities & shareholder litigation Scott Luftglass and Peter Simmons are the lead partners. Also in New York, Geoffrey Berman, formerly of the US Attorney’s Office, has ‘extensive history in public service and private matters and great insight‘. For Apollo Global Management, Luftglass successfully secured the dismissal defense of a case challenging the $2.1bn acquisition of Presidio by BC Partners.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is praised as ‘strategic, insightful, knowledgeable, collaborative, communicative and proactive‘, and acts for represents companies, financial institutions, special committees, special litigation committees, and officers and directors in cases filed in state and federal courts throughout the country. A standout case from 2021 saw the firm represent Under Armour and members of its board in a consolidated securities class action alleging that the company concealed that it was experiencing a host of sales problems. James Wareham in Washington DC, who led that matter, is global chair of litigation, while Scott Luftglass, who is ‘strong and extremely capable in his field’ and Peter Simmons in New York are co-chairs of securities and shareholder litigation. Simmons and Luftglass recently settled a claim against Evoqua Water Technologies in a class action and derivative actions alleging misrepresentations in the company’s IPO registration statement and subsequent announcements concerning its earnings and growth strategy. Also in New York, former US Attorney Geoffrey Berman ‘has deep industry experience‘ and key partner Israel Davidis ‘a top-notch litigator, knowledgeable, patient and clear‘.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s lean but formidable practice has an outstanding record in big-ticket equity offerings, including IPOs and follow-on offerings, for major issuers and underwriters. It has strong connections to a range of corporate issuers, private equity funds and their portfolio companies and has been appointed as designated underwriters’ counsel to a range of new clients. Department head Daniel Bursky has earned accolades for his leadership on high-value IPOs and other equity offerings, and for his part in expanding the firm’s issuer and underwriter client base. Andrew Barkan and Mark Hayek are also versatile capital markets specialists with fine records in equity offerings.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 2

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP acts for private equity firms, as well as public and private companies across the healthcare, logistics, technology and financial services sectors, on a range of high-end transactions. The practice group counts AEA Investors, Onex Corporation and RedBall Acquisition among its key roster of clients. The New York-based team is led by Jeffrey Ross, who advises standalone and institutional hedge funds, and alternative asset managers, on structuring and compliance matters. Jason Ertel handles 409A and 457A deferred compensation mandates, while Amy Blackman advises clients on the employee benefits aspects of M&A transactions, and Donald Carleen is another key member of the team.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 2

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s New York-based team, led by Michael Barker, maintains solid activity in first mortgage loans, construction financing, portfolio loans, mezzanine financings and loan restructuring. Having built up its real estate practice, Barker has established himself as a top advisor to the firms’ major clients, such as Blackstone, Starwood Property Trust and JPMorgan on all their lending transactions. Michael Vines specializes in advising syndicate and balance sheet lenders on development, construction, and transitional loans. Suzanne Decker, Nathaniel Lifschitz and Kabaye Liku are the other key partners for borrowers and lenders in mortgage, mezzanine, and preferred equity financings. Associate Matthew Bettinger also regularly counsels insurance companies and banks in construction financings.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

The team at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP focuses on securing clearance for business-critical, often global deals facing significant regulatory scrutiny, including FTC Second Requests, DOJ oversight, and formal legal challenges, with a successful record in successfully closing deals without facing litigation. Led by former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Barry Nigro, who divides his time between New York and Washington DC, the team is adept in handling the rapidly shifting regulatory landscape, including changes to both horizontal and vertical merger guidelines, best reflected in its ongoing representation of ProQuest in the FTC Second Request to its acquisition by Clarivate, issued following the change in leadership at the FTC under the Biden administration. Nathaniel Asker is another key name within the team, handling FTC and DOJ oversight of high-value deals for clients such as CVC Capital Partners, for whom he secured clearance for their $640m sale of Kount to Equifax, and Blackrock. Senior counsel Aleksandr Livshits continues to bolster his growing reputation within the space, handling complex cross-border merger investigations and representing a diverse range of corporate clients before antitrust authorities. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has a major presence in the capital markets field, noted for its record in big-ticket investment grade debt transactions, but with a more than credible reputation in high-yield debt. The firm is frequently engaged on high-value offerings by both issuers and underwriters. It has continued to expand its client base with appointments as designated underwriters’ counsel for a number of issuers such as Authentic Brands Group, Blue Owl and Brighthouse Financial. Aside from its close links to corporate issuers and underwriters, the firm also sources engagements from its well-developed private equity client base. Daniel Bursky has an outstanding reputation, often leading headline deals for the likes of Merck, T-Mobile and bulge-bracket underwriters. Andrew Barkan and Mark Hayek are also pivotal team members.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has consistently elevated its position in high-yield debt with it now cementing its position amongst the top firms as issuer’s counsel. It is prominent as underwriters’ counsel. It has advised on a series of headline and high-value high-yield deals for the likes of T-Mobile and Novelis, and has represented the underwriters in offerings by Clarivate and Sonic Automotive. Along with its connections to corporates and investment banks, the firm is also frequently advised by private equity clients and their portfolio companies. Head of the capital markets team Daniel Bursky leads many of the group’s headline deals, operating across the equity and debt space. Andrew Barkan, Mark Hayek and Joshua Coleman are also key names in the department.

Finance > Commercial lending

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, which operates out of New York, is one of the most respected names in the debt finance middle market. Equally capable of advising lending banks, corporate borrowers and private equity sponsors, the firm assists with both investment grade and leveraged transactions. J. Christian Nahr leads the team and advises on syndicated secured facilities, second lien loans, mezzanine financings and private placements, while departmental stalwart F. William Reindel continues to represent private equity sponsors, hedge funds and investment  banks. Daniel Bursky and Mark Hayek frequently collaborate to advise the firm’s corporate borrower clients; in 2021, this included representing Merck, Under Armour and T-Mobile. Beyond the senior partners, Adam Summers is ‘absolutely fantastic’ when it comes to negotiating commitment letters in relation to acquisition financings.

Government > Government contracts Tier 3

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is notable for its strength in supporting M&A in the aerospace and defense sector. Alongside this, the team is active in all stages of the procurement process, handling bid protest litigation and counselling companies and private equity clients in the aircraft and satellite, electronics, IT, and healthcare industries. Washington DC-based James McCullough spearheads the practice, an expert in pre-award litigation and counselling on contract formation issues, as well as post-award disputes and litigation. Also in DC, Michael Anstett is also notable in the team, focusing on contractor representation in the aerospace defense and IT spheres. Alexander B. Ginsberg joined the DC office from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in February 2022, strengthening the team’s bid protest practice in particular.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 3

The practice at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, hailed as ‘collaborative, insightful and business-savvy’, is equipped to support on the full array of corporate transactions, regularly working on major matters which intersect multiple jurisdictions. Steve Epstein‘s practice covers M&A, divestitures, corporate governance and takeover preparedness affairs, – he serves as practice co-head alongside Philip Richter, a specialist in minority investments, proxy fights, joint ventures and minority investments.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 3

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP maintains productive relationships with a range of big-name bulge bracket and middle market private equity funds, handling big-ticket work for the likes of Permira, Redbird, and AEA Investors. A standout representation for the firm was advising Permira as part of a consortium purchasing MacAfee for $14bn. Alongside its work on PE-backed buyouts, the firm is also noted for its key role in GP stake and asset manager-led transactions, advising the likes of Goldman Sachs and Wafra on these innovative deals. The practice is led by Steven Steinman, who leads the firm’s AEA relationship among those with other key clients, having led on AEA’s sale of 1 800 Contacts to KKR, alongside Christopher Ewan, also an active transactional counsel to funds. Andrew Colosimo has played a key role in the firm’s asset manager M&A work, while Randi Lally stands out for her advice on GP-led transactions alongside seed-and-stake deals, another area of strength for the firm. In Washington DC., Brian Mangino has seen a prolific 2021 on behalf of relationship client Permira alongside Andrea Gede-Lange, with Mangino leading on the McAfee deal and Gede-Lange advising on several other key transactions. Mark Lucas has led notable transactions for Redbird and Goldman Sachs across a wide range of sectors. Senior figure Robert Schwenkel is now of counsel at the firm, and is known for his continued work on club deals.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 3

Fielding an experienced team with ‘top-notch lawyers’, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has strength in depth in public M&A and capital markets transactions, particularly representing issuers and underwriters in high-value IPOs. The group holds several global investment banks and real estate companies as key clients. In Washington DC, practice head Stuart Barr has a robust background in corporate governance matters and securities laws and works closely with tax partner Cameron Cosby, who has extensive experience in REIT tax structuring and transactions. Other key players include New York based co-chair of the M&A group Philip Richter and Libin Zhang.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has a standout presence in global offerings for healthcare, telecoms, shipping and insurance businesses; this includes a mixture of IPOs and other equity offerings, along with investment grade, high-yield, and convertible debt issuances. The firm’s expertise in high-yield debt is frequently applied in acquisition financings for global private equity clients. It has also continued to be appointed as underwriters’ counsel to a range of global issuers and is making a further impression in green bonds and sustainable financings. Daniel Bursky  leads the highly rated New York-based team, which frequently works alongside colleagues in London.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has a multidisciplinary practice, advising clients on complex corporate transactions, insolvencies and out-of-court restructurings. Its US and London based offices allow seamless representation on cross-border matters, particularly upon bankruptcies. Notable mention is given to the representation of Seritage Growth Properties in relation to the Chapter 11 cases of Sears Holdings Corporation, where the team acts as restructuring counsel. The practice is led by Brad Eric Scheler in New York, who is well versed in corporate finance and strategic planning and has advised clients of a corporate, institutional and governmental capacity.

Tax > Financial products

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions