Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP > Los Angeles, United States > Firm Profile

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 1

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP remains a leading team for cartel defense work, representing major US and multinational companies in investigations and high-stakes litigation both in the US and internationally. The firm offers a deep and experienced bench with past agency expertise, able to represent clients before the DOJ, FTC, state bodies, and international antitrust enforcers, with the practice’s international expertise exemplified by the role of Scott Hammond and Jeremy Robison as bridge counsel to multinational companies facing multi-jurisdictional investigations. Alongside its long-standing strength in media and entertainment, the firm is also active in a number of highly-scrutinised industries, particularly tech, food and semiconductors, notably representing Broadcom in the FTC investigation into its business practices, led by practice co-head Stephen Weissman. Co-head Rachel Brass successfully defended Barnes & Noble against two cases alleging unfair pricing, reflecting their strength in dismissing cartel allegations at and before trial. Richard Parker is another active litigator, handling trials and enforcement actions, while Cynthia Richman is a key name in the team for international cartel and antitrust-related grand jury investigations by the DOJ and international authorities. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 1

Class actions, private antitrust litigation, and intellectual property-related issues form part of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s antitrust and competition practice portfolio. The firm represents some of the country’s biggest corporations in high-stakes and bet-the-company cases, with particular strengths in the media, entertainment and high-tech sectors. Washington DC-based Stephen Weissman and San Francisco-based Rachel Brass co-chair the department and both handle class actions including monopolization claims and price-fixing in various industries. In Washington DC, Cynthia Richman focuses on antitrust issues pertaining to tying, bundling and other single-firm conduct theories, while Rich Parker represents clients before enforcement agencies and courts in a host of antitrust-related matters. Daniel Swanson, who is active in both the firm’s Los Angeles and Brussels locations, has vast experience in defending clients based on a wide range of alleged conduct, such as monopolization and dominance claims. In April 2022, former Federal Trade Commission Chief of Staff Svetlana S. Gans joined the firm in DC.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP fields a destination appellate practice, which is routinely involved in high-stakes appeals before the US Supreme Court and federal and state courts across the country. The firm has carved out an impressive reputation for matters concerning separation of powers but it is equally adept in corporate-related work, with recent wins in IP, mining and consumer law cases, among others. In Washington DC, Theodore Olson, a former solicitor general who has argued 65 cases in the Supreme Court, Miguel Estrada, Helgi Walker and Matthew McGill are the key contacts. Allyson Ho chairs the team from Dallas and is sought after for her broad sector expertise; she recently secured a massive reduction in damages for International Paper Company, which saw a Texas court of appeals apply only $14.8m of an original $125m verdict. In Los Angeles, Theodore Boutrous is highly regarded for his premier appellate experience; he successfully represented State Farm General Insurance Company in an appeal brought by the Insurance Commissioner and intervenor Consumer Watchdog, seeking to retroactively lower homeowners’ insurance rates. Washington DC-based former department co-head Mark Perry left the firm in May 2022.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

The white-collar defense and investigations team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP operates at the top of the market, with a deep bench of former DOJ and SEC attorneys who have considerable experience in cross-border litigation and investigations. In Washington DC, Joseph Warin is a name to note for civil litigation, and regulatory and securities enforcement; and Stephanie Brooker is recommended for financial crime matters, including money laundering and asset forfeiture. Joel Cohen focuses on securities litigation, class actions and antitrust matters, while Reed Brodsky handles crisis management and enforcement matters. Other key practitioners include San Francisco’s Charles Stevens and Nick Hanna in Los Angeles. In April 2021, the team was bolstered in Washington DC with the arrival of Robert Hur, former US attorney for the District of Maryland, and David Burns, former acting assistant attorney general at the DOJ. Named attorneys are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 1

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP impresses with its trial experience before the US Supreme Court and state supreme courts in addition to federal and state courts across the United States. The group is further active in commercial matters in non-judicial forums. Reed Brodsky in New York, Los Angeles’ Theane Evangelis, the Dallas-based Veronica Moyé and Helgi Walker in Washington DC lead the practice. Theodore Boutrous (Los Angeles) secured a victory on behalf of Hewlett-Packard Company when the California Court of Appeal for the Sixth Appellate District affirmed the more than $3bn verdict in the client’s favor in its contract dispute with Oracle Corporation. A New York-team around Orin Snyder represented the founders and early employees of Tinder in New York state court against Tinder’s corporate parents Match Group, Inc. and IAC/InterActiveCorp in a founders’ dispute alleging breach of contracts governing the Tinder employees’ stock option compensation. Well-reputed litigator and trial lawyer Randy Mastro (New York) left in August 2022.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 1

‘The undisputed premier firm in highly complex, high-value litigation‘, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s transnational disputes team boasts ‘superb lawyers with great breadth of experience‘, particularly in cross-border litigation with a human rights angle. The group counts food and beverage, plastics and technology among its sector specialisms, frequently brings and defends enforcement of foreign judgments and is increasingly active in climate litigation. Los Angeles-based Perlette Jura, who is renowned for environmental, consumer and mass tort matters, and William Thomson and New York-based Andrea Neuman jointly lead the practice. Anne Champion is another name to note in New York for enforcement of arbitral awards.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has securities litigation and SEC enforcement practice groups that frequently defend some of the most high-profile cases in the US, including major matters for Fortune 100 companies such as Facebook, HP and Marriott. As well as corporate issuers, the firm also acts for major private equity firms and financial services institutions. In 2021, the firm secured a second victory in a securities fraud class action for HP arising from the company’s announcement that it was adopting a new demand-driven business model that would reduce inventory in the distribution channel and stabilize prices across the globe. Monica Loseman in Denver, Brian Lutz in San Francisco, who led the HP matter, and Craig Varnen in Los Angeles are the lead partners. Varnen joined from Irell & Manella LLP in 2020 and is a senior litigator with long-standing experience. Loseman and Varnen are representing a life sciences company in a case arising from a fall in its stock price after the FDA withheld approval for a revolutionary drug for the treatment of breast cancer.

Industry focus > Environment: litigation Tier 1

Some of the most prominent companies in the United States and international clients operating in a wide range of sectors seek Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s representation in the full array of environmental litigation matters. Specializing in high-stakes civil and criminal environmental claims, the group is noted for its capabilities in highly complex disputes involving cost recovery actions, enforcement defense, asbetos liability, Superfund sites, permitting obligations and mass tort claims, including multi-party and multi-forum proceedings. The team is managed out of Washington DC by Stacie Fletcher, who handles significant cases under federal and state environmental statutes, and Daniel Nelson, whose notable areas of practice include class action lawsuits and mass tort. In the same office, Raymond Ludwiszewski is a name to note for the defense of environmental civil enforcement cases and complex toxic tort cases. The DC team was further strengthened by the arrival of David Fotouhi, who joined the firm after nearly four years in the Office of General Counsel at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Also noteworthy is the group’s offering in California, where Patrick Dennis is counsel of choice for numerous manufacturing, energy, real estate, and construction industry clients. He is based in Los Angeles. Perlette Jura, who co-chairs the ESG practice, and Abbey Hudson are key individuals in LA for multi-district environmental litigation.

Industry focus > Transport: rail and road - litigation and regulation Tier 1

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s Washington DC-based team encompasses a wide variety of practice areas, including litigation, appellate matters involving punitive damages, environmental law, franchising, and antitrust. The offering benefits from the firm’s ability to leverage expertise in false advertising, class actions, labor and employment law, international trade and antidumping. Also of note, the firm has longstanding experience in efforts to conform punitive damage awards and procedures to constitutional requirements. In the railroad space, co-partner-in-charge of the Washington DC office, Thomas Dupree Jr, recently led Indiana Rail Road Company, the Association of American Railroads, and the American Short Line and Regional Rail Association, to a major victory – a federal court was persuaded to strike down as unconstitutional a newly enacted Illinois statute, which imposed a minimum crew size for freight trains traveling in or through Illinois. Environmental regulatory and litigation specialist Raymond Ludwiszewski spent eight years in senior legal positions in the US Government.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions): defense Tier 1

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has a notable track record when acting for large, international corporations and financial institutions in the labor and employment space, including high-profile clients such as Amazon, Uber and Ford. The group stands out for its handling of anti-discrimination law matters, non-compete and trade secrets issues, wage and hour mandates and whistleblower disputes. It is further recognized for its involvement in topics of relevance including the #MeToo movement and the gig economy. The team is jointly led by Washington DC-based Jason Schwartz, who has notable experience in litigation and arbitration proceedings, and Los Angeles-based Katherine Smith, who focuses on large-scale class actions and executive disputes. Also recommended is wage and hour specialist Catherine Conway, who works alongside Jesse Cripps in LA; he is an experienced litigator before trial and appellate courts. Joshua Lipshutz is an expert in contractor misclassification matters and divides his time between the DC and LA offices. Notable changes to the team include DC-based Molly Senger making partner in early 2021 and Eugene Scalia rejoining the firm in April 2021 after his time as US Secretary of Labor. In late 2021, the practice also welcomed Harris Mufson and Danielle Moss from Proskauer Rose LLP.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 1

From profit participation over IP in the creative industries to First Amendment and employment litigation, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a go-to in the media & entertainment industry. Renowned and heavy-hitting litigator Scott A. Edelman co-heads the practice from Los Angeles, where he recently represented Universal Music Group in the so-called ‘Vault Fire Lawsuit’. In New York, revered trial lawyer Orin Snyder advocates on behalf of digital and traditional media companies and individual artists such as Bob Dylan who Snyder represented together with Universal Music Group in a breach of contract claim arising out of the artist’s sale of his musical catalog. Alongside him in New York Brian Ascher handles complex civil litigation pertaining to issues arising from contracts, profit participation, trade secrets, and First Amendment matters. Theodore J. Boutrous Jr. is an esteemed litigator in Los Angeles who as of lately has focused on several cases pertaining to matters between the press and the White House. Further recommended in Los Angeles is Ilissa Samplin, a specialist in technology and IP litigation in the media and entertainment space who led the team alongside Edelman, Snyder, and Ascher in representation of AMC Film Holdings in its case of profit participation arising from the show ‘The Walking Dead’.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 1

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP handles the full range of outsourcing matters, including the outsourcing of key business process, digital transformations and the negotiation of outsourcing contracts as a part of corporate transactions. The team has recently advised on a number of complex technological outsourcing transactions involving the development of new software platforms and systems, demonstrating its work at the cutting-edge of this sector. The practice is jointly led by Daniel Angel and Stephen Nordahl in New York, William Peters in Los Angeles and Carrie LeRoy in Palo Alto. Nordahl and Peters have broad experience across business process and IT outsourcing, while Angel is recognized for his expertise in technology transactions.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 1

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s land use and development department is a familiar presence in major projects across California, recognized for its work on major stadiums and arenas, among its portfolio of landmark matters. The team is capable across the full range of potential issues, from entitlements and permitting, ground leases and development agreements to CEQA reviews, PPP waterfront development and the public trust and historic preservation. Leadership of the department is shared between Amy Forbes in Los Angeles, whose focus is at the administrative level, and San Francisco-based Mary Murphy, who has particular experience in PPP and historic rehabilitation projects. Also in San Francisco, Allison Kidd‘s expertise in both land use and transactional real estate make development stage projects her forte, and of counsels Sara Ghalandari and Neil Sekhri both have broad expertise across the range of planning issues most relevant in the state. Douglas Champion is the lawyer to note for entertainment venues, having led advice on a number of headline projects from the Los Angeles office.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 1

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP maintains a solid market reputation in all areas of real estate finance and distressed asset workouts. Department co-chair Jesse Sharf in Century City represents lenders, REITs, developers and investors in workouts, whole loan sales, construction lending, mezzanine and CMBS lending. Fellow co-chair Erin Rothfuss in San Francisco, and Kahlil Yearwood advise on all lending and structured finance, private equity and workouts, particularly in office buildings, hotels, and residential property developments. Eric Feuerstein in the New York office is another highly sought after specialist in financings, debt purchases and acquisitions, as is Noam Haberman, for working out individual loans and entire capital structures for both lenders and borrowers.    

Real estate Tier 1

Leveraging an array of international resources, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s full-service department is involved in all facets of real estate transactions and developments, acting for a high-end roster features leading lenders, operators,  investment firms and blue-chip corporates. The practice is lead by three noted partners. In New York, Eric Feuerstein concentrates on financings, debt purchases, acquisitions, joint ventures and development. San Francisco’s Erin Rothfuss is another transactional expert; she is noted for acquisitions and development of office buildings, hotels, malls and multi-family projects. For financing, Los Angeles’ Jesse Sharf is a highly reputable counsel for lenders and funds.  

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 2

The financial services litigation practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP specializes in acting for clients facing investigations and prosecutions by regulators. The team’s work encompasses matters involving both wholesale banking and consumer finance, acting in cases brought by regulators including the CFPB, SEC, CFTC and FTC, as well as the DOJ and state-level prosecutors. The practice counts prominent banks and asset managers amongst its clients, and also acts for fintech and cryptocurrency companies in novel disputes with regulators. Stephanie Brooker and Kendall Day jointly lead the team, with Brooker based in New York and Day working out of the firm’s Washington DC office. Brooker and Day previously worked as prosecutors and lead the team’s cases involving alleged Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering violations. Arthur Long is another name to note in the New York office; he has deep experience in financial services regulation and provides advice both on compliance and enforcement. Former practice co-head Matthew Biben left the firm in August 2022.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s securities litigation practice frequently handles M&A-related cases, notably in finance, technology, healthcare, energy, accounting and insurance sectors. It is particularly well-respected for its takeover defense work, having handled numerous hostile takeover matters in the US and internationally. Monica Loseman in Denver, Brian Lutz in San Francisco and Craig Varnen in Los Angeles lead the securities litigation practice, in which New York-based Adam Offenhartz is a specialist in M&A litigation, including class action and derivative actions, appraisal cases and earnout disputes. Lutz recently won the dismissal of a class action for Elliott Management arising from the company’s acquisition of Gigamon. Among his recent highlights, Offenhartz acted for Afred E. Mann Trust, a controlling stockholder in medical device company Bioness, in a challenge to its acquisition of Bioventus, which closed successfully after the court denied a dissident directors’ final application for immediate injunctive relief.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 2

Recognized as a ‘premier firm in highly complex, high-value litigation’, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has, over the years, won many notable victories for defendants in critical environmental and toxic tort cases, both at trial and appellate level. As well as regularly achieving success in venues throughout the US, including in traditional plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions, the environmental and toxic tort team, which is led from Washington DC by Daniel Nelson and Stacie Fletcher, has also developed particular strength in handling trans-national cases. In addition, the firm has successfully cultivated expertise in cutting-edge matters relating to climate change, an area that ‘exceptional‘ New York-based trial lawyer Andrea Neuman  and seasoned California-based appellate lawyer Theodore Boutrous  have been particularly visible.  

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is amongst the market leaders in debt offerings, particularly on the issuer side, though with excellent connections to a range of investment banks. The well-established team benefits from the firm’s strong credentials in securities regulation and corporate governance. It covers a multitude of industry sectors from life sciences and pharmaceuticals, to construction and infrastructure, technology and energy. New York-based co-chair of the capital markets team Andrew Fabens is an established name in investment grade, high-yield and convertible debt offerings, and has advised on a series of bulge-bracket deals, including a series of SEC-registered notes offerings for Amazon, featuring its inaugural offering of sustainable notes to fund green initiatives. Houston partner and co-chair of the group Hillary Holmes is another prominent figure, particularly in the energy sector. San Francisco’s Stewart McDowell is rated for technology and software transactions, and Los Angeles partner Peter Wardle is another key team member. Senior name Douglas Horowitz joined the team in 2022.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has expertise in both the creditor and debtor side of restructuring matters. Its creditor expertise aids its ability to represent active global hedge funds, investors and international financial institutions, whilst its debtor-side expertise aids its ability to represent both domestic and foreign companies in cross-border restructurings. The team also demonstrates notable expertise in Chapter 11 cases relating to funded debt. The practice is led by both Scott Greenberg and Robert Klyman who, alongside Steven Domanowski, led the team in the representation of an ad hoc group of Garrett Motion Inc, who held $1.45bn of its first lien funded debt obligations. Joshua Brody is noted for his focus on Chapter 11 cases. Personnel changes include the promotion of Michael Neumeister to partner in January 2021. Greenberg, Domanowski, Brody and Neumeister are based in the New York office, whilst Klyman practices from the California office.

Government > Government contracts Tier 2

Based in Washington DC, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is noted for its cost accounting practice, with a track record of acting for major contractors across a variety of sectors. The practice offers clients guidance through all stages of public procurement-related counselling and litigation, including compliance, bid protests, corporate transactions, False Claims Act issues, and IP protection. Dhananjay Manthripragada leads the practice, and focuses on criminal litigation and fraud investigations within a contracting context. Joseph West is also a key individual in the team and has extensive expertise in dispute resolution, civil and criminal fraud investigations, corporate compliance counselling, and issues related to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Daniel Chung and John Chesley are also recommended.

Industry focus > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP represents clients in high-profile energy litigation matters before FERC as well as state and federal courts. The group regularly represents utilities and private equity companies in the acquisition of other utilities and large generating facilities, including major wind and solar projects in the US. It also has a strong reputation for handling class action suits. William Hollaway and Jeffrey Jakubiak are key contacts who handle a broad array of issues before FERC; Hollaway (in Washington DC) primarily represents independent power producers and transmission companies; dividing his time between Washington DC and New York, Jakubiak focuses on utility ratemaking cases, mergers and power sales.

Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s power and renewable practice showcases particular strength in the utility M&A, renewable investments and capital markets fronts. During the review period, the team has been particularly active in complex wind and solar power project acquisitions, financings (including tax equity transactions), investments and legislative initiatives for a broad range of clients. The firm’s well-connected global offices network also make it a go-to choice for projects which require a multi-jurisdictional approach. The department is managed from New York by Peter Hanlon, who assists investors with complex transactions in the renewables space, and Nicholas Politan, whose areas of expertise include wind, solar and other renewable technologies. Transactional lawyer Emad Khalil has represented participants in energy projects throughout the United States and internationally. He is based in New York, where Marwan Azzi, who recently joined from White & Case LLP, is recommended for acquisitions and investments in renewable energy projects in the US and abroad. Gerald Farano in Denver possesses a strong track-record in the purchase and sale of renewable assets, financings and project development.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP handles a range of electricity generation M&A transactions, project acquisitions and investments, project development, joint ventures, project financings and capital markets transactions. In term of M&A, the practice is particularly known for representing the acquirer or target in large utility transactions. Peter Hanlon specialises in M&A, capital markets and other securities offerings, primarily representing acquirers, sellers, investors and strategic partners in the energy sector. He co-leads the team with Nicholas Politan, whose forte is domestic and cross-border energy-related transactions, including M&A, financings, project development, construction, operation and restructuring; both individuals are based in New York.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP advises clients throughout the oil and gas sector, including exploration, development and production companies; oilfield services and equipment operators; pipeline and other midstream companies and downstream businesses, as well as representing financial institutions, private equity firms and government entities active in the sector. Houston-based Michael Darden is practice head and focuses on international and domestic oil and gas ventures, energy infrastructure projects, asset acquisitions and divestitures, and energy-based financings.

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s impressive patent litigation team appeals to clients for its long track record of acting in challenging IP cases, representing leading global companies, especially from the pharmaceutical and technology sectors. Names such as Fitbit, EMC, EMD Serono and Pfizer, T-Mobile, Novartis, and Peloton are among the group’s enviable client roster. The core of the practice is based in New York, where Josh Krevitt (also present in Palo Alto), Jane Love, Kate Dominguez, and Benjamin Hershkowitz are the main contacts. Ernest Hsin in San Francisco and Wayne Barsky in Los Angeles are other key contacts. Additionally, the team offers robust ITC experience, which complements the firm’s strong district court, Federal Circuit and PTAB practice.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 2

Although Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s wide-ranging and balanced offering primarily focuses on assisting sponsors with fund formation – including traditional funds, funds-of- one, separately managed accounts and co-investment vehicles – the group’s expertise also extends to fund manager servicing, transactions involving funds, and institutional investor representations. The breadth of the investment funds practice ensures that a prominent client base – which ranges from leading financial institutions, to notable asset management firms, to recognized infrastructure and natural resources investors – instructs the group. In November 2021, A.J. Frey (who is noted especially for advising on issues relating to venture capital and family office asset management) re-joined the team, bringing his recent experience in-house experience at Greenspring Associates to the Washington DC office. The department’s co-chairs are split between the New York and Los Angeles offices; Shukie Grossman and Edward Sopher oversee matters from the former location, while transactional and fundraise expert Jennifer Bellah Maguire is based in the latter.

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s privacy, cybersecurity and data innovation department receives praise from the market for the breadth of matters it handles, spanning from regulatory scrutiny, litigation, and law enforcement, and for its remarkable client portfolio, which includes names of the caliber of Facebook, Tencent, Cartoon Network and the New York Times, among others. Technology, advertising and privacy litigation are particular strengths of the team, which is also highlighted for its internal investigation expertise, derived from the presence of lawyers in the team who are former cyber-crime prosecutors. In New York, Alexander Southwell co-chairs the group and is a member, among others, of the white collar defense and investigation practice. His counterpart is Ashlie Beringer in Palo Alto,  who focuses on defending technology companies in global regulatory and litigation matters. Eric Vandevelde   and Ashley Rogers are also key members of the team.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 2

Split between Los Angeles and New York, the team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP handles matters for the traditional entertainment industry like Bollywood studio Eros International Plc and represents investors funding cutting-edge technologies such as Point72 in its investment in RECUR, which operates in the NFT space. Practice co-head Kevin Masuda is based in Los Angeles and advises both content production companies in film, music, gaming, and sports as well as their financiers such as Square, Inc. which he recently represented in its acquisition of TIDAL. Fellow Los Angeles co-head Benyamin Ross counsels both private equity and venture capital firms as well as tech companies like Screenshop in its acquisition by Snapchat. On the east coast, New York side of the practice John T. Gaffney advises on M&A, divestitures, joint ventures, and capital market transactions. Richard Birns broadens the scope of the practice with his additional expertise in corporate governance and takeovers and recently represented YGE Legends Holdings LLC in the sale of Legends Hospitality to global investment firm Sixth Street Partners. Stefan dePozsgay is a highly active member of the New York team, who represents clients in corporate matters both domestically and cross-border.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has a good pedigree in technology and strategic sourcing transactions where it represents a broad mix of providers and end-users. This includes advice on offshoring and shared services agreements, as well as restructurings, strategic alliances and joint ventures. Recent highlights include assisting the pharmaceutical company Janssen, an affiliate of Johnson & Johnson, on the build-out of a product platform with IBM. The firm also advised the global hotel chain Marriott International on its digital transformation project. Hewlett Packard is a major client on the technology front, which the firm advised on the development of a private cloud solution and a related agreement with Infosys. Key partners include New York-based technology transactions co-chair Daniel Angel, and strategic sourcing and commercial transactions co-chairs Stephen Nordahl and William Peters, respectively based in New York and Los Angeles.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 2

The team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is well-regarded for its tax controversy work, ranging from audit and administrative resolution to trial proceedings and appeals. Its experience covers cross-border transfer pricing, investigations, and tax compliance. Clients include major players in technology, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and financial services industries. California-based Michael Desmond and Washington DC’s Sanford Stark   were jointly appointed to lead the team. Stark is an expert in federal tax controversy and litigation and joined from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in November 2021, while former Chief Counsel of the IRS Desmond joined in May 2021 and and is a highly regarded specialist in tax controversy. Tax controversy experts Saul Mezei and Terrell Ussing also joined the Washington DC office from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in November 2021.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

While especially regarded for its expertise in oil and gas M&A and MLP energy deal structuring, the team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is also frequently engaged on private equity transactions, fund formations, and capital markets work by a number of well-known corporations and financial institutions. Practice head Eric Sloan, who works between the firm’s New York and Washington DC offices, specializes in the use of partnerships and limited liability companies in a broad spectrum of transactions, including Up-C IPOs. In California, Dora Arash advises both corporations and partnerships on big-ticket transactions, tax-free reorganizations, and debt offerings. Edward Wei‘s wide-ranging practice encompasses public company spin-offs, split-offs, and Reverse Morris Trusts for clients in the consumer goods, media, and pharma sectors. All named lawyers are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP represents clients in a broad range of merger control cases, handling merger filings and clearance proceedings through to DOJ and FTC investigations and legal challenges, as well as representing in merger litigation brought by state authorities. The practice has notable strength in media and entertainment, and is also active in other sectors including energy, pharma, and technology, as well as regularly working on behalf of private equity clients in merger proceedings. A notable win for the team during 2021 was winning DOJ approval for Stone Canyon’s acquisition of Morton Salt for $3.2bn, following a lengthy investigation, a matter led by standout performer Adam Di Vincenzo. The practice is led by San Francisco-based Rachel Brass alongside Stephen Weissman, with both highly experienced in representing clients before the FTC and DOJ in high-stakes merger investigations, as well as in litigation. Los Angeles’ Daniel Swanson is a key name, enjoying productive relationships with top clients including Apple and Panasonic, as well as regularly handling cross-border cases before the European Commission, while Scott Hammond has a strong record in the financial services sector. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 3

Orin Snyder – Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Orin Snyder is co-chair of the firm’s global trial practice group and is particularly well regarded as a technology, media and entertainment litigator. In a standout, long-running case, he represented the founders and early employees of Tinder in their claim in New York state court against Match Group, Inc. and IAC/InterActiveCorp. After a trial that began in November 2021, the defendants settled the case in the amount of $441 million. Snyder is based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has an excellent debt offerings practice with additional credibility in high-yield debt, particularly for issuers. It continues to offer strong teams based in New York, Houston and California. The firm is better known for investment grade offerings, though continues to advise on a sizeable number of high-yield deals, most notably in the energy, technology, retail, construction, and healthcare sectors. Co-chairs of the capital markets department Andrew Fabens and Hillary Holmes, based in New York and Houston respectively, are strong debt offerings specialists with a high-degree of expertise in high-yield. The hire of high-yield debt leader Douglas Horowitz is a big boost to the practice.

Finance > Project finance Tier 3

Industry focus > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP provides a full-service offering to energy sector clients including representation in high-profile litigation matters before the FERC, as well as state and federal courts. It has experience in federal class actions and is well-equipped to handle rate, licensing, administrative and enforcement proceedings. William Hollaway is a key practitioner whose client-roster consists primarily of independent power producers and transmission companies, along with traditional regulated generation and transmission utilities. Splitting his time between New York and Washington DC, Jeffrey Jakubiak is noted for his expertise in utility ratemaking and energy markets; Janine Durand, in turn, has extensive experience in energy transactions and administrative litigation. Senior associate Jennifer Mansh and of counsel Jason Fleischer, who focuses on energy and environmental litigation, are also recommended. All lawyers are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Industry focus > Healthcare: health insurers Tier 3

In the health insurer space, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is known for its advocacy efforts in class action and antitrust matters. Its most notable client is industry giant UnitedHealthGroup, for whom it acts on a number of different cases. The team also has experience acting for Aetna, with experienced Los Angeles-based partner Richard Doren representing them in a number of civil litigations. Also based in LA is Heather Richardson, who adds expertise in domestic and international arbitrations to her litigation practice.

Industry focus > Insurance: advice to insurers Tier 3

With a team of experienced trial, appellate, crisis management and investigations lawyers, the practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP stands out most recently with its defense of insurers in an array of Covid-19 business interruption claims, some of which have been precedent-setting. More generally the practice includes coverage and bad faith suits, class actions challenging business and employment practices, government and regulatory investigations and litigation, False Claims Act matters and whistleblower allegations of fraud. Los Angeles-based acclaimed insurance litigator Deborah L. Stein co-heads the team with Geoffrey Sigler in Washington DC, who is experienced in defending against class actions as is key lawyer Richard Doren in Los Angeles.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP routinely handles high-profile sports litigation and disputes involving employment issues, allegations of anti-doping violations, sports betting and antitrust matters. On the transactional front, the group is noted for its work advising on M&As and financing of ownership stakes in major and minor league teams, the development of new stadiums and venues, PE investment and the relocation of major professional franchises. Based in New York, Richard Birns, who has extensive experience assisting clients with transactional matters and depth expertise in a number of industries, including technology, media, sports and entertainment, directs the practice.

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP works with a number of market-leading corporates across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, tech, and TMT sectors on the full gamut of trade secret allegations and claims. Los Angeles-based practice chair Ilissa Samplin represents various individuals and companies from the worlds of media, entertainment, and technology, with recent highlights including defense-side misappropriation cases. Dallas-based Mark Reiter is recommended for his far-reaching expertise in healthcare and life science technology.

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is home to a national team of 300 corporate lawyers, bolstered by a global offering of 1,500 practitioners spread across the Americas, Europe, East Asia and the Middle East. Its team demonstrates prowess in the full spectrum of domestic and international transactions, handling negotiated and contested mergers, tender and exchange offers, spin-offs, stock and asset purchases, LBOs and joint ventures, among other matters. Saee Muzumdar  co-heads the practice alongside Robert Little  who operates from Dallas; their team includes firm chair and managing partner, Barbara Becker, whose track record encompasses headline deals in the industrial, consumer, retail, healthcare and technology sectors. Named lawyers are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has continued to expand its private equity team, recruiting domestic and cross-border middle-market specialist Lilit Voskanyan in January 2021 from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and New York’s Marwan Azzi, who focuses on energy and infrastructure work, from White & Case LLP in August 2021. Elsewhere, the team advises a wide range of sponsor clients, including private equity houses, sovereign wealth funds, and growth capital investors on buyouts, minority investments, and portfolio company M&A, with a strong focus on multi-jurisdictional dealmaking. The team is now led by Ari Lanin in Los Angeles, who enjoys productive relationships with the likes of Platinum Equity, and Richard Birns in New York, known for his work in the technology, media, sports, and entertainment sectors. Also in New York, Steven Shoemate is a trusted advisor for private equity deals, private M&A, and associated corporate issues, while Century City’s Candice Choh advises sponsors on transactions and internal governance issues, with Leonard Green & Partners a notable client. In New York, Sean Griffiths maintains a strong record in complex carve-out and spin off transactions.

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

With a client list spanning from traditional telecoms companies to hi-tech players entering the space, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is active on the forefront of legal development in the sector. Helgi C. Walker in Washington DC is highly active in the firm, handling administrative and regulatory matters as well as litigation and recently led the team in representation of the National Association of Broadcasters against the FCC before the Supreme Court in an abolishment of ownership restrictions. Also in Washington DC, Miguel Estrada is a seasoned appellate attorney with over twenty cases before the Supreme Court.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

New entry Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP merits a ranking on the back of its diverse roster of major arbitration cases. Over the past year, the firm secured a series of high-profile arbitration and enforcement victories for clients in the energy, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, among other industries. In a highlight, it successfully represented Yukos Capital against Russia in a Geneva-seated arbitration involving the expropriation of Yukos Capital’s loans to its former parent company Yukos Oil — the tribunal awarded Yukos Capital more than $5bn. The team’s ability to work alongside its top-tier appellate practice in US recognition and enforcement proceedings is also a significant differentiator. New York-based Rahim Moloo is the key contact and acts on an array of investment treaty and commercial arbitration matters. New York-based Lindsey Schmidt acted alongside the London office to lead the Yukos Capital representation and is also recommended.

International Trade > International trade Tier 4

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP boosted its team with the hires of new national security co-chair David Burns, formerly Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division at the DOJ, and Nick Hanna in Los Angeles, who recently served as US Attorney for the Central District of California and bolsters the firm’s export controls offering. The trade group works alongside the firm’s white-collar and regulatory defense practice to specialize in advising on economic sanctions, export controls, CFIUS reviews and anti-corruption issues. International trade co-chair Judith Alison Lee is highly regarded for her emphasis on economic sanctions, export controls and CFIUS issues. Senior of counsel Ronald Kirk, who operates between Dallas and Washington DC, co-chairs the department; he has deep experience in trade policy and WTO matters. Adam Smith is also noted for sanctions matters. Named attorneys are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has an exceptional corporate client base, providing it with a steady pipeline of capital markets engagements. Although more active in debt offerings, the firm maintains a notable presence in the equity field, which included acting for Petco Health and Wellness Company on its $993m IPO. New York partner Andrew Fabens and Los Angeles’ Peter Wardle are two of the co-chairs of the capital markets group and has a fine record in equity offerings. Douglas Horowitz joined the team in 2022 from Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 4

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is well regarded for its borrower representation, and primarily works with major commercial borrowers from the a variety industries on acquisition financings, high-yield offerings and real estate finance transactions. The department is notable for its national network of practitioners; Los Angeles partner Linda Curtis‘ numerous specialisms include investment fund financings, while Aaron Adams, who co-leads the group alongside Curtis, is based in New York. Oil and gas is one of the firm’s areas of particular strength, thanks in part to its presence in Texas. Houston-based Shalla Prichard is a key name in the regard and focuses on the upstream, midstream and downstream energy sectors. Douglas Horowitz arrived from Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP  in April 2022.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 4

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP provides regulatory counsel, transactional advice, and counselling on enforcement regarding derivatives. Its clients range from financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies to clearing houses and investment funds. The team is highly experienced challenging agency actions in court as well as advocacy at regulatory agencies. Notably, it runs the Coalition for Derivatives End-Users, a trade association representing companies that use derivatives to mitigate business risks. Based in Washington DC, practice head Jeffrey Steiner focuses on compliance regarding cross-border global derivatives, including compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act, EMIR, and MiFID II. He works alongside Michael Bopp, who advises on derivatives regulatory and legislative mandates.

Industry focus > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 4

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP handles high-profile FERC enforcement and litigation cases for major clients such as Marathon Petroleum Corporation. It also regularly represents utilities and private equity companies in the acquisition of other utilities and large generating facilities, including large wind and solar power projects in the US. The group has acted for clients in rate proceedings as well as class actions. In Washington DC, William Hollaway and Jeffrey Jakubiak are key contacts.

Industry focus > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 4

The team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP represents clients before the FERC as well as state and federal courts. It handles novel regulatory matters including acquisitions, rate proceedings, investigations, complaints and rulemakings. Major clients include Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company along with other independent power producers and transmission companies. Key names to note are William Hollaway, Jeffrey Jakubiak and Jason Fleischer; the latter has experience in federal investigations and enforcement matters. All named individuals are based in Washington DC.  

Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences Tier 4

IP litigation is at the core of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s life sciences practice, with the team representing a number of biotech companies. The team is able to act on smaller civil infringements and appeal cases alike, as well as representing up to Supreme Court level Most notably, the team defended a patent challenge to Novartis’ MS medication Gilenya. In addition to IP, the team offers strong transactional support to large scale clients and further support on FDA investigations and compliance matters. Jane Love and Ryan Murr co-lead the team from New York and San Francisco respectively.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 4

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has an impressive venture capital and emerging companies practice working out of its California offices. The firm is less focused on advising multiple early stage companies, instead taking a more selective approach to mid-to-late stage investments. This includes domestic and cross-border transactions, where it represents investors and issuers on major financings, M&As and capital markets exits. The versatile group has expertise across a range of industries, including pharmaceutical, media, entertainment, technology, telecoms and gaming, and has recently been busy in growing niches such as ad-tech, and social and mobile gaming. Key partners include Ryan Murr, who co-heads the firm’s San Francisco office, and fellow San Francisco partner Stewart McDowell, who co-chairs the firm’s capital markets practice group.

Industry focus > Transport: aviation and air travel - finance

Latin America: International firms > Compliance and investigations

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP’s world-leading white-collar defence and investigations practice has an extensive record in Latin America. It is widely noted for its FCPA and anti-corruption expertise, and its frequent engagements in relation to M&A and investment-related investigations. Somewhat unusually, it has successfully leveraged the expertise from multiple US offices and its well-established Sao Paulo office where co-chair of the Latin America group Lisa Alfaro is a key member of the white-collar defence and investigations team. Washington DC partner Joseph Warin is co-chair of the practice and has an outstanding record in DOJ and SEC investigations in Latin America. Los Angeles partner Michael Farhang is also highly-rated for DOJ and SEC investigations in the region.