Goodwin > Boston, United States > Firm Profile

Goodwin > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers

Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 1

Fielding specialist lawyers overseeing all aspects of multi-jurisdictional M&A and venture capital financing rounds, Goodwin has in-depth knowledge in advising domestic and international corporations from across the cannabis, agriculture, and music spheres. The team’s litigious expertise is extensive, predominantly concentrating on trade mark infringement claims, unfair competition disputes, and advertising law cases, coupled with regulatory compliance coverage. Located in San Francisco, co-heads Jennifer Fisher and Brett Schuman are knowledgeable on all elements of government investigations and IP litigation. The other Silicon Valley-based head, William Growney is an expert in corporate governance proceedings and data security matters, in New York, Joshua Eisenson routinely assists strategic investors and private equity funds, and San Francisco’s Harry Berezin is highly knowledgeable on cannabis and hemp regulations. The team stands out for its insight into securities litigation investigations, RICO class actions, and contentious commercial issues, along with concentrating on brand partnership and definitive agreements.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

Working closely with companies at all stages of growth, in both US and foreign jurisdictions, Goodwin is lauded for its licensing, technology transactions, patent enforcement, prosecution and counseling. Capable of acting in various industries, clients span tech, life sciences, private equity, and financial services. In Boston Catherine McCarty co-heads the IP practice group, bringing expertise in IP to help clients in pharma and chemistry matters protect their innovations. Silicon Valley’s James Riley co-heads the group and frequently represents emerging growth tech companies and venture capital firms in licensing matters. Adept in technology, data and IP transactions is Boston-based lawyer Stephen Charkoudian. Kingsley Taft is well-versed in supporting emerging to mature life science companies. Washington DC’s Noelle Dubiansky possesses broad capabilities in IP including licensing and commercial undertakings for a diverse clientele including biotech, pharma and medical devices. Bethany Withers specializes in tech data, publicity rights and IP matters. Unless otherwise stated, all lawyers are based in Boston.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 1

Goodwin's 'best-in-class' private equity practice combines deep expertise in middle-market and growth equity transactions with a strong global presence. The firm advises sponsors and investors on structuring complex deals, fund formations, and buyouts. Helming the practice from Boston is John LeClaire, a seasoned partner valued by both financial sponsors and growth companies who rely on his advice regarding M&A, investments, and restructurings. Co-chair Brian McPeake has an extensive cross-border practice and covers a range of sectors including financial services, fintech, software and healthcare from San Francisco. New York co-head Chris Nugent underpins his transactional pedigree with skill in corporate governance, while Chris Wilson is noted for his healthcare and tech-focused practice. Joshua Klatzkin is well-regarded for his work across small-cap and mid-market buyouts and is another key name for early stage growth instructions. Amy Keller also comes recommended for her broad practice.

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

Goodwin’s signature technology expertise is a big draw for start-ups, while it also leverages a dominant life sciences offering that ‘provides everything a biotech company could need’. Alongside its company-side credentials, the group maintains close links with investors and it routinely advises venture capital funds on fundraisings, investments, and exits. From Boston, Mitch Bloom steers the life science practice and specializes in advising public and private life sciences companies and investors on financings, M&A, and public offerings. The technology and emerging companies team is co-led by Boston-based duo John Egan and Kenneth Gordon, together with Silicon Valley’s Craig Schmitz , all of whom act for an array of start-ups, growth companies, and investors. Other contacts in Boston include Bill Schnoor, who, as previous head of the London office, is recommended for cross-border transactions involving the technology and life sciences sectors; Danielle Lauzon, who is recognized for her cutting-edge expertise in the life sciences field; and William Collins, who excels in matters involving the biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices spheres. In Silicon Valley, Caine Moss focuses on supporting software, AI, internet, and financial services companies through all stages of their growth.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

Goodwin stands out for its expertise in supporting tech companies through every phase of their development. Through its comprehensive approach, it has fostered long-term trust, retaining clients from their early-stage startup days to their growth as publicly traded companies. The practice provides strategic guidance across key areas like seed financing, IPOs, M&A, AI, intellectual property, licensing, and international transactions. Stephen Charkoudian, co-founder of the team, is a active across tech, data, and IP law, advising on transformative technologies and co-directing Goodwin’s AI accelerator. Bethany Withers brings specialized expertise in technology, data, and intellectual property, focusing on licensing, strategic partnerships, celebrity endorsements, and promotion law compliance, assisting both businesses and individuals. Jim Riley , based in Silicon Valley, is an authority on tech and venture capital law, advising high-growth companies on IP strategy, AI, data privacy, and tech transactions.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 1

Goodwin maintains its reputation as a leader in the REIT practice, with a deep bench of specialists representing both private and public REITs in an array of transactions. The firm has expertise in REIT-related equity and debt offerings, M&A transactions and complex joint venture investments. Also of note is the team’s significant experience representing REITs and underwriters in initial public offerings. The team is spearheaded by joint heads Yoel Kranz and Ettore Santucci. Based in New York, Kranz is an expert in corporate mergers and acquisitions while Boston-based Santucci is a specialist in publicly traded REITs, REIT securities offerings as well as in matters related to executive compensation. Other standout members are Boston attorneys Caitlin Tompkins, who has a focus in securities law, William Goldberg, who is well versed in capital markets, and Eryn Mathews who has expertise in the full gamut of REIT mandates including follow-on shelf offerings and 144A offerings of equity and debt securities. Another integral attorney is M&A expert Christopher Versfelt. Scott Chase departed in October 2024.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 2

Goodwin routinely handles discovery aspects of contentious matters, working alongside the firm’s litigation departments in cases of antitrust, securities, and internal investigations. The team are adept in developing e-discovery response strategies for clients across the financial services, IP and life sciences sectors. Michelle Treadwell Briggs leads the Boston-based team, advising clients on strategic issues involving e-discovery and information management. Daniella Panetta supports the group, handling e-discovery issues in commercial litigation, and government and internal investigations.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 2

Litigation centered on the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries forms the core of Goodwin‘s M&A disputes practice, which defends clients in the Delaware Court of Chancery, federal courts and arbitration proceedings brought by shareholders who claim they did not receive adequate compensation from M&A deals. Boston-based Caroline Bullerjahn and Deborah Birnbach handle an array of M&A and securities litigation, and the latter achieved a notable success in 2024, securing the dismissal of a shareholder action against Qualtrics in a class action that alleged it gave favorable treatment to Silver Lake over other prospective buyers. In New York, Douglas Flaum continues to defend Cedar Realty Trust in an appeal brought by plaintiffs alleging breach of contract and fiduciary duty in relation to a merger with another REIT, while Jordan Weiss assisted Shareholder Representative Services, a former securityholder in Freshly, Inc. in a claim brought against Honeybuyer, alleging it failed to honor the terms of the merger agreement for Freshly. Jonathan Shapiro, who is based in San Francisco, represented the former head of legal at SVB subsidiary Boston Private Bank, in a class action brought under the Securities Act 1933.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Drawing upon deep industry knowledge in core firmwide areas of sector strength, Goodwin is very effective at representing life sciences, tech, real estate and financial services clients in securities litigation and derivative actions in state and federal cases throughout the country. Boston-based Deborah Birnbach has significant expertise handling both private litigation and regulatory investigations, regularly advising companies, as well as their directors and officers, in securities and shareholder litigation and corporate governance matters. In New York, Daniel Roeser has vast experience for an eclectic client base that includes public companies, executives and banks, in the defense of often cutting-edge securities litigation matters, including as it relates to SPACs, cryptocurrency and high frequency trading. Other key members of the team include New York based Douglas Flaum, who regularly handles complex securities litigation in the real estate sector, including for REITs; San Francisco-based Jonathan Shapiro, who is skilled at guiding tech-focused companies (including fintech entities) respond to securities class actions and government investigations and is a key member of the firm’s growing litigation presence in California; and in Boston, Caroline Bullerjahn, who is adept at defending biotech/life sciences companies in securities fraud litigation in courts throughout the country.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Overseeing high-profile public offerings for an underwriting syndicate and advising issuers on both debt and equity follow-on offerings, Goodwin draws upon strong multi-jurisdictional capabilities and substantial bench-strength. The practice mainly represents private companies in complex financings and IPOs, alongside supporting public corporations in their SEC reporting and corporate governance proceedings. Edwin O’Connor heads the New York offering, being a specialist in the tech and life sciences sectors, while Silicon Valley-based Bradley Weber is highly knowledgeable in IPOs and PIPEs. From Boston, Joseph Theis is an expert in securities law and SEC compliance measures, Robert Puopolo stands out for his M&A and joint venture work, and both Marishka DeToy and Gabriela Morales-Rivera are also cited as key for their coverage of SEC compliance and venture capital financing matters.

Finance > Fintech Tier 2

A strong choice for clients in the financial services, technology, and private equity sectors, Goodwin boasts a large team capable of advising on payments, financing for start-ups, litigation involving class actions, and transactional work. Mitzi Chang, based in San Francisco, is recognized for her expertise in investment matters and regulatory guidance on new products within the blockchain and Web3 space, while in Santa Monica, David Ajalat focuses on company formation and structuring, corporate governance, IPOs, and SEC reporting and compliance. In Silicon Valley, Grant Fondo leads in representing venture capital firms, financial institutions, and DAOs in litigation and investigation matters, and working out of Washington DC, Crystal Kaldjob, provides transactional and regulatory counsel to banks and other financial institutions on strategic partnerships. In New York, Meghan Spillane represents individuals and companies in complex civil litigation as well as at all stages of government investigations.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 2

Goodwin’s global practice advises biotech, pharma, and healthcare companies, along with life science venture capital and investment firms. The growing practice supports clients in matters as wide-ranging as regulatory compliance, IP and M&A. The team’s representation of Prime Medicine in its $3.5bn deal with Bristol Myers Squibb evidences its excellence in research collaboration and license agreement matters. The practice is headed by Kingsley Taft, vastly experienced in commercial, financing and capital market transactions, and Mitchell Bloom, who specializes in emerging companies and life sciences investors. Both in Boston, transactional lawyer Robert Puopolo and Marishka DeToy, who focuses on capital markets and corporate matters, are key figures in the practice. In DC, Steven Tjoe focuses on product development strategies and FDA regulatory counseling. Arriving on the Boston-based team from Cooley LLP are Joshua Rottner, venture capital and growth equity funds specialist, and Michael McGrail, focused on medical devices and life sciences. Other key hires include litigation expert Michael Siekman, arriving in Boston from McDermott Will & Emery LLP, M&A specialist Amanda Gill, from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and IP lawyer Carl Morales, from Fenwick & West LLP; the latter two are based in New York.

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

Goodwin regularly fields ‘highly talented and capable trial teams’ to manage and achieve victories in complex patent litigation. The team possesses significant expertise in competitor disputes related to high technology and excels in proceedings before the PTAB. The practice also has a strong reputation in the life sciences sector, regularly representing brand companies in Hatch-Waxman cases. Elaine Blais, based in Boston, is a first-chair trial lawyer who specializes in pharma and biotech patents. Blais jointly leads the team with the esteemed Brett Schuman, who is based in San Francisco and excels in patent infringement related to mobile phone and telecoms technology. Other notable practitioners in Boston include Douglas Kline, a ‘skilled trial advocate’ who leverages over thirty years of experience trying patent disputes, and Molly Grammel, a key attorney involved in the team’s recent victory for Breeze Smoke. Naomi Birbach, in New York, is highly regarded for her work in post-grant proceedings, such as inter partes reviews, before the PTAB. In Silicon Valley, Neel Chatterjee is sought after for his high-tech patent expertise.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 2

Noted for its ‘proactivity and creativity’, Goodwin assists its roster of clients in the remit of litigious trade secret cases, including those involving copyright infringement, unfair competition and high-profile misappropriations, in both domestic and international contexts. Co-leads of the practice are San Francisco’s Brett Schuman, who is well placed to represent well-known tech clients in complex disputes, and Boston-based Elaine Blais. Further key names on the West Coast are San Francisco’s Jeremy Lateiner and Koray Bulut who has expertise in employee mobility and non-compete matters as well as Silicon Valley’s Neel Chatterjee who has multi-jurisdictional experience and Andrew Ong who acts before the Federal courts and the USPTO. On the East Coast, Boston-based Robert Carroll has a life sciences and tech specialism, while Amadou Kilkenny Diaw in Washington DC has patent and trade secret litigation expertise. John Padro is also a key practitioner in New York.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 2

Goodwin specializes in defending financial services companies, as well as other plan sponsors and service providers in class actions against allegations of breach of ERISA fiduciary duties, especially in relation to plan fees and investments. The firm is noted for its capital markets, healthcare and financial services experience, with the team securing victories for clients including MetLife, which resulted in the dismissal of a novel challenge to a plan’s use of prescription-drug rebates. The team’s appellate expertise is noted, with members including Boston-based Alison Douglass and Jaime Santos, in Washington DC, representing clients before circuit courts across the country and before the US Supreme Court. Also in Boston, James Fleckner has been active in defending against new ERISA litigation trends, including pension retirement benefit obligations to insurance carriers that have been filed and class action claims challenging the retention of foreign tax credits under the Internal Revenue Code relating to ERISA assets. Also in Washington DC, Michael Isenman represents a variety of clients including mutual funds and investment advisers in litigation and regulatory contexts including ERISA class actions and shareholder derivative demands and litigation. Christina Hennecken and David Rosenberg are key names.

Real estate Tier 2

Goodwin‘s real estate practice group is regularly engaged by a variety of clients to handle real estate transactions throughout the US market. The firm has particular expertise in representing new and established fund sponsors, and investment advisers, in connection with the formation of fund investment vehicles. The firm handles transactions on behalf of such funds, and also represents a variety of owners, developers, REITs, and pension plans in a range of transactions. With an operational real estate practice, the firm is well-positioned to advise clients on a range of operational asset classes, from hotels, student housing, and data centers to mixed-use buildings and storage solutions. The team is led by co-heads Diana Brummer and John Ferguson, who are both based in the New York office, and have expertise in complex joint ventures, financings, and developments. In the Boston office, Freddie Akrouche represents clients in a variety of operational real estate, distressed real estate, and commercial real estate transactions.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Praised for its ability to provide ‘timely and clear advice under complex circumstances’, the Goodwin antitrust and competition team leverages the firm’s M&A market strength to support clients with HSR filings and sophisticated antitrust challenges. Private equity, technology, and life sciences transactions are particular areas of focus for the team, which has growing expertise regarding AI technologies. Antitrust co-head Andrew Lacy advises clients on transaction-related antitrust risk, working alongside co-chair Arman Oruc whose combined experience in merger clearance and antitrust litigation is notable. Paul Jin and Simone Waterbury together lead the merger control practice, Jin a particular go-to for private equity clients while Waterbury, in Boston, regularly handles cross-border deals. The team was bolstered in July 2024 by the addition of David Cross and Mary Kaiser, both from Morrison Foerster. All Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

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

The team at Goodwin is well-versed in representing life sciences and tech companies in patent and licensing disputes, as well as ERISA and class action appeals. The group is also routinely engaged in immigration and financial services cases. Leadership is shared between William Jay and Jaime Santos, both of whom are based in Washington, D.C.; and Boston-based Kevin Martin. Jay draws on notable experience arguing patent, copyright, and trademark cases before the Supreme Court, as well as handling constitutional law, securities, financial services, and class action mandates. Younger partner Santos focuses on appellate matters and has experience in ERISA litigation, patent litigation and product litigation. Martin, for his part, has been engaged in recent years on federal and state appellate court cases that have included successfully representing Workhuman in a case involving questions of statutory interpretation under Florida’s Private Whistleblower Act. D.C.-based Brian Burgess and Boston-based David Zimmer are additional key contacts. Gerard Cedrone left the firm for the Massachusetts State Solicitor’s Office in November 2024.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Goodwin defends clients in complex matters, including financial and securities fraud, FCPA violations, healthcare fraud, and whistleblower claims, representing them before agencies like the SEC, DOJ, and CFPB. Notable leaders such as Richard Strassberg  in New York, head of the white-collar defense practice, specialize in SEC enforcement, FCPA investigations, and corporate internal investigations. Grant Fondo brings vast experience in governmental investigations, blockchain, and securities litigation, while Kirk Ogrosky focuses on FCPA defense and healthcare-related fraud.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 3

Goodwin is well-established in the consumer finance and regulatory space, handling a range of complex class and enforcement actions. Allison Schoenthal leads the group in New York, with a favorable track record in litigation representation whilst Washington’s Matthew Sheldon focuses on aiding financial institutions facing government investigations. Also in Washington is Thomas Hefferon, a leading consumer finance litigator with experience handling MDLs, and federal and state appeals.

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

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Goodwin‘s debt capital markets practice is active as both issuer’s and underwriters’ counsel and has a particularly strong reputation for its convertible bonds expertise. James Barri is well known for representing investment banks as underwriters in 144A and public convertible note offerings, particularly in the tech and life sciences spaces. Ettore Santucci represents publicly traded REITs and real estate operating companies in connection with a range of securities matters. The two Boston-based partners jointly lead the group. John Servidio in New York has considerable experience handling convertible note offerings and leads the derivative and structured products practice which sits within the overarching capital markets group. Audrey Leigh in New York and Kim de Glossop in Silicon Valley are key contacts in the team; Leigh focuses on capital markets transactions in the real estate, hospitality, and specialty finance sectors, while de Glossop is well versed in convertible notes and investment-grade offerings in the tech and life sciences spaces.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 3

Goodwin’s debt finance team is highly regarded for its experience in advising borrowers on middle-market private equity-backed and institutional loans. The practice, which is well-regarded across the healthcare, life sciences, and technology sectors is led by New York-based Jennifer Bralower, who is well-versed in acquisition finance, syndicated credit facilities, and junior capital transactions. Also operating out of New York, Nick Caro is well-versed in asset-based revolving and senior secured credit facilities. Located in California, Kristopher Ring is another key member of the team and he is noted for his capabilities in private borrower-side debt transactions.

International trade and national security > CFIUS Tier 3

Goodwin‘s global trade practice represents a range of clients in complex matters before CFIUS, with a notable specialism in handling issues pertaining to critical technologies. The firm blends its expertise in global trade, technology, and life sciences to assist notable domestic and international clients with CFIUS compliance matters across sensitive industries. Richard Matheny, based in Washington D.C. co-leads the team and is experienced in assisting private equity firms, technology companies and foreign investors navigate CFIUS regulations. Matheny co-leads alongside Jacob Osborn, a former software developer and encryption technology expert, who focuses his practice on regulatory compliance in the electronics, software, and encryption fields. Jason Wilcox, a counsel within the team, supports the team heads by providing general compliance advice on CFIUS reviews.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 3

Goodwin‘s growing team has core strength in fundraising for industrial properties, and real estate more generally. John Ferguson in Boston, co-chairs the firm’s real estate industry group, and is key for real estate investment fund matters. The group more broadly often represents high net worth individuals and alternative investment firms. Mandee Gruen and Michael Halford, both based in New York, head up the team, and the former is particularly reputed for advising fund managers and sponsors on establishing compensation structures as well as fundraising. Practitioners are commended for a variety of funds expertise, whether ‘closing your first fund or negotiating a complex managed account with a large sovereign wealth fund’. Ian O’Donnell in San Francisco is noted for his capability in drafting fundraising documents.

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

Goodwin has strong expertise in ERISA and executive compensation, offering experience to advising clients on the full spectrum of compensation and benefits matters. Co-chaired by Patrick Menasco in Washington DC, and James Mattus in Boston, the team is known for its deep expertise in M&A, IPOs, private equity, and fiduciary issues under ERISA. The firm is a go-to advisor for financial institutions, investment funds, and emerging growth companies, offering strategic counsel on equity arrangements, golden parachutes, and retirement plan structures.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 3

Goodwin‘s team specializes in delivering advice for clients within the tech, life sciences, healthcare and financial services industries. San Francisco-based Koray Bulut heads up the team and advises on policies and contracts, workplace investigations, terminations and discrimination matters. Co-head Robert Hale consults on investigations and provides advice on layoffs, wage and hour issues, executive employment and terminations. Jennifer Fay has a particular focus on life sciences and tech sector cases and is noted for her ability to handle investigations involving executives and whistle-blower claims. Christina Lewis and Timothy Holahan are also key members of the team. Alexander Flynn-Tabloff joined the team in August 2024. All mentioned bar Bulut are based in Boston.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3

Goodwin is jointly led by Jonathan Hecht   and Dave Lynn in Washington DC, serving listed companies with public disclosure obligations alongside board assistance, executive compensation, and broader governance advice. The practice is very active in the F&B, energy, and industrial manufacturing markets. Recently, the team advised UDR, an S&P 500 real estate trust, on the public offering of $300m of medium-term notes, assisting them with their disclosure obligations. Lynn, a November 2024 arrival from Morrison Foerster, is well-versed in SEC protocols, having helped draft the federal rules on executive compensation. Hecht’s federal background contributes to his reputation as a reference in the area of government investigations. In San Francisco, Karen Ubell introduces an interdisciplinary approach to her governance advice, advising clients on their obligations whilst dealing with digital assets such as NFTs, blockchains, or cryptocurrencies.

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

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Goodwin advises a wide range of industries, from private equity to tech. With particular strength in the life sciences and real estate sectors, the group advises on REITs, company formations, M&A, joint ventures, public and private securities offerings, and more. The group is led by Neal Sandford in Boston, who holds particular expertise in structuring tax-sensitive commercial transactions, international tax issues, and workouts. Co-chair Kelsey LeMaster in San Francisco advises on fund formations, investment structuring, REITs, and real estate transactions. New York’s Janet Andolina specializes in general corporate, real estate, and international taxation matters. Other key figures within the practice include tax experts Edward Glazer and Howard Cubell in Boston, and Romina Weiss in New York.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Goodwin houses a broad team known for its varied specialism, which spans contentious healthcare fraud work, and pharmacy and healthtech acquisitions. David Cappillo and Chris Wilson jointly lead the team from Boston, while William Jackson leads from Washington DC. Capillo is particularly active within the healthcare tech space, representing both tech and health companies, Wilson handles the full spectrum of issues which arise at the intersection between healthcare and private equity law, and Jackson is a seasoned litigator who often acts in major commercial cases. Miranda Hooker in Boston and Ilene Albala in Washington DC are key figures within the team known for their vast experience in FCA, AKS, and HIPAA investigations, and both women’s health initiatives and qui tam cases respectively. Philadelphia’s John Jones is noted for his expertise in private equity within healthcare, often advising health systems, and both private equity and venture capital firms. In the New York office, Roger Cohen utilizes his deep knowledge of tech to assist investors and health service clients with M&A and healthcare delivery issues.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 4

Goodwin remains active at the ITC and is recognised for its work on competitor versus competitor cases. The team recently achieved a complete win for its client Samsung in a multi-patent assertion matter against a competitor. Located in Washington DC, PJ McCarthy chairs the team; McCarthy is a first-chair litigator with specialized expertise in handling Section 337 investigations involving various technologies. The practice is further strengthened by Boston-based Douglas Kline, a seasoned IP litigator with experience representing tech and life science companies in high-stakes cases.

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 4

Goodwin‘s group has a strong reputation for its patent prosecution work in the life sciences and tech sectors in particular. The team is also equipped to assist across pharma, medical devices, and tech among other sectors, advising on patent matters covering clearance, patentability, infringement, and validity, among other areas. The team is helmed by Boston-based Catherine McCarty and James Riley, who works from Silicon Valley. A life sciences expert with a specialism in drug development, Theresa Kavanaugh is a key name in Boston. Carl Morales joined the New York office from Fenwick & West LLP in January 2025.

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

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 4

Goodwin advises clients on cyber incident response in the tech, life sciences, financial services, private equity and real estate industries. The firm leverages its knowledge on federal and state privacy law, as well as AI regulation, to support clients in litigation and policymaking. Its expertise also includes adtech, biometrics, generative AI, fintech and crypto matters. Based in New York, AI expert Peter Marta, data litigator Mark David McPherson and risk management advisor Jud Welle lead the team. McPherson and Marta joined from Morrison Foerster in January 2024 and Hogan Lovells US LLP in September 2024 respectfully. Fellow practice head Kyle Tayman works out of Washington DC and represents clients before the FTC and other government agencies in their investigations. Omer Tene, in the Boston office, is a noted privacy expert in the team. In August 2024, Kaitlin Betancourt joined from an in-house position.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 5

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 5

Goodwin‘s banking and broker-dealer practices are extensive and cater to a wide range of clients. In the banking space, the firm offers comprehensive expertise across all areas of banking compliance, including the regulation of bank holding companies, savings and loan holding companies, and foreign banking organizations. The team also advises on capital regulation, regulatory issues affecting business combinations, and consumer compliance matters related to the mortgage and credit card industries. Notably, they provide guidance on anti-money laundering (AML), risk management, and affiliated party and insider transactions, among other banking-related concerns. In the broker-dealer space, the firm provides strategic counsel on broker status and exemptions from registration, including advising on fund sponsor arrangements with unregistered “finders” and venture “scout” programs. The practice assists clients with SEC registration, FINRA membership, and structuring considerations, as well as day-to-day legal, regulatory, and compliance advice. This includes personnel registration, licensing, recordkeeping, marketing, and advertising, as well as supervision and sales practices. Samantha Kirby leads the firm’s banking practice in Boston, while William Stern, based in New York, and Nick Losurdo, based in Boston, lead the financial services regulation practice.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

Goodwin has significantly expanded its financial restructuring team in recent times, building on its considerable experience in out-of-court restructurings and formal bankruptcies. The firm has worked on a series of Chapter 11 cases and other out-of-court restructurings for a number of debtors, creditors and other stakeholders. It has a significant presence in insolvency-related litigation, including fraudulent transfer litigation, lender liability claims and mass tort bankruptcy cases. Michael Goldstein is chair of the financial restructuring group and has more than 35 years’ experience in the field. Howard Steel is another experienced figure with an impressive background in representing creditors’ committees, lenders and indenture trustees, among others. Robert Lemons is another key partner, having joined the firm in 2023. All named individuals are based in New York.

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

Recognized for its prowess in the M&A space, Goodwin advises clients from the pharmaceutical, AI, fintech, and real estate industries on tender offers, divestitures and take-privates, and spin offs, in addition to acting on both the private and public side for mature clients. With experience in the regulatory, transactional, and antitrust elements of M&A, the group is collectively led by Boston-based Michael Kendall, who concentrates on corporate finance, private equity, and venture capital deals. Silicon Valley- based co-head Lawrence Chu is well-verse in handling global M&A for tech companies, while co-head Joshua Zachariah covers corporate governance and strategic M&A representations from the firm’s New York office. Also in Boston is Stuart Cable, who has ample experience in representing boards of directors in life sciences-focused M&A.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 5

Goodwin ‘s real estate finance team is led by the co-chair of the firm’s global real estate industry group, Diana Brummer, from New York. Brummer has deep experience commercial real estate transactions and specializes in complex joint ventures as well as construction and mezzanine financings for both lenders and borrowers. Practising in Boston, Diane McCabe is co-chair of the real estate group’s joint Ventures and real estate finance practice and focuses on the hospitality and leisure sector and restructurings. Feather Moy-Welsh represents lenders in real estate secured financings.