Goodwin > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

Goodwin > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 1

Finance > Fintech

Goodwin has a strong focus on fintech, blockchain and digital currencies, with a comprehensive offering that includes transactional, regulatory and litigation advice. Clients consider the firm ‘extremely adept at working with the fintech startup world‘ and is able to ‘distil complex regulations into tangible actions‘. This extends to the crypto space, where it has  ‘the rare ability to act as the generalist corporate counsel as well as to advise on all regulatory matters‘. The firm is also seeing a growing amount of insurtech and metaverse-related work. Lead partners include Mitzi Chang  who co-chairs the fintech group with Scott Joachim  in Silicon Valley, and the ‘always positive and helpful‘ Mike Whalen  in Washington DC. Other key partners on the digital currency and blockchain side include Grant Fondo  (Silicon Valley) and Karen Ubell, who is ‘among the most experienced, thoughtful, and versatile cryptocurrency lawyers in the nation‘. DC-based counsel Juliana Gerrick is ‘consistently able to distill complex and proprietary processes‘. In Boston, Kimberly Monty Holzel holds the distinction of having previously worked at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. All partners based in San Francisco unless otherwise stated.

Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 1

Goodwin assists clients in cannabis acquisitions, significant capital raises and disputes, as well as transactions. The department also represents private equity, venture capital funds and investors in cannabis investments and regulatory approvals. Joint team heads Jennifer Fisher and Brett Schuman are both located in San Francisco, with the former possessing extensive knowledge of cannabis regulatory and litigation mandates and frequently representing cannabis industry operators. Bill Growney is located in Silicon Valley and assists investors in cannabis related transactions, while Boston based David Apfel represents a diversity of clients in corporate, litigation and regulatory mandates.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

Standing out for its expertise in negotiating and executing complex transactions, Goodwin is a top destination for blue chip clients in the technology and life sciences industry. The firm is renowned for its vast experience enabling firms in the procurement and enforcement of patent rights and often receives high-profile licensing and collaboration mandates from both domestic and international clients. The practice is co-led by Boston’s Catherine McCarty who has specialist knowledge of pharmaceutical and chemical products, and James Riley, who leads the team from Silicon Valley with a unique understanding of technology acquisition and licensing. The team benefits from Steve Charkoudian’s extensive technology expertise and Kingsley Taft  deep knowledge of the domestic biotechnology market, both of whom are based in Boston. Noelle Dubiansky, who is based in the firm’s Washington DC office, is another name to note.

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

Goodwin has a top tier venture capital practice, noted for its ‘very professional, knowledgeable and responsive’ teams of lawyers who are ‘real partners in growing the business‘. The ‘very business oriented, extremely practical‘ group offers ‘expert legal advice‘ to investors and startups, and stands out for its market-leading life sciences group, primarily based in the firm’s Boston office and co-chaired by Mitchell Bloom  and Kingsley Taft. The firm’s ability to guide clients from early financing rounds through to later stage M&A, can be seen through its advice to Navitor Pharmaceuticals on the sale of Anakuria Therapeutics to Janssen Pharmaceuticals – a deal led by Danielle Lauzon, co-chair of the firm’s PropSci practice. The firm’s technology group, jointly led by Kenneth Gordon  and Silicon Valley’s Anthony McCusker, has also played a key role on investments into digital health, fintech, mobility tech and blockchain. Other lead partners include Bill Schnoor on the technology side and William Collins  in life sciences. All partners based in Boston unless otherwise stated.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

Goodwin has a multi-faceted technology team with strong credentials for the full range of transactional matters. The firm has an excellent track record in IP transactions, including licensing, collaboration and joint venture agreements, as well as broader cross-border deals and high-level M&A support. Data privacy and cyber-security are other areas of expertise. The team was particularly active on the corporate and private equity acquisition side in the past year and helped advise Pixomondo on acquisition by Sony Pictures Entertainment from Mayfair Equity Partners.  The group is co-chaired by corporate partner Anthony McCusker in Silicon Valley, Kenneth Gordon  and John Egan. Other key partners include David Cappillo, who co-leads the firm’s healthcare practice, and Alessandra Simons in San Francisco. Stephen Charkoudian  also provides the group with long-standing expertise, having co-founded the practice. All lawyers are based in Boston unless otherwise stated.

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

Goodwin remains a market leader for real estate investment trusts, handling a full suite of matters that spans both public and private REITs and includes large scale IPOs, equity and debt offerings, M&A and complex joint-venture investments, on behalf of a broad client list that includes major global financial institutions. Ettore Santucci is well known in the space for his representation of publicly traded REITs and real estate operating companies in corporate finance, M&A and corporate governance matters. He co-chairs the practice group alongside New York’s Yoel Kranz, who assumed the role after esteemed REITs practitioner Gil Menna stepped back to an of counsel role. Other key contacts within the group include Scott Chase , who is frequently engaged on the full-range of corporate and securities matters, whilst Mark Opper ‘s practice emphasizes REITs and real estate operating companies, advising on IPOs, follow on and 144A offerings. Counsel Christopher Versfelt is another stand-out for his M&A focus, alongside offerings of equity and debt securities, and complex financing transactions. All attorneys are based in Boston unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 2

Goodwin has a unique strategic focus on key industry sectors, notably life sciences, technology, and real estate, handling transactions and consequent litigation across the US, Europe and Asia. The firm also has a large private equity practice that is among the leading players in the expansive middle market sector, and this also generates work for the litigation department. Deborah Birnbach leads the practice, as well as being a key member of the life sciences group, and her track record in securities and shareholder litigation is notable. Adam Slutsky is also active in disputes in after healthcare deals. All lawyers are based in Boston. Michael Jones left to join Holland & Knight LLP.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Goodwin is known as one of the leading life sciences firms in the US, as well as a prominent player in matters concerning technology companies and REITs. The firm is handling a growing volume of class actions, derivative cases and SEC investigations, particularly for tech companies. Clients note that the firm’s ‘judgement, subject knowledge and guidance is outstanding’ and are ‘impressed with their technical insights combined with practical experience’. Deborah Birnbach leads the practice from Boston, where Adam Slutsky and Caroline Bullerjahn are among the standout partners. Birnback and Bullerjahn obtained full dismissal of a securities class action against biopharma company Alkermes plc, which was accused of making misstatements and omissions regarding the development program for a clinical stage drug for a major depressive disorder. Daniel Roeser in New York is representing underwriting syndicates in a putative securities class action filed in Florida federal court against Axogen. Key partner Brian Pastuszenski retired, but Jonathan Shapiro in San Francisco from Baker Botts L.L.P. (who is ‘a highly capable attorney with a dynamic and empathetic personality’) reinforces the firm’s stronghold in its key sectors. Jonathan Hecht in Washington DC joined from the SEC and is ‘a transformative presence’ in enforcement matters.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Goodwin has achieved high levels of activity in recent years, including in large-cap and mid-cap equity offerings. The capital markets team is known for its expertise in biotechnology and life sciences, especially buoyant sectors from a volume of offerings perspective. Healthcare, real estate and tech are also key sectors. Even with a slowdown in IPOs in the second half of 2022, the capital markets team was able to turn its sights to PIPEs, private placements and ATM offerings. Along with its extensive issuer client base, the firm has strong links to underwriters. In New York, Edwin O’Connor is co-chair of the capital markets team and is a member of the life sciences group, while Siavosh Salimi is noted for both life sciences and tech deals. Silicon Valley partner Bradley Weber is co-chair of the group and is a key figure in tech IPOs and other equity offerings. Boston’s Joseph Theis is also rated.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 2

Goodwin’s life sciences team assist a diverse roster of pharmaceutical companies – both public and private – and life science venture capital firms. Mitchell Bloom and Kingsley Taft  jointly lead the team; Taft primarily advises life sciences companies throughout their life cycles on formation, venture financings, and IPOs, while Bloom is active in the biotechnology and medical IT spaces. Boston-based Robert Puopolo maintains a transactions focused practice, handling joint ventures and life sciences M&A. In San Francisco, Alexander Varond takes the lead on litigious matters concerning biosimilars and the Hatch-Waxman Act. Stuart Cable is particularly adept at advising on corporate governance and venture sourced investment, while Danielle Lauzon assists boards and management teams of therapeutics and bioscience companies. A large team including Philadelphia-based Rachael Bushey, who specializes in transactional and governance work in the pharma and biotech space, joined the firm from Troutman Pepper in January 2023. All named practitioners are based in Boston unless specified otherwise.

Industry focus > Education Tier 2

Goodwin’s Boston-based multidisciplinary higher education practice acts for leading schools and colleges on corporate governance, transactional work, tax, investment management, real estate, IP, and employment matters. The group has particular strength in providing employment advice on issues including disability discrimination, leave of absence rights, sexual harassment, employee classifications, tenure-related issues, and labor relations matters. The team is noted for its strong litigation, whistleblower protection and internal investigations capabilities and includes key names such as Jennifer Chunias who frequently represents clients before federal and state regulators, with great experience handling government and internal investigations, shareholder demands and litigation, and complex commercial disputes. Susan Abbott focuses her practice on tax-exempt organizations, probate and trust law, and estate planning, with a particular emphasis on charitable planning, also advising colleges and universities regarding planned gifts, gift acceptance, charitable gifts, and sponsored research matters. Yvonne Chan and Roberto Braceras left the firm in March 2022 to Jones Day and Fidelity Investments, respectively.

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 2

‘Extremely knowledgeable of the details of investment laws and relevant regulations‘, the team at Goodwin handles mutual, registered and exchange-traded funds, and is the go-to choice for numerous service providers in the funds sphere, its client base ranging from major custodian banks, transfer agents, and retirement plan service organizations, to fund complexes and independent directors. Notable strengths for the department include helping navigate regulations laid down by the SEC, and assisting clients with dispute resolution in the funds space. Christopher Palmer, Marco Adelfio and Paul Delligatti jointly coordinate the department, and Jason Monfort is also a key name. Andrew Zutz and practice head Palmer are praised in tandem by clients, their collective ‘knowledge of laws and regulations‘ seen as ‘second to none‘. All named lawyers are based at the firm’s Washington DC office.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 2

As ‘one of the premier law firms in the retirement plan litigation space’, Goodwin frequently defends financial services companies facing class actions and allegations of plan investments fiduciary breaches, leveraging its sector expertise in financial services and its geographic diversity across Boston, Washington DC, and New York. The practice has had notable victories including for John Hancock Life Insurance in a putative class action relating to tax treatment and breaches of fiduciary duties. Leading this case was James Fleckner who co-heads the practice along with Alison Douglass in Boston. Douglass focuses her practice on ERISA class actions, derivative actions and has successfully defended several significant plan sponsors, asset managers and other financial services providers in litigation, particularly claims involving 401(k) plan recordkeeping. Fleckner also concentrates on financial service providers and plan sponsors in class actions focusing on fiduciary breaches and the discharge of obligations, as well as regulatory investigations before the DOL, SEC, DOJ and PBGC. Jaime Santos, based in DC, is another key name to note for her ERISA appellate work.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 2

Able to call upon a network of intellectual property, real estate and tax experts, Goodwin is best known for its strong track record in complex M&A involving life sciences, tech, and private equity players. The department is well positioned to handle public and private M&A, leveraged buyouts, and spin-offs, and is also skilled in shareholder activism defense and proxy contests. Based in Boston, Stuart Cable spearheads the global M&A practice. Cable is counsel of choice for a number of leading tech and life sciences clients, who retain him on a recurrent basis in transactional and corporate governance matters. On the West Coast, Alessandra Simons is a prominent M&A figure in San Francisco, while Andrew Weidhaas in Los Angeles focuses on private equity deals and emerging companies.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Goodwin leverages its strength in key industry verticals across healthcare and life sciences, tech, and private equity, advising businesses and funds on strategic acquisitions, portfolio company mergers, and divestitures, with a strong record in both avoiding Second Requests from the DOJ and FTC as well as navigating investigations brought by regulatory authorities. The firm combines a prolific deal flow with involvement in high-profile, contentious merger clearances, notably advising iRobot on its acquisition by Amazon, and handling the antitrust elements of Nimbus Therapeutic’s defense of a hostile takeover attempt by Bristol Myers Squibb. The practice is led by Washington DC’s Andrew Lacy, who represents clients through the merger process, including litigation brought by the DOJ and FTC, alongside Arman Oruc, a life sciences antitrust specialist who divides his time between DC and Los Angeles. Also in DC, Paul Jin is noted for his HSR expertise.

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

Lawyers in Goodwin’s practice demonstrate ‘deep and insightful strategic thinking‘, according to clients. A popular choice to represent life sciences and technology clients in appellate work, in line with the wider firm’s signature strengths, the group also had strong recent showings in financial services, class actions and social justice-related appeals. In Washington DC, seasoned group co-chair William Jay is widely lauded for his top-level experience, which includes arguing 17 cases before SCOTUS. Jay is currently representing Novartis in appellate matters related to ongoing European patent litigation between it and Eli Lilly. Also in Washington DC, next-generation partner Brian Burgess is singled out as an ‘outstanding writer and oral advocate‘, while Jaime Santos is noted for her record in ERISA, patent, and constitutional law-related litigation. In Boston, key contacts include department co-chair Kevin Martin, highly active associate Gerard Cedrone, and David Zimmer, who has a focus on IP, administrative law, and consumer finance-related matters.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Goodwin is knowledgeable of matters pertaining to the private sector, including conducting investigations for corporate boards, their audit committees and special committees. The department also has expertise in the financial, healthcare and pharma sectors, and routinely assists clients throughout the course of government inquiries. The team’s expertise is also frequently coveted by corporations in the full spectrum of enforcement, investigation and white-collar matters. Head of the team Richard Strassberg in New York is adept in FCPA compliance and investigations, SEC enforcement proceedings, and business and financial litigation. Jennifer Chunias in Boston has over twenty years of experience in government and internal investigations, while Grant Fondo in Silicon Valley advises clients on a range of regulatory and contested matters. Boston's Courtney Orazio represents companies and their directors and officers before federal and state regulators, and Kirk Ogrosky in Washington DC is proficient in False Claims Act defense. DC-based Ilene Albala joined the team in June 2022.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 3

Goodwin leverages knowledge of new e-discovery technologies and data analytics, including predictive coding, to effective develop case strategy and manage scope of discovery. The department covers a range of industries, including financial, technology, and real estate, though the pharmaceutical sector is a particularly key focus for the department, with major clients in this area including Teva Pharmaceuticals and Nimbus Therapeutics. Lead partner Michelle Treadwell Briggs, based in Boston, has experience in litigation and investigations involving complex contract disputes, class actions, and governmental antitrust reviews. Also working from Boston is senior attorney Danielle Panetta.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 3

Goodwin has a well-regarded consumer financial services practice with Allison Schoenthal and Matthew Sheldon, based in New York and Washington DC respectively, leading the practice. The firm is experienced in consumer and non-consumer class actions and other litigation involving financial institutions, with a particular concentration on the CFPB, securities class actions, market manipulation and underwriting syndicate representation. Schoenthal is recognized for her expertise in this consumer finance, representing banks, trusts, lenders, and private equity firms in litigation and enforcement matters against claims under RESPA, TILA, FDCPA, TCPA and UDAAP. Likewise, Sheldon regularly counsels banks, mortgage lenders and fintech companies on regulatory and enforcement matters before agencies including the CFPB, HUD, FDIC, as well as litigation relating to, among others, fair lending compliance, financial product sales and marketing practices. Thomas Hefferon is consistently recognized as a leading consumer financial services practitioner, acting in class actions, MDLs, and defense of enforcement actions before both agencies and courts.

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

With tech and life sciences two of the core pillars of the firm’s industry focus, Goodwin is skilled at assisting clients within those sectors in the defense of product liability and mass tort claims brought against them in courts throughout the country. In this context, the team, which includes many members with advanced degrees in sciences, is particularly effective at developing expert witnesses and at explaining complex technical and scientific ideas to juries. New York-based partner Joanne Gray has a core focus on advising FDA-regulated food and beverage companies, including vitamins and supplements producers, across the spectrum of their advisory, regulatory and litigations needs; she co-heads the firm’s food practice which has ‘unparalleled experience, contacts and expertise’ in the field. As part of his wide-ranging litigation offering, Boston-based team head Richard Oetheimer regularly handles product liability and mass tort litigation on behalf of pharma companies, as well as manufacturers of foods and dietary supplements, cosmetics and consumer products.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Goodwin remains best known for its fervent activities in convertible debt for life sciences and tech businesses, particularly NYSE and Nasdaq-listed companies. It has an established record in convertible debt and related derivatives transactions. The firm also has a buoyant presence in investment grade and high-yield debt, and is well-versed in liability management transactions. Key figure, James Barri is co-chair of the capital markets team and has an outstanding reputation in convertible debt offerings. Fellow co-chair Ettore Santucci is noted for REITs and real estate sector offerings. New York partner John Servidio has a long-term experience in convertible debt and related derivatives transactions. Named partners are based in Boston unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 3

The debt finance practice at Goodwin bolsters expertise in the representation of both lenders and borrowers, though it is particularly noted for its work on middle market transactions in the technology, healthcare and life sciences sectors from a borrower-side perspective. Key areas of work include acquisition financing, venture financing relating to emerging companies, and multi-tranche financing for financial sponsors. Jennifer Bralower spearheads the offering from New York, focused on syndicated credit facilities and junior capital, closely backed by Kristopher Ring and Anna Dodson, working out of the Santa Monica and Boston offices, respectively. Andrew Cheng joined the Santa Monica office from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in June 2022, a move to strengthen the firm’s borrower-side capabilities.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 3

The intellectual property litigation team at Goodwin frequently represents innovators and creators of generics in pharma and biotech-related litigation, seeing success in significant federal circuit and Supreme Court cases. In addition to pharma-related expertise, the tech industry is another area of strength, with the firm regularly involved in high-profile, innovative cases within the space. The strength of the practice is clearly demonstrated through a client list, including Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals all on the life sciences side, and IBM, CommScope, and Samsung displaying strong tech expertise. Brett Schuman leads the team out of San Francisco, alongside Daryl Wiesen based in the firm’s Boston office. Noted practitioners within the team include Elaine Blais, with experience across all stages of patent litigation, and PJ McCarthy with specialist knowledge in complex tech related disputes, particularly within computer, electronics, and mechanical arts. Naomi Birbach, with extensive experience in Hatch-Waxman linked generic drug litigation, is also integral to the team.

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

Goodwin has a presence on both coasts, with San Francisco-based Koray Bulut, Silicon Valley-based Andrew Ong, New York-based Albert Solecki and Boston-based Mark Tully leading the interdisciplinary team, which is able to handle the full spectrum of trade secret matters, including those involving employment, cybersecurity and criminal litigation. It is adept at advising clients ranging from well-known companies and start-ups to individual employees, particularly on mobility cases. Silicon Valley-based partner Neel Chatterjee has particular expertise in high-stakes technology work while San Francisco’s Brett Schuman is noted particularly for his work representing Rivian Automotive, Inc against Tesla. Counsel Jeremy Lateiner, also in San Francisco, is one to watch, developing his specialism in the field of employee mobility and competitor disputes.

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

The ‘very responsive‘ team at Goodwin acts on a variety of matters, with standout strengths in the real estate sector and in assisting with venture capital fundraising. In 2022, the firm continued it’s substantial growth in this practice area with further partner hires, including Eunice Choi, whose ‘keen sense of judgment is unparalleled‘, an arrival from Cooley LLP in March 2022, joining the San Francisco office, and in this space has a particular focus on the formation and operation of venture capital funds. She joins a department that is headed nationally by Mandee Gruen in New York, who is strong in the real estate space and also on ESG matters. John Ferguson is a key name alongside Gruen in New York, also with a real estate focus, while former practice co-chair Paul Verbesey remains a senior figure at the firm’s Washington DC office. From the sizeable team that has presences across the country, Robert Fore in Silicon Valley has had a busy year.

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

Goodwin has great experience in handling cross-border M&A and fund structuring mandates, and is especially ‘well known in the technology space’, along with the investment and private equity sectors. Patrick Menasco co-heads the team from Washington DC, bringing extensive knowledge on Title I of ERISA and pension investment plans, while fellow co-head, Boston-based James Mattus, advises public and private companies in structuring and administering equity-based compensation plans. From the Silicon Valley office, Lynda Galligan, focuses on assisting emerging growth companies in the technology and life sciences industries, and in Boston, Natascha George has great experience in supporting clients with executive employment and consulting arrangements. From Silicon Valley, the ‘very responsive’ Grace Wirth deals with tax and securities law issues and Cisco Palao-Ricketts concentrates on compensation and benefits elements of corporate transactions. San Francisco-based Heather Brookfield is also noted.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 3

Goodwin has expertise in several sectors including tech, life sciences, healthcare and financial services, advising employers on all aspects of the employment relationship ranging from hiring and disciplinary practices to workplace violence and privacy concerns. Robert Hale heads the practice from Boston with successful results at all stages of litigation including non-competition and discrimination. San Francisco-based Koray Bulut specializes in matters involving trade secrets and employee mobility in addition to defense of venture capitalists in high-profile sexual harassment suits.

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

Goodwin has ‘an exceptional way of distilling very complicated legal rules into practical, usable advice‘ is therefore able help clients increase their market presence through exposure to market players and trends. Jonathan Hecht leads the practice from Washington DC; a team which is able to advise on a full range of governance issues, from advisory and regulatory work to transactions and litigation, as well as issues such as public reporting, ESG, securities offerings, and many others. Sean Donahue has left the firm.

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

Goodwin has a history of representing clients under threat from some of the largest activism funds globally, and defending major public companies against takeover bids. The team is headed by Joseph Johnson and Andrew Goodman between the firm’s Boston and New York offices. The duo are well supported at associate level by Katherine Hand, who is a frequent advisor to public companies and their boards of directors on shareholder activism and takeover defense. Sean Donahue has left the firm.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 3

The data privacy and cybersecurity team at Goodwin frequently advises a range of clients not limited to tech companies and financial institutions on the implementation of privacy compliance strategies of existing and new services and cyber due diligences as well as requirements as part of transactions. The team also has a strong record on metaverse-related products, ensuring data processing activities are compliant also forms part of the firm’s non-contentious focused practice. New York-based Boris Segalis co-heads the practice alongside tech-related transactions and licensing specialist Stephen Charkoudian, stationed in Boston. Omer Tene, also in Boston, works with Segalis on the full scope of compliance issues, including aspects of data sharing and data processing matters. The early 2022 arrival of New York-based Judson Welle from Nardello & Co furthers the firm’s specialism in the regulatory assistance space. New York-stationed Jacqueline Klosek and Washington-stationed Kaylee Bankston remain key contacts for clients. David Kantrowitz  has departed the firm.

Real estate Tier 3

Often instructed by institutional investors, REITs and private equity funds, Goodwin‘s practice co-chairs Diana Brummer and John Ferguson maintain their stellar reputation in the New York market for sophisticated commercial transactions and construction and mezzanine financings. Its growing proptech and propsci practice continues to generate new instructions from tech, hospitality and leisure, and life science companies. Over on the West Coast, Dean Pappas and Jennifer Sung are the main contacts at the Los Angeles office.  

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Goodwin maintains a strong reputation in the life sciences arena, with the tax team assisting both start-ups and mature public companies with structuring equity, acquisition, and divestiture transactions. Real estate is another area of expertise; practice head Neal Sandford focuses on the organization and operation of REITs, where Karen Turk is also an expert, while Edward Glazer anchors the firm’s real estate capital markets offering. Howard Cubell and chair of the firm’s New York office Janet Andolina are essential contacts for private equity sponsors. Also based in New York are Romina Weiss and William Weiss, both of whom have broad experience in corporate and partnership tax matters, and George Davis. Other recommended individuals include Daniel Karelitz and the San Francisco-based Kelsey LeMaster. All named lawyers are located in Boston unless noted otherwise.

International Trade > CFIUS Tier 3

Goodwin's lawyers ‘do not offer painkillers, but seek solutions that would solve issues permanently’. A popular choice for technology, venture capital and life sciences clients seeking advice on CFIUS issues, in line with its firm-wide sweet spots, the global trade practice maintains a dominant position in handling matters under the new CFIUS Critical Technologies Pilot Program. Richard Matheny spearheads the Washington DC-based department and is noted for his track record in advising technology companies and private equity funds on CFIUS reviews; he additionally brings to bear complementary expertise in export controls and sanctions. The team also includes Jacob Osborn, who handles a mix of export controls and CFIUS work, and newly promoted partner Amy Josselyn, who is a former National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency analyst. In September 2022, government contracts specialist Liza Craig joined the global trade practice from Reed Smith LLP.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Goodwin’s team is known for its ‘excellent work‘ and its provision of ‘white glove service‘ when advising on financings, emerging company IPOs, and compliance within the healthcare sector. ‘True consigliere‘ David Cappillo co-heads the practice from Massachusetts, alongside Chris Wilson. Cappillo maintains a focus on technology and emerging healthcare and telehealth companies, while Wilson routinely advises private equity sponsors on healthcare transactions and general corporate issues. Based in New York, practice co-head James Gatta utilizes his experience in white-collar crime defense and government investigations to advise private equity firms on DOJ FCA, and SEC investigations into healthcare and telehealth company activity. Also working out of the New York office, Delphine O’Rourke is a women’s health specialist who often provides strategic advice on patient access, reproductive rights, and remote patient monitoring.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 4

Goodwin, a ‘well known firm in the technology space’, has vast experience of all aspects of ERISA and the compensation and benefits provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The firm has expertise in executive compensation matters, including tax, accounting, corporate governance and securities law issues, as well as advising private and public clients on stock option and stock purchase plans, routinely addressing retirement plan issues, such as correcting plan errors through the IRS’s voluntary correction procedures. Washington’s Patrick Menasco concentrates his practice on ERISA issues and pension plan investments, alongside other transactions and investments, while James Mattus, who is based in the firm’s Boston office, is experienced in numerous executive compensation and ERISA matters, such as incentive compensation plans and programs. Rachel Faye Smith , who is also active in Boston, counsels on qualified plan issues, such as 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 4

Goodwin has established its reputation for providing high-quality advice to mid-market PE firms and blue-chip clients, covering the full spectrum of areas such as growth equity, acquisitions, dividend recaps, leveraged buyouts and exits. While being particularly strong in the technology sector, the firm’s clients benefit from a broad industry focus which includes life sciences, real estate, and financial industries. In Boston, PE co-chair John LeClaire has extensive experience of leveraged recapitalizations, buyouts and minority investments. Santa Monica-based co-chair Andrew Weidhaas is a trusted advisor to major clients such as Behrman Capital, Great Hill, and Primus, while in Boston, co-chair Michael Kendall has specialist expertise of the software, telecoms and healthcare industries. Stuart Rosenthal is a key member of the team in New York, who assists both early stage growth companies and later stage private companies on a diverse range of transactions.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 5

Richard Strassberg – GoodwinDouglas Kline – Goodwin

International Trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 5

Utilizing the firm’s expertise in the technology sector, Goodwin’s trade team specializes in representing technology and life sciences companies and sources attest, ‘advice is detailed and specific to the very individual needs of each of its clients’. The group’s comprehensive regulatory skillset spans OFAC, EAR and ITAR-related regimes, while its recent work encompasses compliance, transactional support and enforcement matters. Global trade head Richard Matheny ‘mixes experiences with wise counsel’ and spearheads a department that also includes Jacob Osborn, who has a focus on clients in the electronics, telecoms, software, and encryption spheres. Government contracts specialist Liza Craig recently joined from Reed Smith LLP.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

Goodwin advises borrowers, lenders, acquirers, and creditors’ committees in relation to a broad range of matters and has a particularly strong out-of-court restructuring offering in the healthcare, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and financial services sectors. Michael Goldstein  in New York chairs the practice, with Howard Steel also a key name for Chapter 11 proceedings. Kizzy Jarashow was promoted to partner in October 2022 and stands out for her work in the biotech and pharmaceuticals spaces. Alexander Nicas joined the practice from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in April 2022.

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