Goodwin > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

Goodwin > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 1

Finance > Fintech

Goodwin fields a considerable workload, notably in NFT, DAO, and government investigation matters, and is also highlighted for its in-depth expertise in intellectual property, SEC regulations, and token fundraising. In Santa Monica, David Ajalat is experienced in advising fintech companies and investors on capital raising, company formation and structuring, and M&A. Working out of San Francisco, Mitzi Chang’s practice encompasses capital markets transactions, SEC reporting, and venture capital financings, while Karen Ubell is proficient in the adoption, launch, and distribution of various digital assets. Silicon Valley-based Grant Fondo is another key team member, while Kimberly Holzel in Boston is knowledgeable of consumer financial services law compliance. Working out of Washington DC, Michael Whalen covers enforcement, regulatory, and transactional matters for fintech clients.

Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 1

The ‘strategic’ team at Goodwin is well-placed to assist clients with corporate transactions, regulatory matters, and litigation alike. The group’s transactional offering includes company and investor-side transactions such as capital raises and M&A. With regard to regulatory work, the team frequently advises companies, banks, investor funds, and real estate developers on state and federal regulations. On the contentious front, intellectual property disputes, securities litigation investigations and class actions constitute core areas of practice. Leadership of the department is shared by three partners: Jennifer Fisher and Brett Schuman, both based in San Francisco, specialize in litigation, cannabis regulatory and compliance issues; and litigating high-profile intellectual property cases, respectively. In Silicon Valley, Bill Growney‘s broad expertise encompasses financings, M&A, corporate governance, licensing and IP matters. Over in New York, Joshua Eisenson supports the founders and executives of emerging and growth companies in the cannabis segment through all stages of the corporate lifecycle.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

Goodwin acts on behalf of clients in various industries, such as technology, life sciences, and financial services, in relation to developing and implementing patent procurement, management, and exploitation policies. In addition, the department also covers patent enforcement and IP litigation, and it is also active in advising on licensing and technology transactions. Catherine McCarty co-leads the team in Boston and specializes in matters concerning the pharma sector, while James Riley co-leads the department from the firm’s Silicon Valley office, representing emerging growth technology companies and venture capital firms. In Boston, Stephen Charkoudian covers technology, data and intellectual property transactions, Kingsley Taft is a key contact for clients in the biotechnology sector, and Bethany Withers chiefly advises tech companies on data, publicity rights, and intellectual property issues. Noelle Dubiansky in Washington DC frequently assists biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and various other life science enterprises with M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, and tech acquisitions.

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

Goodwin fields a large team of private equity specialists across the country who handle a prolific volume of growth investments, take-private acquisitions, and carve-outs for middle-market private equity sponsors, though the team is also capable of guiding blue-chip clients through the full investment lifecycle. The team places a particular focus on venture capital investments and buyouts in the tech space and maintains close relationships with a number of tech-focused sponsor clients, including TA Associates and JMI Equity. Life sciences form another area of emphasis for the practice, which is co-led by Boston-based healthcare transactions expert John LeClaire alongside San Francisco-based tech M&A specialist Brian McPeake and New York lawyer Chris Nugent, who handles transactional and governance matters for a wide range of sponsor clients. Washington DC lawyer Joshua Klatzkin, who advises both funds and target companies on leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth investments, and Santa Monica-based Katherine Baudistel , whose expertise spans public and private M&A as well as VC-backed financings, are further key contacts.

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

Goodwin provides a full-service offering to emerging companies and venture capital companies, supporting clients from initial seed financing stages through to exit transactions. The life sciences practice is co-chaired by Mitch Bloom and Kingsley Taft from Boston, and the technology and emerging companies team is jointly led by Kenneth Gordon in Boston and Craig Schmitz in New York. Bill Schnoor, based in Boston, specializes in business and securities law, private equity work, and acquisitions. Danielle Lauzon, who focuses on life sciences and healthcare information technology services clients, and William Collins, who is experienced in formations, capital markets transactions and exit strategies, bolster the Boston team. In Silicon Valley, Caine Moss assists companies in the software, AI, internet, and financial services sectors.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

At Goodwin, the technology practice has a strong record of advising emerging and well-established tech companies on seed financings, M&A, and IPOs, in addition to handling transactional work in the tech space. The department is collectively led by Stephen Charkoudian, James Riley, Craig Schmitz, and Kenneth Gordon. Charkoudian is based in the Boston office and focuses on transactions at the intersection of data, IP, and tech, in addition to handling open-source matters. Silicon Valley-based Riley frequently represents venture capital firms in IP strategy concerns, as well as demonstrating skill in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing work. Schmitz divides his time between Los Angeles and Silicon valley and primarily advises tech and life-sciences growth companies on their transactional activities, while Gordon handles a diverse range of corporate and securities matters for tech clients from the Boston office. Also in Boston, Bethany Withers handles publicity rights and IP concerns for start-up firms, while Silicon Valley-stationed Kevin Liu assists clients with computer and mobile gaming matters. In the San Francisco office, Kevin Lam handles an extensive range of commercial and tech concerns.

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

Goodwin continues to be a leading force in the market representing public and private REITs in a wide range of transactional matters. REIT equity and debt issues, REIT M&A, as well as REIT joint venture investments all serve as key pillars to the practice. The team has actively represented REITs and underwriters in REIT IPOs and is committed to assisting US REITs with their globalization efforts. The practice is co-led by REIT experts Yoel Kranz and Ettore Santucci. New York-based Kranz is the go-to for clients requiring expertise in corporate mergers and acquisitions, he also advises on issues involving derivatives such as derivatives within capital market transactions.  Over in Boston, Santucci specializes in representing publicly traded REITs and real estate companies in matters including IPOs, M&A, executive compensation and corporate governance. Other key Boston team members include Scott Chase who acts on corporate and security-related issues, business law specialist Caitlin Tompkins, and REITs and capital markets expert William Goldberg. Christopher Versfelt is also a part of the Boston practice and is noted for his expertise on REIT M&A.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 2

Goodwin has built a strong presence in M&A litigation across the country through its focus on key industry sector, notably technology, life sciences and real estate, and its highly regarded private equity practice also puts the firm in the frame for high-value disputes. It is ‘a commercially savvy firm that looks for cost-effective solutions‘. Deborah Birnbach and Caroline Bullerjahn in Boston, Douglas Flaum and Jordan Weiss in New York (who is ‘insightful and able to quickly deduce strategic paths‘), and Jonathan Shapiro in San Francisco lead the practice. Birnbach, who is a prominent member of the firm’s life sciences disputes group, is currently involved in a high-stakes class action on behalf of Citrix Systems, Inc. concerning its $16.5bn merger with Vista and Elliott, having already resolved eleven disclosure suits relating to the same deal. Flaum’s recent highlights include defeating two motions for preliminary injunction to stop a $1.2bn series of transactions closing for REITs including Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. Emerging partner talent Adam Slutsky also plays a central role in key matters.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Goodwin has a prominent role in high-stakes cases in key industry sectors such as life sciences and biotechnology, though it also handles significant matters involving REITS and large technology companies. The firm is also increasingly involved in representing financial institutions and fintech companies. Boston-based Deborah Birnbach leads the securities litigation and SEC enforcement department within the complex litigation practice along with Daniel Roeser and Douglas Flaum in New York, Caroline Bullerjahn in Boston, and San Francisco-based Jonathan Shapiro. Bullerjahn is currently representing Chardan Capital Markets LLC, which served as underwriter for SPAC Trident Acquisition Corp in matters arising from its de-SPAC transaction with Autolotto. Roeser, whose track record includes high-profile mortgage-backed securities cases and some of the largest securities class actions in history, is currently acting for residential mortgage REIT Two Harbors Investment Corp. in a case seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Clients praise ‘the firm’s commitment to go the extra mile‘.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Goodwin‘s broad geographical coverage in the US captures deals from across regions and industries. It remains highly active in biotech and life sciences equity offerings, along with further strength in healthcare, real estate and technology. It also has an extensive client base of investment banks. Although the IPO markets were quiet in 2023, the firm remained active in follow-on offerings, PIPEs, private placements and at-the-market programs. It is best known for mid-cap deals, though does handle bulge-bracket transactions. New York-based Edwin O’Connor is a member of the life sciences group and co-chair of the capital markets practice alongside Silicon Valley's Bradley Weber. Boston-based Joseph Theis and Robert Puopolo are noted for technology, healthcare and life sciences sector deals.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 2

With a raft of lawyers ‘whose experience is deeply rooted in the space,’ Goodwin is able to assist life sciences sector clients across the spectrum of related issues, ranging from multi-billion dollar acquisitions, to securing FDA approval for groundbreaking drugs, and obtaining patent protection for their products. 2023 saw extensive hiring at the partner level, with the October 2023 arrivals of licensing specialist David Chen in Santa Monica from Ropes & Gray LLP and capital markets expert Adam Johnson from Latham & Watkins LLP in New York underscoring the arrival in Philadelphia of a 10-strong team from Troutman Pepper in February. Mitchell Bloom leads the team alongside Kingsley Taft, with both assisting clients in securing VC funding and with eventual IPOs, with the latter also handling licensing agreements and the structuring of joint ventures; both are based in Boston.  Also in Boston, Marishka DeToy and Robert Puopolo‘s practices center on capital markets transactions in the sector. The firm’s FDA regulatory experts are Steven Tjoe and Alexander Varond, both based in Washington DC and advising on medical devices and drug development processes.

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

The national trade secrets practice at Goodwin, noted for its ‘ability to take the lead’ when assisting clients, has a strong reputation for its capabilities handling the gamut of matters. In San Francisco, Koray Bulut is equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional matters, while co-chair of the firm’s IP litigation practice Brett Schuman has experience defending well-known companies and individual clients in complex disputes; counsel Jeremy Lateiner is also noteworthy. Silicon Valley-based Andrew Ong has expertise in related litigious cases. Also in Silicon Valley is standout name Neel Chatterjee who has impressive experience representing clients in high-stakes tech matters, namely protecting companies and products in complex disputes. Bulut and Ong co-lead the practice alongside New York-based Albert Solecki and Boston’s Mark Tully. The team has been bolstered with the arrivals of Sharon Smith to the San Francisco office in January 2023 from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, and of John Padro, Stefan Mentzer and Scott Weingaertner to the New York office in March 2023 – all were formerly at White & Case LLP.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 2

Boasting a successful track record in trials, Goodwin defends financial services companies against a broad spectrum of alleged ERISA violations. With a well-balanced litigation and advisory offering, the firm brings deep sector expertise and bench experience, attracting new clients in industries such as steel and manufacturing, technology, media and publishing, with significant mandates in 2023 including representing financial services companies, Natixis and Mercer Investments, and advising the US Chamber of Commerce and leading trade associations. The practice is co-led by Boston-stationed James Fleckner, who represents a number of major companies in ERISA litigation, and seasoned litigator Alison Douglass, who also practices from the Boston office. In the Washington office, Jamie Santos focuses on complex civil litigation before federal appellate and trial courts, whilst Michael Isenman’s in-depth knowledge of securities, ERISA, class action makes him the go-to for mutual funds, other registered investment companies, and financial institutions. Dave Rosenberg operates from the Boston office, defending many of the largest financial institutions in ‘excessive fee’ ERISA litigation, whilst Washington DC-based Matthew Riffee advises financial institutions and service providers in DOL investigations and enforcements.

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

Displaying broad expertise across the whole spectrum of corporate transactions, including cross-border acquisitions, divestitures, and leveraged buyouts, the Goodwin team is heavily praised for its ‘extremely smart, capable, and well-informed’ approach. The practice frequently provides strategic counsel on various shareholder-related issues, including proxy contests, activism, and shareholder litigation, with Boston-based global chair of M&A Stuart Cable noted as an expert in the life sciences sector. Lisa Haddad routinely represents buyers, sellers, and financial advisors, while Jacqueline Mercier focuses on complex corporate governance issues. Also based out of Boston, John Haggerty and Deborah Birnbach co-chair the public M&A offering. From Silicon Valley, Lawrence Chu brings vast experience in handling joint venture arrangements and recapitalizations, while New York-based Joshua Zachariah is highly knowledgeable in the tech and private equity spheres. Alessandra Love Simons left the firm in November 2023.

Real estate Tier 2

Praised by one client for their ‘brilliant partners’ and ‘deep bench of talent’, Goodwin is particularly well known for its representation of REITs, global funds, investors, hospitality companies, and developers on complex transactions, lease work, and fund matters, for which they have extensive expertise representing both new and established entities. In addition, the team is also known for its skill advising on complex investment vehicles, joint ventures, and finance work, covering areas such as mortgage and mezzanine financing as well as construction loans. New York partner and co-chair Diana Brummer has experience assisting institutional investors, pension funds and REITs on an array of transactions, joint ventures, and loan work, including workouts. Co-head John Ferguson is also based in New York and has extensive experience in the private investment fund space. Co-chair of the joint ventures and finance and restructuring practice groups, Alex Jacobs is a key name in the firm’s Santa Monica office and has experience spanning residential, retail, office, and hotel asset classes. Freddie Akrouche in Boston and Brian Lerman in Washington DC are other integral team members.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Offering a strong focus on regulated industries such as life sciences and tech, the team at Goodwin has a particularly strong focus on strategic merger clearances, successfully preempting Second Requests from the DOJ and FTC, and a successful record in contentious merger cases. The firm continues to be active on high-profile mandates, notably  representing iRobot in its proposed $1.7 billion acquisition by Amazon. The practice is jointly led by Andrew Lacy and Arman Oruc. Lacy is an experienced transactional antitrust advisor, while Oruc, who splits his time between DC and Los Angeles, is a key name for merger clearance and antitrust litigation. John Goheen joined the team from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in January 2023, expanding the firm’s reach across the tech, healthcare, pharma, retail and financial services sectors. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

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

The appellate practice at Goodwin finds favor for its ‘ability to synthesize complex and nuanced legal issues’. Historically best known for its record in life sciences and technology-related appeals, where it can lean on the wider firm’s dominant industry offerings, the group additionally handles a steady stream of class actions, financial services and transport-related cases. In Washington DC, high-profile appellate specialist William Jay contributes experience in arguing seventeen cases before SCOTUS; he recently scored a win for Boeing—and co-defendant Southwest Airlines—at the Fifth Circuit in a case concerning Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft. The DC team also draws on Brian Burgess, who co-chairs the FDA litigation practice, and up-and-coming appellate partner Jaime Santos, who has a focus on ERISA litigation, patent litigation, constitutional law and product litigation. Recommended in Boston are experienced department head Kevin Martin; David Zimmer, who specializes in IP, administrative law and consumer financial services; and newly promoted partner Gerard Cedrone.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Goodwin has a wealth of experience advising companies across a variety of industries on investigation and enforcement matters with a particular expertise in handling cases within the financial services and healthcare sectors. The highly skilled Richard Strassberg leads the team from New York; he is recommended for FCPA investigations and compliance matters. Also based in New York, Annie Railton represents both companies and executives before the federal and state regulators. Prominent members of the team in the Washington DC office include Kirk Ogrosky and Ilene Albala for their experience with handling false claims cases. Located in Silicon Valley, Grant Fondo stands out for his expertise in digital currencies and is recommended for his skill advising financial institutions. Having joined the Boston office in January 2023 from Troutman Pepper, Miranda Hooker is an expert in healthcare fraud cases.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 3

Goodwin acts for clients in a diverse set of industries, including pharmaceuticals, banking, technology, and automotive, with an offering that spans antitrust, class action suits and regulatory disclosures. The Boston-based group is led by Michelle Treadwell Briggs, a seasoned litigator with deep experience in the practice space who advises on e-discovery, commercial and intellectual property aspects. Another key member of the team is senior attorney Danielle Panetta, who assists with internal and government investigations.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 3

Goodwin’s consumer financial services practice is well-regarded for its experience representing financial institutions and fintech companies in class actions and enforcement matters. A particular area of growth for the group has been CFS disputes as a result of increased state and federal focus on ‘junk fees.’ The firm is led by Allison Schoenthal, based in New York, and Matthew Sheldon, based in Washington DC. Schoenthal has a broad range of expertise including enforcement defense, representation in class actions, and advice on compliance and risk. Similarly, Sheldon is well-versed in class actions and defending clients in matters pertaining to fair lending compliance, financial product sales and marketing practices, and ERISA compliance. He particularly ‘stands out for CFPB and other finance enforcement work.’  In Washington DC, Thomas Hefferon is recognized for his extensive work on enforcement matters, class actions, and MDLs, frequently representing financial institutions, market participants, investors, and service providers.

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

Drawing upon litigators based in Boston, California, New York and Washington DC, Goodwin has a strong track record of representing clients in the tech and life sciences sectors facing product liability and mass tort litigation across the US. New York-based Joanne Gray is particularly effective at representing clients in heavily regulated industries, where her work encompasses litigation, regulatory compliance advice and risk management counseling. She is particularly acclaimed for her work in the food, beverages and dietary supplements arenas, regularly representing clients, including Herbalife, in product liability cases in federal and state courts. Boston-based team head Richard Oetheimer has extensive experience in defending product liability and mass tort claims brought against manufacturers of prescription drugs, medical devices, chemical substances, foods and dietary supplements, cosmetics and consumer products.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Goodwin remains best known for its work in the convertible debt segment, frequently advising issuers from the technology, life sciences and REITs sectors. Although a dominant force in issuer-sider convertible debt transactions, it also has a major presence in underwriter engagements. In convertible note offerings, the capital markets team regularly collaborates with derivatives specialists within the firm. James Barri is co-chair of the capital markets group and has an outstanding record in convertible debt, with Ettore Santucci recognised for REIT sector offerings; both are based in Boston. New York partner John Servidio provides further expertise in convertible debt and derivatives-related structures.    

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 3

The debt finance team at Goodwin is widely recognized for its experience representing borrowers in middle market private equity-backed loans and middle market institutional loans. Areas of expertise include matters related to the healthcare, life sciences and technology sectors. Fund finance is also included as one of the team’s key areas of work. Specializing in acquisition finance, syndicated credit facilities and junior capital, Jennifer Bralower leads the practice from the New York office. Also in the New York office, Nick Caro is highlighted his experience handling a range of credit facilities, including asset-based revolving credit facilities and senior secured credit facilities. In California, Kristopher Ring works on a range of private borrower side debt transactions.  

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

Goodwin has an expert intellectual property group that is particularly well-connected with clients in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors who rely on the team's expertise in patent disputes and in Hatch-Waxman litigation for both innovators and generics. The group is jointly led by Brett Schuman in San Francisco, whose patent practice spans multiple industries, and Elaine Blais in Boston, who specializes in patent litigation primarily in the life sciences sector. The group also includes IP trial lawyer Mark Abate in New York, tech litigator Neel Chatterjee in Silicon Valley, and Boston-based Douglas Kline, who works with a broad portfolio of software and pharma companies. The firm’s International Trade Commission team is led by PJ McCarthy in Washington DC. Scott Weingaertner in New York is praised by clients as a ‘great lawyer in the courtroom‘. The group also includes IP specialists Natasha Daughtrey in Los Angeles and Amadou Diaw in Washington DC.

International trade > CFIUS Tier 3

Goodwin’s Washington DC-based group is praised by clients ‘adept at managing the overlap of CFIUS and export control considerations’. The firm’s premier offerings in the technology and life sciences spheres marks it as a key player in CFIUS reviews concerning those increasingly sensitive industries. The firm’s experience also spans financial services, telecoms and infrastructure, among other areas. Global trade co-chair Richard Matheny, who is ‘not afraid to challenge the government when needed’, maintains a broad national security practice, which spans CFIUS, export controls, economic sanctions, and FCPA-related matters. Elevated to department co-chair in early 2023, Jacob Osborn is noted for his focus on regulatory compliance concerning deals in the electronics, telecoms, software and encryption segments.

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

Goodwin‘s ‘top notch’ private investment funds team covers the full spectrum of private investment fund types across various asset classes, where the team has a strong track record with real estate funds, where institutional and high net worth individual investors operating on a national and global level comprise their client base. Mandee Gruen chairs the team and a member of the firm’s real estate industry and ESG and impact practices, with these areas being a focus of her private funds work. Gruen is based in New York, as is John Ferguson, who similarly advises on real estate funds, alongside infrastructure, debt and credit, private equity and fund of funds, while Paul Verbesey is a key name in Washington DC and Matthew Giles and up-and-coming partner Lynette Elam are key names in in Boston. James Donohue left the firm in April 2024.

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

Goodwin stands out as a favored firm for emerging companies in the life sciences and technology sectors, as well as for private equity and investment funds, offering deep expertise in ERISA fiduciary duties alongside compensation and benefits regulations under the Internal Revenue Code. Patrick Menasco, based in Washington DC, specializes in ERISA and pension plan investments, providing advice to both national and international financial institutions. He leads the group together with James Mattus from Boston, who is skilled in structuring and implementing equity-based and incentive compensation programs for both public and private entities. In Silicon Valley, Lynda Galligan and Grace Wirth provide assistance to emerging growth clients in navigating tax and securities laws for equity-based arrangements and incentive plans. Boston’s Natascha George handles executive employment arrangements, severance obligations, and equity-based compensation arising from IPOs and business restructurings. Sarah Bock, also in Boston, advises employers and executives on change in control provisions and deferred compensation plans.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 3

The Goodwin employment team has strong experience with regards to workplace investigations in sensitive sectors, such as the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and cybersecurity industries. The firm also has a strong disputes practice, which supports on issues arising in the workplace, such as harassment, discrimination, and termination. Robert Hale, practising in Boston, leads the team. Hale has an active consulting practice, covering workplace investigations, layoffs and wage and hour advice, amongst many others. Also in Boston, Bradford Smith advises on a broad range of labor and employment agreements, while Jennifer Fay dedicates her practice to high-level workplace investigations, concerning matters involving fraud, discrimination and harassment. At the San Francisco office, Koray Bulut is an expert in providing counsel on matters involving trade secrets and employee mobility, as well a range of dispute matters.

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

Clients represented by Goodwin‘s team include boards, committees, executive officers and investors across a diverse range of sectors. Described as ‘very efficient and very tailored to the task at hand’, the team handles the full range of governance issues, from advisory and regulatory work to transactions and litigation. Washington DC-based practice head Jonathan Hecht , described by one client as a ‘savvy SEC practitioner’, excels in advising clients on investigations by the SEC and securities-related private civil actions. San Francisco’s Karen Ubell earns praise for ability to provide ‘clear, succinct advice in an actionable way.’

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

Practitioners at Goodwin‘s Boston office have extensive experience in designing strategies to protect public companies across a plethora of industries and of varying sizes from activist action and hostile takeover bids. Its recent caseload has included defense against some of the largest activists funds. The practice is jointly led by Andrew Goodman, whose corporate governance practice is strong on change in control transactions and shareholder activism, and Joseph Johnson, who has a notable track record in advising public companies. Katherine Hand adds robust support.

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

Goodwin’s data, privacy and cybersecurity team, recommended for its ‘sophistication, depth and breadth of legal expertise’, combines its expertise in emerging technologies and life sciences to support clients including venture funds, private equity firms, and financial institutions. Steve Charkoudian leads the practice group, based in Boston. Also in Boston, Omer Tene advises both public and private entities, including leading social media clients; Judson Welle, New York, brings cybersecurity litigation experience. Tene and Welle serve on the firm’s AI task force. Boris Segalis and Kaylee Cox Bankston departed the team in March 2024.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Goodwin’s non-contentious tax practice advises on a broad range of matters, such as taxable and tax-free M&A, recapitalizations, joint ventures, and leveraged buyouts. The team is particularly strong in the life sciences space, regularly representing clients ranging from start-ups to mature public companies, as well as in the real estate sector, offering considerable combined expertise to REITs, private equity funds, developers, pension fund advisors, and domestic and international investors. Boston-based practice head Neal Sandford handles transactions involving S corporations, investments by tax-exempt investors, and restructurings, among other issues. Howard Cubell, also in Boston, specializes in advising private equity sponsors on acquiring, disposing of, and recapitalizing portfolio companies. Janet Andolina, chair of the firm’s New York office, has notable experience in M&A, spin-offs, restructurings, and reorganizations. Boston’s Edward Glazer regularly advises on the structuring of collective investment vehicles, real estate securitizations, REITS, and capital markets investment management. Kelsey LeMaster in San Francisco has several major long-term clients in the real estate sector, while New York’s Romina Weiss is strong in the tech and private equity spaces.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Known for its strong focus on transactional issues, Goodwin routinely acts for emerging tech companies, and healthcare and life sciences investors. David Cappillo and Chris Wilson jointly head up the practice from Boston, while James Gatta leads from New York; Cappillo primarily assists tech and healthcare companies with M&A and growth equity issues, Wilson is a private equity expert, and Gatta focuses on both government and internal investigations. Miranda Hooker, John Jones and Allison DeLaurentis all joined the firm as part of a team from Troutman Pepper in early 2023, contributing their expertise in fraud and abuse and governance matters. Greg Demske frequently assists clients with their responses to government investigations and enforcement actions in Washington DC. Delphine O’Rourke left the practice in July 2023.

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

Goodwin’s export controls and sanctions team is prized by clients for its ‘deep understanding of the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector’, while it additionally brings to bear significant expertise in the technology space. The Washington DC-based group is consistently engaged to advise on regulatory compliance with EAR, ITAR, and sanctions administered by OFAC and it also handles international investigations and voluntary disclosure processes. Group co-chair Richard Matheny is recommended for his broad national security focus, which spans export controls and economic sanctions matters. Jacob Osborn is also noted for his niche expertise in encryption-related export controls.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 5

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission)

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