Firm Profile > Jenner & Block LLP > Chicago, United States

Jenner & Block LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Industry focus > Insurance: advice to policyholders Tier 1

Jenner & Block LLP advises on general, professional, D&O and product liability, and also has a background in coverage claims involving fire, flood, aviation, windstorms, kidnapping and ransom, cyber risks, property damage, and business interruption. The practice is particularly well-regarded for its experience with complex insurance programs involving multiple insurers and risks. Joint practice heads John Mathias and David Kroeger in Chicago, together with Jan Larson in Washington DC, represented Mondelēz International in a dispute with Zurich American Insurance over coverage for more than $100m in losses caused by NotPetya computer malware. Washington DC-based Brian Scarbrough also jointly heads the practice, and has a niche in cyber and cryptocurrency liability.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 1

Jenner & Block LLP is a well-known name in copyright litigation, particularly on the content creators side, where it acts for high-profile artists, associations, labels and production companies. Recent highlights included practice head Andrew Bart and Steven Englund representing the Recording Industry Association of America against the owners of the hip hop mixtape service Spinrilla, where songs often use sampled recordings without proper clearance. Another key figure is Susan Kohlmann, who achieved a major victory at the Ninth Circuit acting for author John Steinbeck's stepdaughter, Waverly Scott Kaffaga, in a case alleging that the author's son and daughter-in-law prevented the production of films based on the author's works. Also recommended are Alison Stein, who worked alongside Kohlmann in the Steinbeck case, and David Singer in Los Angeles, who co-chairs the content, media and entertainment practice. Named lawyers are based in New York unless otherwise stated, though the team also has a presence in Washington DC.

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

The appellate and Supreme Court department at Jenner & Block LLP has a proven strength in claims involving statutory interpretation. American Indian law is an area of particular expertise; a team led by Adam Unikowsky recently scored a win for the defendant in Washington State Dep't of Licensing v Cougar Den, Inc., a US Supreme Court case calling for the interpretation of the Yakama Nation Treaty of 1855. In the 2019 term, the group acted for the respondents in the currently pending high-profile case of Espinoza v Montana Department of Revenue, where the Roberts Court seeks to determine the relationship between religious school scholarships in Montana and the religion clauses or the equal protection clause of the US Constitution. Moreover, the group’s energy law work is particularly impressive in the federal courts of appeal. A team led by Matthew Price represented the Exelon Corporation in challenges brought before the Seventh and the Second Circuits in an attempt to dismiss the Zero-Emission Credit Program. The department is jointly led by former Acting Solicitor General Ian Gershengorn; election law specialist Jessica Ring Amunson; commercial claims expert Matthew Hellman; and Chicago-based Michael Brody, who is recognized for his work in the class actions appellate space.

Industry focus > Transport: aviation and air travel - litigation and regulation Tier 2

Jenner & Block LLP handles the full range of traditional regulatory matters, and has played a role in the developing drone industry, with particular expertise in slot allocation, regulatory approvals and first-of-their-kind UAS applications. Of recent note, the team assisted Xcel Energy with obtaining the first regulatory approval granted by FAA for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) infrastructure inspection. Co-heads Abby Bried and Marc Warren have over 30 years combined experience advising major domestic and international airlines and aerospace manufacturers on structuring commercial and marketing alliances, joint ventures and strategic investments, as well as advising on complex antitrust issues. Jeffrey Immel is also recognized for his experience of UAS regulation. Named attorneys are based in Washington DC.

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

Jenner & Block LLP's trade secrets practice is most active in the life sciences, software, and electronics sectors. Jointly led by Debbie Berman and Andrew Vail in Chicago, and Los Angeles-based Brent Caslin in Los Angeles, the practice group is adept at handling large-scale disputes involving international clients, a recent example of which includes its successful representation of Epic Systems Corporation against Tata Consultancy Services, an Indian conglomerate. Another key figure is Rick Richmond, who has achieved headline victories in major trade secrets cases across the country.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 2

Recent innovative cases for Jenner & Block LLP’s Chicago-based ERISA litigation team involved defending asset managers in class actions concerning the management of multibillion dollar stock funds, and allegations of RICO violations in a plan sponsor’s 401(k) plan management. High-profile plan sponsors routinely entrust the team to handle fiduciary breach claims, stock-drop litigation and anti-cutback matters. Joseph Torres recently joined from Winston & Strawn LLP, and is currently representing clients in the chemical and energy sectors regarding vested lifetime benefits claims. Craig Martin and Amanda Amert left the firm for Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in March 2020.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 2

The team at Jenner & Block LLP illustrates a 'breadth of telecom experience that covers wireless, cable, and satellite' matters, representing clients on a range of complex regulatory and litigation matters. The firm handles mergers and other transactions, broadband infrastructure, wireless, net neutrality, wireline, and VoIP issues. Praised by a client as 'the best FCC lawyer in DC', Samuel Feder, a former FCC general counsel who focuses on representing clients before federal regulatory bodies, chairs the group along with former FCC transaction counsel John Flynn. Broadband expert Rebekah Goodheart is a key practitioner, whose consensus proposals on issues ranging from disability access, universal service and competition policy are noted in this space. Other key names include former FCC general counsel Howard Symons, a federal regulatory expert, and of counsel Roger Sherman, who focuses on wireless regulatory strategies. Special counsel David Didion provides clients with compliance and policy advice, while Johanna Thomas has experience working with media and internet companies on regulatory matters before the FCC. All attorneys are based in Washington unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

'Well-versed in regulatory disclosure issues, and in handling complicated matters with a variety of regulators', the group at Jenner & Block LLP is active in the government and internal investigations space, but also has substantial experience in compliance matters, including in relation to court-appointed monitorships. Drawing on a solid London office, the team has a transatlantic orientation, handling investigations and enforcement actions brought by US state and federal agencies, as well as UK agencies such as the Serious Fraud Office. Chicago's Reid Schar, and New York's 'exceptionally smart' Anthony Barkow and Katya Jestin ('with good judgment and street smarts') co-chair the investigations, compliance and defense practice, all with experience in corporate and individual representations. In the Chicago office, Gayle Littleton is noted for government and internal investigations, and compliance matters involving FCPA violations. Charles Riely joined New York in March 2019, after serving as the assistant regional director of the SEC, bringing his substantial expertise in securities law with him.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 3

The highly experienced trial attorneys at Jenner & Block LLP regularly try complex, high-value commercial cases in courtrooms around the country. Alongside the firm's strong class action practice, a stand-out specialism is in trade secrets. Debbie Berman has over 25 years' experience in the area, and is representing Methode Electronics in a series of cases (including international litigation) concerning the theft of highly confidential information by two former high-ranking employees. The department also maintains the ability to deal with complex commercial disputes of any kind, including arbitration. On behalf of the Redeemer Committee of the Highland Crusader Funds, Terri Mascherin prosecuted an arbitration, which then proceeded to the Delaware Chancery Court for award confirmation. Among numerous arrivals in 2019, patent litigator Amr Aly joined the New York office in September 2019 from Mayer Brown, while the arrival of consumer class action specialist Kate Spelman from an in-house role bolstered the LA office in June 2019. Craig Martin  joined Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in March 2020.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

Situated within the firm’s wider public international group, the team at Jenner & Block LLP is distinguished in part by its nationwide footprint spanning offices in Washington DC, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The group is known for acting both for investor- and sovereign clients in investment treaty arbitrations; in this space, it significantly bolstered its offering in New York with the arrival of the ‘very talented’ Mélida Hodgson, who joined from Foley Hoag LLP in the spring of 2019. New York-based Elizabeth Edmondson is also recommended; she is experienced in the areas aerospace, manufacturing, and energy. Practice co-chair Richard Ziegler retired in May 2019. Patrick Pearsall joined Allen & Overy LLP in May 2020.

Industry focus > Energy litigation: conventional power Tier 3

Jenner & Block LLP has an established conventional power litigation practice, operating primarily from its Washington DC and Chicago offices. Chicago's Randy Mehrberg has had a pivotal role in building the firm's energy practice, of which litigation is a primary component. Team members include former in-house lawyers at major energy corporates, government agencies and regulators. The group represents some of the biggest electricity and gas utilities in the industry, and covers cases relating to zero emissions credit programs and defends challenges to big-ticket mergers; it has also earned particular recognition for disputes relating to federal and state jurisdiction. Suedeen Kelly is another experienced figure in major cases including those before FERC, while Matthew Price is noted for big-ticket disputes and frequently acts for major utilities companies. David DeBruin is also highly rated. All named partners are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise. Max Minzner departed to an in-house position at Arcadia Power.

Industry focus > Environment: litigation Tier 3

Based in Chicago, Jenner & Block LLP represents clients in a a variety of environmental litigation, both at first instance and appeal. The team is jointly led by Gabrielle Sigel, who focuses on toxic tort litigation related to the release or exposure to hazardous substances, and Steven Siros, a key contact for CERCLA and RCRA issues and natural resource damage claims. Other names to note include Allison Torrence, who specializes in matters relating to the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, and Andi Samuels Kenney, who has recently been involved in enforcement actions and cases involving solid and hazardous waste.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 3

Acting for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to middle-market companies and private equity firms, Jenner & Block LLP has experience of a huge variety of corporate transactions and advisory matters. Moreover, its transactional work is supported by experts in the firm's tax, labor, privacy and data security, and labor law departments, among others. The firm-wide corporate practice is led out of the Chicago office by Joseph Gromacki, who advises public and private companies on M&A, strategic corporate governance and crisis management issues. Thomas Monson is also recommended in the Chicago office. The team also has a strong presence on both US coasts. In New York, Kevin Collins specializes in corporate and financing matters in the life sciences, food, chemicals and technology sectors, while Los Angeles-based Carissa Coze is a name to note for media-related transactions, including commercial deals such as content production and distribution. Edward Prokop is also recommended in the New York office. Michael Wolf left for an in-house role at Baxter.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 3

Jenner & Block LLP is highly active in the copyright litigation space, with a client base including large studios and production companies, trade associations, and individual rights-holders and their estates. High-profile recent instructions have included DMCA safe harbor litigation against services allowing piracy on their platforms, rate-setting, copyright infringement, and rights ownership disputes. The practice is jointly led by New York based Andrew Bart, who has a strong track record in copyright litigation, and David Singer, who operates from the Los Angeles office. The firm also represents its media clients in disputes concerning trademarks, contracts and image rights, appearing before both first-instance and appellate courts at both the state and federal level.  In the firm's Washington D.C. office, Previn Warren was promoted to the partnership in 2019, and is most notable in the copyright space, having recently been part of the team that worked on rate-setting proceedings and royalty disputes on behalf of a performing rights organisation.

Government > Government contracts Tier 4

The eight-partner team at Jenner & Block LLP has a strong reputation in the security, and defense and aerospace industries, where it handles high-value bid protests matters for a variety of major contractors, such as General Dynamics. The practice group is jointly led by Joe Smith and litigator Marc Van Allen. Other senior-level contacts include Gregory Petkoff, who has practiced government contract law with the US Air Force for over 30 years, and Cynthia Robertson, who two decades of experience in FCA litigation, internal investigations and bid protest work. Special counsel Carla Weiss is recommended for suspension and debarment proceedings. Also of note in 2019, Noah Bleicher joined the team from the US Government Accountability Office, where he served as a senior bid protest officer.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactional Tier 4

Jenner & Block LLP has considerable experience representing clients on regulatory matters. Samuel Feder heads the firm's Washington DC-based practice, which assists client at all stages of FCC approvals. John Flynn, a former FCC commissioner, focuses on wireless issues and Rebekah Goodheart, who has worked at both the FCC and DOJ has additional experience in antitrust. Howard Symons and wireless specialist Roger Sherman are also noted team members.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 5

The securities litigation and enforcement practice at Jenner & Block LLP is 'unfailingly responsive, creative, thorough and pragmatic'. The practice, which acts for both defendants and plaintiffs, represents public and private companies, and their officers and directors, in class actions, derivative shareholder litigation and tender offer litigation. It also handles claims to recover losses from complex securities and derivatives transactions on behalf of institutional investors including hedge funds, foreign banks and large corporates. The practice is led by Stephen Ascher in New York, Thomas Newkirk in Washington DC, who is recommended for his 'elegant, creative and sophisticated legal strategies', and the 'unflappable' Howard Suskin in Chicago, who is 'relentlessly committed to effective advocacy'.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

With a series of complex, cross-border engagements and headline-grabbing national cases (including PG&E, on which the team is currently serving as special corporate defense counsel), Jenner & Block LLP demonstrates advanced skills in restructuring and bankruptcy. The group, led by Catherine Steege (in Chicago) and Richard Levin (in New York), has a strong focus on litigation, fraudulent transfers, and distressed debt purchases. Vincent Lazar is highlighted for his 'excellent judgment and deep experience'.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 5

Matthew Renaud heads up Jenner & Block LLP’s Chicago-based employee benefits and executive practice, advising public and tax-exempt companies on complex plan corrections, ERISA fiduciary compliance, pension de-risking strategy and securities filings. Sarah Haddy is noted for her health and welfare plan expertise, including compliance issues with the Affordable Care Act, while Raymond Sinnappan is retained by big-ticket plan sponsors to handle executive compensation plans and agreements – ranging from equity compensation programs to 409A tax issues. A suite of senior management teams also engages the team on plan negotiations.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 5

Sectors of focus for Jenner & Block LLP’s employee benefits and executive compensation practice include aerospace, defense, manufacturing, healthcare and other highly-regulated industries. The Chicago-based team, which includes practice head Matthew Renaud, Raymond Sinnappan and Sarah Haddy, focuses on advising public companies and senior executives in M&A transactions in the mid- and lower-middle market, while ERISA fiduciary compliance advice is also cited. Further noteworthy is the team’s representation of retiree committees in insolvency proceedings and its handling of high-value group annuity purchases and other pension de-risking transactions.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

Jenner & Block LLP's tax practitioners are 'very smart and well versed in the law' at the federal, state and local levels. Geoffrey Davis co-leads the team and represents clients in corporate restructuring and fund formation matters, while joint practice head Christian Kimball advises on the tax aspects of M&A and corporate restructurings. Also of note is Gail Morse, who advises a range of clients including tax exempt organizations, multinational businesses and individuals. All attorneys listed are based in Chicago.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): municipal

Real estate > Real estate

Winston & Strawn LLP is ‘highly competent in numerous areas of real estate’, including high-end developments, distressed asset deals, mezzanine financing, and real estate-related litigation, among other areas. Dallas-based Billie Ellis jointly heads the department with Corey Tessler, who is based in the firm's New York office. Edward Prokop recently joined the Los Angeles office from Sidley Austin LLP, where he has developed a reputation for portfolio sale-leaseback transactions and single-family residential loan portfolio platforms. Chicago-based Andrew White is another new arrival; he joined from Greenberg Traurig, LLP, strengthening the team's service offering for private equity capital raising, finance and investment matters.