Firm Profile > Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP > Chicago, United States

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 1

Katten is among the leading players in real estate-related securitization, and is also active in auto loans, railcars and a litany of other asset-backed deals. In the auto finance space, Joseph Topolski and John Keiserman regularly advise Ford Credit and GM Financial, respectively, on their securitizaed issuances. Stephen Esko and Chris DiAngelo are active in the real estate space, where they advise Fannie Mae on its Connecticut Avenue Securities program and also acts as issuer counsel on some of its REMICs. Practice co-head Anna-Liza Harris, who has complementary tax expertise, and Seth Messner, both based in Washington, have experience of CLO work in addition to traditional ABS. Practice co-head Howard Schickler is also recommended. Paul Kruger took a position as global structured finance chair at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in October 2019.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

Swaps and derivatives work is a core strength for the team at Katten, which routinely advises well-known banks from the US and abroad on a huge range of transactional and regulatory issues. Stanford Renas and Don Macbean handle swaps and futures work in relation to major energy deals, while Guy Dempsey, Gary DeWaal and Kevin Foley in Chicago are key contacts for regulatory matters. The firm also has a track record of work for broker-dealers and hedge funds, with particular strength in the are of algorithmic trading. Lance Zinman heads the firm's global financial markets practice.

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

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP stands out for its activity across the full lifecycle of businesses, from initial organization and funding, through to follow-on financing rounds, M&A, and any potential liquidity events. Areas of focus for the team include LBOs, equity financings, add-on acquisitions, leveraged dividends and divestitures. In addition, the team's transactional work is ably supported by experts from across the firm's tax, antitrust, insolvency and restructuring, and banking and finance teams. The team generates mandates from a variety of core industry sectors, though some of its most interesting work over the past year was in the developing cannabis sector, where global practice head Mark Grossmann acted for GR Companies, a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator, in its agreement to be acquired by Curaleaf Holdings. Also recommended are Kenneth Miller, who co-heads the private equity group, and New York-based Brian Hecht, who joined the firm from Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Named attorneys based in Chicago unless otherwise stated.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 3

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is one of the leading players when it comes to advice to direct lenders, particularly on mid market loans. The team is led out of Chicago by Michael Jacobson and includes several highly experienced partners, including Stuart Shulruff and Derek Ladgenski. The firm also has a strong group of lawyers in Los Angeles, including Glen Lim.

Industry focus > Transport: aviation and air travel - finance Tier 3

Katten's aviation team has experience acting for a variety of deal participants in transactions for the sale, leasing and financing of aircraft. Contacts in the DC office include Timothy Lynes, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry, and Tom Healey, who has experience of airline bankruptcy proceedings in addition to aircraft transactions. Jane Cavanaugh retired in June 2019.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

Katten's copyrights team has core strengths in software and entertainment-related disputes. A key figure in the group is IP practice founder Floyd Mandell in Chicago, who has extensive trial experience and is particularly strong in software-related disputes. Zia Modabber is a name to note for work in the entertainment industry, as is Joel Weiner in Los Angeles, who acts for clients such as NBCUniversal and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Also recommended are Chicago-based Brian Sodikoff and Terence Ross in DC, both of whom have expertise in technology-related disputes, especially cases concerning software code.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3

The team at Katten was involved in a number of major trademark cases in the past year, with recent examples including acting for PepsiCo in litigation before the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit against SportFuel in relation to the client's product Gatorade, which used the tagline 'The Sports Fuel Company'. Floyd Mandell handled that case and jointly heads the team from the Chicago office alongside Karen Artz Ash in New York, who has particular expertise in matters relating to the fashion industry. Roger Furey is based in the firm's DC office and as such is often involved in investigations and inquiries brought by the Federal Trade Commission. Also recommended is Kristin Achterhof in Chicago office, who is active in the fashion and technology industries.

Investment funds > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 3

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP has a core focus on the formation and operation of quant funds and hedge funds that invest in digital assets. The firm is active in the formation of start-up hedge funds in these spaces, with joint practice head Lance Zinman in Chicago having advised Johnathan Graham, the former head of Citadel’s quantitative trading platform, on the structuring of Aquatic Holdings and its two subsidiary quantitative hedge funds, in 2019. In New York, Henry Bregstein, Allison Yacker and joint practice head Wendy Cohen are sought after for structuring cryptocurrency funds, as well as funds-of-funds, credit funds, and trade finance funds. Along with Bregstein, Christian Hennion in Chicago takes the lead on regulatory issues, with a particular focus on SEC, FINRA, and CFTC examinations.

Real estate > Real estate Tier 3

Katten's real estate team has strong footholds in a number of major commercial centers including New York, Washington DC and Chicago. The firm also fields a full-service real estate group on in California, and handles nationwide real estate finance and lending transactions from the Charlotte office. Clients have also recognized the firm as one of the 'leaders in the affordable housing sector'. New York-based Timothy Little oversees the department, which is handling an increasing number of matters relating to sporting facilities, in addition to maintaining its core real estate work. In recent highlights, the Chicago team, led by Seth Madorsky, is assisting The Barack Obama Foundation with its proposed high-profile development of the presidential library.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense Tier 4

Katten's attorneys represent corporates and individuals in government investigations and also at trial, where the team has significant experience on the bench. In New York, Scott Resnik is known for his acumen in healthcare-related cases, including FCA and anti-kickback. In Chicago, Gil Soffer specializes in FCPA, while Sheldon Zenner represents corporations and high-level executives across the financial services, healthcare and entertainment industries, in addition to advising on crisis management.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

Based in Los Angeles, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP's financial services team represents clients in enforcement actions and regulatory investigations, matters involving unfair and deceptive trade practices, and in litigation across the country arising from consumer finance class actions. Boasting over thirty years of practicing experience, Stuart Richter represents clients in class and mass action litigation encompassing all types of financial products, including mortgage loans, credit cards and auto loans. Gregory Korman has a strong track record of representing banks, credit unions and other clients in consumer class actions. Also recommended is Claudia Callaway, who represents banks, credit card issuers and mortgage servicers in disputes before the CFPB, FTC and state agencies.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 4

Katten has a experience securities litigation practice that is 'great to work with' and practice head Bruce Vanyo in Los Angeles is widely recognised as one of the most experienced practitioners in the market. Up-and-coming partner Michael Diver, who is 'strong, considerate and smart lawyer', in Chicago and LA-based Richard Zelichov are part of an 'excellent and knowledgeable team' that has a strong track record of success in securities class actions, including IPO-related cases. Anthony Paccione in New York is also recommended.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

Katten's restructuring group engages with debtors and creditors alike and has seen changes with some departures and a few new hires (notably James Drew in New York from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP). Managers and directors of distressed companies are supported by the team in connection with M&A transactions, bankruptcy litigation, and in and out-of-court restructurings, while DIP lenders, funds, and banks receive advice on exit financing in Chapter 11 matters and recovery cases. The department is in the expert hands of co-heads John Sieger and Steven Reisman, based in Chicago and New York respectively.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 4

Chicago-based Adam Klein heads the sports group at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP which acts for a range of clients including major franchises, investors, sponsors, and stadium owners, covering a broad spectrum of commercial and corporate work. The firm has seen several recent instructions in the field of stadium development, including project financing, planning, facilities management agreements, and other commercial contracts both for stadiums themselves and ancillary commercial developments. While Klein is the firm's key contact in this sector, the practice group draws on a wide range of specialists from across the firm who provide advice on tax, employment, and intellectual property matters. M&A transactions are another key area of work for the firm, with Klein handling several recent sales and acquisitions of both full and partial stakes in major franchises, both on the corporate side and in obtaining league approvals. Associate Daniel Render is also recommended, and is developing a solid practice across the sector, particularly in relation to sponsorship matters.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 5

Focusing in particular on the financial services and real estate industries, Katten is frequently active in state and federal courts across the country. Another area of particular strength is in insurance and healthcare fraud. In a highlight matter, a team led by Barrett Howell and Brandon McCarthy from the Dallas office is representing Brian Swiencinski, a former pharmacy owner charged in the largest-ever healthcare fraud enforcement action, in excess of $400m. Elsewhere, in the real estate space, William Moore recently filed a complaint in the Middle District of Florida on behalf of Club Exploria against a law firm which attempts to convince customers stop making payments on their timeshares. In a long-running financial services litigation case, Sheldon Zenner in Chicago continues to defend Wells Fargo against allegations of discriminatory lending practices and damages of $300m. Other key lawyers include national co-chair of the litigation and dispute resolution department Gil Soffer, who specializes in white-collar and civil fraud, and fellow co-chair Stacey McKee Knight in LA, an employment law expert. Chad Doellinger departed for Greenberg Traurig LLP in November 2018.

Industry focus > Healthcare: advice to service providers Tier 5

The healthcare practice at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP handles transactional work including M&A, joint ventures, affiliations, corporate reorganizations, and the sale of assets and partnership or membership interests. The team also advises on private equity transactions, recapitalizations, and restructurings. Key names are co-chair of the healthcare practice Lisa Atlas Genecov in Dallas, fellow co-chair Laura Keidan Martin in Chicago, and Joseph Willey in New York.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 5

The media litigation team at Katten can count high-profile musical artists, large broadcasters and distributors, live events operators, and film studios among its client list, with a strong track record in IP litigation and profit participation matters. Los Angeles-based Zia Modabber heads the practice, and specializes heavily in music sector work, primarily acting for individual artists in their copyright disputes and defending royalty claims brought against artists and their estates. Another highly visible figure within the team is Joel Weiner, who is active across the spectrum of the firm's media work, having recently been instructed on defamation matters and contract disputes, as well as copyright and trademark infringement cases. Also recommended is IP litigation specialist David Halberstadter, who recently defended DreamWorks II Development Company and Storyteller Holding Co. (d/b/a Amblin Partners) in a copyright infringement suit alleging that the film The Light Between Oceans is adapted from a novel that itself infringed on a prior screenplay.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP's tax practice is led by the 'excellent' Saul Rudo, who works on corporate tax planning in connection with private equity transactions and M&A. The practice group is also rated for its work on corporate reorganizations, executive compensation and REIT-related tax matters. Valentina Famparska advises on federal income tax matters in the context of partnerships and M&A, and New York-based Jill Darrow specialises in the tax aspects of fund formation and partnership transactions. Named attorneys are based in Chicago unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 7

Katten has a reputation for work in the derivatives market, evidenced by the sheer volume of clients that seek the firm's advice in relation to the regulatory aspects of exchange-traded and OTC derivatives across all asset classes. New York-based Wendy Cohen has more than three decades of experience advising asset managers on regulations governing private investment funds. Lance Zinman in Chicago has acted for proprietary trading firms and asset managers.

Industry focus > Environment: litigation

Leveraging a nationwide office network, King & Spalding LLP is well equipped to handle high-exposure environmental litigation and arbitration across the country. The team is particularly experienced in environmental agency enforcement, but also has a strong profile in litigation involving surface water rights, fracking, coastal erosion, climate change, drinking water and soil contamination, as well as issues arising from explosions, fires and chemical releases. A key figure in the team is Washington DC-based Granta Nakayama, who has been especially active in litigation related to emissions from diesel engines. Nakayama jointly heads the practice alongside Adam Sowatzka, whose areas of focus include civil and criminal enforcement matters, and wastewater and stormwater cases, and Peter Hsiao, who has in-depth knowledge of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA and toxic torts. Sowatzka and Hsiao are based in Atlanta and Los Angeles, respectively. The team has also reported some noteworthy hires in 2019: Douglas Henderson joined the Atlanta office from Troutman Sanders, and Karl Heisler in Chicago joined from Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP.