Katten > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

Katten > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

Katten‘s derivatives offering holds in-depth expertise in regulatory, investigatory and transactional derivatives matters. The team is highly proficient in matters requiring insight into CFTC and NFA regulations, and is often retained by financial institutions and investors in high-stake enforcements and contentious matters. Aditionally, the team’s transactional expertise extends to esoteric asset classes, notably digital infrastructure and cryptocurrency. Chicago-based Christian Kemnitz is sought by cleints for his experience in derivative enforcements and regulations, alongside experience in options, swaps, securities, futures and other structured products, and co-heads the team with Lance Zinman. Based in Washington DC, Daniel Davis also co-heads the team, and oversees the gamut of derivatives market regulations, fraud investigations, and other CFTC and SEC-related matters. New York-based Carl Kennedy is well-versed in Dodd-Frank and CFTC regulations, while Matthew F. Kluchenek is a key member of the team for matters involving fraud, noncompliance and trading investigations.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Katten is a key contact for asset securitizations, for both conventional and esoteric asset classes. The team’s portfolio of transactions include securitizations of timeshares, agricultural receivables, electric vehicle leases, private equity incentive fees, and others. The team team also has a strong track record in matters pertaining to regulations or captive finance companies and banks. Washington DC-based Anna-Liza Harris, is a key member of the team for tax-related securitization mandates, and co-heads the team with Howard Schickler, who is turned to by clients for his track record in structured finance transactions involving residential and commercial mortgages, trade receivables and loans out of his office in New York. Chris DiAngelo is a strong choice for mortgage financing and securitizations, an area that David Matthews also focuses on. John Keiserman  and Seth Messner are both ports of call for automobile asset and whole business securitizations respectively

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

Katten’s M&A practice is characterized by its focus on supporting private equity clients on middle-market deals, including sponsors and management teams. The team’s sectoral knowledge spans the full range of industries, but it is predominantly associated with work in the life sciences, financial services, technology, sports, and food and beverage spheres. The global corporate practice is driven out of Chicago by Kimberly Smith, who is often engaged by private equity clients, family offices, independent sponsors, and companies to handle buy- and sell-side transactions. Christopher Atkinson, also in Chicago, co-chairs the M&A and private equity practice and is recommended for deals in the technology, life sciences, education, and manufacturing spheres. In Dallas, fellow M&A co-chair David Washburn stands out for his experience in complex contested M&A mandates. Other names to note are Chicago's Mark Grossmann, who fronts the business transactions team; Dallas-based Peter Bogdanow, who enjoys close relationships with mid-market clients, including private equity funds; and Chicago-based M&A specialist Thomas Lamprecht.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation Tier 2

Katten's advertising, marketing and promotions practice is headed up by Christopher Cole in Washington DC, and it is noted for its expertise across contentious advertising matters. The team defends its clients in class actions, false advertising litigation, First Amendment issues, Lanham Act cases and unfair competition laws. Typical industries the team advises include consumer products, food and beverage, fashion, medical and technology. Cole is a specialist litigator who excels in representing technology and brands in consumer class actions brought by competitors, regulators and claimants. Kristin Achterhof is a first-chair trial attorney based in Chicago who leads on IP disputes and Lanham Act cases. Washington DC-based Michael Justus is experienced in handling contentious issues in front of the FTC and NAD as well as being well-versed in AI and IP.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Katten is a popular choice among financial institutions, asset managers, public companies and their executives, in the defense of a wide range of securities class actions, stockholder derivatives cases, M&A litigation, proxy disclosure suits and SEC investigations and enforcement actions. The life sciences sector remains a fertile source of work, with New York-based Bruce Vanyo regularly defending high-profile sector specific issuers, including with regard to cases brought following alleged misstatements (including with regard to clinical trials) and subsequent stock price drops. Chicago-based Michael Diver co-chairs the team alongside Vanyo and leverages his previous experience at the SEC to good effect to clients facing enforcement actions from the regulator, including with regard to financial fraud, market manipulation and insider trading. The arrival in March 2024 of New York-based Kevin Broughel from Paul Hastings LLP strengthens the team in light of his deep understanding of the financial markets, products and regulations, and for matters involving cross-border issues.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 3

Specializing in advising quantitative firms, the hedge fund practice at Katten is led by global chair Lance Zinman from the Chicago office as well as Wendy Cohen and Allison Yacker from New York office. Zinman has significant experience representing quantitative asset managers and proprietary trading firms that deploy volatility, algorithmic, low-latency and other quantitative trading strategies, while Cohen has vast domestic and international knowledge of  securities, futures and cryptocurrencies. Yacker is frequently sought after by a variety of funds to assist on a variety of strategic issues such as quantitative trading, private credit, and distressed debt. Based in New York, Henry Bregstein  specializes in advising on insurance dedicated alternative investment funds and privately placed life insurance and annuities providing guidance on fund formation and regulatory compliance in this space.

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

Katten represents a range of healthcare clients, including physicians, pharma firms, and hospitals, facing regulatory investigations. The firm also provides counsel in cases involving alleged financial wrongdoing. From the New York office, Scott Resnik , who leads the practice, frequently represents broker-dealers, hedge funds, and healthcare professionals. Scott Resnik , based in Chicago, has experience with investigations concerning fraud and potential FCPA violations. Chicago-based Sheldon Zenner  and Daniel Collins are also key members of the team. Zenner handles complex, multi-jurisdictional government inquiries, often involving matters in Asia and South America. Collins assists clients facing a variety of investigations, including those related to bank fraud, counterfeiting, and bribery.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

Katten specializes in disputes over banking fees and overdrafts, with a particular following among credit unions. Stuart Richter  leads the team in Los Angeles as an accomplished commercial litigator, alongside Eric Hail in Dallas, who has extensive experience handling enforcement actions. Eric Werlinger is a skilled individual from Washington in the consumer finance space, defending class action litigations in state and federal courts. Ted Huffman is a valued addition to the team in Dallas.

Finance > Commercial lending > Advice to direct lenders/private credit Tier 4

The private credit team at Katten often works in conjunction with the firm’s restructuring, tax, and corporate teams on financing transactions. Michael Jacobson oversees the practice from Chicago and is well-versed in first-lien, second-lien, mezzanine, and senior financings, he is also frequently engaged in asset-based transactions, leveraged buyouts, and restructuring. Working out of Los Angeles, Jan Harris Cate is skilled at acquisition financing, inter-creditor negotiations, and unitranche facilities, while in Chicago, Neil Shelton is highly proficient in equity sponsor-based transactions. Los Angeles-based Shana Ramirez is knowledgeable of warehouse financing.    

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

Katten has a fully-rounded restructuring and bankruptcy practice with a notably fine record in representing independent directors in Chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings; it recently advised the independent managers on AmSurg’s liability management transactions and Chapter 11 cases. The firm also frequently acts for debtors, equity sponsors, creditor committees, secured lenders and agents, and indenture trustees, among a variety of constituencies in bankruptcy and restructuring matters. Energy, healthcare, retail and restaurants, technology, finance, real estate and shipping are among its primary sectors. Steven Reisman is a key name in the team alongside Peter Siddiqui in Chicago, the former recognised for his experience in advising boards of directors, independent directors and special committees. Los Angeles-based William Freeman has vast experience in West coast restructurings, while Cindi Giglio, co-chairing the practice with Peter Knight, specialises in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Divided between Dallas and Chicago, Katten‘s practice is recommended for its expertise in payment and reimbursement issues. Practice lead Kenya Woodruff assists a varied client roster of physicians, hospitals, and health plans with M&A and joint ventures, with a strong emphasis on operation expansion, while Laura Keidan Martin is noted for advising post-acute care providers and physician groups with government investigations. Michelle Apodaca is a key contact for all matters concerning licensing under the Texas Department of Health Services, the Texas Medical Board, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Alessandra Denis has departed the team.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 4

The Chicago-based team at Katten often assists clients in the purchase and sale of sports franchises, television and radio broadcast agreements, and arena construction. It draws on strength from its tax, private credit, employment, and real estate teams to support clients. Team head Adam Klein is supported by Daniel Render, noted for his work on transactional matters, and real estate go-to Jason Gorczynski. Valentina Famparska is the key name for tax related matters.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 4

Katten’s intellectual property group leverages the firm’s multi-jurisdictional experience to provide comprehensive IP counsel to global brands in media, entertainment, tech and fashion. The team is headed in New York by chair Deepro Mukerjee, an expert in handling high-profile IP cases and Karen Artz Ash , who has notable expertise in the fashion industry. Contributing to the teams' nationwide abilities, Floyd Mandell has great experience in IP litigation and Zia Modabber, lauded for her extensive experience within the music industry, leads the team in Los Angeles. Kristin Achterhof , in Chicago, is well-vested in representing leading tech, consumer, entertainment and fashion-industry clients. In LA, David Halberstadter and Joel Weiner, boast deep experience in advising and representing leading entertainment companies on a wide spectrum of litigation issues.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 4

The trademarks litigation practice at Katten regularly handles a full range of trademark clearance, prosecution, portfolio management, enforcement, and copyright registration matters. It boasts a client base spanning the health care, pharma, chemical products, and technology sectors, alongside work in the entertainment and media, automotive, and retail areas. Floyd Mandell, in Chicago, co-chairs the practice: his work handling high-profile cases which often include novel issues is noted. Karen Artz Ash, co-chair based in New York, often handles trademark licensing and international distribution agreements.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 4

The California-based entertainment and media practice at Katten represents motion picture, music, TV and individuals in IP and media litigation. The firm is instructed by clients to represent them in copyright infringement cases as well as defend them against claims. Zia Modabber spearheads the Los Angeles practice and represents clients in IP, First Amendment and other media litigation for music artists. He also acts as a private mediator for music clients in entertainment disputes. David Halberstadter has represented motion picture studios, production studios and TV networks in breach of contract cases and copyright infringement disputes. Joel Weiner has won clients in the media space anti-SLAPP motions with fee awards, motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgement.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 4

Katten's media and entertainment team spans both domestic and international matters, advising motion picture studios, TV networks, film and TV distribution companies and production companies on transactions. The practice is also well-versed in assisting sports sector clients as well as digital media companies such as game developers and animation companies. Typical matters the team assists with include licensing and production agreements, clearance, contract analysis and other transactions related to TV and film production. Michael Hobel spearheads the Los Angeles practice and is adept at handling deals which cross the border between entertainment and technology. On his team include Scott Cutrow who handles complex entertainment finance transactions and talent agreements as well as James Freedman who handles music,  film and TV issues.

Real estate Tier 4

Katten‘s real estate team has expertise across all aspects of the commercial real estate market. With key lawyers bringing extensive experience in both the finance and equity investment sides of the market, the practice is well-equipped to advise clients at all stages of their projects. The depth and breadth of the firm are evidenced by the strong leadership team, chaired by Timothy Little of the New York office. Louise Carroll in New York and Glenn Miller in Washington have a unique focus as co-chairs of the affordable housing and community development practice. Scott Vetri, who is also based in the New York office, chairs the real estate investment and finance practice, while David Dlugie in Chicago leads the Midwest practice, Frank Arado leads the Southeast practice from Charlotte, and Christine Fitzgerald leads the West Coast practice acting out of Los Angeles.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 5

Drawing on the team’s experience working for US regulatory bodies, Katten is well-placed to represent clients in state and federal courts, investigations and regulatory proceedings. The practice specialises in the financial services and insurance industries. Experienced in commercial disputes, class actions and bankruptcy litigation, New York-based David Crichlow leads the team alongside Rebecca Lindahl in Georgia. In Chicago, Peter Wilson handles securities, derivatives, and antitrust litigation, as well as investigations, and Charles DeVore is a go to for publicly traded companies, executives and financial institutions. Also in Chicago, Sarah Weber is regularly called upon by financial services clients, while Elliott Bacon is active in class actions, investigations and enforcement proceedings before financial regulators.

Finance > Commercial lending: Advice to bank lenders Tier 5

With in-depth expertise in collateralized loans, Katten often works in conjunction with the firm’s corporate, tax, and restructuring teams on an array of financing matters. Michael Jacobson oversees the practice from Chicago and is proficient in senior, first-lien, and second-lien unitranche and mezzanine financings. Jacobson is also often engaged in asset-based transactions and is active in the healthcare, sports, and technology sectors. Working out of Los Angeles, Jan Harris Cate is knowledgeable of acquisition financing, intercreditor negotiations, and unitranche facilities. Other key members of the practice include Jennifer Wolfe and Scott Lyons who work out of Chicago, as well as Los Angeles-based Shana Ramirez .

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 5

Katten‘s ‘patent litigation practice specializes in Hatch-Waxman cases for leading generic drug companies. Recently, the team worked on a high-profile case representing Sun Pharmaceutical Industries in defending their generic version of Ozempic. Deepro Mukerjee, based in New York, is ‘a stand-out patent litigator’ who oversees trial and appellate proceedings. Mukerjee also has experience managing IPR proceedings before the PTAB. Mukerjee chairs the department alongside New-York-based Lance Soderstrom, a seasoned litigator with expertise in pharmaceutical compounds and medical devices, and Chicago-based Brian Sodikoff, who also focuses on Hatch-Waxman patent litigation, drawing on his background in competition law.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 5

Katten’s alternative funds practice marks it as a key contender for investor-side work, where it represents hedge funds, venture capital funds, and family offices on funding rounds and investment transactions. The group also counts a mix of entrepreneurs and early-stage companies among its clients, with a focus on entities operating in the life sciences, technology, and energy fields. Chicago-based duo Matthew Brown and Jeffrey Patt co-head the practice, both specializing in advising owners and investors on raising capital, M&A, and general corporate matters. In New York, Roger Griesmeyer is noted for his focus on representing private equity and venture capital funds.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

The team at Katten provides specialist tax advice, representing founders and investors in the structuring of startup businesses and venture capital investments along with work on deal-specific tax planning and advice on business transactions. Saul Rudo heads the Chicago-based practice, noted for his ‘deep understanding of accounting, finance in addition to the tax issues’, combining expertise in mergers and acquisitions with experience supporting family offices with both establishment and operation. Valentina Famparska is also a key name, and focuses her practice on the federal income tax aspects of complex transactions.

Finance > Project finance