Katten > Los Angeles, United States > Firm Profile

Katten > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

Katten offers expertise in all matters arising in the derivatives and structured products space, including regulatory, enforcement and transactional. The firm acts as both advisory and defense counsel, with Chicago-based Christian Kemnitz heading the financial markets litigation and enforcement team. It is also well-versed in the regulatory frameworks of the CFTC and SEC. With a client base spanning the sector, the firm is noted for its work with investment banks, hedge funds and trading firms. Also based in Chicago, Lance Zinman, the overall practice head, focuses on futures and derivatives regulation matters. In Washington DC, Daniel Davis is experienced on both the buy- and sell-side of the market, with standout capabilities in fraud-related allegations and compliance matters in the derivatives space. New York-based Carl Kennedy is noted for his work on regulatory matters concerning derivatives, including OTC and listed derivatives.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Katten advises clients on traditional and non-traditional securitizations transactions, including mortgage loan facilities, warehouse facilities and auto loans. The firm is strong in regulatory matters, supporting captive finance companies, independents and banks. Anna-Liza Harris, who heads the practice out of Washington DC, concentrates on tax matters surrounding a swathe of securitizations, including ABS, RMBS and multi-family mortgage-backed securitizations at a domestic and international level. Fellow practice head Howard Schickler sits in New York and is expert in numerous types of asset-backed transactions, from mortgages, credit card receivables and small business loans to auto loans, equipment leases, medical receivables and royalties. Strengthening the New York practice, Chris DiAngelo advises banks, government entities and financial institutions on novel transactions across industries. In June 2023, Claudine Chen-Young left the firm, whilst in August 2023, Dallas-based Emmanuel Mevs was made partner.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Katten has built a strong reputation in regulatory investigations, securities class and derivative cases, whether for high-growth businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Working from both Los Angeles and New York, seasoned litigator and chair or the securities litigation group Bruce Vanyo remains a key adviser to some of the firm’s largest corporate clients. The firm also has strong practitioners in Chicago, where Michael Diver, a former Enforcement Branch Chief of the SEC’s Chicago office, and Michael Lohnes are the key contacts. Christina Costley is a notable member of the LA team, and she worked closely with Vanyo on the defense of Natera, Inc, which faced allegations of making misleading statements in its public disclosures concerning the accuracy of its testing technology and its growth projections.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

The intellectual property group at Katten utilizes the deep bench strength of offices in the US and in Shanghai and London to advise on high-profile copyright claims involving household names in media, entertainment, tech and fashion. The team is headed in New York by global chair Deepro Mukerjee and Karen Artz Ash, a fashion sector specialist, who represents luxury brand designers, retailers, and apparel manufacturers; Floyd Mandell in Chicago, who draws on over 20 years of IP litigation experience; and music industry expert Zia Modabber, the managing partner entertainment and media litigation chair at the Los Angeles office, whose clients have included Stevie Wonder and Trent Reznor (also known his work as Nine Inch Nails). Also in LA, David Halberstadter and Joel Weiner (whose clients include Will Smith and Sony Pictures) bring expertise to copyright disputes in film and television. Tami Kameda Sims departed the practice for a role at Warner Bros. Discovery in June 2023.

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

Offering a strong focus on representing major quantitative firms, credit-focused investment managers, the hedge funds practice at Katten is led by global chair Lance Zinman from the Chicago office. Wendy Cohen and Allison Yacker also lead the practice from New York, advising private credit funds on regulatory and compliance matters. Notably, the team represented Pan Capital Management with formation and structuring of a multi-strategy hedge fund, and the restructuring of existing hedge funds. More frequently advising on quantitative and algorithmic fund related matters, the team also assists with structured and investment products, and real estate and credit funds. The Chicago team also includes key contacts Jonah Roth and Christopher Shannon, assisting on the formation and launch of a private fund focusing on venture capital investments, and negotiating strategic investments.  

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

Katten chiefly advises on transactions in the life sciences, sports, aviation and education sectors, with the unit’s sports expertise exemplified through its advice to an ownership group on the acquisition of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team. In Chicago, the team is helmed by global chair of the corporate department Kimberly Smith and co-chair of the M&A and private equity group Christopher Atkinson. Fellow M&A co-chair David Washburn is based in the firm’s Dallas office and is highlighted for his experience structuring and negotiating contested M&A deals. Washburn’s Dallas colleague Peter Bogdanow is frequently called upon by private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies to advise on transactions in sectors such as energy and waste management. Chicago-based Thomas Lamprecht has a proven track record in assisting private equity clients with platform acquisitions and exits. In the same office, Mark Grossmann has vast experience in handling transactions across a broad array of sectors.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation Tier 3

Offering representation before the NAD and the FTC, as well as in matters pertaining to comparative and false advertising disputes, Katten‘s advertising, marketing, and promotions practice is led by Washington DC-based Christopher Cole. The group sits within the intellectual property department, which is led by Deepro Mukerjee . The team is equipped to handle a range of litigation matters and holds deep experience representing clients in Lanham Act cases, consumer class actions, and IP matters. Cole has broad expertise including intellectual property disputes, false advertising cases under the Lanham Act, and enforcement actions. Other notable names in the team are Kristin Achterhof and Michael R. Justus, who are based in Chicago and Washington DC, respectively. Achterhof is recognized for her work on trademark and copyright claims, while Justus is noted for representing clients in Lanham Act cases as well as NAD and FTC disputes. Terence Ross, who is based in Washington DC, is well-regarded for handling IP matters such as unfair competition lawsuits.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 3

Katten is well known for its representation of major manufacturers, such as Brazilian aerospace multinational Embraer. The team also acts for significant leasing companies, and is highly regarded for its business aviation advice to corporations and high-net-worth individuals. The group is also able to leverage the expertise of its administrative and regulatory colleagues, as well as the firm’s commercial and bankruptcy litigation credentials. Representative mandates cover the buying, selling, leasing and financing of new and used aircraft, engines and related equipment, along with the structuring of investments in commercial aircraft businesses. In Washington DC, aviation practice chair Timothy Lynes is a veteran advisor to manufacturers, airlines, lessors, financial institutions, equity investors and insurers on aircraft-related sales, leasings, and financings. Supporting the group from New York, corporate and securities transaction expert Timothy Kirby also assists with high-stakes aviation financings. Former partner Stewart Herman departed the firm in 2023.

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

With its extensive capabilities handling criminal matters within the healthcare industry, Katten is recommended for doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals who are facing investigations by the regulatory authorities. The team also routinely advises clients facing allegations of financial misconduct.  Leading the practice from New York, Scott Resnik frequently handles cases for broker-dealers, hedge funds, and medical professionals. Based in Chicago, Gil Soffer is especially skilled at advising on investigations connected to fraud and FCPA violations. Sheldon Zenner and Daniel Collins are also located in Chicago. The vastly experienced Zenner is an expert in handling government inquiries that span multiple jurisdictions, including countries in Asia and South America. Stetler assists clients embroiled in a wide range of investigations, including cases involving bank fraud, counterfeiting, and bribery.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

Katten primarily focuses on breach of contract cases regarding overdraft fees, with a strong client roster including credit unions, debt collection companies, and banks. Leading the practice are Stuart Richter and Gregory Korman, both of whom are based in Los Angeles. Richter has extensive experience representing financial services firms in class actions and commercial litigation, as well as handling regulatory actions and specializes in fraud claims, foreclosures, and disputes pertaining to interest rate swaps and other financial products.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 4

With a strong focus on private credit, the team at Katten is a popular choice among clients in the entertainment, healthcare, insurance, retail, sports and technology sectors. It is well equipped to handle a range of transactions involving cash flow and asset-based financings, as well as mezzanine and unitranche financings. The Chicago-based practice is led by Michael Jacobson, whose expertise lies in financings involving companies in the healthcare, technology, sports and entertainment sectors. Jennifer Wolfe supports the team, regularly handling acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and recapitalization transactions. Forming part of the Los Angeles office, Glen Lim and Jan Harris Cate represent lenders in range of commercial finance transactions. Erinn Sheppard left the firm in August 2023.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

With offices across New York, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles, Katten‘s team has a strong record in representing directors in Chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings in industries ranging from energy to real estate. Steven Reisman  leads the New York team and has a split practice between handling domestic and cross-border restructurings for a varied client portfolio, while Peter Siddiqui  in Chicago has assisted debtors in Chapter 11 cases and trustees in bankruptcy actions. Peter Knight , also in Chicago, represents senior secured agents and lenders in middle-market workouts and restructurings, whereas Los Angeles-based William Freeman is noted for his work in Chapter 11 cases and commercial litigation. New York-based Lucy Kweskin, and Chicago-based duo Paul Musser and Joshua Altman all joined the firm earlier in 2023.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Katten houses a broad offering which assists clients with a whole host of mandates, including managed care issues, and matters arising under the FCA. Sitting in the Dallas office, Lisa Atlas Genecov and Kenya Woodruff jointly lead the practice; Genecov is noted for her strong transactional capabilities, assisting health systems and medical groups with private equity related issues, and Woodruff often assists clients with regulatory compliance with HIPAA and CMS conditions. Chicago’s Kenneth Davis is noted for his deep expertise in the formation of new healthcare businesses and networks, while New York’s Joseph Willey regularly acts in disputes concerning Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, and fraud and abuse issues on both a state and federal level.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 4

Providing an extensive range of services within the sporting space, the Katten practice is capable of offering both transactional and contentious advice to major sporting leagues, stadium developers and financial institutions. Adam Klein leads the Chicago-based team and specializes in assisting with minority investments, M&A, and debt financing transactions, while Daniel Render offers bespoke advice to clients on media rights and sponsorship agreements from the Los Angeles office. Also in Chicago, Jason Gorczynski is knowledgeable in commercial real estate transactions, and Valentina Famparska primarily concentrates on leveraged buyouts and private equity investments.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 4

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

Conducting its work in Los Angeles, Katten‘s bench of skilled attorneys receives praise for its trial experience and resolution of legal and business disputes.  Zia Modabber heads the practice and is a talented litigator and assists with complex, nuanced points of law. David Halberstadter assists a network of TV clients with corporate disputes, including matters relating to financing, production, and distribution of entertainment content. Joel Weiner has amassed considerable experience in copyright, contract, and business torts which he uses to bring the the firm numerous anti-SLAPP successes, high-profile dismissals, and impressive victories in arbitrations.      

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

With a cross-country and international reach, Katten‘s Los Angeles office is a popular destination for clients such as motion picture studios, video game developers and major sports teams. Michael Hobel heads up the practice and is geared to assist with mandates involving intellectual property rights and assets. Scott Cutrow‘s portfolio of work encompasses entertainment finance transactions and talent agreements. Daniel Render‘s transactional prowess is relied upon by a range of sports clients, including teams, stadia and strategic investors. The unit additionally collaborates closely with the firm's entertainment litigation group to handle issues such as chain-of-title reviews, conflict resolution and dispute avoidance.

Real estate Tier 4

With experience on the lender, owner, and operator sides, Katten regularly represents banks, funds, private equity investors, and developers on a range of investments, joint ventures, and financings. Development transactions, including land acquisitions and construction loan financings, make up another area of expertise with a strong pipeline of recent mandates relating to single and multi-family developments as well as affordable housing. Timothy Little chairs the department out of New York who, outside of transactions, has considerable experience covering workouts and restructurings. New York also features Louise Carroll is particularly involved in affordable housing and community development matters alongside Glenn Miller in Washington, DC. With prior experience as chief legal officer of Ark Investment Partners, Scott Vetri is another key name on financings, acquisitions, and dispositions. David Dlugie and Frank Arado, meanwhile, are known for their leading of the practice’s Midwest and Southeast real estate offerings, with the former in Chicago and the latter in Charlotte.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 5

Katten has a reputation for undertaking complex, high-profile disputes, including financial services litigation, securities litigation, corruption investigations, and regulatory compliance cases, among many others. National chair of commercial litigation David Crichlow lends his considerable expertise to complex commercial disputes, class actions. and bankruptcy litigation. Experienced litigator Anthony Paccione represents banks, hedge funds, and real estate companies at all levels of the federal and state court systems. In Chicago, Peter Wilson is a key name for securities, derivatives, and antitrust litigation. Attorneys named are situated in New York, except where otherwise specified.

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

Katten works in concert with the firm’s intellectual property, financial services, and healthcare specialists to support investors such as corporate venture funds, hedge funds, and family offices. The group provides assistance to a diverse range of companies, from early-stage start-ups to established unicorns, covering initial organization, seed capital, and financings, as well as M&A, liquidity events, and routine operational matters. With a keen focus on businesses at the forefront of technology-enabled innovations, the firm has represented clients such as USITF in significant investments, including a $100m investment in a Series B financing round for Colossal Biosciences and a $30m convertible note investment in Primer Technologies. Matthew Brown guides start-ups through various funding stages, recapitalizations, and exit strategies, and Jeffrey Patt brings expertise from seed capital to late-stage financings. Brown and Patt lead the practice together from Chicago.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

Katten’s transactional tax planning team is well known for handling the tax aspects of major M&A, recently advising on the acquisition of NBA team The Charlotte Hornets by a consortium. Saul Rudo in Chicago, with considerable experience representing middle-market private equity firms, family offices, and closely held businesses, chairs the group. He often advises on M&A matters as well as on the tax implications of venture capital and start-up transactions. Valentina Famparska, also in Chicago, focuses on the federal income tax aspects of a variety of transactions, from fund formations to leveraged buyouts.