Michele Johnson > Latham & Watkins LLP > Orange County, United States > Lawyer Profile

‘They know the process inside and out, and they have the knowhow to deal with opposing counsel and offer practical solutions‘, say clients of Latham & Watkins LLP. The litigation practice works closely with M&A teams to advise potential acquirers, targets, and financial advisors on issues ranging from deal protection measures, conflicts of interest, and change-of-control payments to disclosure obligations. The firm also has a strong track record in securing dismissals and succeeding at trial in class actions, derivative cases, busted deal litigation, poison pill matters,  proxy contests and appraisal actions. Recently, the firm has become a leading player in de-SPAC-related litigation on the back of its market-leading SPAC transactional practice, and is currently acting for Virgin Galactic, Romeo Power and Skillz in such matters. Michele Johnson in Orange County and Blair Connelly in New York lead the practice. Colleen Smith in San Diego and Kristin Murphy in Orange County are heavily involved in SPAC-related cases. Newly promoted counsel Zach Rowen in New York also plays a pivotal role in the practice.

The litigation and trial department at Latham & Watkins LLP stands out for its ability to handle a full range of cross-border disputes, leveraging its impressive international network and full-service expertise. Led from Orange County by Michele Johnson , who is noted for securities and M&A litigation, the team counts antitrust disputes, environmental and mass torts and class actions among its other areas of expertise, and with more than 30 former federal prosecutors, excels in government enforcement proceedings and litigation. The group bolstered its data privacy and cybersecurity practice with the addition of Washington DC-based Antony Kim from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in June 2021. Other arrivals during 2021 include general litigator Steven Feldman in New York from Hueston Hennigan LLP, Los Angeles-based insurance sector expert Kirsten Jackson from Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP and former Director of the Bureau of Competition at the US Federal Trade Commission Ian Conner, who added further antitrust expertise to the Washington DC office.