Latham & Watkins LLP > Los Angeles, United States > Firm Profile

Latham & Watkins LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP is a leading name in cartel defense, leveraging its global platform and deep governmental relationships for civil and criminal cartel litigation, as well as government investigations and follow-on enforcement proceedings, including high-profile representations of StarKist in the DOJ’s criminal investigation into the tuna canning industry, and Square and CashApp in the ongoing investigation relating to so-called “meme stocks”. The team is led by antitrust head Amanda Reeves in Washington DC and San Francisco-based vice chair Belinda Lee, an experienced litigator with a strong record across civil and criminal cartel litigation and follow-on proceedings before global regulators and courts. Also in San Francisco, Niall Lynch represents multinationals and their managers in criminal and civil price-fixing investigations globally, while New York’s Elizabeth Prewitt is particularly known for her expertise in complex financial services cartel investigations. Ashley Bauer in San Francisco handles federal and state antitrust investigations and civil litigation, regularly acting as global co-ordinating counsel for multijurisdictional cases.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP's ‘depth and experience distinguishes them from other competitors’ in the antitrust and competition space, according to a client. Class actions and civil litigation are handled with particular expertise in two of the firm’s US locations: Washington DC and San Francisco. Amanda Reeves chairs the department from DC, where the group is well respected for its DOJ and FTC expertise, and Jennifer Giordano engages in cases at both trial and appellate level. On the West Coast, the focus lies on high-tech litigation, where the firm houses a deep bench of specialists including Christopher Yates who regularly represents blue-chip clients and sports organization, as well as Daniel Wall whose experience spans a variety of sectors and unfair competition claims. In March 2021, Ian Conner joined the firm’s DC office, having previously served as director of the Bureau of Competition at the FTC and bringing to bear vast expertise pertaining to the pharmaceutical, technology, and healthcare sectors, among others.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP combines an active domestic merger control practice, handling a large proportion of HSR filings, with a leading global platform, handling complex, multi-jurisdictional merger proceedings for blue-chip clients across a variety of industries. The firm has been active in the tech space, advising the likes of NVIDIA and AMD, while the highly-regarded Michael G. Egge  has continued his strong record, representing GRAIL in the FTC challenge to its $8bn acquisition by Illumina. The team’s cross-border expertise is considerable, with US-based practitioners working closely with the firm’s European and UK offices, regularly handling proceedings before the European Commission, CMA, and global antitrust regulators as well as FTC and DOJ challenges. Amanda Reeves  leads the team, and is known for her combination of global merger expertise and work on high-profile litigation relating to contested transactions, currently representing MGM throughout the global review of its acquisition by Amazon. San Francisco’s Kelly Fayne was promoted to partner in January 2021 in recognition of her growing profile in the market, playing an increasingly key role in major global deals including the MGM transaction and AMD’s purchase of Xilinx, while Farrell J. Malone is noted for his international expertise. Ian Conner joined the firm in March 2021, having previously served as Director of the Bureau of Competition at the FTC, further deepening the firm’s governmental expertise, while private equity-focused Katherine Rocco arrived from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in April 2022. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

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

Satisfied clients of Latham & Watkins LLP highlight the appellate group’s ‘excellent writing and advocacy skills‘, ‘acute strategic sense‘ and ‘tremendous grasp of the law‘. Over the past year, the team secured a series of high-profile wins for a diverse mix of clients, from major corporates through to state governments. Mainly centered in Washington DC, the sizeable practice benefits from its ability to draw on the firm’s comprehensive US network and it regularly appears before Circuit Courts nationwide, as well as making frequent appearances before the US Supreme Court. Its subject matter expertise is equally as extensive and it handles the full range of business law cases, including IP, antitrust, tax, securities and consumer law-related issues. It also packs a punch in constitutional and administrative law. As a former Solicitor General, practice head Gregory Garre is well versed in complex, precedent-setting litigation; he successfully represented the US Territory of Guam before the US Supreme Court in a case seeking to hold the US accountable for its share of the costs of cleaning up a landfill built by the US Navy. According to sources, up-and-coming partner Melissa Arbus Sherry demonstrates a ‘wonderful ability to think on her feet‘. Sherry had a banner year, which included successfully securing a certiorari petition in a tax case against the federal government. Roman Martinez provides ‘exceptional service‘ and his broad experience spans civil and criminal law cases across a range of constitutional, statutory and administrative law matters; he recently acted alongside the firm’s securities litigation and professional liability practice to represent Facebook in a SCOTUS case addressing the scope of Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) liability. Richard Bress, who has argued eight Supreme Court cases, and Michael Bern are also key members of the team.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Under the leadership of Douglas Greenburg in Washington DC, Benjamin Naftalis and Nathan Seltzer, Latham & Watkins LLP continues to represent large international corporates and high-profile individuals in white-collar crime investigations and regulatory enforcement matters. It has considerable experience in insider trading and market abuse investigations, mortgage and healthcare fraud, and FCPA cases. The team, which includes former high-ranking government and enforcement agency officials, is globally integrated and well placed to handle multijurisdictional cases. Naftalis is based in New York and is experienced in representing clients before various agencies, including the DOJ, SEC and CFTC, while Seltzer, who is based in Washington DC and London, is recommended for both government and internal investigations. In May 2021, Damara Chambers joined from Vinson & Elkins LLP in Washington DC, and in January 2022, former assistant United States attorneys Scott Joiner and Alex Wyman from the Northern District of California and the Central District of California respectively.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 1

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.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 1

‘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.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 1

The ‘extremely talented and experienced’ team at Latham & Watkins LLP is ‘capable of providing first-class advice across a wide variety of product liability matters’. The firm has, however, undoubtedly gained most acclaim for its market-leading work in the tobacco sector, where it is appreciated for being ‘super knowledgeable about the law and the science’. In this context, it continues to represent Philip Morris in a raft of major domestic and international cases, including defending it in multiple individual smoking and health cases in Massachusetts. A ‘brilliant trial lawyer’ and a ‘master strategist‘, Boston-based Kenneth Parsigian is pivotal to the firm’s work for Philip Morris particularly in a domestic setting. ‘Highly adept at dealing with experts and technical subjects’, Washington DC-based Christine Rolph is also a vital member of the team and continues to excel in her role for Philip Morris in international litigation brought against the company. ‘A jack of all trades’, the ‘thoughtful and responsive’ Boston-based Gwyn Williams co-heads the overarching team alongside Parsigian, and as well as also assisting on tobacco-related work is noted for her expertise defending corporates in consumer class actions, where she is ‘excellent at co-ordinating a large team’. 

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 1

Forming a part of the firm’s overarching product liability, mass tort and consumer class action group, which is led from Boston by Gwyn Williams and Kenneth Parsigian, Latham & Watkins LLP‘s toxic tort offering is praised for its ‘very good handle on complex legal and technical issues’, as well as its ability ‘think very strategically’. The ‘practical-minded’ team also a enjoys a synergistic relationship with the broader environmental offering, enabling it to draw from highly specific substantive expertise, as well as lawyers benefiting from significant regulatory knowledge, of great relevance to the toxic torts which regularly arise in the sector. A member of the environmental group, New York-based Kegan Brown is ‘extremely motivated, driven and highly intelligent’, and is particularly adept at managing toxic tort matters proceeding on multiple fronts. Mary Rose Alexander  in Chicago regularly defends clients in multi-plaintiff actions in federal and state courts involving alleged exposure to chemicals, lead, metals and solvents.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP' ‘user-friendly‘ national litigation practice handles securities cases in state and federal courts across the US. Its key focus is representing underwriters, though it also acts for corporate issuers including Lyft, Virgin Galactic and Twitter. Andrew Clubok in Washington DC, Blair Connelly in New York and Matthew Rawlinson in Silicon Valley lead the practice. Rawlinson represented private equity firm Andreessen Horowitz in a class action alleging that defendants sold Internet Computer Project tokens as unregistered securities as defined by Section 2(a)(1) of the Securities Act. Jeff Hammel in New York is a prominent force in securities litigation and led the defense of Farfetch Ltd in a class action arising from its IPO, in which plaintiffs allege that the company went public based on the false narrative that Farfetch would see exponential organic growth. Colleen Smith in San Diego and emerging talent Jason Hegt in New York also play key roles in the practice.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Latham & Watkins LLP has an outstanding reputation in DCM, founded on an exceptional record in high-yield debt and a fast growing investment grade debt workload; in the 12-month research period the team advised on more than 75 investment grade deals valued at over $102bn. Although the firm has a bigger market share on the issuer side, it is a recognised force as underwriters’ counsel. Although the core of the team is located in New York, it benefits from the firm’s geographic spread across the US, including Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Century City, Chicago, Washington DC, Houston and Boston offices. The firm’s impressive client base features a sizeable number of big-name tech businesses. Marc Jaffe is managing partner of the New York office and a recognised authority in debt offerings. Global chair of the capital markets department Ian Schuman has an impressive mix of debt and equity engagements from issuers and underwriters. Gregory Rodgers has a rounded and extensive capital markets practice with a particularly strong record in the convertible debt field.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Latham & Watkins LLP could easily be regarded as the dominant firm in equity offerings given that its market share for  issuer and underwriter engagements routinely puts it amongst the top three firms in both categories. The firm has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of the capital markets field thanks to its effort to target buoyant sectors such as life sciences, tech, and the SPAC segment. It has also landed a series of engagements from foreign issuers seeking US offerings. Showcasing its ability to win the biggest deals in the market, the firm represented Airbnb on its headline $3.83bn IPO on Nasdaq. Global head of capital markets Ian Schuman  has an outstanding record in both equity and debt, as does New York managing partner Marc Jaffe. Gregory Rodgers  continues to be a leading figure in direct listings and Silicon Valley’s Richard Kline is at the forefront of tech sector offerings. Nathan Ajiashvili is widely acclaimed for his expertise in the life sciences segment.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Latham & Watkins LLP‘s extensive national and international presence, along with its traditions in capital markets, makes it a top firm in global offerings in both debt and equity. It represents an enviable list of issuers and underwriters. The firm is at the forefront of global offerings originating from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and has a particular niche in Israeli offerings. It represented Oatly Group, the Swedish food company, on its $1.65bn IPO on Nasdaq and advised ATAI Life Sciences, the German clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, on its $285m IPO on Nasdaq. The firm is also building its standing in Latin America, having made some important lateral hires to its Latin America team in recent times.  New York managing partner Marc Jaffe has lengthy track record in global IPOs and high-yield debt offerings, and global head of capital markets Ian Schuman is a market leader in international IPOs. Nathan Ajiashvili is another prominent name, especially in the life sciences sector. All are based in New York.  

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Latham & Watkins LLP is the leading firm across issuer and underwriter engagements in the high-yield debt field. It holds a major market share on both sides, advising on more than 168 high-yield debt deals with a total value of $118bn during the period of research. The firm’s global standing and extensive geographic presence brings it a wealth of engagements from non-US issuers along with domestic issuers; many of its US offices are involved in capital markets transactions, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley. On the underwriter side, the firm routinely represents bulge-bracket investment banks such as BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Securities and Morgan Stanley. Amongst its steady diet of deals, it is frequently involved in M&A and buyout-driven transactions, along with debt restructurings. New York managing partner Marc Jaffe and global head of capital markets Ian Schuman are highly rated capital markets practitioners with extensive experience in high-yield debt. Keith Halverstam  is vice-chair of the capital markets practice and has a major focus on high-yield, as does Senet Bischoff . Stelios Saffos  has become a big name in the market and Washington DC’s Rachel Sheridan is a pivotal figure in Washington DC. All named individuals are based in New York, unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Commercial lending

From its position at the upper end of the lender and borrower markets, Latham & Watkins LLP uses its ‘knowledgeable and super responsive attorneys’ to assist the biggest banks, private equity sponsors, direct lenders and corporate borrowers on syndicated loans, multi-tiered capital structures, and complex bank and bond covenant packages. In New York, Daniel Seale , who has developed strong relationships with premier banks such as Bank of America, JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, leads the global banking practice. Michèle Penzer is also based in New York, as is up-and-coming partner Alfred Xue, a specialist in cross-border transactions and acquisition financings. The private equity group is run from Washington, DC by Manu Gayatrinath , who advised The Carlyle Group on a ESG-linked credit facility valued at $4.1bn, demonstrating the group’s ability to assist with innovative and novel financial structures. There are also experienced names in other locations, with Greg Robins and Brandon R. Anderson  operating from Los Angles and Chicago respectively.

Finance > Project finance

Few firms come close to offering the breadth and expertise provided by Latham & Watkins LLP, which is able to maintain top-class lender and sponsor practice across the full spectrum of energy and infrastructure projects in the US and internationally. The group is frequently consulted to advise on cutting-edge and precedent setting projects, as can be seen by its recent work advising the lenders on the Vineyard Wind project, the first commercial-scale offshore wind project in the US.  Matthew Henegar  led the team in the transaction, supported by recently promoted partner Kelly Cataldo. Jeffrey Greenberg  leads the national practice and splits his time between New York and Los Angeles, while Gianluca Bacchiocchi and Guido Liniado  are go-to lawyers for projects in Latin America. Other names to note include veterans Jonathan Rod, who focuses on advising major lending banks, and Jason Webber, a February 2022 arrival from White & Case LLP. All partners are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP combines an extensive senior secured lending practice with a strong debtor-side practice, enabling it to oversee the full-spectrum of restructuring and bankruptcy matters. Notable work for the firm includes its representation of Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, where it oversaw negotiations for the settlement of governmental claims relating to the sale and marketing of prescription opioids. The sizeable team is led by a number of key senior names: George Davis is the global chair of the practice and operates from the New York office, while Jeff Bjork and Richard Levy are vice chairs, and operate from Los Angeles and Chicago respectively. They offer varied expertise encompassing industries such as hospitality, gaming, leisure, manufacturing, automotive, retail and print and film media. The firm welcomed counsel Ebba Gebisa in Chicago from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in early 2021. Personnel changes also includes the promotion of both LA's Helena Tseregounis and Chicago's Jason Gott to partner in January 2022.

Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 1

Providing coast-to-coast coverage and benefitting from a global network of offices, Latham & Watkins LLP advises clients on the entire spectrum of legal issues that arise in the renewable energy sector, cutting across offshore and onshore wind, utility and distributed solar power, energy storage and emerging electric power technologies. The ‘very commercially oriented and practical‘ team maintains a busy and varied workload, which features high-end M&A, secured lending, corporate finance and project development. Some of the most notable players in the sector turn to the team for assistance with complex and innovative deals in North America- recent examples include advising on the largest portfolio of battery storage assets financed to date and the world’s largest battery storage project. Based in Los Angeles, Jeffrey Greenberg serves as global chair of the firm’s project development and finance practice. He is widely recognised as a preeminent project finance lawyer, having advised on some of the most significant renewable deals in the market. Also on the West Coast, Omar Nazif  is based in San Diego and regularly receives engagements from banks, sponsors and developers in connection with all phases of the development and financing of wind, solar and energy storage projects. Vice-chair of the firm’s global energy and infrastructure industry department, Eli Katz  is primarily engaged in M&A and project finance transactions, with a particular focus on tax incentives for equity investors deploying capital to help fund renewables projects throughout the US. He sits in the New York office, where Matthew Henegar  is counsel of choice for numerous private equity sponsors, developers and financial institutions, and recently promoted Kelly Cataldo is a name to note for construction financing and investments in renewable projects across Latin America. The Houston office recently welcomed energy deal specialist Trina Chandler from Vinson & Elkins LLP.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 1

Active across the spectrum of power sector matters, Latham & Watkins LLP’s broad expertise covers conventional power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure, renewables, energy storage, nuclear power generation and evolving electric power technologies. The team specialises in finance, project finance, IPPs and M&A advice to conventional power players, as well as being particularly active in the private equity segment. New York-based Eli Katz leads a deep bench of experts, key names among them include: Christopher Cross in New York, who is an experienced corporate and finance lawyer in the energy industry; transactional expert David Kurzweil, who also works out of New York; and Lauren Anderson in Houston, whose strengths are private equity transactions, M&A and general corporate matters for energy and infrastructure industry clients. The group was further strengthened in 2021 by the arrival Houston-based Trina Chandler from Vinson & Elkins LLP; she is known for her M&A expertise across the power and renewables, energy transition, and infrastructure sectors.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 1

Representing clients from along the oil and gas value-chain, Latham & Watkins LLP advises on exploration and production matters, midstream infrastructure and LNG, and refining and petrochemicals. The firm has a strong reputation in upstream and midstream matters, but is also active in carbon capture and assisting traditional oil and gas clients transition to renewables. Practice head Justin Stolte is  global co-chair of the firm’s Energy & Infrastructure Group. The group also includes John M. Greer, who handles securities offerings, M&A, and general corporate and securities matters for public and private oil-and-gas companies; M&A and corporate-finance transactional specialist Ryan Maierson; Stephen Szalkowski, who focuses on domestic energy transactions; and corporate and M&A specialist Lauren Anderson who advises both private equity and strategic industry-players throughout the energy and infrastructure sectors. This impressive bench was further strengthened in 2021 by the arrivals of Trina Chandler and James Garrett from Vinson & Elkins LLP; the pair boost the  firm’s conventional power and M&A expertise, respectively. All named individuals are based in Houston.

Industry focus > Environment: litigation Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP fields one of the largest and most experienced cross-discipline teams in the country specialised in high-value and complex environmental litigation. The practice provides nationwide coverage to a number of leading corporations in the chemicals, energy, manufacturing, transport and defense sectors involved in high-stakes disputes encompassing climate change, air and water quality, toxic tort, energy and natural resources projects and enforcement issues. The group, which features numerous former senior US Government officials, is jointly led by James L. Arnone  in Los Angeles, Janice M. Schneider  in Washington DC, and Chicago-based Mary Rose Alexander , the latter of whom is a ‘top-notch’ attorney with a wealth of experience in multi-district class actions and precedent-setting cases. Also in Chicago, Robin M. Hulshizer ‘s expertise spans every major environmental statute, demonstrating particular strength in litigation involving toxic tort, Superfund sites, citizen suits and mobile emissions matters. Kegan Brown  is the name to note in New York; he has played a critical role in environmental cases involving the consumer products, chemicals, oil and gas, automotive and manufacturing industries.

Industry focus > Environment: regulatory Tier 1

The environmental regulatory practice at Latham & Watkins LLP ‘is unparalleled in its technical excellence, legal and policy sophistication‘. Testament to this is its presence in a lead role capacity on major environmental legal and regulatory matters that have shaped the market over the past four decades. The team is well-versed in the entire spectrum of regulatory matters, cutting across air and water quality, climate change, and energy and natural resources projects. Also featuring heavily on the team’s workload is the representation of clients before federal and state agencies on major enforcement actions and rulemakings. Jean-Philippe Brisson  in New York and Christopher Norton  in Orange County oversee the environmental, regulatory and transactional group, while the environment, land and resources department is co-chaired by James L. Arnone  in Los Angeles and Janice M. Schneider  in Washington DC. Schneider has more than 30 years’ experience in environmental law, advising on regulatory, litigation and project-related matters. Also in the DC office, Stacey L. VanBelleghem ‘s ‘sweeping skill set encompasses the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act, as well as FIFRA, RCRA and the CWA‘; she is singled out for her experience in climate change issues. Associate Devin O’Connor in DC has advised on environmental legal issues in the context of major project development and administrative rulemaking. Key contacts in New York include Kegan Brown  and Gary Gengel , both of whom undertake work in the environmental litigation and regulatory spaces.

Industry focus > Environment: transactional Tier 1

The sizeable environmental transactional team at Latham & Watkins LLP fields sector-specialist expertise in highly-regulated industries, and possesses a loyal following of blue-chip corporations and financial institutions engaged in high-value deals in an array of sectors, including chemicals, energy and manufacturing. High-end real estate and portfolio deals are other areas of activity for the team which is highly sought after by private equity players given its ability to provide sophisticated environmental law advice in the context of global transactions, ranging from M&A and corporate financing to capital markets, project finance and insurance transactions. The department, which is recognised for its thorough national coverage, is led by four practitioners: New York-based Jean-Philippe Brisson  and Christopher Norton  in Orange County oversee the regulatory and transactional group, while James L. Arnone  in Los Angeles and Janice M. Schneider  in Washington DC jointly head the environment, land and resources department. Brisson brings to the table a strong commercial and transactional background, standing out for his experience of private equity deals and climate change matters. Sitting in DC, James R. Barrett  is a leading figure in the market; he is a name to note for transactional mandates in the energy and oil and gas sectors. Based in Houston, Joel H. Mack  plays a key role in nearly every environmental transactional matter in the firm’s Texas office, demonstrating particular knowledge in the energy, chemical and mining industries. Joshua Marnitz is a contact in LA for environmental issues across the energy and infrastructure sectors. The firm recently strengthened its DC offering with the addition of Betty Huber to the team; she joined from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and brings longstanding transactional experience on ESG issues facing businesses and investors.

Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP is praised for its ‘unparalleled’ life sciences transactional capabilities, offering expertise on M&A and capital markets transactions across multiple jurisdictions. It has been heavily involved in the SPAC market, advising biotech, clinical research and therapy companies on over $20bn worth of combined listings, in addition to a strong IPO presence. On the regulatory front, the team is well known for its FDA practice, advising on drug approvals, clinical trials and exclusivity rights for producers. Most notably, the team has acted for Catalyst Pharmaceuticals to receive exclusivity rights for its ‘orphan drug’ Firdapse. Washington DC-based Elizabeth Richards, Ben Haas and John Manthei all offer regulatory expertise. Patent litigation is another expertise of the team, with DC-based Michael Morin and Adam Perlman, and New York-based Arlene Chow and Ernest Yakob key names to note. Manthei co-leads the team, alongside Silicon Valley-based transactional expert Judith Hasko and Chicago-based litigator Terra Reynolds. Silicon Valley-based Brian Cuneo is known for his advice to emerging companies and venture capital firms.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 1

At Latham & Watkins LLP, the sports team sits within the firm’s broad entertainment, sports and media practice group, which is well versed in the full spectrum of sports matters, including licensing and media rights agreements, structured finance transactions, acquisitions and employment disputes. Leveraging the firm’s international network, the group is also equipped to assist clients with cross-border issues, advising Facebook as it negotiates to become an official supplier to the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. Based in Los Angeles, Joe Calabrese and Adam Sullins lead the practice, with a breadth of expertise between them spanning the negotiation of complex licensing and distribution agreements, M&A and sponsorship transactions, and esports matters. Also recommended in Los Angeles is Kendall Johnson, an expert in the licensing, acquisition, financing and exploitation of broadcast and sponsorship rights. Supporting the team in New York is Frank Saviano, whose expertise spans team acquisitions and sales, strategic investment and joint ventures, and Justin Hamill, who focuses on high-value M&A and private equity transactions.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

The Silicon Valley-based Judith Hasko helms the practice at Latham & Watkins LLP. Regarded by clients as the firm's ‘ideal ambassador’, Hasko is widely recognized for her prowess in negotiating, structuring and executing strategic licensing alliances, joint ventures and other technology and intellectual property-based transactions for life sciences companies. The workload showcases a particular strength in matters related to pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, gene therapy, diagnostics, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and agricultural products. The practice also offers significant experience in technology-related matters; a strong national footprint across the West and East coast; as well as a wide global presence.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP‘s patent litigation practice comprises a stellar group of litigators lawyers with significant expertise in high-stakes pharmaceutical and life sciences cases, as well as in disputes from the automotive, technology, and electronics sectors. A regular choice for top-notch names such as Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Jaguar Land Rover Limited, or LG, the team also has an excellent reputation for taking over cases at advanced stages. The group covers all major US patent venues, including district courts, the ITC, and the PTAB.  David Callahan, based in the Chicago office; the New York-based Tony Sammi, who joined in September 2021 from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Jennifer Barry (San Diego); Washington DC-based partners Maximilian Grant, Michael Morin, Gabriel Bell, and Matthew Moore; Gregory Sobolski in San Francisco; and Douglas Lumish, who operates from Silicon Valley, are the key names. Recent work highlights include representing AbbVie against Alvotech, who is seeking FDA approval of a biosimilar version of AbbVie’s drug HUMIRA®.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 1

Well established as one of the strongest ITC practices in the country, Latham & Watkins LLP‘s ‘top notch team’ counts talented and respected practitioners such as Washington DC’s Bert Reiser and Jamie Underwood, both praised for being ‘exceptionally knowledgeable’, among its ranks. The practice has scored wins for notable clients from a variety of sectors, including the technology and automotive sectors. The team is also well regarded for its solid capabilities handling proceeding before US Customs and Border Protection, including inter partes arrangements.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP‘s sizeable team is regularly engaged by a number of the world’s biggest companies, who turn to the practice for representation in high-stakes trade secret disputes. Recent highlights for the Bay Area-based Douglas Lumish include big-ticket litigations on behalf of clients in the tech, consumer goods, and automotive sectors. Based in Chicago, global practice chair David Callahan regularly works with high-profile clients who operate across a diverse array of sectors, including semiconductors, consumer goods, and telecoms. The San Diego-based Jennifer Barry is noted for her internet law expertise, while the Bay Area-based first-chair trial lawyer Jeffrey Homrig handles consequential trade secrets disputes for some of the leading tech companies in the market. In Chicago, the Supreme Court-admitted Matthew Walch possesses extensive experience litigating intellectual property and unfair competition cases, both through dispositive motion practice and at trial. Tony Sammi, who joined the New York office from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in August 2021, is noted for his broad sector focus, spanning engineering, healthcare, software, and manufacturing.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP counts public and private companies, financial institutions and private equity firms among its key list of clients. The bicoastal team has demonstrable capability in handling the employee benefits and executive compensations aspects of high-profile M&A, as well as IPOs. In the firm’s New York office, Bradd Williamson leads the team and frequently advises on equity and incentive compensation plans, while Los Angeles-based Laurence Seymour handles deferred compensation and golden parachute issues. ‘Top-notch executive compensation attorney’ James Metz, who operates from the Silicon Valley office, advised Airbnb in its $3.4bn IPO, and New York-based Austin Ozawa regularly acts for private equity funds, including Odyssey Investment Partners and Leonard Green & Partners. In Los Angeles, Michelle Carpenter advises on executive compensation arrangements and Washington DC-based David Della Rocca is another key member of the team.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 1

‘One of the largest practices in the multi-billion transaction market’, Latham & Watkins LLP is a go-to for deals of international significance. Key distinguishers for the practice include its fortitude for SPAC and de-SPAC transactions, as well as its ability to call upon the firm’s reputed antitrust and capital markets departments when required. San Francisco-based Luke Bergstrom fronts the practice which has noted a considerable uptick in its activity in the technology, healthcare and life sciences sectors throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and is likewise active in the media and entertainment, hospitality and real estate sectors, among others. In New York, Charles Ruck is a star name for public company mergers, tender offers, divestitures and strategic acquisitions, while in Silicon Valley, Tad Freese caters to numerous technology players on M&A, IPO, corporate governance and public company disclosure affairs. The team was strengthened in early 2022 with the hire of Teri O’Brien from Paul Hastings LLP, where she was co-chair of the securities and capital markets practice group.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP offers a strong international service to private equity clients, including a deep and experienced bench of lawyers across key commercial centres such as California, New York, Washington DC, Houston, and Boston, as well as working in close collaboration with its global offices on cross-border (both inbound and outbound) investments. The team handles bulge-bracket and middle-market transactions, including buyouts, take-privates, and minority investments, life-cycle investment support for portfolio companies, and also advises on complex arrangements such as cross-border carve outs and SPAC transactions, both acquisitions and take-publics. The team is led from Washington DC by global PE head Paul Sheridan, who focuses on major buyouts, primarily cross-border, and leads the firm’s relationship with Onex, among other clients, while corporate head Daniel Lennon in DC and the highly experienced Howard Sobel are also key senior names in the team, with notable client relationships including Carlyle and Leonard Green. David Allinson  continued his impressive work in the energy sector, advising Arclight Capital Partners on the $1.9bn acquisition of a fossil generation portfolio, while Justin Hamill advised key client KKR on its $1.1bn acquisition of KMR Music Royalties from Kobalt. Alexandra Kelly  remains highly active, and Boston’s Kristen Grannis is noted for her middle-market expertise, particularly her work on late-stage pre-IPO ‘unicorn’ investments. Lawyers are in New York unless otherwise stated.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Shareholder activism Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP's ‘incredibly talented and dedicated’ team has a strong track record advising public company boards and management teams on takeover planning and defence. The firm advises clients on prevention strategies against activist campaigns and vulnerability analysis, as well as the execution of their defense plans.  Former M&A group chair Mark Gerstein leads the activism task force out of the Chicago office and has achieved notable success in defeating active proxy solicitations and negotiating workable settlement arrangements. In Chicago, Chris Drewry's public company clients range in scope from Fortune 100 corporates to small-cap companies. Josh Dubofsky's recent work included defending QEP Resources against Glazer Capital's attack on the client's acquisition of Diamondback. He splits his time between New York and Silicon Valley.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP combines a domestic and international presence to provide clients with an almost unrivalled spread of expertise. This includes advice at every stage of the investment journey, from early stage startups through to SPAC combinations, M&A and IPOs. The US practice expanded with the opening of a new office in Austin, which included the recruitment from DLA Piper LLP (US) of highly rated partner Jenifer Renzenbrink Smith, who has strong connections to the local venture capital and emerging companies market. The group maintained good momentum for 2021, advising on over 420 financings with an aggregate value of more than $33.6bn. This included advice to Joby Aviation, a manufacturer of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, on a $75m investment by Uber Technologies and a subsequent $5bn SPAC combination with Reinvent Technology Partners. Benjamin Potter and John Chory (‘the best in the business‘) jointly lead the practice from Silicon Valley and Boston respectively. Boston-based Emily Taylor is ‘an absolute rockstar‘; meanwhile Mark Roeder in Silicon Valley, Cheston Larson in San Diego and Christopher Shoff in Los Angeles are all key figures within the team.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP receives high praise for its media, technology and telecoms practice. The team is known for assisting high profile tech companies including Facebook in non-US regulatory investigations and related disputes, Accellion in several class action lawsuits, and Zynga, Inc. in a significant data breach. Based in San Francisco, Michael Rubin heads up the team and stands out for his assistance of global technology companies in data crises matters. In Washington DC, Jennifer Archie is an expert defending clients in Federal Trade Commission, Department of Health and Human Services, and state attorney general investigations. Serrin Turner in New York is also an experienced trial lawyer. Antony Kim in Washington DC is ‘very knowledgeable in the area of cyber law, and is able to apply that knowledge to get clients to quick decision points.’ EU and US-qualified Robert Blamires in San Francisco has significant cross-border experience. Also in DC, Marissa Boynton was promoted to partner in mid-2022.

Media, technology and telecoms > Fintech Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP is praised for its ‘incredibly deep bench of financial regulatory expertise that positions it at the top of the market for fintech legal counsel‘. The firm represents clients from across the industry, including major financial institutions, established technology companies and startups, investment funds, and industry trade organizations. The diverse clientbase is matched by its wide-ranging advice, including capital markets, broker-dealer arrangements, financial regulatory, data protection, M&A and technology joint ventures. The firm also has a significant presence in the cryptocurrency space, as demonstrated by its role on the Coinbase IPO, and advice to clients including Celsius Networks and Cipher Mining Technologies. The firm’s global reach is also noted, ‘with London and Hong Kong being highlights of their international fintech practice‘. Key partners include global co-chair Todd Beauchamp, and, also in Washington, DC, Mitchell Rabinowitz and Jenny Cieplak. New York partners Yvette Valdez and Stephen Wink, and Silicon Valley-based global technology chair Benjamin Potter are ‘stand outs‘ who are ‘willing to work to yes, rather than stopping at no‘.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 1

Based in California with an international reach, the team at Latham & Watkins LLP consists of heavy-hitting practitioners covering the whole media and entertainment industry as evidenced by the team’s representation of Spotify against the Copyright Royalty Board in the appellate court’s vacation of the Board’s decision to increase royalty rates. Trial and appellate litigator Marvin S. Putnam leads the firm’s practice, dividing his time between Century City and Los Angeles, and additionally advises on pre-publication reviews as well as internal investigations. His Century City based colleague Jessica Stebbins Bina is an expert trial lawyer with a complementary reputation management practice, currently leading the team in its representation of Pandora Media in a class action against members of the rock band ‘The Turtles’. Also from the Century City office, Laura Washington often works alongside Putnam, recently in the representation of Miramax in cases arising out the Weinstein-related litigation, and represents her clients in complex corporate matters. Another Century City practitioner and specialist in restricting his clients exposure to litigation, Robert Ellison further handles internal investigations and cases with a high media profile, such as the firm’s work for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 1

A powerhouse at the heart of the media & entertainment industry in Los Angeles, the team at Latham & Watkins LLP advises independent production companies, major motion picture studios, and new media companies on industry-shaping deals. Practice head Joe Calabrese is renowned for his expertise in the field and guides entertainment and media companies through their creation, operation, and financing such as Illumination Entertainment which he advises on its relationships with Illumination Mac Guff and NBC/Universal. Ken Deutsch is a first choice expert on joint ventures and capitalizing new content production and financing entities. He led the team in representation of Hammerstone, LLC in the creation of a gaming investment fund and co-financing for a ‘Black 5’ video game with Rogue Games and Columbia Pictures. Alongside Deutsch in this matter was Kendall Johnson, who is sought after for her expertise in cross-over matters of entertainment and sports. On the corporate side of the practice, Nancy A. Bruington  is a specialist in the financing of media & entertainment. In New York, Justin Hammill focuses his expertise on high-value M&A and private equity deals. The team has recently further bolstered its strength in this particular area with the hire in July 2021 of counsel Jing Cao  from O’Melveny & Myers LLP, an expert in debt financing in the entertainment space. Robert D. Haymer has retired from the practice.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP has a hugely experienced team that is praised for bringing 'a deep bench of expertise and market knowledge to each transaction, along with a pragmatic approach to reaching the best outcome'. The scale of the practice and the firm's global reach ensures complete coverage across a range of transaction types, including cross-border IP diligence and monetization deals, M&A support, outsourcing and strategic collaborations. The practice saw activity across an equally wide selection of industries including aviation, agtech, robotics, fintech, digital and social media, and AI. The firm's work in the semiconductor space was particularly notable, including advising Nvidia on its proposed $40 billion acquisition of Arm, which was ultimately abandoned for competition reasons, and assisting Advanced Micro Devices on its $35 billion takeover of Xilinx. The team also advised Beyond Meat on its PLANeT Partnership joint venture with PepsicCo, including support on commercial IP and operational matters. Key partners include Boston-based global vice-chair Sarah Gagan, and in Silicon Valley, Anthony Klein who is 'nothing short of amazing'. Los Angeles partners Alex Voxman  ('responsive, professional, thoughtful and knowledgeable') and the 'extremely knowledgeable' Ghaith Mahmood  come highly recommended. JD Marple   (Silicon Valley) and Jeremiah Wolsk (Washington DC) are also noted for their outsourcing work.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 1

Based in Washington DC, the team at Latham & Watkins LLP covers the whole telecoms and broadcast industry, providing counsel on complementary fields such as copyright, privacy, and data security and litigate client matters before courts of all instances and the FCC. A regulatory specialist, practice co-head Matthew Brill also handles transactions and litigation for his clients such as his representation of Viasat in an FCC proceeding seeking authorization for a new low-earth-orbit system. James Barker co-heads the practice alongside Brill, counselling companies on administrative regulation pertaining to current and emerging wireless communications technologies. Matthew Murchison is an expert on communications and appellate matters and currently leads the team in providing comprehensive counsel to Viasat, Inc. on a variety of issues. In an example of cross-sector work, Sarang (Sy) Damle is an expert in copyright law who represents in regulatory matters such as the National Association of Broadcasters in ‘Webcasting V’. Elizabeth R. Park  is a specialist in communications, information technology, and media companies where she represents clients before the FCC and guides them in implementing related policies. The firm recently strengthened its expertise in complementary areas of law with the hire of Antony Kim, a specialist in privacy and cybersecurity, from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in June 2021.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactions Tier 1

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 1

The considerable land use and zoning offering at Latham & Watkins LLP has significant presences on either coast, with strong teams in Los Angeles, San Diego and Washington DC. Attorneys have local expertise and experience, while frequently forming multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary teams to assist clients through the duration of complex real estate projects across the country. A major strength of the practice is at the intersection of land use and zoning and environmental law, James Arnone in Los Angeles and Janice Schneider in Washington DC are key names in that respect. They coordinate the group with co-chairs of the firm’s project siting and approvals group, LA-based Stacey VanBelleghem and Duncan Moore in DC. George Mihlsten‘s vast experience in securing regulatory approvals for large-scale developments and guiding large teams on innovative resource-heavy projects stands him out as one of the leading names in the Californian market, while Lucinda Starrett is a top attorney for entitlement work in the region; both are based in LA. Tommy Beaudreau left in June 2021 after being sworn in as Deputy Secretary for the Department of the Interior, and Christopher Garrett  retired in November 2020.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 1

Highlighted as ‘second to none’, Latham & Watkins LLP has a long-standing record operating in the space and is noted for its deep expertise in complex financing transactions across real estate law, ranging from structuring REITs to securities offerings. Jointly led from Los Angeles by Julian Kleindorfer who advises on equity and debt offerings, and REIT tax specialist Ana O’Brien , the group has extensive event experience across capital markets and large-scale M&A. Lewis Kneib holds several leading investment banks as key clients and focuses on securities, whilst William Cernius  in California is the name for corporate transactions. Other contacts include Los Angeles based Brent Epstein who advises REITs on public offerings.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP represents clients on US and cross-border corporate tax disputes, fraud allegations, and US federal and SALT tax controversies. In Washington DC, practice leader Miriam Fisher is a highly regarded tax litigator, representing multinationals and high-net-worth individuals in federal and state tax controversy matters, ranging from high-value tax claims to allegations of fraud. She works alongside Jean Pawlow, noted for representing major American companies in federal trial and appellate courts, as well as alternative dispute resolution involving transfer pricing, foreign tax credits, and research credits. In Boston, Brian C. McManus specializes in cross-border and offshore tax disputes and litigation, as well as criminal tax charges on behalf of multinationals, financial institutions, and Fortune 500 companies. Tax controversy counsel Andrew Strelka rejoined from the Office of the White House in September 2021; tax accounting dispute counsel Joshua Wu rejoined in March 2021 from the US Department of Justice, Tax Division.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Widely regarded for its formidable transactional tax focus, Latham & Watkins LLP underscores its reputation with steady stream of big-ticket instructions for some of the largest corporates and financial institutions on the planet. The team routinely works on multi-billion dollar transactions, IPOs, and restructuring proceedings for high-profile clients from the worlds of tech, consumer goods, aviation, and life sciences. Chicago-based transactional tax chair Joseph M. Kronsnoble handles the full spectrum of tax matters, and is particularly renowned for his expertise in bankruptcy reorganizations and debt restructurings. New York-based global tax chair Jiyeon Lee-Lim is most active in matters pertaining to financial products, capital markets transactions, securitization transactions, and cross-border tax planning, with recent highlights including the NASDAQ listing of cryptocurrency platform Coinbase Global Inc. Also in New York, Lisa Watts regularly works with  private equity firms, publicly-traded companies, and REITs on a host of corporate and partnership taxation issues. On the west coast, San Francisco-based Grace Lee is a key contact for US federal income tax matters, while the Los Angeles-based Samuel Weiner is regularly sought out for his deep expertise in loss preservation and cancellation of debt. San Francisco-based Kirt Switzer is recommended for his expertise in bankruptcy and insolvency restructurings, while Pardis Zomordi – who splits her time between LA and Century City – regularly advises REITs on a broad spectrum of transactional matters. The DC-based Andrea Ramezan-Jackson is also recommended.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP has a varied financial services litigation practice, encompassing securities disputes, allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and market manipulation, and investigations by regulators including the SEC and CFTC as well as the DOJ. The team’s securities litigation work includes handling securities fraud claims related to IPOs and direct listings as well as RMBS litigation. In the antitrust space, the practice acts in claims of rate and market manipulation; in one prominent case, the team is representing the Saudi National Bank in litigation alleging that the bank attempted to manipulate the Qatari Riyal as a part of ongoing diplomatic tensions between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The team is led by Andrew Clubok, who works across the firm’s New York and Washington DC office, and Douglas Yatter and Joseph Serino, who are both based in New York. Clubok leads on securities litigation, with long-standing expertise in the space, while Yatter focuses on derivatives regulation and previously worked as an trial attorney at the CFTC. Serino is a highly experienced trial lawyer with expertise across corporate and commercial litigation. Richard Owens is also based in New York and is recognized for his work in investigations and white-collar crime prosecutions.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP's nationwide practice is regularly involved in significant litigation cases, including consumer class actions, breach of contract disputes and mass torts. The practice acts for plaintiffs and defendants from a variety of industries. It recently successfully represented AMD, Facebook, and NortonLifeLock, among others, in some of the first shareholder derivative suits to allege breach of fiduciary duty relating to board diversity efforts. Sean Berkowitz  in Chicago is also well versed in criminal and civil matters. Berkowitz, Elizabeth Deeley (San Francisco) and Eric Leon (New York) chair the Complex Commercial Litigation practice. The Century City-based Laura Washington has know-how in the entertainment and media sector, and James Brandt in New York is noted for representing PG&E in high-profile shareholder litigation relating to the Northern California wildfires.

International Trade > International trade Tier 2

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

The ‘forward thinkers‘ at Latham & Watkins LLP have a practice that spans the gamut of over-the-counter derivatives and exchange-traded derivative products, with expertise in transactions as well as the regulatory and enforcement aspects of this work. Margin finance is another core specialism, and equity-linked products are another line where the team stands out. Based across London and New York and co-chairing the firm’s global financial institutions group, Witold Balaban is a vastly experienced figure in the New York-based department, which is now led by Rafal Gawlowski. Yvette Valdez, who is developing an impressive cryptocurrency-related practice. and Douglas Yatter, who is the name to note for regulatory and enforcement issues, co-chair the firm’s commodities and derivatives regulation and enforcement practice. Courtenay Myers Lima is an expert in structured products, capital markets, fintech developments and bank and broker-dealer regulatory matters, while Catherine Lee is noted for equity-linked deals.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP advises all market participants in a variety of transactions involving commercial and esoteric assets, including aircraft leases, cell and broadcast towers, rental car fleets and whole-business securitizations. The group is also well-versed in more traditional securitizations, such as CLOs, cash and synthetic securities and those involving trade receivables. The key name in the US is global vice-chair Loren Finegold , who is based in New York, as is former global co-chair Kevin Fingeret , whose focus is esoteric and operating assets. In Los Angeles, Vicki Marmorstein  has broad expertise including pertaining to CLOs. Chicago’s Ellen L. Marks  is an expert in credit card securitizations.

Industry focus > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP's energy regulatory practice is considered by clients to be the ‘top FERC regulatory firm’, with experience in administrative litigation before the commission. The group is also adept at handling structured marketing and trading transactions, the acquisition and sale of generation and transmission facilities, and advises on general compliance and enforcement issues. The team represents the full range of power industry clients, from leading utilities and transmission owners to developers, lenders and underwriters. Practice head David Schwartz and Natasha Gianvecchio are ‘top of their class regulatory attorneys’; Schwartz is known for being active in the formation of electricity markets in the US while Gianvecchio focuses on regulatory and energy market developments affecting the domestic energy industry. Tyler Brown is the go-to figure for matters involving energy storage and natural gas and oil transportation. All lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Industry focus > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 2

The oil and gas team at Latham & Watkins LLP is praised for its ‘consistent excellence’.  The group handles the full spectrum of commercial and regulatory issues, with experience handling controversy and policy matters before federal and state regulatory agencies. Its broad client base includes companies involved in LNG, the transportation and storage of natural gas, electric transmission and generation, among other areas. Eugene Elrod is the key contact, with over 40 years' experience representing oil and gas industry clients. Other names to note include Tyler Brown and Patrick Nevins, who handles major infrastructure projects, administrative litigation and transactions and financings. David Schwartz is chair of the energy regulatory and markets practice.

Industry focus > Healthcare: service providers Tier 2

Equally capable of providing advice on transactional, regulatory and litigation matters, Latham & Watkins LLP acts on behalf of providers ranging from large health systems to more specialist providers. Digital health has been a major area of growth for the team, with clients including Headspace, Inovalon and Preventice Solutions tapping the team for transactions. The team, in particular Washington DC-based Stuart Kurlander and Eric Greig, advises a number of private equity firms on their digital and traditional healthcare acquisitions. San Diego-based Katherine Lauer acts in fraud cases, while Chicago-based Terra Reynolds and San-Diego based Jason Ohta act on white-collar crimes. Los Angeles' Daniel Settelmayer is a key name for matters involving managed care organizations. John Manthei and Judith Hasko co-lead the group.

Industry focus > Insurance: advice to policyholders Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP represents policyholders in litigation, arbitration, mediations and negotiations, helping policyholders recover insurance proceeds and impacting the legal landscape at the state supreme court level. Practice head David A. Barrett  in Washington DC is active for some of its most high-profile clients and is praised as a ‘top tier insurance coverage recovery partner‘. In the San Diego office, Brook Roberts  is known for his work on cutting-edge insurance disputes in California while Drew Gardiner, who has a focus on D&O liability, and John Wilson , ‘an exceptional advocate who is very good on his feet‘, are also notable. Trial attorney Kirsten Jackson joined the firm from Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP in June 2021.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 2

At Latham & Watkins LLP, the group’s extensive knowledge of the infrastructure, energy and power, and middle-market buyout spaces ensures that the department is instructed by a substantial and ever-growing roster of some of the most active private equity firms in those areas. The team is also developing tremendous debt fund expertise, and is increasingly involved with credit and senior lending opportunities, alongside its stalwarts of real estate and alternative assets. Andrea Schwartzman, who acts as the global chair of the firm’s investment funds practice, oversees matters from the New York office; other core contacts at this location include Kathleen Walsh, Edward Nelson, and new arrival William Brashares (who joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in July 2021). The San Francisco office is another one which welcomed a partner recently, with Javad Mostofizadeh arriving from Gunderson Dettmer LLP in August 2021. Over in Washington DC, Barton Clark remains the key name to note.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP‘s excellent reputation in the corporate governance sphere is reflected by the fact that its team acts for more than 400 public companies on high-risk and reputationally-sensitive matters. The practice is led by Ian Schuman, Keith Halverstam and Jenna Cooper, all of whom are based in New York. Under their leadership, the team advises clients on shareholder activism, control contests, audit and compensation committee matters and tax governance, among many other areas. It particularly distinguishes itself in SEC matters involving complex disclosure and compliance issues. Also notable is that the firm has launched a taskforce that focuses on handling ESG issues for clients. Recently promoted partner Julia Thompson, who is based in Washington DC, is another name to note at the firm.

Real estate Tier 2

Collectively lead by Gary E. Axelrod  in Chicago, Michelle Kelban , Michael Haas, both in New York, and Julian Kleindorfer in Los Angeles, Latham & Watkins LLP‘ US-wide real estate practice leverages its multi-faceted capabilities in M&A, finance, REITs, and representation of developers and high-end owners. In a landmark transaction, Chicago’s Rachel Bates advised a major hotel chain in the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group, a leading luxury resort-management services, travel and hospitality group, from affiliates of each of KKR and KSL Capital Partners, LLC for $2.7bn. Axelrod and Meghan Cocci in Los Angeles are noted for their expertise within the hospitality sector, while New York based Justin Elliott, who joined in early 2021 from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, is sought after by funds and REITs on their largest transactions. Associate Mark Semotiuk is another integral figure in the New York practice.

International Trade > International trade Tier 2

Fielding a 'well-rounded team of diverse experience and expertise', Latham & Watkins LLP's international trade practice is particularly noted for providing 'excellent counsel on matters related to US sanctions and export controls'. The group is also well-equipped to advise its portfolio of corporate, financial, private equity and non-profit clients on CFIUS and national security matters. Department co-chair Les P. Carnegie ('very well-connected with US government personnel') is one of the most high-profile figures in the market for sanctions, export controls and national security issues; he is particularly well versed in matters relating to aerospace & defense, life sciences, energy, financial institutions and humanitarian organizations. Eric S. Volkman, who co-leads the economic sanctions, export controls and customs practice together with Carnegie, specializes in representing clients in internal corporate investigations and white-collar criminal matters, with an emphasis on trade and economic sanctions and anti-money laundering. Damara Chambers, who recently joined from Vinson & Elkins LLP to co-head the CFIUS & US national security practice alongside Carnegie, advises foreign and domestic clients on US national security issues. The Washington DC-based group also benefits from a talented band of younger lawyers including counsel Andrew Galdes ('willing to consider new points of view'), associate Zach Eddington ('becoming a key leader') and Allison Hugi ('a superb associate'). Steven Croley left to become General Counsel at Ford.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 3

Andrew Clubok – Latham & Watkins LLP. Based in New York and Washington DC, Andrew Clubok is experienced in trial, appellate, and administrative litigation in such sectors as financial services, automotive, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. Clubock has gained a wealth of experience in complex shareholder litigation, representing clients such as Meta Platforms (formerly known as Facebook), Peloton, Twitter, Lyft and high-profile directors and officers, among which is Mark Zuckerberg. Notably in 2021, Clubock led the team to securing a complete victory for Riverstone Holdings LLC and two of its subsidiaries in a shareholder derivative suit and putative class action filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 3

The financial services regulation practice at Latham & Watkins LLP has a varied client base including prominent banks, broker-dealers, and growing companies in the cryptocurrency space. The team is frequently engaged on M&A and IPOs involving financial services companies, where it provides advice on compliance with the Bank Holding Company Act, the Volcker Rule and FINRA rules. Following the retirement of Dana Fleischman in June 2021, the team is now jointly led by Alan Avery, Stephen Wink, and Yvette Valdez. Wink is noted for his broad practice, with particular specialisms in broker-dealer and fintech regulation, while Avery focuses on advising banks on regulatory compliance at the state and federal level. Valdez leads the team’s commodities and derivatives work, advising dealers on compliance with CFTC regulation. Counsel Pia Naib is another name to note with a practice encompassing corporate and commercial transactions as well as anti-money laundering regulation. Broker-dealer specialist Marlon Paz joined the firm in December 2021 from Mayer Brown. All named lawyers are based in New York with the exception of Paz, who works across both the New York and Washington DC offices.

Government > Government contracts Tier 3

David R. Hazelton heads up Latham & Watkins LLP’s government contracts practice, a comprehensive offering favored by defense contractors, telecommunication companies, and healthcare industry clients. Contract disputes, compliance counselling, fraud investigations defense, and False Claims Act suits are all within the purview of the practice. Recent highlights for the group include involvement in several high-stakes bid protests, including acting for Microsoft in the ongoing bid protest for the Department of Defense’s award of the JEDI contract. Anne W. Robinson is notable in the team, with particular expertise in FCA allegations for both individual clients and corporations. Counsels Dean Baxtresser and Kyle R. Jefcoat are also key contacts in the team, both adept in contract compliance, bid protests, government and internal investigations, and FCA suits. All practitioners mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Industry focus > Healthcare: health insurers Tier 3

Latham & Watkins LLP provides a combination of high value transactional and complex litigation services to its clients. For transactions, the team is equally skilled with capital markets work, where it acted as counsel to Oscar Health in its $1.5bn IPO, and M&A, where it counselled AON on its proposed merger with Willis Towers Watson. In litigation, Boston-based Gwyn Williams and David Tolley are acting for UnitedHealth Group in a series of out-of-network underpayment claims in Arizona. Washington DC-based Daniel Meron brings expertise in False Claims Act cases, and Los Angeles-based Daniel Settelmayer offers regulatory and transactional advice to his clients. The overall healthcare group is led by John Manthei and Judith Hasko, based in DC and Silicon Valley respectively.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

With ‘significant experience handling music copyright and platform liability matters’, Latham & Watkins LLP safeguards the copyrights of household names including Spotify and Live Nation, involved in high-stakes litigation. The practice is headed in San Francisco by copyright litigation group leader Andrew Gass, a music rights authority who represents tech companies in high-value federal cases concerning the use of ‘pre-1972’ sound recordings; Joe Wetzel, who assists streaming companies, radio groups and digital media stores with royalties and licensing matters; Washington DC-based Sy Damle, who brings a combined background as a software engineer former General Counsel and Associate Register at the US Copyright Office, and Allison Levine Stillman, who brings expertise to Digital Millennium Copyright Act litigation in New York.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3

The team at Latham & Watkins LLP pairs the bench strength of its nationwide practice with that of its global network to represent clients in high-value multi-jurisdictional trademark disputes. The group is led in San Diego by Jennifer Barry, a high stakes-litigation specialist acting for rights holders in tech and beauty, David Callahan in Chicago, a veteran trial lawyer assisting medical device, telecoms, and automotive clients, Tony Sammi in New York, an electrical engineering and physics expert who joined from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in August 2021, and Jeff Homrig in Silicon Valley, who manages players in tech and life sciences. Orange County's Perry Viscounty recently obtained a settlement for Time Magazine’s publisher in an infringement suit filed by The New York Times.

Tax > International tax Tier 3

Industry focus > Insurance: non-contentious

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing