Mayer Brown > Los Angeles, United States > Firm Profile

Mayer Brown > The Legal 500 Rankings

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

During the past year, Mayer Brown‘s thriving national appellate practice handled over 50 cases before federal and state appellate courts across the country. The group was also involved in numerous SCOTUS cases, including serving as amicus counsel in six significant matters. The practice is recognized for its ability to represent clients at all stages of litigation, routinely acting alongside the firm’s trial lawyers — or litigators from peer firms — to handle cases from original trial through to appeal. Among its other distinguishing factors, the team stands out for its impressive record in privacy, technology and financial services-related issues, in line with its firm-wide strengths. In Washington DC, Andrew Pincus is highly regarded for his experience in precedent-setting matters, with broad expertise spanning IP, privacy, consumer protection and financial services, among other areas. Pincus recently teamed up with the IP practice to successfully represent Spotify in the appeal of a 2018 decision by the Copyright Royalty Board that set the rates which streaming services pay to composers of musical works. Nicole Saharsky is another key partner in Washington DC and led the firm’s high-profile representation of players of the US Women’s soccer team in their appeal of an adverse summary judgment ruling on pay equity. In New York, Lauren Goldman is noted for her impressive record in class actions, with an emphasis on data privacy and product liability-related cases. Other seasoned specialists include former Illinois Solicitor General Michael Scodro, based in Chicago, and Washington DC-based Evan Tager, who is recommended for his premier expertise in punitive damages cases.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 1

Lawyers at Mayer Brown are commended by clients for ‘top notch talent in structured notes and derivatives‘, with a practice that covers transactional, regulatory and contentious work, coordinating closely with its London office On the transactional front, the firm fields a broad offering, leveraging expertise in equity, credit, interest rates and exchange rates. In New York, Anna Pinedo is an expert in structured notes and other hybrid and structured products. Chicago’s Matthew Kluchenek handles a broad range of regulatory, transactional and enforcement issues, with substantial experience in representing clients in investigations and enforcement actions by federal authorities. In Palo Alto, Remmelt Reigersman is handles the tax aspects of financial product transactions, while New York’s Curtis Doty focuses on over-the-counter derivatives, bringing to bear expertise in commercial and insolvency law. Promoted to partner in January 2022, Marla Matusic in New York is building a solid practice involving the structuring and trading of complex derivatives and structured financial products.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 1

Mayer Brown ‘s structured finance team is praised by clients for its ‘incredible depth and breadth of knowledge‘ under the leadership of Chicago’s Julie Gillespie , who is a leader in the credit card securitization space, and Ger O’Donnell, who specializes in warehouse financings, asset purchases and 144A placements. Also in Chicago, Stuart Litwin  receives plaudits as a leader in auto ABS, former practice head Jon Van Gorp is well-known for RMBS transactions and Angela Ulum is a leader in the field of auto and equipment loans. In Charlotte, Carol Hitselberger  has experience across a variety of loan securitizations. New York’s Paul Jorissen  has a strong practice in the residential mortgage market. Ryan Suda is an expert in CLOs.

Media, technology and telecoms > Fintech Tier 1

Mayer Brown has a market-leading fintech practice that covers all the bases. The firm’s enviable client list, particularly among major payment processors and credit card companies, including Square, PayPal and American Express, is demonstrative of the firm’s standing. This extends beyond US borders, with clients, including major investors such as Goldman Sachs, receiving strong support in Europe and Asia. Assistance with product launches and partnership agreements feature prominently on the team’s agenda, with clients benefiting from a comprehensive range of expertise, from financial services regulatory and enforcement, through to outsourcing and technology transactions, payments, lending, capital markets, M&A, venture capital and cybersecurity. The fintech leadership team also reflects the group’s multidisciplinary strengths, with regulatory partners David Beam and Steve Kaplan in Washington DC jointly heading the practice with Chicago-based outsourcing partner Brad Peterson. Other key individuals include New York finance partner Amanda Baker and Palo Alto-based Rohith George, who is especially experienced in business service agreements and related licensing matters.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 1

Mayer Brown acts for companies from sectors including healthcare, financial services and manufacturing in the negotiation of complex outsourcing agreements. The team’s work includes traditional outsourcing deals involving the outsourcing of processes such as call centers, finance and accounting as well as cutting-edge matters such as software-as-a-service deals. The practice’s ability to handle complex transactions is demonstrated by its work for The Dow Chemical Company in negotiating outsourcing agreements following Dow’s carve-out divestiture of several parts of its business. In addition to acting on the customer side of deals, the practice also counts prominent providers of outsourcing services amongst its clients. Brad Peterson leads the Chicago-based team and has a focus on transactions with a strong technological element. Rebecca Eisner is another key figure and has a strong record in the outsourcing space. Marina Aronchik leads the team’s work for the Dow Chemical Company and is noted for her experience acting for chemical companies, while Joe Pennell handles outsourcing transactions for financial services and insurance clients.

Tax > Financial products Tier 1

With ‘an excellent, top notch practice‘, Mayer Brown‘s team, co-led in the US by Chicago’s James Barry and New York’s Jason Bazar , advises banks, funds and other capital markets participants on the tax aspects of their financial products and trading strategies. It works closely with the firm’s banking and finance, capital markets and securities practices, and has a stellar reputation for innovative products and transactions. Areas of expertise include structured products, hybrid securities, capital reshuffling and debt and equity offerings. In New York, Mark Leeds is focused on the tax consequences of capital markets products and strategies, including over-the-counter derivative transactions, swaps and tax-exempt derivatives; while Thomas Humphreys, who ‘brings a combination of knowledge of transactions and capital markets, and most importantly problem solving and creativity to any situation‘, is a veteran of the financial products space, with a track record in innovative structures. In San Francisco, Remmelt Reigersman is known for federal and international tax matters, with a strong practice including public offerings and private placements of equity, debt and hybrid securities.

Tax > International tax Tier 1

Mayer Brown is a strong choice for multinationals, financial institutions, and funds on tax matters concerning inbound and outbound M&A, structured financing and investment funds, transfer pricing agreements, and global tax planning. The team is also involved in multi-jurisdictional ‘bet-the-company’ tax disputes. Co-chair and tax planning specialist Jason Bazar is based in New York. He works alongside Lucas Giardelli, a specialist in international tax planning. In Chicago, global co-chair James Barry covers tax planning regarding restructuring and acquisitions, while Michael Lebovitz and Thomas Kittle-Kamp deal with transfer pricing agreements and corporate reorganizations. In Washington DC, Kenneth Klein advises on both tax structuring and restructuring for Fortune 100 companies. He works alongside international tax controversy expert Gary Wilcox and Jason Osborn, who is noted for his work on transfer pricing and bilateral advance pricing agreements. 2021 saw a number of new partners joining the practice: tax transaction specialists Greg Matlock from Ernst & Young Law Partnership in January and Michelle Jewett from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP in March; tax controversy attorney Jenny Austin from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in May; and CFIUS filing specialist Amanda Rosenberg from Norton Rose Fulbright in August. Andy Baik departed in September 2021.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 1

Mayer Brown engages in high-profile tax litigation and resolution matters involving bet-the-company tax disputes, with cases before the US Tax Court and federal and state courts. Its expertise includes SALT covering all 50 states, especially in New York, New Jersey, California and Illinois. Co-leads Joel Williamson and Thomas Kittle-Kamp operate out of Chicago while co-lead Brian Kittle is based in New York. The SALT team is lead by Leah Robinson from New York, and supported by New York’s Zal Kumar and Palo Alto-based Larry Langdon and Paul DiSangro. The team also is noted for its work on international advance pricing agreements, lead by John Hildy in Chicago. In a notable move, federal tax controversy specialist Jenny Austin joined from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in May 2021.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Working collaboratively across multiple offices, Mayer Brown is well versed in the full gamut of high-value tax matters, working with an array of well-known clients from the worlds of telecoms, consumer goods, industrial commodities, shipping, financial services, and investment banking. The team is particularly regarded for its capabilities in securitization and structured finance, while in recent months renewables, fund work, and real estate investments have all proven to be vibrant work streams. Chicago-based James Barry works with both high-net-worth individuals and US corporations on domestic and international tax planning matters, while New York-based Jason Bazar ‘s broad expertise encompasses both financings and business combinations. Mark Leeds is a capital markets expert with key experience in over-the-counter derivative transactions and swaps, while Lucas Giardelli focuses on international tax planning for a diverse cross-section of multinationals. Palo Alto-based Remmelt Reigersman assists various issuers and institutional investors in financing transactions and regarding structured products. New arrivals in Summer 2021 include global tax energy co-chair Greg Matlock, who has joined the Houston office from EY, and Amanda Rosenberg, a renewable energy investment specialist who joined the Los Angeles office from Norton Rose Fulbright. All named lawyers are based in New York unless noted otherwise.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

The antitrust and competition practice at Mayer Brown continues to be involved in high-profile cases on the defense side in industries such as agriculture and food, automotive, and healthcare. The firm recently added Gail Levine, formerly deputy director of the Bureau of Competition at the FTC, to its partner roster in Washington DC, where she focuses on the high-tech, healthcare as well as pharmaceuticals and life sciences sectors. She leads the department together with Chicago-based Britt Miller and DC-based William Stallings. Also in DC, Carmine Zarlenga excels at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property, while Oral Pottinger is well versed in class action discovery and e-discovery.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 2

Mayer Brown is well-regarded for its work in cross-border financial services litigation, handling derivatives and securities litigation as well as disputes in the consumer lending space. Anti-money laundering and Anti-Terrorism Act disputes are a particular focus for the team, which represents prominent banks in civil claims and regulatory enforcement proceedings in this space. The firm’s work in this area includes Mark Hanchet‘s defense of HSBC in two high-profile ATA claims related to allegedly providing banking services to groups and individuals with links to Mexican drug cartels and Islamist terrorist organizations. Elsewhere, Lucia Nale and Debra Bogo-Ernst handle consumer finance class actions in state and federal court, including matters related to mortgage lending. Christopher Houpt focuses on litigation involving structured finance and leads the team’s work on RMBS disputes, with Matthew Ingber another name to note in this area. Hanchet, Ingber and Houpt are based in New York, while Nale and Bogo-Ernst work out of the Chicago office.

International Trade > International trade Tier 2

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 2

Combining strong overarching trial capabilities with underlying broad-based products liability strength, Mayer Brown continues to represents pharma and medical device clients across a range of high-profile matters. As well as its aptitude at advancing the doctrine of federal pre-emption for the benefit of its clients, the team also continues to be a market-leader defending pharmaceutical companies, including GSK, in “innovator liability” claims. Henninger Bullock  in New York is regularly at the forefront of significant product liability-related mandates in the sector, as a function of his overarching life sciences litigation prowess. Michael Olsen  and Daniel Ring, who are both based out of Chicago, co-head the team alongside Bullock.  

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 2

Drawing upon the expertise of trial and appellate litigators throughout the country, as well as being able to effectively 'leverage subject matter and scientific expertise', Mayer Brown is well-positioned to defend clients in toxic tort and product liability disputes at a state and federal level. Michael Olsen  is 'a terrific trial lawyer with great instincts'; he continues to represent Union Carbide in asbestos litigation and 3M in national cases brought by private individuals and government entities relating to damages caused by alleged chemical contamination. 'A master strategist who can help guide a client through challenging procedural and legal obstacles', Daniel Ring co-heads the team alongside Olsen. Both named practitioners are based in Chicago.

Finance > Project finance

Government > Government contracts Tier 2

Pre-eminent practitioner Marcia Madsen spearheads Mayer Brown’s Washington DC-based government contracts practice. Madsen is also co-chair of the firm’s national security practice which contributes to the team’s broad service offering, advising clients in the defense, IT, engineering, manufacturing, and insurance industries robust expertise at the local, state, and federal levels. Regulatory advice, litigation representation, compliance counselling, and investigations are all in the purview of the team. Cameron Edlefsen is an experienced litigator and regularly practices in connection with healthcare IT, large military systems, and engineering services-related procurement controversies, conflicts, and issues. Luke Levasseur has deep federal litigation experience, focusing on complex, large contract disputes and bid protests.

Government > Government relations Tier 2

Mayer Brown’s public policy and regulatory practice is spread across Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago, maintaining strong connections with both Democratic and Republican members giving the team a strategic edge in their offering. Notable is the group’s capabilities in the communications, privacy, cybersecurity, and technology industries, as well as the firm’s overall strength in global financial services. A distinguishing factor for the team is their presence in shaping privacy-related legislation and in representing transport industry clients in emerging areas such as autonomous vehicle and peer-to-peer ride-sharing matters. A triumvirate of Philip Recht in Los Angeles; Duane Layton in Washington DC; and Joseph Seliga in Chicago lead the group. Mitchell Holzrichter and Howard Waltzman are also recommended, regularly advising government contractors, private investment funds, service providers, and trade associations on campaign finance matters and compliance programs.

Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Praised by clients for its ‘vast experience and market presence‘, Mayer Brown has recently expanded with the strategic addition of a group of five attorneys from Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP in November 2020. Eric Pogue, who is among the new joiners in the New York office, brings a wealth of experience in the renewable energy sector, notably in the fields of development, financing and acquisition of the entire array of asset types, including solar, wind, hydro and biomass. The renewable and alternative energy team, which already enjoyed a strong reputation in the market, is now better positioned to act for a broader roster of clients- such as sponsors, investors and lenders- in all types of transaction structures and emerging technology matters, ranging from battery storage, and carbon capture to fuel cell and offshore wind. Paul Astolfi  in Chicago has over two decades of experience in the industry. He oversees the practice with Robert Goldberg  in Houston, whose experience covers project finance, development and M&A, and Washington DC-based Jeffrey Davis , a key contact for tax equity financings. Nadav Klugman in Chicago stands out for his broad capabilities in project finance.

Industry focus > Environment: litigation Tier 2

Standing out for its global presence, the environmental team at Mayer Brown is well-placed to advise clients facing litigation and navigating enforcement concerns. Its extensive experience litigating major cases in state and federal courts across the US makes it a suitable choice for high-stakes matters relating to greenhouse gas emissions, mass tort claims, PFAS litigation, challenges to EPA regulations and criminal environmental proceedings. The Illinois-based team has recently been involved in complex putative class actions and multi-district litigation involving the Clean Water Act. The practice is under the leadership of two practitioners: Mark Ter Molen , who demonstrates broad capabilities in environmental tort cases and enforcement matters, and Rich Bulger , whose government experience make him a go-to choice for enforcement proceedings and mass tort litigation. Environmental and land use litigation are notable areas of practice for Timothy Bishop , whose expertise cuts across water and air issues, and nuisance law. Counsel Jaimy Hamburg not only assists with civil and criminal government investigations, but is also adept at defending corporate clients in toxic tort, citizen suits and class actions. All named attorneys are based in Chicago.

Industry focus > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 2

The team at Mayer Brown employs its ‘excellent strategy skills’ in insurance matters that range from advising on strategic transactions and capital raising to new product and market development and technology transformation. David Alberts , whose practice covers mergers and acquisitions, life and non-life reinsurance, regulatory issues as well as the firm’s insurtech initiative, heads up the team together with Stephen Rooney , who focuses on securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions and structured finance. While Kara Baysinger left in April 2021, the group has augmented its regulatory capacity with new hire Yevgeniy Markov from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in June 2021. Daniel Scher and Sanjiv Tata joined the partner ranks in January 2022. All lawyers mentioned here are based in New York.

Industry focus > Transport: rail and road - finance Tier 2

Mayer Brown‘s New York-based practice has a strong track record in the rail and automotive sectors. George Miller focuses his practice on international and domestic finance and leasing, particularly in relation to the infrastructure, transportation and energy sectors. Barbara Goodstein is a specialist in commercial and structured financing, along with restructuring deals.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 2

The US copyright team of global law firm Mayer Brown represents top music, media, entertainment and tech multinationals involved in high-value copyright litigation. The practice is headed by Paul Fakler, who acts on behalf of streaming and broadcast companies and offers deep industry experience experience, music industry specialist Jacob Ebin, who regularly appears before the Copyright Royalty Board and various royalty rate setting venues, and new media dispute expert John Mancini, whose clients include tech majors Google and Spotify. Allison M. Aviki, who advises entertainment and publishing companies was promoted to partner in January 2022. All lawyers mentioned work in the New York office.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 2

Mayer Brown is distinguished by its successful cases representing key clients across the film, aerospace and education sectors, among others. Its precedent-setting victory with the Shell Oil Company, in which a federal court dismissed the plaintiffs’ claim that the company had breached its fiduciary duties, demonstrates its expertise in high-profile proceedings. The team has been hired to defend seven universities in related cases. Its team is led by Chicago-based partner Nancy Ross, who has achieved many successes in high-stakes litigation, and Richard Nowak, who focuses on ERISA disputes. Samuel Myler has made a name for himself as a rising star in benefits claims class actions and stock-drop cases. Brian Netter departed the firm to join the US Department of Justice.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 2

Mayer Brown’s global mobility and immigration practice group maintains an excellent track record handling complex federal litigation and investigations. The Washington DC based team is active across employment law and advises leading clients on temporary work visas and employee transfers, and has also been assisting on asylum cases and evacuation efforts from Afghanistan on a pro-bono basis. Practice head Elizabeth Espín Stern has extensive experience acting for multinational corporations in the telecommunications sector on immigration policies and mobility. Grace Shie  holds various global banks and financial services companies as key clients. Additions to the team include Carl Risch, who previously served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs and is recommended for nationality law, and counsel Morgan Bailey, who joined from US Citizenship & Immigration Services.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 2

Mayer Brown is highlighted for its international capability to act on matters involving cybersecurity threats and global data privacy regulation and developments, including the European Union’s GDPR and the CCPA. Transnational cyber incidents, global data breaches, class actions against technology companies, and autonomous vehicle security issues all belong to the team’s areas of expertise. The department is jointly headed up by Washington DC-based Rajesh De, who ‘has significant high-level government experience’  and provides ‘direct, clear and practical’ advice. Cyber-extortion expert David Simon, also in DC, is further noted. Lei Shen left the firm in June 2021, while the March 2022 arrival of co-head Dominique Shelton Leipzig to the Los Angeles office from Perkins Coie LLP was a significant boost to the firm’s global data and adtech capabilities.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 2

Edgar Khalatian is ‘extremely knowledgeable about land use issues in various jurisdictions‘ and heads the land use entitlements team at Mayer Brown. He has extensive experience in the range of matters, from land use regulation and obtaining entitlements for residential and mixed use projects, to CEQA compliance, drafting development agreements, and water supply issues. The practice is based at the firm’s Los Angeles office and focuses on complex and controversial projects in the city and surrounding area. Recent trends that the firm has been prominent in include office space for the resident technology and entertainment companies, a standout example being ongoing advice to the owners of a 500,000 square foot office building in Hollywood. Associates Arteen Mnayan and Nedda Mahrou add further dedicated practices in land use and entitlements, while the team also collaborates closely with the wider real estate team and its public policy lawyers.

International Trade > International trade Tier 2

Mayer Brown is 'very knowledgeable in the area of international trade', with sources commending its ability to cover 'the full range of legal needs'. The US team plugs into the firm's global network to provide a comprehensive international trade offering that regularly works across jurisdictions to advise on complex investigations and high-profile disputes. Global practice head Duane Layton specializes in international dispute settlement — including WTO matters, trade remedies and trade policy — and is recognized for his record in representing both governments and industry clients. Tamer Soliman, who is based out of Dubai and Washington DC, spearheads an export controls and economic sanctions practice that is active across a broad range of business sectors, including defense, technology, energy and financial services. Matthew McConkey splits his time between Washington DC and Beijing and is recommended for trade remedy work; he recently represented Island Industries in three separate scope proceedings concerning the circumvention of the US antidumping order against butt-weld pipe fittings from China by importers of weld outlets. Sydney Mintzer, who co-heads the global customs practice, and Timothy Keeler, who is a former Chief of Staff to the USTR, are also noted. Named attorneys are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Mayer Brown has notable experience in highly regulated industries, such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, technology and automotive, where it acts for companies and individuals on a range of criminal defense matters. Chicago-based Greg Deis is recommended for internal investigations that are often international in scope, while Kelly Kramer is recommended for FCPA and anti-corruption matters. New York’s Daniel Stein and São Paulo’s Michel Sancovski are also key practitioners. In January 2021, Chicago’s Linda Shi was promoted to partner; in June, former practice co-head William Michael  left the firm; and in July, Sean McDonnell joined from the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Named attorney are based in Washington DC unless otherwise specified.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 3

The ‘knowledgeable and responsive’ team at Mayer Brown advises large corporate clients from regulated industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical, financial services and automotive manufacturing on litigation readiness and risk management, in addition to acting as outside e-discovery counsel in disputes. Antitrust is one of the key focuses of the team; Washington duo Oral Pottinger and Michael Lackey (who co-lead the practice alongside Chicago litigator Ethan Hastert) both have extensive experience in complex cartel, and competition cases. Eric Evans departed the firm in September 2021 to join Perkins Coie LLP.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 3

Mayer Brown fields a sizeable team of dispute resolution lawyers across the US and in offices around the world. The group has depending on its locations a strong standing with financial institutions, high-tech clients, life sciences and tobacco companies, and is active in arbitration proceedings, MDLs, putative class actions and construction disputes. Richard Spehr in New York is also well versed in federal and state securities laws and investigations, while the Washington DC-based Reginald Goeke covers ERISA class actions and contract disputes. Michael Olsen is a key contact in Chicago and Bronwyn Pollock in Los Angeles knows the banking, finance, real estate, and insurance industries well. Together, the four lead the practice.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 3

Mayer Brown has cultivated a strong reputation in defending food and beverage clients against false advertising consumer class actions. Abreast of developments in the regulatory environment and also drawing upon comprehensive proprietary databases, the team is well-positioned to provide detailed early case assessments and recommended action plans, and regularly obtains early dismissals in litigation for many leading brands. In addition, it also regularly provides advice on labelling and marketing to minimize future exposure to claims. Carmine Zarlenga in Washington DC heads up the team.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Mayer Brown's ‘personal and client-oriented' team is best known for acting for financial institutions, though it is increasingly visible in work for corporate issuers. Joe De Simone in New York and Glenn Vanzura in Los Angeles are the lead partners, praised as 'among the best in the entire world when it comes to handling high-pressure, complex and sensitive legal matters‘. Simone and New York-based Matthew Ingber acted for a residential corporation in a complex securities class action alleging the company made false and misleading statements to shareholders. New York's Richard Spehr, who plays a key role in the firm’s work on RMBS cases, is acting for the Bank of Montreal in cases arising from a $3bn Ponzi scheme in which the client served as the depository bank.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Mayer Brown has continued to build out its senior bench with the promotion of Chicago’s John Ablan to the partnership in January 2022 and Jonathan Pacheco joining the Washington DC office as a partner from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in November 2021. The growth of the team has followed a significant uptick in workflow across the debt product range; the team is still primarily known for its strength in investment grade debt, but is credible across the piste. It has a particularly strong record in automotive finance, energy, financial services, specialty finance and fintech, along with life sciences, consumer products, REITs and tech. Energy is a particular growth area and the firm has achieved further prominence in green and sustainability-linked bonds. It continues to be known for its engagements as designated underwriters’ counsel to a number of major issuers. Chicago partner Edward Best is an established name in the market, particularly in the financial services sector. New York’s Phyllis Korff has extensive domestic and international offering experience, and is designated underwriters’ counsel to a number of big-name private equity houses. New York partner Anna Pinedo is also rated for domestic and global offerings, and Jerry Marlatt is noted for covered bond programs for Canadian banks.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Mayer Brown has significantly expanded its capital markets team in recent years, most recently with the hire of David Freed, a specialist in equity and debt offerings by REITs, from Vinson & Elkins LLP. Additionally, the firm brought in Jonathan Pacheco as a partner in Washington DC from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and promoted John Ablan to the partnership. Launching a new Salt Lake City office in 2022, the firm has added further capital markets expertise in the tech, life sciences, and fintech and insurtech sectors. In 2021, the firm advised on a series of private placements, including deals that led to the issuer achieving unicorn status. In addition, the New York team, especially partner David Bakst, have worked intensively on a series of US offerings by Brazilian issuers; it has a strong association with Brazil firm Tauil & Chequer Advogados. Israel is another key market for the US team. Anna Pinedo, Chicago partner Edward Best and Phyllis Korff are senior members of the department.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Mayer Brown has continued to invest in and expand its capital markets senior team with a series of internal promotions and lateral hires. Jonathan Pacheco joined the Washington DC office as a partner from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, bringing extensive capital markets expertise, including offerings by Brazilian issuers. Moreover, amongst other senior appointments Ryan Castillo and Brian Hirshberg were promoted to partner in 2021, followed by Washington DC’s John Ablan in January 2022. With substantial teams in New York, London and Hong Kong, it has rightly achieved prominence in the world’s top capital markets centers of the last 20 years. Consumer products, energy, financial services, specialty finance and fintech, life sciences and healthcare, REITs, business development companies (BDCs), and tech and telecoms are key sectors. Major foreign markets for the practice include Brazil, where the firm has an affiliation with Tauil & Chequer Advogados, along with Canada, Israel and the Nordic nations. Anna Pinedo is an experienced name in offerings originating from Canada, Israel and the Nordics. David Bakst , who has an excellent record in Brazil offerings. Other key partners include Chicago’s Edward Best , Phyllis Korff and Jerry Marlatt, who has driven the development of the Canada practice. All named partners are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Mayer Brown has a prestigious history in capital markets and has upped its emphasis on high-yield debt in recent years. It continues to be recognised for its work in the financial services sector, and has achieved further growth in energy and Latin America deals. The firm has impressed in Covid-19 pandemic and financial distress-driven transactions and has added to its client base with a series of designated underwriters’ counsel appointments. Chicago partner and co-head of the capital markets group Edward Best has an excellent record in offerings by financial institutions, John Berkery is a senior figure in high-yield and investment grade debt, while Ryan Castillo was recently elevated to partner status. Anna Pinedo and Phyllis Korff provide further senior-level gravitas. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Commercial lending

Mayer Brown‘s finance practice is held in high regard for its breadth, with the team able to assist investment banks, alternative lenders and private companies on all aspects of leveraged finance transactions. On the borrower side, the firm's longstanding relationship with General Motors stands out; in 2021, New York partner Mae Rogers led a team which advised on the refinancing of the company’s $4.3bn three-year revolving facility and $2bn 364-day revolving facility. ‘Never ruffled’, Scott Zemser is also based in New York, where he assists banks and other lenders with acquisition, tender and bridge financings. In Chicago, Fred Fisher, a go-to partner for key clients such as JPMorgan, Bank of Montreal, Macquarie and LKCM Headwaters, ‘is laser focused on the big picture’. Fellow Chicago practitioner Matthew O’Meara  leads the national team alongside Zemser and Kiel Bowen, who resides in Charlotte.

Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences Tier 3

Mayer Brown strikes a strong balance between dedicated IP advice and M&A expertise, with the team, which features many attorneys with scientific backgrounds, advising on litigation for new and existing products, including Hatch-Waxman and biosimilar cases as well as advising on multibillion-dollar transactions for such notable clients as Nestle and Gilead Sciences. Beyond M&A, it advises on capital markets and licensing agreements. Lisa Ferri and Reb Wheeler co-lead the team, heading up the IP practice, acting on trial and appellate cases, and advising on transactions, respectively. Anna Pinedo and David Carpenter act on capital markets matters, and Henninger Bullock acts on product liability cases. All named lawyers are New York-based.

Industry focus > Transport: rail and road - litigation and regulation Tier 3

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 3

Praised for its ‘tremendous expertise’, Mayer Brown's ‘very knowledgeable team’ enjoys a solid reputation among clients from the technology, electronics, pharmaceutical, medical device, telecommunications, food and beverage, and consumer goods sectors. Skilled in handling patent disputes in the main patent forums, including the PTAB and the ITC, the practice is experience in acting for plaintiffs and defendants. New York's Lisa Ferri is the head of the practice which includes ‘top expert’ Gary Hnath in Washington DC, Richard McCormick in New York, and Jamie Beaber, who impresses with ‘his unique business savvy and sharp team-building skills’, and also operates from Washington DC. The group was reinforced in 2021 with the promotions of Bryan Nese and Manuel Velez.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions): defense Tier 3

The employment team at Mayer Brown often handles complex and high-profile disputes and litigation on behalf of domestic and global companies from the financial services, insurance, and TMT sectors, among others. Leveraging the firm’s international network and strong cross-practice capabilities, the group is skilled in the whole gamut of employment matters as well as cross-border issues. Based in Chicago, Andrew Rosenman, who is well versed in trials, class and collective actions, and appellate cases in state and federal courts, directs the practice. Marcia Goodman in the same office deals with cross-border matters and discrimination lawsuits. Leading the group alongside Rosenman is Los Angeles-based Ruth Zadikany, a ‘prominent’ and ‘superb’ litigator with extensive experience in PAGA cases, wage and hour claims and class actions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 3

Specialists in advising on policy-related matters, the expertise of the Washington DC-based practice at Mayer Brown spans legislation and advocacy between the FCC and Capitol Hill. The team is co-headed by Angela Giancarlo , a former chief of staff and senior legal advisor to an FCC commissioner, who counsels clients on legislative and policy issues arising in the wireless, satellite, broadband, and digital media sectors. Her fellow co-head Howard Waltzman is an expert in representing communications service providers, manufacturers, and trade associations such as USTelecom before the relevant regulatory bodies.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 3

Mayer Brown‘s ‘incredibly responsive‘ construction law team is headed by Joanna Horsnail, a transactional lawyer focused on design and construction, representing contractors, architects, sponsors, government concessionaires, developers and lenders in the development, design and construction of public and private projects. As whole, the practice is dedicated to transactional matters, advising on some of the more sophisticated matters in the market and coordinating with the firm’s projects infrastructure and public policy team whose leader Joseph Seliga is a frequent collaborator. She is supported on the majority of matters by counsel Sara Hess, who is particularly well-versed in PPP projects and alternative project delivery methods in the infrastructure sector. Rachel Smith was made counsel in 2021 and also supports across the range of work. All named lawyers are based in Chicago.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 3

At Mayer Brown, the practice is led by Anna Pinedo in New York, and offers vast experience in structuring real estate transactions. The team works closely with its tax and capital markets practice groups to handle the full spectrum of matters including public and private offerings, upREIT structures and mortgage-backed securitizations. Also in New York, Brian Hirshberg focuses on private REITS work. In Chicago, key contact there include seasoned practitioner Jon Van Gorp and Susannah Schmid who handles private and public asset-backed securities offerings. On the West Coast, Remmelt Reigersman is also recommended. There have been several additions to the New York team, including David Freed who joined from Vinson & Elkins LLP in January 2021, fellow January 2021 arrival and REIT tax specialist Greg Matlock from EY, and Jonathan Pacheco in the Washington DC office who joined from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in November 2021.

Real estate Tier 3

Mayer Brown‘s ‘tremendous group of lawyers‘ undertakes a broad range of acquisitions, disposals and financing transactions, real estate developments and restructuring mandates. Former practice head, Paul Meyer ‘has unmatched depth in the real estate transactional world.’ Heather Adkerson ‘brings tremendous experience to every transaction‘ involving private equity sponsors, developers and institutional investors. Jonathan Baker is ‘a rising star in the practice.’ Brian Aronson chairs the department from Los Angeles, where he assists with commercial and residential projects, commercial leasing, and real estate financing. All lawyers are based in Chicago unless otherwise stated.  

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Mayer Brown's US arbitration practice is a part of the firm's global group, which benefits from on-the-ground teams in Europe, Asia and Latin America. The team's robust cross-border offering strikes the right note with sources, who praise its lawyers' ability to 'work closely with their clients locally', while also providing 'solid representation in international arbitration occurring on other continents’. The team handles both commercial and investor-state arbitrations, seated in the US and abroad, with notable experience in the energy, food and beverage, chemicals and technology sectors. New York-based Ted Howes heads the firm’s US international arbitration practice and specializes in representing US and foreign companies in commercial disputes, with niche expertise in arbitrating China-related matters. In Houston, Michael Lennon is noted for his combination of international arbitration and energy expertise. Sarah Reynolds left to join Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

Mayer Brown has offices spanning across the US, Europe and Asia, enabling its ability to advise ‘parties in every aspect of a troubled financial situation‘. Notable highlights includes its advisory to Northern Ocean Ltd and Northern Drilling Ltd, where the team negotiated a contract dispute with Seadrill Ltd concerning an assertion of claims following Seadrill’s Chapter 11 filing. Its advisory to BNP Paribas is also noteworthy; the team oversaw the recovery of pledged collateral from Avianca Holdings S.A. Adam Paul and Brian Trust  are the co-heads of the global restructuring practice. The operate from Chicago and New York respectively. The team has been strengthened by the March 2021 arrival of Lucy Kweskin from Proskauer Rose LLP and Doug Spelfogel, Leah Eisenberg and Derek Wright from Foley & Lardner LLP in June 2021. They are based in the New York office, whilst Wright is in Chicago.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

Joining the rankings this year, Mayer Brown’s expanding practice is bringing together practitioners with backgrounds that include government service, accounting firm positions and in-house experience. The group provides broad expertise that covers the spectrum of energy and transaction structures for a diverse client base of sponsors, lenders, tax equity investors, strategic investors, foreign investors, pension funds, private equity groups and money managers. Chicago-based Paul Astolfi  is practice co-head along with Fritz Lark in New York.

Industry focus > Insurance: advice to insurers Tier 4

Led by Bronwyn Pollock  in Los Angeles, the insurance practice at Mayer Brown is able to draw on the firm’s diverse capabilities to handle a range of insurance litigation. The practice includes class action defense as well as multi-jurisdictional disputes and coverage matters and has been particularly active in Covid-19 related claims with innovative defense strategies. Robert Harrell in Houston has a broad business litigation practice and regularly represents insurers in D&O policy disputes. Yevgeniy Markov joined the firm in June 2021 from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, contributing regulatory expertise.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 4

Backed by offices across Europe, Asia, Middle East and the Americas, Mayer Brown represents major global brands in high-stakes trademark, trade dress, trade secrets and patent disputes. John Mancini in New York leads the practice, litigating at the state and federal levels for clients in the tech, media and telecoms sectors. In Chicago, Richard Assmus utilizes a science and mathematics background to act in complex technology matters, and Michael Adams and Kristine Young bring experience to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proceedings. New York’s Jonathan Thomas was promoted to partner in January 2022.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 4

Counting investment managers, banks and other financial institutions among its roster of clients, Mayer Brown is noted for its capability in handling pension plan investment matters, as well as 401(k) and defined benefit plans. Based in Palo Alto, Maureen Gorman leads the practice and handles ERISA fiduciary issues, in addition to IRS and DOL audits. In the firm’s Washington DC office, Erin Cho joined the group from Groom Law Group, Chartered in March 2021, and focuses on ERISA Title I fiduciary matters, while senior counsel Lennine Occhino, who is based in the Chicago office, is another key member of the team.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 4

Mayer Brown advises public and private companies, as well as individual executives, across the financial services, technology and life sciences sectors on the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of M&A. Key clients include Lone Star Funds, Climate Change Crisis Impact I Acquisition and Argo Infrastructure Partner, among others. In the firm’s Chicago office, key members of the practice include Debra Hoffman, who has deep experience advising on the benefits aspects of corporate transactions, Ryan Liebl and Stephanie Vasconcellos, while Maureen Gorman leads the team from the firm’s office in Palo Alto.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 4

Mayer Brown often advises on employment due diligence in the context of M&A and finance transactions. The team is led by Chicago-based partner Andrew Rosenman, who acts for consulting firms and financial institutions in matters related to race, gender and pregnancy discrimination, and Ruth Zadikany in Los Angeles, who deals with class actions and employment litigation matters. Also in Chicago is Marcia Goodman, who represents global banks in litigation regarding discrimination.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 5

Mayer Brown‘s recent trajectory of growth and development in the private equity funds space continued in 2021, with the arrival of a trio of seasoned attorneys in the New York office; Timothy Clark from Dechert LLP, Marina Besignano from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, and Javier Fierro from Sidley Austin LLP bring extensive experience of the structuring, formation, operation and regulation of a variety of domestic and offshore funds across wide range of asset classes and industries to the firm. They join a firm which assists sponsor, adviser and investor clients with structures ranging from limited partnerships, authorized and unauthorized unit trusts, and closed-ended and open-ended investment companies to private equity, infrastructure, mezzanine and venture funds. Real estate, insurance and credit funds are particular strengths. Leadership of the offering is shared between Chicago-based Wendy Dodson Gallegos and New York-based Kevin Sheridan Jr.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 5

As well as substantial international capabilities, Mayer Brown has an expansive national footprint, with M&A lawyers in Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Palo Alto, Washington DC and Chicago. The latter office is home to practice co-chairs William Kucera  and Jodi Simala, whose broad practice spans M&A, stock and asset deals, divestitures, tender and exchange offers and joint ventures in addition to corporate governance and defensive measures.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 6

Mayer Brown is highly active in the consumer finance space, where it provides ongoing advice to clients on compliance and also handles due diligence for investments into companies in this sector. The team has a varied client base amongst fintech companies; recent work in this space includes advising fintech companies on the regulatory issues around entering into partnerships with banks to provide services to customers. It is also active in the growing sector of ‘buy now/pay later’, advising start-ups on ensuring that these products do not violate consumer lending regulations. Elsewhere, the practice continues to advise a range of parties in the mortgage space on compliance with CFPB regulations such as disclosure requirements and Ability-to-Repay regulations. The team is led by Jeffrey Taft and Steve Kaplan, both of whom as based in Washington DC. Marlon Paz departed the firm in December 2021.

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

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds