Mayer Brown > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

Mayer Brown > The Legal 500 Rankings

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

Mayer Brown argued more than 50 cases before federal and state appellate courts over the past year and notched up over 24 wins, including for high-profile clients such as Meta, General Motors and Planned Parenthood. Equally adept at representing clients in business and constitutional cases, the sizeable team is active across the country. In one of 2022’s most headline-grabbing matters, Washington DC-based Nicole Saharsky successfully represented the players of the US Women’s soccer team in their appeal of an adverse summary judgment ruling on pay equity. Seasoned appellate specialist Andrew Pincus, also in DC, is highly regarded for his track record in complex appeals; he recently secured a victory for HSBC at the DC Circuit in an Anti-Terrorism Act lawsuit. In a significant case before the US Supreme Court, Chicago’s Timothy Bishop represented two major industry groups in a challenge to California’s Proposition 12, which argues that the regulation of business practices outside of California’s borders violates the dormant commerce clause of the US Constitution. Other experienced names include DC’s Evan Tager, who recently convinced the Ninth Circuit to reverse a district court’s decision denying AT&T’s motion to compel arbitration in a consumer class action, and former Illinois Solicitor General Michael Scodro in Chicago. The group also leans on a talented band of younger lawyers, including Chicago-based associate Avi Kupfer, who has presented oral argument in 14 appeals. Lauren Goldman recently left the firm.

Finance > Fintech Tier 1

Mayer Brown‘s fintech practice is ‘extremely knowledgeable about applicable laws, regulations, and IP considerations’. The firm represents a broad mix of payment processors, banks and credit card companies including Square, PayPal, American Express and Goldman Sachs, who regularly use the firm on domestic and cross-border transactional and regulatory matters. This extends to capital markets, cybersecurity, data privacy, M&A and venture capital, as well as outsourcing and partnership agreements. Regulatory and enforcement partner Steve Kaplan and David Beam (‘extremely client-focused and has an encyclopedic knowledge of relevant laws and regulations‘) in Washington DC jointly lead the team with technology transactions head Brad Peterson. Other key partners include New York-based banking expert Amanda Baker, and Palo Alto’s Rohith George, who handles a range of transactional and licensing matters. Joe Pennell is also considered ‘a great drafter who understands what rights Fintech companies need to protect in transactions’. All partners based in Chicago unless otherwise stated.

Finance > Project finance

With notable expertise in renewable energy projects and a particularly strong reputation in PPP work, Mayer Brown is sought after by clients including major multinational banks and other investors, private-sector projects sponsors, and city and state authorities around the country. Paul Astolfi  and Joseph Seliga co-lead the firm’s projects and infrastructure team from the firm’s Illinois office. Astolfi is an experienced renewable energy transactional partner and in a recent highlight represented a trio of banks in providing construction debt leverage for Apex’s Great Pathfinder Wind Project. Seliga is well regarded for his work on a wide range of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, airports and ports, and mass transit. David Narefsky is a key contact for government transactions work, while Stephanie Wagner has made PPP a cornerstone of her practice. The firm’s renewable energy expertise extends to projects in offshore wind, solar, and battery storage. Names to note here include Robert Goldberg in Houston and Jeffrey Davis in Washington DC, who jointly spearhead the firm’s renewables practice, as well as tax specialists Amanda Rosenberg in Los Angeles, John Tormey in Washington DC, and Nadav Klugman in Chicago.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 1

Counting banks, broker-dealers, investment platforms and trade associations among its key roster of clients, Mayer Brown covers the full range of transactional and regulatory mandates in the derivatives and structured products arenas, and is complemented by a robust investigations and enforcement practice. The team, which is well-placed to leverage the firm’s international footprint, is led by New York-based ‘leading expert’ Anna Pinedo, who specializes in foreign exchange, equity and credit derivatives products, and structured derivatives transactions. Operating from the firm’s Chicago office, Matthew Kluchenek has demonstrable experience representing clients in investigation and enforcement actions by the CFTC, CME Group, ICE Futures and the US Department of Justice, while Palo Alto-based Remmelt Reigersman focuses on the tax aspects of structured products transactions. In New York, Curtis Doty handles the commercial and insolvency aspects of netting and collateral arrangements for over-the-counter derivatives, while counsel Marla Matusic advises on the structuring and trading of derivatives and structured financial products. The New York office is also home to counsel Pamela Sackmann, who focuses on a range of over-the-counter derivatives products.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 1

The ‘knowledgeable, practical and commercial’ practice at Mayer Brown ‘excels in finding workable solutions to unique issues arising from unique products in securitizations’. Key areas of expertise concern consumer asset classes, particularly auto and credit card ABS mandates, in addition to mortgage-backed securities and residential solar loans, whilst maintaining an active CLO and DCO practice. In the firm’s Chicago office, credit card securitization specialist Julie Gillespie jointly leads the team alongside Ger O’Donnell, who advises on warehouse financings, asset purchases and private placements. Based in New York, Paul Jorissen is praised as a ‘standout lawyer and advisor’, and handles mortgage-backed securities, while Ryan Suda represents underwriters, managers and investors on cash-flow CLOs of broadly syndicated loans. Key contacts in the firm’s Chicago office include Stuart Litwin, who is noted for his expertise in the auto ABS arena, Jon Van Gorp and Angela Ulum, who focuses on auto and equipment loans, leases and floorplan assets in transactions. New York-based Amanda Baker counts fintech entities among her key roster of clients and Chicago’s Jan Stewart focuses on matters concerning credit card ABS. Carol Hitselberger retired in December 2022.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 1

Mayer Brown’s outsourcing team assists with designing service contracting models, digital infrastructure transactions, tech service agreements and digital contracting agreements across a variety of sectors. The team advises buyers in the pharma, hospitality and investment banking industries as well as vendors of tech services. Chicago-based Brad Peterson, head of the global tech and intellectual transactions practice and co-head of the fintech industry group, advises clients on improving operation and business functions through licensing agreements with technology providers, also dealing with supply chain arrangements, such as help to build resilience, ESG goals and leveraged technology. Joe Pennell is the key contact for assistance with digital transformations regarding customer-facing platforms in the financial services, tech, insurance, pharma and retail industries. Linda Rhodes, in Washington DC, provides clients in the automotive and proptech space with digital migration, data and software advice. Rohith George, in San Francisco, is not only another key practitioner in the digital transformation space but also supports clients on post-closing transitions and integrations. Marina Aronchik is experienced in advising companies in the chemical industry on emerging tech agreements impacting supply chain arrangements. Paul Chandler supports clients create OSS policies and, on the implementation, as well as distribution of SaaS and machine learning.

Tax > Financial products Tier 1

New York’s Brian Kittle and Jason Bazar co-lead the tax department at Mayer Brown, which works alongside the firm’s banking and finance and capital markets and securities practices to advise banks, funds, and capital market participants on the tax elements of financial products. The team supports clients with a broad range of products, from structured products and hybrid securities, to debt and equity offerings and closed-end funds. Notable team members include Thomas Humphreys, who advises clients on convertible bonds, structured notes, and hybrid securities, derivative transactions expert Mark Leeds, and San Francisco-based Remmelt Reigersman, who has expertise in federal and international tax mandates.

Tax > International tax Tier 1

Mayer Brown provides the full range of tax services including transactional, advisory and planning to multinational businesses, financial institutions, funds, trade associations and other clients, advising on all areas of inbound and outbound planning, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, leveraged and structured financings. The practice is also known for its expertise in transfer pricing providing assistance in large case audit and administrative appeals, US and foreign unilateral and bilateral advance pricing agreements, competent authority matters and litigation. The team is co-led with New York-based practitioners Jason Bazar and Brian Kittle regularly working on cross-border financing transactions and tax controversies respectively. Tom Kittle-Kamp operates out of Chicago and represents clients in every phase of tax controversy and litigation with support from Kenneth Klein.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 1

Mayer Brown‘s ‘exceptional’ tax controversy practice is a leading name for high-profile and high-stakes tax disputes, with significant experience acting before the US Tax Court and other federal and state courts for major domestic and multinational clients. The department includes SALT expertise across all 50 states, and international controversy capabilities across Europe, Asia and Brazil. Chicago-based Thomas Kittle-Kamp, who has deep trial experience in transfer pricing, leasing, partnership, and corporate reorganization cases, co-leads the department alongside Brian Kittle, praised for his ‘unmatched experience, technical expertise, and strategic thinking.‘ Core team members include Chicago-based tax attorney and litigator Joel Williamson, Larry Langdon, a leading name for alternative dispute resolution methods, who works from Palo Alto, and Leah Robinson who leads the firm’s SALT group from New York. John Hildy, in Chicago, has expertise in transfer pricing cases, while Gary Wilcox, of Washington DC, covers controversies arising from complex corporate transactions. Also key are Shawn O’Brien, in Houston, who has a particular focus on the energy industry, and Jenny Austin, of Chicago, who is active in federal tax controversy and litigation in a range of industries, including pharmaceutical, retail, and technology.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

Mayer Brown regularly represents in antitrust class actions in the agricultural and food industry with recent representations involving Cargill and Foster Poultry Farms. The firm also excels in multidistrict litigation alleging anti-competitive behavior such as price fixing cartels across other industries including the automotive and education industry. Co-head of the global antitrust and competition practice, Britt Miller in Chicago, represents domestic and international corporations in price-fixing, market allocation, monopolization and conspiracy matters. Based in Washington DC, other heads of team include William Stallings who litigates in the aviation, chemicals and manufacturing sectors and Gail Levine. Also in DC is Carmine Zarlenga , who offers significant disputes experience in high profile antitrust cases, commercial litigation, and intellectual property matters and Adam Hudes, who handles complex private antitrust and commercial disputes and government antitrust enforcements and investigations. Chicago based Daniel Storino is ‘excellent’ and has experience representing multinational corporations and health insurers in cases alleging monopolization, price-fixing, tying, resale price maintenance and exclusive dealing. Stephen Medlock left the firm in October 2022.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 2

Representing several major financial institutions, Mayer Brown has a mandate for high-profile financial services litigation relating to anti-terrorism, including the recent success representing HSBC in the Bernhardt case regarding anti-terrorism lawsuits in the banking community. The firm represents a range of banking and funds clients and has experience litigating RMBS cases, submitting amicus briefs on behalf of financial service trade organizations, and defending regulatory enforcement matters by the IRS, SEC, and the FRB. Mark Hanchet and Christopher Houpt, based in New York, co-lead the firm’s global banking and finance litigation practice. Houpt concentrates on structured finance, RMBS and securitization matters and was trial counsel for Citibank in the high-profile Revlon Inc. lenders case. Hanchet is experienced in banking litigation and was closely involved in the Bernhardt case. Matthew Ingber, also based in New York, focuses on RMBS matters and was active in the private RMBS settlement in the Bank of New York Mellon case. Lucia Nale and Debra Bogo-Ernst, both based in Chicago, are experienced defending national and international financial services institutions particularly in consumer-based finance class actions.

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

With substantial litigation expertise at trial and appeal levels, combined with deep substantive knowledge of product liability issues within the sector, Mayer Brown is a popular choice for pharma and medical device companies on work throughout the litigation continuum. As well as regularly acting as liaison counsel for defense groups in MDLs, the firm has established a strong reputation in the successful defense of brand name pharmaceutical manufacturers against innovator liability claims. New York-based Henninger Bullock  is pivotal to much of the work handled by the team and as well his involvement, alongside Michael Olsen , for GSK in innovator liability defense work, is also currently advising Endo Pharmaceuticals on alleged discovery violations relating to the opioid litigation. Daniel Ring  co-heads the team alongside Bullock and Olsen. All named practitioners are based out of Chicago unless otherwise indicated.    

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

Combining strong trial and appellate capabilities with a deep knowledge of the scientific and technical issues underpinning product liability and toxic tort fields cases in the space, Mayer Brown is a popular choice among high-profile clients to defend them in high-stakes national class actions/MDLs, including as it relates to emerging torts relating to greenhouse gas emissions and forever chemicals. Chicago-based trial lawyer Michael Olsen has gained a particularly strong reputation in the mass torts space and has lead roles on many of the firm’s highest-profile mandates, including in the NCAA Student-Athlete Concussion MDL and for core client 3M in varied causes of action and claims brought by plaintiffs in relation to alleged PFAS contamination. Also based out of the firm’s Chicago headquarters, Daniel Ring  regularly works alongside Olsen on large-scale MDLs, including the aforementioned mandates, and is noted for his strategic expertise through the litigation process, including as it relates to developing fact and expert witnesses, trial preparation and  in evaluating settlement and conducting mediations. New York-based Henninger Bullock  co-heads the team alongside Olsen and Ring.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Clients including banks, investors, and major multinationals flock to Mayer Brown for advice on complex and high-value transactions in the renewables sector, from M&A and joint ventures to the whole range of financing work, including tax equity and debt financing. The firm is also noted for its expertise in regulatory work, with particular strength in offshore wind projects. Offering notable experience with complex financings, as well as cross-border transactions, Paul Astolfi in Chicago co-leads the firm’s global project and infrastructure group. Robert Goldberg in Houston and Jeffrey Davis in Washington DC co-lead the specialist renewable energy practice, with Davis in particular acting as a key contact for tax equity work on project financing. In Chicago, transaction lawyer Nadav Klugman is especially highly regarded, while on the East Coast New York’s Elena Rubinov is well-versed in M&A and represents private equity and infrastructure funds, among others.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 2

Mayer Brown acts for a strong roster of high-profile businesses and associations on domestic and international disputes, including large-scale litigation across the Americas, Asia, the EU and the Middle East. It has recently been active in cases involving emerging issues, such as torts relating to greenhouse-gas emissions, site-based mass tort claims, as well as PFAS litigation, CAA issues and EPA investigations. The team is led by Rich Bulger and Mark Ter Molen, with Bulger offering environmental expertise in contentious matters, corporate and real estate transactions, and government enforcement actions, and Ter Molen, an experienced trial attorney, handling EPA and DOJ matters and federal and state trials and appeals. Timothy Bishop is a key name for appellate matters and has considerable experience of representing clients in the Supreme Court, while counsel Jaimy Hamburg handles class actions, citizens suits and transactional matters.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Mayer Brown is a major player in investment grade debt, frequently representing both issuers and underwriters; the firm remains first choice underwriters’ counsel for a number of major issuers. The team advised on over $123bn of investment grade debt offerings. It is especially strong in financial services, specialty finance, automotive finance, consumer products, industrials and REITs, and is also making a further impression in covered bonds. Green and sustainability-linked bonds are another forte, along with social bonds and liability management. In addition, the firm is making headway in high-yield debt. Chicago’s Edward Best is a vastly experienced figure in financial services and automotive finance sector debt offerings and programs. Anna Pinedo is a key player in domestic and global bond offerings, and Jerry Marlatt is outstanding for covered bond programs for Canadian banks. Ryan Castillo and Chicago’s John Ablan are also emerging talents. Named partners are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Jonathan Pacheco has left the firm.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Mayer Brown has an extensive geographic focus in the global offerings space. It continues to be a dominant force in offerings by Canadian banks and pension funds, notably advising on a significant market share of covered bonds issuances. The firm also has an impressive background in Nordic transactions, including 144A offerings and derivatives transactions. Looking elsewhere, the firm has an active presence in Israel, landing numerous ECM engagements, including private placements, from start-ups and growth companies. The firm’s large Latin America practice, which includes offices in Brazil through Tauil & Chequer Advogados and an office in Mexico City, also generates a large volume of capital markets engagements. Anna Pinedo has a long-track record in global offerings, especially those originating from Canada, Israel and the Nordics. Phyllis Korff is an experienced figure in Israel deals, while Jerry Marlatt is at the forefront of global offerings by Canadian banks and pension funds, and is also a leader in covered bonds.

Finance > Financial services regulation

Mayer Brown’s financial services regulatory and enforcement group divides its attention between banking and consumer finance regulatory work, representing financial banks, broker-dealers, residential mortgage lenders, payment system operators and non-mortgage consumer credit lenders on complex matters in the space. Jeffrey Taft and Steven Kaplan share leadership of the practice in Washington DC, with the former regularly acting as counsel for bank receivership, insolvency issues, payment systems and cybersecurity. Supporting these efforts are Steffen Hemmerich, a key contact for broker-dealers, financial services firms and fintech companies, and ‘determined‘ Matthew Bisanz, active on all relevant operations of insured depository institutions.

Government > Government relations Tier 2

Mayer Brown is involved in significant and high-profile legislative and regulatory developments, demonstrating notably strength in key industries, such as cybersecurity, privacy, tech, financial services and transportation. Alongside its federal advocacy work, the group is active in representing clients at both state and international levels. Based in Los Angeles, Philip Recht is sought after to handle legislative, regulatory and enforcement matters. He jointly leads the practice with Washington-DC based Howard Waltzman and Joseph Seliga in Chicago. Highly experienced in legislation drafting and regulatory compliance, Waltzman often represents tech manufacturers and trade association in complex policy issues. Seliga is recommended for advocacy work in the infrastructure and transportation segments. Other key names include Washington-DC based Andrew Olmem, who has extensive experience in financial services regulatory reform, and Mitchell Holzrichter in Chicago, whose practice covers campaign finance compliance.

Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 2

The ‘flexible and adaptable’ Mayer Brown team works with the firm’s offices around the world to support clients with transactional, regulatory and compliance matters in the insurance market. In addition, the practice has experience advising on capital raising, product development and technological transformations. The team is led by David Alberts, advising on M&A, life and non-life reinsurance, regulatory issues and heading the firm’s insurtech initiative, and Stephen Rooney, who assists with securities offerings, structured finance and M&A deals; both are New York-based. Insurance transactions specialist Vikram Sidhu, also based in New York, rejoined the firm from Clyde & Co in May 2022, focusing his practice on the sale and acquisition of insurance and reinsurance companies in addition to regulatory matters.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 2

The copyright team at Mayer Brown advises major multinationals across the music, media, entertainment and tech sectors involved in high-stakes litigation. The team is headed by Paul Fakler, who brings extensive experience representing clients before the Copyright Royalty Board and other royalty rate setting venues, and John Mancini, a specialist in new media and internet disputes whose clients include Google and Spotify. Supported by Jacob Ebin, who represents clients before the US Department of Justice as part of its recurring reviews of the ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees, the group’s full service extends to such matters as infringement, fair use defenses, royalty audits, licensing, the DMCA and its safe harbor for internet service providers, and copyright issues related to artificial intelligence. Representing media and publishing companies, Allison M. Aviki utilizes a background which includes appearances before the US Supreme Court, where she has filed amicus briefs and served clients as both cert-stage and merits counsel. All the lawyers mentioned work in the New York office.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 2

Led by ERISA specialist Nancy Ross, Mayer Brown is regularly engaged by plan sponsors and administrators, fiduciaries and plan service providers in an array of class actions and individual benefits disputes. The firm has recently defeated several major class actions brought against clients including Northrop Grumman Corporation, Duke Energy and AT&T, and has been active across ERISA litigation targeting universities with allegations of fiduciary duty breaches. The firm has extensive trial expertise, and Ross in particular has a deep bench of experience representing pension and 401(k) plans, ESOPs, trustees and employers in matters concerning administration of plan assets and fiduciary responsibilities before both courts and the DOL. Brantley Webb and Alex Lakatos, based in Washington DC, are also key members of the practice, focusing on ERISA class actions. Webb played an important role in the Duke Energy 401(k) case and has been involved in multiple other class actions regarding investment options challenges and the administration of 401(k) and 403(b) plans. Lakatos concentrates on advising financial institutions in class actions alleging misadministration of plan assets and fiduciary breaches. Matthew Moscon is another key name, leading the firm’s Salt Lake City office. Associate Samuel Myler, based in Chicago, has wide ERISA experience, representing plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and benefit plans, in class action litigation, stock drop cases and excessive fee litigation.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 2

Based out of Washington DC, the team at Mayer Brown represents major corporations in immigration and mobility staffing, strategy and compliance including investigations, at the intersection of employment-related matters. Recently, the group successfully defended a global financial services firm and a global consulting company in separate charges of discrimination and retaliation filed at the US Department of Justice’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section The group has also been active in facilitating the movement of Ukrainian personnel to the US. Elizabeth Espín Stern assists companies to expand globally and is renowned for her track record in establishing global mobility programs. She jointly manages the team with Grace Shie , who focuses her practice on advising leading global banks and financial institutions on employee mobility and workforce management. Having previously served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Carl Risch is particularly adept in handling all matters relating to immigration, nationality, and visa law. With experience in employment-based litigation and compliance, Maximilian Del Rey advises domestic and multinational clients on the use of relevant employment-based work permit and visa categories.

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

Mayer Brown has a niche specialism in the innovative industries, such as electrical, healthcare and automotive, in particular working on autonomous vehicle security issues. As a reputable voice in the cybersecurity arena and head of the global cybersecurity and data privacy practice Rajesh De, in Washington DC, focuses on cutting-edge legal and policy issues at the intersections of tech, national security, law enforcement and privacy. De is a go-to name for internet service providers and automotive manufacturers for transnational privacy compliance advice. Los Angeles-based John Nadolenco is a key litigator for clients in the automotive sector. Having joined in April 2022 from Perkins Coie LLP, Los Angeles-stationed Domique Shelton Leipzig leads the global innovation, ad tech privacy and data management teams, advising big tech companies. Another new arrival from Perkins Coie LLP in Los Angeles, Arsen Kourinian, specializes in data flows, cross-border data transfers and privacy due diligence assessments for M&A. An additional dimension to the practice is brought by cyber expert Washington DC-based David Simon, who is experienced in advising victims of state-sponsored cyber activity, ransomware activity and various forms of cyber extortion attacks. Also in Washington DC, Stephen Lilley is another key name to note, co-leading compliance and cyber risk advisory mandates alongside De. Vivek Mohan and Lauren Goldman departed in July 2022.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 2

Mayer Brown advises on complex and high-profile matters across the West Coast, leveraging the firm’s expertise across its global real estate practice and public policy, regulatory and political law practice, to provide a comprehensive service to its client base that counts major real estate development companies and private equity houses, among others. Edgar Khalatian  is praised as ‘simply the best in the city’ and serves as head the practice group. Philip Recht is a key partner in the same office- as co-leader of the firm’s public policy, regulatory & political law practice, he is frequently engaged on obtaining grants, approvals and permits from governmental agencies. At associate level, Nedda Mahrou represents commercial and residential developers in transactional land use matters and related litigation. Arteen Mnayan is a fellow key contact. All named lawyers are in California, primarily Los Angeles.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

Mayer Brown maintains a nationwide presence, working with a diverse range of multinational corporations, financial institutions, funds, trade associations and other clients on high-value transactional and advisory mandates. An area of renowned strength continues to be securitization and structured finance, although other significant drivers of work include M&A, tax planning, investment funds, tax credits, transfer pricing, and SALT matters. The team works closely with the firm’s tax controversy practice, which further allows for the consideration of potential audit risks – where Brian Kittle is a key contact. Jason Bazar’s wide-ranging expertise covers the tax aspects of financings and business combinations; his recent work spans the energy, life sciences, TMT, and infrastructure sectors. Elsewhere, Chicago-based James Barry is the first port of call for individuals and US corporations on domestic and international tax planning matters, while Remmelt Reigersman in San Francisco focuses on financings for issuers, investment banks, and investors. Also recommended are global tax and transfer pricing co-head Lucas Giardelli, and federal income tax expert Michelle Jewett, whose expertise includes private investment funds and REITs. Bazar and Kittle co-head the practice with Chicago-based Tom Kittle-Kamp. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Transport > Rail and road: finance Tier 2

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Mayer Brown represents businesses and individuals in a variety of white-collar issues, and is noted in particular for its expertise in highly regulated areas, including energy, tech, and healthcare. Another area of strength is the financial services industry, where the group often works in cooperation with other relevant practice groups. Chicago’s Greg Deis, Kelly Kramer in Washington DC, and Jason Linder, who is based in DC as well as Los Angeles, form part of the leadership team. Kramer has outstanding expertise matters ranging from False Claims Act trials to tax fraud and money laundering investigations, while Linder and Deis both have a background in government positions as former federal prosecutor and Assistant US Attorney, respectively.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 3

Mayer Brown provides e-discovery guidance to clients from a range of regulated industries, including the pharmaceutical, financial and insurance sectors. The group has experience in large scale international and cross-border matters, and acts on behalf of prominent clients such as Spotify. In addition to acting as counsel in disputes, the department provides information governance guidance and pre-litigation services, setting up consistent, repeatable and defensible discovery processes. The group is led by antitrust specialists Oral Pottinger and Michael Lackey, who are based in Washington DC, and Ethan Hastert, who works from the Chicago office, and has experience in commercial litigation and internal investigations.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 3

The sizeable team at Mayer Brown represents financial institutions, leading technology and telecoms companies, and transnational environmental services organizations in domestic and international class actions, arbitrations and litigations. Underscoring the firm’s wide reach, the four practice heads span the country with Reginald Goeke based in Washington DC, Michael Olsen in Chicago, Bronwyn Pollock in Los Angeles and Richard Spehr   in New York. The four are active litigators and Pollock, who has significant expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes, recently defended First American Title Insurance Co in a class action complaint based on foreclosure activity by the insurer. Energy sector specialist Michael Lennon, Jr. is also recommended; currently representing LUKOIL Pan Americas LLC in a suit that alleges a large scale price-fixing and bid-rigging conspiracy.

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

With a strong bi-coastal presence, as well as from its Midwest heartland, Mayer Brown is well-placed to represent consumer products manufacturers across a wide range of mass tort/product liability matters, irrespective of geography or underlying industry sector. The firm often picks up roles as national co-ordinating counsel on big-ticket MDLs and class actions, regularly securing important dispositive victories, including as it relates to the exclusion of plaintiff’s witnesses and class decertification. The firm also has a number of strong trial lawyers, both at a first instance, as well as an appellate stage. One of these is Los Angeles-based partner Dan Queen, who as part of his broad practice, which also includes regulatory advice relating to Prop 65, regularly represents clients in major consumer class actions, including as it relates to alleged misleading/deceptive labeling on food and beverage products. Experienced Washington DC-based practitioner Carmine Zarlenga  is also very accomplished at defending food companies across a range of matters, including consumer class actions alleging false advertising, as well as in relation to antitrust and trade secrets, among other allegations. Managing partner of the Los Angeles office, John Nadolenco regularly handles consumer class actions across a range of industry sectors, including within the automotive space. Zarlenga heads the team alongside Henninger Bullock  and Daniel Ring , who are based out of the firm’s New York and Chicago offices, respectively.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Mayer Brown ‘astutely staffs matters, engages the right diverse pool of lawyers, and applies exceptional judgment to achieve solid results for clients’. The firm handles both domestic and cross-border securities litigation, drawing on its outstanding compliance, investigation, enforcement, litigation, and appellate capabilities. The firm is involved in matters arising from the global financial crisis, in part due to its close ties with major financial institutions, among them Bank of New York Mellon and Nomura Securities. Joe De Simone in New York (who is ‘brilliant and still has the common touch with street smart, good judgment’) and Glenn Vanzura in Los Angeles are the lead partners. De Simone and New York-based Matthew Ingber settled a federal securities class action for Frontier Communications Corporation arising from its acquisition of Verizon accounts in California, Texas and Florida. Richard Spehr, also based in New York, continues to act for Bank of Montreal as successor to M&I Bank in the aftermath of a $3bn Ponzi scheme, the bank being accused of aiding and abetting.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Mayer Brown has a rich and varied equity offerings practice. Along with a steady pipeline of IPOs, the firm frequently advises on follow-on offerings, at-the-market offerings, private placements and PIPE transactions. New York-based co-leader of the global capital markets practice Anna Pinedo was at the forefront of the evolution of at-the-market offerings and has a fine reputation in PIPEs. The team continues to advise a number of business development companies (BDCs), REITs and life sciences businesses on their equity offerings. The firm launched a Salt Lake City office in 2022, focused on early-stage growth companies, but with significant capital markets expertise. Brian Hirshberg is an active member of the practice, having become a partner in 2021.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Mayer Brown's impressive history in capital markets offerings has provided a platform for a burgeoning high-yield debt practice. The firm is especially active on the issuer side, landing engagements in the financial services and REITs sectors, amongst others, and achieving further growth through its well-established Latin America team. The core of the team is based in New York and Chicago, with further high-yield debt expertise in Houston. John Berkery now advises a number of prominent issuer clients in the high-yield debt space, including offerings by REITs. Ryan Castillo and Chicago partner John Ablan are also building their reputations in the area. Anna Pinedo and Chicago’s Edward Best, joint chairs of the capital markets group, are also key names in this area. Named partners are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Commercial lending

Broad expertise from both a lender and borrower perspective means Mayer Brown is sought by a combination of banks, underwriters, private equity sponsors and lenders, with restructurings, real estate, litigation, mortgage and acquisition finance making up a large proportion of the team’s work, which is led by Kiel Bowen in Charlotte, Matthew O’Meara in Chicago and Scott Zemser in New York. The group’s extensive reach is another key factor, with a notable presence in Latin America covering loans, structured financings, and securities offerings. Other significant members in Chicago include Christopher Chubb, active on leveraged buyouts and working capital financings, debt facilities expert Fred Fisher, and Andrew Vouziers, who joined the firm from Sidley Austin LLP in May 2022.

Government > Government contracts Tier 3

At Mayer Brown, the government contracts team sits within the firm’s wider national security department and features lawyers with high-level security clearance, making it well placed to handle litigation involving the security agencies. Noted for its wealth of experience in acting for major contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, the practice handles bid protests, compliance matters, investigations and contractual negotiations, with a focus on the aerospace, defense and healthcare segments. Leading the Washington DC-based group is Marcia Madsen, who is highly regarded for her ‘outstanding technical knowledge’. Madsen manages a broad practice, spanning False Claims Act issues, bid protests, cybersecurity matters and federal litigation, working alongside counsels Luke Levasseur and Cameron Edlefsen.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

Mayer Brown’s ‘very creative and smart' New York-based team represents a spread of biotech, device, and pharmaceutical companies, as well as a number of investment banks. Lisa Ferri heads the practice alongside Reb Wheeler. Wheeler primarily assists financial institutions and private equity firms on licensing, collaboration, and joint venture-related matters, while Ferri often appears before the ITC and PTAB in patent challenges under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA). Anna Pinedo, who heads up the practice's capital markets offering, possesses key experience advising on securities and derivatives.

International Trade > Trade remedies and trade policy Tier 3

With ‘strong capability and insight in the trade area’, Mayer Brown houses a truly global practice, which is co-led from Washington DC, London and Brussels. On the trade remedies front, the Washington DC-based group represents both petitioners and respondents across the full range of issues, including antidumping cases, safeguard actions and Section 232 matters. The team also houses an active trade policy practice, which has considerable experience in appearing before various bilateral, regional and multilateral institutions, including the WTO. Duane Layton, who stepped down as international trade head in January 2023, is noted for his expertise in international dispute settlement; he also handles trade remedies. Matthew McConkey now leads the trade remedies and policy practice; he is representing US Steel Corporation in the Section 232 investigation on imported steel. The team also draws on Sydney Mintzer, who handles a mix of customs and trade remedies litigation, and Jing Zhang, who splits her practice between Washington DC and Beijing and is well versed across a range of trade matters, including antidumping and anti-subsidy cases.

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

Leadership of Mayer Brown‘s employment team is split between Ruth Zadikany in Los Angeles, who is experienced in high-stakes complex litigation, and Chicago-based Andrew Rosenman, who recently secured wins for clients in restrictive covenant and wage and hour cases. The practice utilizes the firm’s extensive international network to advise clients on the full spectrum of employment issues with both national and cross-border elements, with particular expertise in defending clients in wage-and-hour class and representative actions. The practice also has significant experience in discrimination claims, trade secret matters, and restrictive covenant issues, with recent successes including the acquisition of a temporary restraining order in a breach of restrictive covenants case.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3

Mayer Brown‘s capital markets focused global public companies and corporate governance practice is spearheaded by Anna Pinedo in New York and Edward Best, who splits his time between Chicago and New York. Pinedo and Best are co-heads of the global capital markets practice and often work with financial institutions and provide securities advice for REITS. Another key area of expertise for the practice is counseling management and boards of directors on change and crisis management.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 3

The team at Mayer Brown represents contractors, developers, and design professionals on the full spectrum of construction litigation and transactional mandates. The team is also seasoned in infrastructure, manufacturing, and sports stadium projects and advises on a diversity of disputes relating to this. Practice head Joanna Horsnail is a transactional specialist who works from Chicago and is often engaged in representing clients in the development, design, and construction of both public and private projects, as well as advising on various agreements including concession, design and construction, naming rights and purchase agreements. Matthew Moscon is a key name in the firm’s Salt Lake City office, handling a wide range of construction and land use litigation matters.

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

The ‘very experienced’ team at Mayer Brown represents REITS, large-scale investment funds and other vehicles in M&A, financings and corporate activity, alongside standout expertise in private placements and public offerings, alongside securitizations, highly-structured finance transactions and regulatory issues. Anna Pinedo leads the group from New York and is also co-leader of the global capital markets practice, focusing on complex REITs financing transactions. David Freed and Brian Hirshberg are key partners in the same office, specialising in equity and mortgage REITs, and registered and unregistered securities offerings, respectively. In Chicago, Haukur Gudmundsson is a key name.

Real estate Tier 3

Highly recommended for its expertise negotiating and establishing joint ventures, Mayer Brown‘s active real estate practice remains sought-after for retail, industrial, office, hotel, healthcare, housing as well as land ventures. Brian Aronson in Los Angeles heads the practice; he advises REITs, life insurance companies, pension funds, portfolio asset managers, and other institutional lenders and investors on all transactional matters. Over in Chicago, Heather Adkerson and Paul Meyer are the key figures, with Meyer particularly noted for his extensive experience advising on acquisitions, dispositions and financing involving office buildings, apartment complexes, retail centers, industrial and logistics facilities, hotels, storage facilities, condominiums, medical and assisted-living facilities.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Attracting praise for its 'deep knowledge and experience in the field', Mayer Brown's international arbitration practice routinely represents corporations and governmental bodies before the main international arbitration institutions worldwide. The group's expansive domestic platform takes in seats in New York, Chicago, Houston, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, while it also benefits from the ability to link up with teams throughout the firm's global network. New York-based US group head Ted Howes maintains a broad practice, with an emphasis on proceedings related to international M&A, joint venture and distribution disputes. Houston's Michael Lennon has a focus on cases involving the energy, natural resources, and construction sectors.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 4

Mayer Brown ‘s energy regulatory lawyers are mainly based in Washington, DC, and have led FERC proceedings in a variety of matters, including representing clients in all aspects of FERC approval obligations, alongside advising on the major regulatory features of major insolvency and bankruptcy in the US electric power sector. The team work closely in a fully integrated team with their global projects, power and utilities, renewables and tax colleagues to identify opportunities, define and manage risks. Mark Williams is a leading regulatory lawyer, and has led regulatory engagements in several recognized FERC-related M&A proceedings. Both Elena Rubinov (based in New York) John Tormey are focused on regulatory matters within the renewable energy space. Heather Feingold is a noteworthy name for her work in managing regulatory processes in numerous FERC M&A proceedings.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

Mayer Brown‘s energy lawyers work closely with their global projects, power and utilities and renewable lawyers with exposure to a wide range of transactions and investments within electric power, such as acquisitions and transactions involving controlling interests. Mark Williams is a partner in the Washington, DC office and has led several FERC-regulated M&A proceedings; he is based alongside John Tormey who is focused on renewable matters, particularly leading a number of solar deals as well as a carbon sequestration tax equity financing, and Heather Feingold whose transactional workload encompasses portfolio matters and regulated mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Elena Rubinov, based in New York, has been involved in M&A transactions, such as representing Argo Infrastructure Partners LP in the acquisition by merger of Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation MIC.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

Mayer Brown advises a wide range of clients, including debtors, agents, lenders, creditors’ committees, and distressed asset acquirers, and has an especially strong reputation for representing financial institutions in relation to chapter 11 bankruptcies. New York-based Brian Trust and Adam Paul in Chicago lead the practice- Trust has extensive experience representing banks and other financial institutions in complex restructuring, while Paul has a strong reputation for advising debtor and creditor clients in in- and out-of-court restructurings. With considerable experience representing senior debt lenders, Tom Kiriakos is practice leader in the firm’s Chicago office, and has notable expertise in handling the restructuring of syndicated debts.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 4

Mayer Brown draws on its international network to represent insurance sector clients involved in multi-jurisdictional litigation, including class actions and reinsurance disputes. Bronwyn Pollock leads the team from the firm’s Los Angeles office, assisting insurance clients in defeating class actions and multi-state cases. In addition to ongoing COVID-19 business interruption and regulatory matters, the practice has advised on D&O matters, with Houston-based Robert Harrell defending clients against shareholder class actions and SEC investigations. Yevgeniy Markov departed the firm for in July 2022.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 4

The patent litigation practice at Mayer Brown represents plaintiffs and defendants from a range of Fortune 500 companies in matters across all industries, including software and hardware, pharma, and biotech. The team has defended patent lawsuits in federal, district, and appellate courts nationwide, including the US Supreme Court, the US Patent Office Board of Appeals and Interferences, and the International Trade Commission. The team represents major tech companies and innovator pharma companies, as well as Fortune 100 companies in cases involving patents from all areas. Operating out of New York, Lisa Ferri is the head of the team, frequently acting as first chair for high-profile companies in the pharma, biotech, and medical device industries. In Washington DC, Jamie Beaber and James “Tripp” Fussell are integral members of the team.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 4

The team at Mayer Brown employs the full bench strength of locations across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific regions to support on an array of high-stakes trademark litigation and enforcement. The team is led by John Mancini in New York, who litigates at the state and federal levels and brings expertise in the digital media space, and Michael Adams in Chicago, who applies over 15 years of experience in the practice space and specializes in anti-cybersquatting matters. Also in Chicago, Kristine Young acts in proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) and the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. Emily Nash, who operates out of the Chicago and New York offices, was promoted to partner in January 2023.

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

Mayer Brown has established strength in advising multinational corporations, investment managers and financial services on issues concerning pension plans investments, compliance with ERISA and DOL regulations, and controversy work involving employee benefits and executive compensation arrangements. Practice head Maureen Gorman is based in the Palo Alto office and regularly counsels clients on ERISA fiduciary issues and IRS and DOL audits. Recent practice addition Erin Cho, who arrived from Groom Law Group, Chartered, fronts the Washington office and has expertise in pension plans and helping businesses negotiate with benefit plan investors. Chicago’s Hillary August works on matters regarding tax-qualified retirement plans, executive compensation arrangements, and health and welfare policies.

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

Mayer Brown specializes in representing investment managers, banks, and other institutional fiduciaries on the whole spectrum of compliance, transaction and controversy work involving employee benefits and executive compensation arrangements. The group routinely advises clients in high-profile M&A transactions, as evidenced by its role in Cummins’ $3.7 billion acquisition of Meritor. Debra Hoffman focuses on advising corporations on employee benefit plans and ERISA-related issues, while Ryan Liebl handles designing and administering nonqualified deferred compensation plans. Meanwhile, Stephanie Vasconcellos’ expertise lies in assisting with equity compensation and severance agreements. All named attorneys are based in the Chicago office, with Maureen Gorman heading the overall team from Palo Alto.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 4

Mayer Brown focuses on employment law issues which relate to Covid-19, restrictive covenants, OSHA matters, leave issues and discrimination. The practice guides clients through matters such as workplace health and safety, testing, whistleblowing and privacy. Chicago-based Andrew Rosenman is an experienced litigator and co-heads the team with Ruth Zadikany, who is located in Los Angeles.

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

Mayer Brown‘s New York-based practice specializes in handling cutting-edge copyright cases for high-profile clients from the music, technology and gaming industries. Practice co-head Paul Fakler specializes in new media-related IP matters, and is currently representing Pandora in a group of copyright infringement cases related to the licensing of jokes in comedy sound recordings. The intellectual property expertise at the firm is further augmented by co-head John Mancini, who is representing Spotify in a copyright dispute related to Eminem tracks. Jacob Ebin centers his practice around the music industry and advises the Television Music License Committee regarding potential litigations.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4

International Trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 5

Led by licensed customs broker Sydney Mintzer, Mayer Brown’s Washington DC-based customs practice has recently experienced a significant uptick in supply chain-related work, including forced-labor compliance matters. The team has also recorded growth in advising China-based companies on US customs law, where mandarin speaker Jing Zhang is a key contact; notably, Zhang also advises US-based clients on issues related to China’s new blocking laws. From platforms in Washington DC and Dubai, Tamer Soliman heads the export control and sanctions practice globally; he is noted for his focus on the extra-territorial application of US regulations.

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

Particularly well-known for its  real estate, insurance and credit fund experience, the private equity fund practice group at Mayer Brown routinely assists sponsor, adviser and investor clients with issues relating to a broad spectrum of fund types. The team has representation across the country, furthered by the addition of Jim Kelly from Dorsey & Whitney LLP to the Salt Lake City office in June 2022. Two lawyers jointly spearhead the practice: Wendy Dodson Gallegos in Chicago, who is well-versed in acting for fund sponsors and investment managers, with a strong client base in the real estate sector; and Timothy Clark, a New York-based partner with extensive experience in the investment funds industry. Tram Nguyen is a key contact at the Washington DC office with broad funds expertise in fund raising and regulatory matters.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 6

Leading global companies and financial institutions turn to Mayer Brown for assistance in high-value M&A involving an array of industries, such as energy, heavy manufacturing, and financial services, among others. The team is spread across the US, with key presence in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Palo Alto, and Washington DC. William Kucera is skilled at acting for buyers and sellers in acquisitions and divestitures, public and private mergers, as well as venture capital and private equity investments. He is based in the Chicago office, where Jodi Simala is noted for her transactional experience in the gaming, hospitality, fintech, automotive and financial services sectors. Sitting in New York, Martha McGarry is proficient in shareholder activism and corporate governance matters, while Philip Brandes is often sought out by private equity sponsors in relation cross-border transactions.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation

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

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds

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

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance

Mayer Brown’s status as a global leader in banking and finance, combined with its longstanding commitment to Latin America, forms the basis for a flourishing practice in the region. The firm advises a vast array of big-name lenders, including Latin American and international institutions, with engagements ranging from bulge-bracket project finance to sustainability-linked loans and pioneering structured finance transactions. It continues to be at the forefront of future flow financings, warehouse financing, and supply chain and trade finance, and has also worked on the vast majority of diversified payment rights financings in Latin America. The firm has a presence in Brazil through its association with Tauil & Chequer Advogados and a growing office in Mexico City, coupled with Latin America-focused practitioners in New York, Chicago, Washington DC and other US offices. Chicago partner Douglas Doetsch is head of the Latin America group and a market leader in infrastructure finance and cross-border securitisations, including future cash flow securitisations. Buenos Aires-born Gabriela Sakamoto is another experienced name in project finance, structured finance and acquisition finance, and Chicago partner Juan Pablo Moreno is another key figure on cross-border financings in Latin America, including major project financings and sustainability-linked loans. David Duffee has retired.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

Mayer Brown has an outstanding record in project finance with its excellent connections to key commercial lenders and multilateral agencies. Operating across the energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure spaces, the firm is also noted for its experience in M&A transactions, including the acquisition finance aspects of these deals. The firm also has strong links to project sponsors, special purpose vehicles, contractors, operators and governments. It has a fine reputation in project bond transactions, hybrid financings and PPP structures. The US-based team works closely with colleagues in Mexico City and Brazil, including oil and gas, LNG, and gas-fired and renewable power projects. Washington DC and New York-based Christopher Erckert leads the firm’s project bonds practice and Latin America projects practice; he continues to be active in major infrastructure, renewable energy and electricity transmission project financings. Chicago partner Douglas Doetsch is head of the Latin America and Caribbean practice, and is an experienced figure in transportation infrastructure financings and re-financings. Washington DC’s Gabriela Sakamoto and Chicago partner Juan Pablo Moreno are also key names, along with Gabriel Salinas, who joined the Houston office as a partner in April 2023 from Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets

Mayer Brown has a genuinely wide-ranging Latin America capital markets practice. It has a longstanding presence in energy and infrastructure bonds, high-yield and investment-grade bonds, private placements, liability management, and securitisation and structured financings. Additionally, the firm is building its standing in IPOs and equity offerings, especially in Brazil through its partner firm Tauil & Chequer Advogados. It has continued to advise on a series of infrastructure financings, often through private placements, and remains at the forefront of diversified payments rights programmes. It also has a growing office in Mexico City. Chicago partner Douglas Doetsch leads the Latin America group and has an outstanding record in infrastructure bond financings and future cash flow securitisations, including diversified payments rights programmes. Chicago’s Juan Pablo Moreno is licensed to practice in Colombia, New York and Illinois, and is also noted for diversified payments rights programmes, debt offerings and other structured finance transactions. Washington DC partner Gabriela Sakamoto is rated for private placement financings for infrastructure projects and securitisations. New York’s David Bakst  is another key member of the team.