Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP > Los Angeles, United States > Firm Profile

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 1

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has strong expertise in handling antitrust matters particularly across the tech, financial services, and healthcare sectors, defending key clients such as Fanatics and Google LLC. Recent work has involved class actions resulting from monopolization claims and no-poach agreements. Philadelphia-based global practice leader Steven Reed acts in high-stake matters across trial and appellate levels, offering previous experience as in-house lawyer at a large pharmaceutical company. Co-deputy practice leader Ryan Kantor is based in Washington DC. ‘National leader in the antitrust and competition arena’ and co-deputy practice leader Brendan Fee in Philadelphia, specializes in high-stakes antitrust class litigation for clients in a variety of industries including life sciences and energy. Brian Rocca leads the firm’s California antitrust practice with expertise in defending against monopolization claims in the technology sector. DC based Jon Roellke leads in many matters, focusing particularly on antitrust and trade regulation matters including class action and enforcement matters concerning financial services and technology clients. Noah Kaufman, promoted to partner in Boston in October 2022, represents clients across the higher education, automotive and retail sectors. Clayton Everett Jr and Stacey Anne Mahoney in DC and New York respectively, are also noted by peers and offer extensive counseling and litigation experience. Willard Tom retired in October 2022.

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

Principally based out of its East and West coast offices, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has a well-established toxic tort offering which represents energy and manufacturing sector clients across the gamut of asbestos, chemical and environmental exposure cases. As well as benefiting from access to excellent legal technology and a very flexible approach to fees, the firm also stands out for its ability to handle big-ticket mandates often involving regulatory challenges, government enforcements actions and investigations, and aggregated private litigation. In this context, the team regularly acts as coordinating national counsel on major multi-party and multijurisdictional cases. A fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Los Angeles-based partner David Schrader exemplifies this approach, including recently representing oil and gas companies in separate high-profile toxic tort matters. Also based in Los Angeles, Yardena Zwang-Weissman continues to gain market recognition as a result of her ability to handle large-scale multi-party and multi-faceted environmental toxic tort cases relating to alleged soil, water, and groundwater contamination where her advice includes a compelling combination of subject matter, strategic and procedural expertise. Washington DC-based partner Paul Zevnik co-heads the team alongside Zwang-Weissman and has developed a market-leading reputation in relation to insurance recovery and coverage issues relating to toxic tort liabilities.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 1

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP boasts a strong track record in asset- and mortgage-backed securities, acting for financial institutions, investment funds, and issuers across the financial services, automotive, education, fintech, government, real estate, telecommunications and technology sectors. In the firm’s New York office, practice leader Reed Auerbach acts for underwriters and issuers on public and private offerings of asset- and mortgage-backed securities involving a broad range of assets, while Matthew Joseph advises on structuring innovative transactions with new asset types, or unique cash-flow and tax structures. Based in Washington DC, Jeffrey Johnson handles public and private issuances of ABS and MBS transactions, with a strong focus in the real estate sector, while New York’s Steve Levitan counts auto loans and lease receivables, student loans, warehouse lending financings and residential solar panel installation financings in his workload. The firm’s Washington DC office is home to Asa Herald, who advises on RMBS transactions and credit card receivables, and Paul St. Lawrence, who is a key figure in the CLO and residential mortgage finance arenas. Other key contacts in the group include Washington DC-based Mark Riccardi and Chicago’s Jeffrey Weinstein.

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 1

The ‘extremely practical’ practice at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP handles claims concerning an extensive number of liabilities, including cyber, environmental, product liability, class actions, mass torts and catastrophes among others, while also assisting with captive insurance and reinsurance disputes. Paul A. Zevnik leads the practice, splitting time between Washington DC and Los Angeles and representing clients in mass tort, environmental, securities and product liability matters. In Houston, Brady Edwards specializes in mass torts concerning asbestos and talc contamination, while in DC, Daniel Chefitz is a captive insurance expert, and Gerald P. Konkel is adept at handling disputes with ties to Bermuda and London, advising on matters pertaining to business interruptions, medical device liability and food recalls. Sergio F. Oehninger, also Washington-based, handles insurance, reinsurance and bad faith disputes, with a cross-border practice, particularly in regard to Latin America. San Francisco’s Jeffrey S. Raskin handles matters of commercial general, D&O, fiduciary and cyber liability, while in Washington, associate Teri Diaz is noted for her work on toxic tort, property damage and business interruption claims.

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 1

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has a top-of-the-market offering in exchange-traded funds and acts for ’40 Act ETFs, exchange-traded commodity pools, and metals trusts. Seven partners dedicate significant portions of their practices to ETF work, while the broader investment funds group also regularly acts for blue chip registered mutual funds, closed-end investment companies, and variable insurance products. A trio of practitioners oversee the department: John McGuire in Washington DC, a leading name in the US when it comes to ETFs, and strong counsel for regulatory matters; Timothy Levin in Philadelphia, a seasoned advisor of institutional asset management firms and financial services companies on a variety of legal, compliance, and commercial matters; and Boston's Roger Joseph, a standout name in assisting clients with navigating the ever-evolving regulatory environment. From the deep bench of lawyers at the Washington DC office, Laura Flores is valued by clients for her assistance with ‘developing new and innovative fund structures‘, while Thomas Harman is a senior figure across the gamut of funds matters, and Mana Behbin, promoted to partner in October 2022, is an up-and-coming figure to note.

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

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP maintains its leading role advising on employee benefits and executive compensation plans, boasting an extensive client list of blue chip and Fortune 500 companies. The department has a number of key specialisms, including a management representation practice, an IRA and annuities practice, and an interdisciplinary multiemployer plan practice. Group head and New York-based Craig Bitman helps businesses comply with their fiduciary duties and qualified and nonqualified deferred compensation plans, while deputy head Amy Pocino Kelly offers strategic guidance on the design, governance and operation of retirement plans and executive compensation arrangements from the Philadelphia office. Washington DC’s Rosina Barker is intimately familiar with ERISA compliance measures and has experience counselling clients on the Internal Revenue Code, while Jonathan Zimmerman is a crucial point of contact for clients concerned with the fallout of Dobbs vs Jackson and other complex and unique health and welfare matters. The firm is also able to cover a range of emerging fiduciary issues; the Pittsburgh-based Elizabeth Goldberg is well-informed of the potential influence ESG and cybersecurity factors may have on her clients’ operations. Althea Day, who is also at the Washington office, has been highly active in practice matters, possessing expertise regarding the regulatory compliance of retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, and compensation arrangements, while Michael Gorman advises on a range of legal issues surrounding ERISA, the Affordable Care Act and the Multiemployer Pension Protection Act from Pittsburgh.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 1

With broad ERISA experience, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is well-regarded and has achieved significant recent victories for clients including Oshkosh Corp, establishing precedent for other 401(k) fiduciary breach class actions, and Boeing and Partners Healthcare, a case significant in the actual equivalence class action space. The firm has also achieved successes across stock-drop, cash-balance plans, ESOPs and denial of benefits claims, as well as defending several private universities in claims challenging 403(b) retirement plan fee and investment options. Lastly the firm has been engaged in numerous class action lawsuits against major 401(k) and 403(b) plans alleging unreasonable recordkeeping and investment fees as well as breaches of fiduciary duties. The practice heads are Grace Speights, based in Washington DC, Jeremy Blumenfeld, based between New York and Philadelphia, and Deborah Davidson and Christopher Boran, both operating in the firm’s Chicago office. Key New York-based partner, Melissa Hill concentrates her ERISA practice on class actions and benefit pension plans in connection with 401(k) and 43(b) management. Senior practitioner Brian Ortelere in Philadelphia is regarded for his extensive ERISA experience, particularly in defending class action claims challenging the administration of defined benefit pension plans, 401(k) savings plans, and ESOPs. Chicago's Matthew Russell focuses his practice on defending plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and service providers against a variety of employee benefits claims and ERISA litigation around the United States.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 1

Predominantly based out of Washington DC, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP boasts a wide geographic reach, with Eleanor Pelta and Shannon Donnelly jointly managing the team out of DC, providing a full-service global employment and immigration offering including handling matters pertaining to employment discrimination, corporate change, including M&As and downsizings, and corporate policy development. The group continues to count leading names in the technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and financial services sectors among its clients. Both chairs counsel clients in legal and strategic issues arising from the international movement of key personnel and offer expertise in federal litigation for clients challenging immigration decisions. With a specialty in Department of Justice investigations and litigation related to immigration, Eric Bord leads the immigration compliance practice and advises clients on I-9 and E-Verify issues. Miami-based counsel Laura Garvin focuses her practice on employment-based immigration law, advising employers on broad immigration compliance and agency facilitation issues before US federal agencies. Next to her business immigration practice, counsel Christina Gonzaga in San Francisco provides pro bono legal representation in immigration cases involving asylum, deportation, and family-based matters.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 1

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP continues to exhibit its expertise in the labor and employment space, with the team’s work covering the entire spectrum of issues such as class actions, discrimination matters, and trade secret misappropriation. The practice is led by Grace Speights in Washington DC and David McManus in New York, and has particular expertise in advising clients within the financial services space, with other industry experience including insurance, retail, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Key names include Philadelphia-based Michael Banks and Sarah Bouchard, who specialize in litigation and internal investigations respectively. Anne Marie Estevez in Miami is a key name for defending clients in complex class and collective actions, while Samuel Shaulson, who splits his time between Miami and New York, has a particular expertise for complex litigation. In New York, Lincoln Bisbee is experienced in litigating whistleblower claims, while Melissa Rodriguez advises clients on the full gamut of labor and employment matters.  

Labor and employment > Labor-management relations Tier 1

The labor and employment practice group at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is vastly experienced in labor-management relations across a full range of both litigation and counselling matters, with particular emphasis on collective bargaining, corporate campaigns, labor arbitrations, mediations and union organization campaigns. The team frequently practices before all federal, state and local agencies, and has a demonstrable track record at all levels of the court system including significant involvement in significant public policy matters, including the National Labor Relations Board governing ‘quickie’ election procedures. Based out of Washington DC, Daniel Bordoni maintains his focus on labor-management relations across the defense, manufacturing, transportation and consumer products industries. In the same office, Jonathan C. Fritts  is a key name on mandates spanning the transport, construction and energy industries. Los Angeles-based attorney and former NLRB board lawyer Nicole Buffalano represents high-end clients in critical labor issues across multiple sectors. Philadelphia’s Joseph Ragaglia  provides employers with strategic advice and jointly leads the firm’s global labor and employment practice in conjunction with transport expert Harry I. Johnson, III who works out of Century City, California. Former chairman of the NLRB, Philip Miscimarra is based in both Washington DC and Chicago, handling complex labor law disputes and union representation election cases. Philadelphia-based Steven R. Wall  is the firm’s managing partner and a senior name in the team.  

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 1

The labor and employment team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has deep industry knowledge in the areas of retail and e-commerce, financial services, pharma, tech, and healthcare, specializing in a range of matter areas such as wage and hour law, FLSA classification, independent contractor classification issues, immigration and National Labor Relations Board matters. The team assists both employees and employers with specific local regulation compliance, employment policy and agreement drafting. Washington DC-based Grace Speights defends clients against employment discrimination claims and co-heads the practice with David McManus, located in New York, who provides advice on immigration issues. Terry Johnson operates out of Princeton and has expertise in defending employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful discharge. Sharon Masling is based in Washington DC and advises employers on issues of employment discrimination while Barbara Miller handles complex litigation out of Orange County. Los Angeles-located Kathryn McGuigan counsels in all areas of human resources management.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 1

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is regularly the first port of call for leading outsourcing consultants, advising on negotiating platform modernising contracts, shifting from on-premises to cloud solutions and the implementation of emerging tech, such as AI, robotics and automation. Global leader of the tech, outsourcing and commercial transactions practice Barbara Melby, who works across the New York and Philadelphia offices, assists leading financial institutions, financial services companies, healthcare and life sciences clients as well as global outsourcing providers with high value, tech-driven transactions. Alongside Vito Petretti, Melby also advises leading outsourcing providers on transactions with buyers, including RFPs for complex finance and accounting outsourcing transactions, while Petretti supports clients in the life sciences, consumer products, retail and automotive industries on the full spectrum of issues that pertain to outsourcing transactions, for example, data rights, software licensing and ownership, service transition and liability allocation. Philadelphia based pair Christopher Archer and associate Kelli Boyle, are key members of the team. Archer is called upon by clients for the development of future strategies and negotiating long-term contract structures. Doneld Shelkey leverages his expertise in emerging solutions, such as cloud, data analytics, NFTs and blockchains to provide advice for major Silicon Valley giants. Rahul Kapoor, group leader of the Silicon Valley and San Francisco teams, works on corporate transactions focused on intellectual property and tech. Peter Watt-Morse is a go-to name for global investment management firms, while Katherine O’Keefe is routinely involved in the early phases of the outsourcing process, working with clients on the RFI and RFP processes. Michael Pillion has retired.

Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 1

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is praised as offering ‘one of the largest and most sophisticated tax-exempt organizations practices in the US’, mainly working from the firm’s Washington DC office. As well as tax-exempt organizations, the group advises large public charities and private foundations (independent and corporate), donor-advised funds, trade associations, colleges, universities, and many other organizations. The practice is helmed by tax exempt organizations expert Celia Roady, and keys lawyers include Tomer Inbar, Megan Bell, and Kimberly Eney, who, along with the other partners in the team, ‘represent every important institution in the sector’ and ‘are expert on every issue impacting the sector, from governance to grantmaking to investing‘. The group’s depth of expertise extends to counsels Caroline Waldner and Lauren Simpson – Simpson’s diverse practice includes advising on establishing and managing relationships between tax-exempt organizations and for-profit entities, and Waldner is adept at advising tax-exempt organizations on ongoing compliance with applicable tax laws.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 1

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has expertise in many specialty areas, including transfer pricing, benefits and payroll tax, and R&D credits, and is frequently active in litigation for multinationals, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals. The group has particular strength in complex cross-border matters, due to the firm’s extensive international network of offices. Barton Bassett, who splits his time between Silicon Valley and San Francisco, leads the tax litigation practice on the West Coast with Rod Donnelly, in Silicon Valley. Bassett and Donnelly share a focus on the outbound and inbound operations of domestic and foreign multinationals, and cover issues such as transfer pricing matters, Subpart F, and foreign tax credits. Alex Sadler, a leading name in R&D tax credit controversy and litigation, is based in Washington DC, alongside international tax specialist Scott Farmer, federal tax expert Sheri Dillon, and Doug Norton, who made partner in October 2022. Thomas Linguanti, who leads the Chicago practice, covers audits, alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and trial and appellate litigation. John Magee and William Nelson retired in December 2021.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

Led by ‘outstanding attorney’ Clayton Everett Jr, the practice at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP regularly represents a bevy of high-profile corporates in global and domestic cartel investigations and enforcement actions before both US and international antitrust agencies. Everett, praised for his ‘mastery of antitrust law,’ takes the lead on complex and precedent-setting criminal cartel trials from his base in Washington DC, securing immunity and leniency for clients in multijurisdictional investigations and litigation. In addition to significant government agency expertise, the team also has considerable industry-specific expertise, having represented clients from the pharma, electronics, energy, and automotive industries. In Silicon Valley, former DOJ and federal prosecutor Mark Krotoski is a prolific cartel litigator, with a successful track record arguing appeals before federal circuit courts. Boston’s Daniel Savrin represents corporations and executives in criminal antitrust and civil enforcement matters, specializing in consumer protection issues at the state and federal levels.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is reputed in the market for its extensive False Claims Act and qui tam work, which the firm handles across a number of jurisdictions for companies and individuals alike. Regulatory inquiries, civil litigation, and criminal investigations brought by enforcement agencies like the DOJ and SEC form part of the group’s portfolio. Seasoned trial lawyer Eric Sitarchuk  in Philadelphia is a go-to attorney for corporations in white-collar matters and leads the practice together with Boston-based Timothy Burke, whose specializations span securities regulatory and litigation matters. The firm further broadened its group with the addition of three former government officials: Justin Weitz and David Plotinsky from the DOJ, as well as Kelly Gibson, who has held varied positions at the SEC, including acting deputy director of the Division of Enforcement.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s ‘well-rounded practice group’ includes lawyers, legal design professionals and engineers, enabling the team to remain attuned to new technologies, while advising clients at every stage of discovery in the full range of controversies, investigations, and litigation. The group is active on behalf on prominent national and multinational clients, with experience managing disputes and data management policies at the international and global level. Practice group leader Tess Blair and deputy practice group leader Scott Milner head the group from Pennsylvania. Blair is a litigator with more than 20 years’ experience in the e-discovery space, who remains active as a thought leader. Milner, who has worked within the team since its launch in 2004, advises on discovery strategies and management plans in numerous industries and jurisdictions. Litigator Tara Lawler, also in Pennsylvania, regularly serves as lead discovery counsel for the team’s core clients.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP expanded its footprint in June 2022, absorbing Seattle-based litigation boutique Calfo Eakes and subsequently boasting the practice’s client roster of national and international corporations, in addition to financial institutions. Noted for its capability in class actions and trials, the team has demonstrable experience across the healthcare and life sciences, technology and energy sectors. In the firm’s Philadelphia office, Gordon Cooney heads the global litigation practice and is noted for his expertise representing clients in crisis situations, while New York-based Susan DiCicco leads the commercial litigation practice. Philadelphia’s Troy Brown focuses on M&A disputes and New York-based Brian Herman acts for banks, private equity funds and hedge funds across a range of civil disputes and class actions, while Chicago’s Elizabeth Herrington has experience in the automotive and mobility sector. New members of the team following the merger include Patty Eakes and Angelo Calfo, who co-lead the firm’s Seattle office.

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

Leveraging the expertise of practitioners throughout the country with product liability, regulatory and government investigations prowess, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP advises pharma and medical devices companies, both from a risk management perspective as well as through the life cycle of litigation. The firm has been particularly visible in the high-profile opioid litigation, continuing to act for both Teva Pharmaceuticals and Rite Aid, as they seek to face down lawsuits filed by state attorneys general and local governments throughout the country. Pittsburgh-based litigator Wendy West Feinstein excels in jury trials, as well as securing summary judgment as a result of pretrial strategy and cross-examination of experts. Notably, in a nearly five-month trial conducted entirely over Zoom as a consequence of Covid-19, she obtained the first trial defense victory in the national prescription opioid litigation in California for Teva. Washington DC-based partner Paul Zevnik heads up the product liability, tort and insurance practice.  

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is highly regarded not only for its work in issuer-based class actions, but also high-profile regulatory matters before the SEC and the DOJ. Timothy Burke in Boston and Philadelphia-based partners Jeff Boujoukos and Kelly Gibson lead the securities enforcement and litigation practice. Gibson, who joined in 2022 from the SEC, is a key advisor on regulatory enforcement matters. Charlene Shimada in San Francisco is the firm’s standout partner for securities litigation defense, corporate governance, class actions, and complex commercial litigation. She is representing JP Morgan Securities LLC and nine other underwriters in a case arising out of Bloom Energy’s $270m IPO, in which plaintiffs allege that the offering documents contained false or misleading statements about the company’s products and operations. She has already narrowed the case by securing dismissals of restatement-related securities claims. Jordan Hershman in Boston is the lead litigation partner in the practice, and he recently secured the dismissal of a derivative suit against Synchronoss Technologies, Inc., which was accused of breaching its fiduciary duties in its sale of a business line. Also noteworthy is Michael Kichline in Philadelphia.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a trusted legal adviser to energy companies, most notably on advanced nuclear startups, companies developing and deploying energy storage resources, offshore wind developers and transmission development companies. The group advises clients to develop policy agendas, with lawyers sitting among regulators on government mandates, including EPA and CARB climate change-related rulemaking. In addition, the practice is adept in regulatory compliance issues, wrongdoing and strategic planning around the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), FERC, CFTC and NERC. Daniel Skees  represents utilities before FERC and other agencies on rate, regulatory and transaction matters, while Tim Matthews has a background in the nuclear power industry, and represents electric utilities, nuclear industry suppliers and other licensees before the NRC and DOL, with counselling including investigations, discrimination allegations and regulatory compliance matters. Stephen Spina has a strong FERC practice and also counsels clients on the implications of regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions from existing power plants, alongside helping clients invest in alternative energy sources to meet energy sustainability goals. Lawyers mentioned are members of the Washington, DC office, which is also home to associate Grant Eskelsen, an expert in nuclear power.

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 2

The energy and project development team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP handles a broad range of oil and gas matters, including projects relating to LNG, RNG and gas-fired generation. The firm acts as a one-stop shop for all aspects of FERC, CFTC and DOE regulations for natural gas companies, particularly concerning certification and approval of new pipelines, administrative litigation, federal regulatory compliance and appellate litigation. Kirstin Gibbs is a standout name in the market, leading the firm’s energy industry team and the climate change and sustainability working group. Gibbs regularly represents pipelines, producers, traders, marketers and utilities on a variety of regulatory issues, while Pamela Wu advises on matters concerning rates, market regulation and energy commodity trading before FERC and CFTC. Associate Arjun Ramadevanahalli assists on issues regarding wholesale markets, utilities transactions and enforcement proceedings. Stephen Spina jointly leads the practice alongside Chicago-based Elizabeth Hanigan. All named lawyers operate from the firm’s Washington DC office, unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is noted for its capability in handling transactional, regulatory and enforcement matters across a broad range of asset classes, including equity, commodity, interest rate, currency, agricultural and weather derivatives products. The team, which is well-placed to advise on insolvency-related mandates, sits within the firm’s wider investment management group and has experience in the financial services, energy and agricultural sectors. Praised as ‘exceptionally sharp, resourceful and responsive’, New York based Thomas D’Ambrosio focuses on structured and derivatives transactions, often encompassing regulatory and insolvency issues, and jointly leads the team alongside Michael Philipp, who operates from the firm’s office in Chicago. In Boston, Edwin Smith handles equity and credit derivatives, interest rate and currency swaps, total return swaps, and other commodity swaps, while Katherine Dobson Buckley advises on cross-border and US futures, derivatives and prime brokerage matters. Key clients include NextEra Energy, Entergy Corporation and KalshiEX Inc., among others.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 2

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP offers client support in both environmental litigation and regulatory matters, and is considerably experienced in enforcement investigations, mass tort litigation, hazardous waste cases, remediation matters and NRD issues. The team is also strong in permitting and compliance relating to large energy, infrastructure and development projects. The group is led by James Dragna in Los Angeles and John McGahren in Princeton, with Dragna advising energy, aerospace, and manufacturing clients across the country on litigation and environmental crises, and McGahren acting as a key name for Superfund and RCRA litigation, and CWA and CAA proceedings. The Princeton-based Stephanie Feingold is recommended for investigations and enforcement actions brought by environmental agencies. Angelo Calfo joined in Seattle from Calfo Eakes in the summer of 2022; Jeffrey Hurwitz retired; and David Brown in Los Angeles and Doug Hastings in Washington DC were promoted to partner.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP offers coast-to-coast expertise on high-profile regulatory and litigation matters, with a strong presence in Los Angeles and Princeton. It offers a wealth of experience in contamination cases and investigations and enforcement matters by regulators, as well as remediation issues. James Dragna and Princeton’s John McGahren lead the practice, with Dragna experienced in environmental crises in the energy, aerospace, and manufacturing industries, and McGahren a key name for compliance, litigation and natural resource damage claims. In San Francisco, Ella Foley Gannon is recommended for obtaining and defending entitlements against administrative and judicial challenges, and is active in state and federal courts, While Rick Rothman handles environmental and energy litigation. David Brown was recently promoted to partner, alongside Washington DC’s Doug Hastings, and is active in regulatory and compliance matters pertaining to air quality, water quality, hazardous substances, and climate change. Angelo Calfo joined from Calfo Eakes in Seattle and Jeffrey Hurwitz retired. Lawyers based in LA unless otherwise stated.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is noted for its expertise in patent and technology transactions, specifically matters relating to patents licensing and strategic alliances in the semiconductor, software, and life sciences industry, also offering expertise across including e-commerce, medical devices, fintech, and specialty chemicals. The team further stands out for its strength in handling both domestic and international matters and is a destination for global companies in Japan, China, and India as well as US companies seeking to expand into the Asian market. The  practice is led by Dion Bregman in Silicon Valley whilst Benjamin Pensak oversees matters in both Chicago and San Francisco. Louis Beardell leads the firm’s global intellectual property practice from Philadelphia with a focus on emerging life science companies, specialty chemical companies, and defense sector companies. Princeton’s Alan Leeds heads the firmwide life sciences transaction practice with decades of experience representing emerging and established pharmaceutical companies in complex collaborations.  Silicon Valley-based Rahul Kapoor is noted for his breadth of experience coordinating cross-border technology-licensing deals across Asia.

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 2

The team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, which has a bicoastal presence, is led by Philadelphia-based Louis Beardell and Silicon Valley-based Dion Bregman. The team handles matters spanning a broad array of industry sectors, including life sciences, automotive, consumer products and electrical, with standout work including advising on internet technologies which have developed as an indirect result of Covid-19, for such major clients as Walmart, a key relationship for partner Manita Rewat, who joined the Silicon Valley office from Duane Morris LLP in September 2022. Internal team changes have also significantly impacted the firm’s practice, notably the October 2022 promotions to partner of Silicon Valley-based patent prosecution and PTAB specialist Alexander B Stein, and Philadelphia-based Deping Chai, who is developing a specialism in international prosecution matters, particularly in the area of material sciences. Boston-based Stephen Altieri, noted as ‘outstanding’, has strong capabilities in advising emerging life sciences companies in particular.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 2

As part of a substantial international offering on hedge and alternative funds, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s US practice group advises clients ‘on every action of alternative/hedge funds life‘. Its client list features all types of domestic and offshore hedge funds seeking a broad range of investment and financing strategies, including customized and captive funds, crossover funds, hybrid hedge/private equity funds, and permanent capital vehicles. Amongst its varied caseload, 2022 saw the team follow the trend in macro-focused funds being particularly active. Jedd Wider, appreciated by clients for his ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of both the hedge fund/alternative and asset owner side‘, leads the department from the firm’s New York office. Joseph Zargari is another key contact in New York, while at the Boston office, Stephen Tirrell and Richard Goldman are experienced names in the market. In Miami, Ethan Johnson comes with client recommendation as ‘a reservoir of expertise on US regulatory and fund matters‘, and at the associate level, Justine Le in Boston is an up-and-coming name in the market.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 2

Maintaining its strong position in the field, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP specializes in representing clients from many industries, including education, automotive and technology, in complex M&A and IPO transactions. The firm’s transactional practice provides a comprehensive service to global and domestic clients, demonstrating significant strength in drafting and negotiating employment, severance, and executive compensation agreements. Craig Bitman heads the department, bringing in-depth knowledge of assisting corporations with health and welfare plans and equity compensation from the New York office. From Philadelphia, Amy Pocino Kelly acts as the deputy practice leader, while Robert Lichtenstein handles executive compensation issues arising in spin-offs, and David Zelikoff’s expertise lies in benefits-related negotiations for M&A and private equity buyouts. In New York, Gary Rothstein supports employers, financial sponsors and executives in compensation arrangements, and Austin Lilling focuses on corporate and partnership equity, having joined the firm from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP in October 2022. Washington DC-based Patrick Rehfield concentrates on payroll tax and employee fringe benefits, and in Chicago, Julie Stapel advises clients on ERISA fiduciary issues. Philadelphia-based associate Gena Yoo is noted for her knowledge of prohibited transactions rules.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is praised for its ‘clear depth of experience‘ and its ability to always ‘help find creative alternatives to the most complex of situations‘. Clients also credit the firm for being ‘a true business advisor that can help you think through the business impact of the legal decisions‘. The practice has a strong focus on the full range of IP transactions and licensing agreements, as well as other forms of outsourcing and commercial contracts. Coupled with this is a high level of support on technology-related M&A across multiple sub-sectors, including telecoms, cleantech, semiconductor devices., social media and software. Boston-based global practice head Doneld Shelkey has a good track record in cloud-based technologies, NFTs, robotics, data analytics and blockchain. Other key partners include Barbara Melby in Philadelphia and Rahul Kapoor in Silicon Valley, who leads the West Coast practice. New York corporate partner Sheryl Orr  is particularly active on the M&A side.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 2

From the Washington DC practice, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP represents a number of hi-tech and international companies in the regulatory aspects of major transactions in the telecoms space, with a large and growing volume of work relating to infrastructure in the sector. The team’s particular specialisation in assisting foreign-owned companies has been further developed by David Plotinsky, who applies his experience working in the US Department of Justice and the FCC to national security and international matters, just as the October 2022 return of Denise Wood from an in-house position with a leading tech company strengthens the practice’s hand in advising other such clients. The team is led by the highly-experienced practice head Andrew D. Lipman and deputy practice head Catherine Wang, who uses her corporate expertise in her focus on the regulatory aspects of M&A and financing transactions. Other lawyers of note are Ulises Pin, whose track record in Latin America makes him a highly-sought authority in cross-border mandates concerning investment, infrastructure, and foreign ownership; Tamar Finn, who is active in universal service and broadband funding; and Ronald Del Sesto, Jr, who bolsters the telecoms team with his experience leading the firm’s technology group.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactions Tier 2

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has a strong record in telecoms infrastructure deals, working on an international scale in representing major infrastructure funds and telecoms companies in the acquisition and sale of infrastructure assets. The Washington DC-based practice has been bolstered by the addition of David Plotinsky and Denise Wood from the Department of Justice and an in-house position in the sector respectively, providing further depth of expertise in transactions related to foreign-ownership and high-profile market players. Andrew D. Lipman leads the practice, regularly advising major funds and banks, working alongside deputy practice head Catherine Wang, who uses her corporate expertise in her focus on M&A and financing transactions. Ulises Pin is noted for his cross-border work in infrastructure investment; Andrew Ray has extensive M&A experience as the head of the corporate and business transactions team; Kimberly Taylor is similarly active in the M&A space, while Tamar Finn has a greater focus on the regulatory aspects of such transactions; and Ronald Del Sesto, Jr brings his expertise in technology.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

Transport > Rail and road: finance Tier 2

Particularly active in advising automotive and energy sector businesses, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s transportation team is highly focused on the evolving legal issues surrounding the development and deployment of electric vehicles. In addition to finance, corporate and structured deals, the broad automotive practice represents automotive and mobility companies in litigation, labour and employment issues, IP protection and litigation, energy regulations and transactions, and antitrust and consumer protection matters. Philip Russell, who divides his time between the firm’s Chicago and New York offices, is an expert in representing clients in public and private offerings of debt and equity securities that are secured by auto loans and leases; and, working across the firm’s Silicon Valley and San Francisco offices, Rahul Kapoor focuses on commercial, IP, and technology deals. In New York, Robert Dickey‘s experience includes representing large numbers of automotive and mobility sector companies, and global leader of the structured transactions practice Reed Auerbach routinely advises on auto loan and lease receivables.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP offers an active HSR-focused practice, advising a wide range of major companies in industries such as tech, defense, and life sciences, as well as private equity funds including Apollo and Digitalbridge, on pre-merger notifications for strategic acquisitions, as well as handling DOJ and FTC investigations and regulatory challenges. The team is noted for its cross-border capabilities, representing clients throughout the approval process for multijurisdictional deals, including its standout work for Perrigo on its $1.9bn acquisition of HRA Pharma, a deal requiring approval in multiple European jurisdictions, as well as facing a FTC Second Request investigation. The team is overseen by New York’s Harry Robins , an experienced transactional antitrust advisor and HSR specialist, with Washington DC-based Jonathan Rich specializing in cross-border merger approvals, while also in DC, Ryan Kantor is noted for his leading role in merger investigations.

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

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP handles a significant volume of appeals before state and federal appellate courts, while it also has experience in arguing, and winning, cases before the US Supreme Court. The practice is driven out of Washington DC by David Salmons, who recently teamed up with fellow DC partner Michael Kenneally to represent Tesla in a challenge to a National Labor Relations Board order concerning unfair labor practices. The group also draws on the experience of San Francisco-based Thomas Peterson, who has argued more than 75 appeals before state and federal appellate courts, and Houston-based William Peterson, who has a focus on patent appeals in the Federal Circuit.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 3

The financial services team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is regarded for its class action defense practice, frequently representing major banks in a range of matters including consumer credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending under a variety of statutory consumer protections such as FCRA, TCPA, SCRA and EFTA. In addition to its consumer class action defense, the firm is also active in a range of regulatory consumer protection inquiries and investigations by bodies including the FTC, CFPB and OCC. The practice is co-headed by New York-based Michael Kraut and Susan DiCicco. Kraut is experienced defending banks and other financial institutions in securities and class action litigation. Boston’s Elaine McChesney focuses on consumer class actions, credit card disputes, fiduciary services and unfair or deceptive practices, and has achieved several dismissals for clients in these areas. Kenneth Kliebard, operating out of Chicago, is an experienced consumer protection litigator who concentrates on class actions and regulatory investigations.

Finance > Commercial lending

With a well-established lender market presence and a growing borrower-side practice, the nationwide team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP advises on a wide range of domestic and cross-border financings. Led by Jonathan Bernstein out of Boston, the team frequently acts as counsel to major banks on asset-based lending matters, investment-grade and leveraged financings, and syndicated loans. Marjorie Crider and Matthew Furlong are further Boston-based key contacts. Daniel Papermaster and Rick Eisenbiegler, who work out of the New York office, also advise private credit clients on acquisition finance matters. On the borrower-side, the firm’s clients include private equity sponsors as well as corporations in the life sciences and real estate sectors, among others. Multicurrency and cross-border financings are a key strength for the firm, with California’s Steven Miller and Philadelphia’s Andrew Budreika serving as key contacts for such work. The firm also maintains major offices in Houston and Chicago. Keith Fujiu departed the firm in September 2022.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP offers its fintech clients strong cross-practice support at both the domestic and cross-border level. This is reflected in the broad spectrum of clients it represents, including major financial institutions, private equity and VC investors, funds, technology companies and exchanges. Regulatory and compliance advice is a core area of focus, in addition to broader corporate finance, M&A, outsourcing, IP, data privacy, blockchain, cryptocurrencies and digital payments. Key partners within the team include Andrew Ray  (Washington DC) and John Filippone  (Los Angeles) for corporate matters, Christine Lombardo (Philadelphia) on the regulatory and investment management side, and Cory Barry (Washington DC) for structured finance. DC-based partner Robin Nunn is one of the firm’s leading banking litigators.

Government > State attorneys general Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is skilled at handling state attorneys general matters alongside criminal proceedings, lawsuits and class actions. Led by Philadelphia-based Eric Sitarchuk, the team regularly acts on individual and multistate investigations across a wide range of areas, most notably product liability, environment, antitrust, data privacy and cybersecurity. Sitarchuk is highly experienced in complex federal and state investigations and a popular destination for leading tech and pharmaceutical companies. Other key names include Philadelphia-based John Dodds, who is well versed in healthcare fraud, public corruption, and environmental violation cases, and white-collar crime expert Kelly Moore in New York.

Healthcare > Health insurers Tier 3

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 3

Housing a team of experienced trial lawyers and former regulators, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP acts for its roster of clients in court, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, and is well-equipped to handle a variety of mandates, including class actions, disputes between developers and purchasers, partnership disputes, administrative litigation, eminent domain and use of LNG terminal facilities. Washington DC-based Brad Fagg handles federal procurement matters, as well as contractual disputes and government and internal investigations. In Houston, experienced trial lawyer Michelle Pector focuses on litigation concerning severe weather events, trade secret disputes and supply chain disputes, while Los Angeles-based James Dragna leads the firm’s environmental practice with the support of John McGahren in Princeton.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 3

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

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

The intellectual property team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP handles high-stakes multijurisdictional litigation and administrative proceedings for clients in a broad range of industry sectors, with the firm offering expertise in life sciences, tech, oil and gas, marine, and consumer products. Key team members include Chicago-based Michael Abernathy and Krista Vink Venegas who co-head the IP life sciences disputes practice, Jason White, also based in Chicago, who co-leads the IP tech disputes practice of the firm, alongside Michael Lyons, based in Silicon Valley, and John Gorman in Wilmington.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 3

The team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is co-led by Louis Beardell ,who works from the Philadelphia office and Silicon Valley-based Dion Bregman, heading up up an offering featuring specialists in litigation, antitrust and employment that frequently pursues misappropriation claims for both plaintiffs and defendants at both state and federal level, often in cross-border contexts. There is a focus on trade secrets matters in relation to employee mobility, which is Century City, California’s Debra Fischer ‘s area of expertise, with standout work in the space for Allianz Insurance Services. At the same office, Seth Gerber is also a partner to note. Notable additions to the team include partner and experienced trade secrets litigator Molly Terwilliger who joined the Washington DC office from Calfo Eakes in June 2022; partner and patent specialist Manita Rawat to the Silicon Valley office from Duane Morris LLP in September 2022; and IP counselor and litigator Meaghan Kent to the Washington DC team from Venable LLP in October 2022.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP leverages the bench strength of a global network spanning the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific regions, to advise household names such as Uber, Office Depot, and the New York Times, on the protection and management of their international portfolios. Headed by brand protection expert Anita Polott in Washington DC, and Josh Dalton in Boston, who brings expertise to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proceedings, the firm’s portfolio spans the sectors ranging from retail, tech, food and beverages, media, sports, and entertainment to e-commerce, software, apparel and hospitality. Rachelle Dubow in Boston specializes in the the licensing of trademark rights and licensed products and services. Other key figures include Carla Oakley a seasoned trademark development and registration strategist, and Gene Park, who drafted and negotiates transactional, e-commerce, and software agreements in San Francisco, and Kristin Altoff, in Washington DC, who was promoted to partner in October 2022 and who manages global title update work. Former co-department head Kevin Fee departed in May 2022.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s private funds practice appreciate the ‘exceptional project management and communication‘ of its lawyers. The department acts in numerous matters on both fund and investor side, advising on numerous formations and giving counsel to a host of public pension plans and sovereign wealth funds on fund reviews, co-investments and secondary transactions. Another busy area is in drafting and negotiating documents for special customized private capital formations, including consortia, platform investments, bespoke co-investments and joint ventures. Jedd Wider in New York and Stephen Tirrell in Boston co-lead the department, and Louis Singer in New York is a standout advisor for institutional investors. Courtney Nowell at the Washington DC office is another name to note for inbound and outbound transactions for institutional investors, while on the west coast, Peter Phleger assists with fund structure, formation, governance, and investing activities, including both primary investments and secondary transactions.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP regularly represents significant private equity firms including Apollo, Kohlberg, Oaktree and Ares, working closely with the firm’s tax, regulatory and antitrust practices’ to provide a multidisciplinary offering. The practice focuses on the middle market and specializes in a broad range of industry sectors including retail, healthcare, fintech and energy. One of those leading the team from New York is Christina Melendi, who is active across the spectrum of transactions including M&A, minority investments and divestitures. Orange County-based Todd Hentges is another leading figure, vastly experienced in a broad variety of industries from technology and healthcare to sports and entertainment. In Philadelphia, Kevin Schmelzer handles SPAC, corporate carve out, and distressed transactions. Jonathan Morris and Allison Gargano add to the depth in New York, both having represented Varsity Healthcare Partners in the sale of its portfolio company Probo Medical to Avista Capital Partners.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has established a good track record for guiding companies from startup through to maturity. Lawyers in different offices in the US, Asia, Europe and the Middle East regularly work together on cross-border matters. Life sciences and healthcare, including biotechnology and medical devices, are key areas of focus, though the firm also carries out plenty of work on technology investments, with Silicon Valley partner John Park  particularly active on this front. Steven Cohen chairs the practice from Princeton, and receives strong support from Julio Vega and Michael Conza in Boston. Philadelphia-based partner Jeffrey Bodle also comes highly recommended by clients who consider him and his team ‘instrumental throughout multiple fundraising rounds‘.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is known for its contentious work in the cybersecurity and data privacy space, routinely defending companies in class actions arising from alleged compromises of payment card data and alleged improper use of online recording on ecommerce websites. Reece Hirsch in San Francisco is a go-to advisor for clients in the healthcare sector on matters pertaining to compliance with HIPAA and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Philadelphia-based Gregory Parks focuses on class action defense and assists clients with responses to data breaches. Co-head Mark Krotoski, stationed in Silicon Valley, co-heads the practice with Hirsch and Parks. Krotoski is the key name for criminal and civil cybersecurity matters, using his experience of working in the criminal division of the DOJ to assist clients on computer intrusions and criminal IP violations. Also based in the Philadelphia office, Ezra Church is a key name for consumer-facing firms dealing with contentious matters, while the strategic placement of litigation practice leader Beth Herrington in Illinois enables her to defend clients against BIPA class actions. With the acquisition of Calfo Eakes, a specialist white-collar crime and litigation firm, into the Seattle office, the firm has deepened its bench of trial lawyers.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s transportation practice is highly focused on the evolving legal issues surrounding the development and deployment of electric vehicles (EV). Leveraging the firm’s strong energy sector credentials, the team represents developers of EV charging stations that access energy grids and energy storage solutions to establish new transportation corridors. The broad practice also represents automotive and mobility companies in litigation, labor and employment issues, and corporate and structured transactions, along with IP protection and disputes, and antitrust and consumer protection matters. In Boston, Daniel Savrin acts for manufacturers, distributors and allied finance companies in high-stakes civil and class action litigation and government investigations; and Levi McAllister in Washington DC acts for EV charging station developers. Over in Los Angeles, David Schrader regularly tries high-stakes cases, while Lisa Weddle is a litigation and class action expert. Jackson (Jack) Stoddard is the name to note in San Francisco.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 4

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP frequently handles post-acquisition disputes for large US corporates, among them high-profile names in the financial services. Troy Brown in Philadelphia, Brian Herman in New York and Carl Solomont in Boston are the lead partners. The team has a track record of late in sectors spanning food, fast-moving consumer goods and energy.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has maintained its strong focus on energy and utilities, along with the financial services, technology and life sciences sectors. It has an established record in investment grade, high-yield and convertible debt, along with MTN programmes and other debt instruments. New York partner Thomas Giblin has continued to be active in the DCM space for energy and utilities businesses, notably representing NextEra Energy Capital in a series of debt issuances. Also in New York, Kimberly Reisler is making an impression in energy and utilities, while Joanne Soslow is another key partner in Philadelphia.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP’s capital markets team is spread across multiple offices, including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Silicon Valley and New York. It has a particularly strong record in utilities and energy, financial services, technology, and life sciences. The firm advises an impressive mix of issuers and underwriters. Building on its background in IPOs, the team has continued to advise on follow-on offerings, at-the-market offerings. Justin Chairman and Joanne Soslow are key figures in Philadelphia, along with Albert Lung in Silicon Valley.

Finance > Project finance Tier 4

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 4

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is experienced both in energy regulation and litigation and fields a team of energy litigators on both US coasts, in Texas and in Chicago. The firm aims to help clients avoid litigation wherever possible, and excels at negotiations, settlements, and mediation, with matters ranging from small third-party subpoenas to high-stakes commercial and regulatory disputes. The team stands out in particular for its litigation work in the nuclear industry. Brad Fagg in Washington DC assists commercial clients with contractual and regulatory disputes, as well as government and internal investigations. Houston-based Michelle Pector represents energy clients in a range of business and consumer disputes, and injunction proceedings. In Los Angeles, James J. Dragna  acts for energy clients in environmental proceedings nationwide. John McGahren , situated in Princeton, counsels clients on litigation, and has served as a federal mediator for the District of New Jersey and as a state mediator for the New Jersey Supreme Court Civil Mediation Program. All individuals mentioned are all co-leads of the team.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 4

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP offers transactional advice on a range of mandates, including rate agreements and asset management agreements, in addition to the acquisition of oil and natural gas assets, with demonstrable experience advising on oil, LNG and gas-fired projects. In the firm’s Philadelphia office, Benjamin Wills handles M&A, joint ventures and securities compliance matters in the energy sector, while Washington DC-based Kirstin Gibbs represents pipelines, producers and traders on transactional mandates related to infrastructure development and asset management issues. Wills leads the team alongside Stephen Spina and Elizabeth Hanigan, who operate from Washington DC and Chicago respectively.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 4

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is particularly noted for its work on sports industry private investment deals; one such deal was assisting The Family Office of David Blitzer in its investment in the Cleveland Guardians and in other deals to add to his investment portfolio. A key team member, based in Orange County, is the chairman of the firm’s global sports industry initiative Jeffrey Moorad, whose role as a consultant and former sports agent enables the team to handle a wide range of mandates for key clients in the sports sector. Moorad leads the team alongside Andrew White in Boston and Andrew White in Philadelphia.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 4

The intellectual property team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP represents clients in complex IP disputes before the ITC, acting for clients across industry sectors including consumer products, tech, energy, and life sciences. In addition to domestic clients, the team often acts for international clients, with offices across Europe and Asia. In a standout mandate, 2022 saw the group representing General Electric Company and Consumer Lighting in complex matters related to LED packaging technology. The last year has seen significant growth in the team, with Manita Rawat and Daniel Tarr joining from Duane Morris LLP in September 2022. Eric Namrow, based in Washington DC, is the chair of the ITC practice, with experience litigating section 337 investigations. Stephanie Roberts, based in the Washington DC office is a key figure in the team.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

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

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP’s growing profile in the international trade arena was recently evidenced by the arrival of the former acting chief of the Department of Justice’s Foreign Investment Review Section, David Plotinsky. He joins a group that has handled export controls and sanctions matters concerning most of the regimes in the US, including the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and OFAC. Giovanna Cinelli steers the Washington DC-based group and specializes in advising defense and technology clients on export control matters. Kenneth Nunnenkamp is also recommended for his experience in export controls and sanctions.

Real estate Tier 5

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

Praised for providing ‘sound advice that is grounded in the commercial realities of a transaction‘, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP works closely with its network of offices around the globe to advise sellers, buyers, investors, boards of directors and private equity funds on complex transactions and corporate governance issues. Andrew Milano in New York and Philadelphia-based Benjamin Wills jointly oversee the global M&A practice; both practitioners bring together deep experience in domestic and cross-border transactions in an array of sectors, including life sciences, energy, technology and financial services.

International Trade > CFIUS