O'Melveny & Myers LLP > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

O'Melveny & Myers LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Industry focus > Insurance: advice to insurers Tier 1

The team at O'Melveny & Myers LLP handles a variety of high-stakes insurance litigation, ranging from sexual abuse bankruptcy cases to complex reinsurance disputes. Of note is the practice’s role in successfully defending major insurers against plaintiff’s efforts to centralize Covid19-related actions in an MDL  led by co-practice head Richard Goetz in Los Angeles. Also heading up the practice is Tancred Schiavoni‚ ‘a great strategic thinker‘ whose practice includes matters at the interface of bankruptcy and insurance-this is also an area of expertise for Gary Svirsky. Schiavoni and Svirsky are based in New York together with Allen Burton, a litigator with an ‘impressive‘ breadth of practice. The firm’s up-and-coming junior team includes counsel Zoheb Noorani in Los Angeles and associate Janine Panchok-Berry in New York, and was strengthened in October 2021 with a new hire in Philadelphia-based counsel Daryn Rush from White and Williams, who contributes experience in insurance arbitration.

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

Start-ups and world-leading companies alike turn to O'Melveny & Myers LLP for the depth of its expertise in trade secrets law and litigious proceedings. Helmed by Ryan Yagura from Los Angeles, the team enjoys a stellar reputation in the market on account of its cross-departmental approach and deep bench of partner talent, who regularly appear before the state and federal courts in highly technical cases. In San Francisco, Darin Snyder and David Almeling are widely regarded for the depth of their trade secrets knowledge, litigating cases across a number of IP-intensive sectors. The Silicon Valley-based Eric Amdursky routinely both brings and defends against non-compete and misappropriation cases, most recently in the luxury hotel and telecoms arenas. In San Francisco, David Eberhart is praised by technology companies for the creativity and strength of his representation, while counsel James Rothstein is recommended for his wide-ranging experience in the tech, hospitality, and financial services sectors.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 1

O’Melveny & Myers LLP fields a sizeable team of litigators and represents clients in high-stakes ERISA litigation. The team is a regular counsel to corporations, financial institutions and plan sponsors on legal developments related to ERISA and other regulatory requirements involving the management of retirement plans. The firm developed its own set of software to optimize the efficiency of the litigation process, and its editorial team also works collectively to contribute to the writing of legal arguments. The litigation team is led by Washington DC-based partner Meaghan VerGow and Gregory Jacob, who brings public sector experience working in government departments, and is supported by Brian Boyle, who works with financial services providers, and Shannon Barrett, with a focus on fiduciary duties. The Los Angeles office includes Catalina Vergara, who works on fiduciary breach litigation.

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

The Century City-based team at O’Melveny & Myers LLP represents large multimedia companies like The Walt Disney Company, high-profile recording artists such as Kesha and interactive entertainment company Activision Blizzard in antitrust, class actions, contract disputes, First Amendment, IP and employment matters. Daniel Petrocelli is a distinguished trial lawyer who leads the team in its high-stakes cases such as the defense of Google in three antitrust cases pertaining to its app store. Highly active in the team, Molly Lens is a specialist in sensitive matters such as allegations of misconduct and discrimination. Drew Breuder has a strong practice in the IP aspects of media and entertainment and in a recent highlight worked alongside Petrocelli to represent The Walt Disney Company in a copyright infringement claim concerning the motion picture ‘Zootopia’. Further recommended comes Leah Godesky, who advocates in trial courts, arbitrations, and regulatory proceedings and has been involved in highly-publicized matters last year for clients such as Kesha and Twentieth Century Fox.  

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

O’Melveny & Myers LLP splits its practice between Los Angeles and New York, but has a global reach thanks to its expertise in cross-border and international transactions. Century City-based Amy Siegel is the practice head and a specialist in commercial licensing arrangements and exploitation of IP. She recently led the team in advising CJ ENM in its acquisition of Endeavor Content. Bruce Tobey‘s practice covers motion picture and television series from production through distribution. The Century City-based expert in digital media represented Library Pictures International in a co-financing del with Next Entertainment World. A specialist in corporate matters, Silvia Vannini handles M&A and securities in Los Angeles. Distinguished among the firm’s up-and-coming, counsel Evie Whiting in Century City maintains a variety of clients from the motion picture, television, and music sides of the media and entertainment industry, advising them on financing transactions. Lindsay Conner  joined the Los Angeles office from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in October 2021, bolstering the team’s corporate expertise. Sean Monroe has departed the firm.

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

O'Melveny & Myers LLP attracts praise for its ability to ‘collaborate and partner with clients to reach the best outcomes‘. A strong performer nationally, over the past year the group notched up appearances in the US Supreme Court and Federal Circuit as well as various state courts, including Kentucky and California. Department chair Jonathan Hacker secures praise from all quarters for his brief writing and is also highlighted by a longstanding client as ‘the best oral advocate I have seen‘. Hacker recently obtained a successful result for Allied World Assurance before the Kentucky Court of Appeals in an insurance liability case. Michael Dreeben, who serves as co-chair of the white-collar defense and corporate investigations practice, has broad appellate expertise; he recently represented the City of Austin as petitioner before the US Supreme Court in City of Austin, Texas v. Reagan National Advertising of Texas Inc. ‘Rising star partner‘ Anton Metlitsky, based in New York, is establishing himself as a ‘go-to appellate lawyer for high-risk appeals‘. Metlitsky successfully defended American Airlines before the Fifth Circuit in an ERISA suit. Other names to note include special counsel Jeffrey Fisher, who handles a mix of civil and criminal matters, and seasoned appellate specialist Walter Dellinger. All attorneys are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 2

Daniel Petrocelli – O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Working from the firm’s Los Angeles office, Daniel Petrocelli is highly regarded for media and entertainment disputes, though he is also regularly instructed in areas such as employment, IP and sports litigation. A significant matter in his career includes being instructed by Johnson & Johnson as lead trial counsel in a case regarding its alleged role in the US opioid crisis. Petrocelli is chair of O’Melveny’s trial practice and a vice chair of the firm.

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

 O'Melveny & Myers LLP has established a ‘very strong reputation‘ in the market by dint of its ability to effectively guide high-profile companies through large-scale, resource intensive mass tort/class actions, involving personal injury and economic loss claims. The ‘superb‘ Steve Brody in Washington DC regularly leads on the firm’s most significant pharmaceutical product liability mandates, including for longstanding client Johnson & Johnson in both the opioid and the pelvic mesh consumer fraud litigation. Brody is one of many within the team that has former governmental experience, which is of great value to clients in light of the government investigations which frequently flow as a corollary of mass tort claims. Another strength is the firm’s ability at an appellate level, as was underscored by its victory for Johnson & Johnson before the Oklahoma Supreme Court which reversed a trial court’s 2019 ruling requiring the company to pay $465m for nuisance abatement in the nationwide opioid litigation. Los Angeles-based partner Sabrina Strong  co-chairs the product liability and mass tort team alongside Brody; she is heavily involved in much of the work on behalf of Johnson & Johnson.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

The 'very well prepared and very smart' practice at O'Melveny & Myers LLP has a particularly strong track record in defending the major financial institutions in securities litigation matters, among them Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo Bank. Jonathan Rosenberg in New York and Matthew Close in Newport Beach lead the practice. Both play key roles in representing underwriter syndicates in federal and state courts in matter concerning IPOs and secondary offerings. A prime example is their work for a Goldman Sachs-led underwriting syndicate in actions arising from the the IPO of Dropbox, Inc. Seth Aronson in Los Angeles recently secured the dismissal of a securities fraud action for ArcSoft, Inc. Amy Park in Silicon Valley, who joined from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in 2021, is a boost to the firm’s West Coast practice.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): municipal Tier 2

O’Melveny & Myers LLP possesses ‘market-leading experience‘ in the restructuring of both governmental and municipal debt. Its expertise is recognized by many, with clients such as City of Long Beach and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico entrusting the practice with the handling of matters. Its representation of City of Long Beach concerns the resolution of $500m in debt; global chair John Rapisardi leads the matter and also oversees the development of long-term budget projects and restructuring plans. He also leads the representation of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico pertaining to the restructuring of $23bn of debt, whilst achieving over $10bn in savings for the public of Puerto Rico. Mohammad Saleh Yassin joined the practice, strengthening the team with his experience as the former Director of the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority. Nancy Mitchell departed in April 2021. Lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 2

The renewable energy practice at O’Melveny & Myers LLP comprises energy-focused practitioners with significant experience in project development, energy transactions, and regulatory matters at the federal and state level. Led from Los Angeles and New York by Michael Hamilton and Junaid Chida respectively, the practice is frequently engaged by banks and financial institutions, tax equity investors and developers. Co-head Chida is regarded for his work in the structuring and management of M&A and financing transactions in the renewable energy sector. Project finance and energy M&A lawyer Jeff Hoffner is a noteworthy practitioner in LA, who is seen with great regularity in matters pertaining to the construction and financing of renewable projects. The group expanded with the addition of four attorneys from Thompson & Knight in June 2021, including energy specialists Katie Coleman and Phillip Oldham in Austin, and subsequent opening of an office in Texas.

Industry focus > Environment: transactional Tier 2

O'Melveny & Myers LLP‘s multidisciplinary environmental and natural resources practice assists numerous corporations, investors, financial institutions, and private funds with the environmental considerations of major US-based and international corporate transactions, real estate investments and projects. Besides providing environmental due diligence examinations, the team is also sought after for its proficiency in pre-development assessments, environmental compliance reviews, permitting applications and agency approvals. The group is managed by Eric Rothenberg in New York, whose experience covers environmental diligence of M&A, financings and restructurings involving industrial and commercial properties. Environmental lawyer John Rousakis, who also sits in the New York office, acts for clients in the mining, oil and gas, chemicals and manufacturing industries. Kelly McTigue is a name to note in Los Angeles for transactional and regulatory work.

Industry focus > Healthcare: health insurers Tier 2

The team at O’Melveny & Myers LLP is praised by clients as ‘exceptional in every way’, with the team offering particular strength on contentious matters. It is experienced in both civil and criminal cases, offering expertise on false claims act cases, state and federal government inquiries and class action cases. Notably, it has acted for a consolidated group of Kaiser Permanente plans on 6 False Claims act cases worth over $1bn. The team is led by David Deaton, who is based in Newport Beach and offers regulatory support. Lee Blalack heads the Washington DC-based litigation practice and is known for representing Anthem, Humana and OptumRx. San Francisco-based Caitlin Bair is also recommended for representing managed care organizations.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions): defense Tier 2

Praised for the ‘great partnership between its general litigators and the employment experts‘, O’Melveny & Myers LLP is active in a broad range of sectors, including the media and entertainment, transportation, financial services and education. The group handles a busy caseload spanning discrimination lawsuits, non-competition litigation, wage and hour claims and investigations into workplace misconduct. Los Angeles-based Apalla Chopra is especially sought after to conduct internal investigations into allegations of workplace harassment and sexual misconduct. She leads the practice together with Eric Amdursky in Silicon Valley, who focuses on compensation disputes, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants and breach of fiduciary duty. Discrimination and wage and hour disputes expert Susannah Howard in San Francisco is another key name.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 3

O’Melveny & Myers LLP represents clients in civil and criminal cartel proceedings, including high-profile litigation, as well as handling government and regulatory investigations and internal compliance matters. Clients include corporates and executives involved in notable cartel investigations, such as the chicken broiler sector proceedings as well as those into technology and auto parts. The team is led by the Washington DC-based duo Ian Simmons, a successful cartel litigator with involvement in major multi-district and federal cases, alongside Ben Bradshaw. San Francisco’s Michael Tubach specializes in criminal cartel litigation, as well as representing clients in government investigations, while Anna Pletcher, also in San Francisco, is a former federal prosecutor with expertise in a broad range of cartel cases. DC-based counsel Scott Schaeffer has played a key role in several of the firm’s high-profile cartel defense proceedings, and has successfully resolved cartel claims against clients in a broad range of sectors.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3

O'Melveny & Myers LLP focuses its antitrust practice on litigating complex matters including class actions, cartels, and unfair competition. In Washington DC, Ben Bradshaw leads the department together with Ian Simmons, whose expertise spans cartels and cases at the intersection of antitrust with intellectual property. Another name to note in DC is Katrina Robson with experience in the technology, transport, and telecom sectors, among others. New York-based antitrust litigation specialist Andrew Frackman and Stephen McIntyre, who was promoted to partner in January 2021, represent clients in antitrust matters from the firm’s New York and Los Angeles hubs, respectively. In February 2021, Julia Schiller returned to the DC group after having spent three years as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 3

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: automotive/transport Tier 3

‘More than willing to go the extra mile to ensure the optimal result’, O'Melveny & Myers LLP has developed a strong reputation in defending large corporates in consumer class actions and product liability disputes. In the automotive sector, the team has perhaps gained most visibility as a result of its role as national class action counsel for Ford Motor Company. Acting for Ford, Washington DC-based Steve Brody recently successfully secured a favorable settlement for the client in relation to three Attorney General actions brought against it relating to its use of the defective Takata airbags. Carlos Lazatin in Los Angeles also regularly handles class actions and product liability litigation for automotive clients and is well-versed in cutting-edge matters associated with autonomous vehicles. Brody co-chairs the product liability and mass tort team alongside Los Angeles-based Sabrina Strong. Based out of San Francisco, Matt Powers  chairs the firm’s consumer class actions practice.

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

Drawing upon substantial resources from both coasts, O'Melveny & Myers LLP is a popular choice among manufacturers of a range of consumer products to represent them in often brand reputation threatening litigation. Regularly integrating appellate lawyers into the team from an early stage and also well-placed to handle Attorney General investigations, thanks to its bench of lawyers with former governmental experience, the firm is appreciated for its ability to provide a ‘very comprehensive service‘ from cradle-to-grave. Washington DC-based Steve Brody combines his previous in-house experience at the DOJ to good effect with his private practice trial lawyering skills for life sciences clients and emerging tech companies. Matt Powers in San Francisco spearheads the firm’s consumer class actions offering and as part of his varied caseload has recently had numerous successes for education institutions in class actions brought by students and parents seeking reimbursements following the Covid-19-precipitated transition to remote learning. Sabrina Strong in Los Angeles, an accomplished trial lawyer and appellate advocate, co-chairs the product liability and mass torts group alongside Brody.

Finance > Project finance

O’Melveny & Myers LLP is instructed by a wide array of lending banks and non-bank lenders, and assists with financing issues across the energy and infrastructure space. The sponsor practice handles a range of energy and infrastructure projects. though is particularly appreciated by clients for being ‘particularly knowledgeable of airport development and investments‘. Evidence of this specialism can be found in the group’s recent work representing Terminal One Group Association in connection with plans to develop a new complex at JFK Airport to replace terminals 1 and 2. Eric Richards led the team on the project, and also serves as practice head alongside fellow Los Angeles partner Michael Hamilton. Also in LA, Elizabeth Dubeck has established a strong reputation in complex P3 projects, usually representing the private sponsors in relation to airport and rail developments.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 3

O’Melveny & Myers LLP is noted for its transactional work, with a solid track record in M&A involving sports teams, franchises and stadium development projects. Leadership of the practice is divided between Charles Baker  and Irwin Raij, with combined expertise in investigations, stadium developments, media rights, and transactions. In addition, Bartie stands out as an expert in the area of esports and sports tech, acting for a number of organizations in the space. In California, Amy Siegel’s practice focuses on complex commercial licensing arrangements. Changes to the team include the arrival of counsel Eric Andalman in Washington DC, who joined from CAA ICON in September 2021, and Lindsay Conner in California, joining from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in October 2021. The practice particularly benefits from Andalman’s experience in the development and financing of sports venues, derived from his previous in-house role. All lawyers are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Industry focus > Transport: aviation and air travel - litigation and regulation Tier 3

O’Melveny & Myers LLP’s ‘very deep bench of attorneys‘ are praised for their experience in litigation disputes. Representative matters for the ‘extremely responsive‘ practice cover labor and employment issues, antitrust claims, The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, consumer class actions, and personal injury. Airline labor law specialist Robert Seigel in Los Angeles is outside labor counsel for a substantial number of passenger and cargo airlines. New York-based Mark Robertson regularly acts for some of the world’s largest airlines, including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Atlas Air and Spirit Airlines.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

With offices across the US, Europe and Asia, O'Melveny & Myers LLP  represents entertainment household names including 20th Century Studios, Disney, and Warner Bros in copyright litigation at the trial court level and on appeal, leveraging its global reach to act on major international matters. The group, whose client portfolio spans the e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and consumer electronics sectors, also specializes in copyright tech matters involving computer software, microcode and databases. Experienced tech litigator Ryan Yagura in Los Angeles leads the team. David Eberhart handles infringement claims for software developers in San Francisco, where Daniel Petrocelli also  co-ordinates with Molly Lens at the Century City office to handle high-profile matters on behalf of major film studios.

Labor and employment > Labor-management relations Tier 3

O’Melveny & Myers LLP predominantly works in the aviation sector, dealing with labor issues arising from mergers and acquisitions, as well as handling labor disputes and employee-employer issues.  The practice is led by Silicon Valley-based partner Eric Amdursky, and Los Angeles-based Apalla Chopra. Los Angeles-based Robert Siegel is outside labor counsel for a number of major US airlines and has advised on many airline mergers during his career. New York's Mark Robertson has achieved victories for airlines in working disputes with unions.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Leveraging both its bicoastal presence and depth of expertise within California, O’Melveny & Myers LLP handles a diverse cross-section of work for an equally varied clientele. Led from Newport by executive compensation and benefits specialist Jeffrey Walbridge , the team is routinely engaged by blue-chip entities from the worlds of tech, consumer goods, retail, and financial services. In the Century City office, Robert Blashek is equally fluent in middle-market private equity and entertainment matters, advising some of the biggest names in the industry on acquisitions, financings, and restructurings. The Los Angeles-based Luc Moritz is highly regarded for his capabilities in cross-border investments and financings, especially those related to inbound investments from Asia. Silicon Valley-based Robert Fisher works with public and private tech companies at every stage, ranging from venture capital financings to big-ticket cross-border deals. In New York, Alexander Roberts works with a broad spectrum of clients on structuring and financing matters in the energy sector, including wind, solar, and other clean energy projects and assets. Also in New York, Alexander Anderson is a key port of call for various banks, investment funds, and high-profile corporations, while Arthur Hazlitt is recommended for his capabilities in energy transaction tax structuring.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

O'Melveny & Myers LLP represents clients in merger filings and complex regulatory investigations, acting as both HSR counsel to corporate clients and as a destination practice for high-profile merger investigations by the DOJ and FTC. The team has particularly strength in handling FTC Second Requests, and is also representing Penguin Random House in the high-profile DOJ challenge to its $2.18bn acquisition of Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS. The team is led by Courtney Dyer, who has a successful record in defending mergers against government challenge, including proceedings for clients in the technology, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. Katrina Robson is also a standout figure for merger litigation, having defended a number of high-profile, business critical combinations before federal courts. Former DOJ official Julia Schiller rejoined the firm in February 2021, and has extensive experience in merger review proceedings and investigations. All lawyers mentioned are in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

O'Melveny & Myers LLP fields a team which includes numerous former government attorneys, former congressional investigators and attorneys from the Department of Homeland Security, SEC and the White House. It is well versed in government and criminal investigations and acts for both large international companies and high-profile individuals. The practice, which is headed by the Los Angeles-based Steven Olson and Michael Dreeben in Washington DC, has considerable experience in anti-money laundering, antitrust and price-fixing, consumer fraud, cross-border investigations, and FCA and FCPA matters. In April 2021, Lisa Monaco left to become the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, and in May of the same year, Margaret Carter left for the office of county counsel, Los Angeles county; and Jeremy Maltby left for the DOJ. David Harbach joined in Washington DC from the Kosovo specialist prosecutor’s office in November 2021.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

With offices on both coasts, O’Melveny & Myers has a broad consumer finance litigation practice capable of representing established lenders and fintech startups in disputes involving both state and federal legislation. In Newport Beach, Elizabeth McKeen handles litigation alleging violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act related to the CARES Act, as well as a number of claims made involving the FHA-Home Affordable Modification Program. McKeen is also active in discrimination claims, representing lenders accused of race and age discrimination. Elsewhere, New York-based Pamela Miller represents banks accused of fraud and breach of contract. In addition to acting in class actions, the practice is also engaged by clients to represent them in regulatory investigations and enforcement.

International Trade > International trade Tier 4

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

O’Melveny & Myers LLP is entrusted by many clients with complex restructurings; it represented the ad hoc group of Belk Inc. in its Chapter 11 case, recognized for its rapid completion. Joseph Zujkowski led the representation and facilitated a prepacked plan seeking for unsecured claims to be completely recovered. John Rapisardi is the chair of the practice and is based in New York. Scott Drake, Greg Wilkes and Louis Strubeck have joined from Norton Rose Fulbright in June 2021, and are based in Dallas. Nancy Mitchell departed in April 2021.

Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences Tier 4

O'Melveny & Myers LLP is known for its broad portfolio of work, advising pharmaceutical companies on core transactions and representing them in litigations, alongside supplementing M&A with a focus on venture capital clients, with a presence in multiple pharmaceutical development markets. The contentious arm advises on product liability, antitrust and trade secrets cases. Most notably, the team is lead counsel for Johnson & Johnson in its Opioid-related cases. New York-based Lisa Pensabene and Ross Galin are key litigators focusing on IP. Scott Elliott leads transactions from San Francisco and Steve Brody leads the compliance and product liability teams from Washington DC. New York-based patent and medical tech litigator Hassen Sayeed is also recommended.

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

O’Melveny & Myers LLP‘s practice maintains a strong foothold in the main US patent litigation venues, with a focus on hardware to software, augmented reality to streaming video, e-commerce and digital technology to pharmaceuticals, acting on the defense and offense side alike. The group also handles an active Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA caseload. In 2021 the firm expanded its footprint into Texas, opening two new offices in Austin and in Dallas, and added two new partners to its ranks, Tim Durst from Baker Botts L.L.P., and Tim Fink from the USPTO, who leads the PTAB practice. Practice head Ryan Yagura is based in Los Angeles. His team includes San Francisco trio Darin Snyder, Luann Simmons and David Almeling; and New York’s Lisa Pensabene, who heads the life sciences litigation practice. Counsel Mark Liang, also in Los Angeles, is another name to note.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 4

With offices across the US, Europe and Asia, the intellectual property and technology group at O’Melveny & Myers LLP employs the strength of its global network to represent both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes trademark litigation to safeguard the brands of household name clients. Experienced tech litigator Ryan Yagura, at the LA office, leads the team. David Eberhart in San Francisco handles infringement, dilution, and unfair competition claims for software developers and consumer electronics companies. Also in LA, Drew Breuder acts for clients in the media and entertainment industries.

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

O’Melveny & Myers LLP advises both public and private companies across the technology, entertainment and pharmaceutical sectors on executive compensation and employee benefits issues relating to M&A and financing matters. Key clients include Edwards Lifesciences, Alaska Air Group and Warner Bros, among others. The Newport Beach-based team is led by Jeff Walbridge, who handles equity and non-equity based incentive plans, as well as deferred employment compensation mandates, while Chris Del Rosso focuses on the tax and employee benefits aspects of M&A deals.

International Trade > International trade Tier 4

O'Melveny & Myers LLP's Washington DC-based trade practice is best-known for its work in the economic sanctions, trade controls and CFIUS spheres, where it routinely provides regulatory, transactional and enforcement advice. Greta Lichtenbaum chairs the national security group and is widely hailed as a leader for export controls and economic sanctions matters. Lichtenbaum is also highly capable in CFIUS and anti-corruption issues; she recently secured CFIUS clearance for Hyundai Motor Group in connection with its $1.1bn acquisition of a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank. Of counsel Theodore Kassinger is a seasoned specialist with an impressive track record in CFIUS reviews, export controls, economic sanctions and trade remedies. Counsel David Ribner is 'extremely bright and practical' and has a focus on trade matters relating to the technology and energy industries.

Industry focus > Energy regulation: electric power