Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP > Boston, United States > Firm Profile

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers

Based in New York, Peter Bicks of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is regularly contacted by clients regarding various business disputes involving intellectual property, commercial, and product liability matters. In the agricultural biotech sector, Bicks represents Corteva Agriscience against Inari for illegally obtaining and modifying Corteva seeds and seeking U.S. patents for the modified traits. Bicks is also involved in several ongoing cases for Avon and has already achieved a string of notable victories for the client, such as successfully opposing the consolidation of the Yerkes and Hofmaister cases in Alameda County and persuading a California appeals court to stay proceedings, preventing potential juror prejudice in the multi-month trial.

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

The practice group at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is routinely instructed on high-stakes cases in the US Supreme Court involving a range of matters that includes trade secrets, product liability, regulatory and energy, employment law, and IP. New York-based Joshua Rosenkranz steers the practice and draws on experience arguing over 200 appeals in state and federal appellate courts across the nation, including 21 before the U.S. Supreme Court. His work of late has included securing the reversal of a $2bn verdict for Pegasystems in a trade secrets case in the Court of Appeals of Virginia. Key contacts at the Washington, D.C. office include Eric Shumsky, Robert Loeb and Mel Bostwick. Shumsky recently acted for Microsoft Corporation in a D.C. Circuit appeal concerning supply chains for tech products; Loeb recently represented the City of Saint Louis in a U.S. Supreme Court case addressing the key requirements for bringing a Title VII discrimination claim. Bostwick, for her part, majors on patent and veterans appeals before the Federal Circuit. Senior associate Abigail Colella has focused her practice on emerging technologies and IP-related appeals. San Francisco-based Elizabeth Moulton and Seattle-based Jeremy Peterman are also noted. Mark Davies left the firm in June 2024, while Ed Williams joined the D.C. office from WilmerHale in March of the same year.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 1

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has a leading e-discovery practice with specialist expertise in the technology, finance, life sciences and energy sectors. The firm regularly navigates highly contentious discovery issues such as disputes over ESI protocols, privilege and relevance redactions or sensitive privacy issues. Additionally, it advises on generative AI policies to create efficient preservation and data management strategies and mitigate litigation risk for a vast client list. The group is coordinated by Washington-based Wendy Butler Curtis, leading with substantial experience in pharmaceutical, product liability and class action litigation. Jay Williams supports the team from the same office, with a strong focus on the financial services sector and is well-versed in representing banks and mortgage lenders in high-stakes investigations led by the DOJ and the CFPB, among other federal regulators.

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

With teams spread across the East and West Coast, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP continues to be engaged in market-defining litigation proceedings often defending matters related to climate change, toxic poisoning, drugs and exposure. In bet-the company litigation, Los Angeles based co-head William Oxley , and New York based Peter Bicks has successfully resolved talc related matters for high profile clients, while James Stengel, also in New York, represents clients in large multi-party class action litigation including actions involving the chemical, building products and medical device industries. Meghan Rohling Kelly co-leads the practice and is a trial lawyer involved in matters across the country. Anne Malik, in Washington DC, focuses on mass torts and product liability, including defending companies in a range of industries against tort suits, as well as advising clients on strategies for solving key state legislative issues.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 1

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP‘s energy and infrastructure practice has a robust offering that covers the full gamut of client needs including transactions, disputes, and advisory matters. The group has extensive experience assisting with M&A transactions, joint ventures, and procurement, as well as regulatory and environmental matters, litigation, and carbon-free energy arrangements, to name a few areas of expertise. Alongside its broad competencies, the team’s cross-border capabilities have accumulated an impressive client roster consisting of household names from the technology, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Co-leading the department in Houston are M&A and joint venture specialist Blake Winburne and development and financing expert Dahl Thompson. Kyle Drefke heads up the office in Washington DC and is sought after for his aptitude handling power purchase agreements, while in San Francisco, Louise Gibbons is the main contact and stands out for her prowess leading on financing and M&A relating to energy transition projects. Kristin Seeger, who is also based in San Francisco, stands out for her involvement in a wide array of transactions ranging from portfolio transactions to joint ventures. Other key practitioners in the team include Seattle’s Teresa Hill, Houston’s Brad Gathright, and San Francisco’s Rohit Sachdev. The department also benefits from the prowess of San Francisco’s Mark Weitzel and Eric Stephens who handle the sale of projects and companies, as well as procurement.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 1

From innovative payment and digital asset systems to credit cards and mortgages, the financial regulation specialists at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP provide expert advice on a wide range of complex consumer finance issues. It has successfully represented financial services firms in high-profile fair lending cases, working on matters involving several key federal and state enforcement agencies such as the CFPB, DOJ, HUD, and State Attorneys General. The practice is led by Clinton Rockwell, a seasoned licensing and compliance specialist based in Santa Monica.

Finance > Fintech Tier 1

Bolstered by its merger with Buckley LLP, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP  boasts a global full-service payments team capable of guiding clients through a broad spectrum of matters, ranging from cross-border remittances and money transmission licensing to card payment systems and AML/BSA policies. The practice is also recognized as a leader in venture finance and its expertise in regulatory technology. Based in Santa Monica, Clinton Rockwell leads the team and is regarded for his deep knowledge of consumer finance, while Josh Pollick focuses on representing venture capital firms on corporate and securities law matters. In Silicon Valley, Joseph Perkins is noted for commercializing disruptive and transformative technologies, including DAO and NFT creation, while also navigating complex regulatory regimes. Operating out of Washington DC, David McGill is involved in high-stakes disputes with regulatory implications and is frequently engaged in defending clients against government enforcement actions, including those initiated by the SEC and CFTC. Also based in DC, Behnam Dayanim leverages his public policy expertise to advise gaming, gambling, and other technology and consumer-focused companies in their interactions with regulatory bodies, and Katy Ryan is well-versed in a range of federal and state compliance requirements. Daniel Forester departed the team in July 2024.

Finance > Project finance

As a key cog in its elite global offering for infrastructure matters, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP‘s team is well equipped to support clients through early development, construction planning, and equity advisory phases, on to later stages of permanent financing. It has a strong track record across the full range of project types and expertise in design-build contracting, operations and maintenance and interface matters. On the energy side, the firm has a standout offering to developers and has recently acted in projects in a range of energy production methods and on greenfield developments. Tax equity matters are also strength. The infrastructure department is led by Young Lee, a renowned figure in the market who has a stellar client list comprised of sponsors, investors and public authorities. Elite PPP and design-build infrastructure projects are a regular part of Matthew Neuringer‘s practice, while John Donaleski is noted for construction and acquisition financings. Victoria Boyne acts in both infrastructure and energy matters, and Louise Gibbons in San Francisco excels in tax equity, tax credit transfer, and project finance. At the same office, Wolfram Pohl is another name to note in tax equity and direct tax credit transfer financings. At the Washington DC office, Kyle Drefke has particular expertise in advising consumer-owned electric utilities, and Amy Padgett is a valued counsel to significant renewable energy developers.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): municipal Tier 1

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has a background in international sovereign debt and domestic municipal restructurings. It is further noted for its public finance expertise, including debtor-in-possession (DIP) financings. The firm has an extensive record in representing creditors including creditor and bondholder committees, along with debtors such as the City of Stockton, California. San Francisco-based Marc Levinson represented the City of Stockton in its Chapter 9 case and has advised a series of Californian municipalities in bankruptcy matters. New York’s Lorraine McGowen is noted for representing bondholder committees and advised a bondholder committee on the restructuring of $675m of Suriname’s government debt. Washington DC-based Thomas Laryea is a former assistant general counsel at the International Monetary Fund and has background in sovereign debt restructurings.  

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 1

Fielding a destination M&A practice, the ‘market-leading team’ at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP works across the life sciences, health-tech, and energy sectors to advise on innovative AI sector acquisitions and transformative cross-border deals. David Ruff leads the practice from New York and advises private equity funds and their portfolio companies on public and private M&A, minority investments, and joint ventures. In Silicon Valley, Matthew Gemello handles global M&A, business carveouts, and private company buyouts, while ‘stellar’ Mark Seneca covers buy- and sell-side tech sector deals. Also in New York are the ‘flawless’ David Schwartz, who offers strategic M&A advice on various transactions, and Spencer Cohen, who guides boards of directors and investors on financing transactions. In Washington DC, Tony Chan concentrates on venture capital transactions and corporate governance. Working in the San Francisco office, Leah Recht handles the structuring and negotiating of M&A and minority and growth investments, whereas Ramy Shweiky handles related fiduciary duty concerns.

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

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP’s reputation as a go-to practice for technology start-ups is evidenced by its representation of around 5000 high-growth tech practices globally. On the company side, the team acts for emerging names in the life sciences, food and beverage, and consumer products spheres, while on the investor front it enjoys relationships with numerous venture capital funds, as well as other strategic investors. From Silicon Valley, John Bautista spearheads the international technology companies practice and recently led on mandates for Etched.AI, Stripe, and Digital Therapeutics, among other clients. In San Francisco, Amanda Galton serves as deputy head of the corporate business unit and supports high-growth companies and investors across a myriad of corporate, finance, commercial, and governance issues. Santa Monica-based Josh Pollick co-chairs the technology companies group and strikes a balance between company- and investor-side transactions. Also recommended in Silicon Valley are Stephen Venuto, who co-leads the technology sector area, and firm chairman Mitchell Zuklie, who contributes niche expertise in AI-related work. The team was further strengthened in March 2024 through the arrival of New York-based technology specialist Josh Beser, who joined from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

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

Supporting clients in their contentious and non-contentious matters, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP advises on class actions brought against major corporations as well as cross border compliance projects, concerning both privacy and data transfer. The firm frequently assists with the internal and external use of AI. When necessary, the firm is also able to guide companies through the crisis response process. The team is led by Shannon Yavorsky in San Francisco, who advises on global privacy, cybersecurity and AI regulatory matters. Heather Egan is based in Boston, focusing on cybersecurity, privacy and information management. Based in Washington DC, Thora Johnson is an expert in the handling of health data, regularly designing compliance programs. Both in the Boston office, Aravind Swaminathan supports clients in cybersecurity incidents, high-stakes litigation and enforcement actions, while Joe Santiesteban advises telecoms and entertainment companies on crisis management. Also working in Boston, Emily Tabatabai is instructed on privacy, consumer protection and online safety matters. The San Francisco-based Michelle Visser is a seasoned litigator in the tech space, supporting clients in cyber, privacy and online safety matters.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP‘s ‘practical, efficient, and collaborative’ practice represents clients in bet-the-company litigation across the financial services, tech and consumer products industries. The team’s high success rate in business disputes makes it well placed to represent clients across the country, as well as take over cases mid-trial. Meghan Kelly leads the complex litigation and dispute resolution practice, alongside William Oxley in Los Angeles who is regularly called upon to represent household-name clients in product liability, contract, IP, and business tort disputes. Peter Bicks is head of the firm’s global litigation practice and enjoys a strong track record in high-profile business disputes. As head of the firm’s financial services litigation group, Richard Jacobsen is a go to for leading financial services companies and an expert in residential mortgage-backed securities cases. Marc Shapiro demonstrates particular prowess in class actions, multi-district litigation and mass joinders, while Thomas Kidera represents clients across the energy and infrastructure, financial services and professional services clients. All individuals mentioned are based in New York, unless stated otherwise.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 2

The energy and infrastructure department at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is a popular choice for energy, renewables, and tech companies seeking assistance on M&A, financings, and equity investments. The group’s experience handling a range of high-value transactions ranging from acquisitions to cash equity sell-downs, alongside its cross-border capabilities, has led to the team amassing an impressive client roster comprised of notable names such as Microsoft and ENGIE. In Houston, Blake Winburne and Dahl Thompson co-head the practice, while Kyle Drefke and Louise Gibbons lead the group in Washington DC and San Francisco respectively. Winburne is noted for his expertise advising private equity firms and funds on investments and equity sell-downs, while Thompson stands out for his aptitude for leading on the structuring, development, financing, and acquisition of energy projects. Drefke concentrates on divestitures and joint ventures, and Gibbons is sought after for her prowess in M&A transactions involving renewable energy and energy transitions. Other key contacts in the group include Houston-based Bradford Gathright, San Francisco’s Kristin Seeger, and Teresa Hill who is based in Seattle.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP advises a diverse range of clients on complex and innovative oil and gas transactions, including acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, and project developments. The team’s work spans traditional and emerging assets, with increasing activity in areas such as carbon capture, hydrogen, and energy transition projects alongside its established upstream, midstream, and downstream expertise. Dahl Thompson and Kyle Drefke lead the team from Houston and Washington DC, respectively. Co-head Blake Winburne is a go-to adviser for oil and gas players and private equity firms, bringing expertise in M&A, joint ventures, project finance, and development. Joe Roger handles transactions across the upstream, midstream, and downstream, frequently working with assets such as LNG, carbon, hydrogen, and ammonia. Jonathan Ayre’s strong finance capabilities are instrumental to numerous deals, particularly in the growing oil and gas securitization market. Bradford Gathright focuses on M&A and private equity transactions, while Adam Griffin is noted for his project finance expertise. Adam Kowis continues to advise operators, exploration and development companies, and funds on M&A and commercial contracts. David Aaronson departed in October 2024. Apart from Drefke in Washington, DC, and Griffin in New York, the team is based in Houston.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Industry focus > Native American law Tier 2

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 2

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP specializes in competitor v. competitor cases on both the plaintiff and defence sides, often with a business-critical element. The practice demonstrates notable proficiency in handling Hatch-Waxman cases for notable brands such as Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Biotech. Alyssa Caridis, based in Los Angeles, who brings expertise in a broad spectrum of technologies in the industrial, TMT and transportation sector. Caridis co-leads the team with Sheryl Koval Garko, who is based in Boston. In Silicon Valley, Jared Bobrow conducts patent litigation and trade secrets cases regarding complex technologies. Located in San Francisco, Clement Seth Roberts is the team head for the firm’s broader IP division and a seasoned IP litigator in state and federal courts. Steven Routh, based in Washington DC, is a highly experienced first-chair trial lawyer with a focus on patent infringement. On the life sciences front, David Gindler specializes in protecting major biotech companies, while Lauren Drake leverages her biochemistry background to represent clients in the biotech and pharmac industries. Both Gindler and Drake are located in Los Angeles.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 2

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP leverage its ‘ITC-specific expertise’ to navigate high-stakes, complex Section 337 proceedings. The practice demonstrates particular strength in competitor versus competitor tech patent disputes, having recently handed Google its first-ever loss before the ITC on behalf of its client Sonos. The team also stand out for its expertise in the enforcement and appeal of exclusion orders. Alyssa Caridis, based in Los Angeles, is a seasoned litigator with expertise in various technologies, including computer software and medical devices. Caridis co-chairs the team with Boston-based Sheryl Garko, who is adept at complex patent and trade secret cases. In Silicon Valley, Bas De Blank leads on substantive ITC cases related to infringement, validity and domestic industry. Josh Pond, a ‘strong ITC litigator’ based in Washington DC, focuses on blocking and defending imports before the ITC, representing both domestic and international companies. Tom Chen joined the team from the ITC office in July 2024 and is based in Orange County.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 2

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 2

‘Strong and sophisticated’ Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is particularly well-versed in trademark and false advertising litigation across the consumer, tech and medical devices industries, among others, providing its clients with significant expertise before the International Trade Commission. The practice is jointly helmed by Boston’s Sheryl Koval Garko, who is experienced in an array of technologies for global corporations, and Los Angeles’s Alyssa Caridis. In Boston, David Hosp counts a number of high-profile media and tech companies among his key roster of clients, and Mark Puzella provides his clients with comprehensive strategic advice to a multitude of retail brands. Silicon Valley’s Diana Rutowski demonstrates particular proficiencies in relation to takedown campaigns and San Francisco’s Nathan Schaffer is a strong choice for tech companies seeking assistance with complex disputes.

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

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP demonstrates breadth and depth in its employment disputes practice with experience in matters involving discrimination, whistleblowing, internal investigations, wage and hour actions, pay equity and harassment. Julie Totten is responsible for leading the team from the Sacramento office and brings expertise in discrimination and wage and hour class actions to the group. Notable figures in the Silicon Valley office include Lynne Hermle, who works on wrongful termination and retaliation allegations; Jessica Perry, who is a key advisor to several large technology companies and Joseph Liburt, who handles arbitrations, internal investigations and disputes. In New York, Mike Delikat represents clients facing suits under federal whistleblowing statutes, while Lisa Lupion specializes in claims alleging discrimination, equal pay and termination and Mark Thompson is trusted advisor to clients in the venture capital, technology and financial services industries. Erin Connell frequently handles pay and equity discrimination cases out of the San Francisco office.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe‘s white-collar team handles criminal investigations, FCPA investigations, trials, appeals, and compliance matters involving the SEC and DOJ, with experience in market abuse, securities fraud, and bank fraud. The practice is co-led by Joseph Walker, a former DOJ trial lawyer focusing on FCPA and global investigations, and Preston Burton, a trial lawyer with experience as both a defense attorney and federal prosecutor. Amy Walsh, a former federal prosecutor, leads internal investigations for clients. David Krakoff is a leading trial lawyer representing corporations and executives in high-stakes criminal and civil matters.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Based primarily in California, with broader commercial litigation resources in New York, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is seen as a destination practice for clients seeking a strong defense in securities class actions and derivative shareholder litigation in courts throughout the country. The technology sector remains a fertile source of work, as exemplified by its ongoing securities class action and parallel shareholder derivative action litigation for Apple in a case stemming from claims that the tech giant misled investors about weakening demand for iPhones in China in 2019. San Francisco-based litigators James Kramer and Alex Talarides are leading on this matter, with the duo also frequently pairing up on other major matters within the tech sector, as well as in relation to Section 11 claims against banks. Los Angeles-based team head Paul Rugani, who is adept at handling both private securities litigation and government enforcement/investigations, is noted, in particular, for his work in the financial services sector, including his ongoing representation for Credit Suisse in the remaining litigation relating to its legacy RMBS business.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP’s energy regulation team is highly experienced in FERC proceedings, disputes, and applications related to power sector projects and transactions. The firm provides comprehensive regulatory support for renewable energy clients and has deep expertise in developing and managing FERC and NERC compliance programs. The practice is co-led by Houston-based Dahl Thompson and Blake Winburne; Kyle Drefke in Washington DC; and Louise Gibbons, based in San Francisco. Cory Lankford advises power project developers and investors on financing, development, and regulatory issues, including generator interconnection and wholesale market participation, from his base in DC. Patrick Ferguson represents major independent power producers in wholesale and retail energy market transactions, and Tahiya Sultan has significant experience in state-level regulatory compliance, advising on energy purchases, storage, and resource adequacy: both are based in San Francisco.

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 3

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP’s energy regulation team represents key players in the oil and gas sector, advising on both regulatory and transactional matters. The firm assists clients in navigating complex permitting and compliance issues before FERC, the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, PHMSA, and the Maritime Administration. The team’s expertise ensures strategic guidance for clients operating in the global LNG market and broader oil and gas industry. The practice is led by Lisa Tonery, who has over 25 years of experience advising on high-profile LNG transactions and is well-regarded in the natural gas regulatory space. Mariah Johnston is also recommended. All individuals mentioned are based in New York.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has notable expertise at the intersection of life sciences and tech. The firm’s vast work comprises capital raising, M&A, IP counseling and litigation, licensing agreements, and product liability litigation. It is led by Los Angeles-based David Gindler, focusing on IP litigation and licensing, alongside co-heads Thora Johnson in Washington DC, concentrating on data privacy and health tech regulations, and Stephen Thau, a transactional matters specialist in New York. The team welcomed new partners, including New York patent litigator Irena Royzman, joining from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, and Boston’s David Sharrow from Gunderson Dettmer LLP, experienced in commercial transactions. The FDA and regulatory team grew with the addition of Georgia Ravitz, joining the DC team from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Amy Joseph, and Jeremy Sherer; the latter two joined the Boston team from Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, PC.

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 3

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP ‘s policyholder practice concentrates on life settlements and Cost of Insurance litigation, representing a diverse roster of clients, with a focus om those on the financial services and tech sectors. Orange County-based Khai LeQuang leads the practice alongside commercial litigator Barry Levin, who co-chairs from San Francisco. LeQuang specializes in life settlement litigation and COI matters, representing investors and insureds against life insurance carriers, and also handles matters concerning cyber risks, construction, and environmental liabilities. The two leads are supported by ‘exceptional litigator’ Rich Krebs in the Orange County office.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP copyright department utilizes the deep bench strength of its nationwide practice to focus on emerging issues within tech, media and telecom industries. Harnessing notable expertise in new tech, the firm handles cases across the US and internationally. The team is headed in Boston by Sheryl Koval Garko and Los Angeles-based Alyssa Caridis . Seasoned trial lawyer Annette Hurst, based in San Francisco, boasts deep expertise in the software industry as a risk analyst, regarding the legal issues surrounding access and use of datasets. Boston-based David Hosp focuses on trademark, copyright and media litigation, representing high-profile media and tech companies in copyright matters. In Silicon Valley, Robert Uriarte is well vested in supporting companies ranging from market leaders to startups on security and internet law issues. Nathan Shaffer, based in San Francisco is a key port of call for tech firms needing representation in federal court.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 3

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has cemented its reputation in executive compensation and benefits, offering strategic advice on high-stakes M&A, IPOs, and corporate governance matters. Led by Juliano Banuelos, the team is a trusted partner to major multinational corporations and emerging growth companies alike. The firm’s expertise spans equity arrangements, compensation structuring, and global benefits compliance, with a strong focus on cross-border transactions.

Real estate Tier 3

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP‘s real estate team collaborates across offices on both the East and West Coast on nationwide projects. The firm provides full-service advice to clients, assisting with acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, financings and refinancings. With wide experience across the practice, the team possesses transactional strength across all asset types, including data centers, multifamily housing, and office buildings. The team is led by Randolph Perry, based in Los Angeles, whose practice focuses on real property, distressed assets, and secured loan acquisitions and dispositions, as well as joint ventures and hospitality transactions. Alongside Perry in the Los Angeles office is Gerard Walsh, who is particularly recognized for his work in complex distressed debt transactions. In San Francisco, Jonathan Roheim handles complex real estate financings, and in Seattle, Katherine Jones has particular experience in the hospitality sector.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP’s transactional tax team offers a broad range of tax advice to clients in the tech, energy, infrastructure, and logistics markets. Eric Wall leads the group from San Francisco and focuses on corporate and partnership taxation. New York’s John Narducci advises on tax aspects of M&A, energy market transactions, financings, and securities offerings. Also in San Francisco, SeoJung Park advises on private equity and venture financings in the tech and life sciences sectors, and Kimberly Loocke specializes in corporate and real estate transactions as well as tax controversy and operational matters.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

With a strong presence on both the East and West Coasts, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP’s debt capital markets group is especially active in the financial services, tech, life sciences, and auto sectors. Boston-based practice head Albert Vanderlaan has broad experience advising public and private companies, investment banks, venture capital firms, and SPACs, and is particularly well versed in the life sciences and tech spaces. Jamie Evans in Seattle stands out for his work in the tech space, both for blue-chip issuers as well as investment banks. Brett Cooper in San Francisco has deep experience advising issuers and underwriters on SEC-registered and Rule 144A securities offerings, including of investment-grade and convertible bonds. Bill Hughes in San Francisco is noted for his work for public and late-stage private companies.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 4

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 4

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe‘s capital markets practice is led by Albert Vanderlaan out of the Boston office, and is active in the tech, artificial intelligence, financial, and biotech sectors. Vanderlaan works with a variety of public and private companies on governance issues relating to corporate transactions. In San Francisco, JT Ho focuses on public companies, helping them with shareholder activism, executive compensation, and remaining compliant with federal regulations whilst Bill Hughes advises on securities offerings, Securities Act 1934 compliance, and insider trading policies.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 4

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is a trusted advisor to private equity funds and portfolio companies, leveraging deep expertise in technology, life sciences, energy, and infrastructure, and possessing a strong track record in cross-border mandates. David Ruff helms the practice from New York and is highly active on complex transactions for a range of high-profile sponsors. Washington DC's Tony Chan is a go-to for growth equity and venture capital deals, particularly in the tech and life sciences industries. Danny Lopez works closely with key client Turn/River Capital and operates out of San Francisco.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP remains noted for its experience in sectors such as crypto and fintech, life sciences, and energy. It has a long list of debtor clients and frequently represents international financial institutions as creditors in large-scale restructurings and bankruptcies; the firm is also noted for its strength in advising private credit providers on special situations transactions. It also has an established presence in domestic and cross-border matters, as well as a background in DIP financings and transactions involving distressed assets. Raniero D’Aversa leads the global restructuring practice, which includes Laura Metzger, an experienced figure in fintech and real estate sector restructurings. Lorraine McGowen and Evan Hollander are also key members of the team. Robert Trust is rated for representing private credit lenders in distressed investments, Chapter 11 bankruptcies and out-of-court restructurings. All named individuals are based in New York.

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

Catering mainly to venture capital funds infrastructure domestically and internationally, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP ‘stands out for its ability to seamlessly blend deep technical knowledge with a practical, business-oriented approach’. Sector wise, the group has a strong focus across the finance, technology, energy and infrastructure sectors for a global client base. Dolph Hellman in San Francisco is at the helm, and particularly specialises in investor side fund launches and operations, with a varied client roster of large public pension plans. Additional standout team members include Washington DC-based Mary Wallace, an of counsel whose transactional expertise is notable, and also has a strong track record of investor side of fund formation, operational and regulatory issues. Indeed Kenneth Rasamny in Orange County is often called upon by venture capital funds, private equity funds and debt funds for regulatory matters.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration