Paul Hastings LLP > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

Paul Hastings LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Paul Hastings LLP assists global companies in securing FCPA declinations or settlements, drawing on extensive experience in FCPA matters. The FCPA practice is co-led by Washington DC-based lawyers Kwame Manley , Allyson Baker, and Brad Bondi, and San Francisco-based Kenneth Herzinger. Manley advises clients appearing before the DOJ, SEC, and OFAC. Baker and Bondi concentrate on litigation and investigations for financial institutions. Herzinger handles investigations and enforcement actions for clients including broker-dealers, government officials, and investment advisors. The Washington DC team also includes Robert Luskin, who represents clients in cases involving corruption, money laundering, and sanctions violations.

Finance > Commercial lending: Advice to bank lenders Tier 1

Paul Hastings LLP’s broad expertise encompasses high-yield bonds, asset-based loans, and syndicated bank loans, the firm is also a key port of call for investment funds and private credit funds for distressed lending and special situations. John Cobb and Jennifer Yount co-lead the team from New York, and Cobb is often engaged in leveraged loan and capital market transactions and is a strong choice for banks and private credit funds on banking and securities transactions. Yount’s recent caseload encompasses advising Goldman Sachs on Thoma Bravo’s $5.3bn take-private acquisition of Darktrace and the $1.95bn financing for R.R. Donnelley’s acquisition of Valassis Communications. Morgan Bale is well-regarded for his capabilities in domestic and international investment-grade finance transactions and counts Bank of America, Barclays, and Goldman Sachs on his client roster. Marc Lashbrook is noted for his strength in commercial bank financings and David Barash is skilled at acquisition financings and refinancing. Paris Theofanidis, Randal Palach, Joshua Zelig, and Erec Winandy are other key team members.

Finance > Fintech Tier 1

Paul Hastings LLP is particularly adept at handling the myriad of regulatory, transactional, and corporate issues within the payments sector, as well as all stages of digital asset companies’ lifecycles, with extensive experience engaging with regulatory bodies such as the SEC. In Atlanta, Chris Daniel is an expert in payments and cryptocurrency, working on complex multijurisdictional mandates. Operating out of San Francisco, Eric Sibbitt is a key port of call for complex regulatory matters presented by financial technology and is a leader in the application of federal securities law, while Molly Swartz focuses on helping clients commercialize their product offerings, with particular expertise in earned wage access alternative financing and consumer protection laws. In New York, Dana Syracuse specializes in helping clients secure special-purpose bank and trust charters, while Josh Boehm advises financial institutions engaged in digital asset activities, focusing on obtaining regulatory approvals and guiding clients on deploying digital asset products in compliance with financial regulations.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 1

Paul Hastings LLP’s full-service patent litigation practice is reputed for its technical expertise and success in representing notable clients in the life sciences and technology sectors, including Meta, Google, Samsung and BioNTech. The team often works on precedent-setting matters, such as their recent victory for Allergan which will transform Obviousness-type Double Patenting (ODP) in the pharmaceutical industry. The practice also showcases expertise in high-value trade secret matters. Chairing the practice are three IP specialists: Naveen Modi, located in Washington DC, is an expert in post-grant patent and appellate proceedings, particularly before the USPTO and Court of Appeals; New York’s Bruce Wexler, who focuses on life sciences patent litigation and represents large and start-up biotech companies; and Eric Dittmann, who is also based in New York and is seasoned in trying business-critical patent cases, with a core focus on biotech and Hatch-Waxman cases. Another key contact in New York is Melanie Rupert whose experiences extend to the biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Lisa Nguyen, along with five fellow partners, joined the team in March 2024 from A&O Shearman.

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

The breadth of Paul Hastings LLP‘s expertise spans class actions, arbitrations, high profile single-plaintiff matters, trade secrets litigation and human capital compliance. In the area of class actions the group is skilled at handling discrimination, pay equity, PAGA and wage and hour cases. The trio at the head of the practice is formed of Elena Baca, who is trusted advisor to large blue-chip corporates; Jennifer Baldocchi, who focuses her practice on employee trade secret misappropriation claims and Kenneth Gage, whose expertise lies in discrimination, retaliation and state common law claims. Baca and Baldocchi are based in Los Angeles, while Gage sits in New York. Felicia Davis is a key figure in the Los Angeles office for her pay equity litigation expertise. In New York, Patrick Shea specializes in employment discrimination wage and hour claims and wrongful discharge matters, while Sara Tomezsko handles first instance and appellate single-plaintiff and class action claims for her corporate clients. Carson Sullivan is a name to note in Washington DC, which benefits from her significant experience defending pay equity class actions.

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

Paul Hastings LLP‘s entertainment and media group stands out for its expertise in a wide range of transactions for content companies, banks, private equity investors and talent agencies. The team has been active in M&A deals, music catalog acquisitions and investments into the entertainment industry. The clientele of the firm benefit from the team’s experience in structuring project and corporate financings. The Century City-based team is headed up by Ken Deutsch who is a media and entertainment transaction specialist and Erik Hyman. Deutsch advises on corporate transactions for film & TV, streaming platforms and independent media companies. Susan Williams is the go-to for capital market transactions and licensing and distribution agreements for motion pictures, TV and digital media.  She serves both domestic and international clients in key digital media financings and distribution transactions. Sean Monroe is noted for his expertise in motion picture financings, television business acquisitions and investments alongside digital and new media venture formations.

Real estate Tier 1

The real estate department at Paul Hastings LLP regularly handles some of the market's largest real estate transactions. The diverse practice is well-equipped to handle a wide range of deals, from joint ventures, acquisitions, and dispositions to ground lease and development work. The firm is well-regarded for its representation of top developers, investors, sellers, and real estate portfolio companies, both in New York and beyond. The practice benefits from the experienced leadership of co-heads Eric Landau, Peter Olsen, and Rick Allendorf, all based in the New York office, who provide particular expertise in joint ventures, mixed-use development projects, and the representation of financial institutions, private equity funds, and other real estate owners and managers. Elsewhere, in the Chicago office, Gregory Spitzer works with a range of high-profile clients, with a focus on cross-border data center-related transactions, as well as complex acquisitions, dispositions, and financings.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

Its broad litigation practice sees Paul Hastings LLP excel in fintech, crypto, privacy and real estate disputes, as well as securities and antitrust litigation. The team boasts specialist knowledge of environmental and employment law and continues to expand its entertainment and media litigation capabilities. Cybersecurity is another increased area of focus, as well as various bet-the-company disputes, from fraud and defamation to IP, business tort and contract claims. As well as leading global entertainment and media entities, the growing team represents a stellar clientele across the sport, fashion and real estate sectors. Kurt Hansson leads the team from New York, leveraging extensive first-chair trial and arbitration experience, alongside Avi Weitzman, who has a strong background in white collar and civil trials. In San Francisco, Navi Dhillon is an expert in environmental litigation, representing clients across the investment funds, renewable energy and teach spaces. Paul Genender chairs the commercial litigation practice in Texas and is regularly called upon by public companies and private boards to handle commercial, business and bankruptcy disputes and governance, fiduciary duty and crisis management matters.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP boasts a leading practice in international arbitration, representing leading multinationals on complex matters. The team is particularly skilled at handling matters in the life sciences sector, as well as leading international matters spanning the energy, financial services, and infrastructure sectors. Notably, members of the practice recently advised a global telecommunications company in obtaining a high-value international arbitration award of $380 million against the Republic of Colombia, in the highest-value arbitration award ever brought against the government. Having joined the Washington DC office in March 2024 from White & Case LLP, Jonathan Hamilton leads the team. Hamilton has vast expertise handling matters in the aviation, energy, and financial services fields, and is skilled at investment arbitrations, having acted on a number of novel claims. Also recently arriving from White & Case LLP are Alejandro Martinez de Hoz, Jaime Crowe, and Jonathan Ulrich. In Los Angeles, Susan Leader joined from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Paul Hastings LLP’s global securities and capital markets practice has a strong presence throughout Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The team is jointly led by firm chair Frank Lopez alongside Eric Sibbitt and Colin Diamond; Diamond joined the firm in February 2024 from White & Case LLP, bringing with him considerable experience advising issuers and underwriters on US and international capital markets transactions, including registered equity offerings, private placements, and convertible bond offerings, as well as a strong reputation with Israeli companies. Grissel Mercado plays a leading role in the group, primarily working for financial institutions and corporate issuers in connection with debt and equity offerings in Latin America.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Deploying a team with vast expertise in high-profile offerings of senior unsecured notes and complex debt issuances, Paul Hastings LLP represents a diverse array of private equity firms, portfolio companies, and premier investment banks. The practice’s cross-border knowledge is extensive, handling transactions across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, with a primary focus on the telecoms and healthcare spheres. In the New York-based outfit, Frank Lopez specializes in high-yield bonds, John Cobb predominantly concentrates on mezzanine financings and reorganizations, and Joshua Zelig is an expert in leveraged buyouts. Marc Lashbrook stands out for his work in the healthcare, industrials, and real estate sectors, and David Barash is also highlighted for his unitranche financing knowledge.

Finance > Commercial lending > Advice to direct lenders/private credit Tier 2

With notable expertise in debt financing and preferred equity transactions, Paul Hastings LLP is knowledgeable of inter-creditor agreements, the firm’s key strengths also include mezzanine financing, debtor-in-possession facilities, and unitranche facilities. Jennifer John Yount is experienced in lending facilities as well as multi-tranche and multi-lien transactions, while John Cobb is versed in bridge loan facilities, liability management transactions, and restructurings. Jennifer Daly is proficient in secured and unsecured lending transactions, Christopher Ross is a key port of call for banks, corporate borrowers, and private credit lenders on acquisition financing, cash clow loans, and mezzanine debt facilities. Jack Fitzpatrick is noted for his capabilities in leveraged finance transactions, liability management transactions, and unsecured lending transactions, and other key members of the practice include Jesse Kirsch and Christopher Boies. All individuals mentioned are in New York.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 2

Frequently engaged to represent banks, fintech companies, nonbank lenders, and loan servicers, Paul Hastings LLP handles complex enforcement actions brought by the CFPB, DOJ, FTC, and state regulators, focusing on issues such as deposits, prepaid and credit cards, mortgage origination and servicing, student lending, and fair lending. The practice is known for its experienced team, which includes former senior government officials and in-house counsel from major financial institutions. Co-leading the team is Jonice Gray, who specializes in high-stakes enforcement matters, internal investigations, and regulatory compliance, with particular expertise in fair and responsible lending. Allyson Baker , also a key leader, represents consumer finance companies in non-public CFPB hearings and other high-profile matters. Both provide strategic advice to corporate leaders navigating complex regulatory challenges. Matthew Previn, Kari Hall, and other senior team members are recommended for their experience in handling major enforcement cases across a variety of financial services sectors. All lawyers are based in Washington DC, unless otherwise specified.

Finance > Project finance

Paul Hastings LLP‘s energy and infrastructure practice has its strengths in financing alternative energy projects and PPPs across the country. The New York-based duo of Gregory Tan and Robert Freedman oversee the practice group. Tan is a renowned figure in the US infrastructure market and has an outstanding track record acting for sponsors, lenders, major financial institutions, funds and corporations, regional development banks, and multilateral institutions. Freedman has more of a focus on the energy side wherein he has expertise spanning finance and development, asset acquisitions and dispositions, and restructuring. David Avila is a further contact to note in New York, supporting across the range of energy project financing.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP has expanded its financial restructuring group significantly over the last three years, which included the hiring of 11 additional restructuring and finance lawyers from King & Spalding LLP in 2024; this includes Matthew Warren and Zach Cochran, with Warren joining the Chicago office and Cochran splitting his time between Atlanta and New York. The team is particularly known for its roles on the creditor-side, including in numerous billion-dollar restructurings. It advised the unsecured creditors’ committee in the bankruptcy of FTX, which involved $32bn in liabilities and an $8bn shortfall in FTX’s balance sheet and a massive fraud; the firm had to employ traditional bankruptcy expertise alongside cryptocurrency experience to deal with asset recovery across multiple jurisdictions and asset classes. The team is spread across the firm’s New York, Texas, Chicago, California and Washington DC offices. Along with its notable expertise in cryptocurrency, it is also recognised for its experience in real estate and telecoms. Kristopher Hansen and Jayme Goldstein co-head the financial restructuring group; Hansen is noted for his ad hoc creditor committee roles, leading a team in the FTX and WeWork bankruptcies, while Goldstein headed a group that worked on the multi-billion-dollar rescue of Travelport. Jonathan Canfield and Gabe Sasson are also key partners. Named individuals are all based in New York, unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP advises arrangers, collateral managers, lenders, borrowers and investors in a broad spectrum of securitization transactions. The team handles a variety of structured credit transactions, including CLOs, CMBS, RMBS, derivatives. Newly arrived Shawn Kodes co-heads the team from New York, and brings with him a portfolio of clients that includes Blackstone, Sixth Street and Apollo. Eugene Ferrer brings deep experience in the securitization market, and focuses on sophisticated CLOs, middle markets and syndicated loan facilities.  Nicole Skalla is highly experienced in a variety of asset-backed securities transactions, including hybrid and synthetic CDOs and CLOs. Nicole Bright and newly arrived Matthew Nemeth are both sought after by clients for their experience in advising arrangers and collateral managers in CLO transactions, with Bright’s CLO expertise complementing Nemeth’s capacities in esoteric asset-backed financings, including solar, oil and gas assets commercial and consumer loans, and others.

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

Paul Hastings LLP works with a diverse portfolio of clients on a wide range of high-stakes trade secret cases, including wrongful disclosure of copyrighted information to third parties, AI software theft, patent infringement cases, and commercial disputes. The group’s workload frequently covers multi-jurisdictional matters at the highest court levels, spanning a range of sectors from life sciences, to tech, to consumer goods. The team is headed up by Washington DC-based Naveen Modi, alongside New York-based Bruce Wexler and Eric Dittmann, the three of whom also serve as joint heads of the firm’s global IP practice. Key practitioner Jeff Pade is based in DC also and draws on more than 25 years of experience representing parties in litigation and arbitration, particularly in providing pre-litigation counseling and advice in internal trade secret investigations.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 2

The team at Paul Hastings LLP is particularly adept at handling internal and regulatory investigations, employee mobility and trade secret-related litigation, pay equity and audits, human capital compliance, and CSR, ESG and DE&I initiatives. The group is led by global employment expert Elena Baca and international employee mobility and trade secrets specialist Jennifer Baldocchi in Los Angeles, and litigator Kenneth Gage in New York, who handles reviews of employment processes, pay equity studies and risk mitigation strategies in particular. Also in New York, Marc Bernstein has extensive experience representing clients in a variety of employment disputes, from wage and hour class actions to ERISA litigation. In Los Angeles, Felicia Davis focuses on pay equity litigation and also advises employers on compensation practices, compliance, social diversity and environmental issues, while Washington DC’s Carson Sullivan offers advice on restrictive covenants and trade secret cases, among others. Paul Evans, Krissy Katzenstein, Blair Robinson and Jeff Sturgeon all joined the firm in October 2024.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Shareholder activism Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP‘s shareholder activism practice is valued by clients across a range of industries for its depth of experience and strategic insight into all of the challenges boards are faced by shareholder activists, including both reaction to campaigns and preparation. The department is led by co-chairs Sean Donahue (New York and Washington DC), an all-round specialist dedicated to all forms of public company board preparation and activist campaign defense including late-stage proxy fights and ‘vote no’ campaigns, and New York’s Eduardo Gallardo, a field-leader in hostile takeover defense and other corporate control contests with a track record of success for some of the largest public companies in the nation. Andrew Goodman (Boston and New York) is particularly valued by clients in the life sciences, healthcare, and technology industries for his skills and experience in both shareholder activism defense and corporate governance matters.

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

Paul Hastings LLP‘s Washington DC-based practice offers advice on the wide range of regulatory matters affecting the telecoms, broadcast and satellite sectors. Its workload ranges from obtaining FCC licences for streaming services, to advising on M&A regulatory requirements. Sherrese Smith has significant FCC expertise and leads the group; Smith’s practice includes advising on media, communications, internet, digital tech, e-commerce and data security issues. John Gasparini is well-versed in the regulatory aspects of satellite, spectrum, wireline broadband, wireless infrastructure and video programming atop his specialism in privacy-related regulatory compliance, data breach response, and in handling investigation and enforcement proceedings.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP‘s land uses and zoning team advises on the environmental compliance, permitting, and regulatory issues involved in a wide array of projects from renewable energy to commercial real estate. The team is also fully integrated into the firm’s real estate department, allowing attorneys to draw on additional financing, construction, and compliance expertise to best serve the needs of their clients. The practice is led by Century City’s Jeffery Haber who works to secure entitlements for his clients’ proposed residential, commercial, and industrial developments.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP handles complex tax matters focusing on transactions surrounding capital markets, M&A, and securitization and are capable of providing advice on treaty and investment related matters. In New York, practice head Joseph Opich covers a wide range tax issues, across securitization and structured finance, capital markets, and real estate funds, while Gary Silber represents clients in a wide range of tax matters in relation to corporate transactions, partnerships, and joint ventures, as well as focussing his practice on global tax matters related to bankruptcies and taxable and tax-free mergers and acquisitions. Ziemowit Smulkowski, who is located in Chicago, is adept at handling tax aspects of transactions including acquisitions and dispositions of businesses for both financial and strategic investors and cross-border investments. In the San Francisco office, Lucas Rachuba focuses his active practice on private equity, credit, and venture capital transaction practice towards his impressive client roster of private equity firms, portfolio companies, and boards of directors. Joining the team in 2024 are Alex Farr from McDermott Will & Emery LLP and Daniel Nicholas from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.  

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP’s tax practice across the West and East coasts has a strong hold in tax matters relating to international and national capital markets, cross-border M&A, real estate, restructurings, project finance, and renewable energy, advising clients such as Goldman Sachs, Carlyle, and Morgan Stanley. Based in New York, Joseph Opich leads the practice and is an expert in real estate tax and market-leading structured credit practice. In Los Angeles, Michael Haun provides tax advice on cross-border transactions, cryptocurrency, and real estate. Chicago’s Ziemowit Smulkowski specializes in federal income tax issues relating to private equity-backed investments and M&A. Lucas Rachuba in San Francisco and Thomas Wisialowski in Palo Alto focus on private equity, hedge funds, credit, venture capital, and real estate transactions. Gary Silber and Robert Wilson in New York handle a large variety of transactional and tax matters for clients such as pharmaceutical companies, investment managers, and real estate developers. Bringing considerable experience, Alex Farr and Daniel Nicholas joined the firm as partners in August 2024 from McDermott Will & Emery LLP and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, respectively.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP represents a comprehensive range of financial services companies against multiple enforcement agencies at both federal and state levels. With specialist expertise in consumer financial services, the firm handles issues arising from credit cards, unfair lending and payment systems. Jonice Gray is the practice head of the Washington-based group, handling high-stakes litigation and enforcement proceedings. The team is bolstered by Allyson Baker and Aaron Mahler who aid clients with investigations instigated by a host of enforcement authorities. New York’s Matthew Previn also has an active regulatory practice alongside handling numerous consumer class actions.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 3

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

With strong nationwide coverage, particularly on the East and West Coasts, and also regularly leveraging other key complementary practice groups, including white-collar, complex litigation and corporate, Paul Hastings LLP is well-positioned to provide a comprehensive service to clients across a wide range of securities fraud class actions and associated regulatory probes. As well as handling its fair share of work for public companies on the issuer side, the team, which is led from New York by Jennifer Conn, has strong traction among many banks, including Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, regularly acting for them in fraud allegations in the context of their role as underwriters on securities issuances and M&A transactions. New York-based Barry Sher is also very well-liked by defendant banks, handling a myriad of general commercial litigation, antitrust, and securities litigation. Leveraging experience both in private practice and in-house for the SEC, Washington DC-based attorney Brad Bondi has vast experience across a myriad securities fraud issues, including as it relates to insider trading and short selling. Scott Carlton in Los Angeles, who has a strong grounding in securities law matters, including those relating to relatively novel areas including crypto and ESG; Palo Alto-based Edward Han, who is skilled at handling private and government-initiated securities cases; and San Francisco-based former SEC enforcement attorney Kenneth Herzinger are all key contacts of the firm’s strong West Coast offering.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

With expertise in development and financing, energy transition, and power and renewables transactions, the energy and infrastructure practice at Paul Hastings LLP is a good choice for businesses from the energy and financial services sectors. The department also has strengths in partnerships, tax equity, and debt capital markets which, together with its cross-border capabilities, have amassed a strong client roster which is made up of notable banks, green energy companies, and asset management groups. Heading up the team in New York are project finance and development experts Robert Freedman and Gregory Tan. Both Freedman and Tan have extensive experience advising sponsors, lenders, and financial institutions on limited recourse and structured financings, restructuring, and acquisitions and dispositions. In Houston, Luis Gomar is the main contact in the group and concentrates on M&A, asset acquisitions and divestitures, and joint ventures, alongside equity products, fund formations, and investments.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Paul Hastings LLP continues to build a strong reputation for its work as underwriters’ counsel and has recent experience in the telecoms, healthcare, financial services, and real estate sectors, among others. Having hired Houston-based partners David Elder, Christopher Centrich, and Patrick Hurley from Akin, the firm has expanded its presence in Texas and now has several major energy-sector clients on the issuer side. Firm chair Frank Lopez has broad debt capital markets experience. Colin Diamond joined the firm’s New York office in February from White & Case LLP as co-chair of the global securities and capital markets practice. Eric Sibbitt in San Francisco is noted for his experience handling debt offerings and liability management transactions in the fintech space. Jonathan Ko has a strong track record advising companies, investment banks, private equity firms, and other institutional investors operating in the financial services, life sciences, hospitality, real estate, and tech sectors.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Paul Hastings LLP has extensive expertise in IPOs for common stock shares, acting on behalf of issuers and underwriters mainly focused on the oil and gas, chemicals energy transition, and infrastructure spheres. The team routinely represents investment banks, public companies, and venture capital funds, with New York-based Frank Lopez heading the firm’s global securities and capital markets practice. Also operating out of New York, Colin Diamond has vast knowledge in registered equity offerings, private placements, and convertible bond offerings, with Seo Salimi standing out for his. work in cross-border capital market transactions in the life sciences field.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP advises clients across the life sciences industry on national and international matters throughout the product lifecycle. It handles regulatory and compliance matters, as well as investigations and enforcement actions. The practice is headed by New York-based Gary Giampetruzzi and Houston’s Joy Dowdle, both advising on regulatory and compliance matters in addition to high-stakes internal and governmental investigations. DC-based Peter Lindsay is another key figure in the practice, leading the regulatory and enforcement practice, as well as advising on FDA aspects of transactions and M&A. Morgan Miller, Jonathan Steves, and Jane Yoon are experienced in compliance and cross-border investigations, with focus areas including fraud, corruption, and financial issues; they are based in Washington DC, Orange County, and New York, respectively.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP‘s team is well-regarded for its work on fund organisation, liquid fund structure, and regulatory capabilities. The team is led by Josh Sternoff and Michael Rosella from the New York office. In Los Angeles, Art Zwickel  focuses on structuring and organizing private investment funds, including hedge, private equity, and hybrid funds. Also based out of Los Angeles, Yousuf Dhamee multijurisdictional practice involves representing investment advisers in connection with the structuring and distribution of investment funds, including hedge funds, private equity funds, registered funds, and customized investment products.

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP‘s advice spans asset classes and across all types of registered funds and investment vehicles, including alternative investment asset classes, such as business development companies, interval funds, and tender offer funds. These funds have been increasingly handled by New-York based Michael Rosella who ‘has industry leading experience as a 1940 Act attorney’, including the formation of Infrastructure Income Fund with unique liquidity structures. Rosella leads the group alongside Josh Sternoff, also located in New York. David Hearth in San Francisco is key for the group’s transactions, exemplified by his work in 2024 including negotiating agreements for the merger of two NYSE-traded closed-end funds.

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

Paul Hastings LLP has a client base spanning asset classes, advising leading global asset managers, while also being strong in real estate funds. as well as investment into pension systems. Josh Sternoff, a versatile practitioner whose practice spans all aspects of fund formation and management, and Michael Rosella are the duo leading the team from New York. Anna Rips is a key name in the credit funds space. The group is notable in its strategic work for direct lending funds, on which Yousuf Dhamee in Los Angeles, a ‘versatile, accessible and smart’ lawyer is well-placed to advise, offering clients vast experience in the structuring and distribution of investment funds. Max Rosenberg, also located in New York, is a notable figure for the group’s secondary transactions work.

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

Paul Hastings LLP offers expertise in class action defense for its clients, acting in a range of industries. The firm also acts for clients in regulatory investigations brought by state attorney generals and federal regulators, including the SEC, FCC and SEC. The Chicago-based Aaron Charfoos, an experienced litigator and privacy lawyer, and Dallas-based Michelle Reed, who acts in regulatory and enforcement matters, lead the team. Located in Washington DC, Sherrese Smith specializes in privacy and security law in the media, tech, retail and life sciences fields.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP‘s entertainment practice largely represents entertainment studios and talent agencies in complex litigation. The team is able to handle a wide mix of issues from profit participation disputes, antitrust and business tort cases to class actions, IP infringement and defamation issues. The team is also involved in discrimination cases and investigations within the media and entertainment sector. Steven Marenberg leads the Century City team and defends entertainment companies and individuals in litigation and private arbitrations. Tamerlin Godley splits her time between Los Angeles and Century City, representing studios, networks and production companies in sensitive investigations and media litigation. In Century City, Susan Leader is noted for her skills in securing summary judgements and appellate victories for media clients, while Washington DC-based Sherrese Smith is well-versed in privacy and data -related cases. Josh Gordon handles IP and contractual disputes for film studios, production companies and individuals.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP excels across a number of sectors but stands out for retail financing by virtue of the head of the New York-based practice Rick Allendorf’s extensive expertise in the area. Specializing in debt finance, Allendorf takes the lead at advising on the firm’s most prominent recent deals, including all of Morgan Stanley’s loans to Brookfield Properties in 2024. The team has deep experience in secured financings, routinely originating loans for securitization and restructuring secured debt. A mainstay of Lisa Chaney ‘s practice is advising major banks on the acquisition, restructuring, and modification of domestic mortgage loan warehouse facilities. Real estate finance specialist David Broderick, who joined from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in 2024, has a strong track record on mortgage, bridge, and mezzanine financings and is a key contact for Apollo Global Management. Michael Berman is a go-to for private equity firms and hedge funds, working on both debt and equity representations in connection with the full breadth of asset classes. Eric Schwitzer is an expert in fund finance matters and advises on domestic and international matters, namely cross-border investment platforms. Another key contact is Jason Stratmoen who concentrates on commercial real estate. John Cahill  departed in 2024.

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

Paul Hastings LLP‘ REIT-focused securities and capital markets practice has recently been bolstered by the additions of Boston-based Scott Chase from Goodwin and Chicago-based Kerry Johnson from DLA Piper LLP (US) in October 2024. The two now jointly lead the practice alongside Derek Roth from Los Angeles and Pablo Clarke, operating from Century City. Chase stands out for his robust expertise in the REIT IPO space and for representing public exchange-listed REITs and their underwriters, while Johnson demonstrates strong capabilities in advising on major REIT capital markets offerings and REIT M&A. Rounding out the leadership, Roth and Clarke are well-versed in joint ventures, fund formation and capital raising. Over in New York, Yariv Katz serves as designated underwriters’ counsel for multiple REITs and excels in the full breadth of capital markets transactions, from public offerings to private offerings of equity and debt securities.  

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

Paul Hastings LLP delivers comprehensive antitrust counsel, spanning criminal and civil cartel defence, complex mergers, and high-stakes litigation. The team frequently handles multijurisdictional merger control and litigation across key sectors such as technology, life sciences, financial services, retail, consumer goods, and energy. Co-chair Michael Murray draws on his DOJ experience to provide valuable insights into antitrust investigations, litigation, and appeals. Fellow co-chair Ryan Phair excels in handling intricate antitrust cases and enforcement actions. Craig Lee’s background as a federal prosecutor is a notable asset for clients involved in cartel investigations and litigation. In Century City, Bo Pearl is a versatile litigator with a strong track record in landmark antitrust cases, representing both defendants and plaintiffs. All lawyers are based in Washington DC unless otherwise mentioned.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Paul Hastings LLP offers a global antitrust and competition team made up of transactional and regulatory experts, with a range of government and in-house experience. It regularly guides mergers through HSR multi-jurisdictional reviews, and defends clients in litigation brought by both the federal government and private parties. Michael Murray co-chairs the practice from Washington DC, leveraging experience as part of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division in his work in antitrust litigation. Alongside Murray in DC, co-chair Ryan Phair also focuses his practice on antitrust litigation. In San Francisco, Bo Pearl is a go-to for clients in the sports, technology, and healthcare sectors. The team was bolstered in October 2024 by the addition of Benjamin Snyder, formerly of the Department of Justice. Michael Wise departed the team  in November 2024.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 4

The team at Paul Hastings LLP has noteworthy expertise handling IPRs, CGMs and PGRs across the tech and life sciences sectors, in particular. At the Washington DC office, Naveen Modi has significant experience assisting in post-grant contexts and handling litigation before the US district court, federal appeals court, and the ITC, where they are often supported by Joseph Palys. DC-based Phillip Citroën also draws on key experience in PTAB matters. In New York, Bruce Wexler is an attorney to note, as is Eric Dittmann, whose workload includes bet-the-company IP disputes, enforcement cases, and patent infringement lawsuits. On the West Coast, Palo Alto’s Lisa Nguyen is a standout figure. Modi, Wexler and Dittmann co-lead the team.

International trade and national security > CFIUS Tier 4

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

Paul Hastings LLP’s tax and benefits team, led by Stephen Harris  in Los Angeles, Eric Keller  in Washington, DC, and Dan Stellenberg in Palo Alto, advises on a broad range of executive compensation and employee benefits matters. The team regularly advises clients in sectors like technology and hedge funds, and are known for their ability to navigate tax-qualified plans, fiduciary obligations, and cross-border benefits structuring. The group is experienced in structuring incentive plans, negotiating employment agreements, and handling benefits issues in major corporate transactions. Recent highlights include advising financial institutions and private equity firms on complex compensation arrangements. The team is recognized for providing strategic solutions in ERISA-related matters, with expertise in high-profile C-suite negotiations.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: large deals ($500m+) Tier 4

Paul Hastings LLP delivers comprehensive legal services to private equity sponsors, advising on acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, financings, and restructurings and leveraging deep sector expertise. Based in Chicago, team lead Brian Richards leverages deep experience to comprehensively advise clients across a range of leverage buyouts, joint ventures and disposals. Boston’s Alexander Temel joined from Sidley Austin LLP in April 2024 and now acts as co-chair of the practice, bringing further expertise in sectors such as financial services, tech, energy and infrastructure, and healthcare. Co-head Scott Joachim operates from New York and is primarily recognised for his work in the tech sector. Other key names include the ‘world-class’ Amit Mehta, a Chicago-based partner who is regularly instructed by sponsors such as H.I.G. Capital; Steve Camahort, who is active on tech and healthcare-focused deals from San-Francisco; and Josh Ratner, who arrived from Goodwin in March 2024 to strengthen the New York office.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 5

Jointly overseen by New York-based John Cobb and Jennifer Yount, Paul Hastings LLP is knowledgeable of asset-based loans, mezzanine debt, and syndicated bank loans. Notably, the firm is also experienced in debt financing and preferred equity transactions, as well as distressed lending. Working out of Chicago, Holly Snow is often engaged in debtor-in-possession financing, renewable energy project financing, and working capital financing. Located in Palo Alto, Lindsay Sparks is well-versed in debt capital market transactions, fund finance, and secured lending issues. In Houston, James Longhofer’s broad caseload encompasses preferred equity investments, acquisition financing, and mezzanine financing. New York-based Morgan Bale is another key member of the practice.    

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

At Paul Hastings LLP, the M&A department handles a wide range of work, from domestic and international joint ventures to private equity transactions. Advising an array of tech and telecoms giants and pharmaceutical companies, the group is jointly led by Eduardo Gallardo, who advises public and private companies on strategic transactions and take-privates, and San Francisco-situated Steven Camahort, who focuses on public company tech deals and corporate governance matters. Andrew Goodman is recognized for his experience in handling hostile public company M&A and mergers-of-equals, Mike Huang covers Latin America-based M&A in the energy sector, and Jon Kubek advises on carve-outs, proxy contests, and shareholder activism. Unless otherwise stated, all named lawyers are based in New York.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions

Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission)