Paul Hastings LLP > Chicago, United States > Firm Profile

Paul Hastings LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

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

Paul Hastings LLP has a notable track record in class actions, trials, arbitration proceedings and complex litigation, often acting for a range of clients in the technology, banking and retail industries. The team, which is led by Los Angeles-based Elena Baca, acts on discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblower and wage and hour matters. Also in LA, Leslie Abbott acts as co-chair for the firm’s wage and hour nationwide practice, while Cameron Fox, who focuses on employment relations in the technology industry, chairs the employment department. In Washington DC, Barbara Brown handles cases relating to pay equity and discrimination, working alongside the experienced Kenneth Willner. New York-based Patrick Shea has nearly 40 years of expertise in employment-related litigation, while associate Sara Tomezsko is noted for her work on discrimination and sexual harassment cases. In LA, Felicia Davis represents employers in the media, entertainment and technology industries. Also based in San Francisco, Jeffrey Wohl deals with class actions as the chair of the firm’s San Francisco practice. Other key contacts include San Francisco-based Ryan Derry and LA-based associate Chris Jalian.

Media, technology and telecoms > Fintech Tier 1

Paul Hastings LLP is ‘truly an extension of an in-house team‘ and ‘as good as it gets at understanding exactly what in-house counsel is dealing with‘. The strong service is complemented by its ‘hyper technically competent‘ lawyers with ‘very strong expertise in payments‘. The firm’s comprehensive offering covers all regulatory, compliance, transactional and litigation issues facing the fintech market. This extends to cutting-edge crypto launches, where it has been assisting Coinbase and Circle on their joint venture to launch a fiat stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. Atlanta-based partner Chris Daniel chairs the global fintech and payments group and advises on a broad mix of transactional and regulatory matters. Washington DC’s Behnam Dayanim chairs the privacy and cybersecurity side, while Thomas Brown in San Francisco is highly experienced on the litigation front. The recruitment of corporate partner Eric Sibbitt (San Francisco) as new fintech and payments co-chair from O’Melveny & Myers adds significant weight to an already strong team. New York corporate partner Christopher Austin is another leading figure in the market. Clients also single out the ‘truly exceptional‘ San Francisco-based associate Molly Swartz.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 1

Paul Hastings LLP leads advice to owners, developers and investors in some of California’s most challenging, innovative and long-term projects. One matter illustrative of this has seen practice co-head Jeffrey Haber representing Cedars-Sinai on the entitlement and development of a new 405,000-square-foot addition to the hospital, needing to meet California’s seismic safety requirements for hospitals to withstand a major earthquake and remain operable. Mitchell Menzer leads alongside Haber and has great experience in a plethora of projects, from luxury hotels to corporate headquarters, while Gordon Hart‘s San Francico-based land use work focuses on helping prepare CEQA documents and other project approval documents, then defending these documents in litigation. The practice is closely integrated with the firm’s wider real estate team, and lawyers with frequent crossover input include environmental law specialist Deborah Schmall, and expert in transactional real estate law David Hamsher. Unless otherwise stated, all named lawyers are based in Los Angeles.

Real estate Tier 1

Paul Hastings LLP‘ nationwide real estate practice maintains a consistent involvement in large scale mixed-use development projects, hotels, borrowings, mezzanine and preferred equity lending, alongside acquisition/disposition transactions. New York senior partners Eric Landau , Rick Allendorf, Peter Olsen and John Cahill  all have a wealth of expertise acting for financial institutions and private equity funds across all asset types. Elsewhere, San Francisco’s David Hamsher is an authority on complex development and joint venture transactions, while Philip Feder in Los Angeles specializes in hospital and hotel real estate transactions. Gregory Spitzer is the key figure in Chicago.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

‘A terrific team of lawyers from top to bottom’, Paul Hastings LLP’s investigations and white-collar defense offering has significant experience in FCPA matters, criminal antitrust issues and financial fraud. With a strong international network, the firm is well placed to handle cross-border mandates and caters to both corporate entities and individual clients. Kwame Manley heads the practice and is recommended for internal investigations and those brought by agencies such as the DOJ, OFAC and SEC. Robert Luskin has a strong track record in advising prominent government officials and large multinationals in multi-jurisdictional matters. New York’s Gary Giampetruzzi is a name to note for high-stakes FCPA investigations with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry. All named attorneys based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Paul Hastings LLP has a major focus on Latin America offerings, most notably Mexico, where it has an outstanding record in big-ticket and headline transactions. The firm has also gained further ground in Brazil, where the arrival of Thiago Spercel from Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados has reinforced the Sao Paulo office after the department of David Flechner to Allen & Overy LLP. In New York, the firm has a highly-developed Latin America team led by Michael Fitzgerald, a doyen of Mexico transactions; he is supported by Joy Gallup , Arturo Carrillo  and Cathleen McLaughlin , who is noted for high-yield debt and energy and infrastructure-related capital markets offerings. Frank Lopez is global co-head of the capital markets group, managing partner of the firm and chair elect. Grissel Mercado and Maria Larsen joined the team from Shearman & Sterling LLP in March 2023.  

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

At Paul Hastings LLP, the team advises arrangers, collateral managers, lenders, borrowers and investors in a wide variety of CLOs, bringing together securities lawyers with practitioners from the finance, tax, regulatory and restructuring departments, as well as experts in employment and investment law. Sitting in Washington DC, Scott Faga leads the group, drawing on experience in CLOs and knowledge in regulatory issues. New York’s Nicole Skalla and Eugene Ferrer, who is praised as ‘extremely knowledgeable, quick to respond and thorough‘, are also key lawyer for CLOs. Also in New York, ‘one of a kind‘ senior associate Nicole Bright is commended by clients for her ability ‘to push through multiple deals seamlessly in the midst of historically high deal volume‘. Nick Robinson and Tracy Feng have joined from Allen & Overy LLP.

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

A ‘deep bench of experienced patent litigators’ make up Paul Hastings LLP‘s practice which is frequently the first choice for leading drug makers enforcing or defending key patents. Life sciences and pharmaceutical litigation, including biotech disputes, remain the core strengths of the team, but technology, semiconductor, and consumer product clients also frequently seek out the group for its success rate in these sectors. Clients include Samsung, Merck, AbbVie/Allergan, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Google, Mitsubishi Tanabe, TikTok,  L’Oréal, and FitBit. New York-based attorneys Eric Dittmann and Bruce Wexler, who is renowned for his superb life sciences practice, co-head the global IP practice in conjunction with Washington DC’s Naveen Modi, a ‘savvy litigator’ who drives the firm’s notable post-grant review practice. Robert Unikel in Chicago, California’s Yar Chaikovsky and Phillip Ou, and senior associate David Okano are other highlighted members of the practice. The Palo Alto office was reinforced in 2021 with the arrival of partner Matthias Kamber from Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP, The Washington DC office grew with the addition of ITC specialist Kecia Reynolds from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

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

Roundly praised by clients for their multidisciplinary capabilities in complex IP litigations, the ‘excellent’ Paul Hastings LLP is regularly engaged on plaintiff and defendant-side mandates, representing some of the world’s leading corporations, hedge funds, and private equity firms in a wide variety of contentious proceedings. The team is jointly helmed by the New York-based global trade secrets chair Victoria Cundiff and the Los Angeles-based Jennifer Baldocchi, who runs the international employee mobility and trade secrets practice. In recent months, Baldocchi acted for biotech and pharmaceutical companies in claims before the federal courts, while Yar Chaikovsky – who works in Palo Alto – handled trade secret and IP disputes for clients in digital video technology, social media, and online banking. In Washington DC, the highly experienced Jeff Pade and Allan Soobert focus on civil and criminal litigations for a varied roster of tech players. Chicago-based Mark Pollack is recommended for his proficiency in white-collar disputes.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP has a nationwide labor and employment practice with a focus on complex employment law issues. Its caseload includes complicated wage and hour claims, government agency investigations, claims of individual and systematic discrimination, and labor disputes and negotiations. The firm is assisting employers who are more frequently turning to arbitration to resolve disputes. The practice is led by global chair Elena Baca, whose clients include major gaming and entertainment companies. Nancy Abell has notable experience representing employers in labor law and litigation cases. Both Baca and Abell are based in Los Angeles.

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

Offering a ‘deep insight into the FCC with a distinctly business-savvy overlay.’ the Washington DC-based team at Paul Hastings LLP advises large traditional market players such as the National Association of Broadcasters, counsels financial institutions such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo as well as private equity firms like Novacap on their investments into the space, and guide entertainment companies through their market entry. A long-standing regulatory specialist, practice head Sherrese Smith leverages her previous experience in the private sector and governmental institutions to represent clients such as Providence Equity Partners in its acquisition of Marlink and the corresponding review of foreign ownership issues. By her side in this matter was associate John Gasparini, a commercially-oriented expert on M&A, foreign investment review, and regulatory aspects of satellites, spectrum management and wireline and wireless infrastructure.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

Paul Hastings LLP maintains a robust nationwide presence, working with a diverse roster of corporations, banks, and financial services companies on high-value transactional and advisory mandates. New York-based practice head Joseph Opich is well-versed in all manner of tax issues, ranging from securitizations to fund formations. David Makso is especially experienced in leveraged finance, securities and capital markets, with recent highlights including complex REIT structure investments for real estate investment partnerships. Orange County-based Douglas Schaaf specializes in the issuance of financial instruments, while Palo Alto office head Thomas Wisialowski  is highly experienced in the structuring of corporate venture capital and real estate transactions. Greg Nelson ‘s Houston-based practice revolves around master limited partnerships and tax-efficient transaction structuring in the energy sector. In Chicago, Ziemowit Smulkowski focuses on the taxation of private equity-backed investments and M&A for privately held companies. California and New York-qualified Lucas Rachuba joined the San Francisco office from Ernst & Young LLP in early 2021.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3

The antitrust and competition practice at Paul Hastings LLP consists of a team ‘with breadth of experiences’. At the beginning of 2021, Gary Zanfagna, who previously chaired the American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section, joined as new practice head in Washington DC with extensive experience in matters pertaining to global antitrust issues. In New York, Barry Sher and Anthony Antonelli are regularly sought after by clients in the financial services sector, while DC-based Michael Spafford handles cases relating to allegations of price-fixing, collusion, and violations of federal securities, among others. In August 2021, the firm also welcomed Michael Murray from the DOJ to its DC office.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP stands out for its work in complex, high-profile international financial services disputes. The team is very active in prosecutions and follow-on class action lawsuits related to market manipulation, including representing both banks and individual traders in cases related to the alleged manipulation of LIBOR. The practice is also engaged to handle regulatory investigations into claims of ‘spoofing’ in the derivatives market. The team frequently acts in disputes with international elements, such as representing the ad-hoc board of PDVSA appointed by the Venezuelan opposition in litigation related to PDVSA’s bond offering. The New York-based practice is led by Barry Sher, the firm’s global head of litigation, who focuses on antitrust and securities disputes. Anthony Antonelli is another name to note in the antitrust space, while Kenneth Breen and John Nowak lead on investigations and prosecutions involving alleged white-collar crime.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 3

Clients praise Paul Hastings LLP's practice for being a ‘business-focused trusted advisor improving decision-making and driving execution of business strategy.’ The team is well versed in the healthcare, financial services, energy, technology, retail and consumer products area, and regularly acts in a variety of disputes, including consumer class actions, international supplier disputes, and securities cases. Barry Sher is a key contact for several investment banks. He leads the group from New York together with Kurt Hansson; the latter is representing GSK in litigation brought by former Chinese consultants, alleging RICO violations and fraud, conspiracy, and other torts. The Chicago-based Mark Pollack's practice covers commercial litigation as well as white-collar crime and Samuel Cooper in Houston is ‘outstanding.’ Kevin Broughel knows securities litigation well.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP has a ‘solid, hardworking, and dynamic‘ M&A litigation practice that a strong reputation for success in the Delaware Court of Chancery, where is handles some of the most significant, high-stakes matters. Due to its strong presence both the East and West Coasts, as well as in key centers such as Houston, Washington DC and Chicago, the firm handles cases in state and federal courts throughout the US. Barry Sher in New York and Peter Stone in Palo Alto, who continues to represent the former director of M&A for HP in several matters arising from the company’s $7bn acquisition of Autonomy, lead the practice. Samuel Cooper in Houston is ‘an accomplished trial lawyer who brings instant credibility to his cases‘ and plays a pivotal role in the practice. He is acting for officers and directors of Baker Hughes in matters arising from the company’s $32bn merger with GE Oil & Gas.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

The national securities litigation practice at Paul Hastings LLP ‘has an incredibly deep expertise across many areas' with a deep bench of litigators on both the East and West Coasts, as well as in key centers such as Houston and Chicago. The New York office in particular is frequently instructed on high-end securities litigation matters such as investment bank and securities fraud cases, market collapse matters and SEC investigations. Peter Stone  in Palo Alto and Kevin Broughel in New York lead the practice. Broughel is currently representing Riot Blockchain, Inc. in a securities class action alleging false and/or misleading statements in press releases and public filings. New York-based global chair of litigation Barry Sher and experienced partner Kevin Logue are also recommended, as are Samuel Cooper in Houston and Edward Han in Palo Alto, who is ‘experienced, skilled and very communicative.'

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Paul Hastings LLP‘s expansion of its capital markets team over recent years and its focus on active sectors such as fintech, life sciences, real estate and consumer sectors has paid real dividends. The firm has achieved strong activity levels in equity offerings, acting for both issuers and underwriters; it represents all the bulge-bracket investment banks. This includes follow-on offerings and ATM transactions, and a large market share of SPAC deals including the $220m IPO by Sandbridge X2 Corp and the $414m upsized IPO by Senior Connect Acquisition Corp, along with a series of headline de-SPAC transactions. It continues to be a major force in global offerings, notably deals originating in Mexico and the wider Latin America region. Frank Lopez is co-head of the capital markets group and firm-wide managing partner. Brandon Bortner joined the team from Latham & Watkins LLP in 2021. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Teri O’Brien left the firm in March 2022.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Paul Hastings LLP‘s global commitment to capital markets and leveraged finance has provided the foundation for a growing high-yield debt practice. It is now routinely engaged by key underwriters such as Barclays, Jefferies and RBC Capital Markets. On the issuer side, the firm represents a range of private equity funds, public companies and private businesses, notably in the energy and real estate sectors. It is also at the forefront of issuances out of Latin America, especially Mexico. The firm operates a well integrated high-yield debt and leveraged finance practice with partners such as John Cobb  operating across the divide. Frank Lopez is co-head of capital markets and managing partner of the firm; he is a recognised specialist in high-yield debt. Cathleen McLaughlin  is another senior practitioner with an extensive record in Latin America offerings, including infrastructure-related transactions, as is Michael Fitzgerald, who has a peerless record in Mexico capital markets deals.

Finance > Commercial lending

Well regarded for its lender work, Paul Hastings LLP has a proven track record in complex financial transactions, including those involving credit agreements and refinancing. Much of the team is based in New York, including practice heads John Cobb  and Jennifer Yount, though the firm also has a strong presence in California and Illinois. Beyond the lender space, the firm also has a borrower practice, which recently advised tech company Aptiv Corporation on the refinancing of its existing credit facility. Former practice head Michael Baker  departed the firm in August 2021 to take up an in-house role, as did Shekhar Kumar. In September 2021, Andres Mena left the firm, while Jeffrey Goldfarb joined the firm’s New York office from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in October 2021. Morgan Bale joined from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

Finance > Project finance

Paul Hastings LLP maintains a varied and diverse projects practice, capable of advising both lenders and sponsors on projects relating to renewable energy, transport infrastructure and recycling facilities. Latin America projects are a speciality of the firm; New York’s Robert Leung, Mike Huang, Elicia Ling, and practice head Robert Kartheiser represented EnfraGen, LLC in its acquisition and financing of the Termovalle 241MW power project, a gas-powered plant in Columbia. With regards to lenders, the firm works with leading banks, such as JP Morgan and BNP Paribas, as well as alternative lenders such as Macquarie. Luis Gomar and Rocio Mendoza joined the Houston office from Baker McKenzie LLP in October 2021.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP is well versed in the handling of ‘high-stakes and high-profile‘ restructuring matters, with expertise encompassing committee-side, debtor-side and bank-side work. Notable representation includes an ad hoc group of secured noteholders of Avianca Holdings SA, pertaining to its Chapter 11 cases with $2bn in debtor-in-possession financing. New York-based Luc Despins  leads the global restructuring team, offering significant experience acting as counsel for official committees of unsecured creditors in Chapter 11 cases. The vice chair of the practice is Chicago’s Chris Dickerson, who has a breadth of experience advising on reorganizations. In a major development, the firm welcomed a sizeable team from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, including Kristopher Hansen, who now co-leads the team alongside Daniel Fliman and Jonathan Canfield, all based in New York.

Industry focus > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP has extensive expertise in the electricity regulatory space, advising clients on complex contractual and regulatory issues as well as high-stakes disputes. Areas of expertise include the development and financing of renewables, battery storage, microgrids and emerging technologies. The group has a strong track record in FERC litigation and is a leader in solar projects, advising several utility-scale solar companies on regulatory work across the US. In Washington DC, William DeGrandis has significant experience representing clients before federal district courts and the US Court of Appeal, as well as being an expert on PURPA issues.

Industry focus > Environment: regulatory Tier 3

A go-to destination for high-end matters involving complex and emerging areas of policy and regulation, the environmental group at Paul Hastings LLP was substantially strengthened following the November 2020 addition of a four-member environmental team from Baker Botts L.L.P., including partners Chris Carr and Navi Dhillon. Both practitioners have a wealth of experience in bet-the-company litigation, in tandem with their robust environmental and energy regulatory practices. Bringing together a combination of legal, policy and technical skills, the group is skilled at negotiating environmental review provisions and federal and state permitting, especially in the context of solar energy facilities, and regularly represents clients in multi-jurisdictional actions related to hazardous materials and pollution laws. Carr is counsel of choice for major solar developers; he oversees the San Francisco-based practice with Deborah Schmall , a preeminent expert in hazardous material regulation and enforcement defense in California. Gordon Hart  is proficient in the environmental aspects of real estate developments, remediation and CEQA litigation, while Peter Weiner  is singled out for playing a significant role in major policy and regulatory matters for clients in the renewable energy sector. All named practitioners are based in San Francisco.

Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences Tier 3

Paul Hastings‘ team excels in the patent litigation space, defending major patents in civil proceedings against leading pharmaceutical groups. It has particular expertise advising Japanese pharmaceutical groups, including Daiichi Sankyo and Mitsubishi Tanabe, on their US patent filings. The team also demonstrates strength on capital markets-related matters, including de-SPACs and follow-on offerings. The team has also expanded its regulatory practice, with the FDA team advising on product development, and the enforcement team advising on anti-corruption and government investigations, led by New York-based practice head Gary Giampetruzzi, who also handles white-collar crime. Also in New York, Bruce Wexler and Eric Dittmann are key names for IP, while Washington DC-based Nathan Sheers offers strong FDA expertise, and Palo Alto-based Jeff Hartlin acts on transactions.

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

Paul Hastings LLP routinely acts for corporate clients in substantial litigation concerning airline disasters. The aviation litigation practice is headed up by Chicago-based Sheila Sundvall, who has notable experience in representing commercial airlines, manufacturers, aircraft lessors and other defendants in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Sundvall has acted for General Electric, as lead counsel, in major airline accident litigation on a long-standing basis.

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

Paul Hastings LLP‘s investment management group has a particularly strong foothold in California, with members of the department operating out of strategic locations in Los Angeles – which fields team lead Art Zwickel and recommended senior practitioner Yousuf Dhamee – San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Over in New York, Ira Kustin, who regularly counsels private fund advisers on international investment platforms, provides a crucial East Coast anchor. The firm continues to develop its well regarded fund-of-funds practice; notable names, including numerous sovereign wealth funds, comprise the client roster in this area. The offering is also representing an increasing number of advisors in the digital asset space, and is building up a wealth of experience dealing with novel regulatory issues in this field.

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

Paul Hastings LLP offers expert advice across all types of registered funds and investment vehicles, including mutual funds, closed-end funds, ETFs and BDCs. The offering is particularly well regarded for its track record in the unit investment trust space; New York-based practice head Michael Rosella  continues to cement and develop the team’s reputation in this field. The group’s ability to leverage the strength of other departments within the firm ensures that it regularly wins mandates from notable funds clients on related M&A. Also recommended are David Hearth from the San Francisco office and Vadim Avdeychik in New York, who are singled out by one client for their ability to ‘bring to the table unmatched knowledge and skills with respect to BDCs‘.

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

Paul Hastings LLP is differentiated by its ability to provide the highest quality advice on matters at the intersection of real estate and funds work; the firm is able to leverage the expertise of both its private equity real estate investment funds formation offering and its sophisticated global real estate acquisition, development, and finance practice to truly excel in this space. Away from this core focus, the team is also proficient in assisting sponsors and investors with the structuring, formation and operation of a broad range of other private equity funds. Joshua Sternoff oversees work from the New York office, which is also home to recommended attorneys Ira Kustin and Lawrence Hass. Yousuf Dhamee, who is based in Los Angeles and has extensive experience representing institutional advisers, is another key contact.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactions Tier 3

With the support of a strong regulatory practice, the Washington DC-based team at Paul Hastings LLP handles complex transactions such as the representation of Cox Communications Inc. before the FCC during 5G spectrum auctions. Former chief counsel to the chairman of the FCC and practice head Sherrese Smith additionally represents large players in the industry, such as Walt Disney Company and Fox Corporation. Her team also benefits from the expertise of John Gasparini, a specialist in M&A and foreign investment review who also counsels clients on regulatory matters pertaining to satellites, spectrum management, wireline broadband, and wireless infrastructure matters.

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

Paul Hastings LLP practice was strengthened with the January 2021 arrival of capital markets partner Brandon Bortner from Latham & Watkins LLP, and is active in equity and debt securities work, led by Frank Lopez in New York and Teri O’Brien in San Diego. The team focuses on both private and public REITS and has a proven track record acting as underwriters counsel. Yariv Katz  in New York is experienced in REITs M&A and joint ventures. The group’s cross-border expertise is highlighted in its Latin America practice, particularly Mexico, spearheaded by Michael Fitzgerald  and Arturo Carrillo  in New York who specialize in FIBRA transactions. Elsewhere, Jonathan Ko in Los Angeles acts as underwriter for leading banks.

Tax > International tax Tier 3

Paul Hastings LLP is noted for its international tax work on cross-border M&A, leveraged finance, and private equity. It is particularly strong on REIT work. The New York practice is led by Joseph Opich, a specialist in cross-border tax planning and structuring. He works alongside David Masko, who focuses on cross-border transactions and international business tax planning. In Chicago, Ziemowit Smulkowski deals with cross-border investments and international acquisitions and dispositions, while Orange County-based Douglas Schaaf covers tax advice regarding international business transactions. Chair of the Palo Alto office Thomas Wisialowski advises on venture capital and real estate transactions, including private REITs and real estate funds. Additionally, Lucas Rachuba joined from Ernst & Young LLP in January 2021, and is an expert in the tax aspects of compensation structuring.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Paul Hastings LLP advises clients in a broad range of industries, including healthcare, electronics, technology, and financial services, with a successful record in securing clearance for highly scrutinised mergers, from initial filing through to DOJ and FTC challenges. The firm has advised on a number of Second Requests for the likes of Samsung, American Airlines, and Dodge Data, and also co-ordinates global merger filings and responses to regulatory investigations by international antitrust authorities. The team is now led by the experienced pair of Gary Zanfagna,  a February 2021 arrival who was formerly chief antitrust counsel at Honeywell and a veteran of high-stakes merger proceedings, and Michael Murray, who arrived from the Antitrust Division in August 2021 and has great expertise in merger litigation. The ‘knowledgeable, responsive‘ Michael Wise remains a key name for complex merger clearances, and advised Francisco Partners on a strategic carve-out for Raytheon, which faced multi-jurisdictional merger and foreign investment challenges. New York-based senior associate Noah Pinegar is noted for his role in agency-led investigations and litigation, having formerly served at the FTC. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

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

Paul Hastings LLP‘s appellate group plugs into the firm’s robust patent litigation offering to attract a significant volume of patent appeals, particularly before the Federal Circuit. Other practice strong suits include securities litigation, immigration, and labor and employment. Department chair Stephen Kinnaird, based in Washington DC, has argued before the US Supreme Court, as well as federal and state appellate courts. Kinnaird recently paired up with Washington DC-based Naveen Modi to successfully represent L’Oréal in two patent infringement and trade secret cases before the Federal Circuit. Palo Alto-based Yar Chaikovsky and Washington DC-based Joseph Palys also bring to bear strong records in patent-related appeals.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

The 'diversified team' at Paul Hastings LLP impresses with its spread of 'nationalities, cultural backgrounds and locations, as well as genders'. The group's diverse international composition combines with the wider firm's global footprint to provide clients with 'strong capability in handling parallel international arbitration proceedings', including across multiple jurisdictions. The group is also distinguished by its strength in life sciences and Japan-related cases. From Washington DC, Joseph Profaizer steers the global international arbitration practice and counts public and private corporations and sovereign states among his clients. Igor Timofeyev, also in Washington DC, maintains a broad practice encompassing appellate litigation as well as international arbitration.

International Trade > International trade Tier 4

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Paul Hastings LLP has strong teams on East and West Coasts, frequently handling both domestic and international offerings. The team has close links to a multitude of investment banks and has a strong record in fintech, real estate, tech and biotech, and leisure and hospitality, among other areas. New York-based Frank Lopez is co-head of the capital markets group and firm-wide managing partner. The team includes seasoned name Michael Fitzgerald, a leader in debt offerings from Latin America, particularly Mexico. Cathleen McLaughlin is also rated for energy and infrastructure transactions, originating from Latin America. Arturo Carrillo and Joy Gallup are also key members of the Latin America team. Teri O’Brien left the firm in March 2022.

Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 4

Drawing on the firm’s expertise in M&A, private equity, emerging technologies, finance and regulatory issues, Paul Hastings LLP recently launched its global energy transition and infrastructure team, which is particularly well-versed in the carbon offsets markets and at representing investors in major transactions involving alternative energy companies and assets. The practice is frequently engaged in state and federal regulatory issues arising in the context of major renewable energy projects, including conservation needs and tribal law matters. Solar energy facility permitting is another area of strength for the department, which is under the leadership of Kfir Abutbul in Houston. Abutbul has a strong track record of corporate transactions in the renewable energy space, and is often retained by investment firms in the funding of alternative energy companies. Jenna McGrath is a name to note in Washington DC for energy regulatory matters, including electric storage.

Industry focus > Environment: litigation Tier 4

The November 2020 addition of a four-member environmental group from Baker Botts L.L.P., including partners Chris Carr and Navi Dhillon, bolstered the depth of Paul Hastings LLP‘s environmental bench significantly. The practice is now well-positioned to handle bet-the-company environmental and natural resources litigation, having already established itself as a go-to choice for clients involved in complex federal and state environmental proceedings in California. Co-head Carr enjoys a strong reputation in the market, especially for representing renewable energy clients. He oversees the practice with Deborah Schmall , who is an expert in enforcement actions, hazardous waste regulations and contaminated property remediation. Trial lawyer Dhillon maintains a robust regulatory practice, while acting for an array of clients in high-stakes environmental disputes. All named practitioners are based in the San Francisco office.

Industry focus > Environment: transactional Tier 4

With a strong profile in the energy and real estate sectors, Paul Hastings LLP has broad experience of handling challenging  environmental aspects of nationwide and cross-border transactions, including both in- and outbound work on behalf of US-based and international clients. Led by Tom Mounteer in Washington DC, the practice regularly acts for a range of financial institutions, major corporations, private equity and real estate investors in connection with the acquisition of contaminated property, construction financing and diligence strategies. Department chair Mounteer, whose experience covers real estate, capital markets, private equity, M&A and bankruptcy matters, is skilled at resolving deal- and business-critical issues pertaining to environmental law.

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

Renowned clients, including major technology companies, continue to rely on Paul Hastings LLP for assistance with their matters before the ITC. The practice was bolstered at the end of 2021 with the arrival of Kecia Reynolds, formerly a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, who joined the Washington DC office. The remainder of the team, led by Palo Alto’s Yar Chaikovsky, includes key practitioners Phillip Ou, also in Palo Alto, and Tom Counts in San Francisco, all of whom are experienced in assisting both plaintiffs and defendants, either in a standalone ITC cases or in conjunction with co-pending patent litigation matters.

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

Counting multinational companies and financial institutions among its standout roster of clients, Paul Hastings LLP has demonstrable capabilities in handling the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of M&A, such as advising Madison Industries in its $3.6bn acquisition of Nortek Air. Los Angeles-based Stephen Harris leads the practice and is praised for ‘acting as a key partner in all facets of an employment scenario’. In the firm’s Washington DC office, Eric Keller handles C-suite issues, while Palo Alto-based Dan Stellenberg acts for private equity firms and their portfolio companies, as well as individual executives.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 4

Acting for a number of large-cap and mid-market private equity sponsors, as well as venture capital investors and management teams, the practice at Paul Hastings LLP continues to be an active player, advising on deals nationwide and in a variety of growth industries, most notably healthcare and life sciences. While much of the team is based in Chicago, the firm also has a strong presence in California and Texas, and accordingly regularly advises on private equity-backed deals in the tech and energy spaces. Brian Richards heads up the team, advising key sponsor clients on buyouts, growth equity investments, and cross-border deals, while global corporate chair Amit Mehta is also a prolific dealmaker, offering additional distressed transactions and securities expertise. Christopher Sheaffer is a go-to for investments across the PE life cycle, while San Francisco’s Mike Kennedy counts Francisco Partners as a key client, working on deals in a variety of industries. Kelly Padgett was promoted to partner in February 2022 in recognition of her growing reputation within the market. Named lawyers are in Chicago unless otherwise stated.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 4

Paul Hastings LLP covers the full range of privacy and data security matters, including assistance during cross-border transactions. Based in Washington DC, the team includes Behnam Dayanim, who is well respected in matters involving FinTech and payments, as well as advertising and gaming cases, vice-chair Sherrese Smith, who excels at US data privacy and security laws and EU GDPR and CCPA regulations, and lead director Jacqueline Cooney. Robert Silvers moved to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in August 2021.

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

Paul Hastings LLP covers a broad range of issues arising in media and entertainment, including class actions, defamation for high-profile individuals, pre-trial investigations, and copyright-related matters. Based in Century City, practice head Steven Marenberg is a seasoned litigator who recently represented the UTA in its dispute with the Writer’s Guild as well as Ubisoft in a case of alleged price-fixing. In Los Angeles Tamerlin Godley is a specialist in IP related matters and highly sensitive cases. Further recommended in Century City is James Pearl for his expertise in First Amendment and defamation work.

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

The Los Angeles-based transactional team of Paul Hastings LLP covers M&A, investment, and content production financing in media & entertainment for clients including Jukin Media, Marginal Media, and MidCap Financial Trust. Co-head Mickey Mayerson advises a global client base on production financing matters. Craig Emanuel who leads alongside Mayerson is a specialist in deals pertaining to the talent and creative side of the industry. Another expert on the matter is co-head Erik Hyman who recently represented Anthony Ramos in negotiations for leading roles. Co-head Susan Williams focuses her practice on structuring complex finance and capital market transactions in the entertainment industry.

International Trade > International trade Tier 4

Among Paul Hastings LLP's key attributes, clients appreciate its 'great mix of both experience and expertise in the CFIUS practice' as well as its 'practical approach to advice'. Alongside the firm's CFIUS work, it is also active in export controls and economic sanctions issues, including investigations. Scott Flicker heads the global trade controls practice and is valued for his ability to provide 'clear guidance in a very murky area of the law'; he leads the department's ongoing representation of Mitsubishi Corporation in sanctions and export controls matters. Behnam Dayanim is noted for his combination of trade controls expertise together with strength in cybersecurity and advertising. Other key contacts in the Washington DC-based team include white-collar crime specialist Robert Luskin and of counsel Randall Johnston, who provides a 'very high level of strategic support'.

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

Hailed as ‘excellent, business-focused counsel’, Paul Hastings LLP can draw on resources in New York, California, Washington DC, Texas and Illinois, among other locations; its offices are proficient in a wealth of matters from joint ventures, strategic development and early-stage growth through to complex, multi-billion dollar cross-border M&A. Thad Mailk leads the practice from Chicago, overseeing a team with particular expertise in media, entertainment, defense and aerospace, technology and life sciences.