Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP > Wilmington, United States > Firm Profile

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers

Karen Dunn, who co-founded Dunn Isaacson Rhee LLP in May 2025, is trial counsel to a number of the world’s foremost technology companies, highlighted by a major pre-trial success for Google in its defense of the DOJ’s adtech antitrust suit, securing a bench trial and limiting payouts to $2.3m. December 2024 saw Dunn secure a jury verdict for the defendant in Arm v Qualcomm, where Arm had alleged a license agreement it concluded with NUVIA, which Qualcomm acquired in 2021, was breached as it did not consider the license agreement to have transferred to Qualcomm. She is also Amazon’s counsel of choice in several disputes with the FTC concerning its Alexa and Ring products.Based in New York, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s Theodore Wells is handling a spate of disputes for Exxon, including claims brought under the Clean Water Act, alleging the company failed to take into account remote impact on climate change of discharges at one of its Boston terminals. He is also defending Exxon against suits filed by a number of state attorneys general, accusing it of violating consumer protection regulations by misrepresenting its climate science findings. Under Armour co-founder Kevin Plank relied on Wells to defend him in a securities fraud class action arising out of an SEC investigation; plaintiffs demanded a $4bn payout, but Wells was able to negotiate a $434m settlement in June 2024.William Isaacson, co-founder in May 2025 of Dunn Isaacson Rhee LLP, represented the defendant in U.S. et al. v. Google LLC, seeing off the DOJ’s request for a jury trial and limiting Google’s liabilities to $2.3m, and also successfully defended Qualcomm in a suit brought by Arm Holdings plc alleging the former had breached a license agreement when it acquired Nuvia in 2021. Outside of the technology sector, Isaacson secured a $100m jury verdict for International Construction Products (ICP), which was forced out of business as a result of tortious interference by Caterpillar, which caused the termination of a services agreement between ICP and IronPlanet.In addition to his role as chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, New York-based Brad Karp remains a sought-after trial lawyer, notably representing Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in a False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute suit brought by the DOJ, alleging it paid kickbacks to a co-pay foundation with the intention of increasing sales of its macular degeneration drug Eylea and thereby increase reimbursement rates from Medicare.Jay Cohen is located in Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s New York office, from where he maintains a broad disputes practice. Recently he represented the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in litigation with the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) over a rates dispute concerning the license fee radio broadcasters must pay for musicians’ and composers’ protected works. Cohen was also retained by IBM in its breach of contract suit against GlobalFoundries (GF) following the spinoff of IBM’s semiconductor business to GF in 2015, which settled in January 2025.Operating out of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s San Francisco office, Melinda Haag is called upon by companies facing consumer and securities class actions for both trials and settlement talks, in addition to leveraging her experience as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California to assist clients facing white collar and other regulatory investigations. March 2024 saw Haag negotiate a $490m settlement for Apple in a securities class actions stemming from comments made by CEO Tim Cook on the company’s business in China, which was approved in September.Jaren Janghorbani litigates both M&A and tort disputes out of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s New York office, and also serves as co-head of the firm’s M&A litigation group. Recent highlights include representation of CBS directors in shareholder and derivative actions in the Delaware Court of Chancery arising out of the CBS – Viacom merger, where shareholder Shari Redstone was accused of breaching fiduciary duties. In January 2024 Janghorbani also led the argument for Solvay Specialty Polymers in persuading a court to accept a $394m settlement between Solvay and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which initially filed suit following chemical discharges harming natural resources at the firm’s West Deptford plant.

Healthcare > Life sciences

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 1

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is renowned for its expertise in complex antitrust litigation, regulatory investigations, and merger clearances. The team features seasoned litigators and former senior officials from the DOJ and other key agencies, offering key insights. The group’s trial experience, including numerous jury trials, underscores its capabilities in high-stakes matters. The team attracts leading U.S. and international clients across the technology, healthcare, finance, and sports sectors. The group’s strong investigations practice further bolsters its reputation as a leader in antitrust defense. Brette Tannenbaum counsels Fortune 500 corporations, leading investment managers, and major sports organizations on their complex antitrust matters.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP offers strategic legal counsel to companies and executives facing federal and state regulatory enforcement. Known for their ability to prevent and respond to government investigations, the firm excels in handling matters before the DOJ, SEC, and other agencies. The firm has significant experience in antitrust, anti-corruption and FCPA issues, securities litigation, and financial services investigations. Brad Karp , based in New York, represents Fortune 100 companies and other entities in critical regulatory matters and internal investigations. Jessica Carey, also in New York, specializes in sensitive criminal and regulatory litigation, particularly for financial institutions. Roberto Finzi focuses on regulatory investigations, while Melinda Haag  has deep experience in complex white-collar cases. Lorin L. Reisner and Richard C. Tarlowe bring deep expertise in representing senior executives and corporations in high-stakes investigations. Loretta Lynch boasts experience in advising clients on complex government and internal investigations.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 1

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP boasts a stellar client roster for which it handles highly challenging regulatory investigations, enforcement proceedings and private actions. The team prides itself in tackling high-value securities and antitrust litigations arising from major financial crises and regulatory overhauls. Brad Karp, Jessica Carey and Ted Wells lead the practice from New York, whilst Kannon Shanmugam operates from Washington DC. Karp has an enviable record of success representing global financial institutions in high-value litigation and regulatory investigations. Carey is also a reputable litigator within the financial services industry, handling complex securities and commercial matters in federal and state courts. Other key players include Susanna Buergel, who co-chairs the securities defense practice, and prolific securities litigator Daniel Kramer, both based in New York.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 1

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP represents its stellar clientele, including financial services clients, technology companies, sports leagues, media organizations and academic institutions, in high-stakes trails, arbitration and appeals. The team is regularly called upon to handle high profile disputes, leveraging its wealth of experience in crisis management. From New York, Brad Karp represents an impressive range of clients, from global banks, private equity firms and corporations to sports leagues and executives. Experienced corporate advisor Theodore Wells leads the litigation practice from New York. As head of the M&A litigation group, Jaren Janghorbani is a go to for corporations and their boards of directors, while co-head Andrew Gordon handles deal termination litigation and other transactional disputes: both are based in New York. Gregory Laufer represents corporations, financial services institutions, and private equity firms and leads the investment management litigation team from New York.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 1

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is a regular before the Delaware Court of Chancery, where it coordinates defenses of companies facing shareholder suits as a result of completed and aborted mergers, SPAC transactions and deals where breaches of fiduciary duties have been alleged. Both based in New York, Andrew Gordon and Jaren Janghorbani head the practice and in 2024 spearheaded the defense of Archer Aviation’s merger with Moelis via a de-SPAC transaction, with shareholders alleging material misstatements led to an inflated share price. Wilmington-based Andre Bouchard, who previously served as Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery, also represented Archer and Moelis. Geoff Chepiga, deputy chair of the firm’s M&A litigation team, achieved the dismissal of a class action brought against former Discovery shareholder Advance Publications that alleged misstatements on a pre-merger earnings call inflated the company’s shares prior to completion of the Warner Bros – Discovery merger. Lewis Clayton is noted for his expertise in representing clients in pre- and post-closing disputes, appraisal litigation and securities fraud matters.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

Primarily based out of its New York headquarters, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP's pre-eminent securities litigation offering combines subject matter mastery with strategic procedural and advocacy smarts to good effect for many household public companies and financial services entities caught in the cross-hairs of the plaintiff’s class action bar and in relation to parallel government enforcement actions. It draws upon a trial-ready approach which leverages the expertise of highly skilled advocates, including the vastly experienced Brad Karp and Daniel Kramer. Susanna M. Buergel has developed a particularly strong relationship among financial services clients, including for Citigroup – where she previously served as deputy general counsel – acting for the bank in litigation relating to its own trading activity, as well as often in disputes where they acted as underwriters on securities offerings. ‘Able to put his finger on just the right argument on behalf of his clients’, Andrew J. Ehrlich has exceptional trial skills which he utilizes to good effect across a range of securities litigation matters for public companies, as well as for private equity sponsors on securities and derivative litigation concerning their portfolio company investments. Audra Soloway co-heads the team alongside Ehrlich and Buergel, recently securing a notable high-profile victory before the SDNY for a gold mining company when the court denied class certification applying the legal standard for rebutting price impact in securities class actions articulated in the Supreme Court decision she helped secure for Goldman Sachs several years prior.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 1

With a broad international footprint, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is highly knowledgeable of acquisition financing, debtor-in-possession loans, and project financing. Splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles, Caroline Epstein counts Hg Capital, Investindustrial, and KKR on her client roster, and she is a strong choice for private equity sponsors on refinancing and recapitalizations. Operating out of New York, Thomas de la Bastide is proficient at leveraged buyouts and corporate debt issuances. Gregory Ezring is highly experienced in advising private equity funds and alternative asset managers on leveraged finance transactions, debt restructurings, and public equity offerings. Suhan Shim is informed in fund-level financing and NAV facilities, while Eric Wedel, who splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, is skilled at acquisition financing.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 1

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is furnished with a mightily impressive senior bench of top restructuring partners, backed by a large and established team of associates. Historically having a more creditor-oriented profile, the restructuring team now has an even balance of debtor and creditor client relationships, from public companies and distressed businesses to creditor groups, equity sponsors, and distressed equity and debt investors. It is frequently engaged in many of the landmark restructurings in the market, including advising Enviva in its prearranged Chapter 11 cases in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The restructuring team has continued to build its standing in liability management exercises, while the firm is further noted for its designated hybrid capital and special situations group. The hugely rated Paul Basta and Andrew Rosenberg co-chair the restructuring department, with the former having played a key role in developing the firm’s company-side relationships and the latter remaining highly rated for creditor-side roles. Deputy chair Alice Belisle Eaton and Brian Hermann also have fine reputations, along with Jacob Adlerstein, Kyle Kimpler and Elizabeth McColm. Ken Ziman is yet another senior practitioner. Emerging partners include Brian Bolin, who is also co-head of the hybrid capital and special situations team, and Sean Mitchell, while Robert Britton and Christopher Hopkins are also making an impression, along with Lauren Bilzin who joined in 2024 from Davidson Kempner Capital Management.  All named individuals are based in New York.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 1

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s practice, which sits within the wider entertainment, sports and media practice group at the firm, is notable in its breadth of litigation work which spans bankruptcy litigation and antitrust litigation. Firm chairman Brad Karp is an experienced trial lawyer, and is key in for the group’s litigious matters due to his regular involvement in large antitrust claims or consumer class actions in the sports industry. Other key lawyers for the group’s litigious work include Chris Boehning, who has a strong track record of representing clients in high-stakes regulatory and civil litigation, and Lynn Bayard, who is regularly engaged in litigation stemming from health and safety issues within sport. Brette Tannenbaum is key for the group’s arbitration involving sports governing bodies such as FIFA. On the non-contentious side, the group is often active in private equity transactions and sponsorship deals, as well as advising major sports leagues and federations on structured finance transactions. All named lawyers are New-York based.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 1

The team at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acts as trusted advisers to institutional and independent hedge fund managers, displaying strong capabilities across private equity, credit and hedge funds. The team is led by Udi Grofman, Marco Masotti, Brian Kim, Claudine Meredith-Goujon, Steven Williams, and Scott Barshay. Grofman’s extensive practice covers fund formation across hedge funds, credit funds, hybrid funds, private equity funds, as well as crisis management entailing internal investigations, regulatory examinations, investigations and litigation, while Masotti advises on a vast array of funds to some of the biggest names within the fund space. Kim focuses his practice on acquisition financing, distressed debt and other financing transactions, that assist overleveraged companies in restructuring their finances and Meredith-Goujon specializes in intellectual property transactions assisting public companies and private equity firms  leverage their IP assets. With vast experience in public company private equity transactions, Williams advises clients on auctions, joint ventures, carve-outs, and spin-outs while Barshay is well-regarded for his work on M&A transactions.

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

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP advises a diverse client base on executive compensation and employee benefits matters, regularly assisting with domestic and cross-border transactions as well as high-profile restructurings. The firm recently advised Chevron on its $60bn stock acquisition of Hess Corporation and WestRock on its $20bn merger with Smurfit Kappa, providing strategic counsel on retention plans, equity structuring, and benefit adjustments. Additionally, the team assisted Carrier Global in its $3bn sale of its fire business and $775m sale of its refrigeration division, developing retention strategies for key employees.  The practice is renowned for its expertise in executive compensation and employee benefits, regularly advising on complex, high-value transactions and corporate restructurings. Further demonstrating its strength in restructuring, the team assisted Carrier Global with a series of divestitures, including the $3bn sale of its fire business. The group is co-chaired by Jean McLoughlin  and Lawrence Witdorchic , with Andrea Wahlquist Brown and  Jarrett Hoffman  also key figures. Their expertise spans ERISA compliance, incentive structures, and benefits planning in high-stakes corporate transactions and reorganizations across key industries.

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

Standing out for its combination of both legal, financial, and commercial acumen, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP  boasts an agile practice, routinely handling M&A for public and private companies, investors, and portfolio companies. Working across the automotive, tech, banking, and energy sectors, the New York-based group also handles activist campaigns, and assists with corporate governance matters and unsolicited transactions. Scott Barshay is experienced in high-value M&A in the aerospace and consumer sectors, Robert Kindler is a go-to for proxy contests and takeover defense matters, and Jeffrey Marell is reputed for his strengths in private equity and global M&A, in addition to carve-out transactions. Industry veteran Robert Schumer assists corporations and boards of directors on M&A structuring and fiduciary duties considerations, while Krishna Veeraraghavan routinely handles cross-border M&A. Steven Williams, James Langston, and Laura Turano are well-versed in private equity, public company transactions, and mergers-of-equals.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: large deals ($500m+) Tier 1

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP advises leading private equity firms on complex buyouts, investments, and exits, offering strategic counsel across M&A, financing, and regulatory matters. Team head Matthew W. Abbott remains a key advisor to General Atlantic, overseeing acquisitions across the infrastructure, financial services, and technology sectors. Co-head Angelo Bonvino is frequently instructed by financial sponsors such as KPS Capital Partners, Oak Hill Capital, and Kohlberg & Co, while Ted Ackerman advises on a broad range of transactions, including acquisitions, strategic partnerships, carve-outs, and equity financings. Ellen Ching’s considerable sector breadth—spanning healthcare, hospitality, and shipping—coupled with her expertise in leveraged buyouts and investments, makes her a trusted adviser to a strong roster of sponsors and funds. Ross Fieldston, a key advisor to Apollo, has recently been active on high-profile take-private transactions, while Brian C. Lavin is noted for his skill in public and private M&A, leveraged buyouts, and joint ventures. Cullen Sinclair and Sarah Stasny also come recommended. Strengthening the practice further, Matt Collin, David Hepp, and Nick Olson joined from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in August 2024. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

The transactional tax practice at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York advises Fortune 500 companies, investment firms and financial institutions on high-profile restructuring matters and multi-billion dollar transactions. The practice is co-led by Jeffrey Samuels, Brad Okun, Scott Sontag, and Lindsay B. Parks. Jeffrey Samuels handles complex domestic and international transactions such as M&A, spin-offs, and partnership and joint venture transactions. Brad Okun has expertise in cross-border investing and experience in advising limited liability companies and partnerships. Scott Sontag is particularly adept in transactions involving the formation and acquisition of REITs as well as real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and workouts. Lindsay B. Parks advises investment funds on the negotiating and structuring of a broad range of international and domestic transactions. Brian S. Grieve, Robert Killip, and Brian Krause advise on a broad range of tax matters such as M&A, structuring, cross-border transactions, and joint ventures. Robert Holo also has expertise in migration, redomiciliation, and expatriation transactions and advises on federal tax matters alongside Matthew Jordan. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

The cartel group at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is recognized for its strong presence in the financial services sector, providing expert guidance in multi-regulator investigations related to price-fixing, bid-rigging, and market allocation allegations. The practice fields a team of experienced practitioners, including Aidan Synnott, who frequently represents clients in antitrust investigations led by US and EU regulatory agencies and litigation specialist Brette Tannenbaum, who is noted for her focus on unfair competition litigation. Joseph J. Bial, who splits his time between New York and Washington DC, represents clients in cartel litigation across federal district and appellate courts, while Tee St. Matthew-Daniel has a broad antitrust practice that incorporates civil and criminal investigations and litigation, merger clearance, antitrust counselling and compliance matters. All mentioned lawyers are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 2

Lauded for its combination of ‘technical chops’ and ‘deep insight into how the DOJ/FTC work’, the antitrust practice group at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP spans its New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco offices and regularly takes on merger control mandates for major corporations and private equity firms. This strength is exemplified by its work for Endeavor Energy in its $26bn merger with Diamondback Energy: the energy and resources sector is an area of expertise for the team, along with the technology and healthcare industries. Scott Sher leads the practice, taking a ‘practical, strategic approach to legal considerations and risk mitigation’ from early stages risk analysis to deal closure. Joshua Soven focuses his practice on government antitrust investigations, antitrust litigation, and competition counselling, regularly representing clients before the Department of Justice, the FTC, and federal courts. Public companies and private equity funds regularly seek out Aidan Synott, and for multinationals, Eyitayo St Matthew-Daniel is a go-to. The team was strengthened in May 2024 by the addition of Nicole Kar, formerly of Linklaters LLP.  Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

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

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s team is skilled at delivering oral arguments before federal courts of appeals. Standout mandates of late have included securing an August 2023 Second Circuit victory on behalf of Goldman Sachs in a $13bn securities class action; and representing SAP in an appeal of antitrust and trade secrets claims brought by business analytics database provider Teradata. Kannon Shanmugam, who is lauded as ‘truly outstanding’ and a ‘world-class appellate litigator’, co-heads the group. Brad Karp and Jessica Carey co-lead alongside him. William Marks is an additional key contact; he specializes in civil and criminal appeals in federal and state courts and draws on experience representing clients in fifteen merits cases at the U.S. Supreme Court. Shanmugam and Marks recently won a notable appellate victory for Carnival Corporation when the Eleventh Circuit reversed a $440m judgment under the Helms-Burton Act for the allegedly improper use of docks in Havana that were seized by Fidel Castro’s government following the Cuban Revolution. Karen Dunn has departed the team.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings Tier 2

Continuously representing major private equity, investment, and asset management clients, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP regularly handles both private and public senior secured notes offerings, alongside assisting with securities law implications. The firm’s issuer-focused offering predominantly covers the telecoms, financial services, and leisure industries, covering the whole spectrum of IPOs, convertible, and follow-on offerings. Based out of New York, Brian Janson specializes in leveraged finance matters, Gregory Ezring concentrates on private equity offerings, John Kennedy is also highlighted for his representation of both issuers and underwriters.

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

A key port of call for private equity investors, issuers, and sponsors investors on private credit strategies, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s New York-based team is proficient in distressed debt investments and private debt transactions. With experience in advising distressed investors, investment funds, and private equity sponsors, Sung Pak’s key strengths lie in acquisition financings, as well as liability management transactions and restructurings. Brian Bolin often works in conjunction with the firm’s restructuring practice on distressed capital structures, Bolin is also particularly skilled at direct lending transactions, high-yield bond issuances, and liability management transactions. Thomas de la Bastide’s broad caseload encompasses alternative lending transactions, leveraged buyouts, and structured financing. His recent caseload encompasses acquisition financing, senior secured credit facilities, and loan financing.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s structured credit department has a strong track record in  ABF and CLO related transactions, with capabilities in a wide range of asset classes, particularly whole-business securitizations and intellectual property. The team is headed by its senior partners, which includes New York-based Robert Zochowski Jr., an experienced figure in the field of securitizations, including those involving esoteric assets, such as fiber optic networks, energy projects, music and films. Charles Pesant, also in New York, is sought after by clients for his considerable experience in domestic and cross-border securitization transactions, ranging from commercial vehicles to franchise agreements as asset classes. Anastasia Peterson  is a key source of the team’s expertise in alternative asset securitizations, splitting her time between New York and London, while newly promoted Mikhel Schecter‘s portfolio of asset class securitizations includes mortgage liens, franchise royalties, intellectual property, and offers considerable activity in the diamond and media industries.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 2

Referred to as ‘world class regarding the innovation of new products, strategies and investment vehicles’,  Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s investment funds group has a history of assisting large funds clients who are active in both the European and US markets, as well as assisting leading alternative investment management firms such as Apollo Global Management. The group has substantial expertise in the formation and structuring of private equity, credit, growth capital and real estate funds, as well as ESG funds. Located in New York, Marco Masotti, who is global co-head of firm’s the investment funds group, was instrumental in building the firm’s private funds practice, and excels in large scale fund raises. Meanwhile, Udi Grofman is a significant member of the team, described as ‘extremely responsive and commercially minded’, and Conrad van Loggerenberg is key for the formation of establishing customized private investment funds. Matthew B. Goldstein is another significant name in the funds group, as is Lindsey L. Wiersma, whose practice encompasses regulatory issues and management company arrangements. All practitioners mentioned are located in New York.

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

With a consistent track record of success against the largest activist groups, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s shareholder activist practice know every move in the activist fund repertoire, excelling in offering proactive advice to boards facing takeover attempts and proxy battles, as well as on strategic risk management, SEC compliance and fiduciary practice. The department is led by Scott A. Barshay, widely regarded as one of the most talented lawyers of his generation, who excels in every facet a board could be advised on and handles a broad and complex workload for some of the largest public companies to have been faced with challenges from shareholder activists. The diverse skillset of the practice is illustrated by the presences of James Langston and Kyle Seifried, experts in hostile takeover defense and preparedness, and Krishna Veeraraghavan, who advises boards on the full range of corporate governance matters. All attorneys based out of New York.

Real estate Tier 2

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP's real estate department is involved in numerous high-profile real estate transactions. The firm has a broad range of expertise, which sees it regularly engaged by leading private equity firms, gaming and resort companies, healthcare companies, hospitality companies, and major universities. Furthermore, the firm acts as outside counsel to major public and private companies, alongside government institutions and municipalities. The team benefits from the diverse experience of co-heads Harris B. Freidus, Peter E. Fisch, and Salvatore Gogliormella, all based in the New York office, who have expertise in a range of real estate and infrastructure asset classes. Gogliormella is particularly noted for his experience in the healthcare industry, representing large REITs and other investors.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

The international tax team at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP handles a vast array of transactions concerning securitization, IPOs, and restructuring, for a client roster consisting of Fortune 100 companies, investment firms and financial institutions. The New York-based practice is co-led by Jeffrey Samuels, Brad Okun, Scott Sontag , and Lindsay Parks. Samuels covers a complex range of international transactions including public and private M&As, spin-offs, and joint ventures while Okun has significant experience with cross-border investing and handling tax aspects of restructurings for a variety of company models. With a strong breadth of practice, Sontag’s practice ranges across structuring merger and acquisition and restructuring transactions for public companies and advising clients on transactions involving the formation and acquisition of real estate investment trusts while Parks counsels investment funds as on the structuring of international transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, carve-outs, and complex debt and equity offerings. Alongside his offering of advice concerning M&A and financing arrangements, Reuven Garrett also lends his expertise to cross-border transactions, spin-offs, and tax-free reorganizations. Brian Krause is well-regarded for his work on cross-border transactions, focusing his practice on post-acquisition integration transactions, internal restructurings, and the establishment of private equity fund and hedge fund structures. Robert Killip handles public and private company M&A as well as debt and equity offerings.

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

The product liability & mass torts group at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP frequently defends corporate clients in high-stakes litigation, representing major companies in pharmaceuticals, energy, and consumer goods. The firm handles mass torts, multidistrict litigation, and complex product liability cases, notably recently defending GSK in the Zantac litigation, Bayer in PCB lawsuits, and ExxonMobil in climate change-related claims. LA based practice co-chair Kimberly Branscome is a leading trial lawyer, known for guiding corporate giants through bet-the-company litigation and securing key defense victories for Johnson & Johnson and Bayer. Practice co-chair Yahonnes Cleary often handles billion-dollar trials with a particular specialty in regulatory defense cases. Another recent addition to the team, Jonathan Tam specializes in mass torts and product liability defense for pharmaceutical and medical device companies. All lawyers are in New York.

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

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is able to provide clients with a team of specialists who can navigate a range of services including defense representation wihtin product liability, toxic torts, design defects and health and safety litigation. The firm has also been involved in unique matters including the concussion class action litigation which threatened the sport of American football, with retired players alleging they suffered cognitive impairments from their involvement in the sport. Team members, including Los Angeles based co-chair Kimberly Branscome and Jonathan Tam , both of whom recently joined the firm from Dechert in February 2024, have acted in asbestos related litigation, with Branscome having acted as lead trial counsel for J&J in a product liability litigation alleging that J&J’s talcum-based baby powder products contained asbestos which caused the plaintiff’s to develop mesothelioma. In climate change litigation, Yahonnes Cleary, in New York, also co-chairs the group and has represented major energy companies in state and municipal litigation.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 3

The New York-based environmental team at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is a key advisor on a number of transactions across financings, acquisitions, sales, restructurings, and real estate transactions for private investment funds, companies, and creditors. Notably, the firm has competence across ESG matters, with work encompassing ESG reporting, risk, and compliance concerns. The practice is co-led by William J. O’Brien, who frequently advises public and private companies on the environmental aspects of restructurings, financings, M&A, and securities offerings and Julia Quigley, who is a key advisor to the healthcare, energy, automotive, and infrastructure industries on the environmental concerns impacting M&A and restructuring transactions. Stefanie Gitler joined the team in Washington DC in March 2025, formerly of Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 3

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP’s capital markets team continues to expand its capabilities in the investment-grade and convertible bond spaces, adding to its established high-yield offering. John Kennedy and Brian Janson lead the team alongside Gregory Ezring, who is noted particularly for his work for private equity funds and other alternative asset managers, including Apollo Global Management. Luke Jennings’ varied practice regularly sees him advise private equity sponsors, public and private companies, and investment banks. Christodoulos Kaoutzanis advises financial sponsors and issuers on a broad range of debt offerings, with notable experience in the shipping, gaming, and home security spaces. Timothy Cruickshank joined the firm in January 2024 from White & Case LLP.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 3

Mainly engaging with domestic and international corporations across the telecoms, financial services, and energy industries, the Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP outfit showcases abundant knowledge on all aspects of IPOs and high-profile offerings of common stock. Solely focusing upon the issuer side, the global co-chair of finance and capital markets, Gregory Ezring is highly knowledgeable in debt restructurings and public equity offerings. Brian Janson is an expert in leveraged finance transactions and corporate governance proceedings, while John Kennedy represents both issuers and underwriters in private securities offerings. Timothy Cruickshank specializes in exchange offers, while Luke Jennings is also noted as key. All lawyers mentinoed are in New York.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP  is particularly noted for its transactional capabilities and excellent contentious work, spanning class actions, regulatory investigations, and sanctions. In New York, Jonathan H. Ashtor focuses on the technology and intellectual property aspects of major transactions, while Jessica Carey handles litigious matters, including investigations and federal lawsuits involving the SEC and other agencies. In San Francisco, Meredith Dearborn is experienced in high-stakes commercial disputes for tech companies and in matters involving antitrust issues. In Washington DC, Roberto J. Gonzalez leverages his experience at the and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to advise financial services clients on sanctions, AML, and consumer financial protection regulation.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP‘s derivatives and structured products department is well-regarded for its broad capacity in transactional mandates, advising clients on OTC  derivatives, total return swaps, repurchase agreements, forwards along with its noted capabilities in the regulatory space. Manuel Frey, whose practice encompasses domestic and international derivative transactions, including OTC derivatives involving fixed incomes, currency,  equity and credit. Kerri Durso is sought after by both buy-side and sell-side clients for her experience in a wide range of asset classes, while Matthew Goldstein assists real estate, infrastructure, private equity and hybrid funds in structured transactions. Brian Grieve is broadly experienced in tax-related components of derivative transactions, advising real estate, private equity and credit funds. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

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

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP combines its expertise in corporate transactions with its knowledge of entertainment and media to advise investors, entrepreneurs, media and entertainment companies and media technology corporations. The team also advsies on IP issues such as rights negotiations, film studio deals, film production, distribution and financing arrangements. The team is based in New York and jointly led by Robert Schumer, Michael Vogel, Charles H. Googe Jr. and T. Robert Zochowski Jr.. Schumer is an M&A specialist with extensive experience in the media and entertainment space, Vogel represents media companies and entrepreneurs in M&As and joint ventures and Googe Jr. leads on IP matters and is known for structuring entertainment aspects of M&As and financings. Zochowski Jr. is sought out for assistance with specialized and innovative finance structures including project financings involving film, royalties and music rights asset securitizations.

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

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP's team is well-placed to advise its clients in matters regarding existing and emerging tech, as well as in tower transactions; it is well-considered by clients for its ‘excellence in its execution of transactional matters’. The team is based in New York and handles a wide range of related transactions, from complex M&A to ABS issuances. Brian C. Lavin and Ravi Purohit co-lead the group. Lavin advises on leveraged buyouts while Purohit’s clients include strategic companies, institutional investors and financial sponsors; the pair offer advice on the range of M&A, disposition and joint venture cases.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings Tier 4

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP’s global capital markets practice remains active as issuer’s counsel, with notable expertise when it comes to high-yield bond offerings and a particularly strong presence in Canada and Europe. Christopher Cummings, dividing his time between the firm’s Toronto and New York offices, plays a key role when it comes to offerings by Canadian issuers. John Kennedy’s varied practice covers high-yield and convertible debt offerings as well as exchange and tender offers. Luke Jennings’ client base includes private equity sponsors, public and private companies, and investment banks. Christodoulos Kaoutzanis is also a key contact in the team. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York, unless otherwise noted, with the team also benefiting from close collaboration with partners in London, Toronto, and Tokyo, among other offices.

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

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP handles the full spectrum of tech and life sciences patent disputes, spanning jury and bench trials as well as appeals at the Federal Circuit. The department is further distinguished by its ‘top-notch’ antitrust and trade secret offering. In New York, the team is co-chaired by Brad Karp, Jessica Carey and Catherine Nyarady. Nyarady is a prominent patent litigator with expertise in medical devices, semiconductors and pharma. In Washington DC, Kannon Shanmugam, a leading appellate litigator, chairs the team. Elizabeth Stotland Weiswasser frequently takes on the role of lead counsel in high-stakes pharma and biotech patent disputes, while Katherine Forrest handles patent and antitrust litigation related to AI, cryptocurrency and blockchain. Crystal Parker brings valuable expertise in Hatch-Waxman litigation, biologics and medical devices. Additionally, Kripa Raman further strengthens the team’s capabilities with his experience in patent and trade secret litigation. Karen Dunn, Bill Isaacson, and Jeannie S. Rhee have departed the firm.

International trade and national security > National Security Tier 4

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP's regulatory defense and white collar team advises US and non-US clients on economic sanctions, export controls, and CFIUS matters. The team has been advising clients on issues across various industry sectors including technology, fintech, and health care. John Carlin advises on a range of national security issues including conducting internal investigations. Roberto J. Gonzalez is a go-to advisor for financial institutions and technology companies in high-stakes investigations, and regulatory and compliance matters.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 4

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

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP covers a wide range of matters for its cyber and data clients, including advising on cyber incident response, compliance, enforcement and litigation matters. In particular, the firm represents clients in data breach class action defense and regulatory enforcement brought by federal bodies. In Washington and New York, John Carlin advises on data protection for his clients. New York-based Jeh Johnson specializes in data privacy matters and emergent technologies.

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

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acts as lead counsel on a entertainment litigation cases, specializing in copyright, antitrust and rate court disputes from the music industry. Digital rights and licensing rate litigation are a stand out area of the practice which represents a number of music related societies, collectives and associations. Other than its music practice, the firm also advises film and TV studios and networks in corporate litigation such as securities class actions. Jay Cohen co-leads the New York practice alongside Lynn Bayard. Cohen focuses on cable and music industry clients, leading on digital rights and licensing rates disputes. Bayard handles both entertainment and sports matters such as health and safety issues and IP litigation.