Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

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

The ‘smart and hardworking’ M&A team at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP serves an extensive range of financial institutions, energy corporations, and investment firms, where the group’s scope of work includes business combinations and SPAC transactions. Silicon Valley-based Allison Leopold Tilley leads the department and advises tech companies on high-value M&A and strategic transactions. Fellow co-heads Stephen Amdur and Jarrod Murphy represents public and private companies in corporate restructurings, minority investments, and joint ventures. Jonathan Russo focuses on divestitures and corporate governance in the life sciences and healthcare industries, while Northern Virginia-based Steven Kaplan handles stock and asset sales and shareholder issues. In Washington DC, Nicole Islinger has ample experience in the government contracting industry, whereas Los Angeles-based Drew Simon-Rooke concentrates on buy- and sell-side M&A. All named lawyers are based in New York, unless otherwise stated.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 1

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP continues to advise buyers of outsourcing services, remaining involved in high-value, complex and innovative deal structures. Led by Elizabeth Zimmer, who works from the New York and Austin offices, and Washington DC-based Brooke Daniels, the global outsourcing and technology transactions group  has vast experience in ITO deals involving SaaS, cloud services, blockchain, automation, ERP implementations, core banking platforms, and more. Daniels leads the firm’s AI task force, which assists clients with projects involving  integration of AI technologies into existing and new technology agreements, with a focus on ensuring compliance with legal standards and alignment with business objectives. The multi-talented group in DC also includes the vastly experienced Aaron Oser , whose expertise includes Gen AI, SaaS, fintech, and blockchain, and expert BPO and ITO partner Mario Dottori. John Barton in Austin is highly regarded for his outsourcing work in the finance and healthcare sectors.

Government > Government contracts Tier 2

With a strong record in traditional bid protests spanning the aerospace and defense, construction, cybersecurity, healthcare and IT sectors, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is also frequently called on for support in contract disputes act claims, suspension and debarment matters, M&A transactions, while also providing ongoing counselling on international trade, export and federal funding compliance. Practice head David Dixon sits in Northern Virginia and handles bid protests and claims litigation before the GAO, while Matt Carter splits time between Washington DC and Los Angeles and makes up the second half of the leadership team since the departure of former practice head Alex Tomaszczuk in June 2024. Carter frequently defends major defense contractors in suspension and debarment matters, Richard Oliver is well versed in bid protests and small business challenges and Aaron Ralph handles security clearance applications, cybersecurity obligations, M&A transactions and cost pricing issues, with the latter two also based in the Los Angeles office. In Northern Virginia Meghan Doherty advises government contractors on cybersecurity obligations and John Jensen is highly experienced in M&A transactions concerning government contractors, while in Washington DC Marques Peterson counsels defense clients on all aspects of the procurement process.

Industry focus > Education Tier 2

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP's interdisciplinary education team represents higher education institutions on litigation, investigations, and claims for discrimination and defamation. Among its clients is Stanford University, which the firm is representing in a financial aid antitrust litigation. The team is co-led by skilled litigator Jacob Sorensen from San Francisco who is particularly adept at class actions, contract disputes and anti-trust litigation. Over in New York, co-lead Jeffrey P. Metzler specializes in civil rights claims spanning race, gender, and disability discrimination and routinely advises on government investigations. Located in Washington DC, another key attorney is William Sullivan, who focuses mainly on internal investigations.

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 2

Counting only policyholders as clients, the insurance recovery practice at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has represented a diverse selection of clients in the full spectrum of insurance coverage disputes. Standout matters on the team’s desk this year include representing Hilton Worldwide Holdings in a $1.7bn business interruption claim before the Nevada and Virginia state courts, and assisting CITGO Petroleum Corp after its chartered crude oil tanker was seized by Venezuelan authorities. The group, co-led by Los Angeles-based veteran trial and appellate attorney Robert Wallan, is a notably popular choice for clients in the construction sector, as well as clients in hospitality, banking, pharma, and more, taking on high-stakes, often international matters and building a track record of recovery work in the the growing area of cyber risks. Also co-chairing the operation is Peter Gillon, who splits his time between Miami and Washington DC, and is routinely engaged in D&O, P&C, securities, and other types of coverage disputes. Washington DC-based Mark Plumer is a key contact for policyholders in the sectors of public utilities, oil, and mining, New York-based Joseph Jean is well-versed in litigating business interruption matters, and David Klein has a broad practice in DC that includes marine cargo and aviation coverage. Also in DC, Melissa Lesmes specializes in assisting construction sector clients with a range of policy disputes, as does flexible litigator Eric Gold. Brendan Hogan focuses on cyber losses. Experienced trial lawyer Colin Kemp heads the San Francisco team, and over in Houston, Tamara Bruno handles a plethora of high-stakes coverage disputes. Partner Jeff Kiburtz arrived from Covington & Burling LLP in September of 2024.    

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 2

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is well positioned to advise on emerging company matters involving heavily regulated industries due to the firm’s unique skill sets in government contracts, technology, and aerospace and defense. In New York, department co-chair Ronald Fleming acts for start-ups and financiers across a broad scope of venture capital transactions, securities offerings, M&A, and general corporate matters. Steven Kaplan co-heads the practice from Washington DC, where he guides start-ups through every growth stage. Rounding out the group co-chairs is Silicon Valley-based Stan Lewandowski, who enjoys close relationships with domestic and international companies and funders. From San Francisco, Justin Hovey fronts the technology and media industry group and acts for clients in the AI, cybersecurity, games, social media, online advertising, and entertainment spheres. Paul Casas co-heads the corporate venture capital unit from San Francisco and recently advised AT&T Ventures on multiple investments into emerging companies. Also recommended are Silicon Valley-based Allison Leopold Tilley, who handles financing rounds for both companies and venture capital funds, and New York-based Taylor O’Toole.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 2

BNP Paribas, Bank of America, and Atlas Air are all clients of the ‘incredibly hard-working, diligent, and detail-orientated’ team at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP for aviation finance cases. New York’s Mark Lessard leads the team, which exhibits a particularly strong track record in portfolio financing, cross-border leasings, and engine acquisition. Lessard leads an international team, developing a strong understanding of international aviation markets, which aids his work in m&a, chapter 11 bankruptcies, and aviation financing. Recently, alongside Pat Reisinger he worked on the negotiation of a major debt financing facility for Azorra Aviation Holdings, later assisting them with their first capital markets transaction. Reisinger also brings skill in work involving bonds and cargo aircraft leasing. The New York office is further strengthened by Melissa Jones-Prus who is active in the private equity space, leading major structured financing cases for the team. In Los Angeles, Richard Evans leverages his ability to practice in both California and England whilst advising on key multi-jurisdictional deals involving aviation regulation, portfolio financing, and asset-backed securitizations.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: litigation and regulation Tier 2

The ‘professional, dedicated, and responsive’ aviation practice at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has a strong presence in the European, Latin American, and Asian transport markets. Out of the firm’s Washington DC office, Charles Donley leads a team that provides ‘complete solutions’ to problems arising from antitrust matters,  regulatory compliance, federal investigations, and commercial litigation. Donley’s client-orientated approach leaves companies fully informed and assured by the solutions proposed. His advice to several Chinese airlines on operational restrictions arising out of the Russian-Ukraine war speaks to his multi-jurisdictional expertise which is prevalent in the rest of his team. The DC office is strengthened by Josh Romanow, a corporate and transactional specialist who is well-equipped to advise on FAA and TSA regulatory compliance. The team is boosted by the experience of Laura Jennings Ochoa and Edward Sauer. Ochoa has a wealth of experience dealing with foreign aviation entities, assisting them with route proceedings, regulatory compliance, and commercial licensing. The scope of Sauer’s work is broad but his involvement in the firm’s representation of MIAT Mongolian Airlines is a highlight.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 3

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is a highly active firm in the contentious side of the e-discovery space, handling matters including patent litigation, antitrust cases and third-party subpoenas. The group is led by David Stanton of Los Angeles, who has recognised expertise in the latest technologies and most innovative discovery practices. Rachelle Rennagel is also a key individual in New York who counsels clients on issues of data governance and litigation readiness.  

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 3

With a transactional and advisory offering, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s energy transition department has deep experience assisting both conventional and renewable energy clients with project financing, M&A and joint ventures, as well as advising on new energy tech and infrastructure related to the power sector. Alongside its expertise in energy transactions, the group’s cross-border capabilities continue to attract new clients to its roster which is comprised of notable names from the energy sector. Washington DC-based Jeff Merrifield and Robert James, who is based between San Francisco and Houston, co-head the practice and are supported by San Francisco’s financing specialists Robert Nelson and Alicia McKnight. Nelson concentrates on the development and financing of renewable, conventional, and nuclear energy projects, while McKnight focuses on the financing, acquisition, and disposition of energy projects involving renewable power generation and storage.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

Praised for being ‘technically very capable and pragmatic in their approach’, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP continues to build upon its presence across the industries of retail, healthcare and telecoms, among others, operating for clients such as Nando’s and Ingenio. The practice is jointly helmed by Silicon Valley’s Michael Zeliger, Northern Virginia’s Jack Barufka and San Francisco’s Christopher Kao. ‘Highly capable and accomplished’ Callie Bjurstrom demonstrates prowess within the sectors of medical devices, telecoms and manufacturing, to name a few, while William Atkins maintains a wide-ranging practice that is comprised of trademark, trade secret and unfair competition mandates. Carolyn Toto frequently handles matters pertaining to enforcement, strategic prosecution and licensing. Patrick Jennings is also recommended.

International trade and national security > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 3

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP export control/sanctions practice, 13 strong, offers a variety of services to a client base that spans a range of sectors including aviation, nuclear, technology, and defense. The team provides an encompassing, global view of sanctions and export control issues, with the ability to handle queries out of multiple jurisdictions. With a notable strength in the aerospace field, driven by Stephan Becker, the team represents significant companies on licensing, compliance, and enforcement matters. Christopher Wall focuses his practice on export controls and foreign investments whilst Nancy Fischer is an expert in sanctions compliance and litigation. Aaron Hutman, Matthew Rabinowitz, and Benjamin Cote are also key members of the Washington DC-based team.

International trade and national security > Trade remedies and trade policy Tier 3

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s International Trade team boasts a strong global presence with offices in Washington, D.C., London, Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo. The firm is involved in trade remedy and policy matters, advising on complex issues such as WTO and NAFTA litigation, nuclear energy security, and U.S. government reviews, including the impact of Russian sanctions on nuclear fuel supply. The firm is capable of advising on emerging issues like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and the intersection of trade disputes, customs, and supply chain regulations. Stephan Becker leads the International Trade practice, with extensive experience in international dispute settlement, representing clients such as the Governments of Mexico and New Brunswick in complex trade remedy and investment arbitration matters. Nancy Fischer handles litigation matters relating to AD/CVD duties. Aaron Hutman and Benjamin Cote are important members of the team. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC. In a significant move, highly experienced trade practitioners Dan Porter and Matt McCullough joined the team in March 2025, arriving from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 3

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is active in the technology sector, helping clients navigate a fast-evolving landscape. The firm advises a broad range of clients from startups to industry leaders. Notably,  Justin Hovey in San Francisco provides exceptional counsel to entrepreneurs, investors, and emerging companies in the video game, esports, social media, and entertainment sectors on startup formation, venture financing, M&A, and corporate governance. Additionally, Deborah Thoren-Peden  – in the LA office, co-leads several teams and specializes in banking, privacy, AML, and electronic payments – advising fintech companies, financial institutions, and retailers on regulatory compliance, money transmission, and payment systems.

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

The team at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP continues to undertake a broad range of regulatory mandates for clients in the telecoms industry. Based in Washington DC, the team is headed by Scott Flick who advises on transactional, regulatory, financing, strategy and policy matters. DC-based co-head Miles Mason has extensive experience advising clients on the broad spectrum of media and tech issues, from compliance with regulatory requirements to spectrum use agreements and tower and studio leases. Located in Austin and DC, Jessica Nyman represents clients in regulatory matters before the FCC, the Copyright Royalty Board, the DOJ and federal district and appellate courts. Former practice head Glenn Richards left the firm in April 2024.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 3

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is well-reputed for helping its clients execute large and complex projects and advising on disputes in the context of construction accidents and force majeure events. Washington DC-based practice heads Melissa Lesmes and Clark Thiel are key individuals for construction delays, defects, and insurance coverage disputes. Charles Conrad leads the firm’s Houston branch, where he represents owners and contractors in traditional and renewable energy disputes. Recent joiner Derrick Carson, also Houston-based, tries similar cases in front of juries, judges and arbitrators. San Francisco’s Robert James and special counsel John Heisse assist developers, builders, and designers throughout public and private construction projects. In the DC office, Laura Bourgeois LoBue and Michael McNamara advise on construction and engineering disputes, involving disruption, suspension and termination of contracts.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 4

With expertise in hydrogen, geothermal, and nuclear energy, as well as fusion, tidal, and energy storage, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s energy transition team is capable of handling the life cycle of renewable and alternative energy projects both domestically and internationally. The practice advises a strong client roster consisting of notable businesses from the energy sector on acquisitions, financing, and project development, among other matters. Between San Francisco and Houston, Robert James co-heads the department alongside Jeff Merrifield who is based in Washington DC. In San Francisco, Robert Nelson is the go-to for all project development and financing matters while Alicia McKnight is adept at leading on a wide range of transactions including acquisitions and dispositions. Other key names in the group include New York’s Michael Reese and Shellka Arora-Cox.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

The full-service environmental and natural resources practice at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP fields a varied caseload including air and water pollution, Superfunds, endangered species, and chemical regulation. Splitting his practice between Los Angeles and San Francisco, practice head Mark Elliott’s experience extends to site remediation, hazardous material, and soil, water, and air quality. In Washington DC Jeffrey Knight acts primarily for energy and infrastructure development, real estate, and chemical clients on agency rulemaking and compliance with the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. The ‘top-notch’ Margaret Rosegay offers expertise on solid and hazardous waste and water quality permitting and compliance across San Francisco and Silicon Valley. In Houston, a key name to note is natural resources expert Amanda Halter , whereas Michael McDonough , of the LA office, focuses his practice on air quality regulations.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s environmental and natural resources team oversees a range of environmental mandates regarding business and real estate transactions, legal and regulatory compliance, and project development and financing. Global practice head Mark Elliott splits his practice between Los Angeles and San Francisco and is a name to note for hazardous materials, soil, water, air quality regulation, and site remediation. Over in San Francisco, Margaret Rosegay frequently engages with mandates regarding regulation and compliance upstream oil and gas exploration. The Washington DC office is led by Jeffrey Knight who is sought out by businesses and trade associations on environmental risk management, compliance, and renewable energy development and acquisitions, another key name in DC is Sheila McCafferty Harvey , who is instructed on the structuring and negotiation of business and real estate transactions. Houston’s Amanda Halter and LA’s Michael McDonough are also key contacts of the team.  

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP’s capital markets team remains active when it comes to underwriter engagements in the energy and financial services sectors, with the team recently handling matters in the life sciences and industrials spaces as well. New York-based global head of corporate and securities Jeffrey Delaney has broad experience handling debt offerings and liability management transactions for companies, underwriters, and investors, particularly those operating in the energy, banking, life insurance, and pharma sectors. With notable experience in the utilities, pharma, aviation, retail, and industrial spaces, David Baxter in New York co-leads the group alongside Davina Kaile and Gabriella Lombardi, both of whom are based in Silicon Valley and stand out for their work for tech and life sciences clients.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 4

Showcasing extensive strength in the tech and life sciences fields, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP routinely assists domestic and international managers in complex secondary offerings and securities transactions. Operating out of Silicon Valley, two of the co-leads Davina Kaile and Gabriella Lombardi specialize in all aspects of IPOs, de-SPACs, and tender offers, while the other joint head David Baxter mainly handles securitizations and debt financings from his base in New York. Also in New York, there is equity offerings expert Jeffrey Delaney and Stephen Ashley, who concentrates on corporate governance proceedings primarily.

Government > Government relations Tier 4

Energy clients, technology providers, trade associations, educational institutions and nonprofits belong to Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s government law and strategies stellar client base, who seek out the firm for federal funding, congressional investigations, policy strategy and regulatory and legislative counsel. The team also houses a well-established AI policy practice, led by practice head Elizabeth Vella Moeller in Washington DC, who is highly experienced in regulatory, governance and safety issues around AI. Also in DC is Brian Finch, who has extensive expertise in all aspects of security law and is involved in government relations and policy advocacy in this area and Craig Saperstein, who focuses on financial services and cybersecurity regulations. Matthew Oresman splits time between London and DC and advises on compliance and strategy initiatives with US and international regulations, while Aimee Ghosh, in DC, focuses on the federal funding opportunities available to clients under the Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act.

International trade and national security > CFIUS Tier 4

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s ‘well-unified and collaborative’ CFIUS team, supported by the firm’s wider China, corporate, and technology practices to provide reliable counsel to private equity funds and U.S. technology start-ups on CFIUS-related matters. The team's client base spans semiconductors, defense, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles. The ‘extraordinarily well-versed’ Nancy Fischer, who is the firm’s Global Head of Regulatory, concentrates her practice on investment reviews and mitigation of CFIUS-sensitive transactions. Christopher Wall is a key member of the team and drives a long-standing relationship with Australian global investment banking firm, Macquarie Group. Aaron Hutman advises clients on the strategic impacts of CFIUS authorities, whilst newly promoted partner Matthew Rabinowitz has a particular focus on obtaining clearances for China-related transactions.

International trade and national security > National Security Tier 4

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s multidisciplinary National Security team provides a range of clients with the guidance and representation needed to comply with policies, mitigate against challenges, and grow their businesses. The team has experience across a range of practices including CFIUS, supply chain, export controls, customs, and sanctions. Nancy Fischer co-heads the practice, and coordinates the Regulatory Business Unit, which advises corporates on a range of regulations, conducts internal investigations, and defends against enforcement action. Stephan Becker, described by a client as ‘the best trade counsel in business right now’, has a broad range of trade advisory capabilities including export controls, sanctions, and CFIUS. Brian Finch has a deep understanding of cybersecurity issues which allows him to offer clients cyberattacks and ransomware response services. Richard Donoghue, based in New York, represents clients who are facing government investigations. Aaron Hutman is a key member with an intricate knowledge of national security-sensitive issues. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC, unless stated otherwise.

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

Valued by clients in the technology and finance industries, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP‘s executive compensation and benefits team deals with complex plan design matters, day-to-day counselling needs, and compliance advice. From Austin, practice leader Jessica Lutrin focuses on compensation and benefit plans in the context of corporate transactions, and NY’s Peter Hunt is renowned for his expertise in pension matters spanning regulatory guidance to 401(k) and deferred compensation plan design and implementation. Los Angeles’ Mark Jones, praised by clients for his ‘knowledge, expertise and practicable advice’, is a thought-leader is cross-border work regarding foreign investors offering ESOP opportunities to American clients, and San Francisco’s Christine Richardson is an ERISA specialist valued in the retail, ecommerce and consumer brands sector.

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

Working closely with a strong cohort of global private equity firms, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP advises on acquisitions, buyouts, and strategic investments, complementing its transactional counsel with regulatory, tax, and financing expertise. The team is led by New York’s Stephen Amdur, who is noted for his broad sector focus, alongside Jarrod Murphy, also based in New York, who has been recently active on energy and infrastructure deals, and Silicon Valley’s Allison Leopold Tilley. Further names of note include Nicole Islinger in Washington DC and Matt Swartz in Northern Virginia.

Real estate Tier 4

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s real estate team is consistently engaged by clients to cover a range of engagements, acting for a varied roster including real estate developers, government entities, and international investors. The team advises on transactions and development projects involving all asset classes, including commercial office buildings, mixed-use developments, hotels, shopping centers, and malls, as well as single-family and multifamily developments. Rachel Horsch leads the team from San Francisco, with extensive experience advising clients on developments, acquisitions, and joint ventures and navigating planning and land use issues. In New York, Andrew Weiner focuses on the hospitality and REIT spaces, with clients including funds, family offices, and universities.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s SALT practice is ‘very knowledgable, commercial and easy to work with, and always delivers top-tier value’. The global tax practice led by Nora Burke in New York has an outstanding SALT controversy expert in Sacramento-based Carley Roberts, who is ‘at the absolute top of her field’. Craig Becker in Palo Alto is ‘one of the premier experts in his specialty’. In New York, the firm hired Larry Sannicandro from McCarter & English, LLP, who ‘brings significant strength, where previously the firm has flown under the radar’. His expertise in tax controversy and private wealth, and his role as a member of the IRS Advisory Counsel, add significant depth to the team. San Francisco-based Jeffrey Vesely also plays a key role in SALT matters.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 5

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP frequently handles class action and direct action antitrust litigation in the electronic components, energy, and telecommunications sectors. In Washington, D.C., co-chair Michael Sibarium regularly defends clients in FTC and DOJ investigations, as well as antitrust litigation in state and federal courts. San Francisco-based co-chair Roxane Polidora leverages her deep dispute expertise to try cases before juries, judges, and tribunals across a wide range of industries. Also in San Francisco, Lee Brand’s practice encompasses cartel litigation, class actions, and high-stakes contract disputes.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense Tier 5

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP is known for its experienced team handling enforcement and sensitive national matters. The firm advises corporate clients and individuals on FCPA, cybersecurity, anti-money laundering, tax fraud, trade secrets, and FCA issues. William M. Sullivan Jr, based in Washington DC and New York, specializes in internal investigations, white-collar criminal defense, and complex litigation, focusing on FCPA, antitrust, and securities matters. Aaron Dyer in Los Angeles, brings extensive experience in complex fraud cases. Richard Donoghue, based in New York, represents corporations and senior executives in government and internal investigations, enhancing the firm’s wide-ranging expertise in white-collar crime.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 5

Operating ‘efficiently and collaboratively’, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is often called upon to handle multi-party litigation involving multiple proceedings, from breach of contract, antitrust and tax cases to insurance recovery and consumer class actions. The team represents both national and international clients from a range of sectors, from the tech, real estate and construction to the healthcare, aviation and oil and gas industries. Deborah Baum in Washington DC leads the team, representing clients before state, federal and appellate courts and arbitral tribunals. Splitting his time between Miami and Beijing, Geoffrey Sant is a go to for global banks, investment companies and businesses. Based in Houston, Willie Wood receives high praise from clients, while DC-based Melissa Lesmes is lauded as ‘extremely responsive and diligent’. Anne Voight joined the team in Silicon Valley from King & Spalding LLP in August 2024.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP boasts an expert international arbitration team, with expertise split between commercial and investor-state disputes. A raft of clients including governments, investors, and commercial entities rely on the expertise of the practice, that is skilled at appearing before all major arbitration bodies. The firm stands out for its expertise in construction and infrastructure disputes, particularly linked to the energy sector, having notably recently acted for a leading energy company in an ICSID arbitration related to a major refinery expansion in Columbia. Based in Houston, Richard Deutsch leads the practice, along with Washington DC-based Michael Jaffe, and Derek Soller in New York. Derrick Carson joined the practice from Troutman Pepper Locke LLP from September 2024. In New York, Robert Sills and June Yeum are key names, while Stephan Becker is key in the DC office.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP has a background in representing distressed entities, creditors’ rights work and advice to stakeholders dealing with troubled projects. It is also particularly known for its experience in the aviation sector; more recently it has represented creditor clients in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings by three separate Latin American airlines. It has also acted for a number of US states, including state attorneys general and ad hoc groups of governmental creditors, in several opioid Chapter 11 cases. Moreover, the firm has represented clients in a series of chapter 15 cases. Andrew Troop leads the insolvency and restructuring practice, covering a variety of industries, from aviation and energy to healthcare and financial services. Patrick Fitzmaurice, Hugh McDonald and John Pintarelli are also key partners, along with Michael Burke, who joined from Sidley Austin LLP in 2024. All named individuals are based in New York.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 5

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP advises public and private clients on executive compensation, employee benefits, and ERISA fiduciary matters in both transactional and regulatory contexts. Headed by Nora Burke , the team counsels on domestic and international benefits, equity compensation, ERISA compliance, contract negotiations, and governmental audits, with a strong focus on M&A. Key partners lead the practice across multiple offices. In New York, Peter Hunt   specializes in pension and 401(k) plans, deferred compensation, and ERISA fiduciary matters. Austin-based Jessica Lutrin focuses on compensation structures in transactional and advisory settings. In San Francisco, Christine Richardson guides clients on employee benefits, particularly in the retail, e-commerce, and consumer brands sectors.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 5

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has a strong presence in Texas and its real estate finance practice covers construction loans, joint ventures, and refinancings for its diverse clientele. Leadership is shared between three partners: Rachel Horsch from San Francisco, Caroline Harcourt from New York, and Steven Hamilton from San Diego. Horsch and Harcourt regularly advise on acquisitions and dispositions while commercial real estate specialist Hamilton focuses on structuring and closing construction loans. Adam Weaver in Houston is also recommended.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 5

New York’s Nora Burke chairs the tax practice at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP  which is adept at handling restructurings post-acquisition, fund creation, and advice on IRS compliance. Julia Divola, out of San Francisco, works primarily on M&A and regularly assists Amazon with its tax work. Michael Kosnitzky splits his time between Miami and New York and is praised for his ‘deep knowledge of the law and business’. He splits his focus between private clients and commercial work. Larry Sannicandro joined the firm from McCarter & English, LLP in July 2024 whilst Keith Blum has left the firm.

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