Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 2

The energy, infrastructure and project finance team at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP continued its growth in 2022, with notable new hires including San Francisco’s expert for power purchase agreements Thomas W. Solomon, regulatory and transactional renewables partner Joseph Karp,  real estate lawyers  Lisa Cottle in San Francisco and Los Angeles based Christine A. Kolosov, all four joining from Winston & Strawn LLP in April 2022. The team is led jointly by Chicago’s Katherine M. Gillespie and Anthony L. Toranto in Del Mar, who each have extensive experience in the structuring, financing, acquisition, and disposal of renewables projects. The firm advises on projects including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, hydrogen and storage, and is particularly strong on tax equity financing, with Chicago tax partners Amit Kalra and Andrew Ratts both recommended here. With a particular focus on transactions, such as lending, leasing and tax credit, Chicago’s Katarzyna Levecke is also noted.

Government > Government contracts Tier 2

Offering ‘pragmatic advice’, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP‘s government contracts team is the go-to adviser of major defense and aerospace contractors and Fortune 500 companies. In addition to its ‘deep experience in commercial item contracting, bid protests, government audits, cybersecurity requirements and compliance issues’, its lawyers have high security clearance and handle significant national security matters. The practice is led by Jonathan Aronie, who is ‘knowledgeable, efficient and always gives practical guidance.’ Anne Perry and Keith Szeliga are key names for complex bid protest litigation, while David Douglass is noted for his wealth of experience in advising healthcare, pharmaceutical and tech companies on False Claims Act investigations and litigation. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Healthcare > Health insurers Tier 2

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP’s healthcare practice has seen continuous growth over the last decade, and the firm has a solid healthcare offering with a particular focus on insurance-related transactional and regulatory issues. The team has an especially strong West Coast presence, with much of the team based in California. In Century City, Eric Klein leads the team, with a particular focus on healthcare insurance-related M&A and market consolidation, while Lynsey Mitchel’s practice concentrates on HMO regulatory matters. Eric Newsom represents buyers, sellers, and investors in private equity and venture capital investment transactions from his base in San Francisco, and Los Angeles-based Moe Keshavarzi is a trial and appellate lawyer with a focus on healthcare entities and insurers in civil disputes and regulatory enforcement actions. Washington DC’s Christine Clements rounds out the team, focusing on state and federal managed healthcare government contract programs.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 2

The ‘outstanding' Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP exhibits ‘broad experience and provides exceptional support‘ to physician organizations, digital health companies, and hospital systems. The team is experienced handling shifts to risk and value-based reimbursement systems, in addition to advising on provider sponsored health plans. California-based practice head Eric Klein often acts for Chinese healthcare companies and private equity funds in healthcare M&A matters, supported by Lynsey Mitchel, who primarily represents managed care and risk bearing organizations in HMO regulatory matters. Michael Paddock heads the Washington DC practice, and focuses on healthcare fraud and abuse matters and federal healthcare program compliance issues. Also based in Washington, Erica Kraus - who was promoted to partner in February 2022 - draws on her broad knowledge of FCA litigation and government investigations. In Dallas, Phil Kim utilizes his expertise in corporate matters to advise private equity companies and ambulatory surgery centers on healthcare M&A and operational issues.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 2

The corporate and securities group at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is a strong performer in the middle-market M&A space, where it supports companies of all sizes, ranging from private and public companies to start-ups and emerging businesses. With an expansive footprint across the country, the team is proficient in multi-state and cross-border M&A, as well as private equity deals, joint ventures and strategic alliance arrangements. Based in Century City, co-head Linda Michaelson focuses on corporate transactions in the technology, media, renewable energy and healthcare sectors. John Hempill in New York and Jeralin Cardoso in Del Mar are also at the helm of the group; Cardoso is a key contact for healthcare clients. Lawrence Braun in Los Angeles maintains a broad practice in corporate and securities law, M&A and healthcare transactions, while Frank Bacelli is the M&A partner to note in the Washington DC office.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 2

The California-based team at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP specializes in content acquisition and production matters such as film library purchases and licensing deals for both major streaming services and indie media companies like Black Bear Television. Film financing specialist Robb Klein heads the practice, he recently inked a high-value accordion credit facility for Ashland Hill Media Finance. Robert Darwell is noted for his long-standing work on behalf of Amazon, while digital media specialist Linda Michaelson ’s practice centers around corporate transactions; she recently Sony Pictures Television in its acquisition of a controlling interest in Industrial Media. David Sands is a media finance and mergers expert who recently advised creator platform startup Spotter on a series D funding round and has handled previous funding rounds for the company. Shaun Clark ’s entertainment practice encompasses IP rights and first look agreements, and Leif Cervantes De Reinstein represents an impressive roster of indie production companies and deals primarily with matters pertaining to scripted television and VOD.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 2

Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 2

Operating as part of the firm’s national healthcare group, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP‘s nonprofit team is described as a ‘truly full-service practice with qualified attorneys who have different specialties’ in which ‘each lawyer is detail oriented, and matters do not fall through the cracks’. David Ulich, who has particularly strong relationships with several very large nonprofits including the American Film Institute and Catholic Health Services of Long Island leads the team together with Tamar Rosenberg, whose practice focuses on the full life cycle of a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. The pair are based in Los Angeles and New York respectively. Ulich. Elsewhere in the team, Jay Gerzog heads up the firm’s nationwide healthcare practice, with a specialty in the representation of tax-exempt and other nonprofit healthcare providers and payor institutions. Practitioners also regularly work in the entertainment, real estate, retail and education industries. Amanda Zablocki is the group’s key figure for advising clients in the healthcare sector.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 3

Clients seek out Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP‘s cartel team for its strong cartel litigation capabilities, having successfully represented a number of corporates and individual executives from a range of industries in major US civil and criminal cartel proceedings. The tech industry is a particular area of expertise for the firm,  as is real estate and food. Leo Caserio now heads the team from Washington DC, regularly acting for clients in international cartel proceedings and government investigations, and has broad industrial experience, including consumer electronics and automotive parts. Michael Cohen, also in DC, is an active cartel defense litigator currently representing executives at Reynolds & Reynolds in the ongoing tuna canning cartel investigation. Mike Scarborough  and Dylan Ballard left the firm in January 2023. Ann O’Brien, formerly at Baker Hostetler, joined the firm’s DC office in February 2023.

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

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP’s privacy and cybersecurity team frequently advises high-profile clients in the retail sector on privacy counseling, breach response and high-stakes litigation. Craig Cardon and Liisa Thomas co-lead the practice- the former, based in Century City, focuses on representing retail brands, ad agencies and technology platforms in intersecting advertising and data matters, such as false advertising and consumer privacy class actions. The latter, in Chicago, leverages her global experiences to assist clients on worldwide security programs and navigate data breach notification mandates. Del Mar-based Wynter Deagle designs and implements global privacy and cybersecurity programs, while Moorari Shah in Los Angeles assists clients on complying with state and federal consumer protection laws and regulations. Retail, fashion and beauty brands contact San Francisco-based Rachel Hudson for advice on compliance with domestic and international privacy laws. New York-based seasoned litigator Kari Rollins works on data breach internal investigations and data privacy counselling matters.

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

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP has established itself in the satellite domain, representing high-profile market players before the FCC in respect of a range of business-critical spectrum mandates, including compliance with FCC programs, spectrum auctions, and contentious proceedings. The practice has a global reach to match that of its clients, but also has experience working with national operators in relation to infrastructure deployment and assisting regional broadcasters with their regulatory needs. Brian Weimer heads the Washington DC-based practice with a focus on satellite operators and investors in satellite and wireless, representing such clients before the FCC and ITU on a range of mandates, namely the regulatory approval of transactions. Dave Thomas focusses on the deployment and operations of wire-based and wireless networks and services, working at the federal, state, and local levels of regulation. Paul Werner brings his extensive litigation experience to the practice, representing domestic and international providers in state and federal trial courts and advising them on a range of policy issues arising from novel tech.

Real estate Tier 3

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP‘s real estate healthcare expertise was significantly with the addition of a five-attorney team from Polsinelli PC, led by Los Angeles partner Tim Reimers, who joined in February 2022. Nancy Scull leads the practice from San Diego, focusing on representation of commercial, industrial, retail and residential developers in all real property transactions, with a particular expertise in mixed use projects, condominiums and Bureau of Real Estate regulatory matters.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

The antitrust practice at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP has an expertise in the multifamily, technology and food and beverages sectors, and offers experience acting for key clients such as Samsung Electronics in multidistrict litigation alleging monopolization and exclusionary conduct, and Cyient in an antitrust class action concerning no poach agreements. In Washington DC, head of the antitrust team Leo Caseria has successfully litigated many cases involving allegations of antitrust violations under the Sherman and Clayton Acts and advises clients on many competition issues relating to compliance and intellectual property. Of counsel Michael Cohen has recently been involved in private civil antitrust lawsuits for the firm’s longstanding client The Reynolds and Reynolds Company. Ann O’Brien, formerly at BakerHostetler, joined the firm’s DC office in February 2023. Michael Scarborough and Dylan Ballard left the firm in January 2023.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP has a prolific record in HSR filings and merger review processes, advising a wide range of businesses and private equity investors on approvals for deals in diverse sectors, with a particularly strong focus on the healthcare space. The team also offers significant agency review and contentious expertise through John Carroll, a former FTC official who represents clients before the DOJ Antitrust Division, FTC, and international and state antitrust enforcement authorities. Bevin Newman specializes in healthcare antitrust matters, advising on merger control cases relating to acquisitions, collaboration agreements, and joint ventures across the sector, while Century City-based David Garcia is a key name for contested mergers, regularly representing hospital and physician groups. Leo Caseria specializes in HSR filings, while special counsel Malika Levarlet focuses on approvals for cross-border transactions. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP has a strong track record in soil and groundwater contamination, hazardous waste, and air quality cases, and represents clients before judicial tribunals, as well as in disputes. The practice offers ancillary advice in regulatory and permitting matters and is well versed in interacting with various US regulators. The firm has a substantial presence on the West Coast and the team is led by Jeffrey Parker and Whitney Roy in Los Angeles, who both act for high-profile oil and gas, and aerospace companies. San Francisco’s Nicholas Van Aelstyn has 25 years’ experience in litigation, enforcement and regulatory compliance.

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

The Century City-based team at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP litigates across the entertainment industry with notable expertise in rights of publicity, copyright infringement and breach of contact matters. Renowned litigator Martin Katz leads the team; his varied practice incudes performer injuries, wrongful death disputes and music and distribution rights. Dylan Price is a profit participation specialist with substantial experience of litigating in trials and arbitrations; he is currently representing Campanario and Netflix in a case that revolves around a producer’s claim to the life story rights of the late singer Selena Quintanilla. Another name to note is litigator and trademark attorney Jill Pietrini .

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 4

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP has an experienced cross-disciplinary technology transactions team which combines a mixtire of corporate, IP, and entertainment and media lawyers. The firm has been particularly busy advising media and entertainment companies on NFT launches, while on the M&A side, it assisted Sony Interactive Entertainment on its acquisition of the Seattle-based videogame developer Valkyrie Entertainment. The ‘responsive and knowledgeable‘ Brian Anderson and Daniel Schnapp in New York jointly lead the team with Michael Orlando in San Diego and Marisa Brutoco in Orange County. ‘Excellent’ associate, Brittany Walter (San Diego), is also singled out for her ‘good eye towards substantive legal issues‘.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactions Tier 4

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP operates from Washington DC, providing transactional advice to global satellite companies and a range of regional broadcasters; the firm’s chief focus in this regard is spectrum work, representing their clients in spectrum sales and before the FCC in relation to spectrum auctions and related proceedings. Brian Weimer leads the practice, providing transactional and regulatory experience in his work focussing on satellite and investment in the satellite and wireless sectors, representing these investors before the FCC and the ITU in seeking approval for these transactions. Douglas Svor has a similar focus, representing satellite, wireless, and tech companies before the FCC and CFIUS in relation to M&A.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 5

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP offers extensive experience and knowledge of contractor licensing, insurance coverage, and surety bond mandates concerning design and construction, also handling dispute and transactional matters on behalf of a breadth of clients including contractors, design professionals and REITs on public and private projects. Co-head Erinn Contreras is located in San Francisco and drafts and negotiates a diversity of construction contracts, in addition to her contentious workload which includes defect and delay, cost overrun, product liability claims, mechanic’s lien and quiet title disputes. New York-based Ira Schulman co-leads the team and has appeared before several jury and bench trials in state and federal courts as well as arbitration panels in the representation of contractors, owners, school districts, subcontractors, and sureties. John Yacovelle is based in California and is particularly focused on energy and Native American law, while associate Emily Anderson works from New York and has overseen a multitude of mandates including breaches of contract, delay damage and construction lending issues.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): municipal

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

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is known for its experience in wage and hour claims and handling litigation and is headed by Kelly Hensley Los Angeles and Jonathan Stoler in New York. The team is experienced in industries such as healthcare, retail, financial services, transportation, fashion, and hospitality. Recent work includes obtaining a defense verdict for the University of Southern California in a sexual assault and retaliation case, and acting on Groupon’s behalf for a trade secrets and non-compete case.

Healthcare > Life sciences

Tax > International tax