Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 1

At Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, the financial service team is noted for its expertise in securities and derivatives litigation, where the practice represents prominent clients in a varied range of disputes. In 2021, the practice was highly active in defending banks in litigation related to their roles as underwriters of initial public offerings. The team has also recently handled a number of cases involving special purpose acquisition companies; a particular specialism of Jonathan Youngwood, who is regularly involved in cases relating to the Investment Company Act. Youngwood co-heads the practice and the firm’s global litigation department alongside Lynn Neuner. Elsewhere, the practice continues to represent prominent banks in antitrust cases, with a particular focus on rate and market manipulation claims, and the team’s work in enforcement and prosecutions includes representing clients facing investigations from the SEC and CFTC. Youngwood and Neuner are both based in New York, where Joseph McLaughlin and Craig Waldman are also names to note in securities litigation. The firm also boasts a strong presence on the West Coast, with James Kreissman a key figure in the Palo Alto office. The team brought on Marc Berger and Martin Bell in New York in June and July 2021, respectively; both partners have substantial governmental experience, with Berger joining from the SEC and Bell from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of NY.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 1

The New York-based team of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP impresses with in-depth know-how in a variety of disputes relating to securities, commercial contracts, bankruptcy, antitrust, business torts, insurance, class actions, government and internal investigations. Its client portfolio includes major national and international companies, often from the technology, pharmaceutical and insurance sectors, as well as financial institutions. A recent highlight is representing Twitter in successfully resolving multiple securities class actions and derivative lawsuits in the Northern District of California and San Mateo Superior Court. Civil securities-specialist Jonathan Youngwood leads the practice alongside Lynn Neuner, who is often engaged in litigation involving securities, mergers, insurance coverage and false advertising disputes. Bryce Friedman‘s broad practice encompasses strategic concerns, disputes and employee matters. Another name to note is Linton Mann III  who covers securities, shareholder derivative disputes, class actions, antitrust and complex commercial disputes. Former assistant US Attorney at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York Martin Bell joined the team in July 2021.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York has long been a market leader in M&A litigation and continues to be involved in cutting-edge matters, with a prime example is its work for technology company MultiPlan Corporation in the most prominent SPAC-related case in the market. The matter, in which MultiPlan was dismissed from the case, concerns allegations of breach of fiduciary duty in the merger with special purpose acquisition company Churchill III and claims that the merger was inherently conflicted. The case, led by practice co-head Jonathan Youngwood and up-and-coming partner Stephen Blake, is a milestone in reshaping the law to accommodate the unique qualities of SPACs. Paul Curnin retired in 2021, with seasoned trial lawyer Lynn Neuner taking up his role has global co-chair of litigation, alongside Youngwood. The firm has a deep bench of talented litigators, among them Peter Kazanoff, who is acting for Envision Healthcare Corporation in shareholder litigations concerning its $9.9bn sale to KKR; Palo Alto-based James Kreissman, who frequently acts for global technology companies; and Craig Waldman, who is also heavily involved in the Envision case.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

At Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, the practice is ‘adept at litigating, mediating and trying cases', specializing in industry-challenging high-stakes securities matters, in both the regulatory enforcement arena and in securities litigation. Among high-profile examples in 2021 is the firm’s work for Twitter, which the firm represented in obtaining the dismissal of a Securities Act claim in the California Superior Court, and favorably settled another securities fraud class action. Jonathan Youngwood, who is ‘superior in securities litigation‘, leads the practice with Lynn Neuner, who took over the reins following the retirement of Paul Curnin. They are based in New York, where up-and-coming partner Craig Waldman is a also key member of the practice. Waldman was part of a team that defended Bausch Health Companies in a securities class action, numerous individual actions and a related RICO class action. In Palo Alto, James Kreissman, who led the Twitter case with Youngwood, and emerging talent Stephen Blake are the standout practitioners.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has an impressive mix of investment grade and high-yield debt engagements from both issuers and underwriters. The fully-rounded and extensive practice is also at the forefront of convertible debt offerings and equity-linked instruments, derivatives and other key DCM products. Its client base features a range of major corporate issuers, first-time issuers, private equity houses and investment banks. Kenneth Wallach is an experienced figure in investment grade and high-yield debt, along with restructuring-related offerings. John Ericson is noted for underwriter-side engagements for both investment grade and high-yield debt offerings, including transactions linked to leveraged buyouts. Ryan Bekkerus is a key figure in leveraged finance-driven high-yield offerings. Roxane Reardon and Marisa Stavenas are also noted for convertible debt and liability management transactions respectively. Of counsel Kevin Kennedy and partner William Brentani are key names in Silicon Valley. Arthur Robinson has stepped down as head of the capital markets group.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a well-rounded and high-end equity offerings practice, driven by a balanced mix of investment bank, private equity sponsor and general corporate clients. The firm has gained further traction in SPAC IPOs and de-SPAC transactions. With its history in private equity, the firm has really benefitted from the trend of private equity sponsors taking their portfolio companies public. The firm has made further progress in representing tech companies and unicorns, thanks in part to the success of its Palo Alto office and the activities of its esteemed private equity clients such as Silver Lake Partners and Blackstone. A team led by leading equity capital markets specialist Joshua Ford Bonnie  advised Blackstone portfolio company Bumble on its headline $2.5bn IPO. Kenneth Wallach also has an excellent record in novel transactions, including for regular client Silver Lake Partners. Joseph Kaufman and Roxane Reardon are highly rated, along with Ryan Bekkerus. William Brentani and Kevin Kennedy are key names in Palo Alto. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a history of advising on bulge-bracket and headline transactions. The firm has a market leading presence in both investment grade and high-yield debt, especially on the manager side. The firm also has a strong reputation with issuers, particularly those in Latin America. Well established teams in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo, have also brought it further credibility in Europe and Asia. The firm has worked on a number of US capital markets offerings for Asian businesses. Moreover, New York partners Juan Francisco Méndez and Jaime Mercado are well plugged into the Latin America region, and the Sao Paulo office, headed by Grenfel Calheiros, has also played a pivotal role in bringing a series of major Brazil equity and debt deals to the firm. Among a number of headline deals, the Latin America group recently represented Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (Entel) on its $800m offering of 3.05% senior notes due 2032.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is consistently at the forefront of the high-yield debt market, both for issuers and underwriters. The high-yield practice is rated for standalone transactions and those as part of leveraged financings, which is a particular forte for them. The firm advised on well over 100 high-yield deals in both 2020 and 2021; it achieves this volume of deals despite having a relatively small senior-bench compared to its natural competitors. Along with its prestigious underwriter client base, its swathe of private equity clients and their portfolio companies, the firm is also recognised for its regular engagements in deals involving first-time issuers. It has also made an impression in ESG and sustainability-linked financings. The firm is further noted for advising on deals involving high-yield issuers that are looking to achieve investment grade status. Roxane Reardon is a rounded debt capital markets specialist with an especially strong record in underwriter engagements. Kenneth Wallach is rated for private equity-related deals and transactions in the technology sector. Both are based in New York. The lauded Arthur Robinson has stepped down as global head of capital markets.

Finance > Commercial lending

One of New York’s premier finance firms, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is noted for its continued ability to sit at the very top of both the lender and borrower side markets, representing an impressive range of leading investment banks, private equity sponsors, direct lenders and corporate borrowers in numerous high-value, complex transactions every year. The group’s lender practice is best known for its longstanding relationship with JP Morgan; William Sheehan is a key name in this regard and recently co-led a team, alongside practice head Patrick Ryan, which represented the bank in a $41.5bn senior unsecured bridge loan to finance the combination of AT&T’s WarnerMedia with Discovery. With regards to borrower work, James Cross continues to advise on acquisition financing, while Jennifer Hobbs assists corporate borrowers such as Dell Technologies with securing multi-billion credit facilities. Outside of New York, the firm expanded its partner ranks in January 2021 with the promotion of Michael Vernace in California.

Industry focus > Environment: transactional Tier 1

The team at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP handles environmental implications of myriad market-leading deals for a huge variety of clients active in many industries with operations in various legal and regulatory regimes. The team provides key support to the firm’s corporate department, assisting with the identification, allocation and management of environmental risks in the context of M&A, capital markets, credit and bankruptcy transactions. Advising on regulatory and enforcement developments, including those involving climate change and sustainability, are also part of the group’s broad service offering. Furthermore, the department is often retained by clients from the chemical, pulp and paper, energy and mining sectors in relation to environmental statutory and regulatory obligations. Adeeb Fadil, who is based in Washington DC, is recognised for his extensive experience in assessing and managing the environmental aspects of transactions, including M&A, securities offerings and restructurings. Fadil jointly leads the team with Mike Isby in New York who also specialises in environmental law compliance in consequential transactions.

Industry focus > Insurance: advice to insurers Tier 1

In addition to advising clients on issues ranging from data breaches to reinsurance collection, the team at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP handles disputes in state and federal courts across the United States. This includes high-profile coverage disputes as well as complex commercial litigation such as Medicare fraud allegations brought against the insurance industry. The contentious practice is augmented by a strong corporate practice on behalf of insurers. Leading the team is ‘brilliant‘ insurance expert Mary Beth Forshaw together with co-chairs of the global litigation department Jonathan K. Youngwood and Lynn K. Neuner, a trusted advisor of key client Travelers. While Susannah Geltman left the firm in December 2021, the bench also includes Bryce Friedman, who contributes strengths in allegations of fraud and False Claims Act violations and Joshua Polster, who defends against claims relating to biometric privacy violations. Counsel Summer Craig is a notable up-and-comer. All lawyers are based in New York.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s ‘truly excellent‘ offering is regularly singled out for being ‘exceptionally in tune with the market‘, and is recognized as a ‘guiding force‘ in the private funds space. The firm has particular expertise in raising ‘mega funds’ – which have over $3bn in commitments – and frequently advises on many of the largest private equity funds raised globally. GP-led secondaries transactions are another core focus; the group recently cemented its reputation in this space with the arrival of Lauren King, who was previously co-head of Goodwin‘s secondaries practice. 2022 has also seen plenty of internal growth at the partner level, with a spate of promotions, including those of Deborah Gruen and Audra Cohen. Team lead Michael Wolitzer continues to count some of the largest and best known sponsors of private investment funds among his clients, as well as regularly representing sponsors in other alternative asset classes including real estate, energy and distressed debt. All named lawyers are based in the New York office, which also fields recommended practitioners Barrie Covit, Thomas Bell, Glenn Sarno and Rony Rothken.

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

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s expertise in the private equity space continues, with the team praised for its ‘excellent and pragmatic advice’ to private equity funds and their portfolio companies, as well as some of the firm’s corporate clients, on the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of high-end M&A and IPOs. Brian Robbins leads the practice and regularly handles ERISA Title 1 issues, while Laurence Moss focuses on leveraged buyout transactions. Gregory Grogan recently represented Microsoft in its pending $19.7bn acquisition of Nuance Communications, and David Rubinsky advises private equity investors and the management teams of their portfolio companies on equity compensation arrangements. Jeannine McSweeney acts for clients across the financial services, technology and healthcare sectors on a range of executive compensation and employee benefit arrangements, and Andrew Blau handles equity and deferred compensation plans, as well as tax and securities-related issues. Palo Alto-based Tristan Brown notably advises private equity funds, including Silver Lake Partners and KKR, in M&A deals. Named attorneys operate from the firm’s New York office unless otherwise stated.

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

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's team of 'first-rate M&A practitioners' has a long-established reputation for expertise across a broad variety of corporate transactions including joint ventures, negotiated and unsolicited mergers and takeovers, minority investments and buyouts. Kathryn King Sudol is also an expert in respect of LBOs, going-private transactions, securities law and strategic investments, serving as practice co-head alongside Eric Swedenburg, who complements his transactional prowess with shareholder activism, corporate governance and general corporate knowhow. Lee Meyerson fronts the firm's financial institutions practice, handling a plethora of sector-specific deals, while Alan Klein is significantly well-versed in fintech, technology and healthcare-related transactions. Mario Ponce is another integral name to the practice, leveraging three decades worth of experience. Referenced lawyers are based in New York.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 1

Praised for its ‘knowledge‘ and ‘leadership‘ within the private equity market, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a regular advisor to many of the largest and most active funds in the market, handling bulge-bracket and volume mandates for the likes of Blackstone, Apollo, and Warburg Pincus, alongside many others. The firm advises on major buyouts and portfolio transactions, including several of the largest deals in the market, and is able to handle complex arrangements such as carve-outs, take-privates, and consortium arrangements such as Blackstone, Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman’s majority investment in Medline Industries, Inc. ‘True leader‘ Marni Lerner co-heads the team, and remains a leading name in the market, regularly handling high-profile deals such as KKR’s $4.7bn buyout of Global Atlantic, which also saw a key role for Katie Sudol. Co-head Elizabeth Cooper is noted for her active work on behalf of Blackstone, most notably the $5bn acquisition of The Chamberlain Group from Duchossois alongside Anthony Vernace, who continues to establish himself as a go-to for major private equity deals. The highly experienced Gary Horowitz is a senior figure within the team who offers strategic guidance to funds clients, while Palo Alto-based Atif Azher is a key figure for the firm on the West Coast and particularly strong in tech sector transactions. Michael Holick has a growing profile within the market, and is increasingly active on behalf of many of the firm’s bulge-bracket clients and portfolio companies. Lawyers are in New York unless otherwise stated.

Real estate Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP integrates its multidisciplinary real estate practice with its bank financing, capital markets, M&A and private funds expertise. From New York, Gregory Ressa chairs the practice, where he specializes in representing estate opportunity funds in M&A and financings. Other key in the same office include Scott Kobak, Sasan Mehrara, Krista Miniutti and Whitney Salinas; all highly experienced counsel for private equity firms and portfolio companies in commercial acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures and financings.  

Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s tax-exempt practice is based in New York and led by the deeply experienced David Shevlin who has over two decades of expertise in the field. The group has an excellent market reputation handling high-end matters for leading public charities, private foundations and donors across litigation and corporate, and has demonstrable strength in corporate tax issues. Senior counsel John Bennet leads the firm’s endowment advisory practice and is recommended for program-related investments whilst Jennifer Franklin is the name for charitable gift-planning. Also in the core group is Maura Whelan who advises on domestic and international grant making. Highly rated associate Kevin Roe is ‘excellent and really clever’ according to peers and advises higher education institutions and healthcare clients on endowments.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is consistently sought out by a myriad of household name corporates, private equity houses, and banks for its capabilities in major corporate transactions and financings. The team is especially renowned for its fund formation practice, handling many of the largest fundraisings in recent years for some of the biggest names in the space. Jointly spearheading the practice from New York are Nancy Mehlman, a seasoned corporate tax lawyer with significant experience acting for private equity houses, and Marcy Geller, whose broad practice encompasses M&A, REITs, and corporate restructurings. Jonathan Goldstein specializes in private investment fund formations and financial institution tax advisory, while Russell Light‘s recent highlights include big-ticket SPACs and investments in the healthcare and technology sectors. Andrew Purcell handles multi-billion dollar spin-offs for some of the largest global players in the tech sector, while Washington DC-based Benjamin Rippeon, who joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in March 2021, is noted for his fluency in REIT and sovereign wealth fund matters. Clients praise Sophie Staples for her ‘attentive, focused, and knowledgeable’ approach to a broad spectrum of transactions, including joint ventures and securities offerings. All named lawyers are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is active in major new and ongoing antitrust investigations, working with clients across highly scrutinised industries including fintech, financial services, proteins and healthcare, on DOJ and FTC investigations into cartel activity, also regularly representing clients in litigation and against enforcement proceedings. Specific strengths for the firm include global compliance programs and internal investigations, inspections and dawn raids support, and most notably leniency applications, which the team has a successful record in. The practice is overseen by Washington DC-based John Terzaken, whose expertise spans market sector investigations and litigation in all major industries, including standout representations in the financial services and fintech spaces, and Sara Razi, who handles cartel investigations and merger-related antitrust questions alongside civil enforcement, alongside New York’s Peter Guryan, who combines litigation and investigations expertise. DC’s Jeffrey Knox is another high-profile practitioner who represents multinationals and their executives in high-profile and high-stakes investigations, marrying his experience in the cartel space to his strong record in white-collar criminal cases. Also in DC, Abram Ellis is a leader in the field of follow-on cartel damages litigation.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is prolific in merger clearance work, handling a large pipeline of DOJ and FTC filings for corporate and private equity clients, with regular work on behalf of the likes of Blackstone, KKR, and Refinitiv, for whom the firm closed its sale to LSE Group for an estimated $27bn. Alongside its volume of work, the practice is also noted for its involvement in complex merger challenges and investigations, including multijurisdictional approvals processes, with a successful record in clearing Second Requests and other government investigations, as well as representing clients in merger litigation. The team is co-led from Washington DC by Sara Razi, a former senior FTC official with extensive knowledge of agency strategy, who advises on complex merger clearances and investigations in heavily scrutinised industries such as telecoms, media, and healthcare. New York’s Peter Guryan also heads up the team, and is noted for his work on challenging international merger clearances, recently representing TCF Bank in its $22bn merger with Huntington Bank, as well as leading on the Refinitiv deal. DC-based merger review specialist Preston Miller was promoted to partner in 2021, and offers extensive experience obtaining regulatory clearances from domestic and international competition authorities.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

The government and internal investigations practice at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acts for financial institutions, multinational companies, professional services firms, and senior executives on a range of criminal, regulatory and congressional matters. It has particular expertise in internal investigations, government investigations and compliance, and fields a deep bench which includes former SEC officials and federal prosecutors. The team is headed by Stephen Cutler, Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood with Curnin recommended for securities and derivatives matters, and corporate governance, and Cutler handling governance and regulatory issues. In January 2021, Meaghan Kelly was promoted to partner in Washington DC, while in the summer Martin Bell joined from the US Attorney’s Office SDNY, and Marc Berger joined from the SEC. All named attorneys based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP places particular focus upon bankruptcy-related litigation, with expertise in the handling of disputes, lender liability, fraudulent conveyance, equitable subordination claims and collateral issues arising from mass-tort related bankruptcies, including representing an investment manager in its adversary proceedings emerging from Verity Health System of California, Inc.’s Chapter 11 cases. Sandeep Qusba, head of the restructuring practice, represents key clients including JP Morgan. Michael Torkin is a founding member of the firm’s private capital and special situations offering. Both practice from the New York office. Personnel changes during 2021 include the promotion of New York's Nicholas Baker to partner.

Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Led from Houston by David Lieberman, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s energy and infrastructure group attracts regular engagements from a variety of investors, lenders and companies from the power and renewable energy sector. With the ability to assist clients with the entire spectrum of their commercial needs, the team is particularly adept at handling M&A and financing transactions involving solar, wind and other alternative power. Project development, corporate restructuring, securities issuances and regulatory matters are also part of the broad service offering. Practice head Lieberman has led advice to numerous clients in alternative power and renewable transactions, notably M&A and project finance. Matthew Einbinder  in Houston frequently represents borrowers and lenders in financing matters, while Brian Chisling  in New York is a key contact for independent power producers, private equity funds and financing parties in acquisitions and divestitures in the renewables sector.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 2

Combining industry expertise with transactional and regulatory experience, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises strategic and private equity clients across M&A, financing transactions, project development, corporate structuring and securing financing. Renewable and alternative power expert David Lieberman leads the team from Houston and can call on the expertise of New York-based Brian Chisling, who specializes in advising independent power producers, electric and gas utilities, pipeline companies, private equity funds and financing parties with respect to M&A, divestitures and securities issuances, as well as related federal and state regulatory issues.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

The multidisciplinary Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP practice is co-led by David Lieberman, head of the firm’s Energy and Infrastructure group, and Robert Rabalais, who focuses on lending and capital markets transactions in the oil-and-gas exploration and production segments, as well as in the midstream and related service sectors; both are based in Houston. The firm has strength in capital markets transactions and debt deals for oil and gas companies, as well as being active in a range of oil-and-gas transactions along the value chain – from exploration and production, to midstream, refining and petrochemicals.

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 2

The ‘creative thinkers‘ at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP are especially sought after for their proficiency in serving a particular segment of the market – these are the bulge bracket private equity sponsors who have turned their eyes to the retail shareholder base; the firm’s enviable client base in this niche area includes such notable names as Blackstone, KKR, Carlyle and Apollo, all of whom use the firm for a significant portion of their registered funds work. Away from the specialization, the group also counsels a range of US registered closed-end funds, tender offer funds, BDCs, and their investment advisers and boards of directors on the gamut of issues which may affect them. Rajib Chanda heads up the practice from the Washington DC office, which also fields ‘terrific‘ practitioner David Blass. The recent arrival of counsel Jacqueline Edwards, formerly of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, further cemented the team’s New York presence.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2

The group at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is noted for its expertise in landmark transactional mandates, with strength in depth in M&A and capital markets. The team is renowned for its work with key client Blackstone and has considerable experience representing them in multi-billion-dollar acquisitions and joint ventures, including its $3.1bn acquisition of Canadian real estate investment trust WPT. Based out of New York, practice head Brian Stadler is recommended for M&A and co-leads the group with key partners Gregory Ressa and Edgar Lewandowski. Nancy Mehlman co-heads the firm’s national tax practice and focuses on real-estate transactions. Also recommended is Benjamin Rippeon in Washington DC who joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and advises on the formation of private REITs.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

Based in New York, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises multinationals, investment funds, and banks on tax matters related to major financings, capital markets and M&A transactions, and restructurings. The team also provides tax advice to international real estate investment funds. Co-head of the tax practice Nancy Mehlman is noted for her work in tax matters involving fund formation and investments, and is especially strong advising tax-exempt organizations such as universities and private foundations. Marcy Geller has been promoted to co-head and covers REITs, M&A, and fund formation. She works alongside Russell Light, a specialist in tax matters related to M&A, REITs, and SPACs, as well as Sophie Staples, an expert in M&A, dispositions, and divestitures. Jonathan Goldstein is a key resource for private investment fund formation and tax aspects of M&A. Additionally, international tax planning advisor Benjamin Rippeon joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in March 2021.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3

With ‘a good mix of highly skilled partners, mid-level partners and associates’, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP sports an antitrust practice that defends clients across every major industry with a deep understanding of both the DOJ and FTC. Having opened an office in Brussels in summer 2021, the firm has strengthened its international reach through close collaboration of the Brussels team with the US offices. Sara Razi and John Terzaken in Washington DC, as well as New York-based Peter Guryan head the antitrust and trade regulation practice. Also in New York, Lynn Neuner was recently appointed global co-chair of the firm’s litigation department alongside Jonathan Youngwood, whose expertise spans securities litigation and corporate control in addition to antitrust. DC-based Abram Ellis excels at antitrust matters related to financial instruments, employment issues, and the healthcare industry.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP continues to be a leading practice in the area of transactions involving financial services companies, handling billion-dollar M&A deals, investments and joint ventures. The practice is engaged by a wide variety of clients in this sector, including banks, business development companies, private equity funds, financial holding companies and asset managers. Lee Meyerson leads the team from New York and has deep experience across both banking and M&A, having previously served as the firm’s global head of M&A. Other key figures in the team include Elizabeth Cooper, who has a particular focus on transactions involving private equity and is increasingly active in the growing area of transactions involving financial services companies and special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).

Finance > Project finance

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is noted for its ‘breadth of knowledge‘ in the project finance space; the firm is equally adept at advising banks on financing of midstream oil and gas, solar and wind projects as it is working with sponsors on transport infrastructure developments. The Houston office is home to practice head David Lieberman, who advises infrastructure funds and private equity firms on the financing of greenfield developments and M&A, as well as Matthew Einbinder , who in 2021 advised extensively on the Glass Mountain Pipeline project in Oklahoma. Though most of the team is based in Texas, the group also has a presence in the New York office. Shamus Crosby joined the Houston office from Vinson & Elkins LLP in February 2021.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s predominant focus is on esoteric securitizations. Based in New York, the key lawyer is John Schueller, whose broad expertise spans asset-backed commercial paper, aircraft leases, airline ticket and credit card receivables and future revenue streams. He advises both underwriters and issuers, as well as parties in acquisitions where securitizations are involved.

Industry focus > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 3

Gary I. Horowitz, who is known for his expertise in the private equity M&A space and Lee A. Meyerson, who also heads up the firm’s financial institutions group, head up the practice at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. It acts for clients in insurance industry mergers and acquisitions as well as capital markets transactions with insurance companies. Key capital markets transaction include initial public offerings and follow-on public offerings as well as private placements of debt and equity. Senior insurance counsel Steven DeLott is active in many insurance-related matters.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's specialist public company advisory practice advises US and non-US companies on compliance with US securities laws, such as those concerning Exchange Act reporting, stock exchange rules, director and auditor independence and Sarbanes-Oxley. Highlighted for its ‘extensive knowledge base’, the group also has experience of advising clients on internal investigations and inquiries from the SEC and other governmental authorities. Karen Hsu Kelley, who heads up the practice, has ‘an unmatched depth of knowledge’ in areas such as crisis management planning and board structuring. Kelley counts Ferro Corporate and Laureate Education among her key clients.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a highly experienced New York-based team that is ‘very quick in understanding complex technological and legal issues‘. The practice provides critical support to the firm’s highly active corporate finance team, with good experience of M&A, financings, capital markets listings and restructurings. This is in addition to an active standalone offering that is regularly involved in significant IP, technology and privacy/cybersecurity transactions, including collaboration and licensing agreements. The IP transactions department is led by the highly regarded and versatile Lori Lesser who also co-chairs the firm’s privacy and cybersecurity practice. Other key individuals include counsel Genevieve Dorment and associate Alysha Sekhon, who is singled out for praise by clients.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal) Tier 4

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s trial practice is the primary source of its appellate work and sources attest the firm ‘offers a one-stop shop in handling matters right from litigation to appeal‘. The New York-based group blends a strong commercial offering with an active pro bono practice, which ensures a markedly broad practice scope. Jonathan Youngwood is a ‘thoughtful and effective oral advocate‘ and is noted for his expertise in securities litigation, co-heading the team alongside Lynn Neuner. Other key names include Joseph McLaughlin, who has an emphasis on class actions and shareholder derivative suits, and of counsel Paul Curnin.

International Trade > International trade Tier 4

The national security regulatory practice at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is regularly sought after by major corporates, private equity sponsors and state-owned enterprises to advise on transactional matters. The team frequently acts in conjunction with the firm's corporate and M&A groups to assist with CFIUS-related issues with significant expertise in deals involving elaborate investment structures. Washington DC-based department head Malcolm Tuesley is a 'very experienced CFIUS expert' and his experience spans major transactions in the defense, energy, financial services, telecoms and technology fields. The group also handles economic sanctions and export controls matters, with Washington DC-based antitrust and regulatory specialist Abram Ellis recommended in this regard. New York-based litigator George Wang also advises on international regulatory and compliance matters.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 4

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises investment banks, corporations, and private equity funds on over-the-counter derivatives, as well as mezzanine financing, currency and commodity hedges, and equity derivatives. Based in New York, team head Jonathan Lindabury is highly experienced in derivative transactions, including margin loans, equity hedging and monetization transactions, and over-the-counter derivatives. Caitlin Wood departed in October 2021.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has become a dominant force in SEC-registered offerings by Latin American issuers. It has experienced high-levels of activity in Brazil and Mexico, where it has landed a major share of the SEC-registered deals. In Brazil, the firm has worked on a series of US single listings by start-up businesses. As equity deals have slowed, the Latin America team has worked on a growing number of follow-on debt offerings. Juan Naveira has achieved further prominence in Mexico SEC-registered offerings and continues to be prominent in Chile and Argentina transactions. Head of the Sao Paulo office Grenfel Calheiros is the big name in Brazil, leading many of the major transactions from there with senior support from newly-minted partner Paulo Fernando de Menezes Cardoso. Todd Crider, Juan Francisco Méndez and Jaime Mercado are also senior figures in the team with extensive capital markets expertise, along with senior counsel Kirsten Davis.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

With the election of Sao Paulo’s Paulo Fernando de Menezes Cardoso to the partnership in January 2022, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's Latin America practice now features six dedicated partners who are active on M&A transactions. The team is at the forefront of big-ticket private equity investments and exits, along with M&A in the financial services, energy and technology fields (including fintech investments in Brazil). The group has also experienced an uptick in outbound deals from Brazil, Mexico and other jurisdictions; it advised Braskem America, the affiliate of Brazil-based Braskem, on its minority investment into Nexus Circular. Todd Crider heads the Latin America group, dividing his time between New York and Sao Paulo, and has a fine record in private equity and M&A; he led the team that advised Patria on its headline business combination with Moneda Asset Management. New York partner Juan Francisco Méndez has a very strong reputation for deals in Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico. Jaime Mercado and the highly-rated emerging talent Juan Naveira are also key names in M&A and private equity, including big-ticket deals. Grenfel Calheiros is a leading name in Sao Paulo. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a prestigious record in the region through its core Latin America team in New York and Sao Paulo. Following the recent retirement of David Williams, the founder of the Latin America practice, the remaining partners have stepped up in the syndicated lending and acquisition finance fields. The group is a growing force in representing financial sponsors in financings to support their investments and acquisitions in Latin America, and is also noted for its expertise in early-stage equity financings - particularly in Brazil. Juan Francisco Méndez and Jaime Mercado are the key partners in the team, along with Juan Naveira.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has an established presence in Latin America project finance, particularly in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia, along with growth markets such as Panama, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. It is also noted for advising clients on investments in energy and infrastructure assets. The Latin America team has an impressive range of corporate clients in the region, along with a number of major bank lenders and private equity investors. The group has recently worked on a series of bond offerings for energy and mining clients, along with M&A transactions in the energy sector and private equity investments in telecoms infrastructure. Todd Crider leads the Latin America team and splits his time between New York and Sao Paulo. New York partner Juan Francisco Méndez remains active in capital markets fund raisings, as does Sao Paulo’s Grenfel Calheiros.