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

Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 1

A firm fixture on the underwriter side of major debt offerings, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP also secures an impressive share of issuer-side mandates, particularly in the private equity and financial services spheres. The comprehensive practice covers the full spectrum of debt products from investment grade and high-yield debt through to structured finance and mezzanine finance instruments. Mainly divided between the firm’s bases in New York and Palo Alto, the group also draws on its network of offices in Asia, Europe and Latin America to shine in cross-border offerings. New York-based global capital markets head Arthur Robinson is widely acknowledged as a market leader and has a strong record in complex debt financings connected to acquisitions. New York-based David Azarkh is best known for his underwriter-side practice and enjoys close relationships with all the major investment banks. In Palo Alto, office head William Brentani consistently advises both issuers and underwriters on public and private debt offerings and convertible debt financings. Kevin Kennedy is another key contact in Palo Alto and brings to bear strong expertise in technology-related transactions. Up-and-coming partner Daniel Webb is an increasingly prominent figure in Palo Alto and advises on securities and corporate governance matters, with a focus on the technology space.

Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s national practice impresses on the issuer side, where it consistently ranks among the top two firms by deal value for equity offerings, including flagship IPOs. The team also secures a sizeable share of underwriter-side mandates and it acts for all the leading investment banks, including recent work for Citigroup Global Markets, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Securities. Its broad industry focus spans all key market segments, with recent strong showings in the life sciences, healthcare, technology and real estate spheres. In addition, the firm routinely plugs into its significant international network to advise on headline global IPOs. On the East Coast, New York-based Joseph Kaufman has an enviable record in healthcare, REIT and private equity-related offerings. New York is also the seat of global capital markets head Arthur Robinson, who is well versed across a wide range of transactional and corporate governance matters. In Washington DC, Joshua Ford Bonnie is widely regarded as a leading equity lawyer, with extensive experience in IPOs, secondary offerings and spin-offs. On the West Coast, Palo Alto-based Kevin Kennedy is recognized for his involvement in major technology IPOs. Palo Alto office head William Brentani is also a key contact.

Capital markets: global offerings Tier 1

‘One of the strongest capital markets practices on the street,’ Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s global offering combines broad product knowledge with deep geographical coverage. The US team often leads on headline multi-jurisdictional offerings from New York, while it can also lean on the firm’s offices in Brazil, China, Japan and the UK for further cross-border firepower. The practice strikes a balance between issuer and underwriter representations and it shows equal dexterity in its ability to resource debt and equity offerings. On the debt side, it is well versed across the full spread of products, from investment grade and high-yield debt to mezzanine finance instruments. On the equity side, it remains a leader for international IPOs and ranked within the top three firms globally by value for issuer-side IPOs during 2020. Arthur Robinson heads the  group and handles a broad mix of corporate finance transactions, with high-yield debt and IPOs particular sweet spots. Ryan Bekkerus continues to raise his profile in the market and specializes in advising private equity sponsors, and their portfolio companies, and corporate issuers on public and private debt offerings. Latin America specialist David Williams is also recommended.

Capital markets: high-yield Tier 1

An established leader in high-yield debt transactions, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s broad practice combines high-end experience in both company and underwriter-side mandates. The New York-based group is a popular choice for riskier first-time issuers, but it also remains a key partner to seasoned private and public issuers, as well as domestic and international banks. In addition, the team leverages the wider firm’s top-tier private equity practice to offer strong expertise in advising private equity sponsors, and their portfolio companies, on complex high-yield matters. Arthur Robinson heads the capital markets department globally and has deep experience in high-yield debt deals, particularly in the life sciences, energy, communications and retail sectors. Marisa Stavenas had a strong year on the high-yield side, which included advising Sirius XM Radio on two high-yield offerings totaling $2.7bn. Richard Fenyes is recommended for his emphasis on representing private equity sponsors on high-yield debt matters. John Ericson also continues to build up his reputation in the high-yield area, with a strong recent run of high-profile underwriter-side deals.

Commercial lending Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has an excellent pedigree for both top-end, cross-border borrower and lender-led financings. On the borrower side, this includes advice to blue-chip corporates such as Altria, as well as major private equity sponsors, including KKR, The Blackstone Group, and Hellman & Friedman. Partners such as Jennifer Hobbs, Alden Millard, and Brian Steinhardt (who also represents infrastructure sponsors) are top names to consider when it comes to borrower-led work. On the lender side, key institutional relationships with banks such as JP Morgan Chase ensure a steady flow of complex mandates, including bridge and acquisition financings, restructurings and debtor-in-possession financings. Key individuals on the lender side include William Sheehan and Alexandra Kaplan. Other names of note include practice head Patrick Ryan , James Cross, and Houston-based partner Matt Einbinder. All named lawyers are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

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

With a particularly strong roster of private equity clients and their portfolio companies, the employee benefits and executive compensation professionals at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP have strength in handling high-value M&A transactions and spin-offs, along with structuring and implementing pension plan investments. Practice head Brian Robbins, Gregory Grogan, Andrew Blau, David Rubinsky, Jeannine McSweeney and Laurence Moss – all based in New York – routinely assist with equity compensation packages, deferred and other non-qualified retirement plans, CEO succession matters and golden parachute arrangements. Robbins also leads on ERISA Title 1 and other plan asset management matters. On the West Coast, Tristan Brown’s Palo Alto desk has an impressive portfolio of technology, life sciences, entertainment and retail clients, with regular advice provided on executive compensation disclosure rules governed by the SEC, particularly in connection with IPOs.

Financial services litigation Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's financial services department has core strengths in securities litigation and derivative actions. Of particular note, the team has recently been involved in multiple standout matters for Deutsche Bank. Jonathan Youngwood is acting for the bank in class actions concerning alleged manipulation of the market for US Treasury securities, and John Terzaken (working alongside Youngwood) is representing Deutsche in a class action in New York alleging collusion with several other banks to fix prices in the Mexican bond market. Paul Curnin regularly acts for clients in securities and derivatives litigation and in connection with government and internal investigations. Other key figures include Joseph McLaughlin, a key advisor to large corporates and investment banks in commercial and securities litigation, with recent highlights for JP Morgan Securities and Petrohawk Energy Corporation and its directors; and Susannah Geltman, who routinely handles litigation and ADR concerning shareholder derivative actions and RMBS, and also has extensive experience of regulatory investigations.

General commercial disputes Tier 1

Recognized for its 'world-class lawyering', Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a leading litigation practice with wide-ranging capabilities. The firm ranks consistently among the strongest in insurance litigation. Recently, Bryce Friedman defended Travelers in class action lawsuits on behalf of putative Medicare Advantage Organisations seeking to recover conditional payments; cases were filed in Florida federal court and one is on appeal at the Eleventh Circuit. Alongside traditional strengths in financial services, the practice continues to develop in pharmaceuticals, gaming, manufacturing and transportation industries. A significant development in the gaming space is the team's representation of public benefit company Suffolk Regional Offtrack Betting Corp in a trial in the Eastern District of New York. Among the department's standout lawyers are highly regarded litigator Lynn Neuner; team co-heads Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood who regularly handle securities and corporate control matters; and up-and-coming Linton Mann III, who already stands out from his peers for his securities work for Deutsche Bank and his supervision of the firm's AI research.

Leading trial lawyers

Real estate

Insurance: advice to insurers Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s insurance practice focuses on primary coverage matters and excess insurance, including bad faith allegations, terrorism-related coverage, data breach and crime coverage, residual value policies, environmental issues, and natural disasters. Other key offerings include the investigation of business practice issues in the insurance sector such as allegations of fraud, shareholder lawsuits, false claims, and data breach. Practice head Mary Beth Forshaw handled a lawsuit on behalf of Travelers against Northrop Grumman over coverage for pollution-related losses dating back to the 1930s. Susannah Geltman and counsel Summer Craig represented national insurers in asbestos and environmental coverage litigation. Bryce Friedman advised the underwriters of Lloyd’s of London in connection with a ransomware attack on a health information technology company. All lawyers are based in New York.

M&A litigation: defense Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP excels at defending shareholder M&A litigation filed in state and federal courts throughout the US, frequently defeating efforts to enjoin transactions prior to closing, winning dismissals of claims, and litigating post-closing claims for damages. It has a diverse client base of issuers and their boards of directors, special committees, private equity firms and other financial sponsors, and has substantial experience in litigation brought by shareholder activists, post-closing appraisal proceedings, and disputes between merger parties. In New York, global co-chairs of the litigation department Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood lead a practice that is involved in the most high-profile on-going matters. Peter Kazanoff is regarded as one of the finest practitioners in the market and Craig Waldman is an up-and-coming partner who handles deal-related litigation for both corporate and private equity clients. The firm also has skilled litigators on the West Coast, with key partners James Kreissman and Stephen Blake in Palo Alto both highly regarded.

M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is active in strategic public and private M&A, and also has standout strength in private equity to complement the wider corporate offering. The team has an established reputation in complex cross-border transactions, thanks to the expertise of the New York office in combination with the firm's presence across key international commercial centers. A prime example of the team's global reach is its involvement in Refinitiv's sale to London Stock Exchange for an estimated $27bn, a transaction with New York and London elements. The team is engaged in numerous other high-value deals, alongside a steady flow of smaller deals on behalf of clients in key regulated industries such as finance, banking, aerospace, and defense. Alan Klein and Mario Ponce jointly head the practice, with Lee Meyerson being another name to note. The team was also further strengthened by three internal promotions: Naveed Anwar, Juan Naveira, and Jakob Rendtorff were promoted to partner in January 2019.

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

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acts for a range of not-for-profit organizations, including private foundations, public charities, and social welfare organizations, as well as their governing boards and donors. The core team has strong tax, governance and corporate expertise, and leverages the firms full-service capabilities to assist with intellectual property, trusts and estates, and litigation matters. David Shevlin heads the practice; his experience ranges from advising universities, foundations, hospitals and cultural institutions on the investment of their endowments, to assisting governing bodies with internal investigations. Other names to note include senior counsel Jennifer Franklin, who handles a range of transactional and tax matters; counsel John Bennett who frequently advises universities, foundations, hospitals, cultural institutions on investment activities; and recently promoted counsel Maura Whelan, who specialises in formation and governance of nonprofit organizations and domestic and international grantmaking.

Private equity buyouts Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP enjoys a leading reputation in the market, with its primarily New York-based team advising many of the top fund managers, including BlackRock, Blackstone, KKR, and Silver Lake Partners on significant and high-value transactions. Mandates include strategic acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and exits in a range of industries, including healthcare, technology, telecommunications, and leisure. Marni Lerner heads up the practice, and is widely recognized as a leading player in the transactional market. Other names to note are Gary Horowitz, senior counsel Wilson Neely, Anthony Vernace, and Palo Alto-based partner Richard Capelouto. Also recommended is Elizabeth Cooper, who has recently been involved in major strategic transactions both on behalf of Blackstone and KKR. Cooper also took a leading role in BC Partners' strategic partnership with Blackstone. All lawyers named are in New York unless otherwise stated.

Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP continues its work at the top end of the funds market, working with major sponsors on the formation of market-leading multibillion-funds, recently including the $14bn Blackstone Infrastructure Partners fund and the $16bn Hellman and Friedman Capital Partners IX. The team supports clients in the formation and management of a variety of strategic and sector funds, including venture capital and other alternative investment funds, as well as infrastructure and technology-focused funds. Michael Wolitzer leads the investment funds team, and has extensive experience working with well-known private equity sponsors on fund formation, transactions, and investments, as well as advising financial institutions on employee investments. Barrie Covit represents major PE funds as well as specific industry funds and investors, including infrastructure and financial markets, notably working with the US Treasury on its $30bn Public-Private Investment Program. Thomas Bell focuses on management matters, advising a variety of clients including Carlyle and Macquarie on fundraisings, establishments, and secondary issues. The team also expanded its partner strength with several promotions: Robert Guo (Palo Alto), Benjamin Wells, Peter Vassilev, James Hays (Houston) and Crystal Frierson (Washington DC) were all promoted to partner in January 2020. All lawyers mentioned are in New York unless stated otherwise.

Real estate Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is at the top of the market for development, leasing, joint ventures and partnership matters. The real estate team benefits in particular from its collaboration with the broader banking and capital markets, M&A, private funds and tax practices, enabling it to handle large-scale M&A, portfolio and individual asset transactions, and complex financing matters. Practice head Gregory Ressa has a particular focus on the representation of real estate opportunity funds, while Krista Miniutti has experience acting for private equity funds and their portfolio companies in commercial asset transactions. Whitney Salinas is another name to note. Recent highlights included representing Blackstone in its $18.7bn acquisition of 179 million square feet of urban, infill logistics assets from GLP. Named lawyers are based in New York.

Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP continues to have a role in high-stakes securities matters and its recent work includes complex matters for high-profile corporate clients such as Valeant Pharmaceuticals, PharMerica, KKR Biomet and Best Buy, as well as leading underwriters such as UBS and Morgan Stanley. The firm also has a strong private equity client base in which the Blackstone Group features prominently. Clients appreciate the firm's strong trial capability and the breadth of its practice in both litigation and regulatory enforcement matters. Jonathan Youngwood and Paul Curnin in New York lead the practice, in which 26 partners handle securities litigation. Youngwood's work for SeaWorld in a 10b5 class action, Curnin's work for Valeant in federal securities cases and Palo Alto-based James Kreissman's work for Alibaba in IPO and SEC matters put the practice firmly in the top bracket for securities litigation. ‘Fantastic younger partner’ Craig Waldman and Janet Gochman in New York and Stephen Blake in Palo Alto are also making their mark in high-profile matters.

US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a market leader in the tax treatment of private equity deals, a skill set that was highlighted this year by its involvement in five of the ten largest US private equity deals in the first half of 2019. Marcy Geller has expertise in REIT taxation, private investment fund formation and corporate restructurings, and Jonathan Goldstein is rated for his work on the tax aspects of financing transactions and bankruptcies. Andrew Purcell is also recommended, as is Nancy Mehlman, who now heads the firm's tax practice. All listed attorneys are based in New York. John Hart retired at the end of 2018 and Robert Holo left for Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in March 2020.

Energy transactions: conventional power Tier 2

Able to marshal the resources of lawyers within the firm's broad-based market-leading private equity and banking practices, the energy and infrastructure practice group at New York powerhouse Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, which is headed by David Lieberman, provides a 'strong and highly competent service' to funds, utilities, banks and independent power producers across the spectrum of power-related corporate and financing work. Work includes financing and M&A mandates relating to electric power and transmission, pipelines and infrastructure. The firm is, however, best-known for its ability to handle big-ticket utility consolidations, as well as later stage private equity acquisitions. Brian Chisling is a key member of the team and provides M&A, capital markets and banking expertise to a wide range of stakeholders in the power sector.

Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

Drawing on the market-leading capabilities of banking, capital markets, M&A and restructuring lawyers dispersed throughout the firm's Houston, New York and Washington DC offices, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a prominent presence in many high-profile and high-value financings, investments, acquisitions and disposals in the oil and gas sector. In addition to handling public M&A work, the team also regularly acts on behalf of the firm's institutional private equity client base, including Blackstone and KKR, on transactions in the sector. Finance partner Robert Rabalais heads up the Houston office and is a key member of the team that also includes New York-based head of energy and infrastructure David Lieberman.

Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Although New York-based heavyweight Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP may lack the degree of industry specialization and critical mass of some of the firms in the rankings, its ties with many of the leading worldwide financial institutions and funds clients ensures that it regularly handles big-ticket corporate and financings across the gamut of solar, wind, geothermal and biofuel projects. Led by David Lieberman, the team is praised for its 'ability to provide guidance to lenders on renewable energy transaction risks' and regularly advises lenders and borrowers on syndicated financings to facilitate big-ticket M&A in the space.

Environment: transactional Tier 2

Working closely with the firm's corporate and transactional groups, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acts for corporates, investors and bank lenders, providing comprehensive environmental law advice on a litany of corporate and financing transactions, and bankruptcy matters. Particularly active in heavily regulated industries, the practice group advises across the spectrum of environmental law; from the identification, allocation, management and disclosure of environmental risk, to regulatory and enforcement proceedings. Washington DC-based senior counsel Adeeb Fadil stands out for his expertise in the environmental aspects of transactions such as divestitures, securities offerings and restructurings; especially those involving complex cross-border elements. Fadil jointly leads the practice group alongside Mike Isby in the New York office, who has extensive experience of the environmental issues arising from M&A, capital markets transactions and financing matters; he also provides standalone advice on environmental regulatory compliance.

International tax Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the few firms to boast top-tier rankings in private equity buyouts, fund formation, and large-deal M&A, three rankings that are at least partly enabled by the strength of the firm's tax team in complex-cross border transactions. In addition to acting for some of the world's largest private investment managers, the team also counts public investors and multinational corporates among its core clients. A key contact in the practice group is Jonathan Goldstein, who has broad-base expertise in the tax aspects of fund formation, international securities offerings and M&A, bankruptcy and corporate reorganizations. Katharine Moir is a name to note in Palo Alto. Former practice head Robert Holo left for Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in March 2020, and Gary Mandel retired from the firm. All named lawyers are based in New York.

Merger control Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is retained by private equity firms, their portfolio companies and multinational corporations alike to advise on strategic deals and transformative transactions across a wide range of industries. Spearheaded by Peter Guryan in New York and Washington DC partners Sara Razi and John Terzaken, the team is also experienced in navigating the global regulatory landscape and is praised for its 'practical approach' as well as 'availability around the clock'. The trio was promoted to global antitrust co-chairs in September 2019. Additional skills include second request investigations by FTC and DOJ as well as litigation in relation to proposed mergers and acquisitions. Andrew Lacy, in Washington DC, brings significant litigation experience to the table and represents clients in merger investigations. In New York, counsel Ellen Frye advises clients on pre-merger notification compliance with a focus on international merger control.

Project finance Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP handles a broad mix of energy and infrastructure projects, and while the bulk of the firm's advice is to lenders, the team also advises sponsors on project acquisitions. New York-based practice head David Lieberman has developed an extremely good reputation for complex, high-end project financings. He works closely with lawyers such as Matt Einbinder in Houston, where the firm has an active presence on oil and gas projects, including major pipeline developments. Renewables is another strong area of focus, and the firm is often first choice as designated lenders' counsel. The team, which is smaller and more focused than those of its rivals, also has good expertise in telecoms, utilities, and port and toll road projects.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's REITs team is rated for its experience of REIT-related M&A, investment and joint venture transactions, fundraisings and public financing transactions, fund formation, and compliance and corporate governance matters. The team is jointly headed from New York by Brian Stadler, Edgar Lewandowski and Gregory Ressa. Stadler recently acted for Blackstone in its acquisition of US Logistics Assets from GLP for a total of $18.7bn. The market-leading transaction totaled 179m square feet of urban, infill logistics assets, and nearly doubled the size of the client’s existing industrial footprint in the US.

Cartel Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP covers the full range of cartel services including preparation for inspections and dawn raids, navigation of leniency programs and advice on governance and communications strategies. The department is spearheaded by a trio consisting of DC-based Sara Razi and John Terzaken as well as Peter Guryan, who sits in New York. The firm represents both executives and companies in domestic as well as multinational investigations stemming from a wide array of sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, food and agricultural products. Co-managing partner of the firm's DC office Jeffrey Knox also takes an active role in the cartel department in combination with his background in fraud investigations.

Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is appointed by financial institutions and multinational corporations alike to litigate antitrust issues. The New York-based Peter Guryan and his Washington DC colleagues Sara Razi and John Terzaken jointly lead the global antitrust practice. Terzaken is most active in antitrust litigation, defending clients from a multitude of sectors such as financial services and food in government enforcement of antitrust violations and related follow-on litigation. Also located in the capital, Abram Ellis regularly litigates antitrust class actions, with particular experience in cases involving financial instruments as well as healthcare class actions.

Corporate governance Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP routinely advises US and international public companies on US securities and listing requirements. In addition, the team plays a key role in many of the firm's major M&A and capital markets transactions. Based in New York, the public companies advisory practice is led by Karen Hsu Kelley, and also includes Bradley Goldberg, who leads the private equity sub-group within the wider advisory department, and provides ongoing governance advice both to the firm's enviable private equity clients, as well as to their portfolio companies.

Financial services regulation Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's New York-based financial services team advises commercial and investment banks, insurance companies, mortgage brokers and others on a wide range of transactional and regulatory matters. On the pure regulatory front, the firm is well equipped to represent clients in negotiations and discussions with regulators, particularly in relation to legislation such as the Dodd-Frank Act and Basel III. The team is equally well known for its involvement in mergers between US banks. Lee Meyerson is the firm's go-to financial services M&A lawyer, with a highlight reel that includes advising JPMorgan Chase on its $58bn merger with Bank One Corporation and representing Mellon Financial in its $16.8bn merger with The Bank of New York. Keith Noreika's expertise lies at the intersection of financial services regulation and corporate transactions, spanning M&A, minority investments, capital issuances and structuring and compliance activities. Corporate partner Elizabeth Cooper also handles significant M&A in the financial services industry, having recently acted for Blackstone in its $20bn partnership with Thomson Reuters.

Insurance: non-contentious Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acts for clients in the property and casualty, life and annuity, health, brokerage, and services subsectors of the insurance industry. The team handles M&A transactions and represents private equity firms with their investments in insurance holding companies, brokers, and other intermediaries. In this space, joint practice head Gary Horowitz represented Sedgwick in connection with its sale to funds affiliated with the Carlyle Group and Stone Point Capital. Fellow practice head Lee Meyerson advised affiliates of the Carlyle Group on their proposed acquisition of a majority interest in the Hilb Group, a middle market insurance agency. Both are based in New York.

Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 3

With a long-standing reputation for representing senior lenders, in recent years Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has successfully been expanding its capabilities into corporate and sponsor clients, gradually becoming a full-service practice for restructuring, reorganization, and bankruptcy. The team recently handled pre-packaged Chapter 11 proceedings in the oil and gas sector, acquisitions of distressed companies, and re-capitalization cases (key interests of Michael Torkin, partner in and founding member of the private capital and special situations investment group), as well as exit financing and Chapter 15 global restructurings (practice head Sandeep Qusba's expertise).

Structured finance: securitization Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a focus on less traditional ABS such as telecoms towers and auto fleets, though the team has also handled some recent CLO deals. Headed by senior counsel John Schueller, the practice group acts for  well-known investment banks as well as a number of issuer clients.

Technology transactions Tier 3

New York-based Lori Lesser heads up the practice at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, which reports a recent uptick in tech-related M&A, often with an international flavor. Lesser acted for Refinitiv, a data and analytics company, in its $27bn acquisition by the London Stock Exchange (LSE), in order to create a global financial market infrastructure provider.

International trade Tier 4

At Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, the national security regulatory practice has showcased a particular strength in handling reviews of cross-border transactions conducted by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. As a result, the team often sees itself acting for multinational corporations, state-owned enterprises, and investment funds, alongside the firm’s top-tier M&A group. Equally worthy of note, the department is adept at providing general economic sanctions advice, for which clients have singled out the expertise of New York-based George Wang. Following his 2018 arrival in the Washington DC office, Malcolm Tuesley continues to build upon his activity in the CFIUS field; the same goes for of counsel Peter Thomas, who leads the practice group.

Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 4

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acts for registered, open- and closed-ended funds, business development companies (BDCs), and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as well as the underwriters of securities offerings. In addition to handling ETF and BDC formation on behalf of large banks and asset managers (including Blackstone, AQR, and Deutsche Bank), the firm is also involved in large-scale and complex transactions. Notable examples include representing USAA in its $850m sale of the USAA Asset Management Company (which includes a mutual fund and several ETFs) to Victory Capital Holdings, and its sale of its brokerage and managed portfolio accounts business to Charles Schwab for $1.8bn. Rajib Chanda, who heads up the practice in Washington DC, focuses on registered fund product development, design and structure, with particular experience in helping alternative asset managers access retail investor channels through mutual funds. Benjamin Wells advises registered investment vehicles and investment advisers on fund structuring and formation, initial and follow-on securities offerings, regulatory relief applications, and governance.

Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 4

Unsurprisingly for a firm with a market-leading fund formation practice, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's derivatives team is well-known for handling derivatives and structured issuances for private equity houses and portfolio companies. The practice group, however, also represents a number of investment banks and trading companies in derivatives transactions across a wide range of asset classes. Jonathan Lindabury heads the derivatives team; associate Caitlin Wood has also been recognized by clients.

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

The New York-based practice group at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is an attractive choice for clients seeking representation in appeals relating to securities, antitrust, and ERISA-related issues. The group is particularly active in the class action space, where Joe McLaughlin is a recognized appellate practitioner. Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood jointly lead the wider litigation department.

Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is gaining ground in relation to both corporate and individual representations in government investigations and enforcement, regularly advising multinationals, financial institutions, private equity funds and their officers in high-profile, and often multi-jurisdictional, matters. In April 2019, New York's Stephen Cutler was appointed global head of the firm's government and internal investigations group, taking over from co-chair of the firm's litigation department Paul Curnin, who is known for his investigations work. In Washington DC, Cheryl Scarboro is a key contact for FCPA work, including compliance programs, SEC reporting, disclosure and corporate governance; while Jeffrey Knox has significant experience in FCPA, FCA, securities fraud and international AML cases. In New York, Michael Osnato is adept at representing financial institutions in regulatory and government investigations (particularly involving the SEC) and Brooke Cucinella is a specialist in cases involving securities fraud and responding to cybersecurity incidents.

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a big name in Latin America capital markets issuances, most notably in Brazil and Argentina where it has focused much of its attentions, but also in Chile, Peru and Colombia. Mexico is also a growing part of its practice. The Latin America team, which is based in New York and Sao Paulo, is equally adept in debt and equity deals, including high yield debt and hybrid transactions. Tech-sector issuances continue to be a particular forte of the group, which is also looking to leverage the energy expertise of the Houston office.  Clients include Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), Avianca Holdings, Banco BTG Pactual, Banco de Crédito e Inversiones, Bradesco BBI, Braskem, BRF, Embraer, Republic of Guatemala, Marfrig, Morgan Stanley, Netshoes, Republic of Peru and Santander. It advised JP Morgan Securities, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith and Morgan Stanley as underwriters on the $370m New York IPO of Central Puerto, the largest private sector power generation company in Argentina. It also advised Hapvida Participações e Investimentos and PPAR Pinheiro Participações on the $872m IPO of Hapvida on the São Paulo Stock Exchange. Othe matters include representing HSBC Bank (Taiwan) and E. SUN Commercial Bank as managers, in the $727m notes offering by Meixco's Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE). Founder and co-head of the Latin America practice David Williams is 'very good in all financing issues, including SEC issues for non-US companies'; he 'is by far the best American lawyer I have ever met' says one client. Head of the Sao Paulo office Grenfel Calheiros is one of few prominent Brazil native partners among the international firms; he is 'a Brazilian who is bicultural and really good to work with'. Splitting his time between New York and Sao Paulo Jaime Mercado is 'creative', 'easy to work with' and 'has a good personality'. Juan Francisco Méndez is 'very solid' and a pivotal member of the team. Co-head of the Latin America practice, Todd Crider is highly rated and divides his time between Sao Paulo and New York. Juan Naveira has been promoted to partner. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

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

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has continued to build its standing in strategic M&A and private equity investments. While the firm is a global leader in private equity, the core Latin America team is noted for its private equity expertise in its own right, along with a stellar record in cross-border M&A for Latin America corporates and overseas investors. Its burgeoning Houston office is also gaining the firm a greater market share of energy sector transactions in Latin America. Clients include Abengoa, Avianca Airlines, Blackstone, Carlyle Peru Fund, Compañía de Petróleos de Chile (COPEC), Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, KKR, OHL Concesiones, Riverwood Capital and San Miguel Industrias PET. The practice advised Boeing on its $4.2bn acquisition of an 80% interest in Embraer’s commercial aviation business; Embraer is a Brazilian aerospace conglomerate and is the third largest civil aircraft producer in the world. It also advised Conedi Participações, the controlling shareholder of Novus Mídia, on Novus’ negotiations with Turner International Latin America to license its use of the CNN news network brand in Brazil. On the private equity side the team advised Centerbridge Partners on its strategic partnership with Brazil's Vectis Partners to pursue credit, structured, special situation and mainstream private equity investments in Brazil. The 'good team' is 'very professional, driven and pro deal', has 'solid expertise in cross border M&A and private equity' and has 'deep knowledge of cultural issues and a very strong track record'. The experienced co-head of the Latin America practice, David Williams, and newly promoted partner Juan Naveira are 'exceptional in M&A deals'. Co-head of the team, Todd Crider is 'experienced, calm, fair, elegant and hands on', with 'excellent communication skills'. Jaime Mercado is 'very practical, smart, quick, speaks all the languages and is good in terms of working towards solutions'. Sao Paulo Grenfel Calheiros is widely regarded as one of the leading native-Brazilian lawyers working among the top international law firms in the country. Juan Francisco Méndez is another key figure in the team. All partners are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a recognised force in acquisition finance, project finance, syndicated lending, restructurings and structured export financings. Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Colombia and the Dominican Republic continue to be key markets for the Latin America team, whose clients include Abengoa, Banco Itaú, Banco Santander (Mexico), Bank of America, BRF – Brasil Foods, Citibank, Copec, FIBRA Macquarie México, Grupo Cinemex, OHL, Rabobank and Vista Oil & Gas. The practice group advised Citibank and JP Morgan on a $1bn bridge loan financing to Eckerd Perú (Inkafarma), the largest pharmacy chain in Perú, to finance the acquisition of Quicorp, the operator of over 1,000 pharmacies in Perú and Bolivia, as well as on liability management within the InRetail and Quicorp groups. It also advised Citibank, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley, as joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, on a $1bn Brazilian syndicated unsecured term loan facility to SKY Serviços de Banda Larga, the Brazilian operating subsidiary of DIRECTV Latin America. Other mandates saw the team advise Compañía de Petróleos de Chile (Copec) on its $150m term loan facilities provided by lenders Export Development Canada and The Bank of Nova Scotia. The team is 'unique in negotiating, designing and providing great advice'. Seasoned figure and co-head of the Latin America practice David Williams is one of themarket's most respected regional specialists and has a fine record in financings, most notably in project finance and debt restructurings; one client says 'he is maybe the best lawyer I have ever met', 'his negotiating skills are extremely good', and 'he is transparent with all the parties - but also very convincing'. Emerging talent Juan Naveira  is 'following the same style'. Fellow co-head of the Latin America practice Todd Crider splits his time between New York and Sao Paulo, having a fine reputation in energy and infrastructure finance. Juan Francisco Méndez, Jaime Mercado and head of the Sao Paulo office Grenfel Calheiros are also recommended. Moreover, counsel Ismael Duran is singled out for praise by clients. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a fine standing in Latin America with notable strength in traditional project finance, energy and infrastructure M&A, and private equity transactions. Clients include Abengoa, Blue Water Worldwide, Compañía de Petróleos de Chile (Copec), CPFL Energias Renováveis, Minsur, MSU Energy and OHL Concesiones. The firm has made a particular impression in Argentina where it advised Río Energy, UGEN and UENSA (collectively known as MSU Energy), as co-issuers on the private placement of $250m of secured floating-rate notes; MSU Energy will use the proceeds to expand the installed generation capacity of its three power plants in Argentina, with total installed capacity increasing to 750 MW. It also advised Inversiones Alxar, a subsidiary of Empresas Copec, on its acquisition of a 40% stake in Cumbres Andinas, a subsidiary of Peruvian conglomerate Grupo Breca. The team is 'extremely talented', delivering 'outstanding professionalism', 'outstanding commitment and responsiveness to clients'. It has 'a proactive and pro-business approach' combining this with 'a hard-working mentality' that 'constantly delivers great results and achieves objectives' with 'world class solutions tailored to clients' needs'. Co-head of the Latin America practice Todd Crider 'is very detailed, knowledgeable and experienced', 'has great negotiation and great leadership skills combined with a proactive approach'. He also has 'a great balance between legal knowledge and commercial skills', according to one client. Co-head of the Latin America team, David Williams is also highly experienced and hugely rated. Jaime Mercado, Juan Naveira, Sao Paulo-based Grenfel Calheiros and Juan Francisco Méndez are also key names. Counsel Borja Marcos is 'a highly-skilled, technical lawyer with a pro-business orientation', 'a very sharp guy', who is 'super methodical and super responsive' and 'has an outstanding work ethic'.