Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's DCM group is consistently engaged at the forefront of the investment grade and high-yield debt spaces, and is also rated for structured finance and mezzanine finance. It continues to rank highly in US and global investment grade corporate debt, particularly on the manager side, but also has a thriving and growing issuer-side practice; indeed, it advises a range of Fortune 500 issuers and private equity sponsors. Arthur Robinson is global head of the capital markets practice and has an outstanding record in debt offerings, both investment grade and high-yield, and particularly those that are connected to high-value acquisitions. Roxane Reardon is an experienced team member, noted for convertible note offerings and exchangeable debt offerings. Marisa Stavenas is a leading name in liability management transactions. Silicon Valley's William Brentani and Daniel Webb are also key names in the DCM space, the latter of whom is recognized for his growing profile in investment grade, high-yield and convertible debt offerings for technology businesses.

Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a very well-established reputation in equity offerings, most notably on the issuer side, though it also wins an impressive market share of big-ticket underwriter engagements. The firm has achieved prominence in traditional industries, and has become a key player in equity offerings by the life sciences, healthcare and tech businesses, in part thanks to its solid presence in Palo Alto. It has excellent connections to corporates and benefits from the firm's leading private equity practice, which brings the team a number of private equity-backed mandates. Of recent note, the team advised Academy Sports and Outdoors (the KKR portfolio company) on its $200m IPO; that deal was led by Joseph Kaufman, a senior figure in the group with an outstanding track record. Joshua Ford Bonnie is another seasoned practitioner, noted for big-ticket equity offerings. Palo Alto partner Kevin Kennedy has played a key role in gaining major engagements from tech and life sciences businesses. Arthur Robinson is a key name for underwriter engagements. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Capital markets: global offerings Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has an outstanding record in global debt and equity offerings, notably those originating from Latin America, Europe and Asia. Global bond offerings, including investment grade and high-yield debt is a particular forte, with the firm operating across the issuer and underwriter divide. The firm is also at the forefront in high-value IPOs and equity offerings,  acting for both issuers and underwriters. Given the firm's impressive standing in high-yield debt, it has extensive experience in representing first-time issuers in both debt and equity offerings. It also frequently advises private equity sponsors on exits and fund raisings for their portfolio companies. Arthur Robinson leads the global capital markets team and is a leader in high-yield debt offerings. Ryan Bekkerus is another key figure, while David Williams and Todd Crider are the senior names in the firm's market-leading Latin America team, which is especially active in Brazil offerings.

Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP continues to win a sizeable market share of issuer and underwriter engagements in high-yield debt offerings. Indeed, the firm sits comfortably in the top five by deal count and value in the various deal league tables. It has a tightly concentrated capital markets team that has an excellent record with first-time issuers, making good use of its strong connections to investment banks, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, and a range of other corporates. Arthur Robinson is global head of the capital markets group and has a rich history in the high-yield debt space. John Ericson is another prolific advisor on high-yield debt transactions; he led the team that advised the initial purchasers, led by JP Morgan Securities, on the debut $830m Rule 144A/Reg S offering of senior secured notes by Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete.

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

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises a healthy roster of private equity funds, their portfolio companies and corporate clients on the employee benefits and executive compensation considerations of high-value M&A transactions and IPOs. Practice head Brian Robbins routinely advises on ERISA Title 1, deferred compensation and severance packages, while Gregory Grogan has notable expertise in assisting boards of directors with CEO succession matters. Laurence Moss is a name to note for leveraged buyout transactions. Andrew Blau, Jeannine McSweeney and David Rubinsky regularly advise on deferred and other non-qualified retirement plans, retention agreements, and securities and tax-related issues. In the Palo Alto office, Tristan Brown has noted strength in advising private equity funds and companies in the technology, retail, entertainment and financial services sectors on a wide spectrum of executive compensation issues, particularly on SEC-governed disclosure rules connected to IPOs. Apart from Brown, all named lawyers are based in New York.

Financial services litigation Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP stands out for its work in securities and derivatives litigation, defending prominent banks in litigation related to residential mortgage-backed securities, IPOs, and corporate transactions, as well as in antitrust disputes. A standout matter in 2020 was the team's handling of several high-profile matters for Deutsche Bank, including class actions alleging anti-competitive practices in securities markets. The team is led by global litigation co-chairs Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood, both of whom are highly experienced in regulatory and securities litigation matters. Other key figures include Susannah Geltman and Joseph McLaughlin, both of whom have experience in class actions, and Craig Waldman, who focuses on securities litigation. Mick Tuesley was promoted to partner in January 2020.

General commercial disputes Tier 1

With an excellent standing in the financial services, technology, pharmaceuticals and insurance sectors, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's New York team is well positioned to handle major disputes on behalf of global and domestic clients. In a recent highlight, Jonathan Youngwood led the team that represented SeaWorld Entertainment in a series of high-profile disputes, including a federal securities class action in California. Bryce Friedman has an impressive record in fraud and False Claims Act litigation, and is also noted for his experience in insurance disputes. Friedman has also recently handled a number of business interruption disputes on behalf of insurance companies following the outbreak of Covid-19 in the US. Lynn Neuner is a go-to partner for clients involved in securities, M&A, insurance and false advertising disputes. Linton Mann III is highly regarded for his role in major securities and M&A litigation, and Paul Curnin is recognized for his representation of the outside directors of PG&E in matters relating to the 2017/18 California wildfires.

Leading trial lawyers

Insurance: advice to insurers Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's insurance practice advises on a broad range of coverage matters, including bad faith, technology, data breaches, and hurricanes and natural disasters. The firm is trusted by major insurance groups, with practice head Mary Beth Forshaw's continued success in handling Traveler's lawsuit against Northrop Grumman's multimillion-dollar coverage claims for pollution-related losses. The team also conducts investigations into allegations of fraud, tortious interference, false claims, and acts on behalf of clients in shareholder lawsuits. Bryce Friedman advises insurers on Covid-19-related claims and serves as national litigation counsel for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. Susannah Geltman and Summer Craig represent clients in high-stakes coverage litigation. The team has strengthened its position by promoting Josh Polster to partner in January 2020. With a focus on cyber insurance issues, he has represented major insurance companies, such as Lloyd's of London, in high-stakes commercial litigation.  All lawyers are based in New York.

M&A litigation: defense Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the most high-profile firms for the representation of issuers and their boards of directors, special committees, private equity firms and other financial sponsors, having frequently won the dismissal of high-value cases in both federal and state courts. Its presence in both transactional and contentious M&A matters stems partly from its work for major private equity funds, among them Blackstone and Silver Lake Partners, as well as for their portfolio companies. Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood in New York are global co-chairs of litigation department, which is 'outstanding, with terrific senior litigators'. Among them is New York-based Peter Kazanoff, who defended First Data’s board of directors in a challenge to the company's $22bn merger with Fiserv. Also recommended are James Kreissman and Stephen Blake in Palo Alto who are defending Silverlake in a case brought by shareholders of Dell Technologies. Up-and-coming partner Craig Waldman in New York worked with Youngwood to secure the dismissal of a complaint against Gramercy Property Trust that alleged the proxy statement filed in connection with its $7.6bn sale to an affiliate of Blackstone was materially misleading.

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

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's experienced team forms a key part of an integrated service group capable of handling all aspects of large-scale, complex transactions, including domestic and cross-border M&A, with expertise in key areas including financial services, energy, and private equity, complemented by recognized tax and regulatory capabilities. The team is led by the vastly experienced Mario Ponce and Alan Klein, who are active in high-profile M&A. Ponce acted on deals for BorgWarner and Harsco Corporation during 2020, while Klein represented Microsoft in its major $7.5bn acquisition of Zenimax. Lee Meyerson is another key team member with a major profile within the M&A space, and advised TD Bank on the $26bn sale of TD Ameritrade to Charles Schwab. Eric Swedenburg is recognized for his broad range of expertise across domestic and cross-border M&A, corporate governance advice, and securities issues, while Elizabeth Cooper bolstered her record with the representation of Refinitiv in its $27bn sale to London Stock Exchange. Katie Sudol is also noted for her growing profile, advising clients such as Borgwarner, while Anthony Vernace remains highly active across public and private M&A. All named lawyers are in New York.

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

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's New York-based team has an excellent track record in the tax-exempt area and provides a full-service offering to clients, leveraging its firm wide capabilities across intellectual property and litigation. David Shevlin leads the practice group which has strength in corporate tax issues, governance matters, and transactions for not-for-profit organizations, including private foundations and public charities. The core team includes senior counsel Jennifer Franklin who focuses on charitable gift-planning, particularly structuring endowment fund gifts. Newly elevated senior counsel John Bennet  advises clients on investment activities and ongoing operational matters. Maura Whelan handles domestic and international grant-making matters. On the associate level, Jennifer Obus also supports the workload. The group provides significant international coverage - advising foreign charities on grant-making rules.

Private equity buyouts Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP remains a destination firm for bulge-bracket private equity work, advising an array of top funds including Blackstone, BC Partners, and the Carlyle Group on major buyouts, investments, portfolio M&A, and exits. Standout work for the team in 2020 included representing the Brookfield and GIP-led consortium in a $20.7bn energy infrastructure deal with The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and advising Digital Colony Partners and the EQT Infrastructure IV fund on the $14.3bn acquisition of Zayo Group Holdings. Marni Lerner leads the team, and is a deeply experienced private equity practitioner with a strong profile at the top of the market. Elizabeth Cooper is noted for her work with Blackstone and KKR, while Gary Horowitz is another senior practitioner with a broad client base. Anthony Vernace remains involved in marquee deals for the likes of Blackstone and BC, and Caroline Gottschalk is an emerging force in the market, advising clients such as TPG and Centrebridge on domestic and cross-border buyouts, strategic investments, and joint ventures. A contact in the firm's Palo Alto office is Robert Langdon, who was heavily involved in the Zayo acquisition. Aside from Langdon, all named lawyers are based in New York. Richard Capelouto retired from the partnership.

Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises on some of the largest private equity fund launches in the market, with recent highlights including the establishment of Lexington Capital Partners IX, which raised a total of $14bn in commitments, and the formation of Platinum Equity Capital Partners V, which closed at its hard cap of $10bn. Michael Wolitzer heads the practice, and is highly experienced in transactional work, including acquisitions of investment firms and GP-led secondaries. He also maintains a strong fund formation practice, having recently advised Patria on the establishment of its $2bn infrastructure fund IV. Barrie Covit is another key figure within the team, representing several large-scale funds, along with more sector specific clients such as Corsair, which he assisted with the formation of its fifth financial services-focused fund, which met its $1bn target. Thomas Bell is one of the most experienced attorneys in the industry, advising several of the market's best-known names on management and fundraising issues. Glenn Sarno is recommended for a wide range of matters including fund-of-funds, feeder funds, separately managed accounts, and employee securities companies, in addition to more traditional private equity work. The practice has also seen several partner promotions at the start of 2021, with Ryan Brizek, Rony Rothken, Linda Tieh, and Ryan Williams making partner. All named lawyers are based in New York.

Real estate Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP fields an ‘exceptional real estate team equipped to handle the industry’s most complex matters’. Its roster of clients includes several standout private equity firms and fund managers, opportunity funds and portfolio companies; most notably, The Blackstone Group, which frequently engages the group on a variety of multibillion-dollar portfolio transactions such as the recent $5.7bn acquisition of the industrial real estate assets of Colony Capital. Department chair Gregory Ressa holds a distinguished track record in the M&A of both public and private real estate companies and Krista Miniutti (‘exceptional and highly respected') is a star partner for joint venture, acquisition and disposition matters with a keen eye for public-to-private transactions. Scott Kobak is 'all over the details' when handling transactions on behalf of institutional investors, while at the more junior end of the partnership, Whitney Salinas has closed deals in aggregate of $15bn over the review period. Clients regularly note the real estate department’s ‘integrated and seamless solutions’ owing to its close co-operation with the firm’s capital markets, M&A, tax, financing and private funds practices. Named lawyers are based in New York.

Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York has 'great litigators with strong experience and good knowledge of the industry'. The firm continues to add to its long list of victories for both corporates and financial institutions, and last year successfully resolved long-running cases against SeaWorld Entertainment including a securities class action and shareholder derivative litigation in Delaware; plaintiffs in the class action alleged that SeaWorld made misrepresentations regarding the impact of the documentary film Blackfish on its attendance. Jonathan Youngwood, who is 'super-smart, easy to work with and practical', led that matter. He is global co-chair of the litigation department along with Paul Curnin, who worked with emerging talent Craig Waldman to defend Bausch Health Companies, formerly Valeant Pharmaceuticals, in a class action alleging fraudulent misstatements prior to a fall in the company's market capitalization. Palo Alto-based James Kreissman and Stephen Blake frequently handle cases in hi-tech and emerging industry sectors, among them the defense of Chinese online micro-lender Qudian in cases arising from a fall in its stock price. Susannah Geltman in New York is also making her mark in high-profile cases.

US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises a range of clients, including energy and utility providers, financial institutions, asset managers and other well-known corporates on the tax aspects of corporate and financing transactions, fund formations and investment structuring strategies. The New York-based tax practice is led by Nancy Mehlman, who has broad expertise in a huge variety of corporate transactions and M&A, REITs and capital markets deals. Jonathan Goldstein is recommended for his experience in big-ticket sales and acquisitions, while Marcy Geller frequently acts on corporate restructurings and bankruptcies. Also recommended is Andrew Purcell, who has experience of financing, M&A and private equity transactions. Russell Light joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in August 2020, strengthening the team's capabilities in private equity deals and fund formation matters.

Cartel Tier 2

Praised for its 'excellent multi-jurisdictional capability', Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has considerable experience representing both companies and individuals in global antitrust investigations, most of which involve allegations of collusion, price-fixing, and bid-rigging. Led by DC-based duo Sara Razi and John Terzaken as well as New York-based Peter Guryan, the group assists clients with internal investigations, leniency programs, criminal and regulatory investigations, inspections and dawn raids, and advice on global legal and communications strategies. Previously the director of criminal enforcement in the DOJ’s antitrust division, Terzaken has proven himself in investigations in the financial services, pharmaceutical, professional services, manufacturing, energy, shipping, and food and beverage sectors. Jeffrey Knox is also well equipped to handle DOJ, SEC, and other federal and state agency investigations; he also acts as co-managing partner of the firm's DC office.

Energy transactions: conventional power Tier 2

Leveraging its overarching M&A, banking and capital markets expertise, New York-based transactional powerhouse Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is well-placed to advise funds, utilities, banks and IPPs across the spectrum of power-related corporate and financing work. Strong firm-wide institutional ties with leading private equity firms and infrastructure funds, including KKR, Blackstone and Global Infrastructure Partners, continues to inform much of the team's corporate and finance work, both in terms of renewables, as well as conventional-based power transactions. David Lieberman heads up the firm's energy and infrastructure practice and is able to add value to these sponsor clients, by virtue, not only of his ability to implement the most compelling and effective M&A and financing terms, but also to provide core underlying industry knowledge. Drawing upon both regulatory and transactional expertise in the power sector, Brian Chisling is also a key member of the team, for the firm's funds clients as well as electric and gas utilities, which he has, over the years, advised on many asset level acquisitions and disposals.

Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

Leveraging its overarching market-leading M&A, banking and capital markets expertise and also benefiting from a deep understanding of the oil and gas sector throughout the value chain, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has 'its pulse on the latest market intel, terms, and strategies', and is thereby well positioned to provide a very effective service to banks, financial sponsors and energy companies on their financing, restructuring and investment requirements. The firm's institutional ties with marque private equity sponsors, including Blackstone, BlackRock and KKR, continues to generate substantial deal flow and while new money deals have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the firm has played a vital role advising portfolio companies on the stabilization of stressed balance sheets. Houston office head Robert Rabalais regularly advises key commercial and investment banks providing liquidity in the sector, including in relation to the structuring of upstream reserve-based facilities. 'Commercial, knowledgeable and creative' Houston-based partner Erland Modesto is well versed across a range of debt finance techniques, and is 'always eager to help find elegant solutions for clients' in oil and gas-related new money deals and restructurings. New York-based partner David Lieberman leads the firm's overarching energy and infrastructure group.

Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Benefiting from numerous core energy and infrastructure-focused transactional lawyers based out of the firm's New York headquarters, and also able to resource matters utilizing practitioners with more generalist M&A and finance credentials, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is particularly well suited to advise private equity firms and infrastructure funds on their renewables investment strategies. The 'very knowledgeable' David Lieberman heads the team and, as well as handling M&A work for both strategics and financial sponsors, is also regularly involved in the capital markets and bank loan financing aspects of transactions in the sector. Lieberman is praised by clients for is ability to 'expertly manage the needs and questions' of deals often involving a diverse group of lenders.

Environment: transactional Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is recognized for providing cutting-edge environmental advice to a diverse range of clients active in environmentally-sensitive industries, which are looking to pursue business opportunities in the US and abroad. The practice benefits from close collaboration with the firm's corporate department, being routinely called upon to assist with the allocation of environmental risks, regulatory issues including those involving climate change and sustainability, and liabilities arising out of environmental impairment. Furthermore, the attorneys are regularly acting in M&A, capital markets and financing deals. Adeeb Fadil sits in the Washington DC office and has a strong background in cross-border transactions involving the energy, chemicals, manufacturing, waste management and pharmaceutical sectors. Fellow co-head Mike Isby focuses on environmental law compliance in major transactions and is based in New York.

International tax Tier 2

Premier New York firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP fields a full-service international tax group, which is jointly led by newly elected practice head Nancy Mehlman, recent lateral hire Russel Light (from Kirkland & Ellis LLP), and newly promoted partner Sophie Staples. Leveraging a strong firm-wide private equity focus, the team regularly provides tax structuring advice on cross-border buyouts, M&A deals and minority investments for leading international funds. Involvement in headline IPOs for multinational technology conglomerates is reflective of the team’s capital markets expertise. The team draws its clients from Europe, Latin America and Asia, and is also routinely engaged in complex Canadian REIT transactions. Jonathan Goldstein is a go-to name for multibillion-dollar fund formations.

Merger control Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a successful record in securing regulatory clearances for high-profile M&A deals, working in close collaboration with its global teams across Europe and the UK. Accordingly, the firm regularly represents clients in multi-jurisdictional clearance processes, a recent example of which was its work for Refinitiv in its $27bn acquisition by London Stock Exchange Group, requiring filings in 19 separate jurisdictions. Elsewhere, the firm has acted for clients such as Borg Warner and CSL Plasma in filings and merger approval proceedings before the DOJ and FTC, including second request responses and antitrust investigations. The team is led from New York by Peter Guryan and Sara Razi, who have previous experience working at the DOJ and FTC, respectively. The duo combine active merger filing practices with strong capabilities in civil and criminal litigation, allowing them to represent major clients in merger defense proceedings and regulatory investigations.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a strong REITs practice providing comprehensive support on matters ranging from M&A, joint venture transactions and capital markets, through to compliance, fund formation, and corporate governance. The firm has worked extensively with Blackstone Real Estate partners, including representing the company in its $14.6bn recapitalization of BioMed Realty, its acquisition of The Bellagio assets from MGM, and the $4.6bn acquisition of other real estate assets of Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand. Brian Stadler has extensive experience in M&A transactions and acted on behalf of Blackstone in the above transactions. He co-heads the practice group from New York alongside Gregory Ressa and Edgar Lewandowski.

Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 2

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's team of well-regarded practitioners is able to provide a full service to both creditors, and increasingly debtors, across the continuum of matters that arise in the context of restructuring, refinancing, reorganization and bankruptcy. To do so, the New York-based group regularly employs a cross-departmental approach which is much lauded by clients, drawing on the firm's considerable experience in the corporate, banking, capital markets, M&A, litigation and tax practice areas. Key contacts include practice head Sandeep Qusba, who is equally adept at handling restructurings, bankruptcies and distressed acquisitions; Michael Torkin, who is a founding member of the the private capital and special situations investment group; and Elisha Graff, who frequently assists equity sponsors with the restructuring of their portfolio companies and advises financial institutions on their loans to distressed companies. In May 2020, counsel David Zylberberg joined the team from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Nicholas Baker made partner in January 2021.

Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is active across the full life cycle of alleged antitrust violations, from investigation right through to litigation. Jointly led by New York-based Peter Guryan and Washington DC-based co-chairs Sara Razi and John Terzaken, the department emphasizes monopolization, price-fixing and tying claims. Terzaken’s strong suit is cartel-related litigation, and Razi is rated by clients as a ‘very seasoned and knowledgeable antitrust attorney’. Abram Ellis, in New York, has a burgeoning practice centering on antitrust litigation involving complex financial instruments.

Corporate governance Tier 3

At Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, the New York-based dedicated public company advisory department routinely acts as outside counsel to both US and foreign companies in relation to compliance with US securities regulations and various listing requirements. Forming a part of the firm’s corporate and regulatory groups, the team also specializes in the corporate governance considerations of high-value M&A, joint ventures and capital markets transactions. 2020 also saw the team handle a large volume of disclosure and governance issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. Karen Hsu Kelley heads up the practice, where Brad Goldberg is also a key contact for private equity mandates.

Financial services regulation Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP specializes in M&A, debt and equity investing, and other corporate transactions in the financial services industry. Banks, investment funds, and fintech companies are among the team's key clients. New York-based practice head Lee Meyerson has an outstanding track record of handling billion-dollar deals, with highlights in 2020 including his representation of Toronto-Dominion Bank in the $26bn sale of its affiliate, TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. Elizabeth Cooper is another key name to note  in the New York office; she is active in the growing area of special purpose acquisition companies, advising Finance of America Companies on becoming a publicly traded company through a business combination with the SPAC Replay Acquisition Corp. Keith Noreika in the Washington DC office previously served as Acting Comptroller of the Currency and focuses on the regulatory aspects of transactions.

Insurance: non-contentious Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP handle transactions in the property and casualty, life and annuity, health, brokerage and services subsectors of the insurance industry. The firm is particularly strong in advising on M&A transactions, with practice head Gary Horowitz focusing on this area, representing private equity firms with their investments in insurance holding companies, brokers and other intermediaries. Lee Meyerson jointly heads the practice and specializes in capital market transactions for financial institutions. Both lawyers are based in New York.

Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is highly active in the registered funds space, particularly for large PE houses that are diversifying into registered products, with recent work for clients including Blackstone, KKR, The Carlyle Group, and Apollo Global Management, primarily in connection with the launching of BDCs. Of note over the review period, practice head Rajib Chandra helped launch Blackstone Private Credit Fund and the Carlyle Group's TGC BDC.  David Blass is another key figure within the team, focusing primarily on regulatory matters, including broker-dealer regulations, SEC examination and enforcement, and 1940 act compliance. New York-based Benjamin Wells is also recommended for fund formation and structuring, as well as for ongoing governance and compliance matters. Steven Grigoriou joined the firm in 2020 from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and Ryan Brizek make partner at the start of 2021. All lawyers are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Structured finance: securitization Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's securitization group has an active ABS practice and also has experience in the securitization of esoteric assets requiring complex an innovative structuring. Recent highlights in this space have included data center revenue and airline ticket receivables securitizations. The securitization group is headed by John Schueller in New York, who acts for a number of underwriters and issuers, and also has experience of CLOs.

Technology transactions Tier 3

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has 'an incredibly strong technology team', which is headed up by Lori Lesser, 'one of the outstanding lawyers practicing in this field'. Indeed, Lesser and her team have a strong track record in tech-related corporate and commercial transactions across the country. A good chunk of the work revolves around M&A and capital markets, but the team also handles plenty of standalone IP and technology transactions for its clients. Based in New York, the team also includes several experienced counsel, including Genevieve Dorment and Christopher Sprigman.

International trade Tier 4

The national security regulatory department at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is led by Malcolm Tuesley, whom clients laud as ‘an expert in FOCI mitigation issues and a creative problem solver’. Indeed, the group is highly experienced in handling regulatory concerns relating to investments in US businesses; its wide-ranging work spans reviews before both the DCSA and the CFIUS. In addition, the group assists clients with internal investigations relating to their OFAC and FCPA compliance; Abram Ellis and George Wang are both noted in this respect.

Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 4

The New York-based team at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP specializes in over-the-counter and equity-linked derivatives. Working in conjunction with specialists across the firm's capital markets, tax, funds and financial institutions groups, the team in able to provide comprehensive support to clients involved in myriad derivative contracts. The team also advises on interest rate, currency and commodity hedges. Jonathan Lindabury heads the group, with a practice spanning transactional and regulatory issues. Associate Caitlin Wood is also recommended.

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

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s team in New York places an emphasis on handling the appellate stage of class actions, commercial, and securities litigation; this strength manifested itself in its recent victories in federal courts of appeal as well as state supreme courts. Paul Curnin and Jonathan Youngwood share leadership of the global litigation department, where Joseph McLaughlin is also a noteworthy figure.

Commercial lending

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the dominant players in the debt finance market; it is equally adept at advising leading banks on complex leveraged transactions as working with major private equity firms looking to finance acquisitions. On the lender side, the firm is known throughout the market for its relationship with JP Morgan, for which it handles a litany of transactions every year; in a recent highlight, William Sheehan acted for the client in relation to a $15bn senior unsecured revolving credit facility for General Electric Company. Much of the firm's borrower work involves advising private equity firms such as Blackstone on leveraged buyouts. Patrick Ryan leads the team, which operates almost entirely from the New York office and includes highly reputed partners such as Jennifer Hobbs, James Cross and Alexandra Kaplan. Matt Einbender is a name to note in Houston.

Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

With offices in key financial hubs throughout the US around the globe, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's government and internal investigations practice is an attractive choice for large-scale domestic and international investigations and criminal defense strategy. Headed by New York’s Stephen Cutler, a former director of enforcement at the SEC, the team advises financial institutions, multinational trading companies, professional services firms and senior executives on a range of criminal and regulatory matters. Another contact in New York is Brooke Cucinella, a former federal securities fraud prosecutor, who is rated for crisis management and cyber security matters. Names to note in Washington DC include Cheryl Scarboro, who advises on internal investigations and FCPA compliance programs, and Jeffrey Knox, an experienced trial and appellate lawyer. Sarah Eichenberger in New York and Meaghan Kelly in Washington DC were promoted to partner at the start of 2021.

Project finance

Praised for its 'knowledge of client requirements and ability to focus key issues', Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP regularly advises banks, underwriters, energy companies and public bodies on financings across the energy and infrastructure sector. The group has continued to develop in 2020; Ravi Purohit joined the team in March, having previously served as managing director at Blackstone Infrastructure Partners. David Lieberman leads the department from New York and frequently advises infrastructure funds established by leading commercial banks and private equity firms on the acquisition of and investment in renewable energy projects.