Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP Offices
115 F STREET, N.W
WASHINGTON D.C. 20004
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
United States
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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 1
With several major financial institutions among its clients, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP boasts a strong financial services practice with a ‘high degree of expertise in securities litigation’. The firm also has experience navigating complex SEC investigations into clients including JPMorgan and Barclays. The practice is led by Jonathan YoungwoodPractice head(s):
Lynn Neuner; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Joseph McLaughlin; Craig Waldman; Simona Strauss; Stephen Blake
Testimonials
‘High degree of expertise in securities litigation’
‘My experience has been with Simona Strauss. She has extraordinary knowledge of the legal and practical issues involved in securities litigation defense. She is also highly effective in communicating this to non-lawyers. I would recommend her to anyone, anytime.’
‘I have had very good experiences with Jonathan Youngwood and Stephen Blake. They are both very practical lawyers who are able to apply deep experience and substantive knowledge to very difficult problems and find the best possible outcomes, even when no good options are apparent.’
Key clients
Ally
Apiture, Inc.
Banc of California
Barclays
The Blackstone Group, L.P.
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Chubb
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
Deutsche Bank Group
GO Acquisition Corp.
Goldman Sachs
International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.
JPMorgan
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.
MultiPlan Corp.
Paysafe Limited
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Work highlights
- Advised JPMorgan in an SEC investigation and $125m settlement related to texting practices by personnel and obligations to maintain and preserve copies of all written communications.
- Advised DB Structured Products, Inc. in obtaining an appellate victory in dismissal of a “revival” action in RMBS litigation.
- Represented JPMorgan in obtaining an appellate victory in dismissal of suit arising out of Petters Ponzi scheme.
Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is headquartered in New York and is well regarded for handling a wide range of legal disputes including securities, commercial contracts, bankruptcy, and internal probes, advising high value national and international companies, particularly in the tech, pharma and insurance industries, as well as financial institutions. Recent notable work includes representing Twitter in multiple securities class actions and derivative lawsuits, as well as representing Chubb in connection to Boy Scouts of America’s Chapter 11 filing claims of sexual abuse. Jonathan YoungwoodPractice head(s):
Lynn Neuner; Jonathan Youngwood; Bryce Friedman; Michael Garvey
Other key lawyers:
Linton Mann III; Stephen Blake
Testimonials
‘Any ‘bet the company’ or ‘bet the issue’ litigation requires the best and STB is the best of the best.’
‘Exceptionally talented legal advisors and litigators. I value counsel who takes on challenging legal discussions and provides clients with solid legal advice and strategy including when not to fight.’
‘I have had very good experiences with Jonathan Youngwood and Stephen Blake. They are both very practical lawyers who are able to apply deep experience and substantive knowledge to very difficult problems and find the best possible outcomes, even when no good options are apparent.’
Key clients
Ally
American Electric Power Company and certain of its current and former directors and officers
Bausch Health Companies (f/k/a Valeant Pharmaceuticals)
Best Buy
CBS Corporation
Chubb
Hilton and Hilton Hotels Retirement Plan
Jabil Inc.
JPMorgan Chase
Pfizer
SeaWorld
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
The Travelers Companies and its affiliates
WW International Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Travelers, securing a summary judgment in a major environmental case.
- Representing Chubb in connection with the Boy Scouts of America’s Chapter 11 proceedings and claims of coverage for sexual abuse claims.
- Representing Twitter in successfully resolving multiple securities class actions and derivative lawsuits in Northern District of California and San Mateo Superior Court.
Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP ‘has great industry experience, which puts them in a position to provide deep insight into risks and opportunities associated with securities litigation matters‘, and clients remark that the partners are ‘very thorough and provide timely advice‘. The practice is led by Jonathan YoungwoodPractice head(s):
Lynn Neuner; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has great industry experience, which puts them in a position to provide deep insight into risks and opportunities associated with securities litigation matters. They are very thorough and provide timely advice.’
‘Pete Kazanoff is second to none in his experience, attention to detail and practical guidance’
‘I have had very good experiences with Jonathan Youngwood and Stephen Blake. They are both very practical lawyers who are able to apply deep experience and substantive knowledge to very difficult problems and find the best possible outcomes, even when no good options are apparent.’
Key clients
The Blackstone Group L.P.
Change Healthcare
GI Partners
Gramercy Property Trust
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Multiplan Corporation
Paramount Global
Phoenix Tower International
Silver Lake Partners
Sirius XM Holdings Inc.
TD Bank Group
Work highlights
- Representing Paramount Global in derivative and stockholder class action arising out of the merger between CBS and Viacom.
- Defending Silver Lake Partners in a consolidated securities class action against Dell in Delaware Court of Chancery.
- Representing TD Bank in shareholder litigation related to the $22 billion merger of Schwab and Ameritrade.
Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1
At Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, ‘the team has great industry experience, which puts them in a position to provide deep insight into risks and opportunities associated with securities litigation matters’. One client remarks that the lawyers are ‘very thorough and provide timely advice’ and benefit from ‘extensive experience and a sensitivity to clients’ practical needs and goals’. The firm has a stellar roster of clients, among them major corporates such as Alibaba Group and financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley. New York partners Jonathan YoungwoodPractice head(s):
Lynn Neuner; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has great industry experience, which puts them in a position to provide deep insight into risks and opportunities associated with securities litigation matters. They are very thorough and provide timely advice.’
‘Peter Kazanoff is second to none in his experience, attention to detail and practical guidance’
‘Extensive experience and a sensitivity to clients’ practical needs and goals.’
‘I have had very good experiences with Jonathan Youngwood and Stephen Blake. They are both very practical lawyers who are able to apply deep experience and substantive knowledge to very difficult problems and find the best possible outcomes, even when no good options are apparent.’
Key clients
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd
Allakos Inc.
Bausch Healthcare (f/k/a Valeant Pharmaceuticals)
BorgWarner
The Blackstone Group, LP
Bumble
Deutsche Bank AG
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Micron Technology, Inc.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.
Paramount Global
Paysafe Limited
ProAssurance Corporation
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.
Snap, Inc.
TaskUs Holdings, Inc.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Twitter Inc.
Qudian Inc.
Workhorse Board of Directors
Work highlights
- Represented Twitter in successfully resolving multiple securities class actions and derivative lawsuits in Northern District of California and San Mateo Superior Court.
- Represented American Electric Power Company and Directors and Officers in dismissal of shareholder derivative case.
- Represented Valeant Pharmaceuticals (n/k/a Bausch Health Companies) in obtaining dismissal in multiple securities fraud suits.
Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP remains an established leader in DCM, with an outstanding record in investment grade debt, high-yield debt, convertible bonds, equity-linked instruments and derivatives transactions. It is equally highly-rated for both issuer and underwriter engagements. The New York-based team has a fine background in representing first-time issuers and repeat issuers thanks to its expertise in high-yield debt and IPOs. In 2022, it continued to advise on a series of bulge-bracket and headline deals, including representing the underwriters in two public offerings by UnitedHealth Group totalling $15bn. It also advised the initial purchasers and selling security holders in AT&T’s $30bn senior notes offering in connection with the combination of WarnerMedia with Discovery. Kenneth Wallach is an experienced capital markets specialist with a fine record in investment grade debt and convertible bond offerings. Roxane Reardon is rated for investment grade debt, convertible debt and equity-linked securities. Ryan Bekkerus and John Ericson are also key partners. The seasoned Arthur RobinsonPractice head(s):
Joshua Ford Bonnie; Roxane Reardon; Kenneth Wallach
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Academy Sports & Outdoors
Alibaba Group Holding Limited
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
Ancestry
Apax Partners
Apria
Aramark
Ashton Woods
Aston Martin Capital Holdings Limited
Avantor, Inc.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bentley Systems, Incorporated
The Blackstone Group
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
BMO Capital Markets Corp.
BofA Securities
The Carlyle Group
Caterpillar
CBRE
Change Healthcare Inc.
CHS/Community Health Systems
Cigna Corporation
Citigroup
Cooper-Standard Automotive
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
CVS Health
DataBank
Dell Inc.
DigitalBridge
Dollar General Corporation
Dropbox, Inc.
EQT Corporation
Essential Utilities, Inc.
FedEx Corporation
Garda World Security Corporation
Gates Industrial Corporation plc
GFL Environmental
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
The Hershey Company
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
Hub International
ITC Holdings
Jefferies
J.P. Morgan Securities
Johnson Controls
KKR
KKR Financial Holdings
Marriott
Mars
Masonite
Microsoft Corporation
Michigan Electric Transmission Company
Morgan Stanley & Co.
Mr. Cooper Group
MultiPlan
National Vision Holdings, Inc.
Pfizer
PPD, Inc.
Progress Software Corporation
RBC Capital Markets
RBS
Sirius XM Radio Inc.
Summit Materials
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
UnitedHealth Group
Velocity Financial
Walmart, Inc.
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Wells Fargo Securities
ZoomInfo Technologies
Work highlights
- Advised the underwriters in connection with two public offerings by UnitedHealth Group totalling $15bn.
- Advised the underwriters in a $5bn offering of debt securities by Walmart.
- Advised the initial purchasers and selling security-holders in AT&T’s $30bn senior notes offering in connection with the combination of WarnerMedia with Discovery.
Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is at the pinnacle of capital markets, representing issuers and underwriters on many of the headline deals in the sector. It has capitalised on its connections to private equity houses, corporate issuers and investment banks. This has earned a sizeable share of the SPAC market and continues to make progress in tech sector offerings. It advised Dell Technologies on its spin-off its 81% equity ownership interest in VMware, which included an $11.5bn to $12bn special cash dividend to all VMware stockholders immediately prior to the spin-off. It also represented the underwriters on Braze’s $572m IPO. The firm has multiple senior practitioners in the team, including outstanding lawyers Kenneth Wallach, Joshua Ford BonniePractice head(s):
Joshua Ford Bonnie; Roxane Reardon; Kenneth Wallach
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Academy Sports & Outdoors
Alibaba Group Holding Limited
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
Aramark
Ashton Woods
Aston Martin Capital Holdings Limited
Avantor, Inc.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bentley Systems, Incorporated
The Blackstone Group
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
BMO Capital Markets Corp.
BofA Securities
BrightView Holdings, Inc.
Bright Health Group
Bumble Inc.
The Carlyle Group
Caterpillar
CBRE
Certara
Change Healthcare Inc.
Cigna Corporation
Citigroup
Cooper-Standard Automotive
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
Dell Inc.
Dropbox, Inc.
EQT Corporation
Essential Utilities, Inc.
FedEx Corporation
First Advantage Corporation
First Data Corporation
Garda World Security Corporation
Gates Industrial Corporation plc
GFL Environmental
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
The Hershey Company
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
ITC Holdings
Jefferies
J.P. Morgan Securities
KKR
KKR Financial Holdings
Marlette
Marriott
Mars
Microsoft Corporation
Morgan Stanley & Co.
National Vision Holdings, Inc.
Pfizer
PPD, Inc.
Progress Software Corporation
RBC Capital Markets
RBS
Sirius XM Radio Inc.
Summit Materials
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
UnitedHealth Group
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Wells Fargo Securities
ZoomInfo Technologies
Work highlights
- Advised Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust on its $60bn follow-on public offering in shares of common stock.
- Advised Dell Technologies on its spin-off its 81% equity ownership interest in VMware, which included an $11.5bn to $12bn special cash dividend to all VMware stockholders immediately prior to the spin-off.
- Advised the underwriters in Braze’s $572m IPO.
Finance > Capital markets: global offerings
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a leading position in global offerings, driven by multiple regions around the world. To this end, the firm's offices in London, Tokyo and Hong Kong regularly provide the practice with additional firepower in global offerings. It has historically attracted a substantial deal flow from Latin America, with its primary team members located in New York and São Paulo. The firm has landed a series of sovereign offering engagements from Latin America in recent years, to build on its already healthy bank of business in the region. It has also impressed in offerings by international development banks. In 2022, the firm advised the initial purchasers on the Republic of Chile’s peso-denominated sustainable bond offering. Elsewhere it represented Toronto-Dominion Bank in its debut $1.75bn US public offering. Jaime Mercado and Juan Francisco Méndez are key New York partners with a major focus on Latin America. Mark Brod is another New York partner with extensive international experience, often having a key role in offerings by European and Asian issuers.Practice head(s):
Joshua Ford Bonnie; Roxane Reardon; Kenneth Wallach
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Seamless and efficient legal service by Simpson Thacher capital market team. Global offerings require in-depth understanding of US securities laws and regulations as well as understanding of local practice and culture where issuers are located. Simpson Thacher capital markets team is a true market leader by being armed with all required skills.’
‘Mark Brod is a solution-oriented partner and acted as a bridge between New York and Tokyo in a debt offering. Learned a lot from him.’
Key clients
AerCap Holdings N.V.
Alibaba Group Holding Limited
Aston Martin Capital Holdings Limited
BNP Paribas
BRF S.A.
Citigroup
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Credit Suisse
Daiwa Securities
GFL Environmental Inc.
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
J.P. Morgan
Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW)
Logicor
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
Morgan Stanley
MUFG
Nomura Securities, Ltd.
Republic of Guatemala
RBC Capital Markets
Société Générale
Stonegate Pub Company Financing plc
TD Securities
Unigel Luxembourg S.A.
Via Varejo S.A.
Wells Fargo Securities
Work highlights
- Advised the initial purchasers on $3.56bn in bond offerings by the Dominican Republic.
- Advised the managers in multiple offerings by Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), including $10bn (aggregate) global notes offerings and a C$500m global notes offering.
- Advised the initial purchasers in the Republic of Chile’s sovereign bond offering.
Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings
Despite having a smaller capital markets team than many of its direct rivals, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a longstanding leader in high-yield debt, both for issuers and underwriters. The firm - which is at the forefront of leveraged finance and standalone high-yield debt transactions - represents many of the marquee private equity houses in the market, along with their portfolio companies. It also boasts an extensive public company and underwriter client base, and is noted for ESG and sustainability-linked offerings and for representing issuers moving towards investment grade status. Kenneth Wallach is a leading figure in private equity-related deals and technology sector transactions. Arthur RobinsonPractice head(s):
Joshua Ford Bonnie; Roxane Reardon; Kenneth Wallach
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
American Tire Distributors
Ancestry.com
APX Group Holdings, Inc. (a/k/a Vivint Smart Home)
Aramark
Ashton Woods
AssuredPartners, Inc.
Avantor, Inc.
Axis Specialty Finance LLC
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
BC Partners
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
BMC Software, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of Boxer Parent Company Inc.)
BMO Capital Markets Corp.
BNP Paribas
The Carlyle Group
Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada’s Wonderland Company, Magnum Management Corporation, and Millennium Operations LLC
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.
Citigroup
CNO Financial
Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
Dell Inc.
The E.W. Scripps Company
Finance of America
First Data Corporation
First Reserve
Garda World Security Corporation
Gates Industrial Corporation
GFL Environmental Inc.
Global Medical Response, Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
HCA Inc.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
Home Point Capital Inc.
Hub International Limited
Ingersoll Rand Inc. (f/k/a Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc.)
ITT
Jefferies
J.P. Morgan Securities
K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
KKR Financial Holdings
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Masonite International Corporation
MIWD
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
Mr. Cooper Group Inc. and its subsidiary Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc.
Multiplan Corporation
Performance Food Group Company
PPD Inc.
PPL Corporation
RBS
Silver Lake
Sirius XM Radio Inc.
Summit Materials
Teleflex Incorporated
Teine Energy Ltd.
TPC Group Inc.
Vivint Smart Home
Wash Multifamily Acquisition Inc.
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Wells Fargo Securities
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.
ZoomInfo Technologies Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised CHS/Community Health Systems on its $1.53bn high-yield debt offering.
- Advised the underwriters in connection with EQT Corporation’s aggregate $1bn senior notes offerings.
- Advised the underwriters in Newell Brands’ aggregate $1bn senior notes offerings.
Finance > Commercial lending
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP maintains its leading position across the borrower and lender markets, standing out particularly for its ability to advise on high-value and impactful acquisition financings. The team’s lender-side activity involves work for major banks such as JP Morgan as well as an expanding roster of clients in the private credit space, while its borrower-side clients include some of the nation’s largest private equity firms alongside corporate borrowers such as Dell Technologies. Most frequently advising on leveraged buyouts and investment-grade credit facilities in connection with high-value acquisitions, the firm also actively assists with asset-based lending and refinancings. Standout recent deals in this space include New York-based partner William Sheehan‘s representation of Bank of America in providing $21.7bn of unsecured credit facilities to Oracle. Practice head Patrick RyanPractice head(s):
Patrick Ryan
Other key lawyers:
James Cross; William Sheehan; Jennifer Hobbs; Matt Einbinder; Brian Gluck; Brian Steinhardt; Alexandra Kaplan; Jessica Tuchinsky; Erland Modesto
Key clients
Apax Partners
Aramark Corp
Avantor
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of Montreal
Bank of Nova Scotia
Best Buy
Blackstone
BlackRock
BNP Paribas
BrightView
Capital One
CBRE Services, Inc.
CIBC
Cigna Corp
Citigroup
Crédit Agricole
Credit Suisse
Crestwood Midstream Partners
CSL Limited
Dell Technologies
DigitalBridge Group
Ensono
EQT
First Student and First Transit
Garda World Security Corp
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Group 1 Automotive
Hellman & Friedman
HSBC
JPMorgan
KeyBank National Association
KKR
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Morgan Stanley
MUFG Union Bank
Penske Corp
Railroad Commission of Texas
Royal Bank of Canada
Scotiabank
Silver Lake Partners
Sirius XM Radio Inc.
SMART Global Holdings
Société Générale
Stonepeak Partners
SunPower Corporation
Team Health Holdings
Toronto Dominion (Texas)
TransUnion
Travelers Companies
UBS
Wells Fargo
Zayo Group Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised CSL Limited on the financing related to its all-cash public tender offer to acquire all publicly held shares of Vifor Pharma Ltd, for $179.25 per share, for an aggregate equity value for Vifor Pharma of $11.7bn.
- Advised JPMorgan Chase Bank, Goldman Sachs Bank, and Goldman Sachs Lending Partners in connection with senior unsecured bridge term loans in an amount up to $41.5bn for a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T to finance a cash dividend paid to AT&T in connection with the $43bn combination off AT&T’s WarnerMedia with Discovery.
- Advised Bank of America, as administrative agent, in connection with Oracle Corporation’s $21.7bn credit facilities.
Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 1
The environmental team at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is led by New York’s Mike Isby, who offers ‘professionalism, effectiveness and sophistication’, and Washington DC’s Toby Chun, who joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in February 2022. The firm acts for companies, banks and other financial institutions, and private equity groups on risk and liability, and regulatory matters relating to transactions. It is particularly active in the chemical, paper, utility and mining sectors. Isby is a key name for M&A, securities offerings and lending matters, as well as compliance issues for domestic and international clients, while Chun handles cross-border corporate and real estate deals, with particular experience of advising on environmental insurance coverage and issues around emerging contaminants. Former practice co-head Adeeb Fadil left, and Deepa Sarkar joined as counsel in New York from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.Practice head(s):
Mike Isby; Toby Chun
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simpson Thacher is a leader in the transactional arena, especially private equity and this gives the environmental group superior insight into market customs and practices which makes for efficient market-oriented negotiations.’
‘I’ve worked across the table from Mike Isby for literally decades now and his professionalism, effectiveness and sophistication has always made for efficient and helpful service to the transaction goals and the respective clients’ interests.’
Key clients
Apax Partners
Arsenal Resources Development LLC
Bighorn Permian Resources, LLC
Blackstone Inc.
BofA Securities
Businessolver
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
EQM Midstream Partners
Essential Utilities, Inc.
Global Infrastructure Partners
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Goldman Sachs Bank
IFM Investors
Ingersoll Rand Inc.
JPMorgan Chase Bank
KKR & Co. Inc.
LS Power
Melrose Industries PLC
Nadir Figueiredo
New Mountain Capital, LLC
Stone Point Capital LLC
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Sudamericana, Agencias Aéreas y Marítimas S.A.
SunPower Corporation
The Fresh Market Holdings, Inc.
Work highlights
- Representing affiliates of DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and IFM Investors in their signed definitive agreement and plan of merger to acquire Switch, Inc., valued at $11bn
- Representing New Mountain Capital, LLC in its acquisition of PerkinElmer’s Applied, Food and Enterprise Services businesses, a carve-out from the Discovery & Analytical Solutions segment of PerkinElmer for up to $2.45bn in total consideration.
- Representing Blackstone in its agreement with Emerson Electric Co. to acquire a majority stake in Emerson’s Climate Technologies business for $14bn.
Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP represents clients before state and federal courts and in arbitrations in a range of insurance and reinsurance disputes, handling issues arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, data breaches and insurance bankruptcy. In addition, the team also handles claims brought against insurers by shareholders and advises on regulatory proceedings, including state and federal government investigations. The practice is led by Andrew T. Frankel, who has extensive experience handling mass tort coverage litigation, alongside the co-heads of the firm’s litigation practice, Lynn K. Neuner and Jonathan K. Youngwood. The ‘very sharp’ Bryce FriedmanPractice head(s):
Andrew T. Frankel; Lynn K. Neuner; Jonathan K. Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘These are some of the savviest, experienced and intelligent lawyers with whom I have been fortunate to work. They are deep thinkers, fast studies and good people. They assisted me on a project involving a very complex 30-year-old restructuring, and dove deep with me. A very impressive team.’
‘Bryce Friedman is very sharp and has experience arbitrating.’
Key clients
AIG
American Family Insurance
American Property Casualty Insurance Association
AmGUARD Insurance Company
AXA XL
Beazley Group
Berkshire Hathaway insurance subsidiaries, including National Indemnity
Brighthouse Financial
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Insurance Company Ltd.
Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s London
Chubb
FM Global
New York State Superintendent of Financial Services
Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation and affiliates
Travelers and affiliates
Utica Mutual Insurance Company
Work highlights
- Represented Lloyd’s of London Syndicates in the first major insurance coverage litigation stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Represented Chubb in aviation insurance litigation related to airplanes allegedly “stranded” in Russia.
- Represented Travelers in a summary judgment, winning a major environmental insurance case.
Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a regular fixture in some of the largest fund raisings in the market in recent years and has standout expertise in funds that have over $3bn in commitments. GP-led secondaries transactions, which were increasingly popular in 2022, are a further forte for the firm, with practice head Michael WolitzerPractice head(s):
Michael Wolitzer
Other key lawyers:
Barrie Covit; Glenn Sarno; Jonathan Karen; Parker Kelsey; Lauren King; Crystal Frierson; Jason Herman; Thomas Wuchenich; Peter Gilman
Key clients
Stonepeak
DigitalBridge
Blackstone
Work highlights
- Advised Stonepeak on the establishment of Stonepeak Infrastructure Fund IV, its $14bn latest flagship private equity fund.
- Advised digital infrastructure REIT DigitalBridge Group on the fundraising of its second flagship and largest fund to date, the $8.3bn DigitalBridge Partners II.
- Assisted Blackstone with the establishment of the $5.6bn Blackstone Strategic Capital Holdings II, its second GP Stakes fund.
Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 1
Maintaining its strong position in the space, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s team specializes in representing international corporations and private equity funds in multijurisdictional M&A and high-profile IPOs. The firm’s expertise in executive compensation and employee benefits matters relating to corporate transactions has attracted clients in industries spanning from healthcare to fintech. Practice group head Gregory GroganPractice head(s):
Gregory Grogan
Other key lawyers:
Brian Robbins; Laurence Moss; David Rubinsky; Tristan Brown; Jamin Koslowe; Andrew Blau; Jeannine McSweeney
Key clients
American Family Insurance
Beach Point Capital
BMC Stock Holdings
BorgWarner Inc.
BrightView
CBRE
Dell Technologies
Dorman Products
The Fresh Market
GardaWorld
Hilton Grand Vacations
Hilton Worldwide
Ingersoll Rand
ITC Holdings
Johnson Controls
JPMorgan Chase
Laureate Education
Mars, Incorporated
Masonite
Mass Mutual
McKesson Corporation
Melrose Industries
Meridian Capital
Microsoft Corporation
NN, Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Microsoft in its $75 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 1
Showcasing decades of experience in the structuring and negotiation of blockbuster M&A, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP remains a market leader, working with a broad range of strategic clients on a wealth of multi-billion dollar and headline-grabbing transactions, with particular strength in the life sciences, financial services, and technology sectors. Praised for its ‘exceptional level of knowledge‘, the team offers ‘practical advice‘ in the context of cross-border M&A matters, and is a prime destination for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. The ‘excellent‘ Eric Swedenburg is the go-to advisor to several public companies and special committees of boards of directors in M&A, spin-offs, joint ventures and shareholder activism; his practice also includes advising private equity firms and financial advisors in domestic and international transactions. Head of the financial institutions practice Lee MeyersonPractice head(s):
Eric Swedenburg
Other key lawyers:
Lee Meyerson; Alan Klein; Mario Ponce; Jakob Rendtorff; Anthony Vernace; Elizabeth Cooper; Atif Azher; Jonathan Corsico
Testimonials
‘The team has an exceptional level of knowledge and experience in M&A transactions. They are responsive and provide practical advice. They have strong attention to detail and are indispensable.’
‘Eric Swedenburg, our lead attorney for M&A work at this firm, is excellent.’
Key clients
51job, Inc.
Bentley Systems, Incorporated
Best Buy Co. Inc.
Blue Buffalo
BMC Stock Holdings
BorgWarner Inc.
The Bountiful Company
Change Healthcare Inc.
Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc.
CSL Behring
Dell Technologies
Fifth Third Bancorp
First Data Corporation
Genesee & Wyoming
Gerdau S.A.
Harsco Corporation
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
IBERIABANK Corporation
Ingersoll Rand, Inc.
Johnson Controls International
L3 Harris
Mars, Inc.
McKesson Corporation
Melrose Industries PLC
Microsoft Corporation
The Mosaic Company
NN, Inc.
The ODP Corporation
Paysafe Group Holdings Limited
People’s United Bank
PG&E Corporation
PPD Inc.
Refinitiv
RPM International Inc.
Sirius XM Radio Inc.
SoftBank
Sony Music Entertainment
SunPower Corp
TCF Financial Corporation
Teleflex Incorporated
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Board of Directors of Twitter, Inc.
Versum Materials
Vistra Energy Corp.
Vivint Smart Home, Inc.
Vivint Solar, Inc.
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Waste Management, Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Microsoft Corporation in connection with its announced acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc. for $75bn.
- Acted for Dell Technologies Inc. in connection with the spin-off of its 81% equity ownership interest in VMware, Inc.
- Representing the Board of Directors of Twitter, Inc. in connection with its acquisition by an entity wholly owned by Elon Musk, for approximately $44bn.
M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP continues to operate at the apex of the private equity market, a consistent advisor to major firms and their portfolio companies across the gamut of PE areas from fund formation, acquisition and liquidity strategies, to exit transactions including sales and IPOs. In recent times the practice has handled a number of ultra-high-value transactions for blue-chip clients, advising KKR in its acquisition of Barracuda Networks Inc and representing Blackstone on the acquisition of PS Business Parks for approximately $7.6bn. Marni Lerner co-heads the practice and has a strong track record when it comes to complex M&A, divestitures, strategic investments and securities matters. Co-head Elizabeth Cooper specializes in M&A and boasts an impressive client list of the likes of Carlyle, Oaktree and New Mountain. In Palo Alto, Atif Azher represented Silver Lake Partners in connection with Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, with a total value around $61bn. Anthony Vernace has developed a stellar reputation among PE firms for joint ventures and other corporate transactions, while New York-based Michael Holick represents EQT in high-value transactions. Veteran Gary Horowitz has recently left the firm, while former co-head of M&A Katie Sudol departed in July 2022. All lawyers are New York-based unless otherwise specified.Practice head(s):
Marni Lerner; Elizabeth Cooper
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
AEA Investors
Alinda Capital Partners
Angeles Equity
Apax Partners
Apollo Global Management
Barings Private Equity Asia
BC Partners, Inc.
BlackRock LTPC
The Blackstone Group
Calera Capital
The Carlyle Group
Centerbridge Partners, L.P.
Coatue Management, L.L.C.
Corsair Capital
CVC Capital Partners
EQT Partners
Genstar
Global Infrastructure Partners
Hellman & Friedman
Integrum Holdings L.P.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.
KSL Capital Partners
Lexington Partners
Lindsay Goldberg LLC
New Mountain Capital
Oaktree Capital Group
Patricia Industries
Platinum Equity Capital Partners
Primavera Capital Group
Riverstone Holdings LLC
Silver Lake Partners
Snow Phipps Group
Sterling Partners
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Stone Point Capital LLC
Technology Crossover Ventures
True Wind Capital
Warburg Pincus
Work highlights
- Represented Silver Lake as the second largest shareholder of VMware, Inc. in connection with the acquisition of VMware by Broadcom Inc. for $61 billion.
- Represented Blackstone Core+ perpetual capital vehicles, primarily comprised of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, alongside Blackstone Property Partners, in their acquisition of American Campus Communities for approximately $12.8 billion.
- Representing Stonepeak in connection with its definitive agreement to acquire Intrado Corporation’s Safety business for $2.4 billion.
Real estate Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s diversified real estate practice spans M&A for both public and private real estate companies, portfolio and asset sales and acquisitions, structured finance, development, leasing and joint ventures. In a landmark transaction, practice head Gregory RessaPractice head(s):
Gregory Ressa
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Blackstone
KKR
The Carlyle Group
Hilton Worldwide Holdings
Northwood Investors
Centerbridge
Crown Acquisitions
Invitation Homes
BioMed Realty
CorePoint Lodging
Lindsay Goldberg
Westbrook Partners
Pure Industrial Real Estate
Great Wolf Resorts
Motel 6
Kaufman Astoria Studios
DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and IFM Investors
Outrigger Hospitality Group
Extended Stay Hotels
Work highlights
- Represented Blackstone Core+ perpetual capital vehicles, primarily comprised of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, alongside Blackstone Property Partners, in their acquisition of American Campus Communities in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $12.8 billion.
- Represented affiliates of DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and IFM Investors in their proposed acquisition of Switch, Inc. in a transaction valued at $11 billion.
- Represented affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate in their acquisition of PS Business Parks, Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $7.6 billion.
Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP utilizes its ‘expertise and experience in complex transactions’ to advise several major corporate foundations and corporate philanthropy programs on ongoing transactions. The group is also well placed to handle regulatory issues as it is ‘well-informed and well-connected with regulators at both the federal and state levels’ and is ‘a team of experts, with deep knowledge of both tax and corporate law relevant to tax-exempt organizations’. Experienced practitioner David ShevlinPractice head(s):
David Shevlin
Other key lawyers:
John Bennett; Maura Whelan; Jennifer Franklin; Kevin Roe
Testimonials
‘David Shevlin and his colleagues at has created a one-of-a-kind practice serving tax-exempt investors. They pursue their work with rigor, timeliness, and a spirit of partnership with clients.’
‘The team is highly skilled and knowledgeable. We have frequent interaction with David Shevlin, John Bennett, and Maura Whelan. All our extremely knowledge, have a deep-rooted sense of always putting their clients first, and are timely and responsive to requests.’
‘I have worked with the team for over 20 years, and have consistently found them unsurpassed in expertise, experienced in complex transactions, well-informed and well-connected with regulators at both the federal and state levels, and tremendously responsive. Their advice is always clear, accurate, and actionable.’
‘I work most closely with David Shevlin. He demonstrates tremendous knowledge and experience, which he combines with an ability to listen and grasp the client’s needs.’
‘The exempt organizations practice group is truly a team of experts, with deep knowledge of both tax and corporate law relevant to tax-exempt organizations. In addition, because the group is part of an excellent national law firm, by working with the exempt organizations group you also have access to attorneys in a wide range of specialty areas.’
‘The lawyers in the exempt organizations practice combine a sophisticated and up-to-date understanding of the law with a practical approach to applying the law to our real-world activities.’
Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is called upon by multinational corporations, banks, investment funds and other businesses for advice on their largest and most complex transactions, offering the full spectrum of deal and fund capabilities. The group has a leading M&A and private equity tax offering, exemplified by its recent involvement in Microsoft Corporation’s $75bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The team is also engaged on fund formations, matters relating to real estate investments by fund sponsors, and complex IPOs in the capital markets space. Based in New York unless stated otherwise, the team is spearheaded by seasoned corporate tax lawyers Nancy Mehlman and Marcy Geller, whose combined expertise spans M&A, real estate (including REITs), fund formations, joint ventures, and financings. Jonathan Goldstein specializes in private investment fund formations, while Russell Light is experienced in debt restructurings and big-ticket SPACs. Andrew Purcell is the first port of call for clients operating in the tech sector; recent highlights include multi-billion dollar acquisitions for DigitalBridge, New Mountain Capital and Silver Lake. Also noted for their strengths are up-and-coming Sophie Staples and Washington DC-based Benjamin Rippeon.Practice head(s):
Nancy Mehlman; Marcy Geller
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Goldstein; Sophie Staples; Russell Light; Andrew Purcell; Benjamin Rippeon; William Smolinski
Testimonials
‘Nancy Mehlman and William Smolinski are of the highest quality. They have great intel on the European fund market.’
‘Responsive, practical and quick to deliver results.’
Key clients
Apax Partners
Apollo Global Management
Blackstone
BlackRock
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
Centerbridge
Carlyle
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
EQT
The Fresh Market Holdings, Inc.
Global Infrastructure Partners
Hellman & Friedman
IFM Investors
KKR & Co. Inc.
McKesson Corporation
Microsoft Corporation
New Mountain Capital, LLC
The NPD Group
Silver Lake
Stone Point Capital
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
U.S. Bancorp
Work highlights
- Advised Microsoft on its $75bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc.
- Advised DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and IFM Investors on the $11bn acquisition of Switch, Inc.
International Trade > CFIUS Tier 1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s national security regulatory practice finds favor for its extensive transaction experience, particularly in ‘large private equity deals with foreign co-investment and a multitude of foreign direct investment filings’. Covering the waterfront on CFIUS matters, the team routinely advises on deals across a broad range of industries, including in sensitive spheres such as technology, infrastructure, telecoms and life sciences. The Washington DC-based group also stands out for its expertise in matters involving sovereign wealth funds and elaborate investment structures. Department head Malcolm Tuesley is held up as a ‘go-to CFIUS/FDI advisor’; he recently represented the Board of Directors of Twitter in connection with Elon Musk’s $44bn acquisition of the company. Mark Skerry, who was promoted the the partnership in January 2023, formerly served as an attorney within the Office of the General Counsel of the Department of Homeland Security and has a strong focus on national security law; he paired up with Tuesley to advise a consortium led by Blackstone, and including sovereign wealth funds Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and GIC, in the $14.5bn acquisition of a majority stake in Emerson Electric’s climate technologies business.Practice head(s):
Malcolm Tuesley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘STB’s CFIUS team has provided us practical and strategic advice in our most complex deals. Their wealth of transaction experience – particularly for large private equity deals with foreign co-investment and a multitude of foreign direct investment filings – enable us to discern real risks from the theoretical.’
‘Lawyers are very responsive, fully dedicated and provide very sound advice. A tier 1 team.’
‘Malcolm Tuesley is our go-to CFIUS/FDI advisor. He understands our business and our risk tolerance and is always synched with his M&A colleagues such that any CFIUS/FDI risk is contextualized against the backdrop of the broader commercial transaction.’
‘Mark Skerry has expertly advised us on two of the most complicated PE deals in recent memory. In each case he has been instrumental in helping us manage the CFIUS/FDI regulatory process.’
Key clients
Blackstone Inc.
Microsoft Corp.
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
T-Mobile
Global Infrastructure Partners
EQT Partners
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (Macquarie Group)
Hellman & Friedman
The Carlyle Group
BlackRock
Oakley Capital
IFM Investors
The Board of Directors of Twitter, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised the Board of Directors of Twitter in connection with Elon Musk’s $44bn acquisition of Twitter.
- Advised IFM Investors on the proposed $11bn take-private of data center network Switch.
- Advised a consortium led by Blackstone, and including sovereign wealth funds Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and GIC, in its $14.5bn acquisition of a majority stake in Emerson Electric’s climate technologies business.
Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s highly active practice represents clients on multiple major new and ongoing cartel matters, leveraging the deep in-house experience of the team to represent clients in international and domestic investigations and subsequent litigation. Internal investigations, leniency applications, and multijurisdictional compliance programs are particular strengths of the group. The practice is jointly overseen by Washington DC-based John TerzakenPractice head(s):
Peter Guryan; Sara Razi; John Terzaken
Other key lawyers:
Antitrust > Merger control Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP leverages its strong profile within the private equity space, advising a number of major buyout funds on global antitrust filings and investigations, combining this work with a notable focus on complex public M&A approvals, offering deep agency experience on mandates facing Second Request investigations as well as antitrust lawsuits brought by the DOJ and FTC. The team is able to handle mergers in highly scrutinized industries, particularly healthcare, with Washington DC-based co-head Sara Razi successfully representing Change Healthcare in the DOJ challenge to its acquisition by UnitedHealth, as well as financial services. New York’s Peter Guryan co-heads the team and is a former Antitrust Division trial attorney, allowing him to handle contentious merger proceedings both domestically and internationally, and is particularly active on behalf of private equity-backed companies and funds. DC-based Preston Miller is an increasingly key team member, focusing heavily on merger review and playing a major role in the Change deal, with senior counsel Richard Jamgochian in New York also noted for his broad sector knowledge and work on antitrust risk analysis at the outset of deals.Practice head(s):
Peter Guryan; Sara Razi
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simpson Thacher is an absolute leader in US, UK and EU competition law. They have real super stars in New York, Washington and London. They routinely work on the most difficult merger and commercial matters and investigations. They are always fast and efficient, never seeking to do unnecessary or ineffective work. They stay on top of key legal developments, are incredibly responsive and are a real go to firm.’
‘Peter Guryan: Peter is among the most underrated antitrust lawyers in the US (and most certainly in New York). He is calm, efficient, collaborative, extremely smart and the kind of advocate that you want in your corner. There isn’t a merger control matter that he can’t do or a fact scenario he hasn’t seen.’
‘Preston Miller is such a strong lawyer that partners from other firms routinely acknowledge the benefits of having him on the other side as someone who will be efficient, practical, friendly and able to lead a very strong case. He is definitely going to be a leader in the antitrust bar.’
‘Rick Jamgochian: Rick is a master organizer. He is able to manage complex and large merger investigations. He is calm and never loses his cool. He is a fantastic lawyer and team player.‘
Key clients
Blackstone
Buckeye Partners, L.P.
Change Healthcare
CSL Limited
Ferro Corporation
Garda World Security Corporation
HCA Healthcare, Inc.
KKR
The NPD Group
ODP Corporation
U.S. Bancorp
Work highlights
- Representing Change Healthcare in its $13.8 billion acquisition by UnitedHealth Group, including representing Change Healthcare in the highly publicized merger trial in which UnitedHealth and Change were victorious over the Department of Justice.
- Representing PPD Inc. in its $17.4bn acquisition by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
- Representing Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII L.P. in the $5.65bn sale of The Cosmopolitan.
Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP fields a white-collar team that consists of a number of former SEC officials and federal prosecutors with extensive experience in securities fraud, FCPA and anti-corruption violations, and investment advisor fraud. The practice is also noted for its strengths in criminal bid rigging and price fixing, and counts Fortune 500 companies as well as its executives among its clients. Lynn Neuner is reputed in the market for her vast trial experience, while Jonathan YoungwoodPractice head(s):
Lynn Neuner; Jonathan Youngwood; Nicholas Goldin; Jeffrey Knox
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
AT&T
Barclays
JPMorgan
KT Corporation
Special Committee of Kraft Heinz
Special Committee of the Board of WWE
Chief Financial Officer of Cavco
Former senior executive of TransUnion
Work highlights
- Represented Barclays in a successful resolution of an SEC investigation related to the potential offering of unregistered securities.
- Representing a special committee of the board of WWE in an internal investigation arising from allegations of workplace-related misconduct by the CEO.
- Advised Korean telecommunications company KT Corporation in successfully resolving an SEC FCPA investigation.
Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 2
With a particularly strong M&A practice, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s energy and infrastructure group is equipped to handle the full range of commercial needs for its national and international high-profile clients. A notable achievement of the practice is the representation of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. in connection with the acquisition of Liberty Utilities Co. from American Electric Power Co. for a total purchase price of approximately $2.85bn. David Lieberman from the Houston office leads the practice and advises clients, such as Blackstone and Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, on complex transactions across the renewables sector. In New York, Brian Chisling‘s practice extends to M&A, joint ventures, financing and related regulatory issues, while Houston’s Matthew Einbinder regularly advises borrowers and lenders on banking and credit transactions, including project finance.
Practice head(s):
David Lieberman
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Full range of legal services. Client knowledge’.
Key clients
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
American Electric Power, Inc.
Bentley Systems
BlackRock
Blackstone
CBRE Acquisition
Citibank
Crédit Agricole
Energy Capital Partners
EQT Infrastructure V fund
Global Infrastructure Partners
Goldman Sachs
ITC Midwest
JPMorgan Chase Bank
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley
MUFG
Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.
NextEra Energy
Riverstone Credit Partners
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners L.P.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Summit Partners Credit Advisors
SunPower Corporation
Terra-Gen LLC
Wells Fargo Securities
Work highlights
- Advised KKR on its $3.37 billion acquisition of a non-controlling, 20% interest in Sempra Energy’s new business platform, Sempra Infrastructure Partners.
- Advised Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. on the acquisition of Liberty Utilities Co., an indirect subsidiary of AQN, of Kentucky Power Company and AEP Kentucky Transmission Company, Inc. from American Electric Power Co. for a total purchase price of approximately $2.846 billion.
- Advised CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc. in connection with entering into a definitive business combination agreement with Altus Power, Inc. for approximately $1.58 billion.
Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has decades of experience advising clients in the electric power industry, including a range of legal services from innovative and complex M&A to financing transactions for companies engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power, as well as all fuel sources and generation types. The firm has advised clients in numerous transactions across the renewable energy front, involving solar power, wind energy and other alternative energy, David Lieberman is the head of the energy and infrastructure practice in Houston and has experience representing parties on power and renewable energy transactions, having advised a broad client base ranging from Blackstone to Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners. Brian Chisling is a partner based in New York and specializes in transactions involving energy and infrastructure companies and has advised independent power producers and electric utilities on M&A, divestitures and securities issuances. Matthew Einbinder is a leading figure with a practice centered on renewable and alternative energy in complex banking and credit transactions.Practice head(s):
David Lieberman
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Strong bench strength to put towards complex issues. Number of lawyers with experience in power and utilities.’
‘Confidence in advice. Generally quick responses. Strong bench strength for larger and complex transactions.’
Key clients
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
American Electric Power, Inc.
Bentley Systems
BlackRock
Blackstone
CBRE Acquisition
Citibank
Crédit Agricole
Energy Capital Partners
EQT Infrastructure V fund
Global Infrastructure Partners (“GIP”)
Goldman Sachs
ITC Midwest
JPMorgan Chase Bank
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley
MUFG
Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.
NextEra Energy
Riverstone Credit Partners
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners L.P.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Summit Partners Credit Advisors
SunPower Corporation
Terra-Gen LLC
Wells Fargo Securities
Work highlights
- KKR in its $3.37 billion acquisition of a non-controlling, 20% interest in Sempra Energy’s new business platform, Sempra Infrastructure Partners.
- Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. with the acquisition by Liberty Utilities Co., an indirect subsidiary of AQN, of Kentucky Power Company and AEP Kentucky Transmission Company, Inc. from American Electric Power Co. for a total purchase price of approximately $2.846 billion.
- CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by CBRE Group, Inc., in connection with entering into a definitive business combination agreement with Altus Power, Inc. for approximately $1.58 billion.
Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 2
Rajib Chanda spearheads the offering in mutual, registered and exchange-traded funds at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, acting for prestigious clients, including Blackstone, KKR and Carlyle, in ccomplex and innovative matters in the space. Chanda leads from the Washington DC office, which houses the bulk of the firm’s practice. David Blass and Christopher Healey both receive client recognition as ‘key assets to the team‘; Blass praised for his broad, business friendly knowledge; Healey for his expertise on the 1940 Act. Ryan Brizek is fund counsel to registered funds sponsored by some of the largest alternative and traditional asset managers in the US market, and, representing the practice in New York, Benjamin Wells has been particularly active advising on innovative products for well-established sponsors.Practice head(s):
Rajib Chanda
Other key lawyers:
David Blass; Benjamin Wells; Ryan Brizek; Chris Healey
Testimonials
‘Chris Healey and David Blass are two individuals that are key assets to the team. Chris has tremendous 40 Act knowledge and David provides a broad base legal knowledge that is business friendly.’
‘I simply enjoy working with them. They are always respectful and thoughtful – true professionals in the industry.’
Key clients
Affiliated Managers Group
Angelo Gordon & Co
Apollo Credit Management LLC
AQR Capital Management
Ares Management
BC Partners
Blackstone Credit
Blackstone Real Estate Income Funds
BofA Merrill Lynch
Capital Research Group (American Funds)
The Carlyle Group
Cohen & Steers
Diameter Capital Partners
Ecofin Investments, LLC
EIG Global Energy Partners
Fidelity Investments (Board)
First Eagle Credit
First Eagle Investment Management
Golub Capital
HarbourVest Partners
Investment Company Institute
JPMorgan Asset Management
KKR Asset Management
KKR Real Estate
Legg Mason Closed-end Funds
Magnetar Capital
New Mountain Capital
Oaktree Capital
Onex Falcon Investment Advisors, LLC
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”)
PGIM Investments, LLC
SIFMA Asset Management Group
Sixth street
Skybridge Capital
Stone Ridge Funds Independent Trustees
Third Point LLC
Toronto Dominion Bank
Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC
United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
Work highlights
- Advised Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust on a $60bn public offering of shares of common stock.
- Advised Apollo on various matters, including over the past year, the launch of its interval fund, Apollo Diversified Credit Fund.
- Advised KKR on the formation of KKR Real Estate Select Trust, a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that invests primarily in commercial real estate in the US.
Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP maintains its strong reputation for handling major transactional mandates in the space. The group continues its longstanding relationship with major private equity fund, Blackstone – providing representation on a vast range of different transactions in 2022, including the $12.8 billion acquisition of American Campus Communities. New York-based Brian Stadler has extensive experience on M&A involving REITS, co-leading the group in conjunction with Edgar Lewandowski, who focuses on capital markets matters, and Gregory RessaPractice head(s):
Gregory Ressa; Brian Stadler; Edgar Lewandowski
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Blackstone
Invitation Homes
J.P. Morgan Securities
Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust
Blackstone Mortgage Trust
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust
Citigroup Global Markets
BioMed Realty
Crown Acquisitions
Centerbridge Partners
ESH Hospitality
Black Creek Group
DigitalBridge Group
QTS Realty Trust
Work highlights
- Representing Blackstone Core+ perpetual capital vehicles in their acquisition of American Campus Communities in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $12.8 billion.
- Representing affiliates of DigitalBridge Group in the proposed acquisition of Switch in a transaction valued at $11 billion, including the assumption of debt.
- Representing affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate in their acquisition of PS Business Parks in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $7.6 billion.
Tax > International tax Tier 2
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP offers a renowned capital markets tax practice which advises on initial public offerings and provides solutions to issuers. The practice offers the full spectrum of deal and fund capabilities including financings, capital markets transactions and restructurings. The team also has expertise in providing tax advice relating to real estate investments by fund sponsors. Nancy Mehlman co-heads the practice and advises on fund formations, partnerships and joint ventures. Other co-head Marcy Geller has expertise in REITs and real estate transactions while Jonathan Goldstein provides advice with respect to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. All lawyers are in New York.Practice head(s):
Nancy Mehlman; Marcy Geller
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Goldstein; Sophie Staples; Bill Smolinski
Testimonials
‘The team is client focused, cognizant of both deliverables and cost to complete. I can always rely on the client service partner to deliver comprehensive advice, succinctly delivered. As in house tax counsel, this team addresses the issues at hand, identifies implications and stays focused rather than looking at opportunities to increase fees unnecessarily.’
‘The firm is really secondary to the engagement partner and here Sophie Staples stands out among the best. Sophie respects client’s time and knows how to deliver accurate, well reasoned advice in easy to understand format. Sophie leads a team used to quick turnaround demands and has never failed to support potential acquisitions, group sales, global restructuring, or potential IPO transactions’
‘STB has great market intelligence for the European fund market.’
‘Nancy Mehlman and Bill Smolinski are stand out partners. I have valued their responsiveness, being solution oriented and quality of work.’
Key clients
Apax Partners
Apple Leisure Group
BellRing Brands, Inc.
Blackstone
Carlyle
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Global Infrastructure Partners
IFM Investors
KKR & Co. Inc.
McKesson Corporation
Microsoft Corporation
New Mountain Capital, LLC
Silver Lake
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
The Fresh Market Holdings, Inc.
The NPD Group
Work highlights
- Advised Blackstone on the €21 billion recapitalization of Mileway.
Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is known for advising and representing both plaintiffs and defendants in antitrust litigation concerning monopolization, price fixing and tying claims across major industries such as chemicals, insurance, pharma, agricultural products, finance, and telecoms. The team is led by antitrust co-chair Sara Razi who has extensive private-sector and government antitrust experience, fellow co-chair John TerzakenPractice head(s):
Peter Guryan; Sara Razi; John Terzaken; Lynn Neuner; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Apiture, Inc.
Booking Holdings Inc.
Change Healthcare
Covestro LLC
Cross Country Healthcare
Deutsche Bank
HCA Healthcare, Inc.
McKesson Corporation
Micron Technology, Inc.
Tyson Foods
Work highlights
- Represented HCA Healthcare, Inc. in a class action lawsuit alleging HCA engaged in anticompetitive tactics.
- Defending Covestro LLC and Covestro AG in multiple class actions alleging a conspiracy to fix prices for MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) and TDI (toluene diisocyanate).
Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s focus in the financial services regulation field lies in transactions in the space, an offering which is interlinked with the firm’s compliance experience, ensuring banks, insurance companies, securities and mortgage brokers, broker-dealers and credit card issuers are adept at addressing various requirements, including those enacted under the Dodd-Frank Act and Basel III. Lee MeyersonPractice head(s):
Lee Meyerson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simpson Thacher has tremendous strength and depth in financial services and banking, including pure regulatory, enforcement matters, M&A and general representation.’
‘Very experienced experts and professionals, who are efficient and effective. Also, a pleasure to work with.’
‘They are not only experienced and show high expertise but are very collaborative and personal. A pleasure to work with.’
‘Highly responsive and practical in advice.’
Key clients
Angelo, Gordon & Co.
Apollo
Ascensus
AXIS Capital Holdings
Blackstone
CNO Financial Group
Computershare Limited
Corsair Capital
Fifth Third Bancorp
First Hawaiian Bank
Goldman Sachs & Co.
Institutional Shareholder Services
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
KeyCorp
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation
Mizuho Financial Group
Morgan Stanley
Oak Hill Capital
Oaktree Capital Management
Riverstone Holdings
Sumitomo Life Insurance Company
Synovus Financial
TD Bank Group
The Carlyle Group
The Charles Schwab Corporation
The Travelers Companies
Work highlights
- Advised TD Bank Group in connection with its proposed acquisition of First Horizon Corporation in an all-cash transaction valued at $13.4bn.
Finance > Project finance Tier 3
Reputed for its ‘strong client knowledge and good commercial management’, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s energy and infrastructure practice group advises clients on the whole array of project finance transactions in the sector, with a particular strong focus on energy projects. In 2022, the team represented JPMorgan Chase Bank, N/A in connection with SilverBow Resources, Inc.’s tenth amendment to its reserve-based credit agreement, increasing the maximum credit amount to $2bn. M&A and financing expert David Lieberman in Houston heads the practice, and is experienced in advising high-profile clients such as Blackstone, Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners and Global Infrastructure Partners. Houston-based Matthew Einbinder focuses his practice on representing borrowers, direct lender and lenders in complex banking and credit transactions, while senior counsel and transactional lawyer Amy Beller in New York is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
David Lieberman
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Strong client knowledge and good commercial management.’
Key clients
BlackRock Energy and Power Infrastructure Group
Blackstone
Citibank
Credit Agricole
EQT Infrastructure
Goldman Sachs
Global Infrastructure Partners
JPMorgan
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley
MUFG
NextEra Energy
The Royal Bank of Canada
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Terra-Gen LLC
BlackRock Energy and Power Infrastructure Group
Blackstone
Citibank
Credit Agricole
EQT Infrastructure
Goldman Sachs
Global Infrastructure Partners
JPMorgan
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Morgan Stanley
MUFG
NextEra Energy
The Royal Bank of Canada
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Terra-Gen LLC
Work highlights
- Advised Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as administrative agent, on Terra-Gen Finance Company, LLC’s project financing which consisted of a $50 million senior secured term loan facility.
- Advised EIG Management Company, LLC on a development loan for specified gas assets in Appalachia.
- Advised Acquiom Agency Services LLC as administrative agent and BlackRock as lender in connection with Crowley Alaska Logistics, LLC’s $120 million first lien term loan credit facility.
Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 3
Sandeep Qusba and Michael Torkin head Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s restructuring practice, which has a strong reputation for representing senior lenders in chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings, but also advises debtors, creditor committees, equity sponsors, distressed asset investors, and agent banks in relation to various types of restructurings and bankruptcies. Qusba handles restructurings in and out of court, as well as distressed company acquisitions and bank financings, and, alongside Nicholas Baker, has recently led a team representing Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase Bank as agents in connection with LATAM Airline Group’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Torkin specializes in representing companies in relation to liability management and recapitalization transactions, while Elisha Graff has experience advising equity sponsors on the restructuring of their portfolio companies and financial institutions on loans to distressed companies. Sunny Singh joined in March 2023. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.Practice head(s):
Sandeep Qusba; Michael Torkin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Nick Baker is a rising star in the restructuring practice. Unlike so many competitors in the industry, he seems fully invested in every assignment he takes on and leaves no stone unturned to identify and address client’s concerns and goals.’
‘Highly pragmatic, commercial team that is quickly able to grasp and advocate for their clients’ interests.’
Key clients
Angelo Gordon
Apax Partners
Apollo
ARM Energy Holdings
Arsenal Resources
Ascribe Capital
Bank of Montreal
Bausch Health
Blackstone
Centerbridge Partners
Corp Group Banking S.A.
Crane Holdings, Co.
First Reserve
Francisco Partners
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.
Goldman Sachs
GSO Capital Partners
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
MatlinPatterson
Morgan Stanley Capital Administrators Inc.
Primavera Capital
PSP Investments
Pyxus International Inc.
Riverstone Holdings
Royal Bank of Canada
Silver Lake Partners
Solus Alternative Asset Management
Sterling Organization
Syncreon
TNT Crane & Rigging
Wells Fargo Bank
Work highlights
- Represented Corp Group Banking S.A. and certain of its affiliates in their Chapter 11 cases.
- Represented Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, as administrative agent, joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner under LATAM’s $750 million senior secured debtor-in-possession and exit term loan facility, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner under LATAM’s $500 million senior secured debtor-in-possession and exit revolving credit facility and certain bridge facilities.
- Represented MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners II L.P as debtors in a Chapter 11 filing.
Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is highly active in the digital infrastructure, energy and transportation industries, representing clients in a range of asset-backed transactions involving commercial paper, aircraft leases, bank credit card receivables and dark fiber revenue. Standout recent work for the team includes counselling the initial purchasers in a series of asset-backed note offerings from both Enterprise Fleet Management and Avis Budget Group, in addition to work with the Railroad commission of Texas regarding the issuance of a financing order. John Schueller fronts the practice and has extensive expertise on auto loans and leases, timeshare loans and fleet leases, also regularly providing advising executives and managers regarding CLOs.Practice head(s):
John Schueller
Key clients
BofA Merrill Lynch
Citigroup
Clearlake Capital Group, L.P.
DataBank Holdings
ExteNet Systems
Flexential Corp.
GSO Capital Partners
HSBC
Invitation Homes
J.P. Morgan Securities
Mizuho Securities
MUFG
Portman Ridge Finance Corporation
RBC Capital Markets
Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC
SummitIG
TD Securities
Vantage Data Centers
Vertical Bridge Holdings
Wells Fargo Securities
Work highlights
- Advised the initial purchasers in over $6 billion (aggregate) asset backed notes offerings by Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.
- Advised the initial purchasers in over $3 billion (aggregate) asset backed notes offerings by Avis Budget
- Advised Flexential Corp. in over $2 billion (aggregate) secured data center revenue notes issuances
Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3
Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 3
M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s members are praised for ‘having great depth of expertise’ and being ‘pragmatic and creative problem solvers,’ in corporate governance, with the team regularly sought out for advice on SEC internal investigations. Matters handled by the group are often related to corporate events such as IPOs, share offerings, and practice group head Karen Hsu Kelley in New York excels at supporting domestic and international public companies with the listing requirements of the major US exchanges. Public company expert Charles Mathias is also a key name in the team.Practice head(s):
Karen Hsu Kelley
Other key lawyers:
Charles Mathes
Testimonials
‘The corporate governance team, led by Karen Hsu Kelley, is exceptionally strong. In addition to having great depth of expertise, they are pragmatic and creative problem solvers. The team attracts dedicated, smart and thorough associates, so clients receive a consistently strong service from everyone that works on the account.’
Key clients
AEP
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Apria
Aramark
Ashton Woods
Balchem Corporation
Bentley Systems, Incorporated
Best Buy
Blackstone
Brightspring Health
Brightview
Bumble
Caterpillar
CB Richard Ellis
Certara
Cigna Corporation
Cooper-Standard
Coty
Evercore
Ferro Corporation
Work highlights
- Representing the second largest shareholder of VMware, Inc. in governance and disclosure considerations related to the announced acquisition of VMware by Broadcom Inc.
- Advised Ferro Corporation on governance and disclosure considerations related to Ferro’s acquisition by Prince International Corporation, a portfolio company of American Securities LLC.
Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 3
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a ‘very nimble‘ New York-based team who are ‘knowledgeable in all areas of IP and tech, and are able to manage very different types of transactions‘. The practice is invariably very busy on the M&A and private equity support side, providing critical advice on IP and tech driven corporate transactions, including expertise in related areas such as privacy and cybersecurity. Key to the firm’s success in this area is practice head Lori Lesser, who brings a ‘very experienced and has a hands-on approach‘. The practice was also boosted in 2022 by the recruitment of partner Jessica Cohen from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. ‘Fantastic‘ associate Alysha Sekhon is ‘smart, on top of things and a tireless advocate‘.Practice head(s):
Lori Lesser
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simpson Thacher are industry experts. They understand not only the law but also the business. Unlike many other law firms, their legal advice is practical actionable advice.’
‘Lori Lesser, Alysha Sekhon…both of these individuals always make themselves available to me and get the job done.’
‘The IP transactions practice at STB is very nimble – the attorneys of that practice are knowledgeable in all areas of IP and tech, and are able to manage very different types of transactions using an efficient and nimble team.’
‘Lori Lesser is very experienced and has a hands-on approach, able to quickly respond to client demands and coming up with very creative solutions to client problems. Associate Alysha Sekhon is fantastic – smart, on top of things and a tireless advocate.’
Key clients
Blackstone
CSL Behring
Dell
Hellman & Friedman
L3Harris
Microsoft Corporation
Refinitiv
Silver Lake
TD Bank
TransUnion
Work highlights
- Advised Microsoft Corporation in two blockbuster acquisitions, including its announced $75 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc. and its $19.7 billion acquisition of Nuance Communication.
- Advised TransUnion in several acquisitions, including its $3.1 billion acquisition of Neustar, an information services and technology company and a leader in identity resolution, and its $515 million acquisition of Verisk Financial Services.
- Advised Blackstone in its acquisition of a majority stake in Spanx, Inc. from its founder in a transaction that values Spanx at $1.2 billion.
Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal) Tier 4
Composed of ‘excellent writers, strategic thinkers and all around advocates’, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s appellate group sits within its formidable litigation offering. Closely integrated with its trial practice, the team is routinely involved in complex corporate appeals, with notable expertise in the financial services, insurance, class actions, and consumer products spheres. It additionally handles a significant volume of pro bono cases. In New York, Joseph McLaughlin is frequently involved in proceedings in trial and appellate courts across the country. Jonathan YoungwoodPractice head(s):
Lynn Neuner; Jonathan Youngwood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent writers, strategic thinkers and all around advocates at both the trial and appellate level.’
‘Joseph McLaughlin stands out. Joe is an all-around great lawyer both at the trial and appellate level.’
Key clients
Alibaba
Best Buy
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
JPMorgan Chase
Lehman Brothers’ Former Officers
Pacific Alternative Asset Management Co. and Prisma Capital Partners
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners LP
Travelers
Micron
Vivint, Inc.
Work highlights
- Secured an appellate win for Countrywide reversing a trial court decision and a dismissal with prejudice of claims in residential mortgage-backed securities cases.
- Represented JPMorgan and affiliates in obtaining an appellate victory with the dismissal of a suit arising out of Thomas Petters’ Ponzi scheme.
- Successfully won a pro bono appeal in a Title IX action on behalf of female student-athletes at Hawaii’s largest high school.
Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 4
Jonathan YoungwoodFinance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 4
Praised as ‘well-versed in derivatives and structured products’, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP counts investment banks, private equity funds and corporations among its key roster of clients, with demonstrable experience in handling over-the-counter transactions and equity-linked derivatives. In the firm’s New York office, ‘exceptional partner’ Jonathan Lindabury leads the team and is noted for his expertise in margin loans and equity derivatives transactions, in addition to related regulatory matters. Based in Washington DC, regulatory expert David Blass is another key contact in the group.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Lindabury
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Strength of lead derivatives attorney backed by great all around firm.’
‘Jonathan Lindabury is an exceptional partner who brings his years of in-house experience to give practical and timely advice on difficult situations.’
‘David Blass and others who used to work at regulatory agencies bring their unique expertise and insight into regulatory and enforcement process to bear in a practical and cost-effective manner.’
‘The Simpson Thacher team is well-versed in derivatives and structured products. Their knowledge of the market is first-rate.’
‘I find the Simpson team to be extremely collaborative and commercial. They spot the relevant issues and do a very good job of explaining impact and advising on risk level. They are well-calibrated and communicate in a clear and concise way.’
Key clients
Airbnb
Alibaba
Apax Partners
Aramark
Aston Martin
BC Partners
Best Buy
BlackRock
Blackstone
Citibank
Cigna Corporation
Dell Technologies
EQT
Essential Utilities
First Reserve
GFL Environmental
Goldman Sachs
Hellman & Friedman
Hilton Worldwide Holdings
Invitation Homes
JPMorgan
KKR
Morgan Stanley
Mosaic Company
Oaktree
Office Depot
Quantum Energy Partners
Silver Lake
Sirius XM
SoftBank
Stonepeak
Finance > Fintech
Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection)
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is widely recognized as one of the pre-eminent law firms in the world. The firm devotes to its clients the legal talent and skill of over 1,000 lawyers with a commitment to hard work, excellence and integrity. The firm takes a business-like approach to advising its clients worldwide across a broad spectrum of corporate transactions and litigation matters by offering straightforward, pragmatic advice that recognizes the business needs of clients in light of prevailing commercial and legal realities. The firm has played a substantial role in many of the most complex and noteworthy transactions and litigations of the last decade. Simpson Thacher was selected as a ‘Practice Group of the Year’ in six categories by Law360 in 2022.
Areas of practice
M&A: Simpson Thacher is recognized globally for its role on behalf of parties on all sides of complex M&A transactions, buyouts, stock and asset purchases, restructurings, spinoffs, joint ventures and contested transactions. Simpson Thacher also counsels clients on a broad range of corporate governance and control matters, including proxy contests and challenges by activist investors. The firm was named ‘M&A Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360 in 2022.
Private equity: Simpson Thacher is the world’s leading legal advisor in the private equity sector. Since the earliest days of private equity, clients have sought Simpson Thacher’s advice across the spectrum of private equity activity and the firm continues to be the counsel of choice for many of the world’s most sophisticated private equity firms. Simpson Thacher’s scale and depth of experience give it insight into the needs of every participant in private equity transactions – private equity sponsors, senior bank lenders, subordinated and bridge lenders, management and financial investors and underwriters. The firm is consistently ranked among the top two law firms in Global Private Equity Announced Deals by Bloomberg, and has been named a ‘Private Equity Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360 for 12 consecutive years.
Capital markets: Simpson Thacher is a leader in capital markets transactions worldwide. The capital markets practice is prized for its reach and range – from Manhattan to Silicon Valley, from London to Hong Kong, São Paulo and beyond. With a uniquely balanced practice, representing both issuers and underwriters, the firm enjoys a premier standing in advising on IPOs and other equity capital markets transactions, as well as high yield debt, convertible debt and investment grade offerings and hybrid and private capital financing transactions. Clients rely on Simpson Thacher’s mastery of intricate deal structuring and its experience across the full spectrum of products and industries. The firm has been named a ‘Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360 in eight of the past nine years.
Banking and finance: With a widely recognized top-level practice, Simpson Thacher counsels clients on their most sophisticated credit transactions. The firm ranked #1 or #2 as legal counsel in each of the past ten years based on financing volume by Loan Pricing Corporation. Clients rely on Simpson Thacher to advise on an array of complex credit transactions and financial instruments at all levels of the corporate capital structure. The firm’s practices focus on many areas of the bank and syndicated lending market, including: leveraged finance, acquisition finance, including bridge financing, investment grade finance and project and energy finance. We also excel in structuring and executing innovative and complex direct lending solutions.
Litigation: Clients seek the practice’s advice on high-stakes litigation, cross-border disputes, as well as government and internal investigations in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The Firm offers a substantial bench of talent to resolve a wide array of legal issues. Clients benefit from the practice’s ability to leverage its broad experience and versatility to address their unique legal and business interests. Named Litigation Department of the Year for Finance (2022, 2019 and 2017) by New York Law Journal; Technology Practice Group of the Year (2022, 2020 and 2019) and Banking Practice Group of the Year (2022 and 2018) by Law360; recognised in the “GIR 30” for 2022 and “GIR 100” for the eighth year in a row (2015-2022); and as a 2023 Highly Recommended firm in the GCR 100, among other accolades.
The litigation practice includes:
- Antitrust and Trade Regulation
- Asia Litigation
- Bankruptcy Litigation
- Class Action Litigation
- Complex Commercial Litigation
- ERISA Litigation
- False Advertising Litigation
- Funds Regulatory and Investigations
- Government and Internal Investigations
- Insurance and Reinsurance
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- International Arbitration
- International Regulatory and Compliance
- Mergers and Acquisitions Litigation
- Product Liability and Mass Tort
- Securities Litigation
- Whistleblower & False Claims Act
Private funds: Simpson Thacher has one of the world’s pre-eminent private funds practices. The practice is global in scope and covers funds with a wide variety of investment criteria, including buyout, hedge, real estate, energy/infrastructure, credit, impact, secondary, venture capital, fund-of-funds and other types of funds pursuing ‘alternative investment’ strategies. The team provides comprehensive advice to many of the world’s best-known institutional alternative asset managers, as well as smaller first-time funds and independent boutiques.
Real estate: The firm’s global real estate practice spans all areas of the real estate industry, including sophisticated real estate finance, sales and acquisitions, restructurings, real estate development, joint ventures, co-investments and partnerships. Simpson Thacher’s synthesis of real estate experience with its leading corporate practices – M&A, capital markets, banking and restructuring – allows the firm to offer institutional real estate investors a single source of advice for their most complex real estate matters. The firm has been selected as a ‘Real Estate Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360 in eight of the past ten years.
Restructuring and bankruptcy: Simpson Thacher’s depth of experience in some of the largest and most complex bankruptcies and out-of-court restructurings allows the firm to provide effective, strategic advice to clients across every part of the capital structure, from holders of senior secured debt, to unsecured and subordinated debt, to equity. In addition, the firm’s multidisciplinary Special Situations group advises investors and other capital providers in structuring and providing complex financing solutions for troubled and distressed companies. While the team excels at crafting creative and consensual out-of-court solutions to the thorniest disputes, when circumstances demand, the firm’s bankruptcy litigators have extensive experience and sophistication to successfully prosecute complex bankruptcy cases.
Energy and infrastructure: Energy companies and their lenders and investors turn to Simpson Thacher for cutting edge legal advice on a broad range of activities throughout the world. The firm is at the forefront of developments across the energy and infrastructure industries, giving the firm the unique perspective necessary to advise a diverse group of clients in all phases of their energy and infrastructure businesses. The practice’s clients work in energy transition; electric power and transmission; renewable, clean energy, including wind, solar and geothermal; electric, gas and water utilities; exploration and production, midstream, refining and petrochemicals, energy services and all segments of the infrastructure sector, including digital infrastructure.
Financial institutions: We offer clients unique insight into issues relating to the financial services industry, gained through our extensive deal experience and deep knowledge of the complex and changing regulatory framework. We have represented clients in many of the largest and most complex mergers of the past decades, as well as important and innovative capital raising transactions and regulatory matters ranging from compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations to chartering new institutions and obtaining regulatory approvals for expanded banking powers. Working closely with our market leading technology practice, our FinTech team handles headline transactions and high-stakes disputes across the FinTech sector.
Healthcare: Major players across the healthcare industry – pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical device and equipment manufacturers, health insurance companies, hospitals and other providers – turn to Simpson Thacher for deep experience navigating the complexities of the industry. From structuring multibillion dollar mergers and obtaining antitrust approval to advising on disputes and investigations, our healthcare group combines industry-specific experience with unrivaled excellence in the legal disciplines that most affect healthcare companies.
Technology: Simpson Thacher is known as a global technology powerhouse that provides practical legal advice with an appreciation for the nuances and subtleties in the economy’s most complex and fast-changing sector. The firm has led some of the most significant and high profile tech matters in recent history, including acquisitions, financings, IPOs, shareholder disputes, cybersecurity issues, government investigations and other litigation matters. Our clients include both well-known players and emerging companies in technology, media and telecommunications, as well as investors, lenders and underwriters. We understand the industry dynamics and challenges faced by companies in this highly competitive space, and render advice tailored to each client’s circumstances and reflective of their key priorities, business model and operations, proprietary IP and the competitive landscape. The Firm was named a Technology Group of the Year by Law360 in 2022.
Chairman, executive committee: Alden Millard
Administrative partners: Elizabeth Cooper, Tom Wuchenich
Number of partners worldwide: 228
Number of other lawyers worldwide: Over 900
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
M&A | Eric Swedenburg | eswedenburg@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-2225 |
Private Equity | Marni Lerner | mlerner@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3443 |
Private Equity | Elizabeth Cooper | ecooper@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3407 |
Capital Markets | Joshua Ford Bonnie | jbonnie@stblaw.com | +1-202-636-5804 |
Capital Markets | Roxane Reardon | rfreardon@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-2758 |
Capital Markets | Kenneth Wallach | kwallach@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3352 |
Banking and Credit | Patrick Ryan | pryan@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3463 |
Litigation | Lynn Neuner | lneuner@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-2696 |
Litigation | Jonathan Youngwood | jyoungwood@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3539 |
Private Funds | Michael Wolitzer | mwolitzer@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-7440 |
Real Estate | Greg Ressa | gressa@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-7430 |
Restructuring and Bankruptcy | Sandy Qusba | squsba@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3760 |
Energy and Infrastructure | Breen Haire | breen.haire@stblaw.com | +1-713-821-5640 |
Energy and Infrastructure | Eli Hunt | eli.hunt@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-2553 |
Energy and Infrastructure | Amy Mahon | amy.mahon@stblaw.com | +44-(0)20-7275-6595 |
Financial Institutions | Lee Meyerson | lmeyerson@stblaw.com | +1-212-455-3675 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Mr Rajib Chanda | Hailed as a “Trailblazer” by the American Lawyer for his legal contributions… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Abram Ellis | Recognized as a “Rising Star” and “Next Generation Lawyer” in antitrust litigation,… | View Profile |
![]() | Jeffrey Knox | Jeff Knox, former head of the U.S. DOJ Fraud Section, is Co-Managing… | View Profile |
![]() | Preston Miller | Preston Miller, a Partner in the Firm’s Washington, D.C. office, focuses his… | View Profile |
![]() | Ms Sara Razi | Sara Razi is Global Co-Chair of the Firm’s Antitrust and Trade Regulation… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr John Terzaken | Global Co-Chair of the Firm’s Antitrust and Trade Regulation Practice, John represents… | View Profile |
![]() | Malcolm (Mick) Tuesley | Head of Simpson Thacher’s National Security Regulatory Practice. Represents clients in national… | View Profile |
- Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation
- Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes
- Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense
- Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense
- Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings
- Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings
- Finance > Capital markets: global offerings
- Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings
- Finance > Commercial lending
- Environment > Environment: transactional
- Insurance > Advice to insurers
- Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital)
- Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional
- M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+)
- M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts
- Real estate
- Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations)
- Tax > US taxes: non-contentious
- International Trade > CFIUS
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Antitrust > Cartel
- Antitrust > Merger control
- Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense
- Energy > Renewable/alternative power
- Energy > Energy transactions: electric power
- Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds
- Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
- Tax > International tax
Firm Rankings
- Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense
- Finance > Financial services regulation
- Finance > Project finance
- Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate
- Finance > Structured finance: securitization
- Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas
- Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious
- M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance
- Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions