Firm Profile > Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP > Houston, United States

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP stands out as an antitrust destination practice for mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures with a strong bench thanks to extensive agency experience. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, retail, healthcare, technology, chemicals and energy. The department is headed out of Washington DC by Steven Newborn, who is retained particularly to advise on especially large transactions and life-and-death mergers. Also in the capital, Jeffrey Perry brings wide-ranging regulatory expertise to the table. Brianne Kucerik operates out of the same office, playing pivotal roles in multijurisdictional mergers. In addition to his antitrust litigation practice, the Washington DC-based Jeff White is actively involved in advice on M&A transactions.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 1

Often at the heart of some of the most complex and challenging litigation for an impressive roster of clients, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is adept at all aspects of commercial disputes and is notable for its deep and experienced bench of trial lawyers. Renowned generalist and co-chair of the global litigation department, David Lender, is representing Nuance in the Southern District of New York in a breach of licence agreement lawsuit against IBM. Elsewhere, notable trial lawyer Diane Sullivan won three consecutive unanimous jury defense verdicts for Johnson & Johnson in its talc mass tort litigation, while in California David Yohai and David Singh secured the dismissal of a product liability class action against client Panasonic. The firm was also instrumental in the resolution of the Sears bankruptcy. Other key lawyers are litigation group co-chairs Gregory Silbert in New York and Edward Soto in Miami. Notably, trial-experienced Susan Shin arrived in June 2019 from Arnold & Porter, and Jessica Falk was promoted to partner.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 1

'They are among the best of the best', says a client of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York, which has a strong bench and a broad palette of work. It has a team of 70 lawyers dedicated to securities and M&A litigation and the practice benefits from the firm's strong transactional M&A team, with which litigators work closely during the negotiation of deals to prepare for and minimise the risk of litigation. Active in the Delaware courts, where one client notes the partners are 'at the top of their game', they are also successful in matters in other jurisdictions, including a recent multibillion-dollar breach of fiduciary duty dispute in New York federal court. Joseph Allerhand and John Neuwirth are co-heads of the securities litigation practice, under the remit of which M&A-related cases fall. Outstanding practitioners in their own right, they can also call on the talents of 'superstar' Joshua Amsel, veterans Jonathan Polkes and Greg Danilow, and 'awesome' up-and-coming partner Evert Christensen.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

'It is the best for complex, critical matters, with deep experience and a sizeable team', says a client of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. Another notes that the firm is 'creative and focused on outcomes that make sense and can be achieved'. The practice handles the full range of matters from investigations and enforcement actions through to litigation and corporate governance matters for financial institutions, large corporates and private equity firms. The firm is called upon to handle securities fraud class actions in federal courts around the country, including cases for Sanofi, Campbell Soup Company and Signet Jewelers. It is also one of the few firms to have taken a securities fraud class action to trial through to a jury verdict. Joseph Allerhand, who 'has a wealth of experience and he is a seasoned litigator' and John Neuwirth in New York co-lead the 12-partner securities litigation practice. ‘Extremely smart and talented’ partner Caroline Zalka has emerged as a key player in prominent cases, including high-value 10b5 class actions. Also pivotal to the practice are partners Stacy Nettleton, Joshua Amsel and Evert Christensen.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP enjoys a very strong reputation in restructuring and bankruptcy, both nationally and internationally. Specialized in cross-jurisdiction matters, the team often acts for multinational companies with global operations and multicurrency debt. The practice is traditionally known for being debtor-focussed, despite it playing a pivotal role on the creditors' side too (representing agents, lenders, secured, and unsecured parties.) Established and leading attorneys based in New York include co-chairs Gary Holtzer, Ray Schrock, and Matt Barr, plus Marcia Goldstein who has been with the firm for more than 40 years, along with the talented Garrett Fail.

The restructuring practice at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP distinguishes itself from the competition through its focus on multi-disciplinarity and ongoing concern reorganizations. James Bromley and Andrew Dietderich are contacts in the New York team.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP handles a huge range of work involving the securitization of consumer loans, but also has experience with more esoteric assets such as vehicle fleets and insurance revenues. The US structured finance practice is headed by Frank Nocco, who also co-chairs the firm's global practice group. Other names to note include Jason Smith and Robert Chiperfield, both of whom have experience in a wide variety of ABS and CLO transactions. Also recommended is Shawn Kodes, who was promoted to partner in 2019.

Industry focus > Environment: transactional Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has a strong reputation for advising on environmental issues arising from corporate and financing transactions in highly-regulated industry sectors, such as hazardous waste management,  manufacturing, chemicals, natural resources, energy and real estate. In addition to core strengths in M&A, financing transactions, corporate restructuring and infrastructure development, the team is also rated for its work at the intersection of environmental and bankruptcy law. The practice is headed by environmental liability risks expert Annemargaret Connolly, who leads many of the most environmentally sensitive matters handled by the firm. Connolly recently acted for PC&G in what has been called the market's first bankruptcy to be caused by climate change liabilities. Matthew Morton is another contact for bankruptcy-related matters and other restructuring projects. Also recommended are Thomas Goslin, who specializes in matters in the energy sector, and John O’Loughlin, who has wide-ranging experience of environmental and other health and safety issues arising from corporate transactions. The DC-based team is also sought out for assistance with environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) reviews.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's copyright team has strengths in a wide range of copyright disputes such as music licensing, safe harbor issues, and photography-related disputes, acting for a highly diverse set of clients including Pandora, Alibaba and Oxford University Press. Practice head Benjamin Marks in New York recently advised Getty Images on a landmark $3bn dispute against Zuma Press wherein Zuma alleged that the client had infringed upon the copyright of 47,000 photographs. Marks also acted for Pandora Media in an appeal before the DC Circuit, which challenged the Copyright Royalty Board’s royalty rate increase for the on-demand streaming of musical works. Bruce Rich has retired.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's dedicated technology and IP transactions team fields a busy caseload composed of stand-alone licensing work and matters involving the patent aspects of M&A, private equity, financing and restructuring transactions. Mainly known for its track record in high-stakes strategic transactions, the group is also very well versed in assisting with research and development collaborations, licensing agreements, co-marketing arrangements, outsourcing transactions, professional services agreements and e-commerce agreements. With practice head Michael Epstein in New York and a strong Silicon Valley office, the group is present on both coasts and assists an impressive list of clients located in either area, including technology, life sciences, electronics and software companies.

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

Led by Paul Wessel, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s employee benefits and executive compensation team is a market-leader for handling big-ticket bankruptcies and restructurings, with recent mandates covering the energy, retail, electronics and automotive sectors. Wessel and Amy Rubin also enjoy a steady stream of M&A transactions for public companies, while Michael Nissan assists an impressive array of private equity funds and their portfolio clients with management compensation arrangements. Of particular note on the client list is Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board, one of North America’s largest institutional pension plan investors, with a focus in the fields of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medtech, life sciences and energy. Issues pertaining to ERISA fiduciary compliance are handled by Sarah Downie. The practice is based in New York.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP advises major corporates and New York-based non-profits on ongoing governance matters, and issues arising from crisis events. The team regularly acts alongside the firm's corporate and restructuring teams, and is particularly strong in bankruptcy-related governance work. The public company advisory group is jointly led by Ellen Odoner and Howard Dicker in New York. Contacts in the DC office include Adé Heyliger and P.J. Himelfarb, both of whom have unique experience of SEC compliance and securities regulation, having formerly held legal positions in the SEC's Division of Corporate Finance. Lyuba Goltser is another name to note in New York; she handles governance issues in connection to corporate and securities transactions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP advises media, financial services, food and beverages, biopharmaceutical and prominent technology companies on licensing and development agreements, outsourcing deals and intellectual property aspects of transactions. Recent highlights include Jeffrey Osterman advising Sanofi on the technology and IP aspects of its amended and restructured Immuno-oncology Discovery and Development agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, while practice head Michael Epstein assisted athenahealth, a provider of network-enabled services for medical groups and health services, on the technology and IP aspects of its $5.7bn acquisition by private equity firm Veritas Capital and investment firm Evergreen Capital. Charan Sandhu has expertise in advising on the technology aspects of private equity and M&A transactions. All named attorneys are based in New York.

Tax > International tax Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's tax group is routinely involved in some of the market's most significant international M&A, debt restructurings and bankruptcies. The team also plays a key role in the firm's highly regarded private funds practice, advising on fund formation and initial structuring, as well as on investment transactions and fundraisings worldwide. The practice group has also been involved in some complex financings over the past year, an example of which is SoftBank's debt and equity financing negotiations with WeWork, a deal in which Devon Bodoh is acting for the lender. Other key figures in the team include practice co-chair Joseph Pari; Mark Schwed, who led tax advice on several high-value transactions for Canada Pension Plan Investment Board; and Kimberly Blanchard, a 'brilliant' and 'consistently reliable' international tax expert. Named lawyers are based in New York except for Bodoh in the DC office.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's tax practice has extensive experience in corporate tax matters in line with the firm's wider strengths in M&A, restructurings and recapitalizations, REIT investments and private equity matters. The team is led by Joseph Pari, who joined the firm in December 2018 from KPMG and divides his time between the firm's Washington DC and New York offices. Pari advises his clients on federal income tax related to domestic and cross-border M&A and spin-offs. Stuart Goldring is another key figure; he has expertise in transactions and tax counseling for distressed companies. Other key figures include Mark Schwed, who acts for public companies and private equity sponsors in relation to domestic and international M&A; Chayim Neubort, a name to note for tax issues arising from the restructuring of distressed companies; and Noah Beck, who advises on the tax aspects of corporate transactions and fund formation. Kenneth Heitner left the firm for Deloitte in 2019.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 2

Diane Sullivan - Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Over the course of more than three decades as a trial lawyer, Diane Sullivan has represented numerous large corporates in product liability, mass tort, antitrust, patent and environmental disputes. Her track record of representing large pharmaceutical companies in bet-the-company disputes is particularly impressive. Currently she acting for Johnson & Johnson in a series of nationwide class actions alleging that the company's talcum powder is responsible for causing certain types of cancer; at the time of writing she has secured three consecutive, unanimous jury verdicts. Sullivan acts for companies in large-scale environmental tort cases, a recent example of which saw her acting as lead defense counsel to ExonnMobil in state and federal court cases arising from water contamination allegedly caused by the company's use of MTBE as an additive to gasoline. Sullivan also has a strong reputation in commercial arbitration proceedings.

David Lender - Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP In over twenty five years of experience as a trial lawyer, David Lender has represented large corporates in a range of disputes, including fraud, antitrust and IP claims, among other areas. In a recent win, Lender acted for Sears Holdings in a bench trial in New York bankruptcy court, resulting in a $52.bn sale order, ensuring the company avoided liquidation. Lender also continues to represent ExonnMobil in several cases relating to its use of MTBE as an additive to gasoline, and in one recent dispute in Vermont state court, he significantly reduced Exonn's potential damages through a settlement agreement.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 2

The ‘very efficient and experienced’ team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is active across a full range of product-related disputes, including crisis response, consumer fraud class actions, environmental tort claims and personal injury litigation. The firm also has experience in government investigations and litigation arising out of alleged misconduct abroad; namely claims related to the False Claims Act or the Alien Tort Statute. New York-based Arvin Maskin leads the practice and is known for a ‘unique ability to see litigation clearly and to convey the unvarnished truth’. Notable in his team are Diane Sullivan in New Jersey, who is an acclaimed trial attorney with expertise representing companies facing high-profile product liability and mass tort claims; and David Singh in California, who focuses on complex litigation, with an emphasis on consumer class actions, product liability cases, breach of contract, fraud and trade secret misappropriation.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has a strong reputation in class action litigation and appeals. The firm combines trial expertise with regulatory knowledge, in matters including consumer fraud class actions, environmental tort claims, mass tort, and personal injury litigation. New York-based Arvin Maskin leads the practice and specializes in acting as counsel in large mass tort and product liability litigation. Also recommended is Diane Sullivan in New Jersey, who is leading mass tort litigation for a varied roster of household name clients, such as Johnson & Johnson, Repsol, and Procter & Gamble, among others. Allison Brown left the firm for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in 2019.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s private equity practice combines with its stellar corporate client base to position it as a strong performer in issuer-side offerings, particularly cross-border and M&A-related deals. The team also continues to raise its profile on the underwriter side, with recent mandates for a string of major investment banks, including JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank. Additionally, the group benefits from its ability to link up with the firm’s premier bankruptcy and restructuring practice to advise on debt issuances connected to complex restructurings. Alexander Lynch heads the capital markets practice and focuses on representing companies, particularly private equity-backed portfolio companies, in equity and debt offerings. Corey Chivers is widely acknowledged as a leader in debt matters and advises corporations, investment banks, national governments and multinational financial institutions on public and private offerings. Faiza Rahman is an impressive up-and-coming partner and frequently advises all stakeholders on securities offerings, exchange offers and regulatory matters. Other key contacts include Heather Emmel and Michael Hickey. All named partners are based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s prominent private equity practice positions it as a popular choice to advise portfolio companies on their IPOs and follow-on offerings, with its recent experience covering issuers backed by Advent International and Thomas H. Lee Partners, among others. The group also routinely acts for corporate issuers and, less frequently, underwriters, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan. The firm’s generous international network further ensures it is a key contender for cross-border transactions, particularly involving Europe and Asia. Alexander Lynch heads the New York-based team and advises both issuers and underwriters on equity offerings, with an emphasis on private equity-backed companies. Faiza Rahman also has a significant private equity component to her practice, and Corey Chivers has an impressive track record in IPOs.

Finance > Commercial lending

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has a truly multi-faceted finance team, with strong expertise across a range of areas. This includes advice to private equity sponsors and corporate borrowers, as well as major banks and direct lenders, ranging from Citi through to Antares. The New York-based team forms a core part of the firm's broader global network, and lawyers work closely with colleagues in key centers in London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Hong Kong. The cross-border nature of the work, particularly on complex and often distressed refinancings and restructurings, is an area of real strength. Practice heads Douglas Urquhart and Daniel Dokos regularly advise both borrowers and lenders. They are supported by a strong team including, on the borrower side, Andrew Colao, who leads the firm's private equity finance practice, and Brenton Lewis.  For lender-led advice, Morgan Bale, Heather Viets and Justin Lee have all established very strong reputations.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP combines wide-ranging technology expertise, spanning semiconductors, software, electronics and telecommunications among others, with longstanding experience in life sciences and pharmaceutical litigation, ranging from oncology, DNA sequencing and biotech matters to chemicals, medical devices and diagnostics. Thanks to its national office network in the US, with key offices in Silicon Valley, Texas, New York and Washington DC, and its proven PTAB and Federal Circuit strength, the practice is well suited for complex multi-venue litigation. At the PTAB, the group performs especially well in inter partes reviews and covered business method reviews, and frequently handles district court litigation and the parallel-running corresponding post-grant proceedings. The heads of the practice are Brian Ferguson in Washington DC, Edward Reines in Silicon Valley and Elizabeth Weiswasser in New York. Derek Walter, also based in the Silicon Valley office, made partner in 2019.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's trade secrets practice is active across a number of core industry sectors and provides its clients with coast-to-coast coverage, fielding trade secrets lawyers in Boston, Houston, Washington DC, Silicon Valley and New York. The team has strengths both in litigation and in standalone advisory matters, and also handles the trade secrets aspects of transactions. The practice is jointly headed by Jeffrey Klein and Gary Friedman in New York, and Paul Genender in Texas.

Investment funds > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP represents a range of private equity sponsors and asset managers in the establishment and fundraising of mega-funds and middle-market funds. These include major private equity funds for the likes of Apollo, Brookfield, and Berkshire Partners, alongside targeted industry funds in areas including healthcare and infrastructure, and venture capital projects. In particular, the team specializes in complex alternative investment work, regularly advising on structuring and strategy issues. It also works with asset managers on structured secondary sales of interests in funds, fund restructurings, majority acquisitions, and governance matters. Practice head Jonathon Soler advises high-profile sponsors on organizational and operational issues relating to their funds and firms. Andrew Chizzik has extensive experience in fund strategy issues, including investment management, employment, and economic sharing considerations. Both lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions): defense Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's New York-based team has a strong track record in various kinds of employment disputes with focus areas in wage-and-hour claims in connection with the classification of employees, different related acts and time taking; various discrimination claims based on race, age or sex, among others; and restrictive covenants and trade secrets litigation cases. Practice head Gary Friedman is particularly well versed in class actions in the aforementioned areas. Another key figure in the team is Jeffrey Klein, a dedicated practitioner with experience in litigation, investigations and the sports sector. Nicholas Pappas as well as counsels Ami Zweig and Celine Chan are also noted for their broad practices.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 2

Managements from companies and financial institutions regularly seek Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's team for advice on the full gamut of employment-related matters. Areas of special expertise include internal investigations, executive terminations as well as whistleblower claims and complaints regarding discrimination and harassment. The New York-based group is led by Gary Friedman, who is experienced in discrimination matters and advice on organizational changes. Another key figure is Jeffrey Klein, who is frequently approached in connection with sensitive internal investigations. Counsel Ami Zweig is particularly active for financial service companies, non-profit organizations and funds.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has a 'high-performing' and geographically diverse team active in a range of industries, including utilities, chemicals, life sciences, technology, entertainment, and financial services. The versatility of the practice is owed to its established offices in New York, Silicon Valley, and Texas, which work closely together, as well as with the firm's activist defense, technology, and financing practices, handling all aspects of major transactions. Key clients include household names such as General Electric, Dow, and the MLB Players Association. Michael Aiello and Michael Lubowitz jointly lead the practice, and Jackie Cohen has been involved in crucial transactions for clients such as Total and the Campbell Soup Company. All partners mentioned are in the New York office.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has notable capabilities in growth equity and SPAC-related work, working closely with the firm's capital markets and restructuring practices to provide a joined-up service to clients. The practice has a broad list of major clients, working with the likes of Blackstone, TPG, and CPPIB on a regular basis. Another notable client is Softbank's Vision Fund, which the team recently advised on the recapitalization of WeWork. The practice group is jointly led by Doug Warner in New York and Kevin Sullivan in Boston, with other key offices in Silicon Valley and worldwide, allowing the firm to act on major cross-border transactions. Also recommended are New York-based Christopher Machera, who works closely with Blackstone, and Ramona Nee in Boston, who is a key relationship contact for several of the firm's clients, including Providence, OMERS, and Advent.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's cross-practice advertising litigation team includes members with a strong background in intellectual property, class action defense, and antitrust law, giving it solid coverage across the spectrum of advertising disputes.  Recent key sectors for the team have included pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, where the team has been primarily acting on competitor versus competitor litigation with a focus on proving or disproving technical claims, and on retail, where the firm has dealt with consumer class actions in multiple jurisdictions. The group is chaired by IP and Lanham Act specialist Randi Singer and the more consumer protection-focused Carrie Mahan, who sit in New York and Washington DC respectively. On the west coast, the firm houses a notable figure in its class action team: the Silicon Valley-based David Singh, who adds a level of tech-sector experience.

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

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP' media and entertainment team operates primarily out of its New York Office, and has a strong following in the music sector, primarily acting for trade associations, large broadcast clients, and Live events promoters in relation to their licensing of intellectual property for broadcast or use in programming. A notable recent mandate, led by IP litigator and practice co-head Benjamin Marks, was the representation of the North American Concert Promoters Association in a dispute with performing rights organization Broadcast Music Inc.. Marks and fellow co-head Bruce Rich are both highly recommended for copyright work and both have strong track records in the entertainment sector for copyright infringement work. Yehudah Buchweitz is another notable name within the practice and acts on several cases for key client CBS, dealing with issues ranging from antitrust to insolvency. In early 2019, Jessica Falk was promoted to the partnership.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactional Tier 2

Part of the firm’s corporate practice, the New-York team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has a track record acting for domestic and international telecoms and broadcast companies and industry investors. The firm handles mergers and acquisitions, financings, IPOs, intellectual property licensing, debt and equity offerings, and restructuring matters. Works for private equity clients is a crucial element of the team’s workload.  Transactional specialist Howard Chatzinoff leads the group alongside Michael Lubowitz, both of whom have enviable track records on telecoms deals across the wireline, wireless and broadcast spaces. Michael Aiello is active on transactions with large financial advisers and asset managers, and Shayla Harlev and Brian Gingold, based in Boston and New York respectively, regularly advise private equity firms. Frederick Green, a co-head of the firm’s transactions practice, provides expertise in the corporate and securities aspects of transactions.

Real estate > Real estate Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's real estate practice is particularly well-regarded for its real estate funds and joint venture expertise and is experienced across a range of asset classes, namely mixed-use, student housing, retail, co-working platforms, residential, hotels and logistics. New York-based duo Michael Bond and Philip Rosen jointly head the department, which was recently strengthened by the hire of Evan Levy from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Levy adds to the practice’s already extensive expertise in real estate finance financings, workouts, restructurings and development projects with further specialist knowledge for the group spanning acquisitions and divestments, leasing matters and debt offerings. A recent standout highlight saw the group acting for MGM Resorts International in its $4.25bn sale of the Bellagio hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3

The antitrust litigation defense group at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP emphasizes early positioning of cases for possible trials as well as pre-trial resolutions. Other areas of expertise include the application of antitrust laws to music licensing, patent and other intellectual property disputes, as well as sports leagues. The Washington DC-based Steven Newborn is in charge of the overall antitrust department, whereas Carrie Mahan, Adam Hemlock and Eric Hochstadt commonly take the lead on antitrust defense. Mahan is located in Washington DC, where her practice includes hospitality and food industry clients. Hemlock and Hochstadt in New York advise corporations from a diverse range of industry sectors.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's team represents multinationals, financial institutions, partnerships, and senior executives in criminal and regulatory matters, including internal investigations and related litigation. The group is regularly instructed in fraud-related cases, as well as matters arising from environmental criminal conduct, economic sanctions, the FCA and FCPA. Steven Tyrrell co-leads the group from Washington DC, where he focuses on investigations relating to healthcare fraud, anti-corruption and environmental issues; while Tyrell's co-head in New York, Christopher Garcia, is regularly engaged in fraud cases before the DOJ and SEC. Also in New York, Sarah Coyne has experience in major anti-corruption matters, as well as expertise in criminal antitrust. In June 2019, the New York office was joined by Susan Shin, who arrived from Arnold & Porter and brought with her significant expertise representing corporates in government and internal investigations.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield Tier 3

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s high-yield debt offering draws on the firm’s leveraged finance, capital markets and private equity practices to provide comprehensive support on high-yield finance matters. The New York-based group advises both issuers and underwriters on private and public offerings but is particularly active on behalf of corporate issuers in this space. Its broad international network also ensures the firm is a regular fixture on cross-border transactions, particularly involving Europe, Asia and Latin America. Corey Chivers is a key contact for high-yield debt offerings and counts corporations, investment banks and multinational financial institutions among his clients. Alexander Lynch is noted for his focus on representing private equity-backed portfolio companies in capital markets transactions.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

Drawing upon the expertise of corporate, finance and restructuring lawyers based throughout the firm's nationwide network of offices, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has the ability to resource big-ticket and often complex oil and gas mandates throughout the value chain. Spearheaded from Dallas by Rodney Moore , the team is perhaps best-known for its private equity-related M&A prowess in the sector, both in the context of new money and distressed scenarios. Moore is particularly active in the upstream and midstream spaces and is a key member of the team that was recently enhanced out of Houston by the arrival in September 2019 of Jeffrey Malonson from King & Spalding LLP, and the return of senior associate Samuel Peca  from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in May 2019.

Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences Tier 3

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP provides comprehensive legal advice to major clients such as Allergan, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and Pacific Biosciences. The team has been especially active in high-profile patent litigation in 2019, having represented Johnson & Johnson's medical division, Ethicon, in patent infringement litigation before the ITC, as well as in two competitor cases and IPR proceedings against Intuitive Surgical protecting Ethicon’s key patents directed to its surgical stapling technology. Additionally, the team acted for Pacific Biosciences in patent infringement litigation relating to methods of sequencing DNA and RNA molecules using small protein holes against Oxford Nanopore Technologies. The practice group also advises multinational pharmaceutical companies on M&A, licensing and collaboration transactions, and antitrust litigation. The team is jointly led by litigators Elizabeth Weiswasser and Edward Reines, and transactional practitioner Michael Epstein. Also recommended are Jeffrey Osterman and recently promoted IP partner Derek Walter. The individuals mentioned above are spread across the firm's Silicon Valley and New York offices.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 3

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is particularly prominent within the sports world for its litigation work and handles a wide range of disputes on behalf of networks and other media properties, coaching and management staff, and individual athletes. Additionally, the firm is highly experienced in a range of labor and employment matters, both contentious and advisory, with litigator Jeffrey Klein generally taking the lead in such cases. Recent work has included high profile disputes surrounding contracts signed by athletes prior to turning professional, the legality of amateurism in college sports, and dismissals of coaching staff following serious allegations. Klein jointly leads the group along with Yehudah Buchweitz, who primarily represents the firm's media clients in their disputes with sporting companies and individuals, and Eric Hochstadt, who mainly focuses on antitrust work and class actions. All lawyers mentioned practice from the firm's New York office.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's trademark team commands a strong presence in the technology, consumer products, pharmaceuticals and publishing industries, with an enviable client roster including Facebook, Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson. Practice head Randi Singer is based in New York, but regularly acts before courts in Texas, Delaware and California. Of late, Singer has been especially active defending e-commerce companies against issues of secondary liability arising from products sold to their platforms. Bruce Rich retired.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 3

Representative matters for Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s ERISA litigation practice involve defending plan sponsors in challenges to the administration of health benefits plans, 401(k) fiduciary breach allegations and enforcement actions by the DOL. Employment litigation practice head Jeffrey Klein and Nicholas Pappas, both based in New York, are key contacts.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Shareholder activism Tier 3

At Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, shareholder activism defense is handled by Adé Heyliger in Washington DC, who has acted for high-profile companies involved in activism campaigns.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 3

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP focuses on high-value corporate finance and M&A mandates for clients in the media space, with a particular focus on clients who own or operate television networks, as well as a range of financial institutions and funds with involvement in the media space. The practice is headed by Howard Chatzinoff and Michael Lubowitz, both of whom operate out of the New York office. Chatzinoff has a particularly strong track record in the sector, while Lubowitz leads the firm's broader M&A practice. Another key figure within the practice is Jackie Cohen, who recently advised Discovery Communications on its joint venture with Magnolia, the home and lifestyle brand owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines, which will create a multiplatform media company including a traditional television network and an over-the-top distribution service.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 3

‘Highly experience in a broad array of transactions’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a reputed name for IPOs, follow-on offerings, private placements and public issuance of debt, acting both for issuers and underwriters. Michael Bond and Philip Rosen jointly head the department, which is also highly regarded for M&A, joint ventures and innovative approaches to raising equity and debt funds. Evan Levy recently joined the practice from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; he brings to the team extensive experience of financing and securities offerings, as well as workouts and restructurings. Another key name is David Herman , hailed by clients as 'fantastic'. All named partners are based in New York.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 4

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP represents clients from numerous industry sectors in DOJ and State Attorney General investigations. Adam Hemlock in New York and the Washington DC-based Steven Newborn head the department with a special focus on assisting Japanese clients with antitrust investigations in the US. Hemlock takes the lead on most cartel cases and was particularly active for auto parts manufacturers in recent times. Senior associate Lara Trager and associate Kayleigh Golish, both in New York, provide key support to the firm's cartel practice. In 2019, Steven Reiss retired from the practice.

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

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's appellate group is adept at representing clients before all federal circuit courts of appeals. It is also noted for handling appeals with significant foreign policy implications. Of particular note, department co-head Gregory Silbert (New York) led the appellate effort for the Republic of Hungary and Magyar Államvasutak Zrt. before the Seventh and the DC Circuits; this was followed by a petition to the US Supreme Court to resolve a circuit split relating to the interpretation of the treaty exception contained in the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act and the exercise of US jurisdiction. The practice group also has a presence in Silicon Valley, focusing on IP appeals at the Federal Circuit. Patent litigator Edward Reines is the key contact in this space. Joint practice head Zachary Tripp joined the DC office fro the Office of the Solicitor General at the DOJ in December 2019.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is well-positioned to advise on a vairety of issues arising in the context of investment treaty arbitration, an area in which it benefits from team members’ past experience in treaty negotiations. In particular, New York-based department head Ted Posner formerly held a position in the Office of the United States Trade Representative; he now utilizes these skills in acting for sovereigns and investors. The team also prides itself on its successful track record in arbitration-related hearings, where it acts in conjunction with the firm's litigation group.

Dispute resolution > International trade Tier 4

Led by Washington DC-based Theodore Posner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s trade group is noted for its ability to handle international trade matters, as well as international arbitration. On the contentious side, the team advises on disputes handled in accordance with dispute settlement mechanisms set out in various international agreements, including the World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Understanding, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and other free trade agreements. Multiple highlights this year have also shown the team acting alongside the firm’s private equity and M&A departments in New York and London, particularly for the purpose of counseling global public and private corporate clients on matters falling under the remit of CFIUS.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices