Mr Gary Friedman > Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

The ‘very efficient and effective’ team at Seyfarth Shaw LLP continues to be highly regarded for its experience in defeating class certification and for its successes in wage and hour cases. The team, headed by large-scale class actions and multi-plaintiff cases expert Laura Maechtlen in San Francisco, is able to draw on its national team to work on cases across the country, and is experienced in a variety of industries including healthcare, hospitality, energy, and retail. Camille Olson, valued by clients for her ‘incredible experience’ as a complex litigator, is based in Chicago and is a co-chair of the firm’s national complex litigation practice group. Also in Chicago is Noah Finkel, who has a particular specialism in representing clients in collective or class action matters, as well as advising and litigating on class action waivers in arbitration agreements. Sacramento-based Coby Turner is a key contact for compliance counseling. Gerald Maatman, Jr. left the firm in September 2022. Gary Friedman arrived from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in February 2024.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP has a particular focus on federal legislative and regulatory policy issues with attorneys regularly called upon by members of Congress on a wide variety of issues. The team uses its significant government experience on behalf of trade associations to defend US and global businesses from aggressive regulatory agency activity. Practice head David Baffa operates out of Chicago and has assisted clients with business restructuring and workforce reductions. New York-based William Perkins advises clients on all forms of discrimination and harassment claims, reduction-in-force, contract negotiations and executive employment contracts. Larry Lorber is based in Washington DC and is at the forefront of regulatory enforcement actions while Lisa Damon is a go-to resource for the C-suite on employment issues in Boston. Tracy Billows is located in Chicago and provides expertise on HR policies, processes and matters relating to leave and accommodation. Gary Friedman joined the firm in New York from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in February 2024.

The trade secrets offering at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, noted as providing a ‘high-quality service’,  is experienced in the handling of complex matters domestically and internationally, representing a broad array of high-profile clients on high-stakes trade secrets matters, wherein it advises on identification, qualification and classification of trade secrets as well as litigating complex cases. A noteworthy example is the team’s representation of Karma Automotive LLC in the multi-faceted case involving alleged misappropriation by Lordstown Motors Corp. Chicago-based specialist in cutting-edge tech, electric vehicle and remote storage matters, Michael Wexler co-leads the cohort alongside Los Angeles-based Robert Milligan , who has a particular focus on data theft and protection disputes, and Boston-based Katherine Perrelli , who is a skilled litigator and leader on some of the team’s most notable matters. The ‘absolutely amazing’ Boston-based Dawn Mertineit consistently acts on key matters, particularly involving tech and electronics, whilst Houston’s Jesse Coleman frequently advises on risk management as well as litigation. LA’s Joshua Salinas is a key name to note, while Gary Friedman joined the New York office from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in February 2024.