Mr Jonathan Polkes > Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York has ‘subject matter experts dedicated solely to securities and corporate governance litigation, and that expertise is brought to bear both in the courtroom and boardroom‘. The firm is active in the Delaware Chancery Court and the Delaware Supreme Court, though it handles matters across the country. It has carved out a leading role in SPAC-related cases, which continue to be a key facet of the market, as well as maintaining a strong track record of success in appraisal litigation. John Neuwirth (who is ‘the literal master of M&A litigation‘) and Caroline Zalka jointly lead the securities litigation practice, in which many partners handle deal-related cases. Zalka and key partner Jonathan Polkes are representing Warner Bros. Discovery in class actions concerning the $40bn merger between AT&T’s WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. Stacy Nettleton also plays a key role in the practice, while Joshua Amsel and emerging partner talent Evert Christensen are ‘top-notch standouts who are equally smart, hard working, pragmatic‘. In late 2023, Stefania Venezia was made up to partner in recognition of her work on securities and M&A litigation, as well as regulatory investigations.

The securities litigators at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York ‘anticipate problems and produce excellent work‘, handling ecurities, derivative, breach of fiduciary duty and M&A litigation, as well as internal investigations and regulatory enforcement actions for some of the largest corporations in the US. John Neuwirth and Caroline Zalka lead the practice and are ‘dependable, expert, and a pleasure to work with‘. Neuwirth and up-and-coming partner Joshua Amsel are key counsel to AMC Entertainment in a high-value matter. Jonathan Polkes, who is a key adviser to Morgan Stanley,  Stacy Nettleton, who has forged a strong reputation in matters concerning the Covid pandemic and the #MeToo movement, and emerging talent Evert Christensen also play pivotal roles in the practice. Regulatory enforcement specialist Robert Stern in Washington DC is ‘insightful, tenacious and a great advocate’. He is currently acting for RBC Capital Markets in a case seeking to recoup underwriter fees paid to investment banks that underwrote Puerto Rico’s general obligation debt.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP routinely advises companies that are facing allegations of FCA offenses, commodities fraud, sanction violations, and environmental crimes. The firm has a strong team located in New York, which includes Sarah Coyne, Daniel Stein, and Jonathan Polkes. In addition to being highly skilled at conducting highly sensitive investigations, Coyne regularly advises clients within the financial sector on allegations of insider trading and securities fraud. Both Polkes and Stein are noted for their capabilities with handling complex litigation matters. Practicing in Washington DC, Drew Tulumello is a further standout member of the team who frequently assists clients with government investigations. Steven Tyrrell left the Washington DC office in December 2023.