Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP houses a ‘creative and innovative’ team that leverages its integrated transatlantic capabilities to act for some of the world’s leading corporates on a host of big-ticket competition mandates, including notable involvement in advising Microsoft on its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Maintaining its status as a destination practice, the team is able to handle DOJ and FTC processes for mergers and joint ventures, as well as international agency approvals, investigations, and litigation. Co-head Brianne Kucerik  is noted for her work on business-critical transactions across a wide range of industries, encompassing contentious investigations and global approvals. Assisting Kucerik are fellow co-heads Michael Moiseyev and Jeffrey Perry; Moiseyev is a former FTC Merger Division head and boasts deep experience in a range of sectors including tech and healthcare, while Perry, also a former FTC division head, focuses on securing clearance for contested deals. Elsewhere in the team, Jeff White represents clients complex, multi-national M&A transactions before state, federal and international competition authorities, and Megan Granger acts for clients across industries such as tech, pharma and medical devices. Both Carrie Mahan and Vadim Brusser  have departed the firm , while former global antitrust head Steven Newborn has retired.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP  fields a deep bench of ‘top tier talent’ that is adept across the entire breadth of commercial litigation, frequently handling class actions in state and federal courts across the United States. Consumer fraud, unfair competition, alter ego liability, insurance, trade secrets litigation, and alleged violations of federal RICO or antitrust laws are among the core pillars of the group’s practice. New York’s David Lender and Gregory Silbert jointly chair the department alongside Washington DC-based Andrew Tulumello. Lender continues to litigate complex business-critical cases, including successful representing several minor league baseball teams as lead trial counsel in connection with significant breach of contract and antitrust litigation brought against Major League Baseball, while trial lawyer Tulumello routinely tries cases before every level of the court system in the United States. Diane Sullivan is based in New Jersey and is a key name when it comes to all aspects of commercial, antitrust, patent, mass tort, and class action cases. Chantale Fiebig is another important contact within the firm’s Washington DC office.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 1

David Lender is co-chair of the litigation department at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York, with proven trial experience on both the plaintiff and defendant side. Among his varied workload is patent litigation as well as high-stakes class actions which recently included acting for Grubhub in defense of a large antitrust class action which had ramifications for the e-commerce food delivery industry. Key clients for Lender are AIG and Exxonmobil, for whom he acted in a breach of contract trial in October 2023.Diane Sullivan at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, who operates between New Jersey and New York, is a leading trial lawyer in the area product liability and environmental mass torts, but also has a wide-ranging and versatile practice across commercial, antitrust, patent, mass tort, and class action cases. Sullivan appears in cases which are often groundbreaking in their respective industry, a recent example of which was securing victory in an important plaintiff patent infringement jury verdict. This trial for Altria and Philip Morris USA against competitor RJ Reynoldsworth had ramifications for the future of the e-vapor technology industry.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 1

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.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 1

Beyond its proficiency in managing intricate environmental risk and due diligence affairs, especially within hazardous waste management, heavy manufacturing, chemical, and energy sectors, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s Washington DC-based environmental transactions team regularly collaborates with the firm’s broader corporate department to advise clients on a range of corporate transactions. These range from mergers and acquisitions and divestitures to real estate, financing and capital markets matters. Annemargaret Connolly leads both the firm’s regulatory and environmental transactional practices and is known for her prowess in assessing environmental liability risks in a transactional context, as well as providing comprehensive regulatory advice on sustainability, climate change and related ESG topics. Counsel Matthew Morton advises corporations, private equity sponsors and other institutional investors on a range of transactional and restructuring projects relating to environmental matters, including due diligence, environmental risks and liabilities, and ESG factors, while John O’Loughlin is an expert in environmental, health and safety regulatory matters, particularly in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device and food manufacturing sectors.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 1

Led by heads Matt Barr, Gary Holtzer and Ray Schrock, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP handles complex restructuring matters alongside every type of consensual and litigated restructuring transactions. The firm has served as chief debtors’ counsel in a number of major bankruptcy filings, as well as representing clients in complicated international insolvencies. In the case of Talen Energy Supply, LLC and its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, New York based Matt Barr and Alexander Welch advised Talen Energy Supply in connection with their evaluation of strategic alternatives with respect to $5bn in funded indebtedness. The team is part of a global network, utilizing its offices in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai to assist on restructuring matters across the globe. Garrett Fail’s practice covers all aspects of domestic and international debt restructurings, including crisis management and corporate governance, while Ronit Berkovich represents a range of parties across the debtor and creditor landscape, including acting as debtors’ counsel in large chapter 11 cases. Jeffrey Saferstein practices in corporate restructurings and workouts, as well as bankruptcy and specialized financings. Candace Arthur is noted for her advisory services for a range of parties in out-of-court and in-court domestic and international corporate restructurings. Kelly DiBlasi and Jessica Liou are names to watch, and Lauren Tauro was promoted to partner in January 2023. Unless otherwise stated, all lawyers included are based in New York.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP assists a large roster of blue-chip clients with technology and IP transactional matters, including patent acquisitions and divestitures, license arrangements, and technology and IP joint ventures. The department is jointly led by Charan Sandhu and Jeffrey Osterman from the firm’s New York office. While Sandhu has vast experience in complex technology and IP transactions as well as licensing agreements, Osterman’s practice focuses on technology outsourcing and integration as well as on patent and content licensing. Other notable members of the team are Karen Ballack in Silicon Valley, who advises on the development, commercialization and other exploitation of technology and IP, and New York’s Dennis Adams, whose practice spans across the technology and life science industries. Also in New York, Olivia Greer focuses on assisting clients with privacy and data security issues. Michael Epstein retired from the partnership in late 2022.

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

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a key player in managing the executive compensation and employee benefits dimensions of major private equity deals, M&A, fund formations, and IPOs. The firm is sought after by private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and multinational corporations, exemplified by its counsel to Viterra shareholders, including Glencore plc, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, in the $18 billion business combination with Bunge Ltd. Paul Wessel spearheads the practice from New York, assisting corporations, boards, private equity entities, and financial institutions with M&A and financial restructurings. Amy Rubin advises both public and private companies, along with their boards and compensation committees, on matters stemming from private equity deals, recapitalizations, and bankruptcy proceedings. Jennifer Haydel Britz focuses on equity and incentive plans, non-qualified pension plans, ERISA, and change in control agreements. Amanda Rotkel specializes in advising private equity funds and public companies on dispositions and IPOs, while Regina Readling handles executive compensation agreements’ tax, securities law, disclosure, and corporate governance aspects. Michael Nissan retired from the partnership in December 2023.

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

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP houses a ‘top corporate governance practice’ that is equipped to handle a range of matters including ESG, day-to-day disclosure issues, executive compensation and board-level matters. Boards, committees, executive officers and investors turn to the team for its ability to assist on cross-border M&A and restructuring transactions with substantial securities law elements, seamlessly integrating the firm’s M&A, private equity, capital markets and restructuring teams to assist on matters. The practice is jointly steered by Lyuba Goltser  and Howard Dicker. Goltser advises clients on the full range of high-stakes corporate governance, securities law and regulatory compliance issues, while Dicker specializes SEC accounting issues. Washington DC-based Adé Heyliger, described as a ‘top practitioner’, is a key port of call for public companies, corporate boards and foreign private issuers seeking advice on SEC disclosure and regulatory matters. Attorneys mentioned are based New York unless otherwise stated.

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

Drawing on a network of attorneys specializing in tax, antitrust, IP, and real estate law, the team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP combines firmwide expertise with core transactional capabilities to advise on all aspects of cross-border M&A. The firm has cultivated a strong network of offices across the US, enabling it to routinely assist major domestic and international corporations from across the tech, finance, and pharmaceutical sectors. Acting on behalf of an array of financial institutions, private equity firms, and boards of directors, the New York-based co-heads Michael Aiello and Michael Lubowitz are experienced handling all aspects of corporate governance matters, spin-offs, and hostile tender offer. Similarly based in NY, Matthew Gilroy routinely represents special committees and investment banks in multi-jurisdictional acquisitions. Frederick Green retired from the partnership in April 2023.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

Acting for domestic and international clients alike, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP remains a dominant force in the tech transactions space and is noted in the market for its ability to handle the tech, IP, and data privacy elements of high-value M&A deals. The leadership trio comprises Jeffrey Osterman and Charan Sandhu from the New York office as well as Karen Ballack, who is based in Silicon Valley. Osterman is a key contact for technically complex matters relating to pure patent licensing and tech integration, while Sandhu is a first-choice contact for advising on transactions involving the intersect of IP and tech, and Ballack frequently advises private equity investors from the tech field on the IP aspects of corporate deals. Also in the New York office, Dennis Adams is a key contact for advice on software licensing matters, while Olivia Greer has demonstrable experience in privacy and data security concerns, in addition to assisting clients with generative AI tools.

Tax > International tax Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP offers tax-efficient solutions to US and non-US investors active in a wide range of transactions including private equity and private funds matters, restructurings and recapitalizations, securitizations, REITs, capital markets, and M&A. The team has particular strengths in the bankruptcy tax space, routinely advising on the full lifecycle of a restructuring including modification of debt, tax planning for liquidation, and employment tax liabilities. The global tax group routinely collaborates with the private funds group often advising new entrants to the funds and private equity market on tax related matters. Splitting his time between the Washington DC and Miami office, Devon Bodoh heads the practice which includes New York-based Greg Featherman. Both Bodoh and Featherman have extensive expertise advising clients on cross-border mergers, acquisitions, spinoffs and other divisive strategies, restructurings, bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy workouts, the use of net operating losses, foreign tax credits, and other tax attributes and consolidated return matters. In New York, 'excellent professional' Helyn Goldstein is also a key team member.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 1

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s experienced non-contentious tax practice handles complex M&A, capital markets offerings, restructurings, securitizations, and real estate investments, among other matters. The team has a strong reputation for its private funds expertise, which extends to advising newer entrants to the market such as sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and DFIs, as well as for its tax bankruptcy offering, regularly representing debtors, creditors and other investors in relation to a wide range of matters, including tax efficient plans of reorganization and liquidation. Practice head Joseph Pari, operating from both New York and Washington DC and with major clients in the tech and private equity spaces, has a broad practice covering mergers, spin-offs, workouts, and financings. Stuart Goldring in New York is well known for handling federal income tax matters for financially distressed companies, advising debtors, creditors, acquirers, and investors. Devon Bodoh in Washington DC heads the firm’s international tax practice. New York’s Chayim Neubort has considerable experience advising major corporations on internal tax planning and reorganizations. Noah Beck, also in New York, primarily works with private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies.

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

‘Creative and innovative in approach’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP blends deep subject matter knowledge with exceptional strategic litigation prowess, and is a popular choice for leading consumer brands to handle large-scale product liability actions. As a ‘very effective litigator’, group co-head Diane Sullivan is regularly involved in bet-the-company litigation and has recently worked alongside the firm’s insolvency team to advise clients on exposure to potential tort and product liability claims through the so-called 'Texas Two-Step' bankruptcy legal maneuver. Recognized as a ‘good problem solver’, Theodore Tsekerides has also been involved in high-profile bankruptcy proceedings emanating from product liability claims, and worked with Sullivan in connection with the bankruptcy proceedings of J&J’s talc supplier, Imerys Talc America, which involved indemnity claims relating to talc claims liability. Washington DC-based individual Arianna Scavetti has gained a strong reputation advising manufacturers, including those within the food and beverages space, on consumer protection class actions brought by plaintiffs alleging false or misleading product labeling and marketing. Silicon Valley-based partner David Singh co-heads the product liability and mass tort group alongside Sullivan and regularly handles class actions including the defense of clients against allegations of false and deceptive advertising.

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

With a robust bi-coastal disputes offering which draws from strong core toxic tort/product liability expertise as well as broader general complex commercial litigation prowess, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is regularly seen in high-profile class action and MDL litigation in venues throughout the country, including many traditionally plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions. In addition to being well-versed in leading the overarching strategy on cases involving accusations of damage caused by toxins in the soil, air and water, as well as a result of topical and oral use, the team is frequently brought in on the eve of important bellwether trials, often where another firm is national coordinating counsel. In this regard, New Jersey-based litigator Diane Sullivan regularly achieves success in bet-the-company trials in mass tort cases throughout the country, including in cases involving first-of-its-kind, novel issues of law. Along with Silicon Valley-based co-head David Singh, Sullivan recently successfully represented Burger King in a high-profile case brought by a class of plaintiffs regarding “forever chemicals” in the packaging. An ‘excellent problem-solver’, New York-based Theodore Tsekerides is also recommended and has recently been integral to the firm’s work for Johnson & Johnson regarding its liability in relation to asbestos poisoning in its talc products, particularly in light of his combined product liability and toxic tort and restructuring expertise.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

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.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a major player in investment grade, high-yield debt and acquisition financing-related debt offerings. It remains noted for its advice to major corporates, private equity houses and their portfolio companies, along with a range of underwriters. Convertible debt offerings are a recent area of further growth, along with bankruptcy and financial distress-driven transactions. Alexander Lynch leads the capital markets team and is noted for convertible debt offerings.  Corey Chivers  and Frank Adams  are key partners in the team with Merritt Johnson and Michael Hickey providing further senior firepower, the latter rated for his bank relationships. Barbra Broudy is also a key name. All named partners are based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP remains best known for representing private equity sponsors and private equity-backed companies in equity offerings. It is further recognised for M&A-related equity financings. It continues to make further headway in representing large corporates and financial institutions in equity offerings. The firm has also achieved further growth in advising bulge-bracket banks as underwriters. Alexander Lynch leads the highly rated team and is a major figure in high-value equity offerings, including IPOs, especially for private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies. The team also includes Corey Chivers , Heather Emmel and younger partner Barbra Broudy. Michael Hickey and Merritt Johnson have continued to develop the team’s connections to investment banks. All are based in New York.

Finance > Commercial lending

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP combines strong lender and borrower-side lending practices, notably advising banks and private equity investors on asset-based loans and leveraged buyout structures, including multi-currency lending. Heading the firm’s global finance practice is Daniel Dokos, whose specialisms include cross-border financing arrangements, usually tied to acquisitions, advising both lenders and borrowers on such transactions and also assisting with recapitalization loans. He is ably supported by co-heads Andrew Colao, who represents private equity in leveraged finance deals, and Dallas’ Courtney Marcus, who advises a broad spectrum of industries in seeking to arrange mezzanine financing, bridge loans and loan restructurings. Heather Viets is recommended for a range of financing types, including bridge loans and first and second lien credit facilities, while Justin Lee focuses on structuring cross-border financings. All lawyers named are based in New York unless otherwise specified.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP advises leading investment firms and banks, as well as other financial institutions, on the issuance and financing of traditional and esoteric asset-backed securitizations. When it comes to esoteric ABS matters, the firm is well-versed in pharmaceutical and music royalties, diamond sales receivables and oil & gas sales. The firm is additionally experienced in the establishment of CLO vehicles for its clients. On top of leading the practice, Frank Nocco represents a broad range of clients, including issuers, underwriters, investors and collateral managers, in their securitization matters, across traditional or novel asset classes. Shawn Kodes advises leading asset managers and other financial institutions as well as being experienced in guiding entities through their first securitization transactions. Jason Smith is accustomed to an assortment of asset classes, such as rental car fleet financings, vehicle and equipment fleet leases, solar loans, student loans and royalty receivables. Matt Nemeth is also noted for his work in the traditional and esoteric asset classes sectors. All lawyers are in New York.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 2

With a team praised as ‘first class from top to bottom’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is noted for its ability to handle complex litigation, contract negotiations, and corporate transactions arising within the sports sector. With a client list encompassing high-profile athletes, players' associations, and media and entertainment corporations, the practice stands out in particular for its bespoke guidance regarding antitrust claims as well as disputes over programming rights and e-commerce issues. Andrew Tulumello co-heads the team from Washington DC and is an expert in commercial litigation and sports-related appeals, whilst Yehudah Buchweitz co-leads from New York and focuses on rights of publicity and antitrust matters. Also in Washington DC, Arianna Scavetti has vast experience acting in investigations surrounding allegations of sexual harassment and emotional abuse. Zach Schreiber and David Lender are also highlighted as key contacts in New York.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 2

The copyright team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP draws on the strength of the firm's global network to advise and represent social media platforms, digital music streamers, book publishers, insurers, and companies in the consumer electronics, pharma, and e-commerce sectors on a comprehensive spectrum of copyright issues, ranging from infringement and licensing disputes to secondary liability and DMCA compliance. The practice is headed by Benjamin Marks, who specializes in music copyright royalty cases and acts for clients in litigation involving emerging tech, such as generative AI. Randi Singer brings experience to representing clients in the publishing, social media, and e-commerce spaces, including Meta and eBay, involved in high-stakes infringement matters. Todd Larson provides expertise in royalty rate-setting proceedings and the negotiation of music publishing and sound recording performance licenses. All lawyers mentioned work in New York.

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

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s trade secrets cohort is well-placed to assist its clients in the array of matters; its workload is formed in large part of assisting in the enforcement of and defense against employee non-solicits, no-hires and NDAs, as well as in assisting in disputes pertaining to alleged misappropriation. Team head John Barry is based in New York and is a renowned name in the employment field and an experienced litigator in trade secret cases. Further, counsel Celine Chan, Rebecca Sivitz and associate Lauren Kelly are names to note for their employment capabilities; all work between the New York and Boston hubs. On the West Coast, San Francisco’s Bambo Obaro is the standout attorney, with experience defending against and obtaining emergency remedies in trade secret cases. Team changes include the departure of Paul Genender, formerly at the Dallas office, who left for Paul Hastings LLP in September 2023, the departure of Gary Friedman who left the New York office to join Seyfarth Shaw LLP in February 2024, and the departure of Patrick O’Toole, formerly at the Boston office, who left to Kirkland & Ellis LLP, the same firm from which Peter Mee joined the New York office in November 2023.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 2

The Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP employment practice group advises a range of clients, including financial advisors and lenders, large retailers, and consultancies in a wide range of US and international employment counseling issues. Over the past twelve months, the practice has worked on a variety of workplace investigations and provided clients with counseling on various trade secrets engagements and discrimination claims. In New York, John Barry heads the practice with strong experience in conducting internal inquiries and providing counsel on matters arising from executive terminations, hiring senior executives from competitors, and claims of discrimination. In Boston, Rebecca Sivitz, promoted to partner in January 2024, is well versed in advising clients regarding labor relations strategies, restrictive covenant and trade secret matters, and other employment-related matters. The Boston office is also strengthened by the arrival of Peter Mee from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in November 2023. Mee will advise clients, particularly private equity sponsors, on employment-related issues which arise from national and international corporate transactions.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: large deals ($500m+) Tier 2

Weil counts a varied range of large-cap private equity sponsors, emerging investors, as well as pension and sovereign funds in its client roster and regularly acts as lead counsel on transactions ranging from high-value leveraged buyouts and take-private acquisitions to minority investments and growth capital series financings. In New York, Christopher Machera maintains close relationships with leading investors such as Blackstone and Goldman Sachs, while Doug Warner handles high-value leveraged buyouts and minority investments especially for funds active in the infrastructure and tech sectors. Machera and Warner co-lead the team with Kyle Krpata, a strategic and private equity M&A expert based in Silicon Valley, and Ramona Nee, who advises on leveraged buyouts and growth investments from the Boston office. Fund mergers are a particular area of focus for New York-based lawyers Brian Parness and Harvey Eisenberg, who recently led on TPG’s $3.4bn acquisition of Angelo Gordon. Silicon Valley lawyer Jenna McBain is a key contact for funds seeking to invest in infrastructure and real assets.

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

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP specializes in litigation involving Lanham Act disputes and consumer false advertising claims, while also remaining active in advising on regulatory investigations. The group represents strong clients from a range of sectors including technology, food and beverages, and consumer products. Areas of recent growth include matters pertaining to sustainability and consumer protection claims. Heading the team is Randi Singer, based between New York and Silicon Valley. She has extensive experience in advertising, marketing, trademark, and IP disputes, but maintains particular expertise in Lanham Act false advertising matters. In Washington DC, Drew Tulumello is recognized for his work in commercial litigation, often representing the food and beverages sector. David Singh, based in Silicon Valley, notably leads the firm’s national class action practice and represents impressive clients. Additionally, Washington DC-based Arianna Scavetti is an asset to the team and is frequently involved in false and misleading advertising class actions.

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

The New York-based team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is renowned for its deft handling of licensing, copyright, and contractual matters. The team attracts high-profile music clients with its precedent setting experience before the Copyright Royalty Board and rates courts. An additional result of its copyright prowess is its position at the center of critical matters addressing the legal implications of generative AI art, while the team is also well versed with the Lanham Act and has achieved numerous successes in false advertising claims. Benjamin Marks chairs the team and is currently representing Getty Images in a copyright claim against Stability AI and its image software program. Yehudah Buchweitz has assisted with novel issues relating to breaches of contract and anti-trust matters. Randi Singer works on IP matters and is well versed with the secondary liability aspects of a copyright lawsuit. David Yohai  is able to cater to top media clients in the field of commercial, IP, and class action matters.    

Tax > Financial products Tier 2

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP benefits from the firm’s global presence, enabling it to provide multi-jurisdictional tax advice on private equity and funds matters, securitizations, REITS, capital markets, and other financing matters. Practice head Joseph Pari, who is based in Washington DC and New York, has extensive expertise advising on federal income taxation matters. In Washington DC, Daniel Nicholas practice covers worldwide finance, capital markets and derivatives transactions, with a specific focus on debt instruments, asset-based financing transactions and derivatives, international taxation, and taxation of financial products. Also in DC, Graham Magill and Devon Bodoh advise debtors, creditors, and other investors on modifications of debt and debt and equity exchanges whilst David Levy has a special focus on REITs and other real estate-related tax work.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3

Counting leading global tech giants, publishers, and pharma corporations among its impressive roster of clients, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP excels across all stages of litigation, with a strong track record of securing pre-trial victories as well as defeating class certifications. Former FTC litigation director Steven Newborn, merger review and clearance expert Brianne Kucerik, former FTC assistant director Jeffrey Perry, and Michael Moiseyev, who focuses on cross-border mandates, jointly oversee the ‘excellent’ practice; all four are based in Washington DC. New York’s Eric Hochstadt focuses on class actions and a broad range of other civil antitrust litigation, with a notable emphasis on sports-related cases. The ‘deeply experienced’ Adam Hemlock , also in New York, takes point on cartel matters, amnesty proceedings, and consumer class actions in the electronics and pharma industries.

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

The increasingly prominent practice at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP continues to make inroads into the appellate space under the leadership of department co-head Mark Perry in Washington DC. Collectively, the team has extensive experience in arguing cases before all thirteen federal circuits and the US Supreme Court, as well as in various state intermediate and supreme courts. Its subject matter expertise is equally far-reaching and spans a range of commercial and constitutional areas, including recent cases covering antitrust, IP, the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, bankruptcy and class actions. Among Perry’s recent highlights, he successfully represented Apple before the Ninth Circuit in a high-profile antitrust case brought by Epic Games. Fellow group co-head Zachary Tripp, who splits his time between DC and New York, scored a significant SCOTUS win with a 9-0 ruling on behalf of an individual in a bankruptcy-related case. The team also includes practice co-head Gregory Silbert and appellate-focused partner Adam Banks—both of whom are based in New York.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 3

Drawing upon the expertise of litigators with product liability and consumer class action experience, as well as those with overarching commercial disputes prowess, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP provides ‘creative and innovative’ legal strategies to pharmaceutical clients fending off potentially-brand threatening plaintiff challenges. The firm is able to advise on matters from cradle to grave, including on risk management processes, discovery and motions through to trial and appeal. New Jersey-based trial expert Diane Sullivan is one such lawyer who is in demand for her exceptional advocacy skills and ability to provide highly persuasive arguments to juries, often involving highly technical scientific information, and is regularly parachuted in on the eve of high-profile bellwether MDL trials. Recognized as an ‘excellent problem solver’, New York-based Theodore Tsekerides ‘executes and resolves’, both at a trial stage, as well as in relation to the overarching litigation strategy. On the West Coast, Silicon Valley-based David Singh co-heads the team with Sullivan and has experience of handling false advertising consumer class actions in the sector.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

With significant expertise in complex M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, and financings, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP continues to assist a range of energy and private equity companies in oil and gas exploration and production, energy trading operations, and low-carbon energy matters. Omar Samji focuses on hydrogen, carbon capture and sequestration, and energy storage, while Chris Bennet notably concentrates on the midstream oil and gas sectors, where he advises on divestitures, joint ventures, and partnership development and negotiation. Working closely with Samji and Bennet, Cody Carper is recognized for his knowledge of upstream and midstream oil and gas asset acquisitions and divestitures, energy financing, and equity joint venture transactions. All lawyers mentioned are in Houston.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP remains best known for advising private equity houses and their portfolio companies on debt financing matters. It is also noted for debt restructuring engagements. Along with financial sponsors, the firm is also expanding its presence in underwriter-side representation, advising many of the major banks on high-yield offerings. Corey Chivers and Frank Adams are the US team’s most senior high-yield debt experts, with Merritt Johnson and Michael Hickey providing additional expertise and extensive investment bank relationships. All named individuals are based in New York.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s ‘responsive and dedicated’ life sciences practice melds an active transactional life practice with a patent practice that covers both patent strategy and disputes before the PTAB and Federal Circuit Courts, working together to see through collaborations and licensing agreements in the sector. The firm’s efforts are spearheaded by patent litigators Elizabeth Weiswasser and Silicon Valley’s Edward Reines, who handle matters pertaining to biologics and small molecules among a range of other complex patent issues. Derek Walter, also based in Silicon Valley, is another name to note for patent litigation in the pharmaceuticals and biotech spaces. Transactions with a substantial IP element are overseen by Jeffrey Osterman and Charan Sandhu, who also advise on joint ventures and technology transfers. Lawyers mentioned are based in New York unless otherwise specified.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 3

With full-service intellectual property capabilities, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is ‘creative and innovative in its approach‘ to patent litigation and represents tech and life sciences companies at all levels of the US court system, with particular strength in patent appeals and proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. In New York, patent litigator Elizabeth Weiswasser has extensive experience working with clients in the life sciences sector, including companies active in the biologics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and medical devices spaces, and Anish Desai is a skillful trial lawyer in the patent litigation space across a broad range of venues. The duo co-chair the group with Silicon Valley lawyer Edward Reines, who specializes in litigating patent and other IP cases in both the tech and life sciences industries. Also in Silicon Valley, pharma expert Derek Walter acts for the likes of Synthego and Pacific Biosciences in all stages of patent litigation.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3

A team that ‘balances thorough legal research and know-how with pragmatic business guidance’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP covers a full array of trademark mandates for a stellar client roster that includes digital music streaming companies, leading social media platforms, major entertainment companies, and internet service providers. Benjamin Marks spearheads the practice, contributing his considerable expertise in advising on high-stakes trademark, copyright, and music licensing disputes. ‘Go-to lawyer’ Randi Singer is a strong choice for brand owners, internet, and e-commerce platforms, and traditional media companies, with Todd Larson being routinely entrusted by large-scale media and entertainment companies. ‘Problem-solver’ Jessica Falk brings strength in fashion, media, and tech. All listed attorneys are based in New York.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 3

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acts for prominent asset managers, namely Brookfield Asset Management and Sixth Street Partners, but is also frequently assists middle market and emerging clients in the space, where they cover the full spectrum of assets, with their recent workload including a multitude of buyout and growth equity funds. Practice head Jonathon Soler works on the sponsor side advising funds and institutional investors on formation matters and minority interest sales. Andrew Chizzik works with fund sponsors and limited partners on structuring and negotiating terms of private equity funds, real estate funds and venture capital funds, while Stephanie Srulowitz has extensive experience in secondary transactions, fund restructurings and continuation funds. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 3

The New York-based group at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP boasts a varied offering that includes trade secrets and restrictive covenant litigation, discrimination claims, and wage and hour mandates. Another pillar of practice is the handling of claims of misconduct against C-Suite executives and litigation arising from corporate transactions and restructurings. At the helm of the practice, New York-based employment all-rounder John Barry specializes in disputes emerging from executive terminations, mass exoduses, and discrimination and harassment claims. Over in Boston, Peter Mee joined the firm from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in November 2023. Also in Boston, Rebecca Sivitz made partner in January 2024 and has knowledge of executive disputes, investigations, and complex union matters. New York-based counsel Celine Chan focuses on employment-oriented investigations. Gary Friedman left the firm in February 2024.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: transactions Tier 3

Complemented by the firm’s dedicated technology and IP transactions practice, the telecoms and broadcast transactional team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP draws on interdisciplinary expertise to advise clients involved in all aspects of the telecoms industry. The group advises telecoms companies and investors on M&A, spin-offs and restructurings, working closely with the firm’s M&A and private equity, banking and finance and capital markets teams. Michael Aiello heads the firm’s corporate department from New York, offering advice on high-value transactions to broadcasters, media companies and a range of other telecoms clients. Also based in New York, co-head of the US real assets practice Brian Gingold applies his corporate expertise, including experience in M&A, joint ventures, investments and recapitalizations, to the telecoms and broadcast sector.

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

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP represents key real estate companies and public REITs in REIT transactions. Clientele seek out the team for its expertise on formation of joint ventures, debt offerings, acquisitions and divestments, and distressed matters. Team lead Philip Rosen uses his background in real estate and infrastructure to advise on REIT acquisitions and debt cases, while co-lead Evan Levy excels in REIT transactions, focusing on REIT formations. Also noted is Jannelle Seales who centers her work on M&A, divestitures, and joint ventures. All aforementioned lawyers are based in New York. Michael Bond  has retired from practice.

Real estate Tier 3

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s is well-versed in mergers, acquisitions, and large investments, in addition to sales, loan negotiations, debt structuring, and financings. Based in New York, the team is co-led by Phillip Rosen, recommended for his transaction and restructuring experience where he often acts on behalf of major private equity groups, funds, and institutions. Fellow co-head Evan Levy is particularly prominent for his financing, workout, and development project expertise, along with his strong track record in REIT work and securities offerings. Jannelle Seales is another key member of the team on acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, as is Pejman Razavilar on joint ventures, financings, and investment vehicles.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

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.