Firm Profile > White & Case LLP > Houston, United States

White & Case LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 1

White & Case LLP is widely recognized for the global reach of its cartel practice, representing not just US multinationals but more often assisting companies headquartered outside the country with antitrust issues in the United States. A substantial part of the team's work is for pharmaceuticals clients, with an increasing amount of technology and transportation industry expertise. Cartel investigations are the focal point of department leader Mark Gidley's personal practice in Washington DC with an emphasis on assisting pharmaceutical clients. The DC-based Peter Carney is regularly appointed to support clients with cartel investigations brought by antitrust enforcers in the US and far beyond. In addition to his DC disputes practice, Christopher Curran also boasts vast cartel enforcement experience across industry sectors. Located in Boston, Michael Kendall is often sought out by healthcare clients, and he further advises on issues at the nexus of antitrust and securities law. The team also fields the necessary contentious experience to handle follow-on litigation and trials.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 1

The ‘excellent’ full-service international arbitration group at White & Case LLP handles an impressive number of cases for sovereign clients, thereby cementing its market-leading position in international investment arbitration. The team is also adept at acting for corporate clients in commercial arbitral proceedings, and is regularly retained for construction, energy, mining and metals, and oil and gas sector work in Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Americas. It is led out of Washington DC by Abby Cohen Smutny, who heads the global international arbitration group, and Carolyn Lamm, who serves as head of the Americas arbitration practice. However, the practice group also has a strong presence in New York - where key contacts include Paul Friedland, Ank Santens and Damien Nyer - and Houston; it is also well placed to call upon the expertise of arbitration specialists from across its global network. The Houston-based team has focused on serving Portuguese-speaking clients, among others; following his arrival from King & Spalding LLP, Jorge Mattamouros has become instrumental to the team’s offering in this regard.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 1

White & Case LLP is regularly engaged in commercial disputes, securities litigation and white-collar crime investigations. Clients show appreciation for the firm’s geographical reach, with the team being able to call upon experts spread across 44 offices worldwide. The global practice group is led by New York-based Glenn Kurtz, who stands out for his trial career spanning three decades. Contacts in DC include Christopher Curran (a stalwart in the DC litigation market) and Nicole Erb, who act for foreign sovereign clients in complex contentious issues involving sovereign immunity, extraterritorial jurisdiction, and acts of terrorism. Elsewhere, the Los Angeles-based team is renowned for its technology sector work, and area where Aalok Sharma is a name to note. Other areas strength include pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

Finance > Project finance

White & Case LLP has long been a leading player in the domestic and global project finance market. The New York-based team continues in this tradition, offering lender and sponsor clients a strong mix of projects expertise that includes transport, utilities and social infrastructure projects and PPPs, as well as conventional power, renewables, and oil and gas. The expertise of its lawyers covers every stage of the process, from greenfield developments up to acquisitions and refinancings. Nandan Nelivigi's team includes an array of highly experienced partners, including Arthur Scavone , who is well versed in power, renewables, petrochemicals, mining, and oil and gas developments. Jason Webber is also noted for his strong expertise in energy and infrastructure projects, while Dolly Mirchandani is highly active on the PPP side. Other key partners include Clark Wohlferd and Elena Millerman.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 1

White & Case LLP has a global financial restructuring and insolvency group with main offices in New York, Miami, and Chicago. With rock-solid expertise in complex restructuring proceedings, global head Thomas Lauria coordinates the department alongside John Cunningham, who is in charge of a team of experts in Latin America multinationals, and Scott Greissman in New York whose team focuses on bank lender cases (especially Chapter 11 proceedings in the oil and gas industry.) Within this sector, the firm has been further cementing its reputation in Houston, where it opened a new office in 2018. After twelve years at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, William Guerrieri joined the team in Chicago in 2019.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

White & Case LLP shines across the whole gamut of antitrust defense and is also well versed to handle related trials. With offices in Washington DC, Boston, New York and Silicon Valley, it puts a special emphasis on the pharmaceutical industry such as issues involving biosimilars, reverse payment patent settlements and product-hopping monopolization. The 'exceptional' and 'diligent' Mark Gidley operates a multifaceted antitrust practice out of the Washington DC office and leads the department, and Christopher Curran is regularly involved in novel litigation such as the defense of an amnesty agreement. Pharmaceuticals expert Peter Carney adds to the bench in Washington DC. In New York, Jack Pace displays an identical sector focus with key knowledge of product-hopping challenges. The Silicon Valley office boasts the 'incredibly thorough and knowledgeable' Heather Burke, who defends parallel class actions, opt-out and state AG lawsuits.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 2

The merger control team at White & Case LLP specializes in obtaining clearance for globally-oriented, creative mergers. In addition to its market position as a one-stop-shop for global deals, the firm also fields a number of trial-tested lawyers across the world to handle challenges and related litigation. The team offers factually detailed advice across all industries with a particular strength in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, oil and gas sectors. Mark Gidley and George Paul preside over the merger control practice, the latter of which is regularly involved in mergers that require clearance from several international competition agencies. Rebecca Farrington has a strong track record in defending proposed and consummated mergers before the FTC and DOJ. Thanks to her time spent at the FTC, Anna Kertesz has deep knowledge of merger investigations in oil & gas as well as pharmaceutical sectors. All above-mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

White & Case LLP counts a number of sovereign states among its major clients on account of its extensive global network and recognized strength in international arbitration. The firm is also known for its thriving litigation practice, which covers all aspects of commercial disputes. Team head Glenn Kurtz is very active for health benefits company Anthem, including representing the client in a breach of contract dispute with Express Scripts, and seeking $15bn in damages. Another highlight involved the successful defense of Viktor Vekselberg in a breach of contract dispute which sought $2bn in connection with the sale of a major Russian oil company; Heather McDevitt and Kim Havlin led on this matter. Consumer class actions also constituted a major source of work. Bryan Merryman led on multiple matters for Nestlé, including a false advertising lawsuit in California which sought $1bn in damages related to alleged microplastics in the company's bottled water products. Rachel Feldman brings significant expertise handling cases for tech and social media companies. The class action defense expertise of the firm was further consolidated in October 2019 with the promotion to partner of Sheldon Philp in the Miami office.

Dispute resolution > International trade Tier 2

White & Case LLP’s international trade department in Washington DC is fully integrated into the firm’s global network, and is currently involved in trade matters in six continents. The team prides itself on its expertise in trade remedies, particularly in the global steel industry, where practice head Gregory Spak and David Bond are recommended. A highlight from the past year was Walter Spak's representation of Diamond Tools Technology in the first-ever contested case under the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA). This case stands out not only as an unprecedented legal matter, but also as an example of the team's expansion into the area of customs law. Another name to note is Farhad Jalinous, who has extensive experience representing clients in national security reviews before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The firm is also an attractive choice for clients seeking advice on the international economic sanctions regime, an area where Nicole Erb and recently promoted partner Cristina Brayton-Lewis are key figures. In February 2019, the team expanded its offering in sanctions compliance with the hire of  counsel Peter Chessick from the Office of Foreign Assets Control at the US Department of the Treasury.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

The ‘knowledgeable and professional team’ at White & Case LLP is recognized for its strength global equity offerings, where it leans on its generous international network to shine in deals involving Latin America and the Middle East. In a landmark example of its global credentials, the New York-based group advised longstanding client Saudi Aramco on its $25.6bn IPO, which set a new record for the world’s largest-ever IPO. The firm acts for a sizeable share of both issuers and underwriters, while its diverse sector expertise spans energy, technology, financial services and life sciences, among other areas. Colin Diamond stands out as a leader in US and international equity deals and his recent IPO experience includes co-leading the Saudi Aramco deal alongside Gary Kashar. Global capital markets John Vetterli is another key contact and advises issuers, underwriters and other market participants on the full range of debt and equity transactions. Stuart Bressman recently joined from Proskauer Rose LLP and is noted for his experience in alternative financing techniques, including bought deals and registered direct offerings. Talented associate Taryn Zucker is also recommended. Joel Rubinstein joined the team from Winston & Strawn LLP in June 2020.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

White & Case LLP stands out for the diversity of its geographical coverage and it is widely recognized for its ability to secure market-leading deals throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. In a high-profile example of its global standing in equity transactions, the New York-based group advised trophy client Saudi Aramco on its long-awaited $25.6bn IPO, which set a new record for the world’s largest-ever IPO. The group is also well versed in global bond deals and in another Saudi Aramco highlight, the team advised the oil giant on its its five-tranche offering of global notes, worth $12bn. Although its issuer-side work often takes center-stage, the group also frequently advises underwriters on cross-border equity and debt deals, including recent work for Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley. John Vetterli heads the global capital markets practice and has strong experience in Latin America-related offerings following a three-year stint in the firm’s Sao Paulo office. Gary Kashar is highly regarded for his expertise in debt transactions and recently led the work on Saudi Aramco’s $12bn bond deal — he also teamed up with equity capital markets specialist Colin Diamond to advise on Saudi Aramco’s IPO. Taisa Markus is recommended for her emphasis on cross-border offerings involving Latin America and Europe.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield

White & Case LLP houses a ‘well-diversified’ capital markets group, which is held up for its impressive ‘depth of expertise’. The New York-based team covers the waterfront on high-yield debt transactions, with its robust global presence marking it as a strong performer in cross-border offerings, particularly involving Latin America and Europe. On the issuer front, the firm is consistently involved in multibillion-dollar offerings, with its recent sector coverage encompassing energy, financial services and consumer products, among others. On the bank side, the firm’s institutional links to major lenders translates into a comprehensive list of underwriter-side clients. Daniel Nam is a senior member of the capital markets practice and focuses on high-yield and investment grade debt translations. Up-and-coming partner Jonathan Michels is a ‘true partner in the execution process’ and routinely represents issuers, sponsors and investment banks on offerings in the US and abroad. The team also includes corporate finance partner Andrew Weisberg and talented associate Rafael Roberti. David Thatch heads up the Americas capital market section.

Finance > Commercial lending

White & Case LLP's borrower and lender clients benefit from a highly versatile team of lawyers. The primarily New York-based team works closely with colleagues in key global jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Paris, London, and Frankfurt on major cross-border financings and refinancings, as well as with domestic lawyers in Los Angeles and Chicago. The dedicated borrower side is led by Justin Wagstaff, and also includes Sherri Snelson, who joined from O'Melveny & Myers LLP, Eliza McDougall (who also represents lenders), and Los Angeles-based partner Brenda Dieck (who also represents lenders). This side of the group regularly represents major corporate borrowers and private equity sponsors. Jake Mincemoyer leads the lender side, which represents a broad range of major financial institutions and direct lenders on the full spectrum of matters. The experienced team includes global practice head Eric Leicht and Nicholas Palumbo.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

White & Case LLP is a market leader in the structuring and execution of complex derivatives in the context of large cross-border project finance transactions. Ian Cuillerier and Edward So are key contacts in the team. Cuillerier is particularly well connected throughout the Western Hemisphere; he heads the firm's Canada desk, and also has extensive experience of cross-border projects involving Brazil. So has broad experience structuring derivatives in financing and investment transactions, and has recently advised on derivatives matters in relation to M&A in the energy sector.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Headed by the 'phenomenal' David Thatch, the team at White & Case LLP is highly regarded by clients and peers alike. The practice group is active in whole-business deals cutting across sectors, from auto fleets to fast food franchises and fitness businesses. In the CLO space, the team has particular expertise in issuer-side work, and has also represented placement agents and elite asset management. Also of note, the team has handled a number of mandates concerning new issuances of CDOs, with many deals involving offshore structures. John Donovan, Charles Pesant and Jim Fogarty other key figures in the department.

Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Strengthened on the tax equity financing front by the arrival in June 2019 of New York-based tax partner Hagai Zaifman from General Electric, White & Case LLP provides a one-stop shop service (drawing upon practitioners from within the finance, corporate, litigation, antitrust, regulatory and environmental groups) to a range of sponsors, developers, investors and financiers.  Led out of New York by Nandan Nelivigi, the team is particularly strong on the financing front for both lenders (commercial banks and development banks) and sponsors, where it has generated 'excellent deal experience and is able to draw on numerous precedents where the team has been involved before'. 'Very efficient' New York-based partner Marius Griskonis has an 'excellent understanding of transaction mechanics' and regularly handles domestic and international renewables work as part of his broader energy, infrastructure, project and asset finance workload.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: conventional power Tier 2

At the cutting-edge of project and acquisition finance techniques within the power industry for an impressive roster of commercial banks, including BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole, and also very active on the M&A front for sponsor clients, including Carlyle Power Partners and I Squared Capital, White & Case LLP appears with great regularity on many of the most significant transactions in the sector. Nandan Nelivigi heads up the firm's energy, infrastructure and project finance team and has an excellent pedigree handling financing and M&A mandates, both domestically and internationally, particularly on matters with an Indian nexus. The 'very experienced and commercial' Arthur Scavone is a well-known figure in the project finance space and as part of his broad-ranging practice has a particular niche advising lead arrangers in term loan B transactions in the US power sector. Michael Shenberg has a strong reputation among financial and strategic investors on M&A mandates within the electricity sector, both in relation to the acquisition/sale of large portfolios and single-asset deals. All named practitioners are based out of New York.

Industry focus > Environment: transactional Tier 2

White & Case LLP is rated for its ability to advise major multinational and domestic corporates on environmentally sensitive M&A, leveraging the strength of its international network to handle cross-border deals across the globe. In addition to M&A, the practice group routinely advises on the environmental law aspects of project finance and development, bankruptcy proceedings, real estate transactions, securities offerings and governmental clean-up programs. The team is also sought out by governmental bodies and non-profit organizations. Key figures include department head Seth Kerschner and Laura Mulry, both of whom have extensive experience advising on due diligence, environmental compliance, and climate change-related issues in the context of corporate, commercial and financing transactions. The team is particularly active in regulated industries such as heavy chemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy, transportation and storage.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 2

The team at White & Case LLP advises clients on ongoing governance matters, as well as on one-off shareholder challenges. Headed by Colin Diamond in New York, the practice group has also been increasingly active in the growing area of environmental, social, and governance criteria, working alongside its environmental and human rights law practices in these matters. The team has also enjoyed a trend of growth and development over the past few years. Dov Gottlieb joined the New York office in 2017, and over the past year, Maia Gez and Era Anagnosti joined in Silicon Valley and Washington DC from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and the SEC, respectively. Gottlieb is praised by one client as 'an absolute master at corporate governance', while another describes Gez as 'a generous and constructive professional'.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

The tax team at White & Case LLP is recognized for its ability to handle large cross-border M&A and financing transactions. Kim Boylan heads the global tax group in Washington DC. William Dantzler is a contact in the New York office.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

White & Case LLP provides tax support on M&A, post-acquisition integration, private equity buyouts and various other tax planning matters. William Dantzler and David Dreier, both based in New York, are primary contacts in the practice group.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

White & Case LLP leverages its stellar global client base to pack a punch in cross-border offerings, particularly deals involving Latin America and Middle East-based issuers. Traditionally known for its strong relationships with underwriters, the New York-based group’s issuer-side practice has dominated over the past year, with high-profile offerings for Saudi Aramco, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Avangrid, among others. John Vetterli heads the capital markets department globally and brings hands-on experience of Latin America deals following his three-year stint in the Sao Paulo office. Gary Kashar is widely acknowledged as a leading high-yield lawyer and also had a strong year on the investment grade side, which included leading on several global medium term-note programs. Additional contacts include Jonathan Michels and Andrew Weisberg. Joel Rubinstein joined the team from Winston & Strawn LLP in June 2020.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

White & Case LLP continues its upward trajectory in the oil and gas space with the addition of further hires to its Houston office which was opened at the beginning of 2018. Most notably, the recent addition of M&A partner William Parish to that office, following his move from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in April 2019, further enhances the team's capability on domestic upstream and midstream M&A matters, as well as cross-border work with a Latin America complexion. As well as an increasing flow of domestic matters, the firm continues to excel at handling big-ticket cross-border mandates, where it is aided by a strong presence in many global energy centres throughout the EMEA region. This recently manifested itself in the firm's high-profile representation of Saudi Aramco on its $25.6bn IPO, a deal that followed on from the firm's work for the Saudi Arabian national petroleum and natural gas company's record- breaking $69.1bn acquisition of a majority stake in Saudi Basic Industries Corporation from the Public Investment Fund in Saudi Arabia. The 'very business-oriented' Steven Tredennick and Elena Millerman co-head the oil and gas industry group from Houston and New York respectively.

Industry focus > Transport: aviation and air travel - finance Tier 3

The team at White & Case LLP has a track record in aviation and equipment financing and leasing deals, export credit agency-supported transactions, and portfolio investment and acquisition transactions. Contacts include Michael Smith in New York, and Christian Hansen in the Miami office.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 3

Based in New York, White & Case LLP’s employee benefits and executive compensation offering handles mid- and large-cap M&A transactions and exits for an international client base consisting of private equity funds and public companies across all sectors. Of particular note are practice head Henrik Patel, Tal Marnin, Nicholas Greenacre and Helen Levendi, who maintain cutting-edge knowledge of global employee equity practices, including complex tax questions and 409(a) deferred compensation considerations, to serve both employers and senior executive teams. Counsel Heidi Schmid has been added to the team to enhance the ERISA fiduciary and prohibited transaction services for private equity and hedge funds clients, while counsel Kenneth Barr and associate DeVoia Stewart assist the team across a full range of corporate transactions.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 3

White & Case LLP maintains a steady record in large-cap M&A, acting in a wide range of transactions on behalf of clients in the energy, mining, telecoms, healthcare, retail, and media industries. The 'practical and to-the-point' practice is plugged into, and is in fact central to, the firm's global platform. Moreover, the firm has an international reputation in antitrust, which allows it to handle complex multi-jurisdictional M&A entirely from within its office network. Global corporate head John Reiss has continued to be active in the firm's leading transactions, while Americas M&A head Chang-Do Gong works closely with investment funds on key strategic acquisitions. Oliver Brahmst focuses on private equity, but also has an active companies practice. The firm's flagship deal in 2019 was its advice to Saudi Aramco on its $69.1bn acquisition of a 70% stake in Saudi Basic Industries Company; Gregory Pryor and 'brilliant young partner' Francis Lupinacci played key roles in the transaction. Also of note, the firm is actively growing, recording eight lateral hires in the New York, Houston, and Silicon Valley offices. All named partners are in New York unless otherwise stated.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 3

White & Case LLP has enjoyed a strong trend of growth in the private equity market, with the Chicago office continuing to expand its market share under the guidance of Gary Silverman. Indeed, the Chicago office has increased its numbers significantly since its opening in 2018, and has established strong relationships with Chicago-based private equity funds such as Entrepeneurial Equity Partners and Wind Point Partners. Other key figures in the team include global head of M&A John Reiss and global private equity co-head Oliver Brahmst, both in New York. The practice group utilizes its US-wide and international reach to work on complex transactions on behalf of major funds, most notably Brookfield, CVC, and IFM, demonstrating its development in recent years. Bramhst's work for Brookfield on its $8.4bn acquisition of Genesee & Wyoming is a key example of the firm's geographic reach, covering deal components in Australia, Germany, and Canada. Industry focuses include technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and real estate, which is a growing specialism for the Chicago team especially. Other parts of the offering include a dedicated portfolio support team, advising portfolio companies on their relationships with sponsors, and a stand-alone financing practice, which informs the private equity team's ability to fund and structure deals in a versatile and effective fashion.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 3

Headed by Jost Kotthoff from the Frankfurt office, White & Case LLP is particularly active on cross-border transactions, especially those with an intellectual property, facilities management or information technology bent. Its clients include social media, consumer technology, pharmaceutical, medical device, semiconductor, and financial services companies. Key individuals include Silicon Valley-based Daren Orzechowski, and New York-based Arlene Hahn, and Adam Chernichaw.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 3

The team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is adept at handling the whole spectrum of commercial technology transactions for a client base of financial services, hospitality, medical devices, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage companies, to name a few areas. In New York, practice co-head Daniel Angel advised Omnicom Group on the negotiation of a health and welfare benefits administration outsourcing agreement with bswift. In Palo Alto, practice co-head David Kennedy has expertise in assisting life sciences companies with licensing agreements, and practice co-head Carrie LeRoy is very experienced in advising on the intellectual property aspects of technology transactions. Other key partners include Los Angeles-based William Peters and Stephen Nordahl in New York.

White & Case LLP advises a solid client base of corporate entities, such as IT companies and financial institutions, on M&A-related technology deals, with fintech matters forming the bulk of the team's recent workload. In a highlight, New York-based Arlene Hahn advised investment firm Motive Partners on its launch of Motive Labs. Fintech expert Adam Chernichaw, also in New York, and Silicon Valley-based Daren Orzechowski are notable names. Global practice head Jost Kotthoff is based in the Frankfurt office in Germany.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

White & Case LLP's practice is defined by the firm's international presence, allowing it to handle US and cross-border investigations; in addition to the team's experience at trial. The group has particular expertise in the healthcare sector, but it also handles matters in the auto parts and financial services industries, in cases involving the FCPA, securities fraud, FCA and the anti-kickback statute. Scott Hershman in New York is the global practice head and is adept at defending companies in regulatory, white-collar criminal and parallel civil litigation. In Washington DC, Darryl Lew focuses on cross-border and domestic government investigations, while Boston's Michael Kendall is a healthcare sector expert. New York's Virginia Chavez Romano stands out for handling fraud-related matters.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 4

The commercial litigation practice at White & Case LLP has securities litigators and regulatory practitioners in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Silicon Valley, Miami, Boston and Washington DC. They act as a single integrated team of civil litigators and white-collar lawyers who frequently act for both US and non-US companies in US securities litigation and enforcement actions. A key strength of the firm is its ability to draw on its network of international offices to represent overseas companies facing litigation in the US. Glenn Kurtz in New York leads the practice and has more than 30 years' experience as a trial lawyer. New York-based Douglas Baumstein also has extensive trial experience before US federal and state courts.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 4

White & Case LLP's trade secrets practice is led by Michael Songer, who joined the firm's Washington DC office from Crowell & Moring LLP in January 2019. In the past year, Songer has been involved in trade secrets and IP litigation relating to military and railway technology, automated vehicles and pharmaceuticals.

Real estate > Real estate Tier 5

White & Case LLP is experienced in a full range of commercial real estate transactions, from acquisitions, dispositions and leasing through to complex financings, workouts, and joint venture development projects. Chaired by Eugene Leone and Steven Vainder, the team operates across all asset classes, acting for developers, owners, private and institutional investors, and lenders and and underwriting banks. Vainder is based New York, while Leone splits his time between New York and the firm’s recently opened Chicago office.

Industry focus > Energy regulation: conventional power

Industry focus > Energy regulation: oil and gas

Intellectual property > Copyright

Music and book publishing are the two key areas of focus for Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman, PC. Eric Shimanoff is a name on the music side, having recently acted for Warner Music, Sony Music and Orchard Enterprises, collectively, in a dispute against ROK Mobile for the non-payment of royalties for recordings streamed by the defendants. Richard Mandel and Thomas Kjellberg are also names to note in the music space; together, the two advised UMG Recordings in a class action brought by a number of recording artists seeking to reclaim their publishing rights. Mandel also worked alongside Richard King for Capitol Records in seeking an injunction and damages against ReDigi which allegedly enabled purchasers of online digital recordings to re-sell them. Book publishing work is primarily handled by Richard Dannay, who recently represented Dover Publications in a dispute where an artist claimed her teddy bear illustration was infringed in a work published by the client. All lawyers are based in New York.

International arbitration > International arbitration

White & Case LLP  fields a strong team from its global network (including, in particular, its Washington DC, New York, London, Paris and Geneva offices) to handle a broad range of Latin American arbitration mandates. The practice has a strong reputation for construction and infrastructure disputes and counts energy, financial services, mining, oil and gas, technology and transportation among other sectors in which it has a high degree experience and specialisation. In Washington DC, practice head Jonathan Hamilton, Francisco Jijón, who made partner in 2019, and counsel Michelle Grando are the key contacts. Mexico City-based Rafael Llano Oddone is noted for strength in construction disputes, while Ank Santens (who has energy and infrastructure sector expertise), and associate Ricardo Chirinos, are the names to note in New York. In Houston, Jorge Mattamouros has particular experience in oil-and-gas disputes in Brazil, while Silvia Marchili (who splits her time between Houston and Miami) has a wealth of experience across both investment and commercial arbitration.

Projects and energy > Projects and energy

White & Case LLP has an unrivalled depth of team with top project and energy practitioners in Miami, New York, Washington DC, Houston, Mexico and Sao Paulo. The department has a hugely impressive client mix of sponsors, commercial lenders, and DFIs and agencies. It is at the forefront of power, renewables, and oil and gas projects and transactions, and is also building its presence in infrastructure projects, including road, rail and ports. The firm also impresses in both project development and project finance, and has a growing practice in energy M&A and distressed oil and gas transactions. Notably, it is gaining a solid foothold in the growing number of international project financings in Brazil, and continues to have an outstanding record in Mexico as well as evidencing strength in other smaller economies too. Carlos Viana leads the Latin America practice from Miami, where he has an outstanding record in renewable energy and infrastructure projects throughout the region. Leading project development lawyer Sean Goldstein has transferred from Mexico City to Miami where he is leading the firm's relationship with the IDB. Martin Menski has joined the Washington DC office from Baker Botts L.L.P. to reinforce the firm's connections to agencies and DFIs, including IDB. John Anderson is a leading project finance specialist in Sao Paulo and Steven Otillar is a prominent project development expert in Houston with a proven track record in Latin America. Jeanine Acevedo and Anna Andreeva are also key names in Miami; up-and-coming name Thomas Pate has relocated to New York from Miami.

Corporate and M&A > Corporate and M&A

White & Case LLP's aggressive expansion of its Latin America department has delivered considerable rewards in the M&A segment. Team additions in New York and Houston have made a significant difference, notably in private equity and infrastructure funds transactions, and in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Rodrigo Dominguez and William Parish joined the Houston office from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in April 2019 to reinforce the firm's standing in oil and gas, power, renewables and infrastructure deals. Marwan Azzi's earlier arrival in 2018 has already seen the firm grow its position in private equity and infrastructure funds, most notably for clients such as I Squared Capital Advisors. Azzi has closed a series of headline deals in Chile, Colombia and Peru, including advising Sempra Energy on the $3.59bn sale of its equity interests in its Peruvian businesses to China Yangtze Power International in September 2019. Moreover, the gradual expansion of the Houston office has also positioned the firm prominently for oil and gas deals in Latin America, particularly in Mexico. Global co-head of private equity Oliver Brahmst is also active in the region on behalf of clients such as Brookfield Asset Management; he also led the team that advised Odebrecht on its $1.39bn sale of the 456MW Chaglla hydroelectric power plant in Peru to a consortium led by China Three Gorges. Donald Baker in Sao Paulo, continues to play an anchor role in developing and maintaining Brazilian client relationships, working on key deals such as advising on Vale's $550m acquisition of Ferrous Resources.

City focus: Miami > City focus: Miami

White & Case LLP has a substantial Miami office with about a third of attorneys focused on Latin America. Moreover, the firm's head of Latin America, Carlos Viana, is based there. It also continues to expand with the 2019-hire of international arbitration partner Silvia Marchili from King & Spalding LLP; she has initially joined the Houston office before transferring to Miami. The office is best known for finance, energy, projects and infrastructure, although it is a growing force in white-collar crime investigations and enforcement matters through Michael Garcia and Maria Beguiristain. In the energy, infrastructure, projects and finance segments, the Miami office fields a sizeable team with Carlos Viana, Sean Goldstein, Anna Andreeva, Jeannine Acevedo forming a formidable team, with Christian Hansen impressing on the aviation finance side, while Richard Kebrdle is a recognised force in restructurings in Latin America. Mark Bagnall is a key name for capital markets deals in the region, including for Brazilian issuers. Fernando de la Hoz and Victor Mendoza are senior generalists that continue to work on significant matters in the region. Thomas Pate has transferred to New York.