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

White & Case LLP Offices

White & Case LLP
1200 SMITH STREET
SUITE 1600
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-4403
Houston
United States
1 713 496 9700 1 713 496 9701

Profiles

White & Case LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Cartel Tier 1

The antitrust team at White & Case LLP has a strong record supporting its stellar client base in regulatory matters under the leadership of Washington DC-based Mark Gidley. He recently collaborated with Boston-based Michael Kendall to represent Richard Usher - a former currency trader at JPMorgan Chase - in criminal charges filed by the DOJ as part of the foreign exchange benchmark manipulation case; Gidley and Kendall impress clients with their 'outstanding experience and amazing ability to get to the truth in trial'. Also notable is Washington DC-based Christopher Curran, who acted for Maruyasu in DOJ, EU and other international antitrust investigations into the auto parts industry - as well as associated class action litigation arising from its indictment in 2016 - and who continues to counsel Toshiba on a vast array of antitrust issues. Other notable clients include Endo Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer and Allergan. In New York, Jack Pace, John Chung and Robert Milne are key names to note, and Peter Carney is also another core team member in Washington DC.

International arbitration Tier 1

The 'exceptional' team at White & Case LLP has expertise in investor-state arbitration and can work 'seamlessly across multiple jurisdictions' in various industry sectors. Led by New York-based Paul Friedland, the team has been acting for the Republic of Uzbekistan on six matters, including securing the successful dismissal of a $132m ICSID case brought by Spentex Netherlands for alleged violations of applicable investment laws. The practice group is also acting for the Russian Federation in cross-border legal proceedings pertaining to the shareholders in YUKOS, who are seeking to recover in excess of $50bn on the basis of arbitral awards issued in 2014. In Washington DC, Carolyn Lamm, Andrea Menaker, Latin America arbitration head Jonathan Hamilton, and the ‘exceptional’ Abby Cohen Smutny are noted practitioners. Also recommended are New York-based Ank Santens and Silvia Marchili, the latter of whom joined the Houston office from King & Spalding LLP.

Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

Mark Gidley spearheads the antitrust litigation practice at White & Case LLP and recently teamed up with Boston's Michael Kendall to successfully obtain a full exoneration of Richard Usher, the lead defendant in the DOJ's criminal charges related to its investigation of the foreign exchange benchmark market. Noah Brumfield, who sits in Palo Alto, 'provides actionable advice that is very timely and efficient' and 'understands clients' businesses in a way that is rarely seen with outside counsel'. In the pharmaceutical space, Gidley, Peter Carney and New York-based Jack Pace and Michael Gallagher - among others - secured a reversal of class certification on behalf of Allergan. Also key is Christopher Curran, who leads the advice to longstanding client Toshiba; he recently defeated class certification in litigation brought by direct and indirect purchasers on the grounds of alleged price fixing in the lithium ion batteries market. Other key names include New York-based Robert Milne and John Chung, and Washington DC's Eric Grannon.

Commercial lending Tier 2

According to clients, White & Case LLP provides 'an unrivaled level of service' and its lawyers are praised for their 'good rapport with their counterparts on the other side of the transaction'. The US team is led by Jake Mincemoyer, who is 'on top of market trends and is able to explain complicated concepts in a straight-forward manner'. Recently, the team advised Deutsche Bank, Mizuho and Credit Agricole as lead arrangers on a $1.6bn loan to Foundation Holdings, a subsidiary of Softbank, to finance the $3.3bn acquisition of Fortress Investment Group. The firm also advised Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley and other lenders on a $6.4bn facility to fund Brookfield Property Partners' $15bn acquisition of listed real estate company GGP. The firm also has an active borrower-side practice, which was boosted by the return of Justin Wagstaff from the firm's London office; Wagstaff is noted for his 'exceptional technical knowledge, astute sense of commerciality and the tenacity of a pit bull'. Borrower-side highlights include advising Roark Capital Management on the financing of its $2.9bn acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings through its portfolio company, Arby's Restaurant Group. Other highly experienced partners include global banking head Eric Leicht, Eliza McDougall, David Bilkis ('a reliable and seasoned powerhouse'), and Brenda Dieck in Los Angeles.

Energy: transactions: conventional power Tier 2

White & Case LLP acts for financial institutions, private equity firms, public utilities, power generators and marketers, merchant transmission providers, project developers and state-owned entities. The New York-based project development and finance team is led by Arthur Scavone and includes Michael Shenberg, who specializes in energy-sector M&A, and Elena Millerman, who focuses on various financing transactions. In 2018, the team was significantly strengthened by a number of hires, who are primarily based in the Houston office. Jay Cuclis joined from Vinson & Elkins LLP, Steven Otillar was brought on from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, David Strickland joined from King & Spalding LLP, and Charlie Ofner and Christopher Richardson joined the team from Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. Additionally, Dolly Mirchandani joined the New York office from Allen & Overy LLP. Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas and EIG Global Energy Partners are other key clients.

General commercial disputes Tier 2

The team of 'very distinguished' and trial-ready litigators at White & Case LLP are 'smart, practical and committed to finding effective solutions' and 'work together as a unit'. Its attorneys are stationed in key markets around the country and often work in cross-office groups; a team including Glenn Kurtz in New York has been representing Anthem in the widely reported dispute with Cigna stemming from the pair's proposed $54bn merger. Los Angeles-based Bryan Merryman represents the Export-Import Bank of Korea as plaintiff in litigation against ASI Computer Technologies; the bank, along with other plaintiffs, alleges that it was defrauded through a circular transaction scheme involving South Korea's Moneual. Nicole Erb is a star in the Washington DC office, from where she handles multi-jurisdictional disputes; Jaime Bianchi is a key contact in Miami with particular experience in class action suits; and Rachel Jari Feldman is a rising star in New York.

International litigation Tier 2

White & Case LLP has ‘outstanding expertise in international litigation and shows both responsiveness and devotion to clients’ interests’. New York-based global chair of litigation Glenn Kurtz is ‘a top-notch lawyer with lots of commercial acumen’ and presides over the deep bench of talent both in the US and across the firm’s global network. The team is representing the Republic of Sudan in several cross-border lawsuits alleging that Sudan provided material support to the al-Qaeda terrorists responsible for certain terrorist attacks; Christopher Curran, who is based in Washington DC, is the lead partner in this matter. Owen Pell in New York recently defended the Republic of Peru in a $213m breach of contract claim concerning an alleged default on sovereign bonds issued in 1875.

International tax Tier 2

Washington DC-based Kim Boylan and New York-based William Dantzler are the main contacts at White & Case LLP. The team advises on a range of international tax matters, including, among other things, post-acquisition integration, transfer pricing, cross-border tax planning, tax controversies and investigative matters. The team has previously advised Saudi Arabia’s national petroleum company Aramco on its joint venture with Dow to build and operate a $20bn integrated chemicals complex in Saudi Arabia.

International trade Tier 2

Led out of Washington DC by the 'outstanding' Gregory Spak, and with its extensive international network 'enabling it to have insight and experience beyond national borders', White & Case LLP's ten-partner team is well positioned to represent corporates, trade associations and governments across their most pressing trade concerns. The firm has been at the vanguard of trade matters in the steel industry, including as it relates to the Trump administration's implementation of the Section 232 national security rationale to restrict imports. As well as acting for numerous corporates affected by the tariffs, led by the 'strategic, responsive and flexible' David Bond out of the US, and aided by practitioners in Brussels, the firm is representing the European Steel Association (Eurofer) in relation to the European safeguard investigation assessing the impact of the Section 232 tariffs on EU steel producers as a result of diversion. On the trade policy front, Spak has worked with lawyers from the firm's Mexico City office on behalf of Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (Mexico’s most important council of commerce) as an interested party in the NAFTA renegotiation. Spearheaded by the 'clear-thinking and well-connected' Farhad Jalinous, the firm has a very vibrant CFIUS practice, which is able to tap into the firm's existing flow of transactional work. As well as including 'outstanding' newly promoted partner Karalyn Mildorf, the firm's CFIUS offering was further enhanced by the arrival in July 2018 of Stacia Sowerby from the US Treasury Department. Nicole Erb and senior associate Cristina Brayton-Lewis are recommended for export controls and economic sanctions matters.

Merger control Tier 2

The 'very service-focused and responsive' team at White & Case LLP distinguishes itself through 'extraordinary client service' and its 'ability to take very complex matters and quickly provide guidance and tools'. George Paul's 'depth of experience, ability to make the complex simple and business-oriented and succinct approach' make him 'an in-house lawyer's dream'. Anthem recently appointed the group to oversee a number of high-value acquisitions in the health insurance space, as well as high-profile litigation arising from its proposed acquisition of Cigna. Noah Brumfield is leading advice to Delta Electronics regarding a $2.14bn tender offer for Delta Thailand and the associated notification filing before the Chinese authorities. Clients recommend the 'extremely pragmatic' Rebecca Farrington, who 'provides good market context and communications in a way that clients can easily navigate'. Also notable are Eric Grannon, Anna Kertesz, who was recently made partner, and department head Mark Gidley. All attorneys mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 2

The ‘well-coordinated cross-border team’ at White & Case LLP houses ‘a deep and strong bench of lawyers who understand business and litigation’. Specializing in multi-jurisdictional matters, particularly involving Latin America, the firm has notable expertise acting as counsel for creditor groups. Practice head Thomas Lauria is ‘an exceptional trial lawyer’ and combines ‘legal acumen with a principled commercial approach that produces a good result for clients’. Splitting his time between New York and Miami, he leads a team of ‘highly experienced and respected professionals’ that includes the recently promoted partners Elizabeth Feld and Andrew Zatz in New York. The firm has experience in offshore oil and gas restructurings, an example of which was representing the official committee of unsecured creditors in the Chapter 11 of crude oil and natural gas company Samson Resources and certain of its subsidiaries; the firm achieved on behalf of the clients an increased pay-out from $6m, under the debtor's Chapter 11 plan, to $168.5m, plus certain leveraged buyout claims. In another highlight, the practice is representing Wilmington Fund Savings Society, as indenture trustee for $475m of pre-leveraged buyout notes of iHeartCommunications; the matter relates to the high-profile Chapter 11 proceedings of iHeart, the largest owner and operator of radio stations in the US.

Transport: aviation and air travel - finance Tier 2

White & Case LLP is adept at handling complex cross-border aviation finance matters, and it is particularly noted for its experience in structured lease transactions. Michael Smith in New York regularly handles aircraft finance and equipment leasing transactions and advised CIT Group, as financing partner, on White Oak Global Advisors’ $550m transaction with GE Capital Aviation Services to buy and immediately lease back 20 wide-body aircraft engines. Elsewhere, Christian Hansen in Miami advised Avianca in a JOLCO financing for a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Richard Smith in Los Angeles is also recommended. Global head of asset finance Christopher Frampton, who is based in New York, jointly heads the aviation team with Hansen. Jeannine Acevedo in Miami and associate David Grotts in Los Angeles are also key names.

US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

White & Case LLP's New York tax practice provides ‘accurate, practical and commercial legal advice’ in relation to M&A and private equity taxation, and is known for its strong track-record in the energy, life sciences and entertainment industries. Recent mandates include William Dantzler acting for Calpine Corporation in its $17bn sale to Energy Capital Partners. David Dreier handled a number of acquisitions on behalf of key client Harvest Partners, and also advised Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, GreensLedge Capital Markets and TPG on various CLO transactions. Andrew Kreisburg and John Lillis are key advisors for joint ventures, M&A and taxation and operation of investment funds. James Hayden’s practice concentrates on financing arrangements, including the sale and financing of asset portfolios, while Steven Gee is the key figure for the taxation of intellectual property and securitization transactions. Key clients include Sony Corporation of America, Dynegy and Sempra Energy.

Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 3

The ‘committed and responsive’ capital markets group at White & Case LLP scores highly for its ‘excellent cross-border capability’ and ‘expertise in emerging markets’, with sources quick to highlight the ‘seamless coordination of its global team’. In a highlight example of its multi-jurisdictional prowess, group head John Vetterli, who splits his time between New York and Sao Paulo, acted with the Sao Paulo office to advise Argentina-based Loma Negra Compañía Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anónima on its IPO and listing of American depositary shares on the NYSE, totaling $1.1bn. The firm also secures a steady stream of sizeable domestic mandates. Most notably, Colin Diamond, who ‘combines broad knowledge with creative thinking’, and Holt Goddard advised the underwriters on BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings’ $733m IPO and also on its $837.2m secondary offering. Diamond and Goddard also paired up to advise HNA Tourism Group on the $1.3bn sale of the common stock of Park Hotels & Resorts and the subsequent repurchase by Park of 14 million shares. Named attorneys operate from New York, unless otherwise stated.

Capital markets: global offerings Tier 3

‘Extremely good in emerging markets’, White & Case LLP is best known for its impressive record in Latin America-related deals. Its extensive international reach also encompasses strong footholds across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Sources attest that the firm fields ‘a seamlessly coordinated global team that is available and responsive around the clock’ and praise its ‘clear subject-matter expertise’ and ‘total commitment to getting complex deals across the line’. John Vetterli, regional head of the Americas capital markets practice, recently teamed up with the Sao Paulo office to advise Argentina’s Loma Negra on its $1.1bn IPO. Vetterli also acted alongside emerging markets specialist Colin Diamond, noted for his ‘broad knowledge and out-of-the-box thinking’, to advise the underwriters on the $1.4bn IPO and Nasdaq listing of Brazil-headquartered StoneCo. On the debt side, Andrew Weisberg, with support from the London office, advised the underwriters on a $4.7bn notes offering by Syngenta Finance. Other senior names in the New York-based group are John Donovan and Holt Goddard.

Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings Tier 3

White & Case LLP’s practice continues to go from strength to strength; the firm even managed to increase its market share of high-yield debt value during 2018, despite plummeting deal volumes in the US. The New York-based team, which regularly works in conjunction with other US and global offices, has worked to balance its practice and now acts on a relatively even split of high-profile mandates for both issuers and managers. Jonathan Michels is a key figure in the group and led on several recent highlights, including advising the joint bookrunners on two offerings by CURO Financial Technologies totaling $825m. He also paired up with David Nam to advise Roark Capital as private equity sponsor and its portfolio company, Arby’s Restaurant Group, on a $485m high-yield senior notes offering as part of a $3.1bn finance package to support Arby’s acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings. Other key contacts include Gary Kashar and Andrew Weisberg, as well as Latin America specialist Taisa Markus, who recently joined from Paul Hastings LLP.

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

White & Case LLP’s New York-based practice group is regularly involved in complex transactions with cross-border elements. Standout highlights included Henrik Patel advising Inspire Brands on its $2.3bn cash acquisition of drive-in fast food chain Sonic. Further, counsel Kenneth Barr and associate DeVoia Stewart assisted with LifePoint Health’s $5.6bn sale to RCCH HealthCare Partners, which involved section 280G and 409A compliance and retention issues. Also recommended is counsel Tal Marnin, who assisted with FCX Performance’s $768m sale to Applied Industrial Technologies. Also of note, Patel and associate Robin Heszkel were involved in SodaSteam International’s $3.2bn sale to PepsiCo.

Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 3

White & Case LLP acts for sponsors, operators and financiers in relation to corporate and commercial transactions across the entire life cycle of renewables projects, from project financing, through all stages of development and construction, to structuring and executing M&A and handling project litigation and arbitration. Primarily based in New York, the team is headed by Arthur Scavone and includes Marius Griskonis, who acted for Calpine Development Holdings in connection with a $300m revolving bank loan facility to fund the construction of wind and natural gas-fired power projects. Invenergy and Sunpower Assetco are also key clients.

Energy: transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

White & Case LLP acts on oil & gas project financing; including refineries, petrochemical projects, LNG liquefaction trains, offshore drilling and development and tolling arrangements. The global oil and gas industry group is headed by New York-based Jason Webber, who 'has the ability to simplify very complex issues for a client, and demonstrates exemplary talent in contract negotiations'. Webber recently advised Global Infrastructure Partners on its $1.8bn acquisition of Medallion Gathering & Processing, the owner of the largest privately held crude oil transportation system in the Midland Basin of West Texas. Other key lawyers include New York-based Arthur Scavone and Miami-based Christian Hansen. In 2018, the Houston team was strengthened by a number of new arrivals. Jay Cuclis joined from Vinson & Elkins LLP, Steven Otillar joined the team from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Christopher Richardson and Charlie Ofner joined from Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, and David Strickland was brought over from King & Spalding LLP.

Environment: transactional Tier 3

The ‘well-informed’ team at White & Case LLP acts for buyers, sellers, lenders, underwriters, and developers in M&A and corporate disposals, financings, project development, securities offerings, bankruptcies, real estate transactions, and governmental cleanup programs. Recent highlights included acting as environmental counsel to Sempra in its $9.5bn acquisition of Energy Future Holdings, which had filed for bankruptcy, and separately advising Calpine on its sale to a group of investors led by Energy Capital Partners. In New York, Seth Kerschner leads the US environmental team and is ‘a seasoned professional who can get a deal done’. Associate Laura Mulry is another name to note.

M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 3

White & Case LLP maintained a strong presence in large-cap M&A throughout 2018. The firm's global presence, which has been strengthened by a series of headline lateral hires in the M&A and private equity fields, has helped to considerably augment its standing in the market. Moreover, its recent launch of new offices in Chicago and Houston has specifically bolstered its US reputation. It continues to showcase its formidable presence in representing financial advisers in bulge-bracket M&A. The team advised Sempra Energy on the completion of its $9.45bn acquisition of Energy Future Holdings and its subsidiary Energy Future Intermediate Holding Company. It also advised Calpine on the completion of its $17bn acquisition by Energy Capital Partners and a consortium of other investors. In another headline cross-border transaction, the group advised SodaStream International, the Israeli manufacturer and distributor of sparkling water makers, on its $3.2bn sale to PepsiCo. John Reiss heads the global corporate practice and the immensely experienced Morton Pierce continues to advise on a range of large-cap deals, including the previously mentioned Calpine transaction. Oliver Brahmst co-heads the private equity team and has a fine record in corporate M&A and portfolio company deals. Daniel Dufner and Gregory Pryor are also highly rated. Denise Cerasani is recommended for M&A financial advisory roles and Gary Silverman is leading the firm's efforts in Chicago, especially in the private equity space.

Outsourcing Tier 3

White & Case LLP ‘quickly comes to terms with its clients' business-specific risks and concerns’ stands out for its complementary skill sets in areas such as intellectual property, facility management and information technology outsourcing. The firm is especially active in the media, consumer technology, financial services and healthcare sectors, and also acts for major food producers such as Nestlé. Working alongside Jost Kotthoff  in the firm's Frankfurt office, ‘exceptional’ New York-based attorney Adam Chernichaw is advising a financial services provider in developing and implementing an outsourcing plan. Other key individuals include Silicon Valley-based Daren Orzechowski, New York-based Arlene Hahn and Washington DC-based Kevin Petrasic.

Private equity buyouts Tier 3

In 2018, White & Case LLP added a Chicago office, bringing in experienced M&A and private equity experts Gary Silverman and Raymond Bogenrief from Greenberg Traurig LLP and Thomas Horenkamp from DLA Piper LLP (US); the new Chicago office also hired a number of real estate private equity specialists. The firm has 'an incredibly deep bench in all specializations', 'global reach and consistent high quality across offices', 'tremendously hard working lawyers' including 'high quality partners, very strong depth across both junior and senior levels'. The team continues to impress in middle market transactions and on occasion in the high-value leveraged buyout space. Key clients include CVC Capital, Brookfield Asset Management, Roark Capital, Harvest Partners, Global Infrastructure Partners and Investcorp. It advised Roark Capital and its portfolio company Arby’s Restaurant Group on the company's $2.9bn acquisition of fellow restaurant chain Buffalo Wild Wings. It also advised CVC Capital on its all-cash $1.8bn acquisition of ConvergeOne Holdings, an IT and managed services provider, from Clearlake Capital Group. Global head of M&A John Reiss and global co-head of private equity Oliver Brahmst lead the practice in the US. Energy and infrastructure specialist Jason Webber is 'highly commercial, has a unique ability to process, understand and solve complex legal issues quickly', and is 'one of the best negotiators'.

Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 3

White & Case LLP has particular expertise in forex and interest rate derivative transactions in the context of larger leveraged finance and project finance mandates, and is especially noted for its activity in the Latin American markets. Department head Ian Cuillerier advised a development consortium on the hedging components of its bid for the development of multiple high-value infrastructure projects at LAX International Airport. Cuillerier also advised JetBlue Airways Corporation on a large-scale accelerated share repurchase program involving up to $750m worth of shares. Another key figure is Edward So, who joined the team from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; he acted for a foreign banking group in a significant margin loan transaction. Also of note, the team advised Trafigura on the commodities and derivatives aspects of the enhancement of a true sale commodities securitization program.

Technology transactions Tier 3

White & Case LLP handles technology licensing and development contracts for financial institutions, healthcare companies and IT companies, primarily in the context of joint venture arrangements and M&A. Silicon Valley-based Daren Orzechowski acted for Nestlé México in its acquisition of a majority in Terrafertil, a company selling organic food. Other significant client have included the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the pharmaceutical company Roivant Sciences as well as prominent private equity firms including CVC Capital Partners. Arlene Hahn is also highly regarded. Howard Wettan joined the Silicon Valley office in June 2018, having previously served as the vice president of Visa; however, Palo Alto-based Carrie LeRoy left the firm for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. The global practice group is headed by Jost Kotthoff in Frankfurt, Germany.

Capital markets: debt Tier 4

White & Case LLP’s manager-side practice posted an impressive performance over the past year. Perhaps the group's flagship highlight, Andrew Weisberg acted for the underwriters in Syngenta Finance’s $4.7bn notes offering. In another high-value bank-side mandate, Gary Kashar acted for the underwriters in L3 Technologies’ $1.8bn senior notes offering. Among its issuer-side deals, regional practice head John Vetterli, together with Weisberg, assisted Avangrid with its $600m green bond offering. Other key contacts in the New York-based group include Colin Diamond and Michelle Rutta. In 2018, the group was bolstered by the hires of Latin America specialist Taisa Markus from Paul Hastings LLP and Rupa Briggs from Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense Tier 4

The lawyers at White & Case LLP are noted for their 'strategic view' when handling white-collar matters for corporates and individuals. In a demonstration of the group's global reach, New York-based Scott Hershman,  Owen Pell and Nandan Nelivigi are representing the Ministry of Corporate Affairs of the Republic of India in an investigation into an alleged instance of fraud perpetrated by businessman Nirav Modi. Boston's Lauren Papenhausen and New York's Andrew Tomback advised a consortium of US-based infrastructure funds on FCPA due diligence for its acquisition of a Latin American telecoms provider. In terms of individuals, Boston's Michael Kendall is representing Donna Ackerly, who was indicted by the US Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts for fraud involving proxy-campaigning for public companies. The team is led by Washington DC's Darryl Lew and also includes New York-based Virginia Chavez Romano and 'hard-working' Daniel Fridman in Miami.

Energy litigation: conventional power Tier 4

The energy markets and regulatory practice at White & Case LLP is led by DC-based Daniel Hagan, who is particularly experienced in representing power clients before both federal and state agencies. Hagan is also noted for a strong record in enforcement proceedings. The team's varied client list features public utilities, power generators and private project developers, as well as publicly owned entities. FERC proceedings make up a significant portion of the team's work, followed by disputes before federal district courts.

Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 4

New York-based Jason Webber is a key contact in White & Case LLP's oil and gas group. Regulatory work in the context of oil and gas transactions is a cornerstone of this practice, although the team also handles rate cases before state and federal authorities. Daniel Hagan (DC) is recommended for compliance and regulatory counseling.

Environment: litigation Tier 4

The environment team at White & Case LLP advises on the clean up of contaminated sites, compliance with environmental laws, environmental insurance coverage, rights and obligations under environmental contractual indemnities, and environmental liabilities in bankruptcy. It continued to represent key client Pfizer and its affiliates in litigation arising from the Lower Passaic River Superfund site in New Jersey, including negotiating a favorable settlement. Seth Kerschner, who made partner in January 2019, leads the US environmental team.

Securities litigation - defense Tier 4

White & Case LLP has securities litigation and regulatory enforcement capability in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Silicon Valley, Miami, Boston and Washington DC, and frequently handles domestic and cross-border matters. Commercial litigation chair Glenn Kurtz in New York leads the practice and, with Douglas Baumstein, he recently acted for a European technology company in a putative class action alleging the company released misleading financial information from a South American subsidiary. Baumstein also represented ReWalk Robotics in two putative class actions relating to the company's IPO. Also recommended in New York are Joshua Berman and Owen Pell, who together handled derivative actions for Aura Investments, and Kim Haviv. Bryan Merryman in Los Angeles and Washington DC-based Christopher Curran also play key roles in the practice.

US taxes: contentious Tier 5

At White & Case LLP, the practice is led by Kim Boylan, who specializes in civil tax controversy and transfer pricing, as well as the advance pricing agreement process. She works alongside New York-based of counsel and transfer-pricing expert William Dantzler. Brian Gleicher completes the team in Washington DC, representing corporate and individual taxpayers in domestic tax examinations and settlement negotiations with the IRS at the examination and appeals levels.

Project finance

The 'very approachable and very helpful' team at White & Case LLP enhanced its position as a leading oil and gas practice with the opening of its Houston office in February 2018. Project finance deals in the power, renewables and PPP space are remain a mainstay of the practice. On the lender side, Miami-based Carlos Viana and Jeannine Acevedo, who is based across the Miami and New York offices, acted for KfW-IPEX Bank and DEG as lenders in relation to the $141.6m non-recourse financing for the Pomona wind farm project in Argentina, which is being developed by Genneia. In addition, New York-based Marius Griskonis is advising Korea Development Bank and Mizuho Bank as coordinating lead arrangers on a project financing for, and tax equity investment in, a 60MW solar PV plant and a 34MW battery storage system in Guam. In an example of its sponsor-side work, Viana advised Invenergy on the $68m hybrid A loan and B bond refinancing of its 50MW La Jacinta Solar Farm located in the Salto province of Uruguay. Jason Webber, who is global co-head of the oil and gas industry group, Elena Millerman, who is 'a leader in hybrid project finance', Clark Wohlferd and Dolly Mirchandani are also key figures in New York, while Ned Neaher in Washington DC is also recommended. The team also saw several key hires, most notably that of James Cuclis in Houston, who joined from Vinson & Elkins LLP. Other key figures include New York-based Arthur Scavone, who is global head of project development and finance, and Christian Hansen in Miami.

White & Case LLP > Firm Profile

White & Case is a global law firm with longstanding offices in the markets that matter today. The firm’s on-the-ground experience, cross-border integration and depth of local, US and English-qualified lawyers help clients work with confidence in any one market or across many.

Main areas of practice: Antitrust: clients count on the extensive experience of the firm’s lawyers in litigation against government authorities or private parties, counseling on delicate questions and comprehensive worldwide coverage of merger control regimes.

Asset finance: White & Case is a recognized leader in global leasing, asset-based financing and structured financial transactions, and has pioneered many tax, legal and financial structures used around the world.

Banking: White & Case represents major banks worldwide and provides guidance on acquisition finance, commercial lending, project finance, bankruptcy and debt restructurings, and regulatory compliance.

Capital markets: clients worldwide benefit from the firm’s capabilities in equity and debt offerings, sovereign issues, high-yield debt, securitizations, derivatives, investment funds, and regulatory and broker-dealer matters.

Commercial litigation: clients entrust the firm with their ‘must-win matters’ – disputes in which huge sums, invaluable patents and brands, and even company survival are at stake; and it has won major trials and appeals for clients in an array of industries.

Financial restructuring and insolvency: White & Case represents clients in all aspects of restructurings, workouts and insolvency matters, including transactional and litigation matters, in multiple jurisdictions and a wide range of industries.

Intellectual property: the firm’s lawyers protect clients’ innovations and creative works, offering advice on patents, copyrights, IP audits, licensing and merchandising, sourcing and technology, and privacy and data protection.

International arbitration: White & Case is the only leading global law firm with large, long-established arbitration teams in New York, Washington, DC, London, Paris and Stockholm and strength in other key cities including Geneva, Frankfurt, Warsaw, Moscow, Miami, Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and beyond. Its practitioners advise under virtually any substantive law worldwide.

Mergers and acquisitions: among the world’s leading law firms in M&A, White & Case advises corporations, financial institutions and private equity firms across industries, in all manner of complex cross-border and domestic M&A transactions. Its M&A lawyers are leading practitioners in all major jurisdictions worldwide.

Private equity: White & Case’s financial sponsor practice has a global reach, with market-leading service offerings in New York, London and Hong Kong, and fully integrated full-service private equity practices in the entire EMEA region. The firm represents pre-eminent large-cap and mid-market sponsors, as well as their portfolio companies, in their domestic and cross-border transactions.

Pro bono: a recognized global leader in the impact of its work, White & Case is one of the world’s largest providers of pro bono legal services.

Project finance: an innovator in project finance, energy and infrastructure law, the firm offers market-leading advice on project structuring and development, financing, government regulation, M&A, and construction, across several sectors, including oil and gas, power, infrastructure, telecommunications, and mining and metals.

Tax: White & Case’s tax lawyers and advisors provide timely, effective advice on evolving tax law and policies and supply clients with innovative, practical approaches to minimize tax liabilities.

Trade: the interdisciplinary, full-service global trade practice helps clients manage the risks and maximize the opportunities associated with the increasing regulation of international trade in goods and services.

White-collar: White & Case defends clients, including large corporations and prominent individuals, in all phases of government investigations and criminal and civil enforcement proceedings.

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Other Offices : Dubai
Other Offices : Dusseldorf
Other Offices : Frankfurt
Other Offices : Geneva
Other Offices : Hamburg
Other Offices : Helsinki
Other Offices : Hong Kong
Other Offices : Istanbul
Other Offices : Jakarta*
Other Offices : Johannesburg
Other Offices : London
Other Offices : Madrid
Other Offices : Melbourne
Other Offices : Mexico City
Other Offices : Milan
Other Offices : Moscow
Other Offices : Paris
Other Offices : Prague
Other Offices : Riyadh*
Other Offices : Sao Paulo
Other Offices : Seoul
Other Offices : Shanghai
Other Offices : Singapore
Other Offices : Stockholm
Other Offices : Sydney
Other Offices : Tashkent*
Other Offices : Tokyo
Other Offices : Warsaw
Other Offices : *Associated firm

White & Case LLP > Firm Profile

White & Case is a global law firm with a longstanding presence in the markets that matter today. The firm’s on-the-ground experience, cross-border integration and depth of local- and US-qualified lawyers help clients work with confidence in any one market or across many.

 

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Chairman Hugh Verrier