White & Case LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile

White & Case LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 1

The team at White & Case LLP represents major domestic and multinational clients in high-stakes cartel proceedings and litigation, with a successful record in disposing civil and criminal cartel claims in court or on appeal, as well as handling investigations by the FTC, DOJ and international competition authorities. The firm is involved in the full range of US and global cartel cases in key areas such as auto parts, financial services and LCDs, to name a few, and is able to draw upon a broad range of sector and multijurisdictional expertise, regularly representing clients that fall outside of US jurisdiction. An extensive team is headed by Mark Gidley, a hugely experienced practitioner who has seen great success in cartel trials both in the US and internationally, who is currently representing Itron in cartel proceedings brought against numerous water meter manufacturers initiated by the Italian Competition Authority, among other major cases. Peter Carney specializes in healthcare and pharma work, handling a wide range of global antitrust investigations and civil litigation on behalf of clients such as Gilead and AbbVie, while Christopher Curran is noted for his work on precedent-setting cartel cases, including the first-ever litigation of an amnesty agreement. New York’s Robert Milne is heavily active in the pharma and chemicals space, including representation of Pfizer and Sun Chemical in noted antitrust cases, while Frank Hogue is regularly involved in enforcement proceedings, and senior associate Adam Acosta continues to establish himself as a key player in complex cartel litigation. Attorneys are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 1

The antitrust and competition practice at White & Case LLP ‘leaves absolutely no stone unturned, and spares no expense to identify every last piece of useful evidence’ while routinely securing early dismissals and negotiating favourable settlements. Household name corporates turn to the firm to defend monopolization claims, price-fixing, and other unfair competition actions. Mark Gidley leads the global antitrust practice from Washington DC with trial experience in Europe and Asia in addition to the US. Also in DC are Kathryn Jordan Mims, who is well versed in bet-the-company and opt-out actions, as well as antitrust heavyweight Christopher Curran. Jack Pace, based in New York, is also recommended for his involvement in high-profile cases in the pharmaceutical and financial services sectors. The department appointed two new partners to its bench in October 2021: Washington DC-based Adam Acosta and Kevin Adam, who is located in Boston; both focus on litigation within the antitrust space.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 1

‘A top international arbitration firm‘, White & Case LLP‘s extensive international network ensures that it is involved in headline-grabbing cases worldwide, with its US partners routinely teaming up with practitioners in key global arbitration centers, including London, Paris and Geneva. The firm’s comprehensive practice breadth is another significant differentiator and clients praise its ‘expertise and experience in all types of arbitration cases before the most renowned international arbitration institutions‘. A leader in investor-state arbitration — for both sovereigns and corporates — the group also houses a top-notch commercial arbitration practice. In Washington DC, global group head Abby Cohen Smutny impresses with her ‘deep knowledge of public international law and international investment law‘; she represented Israel Chemicals, as co-counsel, in its UNCITRAL Rules investment treaty arbitration against Ethiopia, under the Netherlands-Ethiopia BIT. Other go-to arbitration specialists in Washington DC include Carolyn Lamm, who heads the practice for the Americas, and Jonathan Hamilton, who has a formidable record in Latin America-related work. In New York, Paul Friedland is a prominent name for high-stakes commercial and investment disputes; he teamed up with New York-based Americas disputes head Ank Santens to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia an ICSID arbitration brought by Samsung Engineering under the Korea-Saudi BIT. Among the firm’s ‘strong bench of up-and-coming younger lawyers‘ are New York-based Damien Nyer, who is noted for his experience in matters involving sovereigns, and Brody Greenwald, who transferred to Los Angeles in 2020 to expand the firms international arbitration capabilities in California.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 1

White & Case LLP‘s commercial litigation team handles US disputes and advises on global strategy for parallel proceedings abroad and enforcement litigation, with particular experience acting for international pharmaceutical, retail and oil and gas sector companies and foreign states and state-owned organizations. Securities litigator Glenn Kurtz leads the team from New York, where Nicole Erb, who has particular expertise in disputes involving US sanctions, and David Hille, who counts contract, securities, antitrust and intellectual property litigation and class actions among his specialisms, are also based. In Washington DC, key contacts include Claire DeLelle and Tara Lee, who are noted for their respective success acting for financial services and defense sector client, and trial lawyer Christopher Curran. The group’s West Coast offering includes Los Angeles-based TMT disputes experts Aalok Sharma and Rachel Feldman.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 1

The practice at White & Case LLP advises across the full spectrum of restructuring matters, with areas of expertise including sponsor and company side mandates and Chapter 11 restructurings. Thomas Lauria, who leads the global team, led the representation of Hertz Global Holdings which faced $19bn of outstanding debt and claims. He splits his time between the New York and Miami office. The team’s  representation of Boy Scouts of America in its Chapter 11 proceedings was also of note, demonstrated by Jessica Lauria (formerly Boelter), who led on the matter and practices from the New York office. The practice also saw the arrival of Gregory F. Pesce from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in May 2021, now residing in the Chicago office, and the partner promotions of Charles Koster and Aaron Colodny in Houston and Los Angeles respectively. John Cunningham is well versed in the handling of domestic and cross-border restructurings, and divides his time between Miami and New York. In addition, Boston-based Mark Franke is noted due to his specialism in aviation mandates.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 2

White & Case LLP advises on a high volume of merger filings, with a particular specialism in multi-jurisdictional review proceedings, in line with the firm’s global M&A and private equity practices. The team is also adept in handling high-value and complex arrangements in a variety of sectors, such as energy, technology, and infrastructure, defending contested mergers against FTC and DOJ scrutiny, and has a strong record in SPAC deals, alongside a growing portfolio of major global tech clients. Practice head George Paul is a ‘top antitrust lawyer‘ and remains active on top-tier deals, representing Golden Nugget Online Gaming in its $1.56bn sale to DraftKings, as well as a regular counsel to the likes of Facebook and ExxonMobil. ‘Absolute star‘ Rebecca Farrington represents clients in government investigations and challenges, regularly defending proposed mergers against the FTC and DOJ, and was lead counsel to DIC and Sun Chemical on its purchase of BASF’s pigment business, which included regulatory approvals in 11 jurisdictions. Former FTC official Anna Kertesz specializes in merger investigations, and advised GlobalWafers on its $4.5bn acquisition of Silitronic, a major deal in the highly scrutinised semiconductor industry. Senior associate Heather Greenfield handles HSR filings, merger investigations, and judicial challenges, notably acting for Hertz in all HSR filings throughout its high-profile bankruptcy, while counsel Tamer Nagy remains a key name for Middle East-domiciled work. Senior associate Daniel Rosenthal played a key role on the BIC deal, and is a regular contributor to thought leadership on merger issues. All lawyers mentioned are in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

White & Case LLP has a strong track record in representing clients from the healthcare, pharmaceutical, consumer products and financial sectors. The practice covers a wide range of commercial disputes and is particularly well-positioned for cross-border mandates. Team head Glenn Kurtz  in New York has over 30 years of disputes experience and recently reached an appeal victory for a broken deal dispute for Anthem, after also prevailing at trial. The Washington DC-based Tara Lee is a class action specialist and recently acted for clients from the defense industry. Bryan Merryman in Los Angeles is considered to be ‘efficient, practical and a gifted advocate.’ Other key practitioners are Kim Havlin (Haviv) (New York) and Rachel Feldman in Los Angeles.

International Trade > International trade Tier 2

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

White & Case LLP has made a further impression in SPACs, thanks to presence of Joel Rubinstein and a team, which joined the firm in 2020; amongst a multitude of high-profile transactions, the firm advised Soaring Eagle Acquisition Corp on its $1.72bn IPO and its subsequent $15bn business combination with Ginkgo Bioworks. Further department growth in Houston has also brought the capital markets group an increase in energy transactions. The firm is a major player in both issuer and underwriter engagements. Colin Diamond  is a leading name in equity offerings, including US offerings by overseas issuers; Stuart Bressman is a key name in offerings by life sciences, tech and energy issuers; and David Thatch  is regional section head of the Americas capital markets practice.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

White & Case LLP has an established record in global offerings, particularly those originating from Latin America, along with further deals from Europe and the Middle East; it continues to work on a number of US offerings by Israeli issuers. The firm is noted for energy and infrastructure-related offerings, and is a growing force in green and sustainability-linked bonds in multiple regions; it advised the underwriters on the $500m SEC-registered, ECB-eligible green bond offering by Wabtec Transportation Netherlands. Global head of capital markets John Vetterli  and senior name Colin Diamond  are key partners, while David Thatch  is regional section head of the Americas capital markets section. All mentioned attorneys are based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

White & Case LLP has an established presence in US and global high-yield debt offerings, notably transactions originating from Latin America. The firm is also making an impression in sustainability-linked offerings. Traditionally underwriter-centric, the capital markets team has focused hard on successfully developing issuer and sponsor-side relationships, including private equity funds and their portfolio companies. Daniel Nam  and Jonathan Michels are experienced figures in high-yield and investment grade debt, and liability management transactions, including US and Latin America deals. Andrew Weisberg and Rafael Roberti are also key names in the team which is led by regional section head of the Americas capital markets section David Thatch . All are based in New York.

Finance > Project finance

White & Case LLP has a prominent position in the project finance market, and represents both lenders and sponsors in financing transactions relating to renewable energy, transport infrastructure, and oil and gas. Though active on a number of US projects, the firm is particularly strong in relation to Latin American work, often collaborating with partners from across its international network of offices. More generally, acquisition financing is the group’s primary specialty and the team has experience of representing clients in relation to bank loans, term B loans, US private placements, bridge loans and Rule 144A project bonds. Nandan Nelivigi leads the team from the New York office, which is also home to veteran practitioner Arthur Scavone, a prominent name in the US power sector. Washington DC-based Serena Rwejuna joined from Jones Day in December 2021, adding to the firm’s regulatory expertise.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

White & Case LLP‘s derivatives group in New York has experience advising buy- and sell-side clients across a wide variety of asset classes, both domestically and cross-border using derivatives in funding transactions, as well as regulatory work stemming from derivatives transactions. The team, led by Ian Cuillerier , is noted for matters involving the financing of manufacturing facilities and energy power plants. Edward So is an expert in over-the-counter derivatives transactions, having developed niches in advising fintech companies and creating ESG derivative structures. Associate Rhys Bortignon is another key individual with over-the-counter derivatives experience, in addition to expertise in repo transactions, securities lending transactions and structured products.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

The New York-based team at White & Case LLP sits within the firm’s capital markets group. It has a varied practice that covers non-traditional esoteric assets and CLOs. In additional to transactional advice, the group, which works closely with colleagues in London, Germany, Latin America and Asia, is able to assist with regulatory issues. David Thatch  takes the lead and has become a prominent fixture in the whole business securitization space. Jim Fogarty focuses on whole-business securitizations, collateralized loan obligation issuances and rental car securitizations. Promoted to partner in January 2021, Elizabeth Devine is developing a name for herself in the whole-business securitization space, as well as handling CLO issuances. Senior associate Caitlin Colesanti is also recommended.

Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Benefiting from core energy-focused transactional lawyers based out of the firm’s New York offices, and also able to resource matters utilizing practitioners with more generalist M&A, finance and tax credentials, White & Case LLP advises across the full array of financing structures, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures in the renewable energy space. On the transactional front, the team is adept in deals across diverse levels of asset investments, including portfolio, singe asset or partial interest deals. The team’s project finance credentials are noteworthy, especially its experience of transactions involving energy tax credits. Nandan Nelivigi leads the Americas energy, infrastructure, project development and finance practice out of the New York office. Raymond Azar is another practitioner to note in New York for this type of work. All named attorneys are based in the New York office. Marius Griskonis left the firm in March 2023.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 2

Known for its power M&A, finance and regulatory expertise, White & Case LLP advises clients across the US and globally on a range of transactions, distressed sales, joint ventures, capital market offerings and project financings. The practice is also strong in the project components of debt and equity offerings. Nandan Nelivigi is head of the firm’s Americas Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team and specializes in innovative US power transactions. Another key name in the area is power M&A expert Michael Shenberg, who focuses on energy M&A, capital markets and financing transactions. Both Nelivigi and Shenberg are based in New York.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

Houston-based Jay Cuclis leads the team at White & Case LLP and has experience in a range of energy industry transactions, including domestic US hydrocarbons M&A, project development and finance, and joint venture work, as well as advising on unconventional and conventional onshore basins in North America and offshore transactions in the Gulf of Mexico. Clients include independents, integrated oil majors, international E&P companies, private equity funds, banks, investors, operators, national oil companies and commodity traders.

Industry focus > Environment: transactional Tier 2

White & Case LLP is well placed to handle complex environmental liabilities on headline-grabbing transactions in the United States and abroad, drawing on the expertise of the firm’s environmental attorneys across Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America. The team, which brings together experience in environmental transactional, regulatory and litigation mandates, also attracts instructions from clients in relation to energy transition and decarbonisation, cutting-edge sustainability issues, climate change and ESG in the context of transactions. New York-based Seth Kerschner, who offers assistance to public and private companies, governments and non-profits, oversees the practice that is adept at representing clients in financings and capital markets offerings involving sustainability frameworks, such as the Climate Bonds Initiative and the Equator Principles. Also in New York, Laura Mulry is increasingly engaged in ESG  duediligence and sustainability risks and opportunities throughout all aspects of transactions and business. Taylor Pullins, who recently joined the Houston office from Noble Energy, is a key contact for energy clients.

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

Leveraging its ‘strong internal network‘, the group at White & Case LLP acts for public companies from a wide range of industries, including renewable energy, biotechnology and online gaming. Colin Diamond  leads the team from the New York office, which is increasingly engaged in matters concerning ESG programs. A notable mandate involved advising Saudi Arabian Oil Co. on its ESG disclosure program and its historic announcement to reach net zero emissions. Acting as a ‘true partner to resolve complex problems‘, Silicon Valley-based partner Maia Gez continues to advise clients on complex disclosure questions over the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

White & Case LLP‘s New York-based practice is consistently engaged on big-ticket transactions, restructurings, and other advisory mandates for a range of blue-chip clients from the worlds of private equity, shipping, energy, pharmaceuticals, and real estate. Global tax head and IP and securities specialist Sang Ji leads the team, overseeing numerous multi-billion dollar M&A structuring and tax planning matters. David Dreier focuses on bank financing and securitization transactions, while Steven Gee is recommended for his expertise in intellectual property. In Los Angeles, Andrew Kreisberg regularly advises clients on fund formations, joint ventures, and REITs. IPO and business combination specialist Scott Fryman joined the practice from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in June 2021. All named lawyers are based in New York unless noted otherwise.

International Trade > International trade Tier 2

‘Sophisticated and commercially oriented‘, White & Case LLP‘s geographically diverse international trade practice comes ‘highly recommended for international companies operating on a global basis‘. Indeed, over the past year alone, the team’s extensive cross-border workload saw it collaborate with colleagues across Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. The group’s practice offering is equally comprehensive and sources highlight it as a ‘full-service international trade practice covering multiple sub-disciplines‘. The firm primarily stands out for its performance on the trade remedy and trade policy front, where global practice chair David Bond (‘flexible, quick, objective‘) and former department head Gregory Spak are key names. The team also houses a premier US national security and foreign direct investment review practice under the leadership of Farhad Jalinous, who is widely considered to rank among the leading CFIUS experts in the market. Nicole Erb co-heads the sanctions and export controls group and recently acted alongside Claire DeLelle to represent state-owned oil and gas company Petróleos de Venezuela in litigation regarding Office of Foreign Assets Control(OFAC)-blocked assets. Other key figures in the Washington DC-based team include sanctions co-head Richard Burke, Cristina Brayton-Lewis, who also focuses on sanctions matters, and senior policy counsel Earl Comstock.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Under the leadership of Scott Hershman, White & Case LLP continues to advise companies, sovereign states and state-owned entities, and individuals on regulatory and criminal investigations, and internal investigations. More broadly speaking, the practice handles crisis management and civil litigation, and is well placed to handle large international matters by virtue of its strong international network. In July 2021, Tai Park left the firm, and in October Tami Stark was promoted to partner.  Since publication, Virginia Romano departed the firm in January 2023. Named attorneys are based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

White & Case LLP has a prolific record in domestic and global offerings, most notably in the oil and gas, technology and financial institutions sectors. Having earned recognition for representing big name global issuers such as Saudi Aramco, it continued to win further accolades with key engagements such as advising Société Générale on the update of the bank’s $6bn structured medium-term note (MTN) program. Gary Kashar has made an impression in a series of headline debt offerings by international issuers. John Vetterli leads the global capital markets practice and is rated for Latin America-originating transactions. Andrew Weisberg is another prominent figure in the team and senior associate Abigail Simon also impresses. David Thatch  acts as regional section head of the Americas capital markets section.

Finance > Commercial lending

White & Case LLP ‘has a very strong team and is extremely knowledgeable in middle market LBO financing’, advising traditional and alternative lenders as well as borrowers on a range of complex transactions. Global debt finance head Eric Leicht  operates from the New York office,  as does regional lead Eliza McDougall, though the practice also has a significant West Coast presence. Justin Wagstaff  plays a key role in the borrower side practice, which represents corporations, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in acquisition financing. As a recent example, the firm assisted CVC Capital Partners and The Carlyle Group with the financing elements of the $1.15bn acquisition of Medrisk, LLC. The department saw a number of departures in 2021: Heather Borthwick departed in January, while Nicholas Palumbo, Jake Mincemoyer , and Gordon Mak left in March and May respectively, while Rebecca Gottlieb departed for an in-house position in November. In response, Kerrick Seay, Nicole Rodger and Christoffer Adler were promoted to partner in January 2022, while up-and coming partner Binoy Dharia continues to build a strong reputation in the market.

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

White & Case LLP’s national practice has longstanding experience in aircraft financing. In New York, Michael Smith is an aircraft finance and equipment leasing expert, while Todd K. Wolynski‘s broad experience in asset financing transactions includes aircraft and helicopter finance. In Miami, Christian Hansen, whose clients include both airlines and financial institutions, has a robust Latin American practice.

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

Private equity firms take up a large portion of White & Case LLP’s client roster, and the team has demonstrable capability in high-end M&A , often involving a multi-jurisdictional element. Noted for its expertise in the technology, financial services and energy sectors, key clients include Sempra Energy, Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation and Hertz Corporation, where the group successfully advised the latter on the employee benefits aspects of its financial restructuring. In the firm’s New York office, practice leader Henrik Patel represents clients in public and private M&A deals, while Tal Marnin acts for private equity sponsors on management compensation issues relating to transactions. Silicon Valley-based Laura McDaniels joined the group from Baker Botts L.L.P. in July 2021.

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

White & Case LLP’s M&A practice handles a broad mixture of domestic and global deals, demonstrating a particular tenacity for SPAC-related transactions. The practice, which often works in close tangent with the wider firm’s financial restructuring and insolvency teams, is co-led by John Reiss and Chang-Do Gong and caters to a balanced combination of corporate and private equity clients. Standout practitioner Michael Deyong operates across public and private M&A, sale, going-private and spin-off deals, with a strong focus on the telecoms and healthcare sectors.

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

White & Case LLP stands out for its global platform and consistent range of high-value work across the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia, advising active sponsors and their portfolio companies on deals across a wide range of industries, with particular strength in the firm’s long-standing specialisms of infrastructure and energy. The firm enjoys productive relationships with top funds including Brookfield, CVC, and Macquarie, with the firm’s work with Brookfield on its $10.8 billion unsolicited bid to acquire Inter Pipeline, eventually successful, a standout mandate from 2021, and a notable victory for global private equity co-head Oliver Brahmst , who remains a go-to for cross-border bulge bracket deals. Also of note for the firm is its SPAC offering, which has seen it work on a combination of capital raisings and deals for private equity sponsors utilising the structure. Co-head John Reiss is active on behalf of major relationship clients such as Roark Capital and Harvest Partners, while Chicago’s Gary Silverman combines a high deal volume with involvement in high-value deals, and works across a range of sectors including manufacturing, consumer products, life sciences, and technology, while Luke Laumann has represented Macquarie in several complex deals. Daniel Kozin was promoted to partner in January 2022, and has worked with the likes of Macquarie and CVC. Lawyers are in New York unless otherwise stated. Germaine Gurr departed the firm in February 2023.

Media, technology and telecoms > Fintech Tier 3

White & Case LLP has a diverse and multi-faceted practice group that approaches the fintech market from several different angles. The team covers the full spread of regulatory, transactional and litigation matters, including partnership agreements and product launches. This is reflected in the clientbase, which includes banks and payment companies expanding into fintech, as well as fintech companies seeking bank charters or partnerships. The corporate finance team regularly handles SPAC mergers and business combinations, and equity and debt listings. The firm also has good credentials in cryptocurrency and blockchain, assisting providers and business investors including major media companies on non-fungible token and other related projects. Key partners in Washington DC include Pratin Vallabhaneni, a regulatory partner who advised the Republic of El Salvador on its high-profile incorporation of bitcoin as legal tender. New York-based financial services regulatory head Douglas Landy is also highly experienced in fintech and blockchain. Era Anagnosti departed the firm in February 2023.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 3

White & Case LLP‘s technology transactions team is active on outsourcing deals including master service agreements, licensing agreements and commercial collaborations. The practice also provides input on corporate transactions involving outsourcing vendors, such as Panasonic’s recent acquisition of supply-chain software provider Blue Yonder. Arlene Hahn is the key name to note in outsourcing with Jost Kotthoff serving as global head of technology transactions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 3

White & Case LLP is a popular choice with clients who praise the firm’s ‘exceptional customer focus and speed of advice,‘ and its ‘tremendous breadth of knowledge and skills’. Clients come from across a range of sectors including social media, e-commerce, software and hardware manufacturing. The US team works closely with colleagues in key hubs such as Frankfurt, and advises on a range of IP licensing, partnership, outsourcing and supply and distribution agreements. The lawyers also offer critical support on high profile corporate transactions, including M&A and SPAC combinations. A team including highly-rated former partner Daren Orzechowski left to join Allen & Overy LLP in late 2021, but the firm retains several high quality lawyers. Clients ‘unhesitatingly recommend‘ New York partner Arlene Hahn, who has an extremely good track record on IP and technology driven transactions and now heads the global technology transactions and outsourcing practice. Erin Hanson, who handles technology and outsourcing agreements, is praised for her ‘wonderful attention to detail‘.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 4

The New York office at White & Case LLP has a large commercial litigation practice in which key partners handle securities cases as part of their broader portfolio of work. In securities matters, the firm has strong local and cross-border capabilities, and it frequently defends US and non-US companies and their management in US securities litigation and government civil or criminal enforcement actions, including matters before the DOJ and SEC. Its lawyers have in-depth knowledge of litigation under the 1933 and 1934 Securities Acts, including shareholder class action lawsuits, shareholder derivative suits, and the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisory Act. Practice head Glenn Kurtz and key partner Kim Havlin (Haviv) are currently representing Tufin Software Technologies in Section 11 claims in New York state court and in federal court in California in which plaintiffs alleges that the company made misrepresentations relating to its 2019 IPO.

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

Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences Tier 5

White & Case LLP‘s growing life sciences team advises clients on their major transactional and contentious matters, representing a mix of emerging companies and life sciences giants. It is particularly known for its antitrust expertise, providing both support in mergers and direct anti-competitive behavior litigation expertise. The team is led by Peter Carney out of Washington DC, with prior experience as the head of the firm’s competition group. Also notable are New York-based patent litigator Colleen Tracy James and competition litigator Robert Milne.

Real estate Tier 5

White & Case LLP‘s real estate practice is led by Eugene Leone out of its Chicago and New York locations, working within the wider multidisciplinary national group to advise on all aspects of commercial real estate transactions of varying asset types. Leone has a strong track record acting on behalf of investors, private equity houses, entrepreneurs and public companies in leasing and developments.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 5

Connected to a global network of experts and regularly appearing before the IRS and foreign tax authorities, White & Case LLP is highly experienced in US and cross-border tax controversy resolution, particularly regarding transfer pricing disputes on behalf of Fortune 100 companies. The team is experienced in appeals and alternative dispute resolution procedures involving international tax treaties. Based in Washington DC, practice head Kim Marie Boylan is an expert in transfer pricing disputes, often appearing before IRS with alternative dispute resolution and administrative appeals expertise; Brian Gleicher leads the transfer pricing practice and regulatory represents multinationals in transfer pricing disputes through mutual agreement processes and advance pricing agreements.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m)

Industry focus > Energy regulation: oil and gas

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets Tier 1

White & Case LLP achieved significant deal volumes in 2021, including a number of high-value and blockbuster transactions. Much of this is down to the firm’s focus on Brazil, primarily through its Sao Paulo and New York offices, where it has picked up a series of headline engagements. It has achieved additional prominence in Brazil’s vibrant fintech segment, including advising on the headline $2.6bn IPO by Nubank. With its office in Mexico City, the firm is also picking up quality mandates from a resurgent market, along with impressive deals in Chile and Colombia, and debt restructuring matters in Argentina. Global head of capital markets John Vetterli has a major focus on Latin America, particularly Brazil, having previously been resident in the Sao Paulo office. Donald Baker is a giant of the Brazil market, having founded the Sao Paulo office back in 1997, and has built a hugely impressive client base of Brazilian issuers. Sao Paulo’s John Guzman is an emerging talent with an impressive track-record in Brazil debt and equity offerings. Bibiana Andrea Jaimes is another impressive practitioner and Rafael Roberti, who was promoted to partner in 2021, is highly rated by clients. The team was further strengthened with the June-2021 hire of experienced counsel Marie Elena Angulo, from Jones Day, to the Miami office, where fellow counsel Karen Katri -who undertakes securities, bank financing and project financing- was raised to the partnership in October 2022. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

White & Case LLP has a dynamic Latin America M&A practice with deals throughout the region, particularly Brazil, Mexico, Chile and other larger economies. It continues to be active in energy, infrastructure, technology and financial services. It has also experienced growth in intra-regional deals and with Latin American businesses acquiring assets in the US; it advised QuintoAndar on its headline acquisition of operations of the Navent Group real estate platform in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, and Panama. The firm is noted for both bulge-bracket and mid-cap deals, and benefits from having strong teams in Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Houston, Miami and New York. Rodrigo Dominguez Sotomayor has over 20 years experience in Latin American transactional matters and has been a key practitioner on a series of headline deals in recent years. William Parish is equally experienced in Latin America M&A, particularly in the energy sector. Sao Paulo office founder Donald Baker provides extensive cross-border M&A experience in Brazil. Marwan Azzi left the firm in 2021. Luisa Muskus impresses at associate level. All named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance

White & Case LLP continues to impress in the market thanks to its consistent prominence in corporate lending, acquisition financings, restructurings and distressed financings, and project finance. It has an extensive geographic focus with sizeable teams in Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Miami and New York. With the growth in US-dollar financings in Brazil, the firm has achieved substantial growth in Sao Paulo and its other Latin America-focused offices; Sao Paulo executive partner and native Portuguese speaker John Anderson led the team that advised Petrobras on a $5bn revolving credit facility. Moreover, the practice continues to be at the forefront of renewable energy project financings in key markets such as Chile, Mexico and Colombia, and is a growing force in transport infrastructure financings in Paraguay and elsewhere. Carlos Viana leads the Latin America practice and is at the forefront of energy and infrastructure financings throughout Latin America. New York partner Sabrena Silver is a key figure in acquisition and structured financings and Christian Hansen is a leader in Latin America aviation finance. Richard Kebrdle is experienced in Latin America restructurings and Anna Andreeva is another key name across bank, acquisition, project and structured finance along with equipment financings and leasing. Adrian Leal and Mexico City’s Fernando Vázquez-Chelius Solis impress at associate level. All individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration

White & Case LLP leverages its extensive client relationships and networks across Latin America to provide high-level investment and commercial arbitration support across the region. With more than three-decades’ experience in the Latin American market the ‘committed’ international arbitration team ‘works hand-in-hand’ with clients, doing so ‘with the greatest rigour’; as a result, it has built significant scale in the region. This has enabled the practice to take on a broad range of arbitration disputes across multiple sectors, with particular strength in energy, natural resources, financial services, technology and transportation matters. The ‘deeply impressive and knowledgeable‘ Jonathan Hamilton   in Washington DC fronts the firm’s Latin American arbitration practice, with the highly respected global head of international arbitration Abby Cohen Smutny providing further senior leadership input. ‘Excellent professionals’ Ank Santens   and Rafael Llano  (based in New York and Mexico City, respectively), are praised for their ‘deep knowledge’ and are among the many senior names on a deep roster of talent. Silvia Marchili, who divides her time between Houston and Miami, focuses on complex investment and commercial claims, while Washington DC-based Francisco Jijón  handles ICSID and UNCITRAL-governed matters and also handles commercial arbitration and litigation in various forums and arbitrations before US courts. Jorge Mattamouros  in Houston is best known for his work in Brazil’s oil and gas sector. The practice has expanded its senior ranks with the promotion of Lucas De Ferrari  (in Paris) and Sven Volkmer (in New York) to the partnership; and that of Mariele Coulet Díaz  to counsel in Mexico City. A strong pipeline of counsel and associate-level talent includes rising star Michelle Grando  and Alejandro Martínez de Hoz  in Washington DC; Estefania San Juan  in Miami; and Madrid-based Ignacio Madalena  (primarily on Spain-LatAm related matters). Since research concluded, San Juan has been raised to the partnership, effective October 2022.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

White & Case LLP continues to be at the forefront of energy projects and is a growing force in infrastructure transactions in certain markets. The firm’s substantial presence in Sao Paulo has positioned it for the surge in US-dollar financings in Brazil, including offshore oil and gas, transport infrastructure and water sanitation projects. The firm’s sizeable capital markets team in Sao Paulo and New York are also a factor in growth in project bonds engagements. Outside of Brazil, the Latin America team has landed a series of bulge-bracket solar power matters in Chile, including the financing of a portfolio of greenfield solar projects, along with further renewable energy projects in Mexico and additional energy matters in Colombia. It is also active in smaller markets such as Paraguay, including headline road project financings. Carlos Viana leads the Latin America practice group and is a market leader in project financings in the region. New York partner Thomas Pate has emerged as strong player in energy and infrastructure projects, notably for road infrastructure projects in Paraguay and elsewhere. Sean Goldstein is rated for project development and project finance, including solar power projects in Chile and Colombia, road projects in Colombia, and wind projects in the Dominican Republic; he also has extensive experience in Mexico and is relationship partner for IDB Invest. Sao Paulo managing partner John Anderson is playing a key role in the expansion of the practice in Brazil; while dual-qualified (New York/Florida) Anna Andreeva provides additional depth on bank and project finance, and equipment leasing and finance transactions. New York associate Raffaele Montenero Turco is rated for project development and project finance in Latin America. All named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise. Jeannine Acevedo has now left the firm.

India > Foreign firms

White & Case LLP is noted for its ‘ability to think out of the box’; it handles cross-border India-focused matters from various offices in its large global network. Regularly advising on inbound and outbound investment matters for multinational corporations and banks, key practice areas for the firm include banking and finance, corporate M&A, private equity and disputes. Practice head Dipen Sabharwal is based in London and is a key name for international arbitration; he is qualified to practice in India, New York and England and Wales. New York’s Nandan Nelivigi is well versed in cross-border M&A, and also deals with financing in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Aloke Ray and Aditya Singh are also key arbitration practitioners. The team was bolstered in 2021 with the arrival of Rahul Guptan, a name to note for capital markets transactions, in May from Clifford Chance LLP and Sayak Maity, who joined from AZB & Partners in September.