Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP > Palo Alto, United States > Firm Profile

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers

Craig Martin chairs Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP ‘s Midwest practice out of Chicago, with a trial practice that spans both state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings. He is frequently instructed by Provisur Technologies, which he represented in several patent disputes against Weber, Inc. in both an appeal before the federal circuit in June 2024, in addition to appearing for it in several patent proceedings in Germany and the European Patent Office.

Industry focus > Sport

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense

Insurance > Advice to insurers

Christopher St. Jeanos serves as practice head at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, leading a team that has litigated an array of coverage disputes and insurance-related bankruptcy matters for major insurers such as AIG. St. Jeanos is joined in the New York office by seasoned litigator and mediator Mitchell Auslander , who plays a notable role in the group’s opioid-related work, and James Fitzmaurice , a key name in public nuisance matters. The team is supported from Washington DC by agile coverage litigator Elizabeth Bower and P&C specialist Joseph Davis, and in San Francisco, Laura Leigh Geist‘s practice incorporates the defense of Insurtech companies facing claims related to policy pricing, Cost of Insurance, consumer fraud, and more.

Insurance > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 1

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s New York-based group offers comprehensive services to a wide range of global insurance industry stakeholders, including life insurers, P&C insurers, reinsurers and intermediaries, Insurtechs, mortgage and financial guaranty insurers, PE and asset manager sponsors, to name a few. Headed by Alexander Dye and John Schwolsky, who both bring several decades of experience in insurance corporate transactions to the table, the team is equipped to advise on matters including M&A, capital markets, ILS/alternative risk transfers and insurance-linked securities, sidecar transactions, complex industry financing structures, offerings, and more. Other integral team members include; Elizabeth Bannigan, whose agile practice encompasses M&A, transactions such as loss portfolio transfers, and regulatory counsel; Laura Delanoy, who is dedicated to M&A; Michael Groll, a partner notably well-versed in public and private securities offerings as well as M&A; and David Luce, who splits his talents across capital markets, M&A, and reinsurance matters. Regulatory-focused Allison Tam is another name to note, as is Vladimir Nicenko , who covers an array of insurance and reinsurance transactions.

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 1

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is noted for its ‘deep expertise is investment management, CTA/CPO and commodities regulation, as well as crypto products and regulatory landscape.‘ The firm advises a client base ranging from smaller asset managers to some of the largest fund managers in the world, and global fund and asset management firms. As well as significant regulatory structuring for exchange traded funds, the group also stands out for regularly advising on fund governance and registered open-end mutual funds. The latter is an area of expertise for Margery Neale who heads up the team together with Lior Ohayon in New York, and advises client running the gamut of private equity, from open-end mutual funds, exchange traded funds, closed-ended funds and business development companies. Elliot Gluck in Washington DC contributes extensive knowledge in closed-end fund capital markets offerings. Benjamin Haskin in New York is a versatile investment funds lawyer with expertise in ESG products and strategies, a strength of the wider group. Anne Choe and Neesa Patel Sood moved to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in February 2025.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP excels in handling white-collar matters, offering expertise in corporate and individual representations, internal investigations, and cross-border issues. The firm’s experience spans federal, state, and international jurisdictions. William Stellmach , who specializes in government-facing investigations and regulatory defense, and Timothy Heaphy, with expertise in crisis management and government investigations. Michael Schachter, a renowned trial lawyer, defends corporations and executives in high-stakes cases, while Craig Martin  in Chicago advises boards and leads complex trials and arbitrations. Michael Li-Ming Wong, based in San Francisco, focuses on white-collar criminal matters, civil litigation, and global investigations, while Soumya Dayananda specializes in government investigations and crisis management. Lawyers are in New York unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

Boasting a ‘powerhouse roster of exceptional commercial litigators’, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP draws on its national network to represent clients in trials and appeals before state and federal courts. The firm has a strong track record representing tech clients, as well as companies, investors and individuals. The practice encompasses class actions, enforcement proceedings and arbitrations. Tariq Mundiya in New York chairs the litigation department, leveraging his expertise in internal investigations, securities and corporate litigation, and M&A and transactional disputes. Chicago-based Craig Martin is chairman, Midwest is a go to for leading companies, law firms and families for representation in state and federal courts and domestic and international arbitration. In San Francisco, Simona Agnolucci and Ben Hur are names to note, while Alex Weingarten in Los Angeles chairs the entertainment litigation practice. New York-based Jeffrey Korn is an active member of the team, alongside Sameer Advani and Michael Gottlieb in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

‘Relentless strategists, creative problem-solvers, and fierce advocates’, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has achieved a strong reputation among clients for its ‘mastery of the art of winning’ in securities litigation and derivative shareholder actions in trial, state and appellate courts throughout the country. Lauded by one client as ‘one of the greatest legal minds and securities litigators of his generation’, litigation chair Tariq Mundiya has an ‘ability to balance legal strategy with business practicality’, ensuring he is a very popular choice to represent clients when faced with high-stakes matters. Todd Cosenza is central to much of the team’s success on behalf of both corporates and banks when faced with securities class actions in the aftermath of stock drop prices following IPOs, and co-heads the securities litigation offering alongside Antonio Yanez. Chicago-based Craig Martin is also recommended. All named practitioners are located in New York, unless otherwise indicated.

Finance > Fintech Tier 2

Bringing a wealth of regulatory and compliance knowledge, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provides “unbelievable depth and quality” in advising on digital assets and blockchain matters. In New York, Jeffrey Poss focuses on transactional and corporate M&A work involving both public and private companies, while former CFTC chairman Christopher Giancarlo is “as experienced as you can get” when advising clients on futures, options, and swaps derivative market regulation. Kari Larsen specializes in digital asset matters, counseling on business and usage strategies as well as navigating regulatory requirements.Kristina Littman is highly skilled in investigations and enforcement actions related to cryptocurrency and cybersecurity matters.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 2

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s restructuring department has a background in representing debtors, strategic investors and ad hoc groups in court and out-of-court matters. It has also expanded its creditors’ rights practice. The firm advises a range of companies, along with independent boards of directors and special committees. On the creditor side, it acts for large tort claimant committees, ad hoc bondholder and lender committees and now a growing number of official committees of unsecured creditors; it has strong links to private funds, direct lenders and institutional creditors, among others. The firm is widely recognised for its private equity and private equity-backed company experience, including in large-scale restructurings and distressed asset transactions. It is also rated for its bankruptcy and restructuring litigation expertise. Matthew Feldman is chair of the firm and US chair of the restructuring department with Brett Miller and Debra Sinclair as co-chairs of the team and leading many of the group’s top mandates. Brian Lennon  is another key partner. All named individuals are based in New York. Rachel Strickland, Andrew Mordkoff, Ana Alfonso , and Daniel Forman have all left the firm.  

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 2

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP specializes in resolving high-stakes disputes, representing employers and ERISA fiduciaries in courts across the US, both in individual and class action lawsuits. The team has been active in ERISA plan fee litigation, reimbursement rights, recovery of pension overpayments, as well as ERISA estoppel and ESOP reimbursement rights and Taft-Hartley litigation, including claims for contributions to multi-employer benefits plans. Craig Martin acts as lead counsel in trials and appeals in state and federal courts for leading companies and families, while Amanda Amert represents employers and ERISA plan providers in federal courts around the country. Kimberley Jones, who joined the firm from Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath in October 2024, is experienced in employee benefit claim denials and breaches of fiduciary duty on all types of ERISA plan defendants, while Matthew Basil advises Fortune 500 companies on work ranging from commercial disputes to ERISA and breach of fiduciary duty litigation. All lawyers mentioned are based in Chicago.

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

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP advises private equity sponsors across the large-cap and middle-market segments, providing comprehensive support on buyouts, platform acquisitions, financings, and exits. The firm is particularly active in financial services, insurance, technology, healthcare, and industrials, with a full-service platform covering regulatory, tax, and transactional matters. Spearheading the practice, Jeffrey Poss maintains a diverse portfolio that includes multi-billion-dollar take-privates and strategic majority investments. Co-head Neil Townsend has recently been active on significant disposals for healthcare and tech-focused sponsors. Morgan Elwyn regularly advises funds on public and private M&A, secondary transactions, and growth equity investments, while Rosalind Fahey Kruse is a go-to for substantial cross-border mandates. Mark Cognetti is praised as a ‘true business partner’ who is ‘adept at finding creative solutions to complex problems’. Matthew Guercio combines M&A and private equity expertise with corporate governance and securities law knowledge. In 2024, Thomas McCaffrey joined from Akin, while the infrastructure and energy-focused Sarah McLean and Holt Foster joined from A&O Shearman and Sidley Austin LLP, respectively. All individuals are based in New York except the new arrivals who join the Dallas and Houston office.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Shareholder activism Tier 2

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s multidisciplinary shareholder activism practice brings a diverse range of experiences and skillsets to some of the busiest activist groups, advising on proxy contests, board cooperation agreements, and stock repurchasing to name just a few of the team’s capabilities. The practice leaders are key points of contact for hedge funds and corporations alike, displaying a broad array of areas of expertise. Tariq Mundiya leads on litigation matters, highly experienced in both securities and corporate litigation as well as litigation arising from M&A and other major corporate transactions, focusing additionally on internal investigations. Russell Leaf synthesizes his experience advising boards of directors to assist activist shareholders on proxy contests, takeover attempts, and board restructuring, and Jared Fertman has worked with some of the most high-profile investor funds, assisting with all facets of activist campaigns. All attorneys based out of New York.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s technology, IP and commercial transactions practice stands out for its ability to handle sophisticated and global deals, representing some of the most prominent tech and life sciences companies. Its extensive experience spans sectors, including telecommunications, software, biotech, and media, advising on everything from M&A to licensing and joint ventures. Since the launch of its Palo Alto office by Matthew Berger and Tiffany Lee, the practice has expanded into emerging areas such as blockchain, neurotechnology, and AI, bringing in high-profile clients like Meta Platforms and TikTok. Berger advises clients in high technology industries such as alternative energy industries, life sciences and the semiconductor. Lee has advising clients on IP matters and drafting agreements in areas such as development, licensing, manufacturing, distribution, and others across industries including healthcare and media & entertainment.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 3

The ‘fierce advocates’ at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP represent companies, funds and their directors in relation to merger-driven disputes, including allegations of breach of fiduciary duties and conflicts of interest. The core New York-based team includes chair of the litigation team Tariq Mundiya, who handles both merger and corporate control matters. Alongside him, Sameer Advani and Shaimaa Hussein co-head the M&A litigation group, tackling merger disputes, shareholder class actions and derivative suits. Mundiya and Advani both represented Sarissa Capital Management and its CEO in a dispute alleging they misled stockholders and engaged in insider trading in the runup to their sale of Bioverativ to Sanofi. Hussein continues to represent officers and directors of Spruce Power Holdings in relation to its acquisition of XL Hybrids, Inc. and the latter’s subsequent share price drop, reaching a number of settlements.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s energy regulation team provides comprehensive counsel on power market regulation, compliance, enforcement, and strategic matters, advising clients on transmission, interconnection, project development, ratemaking, and disputes. The firm has significant experience representing clients in high-profile regulatory cases before FERC, CFTC, NFA, and derivatives exchanges. The team also regularly advises commodity and derivatives traders, energy companies, and swap dealers in regulatory investigations across domestic and international markets. Washington DC-based practice head Norman C. Bay brings deep expertise in energy market enforcement, compliance, and policy, drawing from his prior roles as FERC Chairman and Director of Enforcement. His extensive litigation background, including his tenure at the U.S. Department of Justice as Assistant U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, further strengthens the firm’s regulatory and enforcement capabilities.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP significantly strengthened its oil and gas transactional offering in 2024, adding former Shearman & Sterling private equity head Sarah McLean in January, alongside Dale Smith from Mayer Brown and Holt Foster from Sidley Austin LLP, who joined in June. McLean and Foster now co-lead the practice from Houston and Dallas, respectively, with McLean continuing to advise financial sponsors, funds, and management teams on company and asset acquisitions and disposals, while Foster counsels a broad client base on M&A, private equity, and venture capital transactions across the energy sector. Archie Fallon also helms the practice and is a key contact for brownfield energy investments, while co-head Brad Honeycutt handles sponsor and management-side private equity instructions in the upstream and midstream. Tan Lu has a broad practice spanning M&A, joint ventures, commercial agreements, and drilling and oilfield services, whereas Tony Johnston is recognised for his private equity work, advising funds, management teams, and family offices. Erin Kaufman   also comes recommended. Johnston sits with Holt in Dallas. The rest of the team advises from Houston.

Finance > Commercial lending: Advice to bank lenders Tier 3

Able to draw upon the support of the firm’s restructuring team, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is well-versed in dividend recapitalizations and private credit issues. Operating out of New York, Viktor Okasmaa is a strong choice for direct lenders and investment banks. Okasmaa is also noted for his vast experience in acquisition financing and leveraged buyouts, while Andres Mena is proficient in debt financing transactions. Daniel Durschlag specialises in leveraged acquisition financing and fund-level credit facilities and Sarah Gelb is a key contact for private equity sponsors. Working out of Houston, Andrew Thomison’s broad caseload encompasses asset-based financing, high-yield debt offerings, and working capital credit facilities. Thomison also counts borrowers, capital companies, and financial institutions on his client roster. Jason Pearl is another key team member.

Finance > Commercial lending > Advice to direct lenders/private credit Tier 3

Well-regarded for its syndicated leverage finance capabilities, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is a strong choice for institutional investors and private credit funds. The practice is jointly led by Victor Okasmaa and Andres Mena, both of whom operate in New York. Andres is highly proficient in direct and syndicated debt financing, energy transactions, and recapitalizations, while Okasmaa is knowledgeable of acquisition financing and leveraged buyouts. Operating out of Chicago, Jacob Schtevie is informed in unitranche financings and mezzanine debt investments, Bradley Laken is a key port of call for both borrowers and lenders in public and private issuer margin lending facilities, while Los Angeles-based Najeh Baharun handles first and second-lien financings.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 3

Counting hedge funds, major corporations, and software companies on its client roster, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has extensive expertise in leveraged buyouts, dividend recapitalizations, and restructurings. The firm is also skilled at exit facilities and is particularly well-regarded for its activity in the energy, finance, and healthcare sectors. Operating out of New York, the practice is jointly overseen by Viktor Okasmaa and Andres Mena, and Okasmaa, who is noted for his capabilities in acquisition finance and leveraged buyouts, is also a strong choice for investment banks. Mena is a key port of call for private equity funds and portfolio companies, while in Chicago, Jacob Schtevie is highly knowledgeable on sponsor-backed LBOs. Operating out of Houston, Andrew Thomison is principally focused on private placements, while other key members of the practice include New York-based Joshua Deason.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP assists  lenders, producers, trading houses, hedge funds, financial companies and other clients in a broad spectrum of OTC and derivatives transactions, regulatory and policy-related matters. The team fields considerable experience in commodity-linked derivative hedges, alongside notable experience in cross-border regulatory compliance issues. John Thomas heads the practice with expertise in commodity-based derivative transactions. Rita Molesworth is a key member of the team for transactions involving, futures, swaps, and other derivatives, while Tamika Bent  is sought by swap dealers, broker-dealers, financial institutions and futures commission merchants for her expertise in structured transactions and CFTC regulation. Lawyers are in New York unless otherwise stated.

International trade and national security > National Security Tier 3

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s Global Trade and Investment practice, based in Washington DC, provides a broad range of services to clients which include entities operating within the national security and defense sectors. The team is capable of advising on FARA issues, export controls compliance, CFIUS, sanctions compliance, investigations, and litigation. Notably, sanctions specialists and co-chairs of the group, David Mortlock and Britt Mosman have continued to advise the Office of the President of Ukraine on US sanctions laws and export controls against Russia, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This is exemplary of their expertise, which is regularly exercised through the counsel of clients on potential challenges surrounding their cross-border activity.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 3

Boasting a diverse client base, the team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP handles transactional, regulatory and enforcement matters within the hedge fund space. The firm assists clients across hedge and private equity funds, commodity pools, registered funds and broker dealers. The team’s leadership group including Phillip Isom, Margery Neale, Lior Ohayon, Joseph Cunningham , Rita Molesworth, and Mark Vandehaar . The team has shown capabilities advising clients with digital assets assisting with transactions and issues arising out of virtual currency and digital ledger technology developments. All listed lawyers are based in New York.

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

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP heads up a ‘highly skilled, knowledgeable, and a well-resourced team’ and asset management team which is equally skilled in traditional private equity and bespoke liquidity and capital solutions matters . Phillip Isom, Margery Neale, and Lior Ohayon in New York head up the team. Nathaniel Marrs has particular expertise assisting funds in the real estate, infrastructure and energy sectors in funds transactions. Elsewhere, Matthew Block in New York focuses on secondaries and other liquidity solutions focused transactions. Terence Rozier-Byrd, also in New York was added to the team from Akin in September 2024. Arash Farhadieh is key for investment strategies related to fund formation, such as fund restructurings, and counts private fund managers as significant clients.

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

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP ‘s executive compensation and benefits team is recognised for its sophisticated handling of high-stakes transactional matters, seamlessly advising private equity sponsors, asset managers, and corporate clients. The practice is led by Michael Katz and Jordan Messinger,  who provide strategic guidance on complex compensation structures, ERISA compliance, and governance considerations. The team has been instrumental in structuring compensation frameworks for major M&A deals and public offerings, including high-profile transactions for private equity firms and multinational corporations. With expertise spanning fund formations, insurance-linked securities, and regulatory matters, the group works closely with the firm’s corporate and finance practices on complex matters, with standout involvements for Insight Partners.

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

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s Washington DC-based team is co-led by Michael Hurwitz  and Jonathan Friedman. Hurwitz’s work ranges from matters regarding FCC regulatory policy, to internet and programming-related litigation. Friedman also handles FCC proceedings, representing major cable operators, video programmers and equipment manufacturers therein. Melanie Medina advises on net neutrality rules, open internet rulemakings and broadband infrastructure deployment programs. Daniel Alvarez offers advice on data collection and processing activities. Mia Guizetti Hayes handles issues such as wireless and wireline competition matters.

Real estate Tier 3

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s real estate team leverages its industry experience to advise clients on every aspect of their real estate transactions. The practice demonstrates a considerable breadth of services including advising on acquisitions and dispositions, lease agreements, equity investments, and joint venture negotiations. Notably, the firm has extensive experience in complex mortgage and mezzanine finance work, regularly advising debt funds, banks, and life insurance companies on real estate matters involving a variety of asset classes. The West Coast team is led by chair Misty Sanford in the Los Angeles office, who brings broad transactional experience with an emphasis on loan workouts, real estate financings, and complex mixed-use developments. In New York, co-chairs David Drewes and Carly Glover Saviano focus on all types of real estate transactions and represent a range of clients.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

The non-contentious tax group at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, primarily based in New York, advises on various transactions in a variety of sectors, including financial, insurance, tech, and funds. Christopher Peters leads the group with expertise in advising on capital markets transactions and on fund-related matters. Guy Inbar is particularly experienced in the formation of REITs, spin-offs, real estate, and leveraged buyouts. Elizabeth Buckley Lewis advises non-profit organizations, Arthur Lynch represents clients in the insurance sector, investors, and underwriters, and Vadim Mahmoudov has particular expertise in fund formations and domestic and cross-border M&A. Other key figures within the practice include Russell Pinilis, Isaac Silverstein, and Yaniv Maman in Houston.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Recommended for its ‘deep commitment to understanding the business and the competitive landscape’, the antitrust and competition team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provides a merger control offering with particular experience representing private equity firms facing antitrust scrutiny, and has a track record securing clearance in the US, across Europe, and globally. Practice co-heads Jeffrey Korn and Wesley Powell work out of the New York office: Korn ‘possesses exceptional strategic vision’, and Powell is noted for his experience before the FTC, Department of Justice Antitrust Division, and states attorneys general. In Washington DC, Katrina Robson is lauded for her expertise in the media and telecoms sectors. The team was strengthened in March 2024 by the arrival of Robert Lepore, formerly of the DOJ.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 4

Focusing on financings and transactions in the renewable and alternative energy space, the power and renewables practice at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is a popular choice among energy businesses, investment firms, and contractors. Alongside its expertise in tax equity and tax credit sales, the group is also adept at handling high-value M&A, debt financing, and regulatory advice. Co-leading the department in New York and Houston are Eric Pogue and Archie Fallon respectively, and together they bring a wealth of experience to the team. Pogue concentrates on the development, financing, and acquisition of energy projects while Fallon focuses on investments, joint ventures, and recapitalizations. The practice also benefits from the aptitude of Los Angeles’ Amanda Rosenberg who stands out for her specialism in tax matters ranging from energy tax credits and government incentive programs.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP  advises on an array of environmental-related transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, financing of projects, and commercial real estate developments. Operating from the Washington DC office, William Thomas oversees the practice and is noted for his international environmental law capabilities, alongside acting as a key advisor to companies, financiers, and developers on transactions and projects. Recent work highlights of his include advising HBC on its acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group and Reochem on its acquisition of KIK Consumer Products’ Auto Care business.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s capital markets team advises on investment-grade and convertible debt offerings in a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, communications, aerospace, insurance, energy, and real estate. Gregory Astrachan in New York has a blue-chip client roster that includes domestic and international corporates, private equity firms, and investment banks. Having joined the firm from Mayer Brown in August 2024, Edward Best brings over 35 years of experience advising issuers and underwriters on debt, convertible, and hybrid securities offerings as well as liability management transactions. Dividing his time between the firm’s Chicago and New York offices, he is noted particularly for his work for banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers, and specialty finance companies. The two partners lead the group along with Cristopher Greer in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 4

Boasting a strong track in complex IPOs and capital securities offerings, the Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP practice leverages its solid cross-border capabilities when being instructed by domestic and international issuers. The team is spearheaded by the trio of Gregory Astrachan, Edward Best, and Cristopher Greer in New York, each specializing in public and private offerings of equity-linked securities and major M&A transactions. Operating out of Chicago and New York, John Ablan primarily concentrates on de-SPAC transactions, Anne Barrett is a corporate governance expert, while Jennifer Carlson stands out for her follow-on offerings knowledge.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings Tier 4

Handling a broad range of transactions including IPOs, investment grade, and Rule 144A offerings, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is especially active in the healthcare, communications, and aerospace fields. The team predominantly assists foreign issuers in capital-raising transactions, with the New York-based co-heads Gregory Astrachan and Cristopher Greer specializing in private offerings of debt and equity-linked securities, alongside joint ventures. Edward Best acts for banks and insurance companies from both Chicago and New York, and John Ablan has insight into de-SPAC transactions. From New York, Anne Barrett stands out for her knowledge in securities law matters.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP specializes in patent infringement cases between competitors in the technology and biotechnology fields, typically litigating in district courts and before the PTAB. The team also demonstrates expertise in defending its clients against non-practising entities. The department is led by Chicago-based Sara Tonnies Horton, a first-chair technology patent litigator, and Krista Schwartz, who is located in San Francisco and is well-regarded for her trial and settlement success for technology patent disputes. The ‘strategically impressive’ Craig Martin, also based in Chicago, is highly experienced in IPR and appellate proceedings. In Washington DC, Aliza Carrano is lauded as ‘an excellent source of knowledge’ in PTO and trial proceedings for various technologies, including electronics, software and medical devices.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 4

With a client roster consisting of private equity firms and domestic corporations from the financial services, healthcare, and real estate sectors, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is well-equipped to advise on cross-border M&A, leveraged buyouts, and minority investments. The New York-based team is collectively led by David Boston, a go-to for asset management M&A, Russell Leaf, who focuses on corporate governance and securities law, and Adam Turteltaub, a key contact for public and private M&A, shareholder activism, and restructurings. Laura Delanoy and Steven Seidman are recommended for their know-how in insurance and tech sector M&A, respectively.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP advises on transaction-related data issues, regulatory compliance and litigation representation. The firm additionally advises on emerging technologies including on the data and privacy implications of generative AI. Based in Washington DC, Daniel Alvarez specializes in data transfer contracts and policy drafting, while Laura Jehl is an expert on the collection use and storage of data. In Illinois, Craig Martin supports clients in internal investigations. San Francisco-based Ben Hur acts in privacy class actions. ‘Highly effective’ Susan Rohol supports pharmaceutical companies and entertainment agencies in cybersecurity and privacy matters.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: transactional Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is a California-based entertainment, sports and media group with clients ranging from production companies and studios to music, gaming and sports companies. Structuring and negotiating mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships and financing transactions are all key areas of the practice. The team also assists with joint ventures, sweat equity partnerships and brand ambassador deals. Entertainment specialists Alan Epstein, and Andrew Kramer all jointly lead the Los Angeles team. Epstein handles transactions for private and public companies as well as represents production companies, celebrities and content creators in business activities. Fohrman leads on music and digital media matters, assisting with complex music publishing agreements, licensing deals and joint ventures. Kramer is the go-to for project finance, acquisitions and global distribution of content for entertainment and film companies.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s real estate finance practice, co-led by David Drewes and Carly Glover Saviano  in New York, alongside Misty Sanford who chairs the West Coast practice from California, handles complex transactions for lenders. The practice is particularly active in advising debt funds, banks, and life insurance companies on loan originations, syndications, and remedies across various asset classes including life sciences, data centers, gaming, and industrial properties. The group leverages its multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with the firm’s corporate, tax, and restructuring teams to handle sophisticated transactions, including the acquisition and disposition of balance sheet and CMBS mortgage loans and mezzanine loans on behalf of lenders. Joint ventures and financings form the core of Daniel Backer and Jennifer Coffey‘s practice. Krystyna Blakeslee and Thomas Henry have left the firm.    

Finance > Project finance Tier 5

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provides credit and capital solutions for its diverse client base related to conventional and renewable energy projects. Key areas of expertise include acquisition financing, as well as mezzanine, holding company and back-leverage financing. The department is co-chaired by Eric Pogue in New York and Archie Fallon in Houston. Pogue and Fallon are key advisors for nationwide and international renewable energy transactions. Jorge Kamine, who splits his time between Washington DC, New York and Houston, is well versed in both debt and equity financing of projects. The practice has experienced a significant amount of expansion, with a team of four partners joining from Mayer Brown between September 2023 and January 2024. Other notable hirings include Tony Johnston from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in October 2023, Sarah McLean from A&O Shearman in January 2024, and Holt Foster from Sidley Austin LLP in June 2024.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 6

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP ’s financial regulatory and enforcement practice provides in-depth, comprehensive support for broker-dealers, investment managers, and other financial institutions, assisting clients with complex compliance and enforcement challenges. The practice is known for its deep understanding of investment management regulation and broker-dealer and derivatives regulation, enabling the firm to deliver practical solutions to regulatory issues across various sectors. The team is led by Kristina Littman, co-chair of the securities enforcement practice, who brings extensive regulatory expertise. She is supported by Brian Baltz, and Matthew Comstoc . James Anderson , chair of the asset management regulatory and enforcement practice, adds further strength to the practice.  All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation