Industry focus > Insurance: non-contentious Tier 1

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's insurance practice handles high-exposure M&A, capital markets and ILS transactional matters with a distinctive offering in reinsurance cessions through alternative risk transfer. The firm represents a broad range of clients including life and property-casualty insurers and reinsurers, commercial and investment banks, and private equity investors. In New York, practice group co-chair Alexander Dye focuses on M&A and capital markets transactions. Co-chair John Schwolsky is a well-regarded insurance transactional lawyer and represented The Allstate Corporation in its $4bn acquisition of National General Holdings Corp. Michael Groll has experience in sidecar transactions, catastrophe bonds, and ILS fund formations. Kara Baysinger and David Heales joined the team from Mayer Brown in April 2021.

Real estate > Real estate finance

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 2

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s ERISA litigation practice entered the higher end of the market owing to the recruitment of, among others, Craig Martin, Amanda Amert and counsel Michael Graham (previously of Jenner & Block LLP) to the Chicago office, bringing with them a book of clients in the insurance, asset management, financial services and higher education sectors. Led by Amert, who chairs the firm’s ERISA litigation group, the team obtained successes in litigation concerning ESOPs, 403(b) plans and 401(k) fiduciary breaches. The group also handles putative class actions regarding the use of target-date funds and DOL investigations.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP handles a variety of complex commercial disputes and class actions, including securities, antitrust, M&A and patent litigation. Noted for his 'unique blend of talent, tenacity and creativity', firm chairman Tariq Mundiya in New York has a great track record in corporate, securities and derivatives disputes. In a recent highlight, he represented Liberty Tax in high-profile litigation relating to the alleged misconduct of Liberty's founder, John Hewitt, securing dismissal of all claims in New York's Second Circuit. Washington DC-based Elizabeth Bower is recommended for her expertise in corporate international investigations and multi-district litigation. In March 2020, the firm opened a new Chicago office with the hire of six partners from Jenner & Block LLP, including 'outstanding trial lawyer' Craig Martin.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 2

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's New York office is home to a deep bench of litigators with experience in representing companies, controlling shareholders, boards of directors, special committees and financial advisors in a range of deal-related disputes, including Delaware activism and takeover litigation, going private transactions and cases arising out of alleged conflicts involving directors or financial advisers. 'The team is well seasoned to handle these complex litigation matters', notes one client. Additionally, clients rate chair of the litigation department Tariq Mundiya as being 'litigation-tough and solution-savvy'. Mundiya successfully represented Xerox Corporation in two long-running matters related to the terminated merger with Fujifilm and claims against directors alleging breaches of fiduciary duties in the purchase of then acquisition target HP. Litigation vice-chair Todd Cosenza, who has a track record in landmark shareholder class actions, successfully resolved a breach of purchase case for VCI that claimed a post-closing purchase price adjustment in the sale of Promotion Execution Partners LLC.

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 2

Margery Neale in New York chairs the asset management group at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, which advises a range of clients including registered open- and closed-end funds, ETFs, BDCs, and broker-dealers, and also offers trustee and director representation. The highly experienced Barry Barbash is a key figure in the firm's Washington DC office. Having previously served as the director of the SEC's investment management division, Barbash advises clients on issues as diverse as fund M&A, digital assets, 1940 Act compliance, and enforcement proceedings by regulators. Jay Spinola is another notable figure within the firm, particularly for 1940 Act work, in addition to complex transactions such as ETF mergers. Contacts on the more junior end of the partnership include Washington DC-based Anne Choe, who is praised by clients for her 'incredible understanding of investment management regulation', and New York trio Brian Greene, John Knapke, and Deborah Tuchman, all of whom were promoted at the start of 2020. Laura Friedrich joined in New York from Shearman & Sterling LLP in February 2020.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 2

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has retained its strong position within the private equity market, regularly advising on deals within the upper-middle-market through to the bulge bracket, acting for funds such as Centerbridge Partners and Genstar Capital. The firm has expanded its national team, with additions to its Bay Area and Houston offices, most notably hiring Jay Hughes from McGuireWoods LLP to bolster the Texas-based team. Elsewhere, expansions in key European financial centers have strengthened the team's global platform and capabilities in cross-border deals. The practice group is jointly led by Jeffrey Poss, who maintains an active middle-market practice, and has notable expertise in the financial services sector; and Neil Townsend, who works with a number of key sponsor clients on buyouts, sales, and investments, and is particularly experienced in complex transactional arrangements such as PIPE deals. Kirk Radke is a senior dealmaker who remains highly active in private equity deals, and Matthew Rizzo is noted for his work on early-stage and growth investments in a number of industries. Also recommended are Morgan Elwyn, who works with funds and portfolio companies on a range of transactions and corporate governance issues, and Houston's Bruce Herzog, who specializes in work with funds focused on energy, industrials, and telecoms investments. Named lawyers are in New York unless stated otherwise.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

The securities litigation group in Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's New York office is 'top-notch and every year handles some of the most complex and novel securities cases'. The firm has a broad client base, representing issuers, underwriters, and auditors in securities class actions, frequently obtaining significant victories in securities fraud cases. Its work also encompasses cases arising from IPOs, as well as internal or government investigations. 'Litigation-tough and solution-savvy' chair of  litigation Tariq Mundiya 'behaves like a fox in the courtroom and is quick on his feet'; for Liberty Tax, he secured the dismissal of multi-forum securities and derivative litigation arising from the alleged conduct of Liberty’s founder and controlling stockholder. Todd Cosenza  and Antonio Yanez are co-chair of the securities litigation group. Cosenza continues to be involved in high-profile cases, a prime example being his work for more than 30 underwriters to Uber’s IPO in securities class actions in California.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 2

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has a diverse offering which includes advising on rule making and adjudicatory proceedings, regulatory compliance and obtaining approval for transactions. Practice co-chair Jonathan Friedman has a solid client roster of cable operators, video programmers, and equipment manufacturers. Fellow practice head Michael Hurwitz focuses on net neutrality, online video, and media ownership issues. Daniel Alvarez has also been active in the areas of net neutrality and open internet, though he also stands out for his work in cybersecurity and privacy matters, generally.

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

The New York-based employee benefits and executive compensation team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is notable for working in tandem with the firm's well-established insurance practice in order to provide support on high-value M&A transactions in the sector. Jointly headed by Michael Katz and Jordan Messinger, the team supports a suite of private equity firms and investment funds with ERISA fiduciary compliance issues.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

Co-headed from Houston by Bruce Herzog  and the 'top-of-class' Michael De Voe Piazza, and also regularly drawing upon the expertise of corporate, finance and restructuring experts from the firm's New York and Washington DC offices, in particular, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's oil and gas team is 'able to efficiently work through all aspects of a transaction', whether it be in the context of joint venture structuring, M&A or energy finance and capital markets transactions. Since the establishment of the Houston office in 2014, the firm has been particularly successful in nurturing strong relationships with local mid-market oil and gas-focused private equity firms, which are appreciative of its 'keen eye on the industry and what is market and what is important', particularly as it pertains to the upstream and midstream sectors. Cody Carper joined Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in January 2021.

Media, technology and telecoms > Fintech Tier 3

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has a longstanding track record advising on matters at the intersection of the financial services and technology sectors. The firm is especially active in the investor space, representing several key private equity and venture capital funds, as well as their portfolio companies. It is also increasingly active in cryptocurrency, and related securities, thanks in part to the expertise of New York-based senior counsel Christopher Giancarlo, former chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Other key members of the team include private equity co-chair Jeffrey Poss and regulatory counsel Conrad Bahlke, both of whom are also in the New York office.

Industry focus > Insurance: advice to policyholders Tier 3

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's insurance dispute resolution practice primarily represents insurance brokers aligned with policyholders. Based in New York, Mitchell Auslander and Christopher St. Jeanos co-head the practice. Auslander has extensive experience in handling major coverage disputes,  and St. Jeanos is an experienced trial lawyer who has represented entities in all aspects of the insurance and reinsurance industry. In March 2020, Craig Martin  opened the firm's office in Chicago, having previously been at Jenner & Block LLP.

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

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP stands out for its strong sector focus and close collaboration with specialist industry practices within the wider firm, most notably its restructuring, asset management, and insurance groups. Indeed, highlights from the review period have included distressed M&A and work with asset managers and insurance companies on major acquisitions, sales, and joint ventures. Practice co-head Steven Seidman represented Centerview Partners LLC and PJT Partners LP as financial advisors to Mylan in its merger with UpJohn. Up-and-coming partner Laura Delanoy, also played a key role in this deal. Practice co-head David Boston was also active in the asset management space, advising Franklin Templeton on the $4.5bn purchase of Legg Mason. Standout work in the insurance industry included advice on Allstate's $4bn purchase of National General Holdings.

Real estate Tier 3

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s ‘responsive’ real estate team handles a broad caseload, both in terms of matter types and geographical reach. Work over the review period has been spread across California, Washington DC, New York and Florida, among other states, and covers the gamut of transformative development projects, asset and share transactions, major leases and convertible equity investments in addition to a variety of financing matters. David Drewes (‘quick to grasp complex deal structures and nuanced terms’) operates from New York alongside co-chair Thomas Henry, who has particular experience in restructuring and joint venture mandates. Clients also benefit from the firm's capabilities in real estate capital markets and M&A deals, fund formation and extensive asset management services.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 3

Jointly led by Matthew Feldman and Rachel Strickland, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's New York-based business reorganization and restructuring practice is composed of a core group of experienced professionals who are equipped to handle a full range of restructuring mandates. On the company side, the firm is known for its regular representation of clients from a wide range of industries in both in- and out-of-court restructurings. The rapidly growing creditor-side practice has recently been involved in a range of notable matters, including the Chapter 11 cases of PG&E and Hertz Corporation. Daniel Forman made partner in January 2020, joining the ranks of the group's established partners, which include noted practitioner Paul Shalhoub.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Shareholder activism Tier 3

The cross-departmental group at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP leverages the firm’s well-known corporate law, financial services and litigation specialists to act on both sides of activism mandates, both for activist shareholders, as well as for boards of directors and special committees of large public companies. It handles a wide range of matters, including M&A challenges, proxy contests, and general governance issues. Based in New York, the group is led by Russell Leaf and litigation department chair Tariq Mundiya. Jared Fertman also has extensive experience in proxy fights. Steven Gartner has retired.

Investment fund formation and management > Alternative/hedge funds Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP expanded its offering in the funds space during the early months of 2020, with the hire of fund formation specialist Laura Friedrich from Shearman & Sterling LLP, and the promotions of Brian Greene and John Knapke to the partnership. On the fund formation side, the firm is particularly notable for its work with insurance-linked securities, both for established managers and new participants in the market, while on the operational side, it advises on broker-dealer issues, compliance, derivatives, and adviser M&A. Leadership duties within the practice are split between Joseph Cunningham, Rita Molesworth, and Mark Vandehaar. All named lawyers are based in New York.

Industry focus > Environment: transactional Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has broad environmental, health and safety capabilities and is adept at assessing the risks and opportunities in a plethora of commercial settings. M&A and private equity transactions are areas of focus for department head William Thomas, who is rated for his experience in international and cross-border matters involving emerging issues such as ESG, sustainability and climate change. Thomas is based in the Washington DC office.

Dispute resolution > International trade Tier 4

Praised for its ‘ability to find solutions to complex matters’, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is consistently engaged on internal investigations and CFIUS reviews, as well as sanctions and export control compliance programs. The team remains very active in sectors such as financial services, technology, and telecoms. The ‘exceptional’ David Mortlock chairs the global trade and investment practice, and is recommended for his ‘strong appreciation of different types of businesses and sectors’.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 4

Craig Martin - Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Based in Chicago, Craig Martin has a well-rounded trial and appellate practice, ranging from white-collar criminal defense work to civil rights cases. In a recent standout highlight, he secured $11m in damages for prison inmate William Dean, whose cancer was misdiagnosed by Wexford Health Source. Martin was formerly a partner Jenner & Block LLP.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has further expanded its antitrust capabilities with the opening of its Chicago office, led by Craig Martin, who joined the team from Jenner & Block LLP in March 2020. In New York, the group has solid capabilities in merger control filings and investigations, regularly working on cross-border transactions with its European teams. The team also stands out for its work on private equity transactions, representing notable investors such as Franklin Templeton and Third Point LLC. Elsewhere, the firm represents clients in strategic mergers and large-scale business transactions across a variety of industries, including financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. William Rooney jointly leads the team alongside Jeffrey Korn, both of whom are well-respected antitrust lawyers with solid records in domestic and international merger control proceedings.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's private equity and fund formation practice fields a highly experienced team across numerous offices, domestic and international. The group acts regularly on high-profile cases for notable clients including sponsors, financial institutions and wealth managers, with particular strength in advising on bespoke liquidity and capital solutions matters. Phillip Isom and Lior Ohayon jointly lead the PE fund formation practice, while Margery Neale chairs the asset management group. All named lawyers are based in New York.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's derivatives practice stands out for its coverage of commodity asset classes, with extensive expertise in energy, environmental commodities, metals and agricultural products. The group advises on listed and over-the-counter derivatives, and is also able to draw on the firm's capabilities in regulatory enforcement. The department is led by New York's Thomas French, who maintains a standout hedge fund client base. Supporting French in the New York office is commodities transactional expert counsel Conrad Bahlke, while Rita Molesworth is a key name for advice on regulations affecting financial institutions. Washington DC is the main base for the firm's regulatory lawyers, among whom Athena Eastwood and senior counsel Paul Pantano stand out for their commodities work.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has made strong inroads into the market, particularly following the establishment of its Palo Alto office in 2018. Highly rated practice head Matthew Berger and partner Tiffany Lee are firmly embedded in the technology and life sciences sectors, representing innovators and customers. Collectively, they are praised for their 'incredible amount of know-how and experience in this field, which allows them to provide practical solutions and opinions when dealing with difficult customers or in low-leveraged situations'. The practice covers a broad range of matters, from M&A, through to strategic alliances, research and development, licensing and cloud services.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 4

The team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP advises on the tax aspects of various deals for clients in financial services, insurance and private equity. Headed up by Christopher Peters in New York, the tax department works closely with the firm’s corporate, real estate, and restructuring practice groups on a range of acquisitions, divestitures and Chapter 11-related proceedings. Peters is noted for his broad transactional experience, particularly for clients in tech, insurance, and asset management. Houston-based Robert Jacobson focuses on industrial business and energy sector work, especially oil and gas exploration, and midstream activities.

Finance > Commercial lending

Boasting significant development in recent years, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has developed a strong reputation in the debt finance market, particularly on the borrower side where it advises many of the largest private equity firms and their portfolio companies on leveraged deals, acquisition financing and restructuring. Evidence of the group's expertise in this area can be seen in its relationship with Insight Partners, which it advises on many complex financing issues. New York-based Viktor Okasmaa chairs the department and has developed strong relationships with many of the firm's key private equity clients.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

The white-collar defense and compliance, investigations and enforcement team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP acts for public trading companies, financial institutions and executives in criminal and regulatory matters around the globe. It has particular strength in financial crime and has developed particular strength in securities-related matters, where it often acts for prominent hedge funds. The team is headed from the New York office by Michael Schachter, and from Washington by William Stellmach and Martin Weinstein. Randall Jackson is recommended for government and internal investigations, civil litigation and regulatory compliance. Craig Martin and Matthew Basil joined in Chicago from Jenner & Block LLP in 2020.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is a growing force in Latin America deals, especially in energy and infrastructure, insurance and technology transactions. The core US-based team, primarily in New York and Washington DC, works closely with the Paris office, which represents a number of Europe-based clients with Latin America interests. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama and Peru are amongst its primary jurisdictions. Native Colombian Maria-Leticia Ossa Daza  leads the Latin America team and has an extensive record in the region, covering a variety of industries and jurisdictions; this includes investments in power and infrastructure projects. Washington DC partner Jorge Kamine is noted for energy and infrastructure M&A, including transactions involving metro projects, renewable energy and LNG.