WilmerHale > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

WilmerHale > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 1

WilmerHale plays a leading role in high-profile civil and criminal cartel proceedings, representing corporate and individual clients in criminal trials, enforcement proceedings, and in government investigations, with a successful record in avoiding prosecutions and fines. The team includes former senior DOJ and governmental officials, and is able to represent clients in a wide range of industries on a multi-jurisdictional basis. Practice head Thomas Mueller is a vastly experienced practitioner with a strong focus on global cartel enforcement proceedings, encompassing litigation, leniency applications and non-prosecution agreements, successfully negotiating a 60% fine reduction for ELNA in the electronic capacitors investigation. Steven Cherry is also a leading figure in the field, and successfully defended DENSO as a private purchaser implicated in the In Re auto parts MDL. Experienced antitrust litigator Mark Ford has been highly active in the generic pharmaceuticals space, and has represented clients before the FTC and European Commission. LA-based Nana Wilberforce was promoted to partner in January 2022, and combines internal investigations and litigation expertise, with a particular focus on price-fixing investigations, assisting clients throughout cartel investigations and negotiating leniency agreements with authorities. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated. Heather Nyong’o left the firm.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)

Acclaimed by some as ‘the best in the business‘, WilmerHale‘s premier appellate team is distinguished by its ‘exceptional legal writing and analysis‘. Appearing routinely before all Circuits, as well as the US Supreme Court, the team argued over 54 cases in 16 state and federal courts of appeals in 2021 — including four in the US Supreme Court. The group’s expertise covers the full gamut of industries and legal disciplines, with its recent cases spanning financial services, constitutional law, IP, civil rights and Native American law, among other issues. Former US Solicitor General Seth Waxman sits at the helm of the practice and has notched up more than 80 arguments before the US Supreme Court; he represents an impressively diverse stable of clients, including financial institutions, major corporations, universities and tribal governments. Department vice-chair Danielle Spinelli has a ‘great demeanor for appellate argument‘; she recently secured a SCOTUS victory for the City of Chicago in a landmark case discussing the Bankruptcy Code. In another precedent-setting Victory, Daniel Volchok paired up with Waxman to successfully represent Kenneth Humphrey before the California Supreme Court in a case considering bail reform. The department’s enviably deep bench also draws on the senior experience of Washington DC office head Catherine Carroll, Boston-based department vice-chair Mark Fleming and Thomas Saunders, who has a focus on IP-related cases. New York-based Alan Schoenfeld is an up-and-coming partner, who regularly represents clients at both the trial and appellate levels. Former department co-chair Paul Wolfson left to join the DOJ as Deputy Associate Attorney General. Named partners are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Industry focus > Education Tier 1

Showcasing strength across high-stakes litigation for colleges and universities, the higher education practice at WilmerHale has a solid market reputation as a go-to firm for contentious mandates spanning gender-based and sexual misconduct, discrimination, and government investigations. Led out of Washington DC, the group has expertise handling Title IX, Title VI, and other federal anti-discrimination statues for educational clients, and is jointly managed by Bruce Berman and seasoned litigator Jamie Gorelick. Special counsel Tania Faransso represents universities ingovernment investigations, sensitive internal reviews related to Title IX and in various stages of litigation, including trial and appellate proceedings. In New York, Debo Adegbile now leads the firm’s anti-discrimination practice alongside Brenda Lee after the departure of Danielle Conley who is now Deputy Counsel to the President at the Office of the White House Counsel. The team also has a specialism advising on financial aid, federal grants, and advises universities on issues related to the misuse of research funds.

Industry focus > Native American law Tier 1

WilmerHale maintains an excellent market reputation and is highlighted for its strength in regulatory matters and complex litigation, backed by its Supreme Court litigation group. The team represents tribal governments and nations on land-into-trust, sovereign immunity issues, and jurisdictional matters with Danielle Spinelli in Washington DC is a key name, securing several victories for tribal clients. Now under the leadership of Seth Waxman, the group handles tribal self-determination matters, commercial disputes across the water, land and natural resources area, and gaming issues, holding the National Indian Gaming Commission as a key client, with Kevin Lamb particularly active. On the litigation and policy issues, Christopher Babbitt advises on high-stakes litigation matters and on economic aid for Indian tribes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group faced two departures; former co-chair of the group Ken Salazar was appointed by the United States Senate as Ambassador to Mexico, and Michael Connor is now Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 1

WilmerHale’s renowned patent litigation practice garners praise for being ‘capable of handling the biggest, most complex, and most important patent litigation matters’. The firm earns additional plaudit for having a ‘great bench from top to bottom’, consisting of experienced litigators as well as technically trained attorneys who hold degrees in areas such as engineering, computer science, biology and chemistry degrees. A popular choice for technology and life sciences clients, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical players, as well as for semiconductor companies, the team offers strong cross-border capabilities, and has a solid track record litigating cases before the district courts, the Federal Circuit, the Supreme Court, and the ITC. Lisa Pirozzolo (Boston) and Mark Selwyn (Palo Alto) co-head the IP litigation department, while Emily Whelan and Joseph Haag, based in Boston and Palo Alto respectively, chair the broader IP practice. Other noted practitioners include seasoned Boston-based litigator William Lee; Sonal Mehta, who has a particular focus on technology companies; Amy Wigmore (DC); Denver’s Mindy Sooter; Robert Gunther; Brittany Amadi; and Omar Khan. Donald Steinberg retired in 2021.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

WilmerHale is regularly involved in antitrust class actions pertaining to monopolization, abuse of dominant position, and price-fixing, among others. Thomas Mueller is the key contact, leading the practice and having practiced antitrust litigation in both Europe and the US. Perry Lange has experience representing clients in a variety of industries including technology, telecommunications, entertainment, financial services, and pharma, while Steven Cherry handles opt-out-cases and follow-on civil litigation in domestic and international matters. In Boston, Mark Ford specializes in defending clients at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law. Monopolization specialist Leon Greenfield is also recommended, having represented companies in numerous high-profile appellate cases. All attorneys are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise. Heather Nyong’o departed the firm in November 2021.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

WilmerHale regularly handles investigations by the DOJ, congress, the SEC and FBI, and many other federal agencies. The team acts for companies and individuals with a focus on the banking, accounting, automotive, TMT and life sciences sectors. Howard Shapiro is a veteran trial lawyer who handles both civil and criminal matters, while Ronald Machen is recommended for white-collar criminal defense work and government enforcement actions. Anjan Sahni is based in New York and focuses on government investigations and litigation, and Boston’s Stephen Jonas is well versed in cross-border investigations and FCA matters. In January 2021, Boyd Johnson re-joined the firm in New York from an in-house role at Soros Fund Management; in May, Christopher Cestaro joined from the FCPA; and in October, Robert Boone re-joined the firm in New York from the US Attorney’s Office SDNY. Regina Rodriguez left to serve as a judge for the US District Court for the District of Colorado. Named lawyers are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

WilmerHale‘s nationwide disputes team demonstrates know-how in a variety of industries, in particular in the financial services, energy, life sciences, and telecommunications space. Areas of expertise of the members are matters relating to breach of contract, financial fraud, licensing, RICO and consumer protection as well as securities fraud, trade secrets and unfair competition disputes. The experienced Hallie Levin in New York was recently involved in successfully representing T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom in a significant antitrust trial. John Butts in Boston is active in business tort and contract disputes, as well as consumer class actions. The latter is also a speciality of practice head Noah Levine in New York. Other key contacts are Sonal Mehta (Palo Alto), Christopher Casamassima (Los Angeles) and David Gringer (New York). Regina Rodriguez was confirmed as a United States District Judge of Colorado in June 2021.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

WilmerHale's team is praised as ‘an absolute powerhouse who can bring deeply experienced securities litigators together with other SEC professionals offering advice. Vastly experienced in defending state and federal securities class actions and shareholder derivative claims, the firm is also heavily involved in high-profile regulatory enforcement actions. Stephanie Avakian in Washington DC, chair of the securities and financial services department and former director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, joined in July 2021. She leads the practice along with DC-based Christopher Davies and Matthew Martens, Boston-based Andrea Robinson, and Susan Schroeder and Michael Bongiorno in New York. The ‘ knowledgeable, user-friendly‘ Kevin Muck and Susan Muck in San Francisco, and up-and-coming partner Timothy Perla in Boston are also among the firm’s key partners. Bongiorno recently acted for Assertio Therapeutics in a class action alleging that the company promoted its product off-label and failed to disclose regulatory risks associated with its sales practices.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 2

WilmerHale handles M&A transactions on a global scale, fielding key attorneys throughout the US and Europe; the team possesses expert knowledge of the life sciences, technology, communications, defense and financial services sectors and is adept in all manner of transactions such as tender offers, stock-for-stock mergers, cash mergers, acquisitions and spin-offs. Joseph Conahan is renowned for his transactional, corporate governance and related regulatory expertise and operates from Boston alongside Hal Leibowitz, an M&A, public offering and venture capital financing specialist; the pair jointly head the practice and are supported by 'outstanding M&A lawyer' Andrew Bonnes locally, as well as New York-based Chris Barnstable-Brown who, in addition to his M&A work, provides a full lifecycle service to a number of emerging growth companies.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 2

WilmerHale has long had a major presence in the the US start-up market, with a particularly strong reputation for representing emerging companies. The team’s ‘subject matter expertise and turnaround time‘ makes it an attractive choice for companies (and an increasing number of funds) operating throughout the technology sphere. Recent areas of activity have included fintech, energy and cleantech, cybersecurity, robotics and digital media. This is combined with a good understanding of the life sciences and medical devices industries. The practice has a good track record for major angel, venture and strategic financings, as well as bringing companies to sale and IPO. New York-based co-chair Gary Schall is praised for his ‘surgical precision‘, and being an ‘inexhaustible repository of knowledge and scenarios‘. He leads the team with Silicon Valley’s Daniel Zimmermann. Boston’s Mick Bain and Lia Der Marderosian are particularly active on the life sciences side.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 2

WilmerHale has a recognized cybersecurity and privacy practice that stands out for its skills in handling data breaches, its experience with government investigations and regulation and its technical knowledge. Privacy, corporate governance, national security, litigation, and other focus areas all combine and contribute towards the success of the Washington DC-based cyber incidents team, led by Kirk Nahra and Benjamin Powell: Powell advises companies on significant cybersecurity incidents and incident preparedness across multiple sectors, while Nahra’s practice involves implementing the requirements of privacy and data security laws across the country and internationally. Jason Chipman is particularly active in corporate due diligence for transactions involving data security and privacy issues.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 2

WilmerHale is noted for its work advising clients in the financial services sector on transactions, including the outsourcing of core business processes. The practice’s expertise in this space is demonstrated by the its regular advice on the development of new software platforms to handle financial services processes. Elsewhere, the team also counts companies from the life sciences, logistics and technology sectors amongst its clients. The practice is led by Robert Finkel in New York, who has vast experience in this space. Ariel Soiffer in Boston is another name to note with expertise in a range of technology transactions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2

WilmerHale has a long history representing technology companies and end-users on the full range of corporate and standalone technology issues. Licensing, outsourcing and services agreements all feature prominently on the agenda, as does advice on big data and related cybersecurity and privacy issues on cross-border development and distribution deals and IP portfolio development. The team’s ‘broad capabilities‘ are key to the firm’s wider corporate offering in related M&A, venture capital financings and IPOs. This expertise extends to areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, health-tech and the internet of things. Lead partners include Jeff Johnson and Sarah Hogan in Boston for life sciences and related digital health matters. Ashwin Gokhale in San Francisco regularly assists with transactions in the software and hardware industries, while New York’s Robert Finkel handles outsourcing and technology service agreements. Up-and-coming Boston-based partner Ariel Soiffer is noted for his’ excellent responsiveness‘ and ‘cutting edge legal advice‘.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

The ‘well-resourced‘ practice at WilmerHale scores highly with sources for its ‘perfect mixture of young ambitious professionals and experienced, diligent leading partners‘. The US group is recognized for its extensive geographical coverage and it frequently works alongside its top-tier London-based international arbitration team to handle major multi-jurisdictional disputes. The firm notches up a steady stream of both commercial and investor-state cases, with a focus on energy, financial services, corporate and IP disputes. In Washington DC, global department vice-chair Rachael Kent and the ‘highly professional‘ Danielle Morris are key contacts. John Pierce heads the international arbitration practice in New York and is a ‘very effective arbitration counsel‘, according to some. New York is also the seat of senior counsel James Carter, who is widely hailed as a reference in the market.

International Trade > International trade Tier 3

The 'cream of the crop', according to some, WilmerHale's Washington DC-based team is recognized for its longstanding strength in trade policy matters, WTO disputes and trade remedy proceedings. Its signature trade disputes offering combines with broad capability in export controls and a thriving CFIUS practice to provide a team that covers the waterfront on international trade issues. Several big changes saw former practice head Charlene Barshefsky retire, while Jeffrey Kessler rejoined the firm following a year as Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance at the DOC. 'Outstanding attorney' David Ross now chairs the department and he is well versed in trade remedies and trade policy matters. Robert Novick remains a heavyweight trade litigator and is acting alongside Kessler to represent Boeing in the long-running US-EU aircraft disputes at the WTO. Senior counsel Ronald Meltzer ('his expertise and relationships are unparalleled'), CFIUS specialist Benjamin Powell and export controls-focused special counsel David Horn are also recommended. David Cohen became Deputy Director of the CIA. Naboth van den Broek joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

WilmerHale has maintained an active practice thanks in part to its strong association with life sciences, tech and financial services businesses. Life sciences remains its particular forte, particularly in its Boston office, along with additional expertise in New York. Key Boston partners include the highly-rated Cynthia Mazareas, Jason Kropp, David Westenberg and Stuart Falber, along with Brian Johnson and Glenn Pollner in New York.

Government > Government contracts Tier 3

WilmerHale’s defense, national security and government contracts practice has a strong record in representing major contractors in multi-billion dollar bid protests, investigations, claims, and allegations of procurement fraud. The team’s strength in the defense and national security industry combines litigation and counselling expertise in both traditional and emerging areas in these spaces. The practice is co-led by Stephen Preston, who is a key contact for aerospace and defense clients; and Andrew Shipley, whose bid protest and contract performance expertise is bolstered by his in-house experience at a top aerospace and defense technology company. Also notable in the team is Barry Hurewitz, who is counsel of choice for matters involving intellectual property, privacy, and data security aspects of government contracts, with deep public procurement experience. All practitioners mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences Tier 3

WilmerHale is known for its broad transactional strength, advising on major M&A, corporate financings, product licensing agreements and strategic alliances. It frequently acts for large product developers in their acquisitions, advising PerkinElmer on its $5.25bn acquisition of BioLegend. Beyond this, the team offers dedicated regulatory and litigation support, with an emphasis on IP strategy and defense. Stuart Falber and Lisa Pirozzolo co-lead the team from Boston and advise emerging biotech clients on corporate matters. New York-based David Bassett and Robert Gunther are key IP litigators, Boston-based Sarah Hogan offers strategic patent advice, and Craig Hilts, also Boston-based, advises on capital markets.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3

WilmerHale has a strong pedigree for advising on the full spectrum of corporate governance issues, with it having acted for hundreds of public companies on many of their most mission-critical requirements. Clients turn to the firm for advice on anti-takeover defenses, SEC and stock exchange compliance, as well as proxy advisory firm policies, among other matters. One of the key individuals at the firm is Meredith Cross, who is praised by one client as ‘providing well balanced advice and understanding the company’s perspective.’ The practice is split between New York, Boston and Washington DC, where Knute Salhus, Jonathan Wolfman and Lillian Brown lead the team respectively. The group has a particular focus on addressing ESG risks and opportunities as well as giving disclosure advice.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

WilmerHale advises clients throughout complex merger review proceedings, including DOJ and FTC challenges, and offers integrated expertise in HSR compliance and contentious issues, including merger litigation. The firm works in highly scrutinised sectors such as energy and technology, and notably advised Baker Hughes on its joint venture with Akastor, which was cleared after several regulatory reviews. Key partner Leon Greenfield advised Danaher on its $9.6bn acquisition of Aldevron, reflecting his expertise in complex cross-border arrangements requiring multijurisdictional approval, while dual US and German-qualified Hartmut Schneider has remained active across a broad range of sectors, and offers bespoke expertise in intellectual property issues relating to mergers. The team is overseen by experienced antitrust litigator Thomas Mueller, while San Francisco-based Nana Wilberforce was promoted to partner in January 2022, and regularly assists clients facing merger investigations. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

WilmerHale‘s financial services litigation practice is adept at representing clients in consumer class actions, including in litigation alleging fraud and violations of the Truth in Lending Act and state-level consumer protection laws. Beyond its work in the consumer lending space, the practice also defends banks accused of wrongdoing in securities and derivatives markets such as spoofing. New York-based Noah Levine is the key figure in the team, while Franca Harris Gutierrez chairs the overall financial institutions practice from Washington DC. David Lesser departed the firm in June 2021 and and Jamie Dycus in August 2022.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

WilmerHale‘s commitment to representing early-stage businesses and startups, provides it with a base for its thriving capital markets practice, which also features a range of big-name corporates in its client base. Life sciences, technology, financial services and communications are amongst its primary industries. The firm has made a particular impression in high-yield and convertible debt offerings. Erika Robinson is co-chair of the capital markets group and has a fine reputation, as does co-chair of the corporate team Justin Ochs. Both are based in Washington DC.

Government > Government relations Tier 4

WilmerHale’s public policy and legislative affairs group maintains deep regulatory strength, with antitrust and competition related matters a core capability of the group. The offering focuses on providing an integrated, substantive, policy, and political approach for clients from a multi-branch perspective where needed. Media, technology, and communications industry clients trust the team and their bipartisan experience. The team is led by Jonathan Yarowsky, who has prior senior level government experience and advises on congressional investigations. Also notable in the team is Rob Lehman, who in addition to group mainstays, has an active environmental and national security regulation practice.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 4

WilmerHale advises on M&A as well as IPOs, and counts both domestic and multinational companies across the software, biotech and financial services sectors among its key roster of clients. From the firm’s office in Boston, Kimberly Wethly leads the practice and handles all aspects of executive compensation work, while Amy Null advises tax-exempt and taxable employers, in addition to financial industry service providers, on ERISA matters. Based in Washington DC, Scott Kilgore and Ciara Baker are also key contacts in the team.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 5

William Lee - Wilmer Hale

Real estate Tier 5

WilmerHale‘s real estate group primarily operates out of Boston and with the support of its Denver and Palo Alto-based lawyers. Life sciences is a key area of expertise; the firm acts on behalf of REITs, developers and pharmaceutical companies in the greater Boston area. It is also involved in large-scale development projects in Silicon Valley, Seattle and Washington DC. Based out of Boston, Paul Jakubowski and Douglas Burton are the key attorneys.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 5

WilmerHale‘s Boston-led tax practice is routinely engaged by a strong mix of startups and established entities from the tech, life sciences, investment fund, and non-profit sectors. Practice co-head and certified accountant William Caporizzo advises on the tax aspects of high-value transactions, international restructurings, partnerships, and investment ventures by limited liability companies. Julie Hogan Rodgers steers a number of deals for clients in financial services, tech, healthcare, and manufacturing, while Matthew Schnall is noted for his capabilities in tax regulatory compliance and administrative rulings. In Palo Alto, Fred Adam works with companies on fund formations, investment transactions, and public offerings. Meghan Walsh is also noted. All named lawyers are based in Boston unless stated otherwise.    

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

The practice at WilmerHale places particular focus upon bankruptcy litigation and related contentious matters, representing an array of clients both in and out-of-court. Key clients include international names in aviation, financial services, and entertainment. Phillip Anker regularly advises secured and unsecured creditors, noteholders, indenture trustees and Chapter 11 trustees, and co-heads the practice alongside Andrew Goldman, whose expertise lies within financial and corporate restructuring, with both noted experts within bankruptcy litigation. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 7

Media, technology and telecoms > Fintech

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation