WilmerHale > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile
WilmerHale Offices

2100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20036
United States
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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 MuellerPractice head(s):
Thomas Mueller
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Steven Cherry is very clear and direct in his comments. Easy to contact and always available. His experience makes him a very valuable asset.’
Key clients
ELNA Co. LTD
DENSO International America, Inc.
Compañía SudAmericana de Vapores S.A
G4S Secure Solutions USA Inc.
Work highlights
- Representing Elna in a suit brought by direct purchasers of electronic capacitors.
- Representing DENSO International in the In Re auto parts MDL.
- Representing Compañía SudAmericana de Vapores in a criminal investigation by the US Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division into alleged price fixing in the international ocean shipment of vehicles.
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 WaxmanPractice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team demonstrates exceptional legal writing and analysis.‘
‘Danielle Spinelli has a great demeanor for appellate argument.’
‘Best in the business, particularly Mark Fleming.’
Key clients
City of Chicago
Harvard College
Kenneth Humphrey
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Tower Research Capital
JPMorgan Chase
The Swatch Group and Omega SA
Spokane Tribe of Indians
JPMorgan Chase
Democratic National Committee
Catherine Lopena Torres
Tyler Jaxson; Gary Kirk; Larry Taylor
Work highlights
- Scored a US Supreme Court victory for the City of Chicago in a case discussing the Bankruptcy Code’s automatic stay provision.
- Successfully represented Harvard College in an appeal before the First Circuit regarding Harvard’s consideration of race in its admissions process to promote a diverse student body.
- Successfully represented Kenneth Humphrey before the California Supreme Court in a landmark case considering bail reform.
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.Practice head(s):
Jamie Gorelick; Bruce Berman
Other key lawyers:
Work highlights
- Secured the dismissal of all Title IX discrimination claims, parts of the Title VII discrimination and retaliation claims, and the state law whistle blower claims against client Georgia Tech Athletic Association in a lawsuit filed by former Georgia Tech women’s basketball coach, MaChelle Joseph, alleging sex discrimination, retaliation, a retaliatory and hostile work environment and breach of contract.
- Secured significant win for our client, President and Fellows of Harvard College, when the First Circuit upheld the lawfulness of Harvard’s consideration of race in its undergraduate admissions process.
- Represent Massachusetts Institute of Technology in connection with the arrest and indictment of Professor Chen, a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, for wire fraud, failing to file a foreign bank account report (FBAR) and making a false statement in a tax return.
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 WaxmanPractice head(s):
Seth Waxman
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Kewadin Casinos Gaming Authority/Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians
Cayuga Nation of New York
Catawba Tribe of North and South Carolina
AWL, Inc.
National Indian Gaming Commission
Work highlights
- Represented the Spokane Tribe of Indians in a case before the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which affirmed the district court’s grant of summary judgment to the Tribe and the US Department of the Interior in a long-running battle with the Kalispel Tribe over the Spokane Tribe’s efforts to operate a casino on land in Washington State.
- Representing a Michigan tribe, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, in litigation relating to its submission seeking to have land taken into trust for it pursuant to the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act.
- Representing the Cayuga Nation of New York in litigation challenging the US Department of Interior’s decision to deny the Nation’s application to take land into trust for the Nation’s benefit.
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 LeePractice head(s):
Lisa Pirozzolo; Mark Selwyn; Emily Whelan; Joseph Haag
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Capable of handling the biggest, most complex, and most important patent litigation matters.’
‘Outstanding talent development, camaraderie between senior partners to achieve best teams and outcomes for clients, rather than internal competition and sharp elbows.’
‘They have a great bench from top to bottom, which is rare to find. They also have a deep knowledge within the firm that can be leveraged to answer just about any question.’
Key clients
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Broadcom Corporation
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Intel Corporation
Lenovo Group Limited
Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
Comcast Cable Communications
AbbVie, Inc.
Dropbox, Inc.
Work highlights
- Successfully defended Intel against a $3bn claim from VLSI regarding microprocessor patents infringement.
- Secured a victory for Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer when the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed a district court decision holding that the patents that cover the drug Eliquis® are valid and infringed by all generics challenging them.
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 MuellerPractice head(s):
Thomas Mueller
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
ELNA Co., Ltd
Salt River Project
Facebook, Inc.
Compañía SudAmericana de Vapores S.A (CSAV)
Banco Santander S.A
T-Mobile US, Inc.
AbbVie, Inc.
Novelis Inc.
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
Heritage Guitars, Inc.
Cephalon, Inc
ACT – The App Association
Lenovo
Work highlights
- Represented ELNA Co., Ltd. and obtained a favourable settlement in a class action brought by direct purchasers alleging a decade-long cartel between manufacturers of tantalum, electrolytic and film capacitors.
- Representing Salt River Project in a class action alleging that the District’s electricity rate for rooftop-solar customers violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act and other state and federal law claims.
- Representing Facebook, Inc. in a lawsuit brought to fanfare by a group of app developers on behalf of a purported developer class, challenging Facebook’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp and its revocation of access to certain Facebook user data as violative of various antitrust laws.
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.Practice head(s):
Howard Shapiro; Stephen Jonas; Ronald Machen; Anjan Sahni
Other key lawyers:
Michael Leotta; Kimberly Parker; Robert Mueller; Edward O’Callaghan
Testimonials
‘Strong bench whether a matter requires experience with the government, advising on political issues, counseling on specific subject matters, drafting work product, and advocating to the government or in court.’
‘The team are pragmatic, collaborative, responsive, and are clear communicators.’
‘They calibrate well to client needs.’
‘They are trusted thought partners.’
‘It is really useful to talk things through with them.’
‘I have been impressed with the diversity of attorneys staffed on matters.’
‘Kimberly Parker is strategic, thoughtful, approachable, pragmatic, respected.’
‘Kimberly Parker does a great job of thinking through issues/scenarios and helping clients feel they’ve gotten to a well-reasoned result.’
Key clients
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
Cigna
Bank of America
Medtronic, Inc.
Panasonic Corporation
Georgia Tech Athletic Association
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
United States Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
DaVita Healthcare Partners, Inc.
City of Rochester
General Assembly of the State of Colorado
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michael Carroll
Mark Geragos
Work highlights
- Conducted a sensitive and high-stakes internal investigation for the US Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General (DHS-OIG).
- Engaged by the City of Rochester, New York to assess and make recommendations for reform of the Rochester Police Department’s (“RPD”) policies, procedures, and trainings.
- Represented the Colorado General Assembly before the Colorado Supreme Court, in a case implicating the legislature’s ability to complete its work in the middle of the pandemic.
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.Practice head(s):
Noah Levine
Other key lawyers:
Hallie Levin; John Butts; Sonal Mehta ; Christopher Casamassima; David Gringer; Matthew Martens; Ari Holtzblatt
Testimonials
‘Matt Martens is a unicorn: a brilliant out-of-the-box strategist with an “everyman” practicality that appeals to both judge and jury.’
Key clients
Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe
Facebook, Inc
Bank of America
Mozilla Corporation
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Popular Securities LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Samuel A. Ramirez & Co., Inc., Raymond James and Associates, Inc., Santander Securities LLC, UBS Financial Services Inc., UBS Securities LLC
UBS Financial Services Inc., UBS Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBC Capital Markets LLC and Santander Securities LLC
T-Mobile USA
State Street Global Advisors, et al.
Barclays Bank
Fannie Mae
AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company
Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians
Navient Solutions, Inc.
Comcast Cable Communications
Cigna
DISH Network
Vanguard Logistics Services (USA), Inc.
Pan American Health Organization
Genentech, Inc.
Merck & Co., Inc.
Shell Oil Company
Continental Resources
DaVita Healthcare Partners
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Analog Devices, Inc
Fidelity Charitable
Harvard University
Richard Markowitz
DraftKings, Inc.
Charles Schwab Co., Inc.
T-Mobile USA
MSD Capital, L.P.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities
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.Practice head(s):
Stephanie Avakian; Christopher Davies; Andrea Robinson; Susan Schroeder; Michael Bongiorno; Matthew Martens
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘WilmerHale is an absolute powerhouse who can bring deeply experienced securities litigators together with other SEC professionals offering advice. They are the whole package. Note that WH elevated more women partners than men this year. I know of no other Top 25 firm who has come close.’
‘Kevin and Susan Muck are knowledgeable, user-friendly, and so efficient that work is delivered before you expect it. They know everyone in the field. I would use them for any securities matter.’
‘Susan and Kevin Muck are a great team! Very smart, great client service and helpful with complex matters.’
Key clients
Assertio Therapeutics (formerly known as Depomed, Inc.)
CPI Aerostructures Inc.
CytoDyn Inc.
Dynagas LNG Partners LP
Former Chief Auditor of Wells Fargo
Iveric bio, Inc. (formerly Ophthotech Corporation)
Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc.
Nabriva Therapeutics plc
National Holdings Corporation
Plantronics (aka Poly)
PricewaterhouseCoopers S.A.
Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc
TIAA
Velodyne Lidar, Inc.
Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.
Zuora, Inc.
Zymergen Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Assertio Therapeutics, an FDA-regulated company that develops, sells and licenses pharmaceutical products for pain and other central nervous system conditions, and several company executives, in an action based on allegations that the company promoted its product off-label and failed to disclose regulatory risks associated with its sales practices.
- Representing the former Chief Auditor of Wells Fargo in an administrative proceeding brought by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”). The case concerns the highly publicized events at Wells Fargo whereby bank employees allegedly provided bank customers with large numbers of unauthorized products and accounts.
- Representing Zymergen Inc., a biofacturing company, and its officers and directors in securities class action litigation challenging statements made by the company in connection with its April 2021 IPO, which raised more than $500 million and valued the company at more than $3 billion.
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.Practice head(s):
Joseph Conahan; Hal Leibowitz
Other key lawyers:
Mick Bain; Stephanie Evans; Jason Kropp; Keith Trammell; Joseph Wyatt; Chris Barnstable-Brown; Andrew Bonnes
Testimonials
‘What makes the practice unique is the knowledge the team has of the latest developments and market positions taken by buyers and sellers. The team does an amazing job of keeping up to date with market trends.’
‘Hal Leibowitz has been our lead M&A attorney for over 13 years and he never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge of market trends. He is prepared for every negotiation session we have, not just understanding our issues but all of the relevant background of the other party, the other party’s law firm and other negotiation patterns. I have also been enormously impressed with Andrew Bonnes, a partner, who has worked on some of our more recent deals.’
‘This firm has experts at all levels of M&A and corporate and securities laws. They have former government employees who provided invaluable advice on that side of transactions, they have deep expertise on financing of transactions and they have deep experience in all types of M&A. There is not much they have not seen or done and they have people they can turn to in all areas.’
‘Andrew Bonnes is an outstanding M&A lawyer as well as corporate securities lawyer. He seems to relish negotiating transactions and is always available to provide invaluable assistance and leadership on a deal.’
Key clients
Alairion, Inc.
Bounteous, Inc.
Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
Catabasis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cloud9 Technologies LLC
Danaher Corporation
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Lookout, Inc.
Mountaingate Capital
Nantero, Inc.
Progress Software Corporation
Soraa Laser Diode, Inc. (KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc.)
Spectris plc
Stash
TechTarget, Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
UKG, Inc.
WEX Inc.
Xpress Natural Gas LLC
Zaius, Inc.
Alairion, Inc.
Bounteous, Inc.
Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
Catabasis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cloud9 Technologies LLC
Danaher Corporation
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Lookout, Inc.
Mountaingate Capital
Nantero, Inc.
Progress Software Corporation
Soraa Laser Diode, Inc. (KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc.)
Spectris plc
Stash
TechTarget, Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
UKG, Inc.
WEX Inc.
Xpress Natural Gas LLC
Zaius, Inc.
Alairion, Inc.
Bounteous, Inc.
Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
Catabasis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cloud9 Technologies LLC
Danaher Corporation
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Lookout, Inc.
Mountaingate Capital
Nantero, Inc.
Progress Software Corporation
Soraa Laser Diode, Inc. (KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc.)
Spectris plc
Stash
TechTarget, Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
UKG, Inc.
WEX Inc.
Xpress Natural Gas LLC
Zaius, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Soraa Laser Diode, Inc. in its $467m acquisition by Kyocera Corporation.
- Advised Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in its $349m divestiture of HMH Books & Media, its consumer publishing business.
- Advised WEX Inc. in its $275m acquisition of benefitexpress, and its $250 million acquisition of certain health savings account assets of Healthcare Bank (a division of Bell Bank)
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.Practice head(s):
Gary Schall; Daniel Zimmermann; Mick Bain; Lia Der Marderosian
Testimonials
‘Subject-matter expertise and turn-around time’
‘Gary Schall is the best lawyer I have ever worked with. Surgical precision, inexhaustible repository of knowledge and scenarios.’
Key clients
Adalo
Airspace Intelligence
Accion Systems
ByFusion Global
Centime
Crosslink Capital
Cue Health
Darwin Homes
Datanomix
DriveWealth Holdings
Entera Holdings
Exo Therapeutics
ExecOnline
Full Speed Automation (Vitesse Automation)
General Catalyst Partners
GentiBio
Hammoq
HawkEye 360
Honorlock
Immuta
Orna Therapeutics
RA Capital Management
Ribon Therapeutics
SOMA Global
Telo Therapeutics
The Lifetime Value
Wellington Management Company
Werewolf Therapeutics
Workrise (formerly RigUp)
Zaius
Work highlights
- Advised GentiBio on its $157m Series A financing round.
- Advised DriveWealth Holdings on its $450m Series D financing round.
- Advised Workrise (formerly RigUp) on its $300m Series E financing round.
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.Practice head(s):
Benjamin Powell; Kirk Nahra
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The communication and support provided are greatly appreciated. ‘
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 FinkelPractice head(s):
Robert Finkel
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Analog Devices
Barclays
Cincinnati Bell
CSL Behring
Intuit
McGraw Hill Education
Mosaic Insurance
Nomura
Select Equity Group
UBS Business Solutions US LLC
Work highlights
- Represented Select Equity Group in the outsourcing of its middle and back-office functions to SS&C.
- Represented Mosiac Insurance in a full scope IT and BPO transaction with DXC.
- Represented CSL Behring in a global outsourcing transaction with Cap Gemini covering mostof CSL’s IT operations – one of the largest IT outsourcing deals consummated in 2021.
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 FinkelPractice head(s):
Steven Barrett; Jeff Johnson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Having a single point of contact that can leverage the broad capabilities of the firm.’
‘Ariel Soiffer provides excellent responsiveness, cutting edge legal advice, and insight to how legal impacts business issues.’
Key clients
Acacia Communications
Analog Devices, Inc.
Bottomline Technologies
Endurance International Group Holdings
Halomine
nference, Inc
Progress
Spectris
WEX
Zaius
Work highlights
- Represented Acacia Communications, a provider of high-speed coherent optical interconnect products, in its $4.5 billion acquisition by Cisco Systems.
- Represented Voyager Therapeutics in its negotiation and execution of a significant license agreement with Pfizer.
- Represented ZebiAI Therapeutics in its acquisition by Relay Therapeutics, handling the negotiation of the milestones, earnouts and intellectual property representations.
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.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We as clients expected the best, and we were delivered the best. WilmerHale has a team composed of the perfect mixture of young ambitious professionals and experienced, diligent leading partners. In every aspect the team totally fulfilled expectations.’
‘Great and well-resourced international arbitration practice in New York.’
‘Deserves its status at the top of the tree. Good to see younger partners getting to be known.’
‘One could feel the balance and good team spirit within the team. Very inspiring for clients. Lawyers totally understand clients’ business and needs. No subsequent surprising extra charges.’
‘I have been consistently impressed by their professionalism and their understanding of how arbitration works.’
‘James Carter and Rachel Kent are very able advocates who represent their clients’ positions persuasively and effectively.’
‘John Pierce is a well prepared and very effective arbitration counsel.’
‘Danielle Morris is super friendly, very prepared, forward-looking and highly professional. A quiet and deadly effective advocate.’
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 NovickPractice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘WilmerHale is the cream of the crop.’
‘Wilmer’s trade team has the rare and wonderful blend of subject matter expertise, thoughtful judgment, and all-around affability. I value their guidance immensely.’
‘Very dedicated, hard working, honest, smart team members able to give helpful, objective advice. They took on a billing approach in which they accepted some risk and greater reward based upon the results.’
‘I appreciate the straightforward, humble nature of the team members. While they don’t lack confidence or ability, they spare you the bravado.’
‘The firm also has a wealth of expertise in other areas, which is valuable for issues that cut across trade (e.g., privacy).’
‘David Ross and Lauren Mandell have a unique combination of capabilities – both have extremely strong relationships with career and political staff at USTR, understand both the process and influence points within the Executive and Legislative branches on trade issues, and comprehensive understanding of US trade law and international trade rules.’
‘David Ross is an outstanding attorney and advisor. He writes and presents so well. I really rely on his good judgment and his legal analysis.’
‘I work primarily with Ronald Meltzer. Ron is responsive, thoughtful, and creative, and his expertise and relationships are unparalleled.’
Key clients
The Boeing Company
The Mosaic Company
CF Industries
US PET Film and Polyvinyl Alcohol producers
Visa, Inc.
First Solar
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
Sierra Pacific Industries
Intel Corporation
Varian Medical Systems
Varian Medical Systems
Work highlights
- Representing Boeing in the US-EU aircraft disputes at the WTO – among the longest-running, most complex set of disputes in the history of the WTO.
- Representing The Mosaic Company, as the petitioner, in countervailing duty investigations into phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco and Russia.
- Advising Varian Medical Systems on its $16bn acquisition by Siemens, including CFIUS diligence and representation before the Committee.
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.Practice head(s):
Brian Johnson; Erika Robinson; Justin Ochs
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They combine not only complete technical understanding of and support for equity offerings but also a deep understanding of the biotech sector and helpful examples and knowledge from their past experiences.’
‘The team we work with is not only highly capable but also a pleasure to work with. They offer timely advice, with a really practical bent, and keep their sense of humor as well.’
‘The level of engagement, work ethic, availability and genuine caring about our business and our success is beyond any other I’ve experienced. In particular, Cynthia Mazareus is truly exceptional. I’ve completed two successful IPOs with Cynthia and wouldn’t do one without her going forward. She staffs excellent teams and ensures the highest level of service.’
‘Cynthia Mazareus is one of the highest quality people I’ve worked with in the industry. In fact, she is the reason I’m taking the time to answer this survey at such a busy time of the year. Cynthia takes the business of her clients incredibly seriously. She manages to somehow stay on top of all of the details and carefully thinks through options, decisions and recommendations. She cares as much as the management team of the companies she works with. She has a way of making you feel like you are her only client. Her work ethic, perspective and judgement is exceptional. I won’t do another IPO without her.’
Key clients
Altimeter Growth Corp
Verve Therapeutics
Cue Health
Xilio Therapeutics
Decibel Therapeutics
Werewolf Therapeutics
Ameresco, Inc
Generation Bio
Curis, Inc.
Syros Pharmaceuticals
Infinity Pharmaceuticals
Blue Apron Holdings
Work highlights
- Represented Altimeter Growth Corp, a SPAC, in its $40bn business combination with Grab Holdings Inc.
- Represented Cue Health, a health technology company, in its $200m IPO.
- Represented Verve Therapeutics, a biotech pioneer, in its $306m IPO.
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.Practice head(s):
Stephen Preston; Andrew Shipley
Other key lawyers:
Barry Hurewitz; Phil Beshara
Testimonials
‘The best of the best. Their lawyers are simply brilliant.’
‘Andrew Shipley – accessible, attentive, knowledgable, brilliant.’
Key clients
Cue Health
Intelsat
Fluor
L3Harris
Mission Support Alliance
Morgan Olson
Teledyne Technologies
Westlands Water District
Work highlights
- Advised Fluor Corporation on its $82bn contract to provide top-to-bottom logistics services for the US military worldwide.
- Advised Teledyne in a successful protest of a $650m award by NASA to KBR for operational support for space-based programs including the International Space Station and Near-Earth Asteroid Detection system.
- Represented L3 Harris in defending a protest initiated by its competitors for a contract to build ballistic and hypersonic detection satellites.
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.Practice head(s):
Stuart Falber; Lisa Pirozzolo
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘WilmerHale assembles a knowledgeable team with varying expertises to take on the most difficult and sprawling of matters They are a collaborative bunch, using a diversity of thought to make sure that a dispute is considered from all angles. They are willing to accept constructive criticism and always strive for excellence.’
Key clients
Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Astellas US
Biogen
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
CSL Behring
Cue Health
Editas Medicine
Exelixis, Inc.
GentiBio
Gilead Sciences
GlaxoSmithKline
Iveric bio
Medtronic
Moderna
Nabriva Therapeutics
Repare Therapeutics
Roche Molecular Systems
Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Xilio Therapeutics
Work highlights
- Represented PerkinElmer in its acquisition of BioLegendfor $5.25bn in a combination of cash and stock.
- Representing Voyager Therapeutics in the negotiation and execution of a significant license agreement with Pfizer.
- Represented BMS and Pfizer in proceedings relating to their Eliquis patent.
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.Practice head(s):
Knute Salhus; Jonathan Wolfman; Lillian Brown
Other key lawyers:
Meredith Cross; Alan Wilson
Testimonials
‘The team is first class. They are brilliant, experienced, and practical colleagues. Some of the very best outside counsel I have worked with. They understand the unique aspects of my organization as a client. They are tireless in their work on our behalf.’
‘Meredith Cross and Lillian Brown are brilliant and sophisticated.’
‘The team has a lot of depth in securities law and broad experience in how companies look at securities and governance issues, which makes them better advisors. They don’t just tell you what the rules are, they tell you what the rules are intended to address, how companies apply the rules, the risks associated with different approaches, etc.’
‘Meredith Cross is extremely responsive and has become a trusted advisor to the company. She has exceptional expertise in securities law, she can provide balanced advice, and she understands the company’s perspective and interests and helps us to get to a resolution to an issue quickly.’
‘Lillian Brown is also a trusted advisor to the company and provides sound, practical and helpful advice on various matters involving securities law and corporate governance. Her advice is insightful and well reasoned.’
‘Alan Wilson is extremely dedicated and responsive. His accounting background allows him to give us great advice when it comes to more complex SEC accounting and disclosure questions and he can look at the issue from multiple perspectives.’
Key clients
Activision Blizzard
Agios Pharmaceuticals
Akamai Technologies
Analog Devices
CIRCOR International
Danaher Corporation
Discovery Communications
Editas Medicine
Generation Bio
Genpact
Huntington Ingalls Industries
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Kala Pharmaceuticals
Karyopharm Therapeutics
Manning & Napier
MKS Instruments
Northrop Grumman
PepsiCo
PerkinElmer
PTC Therapeutics
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 MuellerPractice head(s):
Thomas Mueller
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Baker Hughes Inc.
Uber Technologies, Inc.
Danaher Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Baker Hughes Company in connection with its Subsea Drilling Services joint venture with Akastor.
- Represented Uber Technologies in its acquisition of Cornershop, a grocery delivery firm, in a transaction valued at $1.4 billion overall.
- Advised Danaher on the planned acquisition of Aldevron LLC for $9.6bn.
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.Practice head(s):
Franca Harris Gutierrez
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This team is willing to partner with in house counsel and the business. They are open to others ideas and collaborate well.’
‘The individuals are focused on supporting the client and assisting the client in getting the job done. Franca Harris Guiterrez stands out as partner who makes sure she gets the job done at all costs.’
Key clients
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Fannie Mae
TD Bank Group
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Bank of Nova Scotia
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.Practice head(s):
Brian Johnson; Erika Robinson; Justin Ochs
Key clients
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
PerkinElmer
State Street Corporation
MicroStrategy
Analog Devices, Inc.
TechTarget
Work highlights
- Represented Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, in connection with senior notes offerings totaling $1.2bn.
- Represented State Street Corporation, a leading provider of financial services to institutional investors including investment servicing, investment management and investment research and trading, in its $850m registered senior subordinated notes offering
- Represented MicroStrategy Incorporated, the largest independent publicly-traded business intelligence company, in connection with a Rule 144A offering of $1.05bn of 0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027.
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.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Yarowsky
Other key lawyers:
Rob Lehman; Phil Beshara; Jonathan Blum; Brian Skretny; Jason Raymond
Testimonials
‘A diverse range of skill sets, which means I am getting thorough and well-rounded strategic advice.’
‘They also have a deep well of contacts for expertise both within the firm and through their connections on the Hill. This has served us extremely well.’
‘Jon Yarowsky, Zach Goldman, and Phil Beshara have a genuine interest in our organization and our members. Jason Raymond was also a valuable member of the team.’
Key clients
Visa, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advising Visa on matters impacting global trade in electronic payment services currently advising tin connection with the negotiation of global free trade agreements; on the implementation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA); on market access matters in various foreign countries; and in connection with the negotiations on electronic commerce at the WTO.
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.Practice head(s):
Kimberly Wethly
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Acacia Communications
Analog Devices
Eaton Vance Corp
EverQuote
MicroStrategy Incorporated
PerkinElmer
Progress
Robinhood
State Street
WEX
Work highlights
- Represented Eaton Vance Corp. in the executive compensation and benefits aspects of an agreement under which Morgan Stanley acquired Eaton Vance for approximately $7bn.
- Represented PerkinElmer in the executive compensation and benefits aspects of its $5.25bn acquisition of BioLegend.
- Advised Acacia Communications, Inc. in the executive compensation and benefits aspects of a $4.5bn amended merger agreement with Cisco Systems, Inc.
Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 5
William LeeWork highlights
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.Practice head(s):
Douglas Burton; Paul Jakubowski
Testimonials
‘Highly intelligent, very experienced, quite efficient, committed to the tasks at hand and serving its clients.’
Key clients
Analog Devices
Atlantic Management Corporation
Beam Therapeutics
Carpenter & Company
Constant Contact
Demandware
Dyne Therapeutics
Kronos Incorporated
Translate Bio
Work highlights
- Advised Boston-based real estate investment and development company Atlantic Management Corporation in the acquisition, financing and leasing of corporate campuses and other large assets in Massachusetts.
- Representing developer Carpenter & Company in the site acquisition, debt and equity financing, branding, development and management, and ongoing capitalization of the first five-star hotel on Iceland’s waterfront, including the restructuring of multiple private and governmental ownership and development restrictions.
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.Practice head(s):
Bill Caporizzo
Other key lawyers:
Julie Hogan Rodgeers; Matthew Schnall; Fred Adam; Meghan Walsh
Testimonials
‘We engaged them for a large stock acquisition and given that they had lawyers specialized in a lot of different areas, we felt as if we were being served by a one-stop-shop.’
‘The team we work with at WilmerHale is rock solid. They, often earlier than we ourselves, know what is coming and prepare for that accordingly. They balance advise vs. strong advise very well. They are pragmatic and result driven and will never fight because of the fight. They very much have a human touch to things making them great to work with.’
Key clients
Acquco
Amplitude Healthcare
Cloud9 Technologies
Danaher Corporation
Eaton Vance
Lookout, Inc.
Medtronic
MicroStrategy
MineralTree, Inc.
RA Capital Management, L.P
The Tecan Group
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc
WEX Inc.
ZebiAI Therapeutics
Work highlights
- Represented Eaton Vance Corp., in its acquisition by Morgan Stanley for cash and stock, valued at approximately $7bn, pursuant to a tax-free reorganization.
- Advised the buyer in its $5.25bn acquisition of BioLegend.
- Represented MicroStrategy Incorporated in two offerings of convertible senior notes totalling $1.7bn, the proceeds of which were used to purchase bitcoin.
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.Practice head(s):
Philip Anker; Andrew Goldman
Other key lawyers:
Danielle Spinelli; George Shuster; Benjamin Loveland; Isley Gostin; Joe Millar
Testimonials
‘Andrew Goldman is very smart, very practical and incredibly responsive. He’s absolutely first rate.’
Key clients
Barclays Bank
Blue Apron
City of Chicago
Comcast Cable Communications
Continental Casualty Company
Cross Sound Management LLC
Diamond Sports Group
Edward Lampert/ESL Investments
Eldridge Industries
Global Loan Agency Services (GLAS)
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
PPL Corporation
Resurgent Capital Services
Rio Tinto
Susquehanna Investment Group
The Walt Disney Company
Wilmington Savings Fund Society
Work highlights
- Represented Diamond Sports Group, a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, in the largest non-mass tort restructuring currently in the United States.
- Represented City of Chicago, in City of Chicago v. Fulton before the US Supreme Court.
- Represented The Hartford in a mass tort Chapter 11 case.
Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 7
Media, technology and telecoms > Fintech
Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation
WilmerHale > Firm Profile
Solving Washington problems requires a broad range of skills, including regulatory experience, policy advocacy, litigation, and the drafting and negotiation of agreements. It also requires the ability to craft an integrated approach to deal with multiple decision makers in Congress, the executive branch and the courts, as well as with the media. WilmerHale’s Washington DC office offers unique capabilities in addressing Washington problems because the firm has deep substantive experience across the regulatory areas of greatest concern to business and because it has emphasized an integrated approach to problem-solving throughout its history.
We are frequently asked to address the acute business needs of a company while, at the same time, helping to achieve longer-term alignment between the policy environment in which a company operates and its business model. Whether seeking to change or challenge a regulation, structuring a business strategy that depends on government support or forbearance, negotiating and clearing a deal in a regulated environment, reaching a legislative solution to a problem, addressing a congressional inquiry, handling a sensitive multipronged issue with significant political or public relations risk, or confronting urgent media inquiries on high-profile matters, we routinely offer the multidimensional representation that our clients need.
More than 100 of our lawyers have high-level government experience—a significant differentiator for our firm that directly benefits our clients. We count among our partners a United States Trade Representative, a Deputy Attorney General, a Solicitor General, a Deputy Solicitor General, Assistant Attorneys General for both the Office of Legal Counsel and the Civil Division, Deputy Assistant Attorneys General for the Antitrust Division, General Counsel of the Departments of Defense and of the Navy, an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, a Chief of Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission, General Counsels of both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency, and many senior officials from the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of State, and other agencies of government.
As the Washington metropolitan area increasingly becomes a technology and biotech hub, we have the knowledge and institutional capacity to offer a broad range of services to clients in the technology sector, particularly in the area of intellectual property where protecting intellectual assets is becoming increasingly important. Our deep experience working with technology companies allows us to counsel companies through the entire business lifecycle, from startup to public company and beyond. We serve clients in a wide array of industries and practice areas through our Washington office, including antitrust and competition, aviation, bankruptcy and commercial, communications, corporate, defense, national security, government contracts, environmental, FDA, intellectual property, international trade and market access, labor and employment, litigation and arbitration, real estate, securities enforcement and regulation, and tax.
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Brittany Amadi | Partner in WilmerHale’s Washington DC Office | View Profile |
![]() | Christopher Babbitt | Partner Co-Chair, False Claims Act Practice | View Profile |
![]() | Ciara Baker | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Bruce Berman | Partner General Counsel | View Profile |
![]() | Catherine Carroll | Partner-in-Charge, Washington DC Office | View Profile |
![]() | Steven Cherry | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Christopher Davies | Partner Vice Chair, Securities & Financial Services Department | View Profile |
![]() | Jamie Gorelick | Partner Chair, Regulatory and Government Affairs Department Co-Chair, Crisis Management and Strategic… | View Profile |
![]() | Leon Greenfield | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Franca Harris Gutierrez | Partner Chair, Financial Institutions Practice Co-Chair, Securities and Financial Regulation Practice | View Profile |
![]() | David Horn | View Profile | |
![]() | Barry Hurewitz | Partner in WilmerHale’s Washington DC Office | View Profile |
![]() | Rachael Kent | Partner Vice Chair, International Arbitration Practice Group | View Profile |
![]() | Kevin Lamb | Counsel | View Profile |
![]() | Perry Lange | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Rob Lehman | Senior Public Policy Advisor Co-Chair, Public Policy and Legislative Affairs Practice | View Profile |
![]() | Ronald Machen | Partner Chair, Litigation/Controversy Practice | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew Martens | Partner Co-Chair, Securities Litigation and Enforcement Practice Group | View Profile |
![]() | Ronald Meltzer | Senior Counsel | View Profile |
![]() | Danielle Morris | View Profile | |
![]() | Thomas Mueller | Partner Chair, Antitrust and Competition Practice Group | View Profile |
![]() | Kirk Nahra | Partner Co-Chair, Big Data Practice Co-Chair, Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice | View Profile |
![]() | Robert Novick | Co-Managing Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Justin Ochs | Partner Chair, Corporate Practice Group | View Profile |
![]() | Benjamin Powell | Partner Co-Chair, Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice | View Profile |
![]() | Stephen Preston | Partner Chair, Defense, National Security and Government Contracts Practice | View Profile |
![]() | Erika Robinson | Partner Co-Chair, Capital Markets | View Profile |
![]() | David Ross | Partner Chair, International Trade, Investment and Market Access Practice Group | View Profile |
![]() | Knute Salhus | Partner Co-Chair, Corporate Governance and Disclosure Group | View Profile |
![]() | Hartmut Schneider | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Howard Shapiro | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Shipley | Partner at WilmerHale’s Washington DC Office | View Profile |
![]() | Danielle Spinelli | Partner Vice Chair, Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Practice | View Profile |
![]() | Daniel Volchok | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Seth Waxman | Partner Chair, Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Practice | View Profile |
![]() | Amy Wigmore | Partner in WilmerHale’s Washington DC Office | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Yarowsky | Partner Co-Chair, Public Policy and Legislative Affairs Practice | View Profile |
- Antitrust > Cartel
- Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)
- Industry focus > Education
- Industry focus > Native American law
- Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage)
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense
- Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense
- Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes
- Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense
- M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m)
- M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies
- Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection)
- Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing
- Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions
Firm Rankings
- Dispute resolution > International arbitration
- Dispute resolution > International trade
- Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings
- Government > Government contracts
- Industry focus > Healthcare: life sciences
- M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance