Winston & Strawn LLP > Los Angeles, United States > Firm Profile

Winston & Strawn LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers

Based in Chicago, Winston & Strawn LLP‘s co-executive chairman Dan Webb offers extensive trial experience in matters ranging from breach of contract to regulatory and white collar proceedings. He currently represents former Northwestern University football coach Pat Fitzgerald in a $130m breach of contract claim arising out of his July 2023 firing, and previously defended Fox News in the high profile defamation suit brought against it by Dominion in relation to claims it broadcasts covering Donald Trump’s accusations of vote rigging in the 2020 election.Abbe Lowell is one of the US’ foremost white-collar crime specialists, boasting a strong track record in defending clients before both state and federal courts, and April 2025 saw him launch his own firm, Lowell & Associates PLLC, based in Washington DC. Following the conclusion of Hunter Biden’s criminal trials, Lowell continues to represent him in multiple civil claims, notably filing suit against the IRS, two agents of which released details of Biden’s tax affairs to the media. Lowell also represents former eBay CEO Devin Wenig in a civil claim brought by two journalists who allege that, following negative reporting about the company, they were subjected to a campaign of stalking and harassment.Thomas Melsheimer is the chair of Winston & Strawn LLP‘s Dallas office, whose practice encompasses patent and trade secrets litigation, with a particular focus on medical devices, and also covers healthcare-related fraud and other criminal matters. In April 2024 he secured a hung jury in a patent dispute brought by TMT Systems against his client Medtronic concerning heart stents, after which the court adopted Medtronic’s position, and parties were able to resolve the matter. He also helped Flyp take on Google, bringing a claim that its Google Voice product infringed five of the plaintiff’s patents, securing a $12m jury verdict in February 2024.Based out of Chicago, Winston & Strawn LLP‘s George Lombardi represents an impressive client roster consisting of pharmaceutical and medical devices developers in patent disputes and is also tapped as trial counsel for product liability suits, including continuing to defend Bayer in numerous trials linked to the herbicide Roundup.Winston & Strawn LLP‘s co-executive chairman Jeffrey Kessler frequently represents major player’s unions out of the firm’s New York office, which he represents in antitrust proceedings and in dealings with sports leagues. 2024 saw Kessler represent several classes of current and former NCAA athletes in negotiating a $3bn antitrust settlement and guaranteeing revenue sharing for future college athletes. He also represents the NASL in its antitrust case against the US Soccer Federation, which it accuses of violating federal competition laws by denying it Class I or II accreditation.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 1

Winston & Strawn LLP conducts high-value contentious work involving complex e-discovery issues, with specialities in class, consolidated and multidistrict litigation matters. The firm is proficient in its use of AI to ensure an efficient discovery process for clients across financial services, automotive and pharmaceuticals. John Rosenthal is the practice head and an established individual in e-discovery, privacy, data security and AI. His practice focuses on advising clients and software providers on using generative AI for efficient document analysis alongside working on high-profile multi-district litigation and class actions. Operating from Los Angeles, Bobby Malhotra is particularly active in high-stakes litigation and regulatory matters. Jason Moore is another key individual who advises clients on discovery strategies in antitrust cases, product liability litigation, and government investigations. All attorneys mentioned are based in Washington unless specified otherwise.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 1

Recognized in the market for its expertise representing lenders on various renewable and alternative energy matters, with a particular focus on wind and energy storage, Winston & Strawn LLP‘s energy and infrastructure group continues to attract new and impressive clients from the financial services, energy, and infrastructure sectors. The practice’s robust offering covers a wide range of transactional, environmental, and regulatory matters including financing, acquisitions, and dispositions, as well as project development, restructuring, and permitting, among others, on both a domestic and international level. Co-heading the department between New York and Houston are Mike Pikiel and Mike Blankenship respectively, and they are supported by Los Angeles’ project finance specialist Laurae Rossi who stands out for her experience handling financing, tax equity partnerships, and tax credit transfer purchase transactions. In New York, Jonathan Birenbaum is the go-to for energy and infrastructure businesses and financial institutions seeking assistance with acquisitions, dispositions, and financing. On the debt financing front, Los Angeles-based Hao Huang is the main contact. The team has seen some new additions between March and August 2024 with the arrival of Kevin Brophy and Ming Lei from McDermott Will & Emery LLP, and Laurens Wilkes from Jones Day.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 1

Fielding a team of strong litigators who represent players, players associations, sports franchises and sports leagues, among others, Winston & Strawn LLP stands out for complex litigation in relation to matters including contracts, and disciplinary proceedings, The group can be particularly noted for its strength in sports matters in the antitrust space. Adam Dale, who was promoted to partner in 2024, is a standout team member in this regard. David Feher, David Greenspan and Jeffrey Kessler in New York head up the team. Kessler, who is described as ‘hard-working and flexible’ is a leading trial lawyer in the US, and has a long history of acting in matters for college athletes against the NCAA, as well as being involved in a class action, billion-dollar antitrust settlement with the NCAA in 2024. Feher is well established within complex sports employment and labour law matters, another key area of engagement for the wider group. regarding gender-discrimination lawsuits. Jonathan Amoona, also in New York, is a go-to practitioner for high-profile individual athletes for confidential arbitrations.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 1

With evidence of global M&A work across Asia, Latin America, and Europe, Winston & Strawn LLP routinely advises on complex commercial arrangements, public and private M&A and SPAC business combinations. The department leverages the firm’s tax, antitrust and IP expertise, and regularly acts for target companies, funds, and strategic companies. The company is co-led by Matt Stevens, a Chicago-based lawyer who represents public companies and private equity clients in various strategic M&A. Co-heads Matthew Stockstill, Brian Schafer, and Brad Vaiana are situated in Dallas, Chicago, and New York, respectively. The experienced Chicago attorney Matthew Bergmann focuses on complex private equity and capital markets, while industry veteran Oscar David covers cross-border M&A and joint ventures. In Los Angeles, Eva Davis is a key contact for private companies and boards of directors, while Chicago’s Peter Clarke handles complex business transactions. In Miami, Rick Martin ‘demonstrates great knowledge’ in securities and financing transactions, primarily in the tech and infrastructure sectors.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

Recognized for its deep expertise, Winston & Strawn LLP is a trusted advisor to corporations and individuals across various industries, with recent work in the food, telecoms and finance sectors. The team is jointly led by Eva Cole and James Herbison. Cole specializes in international cartel investigations and class actions, frequently engaging with antitrust authorities in Europe, Australia, Brazil, Korea, and Mexico, while Chicago-based Herbison focuses on complex litigation with an emphasis on civil and criminal antitrust, government investigation, and counselling matters. Trial lawyer Jeffrey Kessler handles a diverse caseload spanning criminal and civil investigations, jury trials, and litigation for both domestic and international clients. Jeffrey Amato is a key contact for international cartel litigation and government investigations. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned attorneys are based in New York. Neely Agin left the firm in February 2024.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP has built a strong reputation for handling complex civil, criminal, and appellate antitrust cases, including matters intersecting with intellectual property and technology. Recent highlights include successfully defending consolidated class action litigation and securing summary judgment for clients accused of price-fixing conspiracies. The team has also achieved significant dismissals in monopolization and Sherman Act disputes, among other notable victories. Co-chairing from New York, Eva Cole specializes in cartel investigations and class actions. In Chicago, co-chair James Herbison recently secured summary judgment and a DOJ dismissal of criminal charges for a client in the high-profile broiler chicken litigation. Based in New York, Jeffrey Kessler is frequently entrusted to lead challenging antitrust, sports law, and IP cases, including major jury trials. Other key contributors include New York-based Jeffrey Amato and Chicago’s Mike Mayer .

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Winston & Strawn LLP handles both domestic and cross-border investigations for companies and individuals facing allegations of FCPA offenses, fraud, sanctions violations, and bribery. Suzanne Jaffe Bloom in New York has in-depth knowledge of false claims cases. Angela Machala in Los Angeles routinely handles securities enforcement matters. Dan Webb, a highly experienced trial lawyer, is based in Chicago. Abbe Lowell, working in Washington DC and New York, has extensive experience in congressional and administrative proceedings. Based in Dallas, Tom Melsheimer is a trial lawyer with experience in high-profile cases, including those involving healthcare fraud and antitrust. Working in New York, Benjamin Sokoly, leverages experience in high-profile FCA litigation.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s team of ‘top notch legal talent’ is active in high-profile cases across the full range of sectors, from aviation, consumer products, agriculture, to TMT, insurance, and finance, with a growing oil and gas litigation practice. In Dallas, Tom Walsh co-chairs the complex commercial litigation practice and specializes in energy-related disputes. Co-chair Samantha Lerner in Chicago handles commercial and patent litigation on behalf of Fortune 500 companies. Chicago-based Linda Coberly is co-chair of the litigation department alongside Tom Melsheimer in Dallas, who leverages his wealth of both civil and criminal jury trial experience. Also in Chicago, Dan Webb is regularly called upon to lead high-profile litigation, while Steve D’Amore has a strong track record defending companies against breach of contract, fraud, false advertising, and RICO violations, as well as in class actions.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s product liability & mass torts practice specializes in “bet-the-company” cases, acting as defense lawyers in high-profile consumer product cases and frequently serving as lead trial counsel and multi-district litigation coordinating counsel. The firm is known for the extensive trial experience of its team across highly regulated industries, including pharmac, agriculture, chemicals, automotive, aviation, and consumer products. Notable recent successes for the group include defending Philip Morris in decade-spanning tobacco litigation and securing defense verdicts for Abbott Laboratories, Motorola Mobility, and Monsanto in landmark cases. Chair of the product liability and mass tort practice, San Francisco based Sandra Edwards is a go-to trial lawyer for the firm’s clients, frequently taking the lead in MDLs and coordinated mass tort proceedings. David Coulson is a veteran trial lawyer known for defending high-exposure product liability and commercial disputes including several major consumer class actions. George Lombardi stands out for his defense work in high-stakes pharmaceutical and consumer product cases, including landmark victories for Philip Morris and Monsanto. Dan Webb brings further practice area experience, having led long-running tobacco litigation for Philip Morris and representing consumer product, medical device, and pharma companies in significant product liability cases. All lawyers are based in Chicago unless stated otherwise.  

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 2

Fielding a deep bench with expertise in high stakes tort actions, MDLs, litigation and bet the company matters, Winston & Strawn LLP works with clients in the pharmaceutical, agriculture and chemical sectors in both federal and state courts across the country. The team is noted for its scientific and technical expertise, with members including San Francisco based Sandra Edwards having served as lead trial counsel for MDLs and class actions, and situated in Chicago, George Lombardi has achieved success in obtaining defense verdicts across the pharmaceutical and consumer products industries in bet the company matters. Also in Chicago, Terrence (Terry) Dee and Dan Webb are experienced in product liability matters, with Dee noted for having served as lead counsel in joint defense groups in federal MDL and multi-party litigation, while Webb’s active clientele includes medical device and pharmaceutical clients. Andrew Tauber departed for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisnerin February 2024, and Denise Scofield in July 2024.

Finance > Project finance

Winston & Strawn LLP ‘brings tremendous expertise to the area of project finance’ and its sizeable group has complementary expertise in energy project finance and across P3 and infrastructure projects. In energy project financings, the group is well versed in transactions involving both renewable and conventional power assets, and acts in a plethora and significant matters located across the country. In PPP and infrastructure work, the practice is often engaged in mandates that require novel financing structures, and is otherwise a regular fixture of the domestic landscape of significant projects, from transport infrastructure to large-scale buildings. On both sides of the project finance offering, Mike Pikiel in New York is a renowned figure and whether acting for sponsors, developers, investors, lenders, underwriters, or contractors, he is experienced in the range of project financing, particularly P3s. Fellow infrastructure practice head Alan Hoffman is also based in New York and is a recognized figure in sports venue financing. Richard Puttré in Miami is the third of the trio coordinating infrastructure and PPP financing. In Los Angeles the energy offering benefits from the renewable energy finance knowledge of Laurae Rossi, and the growing transactions experience of Hao Huang.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s structured finance team is highly active in the structured finance market, advising clients on various transactions involving conventional and esoteric asset classes. The team’s experience encompasses residential mortgages, aircraft and transportation finance, ESG structured finance, CMBS, venture loan securitization, and equipment leasing. The team is particularly involved in residential mortgage and servicing right assets, an area that New York-based Chris Gavin specializes in, and co-heads the team with Pete Morgan, who is sought after by underwriters, insurers, investors, banks, and other clients for his expertise in public and private securitizations and warehouse financings, along with lease arrangements. Chicago-based Michael Mullins is a key member of the team for transactions requiring expertise in CLOs, warehouse financing, private equity, hedge and loan funds. Claudine Chen-Young is noted for her experience in representing underwriters, investors, banks and originators in securitization and mortgage finance involving residential and commercial assets.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 2

Comprised of ‘strong members from the top down’. Winston & Strawn LLP’s boasts a strong patent litigation team with expertise in high technology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. The practice also specializes in patent cases involving AI. In Los Angeles, Nimalka Wickramasekera specializes in medical device patents. Wickramasekera co-chairs the department with Charlotte-based Danielle Williams, an experienced litigator in semiconductor and software patent infringement. David Enzminger, also in Los Angeles, is well-regarded for his work on complex hardware and software patent infringement cases. The team is further strengthened by the esteemed George Lombardi, in Chicago, who is a leading patent litigator for cases involving telephone and computer tech. In Washington DC, both Chuck Klein and Jovial Wong excel in high-value patent cases related to pharma and biotech. Dallas-based Thomas Melsheimer is another of the firm’s go-to patent litigators. Additionally, clients praise Krishnan Padmanabhan in New York for his ‘winning arguments’ and technological expertise in district courts.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP ‘s employee benefit and executive compensation department offers a larger range of services to clients than other EBEC teams, such as public company reporting, Title I investment advice, and support on international HR matters. In Chicago, practice co-chair Joseph Adams counsels clients on plan design, compliance with fiduciary duties, and advising equity arrangements amid M&As, divestitures and spin-offs. Also prominent are Washington DC’s David Rogers, frequently consulted for his skills and experience by some of the world’s largest employers for his benefit plan and executive compensation arrangement experience, Amy Gordon, an authority in employee health plans regarding ACA and HIPAA laws, Anne Becker, co-lead of the qualified retirement plan component of the practice, and Erin Weber, who has extensive experience in pension plan de-risking transactions. All named attorneys based in Chicago unless otherwise stated.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP’s client roster comprises a host of middle-market private equity funds, hedge funds, and institutional investors, who engage the firm for representation in big multi-jurisdictional transactions. Spearheading the practice from Dallas, Matthew Stockstill is a prolific advisor whose diverse practice spans acquisitions, disposals, and fund formation and management instructions. Co-head Brian Schafer, based in Chicago, is the key relationship partner to major financial sponsors such as Wind Point Partners and Excellere Partners, while in New York, co-head Brad Vaiana is noted for his transactional pedigree, handling leveraged buyouts, take-privates, distressed deals, growth equity investments, and exits. Co-head Timothy Kincaid, operating from the Chicago office, has recently been active in healthcare and education-related mandates. Eva Davis, based in Los Angeles, assists a wide range of funds with domestic and international capital deployment. David Lange, Austin Leach, and Brendan Mace also come recommended.

Transport > Shipping: litigation and regulation Tier 2

Highly regarded regulatory expert Charlie Papavizas spearheads the Winston & Strawn LLP maritime practice, leading on notable matters involving US government policy, law, regulations and enforcement, transactions and litigation. An impressive client list of shipowners, energy companies, marine construction companies and financial institutions call upon the firm in US flag law and regulation matters, notably concerning the application of the Jones Act. The team is especially knowledgeable in issues concerning the US offshore wind industry, advising clients on acquisitions of offshore wind developers, as well as regulatory issues influencing the sector. Papavizas is joined in the Washington DC office by Bryant Gardner, who specialises in maritime government contract negotiations and disputes, US flag programs, MARPOL issues and Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) counselling and litigation.  

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: plaintiff Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP frequently receives instructions concerning high-profile antitrust civil litigation and class action matters. The team is well respected for its deep bench and strong defendant expertise, which it leverages to provide valuable insights to plaintiffs in ongoing cases. James Herbison and David Greenspan co-chair the practice from Chicago and New York, respectively. Greenspan is known for his litigation prowess at the trial and appellate levels, as well as in arbitration proceedings. Also based in New York, Jeffrey Kessler is a key figure in high-profile sports antitrust cases, having secured a Supreme Court victory on behalf of college athletes in their antitrust challenge to the NCAA’s compensation restrictions.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s litigation practice is commended for its ‘combination of expertise, creativity, and dedication’, and is skilled at handling a wide array of high-profile litigations, with expertise in international cartel matters, complex transportation matters, and government investigations. The team’s ‘diversity and deep expertise in sports law sets them apart’, with practice head Jeffrey Kessler particularly skilled in this area. Kessler is also well versed at handling antitrust and intellectual property matters, and is based in New York along with Marcelo Blackburn, a class action and investigation specialist. Operating out of Chicago, Dan Webb also leads the team along with Washington based Abbe David Lowell, who specialises in white collar crime. In DC, Christopher Man is a key name, while in Houston, Imad Khan is of note.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 3

The ‘outstanding trial team’ at Winston & Strawn LLP occupies a notable niche in SPAC transaction-related disputes and is also adept at handling merger suits with cross-border elements, in addition to defending companies and their directors and officers against breach of fiduciary duty allegations. Heading the firm’s securities litigation team is New York’s James Smith, who led the defense of Cantor Fitzgerald in the face of claims it breached multiple provisions of the Exchange Act in the de-SPAC merger between CF Finance Acquisition Corp. II and View, Inc., securing a dismissal with prejudice in April 2024. Chicago-based William O’Neil stands out for his expertise in representing strategic acquirers in M&A disputes, while John Schreiber, who splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, continues to represent Oaktree Capital Management in a matter alleging it failed to abide by an asset purchase agreement.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 3

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

The team at Winston & Strawn LLP provides a credible threat to a well-resourced Plaintiff Bar, regularly securing early victories at a pleadings stage, as well as achieving favorable settlements, including on the eve of trials. The team, which is led from New York by James Smith, also stands out for its collaborative approach, frequently drawing upon key resources from complementary areas, including M&A, capital markets and white-collar, to best serve a client base that includes some high-profile public companies, financial institutions, and asset managers. Los Angeles-based attorney John Schreiber has experience in matters relating to securities fraud, including in the federal courts and the Delaware Court of Chancery. As part of his broad-ranging aptitude at handling business disputes, Chicago-based trial lawyer William O’Neil regularly advises public companies and private equity sponsors on securities matters, most frequently in the context of M&A disputes. In Los Angeles, Jeffrey Steinfeld is particularly skilled at handling work at the intersection of securities and fintech, including his representation for interested parties as amicus curiae in an important case relating to whether or not digital assets are considered to be securities.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

‘Attentive with great communication’, Winston & Strawn LLP‘s oil and gas practice continues to expand, with strategic lateral hires strengthening its capabilities across upstream, midstream, and oilfield services. The firm advises on high-value transactions, financings, and energy transition matters, supporting clients across the entire value chain. Mike Pikiel and Rich Shutran co-lead the team from New York. Co-head Mike Blankenship leads the rest of the team from Houston, and, while primarily known for his corporate finance and securities expertise, has recently built a strong track record advising exploration and production companies, as well as oilfield service providers, on M&A and investment transactions in the upstream and midstream. Kevin Brophy and Ming Lei joined from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in August 2024, adding further M&A, private equity, and joint venture expertise to the practice. Jon Bodle also comes recommended. Rodney Moore and Scott Delaney departed in October 2024.

Finance > Commercial lending: Advice to bank lenders Tier 3

Noted for its capabilities in leveraged finance and asset-based lending transactions, Winston & Strawn LLP is a strong choice for banks, credit funds, and various direct lenders. Operating out of Chicago, Michael Mullins is focused on fund financing, structured finance products, and banking transactions. Mullins also handles debt transactions for issuers, investment banks, and institutional investors. In New York, Mats Carlston has great experience in advising finance companies in restructuring and syndicated financing. Working out of Chicago, David Baroni is often engaged in cash-flow lending transactions, April Doxey is proficient in debt capital markets transactions, and Jason Jun is skilled at acquisition financing. Operating out of Charlotte, Kader Crawford is experienced in asset-based credit facilities and unitranche financings, while Chicago-based Gregory Gartland is another key team member.

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

Often advising debt lenders on a variety of debt finance issues, Winston & Strawn LLP is highly knowledgeable of secured, unsecured senior, and subordinated loans. New York-based Mats Carlston and Chicago-based Michael Mullins co-lead the practice, and Mullins is a key contact for investment banks and institutional investors on debt transactions, while Mullin’s broad caseload encompasses leveraged buyouts and the recapitalization of private equity-sponsored enterprises. Working out of Charlotte, Lindsey Kell is particularly skilled at asset-based and cash flow lending. Other key members of the team include Jason Jun and April Doxey who work out of Chicago, as well as Charlotte-based Kader Crawford.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

Fielding a team of ‘excellent practitioners’, Winston & Strawn LLP is particularly noted for its regulatory and corporate work within the payments and digital asset sectors. Carl Fornaris is enlisted by financial firms, including banks and their holding companies, to guide them on AML compliance, licensing, new product launches, and enforcement matters, while Will Turner is proficient in M&A and venture capital investments. Daniel Stabile and Kimberly Prior are ‘key lawyers to have on your team’ for digital asset companies, with the latter focusing on securities and other financial regulatory considerations, as well as corporate matters and capital raises.  Andrew Hinkes has joined the practice from K&L Gates, bolstering the firm’s digital asset offering. All of the individuals mentioned are located in Miami.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP represents clients in the entertainment space on a range of high-value infringement litigation cases enabling safe public access to entertainment, information and business offerings. The team is widely recognised for their litigation and counselling experience related to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The team is headed in New York by Michael Elkin , a seasoned trial lawyer, who specializes in digital media intellectual property disputes involving the streaming of motion picture, television and music properties. Co-chair Jennifer Golinveaux , based in San Francisco, has notable experience in litigating a wide variety of IP cases in federal courts. In Los Angeles Diana Leiden brings expertise in representing tech and media companies, placing particular focus on emerging technologies and internet-related issues. Sean Anderson, based in New York, represents technology and media companies in IP disputes, holding niche expertise in video game legal solutions.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s team is known for its abilities in handling various stages of trade secret matters, from the investigation portion involving the running of audits and assessments to the litigation stage. The practice is headed up by several specialists: experienced trial attorney John Sanders focuses on business litigation and class actions and commercial litigator Natalie Arbaugh, both of whom are based in Dallas; Chicago-based Steve Grimes; and Los Angeles-based David Enzminger, who is particularly noted for his expertise representing clients in the telecoms, computer hardware, and software sectors. LA-based Bobby Malhotra is recommended for his specialty in AI and its potential impacts.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP's complex commercial litigation practice has strong capabilities in advertising litigation, serving as counsel, lead trial counsel and appellate counsel in a class action claims related to false or misleading labels involving ingredients. The team also defends clients in pricing and warranty cases and represents consumer brands in product recalls. Privacy litigation is also a key area of the practice which assists clients in privacy-related advertising litigation and class actions. Team lead Ronald Rothstein resides in Chicago and leads on claims related to violation of unfair competition law, false advertising law as well in consumer class actions. Los Angeles-based Amanda Groves is sought out for her expertise in handling cases involving California's laws and regulations such as consumer fraud statues and enforcement issues. Over in Miami, Jared Kessler leads on class action litigation for food and beverage clients.

Real estate Tier 3

The real estate team at Winston & Strawn LLP has extensive knowledge across an extensive array of real estate transactions. The firm has a developed practice based in Illinois, with transactional experience that supports the representation of private equity, fund, REITs, and asset manager clients. The Illinois team is led by Andrew White, who is also global real estate chair, whose practice focuses on private equity funds, developers, and other institutional investors. Elsewhere, Billie Ellis leads the Dallas team, which is recognized for its experience in transactions that include acquisitions, financings, and developments. The New York practice is led by William Lang and often represents clients in connection with the acquisition and disposition of properties in all asset classes. Key support is provided by Christina George, based in Chicago, with experience representing clients in a range of transactions including the financing of retail, office, and hospitality properties.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP’s transactional tax practice advises on fund formations, M&A and dispositions, formations, and joint ventures, as well as on securitization and offshore investment transactions. The group has a particular strength within the energy sector, with experience in M&A and tax equity financings in district energy, transmission lines, and more. In Chicago, practice lead Olga Loy is particularly experienced in representing corporations on the tax structuring of IPOs, SPACs, spin-offs, and general tax planning. Dennis Kelly focuses his practice within the real estate and finance sectors. Donald Goff has particular experience with M&A and transactions within the private equity sphere. Dallas’ Louis Jenull is active within the energy sector, advising on oil and gas transactions and the development of renewable energy projects and the subsequent investments. Jennifer Morgan in Los Angeles is also particularly adept in energy-related transactions, and Chicago’s Angela Rohman-Russo is praised as a ‘fantastic tax lawyer’ with extensive M&A and financing experience.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Transport > Shipping: finance Tier 3

The team at Winston & Strawn LLP combines strong litigation and regulatory practice with broad experience in shipping finance deals, representing both domestic and international entities in various vessel-related transactions. The team leverages extensive experience in Jones Act matters, notably financing and foreign investments in Jones Act vessels and companies, as well as offering a dedicated project finance team to handle complex maritime deals and projects. In Washington DC, Charlie Papavizas chairs the firm’s marine and admiralty practice, representing leading US and foreign vessel owners and operators, private equity, commercial banks and other financial institutions. A significant mandate involves advising Maersk Offshore Wind in a joint venture with Edison Chouest Offshore for the construction and operation of a windfarm feeder concept, including Jones Act-compliant tugs and barges, to be delivered in 2026. Bryant Gardner handles maritime government contract negotiations and disputes, alongside US flag program and Jones Act compliance matters.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal) Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP’s practice group routinely appears before state trial courts and the U.S. Supreme Court handling appeals on behalf of corporate clients in the life sciences, pharma, insurance, infrastructure and telecoms segments. Corporate and securities fraud appellate litigation is a noted area of expertise for the team. Leadership is shared between a Chicago-based duo comprising Linda Coberly and Scott Glauberman. Coberly recently represented Relevent Sports Group, LLC, securing a second Circuit victory when the court revived Relevent’s antitrust suit challenging a FIFA rule prohibiting official season professional soccer league games from being played outside a team’s FIFA-designated country. Andrew Tauber left the firm in January 2024.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP advises financial institutions on the full scope of litigation and regulatory matters, including enforcement actions, commercial class actions and complex IP disputes. Jack Knight and Kobi Brinson spearhead the team from Charlotte whilst Amanda Groves is based in Los Angeles. Knight is a reputable white-collar defense attorney working alongside Brinson in handling government investigatory and enforcement actions for clients facing significant economic and reputational risk. Groves’ practice is more closely focused on commercial litigation, routinely representing national retailers, banking institutions and technology companies.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s international arbitration practice handles complex, high-profile, international disputes. Members of the team regularly advise on numerous arbitrations in Latin America, and boasts extensive investment state experience, representing the Government of Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Haiti, and Ecuador. Demonstrating its expertise in the energy sector, the team has notably recently advised on a high-profile Energy Charter Treaty dispute against the Republic of Italy, as well as on a complex arbitration linked to a solar power plant.  In Chicago, Ricardo Ugarte is skilled in this area, and uses his multilingual capabilities to work on international arbitrations in English, Italian, French, and Spanish. In Miami, Gustavo Membiela handles commercial arbitrations internationally, representing consumer product companies, financial institutions and and corporations, and investors, with particular knowledge of Latin America seated arbitrations, while New York-based Marcelo Blackburn has complementary expertise of complex litigation and government investigations.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP’s oil and gas litigation practice is known for handling high-profile, high-stakes, and complex cases, with a team of seasoned litigators skilled in trial and arbitration. The practice continues to expand, regularly managing disputes involving contracts, commercial issues, business torts, securities, and royalty class actions. The firm also represents major energy corporations in international arbitrations. The practice is co-led by Houston-based Michael Murphy, an accomplished trial lawyer with extensive experience in energy disputes, complex commercial litigation, toxic torts, and environmental claims, and Houston-based Paula Hinton, who brings significant trial expertise. Dallas-based Tom Walsh, a seasoned trial attorney, represents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, particularly within the energy sector.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s energy and infrastructure practice has a robust offering which covers the acquisition and disposition of single and portfolio assets, transaction structuring, and joint development, as well as power purchase agreements, sales of renewable energy certificates, and joint bidding. The team regularly advises developers, power producers, financial investors, and energy and infrastructure funds on high-value and high-profile transactions which continue to attract clients to its roster. Co-chairing the department are Houston-based Mike Blankenship and Mike Pikiel, who is based in New York. They are supported by New York’s Jonathan Birenbaum who stands out for his ‘excellent pulse on the sector.’ He concentrates on acquisitions and dispositions, financing transactions, and M&A. Other key practitioners in the team include New York-based Jason Lewis and Washington DC’s Tom Millar.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP ‘s environmental team advises on a wide range of matters, ranging from compliance and permitting, to toxic torts and regulatory matters. With a focus on high-stakes litigation, the team represents in cases involving CERCLA, NEPA, and the Clean Water Act, among others. Led by Jonathan Brightbill, a former senior DOI official, in Washington DC, and Eleni Kouimelis in Chicago, the team focuses in government enforcement, regulatory battles, and complex business disputes.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Winston & Strawn LLP is active in the tech, energy, telecoms, and utilities sectors, among others. Mike Blankenship is managing partner of the firm’s Houston office and co-chairs the practice group alongside David Sakowitz in New York, whose broad experience covers company- and underwriter-side engagements. Justin Hoffman in Houston is active in the energy, tech, financial services, and consumer products sectors; in the energy space he is especially well versed in upstream, midstream, and oilfield services transactions. Charlie Haag in Dallas and New York-based Sey-Hyo Lee are also key contacts in the group.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Being renowned specialists in SPAC mergers in the medical devices and gaming sectors, alongside overseeing high-profile public offerings and IPOs, Winston & Strawn LLP acts on both the issuer and underwriter sides. The practice draws upon its cross-border capabilities with Asian and Caribbean markets, while the team co-head Mike Blankenship stands out for his knowledge on capital markets offerings from his base in Houston. Also leading the outfit, New York-based David Sakowitz primarily concentrates on private placement transactions, and Chicago-based Keerthika Subramanian represents key clients including investment banks and portfolio companies, as well as displaying strength in the consumer products space.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP advises biotech and pharma clients on a range of matters, including patent litigation, complex ‘bet-the-company’ product liability, and white collar and investigations. Washington DC’s Reed Stephens – a go-to regulatory lawyer for medical device and pharma manufacturers on False Claims Act, drug pricing, and voluntary disclosure matters – co-leads the practice with New York-based Justin Levy, a private equity specialist contributing to the firm’s transactional work. Banee Pachuca joined the Houston team from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, with Chicago-based Meredith Heim arriving from Ice Miller; both focus on transactional and regulatory matters. Commercial, tort, and regulatory disputes and investigations specialist Alexandra Chopin joined the Washington DC office from Squire Patton Boggs.

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

Winston & Strawn LLP ’s employee benefits and executive compensation team is well-versed in handling transactional and regulatory matters for a diverse client base, including Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and financial institutions. Led by Joseph Adams in Chicago and Scott Landau  in New York, the team provides strategic counsel on ERISA, incentive equity, and executive compensation issues in complex M&A and restructuring deals. The team offers expertise in compensation arrangements, severance plans, and compliance matters. The firm has been engaged in significant transactions, assisting clients with high-value deals and navigating evolving regulatory frameworks. Maria Kenny , based in New York, advises public and private companies, private equity clients, while also assisting with executive employment agreements, severance plans, equity arrangements, non-qualified retirement plans, and welfare benefit plans.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s bench of expertise encompasses wage and hour class and collective actions, whistleblowing, discrimination, harassment and misappropriation of trade secrets. Chicago’s Michael Roche is responsible for leading the team and excels in lawsuits involving claims of whistleblowing. Cardelle Spangler, also in Chicago, is a key name in the practice and also brings expertise in whistleblowing and discrimination matters to the group. Joan Fife is a reputed wage and class action attorney in the San Francisco office, while in Los Angeles, Jason Campbell provides further expertise in the defense of class wage and hour actions.

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

Containing ‘experts in the field’, Winston & Strawn LLP represents clients in privacy and data litigation, including acting class actions and biometric-related litigation. The firm is well-versed in state and federal regulatory frameworks including the TCPA, BIPA, CCPA and CIPA. Based in Chicago, Alessandra Swanson, an advisor to healthcare, retail, media and e-commerce companies, and Sean Wieber, an expert privacy litigator, lead the team. Los Angeles-based Kevin Simpson is well versed in privacy and consumer protection legislation.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 5

Winston & Strawn LLP provides ‘client-oriented advice’ to clients navigating the domestic and international merger review process, working closely with the firm’s M&A practice to guide clients with transactional counseling, government investigations, and HSR matters. Conor Reidy, in Chicago, co-heads the practice with an emphasis on complex commercial litigation, merger review, and antitrust counselling. In New York, Richard Falek regularly serves as lead counsel in domestic and multinational transactions. Kevin Goldstein, working out of Chicago, is particularly recommended as a key contact for the firm’s Japan practice.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 5

Handling a broad spectrum of healthcare mandates, Winston & Strawn LLP‘s group is recognized for its transactional, regulatory and contentious work, acting for a varied roster of hospitals and health systems. T. Reed Stephens and Justin Levy jointly lead the group from Washington DC and New York, respectively; Stephens is a go-to name for regulatory work and pharmaceutical fraud claims, while Levy specializes in corporate work with noted expertise in representing private equity sponsors. Other key DC-based practitioners include Amandeep Sidhu, who focuses on high-profile litigation, compliance issues and government investigations; corporate expert Eric Knickrehm; and Amy Kearbey, who excels in healthcare fraud and abuse matters. Banee Pachuca joined the firm’s Houston office in August 2024 and is a regulatory specialist.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 5

Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, Winston & Strawn LLP integrates a strong financial services and tax team to work on investments across corporate credit, private equity, and alternative asset classes, assisting with funds ranging from small-cap to those with AUM of billions of dollars. The group also incorporates members for the firm’s M&A team sponsor clients on fund restructurings, tenders offer and other GP-led liquidity transactions. On the regulatory side, practitioners are especially knowledgeable and up-to-date with regulatory developments, so is often engaged by clients for such matters, particularly SBIC licensing and SIBC regulation, areas of strength for Megan Devaney and Alan Roth. Margaret Frey and Scott Naidech lead the practice.

Government > Government contracts

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s fast expanding Latin America practice offers a broad range of expertise in the wider banking and finance field, notably energy and infrastructure finance, distressed financings and restructuring, financial services regulatory and fintech matters, and digital assets and blockchain issues. The firm is also making a growing impression in cross-border bank lending in Brazil, thanks to the presence of Sao Paulo partner Rodrigo Carvalho, the former head of investment banking (legal division) at Bank of America in Brazil. Los Angeles-based co-chair of the structured finance practice, Francisco Flores is leading the firm’s advice on financings to fintech businesses across Latin America. New York-based Talbert Navia is chair of the Latin America group and is also active in major financings, while Richard Puttré is noted for project finance, especially for Spanish sponsors, and Claude Serfilippi handles a mix of banking and finance matters and capital markets transactions. Carl Fornaris is an experienced figure in financial services regulatory matters and fintech, along with Kimberly Prior and Juan Azel providing further fintech, digital assets and blockchain technology expertise. Named individuals are based in Miami unless stated otherwise.

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