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

Winston & Strawn LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 1

Winston & Strawn LLP fields a fully integrated e-discovery team handling all matters related to information governance, class-action and privacy for multinational clients. Practice head John Rosenthal works from Washington DC and assists companies with regulatory investigations, antitrust and data security aspects. Charlotte-based Alan Stevens is a sought-after counsel by clients involved in commercial litigations, while Bobby Malhotra brings longstanding experience in high-stakes litigation out of Los Angeles. Recent departures include Sheryl Falk in September 2023 and Matthew Poplawski in May 2023.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 1

Among recent cases for Dan Webb at Winston & Strawn LLP in Chicago, are tort, wrongful death, and defamation matters, and he is also well versed in white collar crime matters. Webb acts for Fox News on an ongoing basis and was retained by the company in 2023 in the extremely high value defamation case initiated by US Dominion Voting Systems. Webb’s multidisciplinary practice is evident in a recent matter in which he continued to represent Versata Software as first chair in a case encompassing trade secret, breach of contract, and patent claims.Acting as co-chair of government investigations, enforcement, and compliance practice at Winston & Strawn LLP, Abbe Lowell splits his time between Washington DC and New York and is a standout trial lawyer in the US. Lowell, who is skilled in white collar crime matters, has represented clients in trials throughout the country on both the civil and criminal side, notably representing Hunter Biden, in which Lowell defended the client as lead counsel in relation to an ongoing investigation by the Special Counsel and US Attorney of the District of Delaware.Tom Melsheimer at Winston & Strawn LLP in Dallas is a strong litigator and trial lawyer with longstanding experience in jury trials on both the civil and criminal side, including time as a federal prosecutor during which he built experience which utilizes into his current work on government matters. IP litigation is a key area for Melsheimer, who successfully acted for US. Well Services, Inc.  in a jury trial in August 2023 concerning patent infringement.George Lombardi, based in Chicago, has a broad practice, with distinguishing features including mass torts and product liability. Lombardi is co-chair of Winston & Strawn LLP‘s litigation department and has acted in lead trial counsel in many significant trials such as successfully defending Monsanto as lead trial counsel in a roundup product liability trial, a case which attracted a great deal of media attention. A standout recent matter was the first part of an ongoing IP dispute for Corning. Inc.Jeffrey Kessler – Winston & Strawn LLP is described by one client as ‘extremely hands-on, always available and gives tailored, sharp, on point advice’ as well as being ‘very reliable and the absolute go to lawyer for any settlement and trial assistance especially in the sports sector.’ Indeed, Kessler continues to work on high profile cases within the sports industry, recently representing in the Hubbard v. NCAA case, regarding class damages for lost Alston benefits, which is due to stand trial in November 2024, representing a former former NCAA athlete.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 1

The renewable energy team at Winston & Strawn LLP is 'well connected' and 'very plugged into the sector‘, continuing to handle standout transactions from across the renewable and alternative energy sphere. A standout recent matter has seen the team representing MUFG investing in a battery energy storage project in California, which is among the first transactions taking advantage of the transferability provision in the Inflation Reduction Act. Rich Shutran (New York), Mike Blankenship (Houston), and Mike Pikiel (New York) jointly coordinate the department, with Shutran being the dedicated energy sector specialist. For renewable energy project finance, Laurae Rossi in Los Angeles is a key contact, as is more junior partner Hao Huang, who works closely with Rossi. Of counsels Danielle Young and Anne Gibbons add further depth in Los Angeles, while in New York, Jonathan Birenbaum is a senior figure with involvement in the renewables sector.

Industry focus > Sport Tier 1

Counting sports franchises, financial service providers, and governmental entities amongst its key clients, the team at Winston & Strawn LLP has extensive experience acting in high-profile litigation and arbitration proceedings in addition to advising on project developments and financing transactions. The practice is highly regarded for assisting companies and institutional investors in securing media rights, obtaining license agreements, and managing sponsorship assets. The practice is headed by David Feher, David Greenspan, and Jeffrey Kessler, with the trio specializing in complex sports labor law proceedings, antitrust litigation, and finance issues surrounding NFL and NBA teams. Alan Hoffman is an expert on conventional financing structures, Jonathan Amoona routinely represents athletes across all sports in arbitration claims, and San Francisco-based Jeanifer Parsigian is a key for regarding gender-discrimination lawsuits. Sofia Arguello focuses on salary and benefit-related matters, whilst Jason Hellwig and Jason Goldstein serve as key contacts for real estate finance and infrastructure projects. Adam Dale is knowledgeable on employment related issues, and all lawyers are New York-based unless otherwise stated.

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

Demonstrating an extensive track record in public and private M&A, SPAC business combinations, and corporate finance transactions, Winston & Strawn LLP’s ‘technically proficient’ practice is comprised of lawyers across the US who frequently collaborate with the firmwide network of specialists in Europe, Asia, and Latin America to handle multijurisdictional matters. The team has in-depth expertise in representing global and domestic companies within the retail, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, with Chicago-based chair of the M&A division Matt Stevens serving as an expert for cross-border acquisitions and investments. In Dallas, Matthew Stockstill co-chairs the private equity division alongside New York-based Brad Vaiana. From Los Angeles, Eva Davis primarily advises private companies and boards of directors, and Rick Martin focuses on joint ventures and financing transactions from Miami. Also based in Chicago, Matthew Bergmann is knowledgeable on capital markets, Oscar David concentrates on corporate governance issues, and Matthew Costigan specializes in divestitures. Meanwhile, New York’s Allen Miller consistently acts on behalf of private equity funds and financial institutions.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

Described by clients as ‘a strong team with exceptional knowledge’, Winston & Strawn LLP is sought out by corporates and individuals from numerous sectors, with recent engagements in the food and electronic components segments. Co-head Eva Cole focuses on international cartel investigations and class actions, and has a track record of dealing with antitrust authorities from Europe and various countries from across the globe, including Australia, Brazil, Korea and Mexico. Cole leads the group alongside trial lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, who balances a busy workload of criminal and civil investigations, jury trials and civil litigation for domestic and international companies. Both are based in New York, as is Jeffrey Amato, who is another key contact for international cartel litigation and government investigations. In Chicago, Jim Herbison is an experienced litigator, and adept at the full gamut of jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations as part of his multifaceted antitrust practice, which encompasses advice on allegations of price-fixing and bid-rigging. Heather Lamberg left the firm in May 2023.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

Highly regarded for its strength in tech and sports-related antitrust litigations, Winston & Strawn LLP's expertise spans class actions, multidistrict litigations, and the full range of civil litigation across the tech, food, fashion, and real estate industries. Jeffrey Kessler and Eva Cole co-head the global antitrust practice from the firm’s New York office. Kessler has a broad practice spanning antitrust, sports law, and antitrust-related intellectual property issues; he has significant experience representing international companies in civil and multidistrict litigations, and also takes point on antitrust cases in the sports sector. Cole has stand-out expertise in the electronics, sports, retail, and private equity industries, focusing on cartel investigations and follow-on class actions in these spaces. James Herbison, described by clients as ‘one of the brightest antitrust minds in the country’, leads the Illinois offering from Chicago and has a strong track record handling the full range of antitrust litigation, including price-fixing, merger enforcement, and patent issues. Herbison works alongside Michael Mayer, who focuses his practice on class actions and tech antitrust litigations, counting consumer electronics companies and manufacturers among his clients.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

With capabilities in domestic and cross-border matters, Winston & Strawn LLP is recommended for both companies and individuals who are being investigated for FCPA offences, fraud, sanction violations, and bribery. Located in Los Angeles, Angela Machala routinely handles securities enforcement matters. Abbe Lowell splits his time between Washington DC and New York. Lowell has a wealth of experience navigating congressional and administrative proceedings. Dan Webb is a highly distinguished trial lawyer based in Chicago. Practicing in San Francisco, Pamela Davis is particularly skilled at advising multinational corporations; she has significant experience with multijurisdictional investigations in Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Suzanne Jaffe Bloom is located in New York and has an in-depth knowledge of cases relating to false claims.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP fields a deep bench of trial lawyers who are adept across all types of litigation, with a demonstrably strong track record acting as lead trial counsel, as well as MDL coordinating counsel, and on class actions and appeals. Praised for its ability to ‘collaborate seamlessly’, the practice group draws from the firm-wide strengths in M&A, finance, tax and real estate matters to undertake a broad range of disputes that arise out of these areas. Based out of Dallas and Chicago respectively, Thomas Walsh and Samantha Lerner co-chair the complex commercial litigation practice. Also in Chicago, Steve D’Amore is a key name for breach of contract, fraud, false advertising and RICO violations, whilst George Lombardi is an important name to note for patent litigation. Pre-eminent Chicago trial lawyer Dan Webb remains in high demand for major commercial, civil, regulatory, and white-collar criminal cases. Managing partner of the Dallas office Tom Melsheimer runs a broad practice which encompasses securities and IP litigation and trade secret matters, among other areas. In Houston, experienced litigator Denise Scofield comes highly recommended for being ‘very attentive and creative in her legal strategies’.

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

Drawing upon the expertise of lawyers across the US with significant product liability expertise and also leveraging the firm’s overarching litigation pedigree, Winston & Strawn LLP is well-positioned to defend leading manufacturers and brands against high-profile consumer class action and product liability claims in the tobacco, oil and gas, and food and beverage sectors. Vastly experienced Chicago-based duo George Lombardi and Dan Webb are recognized for their versatility, with Lombardi having a particularly strong track record across product liability matters. In Miami, David Coulson has a formidable reputation for defending clients against consumer class actions, including claims in the food and beverages space. In Chicago, the ‘excellent’ Christopher Essig is noted for his ‘collegiate approach’ and is increasingly involved in cases brought against major consumer product companies. San Francisco-based Sandra Edwards chairs the product liability practice, which also includes Washington DC-based John Rosenthal, who is ‘one of the foremost thought leaders in e-discovery’, and Stephanie Clouston, who joined the firm’s Dallas office in June 2023 from Alston & Bird LLP; she is noted for her broad litigation practice.

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

Leveraging ‘a strong overarching litigation brand’ – which includes a number of well-regarded trial lawyers based in the Midwest and on both coasts – as well as a deep knowledge of the underlying science/medicine, Winston & Strawn LLP ‘excels at handling large cases and MDLs’ involving product liability and consumer fraud allegations against pharmaceutical/medical devices companies. As well as regularly acting as lead trial counsel on high-profile matters, the team is also adept at leading the overarching litigation strategy, often acting as national counsel helping to work up the case, dealing with expert witnesses and providing expertise at a motions stage. Christopher Essig is noted for his ‘very collegiate’ approach, ensuring that he is a popular choice on large-scale MDLs often involving multiple defendants. Alongside ‘outstanding’ trial lawyer Scott Ahmad, Essig is lead national counsel for Hikma Pharmaceuticals in all of its opioid-related litigation. San Francisco-based team head Sandra Edwards  is also a very accomplished trial lawyer whose oeuvre of work has included a number of high-profile MDL successes for pharmaceutical companies over the years.  

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

With in-depth procedural and substantive law expertise, as well as drawing upon vast scientific knowledge, Winston & Strawn LLP is regularly active in high-profile toxic tort class actions/MDLs in federal and state courts throughout the country. Many of these are in the role of lead trial counsel, where the firm is able to call upon the skill of a vast reservoir of highly acclaimed first-chair trial lawyers among its ranks, including many who are adept at handling complex toxic tort cases. For example, both San Francisco-based team head Sandra Edwards and the vastly experienced George Lombardi in Chicago, continue to handle many of the key trials for Monsanto as defendant in the long-running Roundup litigation. Lombardi is also involved in relation to PFAS litigation, particularly where trials are set. At a more junior level, Chicago-based Bryce Cooper is also key to the firm’s success in many of the highest-profile toxic tort MDLs and has a core involvement in the aforementioned Monsanto matter, as well as for Abbott Laboratories in relation to the infant milk mass tort litigation. The arrival in February 2023 of both Eric Knapp and Troy Yoshino from Squire Patton Boggs enhances the firm’s growing status in the Bay Area, with both regularly involved in toxic tort/environmental class action litigation in the immediate geographical area and beyond.

Finance > Project finance

Winston & Strawn LLP has ‘a large team of lawyers for each specific area of expertise’ that are able to ‘collaborate to find the best possible solutions in challenging transactions’. Whilst the firm has a prominent position as a premium advisor to lenders active on a litany of energy and infrastructure projects, wider work includes advising institutional investors on major sports stadium redevelopments and guiding developers through the design, financing and operating of central utility plants. Energy mandates have centered on renewables and battery storage instructions that have involved a wide array of financing structures, while infrastructure mandates span multiple sectors, most significantly sport, transport and telecoms, often with an impressive cross-border aspect. Mike Pikiel and Alan Hoffman spearhead the practice on both fronts, with the former highly regarded for his P3 knowledge and the latter as a go-to in the market for sports-related finance and development work. A key figure for developers, operators and institutional investors, Rich Shutran sits as the third energy practice head, while Miami’s Richard Puttré joins the leadership team on the infrastructure side and is notably focused on the energy-related logistics and transport matters, covering projects in both North and Latin America. The Los Angeles-based renewables specialist Laurae Rossi is another key figure of note and leads a number of the firm’s most consequential debt financings, whereas Jason Goldstein and Jason Hellwig add further sports capabilities to the group. Senior associate Dan Shapiro has built a formidable book of work through his supporting role on an impressive breadth of practice matters. All practitioners are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP assists clients in traditional and novel securitizations. In addition to its strength in CLOs and MBS transactions, the firm is experienced in the PACE, solar, wind, aircraft, equipment leasing and transportation asset classes. Francisco Flores, practicing in Los Angeles, advises issuers and underwriters in securitizations across numerous asset classes, including residential and commercial mortgages, automobile loans, home equity loans, lottery receivables and student loans. Flores leads the team alongside Chris Gavin, who sits in New York and advises on RMBS matters as well as collateralized commercial paper programs and other ABS matters. Also in New York, Pete Morgan is experienced in both public and private securitizations as well as warehouse financings. Chicago-based Michael Mullins supports clients, from asset managers and finance companies to asset managers, in CLO matters.

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

Winston & Strawn LLP is praised for fielding a team that is ‘standout in patent litigation‘. The group is knowledgeable in a wide variety of high-tech industries and has particular expertise in the biotech, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. The firm’s intellectual property and patent litigation practices are co-chaired by Los Angeles-based attorneys David Enzminger, who focuses on the intellectual property aspects of tech litigation, and Nimalka Wickramasekera, who is an expert in patent and licensing disputes in the medical device and high-tech space. Washington DC-based trial lawyer Chuck Klein is experienced in patent, antitrust and commercial disputes, and George Lombardi in Chicago is an experienced patent attorney with experience in a wide variety of tech-related matters. The group also includes Tom Melsheimer in Dallas, who covers a broad range of contentious matters, New York-based Krishnan Padmanabhan who has extensive experience handling patent infringement cases in the telecoms space, and Jovial Wong in Washington DC, who focuses on patent litigation and counseling in the life sciences industry.

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

The Winston & Strawn LLP employee benefits and executive compensation team plan has an impressive track record of work on range of complex matters, touching on private exchange medical benefits, employee benefits in captive insurance, and fiduciary governance best practices. The team has a strong presence in Chicago, where Joe Adams co-heads the practice. While Adams represents clients in many industries, he is a regular choice for clients in the healthcare industry. Scott Landau co-heads the practice from New York. Susan Nash is experienced in a wide range of works, among which includes the design and amendment of defined contribution plans and health and welfare plans. Anne Becker advises on a wide range of matters, including pension plans and 401(k) plans. Amy Gordon is well versed in designing service provider agreements, providing fiduciary training, and plan investments. In Washington DC, David Rogers has recently advised clients concerning their qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and fringe benefit plans. All individuals mentioned are based in Chicago, unless stated otherwise.

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

Leading middle-market private equity funds such as The Jordan Company, Wind Point, and Vistria retain longstanding relationships with the team at Winston & Strawn LLP, which has a penchant for handling leveraged buyouts and growth investments in sectors such as software, food, healthcare, and defense. Integrated antitrust, real estate, tax, and IP expertise further allows the team to guide funds through the entire transactional lifecycle and handle a diverse range of portfolio company-related matters, including cross-border mergers, add-on acquisitions, and take-private deals. The team is active across the country and is jointly led by New York-based public and private M&A and corporate governance expert Brad Vaiana, Dallas lawyer Matthew Stockstill, who focuses on cross-border PE acquisitions and exits alongside fund formation matters, and transactional and debt finance specialist Eva Davis, who practices from Los Angeles. Further key contacts include private equity and capital markets expert Matthew Bergmann in Chicago and de-SPAC specialist Dom DeChiara in New York.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP specializes in representing the food and beverage sector in high-stakes and highly visible matters ranging from consumer class actions to Lanham Act false advertising matters. Co-headed by Chicago-based Ronald Rothstein and Los Angeles-based Gayle Jenkins, the group offers comprehensive advertising and commercial litigation services including class action counsel, representation before the FDA, and appealing advertising challenges before the NAD and the NARB. Rothstein concentrates on consumer class actions, false advertising litigation matters, and advertising challenges, while Jenkins handles the full range of commercial litigation matters ranging from RICO to unfair business practices. Amanda Groves, based in Los Angeles, focuses on commercial litigation particularly relating to labelling and advertising cases. In Los Angeles, Shawn Obi specializes in matters involving financial services as well as consumer products and food and beverage companies. The team also benefits from the expertise of Miami-based Jared Kessler and Chicago-based Sean Suber who have experience representing clients from the food and beverage sector in consumer class actions.

Transport > Shipping: litigation and regulation Tier 2

Winston & Strawn LLP has a strong market reputation for its advice on complex maritime issues involving US government policy and law, as well as shipping-related  transactions, litigation, regulations, and enforcement issues. The full-service practice also routinely leverages the firm’s other litigation and regulatory practices, including attorneys from the appellate, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, global trade, and labor and employment practices. The team additionally represents port authorities and marine terminal operators in disputes before the Federal Maritime Commission, including challenges to proposed rules, and the litigation of alleged unlawful preference and refusal to deal disputes. Chairing the firm’s maritime and admiralty practice, Charlie Papavizas, who represents shipowners, operators, managers, shipyards, energy companies, marine construction companies, and financial institutions, focuses on the administrative and legislative aspects of the maritime industry. Bryant Gardner‘s practice ranges from maritime government contract disputes, US flag programs and The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), to Shipping Act and Federal Maritime Commission-related disputes and Jones Act compliance issues. All advisers listed are based in the Washington DC office unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP’s litigation practice is highly active on complex matters spanning multiple jurisdictions, with international cartel matters and cross-border sports cases both key parts of the department. High-profile fraud cases are also a mainstay of the team. The team acts for a roster of impressive clients, including Banco San Juan Internacional, Kingdom of Morocco, Panasonic Corp, and GoITV. The practice is commended for being ‘always practical, on point, conscious of commercial implications and easy to understand’. In New York, Jeffrey Kessler is highly active on complex antitrust, sports, and IP law cases, and frequently provides commentary and analysis on novel points of antitrust law. In the same office, Marcelo Blackburn is active on complex commercial litigation and class actions, along with international arbitration and regulatory investigations. Also at leadership level are Chicago-based Dan Webb and Abbe Lowell, who are highly active in the government investigations, enforcement, and compliance practice of the firm.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP has a skilled securities litigation practice in which partners frequently handle high-stakes M&A-related cases. The standout lawyer is practice head James Smith in New York who has ‘great judgment and unmatched experience over many decades‘. Also highly active are fellow practice head William O’Neill in Chicago, who is ‘an exceptional commercial litigator‘. Chair of firm’s Los Angeles litigation practice John Schreiber also plays a pivotal role in high-value cases, a recent example being the defense of Oaktree Capital Management in a cross-border dispute concerning an alleged breach of an asset purchase agreement. Matthew DiRisio in New York, who is representing REIT Jernigan Capital, Inc. in a matter concerning its $900m merger with NexPoint Advisers, is also highly regarded.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP has an ‘extremely collaborative‘ securities litigation that operates from key centers across the US. James Smith in New York, John Schreiber in Los Angeles, and William O’Neil in Chicago jointly oversee the national securities litigation practice. Schreiber and up-and-coming partner Kerry Donovan in New York are ‘very adept litigators and outstanding communicators’. They acted for Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation in a federal securities class action stemming from a $2bn stock drop in 2018, which is currently on appeal. Key partner Matthew DiRisio‘s on-going work with Smith to defend Becton, Dickinson and Company in a complex case is a major highlight of the firm’s work. The firm is also involved in key matters in the cryptocurrency space, including the defense of private equity firm Vahill Capital in Securities and Exchange Commission v. Ripple Labs, Inc. et al.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP continues to operate across the entire oil and gas value chain, where it notably advises a deep roster of midstream clients on a number of transactions and financing matters related to crude oil gathering, natural gas gathering and processing, and LNG projects. In the upstream space, the team is also consistently assisting with acquisitions and dispositions, joint development, exploration and participation agreements. The firm’s energy and infrastructure industry group is jointly spearheaded by corporate finance and securities law expert Mike Blankenship in Houston and New York-based Mike Pikiel and Rich Shutran. From Dallas, Rodney Moore and Larry Murphy regularly handle a range of M&A, joint venture, and financing transactions in both the traditional upstream and midstream sectors and in the evolving transitional energy space, areas in which Houston-based Chris Ferazzi is also well-versed. Isaac Griesbaum left the firm to move in-house in September 2023.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

Highly experienced in the establishment and operation of private investment funds, Winston & Strawn LLP is knowledgeable in SEC and CFTC regulatory digital asset matters. The digital assets and blockchain technology group is jointly led by Carl Fornaris, Kimberly Prior, who advises distributed ledger and blockchain companies on regulatory matters, and Daniel Stabile, who is knowledgeable of securities law pertaining to digital assets and NFTs. Will Turner is proficient in M&A and venture capital investments, while in New York, Thania Charmani often represents corporations and individuals in blockchain and shareholder derivative litigation. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Miami, unless stated otherwise.

Intellectual property > Copyright Tier 3

Utilising the bench strength of its global footprint, the team at Winston & Strawn LLP represents major corporates in telecoms (including Cox Communications), financial services, media, entertainment, construction, engineering, video game publishing, and medical devices involved in high-value infringement litigation. The practice is led by Michael Elkin in New York, who brings expertise to acting for entertainment and digital media companies; Jennifer Golinveaux in San Francisco, who, along with Elkin, defends internet service providers against secondary liability claims for infringement; and David Enzminger in Los Angeles, who specializes in technology litigation. Diana Leiden, also in LA, brings expertise to advising tech and media clients on the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Sean Anderson in NY was promoted to partner in January 2024. Seth Spitzer and Erin Ranahan departed for in-house roles in April and June of 2023.

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

Chicago-based Steven Grimes, David Enzminger in Los Angeles and Dallas’ Natalie Arbaugh oversee Winston & Strawn LLP‘s trade secrets group. The team’s specialisms span white-collar crime, litigation and labor and employment and its workload includes leading trade secrets and information security audits; advising on alleged misappropriations; and assisting in broader disputes and litigious cases relating to trade secret issues, such as the carrying out of unlawful raids and the enforcement of temporary restraining orders brought against former employees. Tech and financial services are key industries the group focuses on. Team changes include the departures of former co-head of the practice Sheryl Falk who left the Houston office to in August 2023, of Seth Spitzer who left the New York office in April 2023, both to in-house roles, and of Michael Tomasulo who departed the Los Angeles team to join Reed Smith LLP in February 2023.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP acts on behalf of a broad array of clients in both litigation and administrative procedures, with experience in audits, appeals, and internal investigations. Co-leading the team are James Mastracchio, who has a strong track record in both civil and criminal tax controversy, and Susan Seabrook, who is noted for her strength in complex multijurisdictional matters. New York lawyer Karl Kurzatkowski has key expertise in the insurance industry and provides support for numerous prominent clients in this area, while Zachary Weit has experience advising clients in the nonprofit sector. Unless otherwise mentioned, all recommended lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Winston & Strawn LLP’s Chicago-based transactional tax team handles a wide range of matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, securitizations, fund formations, and financing transactions, with a particularly strong reputation for advising middle-market private equity funds and SBICs. Practice head Olga Loy focuses on private equity, venture capital, and SBIC fund formation as well as M&A transactions, buyouts, recapitalizations, restructurings, and executive compensation cases. Dennis Kelly specializes in real estate and municipal finance taxation as well as securitization-related tax issues. Donald Goff has considerable experience structuring M&A and private equity transactions, many of the latter involving pre- or post-closing restructurings. Mark Christy is strong in the structured finance and project finance spaces. Angela Rohman-Russo plays a key role in the group, advising on mergers, divestitures, restructurings, and recapitalizations.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Increasingly active on behalf of automotive manufacturer clients, Winston & Strawn LLP formed a separate automotive industry group during 2023, which includes both litigation and transactional attorneys. In addition to its longstanding representation of Toyota, the group acts for several electric vehicle manufacturers, as well as vehicle rental, trucking and transportation logistics companies. The firm has also traditionally acted for railroads and rail equipment suppliers. The track record of Chicago-based Bill O’Neil includes several major cases for Hertz Corporation; Troy Yoshino (a February 2023 hire from Squire Patton Boggs) in San Francisco routinely defends class actions; and Brett Johnson heads up the firm’s Dallas litigation practice. Over in DC, Andrew Tauber’s railroad sector experience includes litigating cases under the Federal Railroad Safety Act, the ICC Termination Act, the Federal Employer’s Liability Act, the Locomotive Inspection Act, and the Safety Appliances Act.

Transport > Shipping: finance Tier 3

In addition to Winston & Strawn LLP‘s litigation and regulatory credentials, the firm’s maritime attorneys advise on major finance deals. The practice is experienced in assisting both US and non-US entities with vessel-related deals, including Jones Act financings, foreign investments in Jones Act vessels and companies, vessel finance involving the US government’s Title XI guarantee, and Capital Construction Fund programs. The DC-based group also advises on equity and debt issues, including IPOs and other offerings involving senior and subordinated debt and equity hybrids. The firm’s project financing, structured finance and private equity teams additionally handle shipping industry deals. Chairing the firm’s maritime and admiralty practice, Charlie Papavizas represents shipowners, shipyards, energy companies, marine construction companies, financial institutions, and operators and managers. Supporting Papavizas, Bryant Gardner‘s practice includes maritime government contract negotiations and disputes, US flag programs, and Jones Act compliance work.

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

During 2023, Winston & Strawn LLP’s appellate and critical motions practice argued a strong concentration of cases before the Second, Seventh and Federal Circuits. Among its diverse docket of work, the team secured a significant volume of antitrust-related appeals. Most notably, Chicago-based department head Linda Coberly successfully represented Chicago Parking Meters (CPM) in the Seventh Circuit in a case brought by two Chicago residents challenging the $1.1bn concession agreement between CPM and the City of Chicago. Andrew Tauber and patent specialist Brian Ferguson are also recommended—both sit in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s financial services litigation practice represents financial institutions in matters such as consumer class actions, enforcement actions, and IP litigation. The team, based in Charlotte, is co-led by Kobi Brinson and Jack Knight – Brinson is noted for his focus on government investigations and enforcement actions, while Knight is recognized for defending white collar cases. Another key member of the group is Elizabeth Ireland, who concentrates on inquiries and investigations prompted by the DOJ, the CFPB, and the FTC, among others. In 2023, the practice has notably made two lateral hires from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, welcoming Dan Chaudoin and Caitlin Mandel.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

During 2023, Winston & Strawn LLP ’s international arbitration practice handled a broad array of commercial and investment disputes, with notable activity in the financial services, TMT and energy and natural resources spheres. The team also continues to strengthen its Latin America disputes offering, where it is currently acting on cases involving Panama and Venezuela, among other jurisdictions. Chicago-based Ricardo Ugarte is a seasoned litigator and arbitration counsel with robust experience under key arbitral rules, including UNCITRAL, ICC and ICSID. Also noted are Miami-based Gustavo Membiela, who has an emphasis on Latin American disputes, and Houston’s Imad Khan, who was recently promoted to partner.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 4

The Houston-based team at Winston & Strawn LLP continues to handle a wide range of cases, including breach of contract, class actions, and enforcement actions. The firm’s energy and infrastructure industry group is jointly led by Mike Pikiel and Rich Shutran, both based in New York, and Houston’s Mike Blankenship, while Denise Scofield chairs the firm’s litigation department, consistently representing energy clients in complex litigation, internal investigations and other commercial and environmental matters. Further key contacts within the team are oil and gas litigation expert Paula Hinton and Casey Berger, whose focus is on securities, antitrust, consumer fraud and class actions. Counsel Brandon Duke is noted for assisting oil and gas clients with a variety of transactional disputes, contractual indemnities, and industry standard compliance. All practitioners are based in Houston unless otherwise stated.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

Fielding a ‘nimble’ transactional team that is ‘responsive to client needs’, Winston & Strawn LLP‘s team is ‘well integrated with every other major practice area required to conduct transactions in this space’. With expertise across conventional and renewable energy assets, the group regularly advises on M&A, joint bidding and ventures, financings and development work, with energy storage products increasingly becoming a key feature of the firm’s workload. Rich Shutran and Mike Pikiel helm the practice, with the former noted for the scale of his renewables and energy transition offering and the latter for his financing expertise. Jonathan Birenbaum is widely lauded by clients for his dealmaking capabilities, with the New York-based partner frequently engaged with a broad array of transaction structures and assets. Jason Lewis advises energy investors on M&A, project finance and project development matters. Managing partner for the firm’s Houston office Mike Blankenship also co-leads the team and is singled out for his securities and financing proficiency.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

The environmental team at Winston & Strawn LLP is particularly strong in civil and criminal enforcement proceedings, dealing with natural resource damage claims as well as matters related to the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act. The practice is co-chaired by Washington DC’s Jonathan Brightbill, who defends clients in civil litigation and class actions, along with Eleni Kouimelis, of the Chicago office, whose regularly brings actions to enforce the air, water, toxic statutes in judicial and administrative proceedings.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Winston & Strawn LLP has extensive experience in debt tender and exchange offers. The firm is designated underwriters’ counsel for a number of major corporate issuers in investment grade offerings. It has close connections to a number of major banks, along with large corporates, including those based in Latin America. New York’s David Sakowitz  is chair of the capital markets group, while Chicago partner Cab Morris is a prolific adviser on investment grade, high-yield and convertible debt transactions. Carol Anne Huff has left the firm.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Winston & Strawn LLP has continued its prominence in SPAC IPOs and business combinations, advising a huge client base of SPACs and also advising on equity offerings for corporate issuers. New York-based David Sakowitz  leads the capital markets team, which includes Houston-based SPAC specialist Mike Blankenship. Jason Osborn is another key partner in New York. Carol Anne Huff has left the firm.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 4

With a strong background in both debt and fund finance, Winston & Strawn LLP counts credit funds, institutional investors and equity sponsors among its lender clients. The team advises on senior, subordinated, secured and unsecured loans, as well as syndicated credit facilities, including cross-border and multicurrency transactions. The firm also boasts a dedicated CLO practice. David Baroni, based in Chicago, co-heads the leveraged finance practice and specializes in asset-based and cash-flow secured lending transactions. Also in Chicago, Nolan Bolduc advises a diverse clientele of financial institutions, asset managers, private equity sponsors and corporate issuers. Kader Crawford, based in Charlotte, is adept at handling bi-lateral acquisition financings to broadly syndicated credit facilities. Christina Wheaton in Chicago and Shreyansi Agarwal in New York are key members of the team.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP advises a diverse client base consisting of pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices producers on matters ranging from patent, product liability and broader commercial litigation, to M&As and private equity investments in the sector. Leading the team is Washington DC’s Reed Stephens, a specialist in FCA and Anti-Kickback proceedings, and with further expertise in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement proceedings. Chicago-based George Lombardi offers extensive experience litigating patent disputes. May 2023 saw the practice reinforced by the arrival of a three-partner group from Reed Smith LLP, with government contracts lawyers Lawrence Block, Elizabeth Leavy and Lawrence Sher arriving in the capital.

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

The ‘phenomenal’ Winston & Strawn LLP provides a comprehensive suite of employee benefits and executive compensation services, encompassing public company reporting, advice on qualified retirement plans and Title I investments, and international human resources-related issues. The practice is co-led by Scott Landau, who specializes in representing private equity clients and public companies in both US and international transactions, and Chicago’s Joseph Adams, who focuses on how M&A, divestitures, and spin-offs influence executive compensation, employee benefit plans, and individual executive agreements. Maria Kenny, dealing with issues including severance agreements, equity arrangements, and non-qualified retirement plans, along with Jennifer Stadler, who handles the employee benefits components of securities transactions, are key members of the team. All attorneys are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

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

The expertise of Winston & Strawn LLP’s labor and employment team covers a wide range of contentious matters including whistleblower, discrimination, wrongful termination, misappropriation of trade secrets, and breach of contract mandates. The group routinely assists employers in the healthcare, professional services, and luxury goods segments. National practice chair Michael Roche is based in Chicago and has broad advisory and contentious labor and employment expertise. Also in Chicago, local managing partner Cardelle Spangler has acted on numerous high-profile discrimination matters. In San Francisco, Joan Fife is a seasoned class action practitioner whose practice encompasses wage and hour classification matters and suitable seating and rest break lawsuits.

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

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s global privacy and data security practice group covers the full spectrum of privacy matters, including knowledge of evolving regulatory changes and specialised healthcare sector expertise. ‘Excellent’ Sean Wieber co-heads the team from Chicago, recommended for privacy litigation matters across the banking, retail, technology and telecommunications industries. Also in Chicago, co-head Alessandra Swanson is noted for expertise regarding internal privacy investigations, regulatory defense, and breach response. Working across Los Angeles and Chicago, 2023 partner Kevin Simpson focuses on class action defense in the sector. Former practice co-head Sheryl Falk  retired in August 2023.

Real estate Tier 4

Winston & Strawn LLP’s ‘very versatile’ real estate team regularly supports REITs, funds, private equity firms, and developers on all aspects of transactions, ventures, debt financing, and leasing of properties. In addition to retail and industrials, the team has seen considerable workload in self-storage, built-to-rent properties, together with single and multi-family residentials. Global chair Andrew White advises a mix of private equity funds, REITs, institutional investors, and developers from the firm’s office in Chicago. The practice is also known for its sizeable presence in Texas, with real estate and corporate expert Billie Ellis leading the team in Dallas, and Jeff Smith and Doug Yeager, a ‘go-to’ transaction attorney, leading the Houston practice. In the New York office, William Lang takes the lead on acquisitions, dispositions, and lease transactions for landlords and tenants.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 5

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s antitrust group has a strong track record in complex clearances, as well as on contentious merger-related investigations and litigation brought by the DOJ and FTC. Neely Agin, based in Washington DC, is a key port of call for leading US and international companies seeking advice on merger review and clearance processes. New York's Richie Falek advises Fortune 500 and other public and private clients on antitrust and trade regulation issues, while Conor Reidy, based in Chicago, specializes in complex commercial litigation.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 5

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s varied offering handles the full spectrum of issues relating to healthcare fraud and money-laundering allegations, investments into providers, and Certificate of Need approvals. Life sciences regulatory expert Reed Stephens leads the practice, and often handles fraud and abuse mandates and risk management issues. Lawrence Block, Elizabeth Leavy and Lawrence Sher joined the practice as a team from Reed Smith LLP in May 2023, contributing their broad expertise in government contracts. Of counsel Brendan Donahue joined from an in-house position in May 2023, bringing his specialism in M&A, while Guy Collier retired in February 2023.

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

Winston & Strawn LLP represents both private fund sponsors on the structuring of funds spanning across various asset classes and institutional investors on co-investments and secondaries transactions, with a particular focus on middle market funds and investments. Meg Frey in Chicago and Scott Naidech in New York make up the leadership team, with the former having expertise advising both on the buyer and seller side of secondaries transactions, and the latter represents institutional investors and family offices on private fund investments as well as on regulatory and compliance matters. Bradley Mandel is based in Chicago is well regarded for his experience with secondaries transactions, with further key names to note in this location being Megan Devaney and Alan Roth, the latter of both specializing in SBIC licensing and regulatory compliance matters.

Government > Government contracts

International trade > CFIUS

International trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions