Venable LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile
Venable LLP Offices
1290 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NY 10104-3800
NEW YORK
United States
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Venable LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 1
Hailed as ‘the absolute best in class for Maryland law‘, Venable LLP is instructed on M&A transactions by a national client base of both public and privately held companies. Charles Morton routinely appears on both buy- and sell-side transactions, boasting particular expertise of the consumer products, healthcare and technology sectors; he co-leads the practice alongside Bryan Rakes , an M&A, joint venture and financing transaction specialist, as well as Patricia McGowan who frequently advises REITs, financial institutions and healthcare entities on local corporate law.Practice head(s):
Charles Morton; Robert Bolger, Jr; Bryan Rakes; Patricia McGowan
Other key lawyers:
Sharon Kroupa; Anthony Rosso; Michael Schiffer; Thomas Washburne
Testimonials
‘Our key point of contact is Bryan Rakes – I think he’s uniquely good at understanding issues and delivering good work on expected timelines.’
‘We love Bryan Rakes and would and do recommend him highly.’
‘Venable is absolutely best in class for Maryland law, particularly as it relates to REITs. They are always up to speed on developments, forward-thinking and also very commercial and practical in how they work.’
‘Patricia McGowan is excellent in all respects, but particularly with respect to Maryland corporate law and governance matters.’
‘The Venable team looks to understand how your business operates, so that helps negotiate M&A deals.’
‘They have a calm demeanor which is helpful in the heat of an M&A deal.’
Key clients
Pinnacle Care International, Inc.
Spartan Surfaces
Special Committee of the Board of Directors of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc
Special Committee of the Board of Directors of CIM Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc.
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated
Howden USA Company, Howden Roots LLC, and James Howden & Company Ltd
GenRock Capital Management and Quality Restaurant Group
iBio, Inc.
Merkle Group Inc.
ZeroFOX, Inc.
Riggs, Counselman, Michaels and Downes, Inc.
Cognizant Technology Solutions U.S. Corporation
All Roads Company and its subsidiaries
Work highlights
- Acted as Maryland counsel to the Company in its $22bn all-stock merger with Detroit-based TCF Financial Corp, creating a top 25 U.S. bank holding company.
- Acted as Maryland counsel to Affiliated Real Estate Entities of a Global Alternative Investment Management Company in its acquisition of QTS Realty Trust, a publicly traded data center REIT.
- Acted as Maryland counsel to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of CIM Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc.
Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations) Tier 1
At Venable LLP, the non-profit practice has strength in complex taxation issues and corporate governance work. Led out of Washington DC, the team is led by experienced practitioner Cynthia Lewin who advises on compliance whilst co-chair George E Constantine is the main contact for trade associations, advocacy groups and public charities on the full gamut of matters, including lobbying and political activity. Ronald Jacobs is recommended for litigation and congressional investigations, having also founded the firm’s political law practice. Eric Berman handles enforcement actions by federal regulators. Key contacts in Baltimore include Robert L Waldman who advises on international philanthropy and Yosef Ziffer who is the name for tax audits and succession planning. In New York, Lindsay Nathan is the contact for political groups on organizational issues and campaign finance.Practice head(s):
Cynthia Lewin; George E Constantine
Other key lawyers:
Lindsay Nathan; Eric Barmen; Ronald Jacobs; Yosef Ziffer; Robert L Waldman
Testimonials
‘In our case, their expertise in Postal Service regulation and practice is most important. I believe they have a wide spectrum covering all important issues faced by nonprofits. While we are heavily involved in postal, when other issues come up, Venable is very helpful.’
‘Eric Berman is our lawyer for postal matters. He spent a couple of years getting fully up to speed before his predecessor retired. The hand-off was seamless. Eric brought new perspectives to postal matters and experience in other matters affecting nonprofits. He is very hard-working, available, and responsive to me and our board.’
‘Super smart lawyers; practical and strategic advice; always available for consultation; they treat client’s priorities as their own.’
‘Cindy Lewin. As a former in-house GC, she understands client needs impicitly. Very, very smart and a delight to work with.’
Key clients
American Cancer Society
Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers
ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Association of Materials Protection and Performance
The Common Application (CommonApp)
Carnegie Hall
Council for Advancement and Support of Education
Entertainment Industry Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
MPA – The Association of Magazine Media
National Association of Manufacturers
National Retail Federation
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
World Wildlife Fund
Work highlights
- Advised an entertainment industry foundation on licensing, corporate sponsorships, talent contracts, tax issues, and fundraising compliance nationwide for a blockbuster television fundraising program shown simultaneously on all networks and over 50 cable channels.
- Advised four large national nonprofit organizations on internal investigations related to potential self-dealing and harassment allegations.
- Assisted two major national charities with the design and implementation of their impact investing programs respectively, from negotiating side letters to advising on the tax exemption and securities aspects of direct investments in for-profit technology start-ups.
Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 2
The healthcare and life sciences sector is the centerpiece of Venable LLP‘s accomplished national product liability offering and sees the firm regularly engaged as national counsel overseeing the litigation strategy for many high-profile clients including Merck. The Baltimore-based team also has niche expertise defending vaccine manufacturers in litigation brought by plaintiffs following adverse reactions and side effects. Kathleen Hardway regularly serves on nationwide trial teams in complex pharmaceutical disputes and is particularly adept at working with expert witnesses. As part of his broad trial practice, Craig Thompson is regularly engaged in pharmaceutical product liability litigation, including his current role as co-national counsel to Takeda in litigation related to its proton-pump inhibitor medications. During his career, Bruce Parker has been lead trial counsel in four mass torts and as well as his advocacy skills, he is also recognized for his ‘fantastic expertise in epidemiology and science’. Jason Rose co-chairs the group alongside Hardway.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Bruce Parker has fantastic expertise in epidemiology and science, and is a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Merck & Co., Inc.
Organon & Co
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
Laboratory Corporation of America
Work highlights
- Representing Merck in litigation related to its shingles vaccine, Zostavax, in which plaintiffs allege that the vaccine causes patients to develop shingles and, in more limited instances, eye and neurologic injuries, and that Merck’s label did not adequately warn users of these risks.
- Representing Takeda in litigation related to their proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medications, including Prevacid and Dexilant, which treat acid reflux and GERD. In this litigation, plaintiffs allege that Takeda’s PPI medications cause certain kidney injuries.
- Representing Organon as national counsel for litigation related to Organon’s osteoporosis medication, Fosamax, in which the plaintiffs allege that Fosamax contributes to atypical femur fractures (AFFs).
Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation Tier 2
Venable LLP has a strong advertising litigation practice especially active in the food and dietary supplements sectors, while retail, pharma and digital marketing are equally strong areas. The team encompasses attorneys with cross-departmental expertise, especially in IP and privacy, which contributes toward a broader advertising practice. Regulation, false advertising class actions and Lanham Act cases as well as FTA and FDA disputes and investigations are among the firm's key specialisms. Based in Washington DC, practice head Roger A ColaizziPractice head(s):
Roger Colaizzi
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Roger Colaizzi combines extraordinary litigation skills, knowledge of the advertising and marketing skills, and a personal commitment to exceptional service. If you have legal problems in the realm of advertising and marketing, you should hire Roger.’
‘Roger actually listens to his clients and tailors his services to meet their needs.’
Key clients
Trader Joe’s
Premier Nutrition Corporation
Vitamin Shoppe Industries, Inc.
Sargento Foods, Inc.
Tri Union Seafoods LLC
Fashion Nova
Response Marketing Group
iStream Financial
Work highlights
- Defended Trader Joe’s in a putative class action alleging misleading labeling of chicken products.
- Representing Premier Nutrition in ten class actions that allege that the Joint Juice products were falsely advertised.
- Representing Sargento, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, and one of the country’s largest retail cheese companies in two actions which allege false advertising claims.
Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 2
Based in Washington DC, Venable LLP distinguishes itself through its engagement in government and regulatory issues, and in particular policy and investigations. Stuart P IngisPractice head(s):
Emilio Cividanes; Stuart Ingis
Other key lawyers:
Reed Freeman Jr; Julia Kernochan Tama; Michael Signorelli; Kelly DeMarchis Bastide; Grant Schneider; Tara Potashnik; Robert Hartwell;
Testimonials
‘The Venable team is always willing and able to engage on thorny privacy and security concerns, and excels at working through complex questions with their client’s stakeholders. Ability to help make sense of how regulators are thinking about emerging privacy and security issues.’
‘The Venable team is extremely responsive and always willing to make time for their clients no matter the time or day an issue hits. In particular, Mike Signorelli and Milo Cividanes are fantastic partners on a whole host of privacy, security, and incident response matters, and Grant Schneider’s insights and experience have been invaluable to my team as we think through the increasingly complex regulatory landscape.’
‘This is the top firm in privacy and cybersecurity. It has a talented bench of professionals that includes not just senior partners, but also access to the top cybersecurity think tank at the Center for Cybersecurity Policy and Law. Venable has the ability to provide top legal services and also integrate that into a policy and lobbying campaign.’
‘A tremendous knowledge of what is happening behind the scenes in the administration and Congress.’
‘Venable’s team is very knowledgeable in regulatory matters. They understand the business well, and always provide advice tailored to the business. They are also creative, and help you find solutions to difficult issues.’
‘Julia Tama is very knowledgeable, and provides an excellent service. She is always able to provide accurate advice, while also finding creative solutions to difficult issues. Stu Ingis is extremely knowledgeable of different industries and the regulatory landscape.’
‘Stuart Ingis, Emilio Cividanes, Tara Potashnik, Robert Hartwell: each of these individuals are experts on Data Privacy and Data Security. They have a wonderful “can-do” spirit and show a willingness to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work and analysis with us. Robert, in particular, is very helpful and really feels like part of the team!’
Key clients
Privacy for America
Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA)
Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets
Partnership for Responsible Addressable Media (PRAM)
Center for Cybersecurity Policy and Law
Comscore
Association of National Advertisers (ANA)
Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)
American Association of Advertising Agency (4A’s)
Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB)
Early Warning Services
Zscaler
Lidar Coalition
Work highlights
- Advised Privacy for America and engaged in dialogue with Senate and House staff and other regulators to discuss developments advancing comprehensive data privacy legislation in the United States.
- Advising the PPL WG on privacy, legal, policy, and other areas relevant to developing new standards for addressable media across the Internet.
- Acting as counsel to a coalition of advertising trade associations seeking to harmonize data standards that are being rolled out across states.
Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2
Venable LLP is commended for its ‘deep knowledge of the tech industry‘ and ‘ability to convey complex concepts and structures to non expert audiences‘. The standalone team provides invaluable support to other departments within the firm, including related advice on M&A deals. Core to its offering is a strong focus on domestic and international systems procurement and strategic sourcing deals, built on an understanding of relevant technologies, including Saas and cloud agreements, AI, and the internet of things. This spans various sectors including healthcare, financial services, pharma, retail, energy and manufacturing. Key partners in Washington DC include the ‘attentive, kind and pragmatic‘ Nora Garrote who co-chairs the IP transactions group, experienced TMC co-chair William Russell, and Armand Zottola. San Francisco partner Jim Nelson is active on the IP transactional and outsourcing side. The ‘charming, creative and detail-oriented‘ trade mark partner Rebecca Liebowitz (Washington DC) and Baltimore-based corporate partner Anthony Rosso are also singled out.Practice head(s):
William Russell; Nora Garrote; James Nelson; Armand Zottola
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Liebowitz; Anthony Rosso
Testimonials
‘A solid team that delivers great work and is great to work with while being very competitive from a pricing perspective.’
‘Anthony Rosso has been a great partner to our M&A team, assisting with numerous transactions over the years.’
‘Deep knowledge of the tech industry and the market standards for key terms and conditions. Excellent language skills (Spanish) and ability to convey complex concepts and structures to non expert audiences, which facilitates efficient decision making purposes.’
‘Nora Garrote is an attentive, kind and pragmatic attorney who is always willing to go the extra mile and provide timely support to complete important and urgent deliverables. I value her sense of responsibility, warmth and experience in dealing with complicated matters and a diverse array of counterparties. Rebecca Liebowitz is a charming, creative and detail-oriented attorney who is great at managing the portfolio of trademark applications and registrations that we hold in the US, Europe and Asia. I value her dedication, frankness and optimism.’
Key clients
GE Healthcare
Dura-Line (subsidiary of Orbia Advance Corporation S.A.B. de CV)
Numotion
YogaGlo, Inc.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Shoshin Works
DC Green Bank
Electrify America
InstallNET International
The Carnegie Hall Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising GE Healthcare on structuring and negotiating complex technology-driven deals including a strategic collaboration with a major technology infrastructure provider to expand GE Healthcare product offerings and better serve GE Healthcare customers.
- Advising Dura-Line on various transactional matters, including the negotiation of two technology-centric strategic alliance agreements.
- Represented a major provider of medical technology products in a technology collaboration deal to make innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) to better serve patients and providers in the medical field.
Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2
Venable LLP is noted for its expertise in Maryland law and advises an assortment of publicly traded REITs on a spectrum of corporate matters including high-value transactional work and debt offerings. The Baltimore-based team has a track record operating in this space for over two decades and is led by James Hanks and Sharon Kroupa . Co-chair of the corporate practice Patricia McGowan is praised by peers and focuses on REITs-related Maryland corporation law, whilst Christopher W Pate advises non-traded registered REITs on transactions. Other key contacts in the team include Brian Field and Carmen Fonda , who is highlighted by peers.Practice head(s):
James Hanks; Sharon Kroupa
Other key lawyers:
Brian Field; Carmen Fonda; Patricia McGowen; Christopher W Pate
Testimonials
‘James is the king of REITs work, very good.’
Key clients
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
Essential Properties Realty Trust
Prologis, Inc.
CIM Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc.
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Kimco Realty Corporation
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.
CyrusOne, Inc.
Extra Space Storage, Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented the REIT in connection with its acquisition of a publicly traded mortgage.
- Advised VEREIT, Inc. (“VEREIT”) in connection with its merger with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Realty Income Corporation.
- Advised a group of affiliated entities in their proposed acquisition of a publicly traded data center REIT, including corporate law arising out of the transaction, with a particular focus on the merger agreement and the treatment of preferred stock in the merger.
Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 3
Boasting a combined strength in district court, PTAB, Federal Circuit and ITC, Venable LLP stands as the IP counsel of choice for prominent companies in the life sciences and electronic sector, counting long-term clients like Canon and notable names from the pharmaceutical industry such as Novartis or Currax Pharmaceuticals among its client roster. The practice comprises seasoned trial lawyers, including the New York-based Dominick Conde and the Washington DC-based Justin Pierce as heads of the IP division; and technology litigation specialists Frank Gasparo, Michael Sandonato (both in New York) and Megan Woodworth (in Washington DC). Frank Cimino, who focuses on electronics, software, communications, and automotive technologies, is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Dominick Conde; Justin Pierce; Frank Gasparo; Michael Sandonato; Megan Woodworth
Key clients
FCA US LLC
Urschel Laboratories, Inc.
Viavi Solutions
Schaeffler Group USA Inc.
Verizon Wireless
Arthrex, Inc.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Allergan Inc.
Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC
Prudential Financial Inc.
Canon Inc.
Candid Care Co.
Work highlights
- Managed claims on behalf of FCA US in the ITC seeking to exclude certain motorized vehicles made and sold by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd of India and Mahindra Automotive North America, Inc. (sold under the name “Roxor”).
- Representing Melinta and its subsidiaries in ANDA litigation regarding Nexus’s proposed generic version of Melinta’s injectable Minocin antibiotic.
- Filed multiple lawsuits on behalf of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. against multiple companies for infringing patents covering Entresto®.
Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: transactional and regulatory Tier 3
Venable LLP‘s advertising and marketing team is well known in the market, both for its advisory and litigation expertise. Co-led by regulatory compliance, investigations, and disputes specialist Leonard Gordon in New York and Jeffrey Knowles in Washington DC, the practice derives strength from a longstanding regulatory background in advertising including in the television, internet and social media spaces, while also benefitting from the firm’s privacy department. The team's work covers sweepstakes, gaming, privacy, product safety matters as well as regulatory compliance, advertising claims, and subscription and auto-renewal matters.Practice head(s):
Leonard Gordon; Jeffrey Knowles
Other key lawyers:
Alex Megaris; Melissa Landau Steinman
Testimonials
‘Very experienced team with easy to understand advice, and effective communication.’
‘Wicked smart – great perspective on the marketplace and market condition. Extremely practical approach and transparent in their strategy. Depth of the team is unique, they spend a lot of time hiring talent so their Jr’s are top-notch and can handle an onslaught of work in a moment’s notice tremendous care for the client, their interests and the outcomes.
‘Alex Megaris is a unicorn smart. Work ethic, strategy. She is very personable and gets to the nitty-gritty quick and can explain in simple terms. Len Gordon is top-notch, easy to work with, crazy smart, connected and understands the technical aspect.’
‘Melissa Landau Steinman seems to know the answer to virtually every question thre advertising and marketing. She is able to balance friendly and approachable with professional and competent in a way that so many lawyers never learn to do. ‘
Key clients
Response Marketing Group
iStream Financial Services
Kairos and Bilt Technologies, Inc.
Altria
ClassPass
Pokémon
Kinship
Support King LLC
Marriott
Officers of Yellowstone Capital
Fashion Nova
Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB)
Digital Advertising Alliance
Coalition for Better Ads
Data & Marketing Association (f.k.a. Direct Marketing Association)
Univision
Work highlights
- Representing iStream Financial Services (ISFS) in litigation brought by the FTC, against allegations of deceptive marketing and advertising practices related to its billing practices for an online discount club in which the FTC seeks in excess of $40 million.
- Representing Response Marketing Group in a joint lawsuit filed by the FTC and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection seeking in excess of $1 billion that challenges the company’s advertising and marketing for real estate education services.
- Advising Pokémon on sweepstakes and gaming and privacy issues.
Government > Government contracts Tier 4
Venable LLP practice is co-led by Washington DC-based Paul Debolt, and Virginia-based Scott Hommer. The team has a track record and extensive expertise in bid protests both filing and defense, suspension and debarment proceedings, regulatory compliance, and investigations. Debolt is experienced particularly in bid protests, with significant experience in claims, internal investigations, and data rights issues. Hommer maintains an emphasis on technology contractors in his practice, representing local, national, and international clients in contract negotiations, acquisitions, and IP right protection. Also of note in the DC team are Dismas Locaria, Douglas Proxmire , and Rebecca Pearson, all of whom are strong litigators in the public procurement space.Practice head(s):
Paul Debolt; Scott Hommer
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Connected Global Solutions, LLC (Crowley Maritime Corporation)
Leidos Holdings, Inc.
CEdge Software Consultants, LLC
GovernmentCIO LLC
Peraton Corporation
Crowley Government Services, Inc.
Cognosante, LLC
Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services, Inc., Landmark Event Staffing Services, Inc., and Securitas Electronic Security, Inc.
National Aquarium
Securityhunter, Inc.
CC Pace
Work highlights
- Represented Connected Global Solutions, LLC in protesting an award of a $20 billion contract by the U.S. Transportation Command for global household goods relocation services.
- Represented Leidos, Inc. against a GAO bid protest filed by General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. challenging the Defense Information Systems Agency’s (DISA) decision to award a $6.5 billion contract for global solutions management – operations services to Leidos.
- Represented CEdge Software Consultants, LLC protesting the U.S. Transportation Command’s decision to award a contract for enterprise IT services to a tribally owned 8(a) concern on a sole-source basis after the agency had initiated an 8(a) set-aside competition in violation of 13 C.F.R § 124.506(b) (UpSlope Advisors, Inc., B-419036, Nov. 25, 2020).
Industry focus > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 4
Venable LLP frequently acts as regulatory and litigation shipper counsel in crude oil, petroleum product and natural gas liquid pipeline cases before the FERC. The group represents a host of shipper clientele, including refinery, marketers and end-users. Areas of expertise include ROE development, market manipulation and O&M cost allocation, among others. Based in Washington DC, practice head Richard Powers is known for representing trade associations and their members.Practice head(s):
Richard Powers
Other key lawyers:
Steven Adducci; Matthew Field; Gregory Wagner
Key clients
Airlines for America
Aircraft Service International Group
American Airlines
BP Products North America
Delta Air Lines
HollyFrontier Refining & Marketing
Husky Marketing & Supply Company (a subsidiary of Cenovus Energy)
Metroplex Energy
Monroe Energy
National Propane Gas Association
Orlando Fuel Facilities
Phillips 66 Company
Southwest Airlines
Spark Energy
Trafigura Trading
TransMontaigne Partners
United Airlines
United Parcel Service
Valero Marketing and Supply Company
Valero Renewable Fuels
Work highlights
- Representing a large coalition of pipeline shippers in a combined cost and market-based rate challenge brought against the nation’s largest petroleum product pipeline – Colonial Pipeline Company.
- Representing Husky Marketing & Supply and Phillips 66 in a challenge to tariff filings by TransCanada Keystone Pipeline to increase its rates for committed service on its crude oil pipeline from the Canada-U.S. border to points in Nebraska, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas, and in a challenge to Keystone’s committed rates charged in prior years.
- Representing a coalition of shippers involving refiners and end-users -such as airlines- before the California Public Utilities Commission protesting pipeline transportation and energy storage company SFPP’s submitted system-wide intrastate rate increase.
Industry focus > Environment: regulatory Tier 4
Venable LLP is well positioned to handle all types of environmental and natural resources issues. Retained by public and private sector clients in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, mining and utilities for assistance in permitting, compliance, federal and state policy, the department balances a broad and busy workload in the area of environmental regulatory counseling. The team possesses the ability to represent clients in all aspects of federal and state environmental law, including on legislative initiative before Congress and regulatory agencies. On the compliance front, attorneys have a deep understanding of environmental issues surrounding energy development, endangered species, air emissions, water, solid and hazardous waste disposal and chemical substances. Based in Washington DC, Douglas Green is seasoned in administrative litigation and enforcement defense. William Sloan, who represents a broad pool of US and international clients in both environmental regulatory and litigation matters, is a noteworthy practitioner in San Francisco.Practice head(s):
Douglas Green
Other key lawyers:
William Sloan; Kathryn Floyd
Key clients
Utility Solid Waste Activities Group (USWAG)
Maryland Department of Transportation
Athletics Holdings LLC
American Forest Resource Council
State Water Contractors, Inc.
Navajo Nation
Skipjack Offshore Energy, LLC
Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI)
Tri-Union Seafoods (dba Chicken of the Sea)
KB Homes
Work highlights
- Representing Utility Solid Waste Activities Group (USWAG) in a wide range of issues impacting utility operations and site clean-up, including site assessment and remediation of former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites and other legacy utility assets.
- Serving as lead environmental counsel for Maryland Department of Transportation in multi-modal project development across the state.
- Representing Athletics Holdings LLC, the owner of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, as it confronts the historic legacy of environmental regulatory neglect in West Oakland that sited polluting facilities adjacent to residential neighborhoods.
Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 4
Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 4
The ‘highly capable and experienced‘ construction law attorneys at Venable LLP concentrate on representing government owners in all types of construction law matters relating to a plethora of projects. In a recent highlight, practice head Kenneth Roberts has been leading advice to the Metropolitan Council on the 14.5-mile extension of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.’s Green Line light rail line. Deputy leader of the department and praised as ‘an excellent legal advisor‘, Heidi Rowe is a regular counsel for contract drafting and negotiation in major projects, as well as assisting with claims management to avoid litigation. Amanda MacVey in Washington DC has particular knowledge of projects for utility companies, while Jonathan Freilich is the name to note at counsel level. Unless otherwise noted, above named lawyers are based at the firm’s Chicago office.Practice head(s):
Kenneth Roberts; Heidi Rowe
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This practice is a group of highly capable and experienced yet business savvy problem solvers that know how to get contracts done while still protecting their clients to the fullest.’
‘Heidi Rowe is an excellent legal advisor who knows how to quickly focus on the primary risks and weigh them against the benefits of entering into a given transaction. She is highly responsive and efficient, as well as very persuasive. When things get tough, she is not afraid to litigate and is a fierce advocate.’
Key clients
Metropolitan Council
Welltower
Itinera Infrastructure and Concessions
Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge
Northway Biotech
Sterling Bay
Trump Village Section 3
Equity Residential
Arisa Realty
Tammany Owner LLC
44th Drive Owner LLC
Work highlights
- Advising the Metropolitan Council on the multi-billion-dollar 14.5-mile extension of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Green Line light rail line.
- Assisting the Iowa Department of Transportation and Lunda Construction with commercial issues and advancing the construction schedule of the new Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge in the Quad Cities.
- Advising Chicago-based developer Sterling Bay on drafting and negotiating construction contracts for a number of projects, including Sterling Bay’s $5-6bn 50-acre mega development known as Lincoln Yards on the North Side of Chicago.
Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 7
Venable LLP advises a broad client base on compliance with state and federal consumer finance regulations. The team is particularly focused on fintech clients, providing them with assistance on the development and launch of new products and services. Elsewhere, the practice advises debt collection agencies, payment processors, and lending platforms on both ongoing regulatory compliance as well as the regulatory aspects of transactions. Jonathan Pompan is a key name to note with a broad client base, while Ellen Berge has a focus on payment processing. Laura Biddle and Allyson Baker departed the firm in May and October 2021, respectively. All lawyers mentioned are in Washington DC.Other key lawyers:
Ellen Berge; Jonathan Pompan; Michael Bresnick
Testimonials
‘They are knowledgeable about all the current rules and regulations as well as the politics/politicians behind them. Their advice is practical and routed in understanding of the laws and prior case law. In other words, they really know their stuff and give great and practical advice.’
Key clients
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
Applied Data Finance, LLC d/b/a Personify
Blend Labs, Inc.
Carta, Inc. (formerly eShares)
Cavalry Portfolio Services, LLC
Clarion Capital Partners, LLC
ClearPath Lending, Inc.
Electronic Transactions Association
Financial Health Network
Midland Credit Management
NerdWallet, Inc.
Pagaya Technologies, Ltd
Verizon Communications, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advising Pagaya Technologies, Ltd, a leading fintech company, in the development of a comprehensive enterprise-wide compliance management system, day-to-day U.S. federal and state consumer financial services, legal and regulatory compliance, and privacy and information security. Pagaya announced in September 2021 that it will go public via an $8.5 billion SPAC in early 2022.
- Advising Carta on financial services regulatory issues.
- Assisting Alaska USA in fair lending reviews related to its auto finance, mortgage, and personal loan businesses and are helping the credit union build and implement a revamped fair lending compliance operation.
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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![]() | Mr Christopher Borello | Partner. | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Nicholas Kallas | Partner. | View Profile |
- M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m)
- Tax > Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations)
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation
- Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection)
- Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions
- Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Firm Rankings
- Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage)
- Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: transactional and regulatory