Venable LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile

Venable LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

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

Venable LLP’s thriving M&A practice forms a key part of its wider corporate offering, where it frequently represents buyers and sellers on transactions in the technology, real estate, hospitality, life sciences, and entertainment sectors, among others. Standing out for its capability in large-scale matters, including cross-border and billion-dollar deals, the team acts for a varied mix of private and public companies and private equity clients. The team benefits from a strong platform in Washington DC, which draws on high-profile corporate co-chair Frank Ciatto, whose combination of M&A and tax law expertise marks him as a popular choice for highly structured transactions. The Washington office also includes fellow department co-chair Robert Bolger, who additionally co-heads the hospitality area, and Karen Hermann, who leads the group for the Washington and Tysons region. In New York, Mark Vecchio is noted for his experience in private equity and multi-jurisdictional deals, with a focus on the technology, telecoms, and heavy industry sectors. In Baltimore, office managing partner Charles Morton Jr, cross-border M&A specialist Anthony Rosso, and corporate and commercial partner Nicholas Collevecchio are names to note.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 1

‘Uniquely’ positioned to advise in the digital advertising space, the team at Venable LLP contains experts in the adtech sector, advising on data privacy in the social media, education, automotive, healthcare and entertainment sectors. In addition, the firm regularly handles AI-related matters. It also handles investigations and regulatory developments made by the FTC and state attorney generals. The team, which operates out of Washington DC, contains Kelly DeMarchis Bastide, who advises on privacy compliance, and Stuart Ingis, an advisor to trade associations and coalitions on privacy issues. Emilio Cividanes supports clients with the implementation of regulatory and litigation strategies concerning data privacy. Michael Signorelli is frequently instructed by marketers, advertisers, data providers and streaming platforms. Julia Tama is also noted for her work on financial, children’s and health privacy. Desirée Moore joined the firm from K&L in December 2023 followed by Emily Keimig and Jessica Arett from Sherman & Howard LLC in May 2024.

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

Venable LLP is recognized for its ‘broad, deeply experienced’ pharma and medical device product liability team, with attorneys serving as lead counsel for manufacturers in federal MDLs and statewide coordinated proceedings. The team has also defended clients against international mass tort claims, while similarly representing them in nationwide consumer class actions, frequently defeating class certification in federal courts. The practice is led by Baltimore-based Kathleen Hardway – who is ‘very skilled in the scientific and medical aspects of pharmaceutical litigation, particularly offensive and defensive expert work’ – and Jason Rose, who currently serves as deputy co-national counsel to Takeda in litigation related to its proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medications. 2024 saw the team expanding with the addition of three experienced litigators from Steptoe LLP – Jeremy Goldkind and Derek Smith in Chicago, and Joo Cha Webb in Los Angeles.

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: transactional and regulatory Tier 2

Venable LLP advises a range of clients from advertising companies to media, automotive, retail, fintech and healthcare corporations. The practice is well-equipped to assist with a slew of advertising regulation, including advising on newer issues such as web3, the metaverse and AI. Practice head Leonard Gordon leads the team from New York and is an expert in advertising regulation including government investigations and litigation. In Washington DC, Stuart Ingis leads on privacy issues involved in advertising matters, Melissa Steinman is the go-to for promotions and online gaming knowledge and Ellen Berge focuses on regulatory compliance issues related to digital advertising.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 2

Venable LLP, praised as ‘the gold standard’, is a specialist Maryland corporate practice, frequently serving as Maryland counsel in REIT capital-raising transactions. The firm advises publicly traded Maryland REITs and SEC-registered, non-listed and private REITs on Maryland corporate law aspects of IPOs, equity and debt offerings and M&A. The head of the practice is Michael Schiffer in Baltimore. James Hanks is reputed for his deep knowledge of all aspects of Maryland law. Christopher Pate is lauded as a ‘stand out’, representing clients in corporate governance issues and securities transactions. Pate also regularly counsels buyers and sellers in major mergers and acquisitions. Carmen Fonda also comes recommended. The entire team is based in Baltimore.

Tax > Not-for-profit (Fortune 1000 private foundations, national trade associations, and charities) Tier 2

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 3

Venable LLP is recognized for its strong litigation capabilities as shipper counsel in crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas liquids pipeline cases before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The firm is particularly noted for handling high-stakes litigation involving the regulation of oil and petroleum product pipelines, frequently representing major shippers and industry stakeholders. The practice is led by Richard Powers, who focuses on crude oil, petroleum products, and NGL litigation, with particular strength in representing trade associations and their members significantly impacted by pipeline regulations. Steven Adducci specializes in regulatory and litigation matters before FERC, representing large shippers and refiners in complex disputes. All mentioned individuals are based in Washington D.C.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 3

Venable LLP provides regulatory advice to clients across the payments, fintech, and banking sectors, assisting with compliance, licensing, and the development of consumer lending products. The team also represents clients in regulatory investigations and enforcement actions brought by agencies such as the CFPB and FTC. In addition to handling compliance matters, the firm advises on operational risks and regulatory requirements affecting financial institutions. The practice is led by four partners, with Ellen Berge and Andrew Bigart focusing on payments and fintech-related regulatory issues, including licensing and compliance frameworks. Michael Bresnick, Leonard Gordon, and Jonathan Pompan handle enforcement matters, representing clients in investigations and proceedings initiated by regulatory agencies, including the DOJ. Gordon serves as the key contact in New York, while the rest of the team is based in Washington DC

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 3

With expertise spanning the technology and life science fields, Venable LLP is sought after in a broad array of patent litigation matters, including Hatch-Waxman cases. The practice is also reputed for the depth of its expertise in patent disputes related to automotive technologies and medical devices. The department is co-chaired by New York’s Dominick Conde, a leading pharmaceutical patent litigator with a particular focus on ANDA matters, and Justin Pierce, who is based in Washington DC and broadly focuses on IP litigation. Other key practitioners in Washington DC include Michele Frank, who focuses on patents within the technology, consumer retail and infrastructure sectors, and Brian Klock, who specializes in contested proceedings before the USPTO.

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

Venable LLP's Washington-based advertising and marketing practice advises advertising companies, automotive, retail, food and beverages as well as healthcare companies in advertising litigation. The team is also the go-to for trade associations. Common cases include unfair competition, class actions and NAD proceedings. The team has been particularly active in the food and beverages space, advising on issues related to packaging, definitions of produce such as 'pasture-raised', dietary supplement marketing and slack fill. Roger Colaizzi chairs the practice and is well-versed in time-sensitive retail litigations, Lanham Act false advertising and FTC regulatory issues. Daniel S. Silverman resides in Los Angeles and leads on food and average consumer class actions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 3

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 3

State and city governmental bodies, owners, real estate developers and construction companies seek out Venable LLP for its expertise. Kenneth Roberts in Chicago spearheads the team, focusing on keeping his clients’ capital improvement projects within budget and schedule and resolving potential disputes outside the courtroom. Fellow Chicago-based and deputy team leader Heidi Rowe is experienced in contract drafting and negotiation, as well as contract enforcement and claims management. Chicago’s Jonathan Freilich represents design professionals in projects ranging from home remodeling to commercial and infrastructure. In Washington, Amanda Schermer MacVey advises on construction transactions during which she anticipates and works towards resolving commercial disputes before they materialize. Seasoned New York litigator Russell Wolfson recently joined the practice. Alongside Chicago’s Katherine Peluso, he is advising InvestMates Real Estate on its mixed-use development project worth $150 million.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Venable LLP  is often sought after by suppliers and manufacturers for its capacities in the rail safety, connectivity, electrification, an in particular, autonomous vehicles and zero emission related matters.  The team has been at the forefront of regulatory contentions regarding autonomous trucks in California. Ariel Wolf heads the team out of Washington DC, and is a key member of the team for matters arising out of transportation innovactions and electric vehicles. Tara Sugiyama Potashnik is well-regarded for her expertise in data protection, cybersecurity and privacy, while David Bonelli has a strong track record in electric vehicle-related matters. Ian Williams is a choice for clients requiring expertise in cybersecurity, privacy and vehicle electrifications and highway laws.

Government > Government contracts Tier 4

Venable LLP houses a ‘talented team with great experience’ which excels in complex bid protests and frequently acts for clients in the defense and healthcare sectors. Other areas of expertise include compliance advice on FAR and SAFETY Act designations, cost accounting, suspension and debarment proceedings. Paul Debolt and Scott Hommer both lead the Washington DC based team, with the former handling all stages of the procurement process, from the initial bid, through to contract termination and any ensuring disputes, and the latter adept in IP rights, regulatory compliance, bid protests and other related litigation. Dismas Locaria is experienced in suspension and debarment matters, small business contracting and domestic security, James Boland advises defense, intelligence and publicly traded contractors through bid protests and Rebecca Pearson is similarly a go to contract for bid protests and other civil litigation matters.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 4

Venable LLP's Los Angeles media and entertainment litigation team is adept at IP and contractual disputes as well as defamation, First Amendment litigation and anti-SLAPP protection. The firm represents Hollywood actors, producers and directors as well as production companies, financiers, TV studios and networks. The team focuses on the film & TV sector but is also well-versed in assisting music industry issues. Lee Brenner chairs the practice and excels in copyright litigation over media properties such as ownership and authorship. Commercial litigator David Fink is experienced in defamation and privacy claims for celebrities.

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings)