A&O Shearman > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

A&O Shearman > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 1

With the ability to advise on all stages of a renewable power project, transactional work is at the heart of A&O Shearman ‘s energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice, including handling major acquisitions and disposals of both companies and assets, as well as the financing of significant and novel renewable energy projects. In addition to its work for clients operating in the wind and solar space, the team is also experienced in advising sponsors, developers, project companies and financiers from across the entire sector. Kent Rowey heads the practice, splitting his time between Los Angeles and New York, where Jillian Ashley and Greg Lavigne are also noted. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Daniel Sinaiko and Matthew Nesburn in the Los Angeles office are particularly well regarded in high-value transactions and market entry advice for foreign firms, respectively. Based in Washington DC, John Marciano is a key contact for complex financing work in the solar sphere. The firm is also competent in due diligence, construction disputes, and government liaison, and extended its regulatory offering with the February 2022 hire of George Cannon Jr. for the Washington office from Akin. Sam Kamyans left the firm in June 2023.

Finance > Project finance

The ‘smart’ projects, energy, natural resources and infrastructure (PENRI) practice at A&O Shearman earns a strong reputation for its work on a wide range of projects in both energy and infrastructure. Practice head Kent Rowey splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, where he leads on complex and high-value development work for project sponsors, including the multibillion-dollar PPP redevelopment of JFK International Airport’s Terminal One. Airports are one significant facet of the firm’s infrastructure offering, which also covers both traditional infrastructure, including rail and road, and telecoms and digital infrastructure, with significant recent work on data centers, where New York-based Dorina Yessios is a key contact. Also in New York, Nisim (Niso) Matari is reputed for his knowledge of a range of financing facilities. In energy, meanwhile, the practice advises on the financing of projects in wind and solar power, battery storage, and carbon capture. Complex fund structuring and financing are key strengths for the firm, with John Marciano in Washington DC, and Daniel Sinaiko in Los Angeles being sought out by clients for advice on matters relating to tax equity. New York-based Jennifer Wnek has expertise in inverted lease tax equity and construction-to-back leverage debt financing, while Jillian Ashley in New York and Andrea Lucan in Los Angeles are also noted. Sam Kamyans left the firm in June 2023. Further members joined the team following the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling. Cynthia Urda Kassis  has particular expertise in the mining and metals sectors. Paul Epstein has broad expertise encompassing toll roads, rail lines, ports, and airports, as well as projects in the energy sector, and is well-versed in refinancings and concession agreements. He advises on complex and high-value financing issues, with notable support from senior associate Jackson Murley. All mentioned lawyers are based in New York.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

A&O Shearman is particularly known for its strength in handling antitrust litigation in the financial services sector, also regularly advising in civil matters relating to price-fixing, group boycott and monopolization claims in the aviation and technology sectors. Situated in Washington DC, global antitrust practice leader, David Higbee, has recently represented clients in civil lawsuits including class actions and government investigations. Also heading up the team is Adam Hakki in New York, who has had significant involvement in representing clients such as BNP Paribas in trading market class actions and Patrick Robbins who is located in San Francisco. Richard Schwed represents financial institutions in class actions and private litigation including jury trials and operates in NY.  Other attorneys to note include Stephen Fishbein in New York for his experience in civil litigation concerning monopolisation claims and DC-based litigator Todd Stenerson. Ryan Shores has left the firm. Following the merger between Shearman & Sterling and Allen & Overy, the team now includes Washington DC based life sciences and technology antitrust expert Noah Brumfield and New York based Elaine Johnston, who recently represented Merz Pharmaceuticals in an antitrust class action and offers experience in a wide range of industries including but not limited to engineering and agricultural products. Todd Fishman is another key attorney located in New York and his practice focuses on the defense of antitrust, commodities markets and securities investigations, class actions and litigation in federal and state courts.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 2

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

A&O Shearman represents corporations, joint ventures, and partnerships in business disputes pertaining to breach of contract, fraud, professional malpractice, and insurance and reinsurance matters. The team also has thorough knowledge of financial products disputes, and advises clients across automotive, chemicals, healthcare, media and entertainment industries. Richard Schwed in New York is adept in a spectrum of litigations and investigations, including antitrust, commercial matters, and securities. He also represents clients before federal, state trial, and appellate courts, and co-leads the team alongside Adam Hakki, also in New York and San Francisco's Patrick Robbins. Todd Stenerson in Washington, DC has been engaged in numerous breach of contract and ERISA cases, business torts, and dealer termination and RICO cases.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 2

With a strong background in the financial services sector, A&O Shearman has experience representing major US and non-US financial institutions in securities and antitrust litigation, particularly class actions, as well as regulatory investigations. The practice is led by Adam Hakki and Stephen Fishbein based in New York, and Patrick Robbins in San Francisco. Hakki is renowed for his expertise in securities litigation, acting for many of the firm’s major clients including Bank of America, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley. He is also experienced advising underwriting syndicates of IPOs in securities class actions as well as representing banks in trading market class actions. Brian Burke, based in New York and Shanghai, is another key name to note, concentrating on regulatory investigations across the Asia Pacific region, particularly advising multinationals with operations in China in matters relating to the FCPA, anti-money laundering, economic sanctions and antitrust. Jerry Fortinsky, also based in New York, shares this focus in Asia and leads the China securities litigation practice where he frequently defends shareholder lawsuits against US-listed Chinese companies. Katherine Stoller is a prominent player in white collar defense and internal investigations relating to securities and accounting fraud, as well as insider trading and money laundering, noted for her engagement with Danske Banke in investigations by both the DOJ and the SEC along with European regulatory authorities into money laundering and securities fraud.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 2

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 2

The environmental law group at A&O Shearman is based in New York and acts for top domestic and international clients, including government departments, on the environmental and ESG aspects of transactions in the corporate M&A, project finance, capital markets and real estate spaces. The team, which has strong relationships with regulators, is led by Ken Rivlin, who advises large US corporates on environmental risk issues, and also serves on the boards and advisory committees of a number of educational and non-profit institutions. Senior counsel Maria Christopher Bell is recommended for the drafting and negotiation of environmental indemnity agreements and has recently been advising on numerous multi-billion-dollar reconstruction projects. Felise Cooper, who is also a senior counsel, is a name for compliance matters, product marketing requirements and guidance on loan documentation, as well as corporate transactions.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

A&O Shearman has a prestigious record in investment grade bonds. It continues to attract frequent engagements from both issuers and underwriters, including in bulge-bracket offerings. Historically, the capital markets team has operated more regularly on the underwriters’ side with close links to the top global financial institutions, though it has achieved greater prominence on the issuer front in recent years. The firm is also noted for its representation of Canadian financial institutions and other Canadian issuers in bond offerings, thanks to the presence of Jason Lehner, who splits his time between New York and Toronto. Lona Nallengara and Richard Alsop are also highly rated partners in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

A&O Shearman maintained impressive levels of activity in IPOs, secondary offerings and convertible securities. Automotive, biotechnology, energy and power, financial services and asset management, healthcare, infrastructure and pharmaceuticals are key sectors. The firm has achieved recent prominence in underwriter engagements for equity offerings in the healthcare SPAC markets. The capital markets team is also noted for its SEC reporting and corporate governance expertise. Ilir Mujalovic heads the capital markets practice and is an expert in healthcare and SPAC transactions. Menlo Park partner Christopher Forrester is the lead figure on the West coast.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

With an established record in both issuer and underwriter engagements, A&O Shearman's global offerings practice largely centres on Latin America and Canada. Its New York, Houston and Sao Paulo offices have deep connections to Latin America - particularly Brazil - though the firm has a fine record in most jurisdictions in the region. It also has a large number of Latin American natives within its attorney ranks. The firm also has a considerable history in Canada, having launched an office in Toronto in 1989. In more recent years, it has brought its specific expertise in green and ESG bonds, SPACs and other types of offerings to both regions. Jason Lehner, who leads the Toronto office, also works out of New York. New York partners Grissel Mercado and Manuel Orillac specialise in Latin America offerings, with Mercado becoming increasingly prominent in recent years.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

A&O Shearman continues to build its standing in the high-yield debt arena, with a significant market share of underwriter-side and issuer-side engagements. It represents a long list of banks as underwriters and has a burgeoning issuer client base. Its broader leveraged finance practice provides additional credibility and another source of deal flow for the capital markets team, including acquisition financings and liability management transactions. While much of the core high-yield debt expertise sits in the New York office, a team in Houston is also active in this area. Harald Halbhuber, Jason Lehner (who also manages the Toronto office) and Stephen Gruendel are key partners in New York. Jonathan DeSantis has left the firm.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 2

A&O Shearman maintains a solid reputation for its leveraged finance capabilities, drawing attention from leading commercial banks, financial institutions, direct lenders, alternative capital providers and financial sponsors. The New York-based team, which is led by Jake Mincemoyer, a seasoned practitioner with wide expertise of leveraged and corporate transactions, is experienced in senior, asset-based, second-lien, mezzanine, and bridge financings as well as high yield debt offerings and restructurings; the group’s capabilities in representing lenders in a cross-border context are further supported by Todd Koretzky and senior counsel Joseph Furst.  Rajani Gupta and Judah Frogel departed in September 2022, and Jin Hee Kim left the firm in June 2022. Following the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, this team has expanded, including Alan Rockwell, who regularly represents the firm’s major banking clients in acquisition finance negotiations, and Michael Chernick, who frequently advises on incremental financings. Also in New York, Maura O’Sullivan  is a key contact for cross-border leveraged loans. Tomasz Kulawik, who divides his time between New York and DC, is also recommended.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

In the firm’s New York office, the team at A&O Shearman acts for financial institutions on swap dealer registration and compliance issues concerning regulatory reform in the derivatives arena. Other key areas of expertise include cryptocurrency and digital assets, in addition to advising derivative trade associations on emissions allowance trading, voluntary carbon credits and collateral management. David Lucking heads the global international capital markets group and is noted for his experience across a range of derivatives and structured finance transactions, in addition to handling matters concerning the ISDA. Senior associate James Bryson, whose practice encompasses both transactional and regulatory mandates, is another key contact in the group, while Deborah North left the firm in November 2022. Following the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling,the team also includes several other key names. Donna Parisi, who assists clients with the development and structuring of new financial products, in addition to over-the-counter derivatives transactions across the full spectrum of asset classes. Geoffrey Goldman handles credit and equity derivatives mandates, as well as regulatory issues, while Azam Aziz  advises on the structuring and documentation of over-the-counter derivatives products. Counsel Kerri Durso is another key member of the team.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

The New York-based securitization practice at A&O Shearman ‘has the experience and expertise to tackle any challenge with ingenuity and creativity’. Counting underwriters, arrangers and domestic and foreign issuers among its key roster of clients, the team is prominent in the CLO arena, advising investment banks in the development of CLOs and warehousing platforms, in addition to representing collateral managers in inaugural CLOs. Lawrence Berkovich, who advises on syndicated and mid-market CLOs, rated and unrated leveraged loan warehouse and structured term financing facilities, ‘runs an exceptional team of talented partners and associates’ alongside John Hwang and Christopher Jackson; Hwang’s practice covers credit card and aircraft securitizations. Senior counsel Derek Poon and associate Luke Maiman are also key contacts in the group. Nick Robinson and Tracy Feng have left for Paul Hastings LLP.

Tax > Financial products Tier 2

A&O Shearman has specific strength in the securitization space, working closely with the firm’s wider practice group in this area, to advise on CLOs, and securitization of numerous asset classes including auto loan receivables, RMBS, ABS, commercial mortgages and aircraft leases. The firm also works with structured product issuers on the establishment and structuring of products and regularly engages with funds work, including structuring new funds, reviewing fund structures, operational compliance and fund transactions, often involving hedge funds, private equity funds, REITs and infrastructure funds. Regarding debt instruments, the firm has advised on Rule 144A issuances and bond issues. The practice is led by New York-based Dave Lewis and Jack Heinberg, both of whom have extensive experience in tax planning, transactions, securitizations and financial instruments and derivatives, as well as financing and fund formation. Other key names to note within the team include associates John Hibbard and Dustin Plotnick based in New York and senior counsel Caroline Lapidus, based in the firm’s recently established Silicon Valley office. Following the merger between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, the team also includes a number of other key names, including Larry Crouch , based in New York, who is supported by Kirsten Garry in Washington DC, and Lorenz Haselberger, also in New York. Garry focuses her practice on cross-border structured finance transactions, securitizations, M&A and capital markets offerings, as well as being a key name regarding financial products, including crypto. Haselberger, who was recently promoted, concentrates on taxation of financial instruments and institutions, as well as the tax components of M&A , inbound investments and restructurings.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

A&O Shearman is well-regarded for its cross-border tax capabilities with advice provided to a variety of clients from local and global corporates to financial institutions. The team works with investment banking firms and other financial advisors to develop tax-efficient structures for financings, hybrid securities, acquisitions, joint ventures and other investments. Larry Crouch heads the tax team and has extensive transactional experience in matters involving international transactions, M&A, capital markets and joint ventures. Kristen Garry routinely advises on structured finance transactions while Jay Singer focuses on spin-off transactions. Lorenz Haselberger‘s client list includes banks, hedge funds, fintech companies and cryptocurrency custodians. Following the merger between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, other key team members include Dave Lewis, who has significant expertise in international tax planning, Jack Heinberg, and Caroline Lapidus, who focuses on the formation and operation of investment funds and carried interest structures. All lawyers are based in New York.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

A&O Shearman is noted for its representation of multinational companies in cross-border M&A and financial offerings, as well as private equity and sovereign wealth fund clients on formation and investment issues. Practice head Larry Crouch – who splits his time between New York and Menlo Park – is a seasoned transactional tax expert with experience in matters involving M&A, capital markets, and joint ventures. Crouch is also co-head of the firm’s REIT group, an area in which New York-based Derek Kershaw is also excels. Washington DC-based Jay Singer is praised for his strengths in spin-offs and internal restructurings, while in Dallas, Ryan Bray is a regular port of call for emerging growth companies and their founders on various tax-related issues. Also recommended is Todd Lowther in Houston, whose focus is on the taxation of natural resources and other transactions common in the petroleum sector. Recent team changes include New York-based Lorenz Haselberger‘s promotion to partnership in July 2022, and Michael Shulman‘s departure in October 2022.

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

A&O Shearman advises public and private companies, along with corporate boards and committees, on the full spectrum of governance issues relating to compensation, attracting notable clients from a wide range of industries, including technology, airlines, and agricultural products. New York-based practice head Doreen Lilienfeld is highly experienced in representing domestic and international entities with respect to compensation matters involved in M&A and IPOs, as evidenced by her leading role in Local Bounti Corporation’s $122.5 million acquisition of Hollandia Produce Inc. John Cannon has expertise in all aspects of corporate governance, compensation, and employment law, enabling him to regularly support start-ups in the biotechnology sector, while Gillian Emmett Moldowan focuses on issues that arise at the intersection of human capital management and corporate governance. Sam Whitaker was promoted to partner in July 2022. All attorneys mentioned are in New York.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage)

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Offering strength in complex and contentious merger proceedings on both sides of the Atlantic, the team at A&O Shearman works with major US and global clients, often on a hired-gun basis, to secure approvals for deals in a diverse range of sectors, including aerospace and defense, tech, media, and financial services. The practice has deep agency experience, including former senior DOJ and FTC officials, allowing it to advise clients on agency strategy throughout Second Request proceedings and other high-stakes merger investigations and litigation. The firm handled two standout mandates for JetBlue in 2022, representing the client against the DOJ’s challenge to its alliance with American Airlines, as well as advising on its $3.8bn takeover bid for Spirit Airlines, both significant cases for key senior lawyer Jessica Delbaum . A former Chief of Staff at the Antitrust Division, global antitrust head David Higbee is noted for his expertise in regulated industry deals, representing clients before US and international antitrust agencies, while Ben Gris is another active member of the team, previously Assistant Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition and focusing on merger-related investigations and litigation. All lawyers mentioned are in Washington DC. Ryan Shores has left the firm. Following the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, the team now includes New York’s Elaine Johnston, a specialist in cross-border merger strategy, alongside tech-focused Noah Brumfield in Washington DC, who represented GlobalWafers in its high-profile attempted $5.4 billion takeover of rival Siltronic. Senior associate and ‘fantastic legal partner‘ Puja Patel, also in New York, is a key member of the team, playing important roles in a number of complex mergers and Second Request investigations.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

A&O Shearman fields a team that consists of former enforcement attorneys and federal prosecutors. Experienced in financial, securities and antitrust regulation, the practice is well positioned to handle parallel investigations by enforcement agencies and federal regulators including the SEC and DOJ. Trial lawyer Stephen Fishbein and managing partner Adam Hakki, both based in the firm’s New York office, lead the practice jointly with Patrick Robbins in San Francisco, whose areas of focus include foreign corrupt practices, accounting and securities fraud as well as insider trading. Also in New York, John Nathanson represents companies and individuals in internal investigations and civil securities litigation, while Katherine Stoller is a key contact for allegations of financial crime.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 3

A&O Shearman’s acts for large-scale energy companies, private equity funds, portfolio company management teams, state-owned oil and gas companies and financial institutions on upstream, midstream and downstream mandates. Praised for her ‘phenomenal work ethic, knowledge and commercial sense’, practice leader Sarah McLean spearheads the firm’s private equity group, handling acquisition, divestitures and joint ventures for energy clients, while head of the global energy innovation practice Omar Sanji advises on M&A, joint ventures, project development and debt financing matters. Hugh Tucker and Coleson Bruce left the firm in June 2022.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 3

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 4

A&O Shearman leverages its overall antitrust team to provide a solid cartel offering with an emphasis on defense, representing clients in the electronics, financial services, and food processing industries in criminal grand jury investigations and litigation. Noah Brumfield co-heads the practice from its Washington DC office. His practice focuses on antitrust-related cross-border transactional matters, monopolization allegations, and no-poach grand jury investigations. New York-based co-head Elaine Johnston has a broad antitrust practice, with significant experience advising on antitrust issues in a range of industries, including tech, pharma, and natural resources. A&O Shearman represents corporate and individual clients in domestic and international cartel investigations as well as civil litigation, with notable expertise in transatlantic matters. The firm has a particularly strong offering within the financial sector, counting major US and international financial institutions and financial services providers among its clients. Washington DC-based David Higbee and Djordje Petkoski co-head the team alongside San Francisco’s Patrick Robbins. Higbee is a former Antitrust Division litigator and frequently acts on matters before the DOJ and the FTC, and Petkoski’s practice focuses on criminal and internal investigations. Robbins specializes in criminal cartel litigation and has a strong record in successfully defending individual executives in governmental investigations.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 4

A&O Shearman provides a multi-faceted and comprehensive practice advising on project-related issues including regulatory advice, due diligence and liaison with government authorities. The firm advises a wide spectrum of clients including sponsors, developers, project companies. George D Cannon Jr. works in the Washington DC office and focuses on regulatory aspects of acquisitions, divestitures and financings of electric generation and transmission projects, including obtaining FERC and state public service commission approvals. Porter Wiseman is noted for her representation of independent power producers and electric utilities before FERC and state public utility commissions.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

Finance > Fintech Tier 4

A&O Shearman has made strong inroads into the US fintech market with several highly astute senior level recruits in the past few years. Lead partners such as technology transactions specialist Adam Chernichaw have created a team that works ‘seamlessly’  with clients. Legacy clients also appreciate the ‘consistency of team members‘ with ‘the same people working on our matters year after year‘. The practice offers a strong combination of regulatory, finance, and technology support, with complimentary services in IP licensing. Key team members include Dario de Martino, who co-leads the firm’s global blockchain and fintech group, Washington DC regulatory partner Barbara Stettner, and San Francisco-based IP and technology partner, Alex Touma. Lawyers are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Investment fund formation and management > Mutual/registered/exchange-traded funds Tier 4

A&O Shearman fields a team which works seamlessly alongside groups in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and the UK to provide comprehensive support on both cross-border and domestic US matters. The group caters to traditional mutual fund firms, as well as specialized vehicles such as SPACs and BDCs and innovative registered investment companies. The US group, which is based in New York, is led by Paul Schreiber, who has extensive experience in the practice area, and is one of the original founders of the investment funds practice. Counsel Thomas Majewski is also a key contact, and represents investment funds on all aspects of the business, including fund formation, regulatory matters, and SEC registration.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 4

Delivering multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary advice, A&O Shearman is highly capable in the full gamut of M&A matters, including high-profile company deals, joint ventures, and carve-out transactions. Scott Petepiece – Americas team head – concentrates on large-scale M&A in the infrastructure, energy and manufacturing industries, while deputy leader Daniel Litowitz has worked on sector-defining deals in the worlds of media, telecoms, healthcare and consumer goods; both practitioners are based in New York. In the same office, Clare O’Brien‘s notable areas of practice include restructurings, joint ventures, and acquisitions. The firm offers further transactional experience in Texas and the Bay Area, with a special emphasis on core industries like technology and energy. Daniel Mitz in Menlo Park is recommended for his knowledge of tech transactions. Following the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, the team has expanded. William Schwitter in New York spearheads both the US corporate and private equity practices, bringing a wealth of experience in leveraged buyouts, strategic acquisitions and special committee fiduciary matters. In the same office, Stephen Besen  stands out for his track record in multijurisdictional transactions, while Paul Burns is particularly noted for his wide experience in the life sciences and technology industries. The latter is a particular area of growth for the New York-based team, which also includes Dario de Martino. Jesse Debban, who joined from Farella Braun + Martel LLP in June 2022, expands the M&A bench in San Francisco.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 4

A&O Shearman advises start-ups and Fortune 500 companies, including international banks to major pharma companies, on complex tech projects and outsourcing transactions. A specialist in intellectual property transactional issues in fintech, payments and outsourcing, Adam Chernichaw, is experienced in IT and business process outsourcing, assisting clients in the financial services with the procurement of cloud sourcing services. A member of the firm’s global technology board, Keren Livneh, negotiates licensing, joint development, SaaS and IP arrangements for big tech, fintech and retail clients.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 4

A&O Shearman has an ‘excellent ‘ team with ‘experts in their fields‘. The firm has established a strong US presence to offer support on a broad range of technology-related transactions, including the procurement and development of products and services and advice on IP licensing, joint ventures, partnership agreements and M&A. Silicon Valley-based global co-head Daren Orzechowski has ‘deep experience in negotiating complex technology agreements for licensing and M&A‘. He is backed by the highly experienced Alex Touma in San Francisco, and Adam Chernichaw in New York.

Real estate Tier 4

A&O Shearman is noted for its representation of landlords and tenants in every type of leasing transaction, including headquarters office leases and ground leases, as well as sale-leasebacks and other structured transactions. Kris Ferranti leads the practice from New York and is highly active in acquisitions, dispositions, development projects, foreign investment, financings and ground and space leasing. In the same office, Lisa Brill acts for institutional investors and real estate operating companies in the investment, ownership and development of real estate.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4

A&O Shearman has particular strength in international and cross-border matters, and advises US and foreign clients in a range of areas such as transfer pricing disputes, tax accounting methods, and tax treatment of financial products. The team, based in Washington DC, includes tax litigator Kristen Garry, who has experience handling IRS audits and administrative appeals, and of counsel Robert Rudnick, whose specialty is tax controversy at the administrative level. Richard Gagnon has experience representing prominent clients in federal courts, and in administrative proceedings before the IRS and DOJ.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

With a focus on construction, technology, life sciences and investment cases, A&O Shearman's international arbitration group is equipped to manage both complex commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. In Washington DC, Christopher Ryan provides 'thoughtful, commercial and excellent advice' and routinely handles arbitral proceedings involving the construction, infrastructure, mining, and energy sectors. New York-based of counsel Henry Weisburg is noted for his broad practice scope, which spans investment, project and financial disputes, among others.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 5

Based in New York, A&O Shearman‘s financial institutions advisory and regulatory practice exhibits extensive experience dealing with core bank regulatory issues, with a further emphasis on broker-dealer compliance and enforcement. Mark Chorazak and Jennifer Morton are key figures in this regard, covering issues derived from US banking laws such as the Dodd-Frank Act and the Bank Holding Act as well as fintech and financial innovation matters. Morton is best known for her work with broker-dealers, addressing concerns in relation to the formation and registration of alternative trading systems.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

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

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 4

The newly combined A&O Shearman (with effect from May 2024) fields considerable capability as regards international arbitration in Latin America. The team demonstrates considerable experience in both investment and commercial arbitration, notably disputes in the construction, energy, infrastructure, mining, telcom and life-sciences sectors.T  Moreover, the legacy Shearment team, in particular, also evidences notable expertise in the enforcement of arbitral awards. The practice represents a healthy range of corporates and sovereign clients (including the Republic of Panama and the Republic of Peru), and has acted for clients in a growing number of investor-state arbitrations. Patrick Pearsall is head of the Americas international arbitration practice, and is noted for investment arbitration and public international law; while Washington DC and New York-based Christopher Ryan is an experienced international arbitration specialist with a significant focus on Latin America. Promoted to senior counsel in May 2022, David Ingle has proven to be a key team member in multiple Latin America cases, especially in the energy and extractive industries. At associat level, Ecuador/US dual national Brian Vaca is bilingual (Spanish/English) and dual-qualified in Florida and the District of Colombia; while Anna Stockamore, a former alternate director of the New York International Arbitration Center, is also a key figure in the team. All are based in Washington DC. Since publication, Gaela Gehring Flores has left the firm – effective as of April 2024.

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance

The fruit of a merger betweeen two global heavyweights, A&O Shearman fields an impressive Latin America-focused finance practice that has presence and profile in the acquisition finance, export finance, structured finance, corporate lending, and restructurings and refinancing segments. The group represents a healthy array of financial institutions (including Barclays, JP Morgan, BNP Paribas and Banamex),  along with various DFIs and ECAs, as well as institutional investors, corporates and private equity funds. The team further demonstrates particular experience in corporate lending and is making a further impression in growth areas such as sustainability-linked finance and ESG-related loans. Senior partner Denise Grant  has deep bank finance, and project finance and development experience, and an enviable trajectory in Latin America financings throughout the region. Metals and mining specialist Cynthia Urda Kassis is also active in project and development finance across the region; while co-head of the Americas projects, energy, natural resources & infrastructure group, Dorina Yessios is noted for energy and infrastructure financings. New York-based Sami Mir is co-head of the US agency practice and is pivotal to the firm’s connections to ECAs, MLAs, DFIs and commercial lenders; while Todd Koretzky (banking, leveraged finance, corporate finance and private credit) is highlighted for acquisition financings in the region. Promoted to the partnership in 2022, dual-qualified (New York/Peru) Augusto Ruiloba is another key member of the team and is particularly noted for acquisition financings in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors, particularly in Mexico, Chile and Peru. Now based in Washington DC, dual-qualified (New York/Brazil) counsel André de Paiva Teixeira focuses on project and leveraged financing as part of his broader corporate transactional practice. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Since publication, Sao Paulo-based Bruno Soares and New York's Joseph Stefano have both left the firm - in February and April 2024 respectively

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy

While the full impact of the combination has yet to be fully demonstrated, as of May 2024 A&O Shearman is a reality, its constituent legacy firms have bequeathed it a lengthy trajectory in Latin America energy and infrastructure projects sectors. The former Shearman team have long been active in Chile (having worked on a series of major projects including desalination plants, electric generation, power and renewables projects), and more generally, have extensive experience throughout the region – including Central America, Dominican Republic and Argentina – on matters ranging from power and renewables to mining and natural resources, oil and gas, and transport infrastructure projects. The former A&O team brings particular profile in agency finance (which has seen it land a number of significant mandates in the region), and frequently advises DFIs and ECAs in headline financings; it also represents a multitude of commercial lenders, alternative lenders and sponsors. A key figure for energy and infrastructure matters, New York partner Dorina Yessios has been growing her profile in digital infrastructure projects, alongside more traditional renewables and power transactions. With much of her focus on the Americas in their entirety, Cynthia Urda Kassis is a recognised authority in the mining and metals sector and also works more broadly across the energy and infrastructure segments. In Washington DC and New York respectively, Jean Lee and Sami Mir are at the forefront of project financings driven by ECAs, MLAs and commercial lenders. Dual-qualified (Peru/New York) Augusto Ruiloba was elected to the partnership in June 2022 and has worked on headline deals in Chile, Panama and across the region; while Robert O’Leary was similarly promoted in 2023 and -as a fluent Spanish speaker- is also heavily focused on Latin America. Since publication, Soares has left the firm, moving to DLA Piper LLP (US) in February 2024.