Dentons > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 1

Known for its ‘intimate knowledge of the cannabis industry’, Dentons provides a multidisciplinary team combining a range of expertise, including the key areas of litigation, employment tax and listings. A core area of work is IP matters, notably licencing and trademark issues, but the firm also handles the full spectrum of compliance, corporate and transactional advice covering cannabis regulations, FDA matters, funding, M&A, and real estate. Cannabis sector specialist Eric Berlin co-leads the practice with Kathryn Ashton, who is a national tax-exempt finance lawyer with a track record representing underwriters, lenders and borrowers in secured and unsecured financings. They can call on experienced associates Joanne Caceres and Los Angeles-based Lauren Estevez. All named individuals work out of Chicago unless stated otherwise.

Industry focus > Insurance: advice to insurers Tier 1

The ‘well-oiled team’ at Dentons represents a portfolio of leading national and international insurers, including several long-term clients. The team is regularly appointed to handle some of the biggest issues currently facing the industry, including acting as national coverage counsel for Covid-19-related claims and as national coordinating counsel with regards to opioid litigation, with Keith Moskowitz in Chicago playing a key role in these matters. The practice’s defence of insurers in class actions targeting pricing, sales, and underwriting practices among others is also of note. Moskowitz leads the team together with Sonia Martin, who is based both in San Francisco and Oakland and focuses on class actions, regulatory litigation and bad faith cases. Trial and appellate lawyer Ronald Kent in Orange County is a key member of the team, which was expanded with new hire Nick Williams from Clifford Chance in April 2021, who contributes experience in insurance transactions.

Industry focus > Native American law Tier 1

Based in Washington DC, the team at Dentons maintains an excellent track record acting for tribes in a wide range of high stakes matters across sovereignty issues, land acquisitions, and tribal gaming. Under the leadership of Heather Sibbison, the practice works closely with the firms wider litigation and government affairs group, and is highlighted for its dispute resolution expertise, particularly against federal governments for tribal clients. The group also advises on reservation issues and handles a number of pro-bono cases for economically disadvantaged tribes. Core members of the group include counsel George Skibine who is the key name for matters related to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, including gaming compacts and gaming on newly acquired lands. Also recommended is Samuel Daughety whose wide practice also includes environmental issues for clients — water settlement issues and economic development projects are a particular area of focus. On land and trust issues, counsel Suzanne Schaeffer is a key contact. Associate Rose Petoskey left the team for a position at the US Department of the Interior.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

At Dentons, the securitization practice sits within the firm’s capital markets department. The team is most known for their capabilities in the real estate finance and mortgage sectors, with a solid client roster of issuers and underwriters. An area of particular expertise is securitizations of non-performing and re-performing mortgages, but the group is also well-versed in triple-net lease commercial real estate, residential rental properties and residential mortgage-backed securities. The team is led from New York by Stephen Kudenholdt, whose practice includes real estate and asset-backed securities offerings, and Erik Klingenberg, who is noted for CLOs. Also in New York are Scott Swerdloff and Robert Olin.

Industry focus > Healthcare: health insurers Tier 2

Dentons‘ health insurer platform offers a full suite of transactional, regulatory and litigation services befitting of an international firm. The firm is known for its work with managed care organisations, with particular experience advocating for health plans regarding CMS’ denial of Medicare Advantage Applications. Its Honolulu office is another unique feature of the firm’s practice, with partner Dianne Winter Brookins advising on insurance litigation in the unique Hawai’ian market. New York-based practice co-head Janice Ziegler is known for her expertise on Medicare Secondary Payer laws, advising both payer and provider stakeholders on regulatory and contentious matters within that space. Also based in DC is co-head Bruce Merlin Fried, who brings previous experience as the director of managed care at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Also recommended is New York associate Claire Bornstein, who advises on ACA issues, with an emphasis on childrens’ healthcare provision.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 2

A long-standing representative of T-Mobile USA, the team at Dentons led by Todd Daubert advises on both traditional telecoms issues and cutting-edge matters arising through technology such as the deployment of WiFi services in rental cars by Avis Budget Group. Based in Washington DC, Daubert is a specialist in such regulatory matters who recently assisted T-Mobile USA with the implementation of its agreement with American Tower Corporation, allowing T-Mobile to deploy 5G. He works closely with associate Lauren Wilson, also based in Washington DC, who guides her clients through the process of obtaining FCC approvals and compliance with complementary regulatory acts. Sam Cullari joined the Washington DC office in September 2021 from Reed Smith LLP, extending the practice’s scope through his expertise in tech, privacy, and data security.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

Dentons advises high-net-worth-individuals and multinationals on international tax matters globally, including financing corporate subsidiaries, adhering to transfer pricing regulations, corporate income taxes, and indirect tax. It is also experienced with tax-related issues concerning foreign acquisitions, maximizing US foreign tax credits, and providing counsel to US citizens and residents on becoming tax residents of foreign jurisdictions. Based in Washington DC, practice head John Harrington is an expert in inbound and outbound transactional and tax compliance, as well as foreign tax credits and subpart F. In New York Timothy Santoli focuses on taxable and tax-free M&A and dispositions. Linda Pfatteicher joined the San Francisco office from Squire Patton Boggs in June 2021. She specializes in international tax for corporations, including global transfer pricing strategies and intangible property planning. Marc Teitelbaum retired in 2021.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Dentons is vastly experienced in defending securities litigation, whether class actions or national and global regulatory investigations and enforcement actions. Among recent examples is a high-profile case for the New York Stock Exchange LLC and the Chicago Stock Exchange, which the firm defended in the “flash boys” high-frequency trading case concerning alleged market manipulation and that US exchanges’ proprietary data feeds enabled the manipulation  of every equities trade in the US markets from 2009 onwards. In New York, head of the global US dispute resolution practice Sandra Hauser and global co-head of financial services Douglas Henkin, who handled the defense of NYSE, lead the practice along with Chicago-based Stephen Senderowitz, co-chair of the global financial markets litigation and regulatory group. Hauser and Senderowitz are currently representing Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a securities fraud and market manipulation suit.

Government > Government relations Tier 3

Adept at both state and federal level public policy, Dentons’ group operates as a fully integrated national practice. Alongside a strong Washington DC practice, the group is noted for its presence in Georgia. The practice is headed by Eric Tanenblatt who splits their time between Atlanta and Washington DC. Also notable in the team are Andrew Shaw and Chris Fetzer, both based in Washington DC. Shaw focuses primarily on energy and environmental policy matters advising clients on federal legislative and regulatory issues, while Fetzer leads the firm’s national security and foreign policy team, maintaining a focus on the defense, trade and (cyber)security areas.

Industry focus > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 3

Dentons has extensive experience representing government bodies and electric and gas utility entities on energy compliance and advocacy. The group also advises a wide range of clients before FERC, including in matters related to operations, rates, project development, enforcement and compliance, and agency rulemaking. Practice head Clinton Vince was named general counsel of the GridWise Alliance Grid Infrastructure Advisory Council’s (GIAC) board of directors in July 2021 and has experience advising on major project developments as well as representing clients in appellate cases, including at the US Supreme Court. Emma Hand is another key practitioner, handling demand-side management programs and smart cities initiatives. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Industry focus > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

Industry focus > Environment: regulatory Tier 3

Dentons‘ environmental law team acts for clients from key industry sectors, including chemicals, in environmental litigation and regulatory compliance matters under a wide array of federal, state and local environmental laws. Recent activity showcases the group’s strength in chemical and pesticide regulation at the federal and state level, complex permitting and brownfield issues, and climate change. The team is often retained by emitters, exchanges, clean-tech project developers and governments in developing emissions compliance strategies and next-generation clean technologies. Department head Todd Silliman, who is based in Atlanta, has acted as lead counsel in matters under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. He receives key support from Robert Schuda in Los Angeles, whose areas of expertise include ESG issues, and compliance with clean air, soil and water laws.

Industry focus > Healthcare: service providers Tier 3

The healthcare team at Dentons has a strong focus on litigation matters, offering advice on fraud and abuse cases, and Medicare recoupment matters. The team has a strong financing and corporate governance practice focused on providers, which includes advising Northwestern Memorial Healthcare on a potential reorganization and on debt and equity-related issues. Holley Thames Lutz in Washington DC is well regarded for her regulatory practice, advising key clients on federal program reimbursement and clinical research compliance. Gadi Weinreich, also in DC, is a key litigator, and New York's Charles Luband advises providers on ACA-related matters. Kimberly Kerry leads the team from San Francisco.

Industry focus > Transport: rail and road - litigation and regulation Tier 3

Dentons‘ ‘solid‘ transportation team is regularly mandated to advise on matters involving freight railroads, rail passenger carriers and trucking. The department also fields autonomous vehicle specialists. Washington DC-based David Hirsh leads the US transportation and rail practice as well as the firm's global transportation team, and is an expert in transportation-related regulatory and business issues, his experience including representing freight rail carriers in litigation with passenger carriers.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 3

Dentons fields one of the largest international networks of any firm, spread across 207 locations in 82 countries, and hones its focus on regulated sectors such as healthcare, energy, financial services and manufacturing. The practice is chaired globally from Chicago by Michael Froy who specializes in M&A, both domestic and cross-border, securities offerings, corporate governance and public company compliance affairs. In Kansas City, Mitchell Albert runs a varied workload which encompasses transactions, joint ventures, licensing agreements, distribution contracts and capital raising.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 3

The core of Dentons‘ US venture capital and emerging companies practice works out of its dedicated venture tech centre in New York, which works closely with other international hubs, as well as offices in New Jersey, Palo Alto and San Diego. The firm is praised for its ‘capable team that can help companies from inception all the way through exit‘, while also being ‘highly knowledgeable on best practices for venture capital financing rounds for startups as well as for the VC investors‘. In addition to the corporate finance aspects, clients benefit from lawyers with good IP and regulatory expertise that covers both technology and life sciences. Victor Boyajian heads the global practice, which also includes Chris Errico, the ‘efficient and effective‘ co-head of the firm’s US Startup Program. Clients also consider Ilan Katz ‘a brilliant attorney who negotiates masterfully‘. New Jersey’s James Jasaitis  is also very experienced in this space.

Media, technology and telecoms > Fintech Tier 3

Dentons has an impressive multidisciplinary practice that provides a combination of corporate finance, IP and regulatory support. Clients include major banks and financial services institutions as well as fintech start-ups and growth companies. New York-based partner Victor Boyajian heads the firm’s global venture technology and emerging growth companies practice, which represents several leading companies in this space on a wide range of issues including venture funding, corporate acquisitions and compliance. This expertise crosses into areas such as blockchain, where New York partner Charles Gelinas is establishing a good track record for distributed ledger and cryptocurrency transactions, including advising digital token issuers in token-generating events. Washington DC-based partner John Holahan and New York’s Matthew Yoon, who co-head the firm’s capital markets regulatory team, are also extremely active on the fintech side.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

Areas of expertise of Dentons includes securities and antitrust litigation, consumer class action defense, financial services and insurance disputes, government and internal investigations and white-collar defense, as well as fraud and False Claims Act litigation. It is particularly noted for its international investment treaty arbitration practice. Team head Sandy Hauser is based in New York and a specialist in the financial services sector, while Natalie Spears in Chicago is well versed in the technology, media and telecommunications area. Michael Duvall in Los Angeles is ‘a highly-skilled attorney.’

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

'Very experienced in international matters', Dentons group is also commended as being 'highly competent and always well-prepared'. The US arbitration practice sits as part of the firm's global international dispute resolution group and routinely represents clients in both domestic and multi-jurisdictional cases. The team's broad practice scope encompasses the full range of commercial and investment arbitrations and it also handles a significant volume of enforcement matters. New York-based John Hay heads the international disputes group for the US and advises on commercial and investor-state arbitrations. Anthony Ullman, also in New York, is noted for his emphasis on disputes relating to IP, construction, health care and energy.

Government > Government contracts Tier 4

Dentons serves a wide range of industries, including the life sciences, technology, aerospace, healthcare, defense, cybersecurity, and construction. The practice also has broad expertise across bid protest matters, False Claims Act suits, and corporate transactions. The practice is chaired by Steven Masiello, who has extensive expertise in complex contracting matters, particularly in cost accounting, contract estimating, and pricing matters. Thomas Lemmer is of note, also strong in cost accounting and pricing. All practitioners are based in Denver.

Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 4

With offices around the globe, Dentons has built a reputation for acting for governmental bodies and their utility entities in energy compliance and advocacy work. The firm has a strong profile in regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), including proceedings involving  project development, enforcement and compliance. The team has seen recent growth with several new clients seeking assistance with corporate governance, renewable energy policy and procurement of power projects. Transactional matters involving renewable assets are also part of the service offering. Clinton Vince in Washington DC manages the global energy sector. In the same office, Emma Hand is proficient in energy efficiency issues, while Peter Thieman is specialized in energy regulatory and M&A matters. Carl Steen, who splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, is regarded for his transactional and regulatory capabilities in the utilities space.

Industry focus > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

The multidisciplinary practice group at Dentons covers a range of transactional matters in the conventional power space, as well as providing power regulatory and compliance expertise to its roster of public and private sector clients. Washington DC-based Clinton Vince leads the team and is general counsel of the GridWise Alliance Grid Infrastructure Advisory Council’s (GIAC) board of directors; the GIAC was formed to advocate for federal spending to modernize the nation’s electric power transmission and distribution systems.

Industry focus > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Demonstrating strong capabilities in transactions, regulatory matters and litigation involving environmental law, Dentons is noted for its experience in chemical and pesticides regulations under federal and state laws, and its strength in representing major developers in brownfields issues across the United States. Atlanta-based Todd Silliman manages the department; he has served as lead counsel in high-profile cases involving endangered species, CERCLA and PEPA issues, water rights and wetlands. With a strong base in California, the team is regularly retained to advise on Proposition 65 matters, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) issues and chemical risks. Robert Schuda in Los Angeles has longstanding experience in ESG maters, hazardous waste management and cleanup, and historic preservation.

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 4

Applauded for having ‘one of the most strategic patent teams around’, Dentons serves as counsel to a variety of clients, ranging from high-tech, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals clients to universities, providing top-notch services to develop, manage and protect IP portfolios. The group boasts notable domestic and international capabilities, being able to draw resources from its global network of offices when handling cross-border prosecution matters. Robert Hanson in Dallas, Brian Ho, who splits his time between San Francisco and Oakland, and Monica Richman in New York share the leadership of the practice. Peter Yim, who is ‘armed with technical knowledge’ and operates from San Francisco; Song Jung in Washington, DC; and Dallas’ Thomas Hiesberger, who made partner in 2021, are key names of the team. Martin Bruehs left the group in 2021.

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

Dentons acts for clients across the technology, insurance and healthcare sectors on matters pertaining to qualified retirement plans, equity incentive plans and health and welfare programs. In the firm’s Kansas City office, Martin Moderson advises ERISA-governed plan investment and administrative committees on fiduciary matters, while Washington DC-based Michael Maryn focuses on 401(k) plans, ESOPs and defined benefit plans, and advises on severance and retention agreements. Key clients include software companies Double Verify, Inc. and GetSwift, among others.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 4

Dentons Cohen & Grigsby’s immigration practice leverages its firm wide capabilities across employment law and corporate to offer multinationals a full-service offering. Based out of Pittsburgh, the team advises on business immigration work and short and long-term visas issues. Lawrence Lebowitz is the key name for family-based immigration matters and has a strong record advising on US citizenship issues, whilst Alexa Forte focuses on compliance. Also in Pittsburgh is co-chair Alexander Castrodale who handles immigrant and non-immigrant visa, particularly EB-1 visas. The team also has a presence on the West Coast with Silicon Valley co-head Matthew Schulz being the key contact for global mobility issues.

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

The employment team at Dentons is particularly known for its ability to leverage the firm’s international network to assist clients with cross-border issues. The group handles a busy caseload of discrimination lawsuits, harassment allegations, accessibility and accommodation claims as well as non-compete matters. In San Francisco, Sandra McCandless advises on all aspects of employment matters, including class actions, litigation, arbitration and mediation. Los Angeles-based Nick Pujji is skilled in wage and hour claims and trade secrets. The practice is jointly led by Daniel Beale in Atlanta, Robert Cottington in Pittsburgh, Andrew Gruber in Indianapolis, Richard Hymas in Salt Lake City and Jo Ellen Whitney in Des Moines; Hymas and Whitney joined the team following the merger of now-defunct Durham Jones & Pinegar and Davis Brown with the firm in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 4

International firm Dentons connects its US workplace and employment counseling practice with a global network of lawyers with extensive experience. Its New York office focuses on restrictive covenant, trade secret and unfair competition litigation, while its California team has extensive experience in wage and hour class actions as well as global counseling and litigation avoidance. The practice is led by Atlanta-based partner Daniel Beale, who represents employers in litigation, administrative charges and governmental investigations. The firm has undergone significant expansion, hiring numerous shareholders; seasoned litigator Rodney Moore was among the new hires in 2020.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4

Benefiting from a global pool of real estate lawyers, Dentons is instructed by US and non-US borrowers in addition to banks, life insurance companies, debt funds, and other traditional and non-traditional lenders on a wide range of financing structures. In June 2021, the practice launched Dentons Global Advisors, comprised of industry leaders with the aim to form an integrated counsel to clients facing commercial, financial and regulatory challenges. New York based David Hall and Gary Goodman advise on construction and term financings, mezzanine financings and workouts, with Goodman recognized as an authority in LIBOR transition issues. Linda White chairs the US-wide real estate practice from Chicago.

Real estate Tier 4

Dentons is recommended for its real estate finance representation. It also handles an large volume of tax-driven transaction structuring, due diligence, leasing and REIT work, particularly in the Midwest. 2021 saw the firm introduce new innovative initiatives such as Global Advisors, the Allyship Initiative and its Golden Spike partnership with Utah, Iowa and Alabama-based regional practices. Practice chair Linda White, Todd Stennes and counsel Amber Morris are the key contacts in Chicago.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4

Dentons represents multinational clients active in retail, manufacturing, and energy industries in civil and criminal SALT litigation, including pre-trial investigation, pleadings, and trial. In Washington DC, co-head Jeffry Erney specializes in tax litigation and dispute resolution, often acting as lead counsel on major tax disputes and private letter rulings. Based in Louisville, co-lead Mark Lloyd covers areas such as administrative protest and settlement, federal excise tax, tax litigation, and appeals. DC-based managing associate David Mayhall is a key resource regarding civil tax controversies before the IRS as well as advising on tax legislation. Tax controversy expert Linda Pfatteicher joined from Squire Patton Boggs in June 2021. Scott Brian Clark departed in May 2021.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense Tier 5

Dentons stands out from the crowd with its regional approach to white-collar crime and corporate investigations in the US market. Practice head Stephen Hill is based in Kansas City and is a veteran trial lawyer and former US Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. Key areas of focus for the team include internal investigations, government investigations and enforcement actions, anti-bribery and anti-corruption advice, and compliance matters. In January 2021, Steven Aaron left the firm, and Rachel Cannon also departed in June 2021; in October, David Kornblau joined from Covington & Burling LLP in New York.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 5

Dentons acts in a variety of construction matters, covering both construction documentation advice and litigation, from strong bases in St Louis, San Diego and New York. The construction focused attorneys are well integrated with related departments and the global Dentons network, with recent transactional and dispute resolution work involving projects in the energy, hospitality, healthcare and residential sectors, several including cross-border elements. Charles Vantine and John Haug co-lead the national department from St Louis and assist project owners, contractors and subcontractors with issues at all stages of a development. In New York, expert in complex commercial litigation, Jonathan Jemison is often engaged in construction disputes, and in San Diego, Jae Park is also a litigator with a significant construction practice. At the counsel level, Clay Counts supports on a variety of construction and development matters from St Louis.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

Dentons has a full service offering, advising on cross-border matters in a range of sectors including healthcare, agriculture, telecommunications and aviation. Its expertise extends into the handling of reorganization and creditor’s right representation. Robert Richards leads the practice and is based in the Chicago office. Brian Greer departed in September 2021, while Chapter 11 and insolvency litigation specialist Andrew Helman joined the practice from Murray Plumb & Murray in March 2021.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

Leveraging its robust national footprint, Dentons works with a mix of individuals, corporates, and institutional investors on a range of matters, including REMIC and pass-through entity taxation. St. Louis-based co-head Nick Kappas is highly experienced in federal tax credit transactions and tax-exempt bond financing at the state and local level. In Kansas City, co-head Bruce Davison is noted for his wide-ranging capabilities in M&A and private equity transactions, while Kelli Wikoff focuses on tax considerations for limited liability companies and S corporations.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 7

The financial services regulation team at Dentons is well-known for its focus on the residential mortgages market. The practice’s clients in this space include prominent multinational banks, private equity funds and underwriters, and it provides broad advice on the regulatory aspects of mortgage financing, origination and trading as well as on investment into the market. The team is jointly led by John Holahan in Washington DC and Matthew Yoon in New York.

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