Dentons > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Government > State attorneys general Tier 1

A core bench housing three former state attorneys general distinguishes Dentons as a destination of choice for regulatory counseling, state AG relations, investigations, enforcement actions, and negotiations and settlements. The team has recently showcased its multistate capabilities in the investigations concerning recalls and safety concerns in the automotive industry. Leadership of the practice is shared between former Georgia attorney general Thurbert Baker, who splits his time between Atlanta and Washington DC, and who has made significant strides in the pharmaceuticals space, and DC-based former Florida attorney general and Congressman Bill McCollum, who fields a wealth of public policy experience, and is valued by companies dealing with disruptive new technologies. Also in DC, Dan Gibb is prominent in automotive industry multistate actions, representing car makers and OEMs, while Atlanta’s Samuel Olens, who was twice elected attorney general for Georgia, is carving out a niche in the cannabis industry. In Chicago, Angelina Whitfield supports on antitrust issues across a wide range of industries, spanning cannabis, high tech, and life sciences.

Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 1

The expertise of the team at Dentons extends from strategic counselling, risk mitigation, and compliance, to support with transactional and contentious mandates. Chicago-based Eric Berlin steers the department and dedicates his practice to assisting companies that sell products or services to the cannabis industry, testing labs, cultivators and processors with corporate transactions and litigation. Additional key contacts in Chicago include Joanne Caceres, who is noted for her regulatory work for cannabis, hemp, and emerging psychedelics-sector clients; and Michael Froy, who is frequently instructed by manufacturers, cannabis, and healthcare-sector clients. Los Angeles-based managing associate Lauren Estevez routinely counsels cannabis brands, CBD companies, investors, and ancillary businesses on regulatory compliance.

Industry focus > Native American law Tier 1

Working from the firm’s Washington DC office, the Native American Law group at Dentons boasts a complete advisory and contentious offering and routinely works on the side of tribes across the nation, recently including those in Missouri, Arizona, and Hawaii. Core areas of focus for the group includes representing tribes in claims of tribal sovereignty, land claim settlement issues, and securing full recognition from the federal government. On the advisory front, the team’s capabilities include advising on tribal energy projects, issues involving healthcare and education on reservations, and gaming mandates. Heather Sibbison steers the practice and specializes in matters relating to Native lands, including water rights, non-gaming economic development, and housing. Additional key contacts include Suzanne Schaeffer and Samuel Daughety, who focus on complex Indian lands and environmental compliance issues.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 1

Leveraging broad expertise and a robust global presence, Dentons‘ insurance practice advises insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and intermediaries across a range of product lines. Heavily involved in COVID-19-related and high-profile litigation, the firm excels in managing business interruption claims and addressing issues related to sexual abuse, environmental pollution, and opioid litigation. Practice head Keith Moskowitz, based in Chicago, serves as coordinating counsel for COVID-19 losses, leads nationwide opioid litigations, and represents major US P&C insurers in significant cases, including abuse claims and aviation coverage related to the Russia-Ukraine war. His global responsibilities span coordination across Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the UK. Fellow co-head Sandra Hauser, a distinguished lawyer in New York, specializes in defending insurance and financial services companies in nationwide class actions, particularly in life insurance and annuities. Also leading from Washington, Shari Klevens, specializes in handling litigation, focusing on professional liability and insurance claims, she also represents and counsels insurance companies in coverage disputes and high-exposure bad faith cases. Meanwhile, recently promoted to partner in New Jersey, Erika Lopes-McLeman focuses on class actions against insurance companies, insurance coverage litigation and counseling, insurance defense matters, and complex commercial disputes.

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

The team at Dentons is well-placed to handle a range of management-side employment litigation mandates. Particular areas of expertise include class action, alternative dispute resolution, and representing management in discrimination and retaliation claims. The group is also equipped to represent management and senior executives on sensitive restrictive covenant and trade secret matters. The practice is jointly led by a group of five experienced attorneys. Daniel Beale, based in Atlanta, is well-versed in litigation and assuring employers’ compliance with federal, state and local employment laws; in Salt Lake City, Rick Hymas has notable experience dealing with claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Labor and employment all-rounder Andrew Gruber leads from the Indianapolis office; Carsen Ruperto and Jo Ellen Whitney are based in Pittsburgh and Des Moines, respectively.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Dentons advises a wide range of clients, such as issuers, underwriters, investors, lenders and originators, on all manner of securitization matters. The firm’s MBS practice is notable in particular, covering the gamut, from RMBS to CMBS. It is also well-versed in securitizations of non-qualified mortgage loans, non-performing and re-performing loans, as well as SDR properties. Stephen Kudenholdt heads the practice whilst focusing his own work on RMBS and other ABS types for issuers, underwriters and loan sellers. Fellow head Erik Klingenberg further compounds the RMBS work, with experience in work connected to CMBS and other structured products also. Scott Swerdloff adds insight into public and private resecuritizations to the firm’s repertoire, while Robert Olin is noted for his MBS work, including assisting in the sale, servicing and purchase of whole loan mortgages. In March 2023, both Jessica Rebarber and Victoria Lee, whose expertise includes credit facilities secured by SFR and residential mortgage loans, were promoted to partner. All lawyers mentioned practice out of New York.

Healthcare > Health insurers Tier 2

Kimberly Kerry and Janice Ziegler jointly co-head the practice at Dentons, which is known for its strong capabilities in claims regarding insurance fraud. Dividing her time between San Francisco and Oakland, Kerry is known for her vast corporate expertise within the healthcare space, and Michael Barnes is a key name for claims-handling and coverage mandates. Ziegler works out of the New York office, advising health plans, insurers, and insurance brokers on regulatory issues, and Sean Cenawood utilizes his expansive governmental expertise to assist with both internal and government investigations. In Washington DC, Bruce Merlin Fried is a key contact for health plans and physician organizations, while Christopher Janney has longstanding expertise in M&A and clinical arrangements for marketing and services, and Gadi Weinreich is noted for his deep knowledge of whistleblower claims. Commercial litigation expert Dianne Winter Brookins often acts in disputes concerning insurance coverage and benefits in Honolulu.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 2

Dentons‘ corporate division stands out for its experience in handling middle market M&A deals in regulated sectors, including manufacturing, health care, energy, and financial services. The team’s broad client roster includes Fortune 100 companies, financial institutions, and privately held companies. Michael Froy chairs the firm’s global corporate practice from Chicago and has a proven track record in acting on behalf of manufacturers. Retail propane, midstream assets and internet publishing are among the sectors in which Kansas City-based Mitchell Albert excels. In Salt Lake City, Rick Guerisoli brings his real estate expertise to bear on matters such as asset acquisitions. Washington DC-based Jeffrey Sivek‘s transactional expertise is relied upon by clients ranging from start-ups to major North American manufacturers. Further key lawyers include Christopher Jones in Louisville, Mark Stabile in Pittsburgh, Russell Smith in Lehi, Utah, and Joseph Ritchey in Birmingham.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 2

Dentons fields a ‘very strong team with solid venture capital credentials’, attracting major corporate strategic investors such as Citi Ventures, Bayer, and PayPal Ventures, along with numerous global venture clients. The group is chaired by Victor Boyajian in New York, who represents emerging growth tech companies, their senior executives, and boards of directors, in addition to venture and private equity houses. Also based in New York, Chris Errico focuses on sectors such as fintech, proptech, digital health, and consumer products, while James Jasaitis specializes in representing emerging growth businesses in capital formation transactions and M&A. The firm has been bolstered by a string of recent hires including LiLing Poh in Silicon Valley, who joined in September 2023 from Reed Smith LLP; Richard Hayes, who joined the New York team in July 2023 from K&L Gates’s Sydney office; and New York’s Daniel Goldberg, who joined in November 2023 from Goodwin.

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

Drawing on Dentons’ international reach, the firm’s Washington DC-based communications and technology team advises on matters both in the US and on a global scale. The practice’s in-depth knowledge of technology matters sees it advise on the development of product and service strategies, as well as privacy and data security frameworks. The team fields extensive experience in obtaining licenses, certifications and tariff approvals and assists clients with compliance matters and the development of compliance programs. The group regularly advises on marketing strategies, as well as writing customer terms and privacy notices. Operating at local, state and federal levels, the practice represents clients in disputes and contentious matters before various regulatory authorities. With a background in engineering, practice head Todd Daubert offers both regulatory and transactional advice on telecoms and technology issues. Lauren Wilson is an active member of the team, bringing FCC experience and extensive knowledge of TCPA matters.

Tax > Financial products Tier 2

The team at Dentons, headed by New York-based Marshall Feiring and Ryan Zucchetto, focuses on the tax implications of swaps and other financial products as well as debt and equity issuances both in and outside the US. Feiring’s practice covers loan and REMIC agreement modifications and liquidations as well as structuring on and offshore REIT-TMP and other non-REMIC vehicles for securitizing loans and distressed REMIC regular interests, financing servicing advances, and synthetic credit default swap. Zucchetto represents both issuers and underwriters in residential mortgage-backed securities transactions involving both performing loans and non-performing loans, as well as other mortgage-related asset classes and other asset classes such as auto loan receivables. Joseph Benavides plays an instrumental role in the team, focusing specifically on tax planning for structured real estate transactions.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

The securities litigation practice at Dentons is ‘very thorough and successful', who praise New York-based practice head Sandra Hauser, global co-head of financial services Douglas Henkin and co-chair of the global compliance and investigations practice David Kornblau. The firm is adept in navigating high-profile litigation and SEC disputes, a prime example being its work for Terraform Labs and its co-founder Do Kwon, which comprised the defense of an SEC action, and the defeat of a proposed class action concerning the stablecoin TerraUSD (UST), the cryptocurrency Luna, and its decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms Mirror Protocol and Anchor Protocol. Kornblau and Henkin took the lead in those matters. Chicago-based Stephen Senderowitz is another standout practitioner. Working with Hauser, he is currently representing CIBC in a securities fraud and market manipulation suit. Securities class action specialist Kenneth Pfaehler in Washington DC is also highly recommended.

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 3

With a ‘breadth of experience that is hard to find in a single firm’, Dentons‘ energy department in Washington DC is adept at the full gamut of regulatory proceedings before FERC, including disputes related to operations, rates, project development, enforcement and agency rulemaking, and demonstrated its strength in private litigation, leveraging the firm’s international network to comfortably handle cross-border litigation and arbitration.  Praised for his ‘incredible knowledge’, Clinton Vince leads the practice and is recommended for his expertise in proceedings before trial and state appellate courts, as well as the Supreme Court. Sought out by power entities, municipalities, and energy customers, Emma Hand shines on matters related to energy efficiency and all sources of electric power generation such as renewables and distributed generation, with a specialism in federal utility regulation and litigation. Justin Mirabal is well versed in crafting consensus agreements between regulated entities and their customers in settlement negotiations.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

A key contact for technology providers as well as money transmitters on transactional and regulatory matters, the New York-based practice Dentons is highlighted for its litigious cryptocurrency capabilities. In Washington DC, John Holahan and Matthew Yoon are knowledgeable of blockchain-driven technology and digital currency matters, while Victor Boyajian leads the firm’s global venture and TMT practices. Chris Errico often handles cross-border transactional work for venture private equity funds, institutional investors, and capital market entities, whilst Joseph Guagliardo advises public and private companies on technology transactions. Joshua Jordon is well-versed in federal, state, and local consumer credit laws, and William Beecher is a key member of the firm’s capital markets department who is experienced in representing hedge funds, national mortgage lenders, and Wall Street institutions before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.    

Government > Government relations Tier 3

An integrated national network sees Dentons‘ public policy group engaged at all levels across Washington DC, state capitols, and city halls in all 50 states, providing policy advice on sectors including climate, infrastructure, financial services, tax, and tech. Securing federal and state funding for clients also features prominently in the team’s work. Dividing his time between Washington DC and Atlanta, Eric Tanenblatt chairs the group, and is most passionate about the innovation economy and automotive autonomy. The DC office includes Matthew Cutts, who is frequently engaged on tax policy and financial services matters, and Chris Fetzer, a key choice for multinationals in heavily regulated industries facing economic, supply chain security, trade and sanctions, and foreign policy issues. In Atlanta, Steven Labovitz focuses his practice on legislative action, economic development, public finance, privatization, and government efficiency, while Edward Lindsey helps transportation, infrastructure, healthcare and education clients navigate the Georgia state government. Also in DC, Linda Willard fields significant experience in infrastructure policy in the areas of surface transportation and water resources. Andrew Shaw left the firm in June 2024.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 3

Known for assisting investment entities and health systems with the full gamut of transactional matters and the regulatory compliance issues which arise as a result, the group at Dentons also advises clients on FCA and whistleblower investigations. California-based practice head Kimberly Kerry‘s workload primarily consists of healthcare corporate transactions, routinely advising on the certification and licensing of medical facilities. In Washington DC, Holley Thames Lutz is noted for her deep knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid coverage and reimbursement-related mandates, and healthcare fraud and abuse regulatory expert Gadi Weinreich routinely advises health systems. New York’s Charles Luband is a regulatory specialist with longstanding expertise in both federal and state healthcare programs regarding Medicaid financing and supplemental payments.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 3

Dentons is bolstered by an extended network of offices across the US and possesses considerable expertise in the business immigration field. Key areas of the practice include personnel movement, assisting companies with hiring highly skilled professionals and the full range of business visa applications. The team is led by a quartet of specialists – Alexander Castrodale operates from the Pittsburg office and specializes in employment-based immigration, including temporary and permanent visas, family-based immigration, naturalization, and related issues. In Des Moines, Lori T. Chesser assists individuals and employers with all their immigration needs and brings an impressive client portfolio of Fortune 500 companies, Pittsburg-based Alexa Forte handles temporary and permanent visas for clients’ foreign national employees, and business immigration expert, Matthew Schulz who is based in Silicon Valley. Megan Lantz recently joined the firm from Barten Law and now practices in the Des Moines office.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 3

The employment and labor practice at Dentons operates from a wide range of locations within the US, including offices in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh, and Des Moines. The firm’s large presence enables the employment practice to provide counsel to a uniquely broad variety of clients, including advising on Native American employment matters for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, a federally recognised tribe in California. The firm also provides counsel to major international clients on US employment policies and practices, as well as issues of sovereign immunity and diplomatic privileges. The practice is led by Daniel Beale, Andrew Gruber, and Jo Whitney from Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Des Moines respectively. Beale’s practice focuses on counseling international clients operating in the US as well as US clients with a global presence; while Gruber advises clients on traditional labor law issues, such as collective bargaining, union avoidance, and NLRB representation; Whitney has recently been counseling a variety of healthcare providers concerning the increase of AI in the workforce.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 3

Dentons uses its broad network and financial expertise to advise lenders on in-bound and cross-border real estate transactions, including CRE financings, construction loans, and acquisitions. The firm represents both national and international lenders such as major banks, life insurance companies, and debt funds. In Chicago, Steve Davidson is the go-to for construction related real estate financing, while over in New York Richard Stempler handles a wide range of transaction types from CMBS to balance sheet lending and Gary Goodman represents agent banks in syndicated loans. Sarah Armendariz assists lenders, borrowers, title companies, and tenants in real estate transactions from Kansas City.

Tax > International tax Tier 3

Dentons advises companies on the tax aspect of cross-border issues, including the acquisition and disposition of foreign entities, joint ventures with foreign partners, project financings, privatizations, restructuring of foreign operations, cross-border finance strategies and tax treaty interpretation. The team also advises both US and non-US citizens on both domestic and international tax rules. Practice head John Harrington, based in Washington DC, advises clients on inbound and outbound transactional and compliance issues, international tax legislative, regulatory and treaty matters; and foreign tax credit matters, with subpart F and cross-border activities of companies and individuals. New York-based Rich Williams has considerable experience in a wide range of federal income tax matters, including domestic and international M&A and dispositions, public and private financing, and strategic tax planning. San Francisco-based Linda Pfatteicher’s practice covers international corporate tax and operational structuring, including global expansion, global transfer pricing strategy, supply chain restructurings, intangible property planning, cross-border M&A, post-acquisition integration, and tax controversies. Frank Marano handles corporate, partnership, and business tax planning whilst Mark Astling has expertise in federal tax issues.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Representing rail carriers, investors and public transit agencies, Dentons‘ transportation practice predominantly assists with matters involving freight railroads and rail passenger carriers, but it also has notable trucking credentials. ‘Widely respected in the transportation industry’, the practice is additionally active in relation to autonomous vehicles. With ‘vast industry knowledge and the ability to deliver results’, David Hirsh, who is experienced in rail-related rate and competition issues, leads the firm’s US transportation and rail practice; former US Supreme Court clerk Simon Steel is an expert in federal appellate work; and James Guinivan assists transportation companies with administrative and appellate matters. Over in Chicago, Shannon Shin specialises in complex commercial litigation and appellate advocacy, while Amber Morris advises on commercial real estate issues. In July 2023, regulatory specialist Theodore Hunt joined the firm as partner from the Surface Transportation Board. All attorneys named are based in the firm’s Washington DC office unless otherwise stated.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

Dentons’ litigation and dispute resolution department is headed up by New York-based practitioner Sandy Hauser and routinely handles securities and antitrust litigation, consumer class action defense, complex financial services and insurance disputes, as well as government and internal investigations. Specialist work on investment treaty arbitration is another core pillar of the group’s work in the space. In Chicago, Natalie Spears is an important port of call for media and advertising disputes and real estate litigation. Los Angeles-based defense attorney Michael Duvall‘s practice emphasizes class actions, which he handles at all levels of the United States court system.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 4

Drawing on the expertise of a deep bench of litigators, including many with significant product liability and consumer class action prowess, Dentons is well placed to assist consumer product manufacturers with all aspects of their business, from ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and managing product recalls through to evaluating litigation risks and defending against lawsuits. In San Diego, the ‘fantastic’ Sarah Carlson heads up the firm’s consumer product safety and advertising regulatory compliance offering, regularly going ‘the extra mile’ to acts for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of consumer products in litigation and regulatory matters involving the CPSC and consumer product safety laws. Based out of New York, team head Sandy Hauser has broad litigation experience in trial and appellate courts, including handling a notable volume of consumer fraud and false advertising claims. In Los Angeles, Michael Duvall is also recommended as a result of his defense work for clients from the food and beverage, diet and nutrition, and personal care and beauty product industries in relation to product labeling, false advertising and so-called 'greenwashing' class actions.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 4

Active on both a state and federal level, Dentons handles rate cases, transmission projects, and enforcement matters in addition to advising on the regulatory aspects of transactions in the energy space. Practice head Clinton Vince has a varied practice that includes appellate cases and project development for clients such as municipal utilities and transmission companies, while Emma Hand‘s advisory portfolio encompasses both regulatory and litigation matters. Regular appearances before FERC and state public utility commissions as well as compliance issues form part of Justin Mirabal‘s experience. All named attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

Dentons‘ energy practice is valued by electric generation and transmission utilities and multinational independent power producers who value the team’s capabilities in M&A, project development, and project finance. In terms of transaction work, the group handles joint ventures and investments surrounding large-scale windfarms, solar power project company sales, and vast acquisitions of gas-fired combined cycle power plant projects. Clint Vince leads the group from Washington DC and takes the lead on complex energy transactions and negotiations. Fellow Washington DC advisor Luis Torres is noted for his impressive cross-border practice.  

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 4

Alongside its focus on regulatory matters, where the team routinely advises a host of both domestic and international clients, Dentons also has significant capabilities in assisting with project development and financing transactions in the renewable energy space. Out of Washington DC, Clinton Vince leads the firm’s energy practice, handling a mixture of project development, regulatory matters and litigation cases. He is regularly assisted by co-chair of the firm’s global energy sector team Emma Hand, noted for her prowess in both regulatory and litigation settings. The team also includes Justin Mirabal, whose broad practice spans regulatory, project finance, and transactional issues, and senior managing associate Andrew Mina, who represents electric and natural gas utilities companies, renewable project developers and large financial institutions before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), state public utility commissions, and appellate courts.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Dentons offers clients coast-to-coast experience across the spectrum of environmental law matters, including those related to the Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Administrative Procedure Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. It also has deep experience handling chemical and pesticides regulation, regularly litigating matters under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The group is steered from the Los Angeles office by Robert Schuda, who has a track record of litigating before all levels of state and federal courts.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

Dentons is well versed in handling a wide spread of environmental matters, covering chemical regulation, brownfield clean-up and redevelopment, as well as mandates falling under the Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act. Bradley Cahoon heads the team from the Salt Lake City Office, advising client s on contaminated properties as well as the development, financing and purchasing of renewables projects and industrial facilities. The Los Angeles office fields Robert Schuda, who has deep experience advising on environmental law and regulation, and is recommended for his work in chemicals and pesticides regulation in the agricultural and consumer products spheres.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 4

Dentons‘ team of consumer finance specialists represents a number of global banks and private equity investors engaged in consumer lending, with particular expertise in the mortgage market, where the firm assists clients active in the primary and secondary residential mortgage arenas. Student lenders, credit reporting agencies and credit card companies round out the firm’s client roster, which the practice handling dealings with the CFPB and state regulators. Spearheading the firm’s efforts on this front are New York’s Matthew Yoon and Washington DC-based John Holahan, both of whom offer a combined financial services and capital markets regulatory practice. Also based in New York, Joshua Jordon advises a range of consumer credit lenders on state and federal regulations, including TILA, RESPA, and ECOA among others.

Government > Government contracts Tier 4

Contractors across the aerospace, defense, life sciences, and healthcare sectors look to Dentons for assistance with a range of government contracts issues, including claims and disputes, investigations, costs and pricing, as well as bid protests. The team operates primarily out of Denver, led by Steven Masiello, who has a wealth of experience in government funded transactions, protests, and claims. Thomas Lemmer is a leading authority on costs accounting, and also counsels clients on contract formation and performance. Joseph Martinez is adept in bid protest litigation, contract and subcontract formation, and pricing issues, while Phillip Seckman focuses on commercial item acquisitions, GSA schedule contracting, cybersecurity, compliance, and internal investigations. In Dallas, Gale Monahan supports across the breadth of government contracts counseling, litigation, and internal and government investigations. Washington DC-based Seamus Curley joined the team in November 2023 from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, expanding the group’s capabilities in government leases and real estate.

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

The privacy and cybersecurity team at Dentons provides a range of advice to clients enhancing their data practices, mitigating threats, and complying with changing regulations both across the US and globally. The team collaborates with the wider firm’s global network to respond to data security issues. Practice head Todd Daubert, based in Washington DC, has particular experience advising sporting complexes with their data collection, processing, and governance needs. Managing associates William Krouse, also in DC, and California-based Jacqueline Scott are also recommended.

Real estate Tier 4

Dentons fields a large real estate practice that is well-versed on its handling of domestic and cross-border acquisitions, sales, financings, and tax credit transactions, representing number of banks, life insurance companies, and debt funds, among other groups. The practice is headed out of Chicago-based attorney Linda White who has experience spanning transactions, financings and workouts through to leasing and property management. In particular, she is also known for her broad sector and asset class experience, evidenced by her advising of Blackstone owned Willis Tower on a number of renovations and lease negotiations. Todd Stennes is another key name, highlighted for his advising of developers and investors on acquisitions, joint ventures, and financings ranging self-storage to multifamily.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4

Dentons‘ client roster, which ranges from private individuals and families to prominent multi-state and multinational companies, benefits from the team's wide-reaching expertise in all types of tax controversy, including audits and investigations through to trials and appeals. The group offers specific expertise in conservation easements, captive insurance matters, and foreign asset and account disclosure. Louisville lawyers Mark Loyd and Gregory Rhodes jointly head up the practice. Loyd is active at both the federal and SALT levels and has experience at all levels of the courts, including the US Supreme Court, while Rhodes is very active in advising both individuals and businesses on matters relating to conservation easements. Huntsville-based Michelle Levin has experience in contentious and non-contentious tax matters at the federal level, with prior experience in the tax division of the US Department of Justice. Bailey Roese, in Louisville, is a further name to note, as is Huntsville lawyer Logan Abernathy, who is described as ‘sharp‘ and ‘promising’. 

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

Dentons represents both prominent companies and corporate executives with internal investigations and white-collar defense matters. Located in Kansas, Stephen Hill is recommended for his experience conducting investigations on behalf of audit committees. Noted for his capabilities as a trial lawyer, Paul Charlton practices in Phoenix; he routinely advises clients on false claims cases and FDA violations. Based in Washington DC, Maxwell Carr-Howard is a further standout lawyer who is skilled at handling cross-border cases that involve allegations of fraud, corruption, and racketeering. The team in Washington DC has been strengthened with the addition of Melissa Gomez Nelson, who has returned to the firm from an in-house position. Nelson has extensive experience handling FCPA investigations and false claims cases.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

Dentons‘ practice handles both domestic and international arbitrations and brings experience in handling cases under various global arbitral rules, including ICDR, ICC, LCIA, HKIA and UNCITRAL. The team is particularly well-positioned to advise on multi-jurisdictional commercial and investor-state cases, where it can benefit from its ability to link up with its wider global arbitration offering. New York-based John Hay heads the international dispute resolution group for the US and is equipped to advise on the full range of arbitral proceedings. Fellow New York-based partners Diora Ziyaeva and Anthony Ullman also maintain significant arbitration practices.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 5

Based in St. Louis, the construction team at Dentons acts for its roster of national and international clients on advisory and litigation mandates. The practice, which is jointly led by Charles Vantine and John Haug, has a strong focus in the energy sector, as demonstrated by its representation of a LNG facility in a $550m EPC contract dispute, in addition to advising on commercial real estate and public project development mandates. Key contacts in St. Louis and Short Hills including Clay Counts and Jonathan Jemison respectively, who assist with design and construction advisory matters, particularly contract negotiation and project management.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

Led by Los Angeles-based Tania Moyron, Dentons‘ restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy practice is experienced in handling restructuring matters for industry sectors including healthcare, real estate and financial services, alongside financial services. Chicago-based Robert Richards‘ practice includes Chapter 11 representations, distressed asset acquisitions and distressed loan purchases. In Louisville, James Irving has cross-border expertise in bankruptcy cases, while in Los Angeles, Rebecca Wicks and Sarah Schrag are names to watch, with Thomas Labuda joining the practice from Sidley Austin LLP in 2023.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

Dentons’s non-contentious tax team is particularly strong advising domestic and overseas acquirers and targets in relation to taxable and nontaxable acquisitions and dispositions. The team also has a good reputation for handling real estate taxation issues. Kansas City’s Bruce Davison focuses on mergers and real estate transactions as well as transactions involving limited liability companies, S-corporations, and tax-exempt organizations. Mark Astling in Salt Lake City advises corporations, pass-through entities, and individuals on business formation, equity compensation, and debt and equity offerings. Mark Lloyd in Louisville has considerable experience assisting clients with local, state, and federal tax issues. Nick Kappas left the firm in March 2023.

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