Dentons > Orange County, United States > Firm Profile

Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Government > State attorneys general Tier 1

With extensive experience in regulatory matters and investigations, Dentons is noted for its impressive team of former state attorneys general. The practice is uniquely position to leverage its extensive network of relationships with state AGs across the US to assist clients with investigations, enforcement actions, negotiations and settlements. Former Georgia attorney general Thurbert Baker shares the group’s leadership with Bill McCollum, who is a former member of Congress and Florida attorney general. Both Baker and McCollum are based in Washington DC and have a wealth of experience in public policy, multistate litigation and corporate compliance. Other key names include Washington DC-based Dan Gibb, whose practice focuses on investigations and consumer protection issues, and Atlanta-based Samuel Olens, who was twice elected attorney general of Georgia.

Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 1

Utilising its global presence, the multi-disciplinary team at Dentons is well equipped to assist clients on the full array of cannabis mandates, including corporate and transactional work, litigation and compliance, as well as strategic counselling and risk mitigation. The team heads are both located in Chicago: Eric Berlin frequently assists significant publicly traded companies, and has also represented non-cannabis industry clients in antitrust as well as healthcare litigation; while Kathryn Ashton is seasoned in representing lenders and borrowers, as well as underwriters, in secured and unsecured financing. Senior managing associate Joanne Caceres in Chicago and Los Angeles-based managing associate Lauren Estevez are among other standout names. New arrivals to the practice include Hannah King in Portland who joined the team from Drummond Woodsum in June 2022.

Industry focus > Native American law Tier 1

Dentons’s Washington DC- based group maintains an excellent market reputation with a proven track record successfully representing Indian tribes in a wide range of high stakes matters including natural resource protection, tribal governance, land and water rights, and Indian gaming. Drawing on experience working at the Department of the Interior, the Department of Justice, the National Indian Gaming Commission, and various congressional offices, the team is particularly adept in issues pertaining to federal regulations. The group also advises on reservation issues and operates a pro-bono practice with a focus on economically disadvantaged tribes. With extensive dispute resolution and litigation experience, the team led by Heather Sibbison is frequently called upon to handle matters involving questions on which there is little statutory or case law. Core members of the group include counsel Samuel Daughety, who has substantial experience advising clients on complex Indian lands and gaming issues, including tribal-state compacts and agreements, and the fee-to-trust process, and counsel Suzanne Schaeffer whose practice concentrates on Indian lands and environmental compliance issues. As a member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, associate Maurisa Bell has particular expertise in issues related to trust land acquisitions and water rights claims.

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 1

The Dentons team handles a wide range of insurance coverage disputes and reinsurance matters, ranging from COVID-19-related business interruption property claims to sexual abuse and environmental pollution matters, in addition to representing insurers involved in nationwide class action suits brought by policyholders. The firm, including Chicago-based practice co-head Keith Moskowitz in particular, is also noted for its handling of national opioid cases on behalf of property and casualty and specialty insurers. In New York, co-head Sandra Hauser represents insurers facing class actions and other commercial litigation in trial and appellate courts, with a focus on life insurance disputes and annuities class actions, while in Washington, D.C, and Atlanta, Shari Klevens also co-heads the team and has experience litigating COVID-19 claims in addition to her work handling professional liability and bad faith matters. Firm CEO Sonia Martin litigates commercial disputes out of the San Francisco and Oakland offices. Laura Leigh Geist left in March 2022.

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

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Noted for its expertise in the real estate finance and mortgage sectors, Dentons advises on the securitization of nonqualified mortgage loans, non-performing and re-performing mortgage loans, in addition to triple-net lease commercial real estate and residential mortgage-backed securities. The New York-based practice, which sits within the firm’s capital markets group, has recently been advising on warehouse liquidity securitizations backed by a range of asset types, including consumer loans, student loans, whole business loans and early buy-out loans. Stephen Kudenholdt, who focuses on residential mortgage loan securitizations and re-securitizations of mortgage-backed securities, jointly leads the team alongside Erik Klingenberg, who advises on commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, in addition to CLOs. Scott Swerdloff has experience in the single-family rental market, while Robert Olin represents issuers and underwriters in residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securitizations. Ryan Zucchetto, who advises on tax aspects of residential mortgage-backed securities transactions, is another key contact in the group.

Healthcare > Health insurers Tier 2

Dentons has a full-service health insurance offering, advising clients on all matters transactional, regulatory, and contentious. Known in particular for its representation of managed care organizations, the team regularly advises on Medicare Advantage and Part D matters. Co-head Bruce Merlin Fried of Washington DC combines previous legal and policy healthcare experience from the public and private sectors, having served as the director of the Center for Health Plans and Providers at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. New York-based co-head Janice Ziegler provides insurers and providers with regulatory and litigation enforcement issues with particular expertise on Medicare Secondary Payer laws. Also in New York, Claire Bornstein advises on federal and state regulatory healthcare insurance issues. Bornstein was promoted to partner in March 2022, further strengthening the firm’s regulatory offering, while Honolulu-based commercial litigator Dianne Winter Brookins heads the firm’s Hawai’i practice. Seasoned insurance litigator Michael Barnes, based in San Francisco, is another key name in the practice. Helen Reeves left the firm in 2022.

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

Dentons provides a strong offering for international clients seeking to develop and operate cutting-edge tech within the telecoms sector, combining a global coverage achieved through cross-practice, multi-jurisdictional teams with the practice’s focus on regulatory issues arising from such tech, with a track record of work relating to autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence. The firm has established capabilities in securing licenses, developing compliance programs, vetting market strategies, developing privacy and data security policies, and representing clients before federal, state, and local regulatory bodies, having done so for a number of blue-chip clients in relation to their novel products and services. The team is headed by Todd Daubert, who employs his background as an engineer in the industry to advise on both traditional telecoms and cutting-edge tech, providing both strategic and regulatory advice across these spaces. Senior managing associate Lauren Wilson is notable for her experience as a legal advisor within the FCC, advising a range of clients on issues of compliance with FCC rules.

Tax > Financial products Tier 2

The tax team at Dentons has a broad focus on securitization matters and RMBS. The firm regularly advises its impressive roster of financial institution clients on tax-related issues in swaps, debt and equity issuances, insurance-linked securities as well as bankruptcies, advising on structuring corporate and partnership bankruptcies and workouts. The international-facing team, led by Marshall Feiring and Ryan Zucchetto in New York, is experienced in a variety of domestic and offshore capital markets structures, including investment funds and REITs. Feiring is a member of the firm’s US capital markets practice and has a focus on the formation and operation of investment vehicles including REMICs, RICs, REITs, as well as the treatment of investments in debt instruments. Meanwhile, Zucchetto concentrates on financial and transactional matters, advising issuers and underwriters in RMBS transactions, and other mortgage-related asset classes such as auto loan receivables, as well as securitization matters.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Dentons is experienced in high-stakes securities matters, including class actions, complex securities-related disputes and related national or global investigations, and its strong bench of partners handles both litigation and regulatory enforcement matters. Sandra Hauser leads the practice from New York, where global co-head of financial services Douglas Henkin and co-chair of the Global Compliance and Investigations practice David Kornblau  also play key roles in major matters. The firm is increasingly involved in new and emerging areas of the market, notably cryptocurrency cases, and Henkin and Chicago-based Stephen Senderowitz are defending Terraform Labs and its co-founder Do Kwon in cases related to the stablecoin TerraUSD, the cryptocurrency Luna, and its decentralized finance platforms Mirror Protocol and Anchor Protocol. Hauser and Senderowitz are currently acting for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a securities fraud and market manipulation suit. Kenneth Pfaehler in Washington DC focuses on securities class action litigation, which currently includes the defense of Innocoll Holdings PLC in a case alleging misrepresentations in connection with the FDA review of its product Xaracoll.

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 3

Dentons advises government bodies, and electric and gas utility entities on matters relating to advocacy and energy compliance, having represented notable client Council of the City of New Orleans in its role as utility regulator. A range of clients seek the firm’s representation before FERC in regulatory matters including those related to operations, rates, project development, enforcement, compliance and agency rulemaking. Co-chair of the firm’s US energy practice as well global energy sector, Washington DC-based Clinton Vince acts as general counsel of the GridWise Alliance Grid Infrastructure Advisory Council’s (GIAC) board of directors and is experienced in handling appellate cases and advising on major project developments. Emma Hand in Washington DC has extensive expertise in energy efficiency and demand-side management programs. Karl Zobrist in Kansas City specializes in the electricity industry; some of his key clients include public utilities.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

Dentons has developed strong credentials for domestic and cross-border fintech work where it represents a mix of startups, growth companies, banks and financial services companies. The cross-practice group has lawyers on hand to handle a wide range of matters, including corporate finance, IP, regulatory and litigation. The firm is also increasingly active in the crypto space and has a dedicated blockchain, digital assets and cryptocurrency team. Key partners include New York-based Victor Boyajian, who leads the firm’s global venture technology practice, and is particularly experienced advising startups. Washington DC partner John Holahan and Matthew Yoon in New York are both active on the blockchain and regulatory front. In Washington DC, Allison Bender leads the privacy and cybersecurity side of the practice, while New York disputes partner Douglas Henkin co-chairs the firm’s global financial institutions sector group.

Government > Government relations Tier 3

With a national network of government relations specialists across all 50 states, Dentons is equipped to represent clients in Washington DC, state capitols and city halls, with key areas of focus of the practice including energy and environment, tax, defense and security, infrastructure and foreign affairs. Splitting his time between Washington DC and Atlanta, public policy expert Eric Tanenblatt heads the group. Former Squire Patton Boggs practitioner Matthew Cutts joined the team in June 2022, bringing extensive experience in tax and financial services advocacy. Other key names include Andrew Shaw, whose practice focuses on energy and US-Canada cross-border matters, and national security and foreign policy specialist Chris Fetzer. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 3

Dentons’ healthcare practice provides a diverse offering to clients, advising service providers on Chapter 11 bankruptcy issues, healthcare M&A and tax strategy matters, and Medicare coordination of benefits. Kimberly Kerry heads the practice from San Francisco, advising a number of multi-hospital health systems and skilled nursing facilities on tax exemption and governance issues, and licensing matters. In Washington DC, Holley Thames Lutz advises on Medicaid and Medicare coverage, and clinical research compliance, often defending clients against CMS allegations of non-compliance. Also based in DC, Gadi Weinreich acts for health systems and hospitals in fraud and abuse cases, while Charles Luband supports the team from New York, and frequently uses his ‘specialist knowledge' to advise hospitals and physician practices on managed care provider payments, as well as Medicare and Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 3

With a core focus in business immigration, Dentons frequently guides employers, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals throughout all stages of the immigration process globally, closely with the firm’s labor and employment practice to assist employers in the processing of transferring employees. Matthew Schulz is located in Silicon Valley and advises high net worth individuals and their family offices on employment, formation, immigration and operation matters. Alexander Castrodale works from Pittsburgh and his practice encompasses employment-based immigration; Alexa Forte also works from Pittsburgh and advises global and regional companies with temporary and permanent visas for their foreign national employees. Associate Mengci Shao is based in Silicon Valley and assists clients in employment contracts, global transfers, as well as the securing of work permits.

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

Dentons handles a varied middle-market M&A workload, featuring deals in the financial services, energy, healthcare, tech and manufacturing industries. Besides strategic M&A, Mitchell Albert in Kansas City is also adept in corporate finance and private equity, and often represents buyers, professional investors and sellers in cross-border transactions. Chicago-based Michael Froy handles M&A of national and international significance, and is particularly active in highly regulated sectors.

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

The scale of Dentons‘s global and domestic practice lends itself to the venture capital and emerging companies space, with clients commenting that the firm ‘always has a go-to lawyer with an exceptional knowledge base‘. Many clients spring from the firm’s dedicated venture tech center in New York, where global practice head Victor Boyajian has established a good name. The strong domestic offering, which represents start-ups and founders in early stage growth through to exit, is complemented by a cross-border transactional practice that works closely with offices in key centers in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Other key individuals include the ‘superb‘ Chris Errico, the chair of the firm’s US start up program, and Ilan Katz, whose team is ‘always highly responsive and straight to the point‘. All named lawyers are based in New York.

Tax > International tax Tier 3

Dentons advises clients ranging from individuals to large multinational groups on matters involving multiple jurisdictions. On the outbound investment front the firm aids clients with structuring foreign operations to avoid controlled foreign corporation, as well as being well-versed in inbound investment and helps clients to navigate US income tax exposure and minimize risk. The team is led by John Harrington in New York, who has extensive experience in dealing with foreign tax credit and international tax legislative matters. Mark Astling is based in Salt Lake City and focuses his practice on corporate and pass-through entities and individuals.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Dentons‘ transportation group acts for some of the largest rail carriers in North America, along with investors and public transit agencies, in significant regulatory work. The firm’s transportation lawyers are particularly active in matters involving freight railroads and rail passenger carriers, as well as trucking clients. It also fields specialists in autonomous vehicles and drones, while additionally leveraging the firm’s enviable international network. In Washington DC, US transportation and rail practice head David Hirsh is a regulatory and business expert, who is experienced in rail M&A, rate and competition issues, safety compliance, licensing matters, and construction and environmental issues. Simon Steel focuses on federal appellate matters, and the broad practice of experienced counsel James Guinivan covers administrative and appellate work for transportation companies. Litigator Shannon Shin and land use specialist John (Jack) Lawlor provide additional partner-level support from the firm’s Chicago office.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

Dentons is a renowned law firm that boasts a diverse range of litigation specialties, including securities, antitrust, class action, finance and insurance, as well as government investigations and white-collar defense. It has also gained recognition for its exceptional international investment treaty arbitration practice. The team is led by Sandy Hauser in New York, who excels in the financial services industry. Natalie Spears in Chicago has extensive knowledge in the technology, media, and telecommunications sector, while Michael Duvall in Los Angeles is also considered a highly experienced trial lawyer.

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

Dentons is well-equipped to represent consumer product manufacturers  throughout the product life cycle, from advice on regulatory compliance, product recalls, and litigation risk assessment, through to litigation. In Los Angeles, Michael Duvall is particularly adept at handling consumer protection-related matters for clients in the food and beverage and nutrition industry,  regularly defending against product labeling and false advertising claims brought throughout the country. As well as handling litigation, San Diego-based partner Sarah Carlson  is particularly effective at assisting manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of consumer products on regulatory compliance and risk management matters, work which includes frequent interactions with the CPSC and managing product recalls. New York-based Sandy Hauser heads the team.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 4

Dentons‘s energy regulatory team represent clients on all types of federal and state energy regulatory matters and disputes in domestic courts and administrative agencies. The firm advises clients on regulatory matters involving FERC operating in the electricity and natural gas sector, including matters related to operations, rates, project development, enforcement and compliance, and agency rulemaking. Clinton Vince was recently appointed as chair of the board of directors in The Alliance to Save Energy and was recently named general counsel of the GridWise Alliance. Emma Hand has a notable practice within energy regulatory matters involving public utilities, while Peter Thieman advises utility companies on complex FERC regulatory and litigation issues, strategic regulatory positions and compliance matters. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington, DC.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

Dentons advises a wide range of clients operating in the electric and natural gas sectors on a range of practice areas involving regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and transactions related to operations, rates and project development. Clinton Vince is the chair of The Alliance to Save Energy in Washington DC, which was set up as a nonprofit coalition of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders and play a role in energy efficiency policy. Vince was also named general counsel of the GridWise Alliance Grid Infrastructure Advisory Council’s (GIAC) board of directors, which aims to modernize the nation’s electric power transmission and distribution services. Emma Hand has extensive experience with energy efficiency and demand-side management programs, while Peter Thieman advises utility companies in complex FERC regulatory and litigation issues, alongside providing advice on complex M&A deals. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington, DC.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 4

Led by Clinton Vince, and sought out by both domestic and international clients, much of Dentons‘ work in the energy sphere involves regulatory, rulemaking and commercial advice, as well as disputes. While Vince’s strengths include project development, legislative and regulatory matters, Emma Hand  advises public power entities, municipalities, large energy customers and load-serving entities in regulatory and litigation matters. Peter Thieman  and Carl Steen in Los Angeles are also noted. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington D.C., unless stated otherwise.    

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

The environment and natural resources team at Dentons handles both litigation and regulatory compliance matters relating to federal, state and local environmental laws. It is particularly strong in cases relating to the CWA, CAA, ESA and NEPA, and has a number of high-profile clients in the chemicals industry. Robert Schuda in Los Angeles handles Proposition 65 and consumer products cases. Todd Silliman left the firm in June 2023.  

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

The environmental group at Dentons is led by Brad Cahoon in Salt Lake City and handles regulatory and transactional matters, and litigation. It is particularly strong in brownfield redevelopment matters and acts for a number of major developers in relation to the ESA, CAA, CWA and NEPA, among other areas. Silliman advises on compliance matters at the federal, state and local levels, while Cahoon administrative and regulatory matters. The Los Angeles-based Robert Schuda is a name for Proposition 65 issues and is active in the chemicals, manufacturing and consumer products. Todd Silliman left the firm in June 2023.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 4

Dentons‘ consumer finance regulatory group, which sits within the wider capital markets department at the firm, places a strong focus on the residential mortgage and consumer finance markets, with settlement service providers, credit reporting agencies, credit unions, private equity funds and national banks making up a significant proportion of the team’s client base. Leadership of the team is divided between Matthew Yoon in New York and John Holahan in Washington DC. Another key name in the team is New York-based Joshua Jordon, whose practice focuses on federal, state and local consumer credit laws affecting a range of institutions.

Government > Government contracts Tier 4

Offering ‘practical and useful advice’, Dentons is ‘highly knowledgeable in all areas of government contracts.’ The group is active in a wide range of industries, most notably defense, aerospace, healthcare, tech and life sciences, handling diverse mandates including bid protests and False Claims Act litigation to IP protection in government contracts and M&A. Steven Masiello heads up the team and has extensive experience in handling domestic and cross-border bid protests, corporate transactions and procurement fraud matters. He works alongside Thomas Lemmer, who is noted for his expertise in cost accounting disputes, and Joseph Martinez, whose practice covers contracts litigation and corporate counseling. All named lawyers are based in Denver.

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

Brian Ho in San Francisco and Dallas's Robert Hanson  co-lead the practice at Dentons, with support from the global chair of intellectual and tech Monica Richman in New York. The team advises a list of noteworthy clients, including a multitude of universities across the nation, for whom it consistently advises on patent prosecutions in life sciences and biotechnology matters. Additionally, the team has significant experience in the realm of developing technologies, including the likes of LG Electronics and Solidia Technologies, managing patent portfolios at both a domestic and international level, as well as the full range of other patent-related matters. Stephanie Seidman in San Diego is a key member of the team with particular expertise in the bio-pharma industry. Specialist counsels Kyle Morse and Duane Carver Jr. both departed in August 2022.

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

Dentons advises a variety of employers on all aspects of pensions, benefits and executive compensation, offering an interdisciplinary approach, combining their expertise in labor and employment with an in-depth knowledge of tax and securities, among others. Martin Moderson, who is based in the firm’s Kansas City office, specializes in advising ERISA-governed plan investment and administrative committees on their fiduciary duties under ERISA. Des Moines’s Courtney Strutt Todd is experienced in pension plans, profit-sharing plans and employee stock ownership plans. Kansas City’s Katharina Babich specializes in assisting troubled plans, such as the handling of Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service employee plans audits, while Washington DC-based Michael Maryn regularly advises clients in the design and administration of qualified retirement plans.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 4

The team at Dentons represents clients in all aspects of litigation including class actions, collective actions and claims involving arbitration, mediation and other ADR methods. The practice is also well-versed in assisting senior executives in restrictive covenant and trade secret matters. Daniel Beale co-heads the team out of Atlanta and helps companies to navigate negotiations with executives, co-leading with Indianapolis-based Andrew Gruber.

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

Dentons‘ cyber and privacy practice is the first port of call for sporting complexes, including NHL and NFL stadiums, and surrounding areas. Washington DC-based head of the privacy practice Todd Daubert advises such clients on data collection, processing, mapping, governance and managing risks associated with implementing new, cutting-edge technology. Supported by Washington DC-stationed associate William Krouse, Daubert also advises companies operating in the car rental space, financial services, insurance and big tech companies on implementing strategies for and adapting to regulatory changes. John McCauley, in Indianapolis, and associate Kyle Miller, in Louisville, are the key names for data breach responses.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4

Chaired by Linda White from Chicago, Dentons is well-known for its international presence and its extensive portfolio of blue-chip clients, from US and non-US borrowers, life insurance companies, through to debt funds, and non-traditional lenders. The same office also houses Steve Davidson, who is an expert in construction and term loans secured by office and retail buildings, hotels, residential and mixed-use projects and vacant land. Elsewhere, in New York, Gary Goodman routinely represents agent banks in syndicated loans. David Hall co-chairs the global practice, also from New York, and acts for banks and institutional investors in relation to commercial real estate loan origination, purchase, sale and servicing.

Real estate Tier 4

From Chicago, Linda White chairs Dentons‘ real estate team where she focuses on commercial real estate acquisitions, workouts, leasing, financing, and tax-structuring. Todd Stennes is another key attorney in Chicago. The firm maintains a strong focus on real estate finance and represents a significant number of US and non-US borrowers in addition to banks, life insurance companies, and debt funds.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4

Dentons acts on behalf of clients in all phases of tax controversy, with experience facing the IRS and state and local tax departments across the country. The department has expertise in the retail, manufacturing, and energy industries, and handles both criminal and civil disputes. Louisville-based Mark Loyd has experience in state, local, and federal tax issues, with a history in litigation, audit management, administrative protest, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Loyd co-leads the department alongside Gregory Rhodes, who works from Birmingham, and who has particular strength in matters related to conservation easements. Other key names include Michelle Levin, of Huntsville, who specializes in federal income tax controversies, and Bailey Roese, located in Louisville, who covers a broad range of tax disputes.

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

Under the leadership of former US Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Stephen Hill, who is based in Kansas City, Dentons white-collar and government investigations practice represents corporate clients from a variety of sectors in their criminal, civil, and regulatory needs. Also in Kansas City, Lisa Krigsten sports extensive litigation experience and is regularly sought out for her advocacy in bet-the-company matters. Phoenix-based Paul Charlton is well versed in white-collar matters and Native American law. Sarah Holzschuh left the firm for an in-house position in June 2022.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

Dentons' US-based international arbitration group is largely based in New York and additionally benefits from its ability to lean on the wider firm's platforms across the country, while also plugging into its extensive global practice. With experience across a wide scope of arbitral and enforcement matters, the team is particularly noted for its recent activity in the energy and natural resources, manufacturing, and aviation and aerospace spheres. In New York, US department head John Hay handles a mix of commercial and investment treaty disputes, while Anthony Ullman's broad practice spans IP, construction, health care and power generation-related cases, among others.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 5

The construction team at Dentons often works in conjunction with the practice’s contracts, real estate and finance department, and assists clients with construction documentation, as well as design, engineering and construction program issues, acting for contractors and equipment suppliers, developers, and lenders, and has thorough expertise of the financing, project administration and risk management of construction projects. Charles Vantine co-leads the group and is experienced in defending as well as prosecuting construction disputes, including contract default claims, defect claims, and error and omission claims. Also, co-lead of the practice, John Haug routinely engages in the development documentation, evaluation, financing and negotiation of public and private design of construction projects. Clay Counts has represented Fortune 500 companies, energy providers and hotel and resort operators in construction projects and disputes regionally and globally. All individuals that have been mentioned are located in St. Louis.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

Dentons focuses on work in the healthcare, energy, mining, real estate, and financial services sectors, with experience advising companies, secured creditors, committees, trustees, and principals in relation to restructurings both in and out of court. With a strong reputation for her work in the healthcare sector, Los Angeles-based Tania Moyron leads the US practice group. Alongside Samuel Maizel, also in Los Angeles, Moyron has recently led a team representing First Guaranty Mortgage in connection with its Chapter 11 case. Robert Richards in Chicago chairs the firm’s global restructuring practice, and handles Chapter 11 representations, distressed asset acquisitions, distressed loan purchases and foreclosure sales, and out-of-court transactions. Litigator Sam Alberts in Washington DC is also a key team member.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

Drawing on its sizeable national reach, Dentons‘ practice encompasses corporate taxation, partnerships, real estate, tax credits, and restructurings. Kansas City-based Bruce Davison is experienced in M&A and private equity financings, while in St Louis, Nick Kappas specializes in federal tax credit transactions and tax-exempt bond financing at the state and local level. Salt Lake City-based Mark Astling focuses on the tax considerations for limited liability companies. Other recommended individuals include Louisville-based Ross Cohen and Kansas City-based Kelli Wikoff. Former co-head Ron Aulbach left the firm in January 2023.

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