The Washington DC-based team at Arnold & Porter litigates appellate matters across various federal circuits and the US Supreme Court, where the firm maintains an 8-0 record since 2023. Practice head John Elwood led the team that secured a Supreme Court victory ensuring military reservists in federal roles maintain their full pay when called to service. He works alongside Allon Kedem, who handles complex jurisdictional and life sciences disputes, and voting rights specialist Elisabeth Theodore. In May 2025, Merrick Garland rejoined the firm after serving as US Attorney General and Chief Judge of the DC Circuit.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Key clients
- Global Health Council, the Small Business Association of International Companies and six major government contractors and grantees
- Epoch Everlasting Play
- Appellant, S.A.A.
- 99 Afghan nationals
- Lundbeck
- Nucor Corp.
- Robert Kleckley, a Florida state prisoner
- Hyundai Motor Company
- Stanford University
- Eisai
- Immigrant Defenders Law Center (“ImmDef”)
- Lummus Technology
Work highlights
Represented the National Infusion Center Association and PhRMA in a Fifth Circuit victory that reversed the dismissal of their constitutional challenge to the Inflation Reduction Act’s Drug Price Negotiation Program, establishing that such claims can be brought directly in federal court without first exhausting administrative remedies.
Represented federal employees and military reservists in a US Supreme Court victory in Feliciano v. Department of Transportation, which ensured that service members do not suffer a loss in pay when called to active duty.
Represented the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority in a unanimous US Supreme Court victory that reversed a lower court ruling regarding federal jurisdiction under the Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Allon Kedem
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Elisabeth Theodore
Practice head
John Elwood
Other key lawyers
Merrick Garland; Allon Kedem; Elisabeth Theodore