Latham & Watkins maintains a top-tier appellate practice distinguished by its ‘analytical depth, strategic discipline, and seamless integration with trial teams’. The group regularly secures pivotal victories across the fields of administrative law, religious freedom, tax law, and disability rights. Based in Washington DC, practice head Roman Martinez recently secured a unanimous US Supreme Court victory regarding disability rights and was appointed by the Court to argue as amicus curiae in a high-profile First Amendment election law challenge. Gregory Garre is a veteran advocate who recently argued his 50th case before the US Supreme Court, securing a landmark First Amendment victory that affirmed the constitutionality of nonsectarian requirements for public charter schools. Melissa Arbus Sherry is noted for her ability to ’distill complex statutory questions into simple, persuasive argument’ and recently secured a significant Ninth Circuit victory in a first-of-its-kind algorithmic pricing case involving the hospitality industry. Splitting his time between New York and London, Samir Deger-Sen handles significant immigration and jurisdiction matters, recently challenging the lack of judicial review for visa revocations before the US Supreme Court. Washington DC-based Michael Bern is praised for his ‘intellectual rigor’ and ’precision in written advocacy’ across high-stakes constitutional, administrative, and trade secrets disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team’s strengths are very quickly grasping the key strategic choices in framing an appeal and deeply understanding how best to present arguments to the Supreme Court.’
- ‘Melissa Arbus Sherry stands out for her ability to distill complex statutory questions into simple, persuasive arguments for oral argument purposes.’
- ‘The firm is valued for its ability to swiftly mobilize specialized experts and deliver decisive, actionable answers that empower commercial teams to make confident strategic decisions.’
- ‘Michael Bern demonstrated diligent work on an appellate matter, arguing successfully in front of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to secure a unanimous decision. This pivotal victory represents the most significant and impactful court decision for our company.’
- ‘Michael Bern stands out for his exceptional appellate judgment, intellectual rigor, and ability to distill complex trial records into clear, compelling narratives. He is highly strategic, with a deep understanding of how appellate courts decide, and is noted for his precision in written advocacy and calm authority in oral argument.’
‘Latham’s appellate practice is distinguished by its analytical depth, strategic discipline, and seamless integration with trial teams. The group excels at shaping issues early and presenting persuasive positions in high-stakes appeals involving complex legal and regulatory questions.’
Key clients
- Gentner Drummond
- Ava Tharpe
- The Methodist Hospitals
- Amina Bouarfa
- NASCAR
- Netflix
- Cendyn
- Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)
- Thomas Keathley
- Eargo
- L.A Terminals
- Urgent.ly (Otonomo)
Work highlights
Represented Oklahoma State Attorney General Gentner Drummond in a US Supreme Court victory in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond, which barred the creation of the nation’s first religious charter school.
Represented a student in securing a unanimous US Supreme Court victory regarding the denial of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act.
Secured a landmark appellate victory in the Ninth Circuit for Cendyn. The matter represented the first appellate decision in a recent surge of algorithmic pricing litigation aimed at the real estate, hospitality, and healthcare industries.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Roman Martinez
Other key lawyers
Gregory Garre; Melissa Arbus Sherry; Samir Deger-Sen; Michael Bern