The Washington DC-based appellate practice group at McDermott Will & Schulte is widely recognized for its handling of complex regulatory and constitutional challenges within the life sciences, energy, and government sectors. Practice head Paul Hughes, praised for being ‘one of the most creative appellate litigators of our era,’ has argued ten times before the U.S. Supreme Court. The team is frequently sought out for administrative appeals, including a recent DC Circuit matter that successfully vacated a federal agency order. Within the group, Andrew Lyonsberg focuses on agency litigation involving federal oversight, while Sarah Hogarth handles ERISA and healthcare preemption disputes for life sciences entities. Michael Kimberly left the firm to join McDermott Will & Schulte in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Paul Hughes listens carefully, cultivates subject matter expertise to refine his arguments, and leads a talented team of brief writers. Andrew Lyonsberg is particularly notable as an example of the team’s breadth of expertise.’
- ‘The McDermott team stands out for its insight into Supreme Court strategy and how district court filings must be framed to ultimately succeed. It focuses on long-term victory before the Supreme Court rather than merely winning at the district court level.’
- ‘Paul Hughes is highly strategic at the courts of appeal, where he carefully considers the appellate bench and circuit precedent when framing arguments. He also provides a unique level of detail in court declarations.’
- ‘The McDermott team consists of aggressive, excellent writers who manage to be academic and easy to understand at the same time.’
- ‘Paul Hughes is one of the most creative appellate litigators of our era.’
- ‘Paul Hughes is an exceptional orator who speaks extemporaneously and holds the attention of the court.’
Key clients
- Advanced Medical Technology Association
- Astellas Pharmaceuticals
- Aya Healthcare Services, Inc.
- BDO USA, LLP
- Cigna Health
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Electric Power Supply Association Blackboard, Inc.
- Genentech, Inc.
- Houlihan Lokey
- Independent Power Producers of New York
- Inland Fresh Seafood Corporation
- Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance
Work highlights
Represented a transgender woman in a Fifth Circuit victory following a Supreme Court remand, overturning jurisdictional barriers under the Immigration and Nationality Act and establishing limitations on the BIA’s fact-finding capacity.
Advised Vanda Pharmaceuticals in a D.C. Circuit appeal challenging the FDA’s denial of a drug application for jet-lag disorder, securing a reversal and a remand for a full evidentiary hearing.
Represented the Independent Power Producers of New York as an intervenor in a D.C. Circuit victory defending FERC’s approval of revised tariffs under state fossil-fuel phaseout legislation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Paul Hughes
Other key lawyers
Andrew Lyonsberg; Sarah Hogarth