Demonstrating an ‘exceptional’ focus on dispute resolution, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP handles a broad range of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, business torts, fiduciary duty issues, and shareholder and partnership disputes. The team is also trusted for its ’compelling’ defense of antitrust, trade secret and intellectual property matters. With cross-jurisdictional capacity at both the national and international level, the firm is well-versed in taking cases to trial, overturning adverse rulings through appeal, and helping clients avoid litigation altogether. The ‘powerful and effective’ team is led by Deborah Baum, based in Washington DC, who brings significant experience in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as before arbitration tribunals. Splitting his time between DC and New York, William Bosch is a first-chair trial lawyer focusing on high-stakes commercial, real estate, and IP disputes. San Diego’s Paul Fraidenburgh handles complex commercial litigation across a range of industries, including technology, aviation, real estate, and energy. Austin-based Amy Ruhland arrived from Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP in February 2025, bringing experience in high-profile disputes in the financial services, technology, life sciences, and energy sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Right people with the right blend of experience and determination.'
- 'They anticipated roadblocks ahead of time, were able to go over them or around them, and did not let them stand in their way.'
- 'The firm has a deep bench of lawyers with diverse areas of legal expertise and backgrounds. They are able to assemble powerful and effective legal teams to expertly defend very complex issues.'
- 'The individuals I worked with were each very accomplished and driven. Even so, they were able to work together as a team. Although there was a leader, all ideas, opinions, and perspectives were heard and vetted. Of the many standouts, I would list Tony Guerino, Liz Klingensmith, John Sink, and Ben Burnell. Each is a powerful lawyer in their own right, but each is able to work effectively within a team.'
- 'Exceptional focus on efficient resolution of disputes, with a clear, quick grasp of and focus on the key operative facts without being distracted by the noise. Frank, objective counsel in private and compelling advocacy in public. Efficient staffing with great associates taking the charge.'
- 'Our lead partner treats your matter like their own.'
- 'Client service and the personal level with which it is delivered.'
Key clients
- Apex Group Capital Advisors LLC; Apex Group Ltd.
- Essor f/k/a Branded, Inc.
- Hunter Mountain Investment Trust
- Fluidmaster, Inc.
- United Biologics, LLC d/b/a United Allergy Services (UAS)
- City of Bee Cave, Texas
- Axial Reade Capital/Allegiance Trucks North America, LLC
- Cartessa Aesthetics, LLC/Fortem Technologies, Inc./Medicreations, LLC
- Needham & Company, LLC
- MB Sagaponack Realty
- EmblemHealth
- Choice Hotels International, Inc.
- K1 Speed, Inc.
- Jet Midwest International Co., Ltd.; Top Jet Enterprises, Ltd.
Work highlights
Representing the directors of UIP Companies in consolidated Delaware and federal litigation concerning control of the company and challenges to a contested stock sale.
Represented Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford in Los Angeles Superior Court litigation brought by The Wonderful Company concerning reimbursement for life-saving transplant treatments.
Represented Polaris Engineering in federal court litigation against Texas International Terminals arising from construction and performance disputes over a crude oil processing facility in Galveston, Texas.
Practice head
Deborah Baum
Other key lawyers
William Bosch; Paul Fraidenburgh; Amy Ruhland; Geoffrey Sant; Tony Guerino; Liz Klingensmith; John Sink; Ben Burnell.