Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s well-established clientele includes major players across a range of industries. The New York-based department is spearheaded by Mark Goodman, highly reputed for commercial litigation and cross-border disputes, and Maura Monaghan, who brings a sharp focus on class actions, appellate strategy, and financial and regulatory-adjacent matters. They are supported by a deep bench of lawyers, including Elliot Greenfield, a key name for securities and complex financial disputes; Susan Reagan Gittes, known for handling hard-edged commercial and insurance-related litigation; and Morgan Davis, who adds depth across major commercial disputes. Described as ‘razor sharp’, Maeve O’Connor is also a key team member. The group is further supported by senior talent: Mary Beth Hogan, who transitioned to counsel in January 2025, and James Schaefer, who joined in July 2025, bringing extensive experience in government investigations, white-collar defense, and trial strategy.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Debevoise team is smart, sophisticated, and attentive to their client needs. I rate them very highly among the top litigation firms.’
‘Maura Monaghan is a thoughtful, commercial, and strategic litigator. It is always a pleasure to collaborate with her. Maeve O'Connor is also razor sharp.'
Key clients
- Adidas
- BMO Bank, N.A.
- Capital One
- CCA Construction, Inc.
- Certain former directors and shareholders of Purdue Pharma, Inc.
- China Construction America
- Columbia University
- EmblemHealth / Group Health Incorporated, Inc.
- Jacobs Solutions
- James River Holdings
- McKinsey & Co.
- Proskauer Rose LLP
- Riot Holdings
- Robinhood Markets, Inc.
- Shell plc
- Symetra Life Insurance Co.
- Tether Holdings Limited, Bitfinex Inc., and certain of their subsidiaries
- X10 Capital
- Yardi Systems
- YPF, S.A.
Work highlights
Representing Shell in its defense of over 30 climate change lawsuits brought by state and local governments nationwide.
Represents Yardi Systems, Inc., a property management software company, and certain subsidiaries in several complex actions, including a putative class action under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and two putative class actions alleging algorithmic price fixing.
Achieved a highly favorable settlement for Columbia University in a consolidated class action in the Southern District of New York brought by former students alleging that Columbia submitted falsified data to U.S. News & World Report for its college rankings in an effort to elevate its status in the industry’s most influential rankings publication.
Lawyers
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
Mark Goodman; Maura Monaghan
Other key lawyers
Elliot Greenfield; Susan Reagan Gittes; Morgan Davis; Maeve O’Connor; Mary Beth Hogan; James Schaefer