Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has a solid reputation for handling challenging commercial disputes, with particular strength in the financial services and real estate sectors. The New York-based practice is spearheaded by Geoffrey Berman, renowned for his mastery of complex commercial litigation, internal and government-facing investigations, and white-collar matters. Peter Simmons co-heads the securities and shareholder litigation practice and is ‘superb’ in an array of financial and securities disputes. The group is further bolstered by Janice Mac Avoy, a leading figure in consequential real estate litigation; Matthew Parrott, who advises clients on lender and intercreditor disputes, often involving foreclosures, mezzanine financing and guaranty enforcement; and Stephen Juris, whose practice traverses commercial, bankruptcy-related, and appellate litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The hearts and brains of the team is what makes them special to me.'
- 'I work closest with Robin Henry and Anne Aufhauser, and I think they work really well as a team, with complementary strengths and skill sets. I like that my key team are women, and that's one of the main reasons I chose to continue with this firm.'
- 'Like most law firms and businesses, what makes Fried Frank special is its people. The lawyers I've worked with have been exceptionally talented in their area of practice, client focused, pragmatic, and great people too.'
- 'Michael's knowledge of the law, instincts as to how a case would progress, and pragmatic approach - likely influenced by his time as an in-house litigator in a previous role - served us incredibly well, leading to great results in a contentious, multi-proceeding litigation matter.'
- 'Stephen Juris and Peter Simmons are superb attorneys - very hands-on and thoroughly committed to their clients. Both have very strong courtroom skills and are highly strategic.'
- 'Excellent real estate practice area, both transactional and dispute resolution.'
Key clients
- New York State Department of Health
- BDT & MSD
- JPMorgan
- Louis Allis, LLC
- Mack Real Estate Group
- Mechoshade Systems, LLC
- Vornado Realty Trust
- Cannon Hill Capital Partner
- Linus Technology
- Ohana Real Estate Investments LLC
- Ascential plc and Flywheel Digital, LLC
Work highlights
Representing the New York State Department of Health in connection with multiple federal civil class action litigations relating to the Department’s COVID-19 response.
Obtained significant back-to-back victories in the New York Appellate Division, Second Department, successfully obtaining orders which vacated two injunctions that were wrongfully issued by the Supreme Court, Kings County, and thereby enabled our client to proceed with the mortgage foreclosure auction of the State Street Financial Center, one of the largest office towers in Boston, Massachusetts.
Representing JPMorgan, as senior lender, and its affiliates in a significant litigation brought by the subordinated junior-most lender in connection with the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Practice head
Geoffrey Berman
Other key lawyers
Peter Simmons; Janice Mac Avoy; Matthew Parrott; Stephen Juris; Robin Henry; Anne Aufhauser