Maintaining a stellar reputation as a US-based international litigation practice, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a key contender for complex and high profile arbitrations, routinely representing sovereign governments and global corporations across the US and globally. With particular strength in global tort and ESG disputes, technology and antitrust litigation, and sovereign enforcement proceedings, the firm is recommended for ‘understanding and managing immensely complicated fact patters and legal questions, and in developing case-winning strategies’. The team stands out for its successful representation of Chevron Corporation in a RICO and fraud suit, resulting in a $9bn judgment. Jointly leading the group is Los Angeles and Washington-based Perlette Michèle Jura, an ESG litigation expert, Los Angeles-based William Thompson who brings strong appellate and supreme court litigation experience, and Andrea Smith in Texas, who is recognized for her role in transactional litigation, notably within the environmental sector. In Los Angeles, Jacob T. Spencer is a go-to for clients in the tech, food and beverage, transportation and energy industries.
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.
- 'The team is uniquely skilled at understanding and managing immensely complicated fact patters and legal questions, and in developing case-winning strategies. They do not approach litigation as a check the box exercise, but treat each case as a unique challenge with a unique approach.’
‘The standout performers include Andrea Smith and William Thomson. In addition to the attributes mentioned above, I would also highlight their writing. Much of the work done in litigation is in the written papers, and these individuals excel at clearly and concisely articulating a position. ’
Key clients
- Chevron
- Dole Foods
- Nestle USA
- Meta
- BNP Paribas
- Apple
- Columbia Capital Equity Partners IV
- Dr. Lorenzo Vidino
- Crystallex International Corporation
- Yukos Capital Limited
- Blasket Renewable Investments LLC; Infrastructure Services Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
- Titan Consortium 1
Work highlights
Advising Chevron Corporation on a high-profile wave of global climate litigation based on interstate and international emissions being brought against multinational oil and gas companies in jurisdictions across the world.
Represented Nestlé and led a joint defense group that included other companies in the cocoa supply chain in defeating a purported TVPRA class action alleging forced labor in Côte d’Ivoire, securing a unanimous D.C. Circuit victory affirming dismissal for lack of standing and preserving a landmark defensive win on behalf of all defendants.
Representing Crystallex in enforcing a $1.4 billion judgment against Venezuela.
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.
Andrea Smith
William Thompson
Practice head
Perlette Michèle Jura; Andrea E. Smith; William Thompson
Other key lawyers
Jacob T. Spencer