The team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is well placed to represent major players across industries such as banking, fashion and technology. Team head David Bernstein, based across New York and San Francisco, is trusted by a number of reputable brands to handle a range of high stakes claims. New York based, Megan Bannigan is known for her extensive trial experience, and Christopher Ford has litigated trademark cases in federal court and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Jared Kagan and David Bernstein, and their work has been consistently exceptional. They bring a rare combination of strategic clarity, deep subject‑matter understanding, and meticulous attention to detail to every matter they handle. Their ability to analyze complex trademark issues, anticipate challenges, and craft thoughtful, well‑reasoned solutions makes them stand out as truly distinguished trademark litigation counsel.’
‘What sets Jared Kagan and David Bernstein apart is not only their legal acumen but also their judgment, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. They are insightful, practical, and unwaveringly dedicated to achieving the best outcomes. Working with them inspires confidence at every stage — from early strategy to briefing to courtroom advocacy. It’s hard to imagine better partners in sophisticated trademark matters, and I’m grateful for their consistently outstanding guidance and expertise.’
‘Debevoise has a very inventive and strategic team of trademark litigators, particularly Kate Saba and Megan Bannigan. They have managed to produce incredible outcome for my company, winning an extremely very hard but highly impactful litigation case. They constantly build very strong briefs and arguments, and they understand the business in which we operate in very well. I highly recommend working with the team, they have been tremendously dedicated to our case.’
‘Megan Bannigan has great strategic expertise, and will analyze matters and issues from multiple angles to assess the best way to tackle it. She is very strong in anticipating the other party's next moves, and she has created a very smooth working environment for the rest of the team to show their skills and their added value. Kate Saba has been highly impressive in the case, with great analysis and strategic views.’
‘David Bernstein, Megan Bannigan and Christopher Ford were proactive litigators that put forth excellent litigation strategy. They knew the nuances and most minute details of our case. We appreciated their balanced, direct counseling regarding strengths and merits of our case. They provided a wonderful team of associates who demonstrated true passion for our case.’
‘Christopher Ford is the rare young counsel who worked endlessly and knew every minute detail of our case. He could advise both on the substantive law as well as how the judge and opposing counsel would react in order to drive strategy. His reading and interpretation of the case law seems boundless. He will be a star litigator.
- 'Megan Bannigan is an tenacious litigator who operates without fear or hesitation. She argued persuasively in front of the judge and decimated the opposing counsel's witnesses. Most importantly, Megan also was able to tell her client where there were real risks of losing a motion and when not to get one's hopes up, which was invaluable for setting expectations with our board of directors.'
- 'David Bernstein provided excellent counsel, both what we as a client wanted to hear and where our case had weaknesses. He is persuasive and forceful of his points, and provided as much important advice on human motivations and desires as substantive law.'
- 'Kate Saba expressed impeccable organizational skills and drove much of the research and behind the scenes prep work to strengthen our case. Assertive and persuasive, it is difficult to imagine Kate ever being wrong about anything. ’
Key clients
- DraftKings
- Empower
- Leo Messi/MÁS + Next Generation Beverage Co.
- Sneex
- Judd Foundation
- Casa Azul Spirits
- Novartis AG/Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
- Snap Inc
- StockX
- Merck
- Printify
- Bank of America
- Steve Madden
- The Sam Bernstein Law Firm
- Cubaexport
- Edge Autonomy
- X Corp.
- Marquee Brands
Work highlights
Assisted the Judd Foundation on a pro bono basis in a high-profile lawsuit against Kim Kardashian and Clements Design in California federal court.
Represented Casa Azul Spirits LLC in a significant trademark trial victory in a lawsuit brought by Casa Tradición S.A. de C.V.
Assisted WEX Inc. in winning a full preliminary injunction against HP’s use of “HP WEX” on its new software platform.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
David H. Bernstein
Other key lawyers
Megan Bannigan; Christopher Ford; Kate Saba; Jared Kagan