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Founded in 1909 in Chicago, Kirkland & Ellis is a leading US and international firm with an intentional presence spanning 15 offices across three continents. The firm has its largest concentration of offices in its native jurisdiction with branches in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Washington DC. In the area of transactional work, the firm is renowned – both domestically and abroad – for its expertise in advising financial sponsors on leveraged finance borrowing, high yield debt issues and acquisitions and exits. Financial restructuring expertise in general is another specialism.
Since its founding 135 years ago in 1885, King & Spalding has grown to 22 offices across three continents. In the United States, the firm has 11 offices, with its first office Atlanta serving as the firm’s headquarters. King & Spalding is a market leader in corporate law in Georgia, but also has a strong presence in North Carolina. Firm wide, it has an especially strong oil and gas project development practice. The investment funds team is concentrated globally but within the US, has offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Washington D.C. The private equity team advises REITs, private equity and financial services firms in fund formations.
Ropes & Gray was founded in 1865 in Boston. It has since expanded globally to 11 offices in three continents. In the United States, the firm has offices in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. It is best known for its work in the United States in regulatory financial services, private equity and registered funds. The firm’s Boston office is active in banking, capital markets and M&A.
Simpson Thacher was founded in 1884 in New York, where it still maintains headquarters. The New York office is also the firm’s largest, but it has since expanded to 10 offices across three continents. In the United States, it has offices in New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Palo Alto and Washington D.C. It is best known for its top tier work in banking, debt and equity capital markets, M&A and private equity. The firm’s New York office is a market leader in financial and corporate practices and the California offices are market leaders in capital markets.
Greenspoon Marder is a 40-year-old firm based in coastal southern Florida.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm specializes in real estate finance, representing financial institutions as lenders and corporate entities as borrowers often. The firm is also skilled in the automotive, transportation, hospitality and restaurants, sports and entertainment and technology industries.
Key clients
A few of the firm’s key clients include BB&T, Truist Bank and Valley National Bank.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Bank lending: Borrower side
“Knowledgeable and great business sense (i.e., focusing on what was important and problem solving - deal making).”
Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson is a full-service law firm with over 100 lawyers across Florida. It has offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Tallahassee and Coral Gables.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known for its work in banking and M&A, but also has a notable restructuring and insolvency practice.
In M&A, the practice acts on the buy and sell side in strategic and private equity acquisitions, joint ventures and mergers. The team is particularly active in the technology and real estate industries, though it has experience with a multitude of industries. It also works with private equity firms in fund formations and investments.
The restructuring and insolvency practice advises debtors, trustees and receivers in out of court restructurings and Chapter 7 and 11 proceedings.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include MPD Holdings, 3Cinteractive, FirstService, The Parker Company, Scout Capital Partners, BGGMC, QFK Capital, Alfred Angelo, DJ Roofing and Telepak Networks.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Bank lending: Borrower side
"Issues were complex and the entire negotiation was done during the pandemic lockdown, plus I myself was stranded 8,000 miles away in another country. SWM worked through all the challenges as if they were not there. It is always a pleasure working with them."
Insolvency
"Business-oriented decision-making is prioritised over outright litigation-strategy decision-making where applicable. Extraordinary attention to detail, without extraordinary billing practices. Full service."
M&A
"Great responsiveness, slightly below market rates."
"Responsiveness, transactional acumen and collaboration."
"Proactive and very timely turnaround."
Founded in 1993, Kasowitz Benson Torres has since grown to 10 offices in eight states. The firm is headquartered in New York City, where it also has the largest office. Additionally, it has lawyers in Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, San Francisco, the Silicon Valley and Washington D.C.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm is known for its work in restructuring and insolvency and real estate. In real estate, the firm represents real estate developers, investors, lenders, REITs and property owners in matters including construction financing, joint ventures, acquisitions, mortgage loans, refinancing and development. Its clients work on residential, commercial and industrial developments, especially in New York.
In restructuring and insolvency, the team represents debtors, creditors and trustees in financial restructurings, Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings among numerous industries.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include GFI Capital, Midtown Equities, Arbor Realty Trust, iStar, Fred’s, the Renco Group, Fairfax Financial Holdings and TPG Capital.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Aggressive, quick study/understanding of our industry, superb command of case law and litigation process. Nice, smart people.”
Private equity
“Kasowitz attorneys are extremely attentive and responsive. They are business minded advisors who advocated aggressively for the things we are focused, while maintaining a perfect balance of the legal issues.”
Brooks Pierce McLendon Humphrey & Leonard is a notable business law firm in North Carolina. Founded in 1897, the firm has expanded to three North Carolina offices: Greensboro, Raleigh and Wilmington.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is particularly active in M&A and real estate. In M&A, the firm represents strategic buyers and sellers in acquisitions and joint ventures. It also represents private equity firms in capital raises and fund formations.
The firm has a lot of experience in the real estate industry, where it represents developers, property owners and financial sponsors. Many of its real estate transactions are related to either acquisitions or project development. The firm also combines its real estate and private equity experience through its work with REITs.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Blue Ridge Bancshares, Quincy Media, Citadel Communications, Concord Hospitality Enterprises, Atlas Stark Holdings, Weaver Investment, Pharos Hospitality and Lockwood Broadcasting.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
PPP/PFI
“Excellent work on all matters.”
Founded in 1792, Cadwalader is one of the oldest law firms in America and the oldest continuing Wall Street practice in the nation. Following its first office in New York, the firm has expanded to two national offices in Washington DC and Charlotte and international offices in London and Dublin. Though it has experience in a wide variety of financial and corporate practice areas, Cadwalader is nationally recognized for its outstanding work in structured finance and securitization, largely led by the New York team. It also has standout teams in regulatory financial services and derivatives.
Bracewell got its start in Houston, Texas in 1945. Since then, it has become a market leader in Texas in financial and corporate law. The firm has also opened an additional nine offices in three countries. In the United States, the firm has locations in Austin, Hartford, Dallas, Houston, New York, San Antonio, Seattle and Washington D.C. Bracewell has expanded its reach internationally with offices in Dubai and London. The firm is best known in Texas, where it has the most offices and a reputation as a top-tier financial and corporate practice, in addition to a notable projects practice. However, it also has a notable New York practice. Oil and gas is a big industry for the firm across all practice areas.
Baker Botts is an international firm with a stronghold in Texas, where its Texas offices are members of Lex Mundi. The firm has 13 offices across five regions. In the United States, there are seven offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Washington D.C.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm historically has done excellent work in the energy industry, although it has since expanded to cover numerous industries including technology, logistics and entertainment.
The team’s banking and finance practice acts for borrowers in refinancings, ABLs, warehouse financings, acquisition financings and corporate financings.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include NRG Energy, Delek US Holdings, Odfjell Holdings, Summit Midstream Partners, BWX Technologies, Sprague Resources, NASCAR, GCI Liberty, Sunnova Energy and Halliburton.
Founded in 1971, Kleinberg Kaplan has 50 years of experience in financial and corporate law. Despite only having one office in New York, it has gained national recognition and frequently works on matters throughout the United States. The firm is best known for its hedge funds practice, but it also has a notable M&A practice. The investment funds practice acts for fund managers in fund formations for hedge funds, private equity funds, feeder funds and offshore funds. It also works with fund managers on acquisitions, investments, restructurings and other corporate matters.
Founded in 1966, Hall Estill is a distinguished full-service firm with five offices across three states. The firm has more than 150 lawyers between offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Denver, Colorado; Fayetteville, Arkansas and Bentonville, Arkansas.
Focusses / specialisms
Banking is an active area for the firm, typically advising banks and financial institutions in loans and credit facilities.
The firm has expertise in real estate and M&A. In M&A, Hall Estill represents strategic buyers and sellers in acquisition related matters across numerous types of industries including industrial, manufacturing, oil and gas and financial services.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Mammoth Energy Services and ERP Industrials.
GableGotwals is a leading full-service firm in Oklahoma. The firm has offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City and is one of the largest firms in the state.
The firm’s client base runs across the nation, and their global reach extends to Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals. Gabe Gotwals is a law firm known for delivering high quality legal services.
GableGotwals is a leading full-service firm in Oklahoma. The firm has offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City and is one of the largest firms in the state.
Focusses / specialisms
GableGotwals has an outstanding financial and corporate practice. Its partners represent clients in bond issuances, Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, acquisitions, divestments, loan agreements and joint ventures. It is particularly active in the oil and gas industry.
The firm is also active in capital markets and M&A, representing buyers and sellers in transactions, and in capital markets typically the firm represents issuers.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include ONEOK, White Star Petroleum, Mid-Con Energy Partners, Commerce Bank and Hogan Taylor.
Porter Hedges is a Texas based firm founded in 1981. In addition to its main office in Houson, the firm has an additional office in Oklahoma City.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm is highly capable in the banking, capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency practice areas.
The banking and capital markets team work together by advising financial institutions as investors, as well as various clients in debt financing transactions.
The M&A team is like the prior mentioned departments in that it primarily advises investors such as financial institutions.
The restructuring and insolvency department is versatile as it advises debtors and creditors, but more on the creditor side.
Key clients
Some of the firm’s key clients include Azure Midstream Energy, Camp Construction Services, Carriage Services, Chemstations, ENGlobal, Main Street Capital, Ocean Power Technologies, PureWest Energy, Sage Road Capital and Sapphire Technologies.
Full service firm Skadden is a top tier firm, especially in M&A, debt capital markets, structured finance and securitization, regulatory financial services, restructuring and insolvency and oil and gas projects. It was founded in New York in 1948 and the New York office remains the firm’s headquarters and largest office. It has since, however, expanded to 22 offices across three continents. In the United States, the firm has offices in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Washington D.C. and Wilmington.
Highlights
Across all its practices, Skadden is accustomed innovative transactions. The firm’s M&A department advised Activision Blizzard as the seller in its sizeable all-cash acquisition by Microsoft Corporation. This transaction broke world records in the history of the gaming industry, the technology sector, all-cash transactions and Microsoft Corporation. The firm had similar landmark success in the Japanese pharmaceutical sector, the US utilities sector and the software industry. Furthermore, the firm showed finesse in guiding clients towards authorization from Antitrust authorities and the Food and Drug Administration.
In project finance, the firm led novel transactions in the renewables sector including its representation of the lenders in a first-of-its-kind unguaranteed bridge facility with a unique tax credit sale feature. This is financing a Parliament Solar project. It also represented Pattern Energy Group in the financing of SunZia’s landmark transmission and wind projects. This deal is unprecedented for the US clean energy infrastructure sector.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include First BanCorp, Crédit Agricole, Banco Azteca, Centene, Zillow, Bank of America, Scotia Capital, Citigroup, CEMEX, Pfizer, Morgan Stanley, PayPal, Barclays, Eaton Vance, Fair Oaks Capital, AES, BlackRock, Tennenbaum Capital Partners, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, NextEra Energy Partners, Exact Sciences, Array BioPharma, DowDuPont, The Blackstone Group, Aflac, Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, UBS, Synergy Pharmaceuticals and Stearns Holdings.
The most current iteration of full-service firm Barnes & Thornburg was born from a merger in 1982. Robert Grand serves as the managing partner of the firm, which has grown to 19 offices, plus a satellite office in 14 states. Barnes & Thornburg’s presence is felt most in Indiana and Michigan, where it does notable work in banking and finance.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm does good work in the banking and finance practice area. The team represents lenders in loan and credit facility agreements, as well as refinancing transactions. They represent many clients in the banking and financial services industry.
Founded in 1866, Milbank has grown to 12 offices worldwide. In the United States, the firm has offices in New York, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. It is a market leader in infrastructure project development, project finance and restructuring and insolvency. While the firm has outstanding national restructuring and insolvency practice, it is a market leader in restructuring practice in California. The firm frequently advises clients on novel transactions in its banking practice as well, specifically asset financing with a specialty in the aviation industry.
Taft Stettinius & Hollister has over 100 years of experience, dating all the way back to 1885. The firm is headquartered in Cincinnati, but has 10 other offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Delaware (Ohio), Denver, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Northern Kentucky and Phoenix.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Indianapolis office is a market leader in Indiana in the financial and corporate practice.
In banking the team advises lenders and borrowers in real estate financing, acquisition financing, refinancing and general working capital financing.
In the corporate and M&A practice, the firm acts on the buy and sell side in strategic and private equity acquisitions, joint ventures and mergers. Many of the acquisitions are related to wider real estate transactions.
The firm also occasionally advises issuers in bond offerings as part of corporate financing as well as private equity funds in portfolio investments.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, American Municipal Power, Chiquita, Steel Warehouse Company, ForeverCar Holdings, CENX, Cummins, Hopebridge, Zotec, AMG Holdings, Edgewater Capital Partners, Jumpstart, Minnesota Vikings, Stemonix and Northmarq Capital.
Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell, founded in 1930, is considered one of the top firms for restructuring and insolvency work in the Delaware market. The firm is also a top firm for M&A in Delaware. Based in Wilmington, the firm is a member of TerraLex, a legal network which has over 600 offices in 100 countries.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm has a robust M&A practice, where often advises on alternative entities matters and serves as Delaware co-counsel on giant international deals. The firm works in a range of sectors and advises both acquirers and sellers.
The firm remains a go-to firm for clients partaking in or approaching Chapter 11 bankruptcies. The firm advises a range of parties including debtors, creditors, acquirers and committees.
Since its founding in New York in 1919, corporate and litigation firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel has become a market leader in high yield debt and banking. It also added offices in Washington DC and London. The firm is consistently recognized for its pro bono and diversity and inclusion efforts, especially with women and people of color. In addition to Cahill’s top tier banking and high yield debt practice, it has outstanding debt and equity capital markets teams. The firm’s New York office has one of the best capital markets teams in the region.
Founded in 1928, Cole Schotz is a notable law firm in restructuring and insolvency. It has expanded to seven offices nationwide in: Hackensack, New York, Wilmington, Baltimore, Boca Raton, Fort Worth and Dallas. Some of the firm’s strongest restructuring and insolvency teams are in the Hackensack, Baltimore and Wilmington offices. The restructuring and insolvency team firm wide represents sponsors, debtors and creditors in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 insolvency cases. It also represents debtors in out of court financial restructurings.
Though its headquarters are in New York, Debevoise & Plimpton is a global firm with 10 offices spanning three continents. In the United States, the firm has offices in New York and Washington DC. It is a leading firm in private equity, with outstanding M&A, regulatory financial services and banking practices. Aside from its top-tier work in private equity, the firm does great work in registered funds, restructuring and insolvency, M&A, regulatory financial services and capital markets.
Despite having been founded in Miami in 1967, Greenberg Traurig has quickly become a truly international firm. It currently has 47 offices spread over three continents. In the United States, the firm has 34 offices across 19 states. While the firm is well known globally for its work in business law, it is a standout particularly in Arizona, Nevada and Florida, where it has the most offices. The firm’s project teams do wider project development and finance work in the energy and oil and gas industries. Its banking and M&A teams work on acquisition financing transactions and advise on deals in the real estate sector.
Smith Anderson is a business and litigation firm founded in 1912 with one office in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is active in M&A and banking.
In banking, the firm represents borrowers in financing matters such as non-dilutive financing.
The financial and corporate team is also experienced in equity capital markets related transactions.
The M&A team represents private equity and strategic buyers and sellers in divestitures, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. It has expertise in the healthcare, gaming, technology, life sciences and pharmaceutical industries.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Precision BioSciences, Cree, First Citizens Bank & Trust, Novan, Epic Games, Quotient Sciences and Descours & Cabaud.
Full-service firm Duane Morris got its start in Philadelphia but has since expanded to 29 offices over three continents. In the United States, the firm has 22 offices spread through the country. Though the firm is headquartered in Philadelphia, the New York offices are among the firm’s largest. Each of Duane Morris’ locations have different expertise. Throughout the firm, there are teams in the banking, capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency practices. The banking practice has teams of note in Florida, Illinois and Pennsylvania. The restructuring and insolvency practice has teams in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Pittsburgh, Newark and Wilmington.
Founded in 2003, Tucker Ellis is a growing full-service firm based in the Midwest. Cleveland, Ohio serves as the firm’s largest office and headquarters, but it also maintains offices in Chicago, Columbus, Los Angeles, San Francisco and St. Louis.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known for its work in the corporate and M&A practice, but also does notable work in banking, capital markets and real estate.
In banking the firm acts for lenders and borrowers in real estate financing and mortgage financing. The M&A practice represents clients in strategic acquisitions and sales.
The real estate practice advises property financiers, lessees and developers in restructurings, acquisitions, zoning, financing and development related real estate matters.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include KeyBank, Fifth Third Bank, Flagstar Bank, Tristate Capital Bank, LKD Aerospace and Boenning & Scattergood.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Smart, Creative and Diligent.”
Full-service firm Wiggin & Dana is best known in Connecticut, where it has six offices throughout the state. It also has offices outside of Connecticut in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Palm Beach and New York. Though it does not have any international offices, it has a global presence thanks to its involvement in the TerraLex network.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is a market leader in Connecticut for M&A, but also has a standout real estate practice. In M&A, the firm acts on the buy and sell side for strategic and private equity acquisitions. It also advises companies in equity fundraising.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include The Marlin Company, Anticimex International, Southfield Capital Partners, PetVets Care Centers, RallyBio, Olink Proteomics Holdings, Bernoulli Enterprise, Genpact International, CAS Medical System, Device42, Amastan, DexKo Global and US Retirement Partners.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
M&A
"1. Excellent knowledge of corporate laws. 2. Responsive. 3. Cost effective. 4. Works well with in-house counsel."
"Terrific customer focus. Responsive."
Torys is a distinguished Canadian law firm that is well integrated throughout the North American continent. In the United States, the firm has an office in New York.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm focuses on private equity and project development, but its specialty is servicing clients in transactions involving the United States and Canada.
The private equity team works with investors internationally and has a great record in the real estate industry.
In project development, the team is impressively skilled in transactions that require expertise on Canadian law as well as law within the United States.
Key clients
Some of the firm’s key clients include Fengate Capital Management, John Laing, Acciona, Saskatchewan Municipal Employees, Hydro-Quebec Pension Fund and Scotiabank Pension Fund.
McDermott Will & Schulte is a notable global law firm. Though the firm is headquartered in Chicago, it is truly an international firm, with locations in 14 offices in the United States and nine offices across Europe and Asia.
Highlights
During the research period, the firm worked on several novel transactions including the M&A team’s representation of Monumental Sports & Entertainment in the investment from Qatar Investment Authority, marking an industry first for the foreign sovereign wealth fund.
Partners in restructuring and insolvency represented the official committee of unsecured creditors in the landmark Voyager Digital chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. This unique bankruptcy case was the largest in the industry’s history, a first-of-its-kind ruling and intensely challenging to navigate due to the uninsured status of the crypto assets.
The firm’s projects team also worked on distinctly impactful joint ventures in the energy sector.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include The Coca-Cola Company, Scout Clean Energy, Heritage-Crystal Clean, Nordic Aviation Capital, Wellspring Capital Management, Invenergy Renewables, American Electric Power Company, Novis Renewables, Apex Clean Energy and Pine Gate Renewables.
Founded in 1888 in New York, Willkie Farr & Gallagher is best known for its work in private equity and investment funds, especially regarding M&A. The firm has also since expanded to 12 offices across the United States and Europe, with six of those offices being in the United States. The New York office remains the hub for the firm’s operations and is its largest office. In addition to its strengths in private equity, registered funds and hedge funds, the firm also does notable work in banking, project development and restructuring and insolvency.
Gibson Dunn was founded in Los Angeles in 1890. It has since grown to 20 offices throughout four continents. In the United States, the firm has 10 offices in California, Texas, Colorado, New York and Washington D.C. Its greatest presence is in California, where it has five offices throughout the state. The firm maintains a strong presence in California, where it has top-tier M&A practices in Southern California. Additionally, its Denver, D.C., Dallas and Houston offices are standouts in their respective states in corporate practice areas. In the infrastructure sector, the firm’s projects team has advised clients on several award-winning deals in industries such as transport infrastructure.
The national firm Akerman was founded in Orlando in 1920. It now has 25 offices across 15 states, but Florida remains core to the firm and is the state where it has the largest number of offices. The firm is best known for mid-market M&A and real estate work in Florida and is active in capital markets and restructuring. Its M&A team, bolstered by the Florida offices, represents strategic and private equity buyers and sellers in acquisition-related matters, including acquisition financing. It is active on cross-border deals and across multiple industries including aerospace, waste management and automotive.
Since its founding in 1877 in Pittsburgh, Reed Smith has grown a market leading firm in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It has also expanded to 30 offices across three continents. In the United States, the firm has 18 offices in 10 states. Pittsburgh remains the firm’s headquarters and is one of its largest offices. Reed Smith is best known in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for its powerhouse financial and corporate teams. The firm excels in the mid-market area.
Arnall Golden Gregory was founded in 1949 and has since grown to two offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington DC.
Focusses / specialisms
The Georgia team is well known for their work in the M&A practice area.
The firm also does notable work in banking and finance and restructuring and insolvency.
The banking and finance team represents borrowers and lenders in loan facilities, working capital credit lines, bond financing, public financing, project financing, securitizations, refinancings and acquisition financings.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Horizon Telecom, Imperial Capital, Development Authority of Fulton County, Ares Commercial Finance, American Express and Sysco.
Since its founding in 1931, Weil Gotshal & Manges has grown to become one of the country’s leading firms in M&A, private equity and restructuring and insolvency. It has also physically grown to 15 offices across three continents. There are eight offices in the United States: Boston, Dallas, Houston, Miami, New York, Princeton, Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. The New York office serves as the firm’s headquarters and is also its largest. Weil is a market leader in M&A, private equity and restructuring and insolvency, but it is also well known for its work in the banking, structured finance and securitization and private equity funds practices. Overall, it is a strong firm across all financial and corporate practices.
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck was founded in 1968. Since then, it has expanded to 13 offices in seven states. The firm is top tier in Nevada in M&A and also highly regarded in Colorado for its work in the financial and corporate practice areas.
Focusses / specialisms
Though the firm does outstanding work in Nevada and Colorado, it also maintains teams in Washington D.C., California, Wyoming, New Jersey and New Mexico. In Colorado, the firm does great work in banking and finance, real estate and M&A. The banking and finance team represents borrowers in project financing, capital markets investments and securitizations.
The M&A team represents private equity and strategic buyers and sellers in acquisition and joint venture related acquisitions.
The real estate team represents property developers and investors in commercial and residential real estate development and acquisition transactions.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Blue & Silver, Etkin Johnson Real Estate Partners, Brue Capital, the Colorado Rockies, Bow River Capital Partners, Nexus Technologies, Caesars Entertainment, AmTrans Expedite and Encore Consumer Capital.
The earliest iteration of Alston & Bird was formed in 1893 in Atlanta. Since then, it has expanded to 13 offices, 10 of which are in the United States, in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh, San Francisco, the Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. The firm has an international presence with offices in Beijing, Brussels and London. It has a notable banking and finance practice, frequently advising commercial banks and engaging in fund finance, private credit funds, public company borrowers and private equity sponsors.
International firm Allen & Overy is headquartered in the UK as one of the Magic Circle firms, but has over 40 offices globally. In the United States, the firm has four offices in the Silicon Valley, New York, Washinton D.C. and Los Angeles.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm has a highly notable leveraged finance team. The banking and finance practice acts for mostly lenders in acquisition, sustainability and corporate financings, as well as refinancing matters. The practice does also represent borrowers in similar matters.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Apollo Global Management, Credit Suisse, JP Morgan, Bank of America, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Jeffries and Goldman Sachs.
The most current iteration of Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer was formed in 2017 as a result of the merger between Arnold & Porter and Kaye Scholer. The firm now boasts 14 offices in six countries. In the United States, the firm has its largest offices in Washington D.C. and New York, but also has growing offices in San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Newark, Houston, Palo Alto and Los Angeles. The firm is often praised for its diversity initiatives and pro bono work. Its DC office that stands out for its restructuring and insolvency practice. The firm is particularly experienced in the technology, banking and financial services and life sciences industries.
Winston & Strawn has over 160 years of experience in the market. It has 15 offices across North America, Europe and Asia. In the United States, the firm has 9 offices in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Washington D.C.
Though the firm is best known for its work in project development within the energy industry, it is also active in banking, capital markets and M&A, where it has a strong Latin America practice.
The Delaware Counsel Group, founded in 2004, is located in Wilmington but has an international presence through its participation in the International Network of Boutique Law Firms. It also has the distinction of being a part of The National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms and is the only certified woman-owned business law firm in Delaware.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm represents clients in general transactional and regulatory corporate matters including debt capital markets, investment funds, banking and finance and M&A. It is often on the issuer side of transactions for capital markets and financing transactions.
In M&A it often represents strategic acquirers. The firm also has a lot of cross border experience – many of its transactions involve other jurisdictions including Europe, Africa, Australia and South America.
Key clients
The firm exclusively advises Delaware based clients including Aegon, HSBC securities, Pricoa, Gap, AFP Capital, Plaintree Systems, ECP Investments and Morgan Stanley.
For well over a century Hunton Andrews Kurth has advised clients on a global scale in financial and corporate law. It has U.S. offices in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Boston, Charlotte, New York. Los Angeles, Miami, Richmond Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Additionally, there are offices abroad in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The firm is strong in numerous practices, but its capital markets teams standout for expertise in real estate, energy, consumer products and retail. Its clients include issuers and underwriters in investment grade debt, high yield debt and equity.
Foster Garvey was born in 2019 from the merger of Washington firms Foster Pepper and Garvey Schubert Barer. The resulting firm has five national offices: Seattle, Portland, Washington DC, New York and Spokane. It also has an international presence through its Beijing office. The firm has its largest office in Seattle, followed by Portland.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is very active in the corporate and M&A practice area. It represents private equity and strategic acquirers and sellers in acquisitions. It is very active in the forestry, technology and manufacturing industries.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Westward Partners, Software Professionals, Eastside Dermatology, T-Star, Kingston Lumber and OMAX.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
During the research period, the M&A team was largely on the seller’s side in acquisitions. Many of the acquisitions had a private equity aspect, whether it was the buyer or the seller.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
OSW Equipment acquisition of Northend Truck Equipment
Global firm Dechert has 26 offices spread out over three continents. In the United States, the firm has offices in Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Hartford, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, Philadelphia, Princeton, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. This growth stems from decades of expansion, with the most current version of the firm’s name dating back to 1962. Dechert got its start in Philadelphia, but the New York office is their largest in the United States. Though the firm is active across financial and corporate law, its registered funds work has generated the most recognition as a top tier practice.
The history of Freshfields dates back to the 1700’s in the UK. Since then, the firm’s reach has expanded to offices in Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, North America and Africa. Its presence in the United States began in 1977 with its opening of its New York offices. In the 40 years since, the firm has expanded to offices in Washington D.C. and the Silicon Valley.
Highlights
Recently, Freshfields’ US Corporate and M&A practice led in the representation of Qualtrics International in its all-cash sale to a consortium of Silver Lake and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Freshfields and the independent directors of the board of Qualtrics International worked together to prioritize public shareholders' best interests.
The firm also represented publicly listed Coupa Software Incorporated in its cash sale to Thoma Bravo. This acquisition was outstanding for LBO standards and for the software sector.
In January, the M&A team also welcomed Partners Sanjay Murti and Steven Li from Cravath Swaine and Moore and Kirkland & Ellis respectively.
Key clients
Some of the firm’s key clients include Qualtrics International, Coupa Software Incorporated, Roivant Sciences, BP, and Google.
Founded in 1951, Paul Hastings is a global corporate finance firm. In the Americas, the firm has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C. and São Paulo, Brazil. It also has two offices in Texas and six in California. The firm is strong in finance, M&A, private equity, real estate and restructuring and insolvency. The restructuring and insolvency practice is exceptional in creditor-side cases and as UCC counsel. It has expertise in the projects space, leading on the development and finance side of novel projects in the energy sector. Both the projects and restructuring practices excel in the energy sector.
White & Case is a constantly growing firm with a great reputation for working on highly complex transactions. The firm currently has 44 offices across six continents. In the United States, the firm maintains eight offices.
Highlights
The firm stands out for its top-tier work in M&A and restructuring and insolvency. In addition, the firm does notable work in the banking and debt capital markets practice areas. In banking, the firm advised Broadcom on the acquisition financing for the purchase of VMware. This was among the largest technology transactions in history and had a unique feature that allowed Broadcom to defer closing the transaction while finalizing the financing.
The firm’s restructuring and insolvency practice represented the Ad Hoc Committee of Local Councils of Boy Scouts of America as the debtors in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. Among abuse settlement funds, this is the largest in U.S. history and is unprecedented in relation to mass tort cases.
Key clients
Key clients include Broadcom, RTX Corporation, 3M Company, Lumen Technologies, Global Payments, Boy Scouts of America, Mallinckrodt, XPO, Rayonier advanced Materials, Siris Capital and King Street Capital Management.
With 13 offices spread through Alaska, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Utah, New Mexico and Washington D.C., Holland & Hart is a highly regarded business firm. The firm was founded in 1947 in Denver, which remains the firm’s largest office. It is the largest Colorado-based firm as well as the largest firm in Wyoming.
Focusses/specialisms
The firm does exceptional work in financial and corporate practice areas, as well as in project development. Of note is that within the corporate practice firm wide, 50% of the partners are women.
The firm also has experience in capital markets, representing issuers in bond issuances, equity funding and recapitalizations.
In the M&A practice, the firm represents strategic sellers and acquirers in company acquisitions, asset acquisitions and strategic partnerships.
The firm’s project development and finance practice largely works on project financing. It represents developers in power purchase agreements, project acquisitions, acquisition financing and project funding. It is well known within the energy industry.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Roaring Fork Wind, Flying Cow Wind, MGM Resorts, Duke Energy Renewables, Summit Turquoise, Webroot, DCP Midstream, Caliber Midstream Partners, Jalex Holdings and Bow River Capital.
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is one of the most prominent business law firms in the United States. The firm’s pre eminence in the fields of mergers and acquisitions, takeovers and takeover defense, strategic investments, corporate and securities law, and corporate governance means that it regularly handles some of the largest, most complex and demanding transactions in the United States and around the world. It features consistently in the top rank of legal advisors. The firm also focuses on sensitive investigation and litigation matters and corporate restructurings, and in counseling boards of directors and senior management in the most sensitive situations. Its attorneys are also recognized thought leaders, frequently teaching, speaking and writing in their areas of expertise.
Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP (“Carter Ledyard”) is a general practice law firm headquartered in the Financial District in Manhattan. Carter Ledyard provides clients with partner-led matters, enabling seasoned lawyers with years of experience to lead and guide the strategy and communicate with clients meaningfully.
We offer sophisticated legal advice within a culture that encourages innovative problem-solving. We use the latest technologies to facilitate swifter and better communications and service. We are available when our clients need us to be available. We are easy to work with. Our clients stay with us because of the quality and efficiency of the service we provide, and because we understand and care about their businesses.
Building on a foundation of 169 years of legal service, we continue to maintain and develop the broad experience and diverse skills necessary to assist our clients in anticipating and managing business and personal matters in often fast-paced, changing environments.
Husch Blackwell is an industry-focused law firm with more than 20 offices across the United States, including its virtual office, The Link. The firm represents clients around the world in major industries including energy and natural resources; financial services and capital markets; food systems; healthcare, life sciences and education; real estate, development and construction; and technology, manufacturing and transportation.
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP offers the strength and resources of attorneys and professional staff experienced in a range of services. We provide advice and counsel in litigation, corporate, economic development, securities, finance, intellectual property, government relations, regulatory, and other needs of clients ranging from private individuals to large businesses, including many publicly held companies. Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins has more than 1,000 attorneys and other professionals with offices across the United States and the District of Columbia. For more information on the firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.
Sills Cummis & Gross is a full-service commercial law firm focused on providing quality and effective legal services to a diverse range of clients. The Firm’s client base extends from Fortune 500 companies to emerging growth businesses and foreign corporations conducting business within the United States.
Seward & Kissel, founded in 1890, is a leading U.S. law firm with an international reputation for excellence. We have offices in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Our practice primarily focuses on corporate and litigation work for clients seeking legal expertise in the financial services, corporate finance and capital markets areas. The Firm is particularly well known for its representation of major commercial banks, investment banking firms, investment advisers and related investment funds (including mutual, hedge and private equity funds), broker-dealers, institutional investors and transportation companies (particularly in the shipping area).
The Firm’s attorneys are very experienced and highly regarded in their respective practice areas. Many have been with the Firm for most, if not all, of their legal careers. Our focus and expertise, combined with the Firm’s stability, have enabled us to create a work culture that is dedicated to professional excellence and sound judgment, and that is committed to providing our clients with effective, high quality, hands-on legal service.
Founded in 1926, Cole Schotz has been proud to serve their community. With over 215 attorneys we are guaranteed to be able to help you win your case.
For 100 years, our success has been largely influenced by a focus on the client experience. With a firm history long enough to remember rotary phone calls blended with our modern-day capability to tap into cloud-powered platforms as communication tools, we continue our tradition of customer service by always echoing your style.
Mayer Brown is a distinctively global law firm, uniquely positioned to advise the world’s leading companies and financial institutions on their most complex deals and disputes.
With extensive reach across four continents, we are the only integrated law firm in the world with approximately 200 lawyers in each of the world’s three largest financial centers—New York, London and Hong Kong—the backbone of the global economy.
- 300+ partners recognized, Chambers & Partners, all publications (2017)
- 250+ partners recognized, The Legal 500, all publications (2107)
- Most recognized for client service, BTI Client Service A-Team (2002-2017), one of only three firms on the list for each of the last 15 years
- Top 5, Who Represents America’s Biggest Companies, Corporate Counsel (2010-2016)
- Top 10, Acritas US Law Firm Brand Index (2013-2016)
- Most Lateral Growth among Am Law 200 Firms, ALM Lateral Reports (2016)
- Top 10, Am Law 100, The American Lawyer (2016)
- Top Three, Largest Firms in the US, Law360 (2016)
*Our Beijing and Shanghai offices operate as representative offices of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. In Hong Kong, Morgan Lewis operates through Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, which is a separate Hong Kong general partnership registered with The Law Society of Hong Kong as a registered foreign law firm operating in association with Luk & Partners.
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is an international white shoe law firm headquartered in New York. Cleary is one of most well-rounded firms in the US, with strong debt capital markets, equity capital markets, derivatives, financial services regulatory, M&A, private equity and private equity funds practices.
Clifford Chance is a powerhouse across the financial and corporate sphere with highly rated partners and a deep bench in almost all areas. One of the world’s pre-eminent law firms, the firm has a significant depth and range of resources across five continents.
Latham & Watkins stands out in the US legal market for its banking, M&A, private equity, debt capital markets, high-yield capital markets, equity capital markets, project finance and project development practices, making it another contender for the title of most versatile corporate firm in the US.
Morrison & Foerster is a global firm with more than 1,000 lawyers across 17 offices in the US, Europe and Asia. The firm is widely recognised for providing its clients, which include some of the world’s largest financial institutions and Fortune 100, technology and life science companies, with legendary service. Clients rely on the firm for innovative and business-minded solutions. Morrison & Foerster’s lawyers share high standards, a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping their clients succeed, resulting in enduring relationships and a record of high achievement. They also are among the leaders in the field for their longstanding commitment to pro bono work and diversity.
Davis Polk is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Industry-leading companies and global financial institutions know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. The firm’s top-flight capabilities are grounded in a distinguished history of 175 years, and its global, forward-looking focus is supported by offices strategically located in the world’s key financial centres and political capitals. The firm’s lawyers collaborate seamlessly across practice groups and geographies to provide clients with exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions.
In London, the firm operates as Davis Polk & Wardwell London LLP; in Hong Kong, as Davis Polk & Wardwell, Hong Kong Solicitors; in Brussels, as Davis Polk & Wardwell Brussels LLP; and in Brazil, as Davis Polk & Wardwell, Consultores em Direito Estrangeiro/Norte-Americano e Inglês.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP has been known as one of the premier U.S. law firms for more than two centuries. Our partnership continues to derive strength from timeless and enduring values: a passion for lawyering as a noble calling, a commitment to pursuing excellence and a belief in the power of collaboration.
We strive to be the firm of choice for clients facing their most important and transformative transactions. Trained across multiple disciplines and equipped with a broad range of experience, Cravath’s corporate attorneys are known for devising and applying creative solutions to complex issues.
When clients come to Ropes & Gray, they find a global team of more than 1,200 professionals, whose top-notch skills, varied backgrounds and unique perspectives can help them meet high-stakes challenges, solve complex problems and reach their goals. An international presence, the firm has offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul.
Many of the world’s most respected companies and institutions are longtime clients. We also serve many organizations (and investors and individuals) at all stages of the business life cycle, from start-ups to established as industry leaders. They come back to us year after year to handle their most important matters. They do so, they say, because we understand their businesses, we are easy to work with and we get results.
The firm is built on a foundation of delivering a premier, value-added service at a reasonable cost. Because our clients have unique business needs, including in some cases a preference to work on the basis of alternative fee arrangements, we are flexible and creative in designing custom-tailored pricing plans where appropriate.
Ropes & Gray has always focused on providing clients with the highest quality advice on their most critical legal and business needs. We’re a thoroughly contemporary firm that can bring 150 years of legal and institutional history to bear on the challenges clients face in today’s global, networked, 24/7 environment. Our collaborative approach means that our clients have ready access to leading corporate, litigation, transactional and regulatory lawyers whose knowledge and experience span industries and geographies.
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Founded in 1951, Paul Hastings has grown into a global powerhouse with more than 1,500 lawyers in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
The firm provides superior intellectual capital and execution to the world’s leading investment banks, asset managers and corporations. With elite teams in 17 core practices, we have earned a well-deserved reputation as a top international firm, with a trajectory of continued growth and success.
Our teams work closely with clients to understand their unique businesses and anticipate the challenges that may lay ahead. Our efforts helping them secure the best possible results in their most important matters have earned us a wide range of industry-leading honors and awards.
Skadden is a leading firm in the US for debt capital markets, M&A, structured finance, restructuring and insolvency, financial services regulatory, and also maintains excellent banking, equity capital markets, project finance, project development, hedge funds and private equity practices. A powerhouse corporate firm, anything related to acquisitions is squarely in the firm’s wheelhouse.
