Deborah Birnbach > Goodwin > Boston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Goodwin has built a strong presence in M&A litigation across the country through its focus on key industry sector, notably technology, life sciences and real estate, and its highly regarded private equity practice also puts the firm in the frame for high-value disputes. It is ‘a commercially savvy firm that looks for cost-effective solutions‘. Deborah Birnbach and Caroline Bullerjahn in Boston, Douglas Flaum and Jordan Weiss in New York (who is ‘insightful and able to quickly deduce strategic paths‘), and Jonathan Shapiro in San Francisco lead the practice. Birnbach, who is a prominent member of the firm’s life sciences disputes group, is currently involved in a high-stakes class action on behalf of Citrix Systems, Inc. concerning its $16.5bn merger with Vista and Elliott, having already resolved eleven disclosure suits relating to the same deal. Flaum’s recent highlights include defeating two motions for preliminary injunction to stop a $1.2bn series of transactions closing for REITs including Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. Emerging partner talent Adam Slutsky also plays a central role in key matters.

Goodwin has a prominent role in high-stakes cases in key industry sectors such as life sciences and biotechnology, though it also handles significant matters involving REITS and large technology companies. The firm is also increasingly involved in representing financial institutions and fintech companies. Boston-based Deborah Birnbach leads the securities litigation and SEC enforcement department within the complex litigation practice along with Daniel Roeser and Douglas Flaum in New York, Caroline Bullerjahn in Boston, and San Francisco-based Jonathan Shapiro. Bullerjahn is currently representing Chardan Capital Markets LLC, which served as underwriter for SPAC Trident Acquisition Corp in matters arising from its de-SPAC transaction with Autolotto. Roeser, whose track record includes high-profile mortgage-backed securities cases and some of the largest securities class actions in history, is currently acting for residential mortgage REIT Two Harbors Investment Corp. in a case seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Clients praise ‘the firm’s commitment to go the extra mile‘.

Displaying broad expertise across the whole spectrum of corporate transactions, including cross-border acquisitions, divestitures, and leveraged buyouts, the Goodwin team is heavily praised for its ‘extremely smart, capable, and well-informed’ approach. The practice frequently provides strategic counsel on various shareholder-related issues, including proxy contests, activism, and shareholder litigation, with Boston-based global chair of M&A Stuart Cable noted as an expert in the life sciences sector. Lisa Haddad routinely represents buyers, sellers, and financial advisors, while Jacqueline Mercier focuses on complex corporate governance issues. Also based out of Boston, John Haggerty and Deborah Birnbach co-chair the public M&A offering. From Silicon Valley, Lawrence Chu brings vast experience in handling joint venture arrangements and recapitalizations, while New York-based Joshua Zachariah is highly knowledgeable in the tech and private equity spheres. Alessandra Love Simons left the firm in November 2023.