WilmerHale > New York, United States > Firm Profile

WilmerHale > The Legal 500 Rankings

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 1

WilmerHale is particularly well versed in supporting clients in multi-jurisdictional cartel proceedings, working together seamlessly with other experts from the firm’s US, European and Asian offices. With a track record of secured non-prosecution agreements and leniency protection, practice chair Thomas Mueller specializes in global cartel enforcement matters, while Jennifer Milici is a name to note for advice on regulatory topics. ‘Excellent attorney’ Steven Cherry recommended for proceedings before trial and appellate courts, including the US Supreme Court, with his expertise extending to government investigations, class actions, and arbitration. Heading the firm’s antitrust practice in New York, David Gringer represents clients in disputes with the DOJ, FTC, state attorneys general offices, claimants and private class plaintiffs. In Los Angeles, Nana Wilberforce advises on price-fixing allegations by both the DOJ and the European Commission, with noted experience in the natural gas, technology, auto parts manufacturing, and financial services segments. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 1

Acting for major blue-chip corporations in the tech industry, WilmerHale’s antitrust and competition team fields a strong bench of litigators with significant agency expertise that routinely defends leading companies and individuals in the full range of contentious antitrust mandates. Thomas Mueller heads the team and is a seasoned antitrust litigator with a focus on cartel matters; he works alongside FTC trial counsel Jennifer Milici, who focuses on high-stakes litigation in the antitrust space with an emphasis on regulatory issues. On the litigated merger challenge front, Dominic Vote is the name to note, while New York’s David Gringer takes point on cases tried under section 7 of the Clayton Act as well as claims under sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. In Boston, Mark Ford handles cases concerning alleged monopolization, price fixing, and bid rigging; his practice also covers IP-related antitrust issues. The ‘excellent‘ Steven Cherry is another key name for class actions, while Perry Lange has a broad antitrust focus that spans merger clearance, investigations, and trials and appeals. Unless otherwise stated, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)

An appellate powerhouse, WilmerHale presented twenty-seven oral arguments in the first six months of 2023, including two before the US Supreme Court. The group routinely appears before appellate courts across the country, with particularly vast experience in the Federal Circuit, as well as in the Ninth, Fourth and First Circuits. Equipped to advise on appeals spanning the full spread of industries and legal spheres, the team has recently led cases dealing with issues as diverse as trade secrets, the Anti-Terrorism Act, First Amendment rights, and voting rights, among others. Former US Solicitor General Seth Waxman co-chairs the practice and is widely considered a dean of the appellate bar; he recently paired up with with Ari Holtzblatt to secure a 9-0 SCOTUS victory on behalf of Twitter in a case unanimously reversing a Ninth Circuit decision concerning the liability of social media platforms for acts of terrorism. Boston-based department co-chair Mark Fleming has argued 62 appellate cases, including eight SCOTUS appeals, and is highly regarded for his record in patent cases before the Federal Circuit. The deep bench also includes practice vice-chair Catherine Carroll, who has argued four SCOTUS cases; fellow vice-chair Daniel Volchok, who has niche expertise in Native American law; Thomas Saunders, who specializes in IP appeals; and New York-based Alan Schoenfeld. Named attorneys are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Housing ‘a stellar team of experienced lawyers’, WilmerHale represents both companies and individuals who are being investigated by regulatory authorities such as the DOJ, SEC, and CFTC. The team has experience acting for clients across a range of industries, including technology, financial services, education, and healthcare. Heading the team, Kimberly Parker is based in Washington DC and focuses on corruption matters. Howard Shapiro and Ronald Machen are also located in Washington DC. Shapiro has experience handling sensitive internal investigations for financial institutions in various jurisdictions, including Asia, South America, and the UK. Machen advises on a broad range of cases relating to economic sanctions, money laundering, cybersecurity, and false claims. Practicing in Boston, George Varghese is also noted for his extensive experience advising on health care fraud and national security, among other matters. John Walsh left the Denver office in November 2023.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

WilmerHale has a proven track record in both SEC and DOJ enforcement matters, as well as securities fraud class actions, and it continues to uphold its streak of successes. Stephanie Avakian in Washington DC is chair of the securities and financial services department, while the lead partners for securities litigation and enforcement are Michael Bongiorno in New York and DC-based Matthew Martens. Bongiorno secured a motion to dismiss for North America’s largest producer of advanced biofuels, Renewable Energy Group, Inc., in a case concerning its 2021 multiyear restatement. Susan Muck in San Francisco also played a pivotal role in that matter. The ‘smart and client service-oriented‘ Kevin Muck, also in San Francisco is frequently called up on to defend issuers, officers and directors in securities class actions, particularly in the technology sector. Up-and-coming partner Timothy Perla in Boston increasingly takes the lead role in high-stakes matters.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 1

Government > Government relations

Congressional investigations are at the forefront of WilmerHale‘s government relations practice, consistently participating in a high-profile and diverse range of inquiries. The team’s combined public policy and legislative lobbying experience spans both chambers of Congress, as well as every major committee and hearing, making it a prime choice for clients in the tech, financial services, energy, industrial and defense sectors. Jonathan Yarowsky, Alyssa DaCunha, and Joel Green chair the group, between them providing strategic counseling, advocacy, and congressional investigations support. Jamie Gorelick is brought in at the board of director and C-suite level of congressional investigations, while Lauren Moore represents private foundations and nonprofit entities in a diverse array of investigations, including in relation to civil rights matters. Former Global Energy Advisor and Senior Professional Staff to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Brian Skretny plays to his strengths in the energy, environment, and tech sectors, while counsel Erin Kuhls excels in national security investigations. New additions to the team include: co-chair of the State Attorneys General practice Paul Connell, who joined in March 2023 from Cozen O'Connor; former Massachusetts state senator and Obama White House aide Eric Lesser, who joined as senior counsel in January 2023 from academia; and Jeffrey Wieand, who joined in January 2023 following his tenure as counsel to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.

Industry focus > Education Tier 1

Industry focus > Native American law Tier 1

WilmerHale is a strong choice for Native American legal issues, drawing on an extensive track record representing tribes at every stage of dispute resolution and routinely litigating before the Supreme Court, appellate, and trial courts. The group’s broad caseload features contentious, advisory and transactional mandates relating to energy resource development, land acquisitions, water rights, gaming, tribal sovereignty and self-determination. The handling of tribal internal investigations, including white-collar and criminal internal investigation cases, constitutes another pillar of the practice. Seasoned litigator Seth Waxman heads up the department from Washington DC and specializes in appellate work, litigation and advisory matters, with particular focus on complex challenges at the intersection of public policy, regulatory, criminal and commercial issues. Additional key names to note include Tom Strickland, who specializes in advising on tribal lending, Congressional and internal investigations, corporate governance, and high-stakes crisis management; Christopher Babbitt, who covers litigation and enforcement matters involving the federal government and rival tribes; and Daniel Volchok, whose practice has an emphasis on representing tribes and nations in trial and appellate litigation.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 1

With full-service capabilities and a global reach, WilmerHale‘s patent attorneys are praised by clients as ‘second to none in their ability to find the right strategies and execute them to win.‘ The firm’s intellectual property litigation practice is co-chaired by Mark Selwyn in Palo Alto, who represents major tech companies in multidisciplinary and multi-jurisdictional IP disputes, and Lisa Pirozzolo in Boston, who specializes in life sciences disputes and Hatch-Waxman cases. Also in Boston, William Lee is an expert trial and appellate lawyer in IP, Emily Whelan focuses on litigation in the chemistry, biotech and pharmaceuticals fields, Joseph Mueller specializes in IP cases with antitrust elements, and Michael Summersgill is praised as a ‘superlative trial lawyer.‘ New York-based Robert Gunther is a seasoned trial lawyer who has specialist knowledge in IP disputes in both the tech and life sciences industries, while litigator Sonal Mehta in Palo Alto represents clients primarily in tech-related patent disputes. The group also includes IP litigation specialists Brittany Amadi and Gregory Lantier  in Washington DC as well as Omar Khan in New York, who focuses on the life sciences sector.

International trade and national security > CFIUS Tier 1

Providing ‘good commercial guidance on CFIUS processes and likely sensitivities’, WilmerHale’s formidable government-side experience ensures adept handling of complex filings, including mitigation negotiations. Alongside an existing strength in mid-market M&A, its premier CFIUS expertise makes the group a regular fixture on reviews for large-scale, cross-border transactions—across all key industries. Highly regarded department chair Benjamin Powell is a former associate counsel to the president and GC to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Among Powell’s recent cases, he represented chemical company Univar Solutions during the successful CFIUS review of its $8.1bn acquisition by Apollo Global Management and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. A former senior counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, Jason Chipman also contributes extensive government-side experience and specializes in regulatory matters connected to cybersecurity, CFIUS and related export controls. In a highlight example of his practice sweet spot, Chipman is acting as CFIUS counsel to Intel regarding a $9bn transaction involving semiconductor memory technology. Other key contacts in the Washington DC-based team include Stephen Preston, who chairs the defense, national security and government contracts practice; and the ‘very strategic’ Robert Kimmitt, who previously served as Deputy Secretary of the US Department of the Treasury.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

WilmerHale routinely handles commercial litigation at all levels of the state and federal court systems. Sector expertise across finance, tech, and life sciences is a defining characteristic of the team’s ‘deep bench of super smart, experienced, and highly respected litigators’, who have also carved out a niche in credit reporting litigation. Boston’s John Butts chairs the group and devotes much of his practice to cases involving business torts, trade secret, and contract disputes as well as consumer and securities class actions. In New York, Hallie Levin is known for her work in antitrust cases, business torts, trade secrets cases, and government investigations, while Noah Levine is a key contact for class actions. Boston-based Felicia Ellsworth is highly experienced in government-facing investigations, including those brought by state Attorneys General, and appears in high-profile cases before the Supreme Court. From the Palo Alto office, ‘master strategist’ Sonal Mehta is in-demand for patent and technology disputes. Andrew Rhys Davies joined the practice from A&O Shearman in March 2023 and is praised as ‘a tremendous appellate advocate’.

Government > State attorneys general Tier 2

WilmerHale‘s burgeoning state attorneys general practice supports an array of household names in tech, financial services, and life sciences in establishing relationships with AG offices across the country, anticipating issues that could trigger scrutiny, and coordinating and representing in multistate investigations. Extensive litigation experience is coupled with a full-service offering extending to regulatory counseling and subpoena responses. Leadership of the team is shared jointly between former chief of staff to the New York AG Brian Mahanna, who is frequently retained on complex investigations, corporate crises, and regulatory scrutiny matters, and former chief deputy AG at the Wisconsin Department of Justice Paul Connell, whose addition to the group in March 2023 expands its capabilities in the energy, tech, consumer protection, telecoms, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals spaces.

International trade and national security > Trade remedies and trade policy Tier 2

An ‘exceptionally expert team with incomparable insights’, WilmerHale’s trade practice impresses with its unique ability to intersect law, policy, and politics. On the trade policy front, the group draws on both the team’s extensive government-side experience and the firm’s complementary strength in government relations to shine in advising on US policy initiatives and trade agreement negotiations. Most notably, department head David Ross recently advised the UK Department for Business and Trade on the UK’s negotiation of a free-trade agreement with Israel. The group also secures a significant volume of high-stakes trade remedies litigation, where it acts for both domestic and foreign industry clients. Recent highlights in the remedies space included representing major US phosphate fertilizer producer, The Mosaic Company, in a series of cases before the DOC, the USCITC and the CIT; Ross co-led the work together with Jeffrey Kessler, who stands out for his ‘deep strategic assessments of options’. The Washington DC-based bench also fields senior figure Robert Novick, who is a former GC for the Office of the USTR; newly promoted partner Lauren Mandell, who is a ‘top-notch trade and investment lawyer’; and counsel Stephanie Hartmann, who focuses on international economic regulation and trade policy. Counsel Patrick McLain left in July 2023.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 2

The ‘strong, very experienced team’ at WilmerHale delivers advice across a broad variety of transactional matters, including stock-for-stock mergers, cash mergers, and joint ventures, frequently leveraging its significant cross-border capabilities to advise on multijurisdictional M&A. Located in Boston, Hal Leibowitz chairs the practice and specializes in representing buyers, sellers, and boards of directors in joint ventures and securities law matters. In New York, Andy Alin regularly acts on behalf of financial tech companies and private equity sponsors, Chris Barnstable-Brown focuses on the tech and life science sectors, and Mike Gilligan is well-versed with providing buy-side as well as sell-side advice on transactional matters. In Washington DC, Stephanie Evans is knowledgeable on strategic alliances, while Denver’s Kieth Trammell acts on behalf of acquirers and buyout funds. In New York, Tal Hacohen is a further name to note, and Andrew Bonnes stands out for public company counseling and divestitures from Boston. Joseph Conahan has left the firm.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 2

‘Well versed in the start-up ecosystem’, WilmerHale assists clients from the initial stages of company formation to fundings and exits, whether through sale or IPO. The firm offers a holistic approach to serving emerging companies, leveraging its wide-ranging expertise in intellectual property, employment and regulatory matters, and more. The practice is under the joint leadership of Gary Schall in New York, who specializes in advising tech clients across e-commerce, mobile technologies, software, and life sciences, and Daniel Zimmermann in Palo Alto, who assists Silicon Valley-based venture capital clients with their portfolio investments domestically and internationally. Mick Bain, based in Boston, offers his experience in company formation, governance, securities law, and capital markets transactions. Jason Kropp, also in Boston, focuses on representing emerging and growth-stage companies, as well as venture capital and late-stage investors. Frances Mosley has left the firm.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 2

The cybersecurity and privacy team at WilmerHale handles a range of nonpublic privacy and data security regulatory investigations, particularly before the FTC. Pairing government experience with technical forensics expertise, the cross-disciplinary team of privacy, corporate governance, litigation, and national security practitioners supports clients experiencing complex cyber incidents. Team heads Benjamin Powell and Kirk Nahra, both in Washington DC, together chair the firm’s artificial intelligence practice; launched in 2023, it counsels clients on AI governance structures. Powell’s has longstanding experience in the sector, advising companies on major cybersecurity incidents both in terms of preparedness and response. Nahra has growing involvement in the privacy and security issues arising from healthcare research both across the US and globally. Jason Chipman, also in DC, assists corporate clients with due diligence in complex, data-related transactions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 2

WilmerHale’s outsourcing team acts for a roster of banking, financial services, and insurance sector clients on both domestic and international deals. The firm handles traditional outsourcing transactions, newer multi-vendor strategies, deals realted to emerging technologies, and the incorporation of cloud sourcing models. Industry veteran Robert Finkel is based in New York and has extensive experience in representing major corporations in complex outsourcing deals. Finkel also frequently structures and negotiates complex service arrangements. From the Boston office, Ariel Soiffer handles ITO and BPO work and regularly assists clients with transactions involving AI, cybersecurity, and IP elements.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2

Representing both startups and established companies, WilmerHale concentrates on licensing, M&A in the sech sector, and outsourcing, maintaining a diverse roster of clients operating in the biotech, education, healthcare, and financial services industries. Boston-based Jeff Johnson spearheads the practice and focuses on SaaS agreements, cybersecurity contracts, and the drafting of licensing agreements related to AI products. Johnson is also regularly sought out by clients to advise on patent commercialization. Also in Boston is Ariel Soiffer, who guides clients through various transactions involving machine learning, cybersecurity, and fintech, while San Francisco-based Mat Trachok assists clients in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors with matters at the intersection of tech and IP considerations.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

Among WilmerHale’s practice strengths, the international arbitration team stands out for its focus on IP-related matters, where it can work in conjunction with the wider firm’s premier patent litigation offering. Other core areas of expertise include energy, financial services, defense, and M&A-related disputes. Rachael Kent serves as vice chair of the global international arbitration group, where she contributes over 25 years of experience in commercial and investment disputes straddling both common law and civil law jurisdictions. Danielle Morris is noted for her strong recent run of investor-state cases, where she has predominantly represented investors in complex, multi-jurisdictional proceedings. The team also includes John Trenor, whose broad international arbitration experience encompasses commercial, investor-state and state-to-state matters. All named partners are based in Washington DC.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

WilmerHale has a notable record in representing growth companies in IPOs and other equity offerings, particularly those in the life sciences and technology sectors. In 2023, it continued to advise issuers in mid-market public offerings and follow-on offerings, especially those by life sciences issuers. Boston partners Stuart Falber and Cynthia Mazareas are noted for life sciences sector offerings with Lisa Firenze and Brian Johnson being key figures in New York. Caroline Dotolo is another ‘go to‘ partner in Boston.

Government > Government contracts Tier 3

Fronting a robust bid protests service, WilmerHale‘s government contracts practice also houses a dedicated team combining expertise in IP, government contract patent rights and cybersecurity. Members’ high security clearances make them an ideal choice for some of the biggest names in defense, aerospace, tech, and energy. Former Department of Defense and CIA general counsel Stephen Preston, whose expertise covers investigations, fraud, cybersecurity, and crisis management, leads the Washington DC-based group alongside Andrew Shipley, a reputable government contracts litigator with notable successes in bid protests, government enforcement actions, and claims and appeals. Barry Hurewitz works at the intersection of government transactions and tech and information regulation, while Erik Swabb assists defense contractors with government and internal investigations, as well as matters of national security.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 3

Pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions and investors come to WilmerHale for advice on critical transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and strategic alliances, in addition to being entrusted with complex patent disputes. Stuart Falber is sought after by a range of established players and new market entrants, including VC investors, for IPOs, spinoffs and licensing deals, leading the team alongside Lisa Pirozzolo, who represents clients in patent infringement and contractual litigation; both are based in Boston. In Washington DC, Amy Wigmore brings further litigious experience, handling a range of matters under the Hatch-Waxman Act and concerning biosimilars. Judith Hasko joined in Palo from Latham & Watkins LLP in June 2024, bringing significant experience.

International trade and national security > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 3

WilmerHale stands out for its ‘combination of expertise on trade compliance laws in the US, UK and EU, with a practical mindset on implementation’. The group is additionally distinguished by its ability to draw on the firm’s premier white-collar criminal defense practice for support in complex investigations and enforcement matters. Washington DC-based senior counsel Ronald Meltzer is a high-profile expert in export and economic sanctions matters, where he provides ‘clear, practical advice assessing not just the legal but other risks associated with proposed actions’. Michael Dawson, also in Washington DC, is a specialist in regulatory compliance matters concerning financial and technology clients, while New York-based up-and-coming partner Zachary Goldman has extensive experience in representing fintech entities on sanctions-risk management. On the customs front, Washington DC-based trade litigator Jeffrey Kessler has experience in customs matters and forced labor-related laws.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Corporate governance Tier 3

Fielding a team of ‘technical experts’, praised for its ability to keep up ‘to speed on emerging issues and trends and providing proactive guidance‘, WilmerHale advises on SEC and stock exchange requirements, ESG issues and anti-takeover defenses. Washington DC's Lillian Brown leads the practice alongside New York's Knute Salhus and Boston-based Jonathan Wolfman, each distinguished for their wealth of experience in corporate governance issues. Alex Bahn is also a key team member in Washington DC.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

Fielding a ‘deep bench of attorneys in both the US and Europe’, WilmerHale advises clients on HSR filings and possesses strong contentious capabilities, advising clients across the defense, healthcare, and telecoms. The team is well-positioned to handle transactions requiring multijurisdictional approvals, representing domestic and international clients in agency reviews and challenges. Antitrust chair Thomas Mueller handles all elements of merger clearance with transatlantic implications, while co-head Hartmut Schneider, dual-qualified in the US and Germany, is noted for his experience in the life sciences and tech sectors. Leon Greenfield is praised for his ‘strong analytical skills.’ Lawyers mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 4

WilmerHale has a focus on consumer finance, with work covering consumer disclosures, overdraft fees, and arbitration. The team specializes in consumer class actions and has represented clients including financial institutions, credit card issuers, and major banks before regulatory bodies such as the US Supreme Court, federal and state courts of appeals, and trial courts. Leading the practice is Franca Harris Gutierrez, who is based in New York. Other central members of the team include New York-based Noah Levine – whose expertise relates to the defense of consumer class actions under federal banking statutes and antitrust laws, appellate litigation, commercial litigation, and IP – and Alexandra Hiatt – who concentrates on complex litigation matters.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

Under the dual leadership of San Francisco’s Peggy Otum and the newly appointed Tommy Beaudreau, in Washington DC, the energy, environment and natural resources team at WilmerHale aids clients from within the tech, agribusiness, manufacturing and consumer goods with the gamut of regulatory compliance and litigation. Otum is known for her coverage of ESG work and crisis management practice, while Beaudreau’s wide practice spans from permitting for infrastructure and renewables projects right through crisis management and response.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

WilmerHale has a steady flow of DCM engagements from technology, life sciences, financial services and other companies. The firm is active in exchangeable offers, convertible debt and private placements, and has landed a number of bulge-bracket senior note offerings engagements. Molly Fox and Craig Hilts are key partners in Boston, along with Justin Ochs in Washington DC.

Finance > Fintech Tier 4

Highlighted for its anti-money laundering expertise, WilmerHale is knowledgeable in fintech M&A and venture capital financing. On the contentious side, the practice is also geared to handle contractual, intellectual property, and regulatory disputes. In New York, Robert Finkel co-leads the team and is thoroughly experienced in technology transactions, for which Boston-based Ariel Soiffer is also a key contact. Also co-lead of the practice, Washington DC-based Franca Harris Gutierrez leads the firm’s financial institutions practice and counts domestic and international banks, mortgage servicers, and student loan servicers on her client roster. Michael Dawson often advises trade associations on corporate governance, consumer protection, and economic sanctions, while Stephanie Evans is noted for her transactional capabilities. Andre Owens’ practice encompasses securities trading matters, New York-based Tiffany Smith is well-versed in broker dealer as well as cryptocurrency regulatory compliance, and Zachary Goldman is praised as ‘outcome focused and diligent.’ 

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 4

WilmerHale's IP practice is well-regarded for its patent litigation work and increasingly represents its blue-chip clients in Section 337 investigations. The group is led by IP specialist Mark Selwyn in Palo Alto, who co-chairs the firm’s wider intellectual property litigation group and has experience litigating patent infringement disputes for a wide variety of tech companies. James Dowd in Los Angeles focuses his practice on patent litigation and strategy and is seasoned litigating before the ITC. Boston lawyer Sarah Frazier, who has a diverse litigation practice with a particular emphasis on IP disputes, is another a key contact.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 4

WilmerHale advises buyers, sellers, and debtors in M&A, with a particular focus on defined benefit plans and multi-employer withdrawal liabilities. The firm has a strong track record with biotech clients, representing companies including Solid Biosciences, Decibel Therapeutics, and Akouos. Boston-based Kim Wethly chairs the tax department and deals with executive compensation-related tax, corporate securities, and accounting issues. Amy Null, also in Boston, guides financial industry service providers through ERISA and employee benefit plan regulations. In Washington DC, Ciara Baker specializes in advising public and private corporate clients on equity compensation, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and change in control agreements.

Media, technology and telecoms > Media and entertainment: litigation Tier 4

WilmerHale‘s social media emphasis and Washington DC presence have facilitated a central role in widely publicized disputes between its clients and political figures. The team’s First Amendment capabilities are employed to defend the rights of its clients to moderate content, as well as fight claims that insist their moderation has been insufficient. Team head Ari Holtzblatt has achieved successes for Twitter, Meta, and other digital media players protecting editorial discretion via the First Amendment and section 130. In California, Thomas Sprankling‘s tech and contract expertise have been useful in his defenses of social media companies and their right to monitor users and content.  

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 4

WilmerHale’s non-contentious tax practice, primarily operating from the firm’s Boston office, handles the tax aspects of transactions in a broad range of sectors, with particular strength advising emerging companies in the tech and life sciences spaces. William Caporizzo, extensive experience handling the tax aspects of mergers, dispositions, and international restructurings, leads the team alongside executive compensation specialist Kimberly Wethly. Julie Rogers has considerable experience in taxable and tax-free mergers, spin-offs, bankruptcies, financing transactions, and state taxation. She has advised clients in the tech, life sciences, financial services, energy, and manufacturing industries, among others. Fred Adam in Palo Alto represents multinational corporations, growth-stage companies, investment funds, and fund portfolio companies on a broad range of tax issues. Meghan Walsh, promoted to partner in January 2024, plays a key role in the team, advising corporations, asset managers, and tax-exempt organizations. Matthew Schnall left the firm in July 2023.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 5

The debt finance practice at WilmerHale focuses on the borrower side, regularly handling matters for mid-market private equity firms, emerging life sciences and technology companies, as well as investment-grade clients.  The team is led by practice head Justin Ochs from Washington DC. The team is supported by Denver-based Chalyse Robinson, who has particular expertise in acquisition financings and debt finance transactions; Nathan Moore, also in Denver who was promoted to partnership in January 2023 and regularly takes on matters in the distressed space and royalty financings for biotech companies and Boston-based Brandt Tierney who has experience handling matters across the financial services, life sciences and technology sectors.  

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

WilmerHale‘s primarily New York-based bankruptcy and restructuring practice is skilled at handling bankruptcy litigation including contested plan confirmation proceedings, claims disputes, fraudulent transfer and fiduciary duty, while also having acted for insurers and situated parties in bankruptcies arising out of mass tort liability. Philip Anker co-chairs the practice alongside Andrew Goldman, both of whom are experienced litigators and have represented a range of clients from both the debtor and creditor side. George Shuster in Boston focuses on transactional and litigation-driven bankruptcy, as well as handling clients for both the biotechnology and life sciences industries. Benjamin Loveland is a key name from the firm.

Real estate Tier 5

WilmerHale’s real estate practice group is particularly active in the life science space as well as developmental work. The team has experience representing owners and developers, REITs and corporates, with expertise encompassing transactions, the formation of joint ventures, and lease work. Recently, the firm has also been involved in a number of headquarters and lab lease transactions, representing parties on both the landlord and tenant sides. Based in Boston, Douglas Burton leads the team covers a range of asset classes spanning from life-sciences through to hospitality, multi-family, and senior housing. Paul Jakubowski is also of note, as are counsel Michael Kaplan and Brett Jackson.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing