Greenberg Traurig LLP > Albany, United States > Firm Profile

Greenberg Traurig LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Real estate Tier 1

Greenberg Traurig, LLP supports domestic and international clients on high-value transactions and financings together with joint ventures, leasing, and restructuring matters. Among other highlights, the last year saw the team advise the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in reaching a stadium agreement relating to the development of a new Tennessee Titans stadium, along with assisting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on the development of retail units at the Grand Central Madison Terminal in New York. Covering a broad set of asset classes, expertise also extends to data centers, senior housing, and student properties as well as developments in residential, retail and resorts. In the firm's leadership team, Stephen Rabinowitz in New York and Chicago-based Michael Baum are both highly experienced representing major private equity funds, asset management companies, cross-border investors, and REITs throughout the transaction space. Meanwhile, co-chair Richard Giusto from the firm’s Miami office is particularly prominent for his representation of major developers, among other groups. Robert Ivanhoe sits in New York and is a key name in the firm’s REIT group, while Orange County’s Bruce Fischer is noted for his advising of funds, trusts, and institutional groups. In Chicago, Corey Light is highly recommended for his transactional expertise, as is Gregory Fishman in Los Angeles.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 2

Drawing upon a ‘deep roster of capable attorneys’, Greenberg Traurig LLP is well-positioned to represent manufacturers of a range of consumer products in big-ticket class actions and mass torts. Chicago-based Gretchen Miller has wide-ranging expertise in the product liability space, with work spanning risk management issues, CPSC interactions and large-scale litigation, where she is able to ‘deftly handle the complexities of multi district litigation’. ‘Fantastic’ Chicago-based attorney Francis Citera, who co-leads the product liability and mass tort practice along with Miller, is ‘an excellent legal strategist’. Robert Herrington and Stephen Saxl, based in Los Angeles and New York respectively, are also key to the firm’s success at handling class action cases, with Herrington regularly representing Samsung in false advertising and product defect claims involving consumer electronics and home appliances. Los Angeles-based Michael McCarthy is also recommended and regularly represents clients in the consumer electronics, retail, e-commerce, home appliance, transportation and homebuilding industries in consumer class action litigation.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 2

Particularly well-resourced from key offices in metropolitan centers in California, Chicago, New York and Atlanta, as well as having feet on the ground in many other regional outposts, Greenberg Traurig, LLP is well-placed to handle product liability matters for a fairly balanced array of pharmaceutical manufacturers and medical device companies, irrespective of geographical location, and is often able to handle cases without the need to instruct local counsel. The team regularly has key leadership roles on MDLs, where the offices work well together and provide expertise throughout the litigation cycle, including at a trial stage, if necessary.  Atlanta-based litigator Lori Cohen has a pre-eminent reputation for her advocacy skills, she has recently scored some excellent results for Bard as a defendant in its MDL regarding pelvic mesh.  Also based in Atlanta, Sara Thompson is an accomplished trial lawyer, as well as providing expert counselling to clients at a pre-litigation stage (on risk management strategies), and working cases up through to trial. The ‘exceptional’ New York-based Glenn Kerner regularly takes the lead on large-scale mass torts and MDLs where he is appreciated for his ability to recommend ‘strategies to resolve litigation cost effectively’. Other recommended practitioners include Gregory Ostfeld, who co-heads the team alongside Thompson from Chicago; Atlanta-based Marcella Ducca, who is particularly skilled at working up expert witnesses, including as it relates to women’s health devices and women’s health consumer products; and Sabrina Gallo in Miami, who is adept at developing case strategy, up to and including trial, for medical device companies.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 2

Led from Tampa by David Weinstein and drawing upon environmental regulatory and litigation experts spread throughout the country, Greenberg Traurig LLP is well-positioned to help clients fend off multi-plaintiff civil litigation suits, as well as regulatory enforcement actions, irrespective of geographical location. The firm is particularly adept at handling MDLs, regularly working the case up and also representing the client at the trial stage, if necessary. Based in Chicago, seasoned trial lawyer Francis Citera is ‘an excellent legal strategist’, who excels in handling environmental/toxic tort MDLs/class actions, where he is noted for his ability to achieve favorable results at the motions stage, often obtaining summary judgments and outright dismissals prior to trial. Tampa-based Christopher Torres is also recommended and regularly helps to dismiss or limit claims relating to environmental and toxic torts at the motions stage, through the decertification of a class as well as the exclusion of expert witnesses.

Healthcare > Health insurers Tier 2

Greenberg Traurig, LLP‘s New York group is renowned for its broad experience, advising a diverse client list of pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies, and health plans. Practice co-head Tricia Asaro routinely acts for health plans in corporate governance and compliance mandates, while Harold Iselin is noted for his knowledge of insurance and managed care transactions. David Peck co-heads the practice from Florida, often assisting private equity houses and high growth companies with corporate issues. Eileen Hayes has notable regulatory expertise in health insurance, drawing on her prior experience in the New York insurance department within the Department of Financial Services’ Health Bureau. Elizabeth Sacco regularly acts for specialty network providers and insurers in both federal and state level regulatory mandates concerning licensing issues.

Industry focus > Native American law Tier 2

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 2

The trade secrets team at Greenberg Traurig LLP is well-equipped to represent its portfolio of clients which includes well-known companies on the range of matters including in the drafting and enforcing of covenants, non-competes and non-solicitation agreements; acting in transactions and due diligence matters; and defending and prosecuting in misappropriation disputes. At its helm are San Francisco-based Kurt Kappes who is experienced handling complex matters in both domestic and international contexts, Denver-based Naomi Beer, and James Boudreau who works from the firm’s Philadelphia hub. The team has particular experience defending in matters of alleged misappropriation of IP, breaches of contract and fraud, frequently involving damages of significant value. It is also equipped to act on behalf of the prosecutor in claims where companies bring suits against former employees, for example. Gregory Bombard, based in Boston, is a noteworthy commercial disputes-focused attorney in the team, while Philadelphia’s Shira Yoshor has a notable specialism in the range of labor and employment cases.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 2

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 2

Greenberg Traurig LLP’s workplace compliance and counseling team offers a wide range of services for global companies. The firm handles everyday matters, such as regulatory, transactional, and compliance, as well as general services, including drafting employee handbooks and negotiating favorable settlements with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state agencies. The practice is jointly led by James Boudreau in Philadelphia, and Naomi Beer in Denver. Both Boudreau and Beer are well regarded advisors in class and collective action employment matters. Based in New Jersey, Galit Kierkut‘s practice focuses on both litigation and counseling in areas including restrictive covenants, privacy, and trace secret counseling. Kelly Dobbs Bunting, working from Philadelphia, is well experienced in advising on class and collective wage and hour strategies. John Richards focuses on labor and employment matters in the retail sector, particularly concerning matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 2

The land use practice at Greenberg Traurig LLP assists landowners, developers, joint venture partners and entrepreneurs with due diligence matters, development rights issues, zoning and other land use entitlements, environmental permits, and all aspects of real estate as well as regulatory issues. Iris Escarra, an expert in city, country and government law based in Miami, and New York’s Jay Segal, a key contact for all aspects of land use issues, jointly lead the department. Miami lawyers Brian Dombrowski and Carlos Diaz are also key names to note. Sharing his time between Los Angeles and Denver, ‘outstanding’ lawyer Brady McShane frequently advises on political, regulatory and environmental issues in connection with the development process. Miami-based environmental specialist John Chibbaro joined from Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP in April 2023.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Greenberg Traurig LLP houses a skilled white-collar crime defense and investigations team with a broad range of experience that includes corruption, environmental crimes, and tax offenses, among other matters. Practice heads Adam Hoffinger and Nathan Muyskens are based in Washington DC, while Jared Dwyer is located in Miami. Hoffinger and Muyskens are both recommended for their experience with handling high-profile FCPA cases. Dwyer is an excellent source of advice for matters concerning money laundering, public corruption, and financial crimes. Practicing from the New York office, David Miller has extensive capabilities in the field of white-collar crimes, including securities enforcement, fraud cases, and cybersecurity. Carolyn McNiven from San Francisco is a further standout lawyer with her expertise in handling various fraud cases, including fraud relating to healthcare and bankruptcy.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 3

Greenberg Traurig LLP‘s nationwide litigation department acts on behalf of a client base that includes global financial institutions and major technology companies. The group’s recent caseload includes high-value breach of contract, mass torts and product liability claims. Atlanta’s Lori Cohen is renowned for her advice to global pharmaceutical and medical device companies and co-chairs the practice alongside Los Angeles-based lawyer Jeff Scott, who focuses on handling disputes arising out of the media and entertainment sector, including intellectual property, class action, unfair competition, and commercial contract disputes. Robert Herrington and Richard Edlin are other important points of contact within the practice, based in Los Angeles and New York, respectively. In the firm’s Miami office, James Gillenwater comes recommended as a ‘superb advocate’, while in Los Angeles, Michael McCarthy is a specialist for all matters pertaining to complex consumer class actions.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 3

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 3

The environmental team at Greenberg Traurig LLP assists a spread of industrial and commercials clients, including those from within the chemical, mining, manufacturing sectors, in relation to air, water and land contamination, waste management issues, hazardous waste and natural resources claims. The deep bench includes the likes of David Weinstein, who, based in Tampa, specializes in toxic tort defense and Clean Air Act mandates, Denver’s Christopher Neumann, who is known by clients in the oil and gas, mining and construction industries for his ability to handle environmental incidents and response and the Miami-based Kerri Barsh , who deals with climate change and contamination matters. In New York, Steven Russo handles toxic tort litigation, environmental crimes and the environmental aspects of land use law, while David G. Mandelbaum  regularly represents clients facing challenges related to water rights, and waste management from Philadelphia. Will Wagner joined the firm in California from Arnold & Porter.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 3

National companies turn to the environmental practice at Greenberg Traurig LLP for aid with manufacturing, energy, food, water, ESG, transportation and resources issues, from compliance and rulemaking right through to litigation. Leadership of the group is shared between David Weinstein who, operating from Tampa, is a name to note in toxic tort defence and product liability and Christopher Neumann, of the Denver office, who specialises in oil and gas, mining, hazardous waste and environmental incidents. Over in Miami, Kerri Barsh , is known by public and private clients alike for her experience with compliance and enforcement matters like permitting, product liability and infrastructure projects, whilst the New York-based Steven Russo‘s practice encompasses toxic tort litigation, permitting, energy and real estate law.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 3

Greenberg Traurig LLP regularly advises developers, investors, and lenders on the full range of environmentally-related real estate and corporate transactions, including environmental due diligence and negotiating environmental terms in transaction documents. Miami-based Kerri Barsh, who co-heads the firm’s environmental practice with Tampa-based David Weinstein, is a key contact, advising on a range of environmental regulatory, permitting and litigation matters, including transactional support and due diligence, energy and infrastructure projects, climate change issues and hazardous materials’ contamination. From Denver, fellow co-head Christopher Neumann is known for his extensive transactional experience in the oil and gas, mining, and hazardous waste sectors. Steven Russo chairs the firm’s environmental practice in New York, and is an expert in environmental law and litigation, environmental permitting, land use and real estate law. Philadelphia’s Paul McIntyre and Houston’s Christopher L Bell are also recommended.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 3

With a strong emphasis on the consumer finance sector, Greenberg Traurig LLP assists clients offering mortgages, credit cards, earned wage access products and revenue share arrangements, accompanying them through regulatory investigations and advising them on licensing and transactions in the industry. Heading the group are Denver’s Richard Cutshall, who is well versed in SEC regulations, and William Mack, a New York-based broker-dealer regulation specialist. In Washington DC, Andrew Wein, who splits time between the capital and West Palm Beach, is an authority on a spectrum of regulatory legislation, including RESPA and TILA.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 3

With capabilities across the full life cycle of trademarks, Greenberg Traurig LLP utilizes its trademark, trade dress and false advertising expertise to assist notable clients such as Prime Hydration and Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Spearheading the practice is Susan Heller, who is active in the firm’s orange County and Los Angeles offices, and Atlanta’s Joel Feldman, who is noted for his strengths in Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proceedings. Also co-leading the practice is LA’s Candice Kim, who possesses a wealth of experience in all facets of the branding process, and Chicago’s Mark Galis, whose varied experience includes trademarks, brand protection and patents. Another name to note is Ian C. Ballon, who operates across Silicon Valley, LA and Washington DC.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

Praised for its ‘responsive and strategic’ approach, Greenberg Traurig LLP operates across the full spectrum of trademark issues for a varied range of notable clients, from ESPN and American Airlines to CrossFit and Barry’s Bootcamp. The practice is jointly spearheaded by Orange County’s Susan Heller, whose high-stakes expertise is valued by a varied roster of Fortune 500 companies, world champion athletes, high-net-worth individuals and highly visible pre-IPO companies; Atlanta’s Joel Feldman, who primarily focuses on domestic and international brand management; Los Angeles-based Candice Kim, who is regarded for her ability to handle all facets of the branding process and Chicago’s Mark Galis, who manages the portfolios of mid-market clients and start-ups. Other key contacts include Chicago-based Eric Maiers and Jeffrey Dunning, alongside Minneapolis-based Stephen Baird and Atlanta-based Sabina Vayner.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 3

Greenberg Traurig LLP‘s team is regularly instructed by national and international corporations in the retail, education, and logsitics segments. The group’s contentious labor and employment offering includes litigating wage and hour lawsuits, discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination, mandates, and business immigration cases. Practice co-lead Naomi Beer is based in Denver and specializes in representing clients in complex commercial, class action and multidistrict litigation. Alongside her, Philadelphia-based James Boudreau co-chairs the firm’s global labor and employment practice and is well-versed in representing management in class action litigation. Additional key litigators include San-Francisco based trio Charles Thompson, Ellen Bronchetti, and Ronald Holland.

Labor and employment > Labor-management relations Tier 3

James Boudreau, Naomi Beer, Justin Keith and Jerrold Goldberg, in Philadelphia, Denver, Boston, and New York respectively, head up Greenberg Traurig, LLP‘s labor management relations team. Goldberg has an ‘extensive knowledge within his field‘ which includes traditional labor and union-management work and collective bargaining negotiations. This extensive expertise is true of the team generally, as the group is hailed for its ‘deep esoteric subject matter expertise‘. There is a strong focus on alternative dispute resolution, and the group also appears in state and federal courts, and recently appear in the US district court, with wide coverage of the US means that it is able to operate across states and for international clients. Charles Birenbaum is a key team member for matters relating to Northern California.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 3

The REITs practice at Greenberg Traurig, LLP has a history of assisting with capital market transactions for private, traded, and non-traded REITs throughout the US. As part of the practice, the REIT tax team is well-versed in structuring the formation of private and public REITs, as well as advising on any tax-related issues that occur during mergers, acquisitions, and dispositions. Capital markets expert Joseph Herz leads on M&A and represents both issuers and underwriters in private offerings and initial offerings. He co-heads the global REIT practice alongside Robert Ivanhoe, who focuses on real estate structures, financings, and workouts. Both practice heads are based in New York. Jennifer Weiss who resides in Boston and New York-based Timothy Donovan assist with REIT-related tax matters.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Greenberg Traurig‘s aviation litigators act for national and global airlines, airline services companies, and airport owners and operators in litigation involving commercial disputes, product liability, IP, environmental issues, and personal injury and property damage claims. The team also assists with securities class actions, derivative actions, employment matters, data privacy, advertising, real estate, and regulatory law.  Co-chair of the firm’s aviation group, Jacob Bundick, whose commercial litigation practice focuses on aviation, works across the firm’s Las Vegas, Houston and Dallas offices. Bundick is supported by pilot and aviation disputes specialist Andrew Barr in Denver, whose track record includes acting for several aircraft manufacturers, aircraft operators, and airport sponsors before the civil aviation authorities, as well as in private litigation and arbitration. Barr is a July 2023 recruit from Cooley LLP.

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

With experience before intermediate and higher appellate courts across the country, Greenberg Traurig LLP’s broad practice is well versed across an array of commercial, regulatory, white-collar and IP law cases. The far-reaching national group is co-led by Miami-based Elliot Scherker, who has handled over 2000 appeals in state and federal courts during his career; Austin-based Dale Wainwright, who served on the Texas Supreme Court for a decade; and former Solicitor General of Arizona, Dominic Draye, who divides his time between Washington DC and Phoenix. The group additionally draws on New York-based of counsel Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick, who is a former senior associate judge of the New York State Court of Appeals.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 4

Located in Atlanta, Lori G. Cohen at Greenberg Traurig LLP, whose focus mainly lies in the pharmaceutical and medical industries, is vice chair of the firm and co-chair of the firm’s global litigation practice. As such, Cohen brings with her a range of experience to trial proceedings, and continues to work on precedent setting matters which shape industries. Of late in 2023, this included a large and complex mass tort for Becton, Dickinson and Company, with trials taking place across multiple jurisdictions.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 4

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 4

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings Tier 4

Finance > Fintech Tier 4

With extensive expertise in fintech M&A, Greenberg Traurig LLP is knowledgeable of virtual currencies, blockchain technology, as well as e-money and banking regulations. On the contentious side, the practice is also experienced in representing financial institutions on consumer protection laws, data security, privacy, and taxation disputes. In New York, David Greenberg is regarded for his intellectual property and technology transaction capabilities, while David Miller often advises various broker-dealers, hedge funds, and private equity funds on internal investigations. In Los Angeles, Barbara Jones’ corporate and securities law practice encompasses private and public financings, dual listings, strategic collaborations, and licensing transactions. Lisa Lanham joined the team in Miami from Ballard Spahr LLP in April 2024, contributing significant regulatory expertise.

Finance > Project finance Tier 4

Government > Government contracts Tier 4

Leveraging expertise in IP matters, particularly related to complex and emerging technologies, Greenberg Traurig LLP‘s government contracts team splits its time between disputes and litigation, investigations, M&A, and regulatory advice. The practice is based in Washington DC, and led by Jeffery Chiow, who represents aerospace and defense contractors in bid protests of enterprise significance, alongside Michael Schaengold, who has substantial experience in FCA matters, government investigations, and litigation. Jennifer Zucker, who boasts active top security clearance, is highly regarded by aerospace, defense, and intelligence community contractors for both classified and unclassifed work. In addition to bet-the-company protests before the COFC and GAO, Shomari Wade has developed specialisms in small business matters and government contract finance. Melissa Prusock, who focuses on FCA actions, investigations, and audits, was promoted to shareholder in February 2023. Scott Schipma left the firm in February 2023.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 4

Greenberg Traurig LLP boasts ‘very deep expertise’ in life sciences mandates, with particular expertise in overseeing IP-heavy transactions, where the practice helps clients shape their patent strategies and develop their portfolios, covering novel products in the pharmaceutical, medical devices and biotech markets. The practice is overseen by Boston-based David Dykeman, a specialist in securing patents for clients’ new products and in the strategic management of their portfolios, and Atlanta’s Wayne Elowe, who oversees transactions including M&A and licensing deals, in addition to assisting with specific asset purchases. Melissa Hunter-Ensor, also based in Boston, maintains a broad patent practice that encompasses both portfolio management and litigation.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 4

Jointly led by Tricia Asaro in New York and David Peck in Florida, the team at Greenberg Traurig LLP is known for its focus on healthcare investment, and reimbursement and payment claims. Peck has broad corporate expertise, assisting clients with M&A and the structuring of equity and debt financings. Nancy Taylor works out of the Washington DC office, and is noted for her longstanding expertise in healthcare policy related matters and compliance. Joining the Philadelphia practice from Reed Smith LLP in August 2023, Brad Rostolsky contributes his deep knowledge of HIPAA, and Cate Galea maintains a health data-focused practice, handling matters relating to information blocking regulations.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 4

The ‘conscientious, dedicated and tenacious‘ intellectual property group at Greenberg Traurig, LLP has comprehensive capabilities in patent litigation and counseling across all the key patent litigation venues, including a strong appellate practice and extensive experience in proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and the International Trade Commission. The team represents companies from a broad range of technical fields, working with the likes of Moderna, Chewy, Inc, and Charles Schwab. In New York, Scott Bornstein is a seasoned patent trial lawyer acting for both national and international clients, Joshua Raskin focuses primarily on patent litigation in the tech sector, and Rose Cordero Prey advises clients on invention protection, portfolio management and patent litigation in the mechanical, electrical, computer science and life sciences industries. IP trial lawyers David Bloch and Harold Davis in San Francisco are also key practitioners.

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

Led by trial lawyer and intellectual property specialist Scott Bornstein in New York, Greenberg Traurig, LLP has a highly capable group handling Section 337 investigations before the International Trade Commission that represents a broad range of domestic and international clients. DC trial lawyer Vivian Kuo boasts extensive experience in patent disputes, including at the ITC, as does Nicholas Brown in San Francisco, who specializes in patent and trade secret litigation. The New York office also features patent attorney Brian Prew as well as Jonathan Ball, who handles patent litigation, prosecution, and portfolio management matters.

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 4

Greenberg Traurig‘s ‘top-notch’ team has strong national coverage of the US with co-heads of the practice Barry Schindler, Melissa Hunter-Ensor and Heath Briggs working from the firm’s New Jersey, Boston and Denver offices respectively; the three also co-chair the firm’s global patent prosecution group. The Atlanta team was bolstered in August 2023 with the arrival of patent specialist Trenton Ward from Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP. The team is equipped to advise clients from start-ups to such well-known companies as Yahoo and Capital One on the array of patent matters. In Boston, ‘very well-respected attorney’ Chinh Pham has experience representing start-ups, while the ‘brilliant’ David Dykeman has notable expertise in life sciences and medical tech work.

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

Well regarded for its clientele of large Silicon Valley technology companies, Greenberg Traurig LLP offers benefits and compensation services as part of its labor and employment practice. The practice is co-headed by Magan Ray and Mindy Leathe. Based in Silicon Valley, Ray is involved in the design of retirement plans, and health and welfare benefit plans for the practice’s large technology clients. From the Miami office, Leathe focuses on executive compensation and employee benefits. Splitting his time between Northern Virginia and Washington DC, Ian A. Herbert supports Ray on many of her matters with technology companies. Stephanie Ahmad, in the Silicon Valley office, often work on the design and implementation of retirement plans and health and welfare plans.  

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 4

With a broad-based ERISA litigation practice, Greenberg Traurig LLP provides additional advisory support to clients in the form of risk assessment, audit analysis, and preempting potential liabilities. A stellar client list includes ERISA fiduciaries and trustees, employer plan sponsors, plan administrators, and service providers. Well-versed in handling the full spectrum of ERISA, ESOP and employee benefits litigation, the group leverages the expertise of three practice heads. Jonathan L Sulds represents major employers from the New York office and co-chairs the ERISA & employee benefits litigation group whilst, Magan P Ray‘s far-reaching experience in ERISA and ESOP matters contributes to her advice on plan design and compliancy from the Silicon Valley office. Craig Waugh operates from Phoenix and leverages his employee benefits expertise. Michael Slocum has experience handling cutting-edge ERISA issues before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Stephanie Ahmad is another key figure in the team.  

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 4

Greenberg Traurig LLP’s multidisciplinary team, praised by clients for being ‘extremely knowledgeable about late-stage venture capital investing’, supports emerging companies and investors across all business lifecycle stages. The practice is led by Boston-based leaders Chinh Pham, who is an intellectual property expert, and Emily Ladd-Kravitz, who serves as outside general counsel for emerging companies and represents investors in venture capital deals. Bradley Jacobson, also in Boston, is lauded as a ‘terrific lawyer’ with significant experience in venture capital transactions, mergers, and stock and asset acquisitions. In Washington DC, Trevor Chaplick specializes in capital market transactions and cross-border acquisitions for tech companies and venture capital funds. Meanwhile, John Owens, based in Miami, offers wide-ranging sector expertise spanning the fintech, medical technology, and media industries.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 4

The data privacy and cybersecurity team at Greenberg Traurig LLP provides a ‘best in class service‘, its client base spanning the technology, e-commerce, financial services, and healthcare sectors. Gretchen Ramos, global co-head of the practice group, works out of San Francisco and is particularly sought after by major technology companies. ‘Smart, straightforward and talented’ Jena Valdetero co-chairs the US team from Chicago, leading data breach response efforts and defending clients against privacy and data breach litigation, include class action matters. Denver-based David Zetoony rounds out the team leadership, valued by clients for his ability to provide ‘clear actionable guidance’.

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

The varied team at Greenberg Traurig LLP is distinguished by its First Amendment understanding and successes with defamation disputes, intellectual property matters, and freedom of information claims. Michael Grygiel co-chairs from the firm’s Albany office where he is committed to advocating on behalf of news organizations in publication claims. Co-chairing from Los Angeles, Vincent Chieffo‘s extensive trial and appellate experience includes copyright, defamation, and rights of publicity matters. In Los Angeles, Mathew Rosengart is a focused litigator, whose recent successes include high-profile defamation defense proceedings in the film and music spaces. In Albany, Kelly McNamee focuses on media and First Amendment law, with experience defending news organizations and conducting applications for access to government records and documents.

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

From the negotiation of content distribution deals to the establishment of production companies to cross-border business expansion, the varied practice at Greenberg Traurig, LLP is well-positioned to assist a diverse cross-section of entertainment clients with a broad array of transactional mandates. The firm’s wide reach is underscored by its three practice heads: Bobby Rosenbloum is based in the firm’s Atlanta office and centers his practice on negotiating content agreements with rights owners. Dan Black operates from the firm’s Los Angeles office and counts high-profile music catalog acquisitions among his strong suits. Barbara Meili in New York completes the leadership team and has a proven track record in distributor arrangements and acquisitions in the broadcasting sector.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 4

Lauded as ‘experts in the field’, the construction team at Greenberg Traurig, LLP regularly represents a plethora of public and private clients, contractors, and owners in litigation cases before the federal district courts, regarding breach of contract and defective construction. The firm is home to experienced practitioners, noted for their ‘thoroughness, strategy and knowledge’, who also serve as construction counsel, negotiating and drafting contracts. Michael Thomas and Mark Ferrario jointly lead the team from Miami and Las Vegas respectively, representing clients in front of regulatory and legislative bodies, in addition to handling risk management issues. Other key contacts based in the New York office include David Jensen and Robert Epstein, and Atlanta-based Robert Crewdson joined from DLA Piper LLP (US) in February 2024.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4

Lenders, borrowers, and guarantors seek out the real estate finance team at Greenberg Traurig, LLP for assistance with construction related financing issues such as construction loans for multifamily projects and commercial units. The team is co-led by Michael Moser and Cory Tessler in New York - Moser specializes in advising lenders on a variety of issues such as bridge loans, mezzanine loans, and construction financing, while ommercial real estate expert Tessler actively advises on construction lending and assists lenders with mortgage conduit and securitization programs. Michael Davis leads the Los Angeles real estate practice and represents a number of real estate funds and REITs, while Kimberly LeCompte sits in Miami and represents owners and developers of multifamily, office, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. Also noted is Dallas-based Tina Ross who handles a number of construction financings for senior lenders and Farah Ahmed over in New York.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 5

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6