A&O Shearman > New York, United States > Firm Profile

A&O Shearman > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 1

A&O Shearman‘s securities litigation practice has a strong record in acting for the world’s largest underwriting banks, and has further broadened its client base to include big-name public companies, notably in the technology sector. The work of San Francisco-based partner Daniel LaGuardia for Uber Technologies in a securities class action arising from its 2019 IPO is a prime example. The practice is led from New York but standout litigator Adam Hakki and global litigation practice group Richard Schwed . Hakki is widely acknowledged as a leading practitioner in this area, and his victory for Paramount Global in a securities class action litigation arising from the historic collapse of Archegos Capital Management is a standout case from the past year. Also in New York, Daniel Lewis and up-and-coming partner Agnès Dunogué are highly visible in the market, as is regulatory enforcement and securities litigation specialist Lyle Roberts  in Washington DC. Houston-based Mallory Brennan and Samuel Cooper, and former federal prosecutor Patrick Hein in San Francisco also plays a key role in securities fraud cases. Patrick Robbins left the firm in 2023 to join the DOJ.

Finance > Financial services regulation

Advising both banks and broker-dealers on the spectrum of regulatory issues, A&O Shearman is well-placed to assist with broker-dealer licensing and matters concerning capital requirements, regulatory investigations and AML measures. Jennifer Morton takes the lead on both regulatory and compliance matters, with banks, investment firms and broker-dealers coming to her for advice on SEC and FINRA regulations tied to net capital, trade reporting and corporate financing rules. Taylor Pugliese is noted for her specialization in broker-dealer regulations and cross-border requirements that apply to a variety of financial institutions. All lawyers mentioned are New York-based.

Finance > Project finance

‘One of the most active firms in the area of project finance’, with the ability to ‘provide a keen understanding of what’s going on in the market at any time’, A&O Shearman advises marquee industry players alongside a wealth of financial sponsors and asset managers on a broad range of renewables and energy transition assets, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects that includes airport expansion work, toll road developments, and university utility ventures – amongst others. Los Angeles’ Dorina Yessios heads up  the US projects, energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice and is lauded for her ‘ample experience in Latin American markets’. Scott Cockerham joined the Washington DC office from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in 2023 to add further tax equity financing and tax credit transaction expertise to the group, with a strong focus on renewables work, while the Los Angeles-based Matthew Nesburn‘s broad skillset is frequently utilized by clients engaged with early stage energy projects. Jennifer Wnek is a key figure in New York for renewables financings, with recent work highlights heavily featuring large-scale solar portfolios. Infrastructure specialists Kent Rowey and Jillian Ashley operate out of New York and Los Angeles respectively and have extensive experience counselling on the full asset lifecycle, and boast a number of significant projects in their book of work that includes the JFK New Terminal One PPP and the SH 288 toll road in Texas. New York’s Nisim (Niso) Matari is a crucial supporting presence on infrastructure matters relating to lenders, sponsors and investors, while the Washington DC-based Michael Sykes has a growing practice primarily focused on federal income tax issues. John Marciano left the practice in October 2023. Sam Kamyans left the firm in June 2023, while Greg Lavigne departed in October 2023. Following the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, the practice has further expanded its capabilities. Shearman & Sterling LLP‘s client roster comprises of a host of large-cap private sponsors, multinational lenders, and government agencies who engage the firm for representation in big-ticket, consequential PPP transactions – from the structuring, procurement, development and financing. Key components of the firm’s varied work include transport and aviation projects, domestic and international desalination facilities, microgrid developments, and university campus and utility upgrades. The practice is chaired by the highly experienced Cynthia Urda Kassis, who advises on complex cross-border energy and infrastructure projects with the capabilities to preside over bespoke financing structures. Paul Epstein is highly active and is a key name for major government agencies such as the US Department of Transport, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Energy, advising on financing and development issues. Mona Dajani  left the firm in December 2023, whereas Jorge Medina departed in January 2024 and former practice co-head Daniel Sinaiko left in April 2024.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 2

A&O Shearman offers a standout antitrust capability in the financial services sector, leveraging its transatlantic capabilities to advise domestic and international banks and financial institutions on high-stakes class actions concerning securities and financial trading markets, price-fixing allegations, and monopolization claims. David Higbee, in Washington DC, co-heads the firm’s global antitrust offering and leverages his agency experience from the Antitrust Division to represent clients in agency-facing civil litigation matters, including defending clients before the FTC and the DOJ. Senior partner Adam Hakki represents leading banks in trading market class actions from the firm’s New York office; the duo jointly oversees the practice. Litigator Todd Stenerson represents both plaintiffs and defendants from the automotive, retail, and healthcare sectors in multidistrict litigations; Stenerson also handles investigations and arbitrations. In Dallas, Rachel Mossman Zieminski takes point on merger challenges in the aviation sector. Following the 2024 combination of Shearman and Allen & Overy LLP, the team now also includes Elaine Johnston, based in New York, who has a broad practice covering the full range of contentious and non-contentious antitrust issues across a range of industries; notably, Johnston recently represented Merz Pharmaceuticals in a class action concerning generic patent settlements. She works alongside the Washington DC-based Noah Brumfield, who takes point on antitrust matters in the chemicals, life sciences, and tech industries; the latter is a recent area of increased activity for the team. Another key member of the team is Todd Fishman, in New York, an experienced litigator with significant expertise in cross-border matters; Fishman is the key contact for clients in the financial services industry.

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation Tier 2

A&O Shearman is recognized for its securities litigation and regulatory investigations work, defending clients before the SEC, the FDIC, as well as European regulatory authorities. The firm represents a range of financial institutions including Citibank and Bank of America. Senior partner Adam Hakki, based in New York, is best known for his work in securities and internal investigations. He is regularly involved in multijurisdictional matters and has extensive trial experience. Hakki co-heads the New York practice with Richard Schwed. New York-based Grace Lee is another notable name in the group and is involved in regulatory investigations, commercial litigation, and cross-border disputes. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Katherine Stoller, based in New York, who specializes in cross-border financial crime. Mark Lanpher, based in Washington DC, is experienced working on matters before the CFTC, DOJ, and IRS. Former partner Patrick Robbins departed in July 2023 to work for the DOJ.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 2

The litigation and appellate experts at A&O Shearman act on behalf of corporations, partnerships and joint ventures in a broad variety of disputes, with emphasis on those concerning breach of contract, fraud, professional malpractice, and business torts. The team has a strong reputation for its expertise in the insurance space, and it also works with clients in the manufacturing, chemicals, healthcare, and TMT sectors. In New York, Adam Hakki is a securities litigation expert who represents Wall Street clients in a broad range of disputes, while Richard Schwed routinely appears before federal and state trial and appellate courts and arbitral tribunals as well as in criminal and civil investigations by governmental and regulatory authorities. New York litigator Stephen Fishbein has a strong trial record in competition, trade secrets and contract disputes. In the Washington DC office, Todd Stenerson's practice encompasses complex dealer termination and RICO cases, as well as business torts, breach of contract and ERISA cases. Former co-practice head Patrick Robbins left the firm in July 2023 to take up a role at the US Department of Justice.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 2

A&O Shearman‘s international litigation practice has vast trial experience, with in-depth knowledge of securities litigation, white-collar, regulatory, and investigations work. Information requestions and enforcement actions are regularly advised on by the team, with expertise in associated business, reputational, and regulatory risks. The team has a well-established China securities litigation department, and represents a range of leading clients, including Danske Bank, Citigroup, BNP Paribas, Bank of America, and Softbank. Based in the New York office, Adam Hakki is a well-commended litigator for securities and trading market cases, alongside the DOJ, SEC, and FINRA. Hakki is joined by Richard Schwed in the same office. Katherine Stoller bolsters the team with her expertise conducting corporate internal investigations, including whistleblower and workplace investigations. Also of note are New York-based John Nathanson and in the Washington DC office, Mark Lanpher.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 2

A&O Shearman has a strong bench of litigators in New York who handle the full range of securities and M&A matters, including contested mergers, proxy contests, appraisal cases, derivative actions and more. Senior partner and head of litigation Adam Hakki is widely regarded as a highly skilled litigator, and he leads the practice along with Paula Anderson, Alan Goudiss and emerging partner talent Mallory Brennan. Samuel Cooper in Houston and Dan Gold in Dallas also play key roles in high-profile matters. Hakki and Gold recently secured the dismissal of claims against Jefferies, which acted as financial adviser to Golden Nugget Online Gaming in its $1.56bn merger with digital sports entertainment and gaming company DraftKings Inc. Anderson, who is increasingly visible in deal-related litigation for major corporates, worked with Goudiss to successfully defend General Electric in a Delaware case concerning the merger of its oil and gas business with Baker Hughes, in which plaintiffs alleged that the company used misleading unaudited financial statements that concealed billions in goodwill impairments to inflate its value.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 2

Clients of A&O Shearman appreciate that its practitioners have ‘long-focused their practices in renewables‘ and the firm’s longevity in the area makes it well placed to assist with a diverse range of matters. Issues including energy project and platform M&A and JV transactions, regulatory advice, project structuring and funding, exit strategies, and liaison with government authorities are all within the wheelhouse of the department, which is headed by Daniel Sinaiko (Los Angeles) and Dorina Yessios (New York). Andrea Lucan, whose recent experience includes a number of wind energy project investments, and Matthew Nesburn, who is well versed in advising sponsors, PE funds and banks, are further key names in Los Angeles, while in New York, Jennifer Wnek is an up-and-coming name in major renewable energy transactions. Scott Cockerham (Washington DC) and Kfir Abutbul (New York) were additions to the department in August 2023, from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Paul Hastings LLP respectively, but John Marciano and Greg Lavigne both left the team in October 2023.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 2

A deep roster of major US corporations, government agencies and NGOs, including the US Department of Energy and the Equator Principles Association, regularly turn to New York-based A&O Shearman for its expertise in handling complex transactions in the environmental space. The environmental and ESG team also has considerable experience in the regulatory sector, where it advises clients on ESG reporting, product liability, climate change and emissions trading. The firm’s US and global environmental law groups are led by international environmental and regulatory risk and ESG expert Ken Rivlin, who is also the new chair of the New York Bar Association’s international environmental law committee. Senior counsel in the New York office, Felise Cooper chairs the firm’s global product liability and product compliance team, advising US and multinational clients on environmental issues in commercial transactions, product liability, and environmental and ESG issues in supply chain management, while Maria Christopher Bell is a key contact for drafting and negotiating environmental indemnity agreements and managing environmental issues in M&A, project finance, and real estate transactions. ESG specialist Nick Ognibene is recognized for his prowess in environmental and risks in complex cross-border transactions.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

A&O Shearman has an outstanding reputation in investment grade debt offerings, especially for underwriters, though with an established record in issuer-side engagements too. It continues to advise issuers and underwriters in headline and big-ticket debt offerings, including those in the financial services and asset management, energy and power, telecoms, healthcare and biotechnology sectors. With Canada-focused lawyers in New York and an office in Toronto, it is at the forefront of representing clients in bond offerings by Canadian financial institutions and other issuers. Lona Nallengara leads many of the firm’s top engagements and previously held senior positions at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Ilir Mujalovic and Richard Alsop  are also key partners, alongside Jason Lehner , who splits his time between New York and Toronto. Alejandro Gordano has joined from Linklaters LLP, while Grissel Mercado has left the firm. All other named partners are based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

A&O Shearman has maintained an active deal flow in 2023 with a mixture of IPOs, secondary offerings, SPAC transactions and convertible securities. It continues to represent a multitude of large public companies and has established connections to major underwriters. More recently, its work for underwriters in IPOs and other equity offerings has stood out. It represented the underwriters of Mineralys Therapeutics’s upsized IPO in 2023, showcasing the team’s expertise in healthcare and life sciences deals, a key area of focus for New York’s Ilir Mujalovic, who leads the Americas capital markets team. Christopher Forrester  is a key figure on the West Coast, in Menlo Park, and Bill Nelson is a leading name in Houston. Grissel Mercado has left the firm.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

A&O Shearman has a strong record in global offerings, advising a vast array of issuers and underwriters; it has particularly close connections to bulge-bracket investment banks. It continues to be amongst the leading firms in global bonds. For Canadian offerings, Jason Lehner is a key capital markets practitioner in New York, is head of the metals and mining practice, and also managing partner of the Toronto office. Hired from Linklaters LLP in August 2023, Alejandro Gordano is noted for ESG-related offerings across Latin America, including sustainability-linked bonds issued by sovereign states. Former partner and now of counsel Antonia Stolper remains active in Latin America deals. Grissel Mercado has left the firm.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

A&O Shearman has a strong record in issuer and underwriter-side high-yield engagements, and is increasingly active in representing underwriters in recent times with one of the biggest market shares amongst the leading firms. The firm’s formidable leveraged finance practice provides a foundation for its high-yield activities and it has a notable presence in debt restructuring-related issuances. It also has an extensive global presence bringing a steady pipeline of deals originating in Latin America; it represented Colombia’s Ecopetrol in a $1.5bn public offering of notes. Key names in New York include Harald Halbhuber , Jason Lehner , Stephen Gruendel and Michael Chernick.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 2

A&O Shearman‘s leveraged finance practice advises a range of leading investment and commercial banks, financial institutions, direct lenders, and financial sponsors across various types of debt financings. The team is particularly well-equipped to advise clients on high-yield debt offerings, special situations lending and restructurings. Practice head Jake Mincemoyer leads the New York-based team and is equally capable of assisting lender-clients with both syndicated and private credit arrangements. The team also features Todd Koretzky, whose practice spans the syndicated loan and direct lending markets and ranges from middle-market to large-cap transactions. Joseph Furst is also a name to note, especially for his knowledge of cross-border commercial finance transactions. Ally de Padua was promoted to the partnership in 2023. Following the 2024 merger of A&O Shearman and Shearman & Sterling LLP, the practice now includes Gus Atiyah who is well versed at assisting equity and debt funds with raising fund-level financings; Michael Chernick whose versatile practice spans syndicated lending, direct lending and private credit fund work; Maura O’Sullivan whose expertise lies in cross-border financings and Frank Oliver who was promoted to partnership in July 2023. Joel Moss departed from the firm in March 2023.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

A&O Shearman supports a wide spread of domestic and international clients in derivatives and structured products matters, such as swap dealers, hedge funds, corporations and market infrastructure providers. Donna Parisi leads the team, guiding clients through the OTC derivatives transactions in a broad spectrum of asset classes, with a particular specialty in fintech matters. Azam Aziz focuses his practice on advising financial institutions on the structuring and documentation of complex OTC derivatives. Geoffrey Goldman specializes in credit and equity OTC derivatives as well as being knowledgeable in structured product transactions, including cash-flow and synthetic CDO transactions. Kerri Durso was promoted to partner in July 2023. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

A&O Shearman’s team is competent in matters concerning a range of ABS types as well as CLOs. It is well-versed in securities backed by assets in the renewable energy, automotive and aviation space. It is also knowledgeable in credit card securitizations. On the CLO side of the practice, the firm advises arrangers, collateral managers and anchor investors. The team is led by John Hwang, Lawrence Berkovich and Chris Jackson. Hwang maintains a broad practice, advising on CLOs and esoteric securitizations, including securitizations of solar and auto loans and student loans. Berkovich compounds the CLO practice, working on syndicated, private credit and middle-market CLOs as well as CLO refinancings. Jackson handles clients across the market, from investors to issues to fund managers. Luke Maiman is a noted associate working on CLO warehousing, public and private market transactions and CLO restructurings. Derek Poon is comfortable handling domestic and cross-border securitizations for sponsors, underwriters and issuers. All lawyers are based in New York.

Tax > Financial products Tier 2

A&O Shearman advises governments, financial institutions, corporations, insurance companies, funds, and other clients active in the investment sector on the taxation of financial instruments and derivatives, including CLOs, securitizations, and asset repackagings. The team has particular strengths in REITs, structured product issuances, and administrative rulings and controversies. The practice is headed by New York-based Dave Lewis, who has extensive experience advising on general tax aspects of financial instruments and derivatives and in global tax planning and cross-border structures, and Jack Heinberg, whose practice covers domestic and international tax planning, the taxation of financial instruments and derivatives, cross-border financing, CLOs, securitizations, REITS, debt restructurings and other structured finance transactions. Also in New York, John Hibbard and Dustin Plotnick routinely advises on the taxation of capital markets transactions including securitizations, financial instruments and derivatives, cross-border financing transactions, project finance and FATCA. Caroline Lapidus, who is located in Silicon Valley, has expertise in capital markets, including securitizations, financial instruments, CLOs and derivatives, cross-border financing, project finance, asset management and real estate including REIT investments. Following the completion of the firm’s merger with Shearman & Sterling, the team has expanded. Larry Crouch  handles the full spectrum of tax planning matters for domestic and cross-border transactions, with significant experience in transactions involving private equity sellers and buyers. Lorenz Haselberger, who is also based in New York, routinely advises banks, broker dealers, financial exchanges, and sovereign investors, among others, on the tax aspects of financial products, transactions, services, and inbound investments. Washington DC-based Michael Brown has a special focus on a wide range of tax related matters including joint ventures, private equity, hedge fund investments, and the taxation of financial instruments. Andrew Meiser and Daniel Kachmar, who are both based in the New York office, are notable team members.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

A&O Shearman offers a strong global tax practice, regularly providing clients with international strategic tax planning advice and representation in a variety of complex transactions as well as tax controversy and cross-border restructuring matters. The team has notable strengths in Chinese tax matters. Team lead Larry Crouch has significant experience advising on the tax aspects of various international transactions including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and joint ventures. Crouch has particular expertise in transactions involving private equity sellers and buyers. Jay Singer advises clients on tax aspects of corporate transactions, particularly domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, tax-free spin-offs and internal restructurings. Ryan Bray’s practice covers tax planning for domestic and cross-border M&A transactions and advising clients with respect to all corporate tax matters. Bray regularly advises emerging growth companies and their founders in connection with choice-of-entity decisions, including qualified small business stock planning. At the associate level, Matthew Brown supports clients on a wide range of domestic and international tax planning and transactional matters. All lawyers mentioned are in New York. Following the merger with Allen & Overy, the team has expanded. New York-based Dave Lewis, who has vast experience in tax planning for corporate mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, domestic and international joint ventures and global capital markets transactions, and Jack Heinberg, whose practice covers international tax planning, the taxation of financial instruments and derivatives, cross-border financing, CLOs, securitizations and other structured finance transactions. In Silicon Valley, Caroline Lapidus focuses her practice on focused on private capital, where she routinely advises sponsors on the formation and operation of investment funds and carried interest structuring as well as their portfolio investments. John Hibbard, who sits in the New York office, advises on a wide range of tax issues, such as M&A, taxation of capital markets transactions including securitizations, financial instruments and derivatives, cross-border financing transactions, project finance and FATCA.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

A&O Shearman’s non-contentious tax offering has a particularly strong reputation for advising multinational companies on cross-border M&A and financial offerings. The team also has considerable experience representing private equity clients and sovereign wealth funds, including China Investment Corporation, in relation to the acquisition and tax-efficient structuring of portfolio companies. Larry Crouch, dividing his time between the firm’s New York and Menlo Park offices, leads the practice. His broad experience covers M&A, capital markets, and joint venture transactions, particularly those involving private equity sellers and buyers. Washington DC’s Todd Lowther offers expertise handling private equity funds and petroleum industry taxation issues. Ryan Bray in Dallas regularly advises emerging growth companies and their founders on choice-of-entity decisions, while New York’s Derek Kershaw handles M&A, private equity and hedge fund investments and structuring, and REITs transactions, among other matters.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

A&O Shearman continues to be a highly sought-after destination practice for business-critical mergers and M&A approvals, representing major global clients on highly scrutinized and contentious merger proceedings before the DOJ and FTC, as well as international regulatory authorities, leveraging the firm’s transatlantic offering to collaborate seamlessly with its European offices. The practice continues to be active on high-profile mandates, notably representing JetBlue in its $3.8bn takeover bid for Spirit Airlines. The team includes diverse merger and contentious antitrust experts that have deep agency experience, with practice head David Higbee, a former Chief of Staff at the Antitrust Division, noted for his ability to represent clients in varied industries. Elsewhere in the team, New York-based Jessica Delbaum regularly advises multinational clients before the FTC and DOJ, navigating the complexities of multijurisdictional antitrust defense for transactions, while Ben Gris specializes in antitrust investigations and litigation. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated. Following the merger between Shearman & Sterling and Allen & Overy in May 2024, the team has expanded. Elaine Johnston is a go-to for business-critical and global mergers, while Noah Brumfield, based in Washington DC, stands out for his expertise in the tech industry, regularly representing clients in high-stakes deals and strategic disputes. Elsewhere in the team, Hugh Hollman, who splits his time between the Washington and Brussels office, is distinguished for his work on global merger reviews, while New York-based Puja Patel, promoted to partner in April 2024, plays a key role in Second Request investigations and merger-related litigation.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

With a strong international presence, A&O Shearman is well placed to advise corporates on cross-border investigations. The team has experience navigating multiple jurisdictions, including Australia, Europe, Asia, and the UAE.  The team also regularly represents individuals facing allegations of market manipulation, insider trading, and tax offences, among other misconduct. Leading the practice from New York, David Esseks is a seasoned litigator who frequently represents banks as well as domestic and international companies. Eugene Ingoglia and Julian Moore are also based in New York. Ingoglia is particularly adept at handling insider trading matters, while Moore is skilled at designing and implementing compliance programs. Located in Washington DC, Claire Rajan specializes in corruption matters. Following the merger with Shearman & Sterling LLP in 2024, the New York team has expanded to include Adam Hakki, Richard Schwed, and Stephen Fishbein. Hakki specializes in securities laws, while Schwed advises on a range of investigations in the financial services sector. Fishbein is also an expert at handling matters relating to financial crimes such as insider trading. Katherine Stoller and Christopher LaVigne are further stand out members of the New York team. LaVigne focusses on cases concerning securities fraud, while Stoller represents major corporations across the globe that are facing investigations into corruption, money laundering, and violations of economic sanctions.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 3

A&O Shearman is ‘exceptionally well-versed’ in the executive compensation and corporate governance aspects of cross-border transactions, including mergers, IPOs, spin-offs, and leveraged buyouts. Following the May 2024 merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, the global team is under the joint leadership of Brian Jebb and Gillian Emmett Moldowan. Jebb’s notable work includes supporting Thomas Reuters on its $17bn sale of Refinitiv, and Moldowan specializes in human capital management and corporate governance. The firm also features Doreen Lilienfeld, who regularly advises on retention arrangements and disclosure compliance, and John Cannon, experienced in assisting biotechnology sector startups with compensation and corporate matters. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 3

Working across several sectors, the team at A&O Shearman represents both buy- and sell-side clients on a range of complex outsourcing and procurement transactions. Advising both startups and Fortune 500 companies alike, the firm covers various tech-related agreements, including cloud computing, the implementation of ERP solutions, and software licensing agreements. The offering is jointly led by New York-based Adam Chernichaw, who concentrates on ITO and BPO transactions as well as cloud and SaaS arrangements, and Silicon Valley’s Daren Orzechowski, who focuses on IP strategy work and digitalization projects in various tech industries. Alex Touma, based in San Francisco, handles transactions involving tech licensing, gaming, and software.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 3

In the technology transactions arena, A&O Shearman has a robust record of advising on both traditional and emerging technologies, including NFT transactions, cryptocurrency projects, and the procurement of a wide range of tech products and services. The team houses an impressive array of clients, including the likes of Google, TikTok, and Meta Platforms, and is spearheaded by Silicon Valley-based Daren Orzechowski, who concentrates on cloud-based solutions, supply chain issues for devices, and corporate transactions related to IT and digitalization. In New York, Adam Chernichaw is a go-to for projects related to fintech and payments, while San Francisco-based Alex Touma is well-versed in tech licensing, cryptocurrency services, and SaaS agreements.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 4

Leveraging the firm’s presence across the globe, A&O Shearman regularly represents domestic and international corporations, domestic companies and individuals in criminal and civil matters before the DOJ, European Commission and authorities of EU member states, with notable experience in the financial services and oil and gas industries. Practice head David Higbee in Washington DC is recommended for both government and internal investigations, while Djordje Petkoski specializes in criminal antitrust matters and also handles civil class actions that follow DOJ investigations, and is described by clients as ‘very knowledgeable of antitrust law and current developments’. Patrick Robbins and Ryan Shores left the team in July 2023.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 4

With a practice spanning advice on transactions, compliance, and FERC proceedings, A&O Shearman is regularly sought out for its regulatory expertise by a variety of clients, including IOUs, independent power developers, and end-users. Led by Daniel Sinaiko in Los Angeles and Dorina Yessios in New York, the practice also includes George Cannon, Jr. in Washington DC, who is praised as one of ‘the most technically proficient lawyers in the field’. Also based in DC is Porter Wiseman, whose experience encompasses appearing before FERC and state public utility commissions as well as advising on due diligence for transactions.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 4

With offices in strategic locations including Dallas, Austin, and Houston, A&O Shearman’s team advises a varied client base encompassing governments, national and international oil companies, trading houses and institutional investors on all aspects of the oil and gas value chain, including acquisitions, joint ventures and divestitures. Austin-based Sarah McLean is a key contact for complex acquisitions and divestitures of upstream and midstream oil and gas assets. Mona Dajani departed the practice in December 2023, whereas Omar Samji left the firm in April 2023.

Finance > Fintech Tier 4

Noted for its capabilities in financial services regulatory matters and technology transactions, A&O Shearman is a strong choice for trade bodies on blockchain and cryptocurrency issues. In New York, Adam Chernichaw often advises users of fintech products and services on strategic alliances and product integrations, while Dario de Martino is well-equipped to assist clients on blockchain licensing, smart contracts, and tokenization. Based in San Francisco, Alex Touma handles the integration of financial and web3 services on card network services, global platforms, and stored value products. Operating out of Washington DC, Todd Beauchamp  arrived to the team from Latham & Watkins LLP in March 2023, leading the firm’s payments practice, and counts traditional financial institutions on his client roster. Other new arrivals to the team include Helen Christakos who joined the team from Fenwick & West LLP in April 2023.    

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 4

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

Leveraging its prominent global projects practice, A&O Shearman possesses extensive experience in construction disputes, particularly in relation to power, mining and infrastructure projects in the US, Latin America and the Middle East. The team also handles commercial cases involving the technology and life sciences sectors, while it is additionally well versed in investor-state disputes—as evidenced by its recent work for the Republic of Panama in treaty claims. Key contacts in the US group include Christopher Ryan, who operates from Washington DC and New York; and New York-based of counsel Henry Weisburg.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 5

A&O Shearman offers a full service across restructuring matters both globally and domestically for a range of clients including borrowers, financial institutions, hedge funds and ad hoc groups. Dallas-based Luckey McDowell is experienced in representing energy sector clients, especially on buy-side clients and focuses on capital restructuring. In New York, Mark Shapiro has worked on company-side out-of-court restructurings, as well as representing creditors. Frederic Sosnick, also in New York has assisted debtors and official creditors’ committees, while Sara Coelho, in New York and Ian Roberts, based in Dallas, are key names.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 5

Led by seasoned life sciences litigator Elizabeth Holland in New York, A&O Shearman is praised as ‘second to none‘ in its knowledge of patent litigation and is a key port of call for clients in the life sciences, tech, semiconductor and consumer goods industries. The team is also noted for its expertise in breach of contract and trade secret disputes. Shamita Etienne-Cummings and Lisa Nguyen left the firm in March 2024.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 5

Deploying a ‘commercial approach to negotiating transactions’, A&O Shearman has vast experience handling take-private acquisitions, complicated joint ventures, and cross-border M&A. Boasting an array of corporate specialists in the healthcare, tech, and finance sectors, the firm frequently acts on behalf of major domestic and international companies, with New York-based practice heads Scott Petepiece and Daniel Litowitz regularly providing ‘consistent top-tier advice’ when managing spin-offs, consortium investments, and stock mergers. Also in New York, Clare O’Brien is an expert on public company restructurings, while Creighton Condon is knowledgeable on shareholder activism. From Menlo Park, Daniel Mitz concentrates on representing global tech corporations. Former Global Managing Partner George Casey left the firm in January 2024. Following the recent merger between A&O Shearman and Allen & Overy LLP, the ‘hardworking, approachable’ team now has added expertise across the finance, tech, and energy sectors, regularly handling multi-jurisdictional acquisitions as well as sales of equity interests. Based in New York, Bill Schwitter chairs the corporate team and brings extensive experience managing securities issues and financing arrangements to the practice, while Kfir Abutbul is an expert on restructurings and workouts. The ‘very smart and experienced’ Stephen Besen focuses on joint ventures, Dario de Martino is knowledgeable on tender offers and divestitures, and Romain Dambre concentrates on carve-outs.

Real estate Tier 5

A&O Shearman’s real estate practice is headed by Lisa Brill, ‘an incredibly committed, capable, responsive and efficient lawyer’ with extensive experience covering transactions and financings alongside joint ventures. Operating out of New York, the team advises a range of investors, borrowers, and lenders, that includes global banks such as Barclays, across a range of acquisitions and disposals and development projects, as well as a strong stream of mortgage lending and loan work. Associate Helen McKinney is another key name in the team.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 5

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission)

Media, technology and telecoms > Advertising and marketing: litigation

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance Tier 1

The fruit of a merger betweeen two global heavyweights, A&O Shearman fields an impressive Latin America-focused finance practice that has presence and profile in the acquisition finance, export finance, structured finance, corporate lending, and restructurings and refinancing segments. The group represents a healthy array of financial institutions (including Barclays, JP Morgan, BNP Paribas and Banamex),  along with various DFIs and ECAs, as well as institutional investors, corporates and private equity funds. The team further demonstrates particular experience in corporate lending and is making a further impression in growth areas such as sustainability-linked finance and ESG-related loans. Senior partner Denise Grant  has deep bank finance, and project finance and development experience, and an enviable trajectory in Latin America financings throughout the region. Metals and mining specialist Cynthia Urda Kassis is also active in project and development finance across the region; while co-head of the Americas projects, energy, natural resources & infrastructure group, Dorina Yessios is noted for energy and infrastructure financings. New York-based Sami Mir is co-head of the US agency practice and is pivotal to the firm’s connections to ECAs, MLAs, DFIs and commercial lenders; while Todd Koretzky (banking, leveraged finance, corporate finance and private credit) is highlighted for acquisition financings in the region. Promoted to the partnership in 2022, dual-qualified (New York/Peru) Augusto Ruiloba is another key member of the team and is particularly noted for acquisition financings in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors, particularly in Mexico, Chile and Peru. Now based in Washington DC, dual-qualified (New York/Brazil) counsel André de Paiva Teixeira focuses on project and leveraged financing as part of his broader corporate transactional practice. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Since publication, Sao Paulo-based Bruno Soares and New York's Joseph Stefano have both left the firm - in February and April 2024 respectively

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy Tier 2

While the full impact of the combination has yet to be fully demonstrated, as of May 2024 A&O Shearman is a reality, its constituent legacy firms have bequeathed it a lengthy trajectory in Latin America energy and infrastructure projects sectors. The former Shearman team have long been active in Chile (having worked on a series of major projects including desalination plants, electric generation, power and renewables projects), and more generally, have extensive experience throughout the region – including Central America, Dominican Republic and Argentina – on matters ranging from power and renewables to mining and natural resources, oil and gas, and transport infrastructure projects. The former A&O team brings particular profile in agency finance (which has seen it land a number of significant mandates in the region), and frequently advises DFIs and ECAs in headline financings; it also represents a multitude of commercial lenders, alternative lenders and sponsors. A key figure for energy and infrastructure matters, New York partner Dorina Yessios has been growing her profile in digital infrastructure projects, alongside more traditional renewables and power transactions. With much of her focus on the Americas in their entirety, Cynthia Urda Kassis is a recognised authority in the mining and metals sector and also works more broadly across the energy and infrastructure segments. In Washington DC and New York respectively, Jean Lee and Sami Mir are at the forefront of project financings driven by ECAs, MLAs and commercial lenders. Dual-qualified (Peru/New York) Augusto Ruiloba was elected to the partnership in June 2022 and has worked on headline deals in Chile, Panama and across the region; while Robert O’Leary was similarly promoted in 2023 and -as a fluent Spanish speaker- is also heavily focused on Latin America. Since publication, Soares has left the firm, moving to DLA Piper LLP (US) in February 2024.

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets Tier 3

After a tumultuous 2023 which saw the departures of partner Grissel Mercado and counsel Maria Larsen, and the subsequent hire of former Linklaters LLP counsel, Alejandro Gordano, as a partner, the capital markets practice at the newly combined A&O Shearman has emerged with a bench of considerable strength. A senior figure, of counsel Antonia Stolper handles primarily US capital markets and global ECM work, but has a long history and strong profile across the Latin America region. David Flechner has built a strong reputation in Brazil, Mexico and other Latin American jurisdictions, covering a range of equity and debt transactions, including a number of IPOs and follow-on offerings in Brazil. New York’s Manuel Orillac and Sao Paulo-based Roberta Cherman are also key figures in the Latin America capital markets group; while the aforementioned Gordano is particulary experienced in ESG-segment capital markets mandates. More broadly, the team is making an impression in sustainability-linked bonds and ESG-related offerings in general, along with project bonds, where the capital markets department often works alongside colleagues in the project finance group. Since publication, Sao Paulo-based counsel Jonathan Lewis has left the firm - effective as of February 2024.