The appellate practice at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP continues to enjoy an upward trajectory under the leadership of Washington DC-based department head Kannon K. Shanmugam—considered by many peers and clients as ‘the best of the best’—who is a former Assistant to the Solicitor General and one of the most active appellate advocates in the US. Among Shanmugam’s recent headline-grabbing cases, he represented Warner Chappell Music and Artist Publishing Group in a SCOTUS case concerning the Copyright Act’s statute of limitations for civil actions; and he was also engaged by the Oklahoma Tax Commission for an appeal before the Oklahoma Supreme Court concerning the state’s power to tax the members of Indian tribes. New York-based firm chairman, Brad Karp, also leverages significant appellate expertise and was recently involved in appeals on behalf of the National Football League and Blackstone. New York’s Robert A. Atkins, whose practice spans trial and appellate litigation, and Washington DC-based associate William Marks are also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Paul, Weiss's team is extraordinary — because Kannon Shanmugam is extraordinary. With Kannon's leadership, the firm can handle virtually any type of appeal in any court with the highest-caliber performance.’
‘Kannon Shanmugam is simply the best of the best. As someone who has litigated against Kannon repeatedly, I can confidently attest that there is no one better practicing in the appellate world today.’
‘The team at Paul Weiss has powerful connections to the Supreme Court. They know everyone. Obviously, they are all brilliant. They do amazing work, and they have a peerless reputation. If you want to win at the Supreme Court and change the law, then hire them.’
‘Kannon Shanmugam is kind, dedicated, and brilliant. There is no one better.’
Key clients
- Amazon.com
- Atos SE
- Carnival Corporation
- Blackstone
- CNA Financial Corporation
- Echostar Corporation
- Exxon Mobil Corporation
- Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
- Goldman Sachs & Co.
- iFlight Technology Company
- Mastercard International
- National Football League
- Oklahoma Tax Commission
- Pretium Partners
- SAP SE
- Verizon Communications
- Warner Chappell Music
- Zuffa
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Brad Karp, Kannon K. Shanmugam