Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP in New York has ‘some of the most experienced and capable litigators around’ and clients praise their ’thoughtful delivery process, attention to clients, and execution results’. Though small, the practice’s selective approach to cases sees it involved in high-value matters, in which it frequently secures large settlements. One recent example includes the $420m secured for investors in pharmaceutical company Teva in a securities class action that alleged misstatements and omissions by the company about its generic drug price increases. Practice heads Joseph Fonti and Javier Bleichmar led that matter. Emerging partner talents Evan Kubota (who is ‘attentive and knows the law inside and out’) and Ross Shikowitz also play key roles in the practice, as does Nancy Kulesa, who has extensive experience in complex litigation in federal and state courts. Kulesa, along with Fonti and Bleichmar, acted as lead counsel in a case against medical device and drug company Bioventus, which is alleged to have overstated revenues and sales. Associate Benjamin Burry is also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'These are some of the most experienced and capable litigators around. Very impressed with their thoughtful delivery process, attention to client, and execution results. The firm is well staffed and technology is update to date to support a highly efficient law practice.'

  • 'Partners Evan Kubota and Javier Bleichmar are among the best of the best litigation experts. They are attentive, know the law inside and out and are master artists for legal strategies.'

Key clients

  • Alberta Investment Management Corporation
  • Anchorage Police and Fire Retirement System
  • Arkansas Teacher Retirement System
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 38
  • Macomb County Employees’ Retirement System
  • Metropolitan Transportation Authority
  • New Mexico Office of the Attorney General, on behalf of New Mexico State Investment Council
  • Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board
  • Police and Fire Retirement System of the City of Detroit
  • Police Retirement System of St. Louis
  • Public Sector Pension Investment Board
  • San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund
  • Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
  • The City of Miami Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Retirement Trust
  • City of Plantation Police Officers’ Retirement Fund
  • St. Lucie County District Firefighters’ Retirement Fund
  • City of Hialeah Employees’ Retirement System

Work highlights

  • Co-counsel representing the Police and Fire Retirement System of the City of Detroit (“Plaintiff”) in a derivative suit brought on behalf of Tesla, Inc. against members of Tesla’s Board of Directors (the “Director Defendants”). In its complaint, Plaintiff alleged that, from 2017 to 2020, the Director Defendants awarded themselves excessive compensation each year.
  • Sole lead counsel representing Class Representatives Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board and Anchorage Police and Fire Retirement System and the class in this securities action arising from alleged misstatements and omissions about Teva’s generic drug price increases. Secured the $420 million settlement after five years of hard-fought litigation, including class certification, completing intensive fact and expert discovery, and preparing a summary judgment motion.
  • Sole Lead Counsel representing Lead Plaintiff the Police Retirement System of St. Louis and the class in this securities class action arising from misrepresentations regarding several of the company’s largest joint venture construction projects, including cost overruns, schedule delays, and their impact on Granite’s financial statements. On March 17, 2022, after achieving class certification, pursuing intensive discovery, and completing multiple days of mediation, the Court granted final approval of a $129 million settlement.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Joseph Fonti, Javier Bleichmar

Other key lawyers

Nancy Kulesa, Evan Kubota, Benjamin Burry, Ross Shikowitz