Litigation: Trial Lawyers: USA

"Exceptional trial lawyer" Brendan Sullivan is a senior partner at respected Washington, DC litigation firm Williams & Connelly LLP, and is considered by sources to be "the gold standard for trial lawyers." With an impressive 40 years of litigation experience in federal and state courts throughout the country, he stands out in particular for his representation of law firms and accounting firms in professional liability cases, commercial litigation and high-profile criminal matters.

Pre-eminent trial lawyer David Boies, founder and chairman of Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP, is hugely respected by his peers. His standing as "a magnificent trial lawyer who delivers amazing results" means he is frequently sought out to argue cases across the nation.

Ted Wells is co-chair of the litigation department at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. He continues to earn tremendous respect as someone who "has a really gifted touch and an incredible ability to relate to the jury." He offers expertise in white-collar criminal defence, complex civil and corporate litigation, and class action disputes.

Brad Brian is based in the Los Angeles office of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. He impresses interviewees with his performances in court and is adept in a variety of complex civil and criminal litigation. He is described as "hard-working with great judgement and great credibility," and his expertise stretches from securities and toxic torts to patent infringements and trade secret misappropriations.

Founding member of criminal defence firm Arguedas, Cassman & Headley, LLP, Cristina Arguedas is a hugely respected figure in California and beyond. She is regarded as one of the supreme criminal defence lawyers in the USA, and is described as "a great negotiator and someone who is well connected and can work with anyone."

Chicago-based Dan Webb is the chairman of Winston & Strawn LLP and one of the top trial lawyers in the USA. Sources describe him as "a trial machine," and commend his "instinct for identifying the key issues and getting the jury to relate to them." He has enormous trial experience in commercial and civil litigation as well as regulatory and white-collar criminal cases.

Dan Reidy is the partner-in-charge at Jones Day's Chicago office. A nationally respected trial lawyer, he focuses on criminal corporate investigations and other enforcement matters as well as civil litigation. Areas of particular expertise include patent, securities, False Claims Act, antitrust, post-acquisition and labour and employment disputes. "Daniel Reidy is wonderful," say clients.

The phenomenal David Beck is "without doubt one of the best trial lawyers in the country" and a founding member of Texas litigation firm Beck, Redden & Secrest, LLP. He is experienced across a range of disputes and is particularly strong in energy-related matters.

Evan Chesler of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is a widely respected trial lawyer, with experience in courts across the country. He wins praise for "his creative and agile mind," and clients also appreciate that "he is business-savvy and understands the real world."

Gary Naftalis is the head of the litigation department at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. He focuses on civil and criminal litigation, including insider trading, market manipulation, accounting irregularities, stock option backdating and other financial fraud.

Irv Terrell of Baker Botts LLP has a respected trial practice across the USA. Based in the firm's Houston office, he offers expertise in IP, securities, antitrust, contracts and fraudulent transfers, amongst other matters. Recent standout work includes the settlement of a USD14 billion dispute on behalf of Credit Suisse. "He's a terrific courtroom lawyer," say sources.

Michael Hennigan is a founding member of Hennigan Dorman LLP, which recently merged with McKool Smith. The Los Angeles-based trial lawyer focuses on complex commercial disputes and is described by peers as a "wonderful litigator who is a pleasure to work with."

James Quinn co-chairs Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's 500-lawyer global litigation practice. Based in New York, he is strongly recommended for his expertise in antitrust, securities, false advertising, sports, entertainment, and patent and IP law.

"Outstanding litigator" John Quinn of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is respected by peers as an exceptionally good opponent. The Los Angeles-based lawyer is currently representing Trust Company of the West in an alleged theft of company data and secrets claim against former TCW Group money manager Jeffrey Gundlach and others.

San Francisco-based John Keker, founding partner of litigation boutique Keker & Van Nest LLP, is widely recognised as one of the leading trial lawyers in California and across the USA. "He is absolutely terrific," say sources; "a trial star." He has broad experience in civil and criminal cases, including commercial disputes, criminal defence, antitrust and securities cases, and has particular prowess in IP-related claims.

Marshall Grossman of Bingham McCutchen LLP is a talented advocate with a focus on media and entertainment disputes. Recent engagements include representing Chabad of California in a Los Angeles federal court trial against Dawn Arnall, the widow of Roland Arnall, founder of Ameriquest Mortgage and former US ambassador to the Netherlands. The suit is to enforce an oral pledge made by Ambassador Arnall before his death to contribute USD18 million to Chabad.

Washington, DC-based Michele Roberts arrived at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates from Akin Gump in early 2011. Hailed as "a superb trial lawyer," she focuses on complex civil and white-collar criminal litigation. Particular strengths on the white-collar side include tax fraud, insurance fraud, bank fraud and violation of securities regulations. On the civil side she is adept at representing clients in commercial development, product liability, Title VII and premises liability.

Morgan Chu is based in the Los Angeles office of Irell & Manella LLP. He chairs the firm's litigation practice and earns plaudits as "a very good and gifted trial lawyer." He is particularly strong in disputes involving IP.

Philip Beck of Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP enjoys an excellent reputation across the country, winning praise as "a strong trial lawyer and skilled strategist." The Chicago-based lawyer is skilled in handling disputes involving product liability, mass torts, antitrust, RICO and complex financial cases, amongst other matters.

"Fine trial lawyer" Reid Weingarten of Steptoe & Johnson LLP is highly regarded for his white-collar criminal work. Based in the firm's Washington, DC office, he has experience of complex criminal matters in both state and federal courts, and has litigated in matters relating to public corruption, bank fraud, government procurement fraud, antitrust, healthcare fraud and tax and securities fraud, amongst other matters.

California-based Richard Marmaro is the head of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates' West Coast SEC enforcement and white-collar defence practice. Described as "a unique trial lawyer and excellent strategist," he is prized for "his ability to quickly assimilate complex commercial and legal matters and give strategic guidance." He is noted for his white-collar criminal trial skills, and successfully defended William J. Ruehle, the former CFO of Broadcom, in the largest stock option backdating case brought by the federal government.

"Thoughtful and strategic trial lawyer" Stephen Neal, based in Palo Alto, is chairman of Cooley LLP. He handles both white-collar criminal and IP cases, and has defended Gregory Reyes, former CEO of Brocade Communication Systems, in his highly publicised retrial on conspiracy and securities fraud charges relating to the alleged backdating of stock options.

Described as "an A-plus trial lawyer," Tom Green of Sidley Austin LLP enjoys an excellent national reputation for his skill in commercial litigation and criminal defence.

Los Angeles-based Thomas Nolan is chair of the West Coast litigation practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates. He enjoys a nationwide reputation for his expertise in complex civil and criminal litigation, particularly disputes involving IP, antitrust, class action, contracts, securities, unfair business practices and consumer fraud.

William Jeffress is based in the Washington, DC office of Baker Botts LLP. He impresses in his representation of clients involved in both complex commercial disputes and criminal investigations, earning praise as "a thorough and responsive trial lawyer."

Allen Ruby joined the Palo Alto office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates in December 2010. He is strongly recommended for his expertise in complex commercial and IP cases, as well as white-collar criminal matters.

Chicago-based Anton Valukas is chairman of Jenner & Block LLP. He is widely respected for commercial and white-collar criminal litigation, and has broad experience across consumer products, government contracts, securities, healthcare, class actions and other areas. He gained particular fame for his role as the appointed examiner in the Lehman Brothers Holdings bankruptcy.

Talented civil and criminal litigator Barry Berke is based in the New York office of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. He is co-chair of the white-collar defence and SEC regulatory practice, and is recommended for his experience in complex commercial, securities and criminal litigation. Recent successes include representing David Pinkerton, a former managing director of AIG, who was recently cleared of all US charges against him after being accused of conspiring with Czech expatriate Viktor Kozeny to bribe Azerbaijan leaders in an oil deal.

New York-based Barry Ostrager of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is praised as "a tenacious and strategic trial lawyer with excellent writing skills." Prized for his prowess in insurance disputes, he also has experience in high-profile securities, antitrust, bankruptcy and commercial cases.

Chip Babcock, based in the Houston office of Jackson Walker LLP, enjoys an excellent reputation nationally as "a very successful trial lawyer." He has a diverse practice, with extensive experience in First Amendment matters. Notable clients include Oprah Winfrey and her production company, Harpo Productions.

Louisville, Kentucky-based Mike Cronan of Stites & Harbison PLLC wins considerable praise for his capabilities in complex business litigation, healthcare law and ADR.

Based in King & Spalding LLP's Atlanta office, Chilton Varner enjoys an excellent reputation for her trial experience and impressive courtroom skills. She focuses on defending corporations in product liability, business torts, contract and other commercial disputes, and has a special understanding of clients in the pharmaceutical industry.

The impressive David Markowitz is a founding member of Markowitz, Herbold, Glade & Mehlhaf PC. The Portland-based lawyer is regarded as one of the best trial lawyers in the Northwest and is noted by commentators for his excellent courtroom skills. "He is forceful if necessary, yet he's very subtle and extraordinarily observant," said one source.

"Top-notch trial lawyer" Edward Stopher chairs the civil litigation practice at Boehl Stopher & Graves, LLP. Based in the firm's Louisville, Kentucky office, he offers expertise in pharmaceutical, insurance and legal malpractice claims, product liability disputes and tort actions. Interviewees are impressed by his excellent courtroom experience.

Louisville, Kentucky-based Greg Haynes of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP focuses on complex business litigation. He is hailed as "an excellent trial lawyer," and recommended for his expertise in shareholder derivative and securities cases, and class actions.

Houston-based Lee Godfrey of Susman Godfrey LLP receives praise for his long-standing trial experience, and is described by sources as "a very experienced and wonderful lawyer." He focuses on complex commercial, antitrust and energy-related disputes.

Phoenix, Arizona-based Howard Cabot of Perkins Coie LLP has a long history of handling complex business and white-collar criminal litigation, and is a hugely skilled courtroom practitioner. His areas of expertise include disputes relating to business torts, RICO, antitrust, franchise, IP, securities and fraud.

Respected trial lawyer Joan Lukey of Ropes & Gray LLP was president of the American College of Trial lawyers from 2008 to 2010, the first woman to hold that position. Based in the firm's Boston office, she focuses on complex business litigation as well as appellate work.

Atlanta-based John Dalton of Troutman Sanders LLP, "a superstar," according to one source, is widely respected throughout the trial Bar. A former president of the American College of Trial Lawyers, he is noted for defending clients in derivative, director liability and shareholder cases.

Joseph Cotchett works from the San Francisco office of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy. He focuses on commercial and securities litigation, and is noted in particular for his representation of plaintiffs. Sources say he is "a superb individual and arguably the most prominent trial lawyer in Northern California."

Experienced trial lawyer Paul Ware is based in the Boston office of Goodwin Procter LLP. He is recommended for his long-standing experience in complex commercial, financial and IP litigation, and also for his expertise in white-collar criminal matters.

Portland, Oregon-based Paul Fortino of Perkins Coie LLP focuses on complex business torts, contract disputes and IP and product liability claims. He won particular acclaim for his representation of PacifiCorp in a contract claim dating back to the California power crisis of 2000 and 2001.

Ray Persons, based in King & Spalding LLP's Atlanta office, earns praise as a hugely talented and experienced trial lawyer. His practice revolves around complex civil litigation, with an emphasis on class actions, product liability and mass torts.

Richard Clary of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is a respected trial lawyer who impresses in securities, IP, antitrust, bankruptcy and complex business disputes. Recent highlights include representing the outside directors of Citi in shareholder derivative actions alleging breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and mismanagement in connection with Citi's losses on subprime-related assets in the second half of 2007.

Robin Gibbs is a leading Texas trial lawyer and a founding partner of Gibbs & Bruns, LLP. He is well regarded across the country and wins praise for his depth of trial exposure. He focuses on commercial litigation, including securities, director liability, contract, energy, antitrust, IP and construction.

Dallas-based trial lawyer Rod Phelan of Baker Botts LLP stands out in particular for his representation of lawyers and accountants in professional liability suits, although he is also adept at handling complex commercial litigation on behalf of businesses.

Texas-based Stephen Susman of Susman Godfrey LLP represents major clients in commercial litigation, and offers particular expertise in antitrust, IP and climate change matters. Impressed market sources describe him as "a wonderful trial lawyer who has been around a long time."

Experienced trial lawyer Stephen English is based in the Portland office of Perkins Coie LLP. His broad practice covers various business disputes, directors' and officers' liability insurance, and product liability claims.

Tom Bayko is a Houston-based trial and arbitration expert at Hogan Lovells US LLP. He is renowned as a leading authority in energy sector-related cases, and for his in-depth experience of cross-border and international litigation.

Seasoned litigator William Maledon of Osborn Maledon PA is one of the leading trial lawyers in Arizona. He is recognised across the USA for his experience before state and federal courts, in matters ranging from antitrust, securities and trade regulation to product liability, insurance and class actions.

Bernard Nussbaum is one of the leading trial lawyers at New York firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. "He is as good as it gets," say peers, who laud him for being "very resourceful with a wonderful demeanour."

"Wonderful lawyer" Fred Bartlit is a founding partner of Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP. Based in the firm's Denver office, he is recognised nationally for his experience in antitrust, white-collar crime, product liability, securities and other cases. He is deeply respected, with one source saying: "He is my idol."

Senior trial lawyer Harry Reasoner is based in Vinson & Elkins LLP's Houston office. He has a terrific reputation for his experience in complex civil litigation, particularly cases involving securities, antitrust, insurance, contract and tort claims.

Nationally respected trial lawyer Herb Wachtell is one of the founding members of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. He is recommended for his extensive experience in handling a wide variety of complex commercial disputes.

James Brosnahan is based in Morrison & Foerster LLP's San Francisco office, and earns praise as one of the pre-eminent trial lawyers in the USA. He has vast experience of both civil and criminal matters, and is particularly skilled in disputes involving antitrust, IP, competition law, employment law and product liability.

Founding partner of Los Angeles firm Blecher & Collins, Maxwell Blecher is described as "a towering plaintiff lawyer" and "a very fine attorney." He focuses on representing claimants and has an excellent reputation in antitrust matters.

New York-based Robert Fiske of Davis, Polk & Wardwell LLP is "a gentleman and simply a terrific trial lawyer," according to sources. He offers long-standing expertise in professional liability, securities, product liability and white-collar crime.

"Spectacularly good litigator" Robert Cooper is based in the Los Angeles office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. He is particularly recommended for his expertise in business tort and antitrust litigation, although he also handles product liability, medical malpractice and securities cases.

Terry Bird of Los Angeles firm Bird, Marella, Boxer, Wolpert, Nessim, Drooks & Lincenberg PC is highly prized for his long-standing trial expertise. He focuses on complex business litigation and white-collar criminal defence.

Chicago-based Thomas Sullivan of Jenner & Block LLP is respected for his civil and criminal practice, which incorporates trial representations and appeals. Impressed market commentators describe him as "an outstanding trial lawyer."