Antitrust: New York

THE FIRM This group is highly regarded for its expertise in joint ventures and merger clearance, while sources are keen to also stress the team's strengths in antitrust litigation, providing its clients with complete antitrust coverage. Recent highlights include a major victory for Comcast in a putative nationwide class action brought against various broadcasters concerning an alleged Sherman Act violation. The team was also successful in representing Comcast in relation to the DOJ investigation into its joint venture with GE involving NBCUniversal.

Sources say: "The people there are all superb - it's a uniformly tremendous team. They are rightly lauded for their M&A and joint venture expertise, but they also seem to be entering the litigation realm more than ever before."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Experienced litigator Arthur Golden has a clear antitrust focus. He represents major corporations in relation to acquisitions and both antitrust counseling and litigation. He is "a tremendous lawyer, superior in ability and client service, and hugely personable." He recently advised Emerson Electric Acquisitions on the corporate and antitrust aspects of acquiring Chloride Group.

Ronan Harty advises antitrust clients in transactions, litigation and enforcement agency investigations. "He has such a good grasp of how our business works - he has an intuitive ability to analyze things, and to pick out the crucial details," say clients.

Joel Cohen regularly undertakes civil litigation and government investigations, and client sources are keen to acknowledge the benefits of his creative approach. He recently advised CVS Caremark on its approximately $1.25 billion acquisition of the Medicare Part D business of Universal American.

Arthur Burke is highly rated for his transactional expertise. "He's the guy who can make the deal happen, a tremendous outside lawyer," say commentators. He works out of the firm's New York and Menlo Park offices for a range of clients on transactions, disputes and regulatory matters. He recently assisted Comcast in DOJ and FCC investigations into its acquisition of a majority interest in NBCUniversal.

Senior counsel Paul Bartel continues to play an important role within the antitrust group, representing companies in litigation and government investigations.

THE FIRM The Simpson Thacher group is revered for its ability to handle the full range of antitrust issues. Its members prove to be as adept at handling high-profile M&A transactions as they are adroit at assisting with complex litigation. This is exemplified by its successful representation of Fidelity National Financial in high-profile title insurance antitrust litigation.

Sources say: "They are very good right across antitrust work, for both deal work and litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kevin Arquit has steadily built an enviable reputation in this area, with commentators observing: "When it comes to antitrust, he's in the major leagues." His antitrust practice encompasses transactional, litigation and broader counseling issues. Clients appreciate his strengths as a "talented business lawyer and phenomenal communicator."

Commercial litigator Joseph Tringali has a strong emphasis on antitrust and competition issues. He regularly undertakes antitrust cases for both plaintiffs and defendants.

Aimee Goldstein maintains a litigation practice which focuses on antitrust litigation, and also provides clients with transactional advice and general antitrust counseling.

THE FIRM This high-caliber team is one of the most complete practice groups in New York; its garlanded attorneys are especially highlighted by market commentators for their consummate skill in assisting major corporations with high-stakes merger transactions. Recent highlights include representing Amylin Pharmaceuticals in an antitrust lawsuit concerning an alleged breach of a commercialization agreement for a diabetes drug. The team also represented Southwest Airlines in relation to a DOJ antitrust investigation of its acquisition of AirTran Holdings.

Sources say: "The level of expertise was head and shoulders above anyone else we've ever worked with. The Skadden team is full of top-class individuals."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clifford Aronson is one of the group's leading antitrust practitioners, and is currently representing Amylin Pharmaceuticals in an antitrust suit against Eli Lilly. He earns considerable plaudits from sources, who say: "He has a perspective which is not only steeped in the antitrust discipline, but also brings an economic and commercial angle."

Shepard Goldfein heads the antitrust group, and has a fantastic reputation for handling antitrust issues for clients within the sports sector. Clients state that "he has such a sound understanding of our business that there is never a question internally of who to use when we need antitrust advice and counseling."

Neal Stoll is widely viewed as "a great deal attorney," and his practice also extends to general antitrust counseling and assisting clients with government investigations. He recently worked with Ecolab on the antitrust aspects of its $8.1 billion acquisition of Nalco.

James Keyte undertakes a broad range of antitrust litigation and transactional work. Clients express delight in dealing with "an incredibly detail-oriented antitrust specialist." He was recently part of the team assisting Sprint in its opposition to AT&T's highly publicized acquisition of T-Mobile USA.

THE FIRM The Cravath, Swaine & Moore team has undergone some significant changes over recent years. While retirements and departures have changed the shape of the group, commentators note its standing in the market has not diminished. This practice remains sought after for its capabilities in litigation, and sources note its particular expertise in the media and technology, healthcare, airlines and financial services sectors. The team recently advised United Airlines on antitrust issues connected with its $3 billion merger agreement with Continental Airlines.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Evan Chesler is the firm's presiding partner. His practice encompasses a broad range of litigation including securities, IP, general commercial disputes and antitrust. Sources say he is a "phenomenal trial lawyer, one of the best in the business." He recently led the group's representation of American Express in several antitrust litigations.

THE FIRM This team's prominence is chiefly down to its ability to handle private and civil antitrust litigation, and assist clients with merger clearance work. The group represents a number of major clients with antitrust issues, including Alcon, Barclays, HSBC, Microsoft and Moody's.

Sources say: "A real go-to antitrust group - for major cases and deals it is hard to beat."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Antitrust practice group cochair Yvonne Quinn focuses on antitrust litigation, counseling and merger review work. Clients value her ability to "understand the business imperative and translate the legal requirements in a way which accommodates our goals." She recently advised Bank of Montreal in its high-profile $4.1 billion acquisition of Marshall & Illsley.

Steven Holley focuses on antitrust litigation and counseling, although he also undertakes disputes in the copyright, patent and securities areas. He recently advised Chrysler in Fiat's purchase of the US government's stake in the company.

Richard Urowsky is noted for his expertise in advising on M&A deals, with sources commending his "strong counseling and strategy in a very difficult transactions." He advised R.R. Donnelley & Sons in its $481 million acquisition of Bowne & Co.

THE FIRM This team is a top destination for M&A transactions. Its members regularly assist with deals for major corporations involving multiple jurisdictions and requiring interaction with international antitrust agencies. The group also assists clients with US government investigations. Recent highlights include representing Novartis in connection with its acquisition of Alcon, and assisting NYSE Euronext in its merger with Deutsche Börse.

Sources say: "Quite simply second to none on the deal side of the antitrust practice. It's a small department, but it packs a big punch."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ilene Knable Gotts is one of the key drawing cards of the antitrust team. Clients and peers alike laud "a superstar antitrust practitioner," noting that "she's almost unparalleled in M&A antitrust issues." She recently worked with AMB Property on its merger with Prologis.

Michael Byowitz is an antitrust specialist who focuses on advising major corporations in significant domestic and international M&A. He represented Novartis in its acquisition of Alcon.

Joseph Larson is highly rated by commentators, who say: "He's an extraordinarily able practitioner who deserves further recognition." He recently represented Simmons in its acquisition of Menu Foods.

David Neill is noted for his considerable expertise in advising on merger clearances across a broad spectrum of industries, particularly in the financial arena.

THE FIRM This compact team continues to be highly regarded for its considerable capabilities on M&A transactions and joint ventures. Recent highlights include representing Google in connection with its acquisitions of both Motorola Mobility and ITA Software. The team also represented Omnicare in its hostile tender offer for competitor PharMerica.

Sources say: "An outstanding and unique antitrust boutique." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Axinn is the firm's senior partner, and remains one of the group's major draws. He continues to counsel clients on the antitrust aspects of major M&A transactions.

John Harkrider cochairs the firm's antitrust group. His personal practice is focused on mergers, counseling and litigation.

Lauren Albert draws praise from commentators for her adept handling of both antitrust litigation and merger clearance work.

THE FIRM Boies, Schiller & Flexner has an impressive reputation in antitrust, and its group of experienced litigators is commended for its work on behalf of both defendants and plaintiffs. The group works with a wide range of clients in relation to both civil and criminal litigation, and also assists with government investigations.  

Sources say: "One of the first choices for plaintiffs' antitrust counsel." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Boies enjoys a reputation as “quite obviously one of the best trial lawyers in the country.” While antitrust is but one branch of his practice, his phenomenal trial experience and formidable advocacy continue to make him a top choice for high-stakes antitrust litigation.

Donald Flexner undertakes both merger counseling work and antitrust litigation with considerable aplomb. His drive and antitrust expertise are applauded by market commentators.

THE FIRM This team handles a broad range of antitrust litigation, including government investigations, criminal investigations and complex multidistrict litigations. The group recently represented Deutsche Bank in consolidated class actions concerning alleged price-fixing relating to LIBOR interest rates. The team also had recent success on behalf of AIG in ensuring the dismissal of an antitrust class action concerning an alleged market allocation conspiracy.

Sources say: "Paul Weiss is go-to counsel for our most significant matters and gives great strategic advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice cochair Aidan Synnott is held in high regard by clients. According to sources, "he understands our business, knows the competitive landscape, and has been able to provide us with solid, useful advice which has been critical to our strategic thinking over the years."

Moses Silverman is an experienced antitrust attorney and a former cochair of the firm's antitrust practice group. His practice encompasses the full raft of antitrust issues, but he is best known in disputes as a "truly fantastic antitrust litigator."

Andrew Finch is the most prominent of the team's next generation of antitrust attorneys. He has developed a solid practice assisting clients with both civil and criminal investigations, as well as litigation.

THE FIRM This team is able to handle the full range of antitrust-related work including class actions, government investigations and merger clearance. Recent highlights include representing pharmaceutical giant Teva in relation to a number of antitrust matters. The group has also been representing MasterCard in relation to the interchange fee and merchant discount antitrust litigation.

Sources say: "What makes them so good in the antitrust space is that they have a thorough understanding of the law, but they also roll up their sleeves and really come to master the intricacies of your business problem."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Antitrust practice chair William Rooney commands considerable respect from commentators for his tremendous track record in handling civil and criminal antitrust issues before the enforcement agencies. Clients are especially impressed with his practical and pragmatic approach, noting that "he can cut through it, he really zeroes in, finds the key arguments and wastes no time."

Wesley Powell is well regarded for his expertise in handling antitrust issues for clients within the financial services sector. This is exemplified by his key role in the Willkie Farr team which has defended MasterCard in class action litigation and federal investigations challenging its business model.

Keila Ravelo is highly considered for her expertise in working with financial services industry clients on antitrust concerns.

THE FIRM This team is highly regarded for its work in assisting clients from the banking, insurance and media sectors with antitrust issues. Key clients include The New York Times, XL Capital and Global Reinsurance. 

Sources say: "The lawyers have that breadth of talent and knowledge, with the experience and capability as solid overall practitioners."   

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior antitrust attorney Laurence Sorkin is particularly noted for his expertise in cartel matters and Hart-Scott-Rodino cases. He played a key role in defending The New York Times, CNBC and Move in an antitrust suit filed in the federal district court in New Jersey.

The experienced Patricia Farren represented Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) in the Coca-Cola Company's acquisition of CCE's North American business, and the subsequent split-off of its European business in a $13 billion transaction.

Elai Katz maintains a complete antitrust practice, encompassing transactional, litigation and counseling issues. Clients laud an attorney who "might know antitrust law on such a granular level, but he never gets lost in the minutiae, he remains big-picture and understands both the business perspective and the in-house counsel perspective as well."

THE FIRM This team brings together both strong transactional expertise with considerable strength in handling complex litigation. The group is especially noted for representing clients within the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors.

Sources say: "They really understand this area of law and provide us with excellent advice and counsel."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Abuhoff is a key member of the firm's litigation team and undertakes a broad range of both contentious and transactional antitrust work. He recently worked with The Rank Group on a number of issues, including its acquisition of UCI and Honeywell.

Gary Kubek focuses on antitrust litigation, merger review work and antitrust counseling. He recently worked with Amazon.com on its acquisition of Quidsi. Client sources describe him as "very knowledgeable of our specific area of business and someone who takes great pains to remain current on our industry."

THE FIRM Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is recognized for the strength of its nationwide antitrust group. Its New York-based practitioners play a key role in the group alongside their California and DC-based colleagues. The team works across both transactional and litigious antitrust work.

Sources say: "A strong group which forms a key part of an even stronger nationwide team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Sullivan receives considerable praise from peers as "a really truly excellent and undervalued lawyer." Fellow lawyers respect his expertise in handling a broad range of antitrust issues, including civil and criminal cases, as well as mergers and joint ventures.

John Herfort has two key attributes which are frequently mentioned by commentators: firstly his "incredible intellect - which he is able to apply creatively," and secondly his work ethic. Client sources were delighted to work with a lawyer who is "just relentless - he just really works very hard, but crucially gets the team working incredibly hard."

THE FIRM The Kaye Scholer group is widely recognized for its work with clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech and publishing industries. Recent highlights include representing Novartis in connection with the regulatory aspects of its acquisition of Corthera.

Sources say: "Productivity and cost-consciousness are at the heart of what they do."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Saul Morgenstern advises clients on complex disputes and class actions, as well as assisting with the antitrust issues relating to M&A transactions and pricing programs. His combination of antitrust expertise and commercial nous ensures he is able to provide clients with practical and pragmatic antitrust counsel. "He's business-focused in his advice, which is really appreciated and he helps guide us through all the gray areas," say commentators. 

THE FIRM This team is highly regarded for its expertise in handling litigation and cartel concerns, while the cornerstone of its practice remains its merger prowess.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dale Collins's practice is predominantly focused on defending M&A transactions and joint ventures before the government agencies. He is respected as a "dogged and determined opponent."

Kenneth Prince is a former leader of the Shearman & Sterling antitrust group. He is a deeply experienced antitrust attorney and continues to counsel clients from a broad range of industries on M&A transactions, joint ventures and distribution and pricing arrangements.

Lisl Dunlop regularly provides antitrust counsel to clients from within the media, technology and healthcare sectors. She principally focuses on advising on M&A transactions and joint ventures.

THE FIRM This team is principally recognized for its expertise in assisting with antitrust issues relating to transactions, and its members are also regularly called upon to assist with litigation and antitrust counseling. Recent highlights include acting for Sanofi in its $20.1 billion acquisition of Genzyme.

Sources say: "We are very impressed by the work done by not only the partner lawyers but also the associate lawyers. They have all offered very thorough services to the clients." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Adam Hemlock and Steven Reiss are the key contacts at the group.

THE FIRM This group is recognized for its expertise in antitrust disputes. Recent highlights include representing Toshiba in two high-profile antitrust multidistrict litigations in the Northern District of California concerning alleged price-fixing in the cathode ray tube industry.

Sources say: "A great firm from any side - professionalism, a client-friendly atmosphere and 24/7 readiness to help its client worldwide." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Angland is an antitrust attorney of vast experience and a former chair of the ABA's antitrust law section. He assists a broad range of clients with both litigation and agency investigations.

Robert Milne is an antitrust specialist who covers complex litigation and antitrust counseling for clients from a variety of industry sectors including pharmaceutical, financial services and telecommunications. Clients describe him as an "exceptionally good, tireless lawyer who happens to be a wonderful person to work with."

THE FIRM Wilson Sonsini's antitrust group is highlighted by market commentators for its success in assisting clients in the technology sector with antitrust issues. Recent highlights include representing Google in relation to an FTC investigation into search and advertising.

Sources say: "The firm has a very business-savvy approach to dealing with counseling problems and advice. The lawyers are very practical and thorough."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Jacobson is highly regarded by market commentators, who are impressed by his "unbelievably intricate knowledge of the details and latest developments in antitrust law." He works with major corporations in significant antitrust litigation and investigations.

Charles Biggio is "a wonderful resource for antitrust counseling." He regularly advises clients on antitrust issues relating to M&A transactions and joint ventures.