THE FIRM This team continues to live up to its reputation as one of Delaware's leading chancery practices, with sources highlighting the consistent quality of the lawyers and their work. It represents corporations, directors, substantial shareholders, partnerships, limited and general partners and limited liability companies in cases arising out of M&A transactions, takeover battles and proxy contests, among other things.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Leading figure Kenneth Nachbar is "the go-to guy for a lot of people." His broad experience in Chancery Court is regularly deployed in advising boards of directors and special committees on litigation matters. William Lafferty has developed a special focus on proxy contests and consent solicitations, and on shareholder class and derivative actions. He is praised for his diplomatic approach and his ability to foster an environment conducive to progress. Jon Abramczyk is a widely respected member of the team with expertise in M&A and corporate governance issues. Mark Hurd is praised for having "an outstanding handle on the key issues clients need to be sensitive to in litigation." Commentators say of counsel Gilchrist Sparks is "one of the most well-respected lawyers in both transactional and litigation matters." While he has become more selective in his engagements, he remains integral to the team, and continues to be referred to by peers as "the star" of the Delaware Bar.

THE FIRM This practice offers a deep bench of chancery expertise, keeping it at the forefront of firms in Delaware. The team focuses on corporate and alternative entity litigation, and regularly represents clients in litigation relating to corporate governance and fiduciary duties attached to mergers, tender offers, sales of assets, recapitalizations, reorganizations, liquidations and proxy fights. It recently acted for Airgas in connection with a hostile acquisition bid by a rival company to acquire all of Airgas' outstanding shares.

Sources say: "It is involved in virtually every case in Delaware."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly experienced Michael Goldman is noted as one of the preeminent practitioners at the Bar. His litigation work focuses on the fiduciary duty between Delaware business entities and their owners and managers. Goldman represented Palm in connection with shareholder litigation challenging the merger of Palm and Hewlett-Packard. Sources praise Donald Wolfe as "a fighter who has a strong instinct of how to push things, but knows where to stop." His extensive caseload has recently included leading the team advising Airgas, and representing Dollar-Thrifty in litigation initiated by its shareholders challenging its proposed merger with Hertz in anticipation of a topping bid from Avis. Peter Walsh recently distinguished himself in advising Barnes & Noble in a defense of stockholder derivative action challenging the purchase of College Bookstores. Commentators hold Michael Pittenger in high regard for his work developing and promoting chancery law in Delaware to a national audience. He is described as "a valued counsel who has proved a valuable member of our team." Stephen Norman provides a wealth of litigation experience in the Delaware Chancery Court. He covers areas such as stockholder class and derivative actions, takeovers and corporate governance issues. Specializing in litigating stockholder class and derivative actions, Kevin Shannon played a central role in the Airgas case. Sources are impressed by his proactive engagement with cases and his keen evaluative eye. Matthew Fischer supported Wolfe in the Dollar-Thrifty litigation, and has a strong reputation among out-of-state lawyers as a valuable source of knowledge. Of counsel Robert Payson is a seasoned lawyer, advising boards of directors and committees on Delaware general corporation law, M&A and class and derivative litigation.

THE FIRM This leading Delaware firm is home to a strong team with deep expertise in chancery litigation. The varied practice covers fiduciary duties, corporate governance and M&A,among other things. The firm is known for its deep involvement in shaping the face of Delaware law, and sources point to its proactive approach in raising awareness of the benefits of Delaware corporation law.

Sources say: "An outstanding team of highly experienced litigators."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Top litigator" Gregory Williams focuses on the representation of corporations and their directors and officers. Chair of the firm's corporate department, he has recently represented a range of interests in a series of cases challenging the validity of 'top-up options'. Clients welcome Gregory Varallo's hands-on approach, while peers describe him as "a stellar lawyer." He recently advised Selectica in a successful review in the Chancery Court of the use of a net operating loss rights plan. Anne Foster's intimate knowledge of the Chancery Court wins praise from clients. Sources compliment her for her "intellectual practice and ability in dealing with the nuances of a case." Sources praise Catherine Dearlove for her clear understanding of the continuing developments in Delaware corporate law and their real-term impacts. Raymond DiCamillo is "an outstanding litigator," say sources. He advised iBasis and its board of directors in litigation concerning the company's use of a rights plan. Senior statesman Franklin Balotti is "a dean of the Bar." His notable career has seen him involved in some of the most significant cases to appear before the Chancery Court. Jesse Finkelstein "commands exceptional respect in court for his preparation, presentation and underlying knowledge." He represents clients in corporate governance, control disputes, M&A and other transactions, and is described as "one of the leading lights at the Bar."

THE FIRM This firm's Delaware office provides expertise in litigation arising out of a range of corporate transactions. Its international reach distinguishes the firm from competitors and is a key draw to clients, who happily entrust it with chancery cases with transaction values in the billions of dollars. The team recently acted for Anheuser-Busch in multibillion-dollar litigation arising out of its acquisition by Belgium-based InBev, which eventually settled. It has also acted for marquee clients such as Merrill Lynch, Yahoo! and Activision.

Sources say: "In a difficult situation, I don't think anyone could have done better."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Welch heads the firm's Delaware office and chairs the litigation practice. Clients say he is "the guy" for complex litigation: "He is able to boil it all down in a way that's understandable and is a superbly effective tactician in plotting how to manage lawsuits." He recently represented Yahoo! in shareholder lawsuits relating to Yahoo!’s rejection of Microsoft’s unsolicited $44.6 billion takeover bid. Thomas Allingham is widely cited as one of the leading figures at the Delaware Bar, with peers acknowledging that "dealing with him is dealing with the top tier." His extensive experience includes cases involving M&A, fiduciary duties of directors, federal and state securities fraud claims, bankruptcy litigation, corporate valuations and statutory appraisals. Robert Saunders is praised by clients for his "tremendous knowledge of the processes of the Chancery Court." He recently advised the OSI board of directors and OSI Pharmaceuticals on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty following their rejection of a hostile bid. Karen Valihura provides expertise in corporate, securities and complex commercial litigation matters.

THE FIRM The corporate counseling and litigation practice at this major Delaware firm is recognized by sources as among the best in the state. It advises corporations, directors, officers and stockholders, as well as other law firms in the capacity of Delaware co-counsel, and has experience in Chancery Court issues involving contests for corporate control, valuation disputes and alternative entities. As co-counsel, it recently advised the controlling stockholder of ACS over litigation examining premiums paid for super voting shares following an agreed merger with Xerox.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David McBride is said by sources to be "a tremendous intellect and a first-rate lawyer." He led the team representing Yucaipa in its challenge to the Barnes & Noble board's implementation and application of a poison pill in relation to its impact on a proxy contest. Bruce Silverstein chairs the group and led the team in the Xerox case. Peers commend his experience in the Chancery Court and identify him as a key figure in the field.

THE FIRM This corporate and business boutique has built a strong reputation for high-stakes litigation, handling both offensive and defensive work. It is noted by sources for its client-focused ethos, which attracts a stream of leading industry names. 

Sources say: "It builds relationships with clients and makes itself integral to their business needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources are impressed by Kevin Abrams' proactive approach to strategy and his ability to understand the underlying needs of his clients. "Kevin's attention to matters was so far beyond the norm that he is now the only person I call upon for litigation."

THE FIRM This team's broad practice handles matters involving governance, proxy contests, change of control, going-private and conflict transactions. It represents interested parties such as corporations, boards of directors, board committees and stockholders, and has also developed a strong track record in representing both trustees and beneficiaries in business and personal trust matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Jenkins covers a wide range of corporate litigation in the Chancery Court, but has established a recognized niche in proxy contests and other takeover battles. Of counsel Lawrence Ashby focuses on corporate governance transactions and the litigation that might arise from these matters.

THE FIRM The team at this compact, well-respected Delaware litigation boutique focuses on corporate law litigation, partnership and alternative entity disputes and commercial litigation. It is renowned for its consistently high-quality work, whether it be on the plaintiff or defendant side.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Andre Bouchard is as comfortable representing plaintiffs as he is defendants. Sources admire his "sharp mind," and say he is one of the core names in the field. Joel Friedlander has established a strong reputation for contract disputes and corporate governance matters.

THE FIRM Morris James has established itself as a staple of the Delaware Chancery Court, representing clients in corporate governance matters and fiduciary litigation. As well as disputes focusing on traditional corporate structures, the team has developed expertise in matters concerning Delaware alternative entities such as limited liability companies, limited partnerships and statutory trusts. It regularly acts as Delaware counsel for out-of-state firms, but also takes the lead for Fortune 500 companies such as DuPont.

Sources say: "It is all about getting results for its clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clarkson Collins is a "solid lawyer," whose intimate understanding of the Chancery Court is considered a real boon to clients and out-of-state lawyers. Commentators speak of Lewis Lazarus' intricate knowledge of issues and procedures in the Chancery Court, and praise his ability to "always deliver the most practical advice." Recent work includes advising TowerBrook Capital in litigation regarding proper allocation of partnership expenses. Clients highlight Edward McNally as another strong lawyer at the firm. His expertise covers a wide range of business litigation, but fiduciary law is a particular strength. Peter Ladig is someone whose advice "is always right on the mark and provides a lot of good guidance." His specialism is matters arising out of fiduciary duties.

THE FIRM The corporate litigation group here represents corporations, directors, officers and stockholders in a range of Chancery Court actions, including contests for corporate control, corporate opportunity cases, stock appraisals and challenges to mergers. The team recently advised Rohm and Haas in a performance action to compel Dow Chemical to close a $16 billion merger.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kevin Brady is the practice contact.

THE FIRM This corporate litigation boutique handles cases relating to, among other things, corporate governance, M&A, stockholder class and derivative actions, fiduciary duties, stockholder appraisal actions, limited liability companies and limited partnerships. It recently advised the KFC National Council in its suit against KFC Corp to determine who has the right to make decisions regarding national marketing. It also regularly acts as co-counsel to non-Delaware law firms.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kurt Heyman provides expertise in corporate governance, partnership and limited liability company disputes. He is known for his able handling of complex matters, recently demonstrated in his representation in the Chancery Court of Crown Media Holdings in connection with an action for breach of fiduciary duties relating to a proposed recapitalization transaction with controlling stockholder Hallmark. Vernon Proctor represents public and private corporations and their boards of directors in the defense of stockholder class actions and derivative suits involving transactions such as asset sales, recapitalizations and M&A.

THE FIRM This litigation boutique represents public and private institutional investors from across the globe in corporate governance and securities litigation, and other complex class actions. The team's dedication to plaintiff work and its skill in court have earned it an enviable reputation at the Delaware Bar. 

Sources say: "It is the go-to firm for any large shareholder case; its legendary success speaks to its quality."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Co-founders Jay Eisenhofer and Stuart Grant are widely admired for their success in developing the firm into the leading practice in Delaware for the representation of institutional investors in securities, regulatory and corporate governance litigation. Grant and Eisenhofer are "formidable opponents," according to peers.  

THE FIRM This firm has developed a strong reputation in Delaware for its first chair and co-counsel practice, and for its ability to handle substantial aspects of large cases. Its success stems from its focus on advising shareholders bringing suits for breach of fiduciary duty by corporate directors.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pamela Tikellis wins praise for her active engagement in prosecutions. She specializes in complex transactional cases, both derivative and class, and in limited partnership, antitrust and securities fraud litigation.

THE FIRM This team is highly regarded for its co-counsel work in securities litigation. Its experience and ability to drive a case forward has won praise from peers in the field.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Norman Monhait is a key contact at the firm.