THE FIRM Most commentators acknowledge this exceptional group as a market leader. Clients praise the remarkable team for offering a full-service approach to litigation. The firm provides expertise in civil and criminal matters, boasting a widely acclaimed, first-rate white-collar crime practice. Clients appreciate the partners' high level of involvement and awareness of the business implications of cases.

Sources say: “This firm is in a class of its own, not only in terms of breadth of talent, but it is also a pure litigation firm - excellence is what Williams & Connolly provides. Its lawyers have furnished a reputation and are simply delightful to work with.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Villa handles civil, criminal corporate and financial services-related litigation. Interviewees admire him as “a fine litigator with great knowledge, particularly in financial services matters.” He is also recommended for his successful legal malpractice defense expertise. The “exceptionally talented” Brendan Sullivan continues to “stand out for the cases he handles and the cases he wins,” whilst also impressing clients and peers with his “divine approach to the practice of law.” His national practice covers complex commercial litigation, legal and accounting malpractice cases, and major criminal matters. “Straight-up trial lawyer” Kevin Downey focuses his practice on both civil and criminal matters, and is especially rated for his expertise in the area of securities law. Market commentators describe him as “someone with striking intelligence. He is clearly at the top of his game.” David Zinn enjoys an excellent reputation for his white-collar defense expertise, and deservedly moves up in the rankings this year. Clients and peers alike single him out as “a superb and creative advocate.” Widely respected and seasoned litigator John Vardaman offers extensive experience in both civil and criminal matters. Market commentators hail him as a “responsive and diligent attorney.” William McDaniels is highly rated for his work in complex civil and criminal trials. He receives praise from clients for his “great people skills.” David Kendall has a broad practice, encompassing high-profile civil and criminal cases at trial and appellate level. Sources laud him as “extraordinarily smart and able.” 

THE FIRM The Hogan Lovells team continues to benefit from the arrival of former Skadden attorneys Carl Rauh and Robert Bennett. Now with more than 140 lawyers in its Washington, DC office, supported by the firm’s international network, the team has a prosperous litigation practice. The group covers the full range of litigation matters including complex commercial and employment litigation as well as white-collar and government investigations. The team’s clients include Airbus, BNP Paribas, Ford and WellPoint.

Sources say: “Excellent in every phase of the game, superb at developing litigation strategy and writing briefs. We have an enormous amount of confidence in Hogan Lovells.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Carl Rauh is widely respected for his extensive experience in the white-collar criminal defense arena. He frequently handles investigations work for corporations and individuals. Clients are fans of partner Craig Hoover, praising him for “doing a superb job in client communication and relationships.” He is recommended for his excellent handling of nationwide class action lawsuits. David Hensler has a strong commercial litigation practice and trial experience, and is considered to be “extremely focused and results-oriented.” Widely acclaimed trial lawyer Robert Bennett is “pure excellence,” according to market commentators. Recent work includes being engaged by the City Council to conduct an investigation into allegations of corruption against former District of Columbia mayor, Marion Barry. Peter Spivack’s practice spans white-collar criminal litigation, governmental enforcement actions and complex civil litigation. Interviewees describe him as “one of the best lawyers in town, with a superb personality and an amazing team spirit.” White-collar specialist Ty Cobb heads the firm's securities enforcement and compliance group and cochairs the white-collar criminal defense and investigations group. He is widely respected as a “fine lawyer,” and clients highlight his analytical skills.

THE FIRM This group wins accolades for its broad litigation capabilities and ability to draw on the firm's stellar national resources to achieve impressive trial results for clients. The team is well equipped with a consistent bench of lawyers who gather admiration from major industrial and financial players thanks to their responsive, client-oriented approach. Notable clients include AOL, TimeWarner, BASF, Boeing, ConocoPhillips, Honeywell and Nationwide Insurance.

Sources say: “Kirkland lawyers have excellent communication skills, superb tactical and strategic thinking about big cases in particular, and they have a strong edge to them as well.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Yannucci brings with him “the ability to really understand a complex set of facts and distil it to core issues.” Hailed by clients as “a broad thinker and very hands-on litigator,” he offers strong experience in representing corporations in class action suits. Eugene Assaf handles a range of commercial litigation, environmental and technology disputes matters. Clients recognize him as someone who is “very good on his feet, effective in a courtroom, and very focused on giving penetrating arguments.” Neil Eggleston is a recent recruit from Debevoise & Plimpton. He impresses clients with his "great way of probing to ensure he gets all the facts" and "ability to listen and relate to a diverse group of people." He offers a wealth of experience in both securities and white-collar criminal matters.

THE FIRM This 174-strong litigation team is widely respected for its substantial presence in Washington, DC. It can also draw on its national and international resources to provide a range of expertise and seamless service to clients. The group is comprised of practical lawyers who counsel clients through complex civil and criminal litigation, corporate investigations and international arbitrations.

Sources say: “A solid blue-chip law firm with substantial expertise in securities law.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Howard Shapiro chairs the firm's litigation/controversy department and impresses clients as an “excellent and tenacious litigator.” His practice spans white-collar criminal defense, as well as complex commercial litigation and securities enforcement matters. Randolph Moss cochairs the firm's government and regulatory litigation practice group. Described as a “successful and dedicated litigator,” he offers substantial expertise in complex civil litigation.

THE FIRM This team has a prominent track record in litigating cases on behalf of public companies and other clients in a broad range of industries, including computer sciences, telecom, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. With a strong reputation for its expertise in class action defense, and an impressive national and international network of offices, the team also handles antitrust disputes, product liability and mass tort matters, securities litigation and other business suits.

Sources say: “We trust this firm with much of our high-stakes work. We appreciate how its lawyers understand our business.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Nassikas concentrates on complex parallel criminal and civil litigations and internal corporate investigations. The head of the business litigation group, David Gersch, is applauded for “his attention to detail, his focus on serving the needs of the client and his excellent writing and oral communication skills.” Gersch's practice focuses on a variety of disputes, including commercial disputes, consumer class actions, antitrust, product liability, toxic tort and pension matters. Senior partner Scott Schreiber co-heads the securities enforcement and litigation practice group and also serves as chair of the securities class action and derivative litigation practice. Impressing clients with his “excellent judgment,” he is described as “someone who is as proficient in the courtroom as in the boardroom – a reliable and trusted counselor.”

THE FIRM Baker Botts’ Washington, DC office now fields a 37-strong litigation team. The group handles the full range of complex commercial and securities matters and is particularly strong in white-collar litigation and corporate investigations. The firm's most notable clients include ExxonMobil, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Halliburton and Samsung Electronics.

Sources say: “Very strong across the board.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Barta is chair of the firm’s white-collar criminal defense and government investigations group. Interviewees consider him to be one of the “go-to guys for significant complex commercial litigation across the States.” Barta has a thriving white-collar criminal defense and internal investigations practice and offers experience in cases with international aspects. According to impressed sources, William Jeffress“is the real deal.” His practice covers both criminal and civil litigation and he is especially recommended for his expertise on the white-collar crime side. Clients describe Jeffress as “really smart, superb and enormously respected.” Joe Caldwell is the chair of the litigation department of the Washington, DC office. He is described as a “brilliant attorney,” and clients appreciate his ability to “learn the issues quickly and provide useful insights.” Caldwell's practice encompasses complex business disputes in civil litigation as well as white-collar criminal trials and investigations.

THE FIRM This successful team has strength in all aspects of both civil and criminal litigation. The group handles white-collar criminal defense, internal and government investigations, regulatory and enforcement matters involving US and foreign authorities, and congressional proceedings. Recent work highlights include the representation of Chiquita in a variety of extremely significant and interrelated litigation matters arising from extortion payments made by Chiquita’s Colombian subsidiary to armed groups in Colombia.

Sources say: “A class operation with very smart attorneys and an excellent approach to work.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Rocket docket phenomenon” Michael Schlanger handles all manner of complex litigation. He receives praise for his “physical and intellectual stamina, all with unremitting clarity and focus and always with a smile.” Stephen Anthony is a new entrant to the rankings this year. His practice focuses on white-collar criminal defense and corporate internal investigations, and he advises clients on a range of issues relating to FCPA compliance. He receives strong praise from both clients and peers: “He is a lawyer of outstanding quality, in terms of knowledge, skill and litigation judgment.” John Nields recently joined Covington from Howrey, where he cochaired the firm's white-collar defense practice. He specializes in white-collar criminal defense, civil litigation and arbitration, and offers strong expertise in criminal appeals and cases involving the US Congress. Market commentators “think the world of him” and describe him as “a great lawyer.”

THE FIRM This international firm is respected for its broad-ranging litigation expertise. A team of approximately 150 litigators handles antitrust class actions, patent litigation, product liability and aviation-related cases. Other areas of expertise include providing counsel in related criminal, civil and regulatory proceedings. Notable clients include Abbott Laboratories, Ascension Health, Bayer, Chevron, Chrysler Group, Experian Information Solutions and Freescale Semiconductor.

Sources say: “A firm that is routinely feared by opponents and is exceptional in its client service.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Romatowski co-heads the securities litigation and SEC enforcement practice area at Jones Day. He is also recommended for his white-collar criminal defense skills. Romatowski offers strong trial experience and draws praise as “a charismatic man and a superb lawyer.” Recent work includes representing a major regional bank in an SEC investigation of its accounting and disclosure regarding subprime mortgage exposure. Henry Asbill joined Jones Day in May 2010 from Dewey & LeBoeuf. He receives praise as a “tremendous and all-around great trial lawyer.” Thomas Cullen leads the firm's trial practice and is widely recommended for handling complicated commercial matters, including antitrust, contract, trade secret and shareholder disputes.

THE FIRM O’Melveny & Myers is lauded for its substantial Washington, DC presence, bolstered by an impressive network of offices across the USA and internationally. Clients think highly of this firm for its expertise in product liability, antitrust, labor and employment, securities and financial services litigation. Notable clients include Bank of America, Citigroup Global Markets, Deutsche Bank and Fannie Mae.

Sources say: “It’s a really good firm with an excellent team.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Kilduff is widely regarded as “a highly intellectual and terrific lawyer.” He offers substantial expertise in securities litigation and recent work highlights include representing Fannie Mae in securities class actions, individual securities actions, shareholder derivative actions and an ERISA class action. Described as a “thorough and smart lawyer,” Stevan Bunnell moves up in the rankings. Impressed interviewees state: “He knows the federal system in DC better than anyone else.” This former DOJ prosecutor represents corporate and individual clients in both civil and criminal matters.

THE FIRM This litigation group has a strong presence in DC and offers effective advocacy in almost every type of dispute. The lawyers handle white-collar criminal defense and government investigations, and are prized for their strong expertise in FCPA investigations, criminal antitrust enforcement matters and congressional investigations. Another area of focus is complex commercial litigation.

Sources say: “The representation has been first-class and the client service has been first-class.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS “Exceptional litigator” Thomas Green enjoys a stellar reputation for his white-collar crime and government investigations expertise. He wins enthusiastic praise from market commentators for his extensive trial experience. His recent successes include leading the team that won an acquittal for the former Governor of Puerto Rico, Aníbal Acevedo Vilá. Working alongside Green is partner Mark Hopson. He wins accolades as “an extremely talented and strategically driven individual.” Hopson is currently representing a pharmaceutical company in connection with an SEC/DOJ investigation into potential FCPA violations in over 40 countries.

THE FIRM Skadden Arps is highly regarded for its international presence and impressive corporate practice, both of which feed the firm's litigation team. With extensive experience in large-scale bet-the-company matters, the group represents clients across numerous industries, including banking, energy, healthcare, insurance, real estate and telecom.

Sources say: “Truly understanding towards our business and the legal issues we are faced with.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michele Roberts is a recent high-profile addition to the team from Akin Gump. She receives praise for “her persuasiveness with juries and how she modulates her approach to appeal to a variety of audiences.” Roberts is widely acclaimed for her expertise in complex civil litigation, but also covers white-collar criminal matters. One impressed client added: “I would want her in the courthouse any time my company has a lot riding on the line.” Mitchell Ettinger cochairs Skadden’s government enforcement litigation group. Clients laud his ability to “break down and simplify issues to make them understandable for the jury.” He recently represented Rosetta Stone in a trademark infringement lawsuit against Google, involving novel allegations of trademark infringement stemming from Google's sale of sponsored links that appear when a user enters a trademarked term.

THE FIRM This firm’s litigation practice is renowned for its expertise in nationwide class actions, parallel civil and administrative proceedings and multidistrict litigation. The team has broad experience of handling litigation matters in both federal and state court at the trial and appellate levels. Clients appreciate the firm’s strengths in complex commercial litigation and white-collar criminal defense matters, including congressional investigations, criminal RICO matters, SEC investigations and FCPA cases. Recent work highlights include the representation of the founder and managing general partner of The Galleon Group of hedge funds against insider-trading allegations.

Sources say: “The firm is extremely client-friendly and its lawyers go out of their way to follow current events that impact our business.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark MacDougall focuses on white-collar defense and is particularly recommended for his cross-jurisdictional capabilities. According to market sources, he “always puts the client's interest first.”

THE FIRM Crowell & Moring is highly regarded for its expertise in both civil and criminal work. Backed by an extensive international practice, the lawyers handle disputes across a range of areas, including bankruptcy, product liability, patent infringement, insurance, climate change and international arbitration proceedings. The group also offers expertise in national class actions and a strong white-collar and regulatory enforcement practice. 

Sources say: “I very much enjoyed working with this team – Crowell & Moring lawyers are superb communicators, very detail-oriented, and offer excellent client service." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS A new entry to the rankings and national chair of the firm’s litigation group, Kathleen Taylor Sooy is lauded by market sources for her “bright and innovative ways.” Clients further appreciate her “extensive knowledge of the legal doctrines and her positive demeanor,” and describe her as “unflappable with a positive can-do attitude.” The “excellent and fabulous” Philip Inglima is described by clients as “creative and tenacious.” He is an excellent choice for white-collar matters and offers expertise in criminal fraud cases and parallel civil and regulatory enforcement proceedings.

THE FIRM This attentive and efficient litigation group focuses on handling disputes for corporations, government entities and individuals. Working hand-in-hand with its national practice, the DC-based team covers a wide array of specialty areas, with key strengths in counseling clients on risk management and the avoidance of potential litigation. Notable clients include The Carpenter Group, Coca-Cola, Duke Energy, Leggett & Platt and Merrill Lynch.  

Sources say: “Excellent service at a reasonable price.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the litigation practice and co-leader of the securities – litigation, regulatory and compliance – group, Robert Higgins concentrates on securities, insurance and general business litigation. He is currently defending Merrill Lynch in hundreds of complaints filed in the SDNY by cleanup workers at the World Trade Center alleging respiratory injuries. White-collar specialist Barry Levine is co-head of the firm's business litigation practice and co-leader of its white-collar criminal defense and investigations practice. He is lauded for “his wonderful presence in the courtroom and his command of the material.” Recent work includes representing Denham Capital Management in active litigation related to the control of a privately held corporation, Vulcan Power.

THE FIRM This accomplished group enters the rankings backed by praise from clients and peers for its expertise in regulatory, litigation and enforcement matters. The team is well equipped to handle white-collar defense and investigations work, securities litigation and complex general commercial work. Recent successes include persuading the DOJ and SEC to close their investigation of Joseph Cassano, a former senior executive of AIG, relating to the credit default swap business.

Sources say: “The written work of the lawyers is incomparable – they are so concise, logical and persuasive that virtually nothing can be added or subtracted.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Former federal prosecutor Joseph Warin is hailed as “a very strong litigator.” As chair of the DC litigation department and the firmwide cochair of the white-collar defense and investigations group, Warin offers extensive expertise in FCPA investigations and False Claims Act cases. As one interviewee marveled: "Warin is the smartest guy I know and I love talking to him – he's bright, engaging and fights for his clients.”

THE FIRM This respected litigation team is recognized for the depth and breadth of its litigation practice. Areas of particular strength include representing clients in major class actions, consumer financial services, product liability, white-collar, insurance and commercial litigation. The group also offers strong expertise in IP, insurance, securities, mass torts and class actions.

Sources say: “I love working with the firm. My vote is always with Goodwin Procter.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to market commentators, John Aldock “has it all.” He is described as “a fine and effective lawyer who keeps his eyes on the goal.” Aldock is the chair of the DC office and focuses his practice on commercial disputes, class actions, mass torts, insurance litigation and professional liability litigation nationwide. Mark Raffman impresses clients who describe him as “a real genius,” adding: “He doesn’t over-lawyer things, and he understands the science, the law, the litigation and the defense tactics." Recent highlights include acting as national coordinating counsel for toxic tort litigation and counsel for mass tort litigation involving Hurricane Katrina, for Lafarge North America. 

THE FIRM Mayer Brown’s litigation team handles a wide range of matters, including white-collar criminal defense and compliance, employment and ERISA litigation, antitrust, appellate, consumer class actions and professional liability cases. The firm is praised for its seamless international network of offices.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Lackey leads the firm’s litigation practice in the Washington, DC office.

THE FIRM This well regarded group has a great deal of strength in white-collar crime; it combines a boutique-like focus on this area with the resources of a full-service firm. It frequently handles internal investigations related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, export controls and economic sanctions.

Sources say: "Elite, demonstrating tremendous experience and depth."

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to market sources, Barry Pollack is “a smart, thorough and seasoned defense attorney” who handles criminal investigations and government enforcement matters, including SEC proceedings. Richard Hibey is an “experienced and phenomenal lawyer” who offers extensive experience in white-collar criminal and antitrust matters, federal securities law and complex commercial transactions. Mark Rochon has “superb people skills.” He concentrates his practice on white-collar defense in criminal and civil matters.

THE FIRM Steptoe’s litigation practice is widely recognized for its white-collar criminal defense capabilities, though the team also handles complex civil disputes. The group acts for clients in accounting and securities fraud, corporate misconduct, public corruption, money laundering and healthcare fraud cases.

Sources say: “This firm is a very strong choice.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly regarded Reid Weingarten receives praise for being “savvy and excellent in front of juries.”

THE FIRM This firm has a strong focus on litigation and is recognized for its skillful handling of white-collar criminal matters. The team has significant expertise in investigations conducted by both law enforcement and regulatory agencies involving securities, food and drug, tax and antitrust issues. Next to its outstanding white-collar practice, the group also offers general investigative experience, complemented by extensive subject-matter expertise drawn from across the firm’s other practices. Clients appreciate the efficient and attentive service.

Sources say: “The premier boutique for white-collar crime issues.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Experienced litigator Roger Zuckerman is a founding partner of the firm and continues to receive accolades as “a divine litigator.” Steven Salky's practice spans white-collar criminal cases, regulatory investigations and civil litigation. He offers extensive experience in representing executives of public companies in securities fraud investigations and parallel civil litigations. According to market sources, William Taylor“can do and has done everything.” Peers agree that Taylor "is the kind of lawyer you look up to.” He is currently representing William Welch, former Chief of the Public Integrity Section of the DOJ, in an investigation stemming from the prosecution of former Alaska Senator, Ted Stevens.