THE FIRM This firm remains a leading light in the California litigation Bar, with a sizable team operating out of its five California offices. The group enjoys an excellent reputation for its trial capabilities and has a particular leaning towards complex commercial litigation, including malpractice, hi-tech disputes, qui tam and, in particular, class action defense. Recent notable victories include the teams' involvement in the high-profile Perry v Schwarzenegger matter, in which it successfully challenged Proposition 8. The firm's impressive client roster includes Southern California Gas Company, eHarmony and 3M.

Sources say: "A strong firm, with lots of good people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market sources describe Dean Kitchens as a "fabulous lawyer" and "a bright star." His prominent securities practice sees him represent underwriters, financial institutions and company officers. His clients include Hewlett-Packard, UBS and he is currently representing Citigroup in a dispute arising from auction rate securities.

Wayne Smith is the founder of the firm's securities litigation group. He is experienced in handling all types of securities work including takeover defense, shareholder derivative litigation, standard SEC filing claims and other related securities litigation. He is currently acting as lead counsel for Intel in connection with litigation arising from its $7.7 billion acquisition of McAfee. 

THE FIRM This San Francisco-based litigation boutique has the resources to try cases on a national scale. The team is regularly called upon for their trial prowess and complex commercial litigation expertise, covering employment, FCA, malpractice and arbitral disputes. Recent successes include the representation of Steven Donziger, the US legal adviser to the Ecuadorian plaintiffs who won an $18 billion judgment against Chevron, in a case brought by Chevron alleging racketeering and fraud against the plaintiffs. 

Sources say: "Very effective trial lawyers who keep their eyes on the ball and are very targeted, very direct and thoughtful about what they are doing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Highly distinguished litigator John Keker is described as "an outstanding trial lawyer, a real leader and role model." He is currently the lead lawyer for the co-founders of Marvell Technology Group in a case against Goldman Sachs, alleging fraud and breach of fiduciary duty after forcing the founders of Marvell to sell stock at a loss.

Robert Van Nest has an accomplished practice covering commercial and contract claims alongside white-collar defense, intellectual property and class action defense. He is currently active on behalf of Google in an age discrimination claim brought by a former employee.

THE FIRM This firm is renowned for its strong trial skills and expertise in complex commercial disputes. The group is skilled in handling securities, malpractice and class action cases and has particular strength in financial industry litigations, defending clients like BofA and Wells Fargo. The extensive BofA docket involves a variety of claims, including a $10 billion claim by AIG arising out of RMBS sales and bringing a claim against the FDIC currently alleging over $1 billion in damages.  

Sources say: "They really stand out for the lack of competition between their lawyers, it's just so collegial; there is a huge pool of talent that is just so deep." "I see a very bright future at Munger Tolles, they are a real trial firm, very strong indeed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brad Brian is regarded as "an absolute star" in his field. He handles complex commercial litigation and high-stakes white-collar defense, and is also highly regarded for his legal malpractice defense work. He represented DoubleLine Capital and founder, Jeffrey Gundlach, in a widely publicized and hotly contested dispute against TCW regarding the theft of trade secrets. 

Ronald Olson is described as the dean of the group and wields an "outstanding reputation." Sources marvel at his terrific advocacy skills and he is entrusted with complex litigation by high-profile clients, such as Berkshire Hathaway and City National Corporation. He regularly deals with crisis management, general litigation and acquisitions, such as his recent involvement in the $9 billion takeover of Lubrizol.

John Spiegel is an "absolutely fantastic lawyer," who is "incredibly smart and just a joy to work with," sources report. His commercial practice covers both business and securities matters and recent notable highlights include his representation of Warner Bros. in its breach of contract dispute with Charlie Sheen.

THE FIRM This national firm is a strong choice for commercial litigation and offers vast trial experience. The team has extensive capabilities in IP and financial services litigation with a well-established reputation for bringing claims against the financial institutions on behalf of market heavyweights like AIG. The firm has received widespread praise for its work as trial counsel in the Chabad v Dan Arnall matter, repelling the notion advanced by the plaintiffs that an $18 million pledge to a charity was enforceable. Other high-profile clients include Qualcomm, Motorola and Cisco Systems.

Sources say: "We needed the right lawyer but also a law firm with the right resources able to staff it – Quinn fitted the bill due to their experience and size."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Quinn is a widely respected, heavy-duty business litigator and market sources applaud him as a "phenomenal trial lawyer." He recently appeared as the lead lawyer on behalf of TCW in the well-publicized trial against Jeffrey Gundlach.

Bill Price is a "top-gun trial lawyer," who is well versed in trial work. He has a broad litigation practice and has appeared on behalf of clients including Micron and Zurich in high-stakes disputes. He acted as co-lead trial counsel in the highly publicized Mattel v MGA case.

William Urquhart is well known for his impressive IP practice, however his work extends to all aspects of business litigation, with a particular strength in class action defense. Recent successes include a victory on behalf of Dubai World in a case brought by a local resident for fraud and defamation.

THE FIRM This talented group is strongly recommended for its expertise in handling complex commercial disputes. The firm's international platform allows for seamless multijurisdictional service. The firm's commercial dispute focus is supplemented by its specialist expertise in areas like antitrust and securities litigation.

Sources say: "They have the ability to handle national, complex litigation with outstanding substantive abilities, and deliver a top-notch product."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Wald is a respected litigator with a broad geographical practice. Clients describe him as "a fantastic litigator; one of the best in the country." He maintains a strong trial record and has a commercial practice which spans securities, antitrust, IP and professional liability matters.

THE FIRM This global firm has a strong Californian presence and has had a successful year, having won a number of jury trials. Business litigation expertise extends to breach of contract and patent disputes, but the team is best known for its work in securities and hi-tech Silicon Valley disputes, demonstrated by the firm's involvement in some of the biggest cases in the technology industry. The group is acting for Cypress Semiconductor in a suit filed by Avago Technologies relating to the ownership of finger navigation technology and is handling the representation of Oracle in a patent and copyright infringement suit against Google, seeking between $1.4 and $6.1 billion in damages.

Sources say: "They seek input from the client on staffing. Very good at delivering 'on budget'. Extremely responsive and good in terms of bang for your buck."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jordan Eth is known throughout California for his remarkable track record and courtroom ability. Described as a "solid and prudent litigator," he is a "very good strategist who is appropriately aggressive in the way he pursues litigation." The breadth of his securities practice is exemplified by his recent win for the former directors of Mentor in a breach of fiduciary duty claim following the $1.1 billion takeover by Johnson & Johnson.

Arturo González has a busy commercial litigation practice and wins praise for his courtroom performance. Notable work from the past year includes his engagement in a trial on behalf of Technology Integration Group, scoring a verdict of over $10 million in damages.

THE FIRM This international firm is headquartered in Los Angeles and continues to enjoy a sterling reputation in the Californian litigation market. Its commercial team is best known for its work in the media and entertainment industry, acting on behalf of clients including Siegfried & Roy, Warner Brothers and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The group also shows strength in commercial litigation and crisis management. Recent victories include the team's representation of Lennar Corporation in a $500 million dollar claim against the company, which resulted in a $56 million trial judgment.

Sources say: "Very good, tenacious opponents who really make you work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Seth Aronson is described by peers as a hybrid securities, commercial and civil lawyer, based on his expansive knowledge and broad practice. Recent highlights include his representation of Bank of America in several high-value cases in which it was named as an alleged successor-in-interest to Countrywide Financial. He is also very active in China-related litigation.

Daniel Petrocelli is a "just brilliant" lawyer who handles a range of commercial litigation, frequently taking cases to trial. He continues to regularly act in high-profile disputes, such as his representation of Jeffrey Skilling, the former Enron CEO, in a string of prosecutions and subsequent appeals.

THE FIRM This firm is a global player and houses a litigation team that is regularly relied upon by the Californian elite in some of their most serious and high-profile disputes. The group covers commercial, IP, energy and bankruptcy litigation, and is respected for its full-service trial ability. The firm has an impressive client roster and, in the past year, achieved victories for MGA and Facebook. Its California-based lawyers are able to draw on the firm's national and international resources, providing clients with a seamless service. 

Sources say: "A terrific firm, very well managed and pretty aggressive, we think very highly of them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Torpey is praised for his strategic approach and heads the firm's Californian securities practice, frequently appearing in high-profile securities litigation. He is currently representing Intel and some of its employees in connection with the Galleon insider-trading case.

THE FIRM This full-service firm has vast national and global resources upon which to draw in order to deliver results for its clients, for which it handles trials, arbitrations and appeals. Alongside commercial work the litigation team mainly handles securities, employment and antitrust disputes. Recent work includes securing a favorable jury verdict for Wells Fargo Bank following the first-ever trial verdict under the Unruh Civil Rights Act in a class action alleging reverse redlining of consumer mortgages. Other notable clients include MGA Entertainment, Allianz Life Insurance of North America and Christie's.

Sources say: "I consider them one of our go-to firms, I am very pleased with the level of representation and service; I feel that when they get up in the morning they are already thinking about my case!"

KEY INDIVIDUALS Raoul Kennedy is regularly called upon to handle larger, more complex commercial matters. One client states: "I think extremely highly of him; he is very creative and has a very good sense of how to prepare for and present at trial. He instills client confidence amongst the executive team." Viewed as a deeply experienced jury trial lawyer he also handles appeals work. He currently acts as the lead lawyer for Farmers Insurance Group in a number of disputes.

Thomas Nolan is "always around the large cases," sources note, and describe him as a lawyer who is "making waves" throughout the Californian litigation community. He is well versed in commercial matters on trial and appeal, but also maintains a prominent white-collar practice founded upon a wealth of experience gained as a former federal prosecutor. Next to his work on the MGA Barbie-Bratz appeal, he represented Wells Fargo in the action alleging reverse redlining of consumer mortgages.

Allen Ruby is an out-and-out trial lawyer whose casework speaks volumes as to the diversity of his practice. Over the past year he has played a prominent role in the defense of criminal charges against Barry Bonds, ConAgra in a product liability matter, and Adobe in a contract dispute.

Eric Waxman currently heads the Los Angeles office's securities team. He handles all aspects of securities claims and enforcement including investigations, negotiations, trials and class action defense. His work both at trial and appeal saw the successful dismissal of backdating allegations against officers and directors of the Apollo Group, as well as achieving a favorable settlement in related derivative actions.

THE FIRM This international firm has a prominent commercial litigation and securities presence. The firm has substantial depth with a sizeable and experienced team, attracting clients such as Intel and Oracle. In its representation of Oracle the group secured the largest jury verdict ever awarded, $1.3 billion, in a copyright infringement matter. The firm is renowned for its representation of accountancy firms and recently secured a favorable settlement on behalf of KPMG in a securities class action relating to Countrywide securities.

Sources say: "The firm has always been thought of as a premier litigation shop and rightly so; it continues with that tradition today and I am very impressed with them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marshall Grossman is a seasoned litigator with a fantastic reputation and a fabulous practice. He regularly represents high-profile clients such as Esteé Lauder, Friendfinder and the University of Southern California. Recent work on behalf of Agudas Chabad demonstrates the scope and scale of his practice, taking on the Russian Federation and other defendants to secure the return of sacred artifacts.

Donn Pickett was instrumental in the Oracle litigation and enjoys a strong litigation practice flavored strongly by IP and antitrust issues. Other clients of his include SanDisk and Deloitte.

David Balabanian's extensive practice has frequently placed him at the forefront of contentious and high-profile litigation, such as his work stemming from the Gulf oil spill on behalf of client MOEX Offshore.

Dale Barnes is identified as a "strategic thinker" by clients, who appreciate that "he thinks through the implications of different matters." His securities practice covers SEC investigations and derivative actions, while his core focus is the representation of accounting firms, such as long-term client KPMG.

THE FIRM This firm is renowned for its litigation work, most notably in respect of the successes of the team in relation to privacy suits on behalf of Facebook and GAP, as well as Banana Republic in the widely publicized ZIP code decision. The team also handles litigations arising from the high-tech industry on behalf of clients including Qualcomm and NVIDIA in multibillion-dollar disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Neal is described as a "terrific trial lawyer," and "brilliant in terms of litigation." He is described as a versatile litigator who can handle anything, but has recently taken the lead in a number of complex pharmaceutical and hi-tech litigations involving a variety of issues.

John Dwyer is a well-regarded commercial litigator who has a strong securities background and track record to match. Peers note that "he has very good judgment, is very practical but also creative in defense - one of the guys you expect to see."

THE FIRM This firm houses a strong litigation practice and is able to draw upon its IP expertise to serve clients embroiled in complex technology disputes. The group has substantial securities and financial litigation expertise and handles complex work on behalf of clients such as State Compensation Insurance and Pacific Select funds. The team continues its representation of Angelo Mozilo, the former CEO and Chairman of Countrywide, in a variety of filings and claims.

Sources say: "A very fine firm; they're really tough and know what they are doing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Siegel is an established player in the securities field and frequently appears in high-profile litigation. He has worked extensively on behalf of Angelo Mozilo in federal and state court following shareholder and SEC action.

THE FIRM This full-service firm has a global presence and is able to draw upon its vast resources to serve its clients' needs. The litigation department handles all aspects of commercial litigation, highlighted by its diverse client base including SAP, Chevron and SanDisk. The team recently secured a victory for SAP against Google by succeeding upon a motion to vacate the record $1.3 billion jury award on the basis of actual damages being incorrectly calculated.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Mittelstaedt enjoys a varied commercial practice. He has been engaged as a lead lawyer on behalf of Chevron and SAP and was instrumental in the recent success seen in the latter's appeal.

Rick McKnight is pegged as "one of the finest trial lawyers in California." His advocacy focused practice sees him defend product liability, IP and a variety of other commercial disputes. Recent work includes a three months trial for client Yamaha Motor.  

THE FIRM This firm has a global reach and wins praise for its expansive commercial disputes practice, with particular expertise in financial and IP litigations. The group's clients include Don Johnson Productions, UBS and Silverpeak Real Estate. Recent successes include the team's representation of the ad hoc committee of secured creditors in the Capmark Financial Chapter 11 cases, which was viewed as a landmark decision.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark McKane has a broad commercial practice dealing with complex disputes and also handles cases involving bankruptcy or related insolvency issues. Clients favor him because "he is business oriented, but also very candid so he doesn't skirt around the issue. I have a high degree of confidence and security in that if he tells me it's a loser, it's a loser."

THE FIRM This firm is a respected presence in the market and has built a strong reputation for its broad commercial litigation expertise. Notable work from the past year includes the firm's representation of Taco Bell in a class action claim alleging that the core of its hallmark seasoned ground beef was made up substantially of extenders and fillers. Other clients include PG&E and Stevie Wonder.

Sources say: "They did a great job; worth every penny."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sara Brody has a thriving securities practice defending against shareholder and SEC action at individual and corporate level. She has been heavily active in much of the Re Wachovia litigation, representing upwards of 80 underwriters following Wachovia public offerings.

THE FIRM This firm's litigation department covers a range of matters, including commercial, securities and consumer disputes. The three California offices have seen successes in the last year in areas of class action defense, breach of contract and antitrust litigation. Notable work includes the team's representation of Expedia in a class action, which ended in a positive ruling that emailed receipts are not electronically printed receipts as defined under FACTA.

Sources say: "The team is terrific in the securities field."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Boris Feldman is a powerful securities lawyer and a "clever strategist and outstanding litigator." He is currently engaged on behalf of Stryker Corporation in a fraud class action and derivative litigations stemming from FDA warnings upon issues of quality and compliance. He is considered to be "the complete analytical package," with interviewees describing him as "one of the best securities attorneys in the country because he interacts well across parties, will engage in a productive discussion and enable us to participate constructively on how the matter should proceed."

Nina Locker "brings a diligence and an assertiveness" that impresses sources. She succeeds in "making clients comfortable." Her representation covers internal and FCPA investigations, SEC interaction and resulting litigation in all manner of industries and allegations.

Keith Eggleton brings corporate knowledge to his litigation practice, with clients stating that "he knows the drill and has many productive relationships to help the process along."

Steven Schatz is noted for being "very effective in motion practice" and clients are delighted by his pragmatic approach and his accessibility. He represented Hewlett-Packard in a number of litigations, including a number of derivative actions following misconduct allegations against the former CEO and Chairman.

THE FIRM This firm has boosted its litigation capabilities in the past year with the addition of Matthew Larrabee and another four trial partners. The team has particular strengths in the financial services, pharmaceuticals, technology sectors, among others. In the past year the team has acted on behalf of clients including Google, DHL, Pimco and GSK.

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Oxley received praise for the quality of his trial advocacy. Clients report: "He is brilliant, he has worked for me on numerous trials and quite frankly was and is the best trial lawyer I've ever seen." He also wins praise for his strategic foresight.

Clients comment that when meeting Matthew Larrabee, "it's clear he knows his stuff," adding that "he doesn't talk down to you, but is very collaborative and also helps lay out the process in a clear and easy fashion." His practice focuses on defending class actions and other complex business litigation, frequently on behalf of financial sector institutions like OppenheimerFunds.

Christopher Ruhland gets "100% immersed into the business and case." His dedicated business litigation practice also covers IP-related disputes and in the past year he represented DHL in the defense of a Texas claim for $165 million by franchisees following DHL's decision to exit the market.

THE FIRM This firm's expansive litigation practice handles commercial disputes on a national basis. Prime strengths include class action defense, product liability and breach of contract work. Recent matters include work for Toyota in class action defense. The group also represented Nestle Water in a $50 million class action claiming that a company policy existed of sending customers products that they had not ordered. 

Sources say: "They have been very successful in working with us to mitigate risk and win litigations; I'd recommend them!"

KEY INDIVIDUALS Douglas Young is "just terrific," sources report. He has a diverse practice which includes criminal, civil, regulatory and advisory roles, and enjoys a prominent reputation amongst the Californian Bar.

THE FIRM This international firm enjoys a solid local reputation for its litigation capabilities. The group continues to have a vibrant commercial practice, particularly in the area of class action defense. While the firm is best known for its media & entertainment and IP work, the team also offers vast expertise in securities, financial and complex business disputes. The practice attracts clients like American Commercial Lines, New York Post and IBM, and recent work on behalf of ConAgra Foods in a spate of class actions saw several victories on behalf of the client.

Sources say: "Worthy adversaries, with some very good litigators."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Norman Blears is a prominent securities lawyer who has both commercial and trial experience. Sources describe him as "particularly skillful at getting cases settled and dealing with the SEC, where judgment and a deft touch is needed." His practice also focuses on M&A related disputes, such as his work on behalf of LabCorp.  

Douglas Schwab is a seasoned litigator who enjoys a powerful reputation based on his solid experience. He handles securities and related business litigation on behalf of a number of key clients including Cadence Design Systems.

THE FIRM This firm is respected for its capacity to handle bet-the-company litigation. The department attracts mandates from a number of industries with notable clients including Ticketmaster, Warner Bros and Swiss Re. In the past year the group succeeded in remanding a class action to federal court, brought against client Match.

Sources say: "They are excellent lawyers and represent us well. They are fighters and roll up their sleeves for us; very good at dealing with difficult situations and difficult lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chad Hummel is the chair of the litigation department and a key contact in the firm's Los Angeles office.

THE FIRM This firm continues to impress with its strong class action expertise. This group focuses on commercial litigations with a particular specialty for cases with a healthcare, product liability and intellectual property element. The firm has also built an enviable practice through its work defending major FCA actions with successful work for Natural Organics, leading to the dismissal of a qui tam false patent marking claim.

Sources say: "An outstanding firm top to bottom."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tom Ryan and Daniel Alberti, based in the Los Angeles and Silicon Valley offices respectively, are key contacts in California.

THE FIRM The firm's California group is part of a truly nationwide practice and has gained a particular reputation for its successes in financial services and toxic tort litigations. The team is sought after by clients, such as JPMorgan Chase, for its crisis management ability. The team's breadth is further demonstrated through the securing of a multimillion-dollar jury verdict on behalf of client Asahi Kasei Pharma following a dispute over licensing rights.

Sources say: "Their team was united and shared a common goal with us. They were excellent; diligent and dedicated, so much so that non-legal personnel in our company could work with them smoothly and efficiently."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Schrader wins market approval as "a real smart trial lawyer who did an outstanding job; we were very impressed with his skills and he was a pleasure to work with." A strong commercial litigator and able trial lawyer, he recently successfully represented Toyota in claims that the client allegedly destroyed evidence, gave false testimony and failed to fulfill discovery obligations in relation to national rollover product liability litigation.

THE FIRM This firm's extensive litigation practice covers a wide range of commercial disputes. The group is well known for its employment and health care work, as well as its technology related litigation expertise. The firm's five California offices serve the business community thoroughly, with clients including Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, GE Healthcare and L'Oreal. The department's expertise in the financial arena is highlighted by its ongoing representation of institutions like Morgan Stanley and UBS for which the team is currently handling a number of cases relating to mortgage backed securities.

Sources say: "A number of very strong litigators with some really great successes."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Sullivan is a well known securities lawyer who can frequently be found defending companies and executives against shareholder action and other related claims. He defends UBS in ongoing litigation relating to RMBS defaults.

THE FIRM This firm is well known for its strong foothold in corporate and financial work and its successes in this area are mirrored in litigation where the team is relied upon by institutions and big business alike. The department handles IP, antitrust and securities litigations with the primary focus on complex commercial disputes. With regard to the latter, the group has worked on behalf of JPMorgan Chase in a variety of actions relating to the failure of Washington Mutual and the RMBS meltdown. 

Sources say: "An outstanding firm in terms of quality and depth."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Sacks is an experienced litigator and is thought of as a "creative thinker and a great strategist with good common sense who brings a fantastic work ethic and client service." He handles a range of work within securities and commercial litigation, tackling issues of antitrust, IP, contract and various class actions. He has been representing VeriFone in securities and derivative litigation relating to a financial restatement.

Clients find Michael Steinberg "absolutely exceptional," and appreciate his ability to forge "a very collaborative and insightful working relationship." He is an accomplished trial lawyer concentrating on commercial work, including class action defense, antitrust disputes and consumer claims.

THE FIRM This group has the ability to mobilize the firm's global resources to serve clients engaged in the most complex of disputes. The California team has an established reputation for its proficiency in handling class action defense work, demonstrated by its work for Consortium de Réalisation in the $1 billion claim brought by AIG. Other clients include The Salvation Army, Time Warner Cable and Wells Fargo Bank.

Sources say: "I've been using them without a hiccup for many years. The relationship has continued because their communication is excellent, as are their fees in comparison to quality."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bryan Merryman enjoys a diverse litigation practice turning his hand to a range of disputes, including product liability and breach of contract claims and defending against consumer class actions. He successfully represented Nestlé and Gerber in putative class action litigation.

THE FIRM This firm is a respected plaintiff's outfit, but the group also defends cases in a number of different areas. The team is particularly active in bringing consumer actions and has seen considerable success over the years for its work in financial and securities-related cases.

Sources say: "A really solid firm, very good trial lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Cotchett is a prolific commercial lawyer and is considered a relentless advocate for his clients and a "great trial lawyer." Focused exclusively upon litigation he handles both plaintiff and defense work in matters ranging from personal injury to intellectual property.

THE FIRM This firm is instantly recognizable as one of the leaders at the plaintiff's Bar in securities fraud litigation. In the past year the group took a lead role in class action litigation against Wells Fargo and KPMG, delivering a $627 million settlement for the plaintiffs, injured by Wachovia securities in the market crash.

Sources say: "In a field of lawyers they are really the standouts as being extraordinarily professional!"

KEY INDIVIDUALS Darren Robbins is a former prosecutor and is well versed in helping clients navigate the regulatory side of securities enforcement matters. Peers describe him as having "very good judgment and is a top notch lawyer."

Patrick Coughlin is praised as "an excellent lawyer." Known for his trial work and hands-on approach, the former prosecutor is of counsel with the firm and handles large-scale securities class actions.