THE FIRM This litigation behemoth houses an impressive team of litigators and sits at the pinnacle of litigation groups in the District of Columbia. The firm is home to over 250 partners and associates, who represent clients in some of the most cutting-edge and complex litigations. With its full-service approach the firm has a roster of talented attorneys who handle commercial and securities litigation and white-collar criminal defense work skillfully and with ease.

Sources say: "A terrific firm. Their ethos is the hard-note litigation, beating the other side into submission, and they are very, very good at that." "Williams & Connolly is excellent; brilliant litigators that I use for the complex work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brendan Sullivan is praised by one client as "the best litigator in Washington, DC and in the whole country." He is "extremely practical and the guy you want to go into court with," and further praised as someone who "values discretion." He regularly appears in courts across the country in complex commercial and criminal defense cases.

Kevin Downey focuses on general commercial litigation and has particular expertise in securities-related work. He wins recognition as being extremely "talented with very good judgment," and is described as someone who "instills confidence in clients." In addition to displaying commercial know-how he also represents clients in criminal matters.

John Villa is an experienced litigator who devotes his practice to financial services and business litigation. On top of his securities and commercial know-how he has specialist expertise in legal malpractice claims. Clients are particularly impressed with his breadth of knowledge. 

David Kendall is sought after by clients for his longstanding expertise, and is described as "an excellent attorney who just wins." His practice spans complex civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense work. 

William McDaniels is another senior litigator at Williams & Connolly. He has specialist expertise in a wide range of industries, including antitrust, IP and employment, and represents clients in complex commercial litigation, as well as criminal matters.

David Zinn receives praise as a "tremendous attorney." Sources commend him for his strong courtroom presence, as well as for his breadth of expertise. He focuses on white-collar criminal defense work and related regulatory proceedings.

Of counsel John Vardaman is an accomplished litigator. He spent the last 30 years representing individuals and companies in civil and criminal proceedings, and continues to be active in courts across the country.

Dane Butswinkas is lauded as "a rising star," and wins approval from market commentators based on his strong trial skills. Described as "truly superb," he devotes his practice to commercial trial work and national and international arbitration.

"Young and great," Robert Cary is admired by market commentators as "a superb lawyer." He has extensive expertise in legal malpractice suits and also handles criminal litigation.

THE FIRM Baker Botts is elevated in the rankings having earned strong praise for its sizable team of high-quality litigators. It recently saw the arrival of 40 lawyers from Howrey, adding valuable litigation and antitrust expertise and increasing the team size to 78. The group regularly handles complex commercial and securities litigation in courts in DC and across the USA. It also comes strongly recommended for its track record in white-collar litigation and high-profile corporate investigations. Clients are quick to commend the team's responsiveness and strong trial experience.

Sources say: "The group is very cooperative with other parties involved, but at the same time protecting their clients and serving their clients first."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Phenomenal lawyer" William Jeffress belongs "at the top of the heap," impressed sources report. With longstanding experience in both general commercial litigation and white-collar criminal defense he is respected as "thorough, well prepared, knowledgeable and a good communicator." He has been involved in a number of high-profile cases this past year, and continues to represent Drummond against allegations of Alien Tort Statute violations relating to Colombian paramilitary violence.

Michael Barta garners praise as a "fantastic guy and superb lawyer" with strong white-collar defense abilities. He was recently part of the team representing Halliburton in investigations by the Republic of Nigeria and the UK's Serious Fraud Office into allegations of corrupt payments. Market sources report: "He has accomplished a lot for someone his age and combines excellent judgment with being an effective litigator." 

General commercial litigator and head of the DC litigation group Joe Caldwell is an "extremely talented" complex commercial and business litigator. He also serves clients in white-collar criminal litigation and investigations, and is held in high regard for his solid commercial expertise.

THE FIRM This international giant maintains its reputation as one of the top litigation firms in Washington, DC, offering counsel on a broad range of matters. With more than 140 litigators in its District of Columbia office, clients are well served in commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense work and regulatory investigations. The talented group's impressive client roster includes Ford, WellPoint, Airbus SAS and Honeywell.

Sources say: "This firm has a great team and is a pleasure to work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ty Cobb enjoys an excellent reputation for his strong criminal litigation expertise. He leads the securities enforcement and compliance group and is the firm's co-head of the investigations, white-collar and fraud group.

David Hensler is a strong choice for big-ticket litigation, impressed sources report. Clients appreciate his proactive style and describe him as "a pitbull advocate in a bow tie." He is experienced in complex commercial disputes and offers specialist expertise on insurance-related litigation.

Peter Spivack is "truly wonderful," delighted sources report. Described as "absolutely fantastic, easygoing and unflappable," he gets "things to resolution," and "really understands how to efficiently conduct an investigation." He co-heads the firm's investigations, white-collar and fraud group.

Craig Hoover co-heads the firm's litigation group and is recognized as "a terrific lawyer" by admiring market sources. Described as "smart with excellent skills and a great communicator," he offers specialist expertise in class action litigation and has handled a number of matters for client WellPoint in the last year.

Carl Rauh has a strong litigation track record and, as a former US attorney for the District of Columbia and former chief federal prosecutor, is sought after for his impressive background and experience. Described as a "premier and talented" criminal defense lawyer, he regularly advises companies and individuals on complex criminal and civil litigation.

Robert Bennett is another former federal prosecutor, and enjoys a "huge reputation" in the market. He is a go-to individual for complex litigation, with market commentators stating that "everyone goes to him when stakes are high."

THE FIRM Kirkland & Ellis continues to be one of the leading lights in the district, with many clients turning to it for their most complex litigation. The firm enjoys a great reputation nationally and its talented litigators regularly appear in state and federal courts across the country. The team impresses clients with its extensive trial expertise. It recently represented Hershey in dozens of antitrust actions alleging price-fixing in the US chocolate confectionery industry. Other notable clients include BASF, ConocoPhillips and Raytheon.

Sources say: "They have a very strong reputation here in Washington, DC for being the firm that major clients go to when they have their biggest and most difficult problems."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Yannucci is a well-regarded litigator who devotes his practice to complex commercial litigation, with especially strong expertise in class actions litigation. He enjoys an excellent reputation as "a great lawyer" in the market, and represented Hershey in the various antitrust actions mentioned above.

Eugene Assaf draws praise as a "smart and aggressive" litigator who is "very accomplished." He is an experienced litigator who is sought out by clients for his expertise in environmental and technology disputes. His clients include Honeywell International and AOL.

Neil Eggleston recently joined the firm from Debevoise & Plimpton. He not only offers "superb judgment," but also "approaches the practice of law with a passion and then turns that passion into extraordinary creativity for getting results." He is commended for his deep expertise in white-collar criminal defense work as well as securities litigation.

THE FIRM WilmerHale's Washington, DC office is prized for its strong group of litigators, many of whom have the benefit of prior government experience. The firm's extensive international network caters for wide-ranging resources and seamless multijurisdictional services. The group, comprising more than 170 litigators, is well placed to handle a wide range of litigation matters, both civil and criminal, and is noted for its strength in securities litigation. 

Sources say: "Very deep and worth every penny."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Delighted clients outline Howard Shapiro's strengths as "acuity, care, and a team-oriented approach." He heads the firm's litigation and controversy group and represents clients in both criminal white-collar defense matters and complex civil disputes.

Randolph Moss is an experienced commercial litigator who market commentators describe as "top-notch in securities law issues." He is co-head of the firm's government and regulatory litigation group.

THE FIRM This sizable group is a strong choice for both commercial and criminal defense work, with an impressive breadth of sector expertise and strong trial skills. Highlight work includes successfully representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its Ministry of Defense and Aviation in claims brought by Lear Siegler Services alleging breaches of military contracts and related business torts. The group is also frequently engaged in pro bono litigation. Major clients include Bank of America, Motorola and Altria.

Sources say: "They are very accommodating. The consistency of quality, the culture of excellence and the client service are more than I've had from any other firm." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Gersch is "a great choice" for complex civil litigation, clients enthuse. He heads the firm's business litigation group and market commentators say he never ceases to impress.

John Nassikas approaches his work in a "very objective" manner and is acknowledged in the market for his strong track record in criminal defense work and related civil proceedings. Peers enjoy working with him and describe him as "a terrific and savvy lawyer." He is held in particularly high regard for his work on behalf of clients in the pharmaceutical industry.

Delighted clients say that Scott Schreiber "is as good as they come." He co-leads the firm's securities enforcement and litigation group and manages the securities class action and derivative litigation practice. Interviewees praise his analytical skills as well as his "wealth of knowledge and background."

James Cooper enters the rankings having earned praise for his "great wealth of knowledge." He defends clients in white-collar criminal litigation and internal investigations.

THE FIRM This firm is respected for its strong white-collar criminal defense practice, with a talented team consisting of a number of former federal prosecutors. The group is also adept at commercial litigation and has sector expertise in areas including IP, life sciences, and the food and drug sectors. It continues to represent Chiquita in a number of complex litigation matters relating to extortion payments made by Chiquita's Colombian subsidiary to armed groups in Colombia. Other notable clients include GlaxoSmithKline, JPMorgan Chase and Wal-Mart.

Sources say: "I am very happy with the service. My professional life is in their hands and I trust them completely." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Nields is an experienced white-collar criminal defense attorney who enjoys "a great reputation." Interviewees describe him as "just excellent and very strategic," and highlight his forte in antitrust matters. He is also accomplished in complex commercial litigation and arbitration.

Peers highlight commercial litigator Michael Schlanger as a "formidable opponent in the courtroom," adding that "he never lets the heat of the fight spill over into his dealings with opposing counsel." He is "a highly skilled trial lawyer and brilliant tactician," sources say.  

"Extremely talented" attorney Stephen Anthony is the deputy chair of the firm's litigation practice. He handles criminal matters, with a strong focus on government investigations relating to the FCPA, accounting fraud and foreign trade control violations.

THE FIRM With an impressive 125 litigators, this firm's Washington, DC-based group offers expertise spanning a wide range of areas. The team is respected for its representation of both corporations and individuals in white-collar criminal defense work, and counsels UBS on the LIBOR class action litigation. In addition to its strong criminal expertise, the team handles securities and complex commercial disputes with ease. Recent notable engagements include representing the National Football League Players Association in trial and appeal, as well as acting for Facebook and its founder in a breach of contract action.

Sources say: "They are smart, practical lawyers who consistently deliver a quality work product."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Warin is highly respected in the market and chairs the litigation practice in Washington, DC as well as being cochair of the firmwide white-collar defense and investigations group. Described as a "force of nature," he is "dedicated, strategic, and extremely persuasive with judges," and has "tremendous success with prosecutors advocating for his clients." 

THE FIRM Jones Day offers clients broad and deep litigation expertise, handling the full range of complex commercial, white-collar criminal defense and securities litigation. The firm has a strong national and international footprint, allowing for a seamless multijurisdictional service. Notable clients of the group include IBM, Ascension Health, Bayer, Chevron and Verizon Communications.

Sources say: "Nice supporting cast of attorneys. They worked very well with us, allowing us to have an active role in the litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Romatowski wins praise for his excellent interpersonal skills and is described as "an outstanding communicator with all constituents." Interviewees are quick to highlight his "ability to synthesize complex information and documents." He devotes his practice to regulatory and criminal investigations and securities law issues.

Thomas Cullen heads up the firm's trial practice and is recognized as "a first-rate and professional master of the craft." He has in the last year been representing GM in a lawsuit brought by former executive-level employees, alleging that post-bankruptcy reductions to their benefits are in violation of ERISA.

Henry Asbill is an experienced criminal defense attorney who regularly appears in state and federal courts across the country.  

THE FIRM This team enjoys a solid reputation for its skillful handling of the full range of disputes, with particular expertise in securities class actions and the financial industries. The firm's Washington, DC office houses a sizable litigation group, which further benefits from the firm's extensive national and global network. A recent highlight for the group was its representation of Fannie Mae in securities class actions, individual securities actions and shareholder derivative actions, as well as an ERISA class action. Other notable clients include United Healthcare, Bank of America and Countrywide Financial Corporation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Securities litigation expert Jeffrey Kilduff is "very talented," interviewees report, and peers state that they "appreciate his talent and knowledge." He is the chair of the firm's securities litigation group and is part of the team that is currently handling the various actions on behalf of Fannie Mae.

Stevan Bunnell is the managing partner of the firm's Washington, DC office and is respected in the market as "a fabulous attorney." He is well versed in acting for both companies and individuals in criminal and civil litigations.  

THE FIRM The litigation group at Sidley Austin offers impressive breadth, with expertise across a wide range of areas. It is strong in trial and regulatory matters, and has experience in advising clients in a range of industries, including healthcare, pharmaceutical, environmental and banking. The group is recognized for its international focus, and is also particularly well regarded for its strong FCPA expertise.

Sources say: "Sidley has provided us with excellent representation on many matters that have been critical to our success not only as an effective legal department but also on matters that were critical to our success as a company."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Hopson chairs the firm's Washington, DC office and acts as cochair of the firm's national government and internal investigation group. He impresses clients with his "strong subject matter expertise and business knowledge." He is currently representing Duke Energy in a CAA case.

Thomas Green is a seasoned litigator with impressive trial expertise. He is widely viewed as "a warrior with superior judgment," while "prosecutors know they cannot mess with him," sources report. He recently represented the former CEO of the AremiSoft in a criminal securities fraud case.

THE FIRM The Washington, DC office of this international firm is equipped to handle its clients' every litigation need. The group undertakes work on complex commercial litigation across the USA and is respected for its solid white-collar criminal defense expertise. The team benefits from a steady flow of clients from the firm's highly respected corporate group, and is equipped to handle multijurisdictional work with ease.

Sources say: "Whenever we have a big problem we go to them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mitchell Ettinger co-leads the firm's government enforcement practice and focuses on complex civil and criminal litigation. He garners strong praise for his client service and is described as "an outstanding, talented and very well-educated attorney."

The firm strongly benefited from the arrival of litigation expert Michele Roberts, who joined the firm in early 2011 from Akin Gump. She is "a powerful advocate in the courtroom, and a savvy strategist outside it," impressed sources report. She has extensive trial expertise and focuses on complex commercial as well as criminal litigation. 

THE FIRM This litigation group enjoys a solid reputation for its white-collar criminal defense expertise. With its strong trial experience, the growing group, already consisting of 162 attorneys in Washington, DC, handles complex commercial and criminal litigation in the USA and abroad. Clients include former Duane Reade CEO Anthony Cuti, Chartis/American International Specialty Lines Insurance, former-CEO of KV Pharmaceuticals Marc Hermelin, and IMI.

Sources say: "The firm has attracted top-notch talent in both the partner and associate ranks." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Star litigator Reid Weingarten splits his time between the firm's New York and Washington, DC offices. He is a "renowned trial lawyer," recognized as "one of the finest in the country." Clients appreciate that he "always focuses on the big picture," and that he is "able to quickly assess complicated facts to get to the root of the matter and boil facts down to the essentials." New entry Brian Heberlig "works well with the DOJ, is responsive and careful in communicating with client contacts," sources report. He heads the firm's white-collar criminal defense group and, together with Weingarten, is representing former Congressman Rick Renzi, who is charged with several public corruption and fraud offenses.

THE FIRM Crowell & Moring houses an experienced litigation team in its Washington, DC office. The group is acknowledged for its creative approach to both general commercial and white-collar criminal defense work. Recent notable engagements include representing AT&T in consumer class action litigation throughout the USA, alleging faults in wireless phone or data transmission services relating to the iPhone and iPad. Other clients include Anthem Blue Cross and Humana.

Sources say: "The firm offers very good depth and breadth. They are not really short in any area and work with us on fee arrangements."

KEY INDIVIDUALS White-collar crime expert Philip Inglima is respected as "a diligent, forthright and honest individual with high integrity." Interviewees see him as someone who possesses "all of the skills you would want in an advocate," highlighting "his great bedside manner, hard-working attitude" and the fact that he "goes the extra mile for his clients."

Kathleen Taylor Sooy heads the department and is praised as an "outstanding advocate and excellent resource for in-house attorneys." Enthusiastic clients report that "she anticipates the needs of corporate clients and understands how corporate legal departments serve business executives."

THE FIRM This solid team is adept at representing companies, individuals and governments as both defendants and plaintiffs. The team benefits from the firm's further five offices across the USA, allowing for a seamless service on multistate litigation. Recent highlights include successfully representing Bruce Saffran in a patent case against Johnson & Johnson, securing a $482 million award for the client. Other notable clients include Carson Helicopter, Dow Corning and Merrill Lynch.

Sources say: "I would give the Dickstein team the highest possible rating in terms of the depth and breadth of their knowledge and experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Higgins is an experienced trial lawyer who heads up the firm's securities litigation, regulatory and compliance group. He is a former Assistant US Attorney for the District of Columbia and is widely respected throughout Washington, DC.

Practice co-head Barry Levine garners praise as "an outstanding professional and brilliant legal technician." One impressed market commentator stated: "He is by far the most persuasive speaker in the courtroom I have ever heard. He is a true gentleman and he remains fully committed to the cause."

THE FIRM This group has a strong track record in complex commercial litigation. On top of this expertise, the team is recognized for its strength in handling large class actions, product liability litigation and insurance-related disputes. It has in the last year represented Lafarge North America in various actions brought on behalf of New Orleans residents, alleging that a Lafarge barge broke through the levee during Hurricane Katrina, causing a large part of the flooding throughout the state.

Sources say: "From top to bottom the firm is simply excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Aldock is "a quick study, a brilliant strategist, practical, patient and very well respected and connected," sources report. He chairs the firm's Washington, DC office and represents clients across the country in complex commercial disputes and class actions.  

Approving market commentators regard Mark Raffman as "a very accomplished litigator." He is currently advising Pangborn on silica liability litigation and other mass tort litigation.

THE FIRM Mayer Brown is acknowledged for its impressive breadth and expansive global network. Recent highlights include representing BNSF Railway Company in a nationwide putative class action relating to allegations of a conspiracy to fix fuel surcharges added to shipping rates. Other major clients include Cargill, Lockheed Martin and Nestlé.

Sources say: "Mayer Brown provides the staffing we need for any issue and tailors it to the level of experience necessary for various aspects of the case." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Lackey cochairs Mayer Brown's Washington, DC-based litigation department. He is experienced in both commercial and criminal litigation, as well as in e-discovery.

THE FIRM Market sources recommend this group for its strong trial experience. It regularly represents both individuals and companies in domestic and international white-collar criminal litigation and internal investigations. The team frequently works in conjunction with the firm's experienced tax team to handle criminal tax issues.

Sources say: "They do have good bench strength."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Hibey comes equipped with strong white-collar criminal litigation skills, and also offers solid antitrust expertise. Market commentators applaud him as being "simply superb."

Barry Pollack is an experienced trial lawyer who is appreciated for his accounting background, which ensures he "can understand financial crimes better than an average lawyer." Impressed clients describe him as "thoughtful, budget-conscious, insightful, reasonable and, most importantly, practical."

Mark Rochon is "most experienced in white-collar criminal defense," market commentators report. He enjoys a solid reputation in the market and is praised as "a hard worker." 

THE FIRM This widely respected litigation group continues to excel in white-collar criminal defense work. It regularly represents clients in government and regulatory investigations and offers strong counsel in a wide range of areas, including antitrust, tax and securities. The team frequently works with colleagues based in the firm's offices throughout the East Coast, allowing for a seamless client service in multidistrict litigation.

Sources say: "Zuckerman lawyers are superb." "It stands out for white-collar crime and is one of the best litigation firms."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Taylor "continues to be brilliant," with market sources applauding him as "a deep and strategic thinker." His practice covers criminal and civil litigation, and he enjoys a stellar reputation in the state and beyond for "his tremendous judgment and loyalty to clients."

Peers think the world of Steven Salky, who they describe as a "practical and brilliant" litigator. He has extensive white-collar crime expertise and is lauded for his strong track record in representing executives in securities fraud investigations and related civil litigation.

Roger Zuckerman "gets great results," enthusiastic interviewees report. He has wide-ranging litigation expertise and represents clients in both criminal and civil litigation. Peers have full trust in him and applaud his "great judgment."