Financial Services Regulation: Nationwide

THE FIRM Allen & Overy is making strides in the US regulatory arena, and has increased its bench recently with some impressive lateral hires. It has added some significant firepower in broker-dealer matters with the arrival of a team previously at O'Melveny & Myers, and recently opened an office in Washington, DC to broaden the level of access it can offer clients. The group provides regulatory advice to the US operations of some of the most recognized financial institutions in the world, including RBS, UBS and BNP Paribas. It also serves as one of the primary outside counsel for SIFMA in relation to the SEC's new pay-to-play rules.

Sources say: "It is a really skilled group; the premier firm in the country on any placement agent regulation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Barbara Stettner leads the team recently recruited from O'Melveny, and has opened the firm's Washington, DC office. She focuses on broker-dealer matters, advising clients on compliance obligations under Dodd-Frank, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investors Act of 1940. According to one source, she "stands head and shoulders above the rest in her knowledge of the inner workings of the SEC."

THE FIRM Arnold & Porter is rightly regarded as a heavyweight firm in the areas of regulatory compliance and enforcement. The team has acted for some of the most significant financial institutions on the continuing fallout from the 2008 economic crisis, ranging from insurance companies such as State Farm and AIG to banking behemoths such as former Lehman Brothers subsidiaries Woodlands Commercial Bank and Aurora Bank. The financial services team includes numerous partners with significant government and regulatory experience, and impresses observers in the consumer finance space, frequently representing clients in discriminatory and unfair lending cases brought by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) and the DOJ.

Client Service "The consistency of quality, the culture of excellence and the client service are greater than I've had from any other firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Richard Alexander has one of the most impressive enforcement practices in the country. He is an alumnus of the enforcement office at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and is particularly active in representing boards and directors under investigation.

Kevin Barnard co-heads the firm's financial services practice. His previous positions at the OCC and the US Treasury ensure that he offers a unique perspective on regulatory requirements: "He has been there and done it; he has been on both sides and this informs his approach." Barnard's clients include AIG and Banco do Brasil.

Howard Cayne is a "highly impressive" litigator with a focus on the financial services industry. He has been involved in some of the most significant banking litigation of recent times before state, federal and Supreme courts.

Brian McCormally has led the team representing Woodlands Commercial Bank and Aurora Bank in their dealings with regulators following the Lehman bankruptcy. His broad-based enforcement practice earns the respect of market observers, who say: "The regulators know him and respect him, and he is quickly able to understand the regulatory speak."

Patrick Doyle advises bank holding companies, mutual fund complexes and hedge funds on a broad spectrum of regulatory matters, and is one of the firm's foremost experts on Dodd-Frank.

David Freeman works closely alongside Doyle and is highly regarded for his dexterous handling of issues at the intersection of banking and securities law.

Michael Mierzewski is a "very fine" regulatory lawyer with a focus on enforcement issues concerning consumer finance and fair lending law. He is particularly noted for advising Visa on a host of issues, including class actions challenging interchange rate setting practices.

John Hawke is the elder statesman of the firm's financial services group. He formerly served as the Comptroller of the Currency and has broad regulatory experience, with sources describing him as "a man of immense status, stature and credibility with the regulatory agencies and Congress."

THE FIRM Ballard Spahr's consumer financial services team combines first-rate litigators with an acknowledged capacity for regulatory advice, and is widely considered to be one of the best in the country for defending consumer class actions. In a matter of potentially huge significance to the future of the consumer banking industry, the firm has been handling a range of class actions relating to alleged unfair overdraft fees. It also impresses sources with its pioneering use of arbitration agreements as a vehicle for defending credit card issuers from consumer class actions. Key clients include CitiFinancial, ACE Cash Express and Bank of America.

Sources say: "A great firm with a big consumer finance practice; one of the top-tier firms."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Kaplinsky chairs the firm's consumer financial services group and is praised as "a leader in his field of the law." His practice incorporates both litigation and compliance counseling, and he was central in the firm's advancement of the arbitration agreement strategy for credit card clients.

Jeremy Rosenblum is a "very talented," seasoned litigator with a focus on state and federal lending laws.

Associate Mark Furletti is building a solid reputation as a rising star in the consumer lending arena.

THE FIRM Bingham McCutchen has a long history of involvement in the financial services industry, with the firm's New York and San Francisco offices providing support to the major financial centers of the East and West Coasts, and a strong Washington, DC presence offering superior access to key regulatory bodies. The firm advises clients in the banking and broker-dealer industries on all regulatory matters. In the broker-dealer space it acts for institutional clients such as Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley on compliance and enforcement work in relation to rulemaking from both the SEC and FINRA. It also advises both US and foreign banks and other financial institutions and investment funds on a range of compliance issues, including regulatory changes pertaining to Dodd-Frank. Representative clients for this side of the financial services practice include Bank of Fukuoka and Altrinsic Global Advisors.

Client Service "I use Bingham the most and I keep going back because I've always been happy with their services."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Rockett advises banks and other financial institutions on a broad range of regulatory matters, including compliance and enforcement issues and recapitalizations. According to sources, he is "pragmatic, practical and decisive," and has "excellent negotiation skills."

Hardy Callcott is one of the leading lawyers in the country for broker-dealer matters, and impresses interviewees with his "exceptional good sense and practical approach." He has represented SIFMA in comment letters to the SEC and CFTC concerning whistleblower issues raised by Dodd-Frank.

Neal Sullivan heads the firm's broker-dealer group and has a regulatory practice advising high-profile clients such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley. "He is just about as connected as anybody I have ever met," said one admiring interviewee, adding: "He knows everybody, he has great judgment and he is very client-focused."

David Boch is a broker-dealer regulatory attorney with "his finger on the pulse of what's going on in the industry." His principal clients include Fidelity, to which he provides ongoing regulatory counsel.

Susan Merrill was head of enforcement at FINRA and the NYSE before returning to private practice with Bingham's broker-dealer group. Sources attest that she is "commercial, practical and very connected."

Since publication, W Hardy Callcott has joined Sidley Austin LLP

Since publication, Susan Merrill has joined Sidley Austin LLP

Since publication, Neal E Sullivan has joined Sidley Austin LLP

THE FIRM This firm's extensive financial services regulatory practice counsels clients on a broad range of banking and broker-dealer compliance matters, and is noted for providing tailored M&A expertise to financial institution clients. The banking regulatory practice is particularly active in Texas and the Southern states, advising regional and community banks such as Park Cities Bank and NexBank on a variety of compliance and enforcement matters. M&A clients include MS Financial and Encore Bancshares.

Commercial Awareness "Bracewell provides the legal pathway our organization needs. We have a lot of confidence in their skills and experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sanford Brown is one of the firm's top names for banking-related regulatory and M&A work. According to sources, he "is very smart and responsive, and knows all the regulations and regulators."

Julian Rainero heads the firm's seven-lawyer broker-dealer practice group and is considered its go-to lawyer for advice on such matters. His key clients include Credit Suisse and BNY ConvergEx.

William Luedke heads the financial institutions group and focuses on M&A and regulatory matters. Clients appreciate that "he has seen the ups and downs of the market and can draw on that experience."

THE FIRM BuckleySandler is widely considered to be one of the preeminent legal brands in the consumer finance market. Demonstrating its wide-ranging abilities, the team was recently commissioned by a number of national banks to produce an exhaustive 50-state survey of all state and federal laws affecting lending businesses. The firm is noted for its impressive enforcement and litigation talent, and represents some of the world's most high-profile financial institutions in a host of enforcement actions. It is also a leader in the mortgage arena, and has represented high-caliber clients such as Discover Bank, which the team advised on its entry into the mortgage industry.

Commercial Awareness "They have been the preeminent law firm in providing education and information to the mortgage industry."

Client Service "In terms of responsiveness I couldn't have asked for more, but beyond the responsiveness was the content and quality."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clinton Rockwell heads the firm's Los Angeles office and advises a broad range of financial services clients on licensing, compliance and transactional matters. According to sources, "it is one thing to provide strict legal advice but it is another to provide practical solutions, and Clinton does a great job of that."

Jeffrey Naimon is "certainly a thought leader" in the mortgage servicing space, with "his finger on the pulse of what is going on in the mortgage industry," say interviewees.

John Kromer has a broad regulatory practice with a focus on the mortgage space. Clients report that "he is a joy to work with," with one hailing him as "a true expert in the industry."

Andrew Sandler has consolidated his position as one of the leading financial services attorneys in the USA. His broad practice covers enforcement, litigation and compliance, with a focus on consumer finance and the mortgage industry. Sources consider him to be "probably the best fair lending lawyer in the country."

"Very talented" litigation and enforcement expert Benjamin Klubes is described by impressed commentators as "one of the real leaders in this space."

Jeremiah Buckley is another example of the firm's astonishing bench strength in the mortgage space. He is praised as "a reliable, quality counsel who is straightforward, candid and energetic."

Joseph Kolar is singled out as one of the leading mortgage banking lawyers in the country, and noted for his strategic advice and encyclopedic knowledge of federal regulations. He assists mortgage lenders, servicers and insurers, and is "extraordinarily good at research and analysis."

THE FIRM Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft has had an impressive year in financial services matters. Its highly regarded broker-dealer practice continues to act as outside regulatory counsel for some of the most prestigious brokerage firms in the industry, including Merrill Lynch and BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage. The firm is also considered a go-to choice for some of the most challenging projects, and is assisting CITIC Securities with the establishment of a US broker-dealer, in a complex initiative involving significant cross-border co-operation with the firm's Beijing office. The firm's banking regulatory practice advises banks, thrifts and holding companies on all matters relating to Dodd-Frank compliance.

Sources say: "They have developed a library where if you want to look at the broker-dealer equivalent to a Dodd-Frank rule it is hyperlinked and at your fingertips. This is an amazing service for clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Lofchie cochairs the firm's financial services department and is widely acknowledged as one of the truly elite lawyers in the broker-dealer space. He receives high praise from many industry figures, who highlight his "very deep and nuanced understanding of the law" and appreciate that "he can give practical advice that can be implemented easily but he is very creative in coming up with solutions."

Senior counsel Maurine Bartlett is also a key player in the broker-dealer team, and is equally adept at advising on compliance and assisting with enforcement actions or arbitrations.

THE FIRM This firm continues to be involved in the most sophisticated matters in the financial services sector. The banking and financial institutions practice group is noted for its masterful understanding of the regulatory landscape, and is regularly appointed on groundbreaking, industry-defining issues. On the transactional front the firm has been particularly active in asset management matters, and has advised Bank of America on the bank regulatory aspects of its disposal of its equity interest in BlackRock. The team's superior cross-border capability was demonstrated in its advice to BNP Paribas on its acquisition of the Belgian and US banking operations of Fortis. The firm is equally impressive in enforcement matters, notably counseling Bank of America on the recent settlement of an SEC investigation relating to its acquisition of Merrill Lynch. The team is also a fine choice in the broker-dealer space, representing major financial institutions such as Barclays and Goldman Sachs, and industry bodies such as SIFMA, in the full range of high-end regulatory matters.

Commercial Awareness "The core team is exceptionally aware of commercial developments."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Tortoriello is considered to be among the brightest stars in the regulatory firmament. His broad banking practice encompasses regulatory compliance and enforcement matters, together with an increasing focus on acquisitions. He is singled out as a knowledgeable strategic thinker, with sources saying: "Everybody recognizes that he is a brilliant mind."

"Smart, professional and accessible," Derek Bush advises financial institutions and foreign sovereign states on regulatory compliance and corporate transactions. His high-caliber clients include US Bank and the Institute of International Bankers.

According to sources, Katherine Carroll will be a leading name in the financial services sector in years to come: "She is a star in the making." Her Washington, DC-based regulatory practice receives huge plaudits, with interviewees saying: "She is extraordinarily knowledgeable and knows how to get to the heart of an issue."

David Aman continues to be seen as a go-to lawyer in the broker-dealer space, working with industry mainstays such as SIFMA, NYSE and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Sources note his "encyclopedic knowledge of the law and its history."

"Industry leader" Giovanni Prezioso is another key member of the broker-dealer practice, and frequently advises clients on regulatory investigations and enforcement actions. Prior to rejoining the firm he was general counsel at the SEC, and this background ensures that he can offer clients "great industry knowledge and unparalleled access to the regulators."

Special counsel Linda Soldo focuses her regulatory practice on enforcement matters, advising clients on investigations by the FDIC and other government agencies.

THE FIRM The financial institutions practice group here is expanding, making some significant hires aimed at strengthening its already enviable political and regulatory connections. Consequently, the firm is increasingly prominent, representing some huge clients in a variety of compliance and enforcement matters. On the regulatory compliance front the team represents Freddie Mac in its ongoing conservatorship by the US government and the American Bankers Association with respect to the implementation of Dodd-Frank. Covington & Burling is equally robust in its representation of financial institutions under investigation, and has represented Wells Fargo in connection with a Federal Reserve Board investigation into allegations concerning the origination of nonprime mortgage loans.

Commercial Awareness "The firm is very well connected in Washington, DC and has a lot of important key people on staff. We felt that the team at Covington & Burling had the broadest range of skills to do what we needed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS In a move described as "an absolutely huge coup for the firm," John Dugan has returned to Covington after serving as Comptroller of the Currency. He now heads the financial institutions group, and is praised as "a very good individual with tremendous personal contacts."

According to peers, Stuart Stock "has incredible intensity, is extremely knowledgeable and is maybe the most respected lawyer in DC by people on the inside." He focuses on a broad range of regulatory matters, including both compliance and enforcement work. He has played a central role in the firm's relationship with the American Bankers Association and Freddie Mac.

Mark Plotkin is "an excellent lawyer with very good communication skills and a tremendous breadth of knowledge." He focuses on banking regulation matters, often advising foreign banks such as Temasek Holdings on their US banking operations.

Jean Veta is a leading litigator and regulatory enforcement attorney, and has represented the former CEO of IndyMac Bancorp in lawsuits by the SEC and FDIC. Sources describe her as "tenacious and tremendously effective at working with the regulatory agencies."

THE FIRM Davis Polk is one of the most established firms in the financial services arena and stands out for its excellent banking and broker-dealer compliance and enforcement work; it is also lauded as a top-tier transactional choice for financial institutions. Clients appreciate the firm's groundbreaking Dodd-Frank resources, and the team is noted for advising all six of the largest US banks on compliance aspects of that act. On the transactional front, the firm advised Morgan Stanley on its agreement to convert MUFG's outstanding $7.8 billion convertible preferred common stock in the bank. The firm is equally impressive in broker-dealer matters, where it represents the cream of the financial community. Highlights include advising PIMCO and Lloyds Banking Group on the establishment of broker-dealer subsidiaries.

Client Service "They are enormously responsive and attuned to client requirements."

Commercial Awareness "The team was great in helping us understand what the rules said and what the regulators think about stuff. We had a bunch of major law firms giving us input and every time there was a difference of opinion Davis Polk would end up being right."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Douglas gives "the highest level of advice" on every matter he handles, say sources. His banking compliance practice is one of the most highly regarded, and he has also seen an increasing focus on acquisitions, leading the team on Green Dot's acquisition of Bonneville Bancorp. On the enforcement side he has continued to represent clients in investigations by the FDIC.

Randall Guynn heads the firm's financial institutions group and is described by clients as "a phenomenally sophisticated lawyer." He has advised many of the largest financial institutions on regulatory matters since the financial crisis, and on the ensuing upheavals following the Dodd-Frank reforms. He also has a highly active transactional practice, and led the team representing Morgan Stanley in its aforementioned agreement with MUFG.

The "excellent" Margaret Tahyar focuses largely on banking compliance work concerning Dodd-Frank reform. Clients praise her "proactive advice and ability to turn drafts around very quickly."

Luigi De Ghenghi has a broad regulatory practice with a focus on banking compliance. He has been central in advising Morgan Stanley on the ongoing regulatory implications of its conversion into a bank holding company.

Lanny Schwartz is a key member of the broker-dealer team, and advises clients such as PIMCO and SIFMA on a range of cutting-edge matters.

Former SEC Commissioner Annette Nazareth has huge gravitas in the financial services sector, and is universally acknowledged as a true industry leader. She receives enthusiastic praise from some key players in the broker-dealer world, who highlight her "practical, results-oriented take on things." "She has a deep understanding of US legislation and is the type of lawyer you need if you want to precisely understand how to lobby."

Leading M&A lawyer George Bason has a significant focus on the financial services sector, and has been active in much of the firm's transactional work for Morgan Stanley. Sources confirm that he is "extraordinarily knowledgeable and a great deal-maker."

THE FIRM Debevoise & Plimpton has long been considered one of the leading regulatory firms in the insurance arena but has also boosted its standing in the wider financial community in recent years. The firm's key strengths include regulatory compliance work, where it advises clients such as Credit Suisse and RBS Citizens on rulemaking and compliance under Dodd-Frank and Basel III, and transactional work, where it advised AIA on its spin-off from AIG and ensuing IPO. The team's prominence in this arena is also illustrated by its position on the panel of trade associations such as the Financial Services Roundtable. In addition, it is active on significant enforcement matters, notably representing former Bank of America CEO Kenneth Lewis in regulatory matters arising from the bank's acquisition of Merrill Lynch.

Client Service "We've had such a good experience with Debevoise that now we only really work with them in this space. It has been one of the most successful relationships we have ever had."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Lee is noted for his financial services regulatory compliance practice, and is praised as "a very thoughtful guy and a very deep thinker." He has been particularly active representing trade association clients, including the Financial Services Roundtable and the American Council of Life Insurers.

Gregory Lyons receives great plaudits from clients for his regulatory and transactional practice. He has been involved in the bulk of the firm's compliance work and is increasingly active in the M&A arena, having advised on deals for Federal One and FNBNY. Sources highlight his commendable work ethic, his "creative and practical approach," and his "very strong encyclopedic knowledge of the area."

Satish Kini cochairs the firm's banking group and focuses on compliance work. He is based in Washington, DC and earns praise for his adept handling of his relationships with the key regulatory bodies. He is "very knowledgeable about the DC side of administrative law and has got really good judgment," say interviewees.

Nicholas Potter is a transactional lawyer with a focus on the insurance industry. He has recently worked on sizable acquisitions by Harbinger Capital Partners and Protective Life, and is described as "a levelheaded adviser."

John Vasily represents financial institutions in M&A deals and has handled the bulk of the firm's recent work for AIG. He "provides the best client service I have encountered from any lawyer in my entire career," said one satisfied source.

THE FIRM The financial institutions practice at Dechert arrived en masse from Fried Frank in 2010, and has the necessary expertise and experience to handle any banking-related regulatory compliance, enforcement or M&A matters. It has produced an analysis of Dodd-Frank for the American Bankers Association, and also advises SIFMA and the Loan Syndications & Trading Association on the current regulatory reforms. It has represented financial institutions and their directors in enforcement actions by the FDIC, OTS and OCC. On the transactional side, the team advised the independent directors of ING Direct on its $9 billion acquisition by Capital One.

Commercial Awareness "They know what the regulators will and won't take. They know the politics and the policies and the reasons for the policies, and have been very successful in helping us push back."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Thomas Vartanian  heads the three-partner team and is a standout name in the financial services arena for his broad regulatory and transactional practice. Sources name him "one of the best financial services lawyers in America," and say he is "business-savvy, regulator-savvy and very good at dealing with boards of directors and top management."

David Ansell has a broad regulatory practice with a leaning toward transactional work. According to sources, he is "a very intelligent, disciplined lawyer" with "a very deep awareness of, and familiarity with, banking regulations."

Robert Ledig is the third member of the firm's respected regulatory triumvirate and gives the team a strong presence in the enforcement arena. He is "a very intelligent lawyer who is very good at making sure nuances are not overlooked," say interviewees.

THE FIRM This firm's financial services team is one of the few to combine consumer finance expertise with a strong banking compliance and transactional practice. The consumer finance practice is noted for its litigation strength. The firm frequently handles high-stakes class actions for credit card issuers and mortgage companies, and is currently handling multidistrict litigation involving consumer class and individual actions on behalf of a group of mortgage providers, including Wells Fargo, Bank of America and First Horizon Home Loans. The team also provides regulatory compliance advice for midmarket banks and asset management firms, often in the New England area. On the M&A front it has handled a number of deals involving asset management firms, notably representing Bank of America in the sale of Columbia Management Group to Ameriprise Financial.

Sources say: "In my opinion Goodwin is phenomenal – they are the best."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lynne Barr chairs the firm's consumer financial services practice group and is described as "a very accomplished attorney who is very experienced in the consumer finance area." She is also well known for her work in the banking space, advising clients on regulatory compliance matters.

The "excellent" William Mayer has a fine reputation as a transactional attorney in the banking space. He recently represented Brookline Bancorp in its acquisitions of Bancorp RI and Ipswich Bancshares.

Regina Pisa is the chair and managing partner of the entire firm. Her practice focuses on financial institution M&A.

A number of sources identify Thomas Hefferon as one of the finest consumer finance litigators in the country. He is particularly noted for his defense of consumer class actions in the mortgage industry, and has handled matters on behalf of Countrywide, Wells Fargo and Bank of America. He is lauded as "a very forceful advocate who gets to the heart of an issue quickly."

THE FIRM The financial institutions group here remains active across the regulatory landscape. The team counsels a range of financial institutions on compliance with US regulations, and often advises foreign banks such as Barclays and Banco Industrial de Venezuela (BIV) on their US operations. The team is also noted for its enforcement capability, as demonstrated by its representation of BIV in an investigation by the Federal Reserve System and two state regulators. The group continues to handle a number of M&A deals in the financial services industry, with recent clients including Colorado Federal Savings Bank and Danvers Bancorp.

Sources say: "A terrific firm. A traditional powerhouse on the regulatory side."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stuart Stein is global co-head of the firm's corporate practice group. His broad financial services-oriented practice covers regulatory compliance, enforcement and M&A. He has led the team in representing BIV before the Federal Reserve, and has handled transactional work for Accenture and S1 Corporation.

Richard Schaberg also handles a wide range of regulatory matters and is held in particularly high regard for his banking compliance work. His key clients include Mercantile Bank & Trust and New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares.

Daniel Keating is widely noted for his financial institutions M&A practice. "He is commercially minded and responsive, and really helps us think and work through issues," said one interviewee.

THE FIRM Hudson Cook is considered a go-to firm for mortgage and non-mortgage consumer finance matters. It has worked with high-caliber mortgage companies such as Macquarie Mortgages USA and HSBC, and is also noted for its auto finance expertise, advising the likes of Capital One Auto Finance and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. In addition, the firm has advised banks including Citibank and Bank of America on consumer lending operations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Thomas Hudson is noted as an expert in auto financing.

Fellow firm founder Robert Cook advises residential mortgage lenders and is described by one peer as being "absolutely first-rate."

Alicia Tortarolo is seen as a rising star in the consumer finance arena. She advises mortgage bankers, auto finance firms and credit unions on a host of compliance issues.

THE FIRM This is one of the most highly regarded firms in the consumer finance space, and is highlighted for its prowess in the mortgage arena. It advises many of the USA's most significant financial institutions on regulatory investigations relating to the servicing of distressed mortgage loans and the foreclosure of distressed properties. The team's compliance program is also hugely well regarded, with mortgage providers and credit card issuers taking advantage of an exceptionally strong bench. The firm is praised for its authoritative industry analyses for clients. Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and Radian Guaranty are key names on the client roster.

Client Service "They are unbelievably accessible. I have sent them e-mails at all hours of the night and I have received replies within minutes!"

Commercial Awareness "K&L Gates comes out with commentary for all clients on developments in the mortgage space. This is considered the industry bible. You haven't heard the last word until they have weighed in."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Phillip Schulman enters the rankings this year having received high praise from prominent members of the mortgage industry for his national enforcement practice. He has particular expertise in issues emanating from the US Department of Housing & Urban Development, with sources saying: "He is preeminent on HUD in the USA."

Laurence Platt co-leads the firm's financial services team and has a superb reputation as a litigation and regulatory compliance adviser. One source described him as "the firm's guru." "He has expertise that is unparalleled in the mortgage space, and he has unparalleled access to people in the federal government," added another.

Steven Kaplan impresses with his regulatory compliance practice. He advises clients on state and federal laws pertaining to mortgage and credit card lending, and he anchors the firm's relationship with Goldman Sachs. He is praised as "a first-rate lawyer – both knowledgeable and practical."

Melanie Brody is a highly respected expert in federal and state enforcement matters, as well as regulatory compliance advice.

Susan Grafton, who recently joined the firm from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, is well respected in the broker-dealer arena, providing compliance advice and training on the full range of regulatory issues, and handling enforcement actions before the SEC and FINRA. According to satisfied clients, she has "very good, practical regulatory knowledge, and very good relationships with the regulators."

THE FIRM This firm is building its presence in the financial services sector and has a particularly thriving broker-dealer practice, with some significant lateral hires in recent years. Accordingly, it is increasingly active for the trading arms of some significant institutional clients in offering compliance expertise, and is noted for its strong relationships with key industry regulators. Industry body SIFMA is another client, for which the team drafts numerous comment letters relating to Dodd-Frank rulemaking. The firm also demonstrates its expertise in the regulatory implications of Dodd-Frank through its active banking compliance practice, advising numerous foreign and domestic banks on US regulatory responsibilities.

Sources say: "Latham has hired the right people to make an impression in the regulatory space. They are very strong, very innovative and very well informed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dana Fleischman leads the firm's broker-dealer regulatory team and has an excellent reputation in the industry as being "one of the most expert people in this area." "She has been doing this for a long time and she's been doing it in some very creative and cutting-edge business environments," say interviewees.

Stephen Wink has worked in the broker-dealer industry for many years, both in private practice and as in-house counsel, and his arrival is hailed as "a significant hire for the firm." According to sources, he "knows how clients think and he deals with problems not in a narrow sense but in the larger business context."

THE FIRM This firm's financial services regulatory and enforcement practice group is particularly noted for its strength in the banking space, and advises high-profile clients including the Royal Bank of Canada and UBS. It has handled a range of enforcement actions before the SEC, OFAC and the US Congress, and has notably represented a highly influential group of trade associations in response to an SEC study into the extraterritorial application of US laws for foreign financial institutions. The group is increasingly visible in M&A matters, notably representing Capital One in its acquisition of ING Direct. It also acts for clients such as TIAA-CREF and CIBC World Markets on the broker-dealer side.

Sources say: "They know the situation on the ground very well and in our opinion have a better understanding of regulatory developments than any other firm in the USA."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Scott Anenberg heads the firm's financial services team and is highly rated for his banking compliance expertise. Sources praise him as being "extraordinarily thorough, knowledgeable, precise and persistent."

David Sahr advises banks and financial institutions on regulatory matters, and has led much of the firm's work for Royal Bank of Canada. He is widely admired by peers and clients alike, who highlight him as being "very responsive and extremely well informed."

Jerome Roche is the firm's go-to lawyer for advice on broker-dealer matters. According to sources, he is "a very strong counselor who brings a highly pragmatic approach to complex issues."

Thomas Delaney's broad regulatory practice has a noted focus on enforcement matters, with a particular emphasis on anti-money laundering sanctions and enforcement proceedings by the US Congress. Commentators say: "He has a good understanding of the process of governmental agencies and sets a very good tone in working with the government."

THE FIRM This group focuses mainly on consumer finance, and has been bolstered in the Southern states by the recent addition of offices in Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale. The broad consumer practice is regularly instructed by credit card issuers, auto finance firms and student loan companies. It is also noted for its recent activity in the mortgage arena, advising the likes of American Home Mortgage Servicing and Aurora Bank on Dodd-Frank preemption and compliance, among other matters. 

Sources say: "A very strong consumer finance practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marc Lifset has a niche practice focusing on mobile home lending. He recently advised Wells Fargo on an extensive review of its manufactured housing mortgage operations.

Bennet Koren is the leading light of the firm's consumer finance team. Sources have the "greatest respect" for his consumer credit-focused practice, claiming that he inspires "complete trust."

THE FIRM This team represents major US and foreign broker-dealers, investment advisers and investment partnerships in a wide range of compliance and enforcement matters. On the compliance front the team is highly rated by clients for questions relating to equities, while on the enforcement side the team has been active representing clients before the SEC and FINRA.

Client Service "The billing is extremely transparent and frequent. This makes you feel really taken care of."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Sharp has a great reputation for representing clients in enforcement actions and investigations before the SEC and FINRA. Sources confirm that he is an "excellent lawyer who is good on trading issues and has good judgment."

Wayne Aaron is "very client service-oriented and responsive, and has a good practical grasp of the issues we face as a broker-dealer," said one interviewee. Aaron focuses principally on compliance advice, frequently in relation to equities, where he is reputed to be "the expert."

Since publication, Douglas Landy has joined the team from Allen & Overy. Landy focuses on advising systemically important banking clients on regulation compliance under Dodd-Frank.  

THE FIRM This firm's broker-dealer regulatory team includes more than 30 lawyers and is spread between offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC. It has advised some of the industry's biggest names on the regulatory implications of Dodd-Frank, including NYSE Euronext, Barclays Capital and Credit Suisse. The team has also been active in obtaining FINRA approval for a number of broker-dealer mergers and reorganizations, and has represented several brokerage firms in investigations by OFAC, SEC and FINRA.

Sources say: "Everyone in the industry would agree that Morgan Lewis is one of the most important of the big New York firms."

KEY INDIVIDUALS In the words of one admiring peer, Steven Stone will be in the top tier of broker-dealer lawyers "as long as he's drawing breath." Stone focuses on broker-dealer and investment manager regulation, including compliance advice but with a particular emphasis on enforcement defense. His key clients include industry behemoths such as Banc of America Securities and Goldman Sachs.

Robert Mendelson is highlighted for his broker-dealer and investment fund practice, and anchors the firm's relationship with the Jeffries Group.

John Ayanian has handled much of the firm's work for NYSE Euronext and Wells Fargo Advisers, and focuses particularly on enforcement defense.

THE FIRM Morrison & Foerster's extensive regulatory team handles a high volume of work across the financial services sector. It is particularly highly regarded in the consumer finance space, where it is rightly regarded as a market leader for matters pertaining to credit cards and payment systems. The team is noted for its representation of Capital One in its acquisition of the credit card portfolios of Kohl, Sony and Hudson's Bay, and has also been active on the banking side of the regulatory landscape. The firm's international footprint, particularly in the Far East, makes it a top choice for Asian banks such as Bank Sinopac and ChinaTrust Commercial Bank, for which it handles regulatory issues affecting US operations. The team represents a number of financial institutions in high-stakes investigations and enforcement actions, and its emerging broker-dealer practice has represented some prestigious prime brokerage firms such as Raymond James & Associates.

Sources say: "It has been a very good experience. We have been very happy with the consistency and quality of work across different practice areas."

KEY INDIVIDUALS DC-based Charles Horn focuses on handling compliance matters for the firm's banking clients. Clients highlight his "strong technical knowledge and huge experience," and state that he is "good at synthesizing information to help business people make business decisions."

Sources laud Henry Fields as "one of the best banking lawyers in LA." He has handled much of the firm's work for ING, and leads the firm's relationships with a number of its foreign banking clients.

Oliver Ireland has a broad regulatory practice, advising financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase on the impact of the Dodd-Frank reforms. On the consumer side, he is considered an authority on payment systems and debit card interchange fees, and peers remark that he is "a real leader at what he does."

Barbara Mendelson advises US and foreign banks on regulatory matters. She assisted Bank of Communications with obtaining the regulatory approvals required for the establishment of a San Francisco branch.

Richard Fischer is regarded as one of the superstars of the consumer finance arena, with peers regularly describing him as "terrific, very strong, and one of the real big hitters." He is particularly active in credit card matters for clients such as Capital One, for which he has been instrumental in the $2.6 billion acquisition of HSBC Holdings' credit card portfolio.

The "talented" Michael Agoglia is managing partner of the San Francisco office and stands out as an impressive consumer finance litigator.

Mark Ladner is a highly regarded litigator in the consumer banking space, having accrued significant experience of defending credit card companies in class actions.

THE FIRM Paul Hastings' banking regulatory practice has responded well to the huge uptick in demand following the onset of the Dodd-Frank Act, and has expanded in size to 15 lawyers. Key highlights include advising Harleysville National Corporation on regulatory matters connected to its acquisition by First Niagara Financial Group, and acting for American Home Bank on regulatory issues concerning its recent dissolution.

Sources say: "We have been extremely satisfied with the whole experience with the US team. They have turned things over very quickly and done a very efficient job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gerard Comizio is based in DC and chairs the banking and financial institutions practice group.

THE FIRM This well-respected firm enters the banking enforcement and investigations table for the first time this year, having earned significant praise for a series of high-profile representations in SEC, IRS and DOJ investigations. It acts for some prestigious banking clients, including Bank of America, Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley, and recently represented Citi in SEC investigations into alleged violations concerning subprime disclosures and CDO sales practices.

Sources say: "Paul Weiss is one of the really premier firms in this area. It has superb lawyers and gives a very high quality of work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brad Karp is singled out as one of the most prominent litigators in the country. "He's extremely attentive and makes us genuinely feel that he puts the interests of our company ahead of those of his firm," said one satisfied client, adding: "He's a lovely person and very good to deal with."

THE FIRM Shearman & Sterling has one of the oldest financial regulatory practices in the USA and advises on a wide range of issues, including banking compliance, broker-dealer regulation and M&A. Illustrating the firm's international capabilities, the team represented Fairfax in its portfolio investment in the Bank of Ireland. Demonstrating its banking and broker-dealer regulatory expertise, the team advised ICE Trust on its conversion into a non-bank entity and on the adaptation to new swap clearing rules under Dodd-Frank.

Sources say: "They have the technical knowledge. We have passed through many different complex situations and they have given us valuable legal advice and supported our needs by providing a flexible solution."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bradley Sabel co-heads the firm's financial institutions advisory and financial regulatory practice group, and advises on a broad range of bank regulatory matters. "Brad is the best," said one interviewee. "He is an expert in the law and he has internal experience with regulators."

Russell Sacks is up-and-coming in the broker-dealer space, and has been instrumental in much of the firm's work for Citigroup Global Markets and Peach Group Holdings. According to sources, "he has a great grounding and is very intelligent and easy to speak to, with the ability to break information down to my level."

THE FIRM This firm stands out for its work in the financial services industry and has more than 30 lawyers active in all regulatory matters relating to banking, broker-dealers and consumer finance. The team has advised banking entities such as Western Union, NXT Capital and UBS on a wide range of compliance matters arising from Dodd-Frank, and on the consumer side is particularly well regarded for its work in the credit card space. It has notably represented JPMorgan Chase, HSBC and GE Capital before the Federal Reserve Board in extensive rulemaking regarding the re-regulation of the credit card industry. In broker-dealer matters, the firm frequently advises major investment banks on the Volcker Rule, and can also offer expertise in handling SEC enforcement actions. This part of the practice has been strengthened by the high-profile arrival of James Brigagliano, former deputy director of the Division of Trading & Markets at the SEC.

Sources say: "They don't have any weaknesses in the regulatory space. They are smart, responsive, practical, good listeners and good communicators. They are at the very top of my list."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Connie Friesen handles much of the firm's work for foreign banks, advising on the regulatory implications of US operations. Sources confirm that she "attaches great importance to building up long-term relationships with her customers; she is very helpful and very trustworthy."

William Eckland heads the firm's financial regulatory practice and has handled work for some of its most high-profile clients, including Western Union and First Republic Bank.

The "excellent" Kevin Campion continues to embellish his reputation in broker-dealer work. He focuses particularly on regulations governing short sales, short interest reporting and broker-dealer registration.

Dennis Hensley is hugely experienced in broker-dealer matters, and is praised as being "amazing and very responsive."

David Teitelbaum is one of the anchors of the firm's consumer finance team, and is highlighted as an "extremely smart and capable lawyer." He advises JPMorgan Chase and HSBC, among others, on regulatory compliance concerning their consumer lending operations. 

James Huizinga often works closely with Teitelbaum, adding litigation expertise to the consumer finance team. Sources maintain that he is "thorough, smart and trustworthy."

Since publication, Sidley has welcomed a highly respected broker-dealer team from Bingham McCutchen. Hardy Callcott is one of the leading lawyers in the country for broker-dealer matters, and impresses interviewees with his "exceptional good sense and practical approach." He has represented SIFMA in comment letters to the SEC and CFTC concerning whistleblower issues raised by Dodd-Frank.

Also joining from Bingham is Neal Sullivan. Sullivan has a regulatory practice advising high-profile broker-dealer clients. "He is just about as connected as anybody I have ever met," said one admiring interviewee, adding: "He knows everybody, he has great judgment and he is very client-focused."  

Prior to joining Sidley, Susan Merrill was head of enforcement at FINRA and the NYSE before returning to private practice with Bingham's broker-dealer group. Sources attest that she is "commercial, practical and very connected."

THE FIRM This prestigious firm is widely praised for its deal-making practice in the financial services industry. It has played a key role in several high-value M&A deals, advising Charles Schwab on its $1 billion acquisition of Options Xpress and acting for TD Bank on its $6.3 billion acquisition of Chrysler Financial. The team also provides ongoing regulatory compliance advice to banking and financial institution clients. Simpson Thacher is a leading firm in Dodd-Frank matters, as demonstrated by its role advising the US Treasury on the structuring and implementation of its key TARP programs.

Sources say: "In the banking space it is unusually deep and well led. There are no areas in which it could be improved."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lee Meyerson heads the firm's M&A and financial institutions practice groups. He routinely leads the team in the most high-profile transactions and is described by clients as being "very service-oriented, with excellent knowledge of regulatory matters."

Clients praise Gary Rice's regulatory and transactional practice, and appreciate his proximity to the key political and regulatory bodies in Washington, DC. "He does remarkably well in a very difficult environment," say interviewees.

Maripat Alpuche is commended for her strong technical ability and detailed drafting. She has led the team on some notable highlights, including representing The Carlyle Group in connection with the recapitalization of FNB United.

Elizabeth Cooper was made partner in early 2011, and continues to impress observers. She has accrued some significant transactional experience in her career and is widely tipped to be among the next generation of elite lawyers.

THE FIRM Skadden's financial services practice is one of the broadest in the market, offering expertise in banking compliance and enforcement, M&A and consumer finance. The team is often seen to be strongest in M&A work, where highlights include representing Fortress in its acquisition of 80% of American General Finance from AIG. It also advises the likes of AmericanWest and Citi on regulatory and compliance matters, and has represented Bank of America and C&F Mortgage in significant investigations by the Illinois Attorney General and the DOJ, respectively. In consumer finance, the firm has been particularly active in the mortgage arena, focusing on fair lending matters and the robo-signing scandal, and advising Capital One and GMAC Mortgage Corporation.

Sources say: "The work they produce is careful, clean, well thought out and well reasoned. They are practical, professional, accessible and really excellent guides through what is a very complicated and ever-changing bank regulatory environment."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Sweet heads the firm's regulatory and enforcement group, and has one of the finest legal reputations in the financial services industry. He focuses on regulatory compliance, but is also one of the most respected deal lawyers in the country, frequently leading on the firm's high-profile transactions. "He is a walking encyclopedia of US bank regulations and a guru in his field," said one source, adding: "I feel confident that if I have the most challenging questions he will be able to properly advise me."

William Rubenstein also handles regulatory compliance and M&A, and frequently works closely with Sweet on high-value deals for the likes of BankUnited and SKBHC Holdings. One interviewee said: "He always comes up with creative ideas for us to contemplate. We look to him for judgment."

Brian Christiansen is emerging as one of the brightest up-and-coming talents in the sector, and consequently enters the rankings this year. He earns significant praise from clients, and peers highlight him as being "very knowledgeable, thorough and effective, with a good understanding of the regulatory apparatus."

Jamie Boucher is one of the anchors of the firm's enforcement offering. She has represented clients such as BBVA Compass in enforcement proceedings before the full range of regulatory agencies.

Joseph Barloon is a litigator with a particular focus on the consumer finance space, and regularly represents clients before the DOJ, the FDIC and the OCC. According to sources, "the thing that most stands out about Joe is his great knowledge of the industry."

Barloon cochairs the consumer finance enforcement and litigation team alongside Anand Raman, who has a vast knowledge of the fair lending space and is particularly easy to work with, say interviewees. One added: "He is an excellent, levelheaded fair lending attorney."

THE FIRM Many financial professionals regard this high-end firm as one of the finest in the area. It has a long and deep history in the financial services sector, and has been involved in many of the key deals and regulatory developments over the past year. The group remains active in sophisticated M&A work, notably advising Bank of Montreal on its $4.2 billion acquisition of Marshall & Ilsley, and representing ING in the $9 billion sale of ING Direct to Capital One. It handles equally impressive work on the enforcement side, including a number of matters relating to the ongoing fallout from the 2008 crisis. The team represented Moody's in a high-profile SEC investigation into its role in the subprime securitization market, and has represented clients such as Wachovia and Zions Bancorporation in regulatory investigations by the OCC. The group also acts as regulatory counsel to some of the world's leading financial institutions, including AIG, American Express, GE and RBS.

Client Service "Their client service is first-rate – they are always available, always prompt in responding and able to translate the technical arguments into easily understood concepts that non-lawyers can understand."

Commercial Awareness "The senior partners are plugged in to what is happening at the Fed and other regulatory agencies. They have an inside track as to how the regulators are thinking about the issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The iconic Rodgin Cohen is widely considered to stand head and shoulders above other lawyers in the financial services arena, and has achieved near-legendary status for his M&A, enforcement and compliance work: "He has done more deals than anyone, ever. He has a thoughtful, even-handed, no-nonsense approach and the courage to say what he thinks without screaming or pounding the table. He has a long history of results because people trust him."

Mitchell Eitel is a regulatory expert with a particular focus on M&A, being described by market observers as "a heavyweight" and "a recognized leader in his field." He has recently handled key deals on behalf of HSBC, including the sale of its US credit card-related businesses to Capital One and of 195 US retail bank branches to First Niagara.

Donald Toumey is noted for his regulatory practice, providing compliance advice to clients such as banking association The Clearing House. Sources note his "extensive financial and regulatory knowledge, domestic and international experience, and clear strategic guidance."

Michael Escue is a "fantastic and practical" bank regulatory lawyer, say sources. He often works closely with Cohen and Eitel on advising clients such as Goldman Sachs and J.C. Flowers.

Mark Menting handles compliance and transactional matters for the firm's banking clients. He has been heavily involved in the sale of ING Direct to Capital One, and is described as having "an excellent relationship with the regulators."

Michael Wiseman is "one of the best banking lawyers in the country," according to interviewees. His broad practice encompasses compliance, enforcement and M&A, and he has been central to the firm's relationships with such high-caliber clients as UBS, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase.

Observers are impressed with Andrew Gerlach, saying that he has the talent to become one of the most prominent of the next generation of financial regulatory lawyers. He focuses particularly on M&A, and is highlighted as "a smart, pragmatic, diligent lawyer with a terrific ability to achieve solutions."

The "excellent" Samuel Seymour has been highly active in advising clients such as Zions Bancorporation on enforcement actions by agencies including the OCC and FinCEN.

Karen Patton Seymour represents some of the firm's most prestigious clients, including Wachovia and Goldman Sachs, in regulatory investigations brought by the SEC, the DOJ and others.

THE FIRM This 12-lawyer financial services group advises on regulatory compliance matters and regularly represents clients in investigations and enforcement actions by a host of regulatory bodies, including the OCC and OTS. The team's status has been confirmed by its appointment by the US Treasury to advise on the Capital Purchase Program; it has also handled significant enforcement actions on behalf of TCF Financial and Chicago Title Insurance.

Sources say: "Their command of the regulatory knowledge is excellent, and they know exactly how far a bank can go down a certain road. They have great finesse in their dealings with the regulators."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ronald Glancz chairs the firm's financial services team and is a highly respected regulatory attorney with a particular focus on enforcement and investigations. Sources attest that he has "a very detailed knowledge of the workings of the regulatory agencies."

Ralph Sharpe is another solid presence in the firm's regulatory enforcement practice. According to sources, "he has a wealth of experience as a former regulator and knows the correct approach to take so his client is in a beneficial position."

THE FIRM Wachtell is considered to be one of the country's leading firms for M&A relating to banks and other financial institutions, and is often chosen for the most sophisticated, high-end deals. Representative highlights include advising PNC Financial Services on its $3.45 billion acquisition of RBC Bank, and advising Marshall & Ilsley on its $4.1 billion sale to BMO Financial Group.

Sources say: "They are sophisticated, exceptional lawyers. The best firm in this space."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Transactional attorney Richard Kim is the firm's leading authority on banking compliance matters. He receives strong praise from peers, who describe him as "a fantastic lawyer" who is "right at the top of the game."

Edward Herlihy cochairs the firm's executive committee and has long been recognized as one of the leading financial institution M&A lawyers. He led the team on the sale of Marshall & Ilsley to BMO, and is highlighted as "a go-to, A-list lawyer."

Nicholas Demmo recently represented Hancock Holding Company in its $1.5 billion stock merger with Whitney Holding Corporation. Sources speak very highly of Demmo's practice, praising him as "an outstanding M&A lawyer."

THE FIRM This firm is well regarded for its banking practice and advises a broad range of financial institutions on issues arising from Dodd-Frank. The team has been particularly active in representing Chinese and other non-US banks in contentious and noncontentious regulatory matters arising from the banks' US operations. It has also advised Bank of China on the establishment of a branch in Chicago, and represented major non-US banks in connection with regulatory investigations into the possible manipulation of the LIBOR rate.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "excellent" Ernest Patrikis gained significant regulatory experience during his time at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and is the key figure in the firm's compliance and enforcement work.

THE FIRM This firm enters the broker-dealer compliance table having had an impressive year, during which it has added some strong talent to an already active practice. The firm is well respected for all matters pertaining to broker-dealer and derivatives regulation, and has also handled significant enforcement matters before FINRA and the SEC.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Howard Kramer's arrival from Schiff Hardin is noted as a coup for the firm. He is an alumnus of the SEC, and is described by sources as "very accessible, prompt, timely and conservative in his advice."

THE FIRM WilmerHale handles a broad range of regulatory matters and is particularly noted for its work in broker-dealer, banking and consumer finance matters. It is perhaps most highly regarded on the broker-dealer front, where an eight-partner team is split between the firm's New York and Washington, DC offices, and is retained by a number of prominent brokerage firms to advise on regulatory initiatives from the SEC and FINRA. The firm also advises trade associations SIFMA and LSTA on the most cutting-edge regulatory developments. The financial institutions team, meanwhile, handles matters pertaining to banking and consumer finance compliance. It advises major banking entities such as Barclays on regulatory matters relating to its consumer lending operations and also has significant experience in working with non-US banks; it recently advised Spanish bank Banca Civita on its efforts to establish a US banking presence.

Client Service "The client service is great. We use them across the board and we get excellent service."

Commercial Awareness "They are experienced, they know the issues, they know how business works and they know all the regulatory hot topics."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bank regulatory expert Russell Bruemmer receives strong praise from clients, who highlight the level of considered judgment that he can bring to an issue. He is "very knowledgeable about the ways of Washington, and he knows all about how the SEC and other regulatory authorities work," say interviewees.

Franca Harris Gutierrez is "first-rate and savvy," and enters the tables for the first time having been widely regarded as having a big future in the financial services space. She focuses on banking compliance matters and has extensive experience before the OCC and OTS.

Yoon-Young Lee has a great reputation in the broker-dealer industry. She has been highly active in representing the trading arms of the largest financial institutions in a range of regulatory matters, and has been central in the firm's relationships with LSTA and SIFMA. According to sources, she is "very knowledgeable, very technical and very responsive."

Bruce Newman is highly regarded for his compliance and enforcement practice in the broker-dealer space, and is praised as being "sensible and pragmatic, with good knowledge of the market."

Andre Owens is considered a go-to attorney for any matters related to broker-dealer regulation. "He knows all the rules and what others are doing in the market – he has worked at the SEC so he has a really broad-based knowledge and skill set."

THE FIRM This firm represents national, regional and community banks in a range of regulatory matters, often in relation to the interpretation and implementation of the Dodd-Frank reforms. The 25-strong financial services regulatory group, split between the firm's offices in Chicago, New York and Washington, DC, has worked for clients such as TCF National Bank and Comerica Bank. It has also been chosen by the Financial Services Roundtable, a trade association, to provide counsel on SEC-related issues.

Client Service "They are very efficient in their provision of legal services. They are very responsive and they help keep costs down and give an efficient solution. They make an extra effort to stay abreast of our business and they do it in a cost-efficient manner."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Of counsel Julius Loeser is recognized for his abilities in the bank regulatory space. He is described as being "very creative and forward-looking, and intent on giving real-world advice."

Christine Edwards gives "practical, appropriate, cutting-edge advice," say sources. She focuses on banking and securities regulation.