The Washington DC-based team at Akin handles appellate litigation across federal and state courts, with particular strength in IP, administrative law, and American Indian law. Experienced practice head Pratik Shah has argued in every federal circuit and eighteen cases before the US Supreme Court, including a challenge to state-level restrictions on gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. Alongside James Tysse, he recently secured a rare grant of certiorari before judgment to challenge federal trade tariffs on behalf of family-owned businesses. Tysse also specializes in administrative law and regulatory challenges for commercial and trade-related clients. Julius Chen is another key name, focusing on appellate matters involving financial restructuring and constitutional law.

The Washington DC-based team at Arnold & Porter litigates appellate matters across various federal circuits and the US Supreme Court, where the firm maintains an 8-0 record since 2023. Practice head John Elwood led the team that secured a Supreme Court victory ensuring military reservists in federal roles maintain their full pay when called to service. He works alongside Allon Kedem, who handles complex jurisdictional and life sciences disputes, and voting rights specialist Elisabeth Theodore. In May 2025, Merrick Garland rejoined the firm after serving as US Attorney General and Chief Judge of the DC Circuit.

Baker Botts L.L.P. maintains a strong presence in the Texas Supreme Court, where the team conducted seven oral arguments during the recent term. The Houston-based group also handles a significant volume of federal appellate work, with co-head Aaron Streett leading the team to two unanimous U.S. Supreme Court victories in 2025, including a Clean Air Act venue challenge and a matter involving foreign sovereign immunity. Fellow co-head Macey Reasoner Stokes is a veteran advocate for energy and oil and gas clients in high-stakes appeals. J. Mark Little, Christopher Tutunjian, and Anthony Lucisano, who is described as ‘wise beyond his years’, are all key contacts at the firm.

The New York-based team at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP regularly handles appellate work for matters in which it conducted the trial court litigation, while also being frequently sought out to ‘right the ship’ on high-stakes appeals originally handled by other firms. This dual capability is particularly evident in the IP arena, where the firm is often hired to lead appeals in complex patent infringement, trade secret, and breach of contract disputes. In July 2025, the group secured a major victory in the Ninth Circuit for Epic Games, where a unanimous panel upheld a jury verdict and a nationwide permanent injunction in a significant antitrust dispute. Litigators Wes Earnhardt, Antony Ryan, and Lauren Moskowitz are all key contacts in the practice.

The team of ‘polished litigators’ at Dechert maintains a broad appellate footprint with a presence across all 13 federal circuits, frequently handling disputes involving administrative law, securities, and bankruptcy. Practice co-head Michael McGinley, who splits his time between Philadelphia and Washington DC, argued three cases before the U.S. Supreme Court within a four-month period in early 2025. Co-head Steven Engel, based in Washington DC, focuses on agency regulations and constitutional challenges, often advising on government and congressional investigations. Another key member is Eric Brunstad Jr, based in New Haven, who brings invaluable experience having argued 11 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP maintains a preeminent presence before the US Supreme Court, where it demonstrated exceptional activity over the past year by presenting five oral arguments. The firm’s national reach is anchored by a trio of practice chairs: Thomas Dupree Jr. in Washington DC, Allyson Ho in Dallas, and Julian W. Poon in Los Angeles. Dupree Jr. specializes in unraveling complex federal regulations and commonly represents the entire rail industry, as he regularly appears for the Association of American Railroads. In Dallas, Ho oversees the firm’s significant presence in the Fifth Circuit and recently appeared before the US Supreme Court in December 2025 to address a significant circuit split regarding First Amendment claims. Poon leads the California-based appellate efforts and is a specialist in neutralizing high-exposure trial outcomes, recently evidenced by a challenge to a $243m judgment against Tesla involving its autopilot features. The wider team includes Los Angeles-based veteran strategist Theodore Boutrous, who recently led the appellate defense for Nestlé in a complex supply chain matter. In Washington DC, the group is further bolstered by Thomas G. Hungar, who secured a unanimous US Supreme Court victory reinforcing corporate separateness in trademark disputes, and Miguel A. Estrada, who recently prevailed in the DC Circuit by defeating a state-owned energy company’s sovereign immunity claim in a high-stakes international expropriation dispute. Notably, the US Supreme Court afforded Dallas associate Stephen Hammer the rare honor of a direct appointment to argue an immigration case.

Haynes and Boone, L.L.P. is noted for its ability to litigate at the highest level of the judiciary, frequently squaring off against top-tier national firms in complex bankruptcy, securities, and copyright appeals. Practice co-head Daniel Geyser, who operates from Dallas and Denver, has argued 17 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, which puts him among the top ten lawyers in private practice for total arguments. Geyser, who is also lauded for being ‘wonderful to work with’, recently secured a significant Supreme Court victory for the Suquamish Tribe, defeating a petition for certiorari to preserve a landmark ruling on tribal jurisdiction and sovereignty. Based in Dallas, fellow practice head Ben Mesches leads on significant Texas-based disputes, including the ongoing challenge to a $800m wrongful verdict stemming from a crane collapse.

King & Spalding litigates high-stakes appeals before various federal circuits and the US Supreme Court. While its primary hub is Washington DC, the firm maintains a significant California presence and a prominent Florida team that has won more than 30 appellate cases in the state over the past decade. Jeffrey Bucholtz  co-leads the practice and is recognized for his life sciences expertise, recently representing Zyla Life Sciences in a successful Fifth Circuit reversal. He shares leadership with administrative law expert Ashley Parrish , who is steering multi-circuit challenges to federal drug pricing regulations. Key regional contacts include Kelly Perigoe in Los Angeles and Miami-based Val Leppert . Matthew McGill joined in July 2025 from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, having recently argued Supreme Court merits cases concerning procedural finality in arbitration and foreign sovereign immunity.

The team at Kirkland & Ellis LLP boasts extensive experience briefing and arguing in the federal courts of appeals, state appellate courts, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Team members draw on experience gained in US Supreme Court and Court of Appeals clerkships, and has subject area expertise spanning antitrust, bankruptcy, copyright, criminal, education, and ERISA amongst others. John O’Quinn, based in Washington DC, is active across intellectual property disputes and commercial litigation, and leverages experience in the US Department of Justice as Deputy Associate Attorney General when supporting clients. Working across DC and Dallas, George Hicks is recognized for his Supreme Court work, and Jason Wilcox, in DC, is another key name in the IP space. Jay Lefkowitz, in New York, regularly works with high-profile clients in sensitive matters.

Latham & Watkins maintains a top-tier appellate practice distinguished by its ‘analytical depth, strategic discipline, and seamless integration with trial teams’. The group regularly secures pivotal victories across the fields of administrative law, religious freedom, tax law, and disability rights. Based in Washington DC, practice head Roman Martinez recently secured a unanimous US Supreme Court victory regarding disability rights and was appointed by the Court to argue as amicus curiae in a high-profile First Amendment election law challenge. Gregory Garre is a veteran advocate who recently argued his 50th case before the US Supreme Court, securing a landmark First Amendment victory that affirmed the constitutionality of nonsectarian requirements for public charter schools. Melissa Arbus Sherry is noted for her ability to ‘distill complex statutory questions into simple, persuasive argument’ and recently secured a significant Ninth Circuit victory in a first-of-its-kind algorithmic pricing case involving the hospitality industry. Splitting his time between New York and London, Samir Deger-Sen handles significant immigration and jurisdiction matters, recently challenging the lack of judicial review for visa revocations before the US Supreme Court. Washington DC-based Michael Bern is praised for his ‘intellectual rigor’ and ‘precision in written advocacy’ across high-stakes constitutional, administrative, and trade secrets disputes.

Lehotsky Keller Cohn LLP is a litigation boutique that handles constitutional disputes and regulatory appeals against government bodies. The firm offers ‘Supreme Court–level advocacy with the efficiency and focus of a boutique’ for technology and energy sector clients. Practice head Scott Keller works across Washington DC and Austin, and has achieved the rare feat of arguing ten or more cases before both the US and Texas Supreme Courts. In Washington DC, Steve Lehotsky and ‘seasoned appellate and complex litigation strategist’ Jonathan Cohn manage administrative challenges, including a recent win for Harvard University involving a $2.2bn funding freeze. Based in Oklahoma City, Mithun Mansinghani recently led a rare 8-0 US Supreme Court victory regarding Clean Air Act implementation. Mary Elizabeth Miller joined in March 2025 from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, while Kyle Hawkins departed in October 2025.

Mayer Brown handles diverse appellate litigation across federal and state courts, with a notable focus on regulatory and administrative challenges. The firm recently appeared as lead counsel in US Supreme Court proceedings concerning ERISA pleading standards and Medicaid statute enforcement. Leadership is shared by a trio of practice heads: Washington DC-based Nicole Saharsky and Andrew Pincus, and Michael Scodro in Chicago. Regarded for her ‘sophisticated strategic thinking,’ Saharsky has argued 32 cases before the US Supreme Court across subjects including antitrust, environmental law, and IP. While Pincus recently led a constitutional challenge to a presidential order blocking a $14.9bn merger, Scodro utilizes his background as a former Illinois Solicitor General to lead arguments in state and federal supreme courts.

The Washington DC-based appellate practice group at McDermott Will & Schulte is widely recognized for its handling of complex regulatory and constitutional challenges within the life sciences, energy, and government sectors. Practice head Paul Hughes, praised for being ‘one of the most creative appellate litigators of our era,’ has argued ten times before the U.S. Supreme Court. The team is frequently sought out for administrative appeals, including a recent DC Circuit matter that successfully vacated a federal agency order. Within the group, Andrew Lyonsberg focuses on agency litigation involving federal oversight, while Sarah Hogarth handles ERISA and healthcare preemption disputes for life sciences entities. Michael Kimberly left the firm to join McDermott Will & Schulte in May 2025.

Appellate boutique MoloLamken LLP handles high-stakes cases across the regional federal circuits and the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The firm’s ‘excellent lawyers’ manage a caseload encompassing IP, energy, telecoms, and administrative law from offices in Washington DC, New York, and Chicago. Based in Washington DC, practice head Jeffrey Lamken has argued 29 cases before the US Supreme Court and is widely recognized for his leadership in patent appeals. Lamken recently led the team in securing a significant Federal Circuit affirmance in a multi-party vaccine patent appeal and successfully overturned a nine-figure infringement verdict in the mobile communications sector. Fellow Washington DC contact Michael Pattillo focuses on administrative law and regulatory challenges, where he has successfully challenged federal agency enforcement actions and overturned substantial financial penalties. Also in Washington DC, Rayiner Hashem has extensively represented Ericsson in high-stakes patent appeals, including proceedings involving cross-border anti-suit injunctions. In Chicago, Eugene Sokoloff provides expertise in high-stakes antitrust litigation, representing companies in Sherman Act claims on appeal.

Morrison Foerster is recognized for its appellate presence, particularly in handling IP disputes within the Federal and Ninth Circuits. The firm is frequently instructed by life sciences and technology companies to manage patent reversals and non-infringement affirmations. Leadership is shared by a trio of practice heads: Washington DC-based Deanne Maynard and Brian Matsui, and Joseph Palmore, who splits his time between Washington DC and New York. While Maynard has argued 14 cases before the US Supreme Court and Matsui specializes in patent appeals before the Federal Circuit, Palmore represents clients in securities class actions and commercial disputes. San Francisco-based Aileen McGrath handles complex litigation before California state appellate courts and is set to argue a significant employment case before the California Supreme Court on behalf of Home Depot.

The ‘excellent’ team at Munger, Tolles & Olson is a prominent choice for high-value appeals and intricate constitutional questions, managing a diverse docket that spans bankruptcy, torts, and criminal justice alongside its core commercial advocacy. The appellate practice is spearheaded by a trio of former Assistants to the US Solicitor General, consisting of Washington DC-based Elaine Goldenberg and Ginger Anders, alongside Benjamin Horwich in San Francisco. Goldenberg, who has argued 12 cases before the US Supreme Court, recently co-led with Donald Verrilli to convince the Eighth Circuit to overturn a $1bn judgment against BMO Harris Bank. Verrilli is a veteran of the appellate bar who is described as a ‘true game-changer’ and recently led the successful challenge to an Executive Order issued against Susman Godfrey. Fellow lead Anders has 19 US Supreme Court arguments to her credit and recently defended a $4bn global settlement in principle before the Hawaiian Supreme Court following significant wildfire litigation. Horwich focuses on competition law and federal pre-emption, while Los Angeles-based Jeffrey Wu is ‘terrific with appellate work’ and provides counsel on novel constitutional issues.

The appellate group at O'Melveny handles merits briefing, oral advocacy, and amicus curiae strategy across every federal circuit and numerous state courts of last resort. The practice is led from Washington DC by Jonathan Hacker, who has appeared before the US Supreme Court multiple times and recently secured a Sixth Circuit reversal for Admiral Insurance Company on a jurisdictional issue regarding PFAS-related claims. New York-based partner Anton Metlitsky is a ‘thoughtful’ and ‘absolutely top-notch’ litigator who recently represented JPMorgan Chase in a Second Circuit victory concerning document control involving foreign subsidiaries. Metlitsky also scored a major Fourth Circuit victory on behalf of Edwin Brown, securing his eligibility for release from prison. Meaghan VerGow is a highly regarded Washington DC practitioner with an emphasis on health care, ERISA, and insurance-related class actions. Jeffrey Fisher departed the firm in February 2026 to join Hecker Fink LLP.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe’s appellate group is among the largest in the country, focusing on high-stakes tech and energy litigation. The firm handles a significant volume of IP disputes, with New York-based practice head Joshua Rosenkranz leading the appeal of an $800m trade secrets verdict for Phillips 66. Rosenkranz is also representing Cox Communications in a $1bn copyright battle before the US Supreme Court that carries generational implications for internet provider liability. In Washington DC, Mel Bostwick specializes in patent and veterans appeals, notably representing Netflix in a high-profile patent fight against Broadcom and acting for Micron in a $445m patent dispute. Bostwick is also representing veterans before the US Supreme Court in a challenge to government standards for denying benefits. Robert Loeb is trusted by tech, energy, and life sciences clients with multi-billion dollar regulatory and product liability appeals across both federal and state courts. Eric Shumsky represented a coalition including Google and Meta in a victory linked to the Buffalo supermarket shooting. Also in Washington DC, Abigail Colella and Jeremy Peterman are both adept at translating complex technological and administrative law concepts in IP appeals. The New York team was strengthened in July 2025 by the arrival of Anisha Dasgupta, former General Counsel of the Federal Trade Commission.

The Washington DC-based appellate practice at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is distinguished by its management of high-stakes corporate and constitutional disputes of national importance. The group frequently represents large co-defendant groups in major litigation and is led by the ‘phenomenal oral advocate’ Kannon Shanmugam, who has appeared before the US Supreme Court 39 times. Shanmugam, regarded as a ‘fantastic strategist’, recently acted for Meta in a high-profile US Supreme Court securities appeal and achieved a first-of-its-kind Fifth Circuit victory that overturned federal sanctions against an open-source privacy software project. He is supported by ‘standout’ partner Masha Hansford, a former Assistant to the Solicitor General with extensive experience in significant bankruptcy and administrative law appeals. William Marks further strengthens the team’s capabilities in civil and criminal litigation, focusing on antitrust, securities, and class certification, having represented clients in 15 merits cases before the US Supreme Court.

Proskauer Rose LLP manages an expansive appellate docket with a notable geographic reach encompassing the New York and California state courts alongside numerous federal circuits. New York-based Mark Harris co-leads the group and handles a diverse range of disputes involving IP, administrative law, and labor relations. Fellow co-chair John Roberts, operating from Boston, is a distinguished advocate for major sports leagues and financial institutions, while also leading dozens of appeals before the First Circuit concerning the fiscal restructuring of Puerto Rico. The group frequently represents a high-profile roster in the life sciences and asset management sectors across complex bankruptcy, antitrust, and constitutional law appeals.

The appellate group at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP operates a nationwide practice with a particular emphasis on patent, constitutional, and high-value commercial litigation. From the Washington DC office, Christopher Michel recently secured a significant Delaware Supreme Court victory that reinstated a $55bn compensation package for Tesla and its directors. Michel works alongside Derek Shaffer, who focuses on commercially significant appeals, including a victory in the Eleventh Circuit regarding a $1bn fraud dispute. Based in Austin, John Bash led the successful effort to have an en banc Sixth Circuit panel vacate class certification for a major automotive manufacturer. The New York team includes Sanford Weisburst, who handles a wide array of patent and procedural appeals, and William Adams, whose expertise extends to bankruptcy-related appellate litigation and products liability.

Reed Smith LLP maintains a widespread appellate practice with significant strength in sectors ranging from healthcare and financial services to oil and gas. Based in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, Kim Watterson chairs the group and is particularly noted for her experience before the Pennsylvania appellate courts on matters involving managed care, class actions, and data privacy. In Houston, Alan York is a key contact with a well-established presence in the Fifth Circuit and Texas state courts. The team is also highly active in the California Supreme Court, where Los Angeles-based Kasey Curtis and San Francisco-based Raymond Cardozo contribute substantial expertise. Beyond these regions, the group frequently handles high-stakes constitutional and jurisdictional appeals in state supreme courts, including Nevada.

Sidley Austin LLP maintains a broad national appellate reach, recently clinching victories across every federal appellate circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. The department is co-headed by Kwaku Akowuah in Washington DC and Tacy Flint in Chicago, who both handle high-stakes commercial and regulatory disputes. Akowuah recently secured a DC Circuit win in a False Claims Act appeal, while Flint led a pro bono team to a unanimous 9-0 Supreme Court victory for combat-wounded veterans. Also in Washington DC, Carter Phillips has argued a record-setting 91 cases before the Supreme Court and continues to lead major litigation, including the current representation of the Kingdom of Spain alongside New York-based Eamon Joyce. Robert Hochman left the firm in May 2025.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP maintains a versatile appellate practice that frequently represents financial entities and global corporations in significant disputes. Working from New York, Lynn Neuner co-heads the litigation department and recently prevailed in a National Advertising Review Board appeal regarding the substantiation of product claims. Also in New York, fellow co-chair Jonathan Youngwood is an experienced practitioner who has appeared before the majority of federal circuits, including recent matters in the Second and Ninth Circuits. Across the Fifth and Tenth Circuits, the group handles commercial, civil rights, and regulatory appeals, in addition to merger-related litigation for federal banking institutions.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is led from Washington DC by Shay Dvoretzky, who has appeared more than 20 times before the U.S. Supreme Court. The group maintains a comprehensive national reach, having argued before every federal court of appeals and various state appellate courts. The team is frequently engaged for disputes involving complex jurisdictional and statutory questions, particularly within the tax, antitrust, and administrative sectors. Dvoretzky recently represented a group of Holocaust survivors in a U.S. Supreme Court case against the Republic of Hungary concerning the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Parker Rider-Longmaid is another key contact whose experience includes arguing before the Supreme Court and multiple federal circuits, alongside managing nationwide appellate strategy and constitutional pro bono matters.

Vinson & Elkins LLP is noted for its focus on complex energy, environmental, and administrative law appeals. Based in Washington DC, Jeremy Marwell leads the practice and is praised for his aptitude in ‘tough energy litigation appellate issues’, frequently appearing before the DC Circuit. Michael Heidler divides his time between Houston and Austin, handling various state and federal matters as a primary figure in the Texas Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit. Max Etchemendy rounds out the team in Washington DC, representing clients across a broad spectrum of federal permitting, environmental regulation, and constitutional law matters.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP maintains a broad appellate presence with particular strength in the media, technology, and consumer product sectors. Zack Tripp, who operates across New York and Washington DC, co-chairs the team alongside New York-based Robert Niles-Weed to handle a diverse docket encompassing antitrust, bankruptcy, and the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Tripp focuses on significant e-commerce disputes and appeals involving the Communications Decency Act, while Niles-Weed is frequently engaged for his expertise in securing emergency stays and managing high-stakes distribution litigation. The group’s Washington DC presence is anchored by veteran Mark Perry, who regularly leads on complex IP and copyright appeals for multinational clients. In October 2025, the firm expanded its Boston office with the addition of Adam Gershenson from Cooley LLP.

Based in Washington DC, Wiley Rein LLP is a mainstay in the federal courts of appeals, where it manages a varied docket of regulatory and administrative disputes. The group handles appeals involving government contracts, professional liability, and matters at the intersection of media and technology. Claire Evans and Thomas Johnson Jr co-chair the issues and appeals group. Evans’ recent work involves representing national telecoms providers in regulatory settings and litigating infrastructure appeals aimed at expanding broadband access. Meanwhile, Johnson Jr is leading challenges to FCC digital-discrimination regulations and net neutrality mandates. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Jeremy Broggi, who focuses on complex administrative and constitutional law litigation.

Williams & Connolly LLP’s Washington DC-based team maintains a formidable appellate practice, having argued eleven merits cases before the US Supreme Court during the past two terms. The firm serves a sophisticated client base across the tech, financial services, and pharma industries, notably acting for Pfizer in high-stakes product liability matters and Anti-Terrorism Act proceedings. While historically renowned for its trial prowess, the firm is now considered ‘equally superb at the appellate level’ for its handling of complex constitutional, regulatory, and business-critical disputes. Lisa Blatt chairs the practice and maintains a historic record of 55 US Supreme Court arguments, the highest number for any female practitioner. Widely regarded as ‘one of the best, if not the best, Supreme Court advocates in the country’, Blatt specializes in pharma law and IP, recently securing four US Supreme Court victories for trademark and copyright holders. Amy Saharia is another prolific member of the team, recently arguing a US Supreme Court case regarding the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act and handling several appeals for Starbucks across the country. Luke McCloud, a former Assistant to the Solicitor General, was recently invited by the US Supreme Court to argue the merits in a closely watched double jeopardy case concerning sentencing for firearms and violent crimes. Sarah Harris  departed the firm in January 2025 to serve as acting US Solicitor General.

WilmerHale‘s ‘premier appellate and Supreme Court practice’ is frequently sought out for its ability to handle intricate appeals and regulatory issues. The team provides strategic depth across diverse sectors including antitrust, financial regulation, IP, and constitutional law, often advising other legal teams on their most critical appellate matters. The group is particularly prominent in the Federal Circuit, where it maintains a consistent schedule of arguments in patent and administrative law disputes. Operating from Washington DC, practice co-chair Seth Waxman brings the experience of a former US Solicitor General and has appeared before the US Supreme Court more than 85 times. Fellow practice co-chair Mark Fleming is based in Boston and focuses on patent and constitutional law, recently winning three Federal Circuit cases in one week that vacated $523m in judgments. In Washington DC, practice vice chair Daniel Volchok recently secured an Eighth Circuit victory in a multimillion-dollar mineral rights dispute involving sovereign immunity and challenged the constitutionality of a 20-year FTC cease-and-desist order in the Fifth Circuit. Also in Washington DC, Thomas Saunders handles patent and government contract disputes, while Ari Holtzblatt represents tech and media companies in appeals involving consumer class actions, due process, and antitrust claims. The practice further strengthened its West Coast presence with the October 2025 arrival of former California Solicitor General Michael Mongan in San Francisco.

Winston Taylor acts for medical technology companies and sports sector clients in its appellate and critical motions practice, where it handles matters involving federal preemption, environmental regulation, and class certification. Recent work for the group includes a Ninth Circuit reversal regarding antitrust claims for professional swimmers and a Supreme Court victory in a federal sentencing case. Based in Chicago, Linda Coberly co-leads the firmwide litigation department and provides counsel on securities fraud and product liability disputes. The appellate and critical motions practice is co-headed by Chicago-based Scott Glauberman, who focuses on class actions and commercial litigation, and Michael Kimberly in Washington DC, whose practice spans tax controversies and constitutional law. Kimberly joined the firm from McDermott Will & Schulte in May 2025.