Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton offers comprehensive financial services litigation to a notable client base of major financial institutions and corporations. The group has extensive experience in antitrust and securities litigation and regularly defends clients in SEC and DOJ investigations. The team is led by Washington DC-based Robin Bergen and New York-based Lev Dassin, who specialize in regulatory enforcement matters and government investigations respectively. Bergen is involved in advising and representing financial institutions and service firms before State Attorneys General and other regulatory entities in cases relating to financial products. Dassin, who previously served as Acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, holds considerable trial practice and focuses on white-collar criminal defense alongside civil and commercial litigation. With their combined expertise, the group regularly works on complex, high-value, and multijurisdictional matters. Nowell Bamberger, based in Washington DC, is recognized for his cross-border dispute resolution work in the US and abroad. Jennifer Kennedy Park, based in the Bay Area, is known for her expertise in dealing with enforcement actions, compliance matters, and internal investigations. David Last joined the Washington DC team in July 2023 after serving in the FCPA Unit of the DOJ.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP’s financial services litigation practice represents impressive clients across a range of sectors including consumer finance, investment banking and brokerage, and diversified banks in claims and disputes pertaining to antitrust and class actions. The team is regularly involved in complex, high-profile, and high-stakes matters, notably representing Robinhood in numerous class actions after its decision to temporarily place limits on trading certain securities. Daniel Slifkin is an extremely active member of the group and represents financial institutions in matters such as antitrust claims, securities claims, and general contract disputes. Class actions are Slifkin’s specialty and he holds extensive trial experience. Another key member of the practice is Lauren Moskowitz, who is recognized for her regulatory, investigative, and securities work. Michael Paskin has expertise across the board, representing clients in matters ranging from financial products, class actions, and fraud actions. Antony Ryan is well-versed in the intricacies of investigations and enforcement actions, representing clients before the SEC and DOJ. Focusing on securities, general commercial, and antitrust matters is Lauren Rosenberg. All attorneys mentioned are based in New York.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is a powerhouse in the financial services litigation space, representing top-tier clients in high-value and high-profile matters. The group is most recognized for its work on major securities and antitrust litigation, as well as on defense matters. The team also has extensive experience in SEC, CFTC, DOJ, and other congressional investigations. Co-leading the practice in New York are Brad Karp, Jessica Carey, and Theodore Wells, and in Washington DC, Karen Dunn and Kannon Shanmugam co-head the group. Karp, who is chair of the firm, is particularly noted for representing a wide variety of clients in multibillion-dollar matters ranging from litigation to federal and state regulatory investigations and enforcement matters. Carey is renowned for handling criminal, regulatory, and complex commercial litigation, although her expertise also extends to white-collar matters and internal investigations. Other notable names include Susanna Buergel and Daniel Kramer, both of whom are based in New York. Buergel receives plaudits for her securities litigation, often representing clients before the SEC, DOJ, and other federal and state regulatory authorities. Kramer too focuses on securities litigation and regulatory matters, alongside his involvement in internal investigations. Additionally, he is recognized for his ‘credibility with regulators and opposing counsel.’ The group also benefits from the expertise of Andrew Ehrlich and Audra Soloway in New York, and Roberto J. Gonzalez and Kenneth Gallo in Washington DC.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP represents prominent global financial services companies in matters pertaining to securities, contract, bankruptcy, antitrust, and government and internal investigations. It has a deep bench of attorneys who are regularly involved in high-stakes and high-profile cases, as well as emerging areas such as cryptocurrency. Co-chairing the practice are Lynn Neuner and Jonathan Youngwood – Neuner is recognized for her work in commercial and securities litigation, insurance coverage, as well as her extensive trial experience. Although renowned for his securities litigation, Youngwood has also amassed substantial experience representing clients in commercial litigation, arbitrations, investigations, and regulatory matters. Another notable name in the firm is Joseph McLaughlin, who specializes in class actions in both trial and appellate courts, including the US Supreme Court. The group also benefits from the expertise of Craig Waldman and Simona Strauss, who concentrate on securities litigation. Strauss is particularly well-regarded for being ‘well-versed in trends and practices.’  All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

A&O Shearman is recognized for its securities litigation and regulatory investigations work, defending clients before the SEC, the FDIC, as well as European regulatory authorities. The firm represents a range of financial institutions including Citibank and Bank of America. Senior partner Adam Hakki, based in New York, is best known for his work in securities and internal investigations. He is regularly involved in multijurisdictional matters and has extensive trial experience. Hakki co-heads the New York practice with Richard Schwed. New York-based Grace Lee is another notable name in the group and is involved in regulatory investigations, commercial litigation, and cross-border disputes. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Katherine Stoller, based in New York, who specializes in cross-border financial crime. Mark Lanpher, based in Washington DC, is experienced working on matters before the CFTC, DOJ, and IRS. Former partner Patrick Robbins departed in July 2023 to work for the DOJ.

Mayer Brown represents global financial institutions and has an expansive financial services litigation offering, ranging from financial products to bet-the-company cases. Areas of growth for the firm include wealth management and antiterrorism litigation, as well as ESG matters. Co-leading the team in New York are Mark Hanchet and Christopher Houpt. Hanchet is recognized for his international reach, often representing clients in cross-border litigation work. He focuses on commercial litigation, arbitration, securities, and bankruptcy litigation, alongside involvement in regulatory enforcement matters. Houpt, also specializes in cross-border issues such as securitization, structured finance and derivatives, and asset turnover. He is regularly involved in high-value cases. Heading the team in Chicago is Tom Panoff whose practice concentrates on class actions and disputes. Other central members of the group are Matthew Ingber, based in New York, and Lucia Nale, based in Chicago. Ingber represents clients in commercial disputes, civil and criminal securities fraud, and IP matters, while Nale concentrates on national cases pertaining to commercial, fraud, and consumer and class action defense. In New York, the practice benefits from the knowledge of Robert Hamburg, who is adept in commercial litigation, arbitration, and regulatory enforcement.

Arnold & Porter has a comprehensive financial services litigation and arbitration offering and specializes in class action matters. The team has extensive experience representing clients in antitrust claims, securities litigation, and regulatory enforcement proceedings. Leading the group are Veronica Callahan and James Herschlein, based in New York, alongside David Freeman and Kenneth Chernof, based in Washington DC. Callahan has particular expertise in securities enforcement and litigation, and represents a range of clients including both public and private companies, asset managers, financial institutions, and accounting firms. Freeman advises banks, investment management firms, and broker-dealers on compliance matters. Another notable name in the practice is Aaron Miner, based in New York, who is known for his work representing clients in securities and financial transactions, as well as his experience in white collar investigations. The group also benefits from the expertise of Kathleen Reilly who has amassed experience defending clients in regulatory enforcement matters and investigations. The firm has notably hired twelve attorneys, most of whom were previously at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP provides representation in government enforcement and investigative matters for a range of financial institutions. The firm has extensive experience acting before the CFPB, NYDFS, and SEC and works alongside litigation, corporate, and regulatory attorneys to deliver multi-disciplinary representation in complex cases. The group also offers an advisory practice to support clients in developing strategies and proactive measures to avoid issues. Co-heads of the practice are Mary Beth Hogan and Andrew Ceresney; Ceresney is recognized for his expertise in prosecuting and defending white-collar criminal and civil cases and has been regularly involved in jury and non-jury trials, with experience representing public companies, asset management and accounting firms, financial institutions, as well as boards of directors and individuals. Other key members of the team are Maeve O’ Connor and Elliot Greenfield, both of whom specialize in securities litigation. All individuals mentioned are based in New York.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP’s practice specializes in regulatory enforcement and compliance matters, regularly defending clients before state and federal authorities including the CFTC, SEC, and CFPB. The group represents a variety of financial institutions and is involved in emerging areas such as open banking and digital assets. The team is led by Stephanie Brooker and Kendall Day, both of whom are recognized attorneys for their work on internal investigations, regulatory enforcement defense, white-collar criminal defense, and compliance counseling. Another key member of the practice is Richard Grime, who focuses on corruption, accounting fraud, and securities matters before the SEC and DOJ. The firm also benefits from the expertise of Adam Smith, Thomas Kim, and Jeffrey Steiner, all of whom concentrate on compliance and regulatory matters. Kim has particular experience representing clients in ESG compliance cases, while Steiner is adept in fintech and digital assets enforcement matters. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Goodwin’s consumer financial services practice is well-regarded for its experience representing financial institutions and fintech companies in class actions and enforcement matters. A particular area of growth for the group has been CFS disputes as a result of increased state and federal focus on ‘junk fees.’ The firm is led by Allison Schoenthal, based in New York, and Matthew Sheldon, based in Washington DC. Schoenthal has a broad range of expertise including enforcement defense, representation in class actions, and advice on compliance and risk. Similarly, Sheldon is well-versed in class actions and defending clients in matters pertaining to fair lending compliance, financial product sales and marketing practices, and ERISA compliance. He particularly ‘stands out for CFPB and other finance enforcement work.’  In Washington DC, Thomas Hefferon is recognized for his extensive work on enforcement matters, class actions, and MDLs, frequently representing financial institutions, market participants, investors, and service providers.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP handles a wide range of financial services litigation, representing clients in securities class actions, M&A cases, investigations and enforcement actions brought forward by the SEC, FINRA, CFTC, and the CFPB, as well as shareholder derivative and structured finance litigation. The firm has experience defending financial institutions and fintech companies, maintaining a multidisciplinary fintech practice which aids clients in regulatory, litigation, and investigative matters. Mark Filip, based between Chicago and Washington DC, is a key member of the group, leading the government enforcement defense and internal investigations practice. As a former judge and DOJ official, he has particular expertise acting as lead counsel in high-stakes matters. In Washington DC, Nader Salehi concentrates on financial fraud defense and insider trading claims brought by the SEC, FINRA, and the DOJ. Other notable names include Washington DC-based Reginald Brown and New York-based Zachary Brez – Brown is noted for his considerable experience representing clients in congressional inquiries and hearings, while Brez is well-regarded for his involvement in securities and international risk matters.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP represents prominent financial institutions in matters predominantly pertaining to consumer defense. Its class action defense practice is experienced in litigating consumer protection statutes and regulations including the FCRA, TILA, TCPA, and FHA, to name a few. Co-leading the team are Michael Kraut, based in New York, and Arjun Rao, based in Los Angeles. Kraut regularly defends clients in securities and commercial class actions, as well as in government enforcement actions and internal investigations. In Boston, Elaine McChesney focuses on financial transactions and commercial fraud. She is widely recognized for defending clients in consumer class actions, credit card disputes, and fraudulent schemes, among other matters. The firm notably made three lateral hires in April 2023, including practice co-head Rao who joined from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s consumer finance services group, led by Anand Raman, handles investigations, enforcement actions, litigation, and compliance matters for a variety of financial institutions. The practice has experience representing clients in fair lending, UDAAP, and data privacy cases, as well as advising on a range of consumer-related practices including product development, sales and marketing, and pricing and underwriting. The firm is also involved in litigation filed by the CFPB and inquiries prompted by the DOJ. Raman specializes in white-collar defense and investigations, as well as representing clients in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence. Other key attorneys in the team include Joseph Barloon and Darren Welch. All individuals mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Ballard Spahr LLP’s consumer financial services practice offers representation and counseling for matters including class actions, regulatory enforcement matters put forward by the CFPB, and compliance. The group is also active in emerging areas such as the fintech space. Co-leading the team are Daniel McKenna and John Socknat. McKenna, based in Philadelphia, specializes in consumer financial services, privacy and data security, and mortgage banking, offering extensive trial experience representing clients in class actions relating to statutes such as the TCPA, FCRA, and UDAAP. Other key names to note in the firm are Thomas Burke, based in Philadelphia, Joel Tasca, based between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and John Grugan, based in Pennsylvania.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has a focus on financial services disputes and is adept at handling class actions, litigation and arbitration, and investigations put forward by regulatory authorities such as the SEC and CFTC. The team is also involved in emerging areas, advising on matters relating to the cryptocurrency market. Notable names in the group include Lindsay Wuller Aggarwal and Carolyn Brown, both of whom are based in St Louis. Jeff Kalinowski, Eric Martin, and Jeff Ziesman have left the firm.

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP’s financial services litigation practice holds extensive trial experience and predominantly focuses on antitrust and reinsurance claims. The group has a strong client base and is regularly involved in complex cases requiring cross-border and multinational jurisdictions. Leading the team are Herbert Washer and David Januszewski – Washer has particular expertise in defense matters, while Januszewksi is regarded for his work in shareholder class actions and Ponzi schemes. Other key names within the firm include Tammy Roy, Jason Hall, Sheila Ramesh, and Edward Moss. All attorneys mentioned are based in New York.

Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP‘s boutique offering handles a variety of matters including representing plaintiffs and defendants in antitrust, securities, and breach of contract cases. The practice has seen recent growth in arguing for petitioners before the Supreme Court in cases relating to the scope of RICO. Leading the team are Richard Holwell, Michael Shuster, and Daniel Goldberg – Shuster has a wide range of expertise such as trying cases and arguing appeals in state and federal court, and representing clients in arbitrations under the ICC, AAA, LCIA, and JAMS. Goldberg has experience in matters pertaining to commercial contracts, financial instruments, and bankruptcy. The group also benefits from the knowledge of Dorit Ungar Black, who is adept in securities litigation and has extensive trial experience. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

Jones Day’s financial market practice consists of attorneys who formerly served in regulatory bodies including the SEC and CFTC, and has attracted a strong client base of financial institutions. The group focuses on RMBS litigation, antitrust claims, and class actions. Co-leading the team in New York are Jayant Tambe and Brett Barragate – Tambe is regularly involved in complex, cross-border disputes such as securities, derivatives, and financial products litigation. Another notable name is Amanda Dollinger who has expertise in disputes and ESG matters.

Katten primarily focuses on breach of contract cases regarding overdraft fees, with a strong client roster including credit unions, debt collection companies, and banks. Leading the practice are Stuart Richter and Gregory Korman, both of whom are based in Los Angeles. Richter has extensive experience representing financial services firms in class actions and commercial litigation, as well as handling regulatory actions and specializes in fraud claims, foreclosures, and disputes pertaining to interest rate swaps and other financial products.

King & Spalding LLP's financial services group represents some of the largest banks and financial institutions in cases pertaining to commercial litigation and arbitration, securities and shareholder suits, multijurisdictional investigations, and enforcement actions. A core member of the team is former federal prosecutor Matthew Biben, who concentrates on commercial litigation, ranging from bankruptcy litigation to civil disputes. Craig Carpenito is another notable name, with extensive governmental and regulatory expertise due to his previous positions as a US Attorney and as an SEC enforcement attorney. Jamie Dycus focuses on internal investigations and enforcement matters brought forward by the SEC, while David Lesser is noted for working on cases alleging LIBOR manipulation as well as antitrust and commodities manipulation. Laura Harris is an active member of the practice and is well-regarded for her work on white-collar investigations. All individuals mentioned are based in New York.

Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP’s core client base predominantly consists of notable private investment funds including hedge, private equity, and regulated funds. The group is well-versed in regulatory investigations and enforcement matters, as well as investment activities such as market manipulation and potential insider trading. Leading the team are Charles Clark, based in Washington DC, who co-chairs the firm’s securities enforcement practice, while Craig Warkol and Michael Swartz, both of whom are based in New York, co-chair the firm’s litigation group.

Williams & Connolly LLP’s financial services and banking practice specializes in litigation, representing clients in regulatory investigations prompted by the DOJ, FDIC, and CFPB, as well as enforcement actions and CFPA- and FIRREA-based actions. The group is led by Dane Butswinkas and John Villa – Butswinkas has a particular focus on trial and arbitration work relating to securitizations and corporate governance, while Villa is recognized for his corporate, securities, civil, and criminal litigation defense. The team also benefits from the expertise of Enu Mainigi and Ryan Scarborough. All individuals mentioned are based in Washington DC.

WilmerHale has a focus on consumer finance, with work covering consumer disclosures, overdraft fees, and arbitration. The team specializes in consumer class actions and has represented clients including financial institutions, credit card issuers, and major banks before regulatory bodies such as the US Supreme Court, federal and state courts of appeals, and trial courts. Leading the practice is Franca Harris Gutierrez, who is based in New York. Other central members of the team include New York-based Noah Levine – whose expertise relates to the defense of consumer class actions under federal banking statutes and antitrust laws, appellate litigation, commercial litigation, and IP – and Alexandra Hiatt – who concentrates on complex litigation matters.

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s financial services litigation practice represents financial institutions in matters such as consumer class actions, enforcement actions, and IP litigation. The team, based in Charlotte, is co-led by Kobi Kennedy Brinson and Jack Knight – Brinson is noted for her focus on government investigations and enforcement actions, while Knight is recognized for defending white collar cases. Another key member of the group is Elizabeth Ireland, who concentrates on inquiries and investigations prompted by the DOJ, the CFPB, and the FTC, among others. In 2023, the practice has notably made two lateral hires from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, welcoming Dan Chaudoin and Caitlin Mandel.