Overview

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is an international law firm with a particular focus on the technology & media, energy, financial services, and real estate & construction sectors. Recognized as one of the most innovative law firms by Financial Times and one of the top firms for client service by BTI Consulting, Pillsbury and its lawyers are highly regarded for their forward-thinking approach, their enthusiasm for collaborating across disciplines and their authoritative commercial awareness. For more information, visit www.pillsburylaw.com.

Main Areas of Practice

Energy & Natural Resources:

Pillsbury has advised on precedent-setting energy industry deals and projects in 75 countries worldwide, offering clients a combination of geographic reach, legal and regulatory depth, and energy-sector-specific experience that is unmatched among the world’s leading law firms. A leading practice in nuclear law, oil and gas, and renewable and alternative energy, Pillsbury has received more than a dozen Deal of the Year awards from leading publications for projects in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. In the field of natural resources and the environment, Pillsbury was named the Environmental Law Firm of the year in 2014 by US News and Best Lawyers. With a team of 40 lawyers working full-time on environmental matters, Pillsbury is home to one of the largest dedicated environmental practices in the United States.

Contact: Sheila Harvey

Real Estate & Construction:

Pillsbury has a unique history of deal-making throughout the United States, with leading real estate practices for more than 50 years on the East and West coasts. Because of its size and geographic reach, the firm’s real estate practice group is one of the few national practices capable of handling the full range of assignments, from multi-jurisdictional portfolio transactions to single-asset deals in local markets. Lawyers on the construction counseling and dispute resolution team have been hailed by Chambers as part of the “preeminent practice of its kind in the United States.” They’ve earned this distinction by working on some of the world’s most complex construction projects: the Panama Canal extension, major infrastructure cases around the globe and two of the largest hospital disputes in history, as well as commercial, industrial and residential projects worldwide.

Contact: James M. Rishwain, Jr.

Technology:

Pillsbury established the firm’s technology industry legal practice in 1968, when it incorporated Intel. Today, the firm’s technology industry practice is one of the world’s largest, comprising more than 250 lawyers based in the United States, Europe and Asia. From incubator to IPO, from M&A to international expansion, Pillsbury lawyers guide technology companies of all sizes and at all stages of development. In the last 30 years, the firm has filed more than 52,000 patents and over 19,000 trademarks, including foreign marks in around 145 different countries. Pillsbury protects the intellectual property of its clients through the efforts of its high-stakes IP litigation practice, which ranks among the top 10 in the nation in patent, trademark and copyright litigation. Technology clients also benefit from the firm’s top-ranked global sourcing practice. Among the most experienced advisory teams in the word, the firm’s global sourcing lawyers have led more than 750 transactions worth more than half a trillion dollars in contract value, and represented 30% of the Fortune 100.

Contact: Justin Hovey

Financial Services:

Pillsbury’s finance lawyers advise more than 200 banking and investment institutions, including some of the world’s largest. The firm’s domestic and international clients rely on it for regulatory advice and guidance on a wide range of financial transactions, including commercial lending, derivatives, equipment finance, leveraged finance, project finance, trade finance, structured finance, debt restructuring, tax-exempt financing, and distressed investing and debt trading. Pillsbury also offers a broad spectrum of corporate trust and agency services from initial issuance to defaulted obligations. The firm’s clients are typically foreign and domestic banks, insurance companies, funds and other financial institutions. The firm also serves the company side of financial transactions for the firm’s corporate clients.

Contact: David Baxter

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Practice Areas:
57
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
133

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
National Ranking
Construction Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Corporate Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Energy Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Insurance Law

Regional

Austin

Tier
1
Austin
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Austin
Technology Law
Tier
2
Austin
Energy Law
Tier
2
Austin
Litigation - Patent

Houston

Tier
1
Houston
Arbitration
Tier
1
Houston
Environmental Law

Highlighted Client Comments

These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Technology Law
This is the 2nd company I have brought Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman too and I will bring them with me anywhere I go in the future. Their technical consultants and lawyers are the absolute best in the business. I always end up with a thoroughly vetted contract (SW, HW, or Services) at a much more competitive price, with higher levels of service. I have used them on massive 4-5 year multi-million dollar deals and on smaller deals. They always deliver immediate value at a fair price. I have recommended Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman many times and every one who uses them reports back the same positive feedback.
Jennifer Greer-Glanville
CIO
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Cindy Schlaefer with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman is a very skilled and experienced advisor in this area. I have had fantastic experience with her.
 
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Jon Ocker at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman is extremely effective at partnering with senior corporate management and the board.
 
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Our experience with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman has always been really positive. Professional, responsive, reasonable and very knowledgeable.
 
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Hugh Ray at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman is the best.
Alan Goodman
Partner
Insurance Law
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman is a very professional firm that I would and do recommend regularly.
Jack Flug
Marsh LLC

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
National Ranking
Construction Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Corporate Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Energy Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Insurance Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
International Arbitration - Commercial
Tier
1
National Ranking
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Patent
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation - Real Estate
Tier
1
National Ranking
Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Tier
1
National Ranking
Real Estate Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Tax Law
Tier
1
National Ranking
Trusts and Estates
Tier
2
National Ranking
Antitrust Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Communications Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
2
National Ranking
Derivatives and Futures Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Environmental Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Financial Services Regulation Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Litigation - Antitrust
Tier
2
National Ranking
Litigation - Construction
Tier
2
National Ranking
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier
2
National Ranking
Litigation - Securities
Tier
2
National Ranking
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Natural Resources Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Oil and Gas Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Venture Capital Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Entertainment Law - Music
Tier
3
National Ranking
International Trade and Finance Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Patent Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Securities Regulation
Tier
3
National Ranking
Technology Law

Regional

Austin

Tier
1
Austin
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Austin
Technology Law
Tier
2
Austin
Energy Law
Tier
2
Austin
Litigation - Patent

Houston

Tier
1
Houston
Arbitration
Tier
1
Houston
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Houston
Insurance Law
Tier
1
Houston
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
2
Houston
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
Houston
Construction Law
Tier
2
Houston
Energy Law
Tier
2
Houston
International Arbitration - Commercial
Tier
2
Houston
Litigation - Insurance
Tier
2
Houston
Natural Resources Law
Tier
3
Houston
Litigation - Construction
Tier
3
Houston
Oil and Gas Law
Tier
3
Houston
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

Los Angeles

Tier
1
Los Angeles
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Los Angeles
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
1
Los Angeles
Oil and Gas Law
Tier
1
Los Angeles
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
Los Angeles
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
Los Angeles
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
2
Los Angeles
Entertainment Law - Music
Tier
2
Los Angeles
Insurance Law
Tier
2
Los Angeles
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
2
Los Angeles
Litigation - Real Estate
Tier
2
Los Angeles
Natural Resources Law
Tier
2
Los Angeles
Tax Law
Tier
3
Los Angeles
Criminal Defense: General Practice
Tier
3
Los Angeles
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Miami

Tier
1
Miami
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Miami
Corporate Law
Tier
1
Miami
Tax Law
Tier
1
Miami
Trusts and Estates

New York City

Tier
1
New York City
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
New York City
Energy Law
Tier
1
New York City
International Arbitration - Commercial
Tier
1
New York City
Trusts and Estates
Tier
2
New York City
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
New York City
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
2
New York City
Derivatives and Futures Law
Tier
2
New York City
Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
Tier
2
New York City
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
2
New York City
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier
2
New York City
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
2
New York City
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
New York City
Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Tier
2
New York City
Tax Law
Tier
3
New York City
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
3
New York City
Securities / Capital Markets Law

Sacramento

Tier
1
Sacramento
Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Tier
1
Sacramento
Tax Law

San Diego

Tier
1
San Diego
Corporate Law
Tier
1
San Diego
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Tier
1
San Diego
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
1
San Diego
Litigation - Patent
Tier
1
San Diego
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
1
San Diego
Real Estate Law
Tier
1
San Diego
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tier
1
San Diego
Venture Capital Law

San Francisco

Tier
1
San Francisco
Antitrust Law
Tier
1
San Francisco
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
San Francisco
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
San Francisco
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
San Francisco
Construction Law
Tier
1
San Francisco
Corporate Law
Tier
1
San Francisco
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
1
San Francisco
Litigation - Antitrust
Tier
1
San Francisco
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier
1
San Francisco
Litigation - Construction
Tier
1
San Francisco
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
1
San Francisco
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
1
San Francisco
Litigation - Patent
Tier
1
San Francisco
Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Tier
1
San Francisco
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
1
San Francisco
Real Estate Law
Tier
1
San Francisco
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tier
1
San Francisco
Tax Law
Tier
2
San Francisco
Corporate Governance Law
Tier
2
San Francisco
Environmental Law
Tier
2
San Francisco
Financial Services Regulation Law
Tier
2
San Francisco
Natural Resources Law
Tier
3
San Francisco
Corporate Compliance Law
Tier
3
San Francisco
Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
Tier
3
San Francisco
Litigation - Securities
Tier
3
San Francisco
Water Law

San Jose

Tier
1
San Jose
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
San Jose
Corporate Law
Tier
1
San Jose
Litigation - Securities
Tier
1
San Jose
Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Tier
1
San Jose
Tax Law
Tier
1
San Jose
Trusts and Estates
Tier
2
San Jose
Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Washington, D.C.

Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Communications Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Construction Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Corporate Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Energy Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Insurance Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
International Trade and Finance Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Construction
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Patent
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Real Estate
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Nonprofit / Charities Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Patent Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Real Estate Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Technology Law
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Insurance
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Securities Regulation
Tier
3
Washington, D.C.
Arbitration

Practice Areas

Pillsbury has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 53 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Antitrust Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Communications Law
  • Construction Law
  • Copyright Law
  • Corporate Compliance Law
  • Corporate Governance Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Energy Law
  • Entertainment Law - Music
  • Environmental Law
  • Equipment Finance Law
  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
  • Financial Services Regulation Law
  • Health Care Law
  • Information Technology Law
  • Insurance Law
  • International Trade and Finance Law
  • IT Outsourcing Law
  • Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
  • Litigation - Antitrust
  • Litigation - Banking and Finance
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Litigation - Patent
  • Litigation - Real Estate
  • Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
  • Litigation - Securities
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates
  • Litigation and Controversy - Tax
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Media Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Natural Resources Law
  • Patent Law
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
  • Project Finance Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Securities / Capital Markets Law
  • Securitization and Structured Finance Law
  • Tax Law
  • Trademark Law
  • Trusts and Estates
  • Venture Capital Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Pillsbury proudly has 133 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Awards

Pillsbury is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Pillsbury has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Pillsbury continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
IAOP World's Best Outsourcing Advisors
HFM Week Award for Best Law Firm – Hedge Fund Start-Ups
Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) - Gold Standard
Engines Deal of the Year by Airfinance Journal
North American Deal of the Year by Airfinance Journal
Working Mother Top 100 Companies
National Association of Female Executives "Top 50 List"
100% perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index
African Deal of the Year by Airfinance Journal
IFLR 1000
Ranked among the top 25 Most Active Law Firms, by Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst
Voted "Best Trade Law Firm in North America" by Trade Finance Magazine
Financial Times Innovative Law Firm

Offices & Contacts

Los Angeles, CA
725 South Figueroa Street, 36th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
United States
Palo Alto, CA
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Four Embarcadero Center, 22nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111-5998
United States
Washington, DC
Miami, FL
600 Brickell Avenue, Suite 3100
Miami, FL 33131
United States
Palm Beach, FL
324 Royal Palm Way, Suite 220
Palm Beach, FL 33480-4309
United States
New York, NY
Nashville, TN
Austin, TX
401 Congress Avenue, Suite 1700
Austin, TX 78701-3797
United States
Houston, TX
Tysons, VA
7900 Tysons One Place Suite 500
Tysons, VA 22102-4856
United States
Beijing, CN
Suite 916, China World Office 2
No.1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue
Central Business District
Beijing 100004
China: Global Firms
Shanghai, CN
Suite 4201, Bund Center
222 Yan An Road East, Huangpu District
Shanghai 200002
China: Global Firms
Central, HK
24/F Kinwick Centre, Suite 2404
32 Hollywood Road
Central
Hong Kong
Tokyo, JP
Marunouchi Eiraku Building, 20th Floor
4-1 Marunouchi 1-chome
Chiyoda
Tokyo 100-0005
Japan
London, GB
Tower 42, Level 21
25 Old Broad Street
London EC2N 1HQ
United Kingdom
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