Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

United States 2024

National Rankings

Metro Rankings

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General Information

Practice Areas

120

Individuals recognized in Best Lawyers

543

Client Comments

Year founded: 1918

This is the year the firm (or its earliest predecessor entity) was founded.

Overview

Content is provided by the firm.

LEGAL EXCELLENCE. DEDICATION TO CLIENTS. COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE.

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,077 lawyers located throughout 13 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of:

-providing quality, world-class legal and client services;

-developing diversity among our lawyers and staff;

-fostering an environment that promotes an entrepreneurial spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the exceptional talents and varied experience of our lawyers;

-encouraging lawyers and staff to perform public service and give back to the community through pro bono work, government service, service to the bar, teaching, and supporting public institutions and charitable organizations;

-and hiring and retaining exceptionally talented lawyers who possess the common trait of outstanding academic and personal achievements.

Learn more about us at wilmerhale.com.

Rankings

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is nationally ranked in 38 practice areas and metro ranked in 50 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.

Read how Best Law Firms ranks firms

"Law Firm of the Year" Awards

2024 "Law Firm of the Year" in Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice

National Rankings

Tier 1

Tier 1 for Antitrust Law

Tier 1 for Appellate Practice

Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Tier 1 for Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Metro Rankings

Boston

Tier 1 for Antitrust Law

Tier 1 for Appellate Practice

Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Tier 1 for Bet-the-Company Litigation

Tier 1 for Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice

Highlighted Client Comments

All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.

Corporate Law

Very thorough work on a complex acquisition. Stephanie Evans is a star in M&A work.

Rob Lavet – Social Finance

International Arbitration - Governmental

David Ogden and Rachael Kent and their colleagues Claudio Salas and Danielle Morris are outstanding advocates. Not only are they skilled at evaluating legal issues and developing effective strategies, but they also deliver excellent written work product every single time. And, importantly, they provide the drafts sufficiently in advance to allow time for review and comment and truly welcome client engagement. Rachael and David are both sophisticated oral advocates.

Litigation - First Amendment

Debo Adegbile, Alan Schoenfeld, and Abby Shaw are thoughtful, strategic, and very strong in client relationships. They respond to our needs quickly and comprehensively. They have worked on a wide variety of issues. They have come to be very strong partners and advisors for Smith College.

Health Care Law

We have worked with Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr's Kirk Nahra exclusively on these issues, and he is a tremendous asset to our efforts. Kirk is extremely knowledgeable, practical, and responsive.

Venture Capital Law

Todd Rumberger has been my 'go to' outside counsel for over twenty years. He brings strong legal competence to compliment his ability to facility business. Jason Kropp from the Boston office has also been great to work with.

Matt Bigge – Crosslink Capital

Appellate Practice

Danielle Spinelli and her entire team were true superstars in the prosecution of the Mission Products appeal to the Supreme Court. Their preparation left nothing to chance, and Danielle's oral argument was flawless. My experience with Wilmer in prosecuting and defending petitions for certiorari establishes that the Mission Products experience was not isolated; Wilmer's appellate group does superior work all of the time.

Robert Keach – Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P.A.

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Craig Goldblatt, Isley Gostin, Gavin Tullis, and Matthew Schnall have been the most supportive, engaged, responsive, and knowledgeable counsel we have ever had. Our engagement is going on nearly 2 years and still strong, still valuable, and still one of partners I'm most proud to have engaged for our nonprofit's needs. We are beyond grateful for their ability to not only meet our needs, but those of the community we serve, and they have served as key partners with many different entities engaged around this large landlord bankruptcy process for which we engaged them.

Randy Marsh – Horton's Kids

Government Relations Practice

Jonathan Yarowsky is the best there is.

Mike Montgomery – CALinnovates

Real Estate Law

Doug Burton in Wilmer's real estate practice is a great lawyer with thorough command of the law. Doug is an incredibly diligent lawyer and is extremely responsive to his client's needs.

Peter Diana – Carpenter & Company, Inc.

Government Relations Practice

I have worked directly with Jon Yarowsky in the Washington D. C. office on a number of matters. The entire Government Relations Practice group is first rate and effective from both sides of the political aisle. They are strategically focused and result oriented. Jon Yarowsky has very few peers in D.C. from an experience, relationship and communication standpoint.

Don Shandy – Crowe & Dunlevy

International Trade and Finance Law

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr is simply the best. They listen to a client's needs, provide expert counsel, and maximize the chance that the client will win, providing extraordinary results.

Litigation - Intellectual Property

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr is a collection of the most sophisticated intellectual property practitioners on the planet.

Appellate Practice

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr has terrific knowledge of the law and the courts but is also able to break down the complexity to provide practical advice to the client. They have great anticipation for what to expect from the court and the other side during argument. Their mock exercises are very productive.

Litigation - Intellectual Property

I have worked with Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr on multiple intellectual property litigation matters, and I have been consistently impressed with the quality of their work and client service. I appreciate their expertise, deep bench, and collaborative approach.

Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Exceptional lawyers, who have guided us through some very challenging issues. Outstanding advice and counsel provided. Very knowledgeable and practical.

Litigation - Antitrust

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr's advice is always strong, quick, and high quality. They are a go-to group.

Litigation - Antitrust

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr engages in cutting-edge, creative, and thoughtful antitrust litigation.

Venture Capital Law

Mick Bain is a wonderful person and an excellent lawyer. I've worked with him across several companies, and trust him completely. He is incredibly hard-working, thoughtful and strategic and has deep relationships in and knowledge of the Boston startup ecosystem.

Sarah Hodges – Pillar Venture Capital

Securities / Capital Markets Law

The Securities and Capital Markets team at Wilmer Hale is top notch and has provided consistent legal advice across numerous critical matters. The team led by Stuart Falber has proven themselves as key resources and subject matter experts. Their ability to translate complex legal and regulatory nuances into practical business advice sets Wilmer Hale apart from many other law firms.

John Weidenbruch – Epizyme Inc.

Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice

Wilmer Hale has served the ongoing needs of Epizyme Inc. since the company's founding. The team led by Stuart Falber has been a tremendous resource in providing practical legal advice and guidance. The breadth and depth of the team is quite impressive. They are always responsive, thorough, thoughtful and pragmatic.

John Weidenbruch – Epizyme Inc.

Corporate Law

WH did a fabulous job for us selling a company during the pandemic. Great negotiators and wise, practical problem solvers. Stephanie Evans and Michael Bevilacqua were outstanding.

Cecilia Neumann – Advisen

Corporate Governance Law

I work with dozens of major firms around the world and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr is all around the finest firm out there. Highest integrity, gifted intellect, great problem solvers. Their corporate team has seen and done it all and their advice and guidance in recent years has been critical for the success of my company.

Kristin Campbell – Hilton Worldwide

Tax Law

The WilmerHale tax team has provided high-quality, practical and ultimately cost efficient advice on a variety of tax and organizational structure matter, and our company has been able to consistently rely upon their professionals as trusted business partners.

Dave Watson – Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Securities / Capital Markets Law

I've worked with the WilmerHale Securities/Capital Markets team for almost seven years, and they have consistently provided high-quality, practical and timely advice across a range of transactions and corporate events.

Dave Watson – Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

International Trade and Finance Law

Understands the business of Japanese companies and gives practical answer. Many talented attorneys and coordination with the EU office is also helpful.

Kazuhide Ueno – TMI Associates

Securities / Capital Markets Law

The WilmerHale team has provided our company with excellent guidance and legal support through our last large private financing, our IPO and beyond. The team is our go-to legal advisor for all corporate matters as a public company. The team's guidance has been very valuable & insightful to me and our legal/business teams, and I am particularly appreciative that they advise us based on practical considerations and circumstances unique to our company.

Yvonne Tran – Schrödinger

Technology Law

Wilmer long has represented us in regulatory and commercial work. They have provided excellent service through and through.

Michael Simon – Deloitte & Touche LLP

Energy Regulatory Law

Top notch firm with relevant experience. Always a great asset to have on your side in projects involving local government and land-use permitting!

Nathan Keiser – NextEra

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr was one of the best experiences with a firm, ever. Everyone was smart, committed, engaged, and responsive. Excellent partners with the lawyers in my office.

Employment Law - Management

Team has been excellent. Very responsive and understanding of our business. Quick turnaround, friendly engagement and practical advice. Laura and Andrew have been there for us.

Peter Butterfield – Flywire

Derivatives and Futures Law

Paul Architzel has repeatedly proven to be a reliable source for timely guidance on specific policy points as well as broad interpretative advice on US financial reforms overall.

Litigation - Intellectual Property

WilmerHale is a leader when it comes to intellectual property litigation, and is my first port-of-call when it is a challenging or important litigation. There is a deep bench of talent as well as a significant amount of trial and appellate experience all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Benjamin Brown, IP Counsel – Analog Devices, Inc.

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Strong team with excellent pedigree. They have done it, and probably more than once. Great strategic advice with the ability to back-up positions with strong documentation. Team is made up of tireless workers. Well respected by peers.

John Blenke, EVP-Corporate General Counsel and Corporate Secretary – TransUnion

International Trade and Finance Law

WilmerHale has outstanding counsel, professionalism, and leveraging of multiple subject matter experts across several complex and critical transactions.

Fred Ludtke – Alcatel Lucent

Patent Law

WilmerHale understands post-grant reviews and prior art better than most other top firms. WilmerHale is also flexible and can act accordingly. They are responsive and have earned our trust over the past year.

Jonathan Stroud – Unified Patents

Litigation - Securities

Andrea Robinson at WilmerHale's Boston office is the best in the business for SEC enforcement related work. Smart, clear-thinking, tactical, excellent judgment. Surrounds herself with good talent.

Joe Zwicker – PNC

Real Estate Law

WilmerHale has provided pro bono legal services for our charitable organization for over 25 years. Each attorney, with whom we have worked, in particular Keith Barnett of the Real Estate Division, has demonstrated the highest level of expertise and has consistently provided wise counsel for our organization. Our inquiries receive an immediate response, and we are given the exemplary service that is provided to paying clients. I enthusiastically recommend WilmerHale as a firm dedicated to serving the interests of its clients with unparalleled professionalism and commitment.

Kathi Anderson, Executive Director – Walden Woods Project

Litigation - Securities

WilmerHale's litigators are exactly what General Counsels look for when bringing or defending against complex, high stakes lawsuits. They are talented advocates who take the time to get to know the company and facts, after which they deliver outstanding results. I've worked with them on several such cases over the past 10 years and have always been impressed with the individual litigators and their overall teamwork.

Tamara Joseph – InVivo Therapeutics Corp.

Government Relations Practice

John Yarowsky of WilmerHale is an expert advocate for our industry's trade association. He has knowledge, style, and empathy which are essential attributes to win.

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

We were very fortunate to have support from the world class legal team at WilmerHale. They delivered the advice and counsel we needed to execute a complex, three-way refinancing agreement.

Douglas Prince – Crane & Co., Inc.

Technology Law

WilmerHale knows what they are doing.

Government Relations Practice

WilmerHale has a bench of very high profile practitioners, including many former senior government officials, well situated to handle bet-the-company engagements requiring a combination of substantive knowledge and high level contacts across industries and governments.

Appellate Practice

WilmerHale's experience in Supreme Court practice is unparalleled, but its client service really sets the firm apart. The team ably handled a SCOTUS case from cert petition to a unanimous win. The attorneys' written work products and their preparations are impressive. All attorneys involved, from junior associates to practice group head, are both brilliant and receptive to client needs.

Appellate Practice

The attorneys at WilmerHale are the most talented, thorough, and dedicated appellate lawyers with whom I have ever had the privilege to work.

Securities Regulation

WilmerHale’s experts are quick to identify the most relevant issue and suggest effective solutions.

Corporate Law

WilmerHale combines a high level of subject matter expertise and practical counsel very effectively.

Commercial Litigation

WilmerHale offers top-notch litigators, and is extremely thoughtful and thorough.

Antitrust Law

WilmerHale is an outstanding firm with smart, experienced, and credible attorneys. They are always prepared, are proactive thinkers, and take reasonable positions.

Arbitration

WilmerHale's international arbitration practice is second-to-none. Their team is intelligent, efficient and a pleasure to work with, and they get excellent results.

Corporate Law

WilmerHale is the most professional law firm with which I've ever worked.

Marcin Kowalski – UXPin

Rankings

"Law Firm of the Year" Awards

2024 "Law Firm of the Year" in Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice

National Rankings

Tier 1

Tier 1 for Antitrust Law

Tier 1 for Appellate Practice

Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Tier 1 for Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Copyright Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Law

Tier 1 for Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Tier 1 for Environmental Law

Tier 1 for Health Care Law

Tier 1 for International Arbitration - Commercial

Tier 1 for International Arbitration - Governmental

Tier 1 for Litigation - Antitrust

Tier 1 for Litigation - Bankruptcy

Tier 1 for Litigation - First Amendment

Tier 1 for Litigation - Intellectual Property

Tier 1 for Litigation - Patent

Tier 1 for Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)

Tier 1 for Litigation - Securities

Tier 1 for Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Tier 1 for Mutual Funds Law

Tier 1 for Native American Law

Tier 1 for Patent Law

Tier 1 for Securities / Capital Markets Law

Tier 1 for Securities Regulation

Tier 1 for Tax Law

Tier 1 for Technology Law

Tier 1 for Trademark Law

Tier 1 for Venture Capital Law

Tier 2

Tier 2 for Banking and Finance Law

Tier 2 for Derivatives and Futures Law

Tier 2 for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Tier 2 for Employment Law - Management

Tier 2 for Information Technology Law

Tier 2 for International Trade and Finance Law

Tier 2 for Litigation and Controversy - Tax

Tier 2 for Real Estate Law

Tier 3

Tier 3 for Litigation - Environmental

Metro Rankings

Boston

Tier 1 for Antitrust Law

Tier 1 for Appellate Practice

Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Tier 1 for Bet-the-Company Litigation

Tier 1 for Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Copyright Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Governance Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Law

Tier 1 for Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Tier 1 for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Tier 1 for Employment Law - Management

Tier 1 for Environmental Law

Tier 1 for Health Care Law

Tier 1 for Information Technology Law

Tier 1 for Litigation - Antitrust

Tier 1 for Litigation - Intellectual Property

Tier 1 for Litigation - Patent

Tier 1 for Litigation - Securities

Tier 1 for Litigation and Controversy - Tax

Tier 1 for Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Tier 1 for Patent Law

Tier 1 for Real Estate Law

Tier 1 for Securities Regulation

Tier 1 for Tax Law

Tier 1 for Technology Law

Tier 1 for Trademark Law

Tier 1 for Venture Capital Law

Tier 2 for Litigation - Labor and Employment

Tier 2 for Nonprofit / Charities Law

Colorado

Tier 1 for Copyright Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Law

Tier 1 for Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Tier 1 for Litigation - Intellectual Property

Tier 1 for Litigation - Patent

Tier 1 for Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Tier 1 for Patent Law

Tier 1 for Trademark Law

Tier 3 for Venture Capital Law

New York City

Tier 1 for Administrative / Regulatory Law

Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Tier 1 for Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Corporate Law

Tier 1 for Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Tier 1 for Litigation - Bankruptcy

Tier 1 for Litigation - Intellectual Property

Tier 1 for Litigation - Patent

Tier 1 for Litigation - Securities

Tier 1 for Mutual Funds Law

Tier 1 for Securities / Capital Markets Law

Tier 3 for Corporate Governance Law

Tier 3 for Technology Law

San Francisco

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Environmental Law

Tier 1 for Litigation - Environmental

Tier 1 for Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)

Tier 1 for Litigation - Securities

Tier 2 for Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Tier 2 for Energy Regulatory Law

Tier 3 for Energy Law

San Jose

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Litigation - Intellectual Property

Tier 1 for Litigation - Patent

Tier 1 for Patent Law

Tier 3 for Tax Law

Washington, D.C.

Tier 1 for Antitrust Law

Tier 1 for Appellate Practice

Tier 1 for Banking and Finance Law

Tier 1 for Bet-the-Company Litigation

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Corporate Compliance Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Governance Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Law

Tier 1 for Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Tier 1 for Derivatives and Futures Law

Tier 1 for First Amendment Law

Tier 1 for Government Relations Practice

Tier 1 for Health Care Law

Tier 1 for International Arbitration - Commercial

Tier 1 for International Arbitration - Governmental

Tier 1 for International Trade and Finance Law

Tier 1 for Litigation - Antitrust

Tier 1 for Litigation - First Amendment

Tier 1 for Litigation - Intellectual Property

Tier 1 for Litigation - Patent

Tier 1 for Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)

Tier 1 for Litigation - Securities

Tier 1 for Native American Law

Tier 1 for Patent Law

Tier 1 for Privacy and Data Security Law

Tier 1 for Securities / Capital Markets Law

Tier 1 for Securities Regulation

Tier 2 for Administrative / Regulatory Law

Tier 2 for FDA Law

Tier 2 for Tax Law

Tier 3 for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Practice Areas

The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.

Administrative / Regulatory Law
Advertising Law
Antitrust Law
Antitrust/IP Intersection
Appellate Practice
Arbitration
Arbitration and Mediation
Aviation Law
Banking and Finance Law
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Biotechnology
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Business Disputes
Capital Markets
Civil Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Communications Law
Complex Litigation
Construction Law
Copyright Law
Corporate Compliance Law
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Corporate Transactions
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Cross-Border
Derivatives and Futures Law
Education Law
Emerging Business
Employment Law - Management
Energy Law
Energy Regulatory Law
Enforcement
Environmental Law
FDA Law
Finance
Financial Institutions
Financial Services Regulation Law
First Amendment Law
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
General Corporate
Government Contracts
Government Investigations
Government Relations Practice
Health Care Law
Information Technology Law
Insurance Law
Intellectual Property Law
Internal Investigations
International Arbitration - Commercial
International Arbitration - Governmental
International Trade and Finance Law
Labor Law - Management
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation - Antitrust
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Litigation - First Amendment
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Litigation - Patent
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
Litigation - Securities
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Mutual Funds Law
Native American Law
Patent Law
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Real Estate Law
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Securities Regulation
Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Tax Law
Technology Law
Trademark Law
Venture Capital Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America^®

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