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Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Litigation: General Commercial

USA Guide 2026 : California

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Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

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To learn more about our practice, please visit gibsondunn.com.

Chambers Review

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Litigation: General Commercial - California

What the Team is Known For
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is a high-caliber practice group with top-tier credentials in securities and commercial disputes, regularly picked by clients for high-stakes, bet-the-company cases. The firm possesses a wealth of expertise in trial work, counting several former prosecutors with extensive litigation experience among its roster of standout attorneys. It handles a plethora of other disputes in areas such as IP, employment and product liability. The team services an impressive array of blue-chip corporates, including a number of Silicon Valley behemoths, in highly publicized litigation battles. It also features a leading appellate practice with an enviable track record in representing major corporations in the Ninth Circuit and Supreme Court.
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Work Highlights

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  • Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP represented Meta in a landmark securities class action and derivative action relating to misused user data by Cambridge Analytica, and Facebook’s $5 billion resolution of allegations by the Federal Trade Commission that Facebook violated a consent decree.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are creative in their development of arguments and have a deep understanding of securities law.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • I think Gibson Dunn lawyers are used to being the very smartest in the room because they almost always are.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • It's a strong team across the board with high intellectual horsepower. I take my highest stakes and most difficult matters there.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Gibson Dunn is responsive and has good knowledge of securities class actions.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Brian M Lutz
    Brian M Lutz

    Brian M Lutz

    Brian Lutz has a broad commercial litigation practice which features notable strength in defending public companies against securities class action and derivative suits, as well as advising on corporate governance matters. Brian is the co-chair of the firm's national securities litigation practice group.

    • Brian Lutz has incredible substantive knowledge and outstanding judgment, and he's an incredibly gifted advocate. He is among one of the finest lawyers I've ever worked with.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Brian is a top-notch counselor who has his clients' interests at heart.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Brian has a lot of experience and understands what business teams and executives need.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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  • Christopher Chorba
    Christopher Chorba

    Christopher Chorba

    Christopher Chorba is noted for his handling of a variety of disputes, including significant class actions. His clients include major tech companies and significant names in the media and entertainment industry.

    • Chris Chorba is truly a class action savant. He knows all of the different procedural levers you can pull in, all the ways to defeat class certification and is so up to speed on the plaintiffs' Bar.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Chris is a tireless advocate, you can get him 24/7 if you need to, and he is also incredibly knowledgeable on all the latest case law.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Chris has an amazing practice.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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  • Ilissa Samplin
    Ilissa Samplin

    Ilissa Samplin

    Ilissa Samplin's practice focuses on commercial litigation arising from the technology, media and entertainment industries. She is particularly adept at handling intellectual property disputes. Ilissa serves as the co-chair of the firm's media, entertainment and technology practice group.

    • Ilissa is a strong litigator with deep knowledge of the California court system.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Ilissa Samplin is a phenomenal thought partner who provides very strong client service.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Ilissa is a talented lawyer, I respect her.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Ilissa is a great writer, she's strategic and leads the team very well.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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  • Jessica Valenzuela
    Jessica Valenzuela

    Jessica Valenzuela

    Jessica Valenzuela frequently advises individual and corporate clients in the technology sphere on securities class actions and derivative suits, as well as advising on compliance and corporate governance matters.

    • Jessica is poised and always prepared.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Jessica is smart, creative and knows how to move a case to fruition.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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  • Marcellus A McRae
    Marcellus A McRae

    Marcellus A McRae

    Marcellus McRae is highly experienced at litigating highly valuable disputes for large corporations. He has experience defending his clients in both trial and appellate courts. His clients range from telecommunications giants to individuals.

    • Marcellus is particularly strong for big trials and is very thoughtful as well as strategic.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Marcellus McRae is strong on client relations and extremely responsive.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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  • Michael Celio
    Michael Celio

    Michael Celio

    Michael Celio is noted for his expertise in handling class action mandates. He acts for both corporates and individuals, and is adept at handling SEC investigations.

    • The results Michael has earned for some of his clients are amazing. He's gotten clients out of cases that he had no business getting them out of.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • He is great at handling difficult clients and does a great job in relationship management.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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  • Craig Varnen
    Craig Varnen

    Craig Varnen

    Craig Varnen is adept at handling securities fraud litigation as well as derivative actions. He regularly acts for large corporates and their executives. He serves as the co-chair of the firm's national securities litigation practice group.

    • He understands company dynamics and is very good with other players across the table.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Craig is professional and knows what he is doing. He is also user-friendly and has good judgment.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Craig is strategic and has the ability to analyze and provide a strategic plan that is very helpful and moves us forward.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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  • Perlette Michèle Jura
    Perlette Michèle Jura

    Perlette Michèle Jura

    Perlette Michèle Jura is adept at handling complex commercial litigation and has experience representing clients from a range industries, from food and beverage to tech and automotive.

    • With Perlette it's almost like I have two people for the price of one. She has a spine of steel; she is fearsome and ready to do battle.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Perlette is a terrific lawyer who knows our company well and is easy to work alongside.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Perlette leaves no stone unturned and always thinks ahead to potential circumstances and procedural issues. Everything will be clearly scoped out, with every step detailed. Whether the piece is large or small, it’s always thoroughly thought through.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (8)

California

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