About

Provided by Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP

HSG is known for its ability to try high-stakes commercial cases--domestic and multi-jurisdictional--and the quality of its legal scholarship and writing. The firm has asserted and defended groundbreaking legal claims with the potential to change the way business is done across entire industries.

 

The firm’s founders are the Hon. Richard Holwell, a former S.D.N.Y. judge, and three of his former colleagues from White & Case: Michael Shuster, Daniel Goldberg, and Dorit Ungar Black. The firm draws talent from the finest law schools, clerkships, and firms. Today, HSG has approximately 70 lawyers, including multiple former Supreme Court clerks.

 

The firm:

 

  • Won a $2.4 billion trial verdict against Lehman Brothers related to mortgage-backed securities.
  • Took to trial and settled a massive antitrust claim on behalf of MacAndrews & Forbes against News Corp.
  • Argued for the petitioners before the Supreme Court in a case raising important questions over the scope of RICO.
  • Secured a $69.8 million award—approximately 99% of the amount sought following a trial on damages—for Melody Business Finance in litigation against Philip Falcone.

·        Secured a dismissal at the trial and appellate levels of all claims against the NBA in a federal antitrust suit.

  • Is nationwide lead trial and appellate counsel for Chubb’s insurance companies in opioid coverage litigation.
  • Won a dismissal, affirmed on appeal, of claims brought by Carl Icahn against a prestigious M&A firm.


Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation: General Commercial: Highly Regarded - New York

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Holwell Shuster & Goldberg is a strong litigation boutique that is particularly highlighted for its representation of institutional plaintiffs in major securities litigation, with in-depth experience in bringing claims against leading financial institutions, investors and government entities. It is particularly well regarded for its strength in RMBS claims, calling upon an extensive track record of success in cases arising from the financial crisis. The firm acts for an impressive client base which includes high net worth individuals, investors, major corporates and sovereign states. It is also noted for its well-regarded offering in general commercial litigation, with a strong track record of success in defending against antitrust, mass tort and cost of insurance disputes.

Work Highlights

  • Holwell Shuster & Goldberg successfully represented London Luxury against Walmart in a lawsuit alleging that Walmart wrongfully cancelled its contract to purchase more than $500 million in personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Michael S Shuster
1
Michael S Shuster
1
Band 1
Michael Shuster handles disputes on both the plaintiff and defense sides, and impresses with his expert handling of commercial disputes as well as securities litigation such as RMBS-related claims against financial institutions.

Mike is a veteran leader, who is able to get the best out of a big litigation team. Mike is a master of grand strategy in complex litigation, who also sparkles in the courtroom.

Michael is an incredibly smart lawyer and someone I've looked up to.

Mike is a first-rate trial lawyer and an excellent team player.

Mike is a courtroom natural, a master strategist and an all-around lawyer’s lawyer. He has an impressive courtroom demeanor and ability to argue points in an artful, organized, and streamlined manner.

Michael's strategic thinking, communication and sophistication are all top notch.

Blair Kaminsky
5
Blair Kaminsky
5
Band 5
Blair Kaminsky represents both individuals and corporates in a whole host of complex commercial disputes and offers expertise in bankruptcy and securities-related litigation.

Blair takes a portfolio view of our cases, guiding strategy and leveraging synergies across the book of business. She knows every detail, reads every case and knows what matters for us to succeed.

Blair Kaminsky is a wonderful lawyer. She really punches above her weight.

Blair is a highly-skilled litigator and a gifted writer who also has the people skills to get disparate parties and counsel in a defense group working together productively.

Blair is a go-to litigator who sees the big picture and the most minute details of every matter. She knows exactly what her clients need to resolve cases quickly and effectively.

Daniel P Goldberg
6
Daniel P Goldberg
6
Band 6
Daniel Goldberg regularly represents financial and retail clients and is highly regarded for his courtroom prowess. He is particularly experienced in handling securities and bankruptcy-related litigation.

Dan is an outstanding lawyer.

Daniel has strong strategic oversight and planning.

Ranked Lawyers at
Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

New York

Litigation: General Commercial

Michael S Shuster
1
Michael S Shuster
1
Band 1
Blair Kaminsky
5
Blair Kaminsky
5
Band 5
Daniel P Goldberg
6
Daniel P Goldberg
6
Band 6
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation

Michael S Shuster
1
Michael S Shuster
1
Band 1

Members

Provided by Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP

Daniel P. Goldberg

Hon. Richard J. Holwell

Michael S Shuster

Michael S Shuster

Head of Department

Clients

Provided by Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP

Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)

Bank of New York Mellon

Chubb

Directors of Liquid Holdings Group, Inc.

Former Director of Sears Holding Corp.

Freddie Mac

Goldman Sachs & Co.

HSBC

Lehman RMBS Trustees

MacAndrews & Forbes Inc.

National Basketball Association

Perry Capital

PetSmart Inc.

Promontory Financial Group

Sealed Air

TiVo

Travelport

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Visa Inc.