Litigation: General Commercial: Highly Regarded
USA Guide 2024 : New York
Band 2
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
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 represented Aenergy S.A. as claimant in multiple proceedings related to the termination of major energy contracts Aenergy held with Angola. Aenergy had 13 contracts worth $1.1 billion with Angola-owned entities, as well as a 25-year energy concession in Angola worth billions of dollars.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The lawyers are all exceptional, very skilled top to bottom. What is impressive about them is that they connect clients to the subject matter expert needed instantly."
"Holwell Shuster has excellent commercial awareness and provides expert counsel to navigate the challenging issues of assessing risks and achieving favorable outcomes."
"The firm does a great job of keeping clients informed on a timely basis and anticipating and rasing issues before they materialize."
"The lawyers are all exceptional, very skilled top to bottom. What is impressive about them is that they connect clients to the subject matter expert needed instantly."
"Holwell Shuster has excellent commercial awareness and provides expert counsel to navigate the challenging issues of assessing risks and achieving favorable outcomes."
"The firm does a great job of keeping clients informed on a timely basis and anticipating and rasing issues before they materialize."
Notable Practitioners
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.
"Michael is always willing to stay in the case. He is a savvy and incisive courtroom lawyer."
"He is very sharp, he explains things clearly, and he is willing to think outside the box."
"Mike is a brilliant trial lawyer and strategic thinker. He truly wants what's best for me as a client."
Blair Kaminsky represents both individuals and corporates in a whole host of complex commercial disputes and offers expertise in bankruptcy and securities-related litigation.
"She has a unique capability to understand and synthesize the nuances of case details, combined with stellar project management and strategic thinking."
"I rate Blair as an excellent litigation partner and recommend her most highly."
"She's absolutely top-notch, smart as a whip and is the right balance of calm, aggressive and focused."
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 Goldberg is an effective litigator, he communicates well with clients, and he is an asset to the firm."
"He is a tenacious commercial litigator.
Ranked Lawyers at
Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP
New York
Members
Provided by Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP
Daniel P. Goldberg
Hon. Richard J. Holwell
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.