Department profile
Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP

Litigation: General Commercial

USA Guide 2026 : New York

Share profile

Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP

Rankings

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.

Clients (19)

  • Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)
  • Bank of New York Mellon
  • Directors of Liquid Holdings Group, Inc.
  • Chubb
  • Former Director of Sears Holding Corp.
  • Freddie Mac
  • Goldman Sachs & Co.
  • HSBC
  • Lehman RMBS Trustees
  • MacAndrews & Forbes Inc.
  • Perry Capital
  • PetSmart Inc.
  • Promontory Financial Group
  • TiVo
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Visa Inc.
  • Travelport
  • Sealed Air
  • National Basketball Association

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation: General Commercial - New York

What the Team is Known For

Holwell Shuster & Goldberg is an elite 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. 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 strong offering in general commercial litigation, with a strong track record of success in defending against antitrust, mass tort and insurance disputes.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Holwell Shuster & Goldberg represented Chubb as nationwide lead trial and appellate counsel in over 20 insurance coverage cases related to the opioid crisis.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Holwell Shuster & Goldberg combines the institutional depth and pedigree of a top litigation boutique with the kind of individual excellence that truly defines a team. It is timely, thoughtful and consistent.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Holwell Shuster & Goldberg's true strength lies in its unwavering tenacity and strategic brilliance.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Holwell Shuster & Goldberg has an incredibly deep and talented team at every level, and a great firm culture that combines the very highest standards with collaboration and teamwork. The attorneys are masters of grand strategy in large, messy cases.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Holwell Shuster & Goldberg is one of the premier commercial litigation boutiques in New York. You get the highest quality of attorneys there who do a great job. They are terrific.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Holwell Shuster & Goldberg’s performance showcases a rare mastery of the entire litigation lifecycle, distinguishing it as a premier trial and appellate firm. Its attorneys demonstrate exceptional skill and provide unwavering tenacity and strategic brilliance. The firm has a strategic depth that is truly exceptional. The way the team combines high-touch, collaborative client service with the strategic flexibility to adapt to dramatic, high-stakes changes in legal posture is the hallmark of a truly outstanding firm.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael S Shuster
    Michael S Shuster

    Michael S Shuster

    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 shows up in front of the judge and is just an outstanding, very experienced lawyer.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Mike is first rate. He is an incredible lawyer and is amazing in the courtroom.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Michael has even keeled and has great judgment. He is strategically-oriented.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    View profile
  • Blair Kaminsky
    Blair Kaminsky

    Blair Kaminsky

    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 is an exceptionally talented lawyer and leader of lawyers. She's a first-rate legal writer.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Blair combines extraordinary legal skill with practical, business-oriented judgment. She is strategic, unflappable and always two steps ahead, making even the most complex matters feel manageable.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    View profile
  • Daniel P Goldberg
    Daniel P Goldberg

    Daniel P Goldberg

    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.

    • Daniel is super creative and very commercial.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    View profile
  • Vincent Levy
    Vincent Levy

    Vincent Levy

    Vincent Levy's practice spans both trial and appellate courts, in which he ably acts on behalf of clients in commercial disputes concerning theft of trade secrets, fraud and other issues. He also boasts experience presenting oral argument in the US Supreme Court.

    • Vincent Levy is an amazing, multifaceted attorney. At trial, he has a commanding presence with the jury and is extremely effective. He then seamlessly transitions to run a masterful appeal.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Vincent distinguishes himself through both his writing and his oral advocacy. His briefs are crafted with precision and elegance, commanding the reader’s attention without wasted words. In oral argument, he combines calm authority with disarming clarity, answering even the hardest questions in a way that makes his position feel inevitably correct.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Vincent is thoughtful, precise and a very good writer.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Vincent is an excellent attorney who is thoughtful, strategic and creative. He understands client needs and goes beyond expectations in meeting them.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    View profile
  • Priyanka Timblo
    Priyanka Timblo

    Priyanka Timblo

    Priyanka Timblo is commended for her antitrust and contract disputes acumen on both the plaintiff and defense side, as well as on a range of other commercial matters.

    • Priyanka is an amazing trial lawyer. She is tough as nails and extremely effective in the courtroom.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Priyanka is just an absolute dynamo and gives top-notch service.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP (6)

New York

Members

Provided by Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership