Department profile
Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP

Chancery

USA Guide 2026 : Delaware


Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP

Morris Nichols lawyers have litigated many of the landmark cases that established the principles of Delaware corporate law and defined the fiduciary duties governing boards of directors of many major corporations in the United States. From the seminal Revlon case to the more recent landmark decision in MFW, we represent many of the world’s largest companies in litigation of national significance.

We advocate on behalf of corporations, directors, substantial stockholders, partnerships, limited and general partners, and limited liability companies in lawsuits involving challenges to mergers, acquisitions and financing transactions; takeover battles and proxy contests; busted deals; as well as class and derivative actions. We also represent special committees of independent directors in connection with reviewing conflict transactions and with the investigation of potential and pending derivative claims. In addition, we routinely handle matters involving complex valuations of Delaware corporations and alternative entities, as well as statutory proceedings before the Delaware Court of Chancery such claims for inspection of books and records; claims by directors for advancement and indemnification of their legal fees; and claims to compel an annual stockholders’ meetings.

Our market leading commercial litigation practice handles a wide range of disputes in the Court of Chancery, the Delaware Superior Court, and the District Court for the District of Delaware.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chancery - Delaware

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell is a preeminent firm with a high level of experience and expertise across a range of commercial disputes. The firm is praised by market sources for its work in lawsuits concerning M&A, takeover battles and proxy contests, among other matters. It represents a wide array of clients including shareholders, limited partners and limited liability companies. The group also regularly advises special committees of independent directors on conflict of interest issues.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell represented Neem International in this derivative shareholder suit in the Delaware Court of Chancery.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Morris Nichols demonstrated significant familiarity with the court, its procedures and precedent.

    Chancery respondentUSA
  • MNAT has excellent lawyers and strategic thinkers.

    Chancery respondentUSA
  • They have a great understanding of local judges as well as of corporate law.

    Chancery respondentUSA
  • They give excellent, practical advice.

    Chancery respondentUSA
  • MNAT is incredibly tuned in to the practices of the Court of Chancery and the preferences of the judges.

    Chancery respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1William M Lafferty
    Band 1William M Lafferty

    William M Lafferty

    William Lafferty is a respected litigator with notable experience representing clients in complex contentious mandates arising from failed merger agreements. In addition to his roster of corporate clients, he is also able to represent boards of directors.

  • Band 2Susan W. Waesco
    Band 2Susan W. Waesco

    Susan W. Waesco

    Clients turn to Susan Waesco for her strong chancery experience. She is well-versed in representing both corporations and boards of directors on singular and class actions.

  • Band 3David Teklits
    Band 3David Teklits

    David Teklits

    David Teklits is well known in the market for his advice on special committee issues and valuation matters.

  • Band 3Megan Ward Cascio
    Band 3Megan Ward Cascio

    Megan Ward Cascio

    Megan Ward Cascio is an experienced corporate and commercial litigator with expertise acting on a wide array of Delaware suits, including fiduciary duty litigation.

    • Megan is a dynamite litigator. She understands the Delaware bar and has a great relationship with the bench and their peers. She's very good at predicting how things will go and great at drafting and arguing in court.

      Chancery respondentUSA
    • Megan is a superb advocate with a deep knowledge base of Delaware practice and chancery litigation.

      Chancery respondentUSA
  • Band 3S. Mark Hurd
    Band 3S. Mark Hurd

    S. Mark Hurd

    Mark Hurd advises clients in a broad range of disputes before the Court of Chancery, and frequently acts on litigation arising from merger agreements. He has experience acting for both plaintiffs and defendants.

    • Mark is very smart and plugged in to Delaware chancery courts. He is really knowledgeable and knows all of the players.

      Chancery respondentUSA
  • Band 4John P. DiTomo
    Band 4John P. DiTomo

    John P. DiTomo

    John DiTomo has considerable experience representing companies and investors in M&A and shareholder disputes.

    • He is an excellent litigator, responsive and a good writer.

      Chancery respondentUSA
    • John is very smart and experienced. I value his opinions and experience very highly.

      Chancery respondentUSA
    • John is my go-to on all types of sophisticated litigation disputes. He is court-smart and a strong tactician. He is also well respected by his peers and the decision-makers.

      Chancery respondentUSA
    • John is a great partner to have in Delaware. He's always available to help and provides excellent advice to our joint clients. He is my go-to person when we have needs in Delaware chancery.

      Chancery respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP (6)

Delaware

Members

Provided by Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP

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