USA Guide 2026 : Delaware
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
As a hub for corporate and commercial litigation, Delaware is a critical jurisdiction for businesses, requiring counsel who understand its unique legal landscape. Troutman Pepper Locke's attorneys have extensive experience litigating cases in Delaware, and in particular in the Delaware Court of Chancery, for clients such as corporations, limited liability companies, boards of directors, executives, CEOs, shareholders, foundations, and trusts. We are thoroughly versed in the court’s rules and processes and are known and respected by the chancellor, vice chancellors, magistrate judges, and peers in the Chancery bar.
Our attorneys litigate a wide range commercial business disputes, including single-plaintiff, derivative and class actions with claims related to corporate governance, fiduciary duties, derivative issues, mergers and acquisitions, requests for preliminary injunctions, and other equitable relief in the corporate context. Our firm handles statutory proceedings under the Delaware General Corporation Law, including appraisal actions, and matters relating to Delaware alternative entities. We also are experienced in advising corporate board special committees, as well as conducting internal investigations into allegations of potential unlawful conduct.
Provided by Chambers
Troutman Pepper Locke is acknowledged for its deep expertise in complex corporate litigation. The team is known for its capabilities across key areas such as M&A litigation, fiduciary duty disputes, and shareholder‑activism matters, as well as statutory proceedings under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Provided by Chambers
Troutman Pepper Locke represented Jonathan Paul, a former managing member and founder of Rockpoint Group, in his litigation to obtain a declaration that a Blackstone affiliate’s 2018 passive minority investment in two Rockpoint-affiliated entities triggered his rights to an allocation of sales proceeds under an amendment to a Limited Partnership Agreement.
Provided by Chambers
They are very responsive, have high attention to detail, are very bright and quick to absorb information and come back with good advice and a high level of work product.
Troutman has the resources, intelligence and good judgment to handle complex litigation matters that never have one 'right' answer, and which involve high-stakes decisions that can impact a company's future.
They are civil, genuinely intelligent and diligent lawyers.
The Troutman team, under Chris Chuff's leadership, has expertise in understanding both financial complexities and legal issues, which is indeed a valuable asset, especially in today's intricate business environment.
The attorneys in the firm's Delaware office have all provided top-notch, expert legal services. They are all extremely professional, efficient, knowledgeable and responsive.
Provided by Chambers
Joanna Cline is the chair of the business litigation practice at Troutman Pepper Locke. She is well recognized for her adept handling of a variety of commercial litigation.
Joanna is an expert in Delaware law and has valuable trial experience in matters before the Chancery Court, which is extremely valuable.
Joanna was very easy to work with and clear in her communications. She is calm, cool and collected.
Christopher Chuff of Troutman Pepper Locke LLP has strong experience litigating in the Delaware Courts. He is noted for his handling of shareholder disputes, M&A litigation, and fiduciary breach claims.
I was highly impressed with Chris's skill and demeanor. He's extremely competent and an expert in strategic planning and client management.
He is easy to work with, extremely smart, very knowledgeable about DE law and an exceptional oral advocate.
He is just a terrific lawyer and even a better person. I am grateful to have Chris on our team.
James Levine is noted for his expertise and record in complex breach of contract, fiduciary duty, fraud, and trade secrets litigation.
James Levine is experienced and helpful on local rules and practice. He is going to handle it.
Chancery
Chancery
Chancery
Provided by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Christopher B. Chuff
View profile of Christopher B. ChuffJoanna Cline
View profile of Joanna ClineJames H.S. Levine
View profile of James H.S. Levine
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