Ranking tables
Banking & Finance | Global
USA
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
- Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 34 Years Ranked
- Latham & Watkins LLP 23 Years Ranked
- Paul Hastings LLP 22 Years Ranked
- Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 29 Years Ranked
- Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
- Kirkland & Ellis
Band 2
Band 3
Band 4
- A&O Shearman 39 Years Ranked
- Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP 14 Years Ranked
- Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 18 Years Ranked
- King & Spalding LLP 5 Years Ranked
- Mayer Brown LLP 27 Years Ranked
- Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 23 Years Ranked
- Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP 8 Years Ranked
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- McGuireWoods LLP
Band 5
- Dechert LLP 4 Years Ranked
- Freshfields US LLP 1 Years Ranked
- Goodwin 3 Years Ranked
- Greenberg Traurig, LLP 1 Years Ranked
- Holland & Knight LLP 12 Years Ranked
- Jones Day 11 Years Ranked
- Katten 6 Years Ranked
- Moore & Van Allen, PLLC 5 Years Ranked
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 10 Years Ranked
- Morrison Foerster 3 Years Ranked
- Vinson & Elkins LLP 4 Years Ranked
- Cooley LLP
- Haynes and Boone, LLP
- Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
Senior Statespeople
- F William Reindel Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP14 Years Ranked
- James ClarkCahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
- Steven M EllisProskauer Rose LLP
- William M HartnettCahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
Band 1
- Eric Leicht White & Case LLP12 Years Ranked
- Gregory Ezring Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP13 Years Ranked
- James A Florack Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP22 Years Ranked
- Jason Kyrwood Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP12 Years Ranked
- Patrick J Ryan Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP13 Years Ranked
- Jay M PtashekKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Jeffrey E RossDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
Band 2
- Brian M. Steinhardt Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP11 Years Ranked
- Corey Wright Latham & Watkins LLP11 Years Ranked
- Daniel S Dokos Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP25 Years Ranked
- Eric Wedel Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP6 Years Ranked
- George (Jed) E Zobitz Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP14 Years Ranked
- Jay Kim Ropes & Gray LLP14 Years Ranked
- Jennifer Ezring Latham & Watkins LLP6 Years Ranked
- Marcus J Dougherty Milbank LLP6 Years Ranked
- Maura O'Sullivan A&O Shearman14 Years Ranked
- Meyer C Dworkin Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP6 Years Ranked
- Michèle Penzer Latham & Watkins LLP18 Years Ranked
- Stephen Kessing Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP4 Years Ranked
- Tatiana Lapushchik Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP10 Years Ranked
- Margaret S PeponisCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Band 3
- Alan Rockwell DLA Piper LLP (US)8 Years Ranked
- Ari B Blaut Sullivan & Cromwell LLP5 Years Ranked
- Daniel Seale Latham & Watkins LLP14 Years Ranked
- J. Christian Nahr Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates7 Years Ranked
- Janet Vance Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP14 Years Ranked
- Joshua A. Tinkelman Latham & Watkins LLP5 Years Ranked
- Justin Breen Proskauer Rose LLP4 Years Ranked
- Kenneth Steinberg Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP6 Years Ranked
- Lauren Hanrahan Milbank LLP6 Years Ranked
- Morgan Bale Paul Hastings LLP12 Years Ranked
- R Jake Mincemoyer A&O Shearman5 Years Ranked
- Stefanie Birkmann Ropes & Gray LLP4 Years Ranked
- Steven Messina Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates7 Years Ranked
- William Sheehan Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP4 Years Ranked
- Adam DworkinCahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
- Angela L FontanaSidley Austin LLP
- Ashley GregoryKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Jason KannerKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Melissa HutsonKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Scott B SelingerDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
- Stephen A BoykoProskauer Rose LLP
Band 4
- Alexander Zeltser Ropes & Gray LLP6 Years Ranked
- Allison R Liff Freshfields US LLP4 Years Ranked
- Andrew Colao Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP8 Years Ranked
- Andrew J Yoon Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP9 Years Ranked
- David Bilkis White & Case LLP15 Years Ranked
- Eliza McDougall White & Case LLP6 Years Ranked
- Jay Alicandri Dechert LLP4 Years Ranked
- Jennifer St. John Yount Paul Hastings LLP6 Years Ranked
- John Cobb Paul Hastings LLP6 Years Ranked
- Jonathan DeSantis Proskauer Rose LLP4 Years Ranked
- Joshua W Thompson Sidley Austin LLP10 Years Ranked
- Joshua Zelig Paul Hastings LLP2 Years Ranked
- Melissa Alwang Latham & Watkins LLP9 Years Ranked
- Michael K Chernick A&O Shearman4 Years Ranked
- Nicholas A Palumbo Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP3 Years Ranked
- Nicholas Schwartz Sidley Austin LLP3 Years Ranked
- Rajani K Gupta White & Case LLP5 Years Ranked
- Stephanie Teicher Latham & Watkins LLP6 Years Ranked
- Viktor Okasmaa Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP4 Years Ranked
Band 5
- Aaron Adams Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP9 Years Ranked
- Brett P Barragate Jones Day14 Years Ranked
- Brian Gluck Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP2 Years Ranked
- Charles Stern Milbank LLP1 Years Ranked
- Daniel J Bursky Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP19 Years Ranked
- Daniel W Hendrick Proskauer Rose LLP1 Years Ranked
- David Barash Paul Hastings LLP1 Years Ranked
- David Ridley White & Case LLP4 Years Ranked
- David Tarr Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP3 Years Ranked
- Douglas S Horowitz Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP13 Years Ranked
- Edward Newlands Dechert LLP1 Years Ranked
- Jin Hee Kim Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP1 Years Ranked
- Leonard Klingbaum Ropes & Gray LLP4 Years Ranked
- Marc R. Lashbrook Paul Hastings LLP1 Years Ranked
- Marisa Sotomayor King & Spalding LLP3 Years Ranked
- Monica Thurmond Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP10 Years Ranked
- Stelios Saffos Latham & Watkins LLP4 Years Ranked
- William Brady Akin1 Years Ranked
- Amy ShapiroCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Duane McLaughlinCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Emily JohnsonWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
- Josiah SlotnickCahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
- Judson OswaldKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Michael TolliniCooley LLP
Up and Coming
- Angelina Liang Dechert LLP1 Years Ranked
- Elizabeth Tabas Carson Sidley Austin LLP1 Years Ranked
- Justin Wagstaff White & Case LLP1 Years Ranked
- Katherine Reaves Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP1 Years Ranked
- Kyle Lakin Freshfields US LLP1 Years Ranked
- Meredith Mackey Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP1 Years Ranked
- Scott Herrig Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP1 Years Ranked
- Soo-ah Nah Dechert LLP1 Years Ranked
- Todd Koretzky A&O Shearman1 Years Ranked
- Vanessa Jackson Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP1 Years Ranked
- Ryan RaffertyDebevoise & Plimpton LLP
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 1 | 34 Years RankedDavis Polk & Wardwell LLP maintains its position at the forefront of the financial services regulatory space as the first port of call for institutions seeking up-to-date expertise. A market-leading offering in banking regulatory compliance is bolstered by strong showings in banking enforcement and transactional matters and the broker-dealer regulatory space. Helps bring to fruition sophisticated M&A deals involving financial institutions. Marries traditional legal acumen and experience with the innovative use of technology, producing the industry-standard policy and procedure manual for Volcker matters and a subscription-based Regulatory Tracker. Also noted for its knowledge of global regulatory systems, including the Basel III capital and liquidity rules.1 Latham & Watkins LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 1 | 23 Years RankedLatham & Watkins LLP has a compact team with particular strength in the banking and broker-dealer spaces, advising on a range of high-profile regulatory matters, including those pertaining to financial technology such as data capture technologies. Fully equipped to advise on current and emerging requirements implemented by the SEC, CFTC, FINRA and NYSE, among others. An expanding team includes a number of alumni of the major regulatory bodies, enabling it to provide clients with crucial strategic insight. Clients include most of the world's major global banks, as well as international broker-dealers, private fund complexes and fintech companies.
1 Paul Hastings LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 1 | 22 Years RankedPaul Hastings boasts a widely spread national group with a particular focus on lender-side and private equity sponsor representation. Particularly noted for its significant presence in the asset-based lending space, and its work with clients on term loans and bridge loans, as well as restructuring matters. Represents a good choice of firm for cross-border transactions, with a pronounced focus on energy financings.1 Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 1 | 29 Years RankedSimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a well-established transactional offering with the ability to operate effectively across all facets of deals involving financial institutions. Represents a wide array of financial institutions including banks, credit card issuers, mortgage brokers and insurance companies, granting it an impressive overview of industry-wide trends. Offers a robust grounding in the regulatory directives of every core agency in the space.
Band 2
2 Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 2 | 22 Years RankedCravath, Swaine & Moore has a comprehensive practice notable for its enviable roster of lender and borrower-side clients, which it advises on both domestic and cross-border banking and finance matters. Highly skilled in syndicated leveraged finance, M&A finance and high-grade investment. Offers additional expertise across asset-based financings, recapitalizations and restructuring.2 Milbank LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 2 | 28 Years RankedMilbank boasts a compact team of renowned finance lawyers who offer in-depth market knowledge and expertise. Noted for its reputation with leading lenders, and is also adept at acting for borrowers and private equity sponsors across the whole spectrum of finance transactions. Highly regarded for its cross-border expertise in large-scale transactions, including LBOs. Notably represents companies in the energy, technology and transportation sectors.
2 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 2 | 13 Years RankedPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP enjoys a significant reputation for its defense of high-profile financial institutions, including investment funds, banks and mortgage companies, against enforcement and investigative actions. Adept at dealing with regulatory bodies, defending against cases brought by the OCC, DOJ and OFAC, among other federal and state authorities. Counts a number of former regulators and federal prosecutors among its ranks. Works in close conjunction with the firm's market-leading white-collar criminal defense practice.
2 Ropes & Gray LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 2 | 17 Years RankedRopes & Gray attracts a wide array of leading private equity clients and continues to be highly regarded for its expertise in leveraged finance work acting for borrowers on both domestic and cross-border transactions. Renowned for its expertise in the whole spectrum of financings including acquisition financings, private equity investments and whole business securitizations. Also noted for its strengths in mezzanine debt and direct lending matters. Maintains client relationships across a diverse range of sectors, with noteworthy activity in the technology, healthcare and consumer products spaces.
2 Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 2 | 22 Years RankedWeil, Gotshal & Manges has a robust finance practice, which is highlighted for its balanced approach in representing prominent lender and borrower clients. Noted for its adept counsel on cross-border acquisition financing and also enjoys a fine reputation for its work on restructurings in the energy sector. Also excels in its representation of private equity clients and their portfolio companies, and is increasingly active on behalf of non-bank direct lenders. Expert capabilities when handling sophisticated investment-grade acquisition financings.2 White & Case LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 2 | 31 Years RankedWhite & Case has a thriving finance practice representing a loyal following of clients in both domestic and international transactions. Offers experience in syndicated lending, acquisition finance and asset-based lending, among a host of other areas. Highly regarded for its debtor-in-possession work. Client base includes heavyweight underwriters, investment banks and household-name corporations, as well as private equity firms and their portfolios.
Band 3
3 Proskauer Rose LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 3 | 9 Years RankedProskauer Rose has a burgeoning nationwide finance practice, with a significant market presence in Massachusetts, California and New York. Highlighted for its balanced and wide-ranging finance expertise, representing a variety of traditional lenders, alternative lenders, sponsors and corporate borrowers. Possesses expertise across the whole spectrum of financings including multitranche finance, leveraged finance and distressed lending.
3 Sidley Austin LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 3 | 21 Years RankedSidley Austin LLP offers extensive experience across a range of securities and broker-dealer matters, including the most technical aspects of equity markets, alternative trading systems and municipal securities. Noted representation of broker-dealer clients in connection with regulatory examinations, investigations and enforcement actions. Further recognized for its highly respected consumer finance practice, covering a broad range of matters including the establishment of innovative payment systems. Regularly acts on behalf of banks and non-banks in connection with complex regulatory matters and major litigation.3 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & AffiliatesBanking & Finance2025 | Band 3 | 30 Years RankedSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates is a hugely respected firm with an enviable history of involvement at the cutting edge of the US financial services arena. Particular strength in the banking space, advising leading institutions on a range of sophisticated regulatory compliance, enforcement and M&A matters. Advises on all aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act, and adept at dealing with allegations of sanctions and anti-money laundering violations. Offers additional expertise in consumer finance, including CFPB compliance and enforcement matters, and particularly excelling in consumer class action defense. Noted expertise in the emergent fintech area.
Band 4
4 A&O ShearmanBanking & Finance2025 | Band 4 | 39 Years RankedA&O Shearman is noted for its talented group in the broker-dealer space, with a respected practice weighted toward the provision of compliance advice. It combines broker-dealer expertise with specialist knowledge of the banking and asset management spaces to provide clients with a holistic advisory service. Advises on all aspects of US broker-dealer regulation, and noted for its work on cross-border transactional matters. The team is also experienced in handling the full range of Dodd-Frank and Volcker Rule matters in the banking space, as well as anti-money laundering rules and sanctions law. It has a strong international presence ensures that the team is also able to advise on EU, UK and other regulatory systems. It has further experience in advising financial institutions on cryptocurrency regulatory issues.4 Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 4 | 14 Years RankedFried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is recognized for its expansive broker-dealer practice. Significant and often global clients bring complex compliance and enforcement matters surrounding actions and changes by the SEC, FINRA and other regulators. Also noted for its expertise in derivatives litigation.4 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 4 | 18 Years RankedGibson, Dunn & Crutcher has expertise in key markets, including New York, California and Texas, across the whole gamut of financing transactions, and is renowned for its work on behalf of borrowers and private equity clients. Possesses substantial experience in financing transactions across a wide range of sectors including energy, consumer products and telecommunications. Regularly handles complex acquisition financings.4 King & Spalding LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedKing & Spalding has an esteemed practice that is recognized for its expertise in middle-market deals, as well as strength in investment-grade transactions. Able to advise a host of clients including leading national banks, private equity funds and public companies. Capabilities span the full breadth of syndicated and single-lender transactions, boasting expertise in leveraged transactions and asset-based lending.
4 Mayer Brown LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 4 | 27 Years RankedMayer Brown LLP has a broad practice with an exceptional reputation in the consumer finance space, notably excelling in its provision of compliance advice to clients in the mortgage industry. Also covers the full range of banking regulatory compliance and enforcement matters. A strong global reach allows the team to handle cross-border cases with ease, while the presence of several former regulatory officials provides insight into the most cutting-edge matters. Regularly defends clients in proceedings brought by government regulators including the SEC, the CFPB, the FDIC and the OCC.4 Sullivan & Cromwell LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 4 | 23 Years RankedSullivan & Cromwell LLP is a colossus of the US financial services space, handling sophisticated banking regulatory issues on a regular basis. Comfortable negotiating the ins and outs of Dodd-Frank regulations for systemically important clients and defending them against incursions by an array of regulatory bodies. Adept at dismissing harmful allegations relating to such crimes as rate rigging and money laundering, with noted expertise in representing clients before high-level regulatory enforcement actions. Also noted for its continuing excellence in the transactional space, advising financial institutions in connection with industry-defining M&A activity. Increasing presence in the fintech space, alongside an ability to advise on cybersecurity issues affecting banking clients.
4 Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedWillkie Farr & Gallagher has an expanding finance practice which is reinforced by nationally recognized M&A and bankruptcy groups. Handles a wide array of finance transactions, frequently representing some of the leading private equity funds, corporate borrowers and investment banks. Additional experience representing hedge funds and registered funds in high-value redemption and subscription credit facilities. Highlighted for its significant cross-border expertise and a wealth of experience in the energy sector.
Band 5
5 Dechert LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedDechert LLP is noted for its breadth of work in the financial institutions M&A sector. The team capably advises clients on a range of issues arising from transactions, including for private equity companies and major financial institutions.5 Freshfields US LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years RankedFreshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's team represents private equity and portfolio companies in various strategic advice matters and refinancings. Their recent experience includes debt restructuring among other borrower-side matters with a specialty in the technology sector. They also have experience handling cross-border matters.
5 GoodwinBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedGoodwin has particular strength in the consumer finance space, advising in relation to regulatory compliance and enforcement, and handling class action litigation concerning such topics as mortgages, credit cards and auto finance. Also advises fintech companies in connection with a raft of regulatory matters, including payment systems issues and privacy matters. Highly experienced at representing clients in complex litigation filed by the CFPB, SEC and DOJ.
5 Greenberg Traurig, LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years RankedGreenberg Traurig is a highly respected firm that handles a host of banking and finance matters. Its clients include borrowers, lenders and arrangers. The team often advises on acquisition financings and unsecured credit facilities.
5 Holland & Knight LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 12 Years RankedHolland & Knight has a large group of banking and finance practitioners who leverage the strength of its offices based across the USA, in particular in the Southeast and Midwest. Combines expertise in lending transactions with access to experts in debt capital markets within the firm, providing a joined-up service in debt financing.
5 Jones DayBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 11 Years RankedJones Day has an exemplary group of finance practitioners that assists both borrowers and lenders in an array of financings. Regularly sought after for its strength in the debt finance space, boasting experience on syndicated, multicurrency and acquisition financings. Skilled across the spectrum of industries, with an established presence in the midmarket space.5 KattenBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 6 Years RankedKatten has an active banking and finance practice with a strong foothold in the middle-market space. Typically works with lenders on sophisticated commercial financings. Highly regarded for its capabilities in the direct lending space.5 Moore & Van Allen, PLLCBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 5 Years RankedMoore & Van Allen, PLLC comprises practitioners with prior experience at regulatory offices. The group provides large financial institutions with insight into SEC, CFTC and OCC regulatory systems, along with in-depth knowledge on Dodd-Frank and Volcker rules. The team also boasts expertise in contentious matters and investigations by the Department of Justice and US Attorney's offices.
5 Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 10 Years RankedMorgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has strength in the full range of regulatory matters pertaining to the banking and broker-dealer industries, with a recognized group of securities law experts advising blue-chip clients on the most cutting-edge matters. Particular strength in regulatory compliance matters, but also noted for its handling of high-stakes enforcement actions by the SEC, FINRA and other agencies. Benefits from a highly experienced bench, with over 30 partners having previously served with the DOJ or the major regulatory agencies. Increasing strength in connection with cross-border regulatory matters, with the US team working closely alongside colleagues in London, Frankfurt and Tokyo.5 Morrison FoersterBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedMorrison Foerster is a highly respected firm in the consumer finance space, noted for its work on the full range of CFPB regulatory matters. Heavily involved in all aspects of consumer lending, undertaking cutting-edge work relating to payment card systems and other matters. Particularly recognized for its expertise in the mortgage and fair lending space, showing great skill advising on federal and state regulations.Also enjoys a fine reputation for its handling of consumer finance litigation, impressing on behalf of lenders in complex consumer class actions. Further expertise demonstrated in diverse bank regulatory matters, including Volcker Rule and Bank Holding Company Act issues.5 Vinson & Elkins LLPBanking & Finance2025 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedVinson & Elkins LLP's team has considerable experience of advising both lenders and borrowers, including large banks, credit funds and hedge funds. The practitioners are adept at providing counsel on a wide array of issues, including acquisition financings and syndicated loans. The team demonstrates particular expertise in advising clients in the energy sector, as well as the manufacturing industry.