United States (National)

Willkie Farr & Gallagher combines formidable litigation talent with a coordinated national platform capable of handling complex, high-stakes disputes across industries. Clients praise its “excellent legal expertise, high-quality work product, well-staffed teams” and “high-energy representation,” as well as its ability to understand “the interplay of the law, court room dynamics and settlement leverage.”

New York is the practice’s principal engine. M&A litigation co-chair Sameer Advani and litigation chair Tariq Mundiya secured a complete victory for Warburg Pincus in litigation arising from its $8.9 billion sale of Summit Health-CityMD to VillageMD. Advani argued both the motion to dismiss and the appeal, culminating in the Delaware Supreme Court’s affirmance of dismissal with prejudice. Vanessa Richardson also worked on the matter.

The securities team produced an especially strong run of results. New York partners Todd Cosenza and Charles Cording led successful defenses involving Discover Financial Services, Instacart, Vroom and Oscar Health. These included dismissals connected with Instacart’s IPO, Vroom’s $900 million offering and Oscar Health’s $1.4 billion IPO. Chicago class-action chair Debra Bogo-Ernst contributed to the Discover matter, while San Francisco partner Laura Geist worked on the Instacart defense and New York partner Zeh Ekono appeared on Oscar Health.

Client feedback emphasizes both quality and teamwork. The firm is praised for “Excellent legal expertise, high-quality work product, well-staffed teams.” Other respondents highlight “team work,” a “High caliber work product” and a “Team approach; high-energy representation [sic]; able to handle challenging assignments. Understand the interplay of the law, court room dynamics and settlement leverage.” Its technical capabilities also receive recognition: “Excellent in-depth analysis of the specifics of a case, including deep understanding of complex technologies and agreements; great adaptation to the client's overall corporate strategy.”

Several practitioners attract particularly strong commentary. Los Angeles office leader Alex Weingarten is described as follows: “Alex excels in every area of litigation and professional services that an attorney should provide. Answered questions, mitigated risks, communicated clearly, and owned the courtroom with his demeanor, presence, and knowledge.” Amy Stern similarly “excels at making herself available and providing clear communication.”

Antonio Yanez earns praise as “Lead trial counsel. Organized. Incisive. Smart, Excellent written and oral presentation. Terrific counselor and strategist.” Jeff Korn is regarded as an “Excellent [sic] communicator; Deft at deposition [sic] and trial cross-examination; dynamic and energetic advocate,” while Matt Freimuth is an “Excellent writer and communicator; thorough trial advocate; counsels smartly on risk mitigation issues.”

Amanda Amert is described as “a true subject matter expert, a master at taking complex concepts and making them simple and a brilliant strategist. She is also a pleasure to work with.” Laura Norris is credited for case management and written advocacy: “Laura managed the case and oversaw the legal research and the preparation of our briefs. All of which were exceptionally well done.” Craig Martin also receives recognition for strategic leadership: “Craig oversaw the strategy for this case and ensured we have the appropriate level of support and strategic guidance.”

The wider bench adds specialist depth. Feedback credits Sam Santopoalo for mastering case details: “Sam excels at becoming an expert on all details associated with your case. Her research, quick recall, and knowledge of the law were exceptional.” Kristen Young is associated with “strategy,” Dharshini Prasad with “english law,” and Shaimaa Husein with “technical, she is a science background lawyer.” Joshua Martin is also praised: “He litigated the case at the appellate level and di [sic] an excellent job presenting the arguments and responding to the judges inquiries.”

Overall, Willkie combines technically sophisticated casework with cohesive teams and experienced courtroom advocates. Its New York leadership is complemented by class-action strength in Chicago, appellate and enforcement capabilities in Washington, DC, and a varied disputes platform in California. One client offered perhaps the broadest possible assessment of the firm’s strengths: “Everything.”



Updated October 2026