New York
Neil has spent the bulk of his career working on both tax-exempt and taxable financings for public power clients including joint action agencies, municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives. He has had many roles in these financings including bond counsel, counsel to the underwriters and counsel to credit enhancers.
Over his career, Neil has worked on financings for joint action agencies and municipal utilities such as Gainesville (Florida) Regional Utilities, Intermountain Power Agency, JEA, Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company, Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG Power), Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems and WPPI Energy. The transactions in which Neil has participated have included public offerings, private placements, system and project financings, tax-exempt and taxable financings, secured and unsecured debt, senior and subordinated debt, fixed rate and variable rate debt and derivatives and he has had extensive experience in drafting documents for all of these types of financings. In addition, he has considerable experience with all types of disclosure issues encountered by electric utilities.
Neil also has been involved in a number of transactions involving the acquisition of utility companies and/or utility properties.
Recently, Neil represented MEAG Power in the financing of its undivided ownership interest in the first new nuclear generating facilities constructed on U.S. soil in over 30 years, which involved both taxable and tax-exempt capital markets debt, along with U.S. Department of Energy-guaranteed debt, and which was selected by The Financial Times as one of the most Innovative Deals of 2011.
Before joining Orrick, Neil was a partner at Mudge Rose Guthrie Alexander & Ferdon in New York.
New York
Renee has successfully defended employers in federal and state court litigations as well as administrative proceedings and arbitrations involving claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, whistleblowing, trade secret misappropriation and other employment-related claims. She regularly counsels employers on a variety of employment-related issues and assists clients in creating and implementing human resources policies, whistleblower policies, negotiating and drafting executive contracts, restrictive covenants and other employment agreements, and conducting internal investigations.
Renee is the co-author of the PLI treatise, Corporate Whistleblowing in the Sarbanes-Oxley/Dodd-Frank Era. She regularly writes and speaks on whistleblower and other employment topics.
Washington, D.C.; New York
Washington, D.C.; New York
In conjunction with this work, she develops policies and procedures, records retention schedules and training materials. A significant part of her practice involves addressing data security breaches, working proactively with clients to prevent such breaches from occurring, and advising clients in responding to regulatory inquiries, investigations and enforcement actions related to privacy, information security and cybersecurity issues. She also assists numerous professional sports teams comply with data privacy concerns, consumer financing laws and payment system issues.
Beth also represents financial institutions, corporations and individuals in a wide range of matters. She advises clients in investigations, examinations and litigation initiated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), state attorneys general and bank regulatory agencies. She has represented financial institutions in class action litigation concerning federal and state fair lending laws, mortgage fraud, unfair and deceptive trade practices statutes, consumer fraud statutes and consumer privacy laws. She has extensive experience counseling clients in response to federal and state subpoenas and handling all aspects of e-discovery.
Over the course of her career, Beth has represented clients in matters involving simultaneous criminal, civil administrative and congressional proceedings. She has defended clients in matters relating to money laundering compliance issues and investigations and litigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and various congressional committees, including the U.S. Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee and the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Beth has published and spoken on a variety of topics, including privacy, cybersecurity, electronic discovery, vendor management and consumer financial services litigation. She authored the chapter on “Oversight of Compliance and Control Responsibilities” for Navigating the Digital Age – The Definitive Cybersecurity Guide for Directors and Officers. She has been recognized for her work in Cyber Law (Data Protection and Privacy) by Legal 500 since 2013, which describes her as “outstanding on privacy and e-discovery issues,” “able to advise both on the regulatory and litigation sides of problems,” an attorney who "exceeds expectations on response and turnaround times,” “has strong industry knowledge in data security and privacy, and is able to walk the fine line between operational efficiency and regulatory compliance' when developing IT policies.” It also described her as “top notch, incredibly responsive, thoughtful, and provides advice that is both practical and efficient.”
Prior to joining Orrick, Beth was a partner at Buckley LLP where she was Co-chair of the firm’s Privacy, Cyber Risk & Data Security practice and E-discovery Committee. Previously she was an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. She clerked for Federal Magistrate Judge P. Trevor Sharp of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina after law school. Beth is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US).
New York; Los Angeles
New York; Los Angeles
Meghan approaches each representation with a problem-solving mentality and comprehensive legal strategy. In an industry where many cases are settled, she has established an impressive record at trial including for chemical, pharmaceutical, automotive, biotechnology, manufacturing and food companies in their most important cases. Drawing on her winning track record in front of juries, Meghan strategically prepares clients’ cases from the beginning to put them in the best position to achieve a favorable outcome.
Washington, D.C.; New York
Washington, D.C.; New York
Walt provides counseling on financial services mergers and acquisitions, focusing on assisting private equity sponsors and strategic buyers in investments in bank and nonbank financial services firms, providing regulatory and transactional advice to identify and mitigate risk, and assisting buyers in obtaining regulatory approvals where necessary.
His work also includes a wide range of counseling and acting on behalf of clients in enforcement matters, including those involving the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the prudential bank regulators, as well as state attorneys general and other state authorities.
For 14 years in a row, Walt has been ranked nationally for his work in the area of Financial Services Regulation by Chambers USA. Clients noted that "He's extremely talented and has lots of wisdom," that he is "an outstanding lawyer" and “the guy who had all the history of why and when the regulations were put in place – his knowledge is amazing," with "expertise (that) spans a range of areas, including credit cards, auto finance, and mortgage lending." He also has been named a "Leading Lawyer" by the IFLR1000 for Financial Services Regulatory in the U.S., recognized by Best Lawyers for Financial Services Regulation Law, is a Fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers. He also serves as Professorial Lecturer in Law at George Washington University.
Prior to joining Orrick, Walt was a partner at Buckley LLP in the firm’s Washington, D.C., and New York offices.
New York
Ross has been advising governments, sponsors and lenders on P3s and alternative delivery models for over 20 years in the USA, Australia, and the UK. He has been lead counsel on numerous first-of-their kind P3s in each of these jurisdictions and advised on a wide variety of infrastructure assets including, airports, rail and rolling stock, roads, flood control, hospitals, schools, housing, and waste management. He brings the breadth of his US and international experience, a deep understanding of these types of transactions and the needs of each stakeholder group, as well as an ability to think creatively and bring innovation, to work with his clients for the successful structuring, procurement, and delivery of projects so that his clients may achieve their goals.
Key highlights of Ross' experience include advising:
Pechino; New York
Pechino; New York
Being recognized by Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Jeff has received clients’ praises as “an experienced lawyer, who understands the client’s business, both internally and externally", and his "understanding of the client’s business model, industry, customers and strategic objectives enables him to advise and guide clients on highly complex and sensitive matters”. Other clients comment that Jeff “develops the best strategies and solutions for clients” and “works very hard and is recognised by clients for his ability.” In addition, he is “dedicated to serving his clients and is able to leverage off the firm’s global network to provide services in specialized areas.” (Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, 2019 - 2023)
Jeff’s practice focuses on China-related inbound and outbound mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions. He has extensive experience with share and asset acquisitions, growth capital and buyout transactions as well as tender offers, privatizations, restructurings, spin-offs, strategic alliances and joint ventures.
In addition, Jeff advises multinationals, financial institutions and private equity funds on their general corporate, capital markets and regulatory compliance matters.
Prior to joining Orrick, Jeff was a partner at the New York office of an international law firm. Earlier in his career, Jeff practiced in New York, Hong Kong, and mainland China with two major international law firms, and also served as the Head of Legal and Compliance of the U.S. operations of a leading Chinese investment bank, where he gained tremendous experience in helping Chinese clients navigate regulatory and compliance issues in the U.S.
Jeff serves on the International Advisory Board of Duke Law School, where he was also appointed as a Senior Lecturing Fellow. In his leisure time, Jeff serves on a volunteer basis as the Chief Legal Officer of The Chinese Finance Association (TCFA), a non-profit professional organization headquartered in New York with more than 7,000 members globally.
New York
Jim is consistently recognized as a leading lawyer in legal publications such as Chambers USA and Benchmark Litigation. Chambers notes Jim is "able to handle a wide range of mass torts and class actions, including particular strength in toxic tort-related mandates.” Clients told the publication that Jim “is extremely professional, with excellent brief writing and oral arguments,” calling him “a great guy and a great lawyer."
Jim has served in a variety of management roles at Orrick, including Managing Director of Litigation, Member of the Executive Committee and Board, Lead Director, and as a member of the firm’s Management Committee.
Jim has written and lectured on complex litigation and mass tort subjects at a variety of law schools and seminars.
Before joining Orrick, Jim was a partner at Donovan Leisure Newton & Irvine LLP.
San Francisco; New York
Mike was Orrick's Securities Litigation practice leader from 2004 to 2012.
He has the unique ability to look at corporate governance problems from a business perspective, to carefully navigate or avoid collateral consequences, and strategically win legal problems. He is frequently recognized for his exemplary work by Chambers, Super Lawyers and The Daily Journal.
Mike focuses on litigation involving the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, The Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Act of 1934, the Uniform Standards Act and proceedings initiated by the Securities Exchange Commission, the National Association of Securities Dealers and other self-regulatory organizations.
Mike has extensive experience in litigation involving breaches of fiduciary duty and conducting various types of corporate investigations.
New York
Laurie advises companies on overall strategies, from pre-litigation assessments to the final resolution of matters, which often involve novel scientific issues. Her clients frequently enlist her to strategically address the scientific claims asserted by non-governmental organizations, the plaintiffs' bar and consumer advocacy groups which affect the reputation of their products both before and during litigation.
Laurie is a frequent lecturer, author and media source on topics concerning mass tort/class actions, complex scientific issues and expert witnesses.
Prior to joining Orrick, Laurie was an associate at Donovan Leisure Newton & Irvine LLP, where she gained extensive experience in complex litigation including class actions based on product liability, securities RICO and fraud claims.
New York
David serves as Orrick’s Chief Financial Officer, having previously served in a variety of other executive roles at Orrick. Among other responsibilities, David is responsible for overseeing the firm’s accounting, financial planning, billing and collections, tax, comp and benefits and other financial functions, as well as its real estate portfolio.
From 1998 through 2005, David served as a senior executive at NYSE-listed Prologis (formerly AMB Property Corporation) in San Francisco, Boston and Shanghai, ultimately as Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Affairs, and Chairman and CEO of AMB China, Ltd. During his tenure at AMB, David was a member of AMB’s Management and Investment Committees and was responsible for overseeing AMB’s human resource, information technology, legal, environmental, engineering and risk management departments, as well as its airport facilities group, venture capital investments and other strategic business initiatives and transactions. In 2004, in addition to his other responsibilities, he moved to Shanghai and led AMB’s entry into the China market, including opening AMB’s first office in China.
From 2006 through 2008, David was a partner in both Orchard Partners, LLC, a real estate investment and development firm headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Greyfields Investors, a New York-based real estate private equity company, as well as a senior advisor to Orrick.
David currently serves on the Board of Directors of Breakfree Education, a DC-based non-profit focusing on transforming educational opportunities for incarcerated youths, as well as the Board of Winnow Solutions LLC, a leading compliance technology provider that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orrick, and has served on a variety of company boards in the real estate and technology sectors.
New York