NEWSROOM
Not So Secret Agents: Firms Eye Patent Drafting Efficiencies
November 6, 2023
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NEWSROOM
November 6, 2023
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NEWSROOM
November 6, 2023
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AWARDS & RANKINGS
November 6, 2023
Read time: 5 min
November 6, 2023 – International law firm McDermott Will & Emery was named a leading firm on the 2024 Best Law Firms® list, securing “Law Firm of the Year” honors in Health Care Law for the fifth time and Trusts & Estates Law for the fourth time. The results underscore the Firm’s continued strength in these “power alley” practices. “Law Firm of the Year” designations are awarded only to one law firm with the highest overall performance in each national practice area.
In total, the Firm received 176 national and regional rankings (including 24 Tier 1 national and 86 Tier 1 regional), a 20% increase over last year. The Firm landed among the top 15 US firms with the most national Tier 1 rankings.
McDermott’s national recognitions improved in Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Tier 2), Information Technology Law (Tier 2), Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law (Tier 2) and Natural Resources Law (Tier 2). Additionally, the Firm received three new national rankings in Securitization and Structured Finance Law (Tier 1), Energy Law (Tier 3) and Oil and Gas Law (Tier 3).
On the regional rankings front, McDermott secured 28 new rankings, with 11 in Tier 1. Improved rankings included nine regional practice categories, eight of which rose to Tier 1.
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Improved National Rankings:
NEW National Rankings:
Improved Regional Rankings:
Atlanta:
Boston:
New York:
San Francisco:
San Jose:
Washington, DC:
NEW Regional Rankings:
Atlanta:
Austin:
Boston:
Chicago:
Delaware:
Houston:
Los Angeles:
Memphis:
Miami:
New York:
Washington, DC:
View full ranking results.
ABOUT BEST LAW FIRMS®
Best Law Firms® is the most credible rankings of exceptional law firms, rooted in a rigorous, peer-to-peer, industry-driven evaluation. Achieving a tiered ranking in Best Law Firms signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and metro-based scale. The reputation earned over the past 14 years and a future-focused commitment to innovation provides legal professionals with an elevated stature, validation and confidence that comes from being part of, and working with, a Best Law Firms honored practice.
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.

AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
November 4, 2023
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce Dallas-based partner Allison Wilkerson has been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel (ACEBC). ACEBC membership is by nomination only and limited to those who have at least 20 years of experience and have made outstanding contributions to the practice of employee benefits law. The induction of the new Fellows took place on November 4, 2023, in New Orleans, LA.
“Allison has distinguished herself nationally as an outstanding ESOP lawyer” said Andrew Liazos, head of McDermott’s Employee Benefits practice. “We congratulate Allison on this significant accomplishment and are honored to have her as a colleague.”
Allison leads McDermott’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) practice and advises on a broad array of matters under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Allison has represented employers, trustees and other fiduciaries in hundreds of ESOP transactions, including leveraged buyouts, mergers, acquisitions and the structuring and financing of ESOPs using private equity. Allison chairs the ABA Tax Section’s ESOP subcommittee and is a member of the ESOP Association. Earlier this year Allison led the McDermott team assisting accounting and advisory firm BDO USA with its ESOP transition, helping to create one of the largest ESOPs in the country.
Allison joins her colleagues Ted Becker, Andrew Liazos and Todd Solomon as McDermott partners inducted into the ACEBC.
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
PRESS RELEASE
November 3, 2023
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery welcomes Jonathan (Jon) Hawk to its Litigation Practice Group based in Los Angeles. Jon, who joins as a partner, is an accomplished international commercial litigator with substantial experience advocating for technology, internet and online platform companies.
“Highly sophisticated social media and platform use cases continue to emerge in the context of internet business operations and face increased regulatory pressure alongside a patchwork of varying regulations,” said Steven Scholes, global head of McDermott’s Litigation Practice Group. “Jon understands the business risks associated with a growing internet footprint, and he fiercely represents clients in the courtroom when issues cannot be mitigated earlier.”
Jon represents online platforms that are household names in complex, multinational legal disputes including privacy, consumer protection, competition and defamation issues. He counsels clients on class action, corporate governance, fiduciary duty and contract disputes involving intermediary liability, privacy and defamation, unfair competition, consumer protection, contractual obligations, intellectual property and fundamental rights. Jon also helps clients navigate the regulatory landscape both in product launches and in new regulatory actions affecting platforms.
Drawing on a deep understanding of policy issues, Jon has a strong track record of helping technology companies and online platforms address their most pressing regulatory, legislative and product challenges. In related work, he has led complex mass action before the highest civil and constitutional courts on novel issues regarding the rights of consumer-facing platforms and their users.
“McDermott has an impressive track record of growth and fantastic brand recognition,” said Jon. “There are strong synergies between my work and many McDermott lawyers’ practices, and I’m eager for the opportunity to leverage the Firm’s global platform for my clients’ benefit.”
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
NEWSROOM
November 2, 2023
Read time: 2 min
NEWSROOM
November 2, 2023
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NEWSROOM
November 2, 2023
Read time: 2 min
NEWSROOM
November 2, 2023
Read time: 2 min
NEWSROOM
November 2, 2023
Read time: 2 min