Katten Partners Deepro Mukerjee, David Crichlow and Kimberly Smith Named to Forbes America's Top Lawyers List

(NEW YORK) Katten announced today that Deepro Mukerjee, global chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department, and David Crichlow, co-chair of the firm’s Litigation Department, have once again been recognized in Forbes’ America’s Top Lawyers list for the second year in a row. Kimberly Smith, global chair of Katten’s Corporate Department, also was named to the list, following her recognition in June 2026 as one of Forbes’ America’s Top Women Lawyers. The annual Top Lawyers list celebrates exceptional attorneys for their professional achievements, deep industry knowledge and contributions to the legal industry. 

One of the nation’s most highly regarded patent trial attorneys, Mukerjee represents multinational corporations, major academic institutions and many of the world’s largest generic and specialty pharmaceutical companies in complex intellectual property disputes, transactions and strategic counseling matters. He is widely recognized for his leadership in high-stakes, “bet-the-company” patent litigation and is consistently ranked by Chambers USA, IAM Patent 1000, The Legal 500 US and other leading legal directories. Mukerjee is also a member of Katten’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. 

A highly accomplished trial attorney, Crichlow represents major companies in high-stakes commercial, class action and bankruptcy litigation, including nine- and ten-figure disputes. He has served as lead trial counsel in major matters involving financial institutions, energy companies, private equity firms and pension funds, and has particular experience in the financial services and life sciences industries. Crichlow is co-chair of Katten’s Litigation Department and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. He also serves on the board of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. 

Smith, a member of the firm's Executive Committee and Board of Directors, leads over 120 corporate attorneys across the United States, the United Kingdom and China in complex strategic areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity (PE), capital markets, public finance and health care transactions. She counsels private equity funds, family offices, independent sponsors and strategic acquirers on complex deals, including leveraged buyouts across multiple industries. Smith is consistently ranked by Chambers, The Legal 500 US and other leading legal directories, and her clients consistently laud her for being “relentless” and “driving issues to favorable outcome.”