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.”
 

This private, invitation-only cocktail reception honored the dealmakers, advisors and corporate teams behind the most significant mergers, acquisitions and strategic transactions in Los Angeles. From transformative local deals to complex cross-border transactions, the winning groups represented the deals and dealmakers driving growth and business transformation.

Private Equity and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Partners Mark Solomon and Peter Bogdanow led the Katten team, which included Private Equity and M&A Partners Ethan Post and Bill Rivers, and Associates Miriam Wang, Lillianna Johanknecht, Astoneia Moss; Regulatory Associate Caitlin Kierum; Corporate Employment Partner Michelle Gyves and Counsel Emery Lyon; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associates Jeffrey Ng and Dan Collins; Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Meredith Sheldon O’Leary; Corporate Environmental Partner Nancy Rich and Private Credit Partner Alexander Volsky.

"M&A Awards," The Los Angeles Business Journal, September 10, 2026
 

The Katten team advised on and assisted with structuring, negotiating and drafting the commercial technology, data and services agreements central to the initiative, advising on key issues such as data rights and privacy, AI/technology licensing and vendor arrangements. Healthcare Partner Anthony M. Del Rio and Healthcare Counsel Vinal Patel led the team, with support from Staff Attorney Missy Verkin and Associate Julia DeVincenzi.

"General Catalyst’s Health System Places Its Tech Bets," Forbes, August 19, 2026

"Summa Health’s General Catalyst Deal: 5 Updates," Beckers Hospital Review, August 21, 2026

"How General Catalyst Sees Tech Boosting Summa Health," Modern Healthcare, September 1, 2026

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Neil cautions that many businesses struggle to integrate their human resources, legal and compliance functions when making decisions about regulatory references. "They assume that because it is a compliance issue, legal or HR don't need to be fully involved," he warned. "This disconnect creates operational friction and heightens regulatory exposure." He added that companies may lack clear triggers for distinguishing routine HR performance issues from formal FCA conduct rule investigations, which could lead to delayed reporting, inconsistent regulatory disclosures and employment law claims.

Neil also flagged that newer market entrants, including crypto-asset companies becoming fully authorized by the FCA, "are highly vulnerable to getting regulatory references wrong." "Newly regulated firms and immature compliance professionals can mistakenly believe that because an investigation was incomplete when an employee left, it does not need to be mentioned in regulatory references," Neil said. He warned, however, that including unverified allegations, rumors, or uninvestigated complaints out of fear of breaking the rules could breach a firm's duty of care to employees.

"Wider FCA Misconduct Reference Rules Set To Spur Litigation," Law360, September 8, 2026

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Sue, a former FINRA chief counsel, viewed the recommendations as overwhelmingly positive, noting that some changes are already taking hold through FINRA Forward, while others would mark a meaningful step forward if adopted. Among the proposals she flagged as most consequential were greater direct involvement by FINRA's CEO in the most contentious matters, a shift away from the demanding "extraordinary" cooperation standard toward a more attainable meaningful-cooperation model, and the adoption of a statute of limitations that she described as potentially life-changing, given FINRA's practice of pursuing conduct dating back many years.

"FINRA Report Urges Stronger Due Process and Transparency," Hedge Fund Law Report, September 10, 2026

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Cot partners with public and private companies, private equity sponsors, family offices, boards, management teams and investors on capital raising, growth initiatives, liquidity alternatives, governance, and the legal and practical issues that arise as organizations scale, access capital, pursue strategic initiatives and navigate increasingly complex governance and investor expectations. His practice includes a broad range of public and private capital markets transactions, including IPOs, secondary and follow-on offerings, private financings, and high-yield and investment grade debt offerings. He regularly works with U.S. and international companies on SEC reporting and disclosure, public company readiness, listings and uplistings, corporate governance, investor engagement, board and executive advisory matters, strategic and transformational transactions (including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures), shareholder activism and other significant corporate and securities law matters. Previously trained as an accountant, Cot brings a combination of legal, financial, and operational perspectives to partnering with clients. Drawing on experience both as lead external counsel on significant capital markets and strategic initiatives and as a senior legal leader at CRH, he understands how boards, management teams and investors evaluate growth opportunities, governance challenges, capital allocation decisions, and transactions.

"Cot's sophisticated capital markets experience, practical business judgment and deep understanding of the securities regulatory landscape make him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Mark Wood and Lawrence Levin, co-heads of the firm’s Capital Markets practice. “He brings a valuable combination of private practice and in-house experience that allows him to approach matters from multiple perspectives."

"Cot is an excellent addition to our Chicago office," said Jennifer Wolfe, managing partner of Katten's Chicago office. "His impressive experience, client-centered approach and reputation for excellence align perfectly with the qualities we value at Katten."

Katten's Capital Markets practice represents public and private issuers, underwriters, placement agents and investors in public and private securities offerings, including IPOs, debt offerings, PIPEs, strategic transactions, and venture and growth capital. The group handles transactions at every stage in a company’s life cycle from venture and growth capital to public company exits and has extensive experience handling cross-border transactions and regulated regulatory issues. Attorneys in our active Capital Markets practice have closed hundreds of transactions with values ranging from approximately $5 million to $3.5 billion.

“Brandy’s arrival reflects the rapidly growing client demand for sophisticated counsel on privacy, data governance, AI and emerging technologies,” said Deepro Mukerjee, chair of Katten’s global Intellectual Property department. “She brings an exceptional combination of regulatory, litigation and in-house experience, along with a practical approach to help clients navigate an increasingly complex legal landscape. Her addition enhances our ability to advise clients on the most pressing technology and data-related challenges facing their businesses today.”

Drawing on experience both in private practice and in-house, including leading a global privacy team at Meta, Worden counsels clients across a range of industries, including technology, retail, healthcare, hospitality, media and financial services, on privacy, technology and AI governance matters, regulatory investigations, cyber incident preparedness and response, and complex disputes involving privacy and data protection issues. She also advises clients on a broad range of federal, state and international privacy and technology laws and has helped organizations develop compliance programs involving emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, biometrics, cloud services, social media platforms and other data-driven technologies.

“Brandy is an outstanding addition and further strengthens our presence in Los Angeles, one of the nation’s most dynamic technology markets,” said Karen Artz Ash and Floyd Mandell, co-chairs of the Intellectual Property department's Trademark, Copyright, and Privacy practice group. “Her experience working with innovative companies across industries, coupled with her leadership in privacy and AI governance, will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our firm.”

Worden’s privacy and AI governance credentials include Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP), Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP), Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) and Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) designations from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), as well as a Harvard Cybersecurity Risk Management Certification.

Katten's Intellectual Property practice represents innovative companies, emerging growth businesses, and established market leaders in the development, protection, enforcement and commercialization of intellectual property assets. The group counsels clients across the full spectrum of IP matters, including patent litigation, trademark, copyright and trade secret disputes, portfolio management, licensing, advertising and brand protection, privacy, AI and technology-related issues. Attorneys in the practice handle complex, high-stakes matters in industries ranging from life sciences, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare to technology, consumer products and financial services. With extensive experience before federal and state courts, the US Patent and Trademark Office, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and appellate tribunals, the team provides strategic guidance that helps clients protect innovation, manage risk and achieve their business objectives worldwide.

Neil cautions that firms may respond to the new rules defensively, potentially at the expense of their employees. "Many firms will likely apply the new regime cautiously to avoid regulatory penalties or supervisory scrutiny over their internal cultures," Neil states.

"FCA Non-Financial Misconduct Regime Will Endanger Careers," Law360, August 28, 2026

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The portfolio

The portfolio comprises three Central London sites located in South Kensington, Covent Garden and Belgravia, which will be developed and operated as luxury lifestyle extended-stay and wellness destinations. The acquisition and development are being undertaken through a joint venture between One Investment Management, Aendre and Lifestyle Hospitality Capital.

Aendre’s role in the platform

This acquisition represents a significant step forward for Aendre as it establishes itself as a specialist investment and operating platform dedicated to the luxury extended-stay hospitality market.

OneIM contributed the majority equity for the acquisition, with Aendre and LHC participating via a 50/50 joint venture vehicle, through which the two parties co-invest, and the jointly owned development and asset management company.

Katten also advised Aendre on the GP co-investment arrangements, under which JuneX Evergreen Fund S.C.Sp. SICAV-RAIF and New Ace S.A. SV invested alongside Aendre through dedicated feeder vehicles.

The transaction demonstrates sustained investor demand for premium hospitality and wellness assets in prime Central London locations and underscores the growing appetite for extended-stay concepts in the luxury segment.

The Katten team advising Aendre Group Limited was led by Corporate Partner Edward Tran.

“We are delighted to have advised Aendre on this exciting transaction,” said Edward. “The Other House portfolio represents a compelling opportunity in the Central London luxury hospitality sector, and we were pleased to support Aendre across the full range of joint venture, co-investment and governance arrangements. This deal highlights both the strength of investor appetite for best-in-class hospitality assets and the innovative structuring that modern real estate joint ventures require.”

About Katten's Corporate Practice

Katten's corporate lawyers deliver market intelligence-driven counsel to public companies, strategic acquirers, private equity funds, family offices, and other investors, having guided hundreds of leveraged buyouts and financings across sectors. The practice helps clients protect value and maintain sound governance by identifying key deal drivers, managing regulatory risk, and anticipating bottlenecks in transactions, including cross-border deals, going-private transactions, management buyouts, restructurings, securities offerings, spinoffs, and tender offers. Katten brings the competitive market knowledge needed to move complex deals forward.

Alexander advises digital asset trading platforms, blockchain companies, prediction market operators and other financial services firms on US federal and state regulatory, transactional and enforcement matters. His practice spans requirements under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the National Futures Association (NFA).

Beyond his client work, Alexander serves as co-chair of the firm's Asian American and Pacific Islander affinity group and maintains an active pro bono practice. His recent pro bono work includes an immigration assistance clinic at Katten's New York office, held in partnership with Tradeweb Markets and Legal Services NYC.

Alexander also received Katten’s 2025 John P. Sieger Excellence in Mentoring Award for his dedication to mentorship and the meaningful impact he has had on his colleagues’ careers.

Reflecting on his path to the profession, Alexander said, "The highlight of my career isn't a single moment. It's the people who encouraged me at every unexpected turn. From the Korean Air Force to a crypto startup to law school, none of it was planned. But someone always believed in me, and that has made all the difference."

"Rising Stars: Alexander Kim," New York Law Journal, August 31, 2026

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During the conversation, Jacques addressed what must be proven to secure extradition, the types of defenses allowed and disallowed in US and foreign extradition proceedings, and countries that will not extradite without assurances that capital punishment will not be sought. Jacques explained that "Extradition is an international criminal process where a person who’s in one country can be transferred to another country, either to stand trial on criminal charges or to serve a criminal sentence." He added, "The standard in the US proceeding would be probable cause. Foreign countries have their own version of that term. But basically, it means a reasonable basis to believe that the person may have committed the crime or crimes charged, and it's not close to proof beyond a reasonable doubt."

He also discussed the Lee Gilley case, involving a defendant facing capital punishment in Texas, who fled to Italy and is fighting his extradition to the United States. He notes that Italy has a principle that it will not surrender someone if capital punishment is being sought or applied, and requires "binding assurances from the requesting government that capital punishment will not be sought. They're going to hold firm and we'll see if the United States yields or not."

Regarding the extradition process in the United States, Jacques shared, "The United States will not extradite without going through a formal treaty-based proceeding. And then ultimately, if all the courts approve the extraditability of the accused, the final decision is with the Secretary of State whether or not to extradite."

Dateline: True Crime Weekly, Episode: "Verdict watch in a mother's murder trial. A firefighter's killer wife. Plus, extraditions 101," September 3, 2026

In a survey of 666 UK investors aged 18 to 40, the FCA found that 56 percent trust AI tools for investment help, ahead of television and radio (47 percent), the press (46 percent) and social media influencers (29 percent). Yet the study found significant gaps in understanding: 44 percent mistakenly believe AI-generated financial information is regulated, 38 percent think it is acceptable to invest based solely on AI outputs, and 32 percent wrongly assume the Financial Services Compensation Scheme or Financial Ombudsman Service would cover them if AI advice went wrong. General-purpose AI chatbots fall outside the FCA’s regulatory perimeter, while tools built specifically to provide financial advice would likely fall within it.

Charlotte addressed the central tension the findings expose: the distance between how much consumers trust AI and how well they understand its regulatory status. “The FCA’s findings highlight an important disconnect between consumers’ growing confidence in using AI and their understanding of the regulatory protections that apply to it,” she observed. She emphasized that the issue is not the technology itself, noting that “AI can be an extremely useful tool for investors: it can help explain unfamiliar terminology, analyze information and make complex markets more accessible . . . The concern is not the use of AI itself, but the assumption that an AI-generated answer necessarily comes with the same regulatory safeguards as advice from an authorized firm.”

Charlotte explained that the regulatory analysis “turns on the function being performed, rather than simply the technology being used,” cautioning that “a general-purpose chatbot is very different from a service designed and deployed to provide regulated investment advice, and that distinction may not be obvious to a consumer sitting in front of a screen”. As a result, she noted, firms will need to think carefully about how their tools are described, what consumers are likely to understand them to be doing, and how responsibility is allocated when AI moves from providing information toward influencing an investment decision. In her view, “technological sophistication does not remove the need for regulatory clarity — it makes it more important”.

In a separate Law360 commentary on the FCA’s related survey of wealth managers, Charlotte addressed how AI can magnify existing financial crime and data quality weaknesses. “If a company’s underlying KYC [Know Your Customer] information is incomplete, stale or inaccurate, AI can process that defective information at greater speed and scale rather than cure the underlying problem,” she said. She noted that the risk is particularly acute for wealth managers “because relationships may involve complex ownership structures, family relationships and sources of wealth that cannot always be reduced to straightforward data points”.

“Young British investors trust AI more than TV or celebs,” Finextra, August 27, 2026

“FCA Report on Young Investors and AI: Experts Comment,” DIY Investor, August 27, 2026

“FCA: 44percent of Young Investors Wrongly Think AI Financial Advice Is Regulated,” Fintechly, August 27, 2026

“Better Advice Than Down the Pub?” The Legal Diary, August 28, 2026

“AI Use By Wealth Managers Ramps Up Financial Crime Risk,” Law360, August 25, 2026

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"While I have always enjoyed being able to represent stakeholders on all sides of the table, my practice has grown with respect to lender-side engagements," Genevieve said, adding that she sees Katten, trusted counsel to some of the most active private credit lenders and commercial banks in the United States, "as the ideal place to serve clients across market cycles and continue building my practice on the West Coast and beyond." At Katten, Genevieve expects to keep expanding her practice by deepening relationships with private credit funds, hedge funds, distressed investors, banks and other institutional creditors active in stressed and distressed situations. "As credit markets tighten and defaults increase, I anticipate a steady pipeline of sophisticated engagements across industries such as technology, healthcare and real estate," she said.

"Genevieve’s sophisticated restructuring experience and forward-looking approach make her a tremendous asset to our clients and to our practice," said Partner and Global Restructuring Chair Steven J. Reisman. "She has represented, at different times of her practice, each constituency in the restructuring process across market cycles, and she consistently sees around corners for her clients."

Genevieve's addition continues Katten's buildout of its Restructuring practice, which earlier this year brought on London Partner James Davison and Counsel Victoria Procter.

"Katten Expands Restructuring Practice with Addition of Weiner as Partner," ABF Journal, August 19, 2026

"Weiner Joins Katten Restructuring Practice," The Deal, August 20, 2026

"On the Move," Daily Journal, August 21, 2026

"Katten continues restructuring expansion with Sidley hire," GRR, August 20, 2026

"Katten Adds Genevieve Weiner to Restructuring Practice in Los Angeles," Citybiz, August 19, 2026

"Katten Expands Restructuring Practice With Addition of Genevieve Weiner," Attorney at Law, August 19, 2026

"Katten Expands Restructuring Practice with Addition of Genevieve Weiner," Kinney Recruiting, August 19, 2026

"Genevieve Weiner joins Katten’s restructuring practice in LA," ICLG, August 21, 2026

"Katten Expands Restructuring Practice with Addition of Genevieve Weiner," Global Legal Chronicle, August 24, 2026

"Katten Expands Restructuring Practice with Addition of Genevieve Weiner," PR Newswire, August 19, 2026

Writing in an analysis published the day of the ruling, Carl emphasized the procedural posture of the competing appellate decisions that have created a circuit split. "It's important to note that both decisions arise from preliminary-injunction proceedings, not final merit judgments," Carl wrote. "Thus, the Supreme Court may resolve the split now or wait for a more procedurally developed case." His measured take offers a useful counterpoint to the widespread expectation that the nation's highest court will soon step in to settle the legality of sports-event contracts.

In separate comments to Bloomberg Law, Carl explained that the split makes the issue a higher priority for the Court's consideration of certiorari: "Having a split like this does give it a little bit more priority."

"What Kalshi's Big Court Loss Means for Prediction Markets," Front Office Sports, August 30, 2026

"Prediction Market Law Keeps Veering, Inviting Supreme Court," Bloomberg Law, August 31, 2026

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"We’re incredibly proud of this group of talented attorneys. Their promotion reflects years of hard work and dedication they've devoted to their clients and colleagues," said Katten Chairman Gil Soffer. "These new partners embody the high-performance culture central to our Katten 2030 Strategic Plan. As we continue to invest in and recognize top talent, we’re confident this group will build on our tradition of delivering the exceptional counsel that our clients value."

The firm's Executive Committee unanimously approved the promotion of the following attorneys to partner:

• Thomas Artaki, Securities Litigation, New York
• Vinny Baumann, Affordable Housing and Community Development, Washington, DC
• Julia Brook, Mergers & Acquisitions/Private Equity, Chicago
• Joseph Carlson, Private Credit, Chicago
• Andrew Pecoraro, Appeals and Critical Motions, Washington, DC
• Corey Peterson, Commercial Litigation, Washington, DC
• Michael Rosella, Restructuring, New York
• Joseph Shealy, Structured Finance and Securitization, Charlotte
• Michael Sherlock, Private Wealth, Chicago
• Henry Stapp, Real Estate Investment and Finance, Charlotte
• Grace Thompson, Restructuring, New York
• Brigitte Wood, Investment Management and Trading, London

The team underscored the key takeaway for FX businesses: from April 3, 2028, FX derivatives will be removed from UK Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR) transaction reporting, with the FCA relying instead on UK European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) data. The change affects more than 400 UK firms, with relief now available for those already reporting the same transactions under UK EMIR. Cryptoasset-related derivatives remain reportable.

"At first glance, April 2028 may seem distant, but firms should start preparing now to assess the scope of the relief and ensure their UK EMIR reporting is robust enough to support the FCA's new approach," the Katten lawyers said.

"FCA drops FX derivatives from UK transaction reporting by 2028," The Industry Spread, August 16, 2026

Breakthrough New York is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for motivated students from historically underserved communities through long-term academic support, mentorship and college access programming. During the July 23 event, Katten attorneys, summer associates and other volunteers spent time with the students discussing careers in law, sharing personal experiences and answering questions about legal practice and professional development.

A highlight of the program was a mock trial exercise, where students could experience firsthand how lawyers analyze facts, build arguments and present positions. According to Partner and Financial Markets and Regulation Co-Chair Carl Kennedy, the mock trial sparked particularly strong engagement and excitement among attendees. Carl serves on Breakthrough New York’s Board of Directors.

"Katten Hosts Middle Schoolers At NY Office For Career Day," Law360 Pulse, August 21, 2026

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Following a bench trial in the US District Court for the District of Delaware, the court issued a decision in favor of Lupin on all claims, finding that Vertex failed to prove infringement of any asserted patent claims relating to formulations of ivacaftor. In a post-trial memorandum opinion and accompanying order issued August 24, 2026, the court rejected both Vertex's literal infringement and doctrine-of-equivalents theories and directed the parties to submit a proposed final judgment in favor of Lupin.

The case, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. v. Lupin Limited et al., centered on four patents covering formulations of ivacaftor. The court held that Vertex failed to establish that Lupin's proposed generic product infringed any of the asserted claims, finding that Vertex's infringement theories improperly sought to expand the scope of patent claims that were narrowly prosecuted before the US Patent and Trademark Office. The court concluded that Vertex "is entitled to the patent claims that it prosecuted successfully, not the ones that it failed to prove," and rejected all of Vertex's patent infringement claims.

"This ruling reflects the court's careful analysis of both the patent claims and the prosecution history underlying the asserted patents," said Deepro Mukerjee, chair of Katten's global Intellectual Property department. "We're pleased to have secured this victory for Lupin on all infringement claims."

The Katten team representing Lupin was led by Intellectual Property Partners Deepro Mukerjee, Lance Soderstrom and Joseph Janusz, with considerable support from Litigation and Appeals and Critical Motions Partners Eric Werlinger and Timothy Gray.

"Lupin granted win against Vertex in Delaware over cystic fibrosis drug patents," ip fray, August 26, 2026

"Lupin Beats Vertex's Patent Suit Over Cystic Fibrosis Drug," Law360, August 25, 2026

"Lupin Wins Ruling on Vertex Patents for Cystic Fibrosis Drug," Bloomberg Law, August 25, 2026

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The redesign's signature features are two new private rooftop terraces on the building's 22nd floor, a rarity among Chicago law firms, alongside a new conference center, café and outdoor gardens landscaped to attract monarch butterflies and bumblebees. The 22nd floor now anchors the firm's main reception area and includes a large, dividable multipurpose room and smaller, more casual conference rooms. The attorney floors below retained their varied office layouts and gained new collaborative spaces and beverage stations. Near the main lobby on the ground level, a former bank space was transformed into the Lounge, a Katten-exclusive café and bar that turns into a speakeasy at happy hour and doubles as a private spot for client meetings.

“We’re in a growing phase,” said Gil, who noted that the firm recently launched a five-year strategic plan. The redesign reduced Katten's overall footprint in the building while creating new workspaces primed for growth and talent attraction, particularly driven by its expanding finance-related practices.

The renovations are a visual representation of the firm’s uniqueness and pay homage to both its present and future state. "Katten is the place to be," Pendleton said.

“Transforming the Workplace,” Chicago Lawyer, August 21, 2026.

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Abby emphasized that the state "remains one of the world's premier centers for wealth creation, even as some families reconsider residency because of tax and regulatory considerations," and pointed to "the state's unique combination of technology, venture capital, sports and entertainment, life sciences and real estate" that "[continue] to generate significant new wealth and attract entrepreneurs from around the globe." She noted that Proposition 40 has generated discussion, but that her clients "are moving forward with planning and transactions that the family has been contemplating for some time, independent of the potential wealth tax."

Joshua offered a national perspective on relocation, cautioning that moving abroad rarely solves the problem for US taxpayers. "For United States citizens, moving overseas does not do much to mitigate tax burdens, as unless you expatriate, you are still subject to US taxes, and you are now subject to someone else's taxes as well," he said. Changing states, by contrast, "has become increasingly common, especially as some states contemplate adding wealth taxes and other tax burdens," with no-income-tax destinations such as Florida and Texas proving popular. He noted, though, that, "you have to sever your tax ties with your prior state successfully, which is not always easy if you retain a residence there."

Above all, he said, "what families want most is flexibility in their planning, so they can toggle from Plan A to Plan B to Plan C as tax and litigation risks, which are high on everyone's minds."

"California Proposition 40: What the Billionaire Wealth Tax Means for Private Wealth and the American Summer at Citywealth," Citywealth, August 19, 2026

Katten Sports and Sports Facilities Partner and Co-Chair Daniel H. Render sat down with Sports Business Journal to share what’s on his mind: the future of private investment in college sports. His take is clear; the future is ripe with opportunity but should be approached with responsibility and care by all involved. “I think it’s important that smart people put their heads together . . . and do something that benefits the athletes, universities, towns and communities that have these prestigious institutions participating,” said Daniel. “[They should] think long-term and not just short-term.”

Daniel most recently provided counsel to firm clients Greg and Dawn Williams on their $401 million commitment to Michigan State University (MSU), which included a groundbreaking $100 million investment in Spartan Media Ventures, a for-profit entity created to elevate the brand of MSU athletics, facilitate capital investment and accelerate the commercial operations of Spartan Ventures, a non-profit entity created to support MSU athletics and student-athletes.

In the future, he also sees himself representing a university and strategizing how to put the capital to use sustainably. "[I would hopefully be] a part of the creation of a sports and entertainment district for a big university. That would be really fun," he said.

"On My Mind: Daniel Render on Facility Opportunities in College Sports," Sports Business Journal, August 14, 2026

The Katten team advising Keypath Education was led by Partner and Chair of Transactional Tax Planning and Co-Chair for Family Offices practice Saul E. Rudo, along with Mergers and Acquisitions Partner Thomas F. Lamprecht. The team included Transactional Tax Planning Associate Jeffrey Ng, Intellectual Property Partner Sean S. Wooden, Corporate Associate Astoneia O. Moss, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Meredith O’Leary, Labor Partner Shelly Gyves and Corporate Paralegals Eileen Regan and Lisa Pena. Together, the team guided the client across the corporate, tax, intellectual property and benefits of the sale.

"Risepoint Acquires Keypath Education's North American Operations to Expand Online Healthcare Education and Clinical Placement Services," PR Newswire, August 18, 2026

In addition, Mark Wood, partner and co-chair of Katten’s National Capital Markets practice, was named the 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” for Securities Regulation in Chicago. This distinction is awarded to one attorney in each practice area and metropolitan region. Wood advises public companies and investment banks on IPOs, other public and private securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and highly structured PIPE transactions.

Published annually, the Best Lawyers guide recognizes attorneys for professional excellence through a peer-review process that includes evaluations from lawyers in the same practice areas and geographic regions. The Ones to Watch list honors associates and other lawyers earlier in their careers for outstanding professional achievement in private practice.

Originally launched in the early 1980s as a greeting card concept, Care Bears has grown into a franchise generating upward of $12 billion in cumulative retail sales, with a global audience reach across more than 190 markets in 26 different languages, and backed by over 500 licensing collaborators and an ongoing lineup of digital shorts, video games, in-person events and film. Through its Authentic Studios and Authentic Live divisions, ABG plans to build out the franchise with fresh storytelling, wider audiences and new fan-facing experiences.

The cross-practice Katten team across multiple offices, led by Corporate Partner Ilana Lubin and Intellectual Property Partner Jessica Kraver, included Corporate Associates Julia Brook, Julie Park and Miriam Wang; Intellectual Property Partner Karen Artz Ash and Associate Alexandra Caleca; Corporate Partner and Head of Employment Transactions Michelle Gyves; London Managing Partner Christopher Hitchins; Counsel Emery Lyon; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate Leslie Nash; Transactional Tax Planning Partners Todd Hatcher and Meredith O'Leary and Associate Dan Collins; Real Estate Counsel Abraham Salander; and Financial Markets and Funds Senior Associate Brigitte Weaver.

"Authentic Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Care Bears, Expanding its Entertainment Platform into Character IP," Authentic, June 30, 2026

"Genevieve’s sophisticated restructuring experience and forward-looking approach make her a tremendous asset to our clients and to our practice," said Steven Reisman, global chair of Katten's Restructuring practice. "She has represented, at different times of her practice, each constituency in the restructuring process across market cycles, and she consistently sees around corners for her clients. That experience and judgment add substantial depth to our platform, and we welcome hard work, experience and creativity to our growing practice."

Weiner represents secured and unsecured creditors, lenders, debtors and other stakeholders in complex restructuring matters, distressed mergers and acquisitions, general assignments for the benefit of creditors, receiverships and out-of-court restructurings. She has experience across many industries, including healthcare, real estate, technology and general corporate transactions.

In matters involving financial institutions, private credit and alternative lenders and trade creditors, Weiner provides guidance on distressed investments, loan enforcement strategies, cash collateral and debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing matters, adequate protection disputes, claims prosecution and bankruptcy litigation. She also advises private and public companies facing financial distress, as well as strategic purchasers pursuing distressed acquisitions through Section 363 sales and UCC foreclosure proceedings.

"Genevieve's arrival in Los Angeles is a direct reflection of our strategic plan to grow where our clients need us most," said Christine Fitzgerald, managing partner of Katten's California offices. "The West Coast is a key market for the firm, and adding lawyers of Genevieve's caliber strengthens the bench we can offer clients nationwide."

A leader in her field, Weiner is joining from Sidley Austin and has been recognized by Chambers USA for Bankruptcy/Restructuring in California. In 2022, the American Bankruptcy Institute named Weiner one of its "40 Under 40" honorees, a distinction that recognizes young leaders who are making a meaningful impact in the bankruptcy and insolvency community through their leadership, achievements and service.

Seth, who co-leads Katten's data center group with Glenn, explained that the latest SEC guidance gets around Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) regulations that were put in place after the 2008 financial crisis, which was ignited by securitizations of poorly underwritten residential mortgages. As reported by CNBC, the guidance grew out of a request that Latham & Watkins made to the SEC. As Seth described it, Latham asked "the SEC to tell them that data center securitizations aren't [asset-backed securities] and therefore aren't subject to the risk retention rules under Dodd Frank." "The SEC basically agreed," he said.

Seth noted that, while it is not yet clear whether the company's agreements with various financial firms are designed specifically for securitization or for other types of credit facilities, the SEC guidance sounds applicable to that situation. "If they are planning to use securitization, and they are considering using the company's compute … that sounds very similar to what Latham was describing," he said.

The SEC guidance, issued in July, is a staff opinion rather than new rule-making or legislation, but attorneys expect it to incentivize more data center financing by removing restrictions associated with a particular definition of asset-backed securities known as Exchange Act ABS. Data center securitizations can avoid risk retention rules, in the view of the SEC and Latham, because they are not considered to be "self-liquidating assets," such as mortgages.

"Nvidia financing initiative follows SEC guidance that takes sponsors off the hook for data center investments," CNBC, August 17, 2026.

Parker advises individuals and families on all aspects of estate planning, estate administration and estate litigation from Katten's New York and Miami offices. Parker noted that the practice focuses on helping clients develop comprehensive plans to manage and preserve their assets in the most tax-efficient way possible, while also guiding clients through intrafamily disputes, IRS audits, and the administration of large, complex estates and trusts. "In general, I work with individuals to navigate the complexities of life and their wealth," Parker said.

Regarding the challenges clients face, Parker observed that people often seek counsel during some of the most complicated and consequential moments in their lives, whether navigating the loss of a loved one, managing a significant family transition, anticipating a wealth realization event or determining how best to preserve and transfer wealth to the next generation. "My role is to bring clarity to those layered situations and help them make thoughtful, informed decisions," Parker said. He also described a significant part of the role as mentoring the team and ensuring that work is completed with the highest level of care and precision.

When asked about proudest professional achievements, Parker pointed to pro bono work assisting Holocaust survivors with their estate planning. "These individuals have endured the unimaginable and built meaningful lives in spite of it," Parker said. "It has been a privilege helping the survivors preserve their testamentary wishes, provide for their families and make sure their legacy is carried out."

Parker also strives to be a leader in his practice and identified what he believes are the most important attributes for a leader. "A great leader possesses understanding in the broadest sense of the word," Parker said, describing a leader who leads with confidence from the front when the moment demands it, yet has the humility to step aside when team members are capable. "Leadership is not about commanding others; it is about empowering them." Parker is certainly a leader worth watching.

"Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Parker F. Taylor, Katten," Citywealth, August 12, 2026

Lewis, author of two of the statutes that govern how municipalities in the State of Illinois borrow money, was named to the Hall of Fame for his more than five decades serving as bond counsel on hundreds of transactions worth billions of dollars for the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, O'Hare International Airport, the Chicago Transit Authority and dozens of other public issuers.

He also drafted the legislation that brought tax increment financing (TIF) to Washington, DC. In addition, Lewis co-authored the Local Government Debt Reform Act and the Municipal Bond Reform Act, two statutes that modernized Illinois public finance law and reshaped how hundreds of municipalities access the capital markets.

"The Bond Buyer unveils its 2026 Hall of Fame class," The Bond Buyer, August 11, 2026

"Lewis Greenbaum built a bond-law career by going beyond the documents," The Bond Buyer, September 10, 2026

Specifically, the Best Mentor Award will honor someone who has dedicated a significant portion of their time and energy to mentoring younger professionals.

Floyd has mentored generations of attorneys, including those who went on to become judges and law professors, while maintaining a successful practice representing some of the world’s most recognizable companies in matters involving copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, trade dress, false advertising and defamation.

He has previously been a finalist for Katten's John P. Sieger Excellence in Mentoring Award. Floyd was also named a Law360 Intellectual Property MVP in 2012 and 2019, and one of its 10 Most Admired Intellectual Property Attorneys, and in 2014, one of the National Law Journal's Top 50 Intellectual Property Trailblazers & Pioneers. In addition, Floyd has been recognized in the Chambers Global guide and has consistently received the highest individual ranking possible in the Chambers USA guide.

Floyd will be honored on November 12 at The American Lawyer's annual gala in New York, where the winner will be announced. Other featured awards at the event include Best Law Firm of the Year, Attorney of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Litigator of the Year, Managing Partner of the Year and Law Firm Corporate Practices of the Year.

"Industry Awards Finalists Announced," The American Lawyer, August 13, 2026

Katten is proud to support Exelon’s 2c2i program for the seventh year in a row. The new companies added to the 2c2i cohort reflect Exelon’s commitment to supporting solutions that improve affordability, make better use of resources, and contribute to a more reliable and sustainable energy future. Exelon’s press release recognized Katten as a law firm sponsor and for our provision of "in-kind legal services in support of the 2c2i climate investment program."

"Exelon Adds Public Grid and Buckstop to 2c2i Portfolio, Advancing Affordable and Sustainable Energy Solutions," Exelon, August 11, 2026

Serving as Chairman since 2024, Soffer has guided the strategic direction and growth of the firm, which has nearly 650 attorneys and reported revenue of $912.3 million. Working closely with CEO Noah Heller, he helps set and implement the firm’s strategic priorities across operations. During his tenure, Katten implemented a new strategic plan, strengthened its bench of attorneys, launched a new Structured Products and Derivatives practice and opened an office in Miami, a key market for the firm and its clients.

Alongside his leadership responsibilities, Soffer maintains an active White Collar Litigation practice, conducting internal investigations, guiding clients through government inquiries and defending them in enforcement actions. The recognition reflects a career built on high-stakes, government-facing work, including appointments by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Independent Monitor for an international pharmaceutical company in a landmark Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation, and by the federal district court in Detroit as Adjudications Officer in the United Auto Workers (UAW) monitorship. These roles drew on his experience as a former federal prosecutor and Associate Deputy Attorney General at the DOJ.

At Katten, he has served on the firm’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Goodman Theatre, and for more than a decade, he has served as Chief Legal Analyst for ABC7, Chicago’s most-watched local television station.

Soffer has also been named by Crain’s Chicago to its lists of Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys, and Who’s Who in Chicago Business.

The recognition underscores the firm’s standing as a go-to advisor for various teams, investors and lenders across Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Soccer (MLS), National Hockey League (NHL), National Football League (NFL), Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), and reflects the role Katten’s Sports and Sports Facilities practice, led by Co-Chairs Adam and Daniel, has played in several of the biggest recent deals in sports business.

This distinction comes on the heels of Daniel advising Apollo Sports Capital on regulatory matters in connection with its $2.6 billion financing agreement with Yankee Global Enterprises, the holding company of the New York Yankees. Among Katten’s high-profile recent sports deals, Adam advised the Chicago White Sox on an investment agreement giving Justin Ishbia a path to a future controlling interest in the team. Adam and Sports and Sports Facilities Partner Josh Lewis counseled Penner Sports Group on its investment in the Colorado Rockies. Adam and Jason, co-lead partner of Real Estate Investment and Finance for the Midwest Region, represented Inter Miami CF in financing its new 26,700-seat stadium at Miami Freedom Park. They are also representing the joint venture behind The 1901 Project, a multi-phase mixed-use redevelopment anchored by the United Center. Daniel also advised Blue Owl HomeCourt Partners on its purchase of a minority stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers and represented Marc Zahr and the Chaifetz Group, significant investors in the buyer group that acquired the Portland Trail Blazers. Adam, Daniel and Josh are also representing the Athletics on a capital raise for a new Las Vegas stadium.

The honor follows the group’s 2021 recognition as Sports Business Journal “Power Players: Outside Counsel,” Adam’s and Daniel’s inclusion on last year’s Hollywood Reporter list, Daniel’s spots on Law360’s 2022 Rising Stars and the Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 (2023), and Adam’s Law360 Sports MVP recognition.

"Counsel of Champions: Hollywood’s Top Sports Lawyers," The Hollywood Reporter, August 14, 2026

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Parker described how the region has evolved from "the land of the snowbird and early bird" into a magnet for inbound domestic wealth from high-taxing states, with young finance professionals, hedge fund and private equity managers, and tech founders relocating in droves. He highlighted Florida's advantages as a jurisdiction with no income or estate tax, homestead protections and a sophisticated trust code, and observed that Forbes-list billionaires have spent billions on residential real estate to establish residency. As Parker put it, "Despite many skeptics, it undoubtedly appears that the investment and mass migration to Florida are here to stay."

Joshua offered a counterpoint on the tax pressures reshaping decisions in higher-taxing jurisdictions, questioning the wisdom of renting instead of owning in order to avoid New York City's proposed pied-à-terre surcharge. As he explained, "Paying rent for a luxury apartment sounds like an awfully expensive workaround to avoid paying a pied-à-terre surcharge of only four percent or so. And rent is wasted money, unlike owning an apartment or home that appreciates in value." Joshua also noted a recent development leaving the measure's future uncertain, adding that "[recently] a state court issued a temporary injunction against enforcing the tax. We will see where it goes."

Together, Parker and Joshua captured both the enduring pull of Florida's favorable regime and the evolving tax landscape driving families to reconsider where and how they hold their wealth.

"American Summer at Citywealth: Miami and Latin American Wealth, From Jet-Set Playground to Planning Base," Citywealth, August 12, 2026

"Is baseball booming or falling behind? The Yankees' record valuation fuels the debate," The Athletic, August 12, 2026

"Yankees’ Apollo Deal Offers Glimpse of Big Law’s Sports Thesis," Bloomberg Law, August 13, 2026

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Turning to the broader market, Peter pointed to the creative capital structures sponsors are drawing on, such as preferred and junior capital and continuation funds. He observed that funds tend to favor add-on acquisitions over new platforms. On industry performance, Peter noted that the service sector appears relatively insulated from tariffs and volatility, while goods- and oil-dependent businesses and software valuations face more pressure. He also flagged artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity as the diligence issues increasingly shaping deals.

Through all this activity, Peter remained optimistic about Texas, where inflows of private equity funds, family offices and institutional players are strengthening an already healthy market. "Just looking out my window, I can see all the buildings going up, and … the TXSE ticker! There's a lot of growth here and that's certainly good for a dealmaking environment," Peter said.

"Catching Up with Katten’s Peter Bogdanow," The Texas Lawbook, August 9, 2026

As the firm’s first CEO, appointed in 2013, Heller has shaped Katten's strategic and operational vision across 10 offices spanning the United States, London and Shanghai. In close partnership with Chairman Gil Soffer, he leads an organization of nearly 650 attorneys and hundreds of business professionals, and his stewardship helped propel the firm to $912.3 million in revenue last year.

This honor reflects Heller's forward-looking and people-centered approach to leadership. Over the past five years, he has championed strategic investments in technology and artificial intelligence, supported the creation of Katten’s annual mentoring award and introduced an employee stipend dedicated to well-being. He also spearheaded KattenFlex, one of the most flexible hybrid work policies in the legal industry.

In his practice, Heller helps clients invest in assets related to domestic and international companies experiencing financial distress. He previously served as a staff attorney at the Division of Enforcement of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

His leadership extends well beyond the firm through his dedicated community service. He serves on the Board of Riley's Way Foundation, which partners with emerging young leaders to advance social impact initiatives.

Heller was also named by The American Lawyer as a Northeast Trailblazer in 2022 and selected to Crain's 40 Under 40 list in 2014.

Tye also struck an optimistic note about Illinois itself, arguing that "despite its challenges, Illinois continues to be a beacon of Midwest finance and entrepreneurship," he said, adding that these emerging founders "have the potential to become the next generation of Chicago business leaders, following families such as the Wrigleys, Pritzkers, Crowns, Ryans and Mansuetos."

"American Summer at Citywealth: Chicago’s Enduring Entrepreneurial Spirit," Citywealth, August 5, 2026

As Carl explained, the MOU creates a framework for SEC-NFA coordination through information sharing, staff meetings on exam planning and risk assessment, and confidentiality protections for shared nonpublic information. It permits, but does not require, collaboration consistent with each agency’s governing laws and may be terminated by either party on 30 days’ notice.

Carl noted that the MOU is especially important for hedge fund managers dually registered with the SEC and NFA, who have faced separate exams and overlapping reporting requirements. In his view, it should reduce duplicative exams and requests, clarify compliance expectations and improve regulatory efficiency, while allowing more targeted scrutiny of firms with gaps across both regimes.

Carl also described the MOU as part of a broader harmonization effort by the SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to reduce duplicative regulation for dual registrants. By formalizing direct SEC-NFA coordination for the first time, he said, the MOU should support better information sharing, coordinated examinations and more consistent regulatory expectations.

Mike added that the MOU follows a series of recent collaborations between the SEC and CFTC, including the updated CFTC-SEC MOU reached in March 2026, as well as the SEC’s harmonization roundtables and joint speeches. He observed that these efforts reflect the agencies’ shared focus on modernized coordination in an increasingly convergent and rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. Taken together, Mike noted, these arrangements signal a move toward more unified oversight, fewer jurisdictional disputes, more consistent guidance and a clearer compliance path for dually registered firms.

"SEC and NFA Enter Into First-Ever Memorandum of Understanding," Hedge Fund Law Report, May 2026

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The Pickering Award honors the life and legacy of John H. Pickering, co-founder of the law firm formerly known as Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering. The award recognizes advocacy for pro bono service, dedication to the cause of equal justice for all and the promotion of the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the law.

"When Jonathan joined our Chicago office more than three decades ago, he set out to make pro bono part of our ethos. Today, pro bono is not just a program. It is embedded in our culture and is a source of pride shared across every office and practice," said Katten Chairman Gil Soffer. "For all he has accomplished throughout his career, Jonathan remains incredibly focused on the work and the people it serves. His passion is both infectious and inspiring, not only at Katten, but throughout the broader legal community."

Baum has served as Katten's Director of Pro Bono Services since 1993, when he became one of only a handful of law firm partners in the nation to focus exclusively on delivering pro bono work. In that role, he coordinates the firm's entire pro bono portfolio. He matches opportunities with attorneys across practice areas, including litigation, nonprofit corporate governance, affordable housing and community development, and estate planning for underserved populations. Baum also represents pro bono clients, including refugees seeking asylum and individuals facing racial discrimination in housing and public accommodations. In addition, he has represented the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence in its defense of state and local gun regulations.

"I see this award as honoring pro bono itself, not me. Refugees fleeing oppression need champions. People facing discrimination need someone in their corner. Nonprofits doing vital work in their communities need representation," said Baum. "As lawyers, we have a professional responsibility – and the privilege – to make sure access to justice isn't determined by a person's resources. My hope is that more of us will dedicate more time to give these clients the help they need."

Baum's proudest achievement is launching the Katten Legal Clinic in collaboration with Legal Aid Chicago at the Chicago Public Schools' Jose de Diego Community Academy as one of the first legal aid clinics located within an urban public school. Since opening in 2013, the clinic has served more than 2,000 clients and helped earn Katten the ABA's Pro Bono Publico Award. Baum is particularly pleased that several other major Chicago law firms have followed Katten’s lead and established community legal clinics with Legal Aid Chicago.

Baum created and oversees the Katten Pro Bono Service Awards, a program that has recognized outstanding attorney contributions for more than 25 years and provides each awardee with a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

Before joining Katten, Baum served as an associate at two AmLaw 100 firms and as a staff attorney and clinical fellow at the University of Chicago Law School's Edwin P. Mandel Legal Aid Clinic. He previously served as a legislative aide to then-US Representative Abner J. Mikva and as a law clerk to the late Judge Bernard M. Decker of the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Baum has been recognized with the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights' Champion of Justice Award in 2022, the Public Interest Law Initiative’s Distinguished Public Service Award in 2010 and the Unsung Hero Award from Action for Children in 2004.

Co-Chair of the Capital Markets practice, Mark Wood, and Mergers and Acquisitions Partner Thomas Lamprecht led the transaction. The team also included, among others, Mergers and Acquisitions Associates Weston Love, Adam Hansen and Dylan Londrigan; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Mitchel Pahl and Associate Neal Patel; Labor and Employment Partner Shelly Gyves and Associate Quincy Wolff; Health Care Transactions Partner Anthony Del Rio and Counsel Vinal Patel; Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden and Associate Cynthia Martens; Real Estate Partner Eddy Park; Securities Litigation Partners Michael Diver and Sarah Eichenberger; and Antitrust and Competition Partners David Gonen and Jonathan Rotenberg.

"IKS Health Completes Acquisition of TruBridge," IKSHealth.com, July 9, 2026

"IKS Health Completes Acquisition of TruBridge," TrueBridge.com, July 9, 2026

"IKS Health Announces Agreement to Acquire TruBridge to Strengthen Access to Rural and Community-Based Healthcare," Financial Times, April 23, 2026

"IKS Health Announces Agreement to Acquire TruBridge to Strengthen Access to Rural and Community-Based Healthcare," Business Wire, April 23, 2026

"IKS Health Announces Agreement to Acquire TruBridge to Strengthen Access to Rural and Community-Based Healthcare," Associated Press, April 23, 2026

Joshua and other experts encourage people not only to make a will in the first place, but also to update it after every major life event. This includes marriage, the birth of a child or a sudden change in wealth. As he put it, "a lot of people view doing a will like getting a root canal, as something that they think is going to be painful. And they put it off as long as possible, not realizing, actually, once it's done, how comforting it is to know that if anything happened, you've taken care of it."

"What the Chadwick Boseman and Malcolm-Jamal Warner estate disputes reveal about planning for death," NBC News, July 27, 2026

The 2026 Patent Stars include Partners Deepro Mukerjee, chair of Katten's global Intellectual Property Department, Lance Soderstrom and Brian Sodikoff, Patent Litigation co-chairs. This year's Trademark Stars include Partners Karen Artz Ash, also named among the Top 250 Women in IP 2026, and Floyd Mandell, co-chairs of Katten's Trademark/Copyright/Privacy Group; Kristin Achterhof, co-chair of the firm's Advertising and Brand Litigation Group; and Partner Bret Danow.

Additionally, Katten was recognized as a Recommended Firm, having been ranked for more than 10 years. The firm earned rankings in Copyright & Related Rights, Trademark Disputes and Trademark Prosecution, and was listed among "Other Notable Firms" for Life Sciences IP.

The U.S. recognitions build on Katten’s 2026 IP STARS momentum in the United Kingdom earlier this year, where London-based IP attorney Nathan Smith was named a Notable Practitioner. "IP STARS Names Nathan Smith to 2026 Edition."

IP STARS, Managing IP's guide to leading IP law firms and practitioners, is published on a rolling basis following submissions, independent research, client interviews, and email and online surveys. The guide considers factors such as expertise, workload, market reputation, track record, client outcomes and each practice's unique strengths.

Joshua pointed to the strengths that continue to attract international private wealth families, noting that New York offers "a wealth of public services" and is "an academic, cultural and culinary mecca," "a magnet for talent, particularly wealth management talent," "culturally diverse," and "extremely progressive, such as recognizing and protecting gender fluidity and personal freedoms." He also highlighted that "it has the most advanced surrogacy laws in the country, making surrogacy available to commissioning couples worldwide." Finally, Joshua called out the personal nature of residency decisions: "At the end of the day, where you live in the US is a balancing act of what is important to you."

Kathryn von Matthiessen, a Private Wealth partner, commented on New York's rapid emergence as one of the world's leading centers for artificial intelligence (AI) and what the influx of AI companies signals for the city's future. She noted: "AI companies are increasingly establishing a presence in NYC, and it is a very positive indicator for the city as a whole."

"American Summer at Citywealth: Why New York Remains the Gateway to Global Wealth," Citywealth, July 22, 2026

"All the stars align for us here in the five-year strategic plan. Continuous movement by big companies, big clients into South Florida, and we made the commitment to do it ... and we are now in it," Gil said.

"Chicago-Founded Firms Continue Flocking to Miami, Following Windy City Investment Giants," Law.com, July 20, 2026

Carl drew on his prior experience as a regulator at the CFTC to address the committee's central questions. Speaking with Barron's ahead of the hearing, Carl brushed aside concerns that the CFTC could not adequately oversee financial products tied to sporting events, explaining that "the [C]ommission has a long history of adjusting its surveillance capabilities and interpreting its legal authority in a way to apply to new asset classes." The article notes that Carl served as a special advisor to a CFTC commissioner during the drafting of the 2010 Dodd-Frank regulations, which gave the agency authority over swaps and broadly defined them to encompass swaps not yet created.

During the hearing itself, as reported by USA Today, Carl testified that prediction markets operate much like the other financial markets, pointing to the industry's self-regulatory model and existing know-your-customer safeguards.

"What Is Sports Betting? The Experts Duke It Out," Barron's, July 22, 2026

"NCAA opposing sports predictive gambling markets in Congressional testimony," USA Today, July 22, 2026

Additional coverage appeared in:

Sports Business Journal

Trading View

Legal Sports Report

KuCoin

Tribal Business News

Binance.com

Crypto News

BigGo Finance

InGame

Coin Edition

Crypto Times

The Cryptonomist

ReadWrite

Times News Network

BizInsider.org

New York Ledger

Cointelegraph

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Katten's Private Wealth practice secured a new national ranking in Family Offices & Funds Structuring. Additionally, the Private Wealth practice is ranked nationally and regionally in Illinois, North Carolina, New York, and Southern California, along with a ranking in Private Wealth Disputes in New York.

Joshua Rubenstein, who serves as Global Chair of Katten's Private Wealth practice, received recognition in four categories. He achieved top-tier status in Private Wealth Disputes, Private Wealth Law, and Private Wealth Law: Eastern Region and was additionally recognized in Nationwide Family Offices & Funds Structuring.

In addition to Rubenstein, Private Wealth Partners Abby Feinman and Carol Johnston each earned distinctions as the highest-ranked individuals. New to this year's list are Partners David Allen and Nicholas Heuer.

The Katten attorneys individually recognized are:

• David Allen
• Diane Burks
• Bonnie Lynn Chmil
• Adam Damerow
• Ronni Davidowitz
• Abby Feinman
• Charles Harris
• Michael Hartz
• Nicholas Heuer
• Carol Johnston
• Tye Klooster
• Joshua Rubenstein
• Parker Taylor
• Kathryn von Matthiessen

Chambers High Net Worth evaluates and ranks the foremost lawyers and law firms dedicated to international private wealth matters. Its recommendations, rankings, and insights reflect rigorous analysis conducted by a specialized team of seasoned researchers.

Katten's Private Wealth practice unites three essential components — planning, administration and litigation — across local, national and international levels. The group advises clients on structuring trusts and inheritances, protecting assets, optimizing taxes, planning and implementing business succession strategies, integrating philanthropy into planning, administering complex estates, and resolving family conflicts, estate and trust disputes, and controversies with taxing and regulatory authorities.

If prediction market contracts are considered financial instruments that qualify for special tax treatment under section 1256 of the tax code, gain from those contracts generally is treated as 60 percent long-term capital gain and 40 percent short-term capital gain, regardless of the holding period. Loren addressed the appeal and the limits of that approach. "Everyone would like them to be able to qualify" for that treatment, Loren said, while cautioning that it is not entirely clear sports events contracts would qualify for the provision, which has very specific parameters.

Carl defended the alternative, investment-aligned approaches, explaining that while the economic exposure provided by online sports gambling apps and prediction markets may be similar, the two products are structurally different. "When you go to a casino, it’s just you and the casino. You go to an online gambling site, that's it. There's no third party. There's no clearinghouse. There's no regulator sitting on top imposing rules on every aspect of that relationship."

With the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) so far silent on the issue, the question remains unresolved as trading in prediction markets continues to grow exponentially.

"World Cup Bets on Prediction Markets May Get Tax Edge Over Gambling," Bloomberg, July 12, 2026

"World Cup bets on prediction markets may get tax edge over gambling," Fortune, July 12, 2026

"World Cup Bets on Prediction Markets May Get Tax Edge Over Gambling," Yahoo!Finance, July 12, 2026

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The transaction includes Rocket Arena, the Cavaliers' downtown arena, and Cleveland's expansion WNBA franchise, which is set to begin play in 2028. Dan Gilbert, principal owner of the Cavaliers and chair of parent company Rock Entertainment Group, will retain majority ownership in the Cavaliers and the WNBA team.

The Katten team also included Transactional Tax Planning Partner Valentina Famparska, and Sports and Sports Facilities Associate Ethan Asofsky.

"Blue Owl Buys Minority Share Of NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers," Law360, July 6, 2026

Chris highlighted a structural advantage of the UK regime over the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) in the EU. The UK benefits from a single regulator reviewing authorization applications, with support from the FCA’s pre-application support service. He noted that firms already authorized for other regulated activities will find aspects of the new regime familiar, while those holding only anti-money laundering (AML) registration face “comparatively more new obligations to contend with.”

Chris also addressed a key area of uncertainty for firms considering the overseas Qualifying Cryptoasset Trading Platform (QCATP) model, which would allow businesses to operate an FCA-authorized UK branch of an existing overseas platform alongside a British subsidiary for non-branch activities. The model is designed to preserve access to global liquidity by allowing UK customers to trade through established overseas platforms rather than a ring-fenced UK pool. However, the FCA has not yet identified which overseas jurisdictions will satisfy its requirement for a “comparable level of regulatory protection” — a gap Chris described as a critical obstacle to planning. He added that without upfront clarity on acceptable jurisdictions, the offshore branch model “may well be a non-starter.”

“Most crypto firms will not clear FCA authorisation,” Fintechly, July 14, 2026

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Katten was recognized for its key roles in several significant restructurings, winning the following awards:

1. Materials Deal of the Year (Over $1B)
2. Financials Deal of the Year (Over $100MM)
3. Debt Financing of the Year (Up to $1B)

Winning these independently governed awards equates to achieving the "Gold Standard of Performance" standing in the industry, validating the firm's and team's excellence. From cross-border megadeals to domestic transactions with significant international impact, these Awards recognize those who are driving the industry forward and setting the benchmark for the world to follow.

Katten's Restructuring practice was recognized for work related to the following three significant restructuring matters:

1. Materials Deal of the Year (Over $1B): Restructuring of Ascend Performance Materials

Ascend Performance Materials filed for Chapter 11 in 2025 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas to address an overleveraged balance sheet amid industry and liquidity pressures. Under the Chapter 11 plan, the company deleveraged approximately $2.1 billion of debt and emerged as a reorganized company with a cleaner capital structure.

Katten served as counsel to Ascend's Disinterested Directors, advising them in their oversight of the restructuring process and related transactions. In that role, Katten helped ensure the board's decisions — particularly around negotiations with the lender group and private equity sponsor — were independent, informed and consistent with fiduciary duties. Notably, Katten conducted an independent investigation on behalf of the Disinterested Directors, which was essential to the formulation and ultimate approval of Ascend's Chapter 11 plan. The plan was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on December 9, 2025, and Ascend emerged from bankruptcy on December 19, 2025.

The Katten team was led by Steven J. Reisman (Restructuring global chair and partner), Marc B. Roitman (Restructuring partner), Robert Smith (Appeals and Critical Motions partner and chair) and Shaya Rochester (Restructuring partner), who were assisted by Cindi Giglio (Restructuring partner and co-chair), Todd Hatcher (Transactional Tax Planning partner), Ally Jordan (Appeals and Critical Motions associate) and Summer McKee (Restructuring counsel).

2. Financials Deal of the Year (Over $100MM): Restructuring of Linqto

Linqto operated an online platform allowing customers to indirectly invest in private companies, with a focus on the technology sector. After uncovering likely legal and regulatory violations relating to the fundamental structure of its business, Linqto shut down its trading platform in March 2025 and filed for Chapter 11 on July 7, 2025, with estimated assets in excess of $500 million.

Katten represented the Special Subcommittee in Linqto’s Chapter 11 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, advising on all aspects of the cases, including its independent investigation and determinations regarding releases and exculpations under the Chapter 11 plan. The results of the investigation were incorporated into a Chapter 11 plan embodying a creative yet practical global settlement that established a liquidating trust and closed-end fund for the benefit of customers. The plan was confirmed on February 6 of this year, with Judge Perez describing the treatment of customer claims as “extremely beneficial” and the “closest thing” creditors could receive to the “benefit of their bargain,” noting that customers “overwhelmingly” voted in favor at an “unusually high” response rate.

The Katten team was led by Steven J. Reisman (Restructuring global chair and partner) and Cindi M. Giglio (Restructuring department co-chair and partner), who were assisted by Marc B. Roitman (Restructuring partner), Allison E. Yager (Restructuring partner), Dan Barnowski (White Collar Litigation partner), Patrick M. Smith (Litigation partner), Mike Didiuk (Financial Markets and Funds partner), Mitchel Pahl (Tax partner), Emily Kay Watson (Private Credit partner), Philip A. Nemecek (Litigation counsel), Grace A. Thompson (Restructuring associate), Ethan Trotz (Restructuring associate), Alexander L. Norman (Restructuring associate), Nico S. Colombo (Restructuring associate), Ally G. Jordan (Appeals and Critical Motions associate), Jonathan M. Deitch (Corporate associate) and Anna J. Hile (Corporate associate).

3. Debt Financing of the Year (Up to $1B): Out-of-Court Restructuring of Automotores Gildemeister SpA

Katten represented an ad hoc group of noteholders (the Ad Hoc Group) holding 7.50 percent Junior Secured Notes due 2027 and 10.00 percent Subordinated Notes due 2035 issued by Automotores Gildemeister SpA (AG). AG conducted a comprehensive out-of-court debt restructuring through exchange offers and consent solicitations launched on November 21, 2025. Upon completion, AG exchanged (i) $306.5 million in aggregate principal amount of Existing Junior Notes for New 2032 Notes and cash, and (ii) $108.4 million in aggregate principal amount of Existing Subordinated Notes for New 2035 Notes and cash.

On behalf of the Ad Hoc Group, Katten negotiated the terms of the exchange offers and consent solicitations, including the exchange consideration, the New Notes Indentures, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Security Documents and the proposed amendments to the Existing Notes Indentures. Katten also negotiated the Exchange Support Agreement pursuant to which the Supporting Noteholders (beneficially owning over 95 percent of each series of Existing Notes) agreed to tender their Existing Notes and deliver Consents. Through its representation of the Ad Hoc Group, Katten played a central role in moving the restructuring forward and ensuring that the transaction was consummated on terms acceptable to the Ad Hoc Group. The transaction significantly improved AG’s balance sheet by allowing the company to access credit lines in South America that otherwise would not have been available absent the transaction.

The Katten team was led by Steven J. Reisman (Restructuring global chair and partner), Peter P. Knight (Restructuring department co-chair and partner) and Timothy J. Kirby (Capital Markets partner), who were assisted by Shaya Rochester (Restructuring partner), Marc B. Roitman (Restructuring partner), Amanda J. Segal (Financial Markets and Funds partner), Kirby Chin (Private Credit partner) and Elizabeth C. McNichol (Capital Markets partner).

“Winners Announced for the 17th Annual International M&A Awards,” The M&A Advisor, May 15, 2026

"Adding Charles to the newly launched practice in London reflects our strategic commitment to deepen our Transatlantic bench strength in finance. Expanding our capabilities positions us to meet the increasing demand from clients operating across global markets," said Katten's London Managing Partner Christopher Hitchins.

The Structured Products and Derivatives practice, led by Kafcas, launched in June as part of the firm's broader strategic investment in its finance platform, enhancing the firm's capabilities in the structured finance and financial markets space. Together, the trio brings deep experience across high-value, complex derivatives and structured products transactions, covering the full range of structuring, legal and documentation considerations across all major asset classes.

In his practice, Wakiwaka advises buy-side and sell-side market participants on cash and synthetic transactions spanning numerous asset classes, including fixed income, equities, credit and commodities. His work includes finance-linked hedging, deal‑contingent instruments, fund syndication and structured notes, and his practice also extends across repackaging transactions, credit-linked deposits, bespoke fund investments and related collateral or insurance arrangements.

His perspective is informed by a secondment with a major investment bank, where he provided senior-level support to multiple trading desks. That hands-on experience gives him a distinct advantage when advising clients, including investment banks, insurance and reinsurance companies, issuers and investors in funds and other structured products. His clients rely on his ability to navigate intricate matters ranging from securitization structures and structured note programs to margin loans and equity derivatives, and to reach practical solutions that meet regulatory compliance requirements.

"It is great to have Charles back in the team. We have collaborated for many years on complex, cross-border transactions spanning Asia, Europe, the United States and Latin America, giving us a shared understanding of evolving legal and regulatory frameworks," said Kafcas, head of the Structured Products and Derivatives practice. "Our clients are highly sophisticated and have come to rely on our team for efficient solutions to extremely complex structures and transactions. Charles is an invaluable team member whose expertise strengthens our ability to guide clients in this respect as we build out this new practice at Katten."

Collectively, the team advises major investment banks, commercial banks, alternative capital providers, corporates and private equity funds across global markets. Their practice spans structuring, negotiating and documenting products, including derivatives products, transaction-linked and event-driven instruments, financing and funding structures, and structured finance and collateralized products.

Wakiwaka is the latest partner to join Katten in London this year. Aside from the additions of Kafcas and van Schalkwyk in June, Katten also welcomed Financial Markets and Regulation Partner Charlotte Hill earlier this month, and Restructuring Partner James Davison and Counsel Victoria Procter in January.

Jason discussed how attorneys can help sports teams protect commercial interests as they work with municipalities to transform areas surrounding stadiums into commercial and entertainment hubs. "Because these are not independent parcels that happen to work together," Jason said.  "You do need a coordinated regime in order to ensure this curated fan experience, as well as to protect the intellectual property."

He also addressed the importance of managing public disclosures and maintaining flexibility in ownership structures for sports district projects. Jason explained that teams and developers involved in public-private projects should be mindful of what information may become public under state and local open records laws, particularly where confidentiality and public perception are important considerations. "A big part of it is really guiding the clients through awareness of what they are revealing, if you will, to the extent they may not want to and do not have a need to when dealing with a public entity," Jason said.

In a separate piece by Law360, highlighting top law firms guiding recent sports real estate deals, Jason and Adam Klein, Sports and Sports Facilities partner and co-chair, were mentioned for their work counseling Inter Miami CF on its new stadium as part of the Miami Freedom Park project and a joint venture that’s developing the mixed-use 1901 Project around the United Center, home to the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls.

"The Legal Work Behind Building A Successful Sports District," Law360, July 3, 2026

"The Top Firms Guiding Recent Sports Real Estate Deals," Law360, July 1, 2026

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Regarding the Supreme Court's decision in Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. et al. v. Amarin Pharma Inc. et al., Lance discussed the Court's view that the Federal Circuit had read too much into ordinary generic-drug marketing statements. Lance added that the decision provides greater clarity for generic drug companies seeking to avoid induced infringement claims after carving out patented uses from drug labels. The decision "adds at least some black and white — or as close to black and white as we get in this world — on what generics can do after a carveout to avoid a claim for induced infringement," Lance said.

He also noted that disputes over skinny labels are likely to continue beyond straightforward marketing statements, into areas such as language concerning studies or safety requirements. "I would expect that to be where we see a good number of the disputes in the not-too-distant future," Lance said.

"Biggest Rulings For Patent Attys In 2026: A Midyear Report," Law360, July 8, 2026

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Regarding the distinction between jewelry as a collectible and jewelry as an investment, Joshua noted that the motivations behind collecting jewelry are similar to those involved in collecting art. "Jewelry is not dissimilar to art in terms of the reasons for its collection by UHNW individuals. There is an investment component to it, but it also is highly dependent upon taste and individualized views of beauty," Joshua said. "It is perhaps unique among collectibles in that it can be worn, and tends to be more frequently collected by women than by men. Its sale value and its replacement value is frequently not the same (the former frequently being significantly lower, given how much jewelry is available)."

Joshua also explained that provenance can significantly affect how jewelry is valued, particularly where a piece is associated with Hollywood stars, nobility or other notable owners. "Note that jewelry is usually insured at replacement value, not what it could be sold for. An exception is jewelry that has an illustrious provenance associated with it (such Hollywood stars and nobility), where the sale value is highest, and there may be no replacement value," Joshua said. "Security is also an issue with jewelry, since unlike paintings and sculptures, it fits in one's pocket."

Joshua further compared jewelry with gemstones, which he said are often collected more directly for investment purposes. "Contrast jewelry to gemstones, which are collected by both sexes and are collected much more exclusively for pure investment purposes. It can be sold by auction houses but is more frequently sold in private sales by brokers," Joshua said. "The market for gemstones is thinner than that for jewelry, and prices are subject to demand from time to time. But the limited supply tends to sustain values over time."

"When a jewel becomes more than a jewel – Jewellery and Alternative Assets," Citywealth, July 1, 2026

Chris advises individuals, families, fiduciaries and family offices on estate planning, tax planning, trust and estate administration, and related succession matters. He noted that his practice is focused on helping clients preserve wealth, transfer assets efficiently and navigate the personal, tax and legal issues that often arise at important inflection points for families and closely held businesses.

Regarding recent client matters, Chris discussed planning for second marriages, where estate planning often requires balancing support for a surviving spouse with the desire to preserve assets for children from a prior relationship. He also described advising clients on the ownership of aircraft, yachts, real estate and other significant assets, including structuring ownership to maintain privacy where appropriate, limit liability, and coordinate the client’s desired use and control of the assets with the most tax-efficient ownership structure possible.

Chris also addressed the challenges clients are facing, including tax and market uncertainty, changing family structures, increased privacy concerns and the practical complexity of managing wealth across generations. "Many clients know they need to plan, but they do not always know where to start or how to prioritize," he said. "I try to help by making the process approachable: identifying the key risks, explaining available options clearly, and developing planning that is technically sound but also workable for the family in real life."

When asked about leadership, Chris offered his perspective on what makes a strong leader. "Good leaders are clear, steady and generous with their time," he said. "They set expectations, communicate honestly and create space for others to grow."

"Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Chris Hopkins, Katten," Citywealth, July 1, 2026

Discussing art's distinctive place among asset classes, Joshua explained that it combines personal meaning with financial value while raising complex tax and liquidity considerations. "Art continues to fill the dual role of a passion and an investment," he said. "As a passion, one gets the fulfilment of assembling and displaying works of art that are meaningful to the collector."

Joshua also addressed the tax and estate planning issues that can arise when a collector wants to keep a collection intact. "From an income tax standpoint, there can be significant benefits to a true collector, who is generally someone who owns more art than he or she can display," he said. "From an estate tax standpoint, however, there are enormous challenges to keeping one's collection intact, as it is hard to pay the estate taxes on one's collection without selling it, unless you have arranged for the liquidity from other sources."

On art’s investment profile, Joshua noted that fine art may appreciate significantly over time, but monetizing artwork can be more complicated and uncertain than selling publicly traded securities because the market is thinner, tastes change and auction or private-sale outcomes can vary widely. "In short, investing in art has rewards but also comes with risks," he said.

"Art as an investment: Where passion meets performance," Citywealth, July 8, 2026.

While acknowledging that ILPA has correctly identified fund formation costs as trending significantly upward, Thomas noted that the guidance’s proposed 50-50 cost-sharing framework may not improve on current practice, as managers often already cover all excess organizational expenses by reducing their management fees until the overage is offset.

Thomas observed that the guidance overemphasizes legal fees while overlooking key cost drivers initiated by investors themselves. He noted that side letter negotiations consume roughly half of investor-side formation work and that the resulting most-favored nation compendiums regularly span 150 to 200 pages. He also pointed to non-legal fundraising expenses, including sponsor travel and entertainment costs and, in some cases, placement agent fees.

On the likelihood of adoption, Thomas predicted that the guidance's core principles of cost transparency, discipline, and efficiency are sound and likely to gain traction, noting that the proposed $10 million cap largely freezes the status quo for bigger funds.

"ILPA Guidance Promotes Caps, Transparency and Cost Sharing Mechanisms for PE Organizational Expenses," Private Equity Law Report, July 9, 2026

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Alex advises digital asset trading platforms, blockchain companies, prediction market operators and other financial services firms on US federal and state regulatory, transactional and enforcement matters under Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and National Futures Association (NFA) requirements.

Alex is a recognized voice in the digital asset and derivatives regulation space. He received a top securities law author distinction in the 2026 JD Supra Readers' Choice Awards and the 2025 Mondaq Thought Leadership Award, publishes regularly in Bloomberg Law and other leading publications, and has spoken at marquee industry events, including the FIA Law & Compliance Division Conference, the ABA Derivatives & Futures Law Committee, and Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. He holds an AI Governance Professional certification and was recently featured in John Lothian News for developing an interactive prediction market litigation map with AI-generated visualizations.

Alex will be recognized in a special edition of the New York Law Journal this fall and honored on September 3 at the New York Legal Awards event in Manhattan.

"Announcing the New York Legal Awards Shortlist for 2026," New York Law Journal, July 7, 2026

Citywealth's annual list recognizes 100 leading women in private wealth across 17 jurisdictions, including professionals in law, tax, fiduciary services, private banking, investment, art advisory and family office services. The 2026 list reflects the issues shaping global private wealth, including international relocation, inheritance tax planning, family governance, succession, trust restructuring, digital assets, philanthropy and geopolitical uncertainty.

The Head of Katten's New York Private Wealth practice, Ronni, helps clients address the legal, business, tax and personal issues involved in estate planning and wealth management. High-net-worth individuals, closely held businesses, entrepreneurs, artists and art collectors rely on her for creative and efficient planning, as well as guidance on estate and gift tax audits and litigation, Surrogate's Court contested matters and the creation and administration of public charities and private foundations.

Bonnie advises high-net-worth individuals, families and fiduciary trust companies in often-sensitive private client disputes, balancing extensive commercial litigation experience with an understanding of the needs and expectations of private clients and fiduciaries. She focuses on clients' desired endgame from day one, helping them pursue quick and practical resolutions through negotiated settlements or effective litigation tactics in matters involving estates, fiduciaries, real estate, commercial contracts and business torts.

Kathryn provides sophisticated yet practical counsel to ultra-high-net-worth individuals on income and transfer tax optimization, estate planning and business succession planning for domestic and international private clients. She advises on pre-residency planning for clients coming to the United States, outbound planning for clients leaving the United States, tax-efficient wealth transfers for foreign families with US members and global succession planning involving assets such as operating businesses, hedge fund interests, real estate, intellectual property and artwork.

"Citywealth Leaders List: Top 100 International Powerwomen 2026," Citywealth, July 1, 2026

"Citywealth Top 100 International Powerwomen 2026: the women guiding global wealth through change," Citywealth, July 1, 2026

"Charlotte's practice and client base reflect the breadth and complexity of modern financial services regulation," said Daniel Davis, co-chair of Katten’s Financial Markets and Regulation practice. "Her arrival not only strengthens our robust regulatory capabilities but also reflects the firm's commitment to deliver comprehensive cross-border client counsel."

Hill advises global conglomerates managing cross-border regulatory strategy to specialist boutiques navigating market entry for the first time. Her practice encompasses ongoing regulatory advisory work, transactional regulatory support and strategic counsel on new product development and market entry. She has depth in the regulatory frameworks governing payment services and e-money businesses. She has advised extensively on the rules applicable to crowdfunding platforms and crypto businesses, including digital currencies, crypto assets, blockchain technology and NFTs.

"We're delighted to welcome Charlotte at a time of targeted growth in London," said Christopher Hitchins, London Managing Partner. "Her years of experience with the frameworks administered by various UK regulators including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), as well as EU directives and regulations that continue to shape cross-border financial services, will strengthen our already very established capabilities."

At a prior firm, Hill served as head of the Financial Services Regulation and FinTech group. Recently, she was shortlisted in the Woman of the Year – FinTech/Crypto category of Citywealth's International Powerwomen Awards. Hill is also a thought leader, regularly offering commentary and analysis on regulatory developments related to financial markets, digital assets and cryptocurrency.

Led by Davis and Partner Carl Kennedy, Katten's Financial Markets and Regulation practice advises clients on matters regarding cryptocurrency, digital assets and blockchain technology, as well as counsels them on regulatory, compliance, transactional and enforcement-related issues. Lance Zinman, global chair of the Financial Markets and Funds department, oversees the industry-leading practice.

Chris highlighted a key area of uncertainty for firms considering an overseas Qualifying Cryptoasset Trading Platform (QCATP) model, which would allow businesses to operate an FCA-authorized UK branch of an existing overseas platform alongside a British subsidiary for non-branch activities. As reported by CoinDesk, the model is designed to preserve access to global liquidity by allowing UK customers to trade through established overseas platforms rather than a ring-fenced UK pool, which Chris noted should lead to better pricing and outcomes for UK customers.

He noted, however, that the FCA's requirement for a "comparable level of regulatory protection" from the home regulator lacks sufficient specificity for firms to plan effectively. As quoted across multiple outlets, Chris stated, "That isn't enough clarity for firms to build a business model, as they will want to know if the existing jurisdiction of their global platform, which may well have been up and running for years, will be acceptable to the FCA before they begin dedicating resources to the additional UK footprint."

Broader difficulties crypto companies face under the new regime include capital adequacy requirements, market abuse prevention systems, and a compressed application window running from September 30 to February 28, 2027.

• "UK Crypto Firms Face Tough Hurdles Under New FCA Regime," Law360, July 2, 2026
• "UK's Bold New Crypto Rules Promise to Unlock Global Trading, but Huge Compliance Hurdles Still Threaten the Rollout," CoinDesk, July 4, 2026
• "UK Crypto Rules Aim to Open Global Trading Access as Compliance Burdens Test Rollout," Traders Union, July 4, 2026
• "UK FCA's Crypto Regulatory Proposal: Global Liquidity Access Seen as 'Positive,' but 85% Licensing Rejection Rate Remains a 'Hurdle'," BigGo Finance, July 4, 2026
• "UK Crypto Rules Win Praise for Global Liquidity Access, but Licensing Hurdles Remain," BloomingBit, July 4, 2026
• "UK’s Bold New Crypto Rules Promise to Unlock Global Trading, but Huge Compliance Hurdles Still Threaten the Rollout," MooMoo, July 4, 2026
• "UK's Bold New Crypto Rules Promise to Unlock Global Trading," Head Topics, July 4, 2026
• "UK Crypto Rules & Global Access," Bitexes, July 4, 2026

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The White House memo signaled to legal observers that these contract provisions are drawing heightened attention from federal officials. David noted that the memo "underscores that the administration as a whole, beyond just the US Department of Justice (DOJ), is focused upon these contract provisions."

On the question of which health systems face the greatest risk, David observed that recent federal enforcement actions have targeted systems with smaller market shares than in earlier cases, but systems with a market share below 20 percent remain less likely to face DOJ scrutiny. "It's larger hospital systems that are more likely to be scrutinized. For providers whose share is above 25 percent or 30 percent in a given market or where it's dominant or where it’s the only hospital in a certain market, these clauses require careful consideration," David said.

David also recommended that health systems take proactive steps to prepare for increased legal scrutiny. If payors are requesting such contract provisions, health systems should document that at the time of the negotiations.

"White House zooms in on hospital contracts," HFMA FastFinance, June 30, 2026

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"Josh's arrival is a defining moment for our Capital Markets practice," said Mark Wood, Partner and Co-Chair of Katten's Capital Markets practice. "Miami continues to attract private capital, family offices, investment funds and multinational companies seeking sophisticated legal counsel, and Josh is uniquely positioned to serve that client base."

Kaufman's practice focuses on a broad range of equity and debt capital markets transactions, including initial public offerings, alternative public offerings (de-SPACs, reverse mergers and direct listings), secondary offerings, registered direct offerings, at-the-market (ATM) programs, PIPEs, equity lines of credit, crossover financings, preferred stock offerings and convertible notes, as well as investment-grade and high-yield debt offerings. He has represented public companies before the SEC, Nasdaq and NYSE and in matters of Delaware, New York and Florida corporate law. He has counseled clients operating in a wide range of industries, including life sciences, technology and data centers, digital assets, REITs, financial services and emerging growth companies, and across geographies, including Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Throughout his career, Kaufman has developed deep ties to the South Florida business community and is well positioned to anchor Katten's presence in the region.

"Josh is a proven leader with strong relationships and a market-leading practice in one of the country's most compelling business centers," said Katten Chairman Gil Soffer. "The opening of our Miami office allows us to deliver Katten’s full capabilities to clients in South Florida and it reflects our commitment to investing in talent and key markets as part of Katten 2030, our firm’s strategic plan.”

Miami has emerged as one of the nation's most dynamic commercial and finance markets, attracting a growing concentration of private capital, family offices, investment funds and multinational companies that demand sophisticated legal counsel. The new office positions Katten to better serve clients across the private wealth, hedge fund, private equity, private credit, M&A, real estate, financial services, family office, capital markets, public company and emerging growth sectors that continue to drive investment throughout South Florida.

Katten's Capital Markets practice represents public and private issuers, underwriters, placement agents and investors in public and private securities offerings, including IPOs, debt offerings, PIPEs, strategic transactions, and venture and growth capital. The group handles transactions at every stage in a company’s life cycle from venture and growth capital to public company exits and has extensive experience handling cross-border transactions and regulated regulatory issues. Attorneys in our active Capital Markets practice have closed hundreds of transactions with values ranging from approximately $5 million to $3.5 billion.

The transaction involved the purchase of existing stakes from certain limited partners. The Reinsdorf family will continue to hold the controlling interest in the Bulls and remains steadfast in its long-term commitment to the organization. The Reinsdorf and Wirtz families will continue to hold the controlling interest in the United Center and the adjacent mixed-use development known as The 1901 Project.

"Chicago Bulls and United Center Announce Lukas and Samantha Walton Have Acquired Minority Interests in the Chicago Bulls and United Center," NBA.com, June 26, 2026

"Chicago Bulls announce new minority investment in ownership," ChiCitySports.com, June 26, 2026

CFTC Regulatory Agenda

Drawing on his experience as a former CFTC rulewriter and Commissioner's office staffer, Carl said the CFTC is unlikely to address all 40 ANPRM questions in a single rulemaking. Instead, he expects at least two rules: a first step to harmonize Regulation 40.11 — the Commission’s 2011 event contracts rule — with the Commodity Exchange Act as amended by Dodd-Frank. Resolving the current mismatch between the rule text and Commission practice, he noted, could also strengthen the CFTC’s position in ongoing litigation.

On listing standards, Carl expects the rulemaking to focus on the CEA requirement that contracts not be readily susceptible to manipulation, particularly where a single actor or small group can determine the settlement outcome. He also anticipates more detailed guidance on Core Principle 3, potentially including a presumption that contracts with limited settlement determinants fail the standard unless an exchange can show otherwise. This likely requires early engagement with Commission staff before such products are listed.

Insider Trading Enforcement and Jurisdictional Challenges

Recent high-profile enforcement actions prompted Carl to explain how the CFTC's approach to insider trading differs from the securities law framework. Under the CEA and CFTC regulations, a violation requires not merely possession of material non-public information, but the misappropriation of that information by someone with a duty not to disclose it. "You need more than just having the material nonpublic information," he explained.

Turning to state preemption, Carl addressed Minnesota's legislation seeking to ban prediction markets, including weather contracts. Such efforts reflect a lack of awareness of the long history of federally regulated event and derivatives markets, he said, and expressed confidence they would not withstand legal challenge. The CFTC has already begun to push back, asserting its jurisdiction over these instruments in court for what he believes may be the first time.

Perpetuals: Futures or Swaps?

In the episode's closing segment, the conversation turned to perpetual futures (derivatives contracts with no expiration date), which were recently introduced on US exchanges. Proponents of classifying these instruments as futures argue that doing so brings offshore trading activity back to US markets, where participants benefit from the protections of the US regulatory regime, a priority explicitly championed by CFTC Chairman Selig. Critics, including some traditional derivatives market participants and a major exchange, contend that perpetual contracts more closely resemble swaps and that their classification as futures allows them to escape certain swap reporting and dealer registration requirements.

The CFTC has taken the position that nothing in the CEA requires futures contracts to have a termination date and that it is ultimately up to the exchange to make that determination. In his closing comments, Carl noted that a practical consequence of swap classification, often overlooked, is that traders exceeding the dealer de minimis threshold for notional swap trading volume may be required to register as swap dealers.

"CFTC Regulation, Insider Trading, and Perpetual Futures with Carl Kennedy," Prediction Markets Report, June 12, 2026

On the impact of current Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) policy, Sarah noted that while independent, board-level investigations remain critically important, the incentive structure has shifted. Companies are now more likely to receive lenient treatment when they conduct credible inquiries and promptly report misconduct. This places a premium on structured, fact-driven processes that can withstand SEC scrutiny.

Regarding how boards should handle whistleblower reports without overreacting, Sarah emphasized the importance of written triage procedures that categorize incoming complaints by risk profile. She described how disclosure committees typically conduct rapid assessments of credibility and materiality before escalating higher-risk matters to the board, ensuring a disciplined process that meets regulatory expectations without treating every complaint as a crisis.

On the meaning of "true independence" for special committee members, Sarah explained that independence extends beyond the absence of formal conflicts. It requires committee members to be free of business, social and professional relationships that could impair their judgment. Independence must be actively maintained throughout the investigation by retaining independent counsel, maintaining control over the scope and ensuring unfettered access to documents and witnesses.

Sarah also addressed why boards increasingly favor external counsel for sensitive investigations, noting that courts and regulators generally perceive outside lawyers as more independent than in-house teams. She further highlighted the advantages of external counsel, explaining that their involvement more clearly establishes the legal purpose of an inquiry and can strengthen privilege and work-product protections if the matter later moves into civil litigation.

On the question of the scope of investigation, Sarah advised anchoring work plans to objective, data-driven thresholds, such as financial materiality limits, geographic boundaries, or discrete timeframes, and to remain flexible as facts develop.

Finally, on privilege risks when sharing findings with auditors and regulators, Sarah cautioned about sharing attorney-client communications and advised boards on steps to maximize work-product protection.

"Board Oversight in Special Committee Investigations," Risk & Compliance, July–September, 2026

For a PDF download of this article, click here.

Published by Managing IP, IP STARS has served as a trusted resource for identifying leading IP legal talent worldwide since 1990. The guide ranks law firms and practitioners across IP practice areas globally, and selection is based on independent research, including interviews and surveys with thousands of firms, practitioners and clients. Rankings cannot be purchased, and no firm or individual can pay to influence the results.

Nathan advises clients across all aspects of soft intellectual property, from brand protection and licensing to enforcement and litigation on a global scale. He works with clients across technology, financial services, telecommunications, fashion, entertainment, retail and life sciences. Nathan has extensive experience in domestic and international IP and commercial litigation and arbitration, including numerous high-profile cases before the UK Supreme Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union.

"IP STARS: Nathan Smith," Managing IP, June 25, 2026

This recognition adds to Nathan’s list of accolades from leading industry publications, including recognition as a Recommended Individual lawyer in 2025 and a Notable Individual lawyer in 2024 by WIPR, a Rising Star by the International Trademark Association in 2024 and 2025, and a Notable Practitioner by Managing Intellectual Property in 2024 and 2025. Nathan has also been honored by World Trademark Review 1000 in the United Kingdom: England and Wales category consecutively from 2023 to 2026.

"Chris is a highly regarded private wealth lawyer whose experience advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals and multigenerational families further strengthens our nationally recognized platform," said Joshua Rubenstein, global chair of Katten's Private Wealth department. "His sophisticated practice, client-centered approach and deep ties to the Chicago market make him an outstanding addition to our team as we continue to expand our capabilities and grow strategically in key markets."

Hopkins counsels clients on estate planning strategies designed to preserve and transfer wealth across generations, including business succession planning, charitable giving structures and fiduciary matters. A former litigator, he regularly appears in the probate and chancery divisions of Chicago-area courts and is well-versed in fiduciary litigation, developing immediate and long-term practical solutions to minimize the potential for disputes.

"Chris's arrival reflects the continued momentum of our private wealth practice in Chicago and our commitment to investing in top-tier talent," said Tye Klooster, co-head of Katten's Chicago Private Wealth practice. "His experience serving individuals, families and businesses aligns seamlessly with the collaborative, high-touch service our clients expect from Katten."

Katten's Private Wealth practice unites three essential components — planning, administration and litigation — across local, national and international levels. The group advises clients on structuring trusts and inheritances, protecting assets, optimizing taxes, planning and implementing business succession strategies, integrating philanthropy into planning, administering complex estates, and resolving family conflicts, estate and trust disputes, and controversies with taxing and regulatory authorities.

Robert has worked with NIJC to represent asylum-seeking individuals, including a couple from Venezuela, both of whom had been members of a main political party opposed to the Maduro regime and were persecuted for protesting, as well as a political dissident from Togo who had endured years of persecution, imprison­ment and threats to his life before escaping to the United States. In collaboration with other Katten attorneys and Director of Pro Bono Services Jonathan Baum, Robert resolved each of these cases in approximately one year.

“I am extremely grateful to NIJC for all of their support and the opportunity to represent asylum seekers,” Robert said about his pro bono work. “Seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they have been granted the chance to build a life in the United States makes all the hard work worth it, and I look forward to continuing this critical work with NIJC.”

The Global Leaders recognition adds to a long list of accolades earned by Floyd and Karen throughout their careers, including numerous Chambers USA rankings, Law360 MVP Awards, 500 Leading Lawyers in America by Lawdragon, Intellectual Property Trailblazers by the National Law Journal, IP Stars by Managing Intellectual Property, Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and The Legal 500 United States.

"WTR Global Leaders: Private Practice," World Trademark Review, 2026

Chris DiAngelo, Mark Grossmann and Bruce Vanyo were named to the Legal 500's Hall of Fame, a distinction reserved for elite partners who stand out at the pinnacle of their respective practices. In addition, Kristin Achterhof, Christopher Cole, Michael Diver and Kimberly Smith earned placements on the Legal 500's prestigious Leading Partners list, which recognizes those with deep market experience and enduring reputations in their fields.

The Katten attorneys individually recommended are listed under the following practice areas:

Advertising & Marketing: Litigation

• Kristin Achterhof (Leading Partners)
• Christopher Cole (Leading Partners)

Alternative/Hedge Funds

• Henry Bregstein
• Wendy Cohen
• Jonah Roth
• Lance Zinman

Commercial Lending: Advice to Direct Lenders/Private Credit

• Geoff AuYeung
• Jan Harris Cate
• Michael Jacobson
• Derek Ladgenski
• Scott Lyons
• Neil Shelton
• Jennifer Wolfe

Corporate investigations & White-Collar Criminal Defense: Advice to Corporates

• Alan Brudner
• Daniel Collins
• Brandon McCarthy
• Ryan Meyer
• Scott Resnik
• Rachel Riley
• Gil Soffer
• Christopher Stetler
• Sheldon Zenner

Copyright

• Kristin Achterhof
• Karen Artz Ash
• Floyd Mandell
• Carolyn Passen

M&A: Middle-Market ($250-$500m)

• Mark Grossmann (Hall of Fame)
• Kimberly Smith (Leading Partners)

Media & Entertainment: Litigation

• David Halberstadter

Media & Entertainment: Transactional

• Scott Cutrow
• Michael Hobel

Patents: Litigation (full coverage)

• Anthony Del Rio
• Kate Hardey
• Deepro R. Mukerjee
• Brian Sodikoff
• Lance A. Soderstrom

Real Estate - Large Cap ($500m+)

• Alvin Katz
• Frank Arado
• Louise Carroll
• Jason Gorczynski
• Kenneth Lore
• Glenn Miller
• Mark Simon
• Brian Spangler
• Scott Vetri

Restructuring (including bankruptcy): Corporate

• Michaela Crocker
• Cindi Giglio
• Peter Knight
• Steven Reisman

Securities Litigation: Defense

• Kevin Broughel
• Gidon Caine
• Michael Diver (Leading Partners)
• Sarah Eichenberger
• Michael Lohnes
• Jonathan Rotenberg
• Bruce Vanyo (Hall of Fame)
• Richard Zelichov

Service Providers (Healthcare)

• Anthony Del Rio
• Michelle Apodaca
• Laura Keidan Martin
• Kenya Woodruff

Sport

• Ethan Asofsky
• Jason Gorczynski
• Adam Klein
• Josh Lewis
• Daniel Render

Structured Finance: Derivatives & Structured Products

• Alexander Kim
• Daniel Davis
• Carl Kennedy
• Christian Kemnitz
• Matthew Kluchenek
• Stephen Morris
• Brian Poronsky
• Lance Zinman

Structured Finance: Securitization

• Chris DiAngelo (Hall of Fame)
• David Matthews
• Anna-Liza Harris
• John Keiserman
• Seth Messner
• Howard Schickler
• John Sun
• Joshua Yablonski

Trademarks: Litigation

• Kristin Achterhof
• Karen Artz Ash
• Floyd Mandell

Venture Capital & Emerging Companies

• Matthew Brown
• Fabiola Fox
• Jeffrey Patt

Katten was also recognized in:

• Commercial Lending: Advice to Bank Lenders
• Corporate Investigations & White-Collar Criminal Defense: Advice to Individuals
• Financial Services Litigation
• Project Finance (Firms to Watch)
• US Taxes: Non-Contentious

For the full list of Katten's results, please visit Legal500.com. 

The Legal 500 evaluates law firm capabilities and measures their strengths across the globe through a thorough research program that is revised and refreshed annually to deliver the most current view of the worldwide legal landscape. Rankings reflect a range of criteria and spotlight practice area teams that offer the most innovative and forward-thinking counsel to in-house legal professionals. The research draws on feedback from 300,000 clients around the world, law firm submissions, interviews with prominent private practice attorneys, and an experienced team of researchers with deep expertise in the legal industry.

Josh addressed the challenges that impact-based investing can pose within trust structures, particularly where multiple beneficiaries and future generations are involved. He noted that while individuals investing on their own behalf face no constraints, trust beneficiaries must navigate shared decision-making: "From an estate planning standpoint, impact-based investing can create various challenges. If you want impact-based investments and own the investments yourself, there are no issues, as it is your sole decision. But if you want impact-based investments and are one of multiple beneficiaries of a trust structure, that is a decision that impacts more than just you."

Josh also highlighted the tension between how wealth is initially created and how it must be managed across generations, observing, "Usually, the creator of a family fortune has created wealth by putting all of his or her eggs in one basket that he or she understand well. But when wealth is transmitted in a trust structure after its creation, maintaining it across generations usually involves diversifying investment risk and investing for total returns that outpace distributions, administrative costs and inflation."

Underscoring the breadth of a trustee's obligations, Josh added, "A trustee must consider the interests not only of the current class of beneficiaries but also of future classes of beneficiaries."

"Sustainable investing in 2026: the great wealth transfer meets fiduciary reality," Citywealth, June 3, 2026

Katten's highest rankings were in the categories of Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Corporate/M&A, Healthcare, Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Public Finance, Real Estate and Real Estate: Finance.

The firm also secured 16 national distinctions in the categories of Banking & Finance, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Capital Markets: Securitization: ABS, Capital Markets: Securitization: RMBS, Derivatives, Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Compliance & Enforcement), Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Litigation), Healthcare, Hedge Funds, Intellectual Property: Trademark & Copyright, Private Credit, Public Finance, Real Estate, Securities: Litigation, Sports Law and Startups & Emerging Companies.

Katten was ranked in the following practice areas:

• Banking & Finance
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring
• Capital Markets: Securitization: ABS
• Capital Markets: Securitization: RMBS
• Corporate/M&A & Private Equity
• Corporate/M&A: Highly Regarded
• Derivatives
• Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Compliance & Enforcement)
• Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Litigation)
• Healthcare
• Hedge Funds
• Intellectual Property: Patent
• Intellectual Property: Trademark & Copyright
• Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets
• Litigation: General Commercial
• Litigation: Securities
• Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
• Media & Entertainment: Litigation
• Media & Entertainment: Transactional
• Private Credit
• Public Finance
• Real Estate
• Real Estate: Finance
• Securities: Litigation
• Sports Law
• Startups & Emerging Companies
• Tax

There are 17 attorneys who received the highest individual rankings possible in their respective fields: Daniel J. Collins, Daniel Davis, W. Kenneth Davis, Jr., Chris DiAngelo, Chad Doobay, William Dudine, Lewis Greenbaum, Anna-Liza Harris, Michael Hobel, Alvin Katz, Carl Kennedy, Christian Kemnitz, Adam Klein, Floyd Mandell, Laura Keidan Martin, Craig Scully and Kenya Woodruff.

Katten had 17 attorneys receive new individual rankings in this year's guide: Karen Anzalone, Peter Bogdanow, Christina Costley, Daniel Davis, Stephen Esko, Levi Giovanetto, John Keiserman, Thomas Lamprecht, Ryan Meyer, Paul Musser, Lance Soderstrom, Carrie Stickel, Christopher Vazquez, J. David Washburn, Eric Werlinger, Joshua Yablonski and Natalie Youkel. Additionally, 27 attorneys advanced in their rankings.

The Katten attorneys individually recognized are:

• Advertising: Litigation & Advertising: NAD Proceedings
  • Christopher Cole
• Banking & Finance
  • Geoff AuYeung
  • Jan Harris Cate
  • Daniel Entsminger
  • Michael Jacobson
  • Derek Ladgenski
  • Scott Lyons
  • Neil Shelton
  • Stuart Shulruff
  • Jennifer Wolfe
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring
  • Michaela Crocker
  • William Freeman
  • Peter Knight
  • John Mitchell
  • Paul Musser
  • Steven Reisman
  • Peter Siddiqui
• Capital Markets: Securitization: ABS
  • Chris DiAngelo
  • John Keiserman
  • Howard Schickler
  • Joseph Topolski
• Capital Markets: Securitization: CMBS
  • Joshua Yablonski
  • Karen Anzalone
• Capital Markets: Securitization: RMBS
  • Chris DiAngelo
  • Stephen Esko
  • David Matthews
• Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax
  • Anna-Liza Harris
• Construction
  • Nicole Lynn Kobrine
• Corporate/M&A
  • Peter Bogdanow
  • Mark Solomon
  • J. David Washburn
• Derivatives
  • Daniel Davis
  • Carl Kennedy
  • Matthew Kluchenek
• Derivatives: Enforcement
  • Christian Kemnitz
• Derivatives: Mainly Regulatory
  • Daniel Davis
  • Carl Kennedy
• Environment: Litigation
  • Nancy Rich
• Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Enforcement)
  • Wayne Aaron
  • Susan Light
• Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Litigation)
  • Camille Brooks
  • Stuart Richter
  • Eric Werlinger
  • Christopher Vazquez (Associates to Watch)
• Healthcare
  • Michelle Apodaca
  • W. Kenneth Davis, Jr.
  • Anthony Del Rio
  • Laura Keidan Martin
  • Ryan Meyer
  • Lisa Prather
  • Kenya Woodruff
• Hedge Funds
  • Henry Bregstein
  • Wendy Cohen
  • Lance Zinman
• Intellectual Property: Patent
  • Deepro Mukerjee
  • Lance Soderstrom
• Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets
  • Kristin Achterhof
  • Karen Artz Ash
  • Floyd Mandell
  • Julia Mazur (Associates to Watch)
  • Carolyn Passen
• Litigation: General Commercial
  • David Crichlow
  • Carrie Stickel
  • Sarah Weber
• Litigation: Securities
  • Kevin Broughel
  • Gidon Caine
  • Christina Costley
  • Michael Diver
  • Sarah Eichenberger
  • Michael Lohnes
  • Jonathan Rotenberg
  • Bruce Vanyo
  • Richard Zelichov
• Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
  • Alan Brudner
  • Daniel Collins
  • Levi Giovanetto
  • Brandon McCarthy
  • Ryan Meyer
  • Scott Resnik
  • Rachel Riley
  • Gil Soffer
  • Christopher Stetler
  • Sheldon Zenner
• Media & Entertainment: Litigation
  • David Halberstadter
  • Joel Weiner
• Media & Entertainment: Transactional
  • Michael Hobel
• Private Equity: Buyouts
  • Christopher Atkinson
  • Mark Grossmann
  • Thomas Lamprecht
  • Kimberly Smith
• Public Finance
  • Chad Doobay
  • William Dudine
  • Lewis Greenbaum
  • Patricia Mollica
  • James Normile
  • Craig Scully
  • Natalie Youkel
• Real Estate
  • Vinny Baumann
  • David Dlugie
  • Jason Gorczynski
  • Alvin Katz
  • Kenneth Lore
  • Mark Simon
• Real Estate: Finance
  • Frank Arado
  • J. Hayden Harrell
• Sports Law
  • Adam Klein
  • Daniel Render
• Startups & Emerging Companies
  • Matthew Brown
  • Fabiola Fox (Star Associates)
  • Jeffrey Patt
• Tax
  • Valentina Famparska
  • Saul Rudo

For a complete list of Katten’s results, please visit Chambers USA.

Kimberly, 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 strategic areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity (PE), capital markets, public finance and health care transactions. In her practice, Kimberly counsels private equity funds, family offices, independent sponsors and strategic acquirers on complex deals, including leveraged buyouts across multiple industries.  Her clients range from private investment firms such as Equity Group Investments, founded by Sam Zell, and PSP Capital Partners, founded by Penny Pritzker, to private equity firms Chicago Pacific Founders, Shorehill Capital and North Branch Capital, among others.  She also partners with new market entrants and emerging players to help them scale and position themselves for long-term success.

When asked about the work still to be done on issues related to advancement, equity and representation at the highest levels, Kimberly said, "It remains important to keep an emphasis on mentorship and professional development programs to support those entering the legal field. I personally enjoy meeting with junior attorneys for coffee to talk through any challenges they are facing and helping my mentees set goals that support their growth while giving them the confidence to reach them. Beyond mentorship, I suggest ways to raise their visibility—helping them make introductions at networking events, encouraging them to build connections with colleagues and clients. Such opportunities can directly contribute to their career growth and advancement."

Kimberly offered her thoughts on the business of law and the importance of maintaining strong client relationships. She said, "By staying ahead of market developments and sharing our perspective with clients, we position ourselves as partners who provide ongoing value regardless of the economic cycle. We have launched several industry reports reflecting Katten's market insights and our understanding of middle-market dynamics—exploring challenges, opportunities, and expectations for dealmaking amid economic volatility and regulatory uncertainty. This shows clients that we are arming them with market intelligence they can use when they are ready to move forward on a deal."

Forbes' methodology evaluated more than 2000 finalists from a variety of backgrounds, specializations and jurisdictions. Candidates were assessed on a range of weighted criteria, including reputation, industry honors, influence on the legal landscape, advocacy performance, practice impact, peer and client reviews, thought leadership, pro-bono work, mentorship, and community and diversity work. Although lifetime achievements were considered, emphasis was placed on recent accomplishments. Finalists were reviewed by an outside board of advisors.

"America's Top Women Lawyers On Career Success, AI, And Raising The Bar," Forbes, June 3, 2026

"Forbes America's Top Women Lawyers," Forbes, June 3, 2026

As the trade association for the commercial real estate finance industry, CREFC represents balance sheet and securitized lenders, loan and bond investors, private equity firms, servicers, rating agencies and advisors. Each year, it recognizes young commercial real estate finance professionals whose ideas, leadership and execution are helping shape the industry. CREFC noted that this generation has "navigated dislocation, adopted new technologies, and brought sharper analytical and operational thinking to every corner of the business."

As described in the CREFC announcement, this year’s honorees contribute across every segment of the commercial real estate finance industry, and Karen’s selection reflects her standing among the next generation of leaders in the field.

"Meet CREFC's 20 Under 40 Class of 2026," June 3, 2026

Joining the firm to lead the new practice is Jennifer Kafcas, working alongside Alvino van Schalkwyk, to enhance the firm's capabilities in the structured finance and financial markets space. Together, they bring comprehensive strengths across high-value, complex derivatives and structured products transactions, covering the full range of structuring, legal and documentation considerations across all major asset classes.

"Bringing on these talented attorneys reflects our commitment to executing our strategic plan, specifically pursuing high-caliber lateral teams that deepen our bench strength in finance and expand our London platform to meet our clients’ evolving needs," said Katten Chairman Gil Soffer. "This move underscores the momentum we are building and further positions Katten as a firm to watch on both sides of the Atlantic."

Kafcas and van Schalkwyk advise on the derivatives aspects of transactions; review financing documentation for finance‑linked swaps; and evaluate regulatory, antitrust and other deal‑closing conditions in deal‑contingent trades. Their work also encompasses structured notes, equity-linked and credit-linked notes, collateral bridges, securitizations and structured credit solutions.

The Structured Products and Derivatives practice is viewed as an extension of the work handled by both the Structured Finance and Securitization practice, led by Co-Chairs Anna-Liza Harris and Howard Schickler, and the Financial Markets and Funds practice, led by Global Chair Lance A. Zinman.

"As derivatives markets grow more complex and regulatory demands intensify around the world, our clients increasingly need trusted advisors with both technical depth and strong cross-border experience. We see a crucial opportunity to serve our clients, and this team is strategically positioned to offer sophisticated solutions that seamlessly complement our existing practices," said Harris.

The new team advises major investment banks, commercial banks, alternative capital providers, corporates and private equity funds across global markets. They represent buy-side and sell-side participants across equities, credit and commodities, structuring, negotiating and documenting products, including derivatives products; transaction-linked and event-driven instruments; financing and funding structures; and structured finance and collateralized products.

"As a long-established leader in the derivatives industry, we’re further strengthening our ability to serve clients by adding this caliber of talent in London," Zinman said. "These new partners significantly deepen our derivatives capabilities, allow us to enhance our delivery of comprehensive cross-border client counsel, and help solidify our position as a sophisticated, full-service financial markets and funds practice that handles transactional, regulatory, litigation and enforcement matters."

Kafcas and van Schalkwyk have managed a substantial volume of transactions across Asia, Europe, the UK, the United States and Latin America, developing unique and unparalleled market insight across evolving legal and regulatory regimes.

They are the latest partners to join Katten in London, following the recent additions of Restructuring Partner James Davison, who arrived in January with Counsel Victoria Procter, and Intellectual Property Partner Nathan Smith, who joined in 2025.

• The American Lawyer, "Katten Expands in London with Structured Products, Derivatives Practice," June 2, 2026
• Law360, "Katten Hires Crowell Duo To Launch London Derivatives Team," June 1, 2026
• Global Capital, "Bromford Flagship LiveWest hires former Vida Bank treasurer," June 2, 2026
• Citybiz, "Jennifer Kafcas and Alvino van Schalkwyk Join Katten in London to Launch Structured Products and Derivatives Practice," June 1, 2026
• Futures & Options World (FOW), "Katten adds two partners for derivatives push," June 1, 2026
• Legal Business, "Revolving Doors: Kirkland hires top IP barrister as Gibson Dunn builds City real estate practice," June 2, 2026
• Reuters, "The Afternoon Docket," June 4, 2026
• Structured Retail Products, "Katten launches structure product, derivatives practice in London," June 4, 2026
• Global Legal Chronicle, "Katten Adds Structured Products and Derivatives Team in London," June 5, 2026

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Katten received a bronze ranking for Litigation in New York, reflecting the strength and depth of the firm's patent litigation team. The IAM Patent 1000 noted that Katten's New York office "has become a visible force in pharmaceutical patent litigation, backed by a broader national platform and a client roster that includes many of the world's largest generic producers." The guide emphasized that "what distinguishes the practice is not simply the volume of ANDA work, but the extent to which the team is repeatedly trusted on commercially significant launch and exclusivity questions, often in matters where patent, FDA and market-entry issues must be handled together."

"Our clients trust us with their most consequential patent matters, and these rankings reflect that," said Deepro R. Mukerjee, Chair of Katten's global Intellectual Property department and a member of the firm's Board of Directors and Executive Committee. "Whether navigating complex launch-and-exclusivity questions or stepping into critical cases midstream, our team's ability to deliver results in high-stakes patent disputes is what sets us apart."

Mukerjee earned a silver ranking in New York. The guide recognized his breadth of practice across Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) litigation, enforcement and defense strategies, and patent disputes in the electronics sector, noting that he is "frequently entrusted with strategically significant cases involving core commercial technologies." Clients praised Mukerjee as "a fantastic attorney with a wealth of knowledge" who "always exhibits the deepest understanding of any legal issue, high intellectual abilities and creative thinking for the benefit of his clients, along with exceptional perseverance and a relentless effort to achieve success."

Patent Litigation Co-Chair Lance A. Soderstrom also earned a bronze ranking in New York. Soderstrom was recognized for his "extensive experience in Hatch-Waxman litigation and long-running disputes involving diabetes and other therapeutic products," including securing findings of invalidity at trial and on appeal and "guiding clients through sustained, multi-phase litigation strategies." Clients described him as "an excellent lawyer and a pleasure to work with" whose "approach is both thorough and practical, delivering comprehensive solutions while maintaining a strong focus on cost-effectiveness."

In Illinois, Patent Litigation Co-Chair Brian Sodikoff achieved a silver ranking. Sodikoff is widely recognized for his extensive experience representing leading pharmaceutical companies in complex patent disputes involving cutting-edge technologies.

Additionally, IP Partners Dr. Jitendra "Jitty" Malik and Joseph M. Janusz were each named as "recommended individuals" in North Carolina. Malik was also recognized in the United States: National category.

The IAM Patent 1000 is the definitive directory for identifying the world's top patent service providers. Its research methodology is thorough and wide-ranging, drawing on feedback from thousands of clients, including senior executives at major corporations and leading academic institutions around the globe.

Sue observed that, while defendants now have greater flexibility in publicly discussing settled matters, most firms will not take extreme positions. She noted, "I don't think most firms will come out and say, 'I settled, but it's all a lie.' For the majority, it gives them flexibility in how they describe the action." She added that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) may also reconsider informal gag clauses in its own processes.

Sue also cautioned that the policy change could prompt the SEC to require more public admissions from defendants as a condition of settlement, particularly in cases with parallel criminal investigations. "There's an off chance that the SEC gets angry because entities are settling and then putting out a press release saying the SEC had it all wrong," she said. "This might backfire on the SEC."

"SEC 'Gag Rule' Pullback Leaves Room for Harsh Settlement Terms," Bloomberg Law Securities, May 26, 2026

"Advisor Upside," The Daily Upside, May 23, 2026

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In coordination with Partner and Global Restructuring Co-Chair Cindi Giglio, who led the US elements of the transaction alongside Partner Allison Yager, and with collaboration from attorneys across our Corporate, Intellectual Property, Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity, Employment Litigation and Counseling, Real Estate and Transactional Tax Planning practices, including Partners Ilana Lubin, Oliver Williams, Nathan Smith, Christopher Hitchins (London Managing Partner), Charlotte Sallabank and Gavin Vollans, Associates Anita Hodea and Tanaz Nowrouzzadeh, and Trainee Georgia Griesbaum, Katten successfully guided the sale. Gordon Brothers aims to enhance Radley’s global footprint, particularly in markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Asia.

"Radley is a well-loved British heritage brand, which we hope to see thrive under Gordon Brothers' ownership, as many other global brands have done," said James. "It has been a pleasure working with the exceptional teams at Radley, FTI Consulting and Gordon Brothers in order to deliver an outcome which preserves the Radley brand for future generations."

"Katten's new DLA hires lead on sale of handbag brand Radley," *The Lawyer, May 27, 2026

"Katten advises on Radley Group sale," Solicitors Journal, May 27, 2026

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A trusted advisor to major global companies, Cole brings decades of experience defending brands and technology assets against challenges from competitors, regulatory agencies and consumer class actions.

"Sixteen consecutive years on the Super Lawyers list is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Chris's unwavering dedication to his clients and the advertising industry. We are incredibly proud of his continued impact," said Seth Messner, managing partner of Katten's Washington, DC office.

The annual Super Lawyers program identifies top attorneys across more than 70 practice areas through a rigorous, multiphase selection process that combines independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

"Wes Streeting's proposal [for a wealth tax] appears to be to add a taxpayer's income and capital gains from disposals during that tax year together to arrive at the relevant CGT band, rather than determining the CGT band by reference to capital gains alone, so the distinction between what is a capital gain and an income gain would become less relevant," Charlotte said. "Streeting is clearly branding this as a 'wealth tax' to help his leadership bid, appealing to the more left of centre Labour MPs and party members, to gain leadership votes."

"But his proposal is not in the nature of a typical wealth tax, which is often an annual dry tax charge on a taxpayer's assets; Wes Streeting's proposal would result in a tax charge on (for the most part) realised gains, but at income tax rates," she added. "And if Wes Streeting's proposed changes are implemented, the justification for a lower effective income tax rate on carried interest to appease fund managers will surely be lost."

"Diary news plus insights, commentary and appointments from the legal world," Edward Fennell's Legal Diary, May 22, 2026

"The systematic dismantling of the non-dom regime, ironically started by the Tories, eventually came home to roost," Daniel told WealthBriefing. "The final straw – or perhaps death knell – for many of the super-rich living in the [United Kingdom] was the imposition of worldwide inheritance tax on non-UK assets after 10 years’ residency in the UK; 40 percent tax is a huge amount.”

Daniel called the report's figures "painful reading," noting that nearly a third of UK citizens who were previously on the list no longer live in the United Kingdom or no longer have the United Kingdom as their main residence. "Those at the very top of the list often have homes in multiple jurisdictions so that switching primary residence may have been comparatively painless," he said. "The problem actually runs much deeper than the Rich List; it's the significant number of emerging successful asset managers, entrepreneurs and investors who came to the [United Kingdom] but decided to relocate to places such as Dubai, Zurich and Milan that offer very attractive tax regimes (including no tax in Dubai)."

"The new FIG regime introduced to 'replace' the non-dom regime and exempting non-UK income and gains from UK tax altogether works well, but is limited to four years from arrival – more than enough time for a secondment or stint in the UK, but no match for the loss of non-dom status and certainly not an incentive for foreign families to grow proper roots in the UK," Daniel added, noting that the "most striking aspect" of the list is that "it proves that the predictions about wealthy foreigners (and UK nationals) leaving the UK for other shores were not hype; they are reality."

Despite it all, Daniel affirmed that "not all is bleak" and emphasized that London remains Europe's financial center and an attractive city to live in. "Tax is not everything, but while the government has been promising growth, the evidence points the other way, at least for non-doms," he said.

"UK's Latest 'Rich List' Renews UK Tax Squeeze Debate," WealthBriefing, May 18, 2026

"The Rich List – Painful reading: Response to Loss of UHNWIs," DIY Investor, May 15, 2026

"Sunday Times 'Rich List' Raises Questions Over U.K. Tax Policy," Tax Notes, May 18, 2026

"UK 'no longer seen as attractive jurisdiction' for wealth," Wealth Investment News, May 18, 2026

"Sunday Times' Rich List 'proves UK no longer an attractive jurisdiction' for wealthy individuals," eprivateclient, May 18, 2026

"The week on eprivateclient: Charles Russell Speechlys, HaysMac, Irwin Mitchell and more...," eprivateclient, May 22, 2026

David told The Daily Journal that his path into entertainment law was not planned; rather, the career found him, beginning with his love for movies and television. "I spent a great deal of my time when I was younger in movie theaters and in front of a television set, so when I had the opportunity to work on some cases involving films and TV series, I lit up," he said. "So, my career found me, not the other way around."

The Daily Journal noted standouts from David's career, including for his client STX Films, which faced a lawsuit in connection with the marketing of a film featuring puppetry designed by Brian Henson. The show's tagline ("No Sesame. All Street.") prompted an application for a temporary restraining order from Sesame Workshop that alleged federal trademark infringement and unfair competition, among other things. "Our defense team had barely four days, working over Memorial Day weekend, to prepare our opposition; but we got it done," David explained. "The court denied the TRO, and within a matter of days, Sesame Workshop dismissed the action." More recently, David also represented the defendants in a matter in which a plaintiff claimed the Starz series "P-Valley" infringed upon her musical play, achieving a successful outcome for his client.

"When one of my entertainment and media clients finds itself in litigation, winning — and winning early — is the obvious goal," David said. "But there are additional considerations that help to define a successful outcome. What will it cost the client to pursue or defend a lawsuit to victory, in terms of the expense, the potential distraction to creators, other talent and company executives and the public's perception?"

David also shared the importance of mentorship with The Daily Journal, noting that the most instructive figure in his career has been Louis M. Meisinger, with whom he worked for 16 years at a prior firm. "I learned from him the importance of meticulous preparation and attention to detail, among many other things," he said.

"Top Intellectual Property Lawyers 2026," The Daily Journal, May 20, 2026.

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Derek noted that Apollo's push toward daily valuations carries significance well beyond the technical mechanics, offering a forward-looking perspective on the asset class's trajectory. "Beyond the immediate headlines around its technical implementation, Apollo's move to daily valuations is — most importantly — yet another signal to the investing world that these asset classes, especially private credit, are going to continue their ascent in total volume and have cemented themselves as go-to destinations for even the most sophisticated institutional dollars," Derek said.

He added that while daily valuations will not create liquidity on their own, they represent a meaningful step in the market's evolution. "While daily valuations, on what have been traditionally seen as relatively illiquid assets, will not directly or magically create liquidity out of thin air, they do help evolve the market in that direction," Derek explained.

"Apollo Plans Daily Pricing for Private Credit Funds," Chief Investment Officer, May 13, 2026

Regarding the shifting landscape of wealth disputes, Joshua highlighted how longer life expectancies are fueling more conflicts during a wealth creator's lifetime rather than after death. "People are living longer than ever … and rich people are living much longer than ever," he said. "The deserving expectant beneficiaries are waiting longer than ever … and people are just not waiting anymore. They're fighting."

Joshua addressed the frequently misunderstood concept of legal capacity, explaining that it is not a single standard but varies depending on the act in question. "If you know the nature and extent of your assets and the natural objects of your bounty, you have testamentary capacity," he noted, while emphasizing that acting as a trustee or entering into complex trust arrangements requires significantly higher levels of understanding and judgment.

On the distinction between influence and undue influence, Joshua cautioned that ordinary persuasion within families is not unlawful. He went on to explain that the legal concern arises only when someone exploits diminished capacity or abuses a position of trust. "The test is not influence, it's undue influence," he said. "Undue influence is when you're taking advantage of someone when he can't protect himself."

Joshua also stressed the considerable risks of lifetime contests, including damaged family relationships, potential retaliation and a higher burden of proof. He emphasized the value of preparation and documentation over immediate confrontation. "Our advice to clients is usually just keep incredibly careful notes and records," he said, adding that many inheritance disputes ultimately stem from a lack of transparency. "Most contests come because it's a surprise."

"Citywealth Forum 2026 Speaker spotlight: Joshua Rubenstein, Katten," Citywealth, May 20, 2026

Michael has an acute ability to deliver clarity and execution in high-pressure environments, coordinating across multiple lenders, private equity sponsors and advisors in deals that frequently span jurisdictions and involve layered capital structures with competing priorities. He regularly handles a wide range of complex transactions demanding both speed and precision.

On deals, he coordinates with restructuring, corporate, private equity, labor, benefits and litigation partners to form an efficient, effective team.

Beyond deal execution, Michael’s philosophy centers on deep, strategic client relationships.

"We focus on being true partners to everyone at the table in every sense and strive to be facilitators of fair and balanced resolutions," Michael said.

By acting as a true partner, he has built enduring relationships with many of the most active players in private credit since the sector's early growth in the 1990s.

"Michael A. Jacobson | 2026 Rainmaker," ABF Journal, May 7, 2026

Regarding the difficulties of succession planning when family businesses and shared assets are involved, Joshua highlighted the critical importance of independent trustees, clear guidance from settlors and realistic exit mechanisms for beneficiaries. "Succession planning, and more important, successful implementation of succession planning, is a challenge under the best of circumstances. When one's estate is liquid, estate shares are easily divisible and beneficiaries can go their separate ways in terms of investments and distributions. But when beneficiaries who don't always like one another are tied in interest to common assets, such as the family business, it is often a recipe for disaster," Joshua said. "This is particularly so in the case of the next expectant generation of ultra high net worth families, who have led such a privileged childhood and young adulthood that they have no meaningful experience in having to compromise. An independent trustee is crucial, and clear guidance and direction from the settlor is crucial. There should be a fair escape mechanism for beneficiaries who want out. While it is every business creator's dream that his or her business stay in the family for generations, the best gift to one's family might actually be a direction to sell the business following one's passing, in order to maximize value and minimize conflict."

"The great wealth transfer: succession battles, family trusts and inherited wealth," Citywealth, May 13, 2026

"Being recognized as Law Firm of the Year – USA is a tremendous honor for our Private Wealth team," said Joshua Rubenstein, global chair of Katten's Private Wealth practice. "We represent ultra-high-net-worth clients in the most complex trust and estate matters, from planning to fiduciary litigation, and this award speaks to the confidence our clients place in us and the exceptional level of service and counsel we deliver."

Citywealth, a UK-based media company, hosted its annual Magic Circle Awards ceremony in London on May 13, honoring the top-performing advisors and managers in global private wealth. The awards spotlight leading law firms, private banks, trustees, accountants and multifamily offices advising ultra-high-net-worth clients worldwide. Nominations were evaluated by judges based on criteria including performance, technical skill, industry contributions, innovation, ethics and client testimonials, among other areas.

This year, Katten was also shortlisted for International Law Firm of the Year, with Rubenstein and Partner Ronni Davidowitz named as finalists in the Outstanding Individual of the Year and Woman of the Year categories, respectively.

Katten's Private Wealth practice unites three essential components — planning, administration and litigation — across local, national and international levels. The group advises clients on structuring trusts and inheritances, protecting assets, optimizing taxes, planning and implementing business succession strategies, integrating philanthropy into planning, administering complex estates, and resolving family conflicts, estate and trust disputes, and controversies with taxing and regulatory authorities.

In a precedential decision issued on May 13, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the Northern District of West Virginia's ruling that Mylan's proposed generic epoprostenol product doesn’t infringe Actelion's asserted patents relating to formulations of epoprostenol, the active ingredient in Actelion's Veletri® product. The decision, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd v. Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., No. 2024-1641, caps a second successful win at the Federal Circuit for Mylan, following the court's 2023 decision vacating an earlier judgment and remanding for further consideration of extrinsic evidence.

The Federal Circuit agreed with the district court that the asserted patent claims required pH measurements to be taken at standard temperature conditions and that Mylan’s product didn’t meet the claimed "pH of 13 or higher" limitation under that construction. The court also held that Actelion was barred from asserting infringement under the doctrine of equivalents based on prosecution history estoppel and the disclosure-dedication rule.

The precedential Federal Circuit decision is expected to have significant implications for Hatch-Waxman and pharmaceutical patent litigation, particularly with respect to the disclosure-dedication doctrine and prosecution history estoppel. The ruling has drawn widespread industry and media attention, including coverage from Bloomberg Law, Reuters and other leading legal and intellectual property outlets, for its analysis of contextual claim construction and patent disclosure principles.

The Katten team was led by Partners Deepro Mukerjee, Lance Soderstrom, Jitendra Malik, Eric Werlinger and Timothy Gray, and Associate Jillian Schurr-Hendrix. Eric Werlinger argued the case before the Federal Circuit. Katten's Intellectual Property practice represents leading pharmaceutical and life sciences companies in high-stakes Hatch-Waxman and appellate litigation nationwide.

"Fed. Circ. Won't Save Actelion's Suit Over Hypertension Drug," Law360, May 13

"Twice Ambiguous: Actelion v. Mylan and the Contextual Reading of pH 13," Patently-O, May 13

"CAFC Says Generic Hypertension Drug Does Not Infringe Actelion’s Patents," IP Watchdog, May 13

"Viatris Hypertension Drug Doesn’t Copy J&J Patents, Court Says," Bloomberg Law, May 13

"CAFC: Mylan's generic drug does not infringe Actelion's patents," Drug Store News, May 14

"PATENT—Fed. Cir.: Actelion's epoprostenol formulation patents not infringed by Mylan's generic product," VitalLaw, May 14

"Mylan Epoprostenol Win Clarifies US Measurement Rules And Equivalents Limits," Citeline, May 14

"Validity of Actelion patent hinges on temperature," BioWorld, May 15

"A Bitter pH-ill to Swallow: Federal Circuit Affirms Mylan's Win Over Actelion's Epoprostenol Drug Patents," National Law Review, May 18

Derek offered his perspective, noting that private equity managers are ultimately incentivized to act responsibly given the nature of their business. "They have reputations at stake, and they want to do good deals and make good money, so they're going to do the right things at the end of the day," Derek said.

"Software Worries Socked Debt Funds, But Is Private Equity More at Risk?," FundFire, May 1, 2026

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Regarding the evolution away from wills as the sole cornerstone of estate planning, Joshua explained the historical significance of probate and the growing dissatisfaction with the process. "For centuries, a last will and testament was the cornerstone of everyone's estate plan, leaving directions, fully amendable prior to death, with respect to who gets what, on what terms, and how debts, administration expenses and taxes are paid," Joshua said. "More recently, clients and advisors alike have voiced objections to the probate process, including that it is expensive, the courts are badly backlogged, particularly post-COVID, so there can be enormous delays, and one's wishes would become a matter of public record."

Joshua also addressed the rise of testamentary substitutes and the new litigation risks they create. "Today, however, dozens of new kinds of 'testamentary substitutes' have arisen, which have the effect of making it possible to make almost any asset pass by beneficiary designation or operation of law. Many financial institutions hawk these accounts as a means of avoiding 'dreaded' probate," Joshua explained. "But in fact, the proliferation of testamentary substitutes has led to a spate of new kinds of litigation, as one's will may express an intention for assets to be divided one way, but there may in fact be few if any assets over which a will can operate. Without a will to act as the quarterback for one's estate plan, disappointed beneficiaries can be confronted with inconsistent and outdated beneficiary designations each time an account is opened, leaving no convenient way to marshal estate assets to pay debts, administration expenses and taxes. It is also harder to prove that the opening of these accounts was truly the informed act of the decedent."

"Probate in Transition: Global Reform, Rising Disputes and the Shift Beyond Wills," Citywealth, May 6, 2026

• Dilen Kumar in Corporate Law: Mergers and Acquisitions
• Brandon McCarthy in Criminal Defense: White Collar
• John Mitchell in Bankruptcy & Workout
• Ryan Meyer in Criminal Defense: White Collar
• Rachel Riley in Criminal Defense: White Collar
• Mark Solomon in Corporate Law: Mergers and Acquisitions
• David Washburn in Corporate Law: General
• Kenya Woodruff in Healthcare (Transactional)

Katten's Dallas office showcases a team of attorneys who provide a wide breadth of services, including corporate and transactional, tax, insolvency and restructuring, health care, real estate and litigation representation, including white-collar, investigations and compliance, to a broad range of clients across industries. The firm represents public and private companies, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, boards of directors and special committees, investment funds, entrepreneurs, national real estate companies, and private developers and investors in industries ranging from financial services and education to manufacturing, technology and sports.

"2026 Best Lawyers in Dallas," D Magazine, May 1, 2026

What is the biggest challenge that tax practitioners are facing in 2026?

In my view, it's how to get the job done efficiently amid increasing rate pressure and a more complicated tax code and deal environment. Firms are expected to deliver faster, higher-quality work at lower rates while navigating growing regulatory complexity, evolving transaction structures, and heightened client expectations.

I address this challenge by drawing on the strengths of our diverse tax subject matter experts, ensuring that each issue is handled by someone with the most relevant expertise so we can work as efficiently and effectively as possible. I also occasionally leverage AI tools to help initiate research or frame preliminary analysis, which allows us to accelerate the early stages of problem-solving and focus more of our time on deeper, value-added insights.

What's the biggest lesson you learned in your early years of practice?

I learned to take ownership and think broadly about all the issues and potential solutions — not just respond to the narrow question being asked. That mindset became especially important as I developed a client-facing practice, where adding real value means anticipating risks, identifying opportunities, and providing holistic advice rather than simply answering discrete technical questions.

Advising clients typically requires a thorough understanding of both the situation and the clients’ objectives. For younger lawyers — and even more experienced ones — this often means thoughtfully and tactfully asking partners, colleagues, or clients the right questions, especially at the outset.

What is one section of the tax code that you'd like to change?

I would abolish Section 409A. In regulating non-qualified deferred compensation plans, it sets strict rules on the timing of deferral elections and payments to avoid immediate taxation and a 20 percent penalty.

While well-intentioned, Section 409A has created an extraordinarily complex compliance regime around non-qualified deferred compensation. It imposes rigid timing rules, technical documentation requirements, and severe penalties for even minor operational missteps.

In practice, it generates significant administrative burden and cost for businesses — particularly startups and growth companies — without a commensurate policy benefit.

Eliminating 409A would simplify equity and compensation planning, reduce traps for the unwary, and allow practitioners and companies to focus more on substantive business objectives rather than navigating hyper-technical compliance rules.

What's the most memorable case you've worked on?

The acquisition and subsequent sale of a European tax-free shopping business back in 1991 and 1994, fairly early in my career. It was a complex, cross-border transaction with significant structuring and diligence considerations across jurisdictions.

Increasing my enjoyment in working on the matter, it required me to travel to Gothenburg, Sweden, for the purchase closing and later for sale-side due diligence. Being directly involved in both the buy-side and sell-side processes gave me a full lifecycle and practical perspective on the transaction. It was there that I also learned how to better interface with clients as their lead business lawyer and make sure their objectives are accomplished.

This case stood out not just because of the travel, but also because it combined sophisticated tax analysis with real-time deal pressure — in a truly elegant and serene setting.

What was the last thing you believed beyond a reasonable doubt?

That salary is taxable income. In a profession filled with situations that are unclear and open to interpretation, with rules that are always evolving, it's refreshing to have at least one concept that is unequivocal. Compensation for services is taxable — full stop. No creative interpretation, no ambiguity.

Sometimes the simplest principles are the most certain, and that foundational clarity is part of what keeps the rest of the system grounded.

*This article was first published by Bloomberg Tax on May 1, 2026.

"Five Questions With Katten Tax Planning Partner Saul Rudo," Bloomberg Tax, May 1, 2026

Derek argued that experienced market participants will ultimately work through the sector's challenges, offering a bullish counterpoint to concerns about a potential broader retrenchment. "The tombstone for private credit has been written many times before," Derek said.  He acknowledged that while cyclical pressures exist across all asset classes, the deeper challenge in private credit is liquidity mismatch — an outcome, in part, of significant investor inflows chasing its strong historical track record and forward-looking returns. Still, any "stickiness" will ultimately strengthen the sector, he added. "And the current sound bites and headlines regarding any death knells will be forgotten soon enough."

"Private Credit Stress Test: What Breaks And What Holds," Global Finance, April 22, 2026

Terry commented: "The age or functionality restrictions imposed by the Government on social media platforms do not necessarily mean an outright ban for under-16s; it can range from an outright ban for under-16s, like Australia, to requirements to impose proactive technologies, similar to some that are already in the Online Safety Act. However, the recent announcement highlights the changes at pace in online safety and the difficulties for social media platforms to keep up with frequent policy changes, given recent policy announcements on AI chatbots just two months ago.

Ofcom already expects major platforms to enforce its minimum age policies through highly effective age verification. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Roblox, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube have already been asked by Ofcom to enforce its under-13's policy, so the Government may look to extend this to beyond the biggest platforms.

Ofcom's Age-Appropriate Design Code also already requires platforms to have specific functionality restrictions and defaults to keep children safe, such as privacy and profiling defaults, switched-off geolocation and restricted direct messaging functions. The Government may look to enshrine the use of these technologies and restrictions, as well as other guidance into the Online Safety Act, similar to existing obligations to require the use of accredited and proactive technology for child sexual abuse and terrorism prevention. This will allow for stricter enforcement and greater clarity on platform obligations.

Ofcom may also take inspiration from other jurisdictions, such as a greater focus on restricting 'addictive design features' such as infinite scrolling and enhanced parental controls in the European Union, or more restrictive methods such as time and usage management tools, as implemented in China's TikTok, where under-14 users are restricted to 40 minutes of use per day between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

We will likely see more prescriptive requirements on platform functionalities, as well as greater use of highly effective age verification for restrictions. This will also raise an important point on data privacy and the use of children’s data for platforms to consider, amongst all the other changes."

"UK to Impose "some form" of Restrictions for under 16s use of Phones and Social Media," News in the Channel, April 29, 2026

"UK to Impose "some form" of Restrictions for under 16s use of Phones and Social Media," UC Advanced, April 29, 2026

Regarding the rise in capacity disputes, Joshua highlighted their scale and complexity, particularly in a cross-border context. "Capacity contests are rampant these days, and they are the stuff of which soap operas are made. Cross border capacity contests are more challenging. Different jurisdictions have different capacity tests for the creation or amendment of wills than for trusts than for business structures. The capacity to marry, particularly late in life, varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction," Joshua said. He added that parties are "increasingly looking for ways to resolve these issues before the matriarch or patriarch dies, in order to 'stop the damage' sooner and to avoid the inevitable free for all that would otherwise ensue after the matriarch or patriarch dies." Joshua also noted the surprising divergence between US and UK approaches to capacity, observing that "given that US law drives from UK law, you would expect their approaches to be similar, but they are surprisingly different."

Bonnie addressed a critical gap in many trust instruments concerning the capacity of trust protectors. "Trust instruments often give protectors numerous powers that are a condition precedent to the trustees' actions. While many trust instruments contain provisions addressing incapacity of a settlor or even a trustee, they frequently fail to address the capacity of the protector," Bonnie explained. She warned that "[i]f the instrument is silent, a court proceeding is inevitably required, which takes considerable time and is highly disruptive to trust administration. If the trustee cannot take action such as making distributions without the consent of the protector, the trust is effectively frozen to the detriment of the beneficiaries." Bonnie emphasized that "[t]his situation readily can be avoided by including provisions that explicitly address protector incapacity."

Ronni discussed the significant implications of recent legislative developments for estate planning and fiduciary risk management. "One big theme is the potential implications for estate planning, trust administration, and fiduciary risk management from the proposed bills and other legislative updates across key jurisdictions," Ronni said. She noted that "the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) permanently extended several key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that were previously set to expire at the end of 2025. In addition, the OBBBA introduced international tax reforms that can significantly impact US and foreign individuals and their estate planning strategies."

"Capacity, Conflict and Complexity: Inside Private Wealth Litigation in 2026," Citywealth, April 29, 2026

Mergers and Acquisitions Partner Tom Lamprecht and Real Estate Partner Seth Madorsky led the transaction. The team also included Mergers and Acquisitions Associate Alex Haddad; Real Estate Associate Sarah Megan Erb; Tax attorneys Valentina Famparska and James Blasland; Labor attorneys Shelly Gyves and Quincy Wolff; Environmental Partner Nancy Rich; IP Partner Sean Wooden; Antitrust Partners David Gonen and Jonathan Rotenberg and Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation attorneys Mitch Pahl and Neal Patel.

"LCS to add 10 Vi CCRCs to portfolio via merger," McKnight's Senior Living, September 5, 2025

“Nancy’s and Jan’s dedication to representing clients facing difficult circumstances speaks to the heart of why pro bono service is core to our culture at Katten. As lawyers, we have a professional responsibility to uphold the rule of law and ensure access to justice is not determined by a person’s resources,” said Jonathan Baum, the firm’s Director of Pro Bono Services. “We’re incredibly proud of their commitment to this impactful work and the difference it makes to their clients.”

The 26th annual awards honor attorneys for their contributions in helping people most in need of assistance before the court. Rich and Widmaier together devoted nearly 150 hours to the pro bono representation of a man in an employment discrimination case. As a member of the federal trial bar, Rich was appointed as counsel in 2024 by Chief Judge Virginia Kendall and quickly partnered with Widmaier on the matter, which was closed in September 2025.

“I’m pleased to be recognized, but we’re just doing our jobs, doing our best for our client. The real satisfaction is knowing we helped our client reach a favorable settlement,” said Widmaier, who focuses her practice on employment litigation and counseling. She drew on her experience representing corporate employers to provide counsel and negotiate a resolution to what had been a deeply personal and emotional ordeal for their client.

The civil lawsuit, filed in 2022 by their client as a pro se litigant, claimed that his employer, a trucking company, treated him unfairly, made scheduling errors that prevented him from working and being paid, and failed to post positions properly, consider him for a promotion due to his race and notify him of COVID exposure, among other issues.

Rich, a former environmental prosecutor with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and Widmaier worked collaboratively with Magistrate Judge Young Kim through mediation to secure a successful outcome for their client.

“Pro bono work is about using our legal skills to help clients who don’t have the resources to navigate the legal system on their own,” Rich said. “We were glad to see this matter through to a resolution that our client said provided him with a measure of justice.”

Louise, who has previously served in numerous government roles developing and implementing affordable housing policy, including as New York City Housing Preservation and Development commissioner and chair of the New York City Housing Development Corporation, reflected on the wave of recent policy changes reshaping the city’s housing landscape. She discussed the enthusiastic reception of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity initiative, how the new citywide Universal Affordability Preference (UAP) interacts with the decade-old MIH program, and the messaging and political factors that made City of Yes more palatable than MIH was in its day. She also touched on 485-x tax exemption, formerly 421-a, characterizing it as more of a wage bill than a housing bill and noting the resulting market distortion of 99-unit projects being built to avoid prevailing wage triggers.

Louise also addressed the recent charter revision ballot measures, praising both the new fast-track for affordable housing and the elimination of member deference as tools that reduce cost and time in the land use process. On Article XI tax exemptions, which can be used for both new construction and rehabilitation of distressed properties, Louise said they should similarly be made as-of-right, “as opposed to this tax exemption that has to go to the council for approval,” pointing to properties’ unaddressed repairs and inability to pay debt service during the member deference process. Finally, she turned to macroeconomic headwinds, such as higher interest rates and rising labor, materials, insurance and utility costs, which make it “difficult for regular developers to build market-rate residential housing” and create “a strain on the city’s capital budget.” To bridge the gap for the lowest-income tenants, Louise advocated for a return to project-based rental assistance tied to buildings rather than tenant vouchers. “Instead, you'd have these buildings that would always have units at a certain level, and be bound by the regulatory agreements and the rental assistance attached to it, so that tenants know they can always be served by those buildings,” she said.

“Katten Real Estate Pro On NYC's Evolving Housing Landscape,” Law360, April 27, 2026

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Matt led the Katten team on the transaction and previously helped Bitnomial secure its stack of CFTC licenses and other product approvals. He praised the deal, noting that “the future success for Bitnomial and Kraken and their affiliates appears unbounded, as the combined structure will offer an unmatched blend of infrastructure, distribution, and liquidity across the crypto product spectrum.” The Katten team also included Litigation Partner Brian Poronsky and Financial Markets and Funds Associate Alexander Kim. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and CFTC notice filings.

“4 Firms Lead Kraken’s $550M Buy Of Crypto Derivatives Biz,” Law360, April 17, 2026

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TFL spotlighted Katten’s multidisciplinary Fashion, Retail, Luxury and Beauty practice, which handles a wide range of matters related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate transactions, disputes regarding environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability compliance, intellectual property (IP), litigation, and trademark licensing and strategy, as well as helping brands enforce their rights across physical and digital platforms. TFL also underscored Katten’s notable client roster of globally recognized companies, including major fashion houses and retail brands, and standout individual attorneys in sector.

Katten’s Fashion, Retail, Luxury and Beauty practice frequently spearheads industry programming, one-of-a-kind thought leadership and initiatives. Additionally, it is often rewarded with industry accolades.

“Fashion Law 2026: The Top U.S. Law Firms for Retail Companies,” Fashion Law, April 22, 2026

 

Regarding the potential financial stakes of the litigation, Anthony discussed how the outcome could reach well beyond the named plaintiffs and turn on how any remedy is structured. He noted that the reach of a favorable ruling would be the key driver of its ultimate cost to the government. "If the court rules in a way where remedy payments would apply to all urban hospitals affected by this change, not just those listed as plaintiffs, the sum would probably be in the billions," Anthony said.

"Medicare wage index dispute expands — what hospitals should know," Modern Healthcare, April 17, 2026

Gil attributed the firm's success to a continued focus on and around Katten's well-known strengths, including finance-related practices and financial services, corporate, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, health care, life sciences and restructuring. "We have made the decision to invest there," he said. "And I think that that has gone a long way toward generating the kind of revenue that you're seeing, because we've done well in all those areas and our adjacent areas, and we've been really disciplined about it."

Katten has also invested in talent by identifying the areas that can use “greater depth,” noting the firm’s focus “on productivity and just really being thoughtful about not taking on too many people, more than we need, and getting the most and the best out of what we have," Gil added.

Gil shared that the firm is now in the implementation phase of its five-year strategic plan, Katten 2030, with the ultimate goal of hitting or exceeding $5 million in profits per equity partner by 2030. “We set ourselves that marker, wanting to hit that number, because we think that will translate into a solid rise in profitability, where we can maintain and attract the best talent,” he said.

“Katten's Profits Per Equity Partner Climb To $3.32M,” Law360, April 16, 2026

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Regarding the economics of philanthropic choice, Joshua framed the shift through the lens of wealth concentration, transfer taxes and the practical efficiency of charitable giving versus government spending. "As a small number of individuals have accumulated unfathomable amounts of wealth, it makes perfect sense that a large number of them, once they have provided whatever they consider to be 'enough' for their families, are making uber significant, impact driven charitable gifts, particularly in countries like the United States that impose (at the federal and regional levels) death time transfer taxes in the amount of roughly 50 percent (at the maximum levels of wealth)," Joshua said.

Joshua also highlighted why charitable giving can be a more efficient deployment of capital than taxation. "Would you prefer to give half of what you have to the government or to charity? Charities are generally speaking far more efficient at spending their dollars than governments. Overhead covered by charitable dollars can be as little as 10 percent, while overhead covered by tax dollars can be 70 percent or more," Joshua explained. "And if you get a charitable income, gift or estate tax deduction for your charitable donation, the exact same amount expended can be so much more impactful."

"The Business of Philanthropy," Citywealth, April 22, 2026

Christine, who was recently also recognized in the "2026 Banking & Finance Visionaries" section in the LA Times and now serves on the Law360 California Editorial Advisory Board, concentrates her practice in real estate finance. She is experienced in syndicated, securitized, mezzanine, ground lease, hospitality and construction lending and borrowing, intercreditor arrangements, participations, whole and portfolio loan sales, "loan on loan" secured financing transactions, workouts (including loan modifications and restructurings, forbearance agreements, reservation of rights and discounted payoff agreements), foreclosures, loan restructurings and deeds in lieu of foreclosure, as well as acquisition, disposition and development of real estate assets, joint venture transactions and preferred equity.

In addition, Christine is actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the LA Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women, the American Bar Association, the LA County Bar Association and the Commercial Mortgage Securities Association.

"Top 100 Lawyers," Los Angeles Business Journal, April 20, 2026

Founded over a decade ago, Bitnomial is the first crypto-native exchange in the United States to hold all three CFTC-issued licenses required to operate a full-stack domestic crypto trading and derivatives business: a designated contract market, a derivatives clearing organization and a futures commission merchant. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory filings. Katten appreciates the opportunity to team with deal counsel, Haynes Boone, and financial advisor PJT Partners.

"Payward to Acquire Bitnomial, Creating a Fully CFTC-Licensed Derivatives Platform," BusinessWire, April 17, 2026

One flashpoint Carl highlighted is CFTC Regulation 40.11, a Dodd-Frank era provision known as the Special Rule, which contains a drafting error. The Special Rule created a process for the CFTC to determine whether event contracts within certain designated categories are against public policy. Carl explained that the regulation includes a drafting inconsistency with the statutory language in the Commodity Exchange Act added by Dodd-Frank. That inconsistency largely went unnoticed for years until the popularity of prediction markets brought it under scrutiny. "Hindsight is 20/20. Here we are, 15 years later, and it is the hottest topic. It's this rulemaking that had an error in the way that it was crafted, not [being] consistent with the statute and what Congress defined, and it's created all this confusion."

"Don't mention the rules: the fight against prediction market abuse," Risk.net April 16, 2026

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Generative AI has the potential to fundamentally reshape financial advice by expanding access, reducing cost and enabling continuous, highly personalized engagement. The paper highlights that AI-enabled personal financial advisers can shift advisory interactions from episodic, transaction-based exchanges to ongoing, adaptive dialogue, while also introducing new challenges with respect to accuracy, accountability, bias, privacy and consumer protection. The paper further surveys existing sector-specific regulatory frameworks and emerging AI-specific supervisory guidance across the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom and outlines foundational principles for effective AI governance within financial institutions.

"The Use of Generative AI to Provide Financial Advice: Opportunities and Risks," The Bretton Woods Committee, April 2026

The Notable Leaders in Health Care list highlights a wide range of prominent health care executives and professionals who are influencing care delivery and policy for patients, communities and institutions across the Chicago area.

"This distinction highlights Laura's long-term dedication and leadership in Chicago health care and beyond," said Kenya S. Woodruff, national chair of Katten's Health Care practice. "Laura is a trusted strategic advisor, an effective negotiator, and an authority in transactional, regulatory and antitrust matters. We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor."

Counseling health care providers on their most complex transactions, physician arrangements, antitrust matters and compliance challenges, Martin is a top advisor to hospitals and health systems, ancillary and post-acute care providers, physician groups and life sciences companies. She assists clients on strategic transactions and value-based arrangements while navigating high-stakes compliance matters and proactively reducing regulatory risk through preventive measures and sound guidance.

For example, Martin represented AdventHealth's acquisition of Redmond Medical Center in Georgia, a highly complex transaction that involved prolonged coordination with the Federal Trade Commission. She was also proud to counsel Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (SRAlab) in a multifaceted affiliation with Henry Ford Health System to develop a cutting-edge rehabilitation hospital in Detroit, a transformative development for the region. 

Martin has held numerous leadership positions within Katten, including serving on the firm's Executive Committee and Board of Directors and as chair of its Health Care practice and Women's Leadership Forum. She is involved in several organizations outside the firm, including the American Health Law Association, and served as past president of the Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys. Her civic leadership includes roles with the Children's Research Fund, Museum of Contemporary Art, Navy Pier Executive Committee and the WOW Advisory Board of Youth Guidance.

Regarding the complexities of relocating to the United States, Joshua highlighted the critical distinction between visa and green card routes for high-net-worth individuals considering a move. "There are any number of reasons that high-net-worth individuals might want to move to the United States for indefinite periods of time. While there are a wide variety of visas from which potentially to choose, each having different attributes, the important thing to note – unless you are sure your move is permanent – is to go the visa route, not the green card route," Joshua said. "Having a green card becomes the equivalent of having citizenship for US world-wide estate tax purposes once you have had it in eight out of 15 calendar years. It is best to renew visas for as long as possible until you are sure you want to stay."

"Tens of thousands leave the Gulf for the UK, for now," Citywealth, April 15, 2026

The Third Circuit Ruling and What Comes Next

The Third Circuit recently delivered a significant win for Kalshi, concluding that event contracts traded on its exchange and cleared through its clearinghouse are properly classified as swaps under the Commodity Exchange Act. Characterizing the ruling as an important data point for the derivatives industry, Carl notes that the decision affirms that the federal framework governing these instruments are within the CFTC’s exclusive jurisdiction. However, the story is far from over, “I think it’s a significant data point, but I don’t think it’s the end of the story.” With oral arguments pending in the Fourth and Ninth Circuits, Carl expects we might ultimately see a circuit split requiring Supreme Court intervention. “I think that this ultimately will go to the Supreme Court,” he said, adding that leaving the issue unresolved across circuits “could be quite harmful for this market and for the derivatives market in general.”

State Challenges and the Federal Framework

Carl addressed the broader conflict between state regulators and federally-regulated derivatives markets, observing that derivatives markets have operated under a well-established federal regulatory regime for over a century. He noted that for derivatives market participants, the suggestion that event contracts should be recharacterized as gaming is “somewhat troubling,” as it could have unintended consequences for the entire derivatives ecosystem. “To suggest that what has operated for decades as a system for the regulation and oversight of derivatives markets … now [should be] characterized or recharacterized as anything other than derivatives contracts is troubling,” he said.

Carl also acknowledged the legitimate concerns of the gaming industry, including potential impacts on state revenues and consumer protections, while maintaining that those concerns can be addressed without undermining the federal derivatives framework.

Clarifying Rule 40.11

A significant portion of the conversation focused on Regulation 40.11, the CFTC’s special rule governing event contracts. Carl noted that this specific regulation, adopted in 2011 as part of one of the several Dodd-Frank rulemakings, was not a top priority at the time of adoption and now requires revision. He identified several areas where the forthcoming CFTC rulemaking could bring clarity: defining undefined terms such as “gaming” and “assassination”; establishing a test for evaluating public policy considerations; and imposing more stringent listing standards for contracts that fall within enumerated categories. Creating a two-track submission framework with a self-certification track for contracts meeting certain criteria and a formal approval process for those that do not could help. “I think all these things are on the table,” Carl said. “I do think that the three points I just made are quite likely.”

Insider Trading in Fast-Moving Markets

Carl addressed the growing debate over insider trading in prediction markets, explaining that the CFTC’s approach differs meaningfully from the securities law framework. Under the Commodity Exchange Act, a violation requires not merely the possession of material non-public information, but the misappropriation of that information by someone with a duty not to disclose it. “You need more than just having the material nonpublic information,” he explained, drawing an analogy to farmers who trade on knowledge of their own harvest without violating any duty.

Carl emphasized that exchanges are already deploying surveillance technology and third-party screening tools to identify and restrict participants with potential access to material non-public information. When red flags are identified, exchanges can act swiftly, flagging transactions, demanding information from participants, and banning bad actors. “The process does exist, and it has existed and worked well in financial markets beyond just the CFTC’s markets,” he said.

He also noted that the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement director has made insider trading a top priority, alongside Chairman Selig, signaling that the Commission intends to demonstrate that prediction markets are not rampant with manipulation. “They’re going to devote resources to that,” Carl said.

“The Future of Event Contracts with Carl Kennedy,” Prediction News Update, April 13, 2026

Av8 is a leading FAA-PMA manufacturer and FAA and EASA-approved Repair Station specializing in business and regional aviation. VSA was the parent holding company of legacy general aviation companies APS, McFarlane Aviation and Tempest Aero Group.

In the most recent transaction, TDG simultaneously acquired both Jet Parts Engineering and VSA, which included Av8, for approximately $2.2 billion in cash, including certain tax benefits.

The Katten team also included M&A and Private Equity Associate Weston Love, Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Tax Planning Associate Jeffrey Ng.

"TransDigm Completes Acquisition of Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings," PRNewswire, April 7, 2026

Founded in 1946, Acousti is one of the largest and most sophisticated interior finishes contractors, with operations spanning more than 15 metropolitan areas and serving diverse end markets including education, health care, amusement and recreation, transportation and municipalities. The acquisition will support Acousti's continued growth, with a focus on geographic expansion and a disciplined acquisition strategy.

The Katten team spanned several offices and was led by Mergers and Acquisitions and Private Equity Partners David Kravitz and Jessica Schauwecker. The team included Mergers and Acquisitions and Private Equity Partner Michelle Gyves and Associates Luke Anderson, Astoneia Moss, Anna Hile and Quincy Wolff; Private Credit Partners Mohammad Alvi and Andrew Lillis; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Loren Lembo and Associate James Blasland; Antitrust Partner Jonathan Rotenberg and Associate Abigail Kedik; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partners Kate Ulrich Saracene and Mitch Pahl and Associate Neal Patel; and Mergers and Acquisitions Litigation Partners James Bookhout and Michael Chiusano.

"Gamut Capital Management to Acquire Acousti Engineering Company," Business Wire, April 7, 2026

Carl stated, "He's trying to build a lot of discipline into these markets. He's seeing the same problems, and he's trying to address it — I think, while being supportive, in a way that's bringing order."

"'Cowboy': Michael Selig, a top Trump Wall Street regulator, comes out swinging," POLITICO April 11, 2026

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James noted that while the CAT makes data collected by firms readily available for the SEC or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to see, "the sheer scope of it has made it so just incredibly expensive." He predicted that the CAT will likely continue to exist but at a smaller scale with reduced costs.

"SEC Scales Back Market Surveillance Tool, Raises Oversight Concerns," The National Law Journal, April 7, 2026

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"This acknowledgment underscores Katten’s established strength in trademark litigation and affirms our role as a trusted firm for complex infringement matters," said Floyd A. Mandell, partner and co-chair of Katten's Trademark/Copyright/Privacy group. "We are grateful to Managing IP for recognizing Katten and for highlighting the outstanding intellectual property work taking place across the industry."

Katten's nationally recognized Trademark/Copyright/Privacy group is a multidisciplinary practice that covers the life cycle of trademarks and copyrights. The firm’s high-caliber trademark and trademarks litigation attorneys are regularly called on to protect their clients' assets as the intellectual property (IP) landscape evolves with new technologies and the rise of artificial intelligence. Whether challenging designs on behalf of major retailers or defending against infringement claims involving globally recognized beverage companies, technology businesses and film studios, our attorneys work to protect and enhance the value of clients’ intellectual property while developing effective litigation strategies that address the evolving demands of the industry.

With dedicated IP attorneys in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, DC, and London, Katten's network offers the depth, strength and global reach to serve clients across a wide range of jurisdictions.

The Managing IP Awards recognize firms and practitioners for their outstanding intellectual property achievements over the last year. The awards program covers 90 IP practice categories in more than 50 jurisdictions. Managing IP research analysts obtain information from thousands of firms, IP practitioners and their clients through interviews, email and online surveys.

The AHLA Business Law and Governance Practice Group supports its members by monitoring financial, regulatory and operational issues faced by both for-profit and nonprofit entities across the health care industry.

Vinal's practice spans advising health care providers, data platforms, digital health innovators and investors across transactional, regulatory, restructuring and compliance matters.

Managing Partner of Katten's New York Office, Wendy Cohen, has joined the New York Editorial Advisory Board. Wendy has advised clients for three decades on the structuring and operation of private investment funds, bringing a deep understanding of the asset management industry's business and regulatory landscape. Clients rely on her for counsel on domestic and offshore offering requirements, futures regulation, investment adviser rules and cutting-edge issues including cryptocurrencies and cybersecurity.

Managing Partner of Katten's California Offices Christine Noelle Fitzgerald has joined the California Editorial Advisory Board. Christy brings deep experience in real estate finance, including syndicated, securitized, mezzanine and construction lending, as well as workouts, foreclosures and loan restructurings. She was recently profiled among the 2026 Banking and Finance Visionaries in the Los Angeles Times.

Partner and Chair of Commercial Litigation Rebecca Lindahl has been named to the North Carolina Editorial Advisory Board. Becky is a proven, first-chair trial attorney focused on high-stakes business disputes and class action matters.  She is experienced in bench and jury trials, appellate arguments and electronic discovery challenges.

Partner, Chair of Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation and Deputy General Counsel Kate Ulrich Saracene has been named to the Benefits Editorial Advisory Board. Kate is nationally recognized for her work in health and welfare employee benefit plans, third-party benefits administration and multiple employer health plan arrangements. A former human resources and labor relations professional at Xerox, she brings unique insight to the intersection of benefits, employment law, ERISA and tax. 

Partner and Co-Chair of Capital Markets Mark Wood has been named to the Capital Markets Editorial Advisory Board. Mark represents public companies and investment banks in IPOs and other public offerings of equity and debt securities, as well as mergers and acquisitions. He is also a leading advisor on private investment in public equity (PIPE) transactions and cross-border capital raising matters.

"Law360 Announces The Members Of Its 2026 Editorial Boards," Law360, April 3, 2026

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John Lothian's "Hits & Takes" column noted that he had been working on his own scorecard for "Prediction Markets vs. States — Open Cases and Timeline," and highlighted that Alex had independently built a complementary resource. He noted that both his scorecard and Alex's map are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice; readers are encouraged to verify all information independently.

"IMF Warns Tokenized Finance Risks Amplifying Market Crises Ahead," John Lothian News, April 6, 2026

The Katten team included M&A and Private Equity Partners Wade A. Glover, Ethan E. Post and Bill Rivers and Associates Miriam H. Wang, Austin Brandenburg, Lillianna Johanknecht and Astoneia Moss; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate Jeffrey Ng; Corporate Partner Michelle A. Gyves; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Meredith O’Leary and Associate Neal K. Patel; Intellectual Property Partner Sean S. Wooden; and Antitrust and Competition Partners David J. Gonen and Jonathan Rotenberg.

"Trinity Hunt Partners Announces the Exit of IMS Legal Strategies, a Leading Litigation Services Platform," BusinessWire.com, April 6, 2026

"Uplift Investors Completes Acquisition of IMS Legal Strategies," The Pilot News, April 6, 2026

Brandon, along with Litigation Partner Rachel Riley, met with prosecutors and argued that Wolf was innocent and that the statute of limitations had run out. At the center of the case was Wolf's purchase of $10,000 worth of stock, a one percent share in a company "he did not run and had never been to." He noted that the indictment’s star witness, a longtime friend of Wolf, had made 90 percent of the money and had "cut a deal with the government," serving up other unsuspecting doctors "as indictment fodder."

Getting to Know the Client

Brandon traveled to Houston to understand his client’s character firsthand. He described walking the streets of Houston with Wolf, visiting homeless medical clinics where the retired doctor continued to treat patients and hand out free tennis shoes. "At the end, I was ready," Brandon said. "No way was I letting DOJ convict this man. In my 26 years in criminal law, I have seen a lot of guilty people. But standing before me was the most innocent man I had ever encountered."

Preparing for Trial

Brandon took the case to the Gerry Spence Trial Academy in Wyoming, where he spent three weeks working the case "12 hours a day, six days a week" with 60 other lawyers, conducting multiple mock juries and attacking the case from every conceivable angle. Despite the long odds of success in a federal case, Brandon and his client were determined to move ahead to trial.

Dismissal

Their group of defense attorneys lobbied US District Judge Karen Gren Scholer for a dismissal. Brandon recalled that the judge "gave us a hearing. She was tough and fair. And she even chastised the government a bit for their sloppy job on the indictment." The day before Valentine's Day, Brandon received the surprise: the case was dismissed.

He immediately called Wolf, who, "despite facing life in prison for a crime he had no idea he had committed, was at the homeless clinic caring for a patient." Brandon emphasized that there was nothing in the indictment alleging patient harm or unnecessary medical care, and that Wolf’s prescribing habits had not changed upon joining the partnership.

"Even when you are faced with all the resources of the federal government, the might of the FBI, the brawn of the US attorney's office and the threat of life in prison pressuring you to 'just plead,' sometimes you simply must stand your ground," Brandon reflected. "Even if you are a frail 81-year-old man."

"'Are You Kidding?': Ex-Prosecutor Defends 81-Year-Old Former Doctor in Tossed Kickback Case," The Texas Lawbook, February 23, 2026

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Regarding the scope of changes a conversion demands, Mike noted that although there will inevitably be some overlap in the service providers used for the private fund, a conversion will require an adviser to implement changes unique to registered funds that go beyond merely establishing a board of directors. He observed that advisers will need to establish a number of roles specific to the registered fund, including an audit committee, a fund-level chief compliance officer distinct from the adviser's CCO, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member-distributor and underwriter and a transfer agent.

Turning to the role of fund administrators, Mike acknowledged that administrators are not necessarily a new addition to the suite of service providers needed when operating a registered fund, as private funds also use them. He emphasized, however, that administrators are particularly important in the context of registered funds. They are especially crucial for advisers who have operated in the private fund space and lack internal expertise in the accounting and bookkeeping issues that arise once a fund is registered. Mike explained that fund administrators are essential for tracking, including inflows, outflows, redemptions, subscriptions, new purchasers, and books and records. He further noted that the role of a fund administrator fluent in registered fund matters is so vital that it should dissuade advisers from simply carrying over any existing administrator relationships from their private funds without first analyzing whether those administrators have the experience and skills to serve the registered fund as well.

"Converting a Private Fund Into a Regulatory Fund: Investor Relations, Track Record and Board of Directors Issues (Part Two of Two)," Private Equity Law Report, March 19, 2026

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Josh commented on the limits of the legal system in curbing the administration's most controversial immigration actions, noting, "Trump has a very successful strategy of doing whatever he wants and seeing if the system stops him." Because courts operate on a case-by-case basis, he observed, "a lot gets through because you can't stop everything." Looking ahead, Josh expressed confidence that the judiciary would ultimately impose limits: "The system will challenge him one important case at a time. But in the meantime, look at all the damage he's caused."

"The mass deportation machine," International Bar Association, March 25, 2026

Back to Basics

On the question of major trends shaping the securities enforcement landscape, Mike observed that the new administration has ushered in a clear departure from the prior regime’s approach. "We are seeing very significant developments under the new US administration, in particular the focus on 'back to basics' enforcement activities," he noted. Commissioners and senior staff members have repeatedly emphasized that the SEC will focus on core enforcement matters, including cases involving investor fraud, and that the administration has placed particular emphasis on protecting retail investors. This is a sharp contrast to the prior administration's focus on more technical securities law violations and greater oversight of hedge funds and comparable investment vehicles.

Mike further noted that the current administration has signaled its intent to moderate the manner in which it levies sanctions in enforcement actions and will provide parties with additional means of communicating with enforcement staff before charging recommendations are made.

AI in Investigations

Regarding regulators' use of advanced analytics and AI, Mike explained that "the SEC has increasingly used algorithmic technology to identify aberrational trading activity and movements in the prices of securities." He highlighted that in 2025, the SEC launched an AI Task Force, which uses predictive analytics to identify potential insider trading activity. The SEC also employs AI to sort and analyze the many thousands of tips, complaints and referrals it receives, allowing it to identify high-value leads from what would otherwise be an unmanageable volume of information.

Responding to Investigations

When it comes to the primary challenge companies face during an investigation, Mike described it as finding the right balance between transparency and full responsiveness to securities regulators, while also ensuring the scope of the matter does not become unduly broad or burdensome. He emphasized that achieving this balance "requires sufficient knowledge and understanding of the regulators' processes and objectives, and appropriate communication with regulators when a company wishes to narrow the scope of their inquiry."

The Updated Enforcement Manual

Mike highlighted a significant recent development on the cooperation front: on February 25, 2026, the SEC revised its Enforcement Manual, which sets forth the rules and policies applicable to enforcement investigations and litigation. The updated Manual clarifies how companies may earn cooperation credit, with the touchstones being self-reporting violations to the SEC when they emerge, engaging in a good-faith process to investigate them, and effecting prompt and appropriate remediation of compliance issues. Mike noted that the new administration has emphasized that "early and substantive communication with the SEC will yield benefits to parties involved in investigations."

Looking Ahead

Looking to the future, Mike anticipates that the SEC will continue to focus on cases involving harm to investors — particularly retail investors — in contrast to the prior administration, where the existence of harm was not a predicate to bringing an enforcement action. He also identified the use of AI by public companies and financial services firms as a key regulatory focus. "I expect more investigations and enforcement actions in this area," he said, "including where a company misstates the manner in which it purports to use AI in its operations, or where a company's controls and procedures surrounding the use of AI are deficient and lead to investor harm."

"Michael Diver on Securities Enforcement Trends and Strategies," Corporate Disputes Magazine, April–June, 2026

“This transaction underscores Katten’s ability to successfully navigate blockbuster deals for clients looking to invest in professional sports franchises,” said Daniel Render, co-chair of Katten’s Sports and Sports Facilities practice. “We are grateful to Marc Zahr and the Chaifetz Group for entrusting us with this important investment.”

Marc Zahr is a co-president of Blue Owl Capital, an alternative asset management firm. The Chaifetz Group, a single family office private investment firm, was also recently represented by Katten in its minority investment in the San Francisco Giants.

The Katten team was led by Render, with support provided by Private Credit Partner Andrew C. Lillis, Sports and Sports Facilities Associate Ethan Asofsky, Transactional Tax Planning Partner Valentina Famparska, Private Credit Associate Morgan E. Oxner, Private Credit Counsel Constance A. Fratianni, Private Credit Associates Chloe M. Custodio and Lindsey P. Robin, Mergers and Acquisitions Associate Cade S. Brittain, and Corporate Associate Julie Park.

Katten’s nationally recognized sports industry attorneys work across key disciplines — in mergers and acquisitions/private equity, debt finance, real estate, tax, intellectual property, employment, health care, private wealth, and insolvency and restructuring. The team delivers strategic, end-to-end legal solutions tailored to the demands of sports-related businesses.

Katten advises a wide array of participants in the sports industry, including Major League Baseball, the National Basketball League, the National Hockey League, the National Football League, Major League Soccer, NCAA university athletic departments, prospective owners, arena and stadium developers and operators, financial institutions, regional sports networks, family offices and corporate sponsors.

*This matter was featured in an article by Sports Litigation Alert on April 17, 2026. The article highlights the deal and noted that it underscores the continued growth of institutional and family office investment in professional sports franchises, as well as evolving deal structures and investor expectations across major leagues.

"Katten Advises Marc Zahr, Chaifetz Group in Trail Blazers Acquisition," Sports Litigation Alert, April 17, 2026

The Katten team included Capital Markets Partners Elizabeth McNichol and Jonathan Weiner, and Associates Delaney Battle and Audrey Nelson; Private Credit Partner Kirby Chin and Associate Karim Popatia; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate Jeff Ng; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Mitch Pahl and Associate Neal Patel; and Private Equity/Mergers and Acquisitions Partner Josh Feiger and Associate Jesse O’Connell.

"Capstone Green Energy Secures Transformative $112.5 Million Strategic Investment to Streamline Its Capital Structure," CapstoneGreenEnergy.com, March 30, 2026

Terry explained that "social media companies may be forced to settle outstanding claims as part of the wider litigation and make significant changes to their features."

"Cases like this have been taking place in this manner due to the absence of a clear digital platform regime in the United States," he said. "This case is unlikely to affect UK policy and decisions, as the UK has a clearer regime in place. Platforms already have an established legal duty of care and duty to protect children under the Online Safety Act."

"Social media addiction trial: What does the landmark US ruling mean for the UK?" ITV News, March 26, 2026

In a Q&A published as part of the spotlight, Karen emphasized the importance of mentorship in the legal and structured finance fields. A first-generation attorney, Karen credited the senior lawyers and industry professionals who challenged her and helped her build confidence throughout her career, noting that her best mentors "didn't just teach technical skills — they modeled what excellence and professionalism look like in this field." Karen encouraged others looking to grow in their careers to actively seek out mentors and invest in those relationships, whether through close working partnerships or by engaging in industry organizations like the SFA and WiS.

Karen also shared her perspective on how established leaders can support the next generation of financial professionals. She highlighted the value of creating meaningful opportunities for emerging talent — from inviting younger professionals into client conversations to encouraging them to take the lead on transactions and participate in industry organizations. "Actively investing in the development of future leaders is imperative for the strength and continuity of our industry," Karen noted.

"WiS Week 2026 Leadership Spotlight," Women in Securitization, March 2026

Prediction markets have experienced an explosion of interest, with contracts tied to sports, politics and other real-world events drawing unprecedented retail participation. That growth is raising complex questions about contract design, consumer protection, market integrity and how existing regulatory frameworks will adapt. Recent signals from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) suggest the agency is supportive of innovation in these markets but expects exchanges to demonstrate serious diligence around contract construction, surveillance and investor protection.

Carl noted that the CFTC's recent staff advisory on prediction markets was a particularly impactful signal, calling it "a fairly declarative statement that exchanges should be more disciplined around particular categories of contracts, especially where there are meaningful manipulation concerns." He emphasized that the agency's message is not that certain contracts are categorically prohibited, but that "exchanges need to do more homework and show, in the contract design and supporting controls, how they have analyzed and mitigated the risk."

Dan highlighted the importance of how market participants apply the CFTC's longstanding "readily susceptible to manipulation" standard to new prediction market products. "Each one of those words matters," Dan said. "The standard is not whether a contract is susceptible to manipulation in some abstract or hypothetical sense. The standard is whether it is readily susceptible to manipulation." He observed that the narrower the event and the fewer people involved in determining its outcome, the more likely the CFTC will push exchanges to justify why a product belongs on a regulated market.

The conversation also addressed the emerging "super app" concept — the convergence of prediction markets, crypto, sports-related activity and other financial products into a single consumer-facing platform. Carl called the potential "very real," noting that entities are already offering multiple forms of access through a single front end. "The more products you place in one environment, the more important it becomes to think about integrity across that environment," Carl said.

Dan underscored that the CFTC has always had to consider how conduct in one market affects the pricing or integrity of another and that this dynamic will carry forward into prediction markets. He added that the growing discussion around disintermediation, exchanges going more directly to retail rather than relying on the traditional intermediary framework, will require that any new access model keep consumer protection front and center.

Looking ahead, Carl expressed optimism that the industry can develop best practices in alignment with regulatory signals. "That is one of the strengths of a principles-based regime," Carl said. "Core principles can remain stable while the practical controls and technologies evolve." He noted that traditional markets offer a good precedent and that he could see prediction markets moving in a similar direction, "with exchanges, vendors and other stakeholders converging around what good supervision looks like."

"Q&A with Katten: Retail Expansion, Super Apps and the Next Phase of Prediction Markets," Eventus News & Views, March 30, 2026

Shaffer returns after serving as associate general counsel and managing director at global real estate investment, operating and development company Churchill Real Estate, where he worked on complex real estate finance matters from an in-house perspective. That experience adds to Katten's practice focused on structured finance transactions, particularly commercial mortgages.

"We're excited to welcome Mike back to Katten," said Howard Schickler, co-chair of Katten's Structured Finance and Securitization department. "He knows our platform, he knows the market, and his in-house experience gives him an added perspective that will benefit both our clients and our team.

"During his time at one of the world's leading real estate finance companies, Mike gained an even deeper perspective on the strategic, operational and commercial considerations that shape complex real estate and finance transactions. That experience will be incredibly valuable to our clients and our team."

Shaffer advises clients across a range of structured finance transactions, including commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), commercial real estate collateralized loan obligations (CRE CLOs), and repurchase facilities. He has represented commercial real estate lenders and loan sellers, as well as issuers and underwriters in public and private Rule 144A CMBS offerings. His experience also includes securitizations involving single-family rental, residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and auto loans, where he has advised issuers, trustees, master servicers and securities administrators.

"Mike has built a strong reputation in this space, and we’re pleased to have him back in Charlotte," said Karen Nelson, Katten’s Charlotte office managing partner. "He brings deep experience, strong market relationships and a practical perspective that will be valuable to clients and to our office. We look forward to working with him again."

Adam discussed how the consolidation trend is reshaping the competitive landscape, creating two distinct categories of winners: large-scale, multi-product platforms and boutique managers offering niche, differentiated strategies. 

"Institutional investors' push to commit more capital with fewer funds and fewer managers is certainly a challenge for smaller firms, but it's not necessarily an extinction story," Adam said. "It accelerates a sorting of the industry into very large, multi-product platforms on one end and truly differentiated specialists on the other. Smaller managers that look a lot like the larger players, but without real scale or a distinctive edge, are the most vulnerable to consolidation. By contrast, boutiques that deliver hard-to-replicate alpha, niche expertise or clearly superior alignment will still likely have a seat at the table."

"Asset Manager Consolidation Continues as Structural Shifts Reshape Industry," Chief Investment Officer, 2026

Regarding the US tax environment, Joshua noted the growing divergence between federal and state estate tax exemptions. "In the United States, both the Federal government and states impose estate taxes and income taxes (some cities impose income taxes as well),” Joshua said. "Federal estate tax exemptions are generous ($15 million per taxpayer, and $30 million for a married couple). It used to be that state exemptions matched Federal exemptions, in the case of those states that impose estate taxes (not all do), increasingly the state exemptions are lower than the Federal exemptions."

Joshua also cautioned that while several aggressive state-level tax proposals are unlikely to become law, they underscore the importance of careful state selection for wealthy individuals relocating to the United States. "California is now proposing a one-time wealth tax, Oregon is proposing an annual wealth tax, and at least NYC mayor Mamdani wants New York State substantially to increase its estate tax," Joshua explained. "None of these proposals is likely to be enacted, as they would cause an exodus of wealth from any state implementing such tax increases. But it highlights the point that in the case of wealthy people moving to the United States, while it is fine to live wherever they choose, they should first at least consider closely not only state and local taxes, but also the property regimes, marital laws and estate and trust laws of the states under consideration."

Ronni further explored the proposed changes and their likelihood in New York. "With regard to Mayor Mamdani's expressed wish to reduce the New York State exemption and to raise the tax rate quite significantly, he is without authority to do so as this is a State legislative function. Governor Hochul has already indicated that she would not support his proposal. From a practical standpoint, such an increase would serve to hasten the exodus of high-net-worth individuals from New York and that would have a deleterious impact on the State's economy."

"When taxes rise, wealth moves: a new era for UK and US succession planning," Citywealth, March 25, 2026

Derek discussed how private credit borrowers accept the premium costs associated with private lending because of the long-term benefits and strategic advantages those arrangements provide. "There is a premium there that these borrowers are willingly acknowledging and buying because they know that they're brokering a relationship for the next several years with parties on the other side who, when times are bad, are going to be able to respond quickly and also have quite a bit of dry powder to help them grow," Derek said.

"Demand for Private Credit to Persist Amid Lower US Interest Rates," S&P Global, March 23, 2026

The Katten team included Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Partner Dilen Kumar and Associates Weston Love and Miriam Wang; Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associates Dan R. Collins and Jeffrey Ng.

Noted for "transforming the Los Angeles real estate landscape through complex financing transactions," Christine was spotlighted for her specialty in commercial real estate finance and her leadership at Katten, where she oversees the West Coast operations of our national real estate practice, including 35 partners and 54 attorneys. The profile underscored recent significant matters, including one in which Christine represented a global investment management fund in a $150-million mortgage loan to refinance a production studio campus in West Hollywood, and another in which she advised a commercial bank through a $65-million senior mortgage loan for the ground-up construction of a studio facility in Downtown Los Angeles.

The LA Times also mentioned Christine’s community involvements, including her seat on the advisory board of the Loyola Law School Transactional Lawyering Institute and her membership in Commercial Real Estate Women Los Angeles (CREW LA).

"Christine Noelle Fitzgerald," Los Angeles Times, March 2026

James served as outside counsel on the Ripple delegation alongside representatives from Ripple’s trading, legal, policy, structuring, and finance functions.

"Ripple Meets SEC Crypto Task Force: Why Now?," The Crypto Times, March 21, 2026

The Citywealth Powerwomen USA Awards ceremony was held on March 18 in New York, spotlighting leaders in wealth management for excellence, inclusive leadership, support and career advancement.

"These awards highlight the strength of our Private Wealth practice and Katten's commitment to fostering a deep-rooted culture that empowers our talented people to grow, do their best work and thrive," Rubenstein said.  

Katten was recognized in the Best Employer – Career Progression category, recognizing companies that support the talent pipeline. The firm invests in talent and equips attorneys with the skills, resources and opportunities they need to succeed, a priority reflected in Katten’s strategic plan, enabling them to perform at their best and deliver the highest-quality service to clients.

The Katten partners honored with awards include:

• Joshua S. Rubenstein: He received the Patron of Progress Award, which highlights an advocate's contributions toward women's advancement through advocacy, resources and leadership. As global chair of Katten’s Private Wealth practice, he leads a team of attorneys focused on protecting the wealth and interests of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices worldwide. He is deeply invested in talent development, championing the promotion of attorneys ­— many of whom started as summer or first-year associates — to partner and other leadership positions across the firm.
• Ronni G. Davidowitz: Heading the New York Private Wealth practice, she was named the Inspirational Woman of the Year for demonstrating leadership and making a positive impact on her colleagues. A member of Katten's Executive Committee and Board of Directors, she is known as a leader with a thoughtful approach to mentorship. She is a three-time nominee for Katten's John P. Sieger Excellence in Mentoring Awards, a peer-nominated recognition honoring outstanding mentorship. She helps guide her colleagues in their professional growth by setting goals, offering guidance to keep them on track to achieve those goals, and inviting them to industry events to help broaden their professional networks.
• Bonnie Lynn Chmil: Representing ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families and fiduciary trust companies in litigation matters, she was honored in the Woman of the Year – Leadership category. As a seasoned partner, she is deeply involved in supporting recruitment and professional development initiatives for junior attorneys within the Private Wealth practice, thereby strengthening the firm’s capabilities and deepening the bench of attorneys serving clients.
• Kathryn von Matthiessen: She was presented with the Woman of the Year – Business Growth Powerwomen Award. She focuses her practice on gift, estate and business succession planning for domestic and international private clients and specifically counsels on income and transfer tax optimization for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Throughout her long tenure at Katten, she has significantly grown her client relationships while coaching associates on global business development and sharing her knowledge on cross-border issues.

The FTC initially delayed the transaction with an antitrust complaint but ultimately cleared it after Sevita agreed to divest 126 intermediate care facilities.

Anthony explained that the FTC's concerns centered on competitive overlap: "The basic concern is if a company gets too much control of a specific area of the market, they will be able to leverage that control in a way that is anti-competitive and will cause prices to increase."   He noted that such concentration could also adversely impact wages by reducing competition for employees.

Anthony highlighted that the FTC's willingness to negotiate a resolution represents a shift under the current administration. "Under the Biden administration, the FTCs' general [modus operandi] was, 'We're going to challenge it, period, and we're not going to negotiate some resolution," Anthony said. "We are just generally opposed to big transactions of this nature, and so we’re going to try to step in and stop it.' That's versus, 'Hey, we're going to step in and say we’re concerned, but then if we can come to a resolution, we’ll negotiate."

Looking ahead, Anthony observed that the current posture could make it easier for large health care acquisitions to proceed, though he cautioned: "Directionally, this suggests that you're going to have the opportunity to negotiate some solution to the problem. Ultimately, that's easier, but it doesn't mean it's a slam dunk."

"What the BrightSpring-Sevita Deal Means for Large Health Care Transactions," Hospice News, March 13, 2026,

Ted commented on the likely influence of a recent ruling across the various Texas Business Court divisions: "A lot of the business courts are issuing decisions and following what the other folks are doing. This particular court setting forth that potential standard of 'no more than a tangential relationship' is probably something other business courts are going to look at when they have future cases involving intellectual property, whether it's patents or trademarks or copyrights."

Ted also discussed how patent ownership disputes, particularly those involving contractual assignments between inventors and employers, could fall within the business court's jurisdiction. "Some of that could get wrapped up into a [traditional] patent-central case," he said. “But when you're talking about really that contractual aspect, I think that's one that could fall in the business court jurisdiction."

Additionally, Ted highlighted the business court's requirement that judges issue written opinions, noting: "You're going to get the full build-out of why your case was decided a certain way, which I think is important for a lot of folks in these complex matters."

"Texas Biz Court's Likely Role In Patent Fights Becoming Clear," Law360, March 18, 2026

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"In my experience, art Freeports can be used by people who treat art as currency, which is where the possibility of tax evasion comes in," Joshua explained. "My clients tend to want ready access to their art and treat it as cultural property destined at some point for charity. They normally have their excess art on loan, for which there can be great tax benefits, particularly from a US standpoint if held by US private foundations. Note too that the art market is very thin by comparison to the securities market, and auction results can differ wildly from expectations on a given day or during a given period of time. That's why passion is such an important part of art collecting, as it can't always be monetized on a dime."

"Freeports, Tax and Risk: What's Changing in the Art Market," Citywealth, March 18, 2026

"It's a great productivity story," Gil said about the firm's effort to identify where lawyers can be the most productive. Those efforts align with the firm’s strategy. Gil noted three key components of the strategy: growth in targeted areas, collaboration, and maintaining a high-performance culture.

He noted that back-to-back increases of more than 20 percent in profits per equity partner represent "a really good story of a firm on the rise."

The firm's revenue reached $912.3 million in 2025, up 5.8 percent compared to $862.1 million in 2024. Revenue per lawyer was $1.44 million, an increase of 11.1 percent compared to the prior year. Net income was $378.6 million, with profits per equity partner averaging $3.32 million. The firm's profit margin improved to 42 percent in 2025, compared with 37 percent the year before.

Demand was particularly strong across the firm's financial markets and funds, private credit, structured finance, private equity and M&A practices, along with restructuring, real estate and litigation. The firm also brought on 11 lateral partners in 2025 from Big Law firms across a range of practices, joining offices in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC. Under the firm's five-year strategic plan, Katten is targeting growth toward 800 lawyers while maintaining its commitment to profitability and culture.

"Focused on Profitability, Katten Posts Record Year With Net Income Up 18.3%," The American Lawyer, March 2026

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The transaction positions CleanSpark, Inc. to deliver additional scalable, resilient and energy-efficient capacity to meet accelerating demand from artificial intelligence, cloud and enterprise workloads, and further the company's growing data center-related business.

Katten advised on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of the transaction and related documentation. The Katten team included Corporate Associates Kylie Sholty and Dylan Londrigan; Real Estate Partner Glenn Miller, Senior Counsel Ken Jacobson and Associate Katie Ward; Transactional Tax Planning Associate Dan Collins; and Environmental Partner Nancy Rich.

"CleanSpark Releases February 2026 Operational Update," CleanSpark.com, March 5, 2026

"Kenya's leadership is exceptional, and her deep understanding of the health care industry, beyond question," said Katten Chairman Gil Soffer.

"This recognition reflects not only her remarkable legal skill but also the profound impact she has on our Health Care practice, one of Katten’s core strengths," he said. "We could not be prouder of her distinction alongside other extraordinary talent in the field."

The awards program honors executives from around the nation and across the health care field who are "driving change … blazing trails and inspiring transformation throughout the industry" while mentoring young professionals there.

Previously head of the Katten Women's Leadership Forum, Woodruff launched a development program for high-achieving associates. She is incoming chair of the American Bar Association Health Law Section.

Each of the 2026 award recipients is featured in the March edition of Modern Healthcare. Woodruff's story highlights that she leads a team of about 60 Katten attorneys who help a variety of organizations on matters of compliance, finance, regulations and strategic transactions and that her clients have included a multibillion-dollar health care services company, physician groups and nonprofit providers navigating complex environments.

Woodruff provides regulatory and operational counsel to various health care provider types on compliance with licensing rules, accreditation rules, HIPAA/HITECH, Stark, Anti-Kickback, and other state and federal fraud and abuse laws. She also counsels providers on efforts to establish effective and efficient health care delivery systems and ensure regulatory compliance. Additionally, she helps those organizations merge and expand, whether through joint ventures, mergers or acquisitions or other collaborations.

David discussed how credit markets and private equity activity are poised to drive the next wave of food and beverage M&A, particularly in the middle market, where tariff pressures have pushed companies toward private lenders.

"Many of our clients remain focused on identifying regional and national restaurant items that are appropriate for CPG," David said, citing sauces and condiments as especially likely targets. "At one time, restaurant owners believed that going to the grocery market would cannibalize sales. Now, restaurant owners realize that grocery is a separate purchasing decision and that they can capitalize on their brand equity without diminishing in-store sales."

"M&A in Food Industry to be More Strategic in 2026," The Food Institute, 2026

Discussing key differences between private and registered funds, Mike explained, "The general purpose of the Investment Company Act is to protect retail investors, which is supported and explained by Section 1 thereof." He noted that private funds formed under Sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) allow managers to avoid registered fund governance and reporting obligations, but limit their investor base to accredited investors or qualified purchasers.

On the appeal of conversions, Mike said, "In considering ways to expand access to retail investors, fund managers may consider converting their private fund to a registered vehicle. One reason for conversion is the rising retail demand for alternative strategies and asset classes, which dovetails with managers' perpetual interest in increasing distribution opportunities." He observed that conversion offers significant opportunities to increase assets under management, since the income and wealth thresholds for private funds exclude many investors.

Mike also addressed procedural aspects, noting that managers planning a conversion must engage tax counsel to ensure a tax-free reorganization. He emphasized that the private fund's organizational documents must be reviewed to determine whether investor approval or a formal reorganization is required.

"Converting a Private Fund Into a Regulatory Fund: Trend, Drivers and Time Frame (Part One of Two)," Private Equity Law Report, March 5, 2026

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The Katten team was led by Mergers and Acquisitions Partner Josh Feiger and included Associates Alex Haddad and Cade Brittain; Labor and Employment Partner Michelle Gyves and Associate Quincy Wolff; Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden and Counsel Rachel Schweers, PhD; Real Estate Counsel Andrea Prell; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partners Kate Saracene and Mitchel Pahl, and Associate Neal Patel; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Valentina Famparska and Associate James Blasland; and Antitrust and Competition Partner David Gonen.

"Bel Fuse Inc. Announces Acquisition of dataMate, an advanced ethernet and broadband business, from Methode Electronics Inc," Benzinga, March 5, 2026

"Bel Fuse acquires dataMate ethernet business for $16 million," StreetInsider.com, March 5, 2026

Carl noted that this signals that prediction markets are entering a new phase with the CFTC. He observed, "I think what [Chairman Selig's] done is kind of set the table for himself: 'Now that I'm in charge … these are specific acts that I'm taking in furtherance of my view that … we believe that we have exclusive jurisdiction over these contracts. And here is the pathway: withdrawing things, joining in litigation, and now letting you know that our focus is on issuing proposed rules.'"

Insider trading

On the enforcement side, prediction markets have been making news lately regarding insider trading. "We're used to being aware of this happening in securities markets," Carl noted. "Not as much so in derivatives markets, but notwithstanding that, the CFTC has consistently had the authority to go after… bad actors dealing with trading on material non-public information."

Recent headlines in the press demonstrate increased public awareness. On February 25, the CFTC's Division of Enforcement issued an advisory based on two high-profile cases alleging the misuse of non-public information in event contracts. Carl emphasized the CFTC's longstanding authority, "The CFTC has consistently had the authority to go after ... bad actors dealing with trading on material non-public information." He cautioned, "Just because someone makes money [on an event contract transaction] doesn't mean that they’re necessarily engaging in insider trading ... You may need to see a pattern." In this regard, that advisory is not claiming new ground; rather, it is calling attention to the existing anti-fraud and anti-manipulation toolkit that already extends to prediction markets.

Self regulation

The advisory affirms the status quo in terms of self-regulation expectations. Carl explained, "In the CFTC markets, each exchange is its own regulator ... one of your roles is also to be a regulator deputized by the CFTC to police your own market," like a "cop on the beat" ensuring no fraud or manipulation.

Event contracts versus betting

Carl helped draw a clear line between betting and event contracts, a frequent concern voiced by state regulators and tribal gaming advocates. "Traditional gambling is a bet against the house, while event contracts are standardized instruments traded between participants on an exchange and routed through a clearinghouse. Functionally, that is very different than you just betting with the house."

Looking forward, Carl expects the forthcoming CFTC proposed rulemaking to provide discuss the Commission's view of its existing authority. For example, the Commission could begin to address the subject of "listing standards on a categorical basis": identifying which contracts are "A-OK" and which require Commission review. On the legal front, he noted recent court rulings could lead to “a circuit-by-circuit sort of view ... which then sets us up for a [US] Supreme Court decision."

In Kennedy's view, it should be up to each individual to decide whether to use a prediction market or a sportsbook. "You can leave it to that person to decide whether they want to gamble for entertainment or if they want to choose these contracts that provide other benefits outside of entertainment," he added. "I think they both can coexist."

"Former CFTC Regulator Carl Kennedy on Prediction Markets, Insider Trading & Federal Oversight," Casino Beats, March 4, 2026

Kimberly discussed how collaborative investment arrangements allow wealthy families to share risk, costs and expertise while competing more effectively for larger transactions. She noted that joining forces with other family offices "can be an effective strategy to increase deal flow and put capital to work." It may allow participants "to move up market, doing a deal with a higher-enterprise value than they would have the appetite to do on their own."

Successful club deals often create lasting relationships that generate future opportunities. Kimberly shared that one of her clients recently completed a club deal with an independent sponsor with whom they had previously partnered on large projects. "We find that — once parties do a deal together and have a successful relationship — they tend to bring each other into new opportunities going forward."

"As Deals Get Bigger, Family Offices Increasingly Favor Club Deals to Share Risks," Crain Currency, March 5, 2026

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In a feature article examining the CFTC's evolution from an agricultural regulator to a major financial oversight body, Dan addressed the agency’s capacity to take on new responsibilities as Congress considers legislation that would grant it formal authority over spot crypto markets. He stated, "The agency is very familiar with the rule writing process. It’s very familiar with having to deal with complex and technical language from Congress and trying to translate it into ways that can work in derivatives markets."

Dan emphasized that the agency will need additional resources to meet its expanded mandate. "There will need to be more resources devoted to the agency. … That'll be in the policy divisions that need to do the rulemaking. It’ll be in the surveillance functions that need to monitor the markets. It’ll be in enforcement."

He also underscored the broader economic importance of the CFTC's work. "I don't think people fully appreciate how much better our economy functions when we have well-functioning derivatives and securities markets," Dan stated. He explained that the markets the CFTC oversees enable businesses to hedge risk and pursue entrepreneurial activity. He noted, "The fact that you have a number of entities that have the ability to use these markets to be able to better allocate their risk means we're allocating capital better, we're being more efficient as a society, and we're giving better opportunities for the economy as a whole." Dan emphasized, "Agencies like the CFTC and the SEC are really important because they create that environment in which capital, trading, and economic activity can continue to grow, which benefits everybody."

"From Corn to Crypto: The Rise of the CFTC," The Dispatch, February 26, 2026

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Mike noted, "Asset managers need to find new ways to broaden their investor base, and tapping into the large pool of capital from retail base is an attractive option, particularly given that expanding retail access to the alternative investments is top-of-mind under the current administration."

He added, "Asset managers that have traditionally only serviced institutional investors or [high-net-worth] investors through private vehicles or separate accounts will need to evaluate their existing capabilities and identify areas that need to be outsourced or built in-house — [such as] distribution, education, legal capabilities, marketing — in order to efficiently and effectively tap this new pool of capital."

"What the Push for Alts in Retail Channels Means for Institutional Investors," Chief Investment Officer, March 2, 2026

According to the LCA, "Fellows are selected and invited into Fellowship after being evaluated for effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation and trial work, along with ethical reputation." Known for its commitment to excellence and diversity, the LCA maintains highly selective criteria, focusing on qualifications, diversity and inclusion, and alignment with recognition of excellence in litigation across all segments of the bar. LCA Fellows represent the highest standards among American litigation and trial counsel.

With over a decade of experience representing public companies, officers, directors and financial institutions, Sarah is a seasoned securities litigator with a strong track record in high‑stakes matters. She is known for providing practical, strategic counsel as she guides clients through securities class actions, derivative suits, internal investigations, regulatory proceedings, and post‑merger litigation. Sarah attended Dartmouth College, from which she graduated summa cum laude, and received her Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, from Duke University School of Law. 

The Litigation Counsel of America

Charlotte commented that Reeves is likely to play it safe this time. "While theoretically the chancellor has room to make 'minor' tax changes, it is questionable whether any tax changes resulting in an increase in tax rates or further cuts to reliefs would be seen as 'minor,'" she said. "She is [therefore] unlikely to risk political and public outcry by making any allegedly minor changes that are in reality stealth tax changes that increase the tax burden on taxpayers."

"There may, however, be changes announced in respect of tax administration and anti-avoidance, and changes to encourage certain behaviors, such as new or increased tax incentives or reliefs for investment and growth in certain sectors," Charlotte added. "However, this is all dependent on what the OBR forecast figures show — if they are severely adverse, 'major' fiscal changes could occur."

"Will Rachel Reeves Raise Taxes? Key Questions Ahead of the Spring Statement," Morningstar, February 23, 2026

"Spring Statement 2026: When is it and what might be in it?" HomeOwners Alliance, February 25, 2026

"What's in today's Spring Statement for the housing market?" The Negotiator, March 3, 2026
 

Gil noted that Katten's productivity has risen in recent years, bucking a broader industry trend of declining productivity. "We are at a point where we can grow, we have the resources to grow, and it's not doing it by getting larger without the work to support it," he said.

The firm is now targeting $5 million in profits per equity partner, and an increase from approximately 650 to 800 attorneys within the next five years, according to a recently concluded strategic planning process.

The firm's strategic plan calls for growth in its strongest practices, including Financial Markets and Funds, Corporate, Private Equity, Mergers and Acquisitions and Restructuring, focusing on lateral acquisitions, including group hires.

When asked about Big Law mergers driven by the desire to achieve greater scale in a consolidating industry, Gil emphasized that Katten is not interested in being acquired by a larger firm. "There is simply a cost to being much, much larger," Gil added. "Culture means a lot, and we don't want to be at risk of sacrificing or losing it, which we would be if we were much larger."

"Katten Muchin Rosenman Aims for Growth and Profit," Bloomberg Law, March 2026

As trading platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have exploded in popularity — offering event contracts that pay based on the outcome of everything from political shakeups to Super Bowl ad placements — regulators and law enforcement face increasing pressure to address newly expanded opportunities for insider trading. US Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York recently stated he foresees prosecutions addressing prediction market trading, noting that "because it's a prediction market doesn’t insulate you from fraud."

Carl explained that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has the statutory and regulatory tools necessary to police prediction markets for insider trading. Drawing on the agency's track record, he noted that the Commission has historically formed internal task forces to tackle emerging issues. "We've seen that in the past, the commission pulling together the resources internally to put together task forces, cross-operational division task forces to work and focus on specific issues," Carl said. "I think that they have those tools here, statutory tools, the regulatory tools."

Looking ahead, Carl anticipates that Chairman Michael Selig will take action to address concerns relating to insider trading in prediction markets. "I think [Selig] will address concerns relating to insider trading, whether that's [through] an interpretation or guidance or an explanation of how the CFTC's existing authority addresses these concerns," Carl said.

Daniel emphasized that while prediction markets present novel challenges — such as determining who has a duty not to disclose nonpublic information in the context of sports or entertainment events — CFTC attorneys will not be starting from scratch. He noted that attorneys at the agency will have ample analogies in both the securities and trade secrets contexts to untangle which information should have been kept confidential. "You're always going to have edge cases," Daniel said. "But those two areas of law are going to give people a pretty kind of hefty set of precedent to think through when they're analyzing a particular question as to whether information that was used for a prediction market contract was, in fact, done so in violation of a duty."

"Prediction Markets Expand Wall St. Cops' Insider Trading Beat," Law360, February 6, 2026

For more of Katten's analysis on prediction markets, see our recent article, "Know the Outcome? Don't Trade: CFTC Puts Prediction Markets on Notice." Additional articles available here.

The Notable Women in Law distinction celebrates senior-level women attorneys in Chicago who are making an impact in their practices, firms and the legal community.

"Kim and Kristin exemplify what it means to be leaders in the legal profession," said Katten Chair Gil M. Soffer. "Their exceptional legal skills and client service are matched only by the impact they have had on their clients, colleagues and the broader Chicago community. This recognition is a fitting acknowledgment of their leadership and influence."

As Global Chair of Katten's nationally recognized Corporate department, Smith leads more than 100 attorneys across the United States, UK and China. She oversees complex mergers and acquisitions, private equity, capital markets, public finance and health care transactions. In her practice, Smith executes strategic mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and joint ventures for private equity sponsors, family offices and other clients. She previously co-chaired Katten's Mergers and Acquisitions/Private Equity practice, considered one of the busiest middle-market private equity practices in the country.

Achterhof is the national co-chair of Katten's Advertising and Brand Litigation practice, and leads litigation teams in multimillion-dollar intellectual property and complex business disputes in federal and state courts across the country, and before the US Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. As a first-chair trial attorney and skilled mediator, she represents a broad range of clients in the scientific and business sectors, advising on general advertising and competition issues and protecting their trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property assets.

They have been tapped for firm leadership roles, with Smith being on the executive committee and board of directors, and Achterhof serving as Katten's national hiring partner for more than a decade.

Both Smith and Achterhof are heavily involved in local community organizations. For more than 20 years, Smith has been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, serving on the corporate board of directors and as a founding member of the organization's guild board. Achterhof sits on the Executive Board of Directors for Special Olympics Illinois and is lead counsel for Special Olympics International in protecting its marks and logos. She is also vice president of the board for Chicago-based Lawyers for the Creative Arts.

This honor follows the long list of industry accolades for both partners.

Smith has been recognized this past year by Crain's Chicago Business as among its Notable M&A Dealmakers, by the Chicago Business Journal as among its Women of Influence, and by Mergers & Acquisitions as among its Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A. Other career accolades include being named a Mergers & Acquisitions and Antitrust Trailblazer by the National Law Journal. She is ranked in the Chambers USA guide and selected to The Legal 500 United States Leading Partners list.

Achterhof was named a 2025 finalist for Litigator of the Year in Illinois by Managing Intellectual Property (Managing IP) and listed among its "Trade Mark Stars." Throughout her career, she has been honored as one of Managing IP's Top 250 Women in IP and recognized for her work by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 United States as a Leading Partner, and Super Lawyers, with an appearance on the Top 50: Women Illinois Super Lawyers list.

Josh explained, "From a US standpoint, Cayman has done an impressive job positioning itself as a choice location for family offices. Cayman has traditionally been 'fund-friendly,' which is helpful to family offices that have proprietary funds. But the range and competitive nature of professional services available to family offices in Cayman has become quite impressive. Its proximity to the US can be an advantage for Americans setting up family offices there as well."

"Private wealth, family offices and the next phase of digital assets," Citywealth, February 4, 2026

Carl explained that there are established federal rulemaking procedures the CFTC will need to follow as it pursues new regulations for prediction markets. "There's an effective date, a compliance date and generally [all of] that's tied to when the final rule hits the Federal Register," with him noting the CFTC can then "build any sort of implementation timeline they want," which can become "a substantive issue" for licensees.

Given the intense interest prediction markets have generated from entities in other industries, Carl observed that the volume of public comments will likely extend the timeline of review. However, he emphasized that the Commission "has in the past been comfortable addressing very controversial rules" and is "very skilled" at analyzing and grouping large sets of feedback.

Drawing on the Commission's track record, Carl pointed to the joint adoption of new product definitions by the CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2012 as an example of the agency's ability to navigate high-stakes rulemaking. That process took two years from the notice of advanced rulemaking in August 2010 to the final rule posting in August 2012. "There were a lot of comments to get through and that's why it took two agencies a lot of time to finalize those rules, but they did it," Carl said. "So the CFTC has a lot of experience in that, and I don’t think that they would take their responsibility lightly."

Looking ahead, Carl anticipates that Chairman Selig's withdrawal of a previous proposal involving sports contracts will lead to a broader discussion about contract listing standards. "I believe what Chairman Selig intends to do is to come up with standards for how these instruments will be traded, whether certain categories of instruments require additional protections, whether certain products need to go through more aggressive review processes by the agency before they're able to be listed and traded on an exchange."

"Selig's CFTC signals court backing for prediction markets, but will anything change?," iGaming Business, February 19, 2026

Anita then lays out the reforms that will span several key areas, including the addition of recognised legitimate interests, which permits processing for specific, high-priority purposes, such as national security; relaxed restrictions on certain forms of automated decision-making (ADM); the codifying of existing case law and regulator guidance on handling subject access requests; aligning PECR penalties with the UK GDPR; shifting away from the previous "essentially equivalent" standard for international data transfers; replacing the corporation sole model of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) with a new body corporate, the Information Commission; and the introduction of specific requirements for information society services likely to be accessed by children.

Anita also describes the current stage of the Act, which received Royal Assent on 19 June 2025, with implementation following a four-staged commencement plan through to Summer 2026. She also provides key action items for UK businesses to ensure their policies and practices reflect the new framework.

"The UK Data Use and Access Act," Business Reporter, February 2026

The discussion covered Joshua's perspectives on his leadership role, trends he's observing among clients, the attributes of effective leadership and highlights of his career.

Regarding client concerns, Joshua noted a shift in focus toward asset protection amid uncertain times. "Increasingly, I am fielding requests from US-based clients on how to protect themselves, their families and their assets from unpredictable, capricious government behavior, whether that be to move assets, to create non-US structures, and/or to move themselves."

Joshua also emphasized the importance of flexibility and thorough documentation in today's planning environment. "Structures need to be more flexible than ever, and must include clearly defined mechanisms for making changes and spell out the process for doing so in advance. I also stress strong record-keeping and documentation, so that if decisions are ever reviewed, they can be understood in the context in which they were made."

When asked about leadership, Joshua highlighted listening as a critical skill. "Being a good listener builds trust and strengthens culture because it allows people to feel genuinely heard without interruption. Listening doesn't mean you have to agree with what is being said, but it shows you respect the other person and their perspective."

"Citywealth Leaders List, 60 second interview – Joshua Rubenstein, Katten," Citywealth, February 25, 2026

Alex was recognized for contributing to three of the firm’s top-10 most-read articles on JDSupra.com throughout 2025. Those included:

• Tokenization of Real-World Assets: Opportunities, Challenges and the Path Ahead
• SEC Approves In-Kind Creation and Redemption for Crypto Exchange-Traded Products
• Crypto in the Courts: Five Cases Reshaping Digital Asset Regulation in 2025

In total, across 33 categories, JDSupra recognized 342 authors from over 70,000 who published content on JDSupra in 2025.

"2026 JDSupra Readers’ Choice Awards – Securities," JDSupra.com, February 23, 2026

The Notable Women in Law distinction celebrates senior-level women attorneys in New York who are making an impact in their practices, firms and the legal community.

"We are incredibly proud to have Sue on our Katten team, and she is very deserving of this honor. Her extraordinary legal career, regulatory experience and tireless dedication to mentoring the next generation of attorneys reflect the tremendous value she brings to our financial services clients and our firm overall," said Katten Chair Gil Soffer.

As co-chair of Katten's Broker-Dealer Regulation practice, Light leverages her decades of experience as a senior leader and regulatory officer at the New York Stock Exchange and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), where she helped run the enforcement division, and her litigation experience as an assistant district attorney.

Her clients include major investment banks, online brokers, proprietary trading firms and other financial service providers. She advises clients on a variety of regulatory issues facing broker-dealers, such as net capital and margin, digital assets, supervision and registration. She also represents broker-dealers in high-stakes enforcement investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, FINRA, exchanges and state regulators into securities law violations including fraud, market manipulation, trading issues and other financial regulations, consistently securing favorable outcomes for her clients.

This past year alone, Light has been recognized for her work in the Chambers USA legal guide, where she is ranked in the "Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Enforcement)" category and named among the New York Business Journal's Women of Influence. She was selected as the 2025 Best Mentor at the New York Legal Awards by the New York Law Journal, on the heels of being honored with Katten's John P. Sieger Excellence in Mentoring Award in 2024. She is also the national chair of Katten's Jewish Cultural Affinity Group.

On this, Terry noted that the OSA currently has a gap where "offline AI tools, particularly generative AI and AI chatbots that do not allow shareable content and intended individual offline use, can pose a serious risk of making harmful content available to users." He further underscored the need for the government "to rethink its approach on the need for AI-specific legislation, much like the EU AI Act, which explicitly lists banned practices for AI systems."

As the fallout over X’s Grok continues, another Lexology Pro piece discussed the government's plans to force platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate and abusive images within 48 hours of a report. Terry and Intellectual Property Associate Larry Wong noted that this timeframe may prove challenging for smaller platforms without enough resources to process removals that quickly. However, the "silver lining" is that it would encourage platforms to use proactive technology to detect harmful content, which will "hopefully set a gold standard for international platforms" to remove content as a matter of platform policy, Terry and Larry said. They added that the changes were tagged onto the Crime and Policing Bill that will enter the parliamentary report stage next week, likely offering the fastest route to implement these changes.

"UK set to close Online Safety Act chatbot enforcement gap," Lexology Pro, February 16, 2026

"UK to force platforms to remove sexual images within 48 hours," Lexology Pro, February 19, 2026

"What distinguishes these top attorneys is not only their remarkable legal skill, but also their unwavering commitment to their clients," said Managing Partner of Katten's California Offices Christine Noelle Fitzgerald.

Named to the 2026 California Super Lawyers list were:

• Abby Feinman
• Michael S. Hobel
• Carol A. Johnston
• Benzion J. Westreich

Selected for the 2026 California Rising Stars list were:

• Avi Pariser
• Paul S. Yong

Super Lawyers is a rating service that selects outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

The Katten team, led by Partner Kelly Hutchinson, included Counsel Michela Daliana, Senior Counsel Lewis Greenbaum, and Associates Tommy Sandstrom and Jeremy Stevenson.

"Second Lien Sales Tax Receipts Revenue Project and Refunding Bonds, Series 2026A Sales Tax Receipts Refunding Bonds, Series 2026B," CTABonds

"Chicago Transit Authority plans return to market with $575M deal," The Bond Buyer, January 30, 2026

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Wendy Cohen is the first woman to lead Katten's New York office, which is the firm's second-largest location and a highly regarded powerhouse for Katten's finance practices. In addition to serving on the firm’s board of directors, she is a noted champion of several of the firm's initiatives, including flexible work arrangements, and a longstanding advocate for women through 100 Women in Finance.

The winners will be announced at the WIPL Awards Dinner on April 14 in Chicago.

"Corporate Counsel Announces Finalists for Its 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards," Corporate Counsel, February 12, 2026

CFTC Chairman Michael Selig has asserted that the agency holds "exclusive jurisdiction" over prediction market exchanges, positioning them as federally-regulated derivatives rather than state-regulated gambling platforms. Carl, a former senior regulator with the CFTC, offered his perspective on the agency's stance, noting that it was no surprise that Selig is defending the agency's turf and underscoring that Congress gave the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) broad authority to work together to define the term "swap." "He's thinking of that clear mandate," Carl said.

The regulatory tension has since escalated quickly. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed piece, Selig wrote that the CFTC would file an amicus brief supporting a prediction market exchange in a Ninth Circuit case, stating: "The CFTC will no longer sit idly by while overzealous state governments undermine the agency's exclusive jurisdiction over these markets." The CFTC filed its amicus brief in the case on February 17.

Selig, sworn in as Chairman in December, has pivoted from calling prediction markets a "complex issue" to actively embracing the industry, including publicly disagreeing with the views of others that such contracts violate state laws. Meanwhile, state regulators continue to push back.

"CFTC Faces More Pushback From States Over Prediction Markets," Bloomberg, February 17, 2026

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Katten's Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) team also achieved remarkable growth in 2025. According to Commercial Mortgage Alert, "Katten Muchin came on like gangbusters" as top-five underwriter counsel for CMBS, with 36 deals totaling $22.6 billion, a dramatic increase from just seven deals totaling $4.5 billion in 2024, representing more than a five-fold increase in deal count and volume. For issuer counsel for agency CMBS, Katten was also in the top five, with six deals totaling $2.9 billion, focusing on Fannie Mae transactions.

According to Asset-Backed Alert's 2025 league tables, Katten continues its streak in the top 10 placements among the most active issuers' counsel for US asset-backed and mortgage-backed securitizations, with 53 deals and a total issuance volume of $42.1 billion. On the underwriters' counsel ranking for US ABS/MBS, Katten was in the top 20 with 11 deals totaling $5.6 billion in issuance volume. These results underscore the continued strength and growth of Katten's Structured Finance and Securitization team across the ABS, MBS and CMBS markets.

Asset-Backed Alert, January 16, 2026
Commercial Mortgage Alert, January 30, 2026

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"This group truly reflects what the Super Lawyers recognition stands for: a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," said Karen M. Nelson, managing partner of Katten's Charlotte office.

Named to the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers list were:

• Frank E. Arado
• Becky Lindahl

Selected for the 2026 North Carolina Rising Stars list was:

• Elizabeth Dolinger

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected from more than 70 practice areas and all firm sizes, assuring a credible and relevant annual list.

Trademark attorneys told Law360 that having a famous brand does not guarantee exclusivity across all categories of products and services. "In my view, this is like steam shovels and lipsticks, and the mark is not that strong in today's age," Floyd commented. "I just don't think that people that buy the deer feed are thinking they must be connected to the video company," adding that he did not think this would be a "slam-dunk win" for Blockbuster.

The article also notes that cost pressures may drive settlement or withdrawal before a final ruling, and that Southern Seed could counterattack by challenging whether Blockbuster is still using its marks for the services listed in its registrations.

"Blockbuster's TM Legacy Tested By Dispute Over Deer Feed," Law360, February 11, 2026

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Katten was ranked in the following practice areas:

• Banking & Finance
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Highly Regarded
• Capital Markets: Securitisation: ABS
• Capital Markets: Securitisation: RMBS
• Derivatives
• Hedge Funds
• Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets
• Private Credit

The Katten attorneys individually recognized are:

• Henry Bregstein — Hedge Funds
• Wendy E. Cohen — Hedge Funds
• Daniel J. Davis — Derivatives
• Chris DiAngelo — Capital Markets: Securitisation: ABS / Securitisation: RMBS
• Anna-Liza Harris — Capital Markets: Securitisation: Tax
• Christian T. Kemnitz — Derivatives: Enforcement
• Carl E. Kennedy — Derivatives / Derivatives: Mainly Regulatory
• Matthew F. Kluchenek — Derivatives
• Floyd A. Mandell — Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets
• David J. Matthews — Capital Markets: Securitisation: RMBS
• Steven J. Reisman — Bankruptcy/Restructuring
• Howard Schickler — Capital Markets: Securitisation: ABS
• Joseph Topolski — Capital Markets: Securitisation: ABS
• Lance A. Zinman — Hedge Funds

Partners who achieved the highest rankings possible include Structured Finance and Securitization Partner Chris DiAngelo, Structured Finance and Securitization Co-Chair Anna-Liza Harris, Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement Chair Christian T. Kemnitz, and Financial Markets and Regulation Co-Chair Carl E. Kennedy. The firm’s Restructuring practice also received Chambers' highest ranking in the Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Highly Regarded category.

The article explores the continued strength of the US market, where demand has risen 34 percent against pre-pandemic levels, with the pre-owned market driving much of the activity.

"There is no question that the demand for the private jet market has increased dramatically," Joshua explained. "The technology available on such flights has improved considerably, and of course voice and video calls while flying are permitted. Shared ownership options have become more flexible, as has the ability for cost effective exclusive ownership use. This is a trend that we can expect to see continue."

"Private Jets: When Tax Policy Moves the Market," Citywealth, February 2026

Nate provides insights into the EBA's proposed framework, which would align the outsourcing guidelines with the requirements set out in the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), in effect creating a unified operational resilience compliance framework for all service providers to EU financial firms. He predicts that the EBA will likely adopt its recommendations largely in current form and cautions that “if the experience with DORA is anything to go by, then the proposed transition period won't provide enough time to comply based on the complexities of contracts and the number of third-party service providers affected."

Nate notes that the EBA's guidelines could create internal friction between procurement and IT departments on one side and legal and compliance departments on the other, as those who have historically led negotiations with external service providers may find themselves at odds with managers tasked with following the new requirements.

"EU's DORA 2.0: EBA's Third-Party Risk Management Gone Awry?," FinOps Report, January 26, 2026

Those who make the list are independently nominated by clients who identify up to three lawyers who have distinguished themselves over the past 12 months, based on feedback received from more than 2,000 interviews.

The full list of recognized Katten attorneys includes:

• Bonnie Lynn Chmil, partner, Private Wealth
• Anthony M. Del Rio, partner, Health Care
• Carolyn H. Jackson, partner, Financial Markets and Funds
• Alvin Katz, senior counsel, Real Estate
• Ilana N. Lubin, partner, Corporate
• Floyd A. Mandell, partner and co-chair, Trademark/Copyright/Privacy group
• Laura Keidan Martin, partner, Health Care
• S. Scott Morrison, partner, Litigation
• Deepro R. Mukerjee, partner and chair, Intellectual Property department
• Philip A. Nemecek, counsel and deputy general counsel, Insurance and Risk Management
• William L. Rivers, partner, Corporate
• Mitch Sprengelmeyer, partner, Structured Finance and Securitization
• Sheldon T. Zenner, partner, White Collar and Internal Investigations

The Stand-out Lawyers database by Thomson Reuters includes exceptional lawyers in private practice. Nominations occur independently through the Sharplegal global survey, with no involvement from law firms in selecting the survey participants or the nomination process.

"Our Securities Litigation team is widely recognized for handling a broad range of high-stakes matters and Richard is a go-to attorney for developing pragmatic litigation strategies and defending companies to protect shareholder value," said Bruce G. Vanyo, co-chair of Katten's Securities Litigation department. "We are delighted to have Richard return to the team and know our clients will benefit from the trusted, collaborative and talented counsel he is known for."

Zelichov handles a wide range of complex commercial litigation matters, including the representation of public companies and their directors and officers in securities class actions and derivative suits across federal and state courts nationwide. He also counsels clients on corporate governance issues, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement matters and conducts internal investigations.

Representing businesses across the technology, life sciences and financial sectors, Zelichov's clients have included Stamps.com, Amdocs, Edwards Lifesciences, Stratasys, Vulcan Ventures, Spectranetics, Retalix, Enzymotec and Camtek, as well as senior executives from numerous other companies. He defends organizations across a broad spectrum of matters, including accounting restatements, missed earnings projections, product recalls, executive compensation disputes, stock option issues, and M&A-related litigation.

"Richard's return to Katten underscores the firm’s commitment to further strengthening our securities litigation capabilities on the West Coast," said Christine Noelle Fitzgerald, managing partner of Katten's California offices. "We are thrilled to welcome him back to our Los Angeles office."

"We are thrilled to welcome Mohammed. His extensive experience advising a range of industry clients on the borrower's and lender's side further strengthens our ability to deliver sophisticated, commercial solutions in an increasingly complex and competitive market," said Katten Private Credit Department Chair Michael Jacobson.

"Our clients continue to entrust us with their most consequential transactions, and we are investing to meet that demand," Jacobson added.

Formerly a Finance partner at another Big Law firm, Alvi represents private equity sponsors, private and public companies, direct lenders and underwriters in a wide range of complex debt financing transactions. He takes a practical approach to structuring and executing financings across market cycles, guiding clients through syndicated and direct credit facilities, high-yield debt offerings, acquisition financings, recapitalizations, restructurings and refinancings, often with cross-border elements and intricate intercreditor dynamics. 

Alvi's broad experience spans work with clients in life sciences, technology, health care, retail, gaming, professional sports and financial services, among others. He regularly advises on secured and unsecured credit facilities, equity‑linked debt offerings and bespoke special situations mandates for both borrowers and lenders.

"We look forward to the impact Mohammed will make from day one," said Katten's Los Angeles Managing Partner Christine Noelle Fitzgerald. "His arrival underscores the extraordinary momentum of our Private Credit practice, our broader finance offerings and, by extension, our firm on the West Coast and well beyond."

"SEC No-Action Letter Allows Use of State Trust Companies for Custody of Crypto Assets," Hedge Fund Law Report, January 29, 2026

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A WIPO panel ordered the transfer of the domain name to Netflix after finding the domain was used in bad faith and that Netflix had established common law rights in the mark, while also crediting the film's rapid fame within days rather than years. Nathan Smith called the decision "significant" for entertainment intellectual property (IP) owners, stating, "In ordering its transfer to Netflix, the panel accepted that the title had already acquired sufficient source-identifying character within those three days." He added that the WIPO's order "reflects an understanding that, in today's content landscape, distinctiveness and goodwill can emerge almost instantaneously on a global scale."

The ruling highlights that common law rights can arise swiftly without prior registration and that passive holding of a domain, timed to exploit immediate notoriety, can evidence bad faith under the UDRP, especially where the registrant is nonresponsive and the mark is highly distinctive. The case, Nathan suggested, shows that panels such as the WIPO's seem "increasingly prepared to accept viral exposure and global streaming metrics" as evidence of use and recognition, which "aligns with today's commercial realities where audience awareness can be created almost instantly."

Nathan went on to explain that the decision highlights the UDRP's flexible approach in addressing domain name registrations that appear "calculated" to take advantage of pre-launch buzz. "By focusing on whether the name functioned as a source identifier at the time of its launch, the panel was able to address conduct that might otherwise evade scrutiny—it would not be surprising to see this approach applied more frequently," he said.

The article noted that "extreme distinctiveness of the mark helped as well," and Nathan agreed, saying, "Coined or non-descriptive entertainment titles are more likely to be immediately associated with a single source, which in turn strengthens inferences of bad faith on the part of the respondent." He emphasized that this effect is "heightened" when the disputed domain name is passively held, the registrant is non-responsive or has no plausible fair-use explanation, and they have chosen to mask their identity through the use of privacy proxy services. For Nathan, the decision sends a clear message for the streaming era: "Where a title achieves immediate recognition, the UDRP can provide a swift and effective remedy against opportunistic domain registrations, even before a formal trademark registration is secured."

"Gonna be golden: KPop Demon Hunters slays the IP rulebook," World Intellectual Property Review, January 26, 2026

In its report on the rankings, WTR 1000 noted that Katten "delivers tailored protection and enforcement strategies" and that "its lawyers immerse themselves in business operations, structuring deals and negotiations that respond to market pressures and align with overarching brand ambitions." The firm was also commended for its ability to "deliver focused counsel backed by deep commercial insight and sector-specific rigour."

Katten was ranked in the following practice areas:

• Enforcement and Litigation — National
• Enforcement and Litigation — Illinois
• Prosecution and Strategy — National
• Prosecution and Strategy — New York

The Katten attorneys individually recognized are:

• Kristin J. Achterhof — Enforcement and Litigation
• Karen Artz Ash — Prosecution and Strategy
• Bret J. Danow — Prosecution and Strategy
• David Halberstadter — Enforcement and Litigation
• Jessica G. Kraver — Prosecution and Strategy
• Floyd A. Mandell — Enforcement and Litigation
• Carolyn M. Passen — Enforcement and Litigation
• Nathan Smith — Prosecution and Strategy

Katten's Intellectual Property attorneys evaluate thousands of trademark searches each year to protect clients' marks against threats worldwide while providing counsel on evolving trademark registration and pre-litigation issues. From the protection of product launches to defense against infringement claims, the Katten team resolves trademark disputes and suits related to deceptive trade practices, fair use or infringement, First Amendment rights, Lanham Act, service marks, unfair competition and more.

World Trademark Review undertakes exhaustive qualitative research, identifying top firms and individuals based on their depth of expertise, market presence and sophistication of work. The research process includes conducting in-person, telephone and video interviews, gathering submissions from firms detailing recent activity in their trademark practices.

The organization was created to foster camaraderie and strengthen networks among current CFTC professionals and those who previously worked at the agency. Kennedy's new role will be formally announced at the upcoming American Bar Association (ABA) Derivatives and Futures Law Committee Meeting 2026.

"The society helps promote the agency's mission of fostering open, transparent and competitive commodities and derivatives markets," said Kennedy. "It further provides opportunities for members to share information and build social connections. I look forward to working with my fellow alumni to advance these objectives."

Kennedy, who co-chairs Katten's FMR practice with former CFTC General Counsel Daniel Davis, will co-chair the CFTCGS with Matt Kulkin, a Washington, DC-based partner at another Big Law firm.

Before his role as a CFTC regulator, Kennedy served as a senior in-house counsel at a large investment bank. He deftly leverages his government agency and in-house experience to help large and small financial institutions, asset managers, clearinghouses, hedge funds and proprietary trading firms, among others, navigate a range of business concerns. This, combined with his deep grasp of the complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape of commodities and derivatives markets and other key skills, has established Kennedy as a go-to advisor in the financial services industry.

"POET Technologies Inc." TitanPartnersGrp.com, January 22, 2026

"The flat tax regime is extremely attractive, but so is Italy in general in terms of being a nice place to live," Joshua explained, adding that pre-existing trust structures "must be thought through carefully" in light of how they may be regarded under Italian law. He cautioned that Italy "does not have trusts" as a domestic law concept, which makes upfront analysis essential to avoid unintended tax and succession consequences.

Joshua also flagged the importance of addressing Italian community property and forced heirship rules. "If the clients are retaining their US citizenship, this can be addressed by making an election of the property laws of a US state under Brussels IV: the European Succession Convention," he noted. "But if the clients are expatriating (giving up citizenship), the community property and forced heirship regimes will have to be dealt with."

He also shared practical mobility considerations for private art collections. "It is relatively easy to move art collections to Italy, but relatively hard to move them out of Italy." Families contemplating relocation with significant art holdings should incorporate export considerations, governance, and long-term stewardship into their structuring plans from the outset.

"US Wealth Migration to Italy Surges: Flat Tax Regime rise, Trust Challenges and Forced Heirship Risks in 2026," Citywealth, January 22, 2026

Anthony underscored the program's distinctive flexibility and ambition: "It is unique in its size and scale, and in that the states were encouraged to be creative. The federal government very much wanted innovation — looking for [the states to serve as] laboratories, essentially, to try different ideas."

Using Ohio's "rural health innovation hubs" as an example, Anthony highlighted actionable opportunities for providers to engage. He described a model "coalition of different types of providers, ranging from RHCs and CAHs all the way to the highest level of complexity of care; they would take all these different providers and build a network supported by technology solutions that would support true integration across all their platforms."

Expanding on the example, Anthony went on to explain that providers not in an existing network with rural providers could get involved.

"Even if they themselves are not rural providers according to the defined categories, they should still try to identify groups that they could partner with on the rural side," said Anthony. "If you can go to the states and say you’ve worked with rural providers or have some common catchment areas where you share patients, you’re doing a lot of the work that the state would have to do otherwise".

"$50 billion ‘rural transformation' lifts PAs and NPs, and perhaps non-rural practices," Part B News, January 19, 2026

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The Katten team included Private Equity and M&A Partners Ethan E. Post and Bill Rivers, and Associates Miriam H. Wang, Lillianna Johanknecht, Astoneia Moss; Regulatory Partner Kate Hardey and Associate Caitlin A. Kierum; Corporate Employment Partner Michelle Gyves and Counsel Emery L. Lyon; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associates Jeffrey Ng and Daniel R. Collins; Intellectual Property Partner Sean S. Wooden; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Meredith L. O’Leary and Associate Neal K. Patel; Corporate Environmental Partner Nancy J. Rich and Private Credit Partner Alexander Volsky.

"Highlander Partners Acquires Iconic Hot Sauce Brand, Tapatio," PR Newswire, January 20, 2026

James stated, "It is an honour to be building on Katten's strategy for growth in Europe from a strong platform, which includes a formidable US restructuring business, representing parties across (and on all sides of) the capital structure; a team globally recognised for representing independent directors in Chapter 11 and out-of-court restructurings; a deep client base spanning sectors including private credit, retail, hospitality, real estate, financial services and energy; and an established London-based capability in core services, including structured finance and private credit, corporate, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), asset management, financial services and regulatory, real estate, litigation, intellectual property, data privacy, employment and tax."

Coverage emphasized the duo's complementary experience, spanning debtor- and creditor‑side corporate rescue and turnaround, as well as non‑contentious financial and corporate restructuring. Together, they have a history of working on high‑profile cross‑border matters.

• "DLA Piper pair join Katten in London," Global Restructuring Review, January 9, 2026.
• "Katten welcomes DLA Piper duo," Solicitors Journal, January 14, 2026.
• "Katten Muchin Rosenman – James Davison & Victoria Procter," New Law Journal, January 8, 2026.

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With this year's recognition, Partners David R. Dlugie, Julie L. Gottshall and Senior Counsel Lewis Greenbaum were recognized for being on the list for 20 years; Partner Michael J. Diver for 10 years; Partners Jason R. Gorczynski, Leslie D. Minier, Brian M. Spangler and Associate Julia L. Mazur were all named for the first time. Partner Fabiola Fox and Associate Catherine E. O'Brien also made their first appearances on the Rising Stars list.

"This group embodies the highest standard of Katten, combining outstanding client service with top-tier legal counsel and innovative business solutions," said Jennifer I. Wolfe, Managing Partner of Katten's Chicago office.

Named to the 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers list were:

• Kristin J. Achterhof
• Matthew S. Brown
• Dawn M. Canty
• David P. Cohen
• Daniel J. Collins
• Michael J. Diver
• David R. Dlugie
• Chad R. Doobay
• Jason R. Gorczynski
• Julie L. Gottshall
• Lewis Greenbaum
• Michael O. Hartz
• Kenneth M. Jacobson
• Tye J. Klooster
• Floyd A Mandell
• Julia L. Mazur
• Leslie D. Minier
• Jeffrey R. Patt
• Nancy J. Rich
• Saul E. Rudo
• Ross O. Silverman
• Brian Sodikoff
• Gil M. Soffer
• Brian M. Spangler
• Walter S. Weinberg
• Mark D. Wood

Chosen for the 2026 Illinois Rising Stars list were:

• Joshua A. Feiger
• Fabiola Fox
• Jeffrey D. Glickman
• Catherine E. O'Brien
• Katy Pollitt
• Alyse A. Sagalchik
• Julia S. Schenk
• Sarah M. Scruton
• Michael L. Sherlock
• Daniel Walbright
• Karolen S. Younan

Katten was recognized for its key roles in several of the largest restructurings of 2025, winning the following awards:

1. Information Technology Deal of the Year (Over $500 Million)
2. Turnaround Award (Over $100 Million)
3. Chapter 11 Reorganization of the Year ($500 Million to $1 Billion)

Winning these independently governed awards is "widely respected as a pinnacle of achievement" in the industry, honoring "excellence in deal-making, restructuring, and financing" and "celebrating the contributions and achievements of leading firms and professionals." The awards will be presented as part of the 2026 Distressed Investing Summit and Awards Gala in Palm Beach in March 2026.

Katten’s Insolvency and Restructuring Department was recognized for work related to the following three significant restructuring matters:

1. Information Technology Deal of the Year (Over $500 Million): Restructuring of Wolfspeed

Katten was retained as special counsel to Wolfspeed, Inc. and its debtor affiliate (together, Wolfspeed), at the direction of its Disinterested Directors, Mark Jenson and Paul Walsh, in Wolfspeed's Chapter 11 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. Wolfspeed is one of the leading developers and manufacturers of wide-bandgap semiconductors in the United States.

During the Chapter 11 cases, Wolfspeed successfully implemented a consensual balance‑sheet restructuring with extraordinary creditor support, including more than 97 percent of Wolfspeed's senior secured noteholders and 67 percent of Wolfspeed's convertible noteholders, enabling Wolfspeed to emerge from Chapter 11 in just three months. The confirmed plan de-levered Wolfspeed's balance sheet by more than 70 percent (nearly $4.6 billion), significantly strengthening liquidity and positioning the company to advance its strategic priorities.

At the direction of the Disinterested Directors, Katten conducted a thorough investigation into potential estate claims and causes of action, including claims related to complex ongoing derivative and class action litigation against Wolfspeed and certain directors and officers, and determined that the release of such claims was appropriate and in the best interests of Wolfspeed's estate and its creditors.

Katten's team was led by Steven J. Reisman (Insolvency and Restructuring Global Chair and Partner) and Cindi Giglio (Insolvency and Restructuring Department Co-Chair and Partner), who were assisted by a cross-disciplinary team including Shaya Rochester (Insolvency and Restructuring Partner), Patrick M. Smith (Litigation Partner), Timothy H. Gray (Appeals and Critical Motions Partner) and Grace A. Thompson (Insolvency and Restructuring Associate).

2. Turnaround Award (Over $100 Million): Restructuring of Claire's Holdings

Katten represented Claire's Holdings LLC and its debtor affiliates (collectively, Claire's), at the direction of its Independent Managers, David Barse and Bill Transier, in Claire's Chapter 11 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Claire's is a go-to establishment for ear piercing in the United States, having pierced more than 100 million ears since 1978, with approximately 2,300 brick-and-mortar stores as of the bankruptcy filing.

The Chapter 11 cases were a great success. At the outset of the Chapter 11 cases, it was expected that the company’s assets would be liquidated. However, as a result of the work done by Claire’s professional advisors, including Katten, Claire’s was able to implement a going-concern sale that preserved thousands of jobs and 795 stores and distribution centers.

An essential component of the Chapter 11 cases was a global settlement between Claire’s, its owners and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors. The Independent Managers, with Katten's assistance, played a critical role in achieving that settlement. Katten investigated potential estate claims and causes of action against Claire’s lenders, owners, and current and former directors and officers to determine whether Claire’s could assert any viable and valuable claims worthy of pursuit in the context of the Chapter 11 cases. Based on that investigation, Katten guided the Independent Managers to support releases for certain parties, concluding that the releases were in the best interest of Claire’s estate and creditors.

Katten's team was led by Steven J. Reisman (Insolvency and Restructuring Global Chair and Partner) and Cindi Giglio (Insolvency and Restructuring Department Co-Chair and Partner), who were assisted by a cross-disciplinary team including Lucy Kweskin (Insolvency and Restructuring Partner), Shaya Rochester (Insolvency and Restructuring Partner), Robert T. Smith (Appeals and Critical Motions Partner), Michael Rosella (Insolvency and Restructuring Associate) and Andrew J. Pecoraro (Appeals and Critical Motions Associate).

3. Chapter 11 Reorganization of the Year ($500 Million to $1 Billion): Restructuring of Accuride

In one of the most significant Chapter 11 cases in the automotive industry of the past year, Accuride Corporation and its affiliates (collectively, Accuride) successfully completed a Chapter 11 restructuring in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, with Katten representing Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP) in its capacity as investment banker to Accuride.

In its restructuring, Accuride equitized more than $400 million of funded debt and restructured $170 million of additional obligations. The company also secured an exit investment in the form of a $70 million asset-based lending (ABL) facility and a $95 million exit facility from existing investors, which were designed to bolster Accuride's liquidity and support its long-term growth. Accuride entered Chapter 11 with an agreed-upon restructuring framework with an ad hoc group of first lien term loan lenders that provided $103 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing to fund the Chapter 11 cases. The DIP facility was upsized by an aggregate of approximately $57 million in multiple tranches over the course of the Chapter 11 cases.

Katten's representation of PWP was central in developing Accuride's restructuring framework prior to and during the Chapter 11 cases, particularly with respect to securing the DIP financing (including the post-petition upsizes to the DIP facility), as well as providing valuation analysis in connection with plan confirmation. The Katten team was led by Shaya Rochester (Insolvency and Restructuring Partner) and Michael Rosella (Insolvency and Restructuring Associate).

"20th Annual Turnaround Award Winners," The M&A Advisor, January 2026

The team, assisted by Katten Partner Jonah Roth and Associate Jack West, provided comprehensive, end-to-end legal counsel, advising on and negotiating all transaction documents, deal mechanics, fund structure and regulatory matters, and will continue to provide ongoing fund counsel to the UBS O’Connor business now known as O'Connor Alternative Investments.

"It was a privilege to be part of this pivotal acquisition," Lance said. "We are honored to continue serving as trusted counsel to O'Connor Alternative Investments as it embarks on this exciting new chapter."

"Cantor Fitzgerald Announces Successful First Close of O'Connor Transaction," BusinessWire, December 31, 2025

The Katten team, led by Partner Kelly Hutchinson and Senior Counsel Lewis Greenbaum, included Counsel Michela Daliana and Associate Jeremy Stevenson.

"WIFIA Program: Alternative Water Source Program Loan 3 Factsheet," EPA

Under the terms of the transaction, Mint House's properties across premier US markets will be integrated into Kasa’s platform. The transaction further expands Kasa's footprint across high-growth markets, including Washington, DC, Dallas, Nashville, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

The Katten team was led by Mergers and Acquisitions Partner Josh Feiger, and included Entrepreneurial Ventures Partner Fabiola Fox, Labor & Employment Partner Michelle Gyves and Corporate Associate Ryan Lilley.

"Kasa Enters into Strategic Combination with Mint House," PR Newswire, January 14, 2026

Anita commented: “Having recently announced its plans for a digital ID scheme that would make it mandatory for proving the right to work in the UK, the government has today rolled back on the ‘mandatory’ aspect of the scheme. We can still, however, expect a scheme to be introduced with the intention of streamlining ‘Right to Work’ checks, tackling illegal employment and making public services more accessible.

“The scheme would record a person’s name, date of birth, information on nationality or residency status and a photo, as the basis for biometric security, similar to an eVisa, and would be available to those who wish to voluntarily opt-in. Private sector employers and public services, like the NHS, would still be able to accept other forms of ID, such as passports and driving licences to verify someone’s identity.

“Ministers had emphasised that the scheme was designed to curb identity theft and safeguard privacy through minimal data sharing, encryption and authentication, but the proposal raised significant data protection and governance concerns. In particular, reservations around the creation of a centralised repository of biometric data, which could increase the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks, especially given the high-profile cyber incidents that occurred in the UK last year.

“There was also wide concern over potential “function creep” if the use of the digital ID scheme extended beyond its intended scope, as well as questions around the scheme’s software implementation and suitability of vendors.

“Ultimately, the success of any iteration of the digital ID scheme will depend on incorporating privacy by design, strong legal and operational safeguards and independent governance oversight from the outset.”

“Government drops plans for mandatory digital IDs for right to work checks,” Workplace Journal, January 14, 2026

“Compulsory Digital ID Scheme Dropped After Pressure From MPs,” TechRound, January 14, 2026

“Government backtracks on introduction of mandatory digital IDs for workers,” People Management, January 15, 2026

“The UK Government’s latest u-turn on plans to make Digital IDs mandatory,” The Legal Diary, January 16, 2026

James Bookhout, Partner and Chair, Mergers and Acquisitions Litigation

James focuses on complex commercial disputes arising from private equity transactions and M&A deals, including indemnification and fraud claims, earnout disputes, working capital and post-closing adjustments, and fiduciary duty litigation involving investors and sponsors. He is a first-chair trial lawyer with extensive experience representing public and private companies nationwide through all phases of litigation.

Ted Huffman, Litigation Partner

Ted represents clients in high-stakes business disputes, often at the intersection of commercial litigation, financial services, and securities matters, including consumer finance regulation and compliance, corporate and securities fraud, banking issues, M&A litigation, corporate governance, anticompetitive conduct, intellectual property, government enforcement actions, and class actions. Ted is known for advancing client objectives efficiently, whether it's obtaining dispositive rulings, negotiating favorable resolutions or preparing matters for trial.

Ryan Meyer, Litigation Partner

Ryan defends companies and executives in government investigations, civil enforcement actions, and criminal proceedings, with a focus on matters involving alleged securities fraud and health care fraud. He has significant experience with Medicare and Medicaid fraud, Anti-Kickback and corruption allegations, and qui tam actions under the federal and state False Claims Acts. His practice includes white-collar defense, securities litigation, and internal investigations within the health care and life sciences sectors.

Rachel Riley, Litigation Partner

Rachel concentrates her practice on federal criminal defense and white-collar matters, regularly representing clients before the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other federal and state agencies in cases involving health care fraud, embezzlement, securities fraud, public corruption, and other economic crimes. She has prevented indictments, secured dismissals, obtained favorable sentences, and achieved multiple acquittals in federal court.

“2026 Best Lawyers Under 40,” D Magazine, January 2026

"Given human nature, and anger over real and perceived transgressions by the other party, I think that bitterly contested divorces will likely remain the norm," Joshua said. "But for those couples who can get past that, divorce can be a wonderful planning opportunity."

Joshua went on to highlight opportunities for divorcing couples to transfer marital property tax free.

"The transfer between spouses incident to divorce is usually tax free, as an allocation of marital property," Joshua explained. "That in and of itself can create useful opportunities. Second, if there are minor children, transfers incident to divorce for their benefit are usually tax free, as being an acceleration of what would otherwise have been one's support obligation. And the wealthier the family, the larger the amount that can be given tax free to or for children in discharge of one's support obligations."

Addressing the role of technology, Joshua emphasized that the United States has developed strict laws and case decisions governing the use of AI in litigation.

"It is a useful and valuable preliminary research and drafting tool, but it cannot be used in lieu of attorney or judge created work product," he shared. "AI is part of life, and it, like everything else, has pros and cons and is not a substitute for judgment."

"The New Divorce Battleground Is Not the Courtroom," Citywealth, January 14, 2026

The Katten team included Partners Craig Scully, Kelly Hutchinson, Michael McBride, and Natalie Youkel, as well as Counsel Constance Fratianni.

NYTDC's Terminal 6 financing aligns with New York State’s broader transportation and climate objectives by integrating on-site renewable energy, fleet electrification and water stewardship into the core design of a modern international terminal. The financing further underscores the growing importance of labeled green bonds in financing large-scale, essential infrastructure with quantifiable environmental benefits.

"Anatomy of a Deal: Large complicated JFK Terminal 6 deal soared," The Bond Buyer, December 1, 2025

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The chapter explores the great opportunities that moving to America presents, but also highlights the risks of arriving without guidance. It goes on to explain that planning is essential for foreigners coming to the United States, helping them understand consequences, make informed choices and benefit from the country while managing trade-offs.

"Private Client Laws and Regulations Pre-Immigration Planning Considerations for the HNW Client – Think Before You Leap 2026," International Comparative Legal Guide – Private Client 2026, January 14, 2026

The recognition honors 13 outstanding female dealmakers shaping the middle-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A) industry and inspiring the next generation of leaders. It is the sixth consecutive time Smith has been named to the list.

"This distinction spotlights Kim's exceptional leadership and market-leading work and underscores the strength of our Corporate group, a key driver of our long-term growth," said Katten Chair Gil M. Soffer. "Her sharp insight drives M&A dealmaking and steers clients through their most strategic transactions, reinforcing Katten's stellar reputation in handling complex deals."

Smith has spent nearly her entire career at Katten, where she advanced from associate to partner to co-head of the nationwide Private Equity/M&A practice, leading one of the busiest middle-market practices in the country, and ultimately to global chair of the Corporate department.

In her role, Smith leads more than 140 attorneys across the United States, UK and China in the Corporate group, assigned to high-impact transactional practice areas, including Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Capital Markets, Health Care, and Government and Public Finance. 

Her practice evolved from handling initial public offerings (IPOs) when she first started at Katten to advising notable companies on complex and strategic M&A and private equity transactions across various sectors. Smith represents private equity funds, family offices, independent sponsors and strategic acquirers across multiple industries in various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and reorganizations, and joint ventures.

Smith serves on Katten's Executive Committee and Board of Directors. She is also focused on recruiting experienced attorneys and mentoring junior attorneys to ensure a high-performing team at Katten.

A member of the corporate board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Smith has been recognized this past year by Crain's Chicago Business as among its Notable M&A Dealmakers and by the Chicago Business Journal as among its Women of Influence. Other career accolades include being named a Mergers & Acquisitions and Antitrust Trailblazer by the National Law Journal. She is ranked in the Chambers USA guide and selected to The Legal 500 United States Leading Partners list.

"It is our privilege and pleasure to ring in the start of 2026 with the addition of two highly respected appointments in our London office," said Steven Reisman, global chair of the Katten Insolvency and Restructuring practice. "James and Victoria bring wonderful skills and exceptional restructuring and insolvency experience that fit well with Katten's practical, client-focused approach to complex corporate restructuring issues that arise, not just in London but in the United States, the EU and internationally."

Davison is a solution-focused lawyer whose broad practice encompasses debtor and creditor side mandates, with an emphasis on corporate rescue and turnaround to maximize value for stakeholders. Often leading high-profile cross-border restructurings across a range of sectors, he regularly advises boards, management teams, private equity sponsors, lenders and other investors on accelerated mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital structure resets, workouts and contingency planning.

Davison is recognized as being at the forefront in the development and use of the Restructuring Plan, a relatively new tool that can rescue a company in financial difficulty without the need for a formal insolvency. He has successfully advised several clients in this area in recent years, leading to industry awards.

Procter and Davison worked together on a number of complex mandates in their previous roles, at a firm ranked in the Top 10 of the Global Restructuring Review 30.

Procter's significant experience in noncontentious financial and corporate restructuring, turnaround and insolvency matters has resulted in an impressive roster of clients that includes insolvency practitioners, receivers, clearing banks and other financial institutions, as well as corporate debtors, their directors, shareholders and other stakeholders with regard to financially distressed and insolvency situations.

Together, Davison and Procter bring extensive experience in a broad spectrum of sectors, including financial services, hospitality and leisure, travel, retail, consumer goods, industrials, manufacturing and energy.

Commenting on the recent appointments, London Managing Partner Christopher Hitchins said:

"We are delighted to welcome James and Victoria, whose wide-ranging skills, particularly in financial services, retail, and hospitality and leisure, will be hugely beneficial to our international client base. Together, their impressive approach to complex, cross-border matters will serve to strengthen the core counsel we already provide our clients."

Davison added:

"Katten's restructuring practice is formidable, particularly across the key markets in the US. The firm has a strong client base, a well-established London office and an increasingly global outlook. These elements create an optimal environment in which to grow and develop a premium restructuring business in Europe. It is an honor to be given the opportunity to do so."

In the interview, Steve emphasized that the most exciting part of his restructuring practice is "helping people and solving problems," especially when he can add "real value" by "saving jobs, finding practical solutions to complex situations, and winning for clients." When delivering positive outcomes for clients in challenging cases, he shared that "a lot of bankruptcy is about compromise" when finding "a solution to a complex problem where nobody's happy, but everybody feels it's fair." Steve illustrated this by describing a case in which his creditor clients were at risk of receiving no recovery; Steve's team brought claims against another creditor class based on their actions, and such creditors were ultimately willing to settle with Steve's creditor clients for a material sum "to buy peace."

When asked about skills that law school students should focus on building, Steve underscored the importance of hard work, along with "showing up, caring, and being responsive, professional, and polite." He added that while law school trains attorneys to think, it also teaches students about "relationships, competition, and helping others … intensity, discipline, and how to overcome fear."

"The love and respect the practitioners have for each other has been surprising [in restructuring and bankruptcy]," Steve said. "We all know each other … the intelligence, hard work, and collaboration of colleagues and competitors have been nice surprises."

"Bankruptcy Alumni Spotlight," St. John's University School of Law — Center for Bankruptcy Studies, January 2026

Chris also identified "prediction markets" and other binary option-style products as potential flashpoints, observing that US momentum in these markets contrasts with the UK's historical bans for retail clients. "Pressure may build on UK regulators to relax those rules, balancing consumer protection with the government's growth agenda."

"Car Loans, AI, Crypto Top UK's 2026 Consumer Protection List," Law360, January 2, 2026

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100 Gold Street will become a new, mixed-income residential building of approximately 3,700 units of mixed-income housing, with a minimum of 25 percent of the homes required to be permanently affordable. The project will involve relocating NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and other agencies currently housed at 100 Gold Street to improved office space. The plan will also include approximately 40,000 square feet of public open space, a new state-of-the-art, publicly accessible fitness center within the building and an upgraded older adult community center.

City leaders frame 100 Gold Street as a cornerstone of a broader agenda to expand housing supply, lower pressure on rents and support the area’s transition into an increasingly mixed-use neighborhood.

The process kicked off with months of community outreach and engagement, NYCEDC stated, and that engagement will remain a cornerstone throughout the project. The development team will now conduct site due diligence and environmental review, with the anticipation of certifying into the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure in 2027.

The Katten attorneys recognized include Partner and Global Chair of the Private Wealth Department, Joshua Rubenstein; Ronni Davidowitz, head of Katten's New York Private Wealth Department; and Private Wealth Partners Bonnie Lynn Chmil and Kathryn von Matthiessen.

The Citywealth Global Guardians 100 identifies the world’s most trusted stewards of private wealth and philanthropy — individuals renowned for their technical skill, integrity and unwavering commitment to client service.

A leader in ultra-high-net-worth estate and trust planning and litigation, Joshua advises families, entrepreneurs and family offices on complex, cross-border succession and tax matters, charitable giving and dispute resolution. Known for clarity, pragmatism and technical precision, he structures resilient US and international wealth plans and is widely regarded as a trusted adviser on multi-jurisdictional estates and sensitive family dynamics.

A trusted private wealth adviser known for clear, practical counsel, Ronni crafts estate plans that align legal requirements with clients' personal priorities and guides trust and estate administration and disputes with discretion. Praised by clients and peers for responsiveness, thoroughness and collaborative leadership, she blends technical excellence with empathy to protect family interests and deliver efficient, durable outcomes.

Bonnie represents high-net-worth individuals and families, fiduciary trust companies and financial institutions in high-stakes private client and fiduciary litigation, pairing deep commercial and real estate litigation experience with a practical, empathetic approach. She prioritizes dispute prevention through integrated planning and risk assessment and, when litigation arises, engineers pragmatic, win-win resolutions while navigating sensitive family dynamics to help restore harmony.

Recognized for her sophisticated yet practical counsel on income and transfer tax optimization, Kathryn advises domestic and international private clients on estate and business succession planning. Her extensive cross-border experience, spanning pre-residency and outbound planning, as well as structuring global succession strategies, makes her a trusted adviser in international tax and trust law.

"The Citywealth Global Guardians 100," Citywealth, December 15, 2025

Christopher observed that there remains a clear "valuation mismatch between buyers and sellers."

"People were buying in 2019 to 2021 when interest rates were very different than where they are today," Christopher shared. "What we're seeing are firms that are continuing to hold these assets and waiting for market improvement."

"Private equity buyouts record longer holding periods in 2025," S&P Global Market Intelligence, December 22, 2025

The Katten team included Mergers and Acquisitions and Private Equity Partners Vic Zanetti, Ethan Post, Michelle Gyves and William Rivers, and Associates Miriam Wang, Quincy Wolff and Astoneia Moss; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Loren Lembo and Associate Dan Collins; and Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden.

Carl underscored the importance of regulatory framing and the evolution of "event contracts" as tools for hedging discrete risks that traditional derivatives do not precisely capture. "These contracts operate under the same regulatory framework in the United States as other traditional derivatives," Carl explained. "In essence, event contracts are designed to supplement, not replace, traditional derivatives instruments and other risk management tools."

Event contracts also have the potential to democratize hedging strategies for businesses and individuals by providing a more direct, targeted way to manage policy and event-driven exposures. "Since elections can affect sectors like cannabis or green energy, event contracts offer a way for smaller businesses and individuals to hedge against policy risks," he noted. "This was previously only possible through complex financial products, like the hedges used during Brexit. Similarly, commercial events like parades or festivals have major economic effects on things like tourism, staffing and consumer demand. Exchange-traded event contracts provide a tool to hedge the exposures that might arise if these events did not happen for one reason or another."

Emphasizing the practical use case, Carl shared a hypothetical anecdote. "A local deli operator, who faces uncertain foot traffic and staffing costs related to a nearby concert performance, sporting event and general tourism levels in his or her town," Carl said. "An event contract that pays if the anticipated event does not occur could offset lost revenues, operational overtime and inventory risk, which the deli owner may face. In other words, event contracts tied to these events directly hedge the discrete outcome, which would drive the deli owner's cash flows in a way that traditional financial instruments cannot precisely replicate."

"How Prediction Markets Are Becoming Financial Infrastructure," Forbes, December 20, 2025

Speaking to the year's volatility and its practical effects on forecasting, capital deployment and cross-border cost structures, David noted the fundamental role uncertainty played in reshaping market behavior. "Some people call it uncertainty, some people say chaos," David said. "We're talking about the same thing. Uncertainty created downward pressure on the private equity markets … I don’t anticipate that the amount of confusion and uncertainty will decrease. Personally, I think it might change clothes."

"PE Attys Get Creative As Uncertainty Dampened Deal Market," Law360, December 19, 2025

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In his honoree profile, Tim detailed his role at Katten, which entails "conducting [his] own real estate practice while setting, implementing and monitoring strategy for the 80 lawyers" in the department. He shared that he values "the challenge of building consensus among highly motivated but opinionated and strong-willed individuals," and emphasized that "it takes genuine back and forth and achieving buy-in from people who share your objectives but may differ on how best to achieve them."

Tim also shared what social responsibility means to him, stating that he seeks out opportunities to utilize his "acquired skills to promote worthy causes," and brings the same skills that he leverages for paying clients to "help other organizations achieve their objectives to create positive social impact."

"The 2025 Responsible 100," City & State New York, December 15, 2025

The transaction, through investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing (MSREI), included a new Class A industrial building and an industrial outdoor storage parking site on 19 acres. The asset is leased to a major e‑commerce retailer, with the seller undisclosed. Situated in West Los Angeles, the property provides immediate access to roughly three million residents across high‑income submarkets, such as Santa Monica, Brentwood and Beverly Hills, Law360 reported.

Katten's representation helped expand MSREI's 2025 US industrial acquisitions to approximately $1.5 billion total, contributing to a portfolio exceeding 75 million square feet. The client characterized the facility as a critical asset for Southern California distribution and logistics, where limited land availability and regulatory hurdles can hinder development.

"Katten Guides Morgan Stanley On $211M LAX Industrial Buy," Law360, December 16, 2025

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In addition to his leadership position at Katten and his litigation work in the firm's White Collar and Internal Investigations practice, Gil's presence across the city includes his role as the chief legal analyst for WLS-TV/Channel 7, and he serves on the board of the Goodman Theatre.  

"Who's Who in Chicago Business," Crain's Chicago Business, December 15, 2025

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Throughout the year, policy headwinds impacted deal flow. Kimberly explained that early‑year expectations for a business‑friendly backdrop "didn’t really play out," noting that tariff proposals "knocked the wind out of the sails of that middle‑market activity," and together with recession concerns, led "a lot of family offices to pump the brakes on buying companies."

Family offices adapted by shifting their emphasis toward portfolio housekeeping and opportunistic execution. Kimberly observed that, with fewer assets coming to market and fewer private‑equity exits, she "saw more activity on the add‑on side, where family offices already had an existing platform, and they were looking for complementary and usually smaller businesses to tuck in with those platforms."

Investor creativity and urgency to deploy capital supported momentum in areas adjacent to traditional buyouts. "When people are eager to put capital to work, and there's pressure on the ability to do that, people start to get creative about how they can get something done," Kimberly said, pointing to more activity in secondaries, private credit and co‑investments.

Kimberly also underscored the role of corporate divestitures in sustaining the dealmaking cadence, noting "an increasing interest in carve‑outs," with "plenty of strategic sellers looking to liquidate various divisions for various reasons." That avenue, she explained, became "another way that people found to get deals done when that traditional private‑equity pipeline wasn't there."

“In 2025, family offices managed money with cautious optimism, increased professionalization,” Crain Currency, December 12, 2025

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The Fattal Hotel Group, which owns more than 300 hotels across Europe, the United Kingdom and Israel, boasts the 4-star Leonardo Hotels as its flagship brand. A cross-practice Katten team led by Real Estate Partner Gavin Vollans has advised the Group on the acquisition of seven hotels in the last 12 months, including, most recently, Leonardo Hotel Southampton, Leonardo Hotel Exeter and Leonardo Hotel Chester. Already operating the three sites under Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI) leases, the Group has now consolidated its ownership by successfully acquiring the landlords' interests through three single-asset transactions.

Assisted by Private Credit Partner Peter Englund, Corporate Associate George Warren and Real Estate Chartered Legal Executive Rebekka Visser, Vollans advised on all aspects of the transaction.

Commenting on the three acquisitions, Vollans said:

"We are thrilled to have worked with Fattal and the team at Leonardo Hotels on these latest acquisitions. The team's ambitious vision has no bounds despite the more general hospitality industry appearing to be struggling. Always on the lookout for other growth opportunities, we look forward to working with them again in the new year to help with their never-ending quest for expansion."

Kimberly, who leads a global team of corporate attorneys advising across mergers and acquisitions/private equity, capital markets, public finance and health care, underscored a pragmatic, results-driven approach to transactions that centers on client outcomes. "Our mandate is straightforward: to close strategic deals that deliver the best possible terms to our clients and help them grow their businesses," she said, emphasizing the importance of anticipating challenges and offering "creative solutions grounded in real-time market terms and deal flow."

In describing how she supports high-performing teams, Kimberly noted that "mentoring is truly embedded in Katten's culture," and that seemingly "small moments of support can make a big difference" in helping emerging attorneys set goals, navigate challenges and build confidence. On advancing to leadership, she advised women to "lead with confidence and authenticity," becoming authorities in their fields while investing in relationships that "open doors and help you grow as a leader."

Kimberly also shared insight on the firm's approach to client service. "We invest deeply in our clients by getting to know them personally and immersing ourselves in their business. That perspective helps us understand their current needs, anticipate what's next and stay closely aligned with their goals," she said.

Sue, a former senior regulatory officer at both the New York Stock Exchange and FINRA, leverages decades of hands-on regulatory experience to guide broker-dealers, investment banks and other financial services clients through investigations and evolving rules with an eye toward safeguarding their businesses. "We are successful when we understand our clients' business, help them avoid or minimize regulatory scrutiny, and establish new business," she said.

Expanding on her thoughts of helping drive successful outcomes for clients, Sue shared she's learned that "diverse teams develop the best product for our clients. I can be a great lawyer, but I can be an even greater lawyer with my Katten colleagues by my side, collaborating to deliver strategic, end-to-end legal solutions tailored to produce the best results for our clients."

In mentoring junior attorneys, Sue grounds her approach in accountability and purpose, often reminding junior attorneys, "You are the master of your own destiny." Sue learned that mentorship is about more than giving good advice; it's about investing in someone's potential and helping them navigate challenges they may face. Her guidance to women for leadership positions is to speak up, seek out and volunteer for important assignments, cultivate key relationships, and provide top-quality work, in addition to developing interpersonal skills such as empathy and the ability to listen and instill confidence.

"2025 Women of Influence honorees: Kimberly Smith," Chicago Business Journal, December 15, 2025

"2025 Women of Influence honorees: Susan Light," New York Business Journal, December 15, 2025

The financing involved the development and execution of an electric power prepay structure for NYPA. The matter required careful analysis of the federal tax treatment of sales versus transfers of power between entities with overlapping governance, as well as the design of a potential new financing framework responsive to related IRS regulatory requirements. The resulting structure supports long-term energy cost certainty for a major public power provider while advancing a scalable approach for future prepayment transactions in the market.

"Anatomy of a Deal: New York Power Authority prepay pays off," The Bond Buyer, November 24, 2025

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Sue shared insights from her career, why mentorship is important and some of the ways it's possible to show up as a mentor to others.

"Mentorship Matters," CapitalW Collective

Spartan Ventures will serve as the revenue, innovation and development arm of MSU Athletics. The investment will help MSU to modernize and scale its approach to athletics program funding.

The Katten team included Transactional Tax Planning Partner Valentina Famparska, and Sports and Sports Facilities Associates Ethan Asofsky and Jonathan Deitch.

"Greg and Dawn Williams make historic $401 million commitment to MSU and Spartan Athletics," MSU Today, December 5, 2025

"Michigan State athletics announces record-breaking $401 million donation," Detroit Free Press, December 5, 2025

"Michigan State receives $401M gift, including $390M for athletics," ESPN, December 5, 2025

In one transaction, Niteo acquired all issued and outstanding stock of Folexport, Inc. The transaction advances Niteo’s strategic growth of its portfolio of branded household and automotive products.

Niteo also acquired Faultless Brands. The transaction, structured as a stock sale, reflects Niteo's continued growth in the consumer and home products distribution sector.

The Katten team included Private Equity and M&A Partners, Dilen Kumar and William Rivers and Associates Julie Park, Astoneia O. Moss and Miriam Wang; Private Credit Partner Alexander Volsky; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate Jeffrey Ng; Corporate Partners Nancy J. Rich and Michelle Gyves; Employment Counsel Emery L. Lyon; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Meredith S. O'Leary and Associate Neal K. Patel; and Intellectual Property Partner Sean S. Wooden.

"NiTEO Products, a Portfolio Company of Highlander Partners, Acquires Folex," Highlander-Partners.com, December 4, 2025

"NiTEO Products, a Portfolio Company of Highlander Partners, Acquires Faultless Brands," Highlander-Partners.com, December 10, 2025

Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement Partner Matthew Kluchenek, with Financial Markets and Funds Associate Alexander Kim, advised Bitnomial on regulatory, market structure, and operational matters, having previously supported Bitnomial's self-certification of the first US-listed perpetual futures. "Bitnomial's new offering will expand access to listed crypto trading for market participants seeking regulated, exchange-traded exposure with the benefits of centralized execution, clearing and robust risk controls."

"1st Spot Crypto Market To Launch Amid CFTC 'Crypto Sprint'," Law360, December 4, 2025

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All three series are tax-exempt and are intended to finance capital projects.

• The Series A of December 2025 in the amount of $300 million, with maturities from 2026 to 2035, had a true interest cost of 3.024 percent.
• The Series B of December 2025 in the amount of $150 million, with maturities from 2036 to 2040, had a true interest cost of 3.867 percent.
• The Series C of December 2025 in the amount of $150 million, with maturities from 2041 to 2045, had a true interest cost of 4.494 percent.

The financing closed on December 11.

"If done correctly, the transfer of supervisory powers to the European level could help to reduce regulatory overlaps and achieve greater efficiencies, in particular for market infrastructures that in effect service the EU as a whole. But centralization for its own sake, without a corresponding transfer of expertise and resources, could in fact lead to additional duplication of efforts, in particular in the event that national regulators retain a significant role in the oversight process. The question then is whether the EU intends a radical break from its existing practice or is content to pursue a "muddle along" strategy that ultimately leaves things much as they are."

"EU Commission’s market integration proposal sets up ESMA as pan-European supervisor," Finadium, December 4, 2025

"The European Commission’s proposed financial-market reforms designed to simplify rules for trading, post-trading, and asset management," Edward Fennell's Legal Diary, December 5, 2025

The Katten team that was recognized earned the honor for its work representing Moser Holdings, LLC, a portfolio company of Hilltop Opportunity Partners, the merchant banking division of Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HTH), in its definitive agreement to sell all of the capital stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Moser Acquisition, Inc., to Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. The aggregate transaction value was approximately $220 million.

Dallas Managing Partner Mark S. Solomon, who worked on the winning matter, attended the ceremony and accepted the award on behalf of the firm. The rest of the team that worked on the matter included Corporate Partners Peter A. Bogdanow, Ethan E. Post and Michelle A. Gyves and Associates Kelsey R. McKeag, Miriam H. Wang and Yaesul Park; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate Jeffrey Ng; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate Neal K. Patel; Intellectual Property Partner Sean S. Wooden; Litigation Partner Jonathan Rotenberg; Capital Markets Partner Mark D. Wood; and Corporate Paralegal Michael D. Lockwood.

The Atlas Awards are independently governed and strive to recognize the "gold standard of performance."

A London-based cross-practice Katten team led by Financial Markets and Funds Partner Edward A. Tran advised the long-standing client in connection with its 50–⁠50 joint venture with VGP, a pan-European logistics and industrial real estate firm. The latest transaction, announced this month, involves the acquisition of 18 assets in 13 logistics parks across Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Tran was assisted by Corporate Partner Oliver Williams, Financial Markets and Funds Partner Neil Robson and Associate Ciara McBrien. Katten also advised Areim on the establishment of the SAGA joint venture and previous acquisitions.

"We are proud to support Areim on this significant transaction under the SAGA joint venture with VGP, drawing on our deep cross-border experience to counsel on complex deals," Tran said. "We value our relationship with Areim and look forward to continuing to assist the team as it expands the SAGA platform."

The Katten team included Capital Markets Partner Elizabeth McNichol and Associates Maximillian Licona and Delaney Battle.

The ceremony included recognitions from The Bond Buyer and the Northeast Women in Public Finance’s (NEWPF) for Trailblazing Women in Public Finance, honoring those making a lasting impact in public finance. Kelly Hutchinson, a Partner in Katten's Chicago office, was celebrated as a trailblazer in the Private Sector area of Public Finance. Featured profile in the magazine's "Trailblazing Women in Public Finance" supplemental issue, the article highlights Kelly's multidimensional career across finance, government and law, culminating in her recent elevation to Partner. Guided early by her father toward finance and law, she spent a decade at a financial advisory firm, counseling large municipalities, before moving to the State of Illinois as Director of Capital Markets during the 2015 budget impasse. There, she managed debt issuance and the state’s debt portfolio under intense pressure.

Now in private practice, Kelly brings an "insider's perspective" rooted in having sat in nearly every seat at the municipal finance table: issuer, municipal advisor, investment banker, bond counsel, underwriter's counsel, disclosure counsel and issuer's counsel. This allows her to navigate complex transactions with a deep understanding of deal dynamics. She emphasizes public purpose and client service, valuing collegial, relationship-driven work that supports capital projects, such as schools, hospitals, airports and essential infrastructure.

Kelly demonstrates the importance of relationships alongside hard work for long-term career success, and identifies dependability, client focus and teamwork as core professional habits in a highly regulated field. Outside her practice, she is committed to community engagement, including pro bono service for the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center and board service with the Chicago Summer Business Institute, which creates paid internships for Chicago high school students to introduce them to financial services.

Katten Clients Receive Green Financing and Northeast Regional Awards

Katten's Government and Public Finance team contributed to two Deal of the Year awards. The Green Financing Deal of the Year winner was the New York Transportation Development Corporation's (NYTDC) $1.95 billion green bond issuance for the redevelopment of JFK International Airport's Terminal 6. Serving as underwriter’s counsel to Goldman Sachs, the Katten team, led by Partner Craig Scully, included Partners Kelly Hutchinson, Michael McBride and Natalie Youkel, as well as Counsel Constance Fratianni.

The Northeast Region Deal of the Year winner is the New York Energy Finance Development Corporation's $944.15 million energy supply revenue bonds, which prepaid 30 years of electricity for the New York Power Authority in what was the first tax-exempt prepaid electricity transaction in New York. The Katten team, led by Partner James Normile, with Partner Craig Scully and Counsels Chaz Beasley and Michela Daliana, served as underwriter's counsel to Goldman Sachs, the lead bond underwriter.

"Trailblazing Women in Public Finance 2025," The Bond Buyer, December 3, 2025

"Anatomy of a Deal: Large complicated JFK Terminal 6 deal soared," The Bond Buyer, December 1, 2025

"Anatomy of a Deal: New York Power Authority prepay pays off," The Bond Buyer, November 24, 2025

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Katten was ranked in the Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies and Crypto-Asset Disputes categories. Financial Markets and Funds Global Chair Lance A. Zinman and Financial Markets and Regulation Co-Chair Daniel J. Davis were recognized in Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies practice area.

Chambers cited Katten's "strong blockchain and cryptocurrency practice, acting for market-leading crypto companies, traditional financial institutions investing in the industry, and major brands launching NFT projects" as endorsement for its recognition. It also provided client testimonials which praised the firm's "nuanced understanding of both the current enforcement policy, political landscape and actual law" as well as its deep understanding of the "CFTC regulated space."

Katten was ranked in the following practice areas:

• Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies (USA – Nationwide)
• Crypto-Asset Disputes (USA – Nationwide)

The Katten attorneys individually recognized are:

• Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies (USA – Nationwide)
  • Daniel J. Davis
  • Lance A. Zinman
     
• Crypto-Asset Disputes (USA – Nationwide)
  • Elliott M. Bacon (Notable Practitioner)
  • Daniel J. Davis (Notable Practitioner)
  • Matthew F. Kluchenek (Notable Practitioner)

Katten's Financial Markets and Regulation practice advises clients on matters regarding cryptocurrency, digital assets and blockchain technology, as well as counsels them on regulatory, compliance, transactional and enforcement-related issues. The group is led by Davis and Partner Carl E. Kennedy. Partner Christian T. Kemnitz chairs the firm's Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement department, which leverages Katten's strong litigation and enforcement track record and detailed understanding of financial markets, products and regulations to offer insight when litigating against companies operating in the virtual currency space. Zinman, global chair of the Financial Markets and Funds department, oversees the industry-leading practices.

Chambers FinTech identifies and differentiates the leading payments, blockchain, cyber security and data protection specialists globally, offering an indispensable resource for startup and scale-up fintech businesses, incumbent tech and financial services firms, and private equity and venture capital investors in the sector. The rankings are based on thousands of thorough research interviews, all conducted by an independent and dedicated research team.

The launch marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the US digital asset market structure and reflects Bitnomial's continued leadership in building regulated pathways for crypto trading. Bitnomial's new offering will expand access to listed crypto trading for market participants seeking regulated, exchange-traded exposure with the benefits of centralized execution, clearing and robust risk controls.

Led by Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement Partner Matthew F. Kluchenek and Financial Markets and Funds Associate Alexander C. Kim, the Katten team advised Bitnomial across a range of regulatory, market structure and operational considerations associated with listing and clearing a novel leveraged spot offering on a US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)-regulated exchange platform.

"We are proud to support Bitnomial in achieving this first-of-its-kind US launch and commend CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline Pham, whose innovative leadership was instrumental in making this project a reality," said Kluchenek. "The product's design and market infrastructure reflect a sophisticated approach to risk management and regulatory compliance in a new asset class."

Katten's work with Bitnomial comes on the heels of advising them on the first-ever launch of crypto perpetuals in the United States and underscores the firm's industry-leading Financial Services practices. Collectively, the deep bench of attorneys, led by highly regarded industry pioneers and trailblazers, first-chair trial attorneys and former prosecutors, and senior officials from the CFTC, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), alongside veterans of global investment banks, has unmatched experience in financial markets, products and regulation.

Since the inception of cryptocurrency trading, Katten has been at the forefront of developments in the crypto space and at the cutting edge of digital asset-related law. The firm is widely considered a thought leader in this space, having authored the "Derivatives Global 2025" guide published by Chambers and Partners. Recognized in the Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies and Crypto-Asset Disputes categories in the latest Chambers FinTech guide as well as in the derivatives categories of the Chambers Global and USA guides, Katten delivers a 360-degree platform and uniquely holistic approach to digital assets, counseling market-leading clients on transactional, regulatory, compliance and enforcement-related issues.

This financing supports CleanSpark's strategic growth initiatives, including the continued development of high-performance computing and AI data center capacity alongside its existing cryptocurrency infrastructure footprint.

The Katten team included Capital Markets Partners Elizabeth C. McNichol and Timothy J. Kirby and Associates Michelle Mount and Delaney Battle.

Under the purchase agreement, consideration included a combination of cash and shares of CleanSpark, Inc. common stock at closing, with additional consideration payable upon the occurrence of specified post-closing events.

The transactions position CleanSpark, Inc. to deliver scalable, resilient and energy-efficient capacity to meet accelerating demand from AI, cloud and enterprise workloads, and reflect a key step in the company's strategy to diversify beyond bitcoin mining into high-performance computing.

Katten advised on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of the Transactions and related documentation. The Katten team included Capital Markets Partner Elizabeth McNichol; Corporate Partner Mara McCahan and Associates Kylie Sholty, Adam Hansen and Kyle Warbinton; Real Estate Partners Glenn Miller and Brian Spangler, and Associates Kristen Froese and Katie Ward; Litigation Associate Corey Peterson; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Loren Lembo and Associate Jeff Ng; and Environmental Partner Nancy Rich.

"CleanSpark Enters Texas Market with Land and Large-Scale Power Acquisition to Rapidly Deploy an AI Data Center in Greater Houston," Cleanspark.com, October 29, 2025

Charlotte said that there has been "messy tinkering" across a wide range of taxes, commenting:

"A lot of fiddly, tinkering changes across a wide range of taxes with no big headline grabbing easy to grasp changes, making life hard for taxpayers to comply with and HMRC to administer.

The extension of the income tax rate band freeze was expected and the introduction of the £2000 cap on NIC free salary sacrifice pension payments was rumoured, but taxpayers will feel justifiably bitter when the Chancellor celebrates a no increase in income tax and NIC Budget.

The reduction in writing down allowances was not pre-leaked and whilst it is unlikely to change behaviour, it will slow down recovery of prior expenditure by businesses — another clandestine tax take.

The revised anti-avoidance provisions on share exchanges and reconstructions add uncertainty to what was previously a straightforward relief, but at least the pre-clearance mechanism remains. For those that have submitted section 138 clearance applications prior to Budget Day the deadline for issue of the relevant shares or debentures with reliance on the clearance is tight (the later of 26 January 2026 and 60 days after clearance is given), so some burning of the midnight oil might be needed over the holiday season.

The reduction of CGT relief for disposals of shares to Employee Ownership Trusts may make management buy outs a more attractive option, particularly with the increase in EIS investment and asset limits and the doubling of the EMI option and employee limits (to £6 million and 500 respectively) and the fourfold increase in the gross assets limit (to £120 million).

There are so many other 'little' tax tweaks here and there — the list is long — overall this is a messy Budget for taxpayers and their advisers!"

Daniel questioned the strategy for growth, stating:

"Wednesday's Budget could be defined as much by what it didn't do, as by what it did. Following an unprecedented number of sometimes daily leaks of intended tax measures in the weeks running up to November 26, the ruinous Budget that everyone had feared did not happen. Radical measures such as the 15% employer-like National Insurance contributions (NICs) chargeable on LLP profit, annual 1% mansion tax, capital gains tax exit tax charge for individuals (some of whom left anyway just to be on the safe side) and the material increase in income tax rates did not materialise. It seems that Rachel Reeves' November 4 'scene setter' speech in Downing Street preparing the country for tough choices was about the hard measures the Government was considering three weeks ago, rather than those unveiled this Wednesday.

Instead, Budget 2025 is defined by a large number of comparatively smaller tax changes and technical amendments across the tax system that will affect most UK taxpayers in some form — in line with the principle of "everyone paying their fair share", no longer just those with the broadest shoulders. Thus, headline measures for individual taxpayers, such as freezes on income tax and NICs thresholds until 2030/31 and severely cutting back the NIC benefits of salary sacrifice pension contributions, went hand in hand with 2% increased dividend rates for the basic and higher rate rise from April 2026, and rental income and savings rates by 2% from April 2027 for all income tax bands. Online gaming duty was raised significantly, while Bingo can now be played duty-free. The large number of disparate tax measures leaves the impression that this is a Budget where individual measures were cobbled together to reach the required financial target once the major changes were ruled out, rather than the result of sound, longer term tax policies. Completely absent — with the exception of a handful of isolated measures such as the increase in EIS thresholds — was a strategy for economic growth."

"Autumn 2025 Budget: Views from practice: Tax," Practical Law, November 28, 2025
 

Financial Markets and Funds Partner Christopher Collins spoke with Grip. and FOW, welcoming the FCA's proposals as a positive, pragmatic reset of a technical and error‑prone reporting regime. Chris stated, "Even for firms with the best of intentions, transaction reporting is a technical area where mistakes can easily be made — reducing the overall scope and the period for back reporting requirements is therefore very welcome."

Regarding removing instruments traded only on EU venues, Chris notes that "right‑sizing" is a step in the right direction. "The removal of financial instruments that are only traded in the EU is also a prudent right-sizing of the regime, correcting the jurisdictional overreach that survived the onshoring of the EU rules."

"New transaction reporting proposals to cut costs and reduce burden, FCA says," Grip., November 26, 2025

"FCA proposes trade reporting overhaul," Futures & Options World (FOW), November 21, 2025

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Beginning in the 2026 MLS season, the Crew’s home stadium in downtown Columbus, Ohio, will be renamed ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

"We were incredibly proud to advise the Crew, the first MLS club in history, on this longstanding partnership that reflects the organization's continued commitment to innovation, long-term stability and fan experience. The partnership aligns with this outstanding team's values, supports its strategic objectives, and strengthens its ties with the local community. The resulting agreement not only meets these standards but establishes a model for responsible, future-focused collaborations," Render said.

This transaction builds on Katten's successful representation of the Cleveland Browns in a similar transaction in 2024. The Browns and the Crew are each owned by the Haslam Sports Group.

Katten's nationally recognized sports industry attorneys work across key disciplines — in mergers and acquisitions/private equity, debt finance, real estate, tax, intellectual property, employment, health care, private wealth, and insolvency and restructuring. The team delivers strategic, end-to-end legal solutions tailored to the demands of sports-related businesses.

Beyond MLS, Katten advises a wide array of participants in the sports industry, including Major League Baseball, the National Basketball League, the National Hockey League, prospective owners, arena and stadium developers and operators, financial institutions, regional sports networks and corporate sponsors.

Founded in 1994, the Crew pioneered soccer in the United States as the first club in MLS history. The team opened its downtown stadium in 2021. The facility has hosted numerous major soccer competitions, including the 2024 MLS All-Star Game and multiple US Men’s National Team matches, among other notable events.

ScottsMiracle-Gro has long been the Crew's official lawn care & gardening partner, supplying products to maintain the team's natural grass playing surfaces, in-stadium promotions and community initiatives such as neighborhood soccer field refurbishments.

Speaking to the unique pressures activist works of art place on trusts and estates frameworks, Joshua underscores the practical and fiduciary questions that arise when such works transition from creation to inheritance or gift. As he explains, "Activist art is fine for an artist to create and maintain, but what about passing it on to one's heirs or donees? The rapidly evolving and expanding definitions of, and limitations on, what is and is not art, are straining the ability of estates and trusts to keep up which evolve glacially. Is this 'art' in the first place within the definition in the governing instruments of what a fiduciary is authorized hold?"

Joshua further notes the heightened stewardship burdens these works can entail. "The costs of installing and maintaining such art can be exceptionally high. Does one need to bequeath, in addition to the art, cash sufficient to cover these costs in order for an heir or donee to be willing to accept it? And is such art an appropriate investment for a trustee to hold in the first place?"

Joshua also highlights risks that can affect long-term value and disposition. "Is the installation meant to be temporary or permanent? If temporary, should a trustee be investing in a wasting asset that by definition must create a loss for the trustee? And even if permanent and even if the costs are covered, might the subject matter become politically incorrect or even illegal to sell in the future, potentially rendering the art worthless such as has happened to art containing ivory or petrified remains? At the moment, we have many more questions than answers in this fascinating area."

"The New Politics of Art. Who Gains and Who Loses When Artworks Become Statements," Citywealth, November 26, 2025

Commenting on Dubai's emergence as a premier destination for international wealth planning and governance, Joshua noted its increasing appeal to global families and entrepreneurs outside the United States. "There is no question that Dubai has become a top contender for wealth management and structuring from a trust and family office perspective. It is of particular interest to wealth creators from India and Russia, particularly because of its geographic and time zone proximity."

Joshua also offered perspective on adoption by US families, observing both areas of familiarity and caution as the legal framework continues to mature. "I am not seeing its popularity among American clients, however. On the one hand, Dubai's trust code is borrowed from the US Uniform Trust Code, so it is familiar. On the other hand, American families tend to be litigious, and Dubai's laws are so new that they have not yet been tested in the courts. The Channel Islands, Cayman and Bermuda have hundreds of years of case law precedent, making it easier to predict case outcome, and they are closer."

"UAE Wealth Structuring 2025: New Laws, Foundations, Wills and Global Family Office Trends," Citywealth, November 19, 2025

Alexander emphasized that Katten's platform and culture were central to his decision, describing the firm's attorneys as "sophisticated and approachable" and highlighting that Katten has "one of the marquee private credit practices nationally." He noted his commitment to continuing his practice in Dallas to help clients navigate the region's fast-growing finance ecosystem, pointing to the city's "bustling private credit market and expanding finance industry sectors" as a source of significant opportunity.

Alexander underscored the cross-border dimension of his work, explaining, "One of the things I bring to the table is my international experience," which will support Katten clients in complex, multi-jurisdictional financing transactions. His practice spans advising borrowers and lenders on private credit, leveraged and structured financings. He is admitted to practice in Texas, New York, and in England and Wales.

"Katten Adds Private Credit Pro From Winston & Strawn," Law360, November 25, 2025

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The annual awards were established in 2022 to honor the firm's late Insolvency and Restructuring practice Chair and longtime Partner John P. Sieger, who demonstrated an exceptional commitment to mentoring and developing talent and shaped the careers of many attorneys at Katten.

"Naming these awards for John was meant to be and is the highest compliment to him. Mentoring is core to who we are as a firm. It’s a vital part of our culture, it's vital to the professional growth of our attorneys and our business professionals," said Chair Gil Soffer. "Everyone who's had a good mentor, not to mention a great mentor like John, knows how consequential it can be and knows what a defining moment it can be in their careers."

Internal selection committees reviewed the nominations and selected the recipients based on the impact of their mentorship and their commitment to supporting, inspiring, teaching and engaging attorneys and business professionals through mentoring.

Last week, the awards ceremony was held announcing the winners.

Verde has been a partner at Katten since 1999 and is the General Counsel.

"Mike is an exemplary leader in this firm. He is principled, consistent and listens carefully before deciding on a course of action. Mike carries out those traits with a natural warmth and humor," according to a colleague.

In accepting his award, Verde pointed to the ethos of the firm that Sieger helped create. "Katten is a pretty special place. I was raised within this firm that you treat people with respect and you help them. And so, I've always lived by that," Verde said. "It speaks more to the firm than to me."

For more than four years, Kim has been an associate in the Financial Markets and Regulation practice, where he advises some of the largest and most prominent digital asset trading platforms and blockchain technology companies. Aside from his work counseling financial services industry participants, he is a frequent thought leadership contributor, speaker at key industry conferences, and co-chair of the firm’s Asian American Pacific Islander Affinity Group, which plays a vital role in cultivating a culture of belonging and inclusion at the firm.

"Alex's ability to empathize and his patience in explaining not only how to develop a great work product but also how to develop oneself set him apart from his peers. He is incredibly approachable regarding difficult topics and provides sound advice for how to thrive in this work environment," according to one mentee.

Kim dedicated the award to his mentors who have taken an interest in his success at Katten. "To me, mentoring is not just about professional development or teaching someone something. It is about showing up for one another when nobody is looking, over and over and over again," he said.

In her events supervisor role, Berger, who joined the firm in 2023, is often the first point of contact for new hires in the New York office, and coordinates client-facing events and meetings.

"Jessie leads with empathy, shows genuine care for people and their growth, and fosters a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels like they belong. What is most impactful is the way she mentors without ego. She is always approachable and encouraging, and never makes anyone feel small," according to her colleague.

Berger said hearing about Sieger's legacy, particularly how he uplifted others, made an impact on her. "I'm so grateful to be part of a community that celebrates all the large and small ways that we can support those around us and puts time and energy into showing how actions — big, small and those that we even think are inconsequential — can really influence our culture."

Nearly 50 Katten attorneys and business professionals were nominated for this year's awards — a testament to how strongly mentorship is valued at the firm.

"Mentoring isn't something that happens only in a meeting or formal setting — it's reflected in how we show up for one another every day," said Katten CEO Noah Heller. "There's no greater joy than seeing someone you believe in succeed and surpass your own expectations. That spirit is one of the many reasons why Katten is such a special place to practice and work."

Derek underscored the favorable fundraising and lending backdrop powering these transactions, noting, "It's definitely a good time to get out there. The inflows to the debt market that help support these deals are as high as they've ever been, and there are a lot of lenders out there looking to place dollars into the right deals."

He emphasized the strategic fit between private equity and the franchise model. "Their model is uniquely aligned with franchises. There's a trifecta of opportunities for private equity," Derek said. Because franchise systems generate stable cash flows and enable disciplined growth through development agreements, private equity sponsors can effectively deploy capital across multiple channels, including delayed draw term loans and institutional relationships beyond traditional bank financing.

Derek also highlighted the durable runway for consolidation within franchised systems. "You're typically never going to buy the entirety or even a majority of the franchisees under one brand," he observed. "So, there are always other groups that may be willing to sell to you."

For franchise groups contemplating a sale, Derek stressed execution readiness and credibility with institutional buyers. "Selling to a private equity group requires you to have your ducks in a row. You need financials that are presentable, ideally even audited financials," he said. Just as importantly, he cautioned sellers on deal certainty and follow-through. "When you commit, commit. You don't want to be seen as a shaky seller, where people aren’t going to invest the time and energy to get across the finish line with you if you’ve been down the aisle too many times."

"Why private equity is buying restaurant franchisees," Restaurant Dive, November 19, 2025

Cynthia was "commended for an initiative that combined insight with real follow-through." The judges highlighted "her persistence in turning good ideas into something tangible and lasting."

The Future Leaders Awards celebrate rising stars across the private client and private wealth sectors who are shaping the next generation of leadership in the industry. This year's judges evaluated nominees for technical excellence, evidence of innovation, dedication to clients and colleagues, and a demonstrated commitment to mentoring, inclusion and community engagement.

"Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2025 – Winners' Tribute," Citywealth, November 12, 2025

"We are delighted to welcome Alex. His proven track record of advising clients across the private credit and alternative lending markets will be beneficial to our clients as our industry continues to expand and evolve. His exemplary skills expand on our well-known ability to deliver the deep market insight, innovative structuring and strategic guidance our clients expect," said Katten Private Credit practice Chair Michael Jacobson.

Volsky represents borrowers and lenders in a wide range of private credit, leveraged and structured financings, including cash flow and asset-based lending, syndicated and club facilities, fund financings, real estate financings, secured and unsecured debt, and first-lien/second-lien and unitranche structures. Qualified to practice law in Texas, New York, England & Wales, he has a sophisticated command of market practices on both sides of the Atlantic and provides seamless coverage for US and cross-border transactions.

Volsky holds a PhD in international relations from the University of Oxford, where he specialized in the relationship between international law and great power politics. Early in his career, he served at the United Nations Security Council and Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prior to joining Katten, Volsky practiced leveraged finance at top international law firms in London, New York and Dallas.

"Alexander joining our Dallas office and the firm's Private Credit practice is absolutely a win-win," said Katten's Dallas Managing Partner Mark Solomon. "The Dallas/Fort Worth area continues to be a powerhouse region where the intersection of private equity, M&A and sophisticated financing thrives. The demand for private credit solutions is high as companies and investors here and abroad continue to look for creative capital."

Katten's full-service, market-leading Private Credit practice has successfully solved for virtually every deal variation in the space, in every market environment. The team works with many of the most active investors in the market, representing clients across a wide spectrum of sophisticated transactions.

"Lawyers Warn of 'Extraordinary Own Goal' as Reeves Considers Targeting UK LLPs," Law.com International, November 12, 2025

"We were incredibly proud to advise on this transformative partnership between one of the world’s top sports agencies and a leading private equity firm," said Katten Corporate Partner David Kravitz, who led the deal team with Corporate Partner Jessica Schauwecker. "This transaction represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the sports and entertainment industry, and sets the stage for the next phase of Excel’s growth."

 "We have represented Excel on a number of acquisitions and other corporate and employment matters over the years. Given the rapidly growing and changing sports industry and Excel’s incredibly hard working and talented management team, we are excited to see what opportunities lie ahead with the Goldman partnership," Schauwecker said.

Excel’s talent representation division is a dominant force across multiple sports, including basketball, baseball, golf and football, with a roster that features rising stars, MVPs, all-stars and Hall-of-Famers. Excel's properties division has become the go-to  partner for rightsholder sponsorship sales representation and advisory services for leading global properties, including Formula 1, the National Basketball Association (NBA),  Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Football League (NFL) and the English Premier League (EPL), among others. The agency’s brand marketing division provides full-service sponsorship support, including strategy, creative, activation and analytical measurement services, to top global brands. Excel also provides executive talent search and advisory services and event management, speaking and appearance services.

The full Katten deal team included Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Mitch Pahl, Private Equity Partner Alison Yuko Krieser, Intellectual Property Partner Bret Danow, Corporate Employment Partner Michelle Gyves, and Antitrust Partner Jonathan Rotenberg.

Katten's M&A platform provides merger and acquisition counseling and representation to companies of all sizes, from the Fortune 500 to start-ups, advising private equity sponsors, independent sponsors, family offices and other businesses on public and private mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, equity and debt financings, recapitalizations and other transactions. The team leverages competitive intelligence and creative structures to manage transactional risk, parlaying granular market knowledge to close deals and keep clients competitive.

Katten's nationally recognized sports industry practice features attorneys across key disciplines – in corporate, M&A, private equity, finance, real estate,  tax, intellectual property, employment, and litigation. The group increasingly delivers strategic, end-to-end legal solutions tailored to the demands of sports-related businesses, which include a robust roster of clients reflecting NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS, and NHL teams, as well as sports agencies, sports arenas and stadiums, lenders, investors, sponsors and regional sports networks.

"Autumn 2025 Thought Leadership Awards: Fin Tech," Mondaq, November 2025

See also:

"DORA Delegated Regulation on Threat-Led Penetration Testing Published in Official Journal"

"This recognition highlights Katten's leadership in shaping the global digital asset markets and regulatory policy, reflecting the firm's integral role in helping define how innovation and compliance coexist in the evolving crypto ecosystem," Zinman said. "Since the inception of cryptocurrency trading, Katten's Financial Markets and Funds and Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement teams have been at the forefront of digital asset-related law — helping the world's largest crypto players launch products, secure regulatory approvals, resolve enforcement disputes, and navigate US and international frameworks without sacrificing speed and innovation."

The noteworthy list, a global ranking researched and curated by the editorial team at Citywealth, a news and networking platform for the global private wealth industry, underscores the caliber of talent at Katten. The three partners have assumed leadership roles in prominent industry associations, influenced regulatory initiatives and defended clients in government investigations and enforcement proceedings.

The unmatched experience of the group, particularly with Zinman as a pioneer in proprietary trading, Davis as former Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) General Counsel and Kluchenek as the former associate general counsel at the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, has contributed to Katten's groundbreaking work in developing novel approaches and handling landmark cases in the digital asset space.

As Global Chair of Katten's internationally recognized Financial Markets and Funds department, Zinman has been instrumental in shaping the industry in which sophisticated market players around the world operate at the intersection of financial services, crypto and regulation. He advises clients who are steering the future of digital assets and leads proprietary trading firms in developing crypto strategies, as well as counsels crypto hedge funds and venture capital funds. He provides strategic counsel on complex business and general regulatory issues related to crypto assets, blockchain technology, offshore crypto trading and emerging digital asset trading ventures, leveraging extensive experience across the swaps markets and advising swap dealers and market participants on the regulatory considerations that increasingly shape both traditional and digital asset trading.

Zinman is a member of Katten's Executive Committee and Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Directors for the MFA (formerly the Managed Funds Association), the trade association for the global alternative asset management industry. He has been recognized by Crain's Chicago Business and named to its 40 Under 40 and Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law lists and by The American Lawyer as a Midwest Trailblazer.

Based in Washington, DC, Davis in his CFTC role participated in the development of cryptocurrency, digital assets and the blockchain industry from the regulator's perspective. As Co-Chair of Katten's Financial Markets and Regulation practice, Davis and his team advise clients on matters related to cryptocurrency, digital assets and blockchain technology and counsel them on regulatory, compliance, transactional and enforcement-related issues. He is highly experienced in helping crypto exchanges, banks and other fintech entities work with distributed ledger technologies.

At the same time, Davis continues to be a leading voice on regulatory initiatives for digital assets. He was one of five witnesses who appeared before the US House Committee on Financial Services in May 2025 for a roundtable discussion on the future of digital assets. Davis has been named a Cryptocurrency/Blockchain/Fintech Trailblazer by the National Law Journal.

Based in Chicago, Kluchenek is a partner in Katten's Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement practice. His keen understanding of cryptocurrency and financial markets enables him to counsel and advocate effectively for clients facing the most complex regulatory questions or allegations of fraud or noncompliance. He regularly advises clients in connection with regulatory matters, investigations and enforcement actions with respect to the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Kluchenek's prior experience includes high-level legal positions at CME Group, Inc. and a global proprietary trading firm.

Kluchenek focuses his practice specifically on regulatory, compliance and enforcement issues and developments involving crypto assets and derivatives. In particular, he has advised clients on a number of innovative crypto products and structures, including crypto collateral, the launch of crypto perpetuals in the United States, and the launch of hashrate swaps. He has also worked with a number of digital asset companies to secure registrations with the CFTC. Finally, Kluchenek is an adjunct professor at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where he teaches a course titled "The Derivatives Markets and Legal Practice," which covers digital assets.

Recently ranked in the Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies and Crypto-Asset Disputes categories in the Chambers FinTech 2025 guide, Katten's financial services practice is distinguished by its 360-degree platform, designed to give clients a decisive and competitive edge to grow and prosper, even amid regulatory uncertainty. Katten's uniquely holistic approach integrates transactional, regulatory, enforcement and operational counsel provided by an interdisciplinary bench of attorneys across the United States and London, including former senior officials from the SEC, CFTC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) and veterans of global investment banks.

“Crypto or corn? Trump's CFTC pick underscores new focus at watchdog,” Politico, November 4, 2025.

Katten's Trademark/Copyright/Privacy group is widely known for helping some of the world's leading businesses build and protect their most valuable assets through transactional, advisory, and litigation work across jurisdictions. The team, co-led by Karen Artz Ash and Floyd A. Mandell, is recognized for its ability to advise on all aspects of brand management, including trademark selection, clearance, protection, enforcement, and monetization, supported by trusted foreign law professionals throughout the world. Katten’s team excels at implementing business and enforcement strategies for famous fashion, tech and media brands, and other world-renowned companies, in a variety of industries. Only one law firm per legal practice area received the "Law Firm of the Year" recognition, which is based on research and peer feedback.

Katten was nationally ranked in the following practice areas:

• Advertising Law
• Banking and Finance Law
• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Corporate Law
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
• Entertainment Law - Music
• Environmental Law
• Health Care Law
• Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
• Litigation - Bankruptcy
• Litigation - Environmental
• Litigation - Intellectual Property
• Litigation - Real Estate
• Litigation - Securities
• Media Law
• Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Patent Law
• Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
• Public Finance Law
• Real Estate Law
• Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Securities Regulation
• Securitization and Structured Finance Law
• Tax Law
• Trademark Law
• Trusts and Estates
• Venture Capital Law

Katten was regionally ranked in the following practice areas:
 

Charlotte

• Commercial Litigation
• Employment Law – Management
• Litigation - Patent
• Patent Law
• Real Estate Law

Chicago

• Banking and Finance Law
• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Corporate Law
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Environmental Law
• Health Care Law
• Insurance Law
• Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
• Litigation - Environmental
• Litigation - Intellectual Property
• Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Municipal Law
• Patent Law
• Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
• Public Finance Law
• Real Estate Law
• Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Securities Regulation
• Tax Law
• Trademark Law
• Trusts and Estates
• Venture Capital Law

Dallas/Fort Worth

• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Corporate Law
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Health Care Law
• Litigation - Bankruptcy
• Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Los Angeles

• Banking and Finance Law
• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
• Entertainment Law - Music
• Litigation - Intellectual Property
• Litigation - Trusts and Estates
• Media Law
• Real Estate Law
• Trademark Law
• Trusts and Estates

New York City

• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Litigation - Bankruptcy
• Litigation - Real Estate
• Litigation - Securities
• Municipal Law
• Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
• Public Finance Law
• Real Estate Law
• Securitization and Structured Finance Law
• Tax Law
• Trademark Law
• Trusts and Estates

Washington, DC

• Advertising Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Litigation - Construction
• Litigation - Real Estate
• Real Estate Law
• Securitization and Structured Finance Law

Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers®, is rooted in a rigorous, peer-to-peer, industry-driven evaluation. A ranking from Best Law Firms signifies a high-quality practice and a breadth of legal expertise. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and metropolitan scale, providing legal professionals with an elevated stature from the Best Law Firms recognition. For more information, visit www.bestlawfirms.com.

In the case of C.S. v. R.H., the court found that a husband who had transferred more than $180 million in marital wealth into irrevocable family trusts — while retaining control as investment adviser and trustee-remover — effectively made those assets part of the marital economic enterprise. Joshua explained, "As a general presumption, irrevocable trusts are not normally treated as marital property in the United States. Trusts can be created prior to marriage or during marriage, and by third parties or by either or both spouses. Premarital and third-party trusts are almost never an issue in divorce."

Joshua emphasized that trusts created from marital property during marriage by the spouses can be protected from divorce proceedings, "but they are subject to a facts-and-circumstances test." He noted that the ruling "is in no way surprising and should cause no concern to the planning industry. The facts in that case were egregious and demonstrated de facto control over and benefit from the trusts' assets by the husband, notwithstanding that the origin of the creation of the trusts' assets was estate planning."

The article also examined the broader trend of ultra-wealthy families turning to private trust companies (PTCs) for tailored governance and control structures. PTCs are family-owned entities, often established in jurisdictions such as Jersey, the Cayman Islands, or the British Virgin Islands, and they provide a governance and legal framework for managing diverse assets alongside or within a family office.

"Trust Governance at Scale: Why Ultra-Wealthy Families Are Turning to PTCs," Citywealth, November 5, 2025

Daniel made the following commentary:

"The difficulty starts with the manifesto pledge. Promising not to raise income tax, National Insurance contributions and VAT for "working people" effectively meant ruling out increasing the three main taxes that genuinely move the economic needle of the UK's public finances. Against this background, it feels like the Chancellor is throwing out proposals to see which ones create the least backlash while working out which combination gets her closest to filling the multi-£bn "black hole" the UK public finances face – without breaching the manifesto, unless perhaps the manifesto is now breached.

The latest rumour – that the Treasury is considering raising the income tax rate by 1 p, although it is not clear whether this would be the basic rate (the real revenue generator), or just the higher and additional rate – would probably only genuinely help the public finances if it is some form of basic rate increase. It would be a cleaner solution compared to other ideas like the introduction of a mansion tax but also an indisputable manifesto breach which is already stretched while Labour is struggling to hang on to public support. Thought would need to be given how to protect those that would be most affected. The problem is that the alternatives suggested – such as the imposition of 15% National Insurance contributions on the profits of partners of UK LLPs (particularly, lawyers and accountants – mostly ignoring other business sectors that also operate under the LLP structure such as asset managers that have already been hit by the non-dom and carried interest changes) – will raise some revenue, but also further damage UK PLC as a destination for talent and economic growth. The highest marginal tax rate for partners would increase to around 54%. This will not be the way to help the economy grow. For some sectors such as GPs who are not the highest earners, it would also be hard to argue that they are not hit by a significant manifesto breach."

“Labour Manifesto – Can Reeves Stick to It?,” DIY Investor, October 29, 2025

“Will Rachel Reeves Raise Income Tax at the Autumn Budget?” Morningstar, November 3, 2025
 

Anita Hodea commented that transparency is central to the EDA, and companies will need to clearly inform users before contracts are signed about what types of data will be collected, how and for how long it will be stored, and who can access said data. She used a smart home device that collects personal data, such as user preferences, and non-personal data, such as energy usage, as an example. The device would require compliance with the GDPR for any personal data and would also need to provide users with "structured, machine-readable access to all data" under the EDA. She added that quick-reference tools, such as URLs or QR codes, could also be useful for making such information easily accessible and understandable to users.

"The EDA complements the GDPR by covering non-personal and IoT-generated data, whereas the GDPR governs personal data only," Anita said. "Both emphasize transparency, fairness and accountability, with the EDA focused on improving data portability, interoperability and seamless switching. Conflicts may arise when EDA obligations intersect with GDPR — for example, sharing personal data with third parties." She added that in such cases, the GDPR will take precedence. "To prepare, companies should segregate personal and non-personal data, implement safeguards and document legal bases for sharing personal data," she stated.

Regarding how the EDA may impact companies' compliance with the GDPR, Anita said that while the EDA is intended to spur competition, innovation and user empowerment, compliance with it "will require operational, technical and contractual changes." In order to avoid fines or litigation, "companies must review contracts, adapt infrastructure, and coordinate across legal, IT, and product teams," she added.

Further, Anita stated, "Even though the EDA covers all data types, it will not replace GDPR obligations," adding that "organizations must still ensure that they have a lawful basis to process personal data, while also meeting transparency and sharing obligations under the EDA."

"Complying with the EU Data Act – What companies should know," Compliance Week, October 30, 2025

"New EU Data Act may impact companies' GDPR compliance efforts," Compliance Week, October 27, 2025

"We are immensely proud to congratulate Kim and Sue on their distinction as the extraordinary women we’ve long known them to be," said Katten Chairman Gil Soffer. "Both exemplify the best of our firm and our profession — exceptional legal skill, visionary leadership and unswerving commitment to our clients and communities."

With a focus on professionals who "innovate, succeed and pay it forward," The Business Journals annually select 10 Women of Influence in several cities from a cross-section of industries, including finance, real estate, engineering and law.

As global chair of Katten's Corporate department, Smith, who is a member of the firm's Executive Committee and Board of Directors, leads nearly 150 attorneys across the United States, London and China, advising on matters of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity (PE), capital markets, public finance and health care, among others.

Smith is widely recognized for leading complex M&A transactions for PE funds, family offices and other clients as well as her deft handling of leveraged buyouts, acquisitions and joint ventures across multiple industries. In January, she was named among the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A by Mergers & Acquisitions magazine for the fifth consecutive year. In August, Smith was named by Crain's Chicago Business to its 2025 list of Notable M&A Dealmakers. She is on the corporate board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and a founding member of the organization's guild board.

Light joined Katten after more than 30 years as a senior regulatory officer at both the New York Stock Exchange and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Named among the Crain's New York Business Notable Women in Law, she was honored as "Best Mentor" at the New York Law Journal’s 2025 New York Legal Awards and selected for Katten’s John P. Sieger Excellence in Mentoring Award in 2024.

As co-chair of the firm's Broker-Dealer practice, Light leads a seasoned team of attorneys counseling a range of market participants. She advises large and small broker-dealers, investment banks and other financial services providers, clarifying the regulatory landscape, designing procedures to avoid regulatory problems, conducting internal investigations and resolving investigations and enforcement actions.

Charlotte made the following commentary:

"In view of Rachel Reeves’ statement that ‘each of us must do our bit,' it seems likely that income tax rates will increase — not just an extension of the freezing of the personal allowance — so an increase in the basic rate of income tax can be expected.

There may well also be an increase in the higher and additional rates rather than a reduction in the threshold for these rates, in keeping with her aim that 'those with the broadest shoulders should pay their fair share of tax,' and there is always the possibility that she will introduce a further rate of tax income tax to tax those that she considers to be the super wealthy.

However, if she does that, coupled with the potential introduction of employers' [National Insurance contributions] (NIC) on LLP members' profit shares, there is likely to be an acceleration in high earners moving to more welcoming tax regimes, such as Dubai and Milan, with the tax yoke being borne by those with slighter shoulders."

“Is the UK pushing about to accelerate an exodus of wealth?” Business Money, November 4, 2025

"Rachel prepares the ground, needing a sticking plaster for the weeping wound," SQC Research, November 5, 2025

"Reeves faces manifesto pledge backlash," Property Soup, November 5, 2025

NYREJ asked Eddy how he sees innovation in real estate creating a broader impact on communities and the people who live and work in them. "People often associate innovation with technology, but I think the greatest opportunity in commercial real estate lies in rethinking how spaces can be designed to promote healthier, more fulfilling ways of living and working," Eddy said. "This includes walkability, density, bike paths, and a diverse mix of uses. It's the idea behind the '15-minute city,' which offers a compelling framework where developers, owners and tenants can all benefit."

NYREJ also asked Eddy where he sees the biggest opportunities for innovation in the commercial real estate sector. "While many might point to technology or process, I like to think that the real opportunities lie in taking a more creative approach to planning," he replied. "In other words, some of this innovation needs to come from municipal and government bodies, which can take a policy-oriented approach to encouraging this sort of development." Eddy added that these bodies "also play a key role in implementing legal, zoning and regulatory changes necessary to make such development possible."

“Innovators in CRE,” New York Real Estate Journal, October 28, 2025

Partners recognized by Texas Super Lawyers include Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Co-Chair J. David Washburn, Litigation Partner Brandon N. McCarthy and Insolvency and Restructuring Partner John E. Mitchell. Partners James C. Bookhout, Ted A. Huffman, Ryan J. Meyer, Ethan E. Post, Rachel M. Riley, Associate Megan C. McKennon and Staff Attorney Sounia Senemar were named to the 2025 Texas Rising Stars list.

"This team exemplifies the strength, intelligence and collaborative spirit that define Katten. They manage complex, high-value work with excellence and continue to elevate both our client service and our firm’s culture," said Dallas Managing Partner Mark S. Solomon.

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. Rising Stars must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less.

"This team of attorneys exemplifies the very best of Katten's New York office. They provide exceptional client service, deliver outstanding legal counsel, and are recognized for their innovative thinking. It's inspiring to see new names join the list each year alongside those who have been recognized for decades — a true reflection of our firm's longevity, depth and bench strength," said Wendy E. Cohen, Managing Partner of Katten's New York office.

Also chosen to the 2025 New York Super Lawyers list were Partners Karen Artz Ash, Kevin P. Broughel, Alan J. Brudner, Kirby Chin, Bonnie Lynn Chmil, Mark T. Ciani, David A. Crichlow, Jill E. Darrow, William F. Dudine, Cindi M. Giglio, David L. Goldberg, Andrew L. Jagoda, Mitchel C. Pahl, Scott A. Resnik, Michael M. Rosensaft, Scott M. Vetri, and Kathryn von Matthiessen, and Senior Counsel Anthony L. Paccione and Martin Siroka.

Named to the 2025 New York Rising Stars list were Counsel Rebecca H. Lomazow and Associates Ryan A. Gibbons, Jesse O'Connell, Christina N. Romero and Grace A. Thompson.

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. Rising Stars must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less.

"'Enforcement Elite' for 2025," Securities Docket, October 31, 2025

The office, led by New York Managing Partner Wendy Cohen, serves many of Wall Street's largest financial institutions, top-tier asset managers, leading real estate investors, and other market leaders across key industries. Numerous practices and 24 attorneys in New York have been recognized by Chambers, and the office's lawyers have also been recently honored by leading publications such as Forbes, the New York Law Journal, and the New York Real Estate Journal.

Several of the firm's practices are chaired or co-chaired from New York, including Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Financial Markets and Regulation, Intellectual Property, Insolvency & Restructuring, Litigation, Private Wealth, Public Finance, Real Estate, Securities Litigation, Structured Finance and White Collar and Internal Investigations. The office offers additional capabilities in Investment Management & Trading, M&A and Private Equity, Private Credit, Capital Markets, Health Care and Transactional Tax Planning. Together, these practices reflect the office's role in guiding clients across complex, multi-practice matters and diverse sectors of the economy, ranging from life sciences and health care to private equity and finance.

Katten's finance and financial services capabilities are particularly deep in New York. The office includes numerous attorneys with prior in-house and government experience at leading investment banks and regulatory agencies such as the SEC, DOJ, CFTC, and FINRA, offering clients a unique perspective drawn from their experience in the industry. Recently, the office hosted the Futures and Derivatives Law Report's Digital Asset Leadership Summit, featuring SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins and CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham, underscoring Katten's leadership and engagement in the financial services sector.

Katten's Chicago office was also recently named to the Crain's Chicago Largest Law Firms list. New York and Chicago are the firm’s largest offices and demonstrate Katten's strong footprint in two of the most significant global financial centers.

"Largest Law Firms in the New York area (2025)," Crain's New York Business, October 20, 2025

"Big Law in New York keeps getting bigger. See the 50 largest firms." Crain's New York Business, October 20, 2025

"Largest Law Firms in the Chicago Area (2025)," Crain's Chicago Business, September 15, 2025

"These are the 50 largest Law Firms in the Chicago Area," Crain's Chicago Business, September 15, 2025

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In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri devastated communities across Texas, freezing water lines, collapsing the state’s electrical grid and causing extensive residential property damage. Among those affected was Katten's client, whose family home of many years had sustained catastrophic water damage. As a result, he and his wife lost irreplaceable belongings and were forced into temporary housing.

Relying on insurance coverage, the couple hired the contractor, who assured them that they would be back in their home within months. Instead, after receiving substantial insurance proceeds designated for repairs, the contractor abandoned the project, leaving the house uninhabitable and the client and his wife permanently displaced.

Katten filed suit against the contractor and its principal in Dallas County. After more than a year of litigation, the case was resolved the night before trial, with the contractor agreeing to pay more than 2.5 times the amounts taken from the client under the original repair contract.

"This was a true team effort and a great outcome for a deserving family," said Litigation Partner Ted Huffman. "I am proud to be part of a firm that supports pro bono representation with the dedication that was put into this matter. When initially accepting the case through DVAP, we did not know the course it would take. But through the hard work of multiple associates and team members on the file — including one who had the opportunity to take her first deposition — this matter was resolved favorably in a true team victory. We have been privileged to know and obtain some form of justice for this great client and his family."

As the population ages, planning for diminished health is an area where not only medical advisors play a role, but legal professionals are also crucial.

"As people continue to live ever longer, their chances of suffering ever diminishing capacity during the extra time they are gaining must sadly increase as well," Joshua shared. "For medical advisors, this of course underscores the importance of exercise and diet in one's later years. But for planning professionals, it underscores the importance of making sure that our clients have living wills, health care proxies and powers of attorney in place, hopefully to eliminate the needs for guardianship proceedings during these later years, and of making sure that wills and trusts are as current as possible at all times, lest the time come when one loses testamentary capacity."

For parents with vulnerable children, it can be advantageous to rely on third parties to help navigate family dynamics.

"Parents of vulnerable children should consider corporate trustees," Ronni said. "They are objective, experienced and less likely to be swayed by family tensions. We often match clients with trustees early, before any emergency, so they can build trust. Waiting until the last-minute limits everyone's options."

"Elder Law 2025: a global challenge for an ageing, wealthier world," Citywealth, October 22, 2025

Charlotte made the following commentary:

“Rachel Reeves has stated that she is committed to supporting growth and investment, and to cutting ‘red tape’. Whether this will extend to tax red tape is another matter — the increased paperwork required to substantiate R&D credit claims, since the press exposure of the exploitation of R&D Credit claims by unscrupulous advisers, is a very real handicap for genuine R&D credit claims in the tech industry. Some relaxation here would be very helpful. Specific tax incentives for technology adoption have also been hinted at, but it is important that the incentives are not so hidebound by conditions as to make them unattractive for investors, who may choose to seek easier markets for their funds.

"For SMEs, 15% employers' secondary Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NIC) are a heavy burden — introducing a reduced/zero rate of secondary Class 1 NIC for certain industry sectors such as tech (in addition to the current incentives in Freeport or Investment Zone special tax sites) could also help stimulate growth and investment in the tech sector."

"Experts Share: How Can The Autumn Budget Better Support Tech Growth?" TechRound, October 22, 2025

"TOPIC: Potential support for technology-based companies in the forthcoming budget," Legal Diary, October 24, 2025

“UK tech sector demands predictability and simpler tax rules ahead of Autumn Budget,” Grip, October 29, 2025

She succeeds Entertainment and Media Litigation Chair Zia Modabber, who has served as Managing Partner of our California offices since February 2016 and recruited Christine to Katten as a summer associate. After 35 years with the firm, he is going to retire from practicing law and join Signature Resolution as a neutral/mediator.

"I have been with Katten my entire career," Christine told Law360. "It feels like a natural step taking over from Zia, although there are certainly big shoes to fill there. Zia has my utmost respect as an outstanding lawyer [and] as a strong leader of our office for many years, as well as the firm generally. And also, he's a good friend."

"The firm leadership does a good job of reaching out to all the stakeholders, the partners in LA and other places, and talking to them about what they envision in an office managing partner, what attributes they envision an office managing partner to have and also who they think they might be supportive of in that role," Christine added. "After going through that entire process, they ended up narrowing it down to me."

Christine also credited the people at Katten and the relationships she's built. "It's the people … it's the strong existing relationships I have with so many excellent attorneys and business professionals, both in the Los Angeles office and nationwide," she said. "I think it's those relationships that are really going to help ease this transition to office managing partner for me. It's the reason why I've never thought to look to go anyplace else."

Katten Chairman Gil Soffer emphasized Christine's "exceptional judgment, strategic vision and deep experience in real estate finance" that have earned her the respect of both clients and colleagues. "Christy's highly trained understanding of client business needs, combined with her collaborative spirit, will help guide the offices into an exciting new chapter, one for which Zia's leadership helped pave the way," he said.

"Katten Names Real Estate Finance Atty As New Leader In LA," Law360, October 20, 2025

"Our honorees remind us of the profound difference that pro bono advocacy can make in people's lives," said Jonathan K. Baum, Katten's director of pro bono services. "Their dedication reflects our firm's deep commitment to ensuring meaningful access to justice for all. We are proud to recognize these attorneys for their service and grateful to the business professionals whose support helps make this work possible."

As part of the American Bar Association’s weeklong National Celebration of Pro Bono, Katten hosted its Service Awards ceremonies this week in its offices across the United States and the United Kingdom.

The firm honored 15 attorneys for their dedication to pro bono service throughout their careers, underscoring the firm's continued commitment to using legal skills to assist those most vulnerable and in need of high-quality legal representation.

The attorneys, who provided pro bono assistance on a range of matters, from asylum and immigration cases and discrimination claims to nonprofit counseling on tax-exempt status applications and corporate governance, are:

• Vinny Baumann, Counsel, Affordable Housing and Community Development, Washington, DC
• Zachary S. Beal, Associate, Litigation, New York
• Meena Dev-Sidhu, Counsel, Real Estate, Los Angeles
• Alex Haddad, Associate, Corporate, Chicago
• Matthew Hartzler, Associate, Intellectual Property, Chicago
• Kelly N. Hutchinson, Partner, Government and Public Finance, Chicago
• Carolyn H. Jackson, Partner, Financial Markets and Regulation, London
• Carl E. Kennedy, Partner, Financial Markets and Regulation, New York
• Ian W. Kirk, Associate, Real Estate, Los Angeles
• Loren M. Lee, Associate, Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement, Chicago
• Ryan A. Lilley, Associate, Capital Markets, Washington, DC
• Yawara Ng, Associate, Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement, Charlotte
• Rachel M. Riley, Partner, White Collar and Internal Investigations, Dallas
• Robert T. Smith, Partner, Litigation, Washington, DC
• Luz A. Solano-Flórez, Associate, Real Estate, Charlotte

Katten also recognized three business professionals with pro bono service awards for their significant role in supporting and advancing the firm's pro bono legal services:

• Margaret Hamilton, Legal Executive Assistant, Intellectual Property, New York
• Joshua Upthegrove, Senior Paralegal, Litigation, Dallas
• Deborah Wing, Paralegal, Trademark/Copyright/Advertising/Privacy, Chicago

Each award recipient receives a $1,000 honorarium to donate to a charity of their choice.

CUF recognized Louise for being a changemaker "in addressing New York City’s affordability crisis and strengthening communities across the five boroughs." CUF praised her work in her prior role as Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner, in which she oversaw one of the nation's largest affordable housing initiatives, accelerated the city's plan to create and preserve 300,000 affordable homes, and led the implementation of the highly innovative Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) program. Now at Katten, Louise continues to drive initiatives that expand affordable housing and "stronger, more resilient neighborhoods."

"Center for an Urban Future 2025 Gala," Center for an Urban Future, October 2025

Wendy noted that Katten's hybrid model generally targets three in-office days per week, while allowing practice-specific variations to accommodate client demands and workflow. She highlighted that productivity is more than just about billable output, pointing to the value of spontaneous collaboration, mentorship and cross-practice interaction while in the office environment. "Interacting with others, mentoring in person, having lunch together in the cafe, and being collaborative, that’s productive in a different way. It invests in people. When people feel better, that increases ultimate productivity, which translates into more revenue."

Wendy also cited the role of regular, firmwide events and welcoming office amenities in strengthening culture and improving attendance, fostering a sense of connection across practice groups and seniority levels. "When you can have events across practice groups and have human interaction, people think 'hey, this is fun!'"

"Leaders of Top New York Law Firms Striving To Overcome Resistance to Return to Office Policies," NYSBA, October 17, 2025

The government will need to seek a balance between increased access and consumer protection. Chris warned, "The use of public/private keys may be challenging or unsuitable for some consumers, given the potential in crypto-asset markets for an investor to be locked out of their digital wallet if they lose access to their private key."

While DLT is largely considered to be secure, Chris notes, "[Any] access point to the DLT, whether through a wallet or in direct dealings with a fund, can be vulnerable." Disclosures play a critical role in consumer protection, even if the FCA believes consumers don’t need extensive information on how the technology works. He stated, "There's certainly still a place for disclosing any new risks to which the industry has not been exposed in the past, and that's one of the safeguards the industry will want to pursue."

"FCA's Tokenization Plan May Heighten Financial Crime Risk," Law360, October 17, 2025

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A dual-qualified attorney in England and New York, Jackson is named in the Financial Services: Non-Contentious Regulatory (UK-wide) category. She assists clients in solving complex cross-border issues involving the regulation of financial institutions and financial products, including derivatives. Vollans, ranked in Hotels & Leisure (UK-wide), focuses his Real Estate practice on hotels in particular and has vast experience advising clients on real estate investment, finance, asset management, development, portfolio management, and general landlord and tenant matters.

The firm also received distinctions in two practice areas: Hotels & Leisure (UK-wide) and Real Estate: £10-50 million (London Firms).

Chambers and Partners is an independent legal research company operating across 200 jurisdictions delivering detailed rankings and insight into the world’s leading lawyers and law firms. Individual lawyers are ranked in their practice areas based on their legal knowledge and experience, their ability, their effectiveness and their client service.

Fitzgerald will formally start her new role on January 1, succeeding longtime entertainment attorney Zia F. Modabber, who served as managing partner for nearly a decade and chairs Katten's Entertainment and Media Litigation practice.

After more than three decades in the legal field, representing some of the most recognizable names in music and entertainment, Modabber will retire from his practice to join Signature Resolution as a neutral mediator in February 2026.

"We are thrilled to have Christy helm our LA offices. Her exceptional judgment, strategic vision and deep experience in real estate finance have earned her the respect of clients and colleagues alike," said Katten Chairman Gil Soffer.

"Christy's highly trained understanding of client business needs combined with her collaborative spirit will help guide the offices into an exciting new chapter, one for which Zia's leadership helped pave the way."

Fitzgerald has been an attorney with Katten her entire legal career, having joined the firm after Modabber recruited her as a summer associate from Loyola Law School.

Recognized by the Best Lawyers in America and Legal 500, she concentrates her practice on transactional real estate law with a focus on all aspects of real estate financing. She also has held several firm leadership roles, including membership on the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Associate Compensation Committee, Women’s Leadership Forum steering committee and as co-hiring partner for the LA offices.

Julia was recognized for her professionalism and commitment to delivering excellent results for her clients, as well as her "deep understanding of complex intellectual property matters combined with her thoughtful approach and focus" on clients' needs. She was nominated by Katten's client Kevin MacKinnon, general counsel at Boar's Head, a company which Julia has successfully represented in complex matters, including a high-stakes trademark dispute that involved several legal and strategic issues.

"One of Julia's standout qualities is her ability to consistently approach disputes with a practical business-minded perspective," MacKinnon said. "She has a unique talent for cutting through complexity and driving toward resolutions that are both efficient and effective … Her judgment, professionalism and ability to defuse tension make her an invaluable advisor."

"Julia Mazur – 40 Under 40 2025," Law Bulletin Media, October 2025

Louise shared how public-private partnerships play a key role in the production of affordable housing in New York City. Whether it is developers approaching the city with land and a proposal for affordable housing, or the city issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) for developers to compete for city-owned land, it’s the collaboration that makes these projects viable.

"Affordable Housing Challenges & Solutions in NYC | Louise Carroll," The Bells I Hear podcast, September 30, 2025

• YouTube
• Spotify

"In terms of the Love Hate feature, forced heirship remains high on my list, but let's confront the elephant in the room: who loves estate, inheritance and other death-time transfer taxes? On the one hand, no one likes working hard their whole life only to have to pay 40 percent or more of their net worth to the Revenue upon their death. It can force the sale of illiquid assets to pay the tax, and it raises very little revenue for the Fisc, yet requires a lot of enforcement effort.

On the other hand, transfer taxes, in fact, have nothing to do with raising revenue. Rather, they are a policy-driven tax designed to discourage hoarding and to encourage the redistribution of wealth. It is a voluntary tax, which you can easily avoid by not hoarding and by voluntarily redistributing wealth. There is merit on both sides of the philosophical argument.

I think the trick is that, on the one hand, to impose transfer taxes for valid policy reasons, but on the other hand, to have meaningful nil bands so it does not impact taxpayers, who don't have enough for themselves, to be forced to give away assets in order to avoid the tax. The UK nil band of £325,000 is unrealistically low, while the US exemption from transfer taxes of $15 million ($30 million for a married couple) is much more realistic."

"Private Client Law and Accounting 2025: The Best and Worst Rules for Wealth, Tax and Estate Planning," Citywealth, October 15, 2025

"The distinguished leaders within the 2025 class are making meaningful impacts both in their practice and in their communities," said ABI Executive Director Amy Quackenboss. "As restructuring practice continues to advance, we look forward to this diverse group of honorees propelling ABI and the insolvency community forward."

As described in ABI's press release, this year's applicants represented a broad spectrum of professionals across the entire insolvency community, and, as an honoree, Yelena's application stood out among more than 200 candidates evaluated by members of a 24-person steering committee.

"ABI Announces 2025 '40 Under 40'," American Bankruptcy Institute, October 14, 2025

"Ultra wealthy people, even if young and healthy, should always have well thought out estate plans in place to cover, as we say in New York City, what happens in case you get hit by a taxicab," explained Joshua. "This contingency planning is frankly important for everyone, regardless of wealth, as in the absence of planning, one's assets pass by intestacy. While the laws of intestacy vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, there is usually a sharing (often 50:50) between spouse and children, which means that the half passing to children is fully taxable now, instead of tax deferred to the surviving parent's death. 

"And if there are minor children, their shares frequently get paid into an account controlled by the probate court until their majority. But in the case of exceptionally wealthy people, such contingency planning is particularly crucial. In the absence of contingency planning, who is in charge of running and protecting their business assets? Similarly, in the case of artists and celebrities, who will control, manage and profitably exploit their intellectual property interests, such as royalties and copyrights, in a unified and coherent manner?"

Joshua also pointed out that reputational risks can be mitigated with careful planning.

"Finally, we always advise prominent clients to write their own obituaries and have them on file, so they can control what is said about them in the event of unanticipated death," Joshua shared. "A reputation consultant can be invaluable in this regard."

"How sudden loss exposes estate planning gaps," Citywealth, October 1, 2025

The event, focused on legislative and regulatory developments and market innovations, showcased fireside chats with US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul S. Atkins, moderated by former SEC Commissioner Troy A. Paredes, and another conversation with US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham, moderated by Kennedy.

"The summit's discussions put a spotlight on the importance for regulators and policymakers to close the gap between innovation and regulation in the digital asset space. It's evident that collaboration between regulators and industry leaders is vital for developing a framework that promotes growth while maintaining market integrity," said Kennedy, also an editorial board member of the Futures and Derivatives Law Report and former CFTC regulator. "Chairman Atkins's and Acting Chairman Pham’s willingness to discuss these matters demonstrates their commitment to cross-agency cooperation and to advancing the digital asset markets."

Futures and Derivatives Law Report's Editor-in-Chief Gary E. Kalbaugh welcomed guests to the inaugural event and introduced the distinguished speakers on two panels titled "Driving Innovation: Legislative Priorities and Administrative Successes in Digital Asset Policy" and "Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Tackling Unresolved Challenges in Crypto Regulation."

Following his introduction, in-depth panel discussions began with a range of industry professionals: Chris Brummer, Professor, Georgetown Law School; Julia Hueckel, Director, Regulatory Policy, Coinbase; Stephen Humenik, SVP, Global Head of Capital Markets, Legal & Head of Clearing, Crypto.com; Summer Mersinger, Chief Executive Officer, Blockchain Association; Katrina Paglia, Chief Legal Officer, Pantera; Troy A. Paredes, former Commissioner, SEC; Christine Parker, Deputy General Counsel, Circle; Christopher Perkins, Managing Partner and President, CoinFund; and Greg Xethalis, Partner and General Counsel, Multicoin Capital.

The panels highlighted key regulatory achievements and initiatives that have advanced the digital asset ecosystem, and recent legislation and proposals aimed at regulating digital assets. They also covered ongoing efforts to tokenize real-world assets and integrate them into financial markets, as well as the challenges and opportunities of using digital assets as collateral or margin in financial transactions, among other topics.

Katten's Didiuk moderated a panel on digital asset policy, where efforts to align federal, state and international regulations to create a cohesive framework for digital assets were discussed alongside other key issues.

"We're at an inflection point as the future of digital assets in our financial markets comes into sharper focus. Bringing together key industry leaders for an open dialogue about what comes next for blockchain and digital assets — and how smart, balanced policy can support innovation and investor protection goals — is an important step forward," said Didiuk.

With a deep bench of attorneys who have held senior positions at federal regulatory agencies, Katten's Financial Markets and Regulation practice represents market-leading clients on complex matters related to cryptocurrency, digital assets and blockchain technology, as well as advises on regulatory, compliance, transactional and enforcement-related issues.

A leader in the financial services industry, Katten has been at the forefront of digital asset-related law since the inception of cryptocurrency trading and was recently recognized in the Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies and Crypto-Asset Disputes categories in the Chambers FinTech 2025 guide.

"This designation may not result in substantial changes for platforms with an existing risk of cyberflashing, as it is a risk that they would have already taken into account; however, it signals the importance for platforms to track new types of illegal harms and priority offences, which is required under the Illegal Content Code of Practice," Terry said.

The platform's failure to comply could lead to substantial fines and business interruption (i.e., takedown of the platform, stopping suppliers from dealing with the platform, and personal liability of directors and associated entities, including potential criminal sanctions) and, importantly, can potentially affect any platform anywhere in the world as the provisions relate to platforms with UK users.

"TOPIC: Cyberflashing to be reclassified under the Online Safety Act," The Legal Diary, October 3, 2025

"U.K. enforcement appetite over off-channel comms grows as U.S. wanes," Compliance Week, October 1, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

The article describes Mike's background advising investment advisers, private funds and registered funds on regulatory compliance, fund structure and governance and expertise in the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and digital asset regulation. The article also discusses Mike's tenure at the SEC, which included roles in the Office of Chief Counsel for the Division of Investment Management, as counsel to two SEC commissioners, and as a leader in the Division of Examinations, where he oversaw reviews of private fund and crypto advisers. Mike participated in the SEC's first internal blockchain working group.

Mike advises cryptocurrency clients through the federal securities laws and complex regulatory issues raised by cryptocurrency products, digital asset sales and digital securities. His deep knowledge in cryptocurrency enhances Katten's ability to guide clients through complex regulatory challenges at the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets.

"Former SEC Counsel Joins Katten," Hedge Fund Law Report, September 25, 2025

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"The Potential Impact of Proposed Amendments to FINRA's Rule 2210 on Performance Projections," Hedge Fund Law Report, September 25, 2025

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HATCo is a platform created by global investment and transformation company General Catalyst to advance health systems and help them partner with leading technology companies. Summa Health is one of the largest integrated health care delivery systems in Ohio.

The Katten team included Health Care Transactions Associates Caitlin Kierum, Vinal Patel, Julia DeVincenzi and Brandon von Kriegelstein.

The firm received the highest ranking possible in the Corporate Tax: Firms to Watch category for the first time and also advanced in Financial Services: Non-Contentious/Regulatory. Katten was also recognized as a Firm to Watch in the Private Funds category for the second consecutive year.

Partners Carolyn H. Jackson, Nathaniel Lalone and Charlotte Sallabank were also named to the highly regarded Leading Partners list, which spotlights market leaders with long-established reputations in their sector.

Katten was ranked in the following practice areas:

• Corporate Tax
• Derivatives and Structured Products                                           
• Financial Services: Non-Contentious/Regulatory
• Hospitality and Leisure                                                    
• M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m       
• Private Funds                   
• Property Finance                                                                                                   

The Katten attorneys individually recommended are:

• Corporate Tax
  • Daniel Lewin
  • Charlotte Sallabank (Leading Partner)
• Derivatives and Structured Products
  • Carolyn H. Jackson
  • Nathaniel Lalone
  • Neil Robson         
• Financial Services: Non-Contentious/Regulatory
  • Carolyn H. Jackson (Leading Partner)
  • Nathaniel Lalone (Leading Partner)
  • Neil Robson
• Hospitality and Leisure
  • Terry Green
  • Gavin Vollans                                          
• M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m
  • Omar Malek
  • Edward A. Tran
  • George Warren
  • Oliver Williams
  • David Wood
• Private Funds       
  • Ryan Hansen
  • Thomas Laurer
  • Daniel Lewin       

The current US regulatory capital framework permits a bank to recognize netting between repo and derivatives exposures for purposes of risk-weighted asset calculations – but only where the bank an 'advanced' rather than the 'standardized' approach for such calculations, and "subject to a pretty rigorous vetting process by the prudential regulators." The original Basel III Endgame proposal would have ended the use of internal models, leaving the standardized approach as the only option for banks looking to net cross-product exposures. Steve noted: "If a bank uses the standardized approach, the capital benefits of a cross-product netting agreement cannot be recognized, and it’s not clear how this will come out in the revised Endgame proposal – the initial proposal would have removed recognition of cross-product netting entirely."

Steve recently wrote in more detail about the issues to be resolved prior to go-live for mandatory clearing, here. 

"Accounting fix brings FICC agent clearing a step closer," Risk.net, September 26, 2025

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Chris noted that this poses challenges for firms seeking improved compliance from employees. He stated, "While the FCA figures represent internal policy breaches rather than confirmed regulatory violations, the concentration of incidents among senior employees could undermine the 'tone from the top' necessary for effective compliance. The persistence of these breaches, particularly given firms' enhanced frameworks over the past two years, indicates that technological solutions alone are not sufficient. The real challenge is understanding why certain employees, particularly senior ones who should know better, still reach for WhatsApp when they understand the rules."

On supervisory implications, Chris said, "The current review serves as both guidance and warning: firms are on notice that repeated internal policy breaches, particularly involving senior staff, may lead to supervisory attention."

Identifying patterns in compliance breaches for targeted help, along with significant consequences, is key to addressing the problems at their source. He added, "When combined with material consequences, training that uses real breach scenarios, and senior management that genuinely engages with the data, are some of the measures that could shift behavior rather than simply document violations."

Chris also spoke with Law360 about the challenges firms are facing. "Failing to supervise off-channel communications could increase the risk of fraud, whether benefiting the firm or the individual perpetrator." He warned, "If firms are not effectively supervising and monitoring such communications, it can be a lot more difficult to detect such serious wrongdoings. When senior leaders are violating policies, it signals that firms have not truly embedded the behavioral change necessary for effective control."

"RIP BYOD? The compliance challenge of off-channel communications," Treasury Today, September 2025

"HSBC Using AI To Fight Fraud Under 'Failure To Prevent' Law," Law360, September 24, 2025

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James noted that the adoption of these generic listing standards significantly streamlines the process for bringing crypto ETPs to market, reducing approval times. "So in the end, this doesn't mean the products will be effective immediately without any SEC oversight or approval at all. But it does mean that the process will be much easier and typically take three to four months instead of a half-year, three-quarters of a year or more." He explained that while the SEC will continue to review registration statements, the new rules eliminate the need for lengthy, case-by-case rule change approvals, making the process "much simpler." James emphasized that issuers will still engage in dialogue with the SEC to address any concerns, but the overall path to market is now more efficient and predictable.

"SEC Eases Path for Crypto ETPs With New Listing Rules," Law360, September 18, 2025

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The team also included Capital Markets Associates Maximillian Licona and Ryan Lilley.

The American Lawyer grouped firms into four categories, focusing on scale, profitability, productivity and reach. Katten was called out alongside a set of peers for its outsized profitability relative to its scale.

The Global Elite rankings methodology evaluates the 2025 Global 200 firms by assigning 1–200 scores for a set of seven Fiscal Year 2024 metrics based on each firm’s rank in those categories. Each firm's Overall Global Elite Score is the average of its seven metric scores, highlighting strength across profitability, productivity, size, scale and global reach. Two focused rankings apply different weightings: Size, Scale, and Reach emphasizes revenue, total lawyers, global scale, and lawyer distribution; Profitability & Productivity emphasizes RPL, PEP, and PPL, irrespective of firm size or geographic distribution.

"The Global Elite in 5 Charts," The American Lawyer, September 18, 2025

"The Act aims to create a fairer and more competitive data ecosystem, applying to manufacturers and service providers of connected products, providers of related digital services, and cloud and edge service providers," Anita said, adding that the Act "encompasses all data processing activities, covering both personal and non-personal data."

"Where personal data is involved, the [General Data Protection Regulation] takes precedence, ensuring privacy and protection remain intact," Anita explained, adding that "the introduction of new terms, such as 'data holder', and limited guidance on their application mean organisations must carefully define roles, governance and responsibilities to comply with both frameworks." For companies, Anita stated that the Act "requires designing products for accessible and secure data, enabling fair third-party sharing and improving transparency," and commented that these changes "promise more open markets, stronger innovation, and empowered users across the [European Union]."

"EU Data Act: What enterprises need to know as data portability becomes law," Tech Informed, September 12, 2025

"EU Data Act: Stricter standards for smart devices and cloud services," City AM, September 12, 2025

"The EU Data Act which comes into force today," The Legal Diary, September 12, 2025

“EU Data Act aims for innovation, fairness & strong governance,” IT Brief UK, September 17, 2025

“EU Data Act aims for innovation, fairness & strong governance,” Data Centre News UK, September 17, 2025

“EU Data Act aims for innovation, fairness & strong governance,” CFO Tech UK, September 17, 2025

“EU Data Act aims for innovation, fairness & strong governance,” SecurityBrief UK, September 17, 2025

“What does the EU Data Act mean for businesses?” Verdict, September 17, 2025

“The Ultimate Guide to Risk & Compliance,” Tech Day, 2025

“The Ultimate Guide to Edge Computing,” Tech Day, 2025

“The Ultimate Guide to Data Protection,” Tech Day, 2025

“The Ultimate Guide to Data Privacy,” Tech Day, 2025

“The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence (AI),” Tech Day, 2025

Additional coverage of this recognition includes:

"What Does The Forbes 2025 Top Lawyers List Tell Us About The State of the Law Business?" Law Fuel, September 23, 2025

"Yachts and planes are still big and still vogue," Joshua said. "The growth, and display, of extreme wealth does not seem to be slowing. Tech is certainly one of the sources of the wealth. I am seeing a lot from wealth generated from commercial real estate as well."

"Superyachts Sail Into a New Era: Asia, Aviation and Next-Gen Wealth Redefine the Market," Citywealth, September 10, 2025

The Katten team was led by Mergers and Acquisitions Partner Tom Lamprecht; Private Credit Partner John Huang; Corporate Associates Jesse O'Connell, Sarah Youssef and Aaron Weiss; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate James Blasland; Antitrust and Competition Partner David Gonen; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partners Shira Selengut and Meredith O’Leary, and Associate Neal Patel and Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden.

"AeriTek Announces Acquisition of Due North, Creating a Global Leader in Retail Refrigeration," Business Wire, September 2, 2025

"Kader's strong background in accounting and tax paired with his wealth of experience, deep relationships and driven nature equip him to craft strategic solutions that meet both commercial and legal needs," said Michael Jacobson, chair of Katten's Private Credit department, a full-service team that handles all aspects of financing and regulatory matters across a wide spectrum of transactions in this evolving industry.

"Kader's overall skillset aligns with our distinguished industry reputation, making him well-suited for the team," Jacobson added.

Crawford focuses on the middle market, addressing matters related to commercial lending, corporate finance and private equity transactions. He works closely with money center bank and non-bank lenders, private equity sponsors, and other public and private companies regarding complex financing transactions, including senior secured cash flow and asset-based credit facilities, unitranche financings, stretched senior financings, and mezzanine and second-lien facilities, among others.

Crawford works with a variety of lending market players, advising on matters from bilateral sponsor acquisition financings to broadly syndicated credit facilities for large companies. His experience in asset-based lending (ABL) expands Katten's ever-growing capabilities in the space as it represents both lenders and borrowers in a range of transactions, including working capital and cash flow financing.

Before joining Katten, Crawford was a partner at another Am Law 100 firm, where he focused on commercial lending, corporate finance and private equity transactions. He previously was a certified public accountant with a Big Four accounting firm.

His active pro bono practice includes assisting nonprofit lenders in establishing business structures and addressing matters related to lending regulations compliance. Crawford also counsels a number of Charlotte-area organizations in business formation, corporate governance and other general corporate matters.

"Kader knows the importance of delivering innovative, effective legal solutions that address business needs," said Katten Charlotte Managing Partner Karen Nelson. "His fresh energy and standout skills are a match for the Katten culture and profile not only in Charlotte but throughout the firm."

Katten also represented Deerfield as a lead investor in CorMedix's private placement of $150 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes. CorMedix issued the convertible notes to help finance the Melinta acquisition.

Melinta is a commercial-stage company providing therapies for acute and life-threatening illnesses. CorMedix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapeutic products for life-threatening diseases and conditions.

The Katten team that represented Deerfield was led by Partner and Co-Chair of Capital Markets Mark Wood and included Mergers and Acquisitions Partner Josh Feiger and Associate Kylie Sholty; Capital Markets Partners Elizabeth McNichol and Jonathan Weiner; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Mitchel Pahl and Associate Neal Patel; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Jill Darrow; Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden; and Health Care Partner Kate Hardey.

"CorMedix Completes Acquisition of Melinta Therapeutics, Raises Financial Guidance and Announces New Leadership Team," Stock Titan, September 2, 2025

"CorMedix completes $150 million convertible notes offering on Nasdaq," Investing.com, August 12, 2025

"Melinta Therapeutics Announces Strategic Acquisition by CorMedix, Underscoring Its Portfolio Value and Industry Leadership," Business Wire, August 7, 2025

4chan is currently being investigated by Ofcom on compliance with the OSA under threat of financial penalties. The case brought against Ofcom by 4chan claims the regulator had sent "threatening communications" to other internet companies based in the United States, asserting that the OSA interferes with their constitutional rights and US operations. The OSA applies extraterritorially to any social media platform with UK users, regardless of where the platforms are based.

Terry called the case a "critical moment" in Ofcom's enforcement of the OSA. "Ofcom's response to this lawsuit will be crucial as this [challenge by 4chan] has the risk of being replicated across the United States and even globally," he said. "There is no doubt that overseas platforms are all keeping a close eye on how this lawsuit progresses and Ofcom's response to it."

"Internet forum 4chan sues UK regulator in US over free speech," Reuters, August 28, 2025

"Internet forum 4chan sues UK regulator in US over free speech," *U.S. News & World Report, August 28, 2025

"Internet forum 4chan sues UK regulator in US over free speech," Global Banking & Finance Review, August 28, 2025

"Internet forum 4chan sues UK regulator in US over free speech," Yahoo News, August 28, 2025

"Internet forum 4chan sues British regulator in US over free speech," The Straits Times, August 28, 2025

"The legal action in the USA by 4chan against Ofcom," The Legal Diary, August 29, 2025

"Internet forum 4chan sues UK regulator in US over free speech," London South East, August 28, 2025

"4chan, Kiwi Farms file lawsuit against Ofcom," National Technology News, August 28, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

"First, we reiterated a strong commitment to be in London, in particular in the core markets that we see as our signature strengths in the US, primarily finance and financial services, and related practices including corporate, private equity, M&A, and litigation," said London Managing Partner Christopher Hitchins.

"And second, a commitment to double down on the strengths that we have in financial services in London, and to try to replicate our success there across practices where the firm has an international client base and need."

"'We see London as a gateway': Katten City chief on the strategy shift that doubled UK revenues," Legal Business*, August 27, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

Carl credits his development to influential mentors, including Scott O'Malia, former Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Commissioner and current CEO of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, and Gary DeWaal, his predecessor at Katten. He also draws inspiration from his former CFTC colleague and long-time friend, CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline Pham.

Addressing the evolving legal landscape, Carl emphasizes the importance of embracing technology and innovation, while still demonstrating the value of having a "lawyer in the loop" to clients increasingly leveraging AI for traditional legal tasks. He advises aspiring and current lawyers to reflect honestly on their career paths, prioritize mental health and seek practice areas that align with their interests and strengths. He shares that his pivot from tax law to derivatives led to greater professional fulfillment.

"Distinguished Leaders: Carl Kennedy, Katten Muchin Rosenman," New York Law Journal, September 2, 2025

He noted the additional complications, stating, "[i]t's been months since they said they're going to announce the framework for the amended plan and that still has yet to be filed." The way SIPs are structured, with material decisions requiring unanimous consent, makes it unsurprising "if it slipped into 2027."

"I suspect that some of the exchanges did not really want this, but [24X National Exchange] pressed the issue and ultimately got the SEC to sign off on it. 24X has done a nice job pushing a lot of the other exchanges to eventually do this." James added, “That said, the move to 24-hour trading is taking longer to implement than it probably should because the SIPs are funded by the exchanges and the exchanges' lives are arguably easier, maybe more cost-effective, if they're not open overnight."

"Is 2027 the new 24-hour trading target?" Risk.net, September 2, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

Katten ranked among the leading three law firms in the Top 100 Most Active Law Firms Representing Defendants category and ranked as one of the 10 best firms named to the Top 100 Most Active Law Firms Overall (Representing Defendants or Plaintiffs) list.

Katten Global Intellectual Property Department Chair Deepro R. Mukerjee and Patent Litigation Co-Chair Lance A. Soderstrom ranked among the top 10 Most Active ANDA Attorneys Representing Defendants, with Partners Jitty Malik, PhD and Joseph M. Janusz placing among the top 25.

Mukerjee, Soderstrom, Malik along with Christopher B. Ferenc were also listed in the top 25 of Best Performing ANDA Attorneys Representing Defendants. Ranking among the top 25 Most Active ANDA Attorneys Overall (Representing Plaintiffs and Defendants) were Mukerjee and Soderstrom.

"This industry leading report again notes Katten's prowess in ANDA litigation and reflects the proven success of our Hatch-Waxman attorneys, who serve as trusted advisors to our clients operating in the highly competitive and evolving pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors," said Mukerjee, the Global Chair of Katten's Intellectual Property Department and a member of the firm's Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

In total, there are 15 Katten Patent Litigation attorneys individually named as leading ANDA litigators. In addition to Mukerjee, Soderstrom, Malik, Janusz and Ferenc, featured in the report are Patent Litigation Co-Chair Brian Sodikoff; Partners Timothy H. Gray and Eric T. Werlinger; Counsel Matthew M. Holub and Rachel Leininger Schweers, PhD; and Associates Lauren Eiten, Catherine E. O’Brien, Sara M. Pistilli and Jillian M. Schurr; and staff attorney Christopher B. Prescott.

Additionally, the firm appeared on the lists for Best Performing Law Firms Representing Defendants, Best Performing Law Firms Overall (Representing Defendants or Plaintiffs), and Top 100 Most Active Law Firms Representing Plaintiffs.

The 2025 ANDA Litigation Intelligence Report, released by Patexia, is based on the activity and performance of attorneys and law firms for Hatch-Waxman litigation. Researchers evaluated 200 law firms and 1574 attorneys and analyzed the data from 1,373 ANDA cases filed from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2025. Patexia is the leading network for intellectual property professionals, with over 100,000 attorney profiles.

"This is a career-defining moment for this group of talented attorneys. Their promotion reflects the firm's recognition of the years they have spent honing their excellent legal skills, producing high-quality work and fostering trusted relationships with clients and colleagues," said Katten Chair Gil M. Soffer. "We are confident they will build on the firm's strengths in how we work together to deliver exceptional service and strategic counsel that our clients value."

The firm's Executive Committee unanimously approved the promotion of the following attorneys to partner:

• Ava R. Alim, Real Estate Investment and Finance, Charlotte
• Christopher Collins, Financial Markets and Regulation, London
• Christopher T. Cook, Insurance and Health Care Fraud Litigation, New York
• Fabiola Fox, Capital Markets, Dallas
• Michaela C. Holcombe, Commercial Litigation, Charlotte
• Kelly N. Hutchinson, Government and Public Finance, Chicago
• Matthew R. Jennings, Structured Finance and Securitization, New York
• Elise W. Michael, Investment Management and Trading, New York
• Michelle R. Poncetta, Real Estate Investment and Finance, Los Angeles
• Zachary M. Schmitz, Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement, Chicago
• Karolen S. Younan, Health Care, Chicago

A key piece of guidance she tells mentees is, "You decide what your goals are for your profession and how to reach them. Your successes are because of you. Mentoring is meant to be empowering — and not about placing blame if things aren't going well. You have the ability to take action and forge the path you want."

"Best Law Firm Mentors: Susan Light, Katten Muchin Rosenman," New York Law Journal, August 25, 2025

"It’s football season on Wall Street," Politico, August 21, 2025

"Without a doubt, there is greater caution in committing to large orders, or to placing orders with a single manufacturer that has factories in only one region," Karen said. "While, typically, there are economies of scale in volume and using factories where their production runs can save money by being large, there is a natural reluctance to commit to anything in large quantities and without backup." She added that companies are trying to give themselves as much cushion as possible by "diversifying their reliance on different factories in different locations," and that planning with retailers has also become more complicated as both retailers and brand owners navigate how to minimize passing along tariff-related price increases to consumers.

Additionally, Karen commented on how the tariffs have directly affected the US fashion supply chain through levels of unpredictability, changing costs and price-oriented production, which typically are for "products that have lower margins and rely on immediate and inexpensive production and delivery," and are therefore quickly affected.

Regarding protectionism, or the practice of shielding a country's domestic industries from foreign competition by heavily taxing imports, Karen commended the goal "namely in that it supports local jobs and resources," but warned that it is not an overnight process. "Over the years, the [United States] pivoted from being a manufacturing country to a more service-oriented economy," she said. "The pivot back to a manufacturing-driven economy cannot happen overnight, even if it is ultimately possible." She also noted that it will take years to "locate, build and set up a domestic manufacturing facility that can support a substantial business," and that it would take “just as long to hire and train workers."

Karen emphasized that it is far too early to tell what the tariffs' overall industry effects are, but remains confident that the fashion industry will stay "amazingly resilient" despite current geopolitical uncertainties. "It has survived and even thrived through problems of every type, including world uncertainty, economic turmoil, terrorism, war, regime changes, strikes and [a global] pandemic," she said. "In the end, industry leaders and other participants learn and change, adapting so they succeed."

"US fashion cautious amid tariff war," World Textile Information Network (WTiN), August 14, 2025

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Gil, who left Katten in 2008 for a position in the Justice Department and rejoined the firm in 2009, drew on personal experience, highlighting the importance of gracefully handling attorney exits.

"It was hugely important," Gil said. "I resigned my partnership to avoid conflicts. They said the door would be open when I came back, if I came back. But not only was the firm supportive of the move, they held my office for me. Not only was the door open, it was the same door."

Since returning to Katten, Gil has held several leadership positions, including Managing Partner of the Chicago office and co-chair of the White Collar and Internal Investigations practice before assuming his current role as Chair.

"These Laterals Are Seen as a 'Huge Win' in the Talent War. Here's How Big Law Is Building Around 'Boomerangs,'" *The American Lawyer, August 20, 2025.

*Subscription may be required for article access.

Katten would like to congratulate the following attorneys named to 2026 The Best Lawyers in America list:

• Kristin J. Achterhof - Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, Patent Law, and Trademark Law
• David M. Allen - Trusts and Estates
• Michelle "Missy" Apodaca - Health Care Law
• Frank E. Arado - Real Estate Law
• Karen Artz Ash - Trademark Law
• Russell M. Black - Employment Law - Management
• Henry Bregstein - Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
• Matthew S. Brown - Corporate Law
• Jan Harris Cate - Banking and Finance Law
• Wendy E. Cohen - Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
• Christopher A. Cole - Advertising Law
• Michela Daliana - Public Finance Law
• Adam M. Damerow - Trusts and Estates
• Jill E. Darrow - Tax Law
• Ronni G. Davidowitz - Trusts and Estates
• W. Kenneth Davis, Jr. - Health Care Law
• Alexander T. Deland - Municipal Law and Public Finance Law
• Chris DiAngelo - Securitization and Structured Finance Law
• David R. Dlugie - Real Estate Law
• William F. Dudine - Municipal Law and Public Finance Law
• Valentina Famparska - Tax Law
• Richard L. Farley - Commercial Litigation
• Abby Feinman - Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates
• Christine Noelle Fitzgerald - Real Estate Law
• William B. Freeman - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• David L. Goldberg - Litigation - Securities
• Lewis Greenbaum - Municipal Law
• Mark R. Grossmann - Corporate Law
• David Halberstadter - Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Media Law, and Trademark Law
• J. Hayden Harrell - Real Estate Law
• Anna-Liza Harris - Securitization and Structured Finance Law
• Charles Harris - Trusts and Estates
• Michael O. Hartz - Trusts and Estates
• Michael S. Hobel - Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
• Janet Goelz Hoffman - Public Finance Law
• Kenneth M. Jacobson - Real Estate Law
• Michael A. Jacobson - Banking and Finance Law
• Andrew L. Jagoda - Real Estate Law
• Carol A. Johnston - Trusts and Estates
• Alvin Katz - Real Estate Law
• Adam R. Klein - Sports Law
• Tye J. Klooster - Trusts and Estates
• Peter P. Knight - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Stacey McKee Knight - Labor Law - Management
• Nicole Lynn Kobrine - Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction
• Derek F. Ladgenski - Banking and Finance Law
• Eliot Lauer - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Lawrence D. Levin - Securities / Capital Markets Law and Securities Regulation
• Christopher M. Locke - Health Care Law
• Kenneth G. Lore - Real Estate Law
• Scott E. Lyons - Banking and Finance Law
• Seth R. Madorsky - Real Estate Law
• Jitty Malik, PhD - Litigation - Patent and Patent Law
• Floyd A. Mandell - Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law
• Jonathan L. Marks - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Laura Keidan Martin - Health Care Law
• Brandon N. McCarthy - Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• John E. Mitchell - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy
• Zia F. Modabber - Entertainment Law - Music
• S. Scott Morrison - Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate
• Allan B. Muchin - Corporate Law
• Karen M. Nelson - Real Estate Law
• Anthony L. Paccione - Commercial Litigation
• Mitchel C. Pahl - Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Carolyn M. Passen - Trademark Law
• Jeffrey R. Patt - Corporate Law and Venture Capital Law
• Lisa Prather - Health Care Law
• Steven J. Reisman - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy
• Scott A. Resnik - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Nancy J. Rich - Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental
• Stuart M. Richter - Commercial Litigation
• Michael M. Rosensaft - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Joshua S. Rubenstein - Trusts and Estates
• Saul E. Rudo - Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Tax Law
• Theodore Ryan - Public Finance Law
• Jeffrey S. Scharff - Real Estate Law
• Howard Schickler - Securitization and Structured Finance Law
• Craig M. Scully - Public Finance Law
• Carlton A. Shannon - Real Estate Law
• Nat Shapo - Insurance Law
• Stuart P. Shulruff - Banking and Finance Law
• Peter A. Siddiqui - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Ross O. Silverman - Commercial Litigation
• Mark C. Simon - Real Estate Law
• Martin Siroka - Real Estate Law
• Robert E. Smith - Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate
• Brian Sodikoff - Patent Law
• Gil M. Soffer - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Mark S. Solomon - Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Bruce G. Vanyo - Litigation - Securities
• Kathryn von Matthiessen - Trusts and Estates
• J. David Washburn - Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Walter S. Weinberg - Corporate Law and Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
• Joel R. Weiner - Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television and Media Law
• Benzion J. Westreich - Real Estate Law
• Mark D. Wood - Securities / Capital Markets Law and Securities Regulation
• Kenya S. Woodruff - Health Care Law
• Allison C. Yacker - Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
• Natalie Youkel - Public Finance Law
• Sheldon T. Zenner - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Lance A. Zinman - Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law

Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. The awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback received from these top lawyers.

The following Katten attorneys were recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America:

• Ava R. Alim - Real Estate Law
• Cynthia Reed Altchek - Nonprofit / Charities Law and Trusts and Estates
• Joshua M. Altman - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Nathaniel Ament-Stone - Commercial Litigation
• Karen D. Anzalone - Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Yelena E. Archiyan - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Elliott M. Bacon - Antitrust Law, Commercial Litigation, and Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Jordan A. Benton - Real Estate Law
• Julia Brook - Corporate Law
• Camille A. Brooks - Commercial Litigation
• Jonathan C. Byer - Trusts and Estates
• Alexandra R. Caleca - Intellectual Property Law and Litigation - Intellectual Property
• George W. Carter - Real Estate Law
• Stacy A. Cundy - Commercial Litigation and Trusts and Estates
• Scott C. Cutrow - Entertainment and Sports Law and Intellectual Property Law
• Ryan C. Dean - Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Litigation and Controversy - Tax, and Tax Law
• Meena Dev-Sidhu - Real Estate Law
• Chad R. Doobay - Health Care Law and Public Finance Law
• Jordan M. Feffer - Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Joshua A. Feiger - Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Trevor T. Garmey - Banking and Finance Law
• Ryan A. Gibbons - Real Estate Law
• Jeffrey D. Glickman - Trusts and Estates
• Jason R. Gorczynski - Real Estate Law
• Timothy H. Gray - Commercial Litigation
• Olga M. Gurtovaya - Real Estate Law
• Michaela C. Holcombe - Commercial Litigation
• Matthew M. Holub - Intellectual Property Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, and Patent Law
• Scott A. Hovanyetz - Real Estate Law
• Michael Howald - Banking and Finance Law
• Max Hsu - Real Estate Law
• Ted A. Huffman - Commercial Litigation, Financial Services Regulation Law, and Litigation - Securities
• Lori V. Jacobs - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Financial Services Regulation Law
• Joseph M. Janusz - Intellectual Property Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, and Litigation - Patent
• Katie Keating - Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates
• Timothy D. Kertland - Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Paige Krause - Real Estate Law
• Lucy F. Kweskin - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Louis A. Laski - Trusts and Estates
• Benjamin Lavin - Trusts and Estates
• Julie Lee - Real Estate Law
• Josh Lewis - Insurance Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Rebecca H. Lomazow - Nonprofit / Charities Law and Trusts and Estates
• Weston M. Love - Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Julia L. Mazur - Litigation - Intellectual Property
• Michael S. McBride - Public Finance Law and Real Estate Law
• Nicholas E. McGuire - Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction
• Andrew L. McKay - Trusts and Estates
• Megan McKennon - Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction
• Justin Alphonse Mercurio - Banking and Finance Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law, and Venture Capital Law
• Ryan J. Meyer - Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Health Care Law, and Securities Regulation
• Tenley Mochizuki - Commercial Litigation
• Albert S. Ortiz - Banking and Finance Law
• Andrew J. Pecoraro - Commercial Litigation
• Philip Piecuch - Real Estate Law
• Stanley V. Polit - Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
• Katy Pollitt - Corporate Law and Health Care Law
• Michelle R. Poncetta - Real Estate Law
• Ethan E. Post - Corporate Governance and Compliance Law, Corporate Law, and Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
• Michael J. Powers - Commercial Litigation
• Maximilien Pucci-Sisti Maisonrouge - Banking and Finance Law
• Daniel H. Render - Corporate Law and Entertainment and Sports Law
• Rachel M. Riley - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Mario D. Robertson - Commercial Litigation
• Anne K. Rolwes - Banking and Finance Law
• Matthew R. Ryan - Commercial Litigation
• Alyse A. Sagalchik - Corporate Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Zachary M. Schmitz - Commercial Litigation
• Sounia Senemar - Health Care Law and Insurance Law
• Joseph R. Shealy - Banking and Finance Law and Corporate Law
• Brian M. Spangler - Real Estate Law
• Henry A. Stapp - Real Estate Law
• Carrie M. Stickel - Commercial Litigation and Financial Services Regulation Law
• Adam L. Stoddard - Real Estate Law
• John Sun - Banking and Finance Law
• Eric T. Werlinger - Appellate Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, and Litigation - Patent
• Jaime T. Willis - Banking and Finance Law
• Allison E. Yager - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Paul S. Yong - Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Securities
• Karolen S. Younan - Corporate Law

Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. The awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback received from these top lawyers.

“By providing free backpacks, we’re helping ease the cost of school supplies for families and supporting students so they can start the school year prepared. We’re proud to be a strong community partner whose culture of service is reflected in projects like this,” said Jennifer I. Wolfe, managing partner of Katten’s Chicago office.

The backpacks were given away on August 15 at the elementary school's Back-to-School event before students returned to the classroom for the new year. Matthew Doran, Katten paralegal, coordinated the donation.

"Our partnership with José de Diego Community Academy goes far beyond school supplies. Katten is deeply invested in serving the community through legal assistance at the Katten Legal Clinic based at the school. In fact, we often refer to the clinic as the 'crown jewel' of our pro bono program," said Jonathan K. Baum, Katten's director of pro bono services.

Since launching the clinic in 2013, Katten has collaborated with Legal Aid Chicago, the largest provider of free civil legal aid to poor and vulnerable residents of Cook County, Illinois, to operate the clinic. Among the first school-based clinics of its kind, the Katten Legal Clinic has served about 1,500 individuals and families in a wide range of legal issues, including public benefits, housing disputes, family law, expungements and consumer protection.

Many Katten attorneys dedicate considerable time and effort toward offering legal help to clients at the clinic, helping Katten mark its biggest year overall for the firm’s pro bono program. This past year, Katten logged a record number of total hours for pro bono service and hit an all-time high with the rate of attorney participation, leading Katten to boost its spot in the AmLaw 200 Pro Bono Rankings.

Several industry groups and exchanges — including the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), Nasdaq, and Cboe Global Markets Inc. — have issued proposals to rework the tool. James added, "The SEC is going to have to move quickly. They're going to have to get the exchanges to cooperate. I strongly suspect there will be a scaling back by the SEC of the amount of information collected, and then presumably that will flow through to it being a cheaper process to actually report and collect the data."

However, James shared that the appeals panel is clearly aware of Wall Street's appetite for eliminating the system entirely.

"Market Surveillance Tool in Jeopardy After Citadel Win," Bloomberg Law, August 12, 2025

"This well-deserved recognition is a testament to the market-specific insight and significant impact Kim and Mark bring in shaping M&A dealmaking. Our clients count on them for sophisticated counsel on their most important and strategic transactions," said Katten Chair Gil M. Soffer. "Their work not only highlights the strength of our highly valued Corporate practice, but it also cements Katten's reputation as the go-to firm that handles billions of dollars in middle-market business combinations each year."

The Crain's honorees have demonstrated involvement in significant mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals, served in firm leadership roles, and held leadership positions in outside professional organizations, among meeting other criteria.

Smith has served as global chair of Katten's Corporate group since 2021 and previously was co-leader of the firm's national Private Equity/Mergers and Acquisitions practice. In her current role, she leads more than 140 attorneys across the United States, UK and China in high-impact transactional practices, including Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Capital Markets, Health Care, and Government and Public Finance. In her practice, Smith represents private equity funds, family offices, independent sponsors, and strategic acquirers across multiple industries in various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and reorganizations, and joint ventures.

Smith is also a member of Katten's executive committee and board of directors. For over 20 years, she has also been involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, as a founding member of its guild board and current member of the corporate board of directors. Smith has been recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as among its Notable Women in Law and Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law. Additionally, she has been named to the list of Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A by Mergers & Acquisitions and Top Women in Dealmaking by The Deal. She has been honored by the National Law Journal as a Mergers & Acquisitions and Antitrust Trailblazer. Her work has earned accolades with rankings in Chambers USA and selection to The Legal 500 United States Leading Partners list.

Grossmann leverages his experience as former global chair of Katten's Corporate practice in his role as Head of Business Transactions. He is focused on growing the Corporate group in the firm's offices in London and Shanghai, and he mentors junior attorneys, stressing the importance of building strong networks and relationships to drive deal flow. Grossmann has deep experience in industries including finance, technology, manufacturing, consulting, real estate, retail, parking, pharmaceutical, security and health care. His practice is focused on representing acquirers and targets in mergers and acquisitions, representing issuers and investors in equity and debt financings and recapitalizations, structuring finance and other transactions for private equity funds, and advising boards of directors on fiduciary obligations.

He serves on Katten's board of directors, as well as on the boards of several organizations, including the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center where the firm and his family sponsored the 2021–2022 Shanghai: Safe Haven During the Holocaust exhibit; After School Matters, a nonprofit that supports local teens; and Comer Education Campus, a Chicago-based model for place-based youth advancement. Grossmann was named a Midwest Trailblazer by The American Lawyer and has been recognized for his work by Chambers USA and The Legal 500 United States with a "Hall of Fame" distinction.

"I was excited for the opportunity to join a firm that's known and recognized for its preeminent finance, corporate and restructuring practices, particularly their middle market mergers and acquisitions practice, which I consider to be my sweet spot," Meredith said. "They also have a reputation for their attorneys being practical and business-minded, which is the way I like to conduct my practice."

Meredith shared that she began practicing in the executive compensation and benefits area as a first-year associate at an international law firm in New York when the group asked if she would like to join the practice area. "It was a great way to be involved in corporate transactions and at the same time, touch on multiple industries, on multiple types of transactions, and therefore have a broader range of experience," she said.

Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner and Chair Kate Ulrich Saracene commented on Meredith's arrival, stating, "Meredith's broad skillset and extensive experience expand our already deep bench. She will help drive more outstanding results for our clients. We are thrilled to welcome her."

"We couldn’t be more pleased to have Meredith join our growing team of deeply talented attorneys across a broad scope of practice areas and industries," added Seth Messner, managing partner of our Washington, DC, office. "Her depth of knowledge and practical insight will be a tremendous asset to our clients, allowing Katten to continue providing first-class client service."

"Katten Adds King & Spalding Executive Compensation Pro," Law360*, August 12, 2025

"Katten Draws Benefits and Executive Compensation Pro Meredith Sheldon O'Leary," PR Newswire, August 12, 2025

"Katten Draws Benefits and Executive Compensation Pro Meredith Sheldon O'Leary," MarketWatch, August 12, 2025

"Benefits and Executive Comp Pro Drawn to Katten Excellence in Finance," citybiz, August 13, 2025

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"Meredith's broad skillset and extensive experience expand our already deep bench," said Kate Saracene, chair of Katten's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice. "She will help drive more outstanding results for our clients. We are thrilled to welcome her."

O'Leary counsels management groups and public and private companies, including financial institutions, private equity funds, hedge funds, pension funds and large multinational entities across a variety of industries, on a diverse spectrum of employment, equity, incentive and deferred compensation programs, and employee benefits law issues. She has practiced for over 20 years at leading global law firms, handling high‑stakes executive compensation and benefits issues in major corporate deals.

More specifically, O'Leary's practice centers on ensuring that clients’ executive leadership compensation strategies are effective and tax efficient, particularly when navigating mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, reorganizations and other corporate transactions. In working with clients on such transactions, she advises on implementing and transitioning executive employment agreements, equity and equity-based compensation arrangements, incentive programs, retention programs, change in control programs, non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements, retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and fringe benefit programs, among other matters.

"We couldn't be more pleased to have Meredith join our growing team of deeply talented attorneys across a broad scope of practice areas and industries. Her depth of knowledge and practical insight will be a tremendous asset to our clients, allowing Katten to continue providing first-class client service," said Seth Messner, managing partner of Katten's Washington, DC office.

Scheduled to break ground next month and complete construction in December 2027, The Arcade will reserve 139 apartments for households earning 40 to 70 percent of the area's median income, as well as 50 units for residents experiencing homelessness or earning less than 30 percent of that benchmark. The affordable housing development includes studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units, with onsite amenities such as parking spaces, solar power, energy-efficient appliances, outdoor gathering areas and a computer room, as well as complimentary Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) transit passes for residents.

The Katten team included attorneys from our Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, DC, offices, including Real Estate Partners David Cohen and Glenn Miller, Affordable Housing and Community Development practice co-chair, and Associates Kristen Froese and Michelle Poncetta.

"San Jose to add more multifamily affordable housing," San Jose Spotlight, July 2, 2025

Regarding her decision to join Katten, Karen shared, "Katten presented for me a compelling opportunity, not only because of their really strong reputation in the structured finance and securitization space and the firm’s really collaborative culture, but also because of the unique chance to work closely with Josh Yablonski."

"Katten’s Leading Structured Finance Team Adds CMBS Pro Karen Anzalone," citybiz, May 10, 2025

"People moves for the week ending May 9," Alternatives Watch, August 8, 2025

"Katten Adds CMBS Pro From Cadwalader," Law360, May 8, 2025

"Katten's Leading Structured Finance Team Adds Karen Anzalone," Morningstar, May 6, 2025

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Terry commented on what these investigations imply, telling the Solicitors Journal that "the fact that Ofcom already has a number of existing enforcement programmes and investigations into the compliance of the [OSA] shows they are serious about the OSA's implementation." He added that the enforcement actions send "a clear message that companies all around the world should take this seriously, or else they will face an Ofcom investigation."

Terry was further quoted in the Financial Times, stating that the "OSA's reach goes beyond just the [United Kingdom] and Ofcom are willing to go after these [overseas] companies." He also noted that Ofcom seems to be focusing on larger players, "regardless of their size," and emphasized the importance of collaboration between online platforms and Ofcom. "Engagement with Ofcom shows that a platform is taking the OSA seriously and fosters a cooperative culture," he said.

"Ofcom reveals serious intent with investigations," Solicitors Journal, July 31, 2025

"Ofcom cracks down on non-compliant porn sites under Online Safety Act," *Financial Times, July 31, 2025

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In both The i Paper and The Legal Diary, Charlotte said that cutting tax relief on pensions "would be a lucrative move and more subtle than increasing tax rates." She further commented in The Legal Diary, "It seems to me that the continued freeze on tax thresholds is inevitable. Other than these two moves, I cannot see that [Rachel] has many other options available to her, given her stated promise to adhere to the fiscal rules and not increase rates of income tax, employees' NIC and VAT." She added that while "on the face of it," wealth taxes are more acceptable to labour voters, they "rarely bring in the projected revenues and often ultimately result in a reduction in tax take."

"More people piling money into pensions fearing tax-relief raid - should you do it?," The i Paper, July 24, 2025

“Diary news plus insights, commentary and appointments from the legal world,” Edward Fennell’s Legal Diary, July 25, 2025
 

Regarding the decision to join Katten, Michael shared, "When you find individuals who have served as market regulators together in a firm that's collaborative, collegial, and offers broad and deep expertise, it creates a unique environment to help clients. The combination was hard to pass up and is what I am looking for at this point in my career."

Michael noted that he is monitoring the SEC's stance on crypto custody and digital asset rules, stating, "Based on my conversations with the SEC, they are trying to make thoughtful, careful decisions and provide useful and clear regulatory guidance. It is not short-term thinking. They are trying to be smart and strategic, and think long-term, which is a great way to approach it."

"Katten Lands New York Partner From Schulte Roth & Zabel," New York Law Journal, July 8, 2025

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"At this stage in my career, it was important for me to be at a firm where the caliber of both the work and the people is truly high," Loren told Law360. "I joined Katten because it is a top-notch law firm with very robust funds, [Mergers and Acquisitions] M&A and [Private Equity] PE practices — and it's a place where I knew I could bring my experience, contribute meaningfully and be a valuable asset to the team." She added that the firm’s "welcoming culture, strong collaboration across practice groups, and the high quality and wide-ranging scope of tax planning services" made it clear that joining Katten was the "right fit" both professionally and personally.

Transactional Tax Planning Partner and Chair Saul Rudo, Family Offices co-chair, commented on Loren's extensive experience in the New York Law Journal. "She’s got a broad base and background, and therefore can help us as we continue to grow a lot of transactional areas," he said. "She, particularly, is an expert in funds, with private equity funds, hedge funds and other funds." He noted Katten's robust and growing financial services practice that involves a lot of fund work, as well as work for financial services firms related to M&A transactions or investments they may be doing.

"Katten Adds Loren Lembo as Transactional Tax Partner in New York," *Bloomberg Tax, July 22, 2025

"Katten Welcomes Ex-Gibson Dunn Tax Pro In New York," *Law360, July 23, 2025

"Amid Big Law Demand for Top Tax Talent, Gibson Dunn Lawyer Heads to Katten," *New York Law Journal, July 23, 2025

"Katten Adds Tax Partner Loren Lembo in New York," Citybiz, July 22, 2025

"Loren Lembo Joins Katten as Tax Partner in New York," General Counsel News, July 22, 2025

"Katten Adds Tax Partner Loren Lembo in New York," Kinney Recruiting, July 22, 2025

"Wake Up Call: Oklahoma Faces Attorney Shortage in Rural Counties," Bloomberg Law, July 23, 2025

"Katten Adds Tax Partner Loren Lembo in New York," PR Newswire, July 23, 2025

"Katten Welcomes Loren Lembo as Tax Partner in New Offices," Investors Hangout, July 23, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

Joshua S. Rubenstein, Global Chair of Katten's Private Wealth practice, earned four rankings, including top-tier recognition in three categories: Private Wealth Disputes, Private Wealth Law and Private Wealth Law: Eastern Region. He was also recognized in Nationwide Family Offices & Funds Structuring. New York Partner Parker F. Taylor debuted in this year's guide, earning a distinction in Private Wealth Law.

Private Wealth Partners Diane B. Burks, Bonnie Lynn Chmil, Adam M. Damerow, Ronni G. Davidowitz, Abby Feinman, Charles Harris, Michael O. Hartz, Carol A. Johnston, Tye J. Klooster and Kathryn von Matthiessen were also listed as top-ranked individuals, with Feinman and Johnston each receiving the highest ranking possible.

The firm's Private Wealth practice was nationally ranked in Private Wealth Law. It was also recognized across the country in Illinois, New York, North Carolina and Southern California in Private Wealth Law, as well as in Private Wealth Disputes in New York.

Chambers High Net Worth ranks the leading and most dedicated lawyers and law firms for international private wealth. These extensive and market-leading recommendations, rankings and insights are based on the in-depth analysis carried out by a dedicated team of experienced researchers.

He describes the previous application of SEF registration to bilateral communications as "a conceptual step too far," arguing that such firms “should remain outside of the regulation. … Giving up on that land grab gives breathing room to those service providers that felt their feet were getting a bit too close to the fire, and that's probably the right result." His comments highlight the relief felt by vendors and CTAs who were concerned about being swept into SEF registration due to the nature of their communication tools.

"Can vendors and CTAs escape the CFTC’s clutches?," Risk.net, July 9, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

Following Brexit, Carolyn expects the UK and EU to continue to diverge in the interest of adapting to their respective markets. "Commodity derivatives regulatory reform is clearly a priority for both jurisdictions, and my view is we will see further divergence over time, not because one jurisdiction is necessarily trying to generate a competitive advantage over the other, but because the markets and their participants are subtly different."

"ANALYSIS: UK, EU commodity derivatives rules to diverge further in one year," FOW, July 2, 2025

Corporate dealmakers are increasingly turning to carve-out transactions to boost efficiency and unlock value, especially as the economic environment remains uncertain. These targeted divestitures, which focus on streamlining operations and shedding non-core units, have captured the attention of both businesses and investors eager to capitalize on the potential for strategic growth in 2025 and beyond.

Kimberly emphasized the momentum behind this trend, stating: "We are seeing carve-out deals come to market, driven in some cases by corporate sellers unloading their less profitable and/or non-core businesses. This trend may continue or even accelerate if a potential recession continues to loom and business leaders find it prudent to batten down the hatches in preparation for tougher times ahead."

"Shift to Asset-Light Business Models Facilitating Carve-Out Activity for Middle-Market M&A," Octus, July 11, 2025

"Loren strengthens our ability to deliver strategic, tax-efficient solutions on the most sophisticated matters for our clients," said Saul E. Rudo, chair of Katten's Transactional Tax Planning practice. "Her broad skillset and capabilities in navigating complex tax structures will be an asset across several of our firm practices."

Lembo is a highly respected tax advisor who focuses her practice on domestic and international tax matters in the financial services space. She brings deep experience guiding sponsors and managers on the tax aspects of forming and operating domestic and offshore investment funds — including private equity funds, hedge funds and fund-of-funds — and structuring transactions across the investment lifecycle, from acquisitions and exits to fund operations.

She also regularly counsels institutional investors on the tax implications of their investments in private funds and managed accounts. She has considerable experience conducting fund reviews for sovereign wealth funds.

Additionally, Lembo has extensive experience advising clients on a broad range of complex tax matters, including with respect to mergers and acquisitions, corporate and partnership restructurings, joint ventures, and financing and capital market transactions.

"We’re so excited to welcome Loren to our office at 50 Rock in the iconic Rockefeller Center. Loren's depth and breadth of experience in handling complex tax matters adds to Katten's US bench and further enhances our ability to deliver high-value, client-focused counsel from the financial capital of the world," said New York Managing Partner Wendy E. Cohen.

Before joining Katten, Lembo was a tax attorney at two of the top five Am Law 100 firms. She has an active pro bono practice, advising charities applying for tax-exempt status.

The list names some of the most sought-after attorneys in US professional sports, highlighting their client portfolios, extensive experience and reputations in the industry. The report said of Klein "there is hardly a team (he) hasn't assisted in some manner" and noted that Render "is known industry wide as an expert in acquisitions and sales."

Klein and Render represent various teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), National Football League (NFL), Major League Soccer (MLS), Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), as well as arenas and stadiums, lenders, investors, sponsors and regional sports networks, to name some.

"Their enviable client lists read like a sports superfan's ultimate dream. Their work truly is remarkable and a definite point of pride for the firm," said Katten CEO Noah Heller. "Representing so many teams across the major US pro leagues is not just a testament to their sharp legal skill — it’s a reflection of the unswerving trust clients have in Adam and Daniel."

Klein, who chairs Katten's Sports and Sports Facilities practice, has represented the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Blues, New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies. His clients also have included the Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Fire, DC United, Philadelphia Union, San Jose Earthquakes as well as United Center, Chase Center, investors in the New York Mets, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Penguins and Swansea City AFC, among others.

Render, a partner in the Sports and Sports Facilities practice, has represented teams, including those in Chicago as well as the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Seattle Kraken, New York Islanders, DC United, Oakland A's, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Union, Real Salt Lake, Swansea AFC, Golden State Valkyries and Utah Royals, among others.

The latest distinction follows their recognition by the Sports Business Journal as "Power Players: Outside Counsel" in 2021. Additionally, Render was distinguished among Law360's 2022 Rising Stars and the Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40, Class of 2023. Klein has been named among Law360's Sports MVPs.

"In the world of sports law, few names command the recognition that Adam and Daniel have garnered," said Kimberly Smith, global chair of Katten's Corporate department. "Not only has their work elevated our sports law practice but it has helped define what it means to be a trusted advisor at the highest level of professional sports."

Joshua explained that fine art can satisfy investors' passion as well as provide financial gains. However, when it comes to monetizing art investments, it's not always a sure thing.

"Art fills the dual role of a passion and an investment. As a passion, one gets the fulfilment of assembling and displaying works of art that are meaningful to the collector," Joshua said. "There can also be tax benefits to a true collector, who is generally someone who owns more art than he or she can display. As an investment, on the one hand, fine art can be expected to appreciate significantly over time. On the other hand, monetizing artwork is much more complicated and uncertain than selling shares of publicly traded securities, for which there is an enormous market. The market for art, and for certain types of art, is much thinner and can change over time as tastes change and can also vary depending upon how much similar art is being sold at the same time. Auction results can vastly outperform or underperform appraised value, depending upon what the demand happens to be at the time of the auction. Similar considerations are involved with private sales, and both auctions and private sales typically involve significantly larger sales commissions than publicly traded securities. In short, investing in art has rewards but also comes with risks."

"Turning Passion into Legacy: The Smart Way to Donate and Invest in Art," Citywealth, July 9, 2025

James notes that while most issuers already understand the need to list authorized participants in their prospectuses, the staff statement clarified what had previously been an "unwritten rule." He emphasized that the same "rule" would apply to the disclosure of third parties contracted to buy and sell crypto assets for the trust — although it was generally known that such relationships should be disclosed, the SEC had not previously made this expectation explicit.

Additionally, James interprets the staff statement as part of a broader SEC initiative to establish clearer rules for the crypto industry. He states, "I view this as being a signal that we can expect a lot of crypto asset ETPs to be approved here in the coming six months, 12 months, and they want to issue this guidance prior to receiving the filing so participants know exactly what to put in the filing, so it's a bit of a more of a standardized, fully disclosed approach."

"SEC Signals Openness To Novel Crypto ETPs," Law360, July 3, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

Didiuk advises asset managers on all aspects of their business, including structure, governance, compliance obligations under the federal securities laws, registered and private products, US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) examinations and investigations, and strategic transactions.

Highly regarded in the industry, Didiuk brings a wealth of knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the investment management space from his more than 20 years of experience at both the SEC and in private practice, including as co-chair of the Private Investment Funds practice at a top law firm. He has a deep background in federal securities laws, focusing on the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as well as digital asset regulation.

"Mike is a highly seasoned investment management attorney with strong Advisers Act and '40 Act experience," said Lance A. Zinman, Global Chair of Katten's award-winning Financial Markets and Funds department. "His extensive subject matter knowledge and reputation with regulators and across the industry will be enormously helpful to our clients in navigating an uncertain regulatory environment. We're excited to have him."

Didiuk has significant experience advising on the intersection of cryptocurrency and federal securities laws. A frequent speaker and published author on regulatory compliance, examination priorities, and emerging trends in investment management, Didiuk was a featured speaker at this year’s SEC Crypto Task Force Roundtable in Washington, DC, where he discussed the challenges and opportunities related to crypto custody, among other issues.

Didiuk spent more than seven years at the SEC, where he held various roles, including in the Office of Chief Counsel for the Division of Investment Management, and investment management counsel to two SEC commissioners. He also worked in the SEC’s Division of Examinations, where he led examinations of investment advisers, including private fund advisers, advisers to '40 Act funds, and crypto advisers.

"Mike's work at a market regulator lines up with that of our many team members who've held similar positions. It gives him a unique perspective that pairs well with our commitment to ease clients' experience with an often-challenging regulatory environment. I couldn't be more pleased to have him join us," said Carl E. Kennedy, a former Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulator who co-chairs Katten's Financial Markets and Regulation practice with Daniel J. Davis, former General Counsel at the CFTC. Didiuk is a member of that practice.

The STEP Private Client Awards are seen as the hallmark of quality within the private client industry. Open globally to both STEP members and non-members, these awards recognize and celebrate excellence among private client solicitors, lawyers, accountants, barristers, bankers, trust managers and financial advisors.

"These prestigious awards recognize not only the impactful work that dedicated individuals and firms deliver in serving their clients, but also the high standards these professionals set for excellence," said Joshua Rubenstein, Global Chair of Katten's Private Wealth Practice.

Katten's Private Wealth practice services clients on the local, national and international levels, and offers planning, administration and litigation capabilities to meet a broad scope of wealth preservation and management needs.

All entries undergo a rigorous judging process with up to five finalists in each category. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on September 18, 2025, at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the STEP Private Client Awards.

“2025 STEP Private Client Awards Finalists,” STEP, July 7, 2025

Citywealth’s list is meant to recognize dealmakers, advisors, strategists and leaders shaping the future of finance, law and professional services. The women on this list have significantly impacted the world of wealth management.

Ronni, the head of Katten’s New York Private Wealth group, represents high-profile and affluent clients in various complex estate matters, handling estate and tax planning issues with domestic and international implications, and resolving intra-family disputes favorably for her clients.

As a litigator, Bonnie advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families and fiduciary trust companies and leverages her extensive experience in commercial litigation to help achieve favorable resolutions to private client disputes either through negotiated settlements or effective litigation tactics.

Kathryn has deep experience in structuring global succession plans and advising on the tax and other myriad implications of foreign expansion and activities, as well as inbound investment into the United States and structures to benefit US family members of ultra-high-net worth foreign families.

“Top 100 International Powerwomen 2025,” Citywealth, July 2, 2025

"What defines passion investing is that the most important element is the pleasure one gets from making the investment," Joshua said. "The possibility of turning a profit is often secondary, and sometimes not even realistic. Wasting assets such as cars, boats and planes are an example of where turning a profit is possible, but generally against the odds. My favourite example of passion investing, however, is wineries. They require constant investment and skilled supervision, often run at a loss, except for the truly world-renowned wineries, but allow the investors to express their love of and taste for wine in their vision of the production process."

"Unlocking the World of Passion Investing: Where Heart Meets Asset Value," Citywealth, July 2, 2025

Carl and Sue will be recognized in a special edition of the New York Law Journal this fall and honored on September 4 at the New York Legal Awards event in Manhattan. Other featured awards include Rising Stars, Lifetime Achievement, Dealmakers of the Year, Litigation Departments of the Year, Innovation, In-House Impact and Law Firm and Attorney of the Year.

“Announcing the Finalists and Honorees of the 2025 New York Legal Awards,” New York Law Journal, July 1, 2025

Prompt Health powers clinics nationwide, and the combined innovation resources will help them accelerate the future of AI-first, action-oriented EMR platforms for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and chiropractic practices.

The Katten deal team included Corporate Partners Tanya Curtis and Michelle Gyves, and Associates Julia Brook, Aaron Weiss and Quincy Wolff; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associates Dan Collins and Jeffrey Ng; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Shira Selengut and Associate Neal Patel; Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity Partner Trisha Sircar; and Health Care Partner Ramana Rameswaran and Senior Counsel Lisa Prather.

“Prompt Health Acquires PredictionHealth to Amplify AI-Driven Rehab Therapy Innovation,” The M&A Advisor, June 23, 2025

Throughout the deal, Gavin and Rhodri provided legal guidance to help facilitate the successful asset sale, underscoring Katten's capabilities in advising on complex real estate transactions to ensure that the interests of clients such as RE Capital are well-protected and the process is handled smoothly at every stage.

Luke Dhanoa, head of UK asset management at RE Capital UK, said, "We are proud to have delivered the Ruby Stella hotel, a thoughtfully designed, highly sustainable asset that reflects our values of quality, integrity, and long-term vision."

"RE Capital sells Ruby Stella Hotel for £48m," Hotel Owner, June 19, 2025

"LaSalle IM purchases Clerkenwell hotel for £48m," BE News, June 19, 2025

In her honoree profile, Julie shared a recent professional milestone that she is proud of, which involved advising on the acquisition and construction financing of a 325,000-square-foot Class A office building in Atlanta, featuring 600 structured parking spaces and governed by a commercial and residential condominium regime. "The transaction was complex due to challenges in the distressed office market and involved sophisticated bond repayment structuring under a municipal ground lease, negotiation of tax abatement incentives, and the structuring and negotiation of construction financing for tenant improvements — all aligned with the client’s investment and development strategy," she said.

She also shared a career tip for those starting out in real estate law, encouraging new attorneys to stay curious and emphasizing that "the most successful people aren't the ones who know everything, but those who keep asking questions and remain open to new ideas."

"Clients rely on Julie not only for her versatile skill set, but also for her ability to skillfully navigate every facet of commercial real estate transactions," said Scott Vetri, partner and chair of Katten's New York Real Estate Department. "Her broad command of the industry and focus on results enable her to bring multifaceted perspectives to each deal and execute with efficiency."

"2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Julie Lee, Katten," *New York Real Estate Journal, June 24, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

Regarding the decision to join Katten, Anthony told Law360 that the firm and its clients "matches up well ... in terms of our competencies and capabilities." He noted that they are excited to join a team that serves a diverse range of clients, from large and complex operations to mid-cap private equity funds, investors, founders and early-stage companies.

It is further noted that the arrival of Anthony, Kate, Vinal and Caitlin further strengthens Katten's position as a leader in health care legal services, especially as the sector continues to attract robust private equity investment and faces increasing regulatory scrutiny. Their collective experience advising complex hospital and life sciences transactions, institution-wide investigations, and high-value deals — exceeding $50 billion — underscores Katten's commitment to providing clients with sophisticated, high-value counsel.

"Katten Adds 4 Ex-Kirkland Attys To Healthcare Practice," Law360, June 3, 2025

"Katten Adds Del Rio, Hardey to Healthcare Team," The Deal, June 5, 2025

"Partners Anthony Del Rio and Kate Hardey Join Katten’s Health Care Practice," Global Legal Chronicle, June 5, 2025

"Wake Up Call," Bloomberg Law, June 5, 2025

"Katten Lures Four Attorney Health-Care Team Away From Kirkland," Bloomberg Law Automation, June 4, 2025

"Anthony Del Rio and Kate Hardey Join Katten’s National Health Care Practice," CityBiz, June 3, 2025

"Katten Expands Health Care Team with New Leadership Additions," Investors Hangout, June 3, 2025

"Katten Strengthens Health Care Team with Top Legal Talent," Reddit, June 3, 2025

"On the Move," Law.com, June 10, 2025

"Husch Blackwell Hires 5 Quarles & Brady Life Sciences Pros," Law360, June 9, 2025

"CDLB People," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, June 16, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

The lawsuit seeks to halt Purina's advertising and recover damages, though history suggests that Kalmbach faces significant challenges since "Lanham Act cases are expensive and hard fought," Chris said. He added that he thinks Kalmbach will need strong evidence to prove false advertising. Chris "highly doubts” that a company with Purina's reputation would neglect to run scientific tests that back its claims and run its ad campaign by legal counsel.

"The larger trend I see is consumer class action litigation on the rise, which seems to have chilled Lanham Act filings," Chris said. "Every company is afraid of having to spend money on defending itself in a class action case, and plaintiffs often take inspiration from Lanham cases." Chris also underscored that comparative ads can be highly effective — however, companies must understand that their product claims will be scrutinized, at the very least, or be challenged, with claims on product packaging and in print getting the most attention. He warned that losing a challenge could be very costly and potentially lead to a ruinous injunction.

"Rival Steps Up to Challenge Purina's Claim That Its Poultry Feed Fights Off Bird Flu," *Law.com, June 25, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

"Bermuda is one of my favourite trust jurisdictions," Joshua said. "It offers modern and flexible trust legislation without being so aggressive that it calls negative attention to itself with the regulators. Sort of the Aesop's fable where slow and steady wins the race. From my standpoint, clients are best protected in a jurisdiction of uncompromised integrity and world class talent such as Bermuda."

"From Family Offices to Crypto: Why Bermuda is the smart choice in uncertain times," Citywealth, June 4, 2025

Joshua shared that establishing provenance is of great importance in securing a car's long-term value.

"There is no question that there is a market in luxury cars, but to hold their value, it helps to have provenance. I once represented an offshore trustee in its purchase of a non-functioning, dilapidated 1941 Mercedes road car from a seller’s garage in California. We had it shipped across the United States to a specialist repair shop in Vermont. It cost $1 million to purchase, $1 million to repair, and $1 million to ship—first across the U.S. as a wreck, and then on to Oslo once restored. It sold at an antique car auction in Oslo for $6 million. The difference for this car? It had belonged to Hermann Göring, a convicted, Nazi war criminal and was confiscated by a U.S. marine as a war prize."

The example demonstrated the significant worth that the right documentation of historical significance can demand.

"Supercars, Storage and Strategy: Inside the high-octane world of investment-grade automotive wealth," Citywealth, May 21, 2025

Peter offered valuable insights into how private equity firms identify and evaluate physician practices for acquisition, emphasizing the importance of investment bankers and market intelligence studies in pinpointing attractive targets. "For many, the first stop is with investment bankers," he noted, highlighting their role in connecting practices with interested funds.

Peter also addressed critical questions physician owners should consider during the negotiation process with private equity firms. In particular, he discussed the importance of understanding the firm's acquisition strategy, timeline for exit and structure for physician compensation. He suggested asking about plans for the practice's future, including potential enhancements and how expenses will be allocated across holdings. "The transaction cannot be evaluated properly unless the specifics about equity and any deferrals related to it are known," he stressed, underscoring the need for clarity on financial arrangements.

Finally, Peter shared his perspective on the key elements that contribute to successful acquisitions from both the physician's and private equity firm's viewpoints, the importance of a competent management services organization, and a strong partnership between the physicians and the firm, driving toward a shared vision. "It is vital that the relationship is strong enough that there is open communication," Peter said, highlighting the necessity of collaboration to ensure the acquisition achieves its intended goals.

“Tips for negotiating successful practice acquisition with a private equity firm,” Healio, June 17, 2025

"Trump CFTC Pick Poised for One-Man Show Shaping US Crypto Rules," Bloomberg Law, June 17, 2025

"A Wall Street regulator in turmoil," Politico, June 10, 2025

"From ultra-high-net-worth individuals to family offices to private equity firms, interest in investing in sports has continued to grow in recent years in part because sports has to date tended to be recession-resistant, and valuations of teams have continued to climb regardless of how the stock market or the overall economy performs," Daniel said.

"Additionally, all American major sports leagues now allow private equity investment, with the latest being the NFL [National Football League]. This asset class gaining access to investing in American sports teams is a recent development over the past five years as leagues began to change their rules to allow private equity investments. This coincided with a pivotal moment for the sports industry as the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the advantage to teams and their ownership groups of having access to new sources of capital to maintain and grow operations, facilitate new investment opportunities and create liquidity opportunities for existing investors. Lucrative national media rights deals and emerging revenue streams linked to sports betting have also added to the industry’s continued growth."

Daniel added that there has been growth in emerging sports leagues, too. "The explosion of niche sports leagues such as pickleball, volleyball and softball and interest in women's sports leagues has driven meaningful incremental growth in the sports industry," he said. "The NWSL [National Women’s Soccer League] and WNBA [Women's National Basketball Association] have seen tremendous growth in team valuations over the past five years."

"The new era of sports investment," Citywealth, June 11, 2025

The Global Leaders distinction is in addition to a long list of honors received by Karen and Floyd over the years, including numerous Chambers USA awards, Law360 MVP Awards, 500 Leading Lawyers in America by Lawdragon, Intellectual Property Trailblazers by the National Law Journal, IP Stars by Managing Intellectual Property, Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers and The Legal 500 United States.

"WTR Global Leaders: Private Practice," World Trademark Review, June 11, 2025

Katten was ranked in the following practice areas:

• Advertising and Marketing: Litigation
• Alternative/Hedge Funds
• Commercial Lending: Advice to direct lenders/private credit
• Commercial Lending: Advice to bank lenders
• Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense
• Financial Services Litigation
• General Commercial Disputes
• Healthcare: Service Providers
• Intellectual Property: Copyright
• Intellectual Property: Patents: Litigation
• Intellectual Property: Trademarks: Litigation
• M&A: Middle-Market (Sub-$500 Million)
• Media and Entertainment: Litigation
• Media and Entertainment: Transactional
• Project Finance
• Real Estate
• Restructuring (Including Bankruptcy): Corporate
• Securities Litigation: Defense
• Sport
• Structured Finance: Derivatives and Structured Products
• Structured Finance: Securitization
• US Taxes: Non-Contentious
• Venture Capital and Emerging Companies

The Katten attorneys individually recommended are:

• Advertising and Marketing: Litigation
  • Kristin J. Achterhof (Leading Partner)
  • Christopher A. Cole (Leading Partner)
  • Michael R. Justus
• Alternative/Hedge Funds
  • Henry Bregstein
  • Wendy E. Cohen
  • Jonah Roth
  • Allison C. Yacker (Leading Partner)
  • Lance A. Zinman
• Commercial Lending: Advice to direct lenders/private credit
  • Jan Harris Cate
  • Michael A. Jacobson
  • Shana E. Ramirez
  • Neil G. Shelton
• Commercial Lending: Advice to bank lenders
  • Jan Harris Cate
  • Michael A. Jacobson
  • Scott E. Lyons
  • Shana E. Ramirez
  • Jennifer I. Wolfe
• Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense
  • Daniel J. Collins
  • Scott A. Resnik
  • Gil M. Soffer
  • Sheldon T. Zenner
• Financial Services Litigation
  • Ashley T. Brines
  • Camille A. Brooks
  • Eric R. Hail
  • Ted A. Huffman
  • Stuart M. Richter
  • Eric T. Werlinger
• General Commercial Disputes
  • Elliott M. Bacon
  • Mark T. Ciani
  • David A. Crichlow
  • Charles A. DeVore
  • David L. Goldberg
  • Gabriel Hertzberg
  • Eliot Lauer
  • Rebecca K. Lindahl
  • Anthony L. Paccione
  • Peter G. Wilson
  • Sarah Weber
• Healthcare: Service Providers
  • Michelle “Missy” Apodaca
  • W. Kenneth Davis Jr.
  • Laura Keidan Martin
  • Lisa Prather
  • Kenya S. Woodruff
• Intellectual Property: Copyright
  • Kristin J. Achterhof
  • Karen Artz Ash
  • David Halberstadter
  • Floyd A. Mandell
  • Zia F. Modabber
  • Deepro R. Mukerjee
  • Joel R. Weiner
• Intellectual Property: Patents: litigation
  • Joseph M. Janusz
  • Jitty Malik, PhD
  • Deepro R. Mukerjee
  • Lance A. Soderstrom
  • Brian Sodikoff
•  Intellectual Property: Trademarks: Litigation
  • Kristin J. Achterhof
  • Karen Artz Ash
  • Bret J. Danow
  • David Halberstadter
  • Michael R. Justus
  • Jessica G. Kraver
  • Floyd A. Mandell
  • Deepro R. Mukerjee
  • Joel R. Weiner
• M&A: Middle-Market (Sub-$500 Million)
  • Christopher S. Atkinson
  • Peter Bogdanow
  • Mark R. Grossmann (Hall of Fame)
  • Thomas F. Lamprecht
  • Kimberly T. Smith (Leading Partner)
  • Mark S. Solomon
  • J. David Washburn
  • Victor B. Zanetti
• Media and Entertainment: Litigation
  • David Halberstadter
  • Zia F. Modabber
  • Joel R. Weiner
• Media and Entertainment: Transactional
  • Scott C. Cutrow
  • James J. Freedman
  • Michael S. Hobel
• Real Estate
  • Frank E. Arado
  • Louise Carroll
  • David R. Dlugie
  • Christine Noelle Fitzgerald
  • Timothy G. Little
  • Glenn S. Miller
  • Scott M. Vetri
• Restructuring (Including Bankruptcy): Corporate
  • William B. Freeman
  • Cindi M. Giglio
  • Peter P. Knight
  • Steven J. Reisman
  • Peter A. Siddiqui
• Securities Litigation: Defense
  • Kevin P. Broughel
  • Michael J. Diver (Leading Partner)
  • Sarah Eichenberger
  • Michael J. Lohnes
  • Jonathan Rotenberg
  • Bruce G. Vanyo (Hall of Fame)
• Sport
  • Ethan Asofsky
  • Meena Dev-Sidhu
  • Valentina Famparska
  • Jason R. Gorczynski
  • Adam R. Klein
  • Josh Lewis
  • Daniel H. Render
  • Benzion J. Westreich
• Structured Finance: Derivatives and Structured Products
  • Daniel J. Davis
  • Carl E. Kennedy
  • Matthew F. Kluchenek
  • Lance A. Zinman
• Structured Finance: Securitization
  • Chris DiAngelo (Hall of Fame)
  • Anna-Liza Harris
  • Christopher M. Isaacs
  • John P. Keiserman
  • David J. Matthews
  • Seth M. Messner
  • Howard Schickler
  • Joseph Topolski
• US Taxes: Non-Contentious
  • Saul E. Rudo
  • Valentina Famparska
• Venture Capital and Emerging Companies
  • Matthew S. Brown
  • Roger J. Griesmeyer
  • David S. Kravitz
  • Jeffrey R. Patt
  • Daniel H. Render

For a complete list of Katten’s results, please visit Legal 500.

The Legal 500 analyzes the capabilities and assesses the strengths of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research program revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The rankings are based on a series of criteria and highlight the practice area teams that are providing the most cutting-edge and innovative guidance to corporate counsel. Research is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms, interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of researchers who have unrivaled experience in the legal market.

"This is the US firm to watch – and it’s not who you think it is," The Lawyer, June 5, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

The FCA has teamed up with global regulators to protect people from illegal financial promotions, making three arrests in coordination with the City of London Police, authorizing criminal proceedings against three more individuals and sending seven cease and desist letters. The FCA also issued 50 warning alerts that may lead to 650 take-down requests on social media platforms and more than 50 websites operated by unauthorized finfluencers.

Terry commented that while there has been much coverage about protecting people from harmful behaviors and illegal materials online, the Online Safety Act also mandates the protection of people from fraud and financial offenses. "Online platforms will be expected to assess the risk of people being defrauded or being taken advantage of by people carrying out regulated activities when they have not been authorized by the FCA, such as providing financial advice or conducting financial promotions," he said. "The Online Safety Act specifically highlights this as one of the 17 types of illegal content, and online platforms must conduct a risk assessment in relation to the likelihood and harm of this occurring on their platform."

"Whilst the FCA has targeted specific social media users, Ofcom will go after the social media and online platforms that are enabling this," he added. "We may expect to see more cooperation between the FCA and Ofcom to tackle these types of content online."

"Global Regulators Crack Down on Rogue ‘Finfluencers' in Social Media Fraud Sweep," BBN Times, June 6, 2025

"FCA Cracks Down on Rogue Financial Influencers in Test of UK’s Online Safety Regulation," CCN.com, June 6, 2025

"FCA leads global week of action against rogue finfluencers," FStech, June 6, 2025

"Illegal Finfluencers – Industry welcome for FCA's international crackdown," Introducer Today, June 9, 2025

Shiliang Tang, CEO and Managing Partner of Monarq, stated, "Katten was an outstanding partner on our crypto investment deal. Their team was always available, incredibly responsive and deeply knowledgeable about the fast-evolving regulatory landscape. Their guidance gave us confidence at every step, and their attention to detail ensured we stayed on schedule."

The Katten team drew on contributions from across the Financial Markets and Funds department and other groups. Financial Markets and Funds Partner Timothy Kertland, with Partner and Investment Management and Trading Co-Chair Christopher Shannon and Associates Rachel Krieger and Jack West, handled the transaction. Partners from the Financial Markets Regulatory and Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement group, including Christian Hennion, Daniel Davis, Matthew Kluchenek and Associate Alexander Kim, fielded a multiplicity of regulatory issues from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Cayman Islands. Investment Management and Trading Partner Jonah Roth and Associate Benjamin Levine supported fund-related work. Transactional Tax Planning Partner Jill Darrow, Intellectual Property Partner Jessica Kraver and Associate Alexandra Caleca rounded out the team.

"Monarq Asset Management Announces Strategic Investment From FalconX," PR Newswire, June 2, 2025

"Crypto Prime Broker FalconX Takes Majority Stake in Hedge Fund Monarq," Bloomberg, June 2, 2025

"FalconX Takes Majority Stake in Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund Monarq Asset Management," NFTgators, June 2, 2025

"Crypto broker FalconX acquires majority stake in Monarq Asset Management," Crypto.News, June 2, 2025

"FalconX acquires majority stake in Monarq — Report," Cointelegraph, June 3, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

The long-term deal outlines a framework for Ishbia to potentially obtain a future controlling interest in the team. As part of the agreement, Ishbia will infuse capital into the White Sox as a limited partner in 2025 and 2026, providing financial support to pay down existing debt and bolster ongoing team operations.

The agreement allows White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf the option to sell the controlling interest in the White Sox to Ishbia between 2029 and 2033, with Ishbia gaining the option to acquire such controlling interest after the 2034 season. In the event of any such future transaction, all limited partners of the team would have the opportunity to sell to Ishbia at that time. However, there is no guarantee such a transaction will occur, and no such transaction will happen before 2029. Until such a transaction occurs, the Reinsdorf family will retain control of the team, with Reinsdorf, continuing as the sole decision-maker.

The Katten team also included Corporate Partner Josh Lewis, Mergers and Acquisitions Associate Enzo Hernandez, Transactional Tax Planning Partner Valentina Famparska, and Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partners Mitchel Pahl and Kate Ulrich Saracene.

"Katten, Covington Steer Deal In PE Billionaire's White Sox Bid," Law360, June 5, 2025

"White Sox announce long-term ownership investment agreement," MLB.com, June 5, 2025

"White Sox, Justin Ishbia have pact for future control," Sports Business Journal, June 5, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

This year's "Trade Mark Stars" include Partners Karen Artz Ash, also honored among the Top 250 Women in IP 2025, and Floyd Mandell, co-chairs of our Trademark/Copyright/Privacy Group; Kristin Achterhof, co-chair of our Advertising and Brand Litigation Group; and Bret Danow. Additionally, Katten was named a "Highly Recommended" firm in the areas of trademark prosecution in New York and trademark litigation in Illinois. The 2025 "Patent Stars" include Partners Deepro Mukerjee, chair of our global Intellectual Property Department, and Lance Soderstrom and Brian Sodikoff, Patent Litigation co-chairs.

IP STARS, Managing IP's accreditation title, has long recognized our IP practices, listing Katten in past years as a nationally ranked firm and a Top Tier Firm in Illinois and New York. In 2024, the awards program also honored multiple IP attorneys as "Patent Stars" and "Trade Mark Stars," including Deepro, Lance, Karen, Floyd, Kristin and Bret. The firm was also designated IP Star status overall for Trademark and Trademark Prosecution in 2024.

IP STARS is a worldwide guide to IP law firms and practitioners. Rankings are announced on a rolling basis following submissions, independent research, client interviews, and email and online surveys. IP STARS assesses expertise, workload, market reputation, track record, outcomes achieved for clients and unique strengths in a given practice area.

"Movers and shakers: IP STARS reveals the top firms for trademark work," *Managing Intellectual Property, May 30, 2025

"In the spotlight: IP STARS latest patent rankings revealed," *Managing Intellectual Property, June 30, 2025

Also see: "Katten Muchin Rosenman, United States (National)," IP Stars from Managing IP, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

Katten's highest rankings were in the categories of Bankruptcy/Restructuring; Corporate/M&A; Healthcare; Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets; Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations; Public Finance; Real Estate; and Real Estate: Finance. The firm also secured 16 national distinctions which include new rankings in Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Compliance & Enforcement); Intellectual Property: Trademark & Copyright; Private Credit; and Securities: Litigation.

Additionally, 20 attorneys received the highest individual rankings possible in their respective fields: Christopher A. Cole, Daniel J. Collins, Alexander T. Deland, Chris DiAngelo, Chad R. Doobay, William F. Dudine, Lewis Greenbaum, J. Hayden Harrell, Anna-Liza Harris, Michael S. Hobel, Alvin Katz, Carl E. Kennedy, Christian T. Kemnitz, Adam R. Klein, Floyd A. Mandell, Laura Keidan Martin, Patricia A. Mollica, Craig M. Scully, Gil M. Soffer and Kenya S. Woodruff.

Katten had 16 attorneys debut in new categories in this year’s guide: Christopher S. Atkinson, Camille A. Brooks, Michaela C. Crocker, Anthony M. Del Rio, Daniel M. Entsminger, Jason R. Gorczynski, Michael R. Justus, Susan Light, Michael L. Lohnes, David J. Matthews, Julia L. Mazur, Katy Pollitt, Lisa Prather, Daniel H. Render, Rachel M. Riley and Sarah Weber.

Katten was ranked in the following practice areas:

• Banking & Finance
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring
• Capital Markets: Securitization: ABS
• Capital Markets: Securitization: RMBS
• Corporate/M&A & Private Equity
• Corporate/M&A: Highly Regarded
• Derivatives
• Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Compliance & Enforcement)
• Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Litigation)
• Healthcare
• Hedge Funds
• Intellectual Property: Trademark & Copyright
• Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets
• Litigation: General Commercial
• Litigation: Securities
• Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
• Media & Entertainment: Litigation
• Media & Entertainment: Transactional
• Private Credit
• Public Finance
• Real Estate
• Real Estate: Finance
• Real Estate: Mainly Corporate & Finance
• Sports Law
• Startups & Emerging Companies
• Tax

The Katten attorneys individually recognized are:

• Advertising: Litigation & Advertising: NAD Proceedings
  • Christopher A. Cole
• Banking & Finance
  • Geoff AuYeung
  • Jan Harris Cate
  • Daniel M. Entsminger
  • Michael A. Jacobson
  • Derek F. Ladgenski
  • Scott E. Lyons
  • Shana E. Ramirez
  • Neil G. Shelton
  • Stuart P. Shulruff
  • Jennifer I. Wolfe
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring
  • Michaela C. Crocker
  • William B. Freeman
  • Peter P. Knight
  • John E. Mitchell
  • Steven J. Reisman
  • Peter A. Siddiqui
• Capital Markets: Securitization: ABS
  • Chris DiAngelo
  • Howard Schickler
  • Joseph P. Topolski
• Capital Markets: Securitization: RMBS
  • Chris DiAngelo
  • David J. Matthews
• Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax
  • Anna-Liza Harris
• Construction
  • Nicole Lynn Kobrine
• Corporate/M&A
  • Mark S. Solomon
• Derivatives
  • Daniel J. Davis
  • Carl E. Kennedy
  • Matthew F. Kluchenek
• Derivatives: Enforcement
  • Christian T. Kemnitz
• Derivatives: Mainly Regulatory
  • Carl E. Kennedy
• Environment: Litigation
  • Nancy J. Rich
• Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Enforcement)
  • Wayne M. Aaron
  • Susan Light
• Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Litigation)
  • Camille A. Brooks
  • Stuart M. Richter
• Healthcare
  • Michelle Apodaca
  • W. Kenneth Davis, Jr.
  • Anthony M. Del Rio
  • Laura Keidan Martin
  • Katy Pollitt (Associates to watch)
  • Lisa Prather
  • Kenya S. Woodruff
• Hedge Funds
  • Henry Bregstein
  • Wendy E. Cohen
  • Allison C. Yacker
  • Lance A. Zinman
• Intellectual Property: Patent
  • Deepro R. Mukerjee
• Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets
  • Kristin J. Achterhof
  • Karen Artz Ash
  • Michael R. Justus
  • Floyd A. Mandell
  • Julia L. Mazur (Associates to watch)
  • Carolyn M. Passen
• International Arbitration: Counsel
  • Miriam K. Harwood
• Investment Funds: Investor Representation
  • Allison C. Yacker
• Litigation: General Commercial
  • David A. Crichlow
  • Sarah Weber
• Litigation: Securities
  • Kevin P. Broughel
  • Gidon M. Caine
  • Michael J. Diver
  • Sarah Eichenberger
  • Michael J. Lohnes
  • Jonathan Rotenberg
  • Bruce G. Vanyo
• Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
  • Alan J. Brudner
  • Daniel J. Collins
  • Brandon N. McCarthy
  • Ryan J. Meyer
  • Scott A. Resnik
  • Rachel M. Riley
  • Gil M. Soffer
  • Christopher J. Stetler
  • Sheldon T. Zenner
• Media & Entertainment: Litigation
  • David Halberstadter
  • Zia F. Modabber
  • Joel R. Weiner
• Media & Entertainment: Transactional
  • Michael S. Hobel
• Private Equity: Buyouts
  • Christopher S. Atkinson
  • Mark R. Grossmann
  • Kimberly T. Smith
• Public Finance
  • Alexander T. Deland
  • Chad R. Doobay
  • William F. Dudine
  • Lewis Greenbaum
  • Patricia A. Mollica
  • James S. Normile
  • Craig M. Scully
• Real Estate
  • Vinny Baumann (Associates to watch)
  • David R. Dlugie
  • Jason R. Gorczynski
  • Alvin Katz
  • Kenneth G. Lore
  • Mark C. Simon
• Real Estate: Finance
  • Frank E. Arado
  • J. Hayden Harrell
• Sports Law
  • Adam R. Klein
  • Daniel H. Render
• Startups & Emerging Companies
  • Matthew S. Brown
  • Fabiola Fox (Star Associates)
  • Jeffrey R. Patt
• Tax
  • Valentina Famparska
  • Saul E. Rudo

For a complete list of Katten’s results, please visit Chambers USA.

"The healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by private equity investment and increased regulations, and clients are seeking sophisticated, strategic counsel across the healthcare and life sciences sectors," said Kenya S. Woodruff, national chair of Katten's Healthcare practice. "Anthony and Kate are the highly experienced partners our healthcare clients have come to expect. They offer exceptional legal skills along with strategic healthcare and private equity insight to expand and strengthen our capabilities even further in this evolving environment."

Del Rio is widely recognized for his deep understanding of the complex and highly regulated healthcare industry, serving as a trusted advisor to leading healthcare organizations and investors. He counsels providers, payors, and other healthcare and life sciences entities on a broad range of issues, including transactional matters, regulatory compliance, restructurings and enforcement actions. His previous roles as president of a clinically integrated network and senior counsel to a large health system give him a distinctive, business-oriented perspective that helps clients successfully navigate intricate legal, transactional and regulatory matters.

Hardey is a highly regarded advisor known for her ability to guide clients through the complicated regulatory and transactional landscapes of the healthcare, life sciences and food industry sectors. Her clients include pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, laboratories, pharmacies, physician groups, hospital systems, food producers and related industry stakeholders. Private equity firms and strategic acquirers regularly turn to Hardey for her insight on high-stakes corporate transactions and multifaceted regulatory matters. Companies with FDA-regulated products also rely on her in-depth experience navigating dense legal and compliance challenges.

They are joined by associates Vinal Patel and Caitlin A. Kierum, both of whom bring substantial healthcare transactional and regulatory experience and will continue working alongside Del Rio and Hardey. Patel has advised on numerous complex hospital transactions as well as institution-wide investigations with national operational impact. Drawing from her experience as corporate transactions and regulatory counsel to an academic medical center, she provides nuanced insight into industry-specific challenges. Kierum has advised some of the largest operators and investors in the healthcare industry on complex transactions — including carveouts, take-privates, add-ons, joint ventures and restructurings — with her total deal value exceeding $50 billion.

According to Katten's 2025 Middle-Market Private Equity Report, healthcare continues to be a promising investment area for middle-market private equity investors, underscoring the importance of the firm’s strong healthcare and private equity rosters.

"We could not be more excited about the addition of Anthony and Kate — both of whom bring top-tier experience advising private equity investors on the acquisition and growth of regulated portfolio companies in healthcare. Joining together with our deep bench in these areas, they will help our clients continue to grow and adapt in step with a rapidly changing industry," said Kimberly T. Smith, partner and global chair of Katten's Corporate department, which includes the Healthcare practice.

Del Rio, Hardey, Patel and Kierum come to Katten from Kirkland & Ellis. Their arrival comes on the heels of the Healthcare team’s addition of Paul R. DeMuro, PhD, who recently began as counsel in Dallas.

The transaction includes construction financing for the new stadium and refinancing of existing term loans of Inter Miami CF. Each financing was provided by a select group of lenders. Katten represented Inter Miami CF when it obtained the existing term loans.

The construction loan is one of the most significant financings ever secured by an MLS club.

The Katten team included Sports and Sports Facilities Partner Adam Klein and Real Estate Associates Phil Piecuch, Loxley Gressle and Katie Ward.

"Inter Miami scores $450 million to build new stadium," South Florida Business Journal, April 29, 2025

"Lionel Messi-Led Inter Miami Nets $650M for Big Soccer Stadium," Commercial Observer, April 30, 2025

"Winston & Strawn Guides $450M Loan For Miami Stadium Plan," Law360, April 30, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

"Katten's growth has been driven by its strategic focus on serving financial services clients, alongside a growing volume of transactional work, particularly inbound matters from the [United States]," the report stated. "The London team now advises nearly all of Katten's US proprietary trading clients with operations in the City." The report also noted the firm's "targeted lateral hiring" program and its role in raising Katten's profile in London.

"Our strategic hires are a direct response to client feedback and market analysis, reflecting a concrete need for deeper, collaborative [experience] that mirrors and supports our US practices," said London Managing Partner Christopher Hitchins.

The US 50 2025 report sources data and figures from the publication’s most recent US 50 survey, gathered either directly from the firms or estimated through publicly available information and The Lawyer’s historical data.

"US 50 2025: Financial Results," *The Lawyer – The City, May 29, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.
 

Katten earned a bronze ranking for Litigation in New York for its "business-focused approach and courtroom prowess" as well as for its team of attorneys who have a "deep understanding of clients'; business needs." The firm, which has a market-leading reputation for handling Hatch-Waxman cases on behalf of the world’s largest generic pharmaceutical producers, was also recognized for its strong patent practices in Illinois and North Carolina.

"This latest acknowledgment emphasizes Katten's continued leadership in the patent arena," said Deepro R. Mukerjee, Chair of Katten's global Intellectual Property department and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. "Clients rely on us for their most critical and challenging intellectual property disputes, confident in the skill of our veteran litigators who are instrumental in safeguarding their patent assets and advancing their innovations."

Mukerjee earned a silver ranking in New York and was praised in the guide for his "leading reputation in the pharmaceutical space, as well as having rich experience in the life sciences sector." Clients testified that they choose Mukerjee because they "entrust him with their most high-value patent cases." Similarly in New York, Patent Litigation Co-Chair Lance A. Soderstrom received a bronze ranking. Soderstrom was lauded for "commanding a strong presence in the court" and being a "valuable asset to every case."

In Illinois, Patent Litigation Co-Chair Brian Sodikoff secured a silver ranking. Sodikoff was mentioned as a “seasoned litigator, entrusted by leading pharmaceutical companies to deliver victories in patent disputes around cutting-edge technologies.”

Additionally, IP Partners Joseph M. Janusz and Dr. Jitendra "Jitty" Malik were both named as "recommended individuals" in North Carolina where they were described as "key litigators to note." Janusz was called out for his ability to excel at "navigating multifaceted issues … to create cohesive, business-focused solutions." Malik was also recognized in the United States: National category, and was highlighted for his skill of "handling issues at the inter partes review and USPTO [United States Patent and Trademark Office] with ease."

The IAM Patent 1000 is the definitive directory dedicated to identifying the world's leading patent service providers. Its research process is rigorous and far reaching. Feedback was gathered from nearly 6,000 clients, including senior figures at industry giants as well as leading academic institutions across the world. 

"Steve is without question an exceptional lawyer. His reputation and credibility are well known and well worthy of distinction," said Katten CEO Noah S. Heller. "Equally outstanding are his quiet, often unexpected acts of kindness that widely spread positivity and compassion, particularly important now, when much more of that is sorely needed."

The UJA awards ceremony applauds professional, community and philanthropic leadership. This year’s event at the Marriott Marquis in New York featured as keynote speaker Omer Shem Tov, a former Israeli hostage taken by terrorists from a concert in Israel on October 7. He recounted his harrowing captivity.

Former President Bill Clinton, via video message, praised Reisman: "I've always admired and been in awe of your big heart, your fine mind, your commitment to spreading love and joy everywhere you go and your willingness to stand up for causes that matter most."

Reisman, variously described as "deeply generous," "a connector" and "a singular personality," is one of America's top restructuring attorneys, known for providing practical, innovative solutions to complex corporate restructurings. During his 35-year career, he has led numerous high-profile restructurings across a range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, energy, fintech and health care.

He also has earned the nickname "Two-Dollar Steve" for giving $2 bills as a source of good luck and sudden joy to almost everyone he meets, most notably at rap concerts, another of his passions. Reisman referred to the giving as his "little habit … that for a brief moment makes someone feel special (and) seen." The Clinton video ended with a graphic of $2 bills.

"Steve, you have a heart of gold, the stamina of an 18-year-old and an endless supply of two-dollar bills," said Marc Puntus, a partner at investment-banking advisory firm Centerview Partners. He was commended alongside his colleague Samuel Greene, a Centerview partner and co-head of its restructuring and debt advisory group, as well as Reisman.

"Giving is living … That phrase may sound simple, maybe even a little too simple, but it is everything," Reisman said, offering words of thanks that honored his late son, Noah, on what would have been his 31st birthday. "We live in a time when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed … Giving isn't what we do after we live. It's how we live."

The UJA event annually celebrates the philanthropy of late restructuring attorneys Harvey R. Miller and Leonard M. Rosen, each legendary in the industry. Katten was a lead sponsor for this year's ceremony, which raised more than $5 million to combat antisemitism, strengthen the Jewish community and support vulnerable New Yorkers generally — prominent parts of the UJA mission.

The Q&A explored the importance of navigating different family dynamics of each client and how that leads to Joshua tailoring his approach to each client. The process starts with a series of questions to evaluate the situation.

"That depends upon so many factors," Joshua started. "Is there a family office? If so, does the family office help or hinder the process? Is there one lawyer for the family, or do different family members use different lawyers (or does the family office itself use multiple lawyers)? Do you have a wide range of age diversity on your team, so that family members can form relationships with the team members they relate best with? Having a diverse team can be critical."

Communication is critical between Joshua and his clients as well as amongst members of the families he’s working with.

"The first step is to remind the patriarch or matriarch that even if they are reserving all decisions to themselves, clearly communicating their decisions to everyone is crucial," Joshua said. "Most family disputes arise over surprise and disappointment — from a lack of clarity as to what the matriarch's/patriarch’s true intentions were."

Joshua also talked about conflict management around wealth disagreements or management. He shared, "It is a mistake to force family members to remain economically tied to one another. Good family structures provide an exit mechanism for beneficiaries who want to separate."

"Family, Wealth, and the Power of Planning," Citywealth, April 30, 2025

Joshua Rubenstein, partner and national chair of Katten's Private Wealth Department, was quoted on the increasing prevalence of succession battles, noting, "There is no question that succession battles are on the rise, for several reasons. One of these is the increasing ability to opt into the 'American Rule' for the payment of legal fees, where a contestant is liable only for his or her own legal fees."

He went on to say, "On the topic of fees, there's also the growing possibility, especially as not all law firms are thriving, for contestants to find counsel willing to take their case on a contingency basis. In such cases, the contestant only pays legal fees if they win."

"Matriarchs and patriarchs are living longer than ever, which means their heirs are often elderly themselves by the time they inherit," Joshua added as additional factors contributing to this trend. "Many feel they cannot afford to wait and are therefore more likely to start proceedings. When you combine these factors with global economic uncertainty, it creates a sense of instability that fuels disputes."

"Legacy on the Line: Why the World's Wealthiest Families Are Falling Apart," Citywealth, May 15, 2025

"These honors are a testament to the strength and depth of our premier Private Wealth team," said Joshua S. Rubenstein, national chair of Katten's Private Wealth practice. "Whether advising on estate planning, fiduciary litigation or sophisticated multijurisdictional legal and tax matters, our attorneys are trusted by ultra-high-net-worth clients worldwide for delivering strategic counsel and exceptional service."

Citywealth hosted its 19th annual Magic Circle Awards ceremony in London to recognize top-performing advisors and managers in global private wealth, including leading law firms, private banks, trustees, attorneys, accountants and family offices that advise ultra-high-net-worth clients.

This year, Rubenstein was also a finalist in the Outstanding Individual of the Year category and Partner Ronni G. Davidowitz was shortlisted for the Woman of the Year category.

The Magic Circle Awards are based on nominations demonstrating innovative client service, firm performance, leadership and vision, among other areas. A judging panel of private wealth advisors evaluated the entries, which included online voting.

Regarded as one of the largest international private wealth practices among AmLaw 100 firms, Katten's team excels in delivering highly personalized service that addresses its clients' complex global planning needs.

Katten's Private Wealth practice unites three essential components — planning, administration and litigation — on the local, national and international levels. Katten's esteemed group counsels clients on structuring trusts and inheritances, protecting assets, optimizing taxes, formulating and implementing cross-border succession strategies, integrating philanthropy into planning, and resolving family conflicts, estate and trust disputes, and controversies with taxing and regulatory authorities.

To help provide context, Joshua explained, "For centuries, a last will and testament was the cornerstone of everyone's estate plan, leaving directions (fully amendable prior to death) for who gets what, on what terms, and how taxes are paid."

Joshua has observed a shift of late, stating, "More recently, clients and advisors alike have voiced objections to the probate process, including that it is expensive, the courts are badly backlogged so there can be enormous delays, and one’s wishes would become a matter of public record."

This has resulted in a variety of alternatives. "Today, however, dozens of new kinds of testamentary substitutes have arisen, which have the effect of making it possible to make almost any asset pass by beneficiary designation or operation of law," Joshua said.

However, the alternatives have their challenges as well, oftentimes leading to a blended approach. "Because testamentary substitutes lack a quarterback or central authority to oversee estate administration, increasingly planners are looking to a hybrid arrangement, using a simple will that gets probated, but which then pours entirely into an inter vivos revocable trust," Joshua added. "So it too is freely amendable until death, but then after death, passes free from public scrutiny or court involvement and is administered on its own."

"Modern Estate Planning: From Wills to Testamentary Substitutes," Citywealth, May 7, 2025

The Katten team included Mergers and Acquisitions Partners David Kravitz, Jessica Schauwecker and Michelle Gyves, and Associates Adam Hansen and Miriam Wang; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partners Mitchel Pahl and Kate Ulrich Saracene, and Associate Neal Patel; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate James Blasland; Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden; Real Estate Partner Nancy Rich, Senior Counsel Kenneth Jacobson, Counsel Andrea Prell and Associate Paige Krause.

The discussion covered Ronni's perspectives on the most important skills for an estate planning attorney, trends she’s noticing among her clients and highlights of her work.

In addition to leading legal skills, Ronni pointed out that estate planning attorneys should be "empathetic and responsive, listen attentively and communicate clearly."

Ronni also stated that the constant evolution of tax law impacts her practice and her clients. "There is no such thing as a permanent tax law and time and again, we have seen challenges as both estate planners, such as myself, and clients grapple with potential changes in the estate, gift and income tax area and attend to timely planning, mindful of any potential changes."

While reflecting on the elements of her work she values, Ronni shared, "What I enjoy about my role is the opportunity to guide associates and junior partners to reach the next step of their careers, as well as the personal interaction with clients and the satisfaction I get in providing assistance and support to families, often during emotional times."

"Citywealth Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Ronni Davidowitz, Katten Muchin Rosenman," Citywealth, April 30, 2025

The Katten team included Mergers and Acquisitions Partners David Kravitz, Jessica Schauwecker and Michelle Gyves, and Associates Adam Hansen and Miriam Wang; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partners Mitchel Pahl and Kate Ulrich Saracene, and Associate Neal Patel; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate James Blasland; Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden; Real Estate Partner Nancy Rich, Senior Counsel Kenneth Jacobson and Associate Paige Krause; and Mergers & Acquisitions Litigation Partner and Chair James Bookhout.

In the Compliance and the Finance and Banking categories, Partner and Financial Markets and Regulation Co-Chair Carl Kennedy, with Financial Markets and Funds Associate Alexander Kim, were awarded for their co-authorship of an article titled "New Administration, New Direction? What Swap Dealers Can Expect From CFTC Post-2024 Election."

"Spring 2025 Thought Leadership Awards," Mondaq, May 2025

"Spring 2025 Thought Leadership Awards," Mondaq, May 2025

Also see:

"New Administration, New Direction? What Swap Dealers Can Expect From CFTC Post-2024 Election," Katten, November 19, 2024

In the Antitrust/Competition Law category, Partner Jonathan Rotenberg, with Associates Zachary Beal and Gabriella Weick, were awarded for their co-authorship of an article titled "Premerger Filing Requirements Under Hart-Scott-Rodino Set to Expand Significantly."

"Spring 2025 Thought Leadership Awards," Mondaq, May 2025

Also see:

“Premerger Filing Requirements Under Hart-Scott-Rodino Set to Expand Significantly,” Katten, October 14, 2024

Katten's comprehensive resource center, "The Second Trump Administration: Legal News and Regulatory Developments," was also recognized in the Finance and Banking category.

"Spring 2025 Thought Leadership Awards," Mondaq, May 2025

Also see:

"The Second Trump Administration: Legal News and Regulatory Developments," Katten

WB Waste Solutions is a regional private waste and recycling company based in Maryland. The acquisition includes its range of commercial and industrial hauling and post-collection services in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Prior to this sale, Katten handled several acquisitions and other strategic transactions for WB Waste Solutions for over seven years. In addition, attorneys from Katten worked with one of the principals for over a decade, including at prior waste companies.

The Katten team, which executed the sale and compliance review, included Private Equity and Mergers and Acquisitions Partner William Rivers and Associates Julia Brook, Julie Park, Astoneia Moss and Taylor Stilwell; Antitrust and Competition Partners Mark Ciani, Jonathan Rotenberg and David Gonen; Litigation Partners Ted Huffman and Ryan Meyer and Associate Ryan Dean; Real Estate Partners Kenneth Lore and Olga Gurtovaya; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Mitchel Pahl; and Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate Jeffrey Ng.

“We’re fortunate to hear Qian Julie Wang share her immigrant experience. I have certainly empathized and personally connected with parts of her journey as it resonates deeply with many who have had to overcome adversity at some point in their lives,” said Associate Alexander Kim, co-chair of the firm’s AAPI affinity group, which plays a vital role in cultivating a culture of belonging and inclusion at the firm.

With the theme of the 2025 AANHPI Heritage Month as “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” Kim moderated the virtual event with Wang. The discussion covered her memoir Beautiful Country, which details her experience as an undocumented child living in poverty in the United States. She talked about the challenges she encountered in her childhood, her path to become a US citizen and her legal career. She is now the managing partner of Gottlieb & Wang LLP, a firm dedicated to advocating for education and disability rights.

As a young child, she recalled reading library books about Supreme Court Justices Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which inspired her to become an attorney. “If you think about it, lawyers and judges represent the antithesis of everything that the undocumented community struggles with: lack of access to resources, lack of understanding of the law, lack of pathways to even finding their voice in the courtroom. I wanted to be that voice, for people like me, who were struggling,” Wang said.

Wang also discussed the lingering feeling of being an outsider, including in the legal industry and publishing world. Yet, she finds power in that experience and now embraces it. “If you can see the system or the industry from the outside, then you have the power and the insight and the wisdom to fix and change things, and to break things if they need to be broken. Because you are not of the system and you are not of the industry, you are an independent person with agency and willpower and insight — insight that is much needed. Every new lawyer, every new author I meet who feels that they are so green, and they can’t possibly have anything to contribute, I say we need you,” Wang said.

Katten’s Perspectives Speaker Series is a program open to all attorneys and business professionals, designed to spotlight voices that inspire dialogue, broaden perspectives and strengthen the firm’s commitment to inclusion.

Joshua offered the perspective that one of the contributing factors to the surge is fee arrangements and how they may incentivize litigation. "There has been an enormous increase in private client litigations for a myriad reasons, not the least of which is how legal fees are paid," Joshua said. "Under UK law based legal systems, the losing party is at risk for paying everyone's legal fees. Under the so-called 'American Rule,' however, generally the loser pays only his or her own fees."

Joshua went on to explain that several countries are beginning to implement their own version of the American Rule. He also noted that many attorneys are now agreeing to take on estate and trust cases on a "no win, no fee" basis.

Ronni commented on how generational family dynamics have also contributed to an uptick in disputes, specifically around trust funds. "Of particular relevance, younger generations are increasingly looking to wrest control of family assets or gain premature access to funds held in trusts or estates, especially where there is a perception of diminished capacity," Ronni shared. "These actions have often led to costly disputes, unfortunate family disharmony, and in some cases, public embarrassment of senior family members. This dynamic further amplifies the tension in wealth planning between providing comfort and security for younger generations and creating an unintended sense of entitlement within the ranks."

"Why Private Wealth Litigation is booming: Inside the surge of Family Wealth Disputes," Citywealth, April 30, 2025

Trading was first made available to institutional participants on April 28, with retail access soon to follow. This launch positions Bitnomial as the only US exchange company offering physically delivered, non-synthetic exposure to crypto futures, options and perpetuals.

"Bitnomial Exchange Self-Certifies First Ever U.S. Perpetual Futures Contracts," PR Newswire, April 23, 2025

"Bitnomial Self-Certifies First U.S. Perpetual Futures," Markets Media, April 24, 2025

"Bitnomial Launches U.S.’s First Crypto Perpetual Futures," DeFi Planet, April 24, 2025

The Firm is proud to support UJA — the world's largest local philanthropy — caring for people in need of all backgrounds, responding to crises and building a more inclusive, united Jewish community in New York and around the world. Through resources from close to 50,000 donors, UJA has been helping people in need, inspiring a passion for Jewish life and learning, and strengthening global Jewish communities for over 100 years.

Steven has been a member of the UJA Restructuring Committee for over a decade and is widely regarded in the restructuring industry for his representation of boards of directors, independent directors, and special committees conducting independent investigations and considering liability management transactions, as well as his central role in some of the largest out-of-court and Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of the past decades. In his career spanning more than 30 years, he has also acted as counsel for Chapter 11 debtors, conflicts counsel and special counsel; regularly represented private equity sponsors, purchasers of distressed assets, and official and ad hoc creditors’ committees; and worked on multiple cross-border insolvency matters.

Steven is a devoted husband and adoring father to three children, as well as friend to many. He is also known as "Two Dollar Steve" by many in the entertainment business and throughout the legal community and the music world. Steven always strives to share his good fortune with others, whether it is through his philanthropic work or by handing out $2 bills to friends, colleagues, and anyone and everyone he meets, including complete strangers.

Bringing a wealth of experience to his role, Steve's deep understanding of the future and derivatives business objectives and regulatory challenges makes him a trusted advisor to the FIA and his clients. He is well-versed in the complexities of executing and clearing futures, equity options, and cleared swaps. Prior to Katten, he served as in-house counsel at a leading multinational financial institution and as a trial attorney with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and he spent over 14 years as a senior in-house coverage attorney for a top-tier broker-dealer/futures commission merchant.

Katten also congratulates Partner and Financial Markets and Regulation Co-Chair Daniel Davis, who has just completed his two-year term on the Law & Compliance Executive Committee. Dan's contributions have been instrumental in driving key initiatives and fostering collaboration among futures industry leaders.

"Karen has fresh energy, standout skills and experience in all aspects of CMBS finance. She has led transactions as issuer’s counsel, underwriter’s counsel and transaction counsel, with notable experience in single-asset single-borrower (SASB) deals," said Howard Schickler, New York-based co-chair of Katten's Structured Finance and Securitization department.

Anzalone was named in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, which spotlights top-notch legal talent. She formerly was a member of the Capital Markets Group at another AmLaw 100 firm.

At Katten, Anzalone will continue to focus on CMBS alongside Charlotte-based Katten Partner Joshua Yablonski on all facets of the loan-to-securitization process. Katten's CMBS practice includes providing advice on loan originations, warehouse facilities, Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (REMICs), resecuritizations and collateralized loan obligations.

Anzalone joins a highly ranked national team of attorneys known for representing benchmark issuers in several asset classes, including auto finance and residential and commercial mortgage. Helmed by distinguished attorneys, the practice brings together a broad array of skills and transactional experience to help clients address a wide range of needs.

"Karen knows the importance of delivering innovative and effective solutions for our clients, and in this way, she is an ideal addition to our team. I couldn't be more pleased to have her join us," said Anna-Liza Harris, who co-chairs Katten's Structured Finance and Securitization department out of Washington, DC.

Anzalone received her BA from Clemson University, her MBA in Strategic Management from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University, and her JD, magna cum laude, from Pace University School of Law, where she was the editor-in-chief of the Pace Law Review.

Bonnie Chmil, Ronni Davidowitz and National Chair Joshua Rubenstein each earned a place on the list, which highlights attorneys who have become trusted advisors to their clients for demonstrating the legal precision to handle complex matters and the emotional intelligence and foresight to help navigate often nuanced and tangled family and social dynamics.

“Top 100 Trust Litigators and Polymaths 2025,” Citywealth, April 30, 2025

D Magazine’s list of Best Lawyers 2025 recognizes eight Katten partners across several practice areas, highlighting the firm's deepening bench across a breadth of practices in North Texas.

Those recognized this year include:

• Dilen Kumar in Corporate Law: Mergers and Acquisitions
• Brandon Nelson McCarthy in Criminal Defense: White Collar
• Ryan Meyer in Criminal Defense: White Collar
• Rachel Riley in Criminal Defense: White Collar
• Mark S. Solomon in Corporate Law: Mergers and Acquisitions
• J. David Washburn in Corporate Law: General
• Kenya Woodruff in Healthcare (Transactional)
• Victor Zanetti in Corporate Law: Private Equity

Katten's Dallas office showcases a team of attorneys who provide wide breadth of services, including corporate and transactional, tax, insolvency and restructuring, health care, real estate and litigation representation, including white-collar, investigations and compliance, to a broad range of clients across industries. The firm represents public and private companies, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, boards of directors and special committees, investment funds, entrepreneurs, national real estate companies, and private developers and investors in industries ranging from financial services and education to manufacturing, technology and sports.

"2025 Best Lawyers in Dallas," D Magazine, May 1, 2025

The Katten team included Mergers and Acquisitions Partner Tom Lamprecht; Private Credit Partner John Huang; Corporate Partner Michelle Gyves and Associates Alex Haddad, Natasha Spann and Quincy Wolff; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Andrew Skowronski and Associate Peter Dalmasy; Environmental Partner Nancy Rich; and Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate James Blasland.

"Ronin Equity Partners and Landon Capital Partners Achieve Strategic Sale of Heartisan Foods to The Gellert Global Group," APNews.com, April 14, 2025

The report, which surveyed over 100 private equity investors in early 2024, included results from a follow-up flash survey conducted in March 2025. Connect Money noted the shift in sentiment, citing that "60 percent now feel less optimistic about dealmaking compared to early 2024. Still, 48 percent remain positive about PE activity in 2025, though 29 percent harbor concerns."

Kimberly Smith, partner and global chair of Katten's Corporate Department, elaborated on the shifting sentiment in the marketplace in Alternatives Watch. She said, "The increased confidence we saw from respondents regarding a range of transaction types — platform deals, add-ons and exits — signals the potential for improved dealmaking momentum in a market that has swung from the M&A boom of 2021, when money was cheap and more easily available, to the subsequent slump as interest rates soared. However, uncertainty surrounding the impact of tariffs on business forecasts is now casting a shadow over some M&A activity."

J. David Washburn, partner and co-chair, Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity, shared with The Texas Lawbook that investors are likely to focus on certain sectors. He said, "PE investors view business services as an area of focus because, in many cases, such services are required and cannot be deferred — consider security services, commercial landscaping, waste management, property management, janitorial and the like."

Looking forward, David told Fund Fire, "We anticipate significant volatility in the next couple of quarters. People were overly optimistic about what 2025 might bring. People keep talking about the value of certainty."

Read the full report here.

"Tariffs Throw Monkey Wrench Into ‘Pretty Good’ Q1 Deal Flow," Fund Fire, April 11, 2025

"Tariffs, Policy Uncertainty Cloud Private Equity Dealmakers’ Outlook — Evening Brief," Connect Money, April 8, 2025

"Hamilton Lane's Erik Hirsch: 'private markets, particularly private equity, outperform by the greatest amount' in down periods; what’s your take?," PE Hub, April 7, 2025

"Rising tariffs volatility muddies private equity waters despite hopes for improving deals landscape," Alt Assets, April 4, 2025

"Dealmakers Balancing Hope for Steadying Private Equity Market Against Lingering Economic and Policy Uncertainty, Katten Report," ABL Advisor, April 4, 2025

"Katten Report Finds Dealmakers Balancing Hope for a Steadying Private Equity Market Against Lingering Economic and Policy Uncertainty," ABF Journal, April 4, 2025

"Middle-Market PE Report Reflects a Sense of Optimism Undermined," Secured Finance Network, April 3, 2025

"Middle-Market PE Report Reflects a Sense of Optimism Undermined," The Texas Lawbook, April 3, 2025

"Navigating Opportunities in a Rapidly Changing Private Equity Landscape," Investors Hangout, April 3, 2025

"Katten: PE dealmakers less optimistic on prospects post-Q1," Alternatives Watch, April 3, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

Allan, who co-founded the firm that bears his name and also helped found Noble, was recognized as the "bold, action-oriented, and unwavering leader our community needed," as former Noble CEO Constance Jones stated when presenting Allan with the award. She went on to describe Allan’s vision for Noble, which is "rooted in a deep belief that every student in Chicago deserves access to a free, high-quality public school education."

"He didn’t just talk about it — he embodied it," Jones said. "And he made sure I knew that to join him in this work, I had to share that same unwavering conviction for our kids."

Noble serves more than 12,000 students and 28,000 alumni across 17 open-enrollment public charter schools in Chicago, working to ensure that all students have equitable and positive school experiences that will prepare them for college and beyond.

“New fraud review could incentivise whistleblowers,” Solicitors Journal, April 24, 2025

“Independent review launched to tackle the UK’s ‘biggest crime’ – fraud,” Grip, April 25, 2025

In addition, Intellectual Property Partners Deepro Mukerjee, Department Chair, and Kristin Achterhof, Advertising, Marketing and Promotions Co-Chair, were both finalists for Litigator of the Year, with Deepro being named in New York and Kristin being named in Illinois.

The Managing IP Awards, now in its 20th year, recognize “remarkable” intellectual property (IP) achievements and developments over the last year across multiple IP practice areas and more than 50 jurisdictions, based on information obtained over months by a team of researchers in New York.

“Kirkland & Ellis among big winners at Managing IP Americas Awards,” *Managing Intellectual Property, April 25, 2025

Also see:

“Managing IP Americas Awards 2025: shortlists announced,” *Managing Intellectual Property, February 28, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

“The 40 practical measures outlined by the regulator include much-needed steps to prevent children from encountering the most harmful context relating to the likes of self-harm, eating disorders, porn and suicide, while also protecting them from misogynistic, violent, hateful or abusive material, online bullying and dangerous challenges,” Terry commented in the article by C21Media. “The codes now demand a ‘safety-first’ approach when tech companies design and operate their [UK] services … [including] producing safer feeds, conducting effective age checks, taking fast action to tackle harmful content, giving children more choice and support in their online experience, making it easier to report and complain, and ensuring that strong governance is respected.”

In the BBN Times article, Terry stated, “The new codes demand accountability and proactive measures from platforms to ensure children’s well-being,” adding that “companies that embrace these measures proactively will not only comply with the law but also set a standard for responsible digital citizenship.”

“Ofcom Introduces Robust Child Safety Guidelines Under Online Safety Act,” BBN Times, April 24, 2025

“Ofcom warns online firms face UK ban if they fail to comply with new protections for kids,” C21Media, April 24, 2025

“Ofcom sets strict new online safety rules to protect children,” Tech Day – CMOtech United Kingdom, ChannelLife United Kingdom, ITBrief United Kingdom and SecurityBrief United Kingdom, April 24, 2025

“The new rules for social media sites announced by Ofcom,” The Legal Diary, April 25, 2025

Also see:

“Terry Green Quoted in Media About Meta's New Parental Controls for Teen Accounts,” April 11, 2025

Gil Soffer, Katten Chairman, has served as the independent monitor in a global opioid settlement, and was previously a DOJ/SEC-appointed corporate compliance monitor in a major Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) case. Gil is also WLS-TV/Channel 7's chief legal analyst. He previously headed the Chicago Bar Foundation Investing in Justice Campaign, which raised $1.4 million for pro bono services, and he served as Chair of the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission.

Daniel Collins is a partner in Katten’s White Collar and Internal Investigations practice. He joined the firm after 10 years as a federal prosecutor, where he served as deputy chief in the Special Prosecutions Section. Notably, Daniel led the defense of former House Speaker Michael Madigan in a four-month trial and defended a health care provider, securing dismissal of all felony charges after six weeks of trial. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has won awards from the DOJ and FBI.

Katten Co-Chair of the Securities Litigation Department and Chair of the Securities Enforcement Defense, Michael Diver’s recognition included his work representing multiple financial services firms in the SEC’s high-profile “off-channel communications” investigations. He also represents public companies and executives in securities class actions, shareholder derivative suits and regulatory investigations. Michael and his wife are supporters of the Greater Chicago Food Depository and NMDP, a nonprofit focused on bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants.

“2025 Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys,” Crain’s Chicago Business, April 21, 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

In his honoree profile, Scott shared recent goals and their impact, including leading Katten's real estate department "through the unprecedented commercial real estate cycles caused by COVID," which reshaped his management approach. "This required swift adjustments in resource management, including hiring and retention," he said. "I learned the importance of balancing immediate needs with building a team that is resilient in the face of an uncertain future and poised for long-term success."

Scott also shared how he gives back to the community, describing his involvement with the Urban Land Institute (ULI), "one of the most influential organizations in commercial real estate," through the New York Mixed-Use Council and the ULI New York Awards Committee and Annual Gala. "ULI's diverse membership has provided opportunities to connect with senior leaders across the real estate community, including developers, lenders, architects, engineers and government administrators," Scott said. "[Its] programming also includes site tours of new projects and presentations by industry leaders."

Scott went on to advise new leaders to lead by example, "valuing the input and experiences of mentors and predecessors." His recognition also included a quote from Senior Vice President and Chief Counsel at Empire State Realty Trust Susanne Lieu, lauding Scott as "an exceptional real estate attorney" with an "in-depth understanding of the law and pragmatic business judgment allowing him to deliver balanced, insightful guidance." Susanne also commended Scott for his timely responsiveness and constant availability, which "reassures clients, making him one of the best in the field."

"Ones to Watch — Industry Leaders," *New York Real Estate Journal, April 2025

*Subscription may be required for article access.

There are opportunities for real, difference-making change. He shared, “A lot of [Financial Conduct Authority] FCA reporting is mandatory and seems to have no real benefit to firms themselves, their customers, or the markets. There are scenarios where both sides of a transaction have to report, so the FCA gets the same information twice, which is duplicative and unnecessary.”

“UK’s deregulation drive raises compliance risk, say top lawyers,” Compliance Week, April 21, 2025

Additional coverage available at “UK’s Deregulation Drive Sparks Legal Debate Over Risks, Conflicts, and Uncertainty,” Flexi-News, April 23, 2025.

*Subscription may be required for article access.

The transaction includes the acquisition by LHM of a majority interest in the MLS Next Pro team Real Monarchs, the RSL Academy, and the operating rights to the America First Field, Zions Bank Stadium and the Zions Bank Training Center.

LHM previously owned a controlling interest in the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association. Katten represented LHM in 2020 when it sold its controlling interest in the franchise.

The Katten team included Sports and Sports Facilities Partner Adam Klein and Associate Ethan Asofsky; Corporate Associates Julie Park, Kylie Sholty and Austin Brandenburg; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Valentina Famparska; Private Credit Partner Andy Lillis, Counsel Sophia Lewis, Associates Lauren Batterham, Tim Brown and Nune Mamyan and Paralegal Sharon Elkin; and Real Estate Partner Jason Gorczynski and Associate Phil Piecuch.

"Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals sold to ex-Jazz owners for $600M," ESPN.com, April 18, 2025

"Miller family buys Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals at $600M valuation," Sports Business Journal, April 18, 2025

"Miller Sports + Entertainment Purchases Controlling Interest in RSL Football Holdings," RSL.com, April 18, 2025

"Miller Sports + Entertainment purchases controlling interest in RSL football holdings," Utah Business, April 18, 2025

"Miller family, MSE purchase controlling interest in RSL, Utah Royals," Reuters, April 18, 2025

Founded in 1914, RJO, through its futures commission merchant (FCM) and global affiliates, serves the industry’s largest global network of introducing brokers (IBs), commercial and institutional clients, and individual investors.

The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of this year, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The combined firm, StoneX, will become one of the leading FCMs in the United States while enhancing its role in the global financial market structure.

"R.J. O'Brien Agrees to Acquisition by StoneX Group," PR Newswire, April 14, 2025

"StoneX to Acquire R.J. O’Brien, Creating a Market Leader in Global Derivatives," GlobalNewswire, April 14, 2025

The equity sale transaction aligns Av8, a Federal Aviation Administration parts manufacturer approval (PMA) development company, with companies under the Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings umbrella that collectively offer more than 3,500 proprietary PMA parts.

The Katten team included Corporate Partner Michelle Gyves and Associate Sheryl Kang; Mergers and Acquisitions Associates Weston Love, Alexander Lovrine and Alex Lindsey; Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner Shira Selengut and Counsel Lisa Christensen; Transactional Tax Planning Partner Todd Hatcher and Associate Jeffrey Ng; and Intellectual Property Partner Sean Wooden.

"Victor Sierra Buys MRO and PMA Provider Av8 Group," AINonline.com, April 8, 2025