Chancery
USA Guide 2024 : Delaware
Band 1
About
Provided by Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP
Morris Nichols lawyers have litigated many of the landmark cases that established the principles of Delaware corporate law and defined the fiduciary duties governing boards of directors of many major corporations in the United States. From the seminal Revlon case to the more recent landmark decision in MFW, we represent many of the world’s largest companies in litigation of national significance.
We advocate on behalf of corporations, directors, substantial stockholders, partnerships, limited and general partners, and limited liability companies in lawsuits involving challenges to mergers, acquisitions and financing transactions; takeover battles and proxy contests; busted deals; as well as class and derivative actions. We also represent special committees of independent directors in connection with reviewing conflict transactions and with the investigation of potential and pending derivative claims. In addition, we routinely handle matters involving complex valuations of Delaware corporations and alternative entities, as well as statutory proceedings before the Delaware Court of Chancery such claims for inspection of books and records; claims by directors for advancement and indemnification of their legal fees; and claims to compel an annual stockholders’ meetings.
Our market leading commercial litigation practice handles a wide range of disputes in the Court of Chancery, the Delaware Superior Court, and the District Court for the District of Delaware.
Chambers Review
Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell is a preeminent firm with a high level of experience and expertise across a range of commercial disputes. The firm is praised by market sources for its work in lawsuits concerning M&A, takeover battles and proxy contests, among other matters. It represents a wide array of clients including shareholders, limited partners and limited liability companies. The group also regularly advises special committees of independent directors on conflict of interest issues.
Work Highlights
- Morris Nichols served as lead Delaware counsel for InterMune and Roche Holdings as plaintiffs seeking indemnification of legal expenses advanced to former CEO who has been convicted of wire fraud.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Morris Nichols is the top pick for Delaware co-counsel. They are terrific team members, steeped in Delaware law, Chancery Court details and the various judges' particulars. They also provide top-notch trial support."
"They provide a high level of expertise in Delaware corporate law."
"The attorneys excel in their legal contributions, the respect that they receive from the Delaware judiciary, and their consistent focus on the best business resolution from a legal dispute."
"Morris Nichols is the top pick for Delaware co-counsel. They are terrific team members, steeped in Delaware law, Chancery Court details and the various judges' particulars. They also provide top-notch trial support."
"They provide a high level of expertise in Delaware corporate law."
"The attorneys excel in their legal contributions, the respect that they receive from the Delaware judiciary, and their consistent focus on the best business resolution from a legal dispute."
Notable Practitioners
Kenneth Nachbar is highlighted for his expertise in high-value litigation including fiduciary duty and derivative actions, as well as books and records requests.
William Lafferty is a respected litigator with notable experience representing clients in complex contentious mandates arising from failed merger agreements. In addition to his roster of corporate clients, he is also able to represent boards of directors.
"He has a really good sense of the culture and what's going to go over well with particular judges. He has a really deep knowledge of the history and how a given case fits into where the law is moving and has moved."
Clients turn to Susan Waesco for her strong chancery experience. She is well versed in representing both corporations and boards of directors on singular and class actions.
"She's a hard-working, thoughtful lawyer who knows the rules in the space and writes really well."
David Teklits is well known in the market for his advice on special committee issues and valuation matters.
"He is an excellent, very well-respected lawyer."
"David Teklits is a fantastic litigator. He's smart, sensible and practical."
Jon Abramczyk garners praise for his corporate litigation practice. He offers demonstrable expertise acting for both corporations and individuals, and has experience handling high-value fiduciary duty disputes.
"Jon is a very experienced, very competent guy."
Mark Hurd advises clients in a broad range of disputes before the Court of Chancery, and frequently acts on litigation arising from merger agreements. He has experience acting for both plaintiffs and defendants.
"Mark is a very seasoned professional who provides top-quality advice and work product."
McKinley Measley typically acts for defendants in litigation concerning merger disputes, fraud claims and stockholder suits.
"Mac is easy to work with and achieves good outcomes for his clients in an efficient manner."
Megan Ward Cascio is an experienced corporate and commercial litigator with expertise acting on a wide array of Delaware suits, including fiduciary duty litigation.
"Megan is someone who knows things at the tip of her fingers regarding Delaware law. She has a good knowledge of how chancery works, what the chancellors care about and how to handle these cases."
Judson Scaggs has extensive experience advising clients on corporate litigation. His knowledge covers a range of disputes, including class and derivative actions.
Ranked Lawyers at
Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP
Delaware
Members
Provided by Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP