Chancery
USA Guide 2024 : Delaware
Band 1
About
Provided by Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP
Internal governance issues and the lawsuits that so often accompany them play a large role in our practice. Especially in the context of corporate transactions, these issues demand deep knowledge of Delaware law and its exacting standards. We counsel directors, officers, and other fiduciaries on their responsibilities, and we defend them, when necessary, in litigation.
In high-stakes litigation, our clients and co-counsel rely on us to help them assess the factual, legal, and logistical complexities. We evaluate the structures and provisions of the deal — many of which have broken new ground in the field — in ways that both anticipate and avoid future litigation. When lawsuits do in fact threaten the deal, we are adept at resolving them, often in expedited proceedings before the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Chambers Review
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor is a well-regarded firm that handles the full range of corporate and alternative entity litigation, with a specific focus on M&A disputes and fiduciary duty litigation as well as hostile takeovers and proxy contests. Draws on a bench of high-quality attorneys and expertise in a range of industries, particularly energy. Regularly represents clients on both the defense and plaintiff sides. Further expertise in assisting on matters with notable cross-border elements.
Work Highlights
- Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor successfully defended Amazon against a challenge to a transaction whereby the officers and directors of Owl Cameras negotiated a non-exclusive license with Amazon for certain intellectual property of Owl Cameras.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Young Conaway's attorneys have deep experience in Delaware corporate law. Their counsel on matters is always spot on and valuable."
"It's a top-tier Delaware firm."
"They are practical, they have strong people at every level and you can call them anytime."
"Young Conaway's attorneys have deep experience in Delaware corporate law. Their counsel on matters is always spot on and valuable."
"It's a top-tier Delaware firm."
"They are practical, they have strong people at every level and you can call them anytime."
Notable Practitioners
David McBride has significant experience acting for directors and shareholders in complex litigation and investigations. He also has extensive understanding of issues arising from M&A.
Elena Norman has broad litigation expertise and represents corporate clients including directors and stockholders. She draws recognition for her strength in merger disputes.
"Elena is a star. She has superb substantive expertise and judgment combined with outstanding skill."
"She is an outstanding colleague and an excellent, practical litigator."
"I trust Elena's judgment implicitly."
Martin Lessner demonstrates experience acting for corporate clients in disputes concerning stockholders, M&A and fiduciary duties. He is well versed in fraud and books and records issues as well.
Barr Flinn brings his extensive experience to bear in the representation of clients involved in complex corporate governance proceedings. He often acts for special litigation committees.
Rolin Bissell has broad contentious expertise, which includes notable experience in matters including M&A disputes, proxy contests and fiduciary duty challenges. He typically acts for corporations and board members.
Chair of the corporate litigation practice, Tammy Mercer is particularly noted for her experience in litigating disputes relating to corporate/M&A and noncompetition agreements.
James Yoch has broad experience in a variety of substantive areas before the Delaware Court of Chancery that he utilizes in achieving optimal results when a client is faced with a need for a counselor, a litigator or both.
"James is a responsive, terrific lawyer."
Ryan Newell represents clients in a range of corporate and commercial disputes. He also has significant experience in litigious IP matters.
"Ryan is knowledgeable, effective and has the courts' respect."
Ranked Lawyers at
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP
Delaware
Members
Provided by Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP
Alberto Chávez
Caleb Johnson
Daniel Baker
Daniel Kirshenbaum
Elisabeth Bradley
Emily Burton
Jack Jacobs
James Yoch, Jr.
Joseph Turk
Kevin Rickert
Lakshmi Muthu
Lauren Fortunato
M. Paige Valeski
Michael Carbonara
Michael Laukaitis, II
Michael Neminski
Nehama Hanoch
Nicholas Rohrer
Paul Loughman
Richard Thomas
Skyler Speed
Tammy Mercer
Head of Department
William Johnston
William Zwicharowski