Debevoise & Plimpton LLP today announced that The American Lawyer has named the firm the winner of its seventh biennial "Litigation Department of the Year" competition, identifying the firm as having demonstrated the most impressive litigation accomplishments of any U.S.-based law firm over the last two years. Noting that "no rival of any size could match the magnitude of Debevoise's recent litigation results," The American Lawyer specifically praised "two $25 billion results, a pair of trial defense wins worth $3.5 billion apiece, and the biggest investor-state award in arbitration history," among other matters "that touched on more than 90 nations" over the timeframe of the competition.

According to the publication, the firm's selection reflects the "stellar" achievements that Debevoise has consistently reached on behalf of its clients, including:

  • The dismissal for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("FRBNY") of a $25 billion suit brought by Starr International Company, Inc. for asserted wrongs in FRBNY's 2008 rescue of American International Group, Inc.;
  • The historic $25 billion mortgage settlement between the federal government, 49 state attorneys general and some of the country's largest banks, resolving one of the most contentious issues to arise out of the 2008 financial crisis;
  • A $3.5 billion bench trial win for American Airlines in litigation arising from the World Trade Center terrorist attacks;
  • A unanimous jury verdict for Bristol-Myers Squibb in a $3.4 billion lawsuit brought by Apotex Inc. over an alleged breach of contract;
  • A record-breaking $2.3 billion bilateral investment treaty award for Occidental Petroleum Corporation in its dispute with the Government of Ecuador;
  • A landmark triumph in the Caribbean Court of Justice for the British Caribbean Bank in its appeal against the Government of Belize;
  • A win for Yves Saint Laurent in its high-profile "red-shoe" litigation against Christian Louboutin; and
  • A groundbreaking pro bono victory for Edgar Morales that clarified the scope of New York's Anti-Terrorism Act.
  • Successfully challenging the high-profile Serious Fraud Office proceedings against Vincent Tchenguiz in the UK, which were dropped, and further representing Mr. Tchenguiz in his subsequent multi-million pound claim.

Michael W. Blair, Presiding Partner, said: "The 'Litigation Department of the Year' title is not only a testament to the exceptional capabilities of our litigators around the world, but also to the enduring commitment to excellence that makes Debevoise the special place that it is. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and most grateful to our clients for the opportunities to work with them on matters important to them."

Over the last two years, Debevoise has provided litigation counsel to approximately 850 clients in a wide range of demanding representations. The firm's Litigation Department handles an array of complex matters in courts around the world, including the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as before agencies, administrative bodies and arbitration tribunals globally.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a leading international law firm, representing a wide range of clients in transactions and disputes around the world. Founded in 1931, the firm has offices in New York, Washington, D.C., London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Tom Orewyler, 212-909-6408
torewyler@debevoise.com