If you’re an in-house counsel dealing with high-stakes litigation, you would want the world’s finest litigators on your side. It’s essential to have a team that strikes fear in opposing counsels, a team known for its intense litigation strategies and records of success.
However, how could you guarantee that you’ve chosen the correct firm? BTI Consulting Group’s recent annual ranking of the most dreadful firms for opposing counsel provides some guidance. This poll of in-house counsels was used to identify the “Fearsome Foursome,” the most-feared litigation firms in the country. These are firms you wouldn’t want to see on the opposite side.
This year the firms that have earned this recognition for their ability to strike fear into the minds of their opponents are, BTI reveals:
- Quinn Emanuel
- Kirkland & Ellis
- Jones Day
- Gibson Dunn
BTI’s Michael Rynowecer provided an insight into why these firms instill fear into General Counsels.
- Redefining the Rules: They aren’t constrained by established norms. They provide unique interpretations of long-standing precedents and create a new set of rules to their client’s advantage.
- New Challenges Sought: The firms embrace new and evolving legal issues and are eager to take up what other firms might steer clear of.
- Early Evaluations: Despite limited known facts about new litigations, these firms operate confidently and provide clients with early assessments, serving as a valued differentiator.
- Relentlessness: Every hiccup is just another challenge and the Fearsome Foursome are relentless in overcoming all obstacles.
- Linking Disconnected Ideas: The Fearsome Foursome excel at making links between seemingly unrelated matters, often leading to a breakthrough in solving complex legal claims.
The BTI report also listed six firms as “Awesome Opponents.” Corporations prefer to avoid these firms in litigation:
- Dentons
- Duane Morris
- Husch Blackwell
- Irell & Manella
- Latham & Watkins
- Paul Hastings
In addition to these, BTI has introduced an additional list of 43 law firms termed as “Intimidating Opponents.” These are firms clients would “rather not see” in litigation. To see the full list, click here.
Congratulations to these hardworking firms – opponents are advised to be wary of encountering them in court.
For more comprehensive details, see the full report.