Davis Polk & Wardwell

United States (National)

Global

Americas

US Regional

California

Silicon Valley

District of Columbia

New York

Asia-Pacific

South East & Eastern Asia

China (National)

Hong Kong SAR

EMEA

Western Europe

United Kingdom

Key practice areas

Bankruptcy

Intellectual property

Dispute resolution

White collar crime

Securities

Competition/antitrust

Commercial

Intellectual property*

Firm overview

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Industry-leading companies and global financial institutions know they can rely on us for their most challenging legal and business matters. The firm’s top-flight capabilities are grounded in a distinguished history of 170 years, and our global, forward-looking focus is supported by offices strategically located in the world’s key financial centers and political capitals. More than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly across practice groups and geographies to provide clients with exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions.

Litigation

Litigation has been a cornerstone of Davis Polk’s practice since the firm’s inception. Our litigators are widely recognized for their creativity, integrity, strategic approach and extensive experience.

Leading companies around the world, as well as their executives and directors, benefit from our numerous partners and counsel who have many years of prior service in a variety of government roles. We also count among our ranks leading trial lawyers who have won landmark verdicts on both the defense and plaintiff sides.

We view matters through the lens of our clients’ business objectives, drawing on the substantial experience of our firm across all major industry sectors. Our approach has created a long track record of success for our clients, from motion practice to strategic settlements, trials and on appeal. Our work has earned the respect of the judiciary, prosecutors, regulators and the bar.

Some recent successes on behalf of clients include:

Coordinated resolution of FCPA investigations by the DOJ and SEC concerning a Colombian banking conglomerate’s involvement in an infrastructure project.
Complete dismissals of multiple securities fraud actions against issuers from around the world.
Rare dismissal of criminal price-fixing and bid-rigging charges brought by the DOJ Antitrust Division against an industry executive.
Trial victory for a major medical technology company in a patent infringement case.

Updated Sep 2024

Address:

450 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10017

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Davis Polk & Wardwell

Linked Reviews

Dispute Resolution

Davis Polk & Wardwell continues to occupy a place among the nation's most respected litigation firms, routinely mentioned alongside the market's elite practices. One peer describes the firm as "a terrific, terrific firm all around," while another identifies Davis Polk among the leading competitors in the high-end litigation market. The firm's reputation is reinforced by a deep bench that spans securities, antitrust, appellate, professional liability, Delaware litigation, and more, enabling it to handle some of the country's most significant disputes.

The firm's capabilities were demonstrated in a landmark victory for Meta Platforms in antitrust litigation brought by the Federal Trade Commission. Following extensive regulatory investigations and years of litigation concerning Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, Davis Polk helped secure a complete defense win after trial when the court determined that the FTC failed to prove its monopoly claims. The matter was among the most closely watched antitrust cases involving a major technology company and highlighted the strength of the firm's trial bench. The team included New York-based partners Michael Scheinkman, Jim Rouhandeh, and Sheila Adams James.

Scheinkman also played a leading role in another high-profile matter for the firm. Alongside fellow New York-based partner Frances Bivens, he secured a preliminary injunction for Vineyard Wind 1 LLC that prevented GE Renewables from withdrawing from the first utility-scale offshore wind farm in the United States. The ruling preserved critical contractor support for the $4.5 billion project and helped clear the path toward completion of a development viewed as a major milestone for the country's renewable energy sector.

Beyond its headline matters, Davis Polk's bench continues to attract significant praise from the market. New York’s Paul Spagnoletti earns particular recognition in the professional liability arena. One peer commented that they thought so highly of Spagnoletti's abilities that they retained him to represent them, reflecting the level of confidence he inspires among fellow practitioners. The firm's securities litigation practice likewise remains a source of strength. Market participants pointed to New York’s Dana Seshens as a prominent figure in the space. In the appellate sphere, DC’s Kannon Shanmugam continues to command exceptional regard among peers and clients alike. One source observed that clients specifically seek out Shanmugam for appellate matters, adding simply that "he's amazing."

Among the firm's litigation leaders, NY-based Andrew Ditchfield continues to build his profile through his Delaware-focused practice. Peers specifically identified him as a notable member of the firm's Delaware and securities litigation bench, highlighting his role in sophisticated corporate disputes. His growing recognition reflects the depth of talent that supports Davis Polk's established leadership across litigation disciplines.

Taken together, the firm's combination of market-leading talent, success in precedent-setting disputes and renowned strength across multiple litigation specialties ensures that Davis Polk remains one of the premier litigation practices in the United States.

Updated October 2026