Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Gregg Costa will join the firm’s Houston office as a partner in October. Costa, formerly a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, will serve as Co-Chair of the Global Trial Practice Group and focus on building a civil trial, white collar defense, and investigations practice.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gregg to Gibson Dunn and that he has chosen our litigation platform as the foundation of his practice,” said Barbara Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Gregg earned a stellar reputation during his time as a prosecutor, and his reputation only grew while on the bench. We look forward to welcoming him back to private practice and having him join our team.”
“There are few litigators today who have Gregg’s experience and perspective, as a former federal prosecutor and judge,” said Veronica Moyé, a Dallas partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. “His insights will be invaluable to our clients, and we are fortunate to be able to continue our Texas litigation expansion with Gregg at the helm.”
“By any measure, Gregg is the most sought-after trial lawyer in the Texas market in years,” said Houston litigation partner Collin Cox. “He has a sterling reputation with credentials that represent the apex of achievement in our profession. We are confident that he will easily transfer his experience as a phenomenal jurist and prosecutor to become a nationally renowned trial lawyer in private practice.”
“I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my career at Gibson Dunn,” said Costa. “I left the federal bench because I missed the competition and teamwork that comes with trying cases. Gibson Dunn is the perfect home to try cases, work as a member of a collaborative litigation team, and build a winning practice. The firm’s national litigation practice is second to none. Its Houston litigation team is off to a tremendous start with Collin Cox and Sydney Scott, and I look forward to working with them to make Gibson Dunn the go-to litigation group in the city.”
About Gregg Costa
Costa previously served for more than 10 years as a federal trial and appellate judge. He served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit from 2014 to 2022, following his nomination by President Obama and confirmation by the U.S. Senate with a vote of 97-0. He first served as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas from 2012 to 2014. When he took the bench, he became the youngest-sitting federal judge, at age 39.
Costa served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas from 2005 to 2012. During his tenure, he received the John Marshall Award for Trial of Litigation and the Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service. Costa tried more than 15 jury trials, including the prosecution of Allen Stanford for orchestrating a multibillion-dollar, international fraud scheme. Costa began his legal career as an associate in the Houston office of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
Costa graduated with a B.A. in 1994 from Dartmouth College. After college, he taught elementary school for two years in Mississippi through Teach for America. He then attended law school, graduating from the University of Texas School of Law with highest honors in 1999. Costa served as a law clerk for Judge Raymond Randolph on the D.C. Circuit from 1999 to 2000, was a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General from 2000 to 2001, and served as a law clerk for Chief Justice William Rehnquist on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2001 to 2002.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP announced today that Elizabeth McCloskey has rejoined the firm’s San Francisco office as a partner. McCloskey, formerly a partner at Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP in San Francisco, will continue her complex litigation practice, with a focus on tech and investigations.
“We are excited to welcome Elizabeth back to the firm as she rejoins our elite litigation team in the Bay Area,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Her substantial experience in the tech sector further bolsters our growing Bay Area platform. Elizabeth has strong relationships throughout the Bay Area and a reputation for great client service that precedes her. We are thrilled by the opportunity to deepen our bench of talent in this market with Elizabeth’s addition.”
“As a former Gibson Dunn associate, Elizabeth was impressive early on in her career, and we’ve been following her remarkable trajectory over the years,” said Theane Evangelis, Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. “Partners across the firm, who know her and have worked alongside her, hold her in high regard. She has significant courtroom and trial experience that will benefit our clients in the Bay Area and beyond.”
“Gibson Dunn has a world-class team of attorneys focusing on some of the most complex and important issues of our time, including data, technology, and privacy,” said McCloskey. “I am looking forward to coming home, and rejoining this robust team, growing my practice, and building alongside extraordinary colleagues.”
McCloskey’s addition to Gibson Dunn’s partnership further strengthens our premier litigation platform in the Bay Area and follows on the heels of a number of other recent high-profile partner hires in the region, including Ashlie Beringer, Vivek Mohan, Rosemarie Ring, and Jessica Valenzuela. Gibson Dunn’s collaborative approach leverages the firm’s talent across multiple practice areas to ensure the highest quality service, and McCloskey joins our more than 240 litigation partners in providing exceptional legal acumen and delivering results to our clients on their most critical matters.
Gibson Dunn’s tech litigation practice brings extensive legal expertise and experience to a wide range of technology-related matters in a rapidly evolving global economy. Our top-ranked litigators advise the world’s most dynamic tech companies on cutting-edge issues that often disrupt traditional business models. The collective experience of our attorneys uniquely positions us to partner with clients in exploring new opportunities and finding innovative solutions when faced with challenges inherent in emerging areas of business and law.
About Elizabeth McCloskey
McCloskey’s practice focuses on high-stakes, complex litigation across a broad range of subject matters, including founder disputes, trade secret challenges, copyright, antitrust and breach of contract actions, white-collar criminal defense cases and investigations.
McCloskey received her J.D. from the University of California Berkeley School of Law, where she was a member of the Order of the Coif and served on the California Law Review and Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law. She clerked for Judge Valerie B. Fairbank of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and Judge John T. Noonan Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Prior to attending law school, McCloskey worked as a journalist. McCloskey also serves on the Board of Directors of the Northern District of California Historical Society and is a member of the San Francisco Chapter of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Cynthia M. Mabry has joined the firm as a partner in the Houston office. Mabry, formerly a partner and co-leader of the climate change group at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, will continue her corporate practice at Gibson Dunn.
“We are excited to welcome Cynthia to Gibson Dunn and our growing Houston office,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Cynthia’s broad-based experience will complement our corporate platform in Texas and our global energy and ESG practices.”
“Cynthia is an excellent addition to our Houston office,” said Hillary H. Holmes, partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Capital Markets Practice Group. “She is a dynamic, versatile and high-energy corporate attorney who will be a valuable addition to our elite capital markets and governance practices. In addition, her deep experience counselling on emerging ESG issues will prove invaluable to our clients.”
“I’m delighted to be joining the team at Gibson Dunn,” said Mabry. “Gibson Dunn’s corporate platform and its tremendous culture of collaboration and client service are second to none. I look forward to working alongside such a talented and amazing group of colleagues and tapping into all that Gibson Dunn offers as I continue to grow my practice.”
About Cynthia M. Mabry
Mabry focuses her practice on advising public and private entities, investors and underwriters in capital markets and finance transactions, including offerings of equity and debt securities. She also provides counsel on joint ventures, corporate governance and compliance matters, including advising clients on governance structures and legal issues related to climate change and ESG.
Mabry graduated cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Jonathan Bond has rejoined the firm as a partner following a five-year term in public service. Bond is rejoining the Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group after serving as an Assistant to the Solicitor General in the Office of the Solicitor General. Bond will be Gibson Dunn’s fifth active partner that has served in the Office of the Solicitor General, including Theodore B. Olson, Miguel Estrada, Thomas G. Hungar, and Matthew D. McGill.
“We are delighted to have Jonathan back and rejoining our world-class appellate practice,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “The practice continues to grow and attract best-in-class talent for both the trial and appellate stages of litigation for clients in all sectors of industry. Jonathan’s return further cements the firm’s dominance as an appellate powerhouse into the next generation.”
“Jonathan is an exceptional appellate lawyer, who is incredibly bright and talented,” said Thomas H. Dupree, Jr., Co-Chair of the Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group and Co-Partner-in-Charge of the Washington, D.C. office. “He has developed a robust, well-rounded Supreme Court and appellate practice during his time in private practice and in the public sector. His government experience has only enhanced his capabilities, knowledge and credentials. Lawyers like Jonathan will ensure that we continue to attract and deliver on the most high-stakes litigation at all levels.”
“Jonathan continues Gibson Dunn’s strong tradition of lawyers with distinguished records in public service returning to private practice to put their skills to work for our clients,” said Allyson Ho, Co-Chair of the Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group. “With 10 U.S. Supreme Court arguments under his belt along with experience advising on significant cases across the country, Jonathan is a formidable appellate litigator and we’re delighted to welcome him back home to Gibson Dunn.”
“It was a privilege to serve as an Assistant to the Solicitor General, and I’m very excited to be returning to Gibson Dunn,” said Bond. “The firm’s award-winning Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group is recognized as one of the leading practices in the country, and I’m thrilled to continue my practice where it began.”
About Jonathan Bond
Prior to rejoining the firm, Bond served as an Assistant to the Solicitor General in the Office of the Solicitor General from 2017 to 2022. During his tenure, he argued 10 cases in the U.S. Supreme Court involving issues of administrative law, employment discrimination, patents, federal taxation, debt collection, criminal law, immigration, and Medicare reimbursement. While in government, he prepared briefs in more than 180 Supreme Court cases involving a diverse range of federal issues, including many with substantial administrative law components, and advised the Solicitor General regarding appellate strategy in numerous matters in lower courts nationwide.
Before that, Bond was a partner in Gibson Dunn’s D.C. office, where he practiced from 2010 to 2017. He served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia from 2009 to 2010, and prior to that clerked for Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 2008 to 2009.
Bond graduated first in his class in 2008 from The George Washington University Law School, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif and served as senior articles editor for The George Washington Law Review.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP announced today that Zakiyyah Salim-Williams, Chief Diversity Officer, has been elected as a partner. Salim-Williams’ promotion to the partnership underscores the firm’s continued commitment to being a market leader in DEI efforts and initiatives.
“Zakiyyah’s leadership in driving the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have been nothing short of exceptional, and I’m so pleased to announce her well-deserved elevation,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “In my prior role as the chair of the Global Diversity Committee, I witnessed firsthand the impact of Zakiyyah’s tireless efforts. Her vision and dedication have been instrumental in the significant strides the firm has made.”
“I am overjoyed to join the partnership at Gibson Dunn,” said Salim-Williams. “It is remarkable to compare today’s legal landscape to when I began my career as a lawyer – the progress pushes me and my colleagues to keep moving the needle. I am grateful to partner with firm leaders, clients, and the broader legal community to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive profession. ”
Among other achievements, Salim-Williams launched the firm’s successful Women of Gibson Dunn and Black Advancement Initiatives, which have resulted in growing the number of women partners to over 120 and increasing the number of Black attorneys at the firm by 80 percent. She also actively engages in pro bono matters, most recently working with the Board of The Alliance for Asian American Justice, a non-profit organization that was created in response to the surge in anti-Asian violence across the United States.
Gibson Dunn is proud of the incredible milestones we have achieved in our diversity journey, including Salim-Williams’ elevation which makes her one of the first Chief Diversity Officers promoted to partner at a major law firm who is dedicated exclusively to diversity and inclusion. Gibson Dunn is also committed to ensuring that diversity is reflected in firm leadership. Diverse attorneys now represent more than 50 percent of local office leaders and 40 percent of practice group leaders at Gibson Dunn, resulting in 75 percent of the firm’s practice groups having a diverse leader. Additionally, diverse attorneys make up 50 percent of firmwide committee chairs and 41% of the firm’s Executive Committee.
The firm has 17 active affinity groups, including our Asian-American, Black, Hispanic/Latino, First Generation Professionals, LGBTQ+, Veterans, Muslim and Sabbath-Observant attorneys, who host hundreds of programs annually that advance our diversity and inclusion efforts. Additionally, the firm regularly partners with local diverse bar associations and community partners to advance diversity and inclusion in the respective communities. Finally, Gibson Dunn is actively seeking the MLT Black Equity at Work Certification, a first-of-its-kind roadmap for companies that are committed to achieving Black equity, and attained certification of the plans earlier this year.
About Zakiyyah Salim-Williams
Salim-Williams joined Gibson Dunn as Chief Diversity Officer in 2011, where she has led various diversity and inclusion efforts, including launching Women at Gibson Dunn and the Black Advancement Initiative, among others. Prior to joining the firm, Salim-Williams served as Diversity Director at the New York City Bar Association, clerked on the District Court for the Eastern District of New York and on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and was an associate at two global law firms. She also worked as an intern for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and for the White House Office of Counsel to the President.
She is also a Director on the New York Junior Tennis & Learning Board, and a founding member and advisor of the National Business Coalition for Child Care. She serves in an advisory and administrative role to the Board of the Alliance for Asian American Justice, a national pro bono initiative committed to standing up for victims, and preventing future acts, of anti-Asian hate. Additionally, Salim-Williams played a leading role as a member of the Planning Committee for the George Floyd Global Memorial’s 2nd Annual Rise and Remember Celebration in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
She graduated in 2001 from Columbia Law School, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and in 1998 from Howard University, summa cum laude with a degree in Political Science.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Fred Lee has joined the firm as a partner in the Dallas office. Lee, formerly a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, will continue his corporate debt finance practice at Gibson Dunn.
“Fred is a welcome addition to the firm,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Fred’s substantial experience will enhance the firm’s offerings in increasingly critical types of finance transactions, including sponsor-side acquisition finance transactions in conjunction with our Private Equity Practice Group and distressed financing in conjunction with our Business Restructuring and Reorganization Practice Group – both of which are strategic focus areas for the firm.”
“Fred has built a reputation as a highly regarded and versatile finance partner with the ability to work seamlessly across private equity, finance and distressed finance transactions,” said Aaron F. Adams, Co-Chair of the Global Finance Practice Group. “Fred has directed his practice toward the New York alternative capital/hedge fund market and represents the core institutions regularly at the center of private credit and distressed finance transactions. We are delighted to have him on board.”
“I am extremely excited to have Fred joining the team,” said Scott J. Greenberg, Co-Chair of the Business Restructuring and Reorganization Practice Group. “We know Fred well from being across the table from him in many transactions over the years and have the utmost respect for his substantive skillset as well as the way he carries himself in these often complicated and intense situations. As the restructuring work continues to pick up, having Fred on the team will enhance our ability to continue delivering the best work product and results to our clients.”
“Gibson Dunn is a world-class firm in finance, private equity and restructuring, and this integrated platform is a perfect fit for the next chapter of my career,” said Lee. “I look forward to practicing together and collaborating with my new colleagues across these key practice areas.”
About Fred Lee
Lee focuses on corporate debt finance with an emphasis on representing sponsors and portfolio companies in acquisition financings, refinancings, leveraged recapitalizations and other portfolio company financings, as well as representing creditor groups in distressed and restructuring transactions (both out of court and in court) and representing credit funds in direct lending transactions. He also conducts risk arbitrage analysis for special situations investors, assessing potential credit investments.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Lee was a partner at Akin Gump where he practiced since 2006. He graduated from Yale Law School in 2004.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Lauren R. Goldman has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner. Goldman, formerly a partner and co-head of the Supreme Court & Appellate practice group at Mayer Brown LLP, will continue her high-stakes class-and mass-action litigation practice.
“Lauren is a fantastic addition to the firm,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Lauren is a nationally recognized litigator and appellate lawyer whose broad-based technology litigation practice is an excellent fit for our trial-ready platform. She has earned and developed a market-leading reputation as a brilliant and dynamic lawyer who inspires client trust and confidence. Her arrival further strengthens our tech litigation practice and positions us well for future growth.”
“We are delighted Lauren is joining our New York litigation team,” said Orin Snyder, partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Global Trial Practice Group. “Lauren is a star who is valued and beloved by her clients. Many of our partners have extensive experience working alongside or opposite Lauren and have deep respect for her talent and winning track record. Lauren will make an immediate and lasting impact on and boost our premier litigation platform both here in New York and across the firm.”
“I am thrilled to join Gibson Dunn,” said Goldman. “This is an exciting time to be a litigator with experience navigating complex privacy and technology issues, and I look forward to tapping into Gibson Dunn’s market position as the go-to firm for clients facing these high stakes challenges. Having worked with many of Gibson Dunn’s litigators over the years, I can say that the firm’s stellar reputation precedes it – and I look forward to the next chapter of my career alongside this very talented group of colleagues.”
About Lauren R. Goldman
Goldman’s practice focuses on high-stakes class- and mass-action litigation, with a particular emphasis on data privacy and technology issues. She also regularly counsels clients on compliance with federal and state privacy statutes with an emphasis on the use of biometric technologies, including the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, Wiretap Act, the Stored Communications Act, the California
Invasion of Privacy Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and various common-law privacy doctrines.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Goldman was a partner at Mayer Brown LLP, where she also served as co-head of the firm’s Supreme Court & Appellate practice group. She began her legal career at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
Goldman received her J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1997, where she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the New York University Law Review and of the Order of the Coif. From 1997 to 1998, she served as a law clerk to Judge Dennis Jacobs of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP announced today that Kira Idoko has joined the firm’s Investment Funds Practice Group in the New York office as a partner. Idoko, formerly Senior Vice President, Private Funds at Brookfield Asset Management, will focus her practice on the formation and operation of private funds.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kira to Gibson Dunn,” said Barbara Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Kira is a highly regarded private funds lawyer whose comprehensive in-house experience, deep industry relationships, and consistently sound judgment set her apart. We have leading investment funds practitioners nationally and globally, and Kira will be a strong addition to our premier funds practice.”
“We are delighted that Kira is joining the Gibson Dunn Investment Funds team,” said Shukie Grossman, Co-Chair of the firm’s Investment Funds Practice Group. “Kira is a well-respected investment funds practitioner with a phenomenal skill set and extensive market knowledge. Her experience with top-of-the-market sponsors will greatly benefit our clients as they seek to successfully navigate an increasingly complex fundraising environment.”
“I look forward to starting the next chapter of my career at Gibson Dunn,” said Idoko. “I’ve known Shukie and others on the team for several years and have always respected their collaborative nature, pursuit of excellence, and excellent lawyering. The firm’s stellar reputation and formidable investment funds practice made this an easy decision.”
About Kira Idoko
Idoko has significant experience raising large institutional funds, and she will continue to focus her practice on the formation, negotiation and operation of private funds. She has advised on the capital raise or maintenance of real estate, infrastructure, private equity and credit products ranging in value from $200 million to $14 billion, including flagship funds, open-ended funds, private wealth vehicles, and separately managed accounts. She is experienced in all stages of fund formation, including jurisdictional and structuring issues, product development and implementation, regulatory compliance, and operational support.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Idoko served for seven years as Senior Vice President, Private Funds at Brookfield Asset Management. Previously, she served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Idoko began her legal career at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
Idoko graduated from Harvard Law School in 2009 and from Howard University summa cum laude in 2004.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP announced today that Stephenie Gosnell Handler has rejoined the firm as a partner and member of the International Trade and the Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Innovation Practice Groups, based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Handler rejoins the firm from McKinsey & Company, where she served as Director for Cybersecurity Strategy and Digital Acceleration.
“We are delighted to welcome Stephenie back to Gibson Dunn,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “She brings to Gibson Dunn a wealth of knowledge on CFIUS, cybersecurity, technology, data, export controls, sanctions, and national security. Her extraordinary expertise across some of the most important issues of our time will be an invaluable asset to our clients and our firm.”
“Gibson Dunn’s International Trade Practice Group has grown substantially in recent years to meet demand from clients who are navigating increasing complexity in all corners of the globe,” added Judith A. Lee, Co-Chair of the International Trade Practice Group. “Stephenie will also expand our capability to support our M&A and private equity lawyers with CFIUS issues and other international trade compliance in M&A due diligence.”
“Stephenie is a terrific addition to the firm,” said Alexander Southwell, Co-Chair of the Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Innovation Practice Group. “Her in-house experience leading an operational cybersecurity team focused on ‘seeing around the corner’ to anticipate and manage risk in the rapidly evolving cyber and tech landscape will complement our strengths in this area.”
“Returning to Gibson Dunn feels like coming full circle,” said Handler. “Cybersecurity and technology are increasingly converging with international trade and national security policy and regulatory regimes, and I’m excited to join my colleagues as we help clients navigate these complex and evolving areas. Gibson Dunn provides a strong platform and deep expertise to serve clients, and the collaborative, inquisitive culture drives toward delivering results for our clients.”
About Stephenie Gosnell Handler
Handler practices international trade and cybersecurity and technology law, with a focus on CFIUS, export controls, sanctions, national security, cybersecurity, data and technology issues. She has substantial experience advising on all aspects of national security reviews by CFIUS, including privacy and cybersecurity-related reviews and the implementation of mitigation agreements involving network security and IT infrastructure requirements for companies in industries relying on emerging technologies. She also has experience with export controls, including advising on the application of export control requirements to information security, which has included the development of ITAR-compliant IT systems, storage and transfer of data, and disclosures.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Handler was Director for Cybersecurity Strategy and Digital Acceleration at McKinsey & Company, where she advised senior leadership on public policy and emerging trends relating to cybersecurity, technology, and data. In this role, she led a team of professionals responsible for McKinsey’s cybersecurity strategy, cyber standards and certification programs, lifecycle governance initiatives, data analytics and optimizations for cyber processes, digital acceleration efforts across the cyber domain, and cybersecurity strategic initiatives, including enhancing incident response capabilities and responding to geopolitical events. Before that, she served as Associate General Counsel at McKinsey and managed a global team of attorneys that advised on cybersecurity and technology risks and threats, incident response preparedness, vendor cyber risk management, and M&A due diligence.
Handler was an associate at Gibson Dunn from 2011 to 2015. Before joining McKinsey in 2019, she practiced with another international law firm, where she advised clients on both international trade and cybersecurity matters.
Handler graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001 as a Distinguished Graduate and received her M.A. in National Security Studies from Georgetown University in 2001. From 2001 to 2008, Handler served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following her service, Handler graduated in 2011 from Stanford Law School where she was co-editor-in-chief of the Stanford Journal of International Law.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Vivek K. Mohan has joined the firm’s Palo Alto office as a partner. Mohan will serve as Co-Chair of Gibson Dunn’s Artificial Intelligence and Automated Systems Practice Group and continue his privacy, cybersecurity and tech regulatory practice. Mohan joins Gibson Dunn from Mayer Brown LLP, where he was a partner. Previously, he was a senior attorney at Apple Inc., where he was on the company’s global privacy law and policy team and head of information security law.
“Vivek is a terrific addition to the firm,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Vivek has technical depth and deep domain experience that will expand our technology-centered regulatory counseling, investigations and enforcement platform in Palo Alto, nationally and globally.”
“We are delighted to have Vivek on our Palo Alto team,” said Ashlie Beringer, partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Innovation Practice Group. “Having worked with Vivek when I was in-house, I know firsthand how sharp and pragmatic his counsel is, particularly on novel technical issues. His in-house experience and his fluency with technology platforms and business models give him an invaluable perspective into the real world challenges our clients are facing. Vivek strengthens our Palo Alto market position as a go to firm for technology companies undertaking strategic product initiatives or navigating regulatory investigations at scale.”
“I am thrilled to join Gibson Dunn,” said Mohan. “The regulatory challenges facing today’s technology companies, particularly those here in Silicon Valley, are as diverse as they are complex. I look forward to leveraging my technical experience to help meet the market demand for counsel who understand our clients’ product environment and know how to solve business problems.”
About Vivek K. Mohan
Mohan advises companies on legal, regulatory, compliance and policy issues relating to technology. His practice spans regulatory response, counseling, advocacy, and transactional matters, with a focus on privacy and cybersecurity issues. He has significant experience helping companies across sectors bring cutting-edge technologies to market, including in the fintech and digital asset space.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Mohan was a partner at Mayer Brown LLP. Previously, he was a senior attorney at Apple Inc., where he was on the company’s global privacy law and policy team and head of information security law. He also practiced at Sidley Austin LLP, the Internet Bureau of the New York Attorney General’s Office, and Microsoft Corp., and served as Fellow and Associate at the Cybersecurity Project at Harvard University.
Mohan received his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2010, where he served as Articles Editor for the Columbia Science and Technology Law Review.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Jin Hee Kim has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner. Kim, formerly a partner at Allen & Overy LLP, will continue her broad-based, diverse finance practice.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jin Hee to Gibson Dunn,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Jin Hee is a well respected finance lawyer whose capability and experience will further strengthen our premier global finance platform. Her proven technical proficiency, coupled with her excellent client service skills and reputation for sound commercial advice, will make for a dynamic addition to our corporate team.”
“We are very excited that Jin Hee has joined our global finance team,” said Doug Horowitz, partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Global Finance Practice Group. “Jin Hee’s solid experience in both large cap syndicated and privately placed leveraged acquisition financing will be invaluable for our leading private equity client base.”
“I am delighted to begin the next chapter of my career at Gibson Dunn,” said Kim. “I’m looking forward to tapping into Gibson Dunn’s market leading corporate platform and helping meet client financing needs with my experience in a broad range of financial products. Gibson Dunn’s reputation for fostering a truly collaborative culture is well known, and I am eager to be working alongside this talented group of dealmakers, many of whom I’ve worked with previously.”
About Jin Hee Kim
Kim has a broad-based, diverse finance practice, which consists of both borrow-side and lender/arranger-side financings, with a focus on syndicated and direct lending acquisition financing. On her borrower-side practice, she regularly represents private/sponsor portfolio company and public company borrowers. She is experienced in alternative financings, including direct lending, preferred equity investments and debt co-investments. In addition, she has an in-depth knowledge of UCC Article 9 and intercreditor issues, including cross-border intercreditor matters.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Kim was a partner at Allen & Overy LLP. Previously, she was a counsel at both Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, where she started her career. She previously also served as corporate counsel at Building Materials Corporation of America (n/k/a Standard Industries) and International Specialty Products.
Kim received her J.D. cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School in 2004, where she served as a University of Pennsylvania Law Review editor and was a member of the Order of the Coif. She also earned a Certificate of Business and Public Policy from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Joel Harrison and Alison Beal have joined the firm’s London office as partners. Formerly with Milbank LLP, Harrison will continue to focus his practice on data protection, cybersecurity, information technology and outsourcing; and Beal will continue her outsourcing and technology transactions practice.
“We are delighted to welcome Joel and Alison to Gibson Dunn,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “There has been a steady increase in demand from clients for cross-border strategies and regulatory defense relating to data protection, cybersecurity, and data technology and innovation. Joel and Alison are both highly regarded lawyers who will complement our capabilities across multiple practice groups and offices.”
“Joel and Alison are deeply conversant in technology, especially as it relates to the regulatory landscape in the UK,” said Penny Madden, Co-Partner-in-Charge of the London office. “The combination of their legal skill, technical and regulatory understanding, and strategic acumen will allow us to continue to provide the best services for our clients.”
“Gibson Dunn’s unparalleled platform will enable us to continue growing our practices globally,” said Harrison. “The firm’s strategic focus on technology and data and its exceptional depth of talent were huge draws for us, and we are thrilled to be joining the firm at such an exciting time in the development of regulation and policy.”
“I am excited to be joining Gibson Dunn with Joel and working closely with my new colleagues in the UK and globally,” Beal said. “Gibson Dunn’s collaborative culture will enable us to continue to build a market-leading technology, outsourcing and data practice.”
About Joel Harrison
Harrison’s practice focuses on data protection and cybersecurity, covering the full range of transactional, advisory and contentious work, including regulatory defense and engagement and strategies for compliance with data protection and technology platform regulation in the UK and Europe. He also advises on all aspects of information technology transactions, including outsourcing, cloud computing, system integration and software development and licensing agreements, as well as disputes and renegotiations. His practice also includes advising on the technology aspects of mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other corporate transactions.
He is a member of the Outsourcing Committee of the Society for Computers and Law and a Trustee of the British and Irish Legal Information Institute (BAILII).
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Harrison practiced at Milbank LLP in London. He holds an M.A. in Law from the University of Cambridge.
About Alison Beal
Beal advises clients across a broad range of industries and jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe, US Asia and Australia, on complex, large-scale and cross-border technology and outsourcing-related transactions, focusing on new technologies, research and development collaborations and externalisations, business process and information technology outsourcing, telecommunications and other technology-related transactions. She has extensive experience in digital transformations, systems implementations, cloud transactions and licensing transactions. She also advises on the technology aspects of corporate transactions.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Beal practiced at Milbank LLP in London, New York and Singapore. She holds an LL.M. from the University of London and an LL.B. from the Queensland University of Technology.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Jessica Valenzuela has joined the firm as a partner. Previously a partner at Cooley LLP, Valenzuela will continue her securities litigation practice.
“Jessica is a fantastic addition to the firm,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “She is a dynamic litigator with substantial experience in securities class actions, derivative actions, and investigation work. With her impressive background, reputation and drive, Jessica will help us further strengthen our Bay Area presence.”
“We’ve long-admired Jessica and are delighted to have her on board,” said Michael Celio, Partner in Charge of the Palo Alto office. “Jessica is highly regarded in the Bay Area legal community, has deep client relationships, and is a builder – exactly the type of partner we want in the Palo Alto office and the firm.”
“Gibson Dunn is well known as a litigation powerhouse, and I am excited to take my practice to the next level with the support of the firm’s outstanding litigation platform,” said Valenzuela.
About Jessica Valenzuela
Valenzuela focuses her practice on securities, corporate governance and other complex business litigation, including the defense of securities class actions, derivative suits and M&A-related class actions, as well as government and internal investigations. She regularly advises public and private companies, directors and officers, boards and special committees on a range of matters relating to corporate governance, insider trading, disclosure obligations, director and executive compensation matters and litigation risk and strategy. She has significant experience in the hardware, software, semiconductor, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, finance, Internet and digital media industries.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Valenzuela was a partner at Cooley LLP. She graduated from Stanford Law School with distinction in 2002.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Jesse Myers has joined the firm’s Houston office as a partner. Myers, formerly a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, will continue his private equity and capital markets practice at Gibson Dunn.
“We are excited to welcome Jesse to Gibson Dunn,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Jesse is a very well-regarded dealmaker whose private equity, mergers and acquisitions and capital markets experience will add further depth to our premier Houston team. I know he will be a strong addition to our outstanding corporate platform in Texas.”
“We are delighted to have Jesse join our team,” said Michael P. Darden, Partner-in-Charge of the Houston office and Chair of the firm’s Oil and Gas Practice Group. “We have recently added Michael Piazza to help lead our private equity practice. Jesse, with his experience in guiding clients through complex private equity, M&A and capital markets transactions, will continue to build out our private equity capability and bolster our expanding corporate practice in Houston and firmwide.”
“I am eager to begin the next phase of my career at Gibson Dunn,” said Myers. “Gibson Dunn’s corporate platform will serve as a great foundation as I continue to grow my practice. Gibson Dunn is renowned for its truly collaborative culture, and I’m excited to work alongside this talented group of dealmakers, many of whom I’ve worked with previously.”
About Jesse Myers
Myers focuses his practice on private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions and capital markets matters. He regularly represents buyers and sellers in public and private mergers and acquisitions and issuers and underwriters in public and private securities offerings.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Myers was a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. Previously, he was a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP.
Myers graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law, summa cum laude in 2007, where he was also elected to the Order of the Coif and served as research editor for the Tennessee Law Review.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Sydney Scott has joined the firm as a partner. Scott, formerly a partner with Smyser Kaplan & Veselka L.L.P., will continue her commercial litigation practice at Gibson Dunn.
“Sydney is a terrific addition to the firm,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Early in her career, Sydney has established herself as a driven, talented and versatile litigator with a bright future. With her commercial litigation practice that includes substantial experience handling energy matters, Sydney advances our goal of building Houston’s premier litigation destination for the region’s leading companies.”
“We are thrilled to have Sydney join us,” said Veronica Moyé, Dallas partner and Co-Chair of Gibson Dunn’s Litigation Practice Group. “Sydney has impressive credentials and deep experience in Texas state court practice. We are committed to expanding our Houston litigation team, and Sydney is the perfect fit for what we are building in Houston, after adding Collin Cox last year to anchor the new litigation capabilities in that office.”
“I am excited to join Gibson Dunn’s stellar team of lawyers,” said Scott. “I’m looking forward to expanding my practice at a firm that is widely recognized as a litigation powerhouse and to helping the firm build a winning litigation team in Houston.”
About Sydney Scott
Scott handles a wide array of complex commercial litigation matters for clients across several key industries, including energy, chemicals and construction. She also has substantive experience representing clients in complex white collar investigations and litigation.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Scott was a partner at Smyser Kaplan & Veselka L.L.P. She also previously practiced with Vinson & Elkins LLP in Houston. Scott graduated in 2013 from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she served as an articles editor at the University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law. She clerked for Judge James J. Brady in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana and for then-Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that partners Thomas H. Dupree Jr. and Julian W. Poon will serve as Co-Chairs of the Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group alongside partner and current Co-Chair Allyson Ho.
“We are extremely proud of our market-leading Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice and the extraordinary results we’ve achieved for our clients,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “Tom and Julian are accomplished appellate advocates, and we know that our practice will continue to excel under their guidance and leadership.”
“Tom and Julian are among the nation’s leading appellate lawyers,” said Ho. “I’m delighted to serve with them as stewards of our renowned appellate practice.”
About Gibson Dunn’s Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group Leaders
The Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group will be led by an unequaled team of practitioners:
- Thomas H. Dupree Jr. – Dupree, who serves as Co-Partner-in-Charge of the Washington, D.C. office of Gibson Dunn, is an experienced trial and appellate advocate. He has argued more than 80 appeals in the federal courts, including in all 13 circuits as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. He has represented clients throughout the country in a wide variety of trial and appellate matters, including cases involving punitive damages, class actions, product liability, arbitration, intellectual property, employment, and constitutional challenges to federal and state statutes.
Dupree previously served in the U.S. Department of Justice. He was appointed Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, and later served as Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General.
Dupree graduated cum laude from Williams College, and with honors from the University of Chicago Law School, where he served as an editor of The University of Chicago Law Review. After law school, he clerked for Judge Jerry E. Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
- Allyson N. Ho – Ho, a partner in the Dallas office of Gibson Dunn, has presented over 80 oral arguments in federal and state courts nationwide, including multiple high-stakes cases on behalf of businesses before the U.S. Supreme Court. She has a distinguished record of experience at the highest levels of the federal government. She served as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, Counselor to Attorney General John Ashcroft, and law clerk to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor of the U.S. Supreme Court and Judge Jacques L. Wiener Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Ho graduated magna cum laude from Duke University, from Rice University with a Ph.D. in English Literature and from the University of Chicago Law School with high honors. She was a member of The University of Chicago Law Review and Order of the Coif.
- Julian W. Poon – Poon, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Gibson Dunn, appears regularly before federal and state appellate courts in California, including the Ninth Circuit, the California Supreme Court, and the California Court of Appeal, as well as other courts around the nation. He has successfully handled a broad range of cases at both the appellate and trial court levels, in state and federal court. Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Poon served as a law clerk to Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court and to Judge J. Michael Luttig, formerly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Poon graduated summa cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1999, receiving the Fay Diploma for placing first in his class, after graduating with distinction and with honors from Stanford University. He served as a note editor of the Harvard Law Review.
About the Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group
Gibson Dunn is renowned for its award-winning Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group, one of the largest and most experienced appellate practices in the nation. Each year, we present arguments in the Supreme Court of the United States, all 13 federal courts of appeals, and state appellate courts throughout the country. Gibson Dunn has more than 200 lawyers who practice appellate and constitutional law in our offices across the United States, and is home to more than 200 attorneys who served as law clerks in the federal and state appellate courts, including more than 20 who clerked at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Lynn Abell and Adam Whitehouse have joined the firm’s Houston office as of counsels. Abell and Whitehouse, formerly with Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, will serve as members of the firm’s Private Equity Practice Group.
Abell advises clients on acquisitions and divestitures and joint venture arrangements, and she also represents both borrowers and financial institutions with respect to lending transactions in a variety of sectors. She was recently selected to participate in the fourth Leadership Class of the Institute for Energy Law. Prior to entering private practice, Abell worked in-house at exploration and production companies as both a landman and attorney. She received her Juris Doctor with honors from The University of Texas at School of Law in 2013, and she also received a Master of Arts in Italian Studies from The University of Texas at Austin in 2011.
Whitehouse focuses on a variety of transactions in the energy industry, including advising clients on mergers and acquisitions (upstream, midstream and downstream transactions), joint venture arrangements, portfolio company investments and other general corporate matters. He is an Advisory Board Member of the Institute for Energy Law and a member of the Association for International Energy Negotiators. Before joining Gibson Dunn, Whitehouse served in roles at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Exxon Mobil Corporation. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2010.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Charlotte Jacobsen will join the firm’s New York office as a partner in its Intellectual Property Practice Group. Jacobsen, formerly a partner at Ropes & Gray LLP, will continue her patent litigation practice, focusing on life sciences, pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent and licensing disputes.
“Charlotte is a terrific addition to the firm,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “She is a highly regarded patent litigator who will fit extremely well into our growing life sciences patent litigation practice.”
“Charlotte is an experienced, first-chair patent litigator with tremendous experience and credentials and a deep understanding of biology and biotechnology,” said Jane Love, Co-Chair of Gibson Dunn’s global Intellectual Property Practice Group. “Her background and broad experience adds further depth to our patent litigation practice generally, and our life sciences practice specifically, and will benefit our clients as they navigate the nuanced challenges that arise in this space.”
“I’m excited to join the patent litigation group at Gibson Dunn,” said Jacobsen. “The firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group is one of the very best in the country, representing the leading biopharma clients in high-stakes patent litigation. I am thrilled to join its team of exceptional, dedicated life sciences and patent litigation attorneys.”
About Charlotte Jacobsen
Jacobsen is a USPTO-qualified, first-chair patent litigator with almost 20 years of experience representing life sciences clients in complex patent and licensing disputes. She has litigated more than 70 cases, including 45 Hatch-Waxman litigations in a wide range of therapeutic areas for global pharmaceutical companies. She has tried and won cases in all key venues for life sciences patent disputes, including before the federal courts, arbitration panels, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). She has handled cases related to small molecule and biologic therapeutics, platform technologies, methods of treatment, and diagnostic methods. She also regularly advises clients on ongoing patent litigations, including assessing the risks associated with Abbreviated New Drug Application and other patent litigations for private equity and M&A deals.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Jacobsen was a partner at Ropes & Gray LLP where she helped establish and lead the firm’s life sciences patent litigation practice. Prior, she practiced at Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto in New York and Milbank LLP in London. In addition to being admitted to practice in New York, she is also admitted to practice in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and England and Wales.
Jacobsen earned her law degree from Columbia Law School in 2008, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. She completed her bar vocational course at Inns of Court School of Law in 2003 and earned her postgraduate diploma in law with commendation from City University, London in 2002.
She received an M.S. in forensic science with distinction in 2001 from King’s College, London, where she was the winner of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences National Project Prize and an M.A. in natural sciences, with a focus on immunology and virology, from the University of Cambridge in May 2000.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Svetlana S. Gans has joined the firm as a partner. Previously Vice President and Associate General Counsel at the NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and a former Chief of Staff for Acting Federal Trade Commission Chair Maureen K. Ohlhausen, Gans joins the Antitrust and Competition; Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Innovation; and Public Policy Practice Groups at Gibson Dunn.
“Svetlana is a strong addition to the firm,” said Barbara L. Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “With her FTC credentials, trade association experience, and industry connections, she will add immediate value to our ability to serve our technology and other sector clients on regulatory, investigative, policy and legislative matters.”
“We are thrilled to have Svetlana on board,” said Ashlie Beringer, Co-Chair of the Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Innovation Practice Group. “She has the unique experience of serving in both antitrust and consumer protection roles at the FTC and as Chief of Staff to Chair Ohlhausen. Her mix of FTC experience at different levels of the agency, combined with her focus on digital platform initiatives, will give us added depth in our competition, consumer protection, data privacy and public policy practices. The timing is perfect as we have seen a sharp increase in demand from our clients in all of these areas, which are rapidly converging.”
“I have long been impressed by Gibson’s leading regulatory and litigation practices, especially in the areas of privacy, consumer protection, and antitrust,” said Gans. “I’m eager to work alongside my new colleagues on issues of the utmost importance to our clients and deliver exceptional client service.”
About Svetlana S. Gans
At Gibson Dunn, Gans will advise on regulatory and public policy matters, including counseling, investigations, enforcement, rulemakings, workshops, and other proceedings before the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, other federal and state agencies, and Congress. She has significant experience in the areas of privacy and consumer protection, including advertising and marketing practices, and issues at the intersection of antitrust and privacy, such as digital regulation.
Gans has been an active leader in the American Bar Association’s Antitrust Law Section for almost two decades, currently serving as the Section’s Marketing Officer. She is also a member of the Federal Communications Bar Association, serving as Co-Chair of the Diversity Pipeline Program and Women’s Leadership Committee. Gans has led several initiatives to assist law students and young lawyers, many of whom are diverse or first-generation law students, interested in privacy, consumer protection and antitrust law and policy.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Gans served as the Vice President & Associate General Counsel at the NCTA – The Internet & Television Association since July 2018. In this role, she helped lead engagement strategy and advocacy on competition, privacy, data security, consumer protection, digital regulation, and emerging technology issues before the FTC, DOJ, and Congress.
From 2010 to 2018, she served in various roles at the FTC, most recently as Chief of Staff for Acting Chair Maureen K. Ohlhausen. As Chief of Staff, she managed and oversaw agency operations and served as the Acting Chair’s key advisor on competition and consumer protection investigations and litigation. She created, executed, and oversaw several strategic initiatives for the agency, including the agency process reform, regulatory reform, and data security transparency initiatives.
During her tenure at the agency, she also served as an Attorney Advisor to then-Commissioner Ohlhausen and as Senior Staff Attorney in the Division of Marketing Practices of the Bureau of Consumer Protection and in the Mergers IV Division in the Bureau of Competition.
Prior to her service at the FTC, Gans practiced at two major U.S. law firms. She graduated with high honors in 2001 from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she was Editor of the Transportation Law Journal, and served as a legal extern for Judge John L. Kane in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado and with the Office of the Attorney General, Colorado Department of Law.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce that Christina M. Brown has rejoined the firm as of counsel in the New York office. Brown will serve as a member of the firm’s Business Restructuring and Reorganization Practice Group.
Brown’s practice will focus on representing clients in bankruptcy and insolvency related matters, financings, debt exchanges, and in-court and out-of-court restructurings.
“Christina is a valued and core member of our team, and we are excited to welcome her home,” said Scott Greenberg, Global Co-Chair of Gibson Dunn’s Business Restructuring and Reorganization Practice Group.
Prior to rejoining Gibson Dunn, Brown was a counsel at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where she served as a member of the Financial Restructuring Group.
Brown received her J.D. and LL.M. from Duke University School of Law in 2012. She received her B.S. in Engineering and Architectural Design from Stanford University in 2007. Prior to entering the legal profession, Brown worked as a transportation engineer in Los Angeles, CA.