Lawyers Archive

Ashley E. Johnson is a partner in the Dallas office of Gibson Dunn, where she is Co-Chair of the firm’s ERISA Litigation practice and a core member of the firm’s Labor and Employment and Antitrust and Competition practice groups. Ashley has a commercial dispute practice in trial and appellate courts across Texas and around the country. She focuses her practice at both the trial and appellate level on the legal strategy, briefing, and argument of complex legal issues, particularly including ERISA disputes (primarily class actions), cutting-edge antitrust questions, and class certification motions. Her work in these areas make her one of the country’s leaders in ERISA and antitrust class action defense. She works with her clients on crafting the most persuasive written presentation on their most critically important and complicated briefs and on communicating those arguments to courts in oral hearings.

Ashley has led the defense in some of the most closely watched ERISA and antitrust class actions in recent years. She represents Fortune 500 plan sponsors and fiduciaries in a range of ERISA matters, including claims involving actuarial equivalence, pension risk transfers, 401(k) forfeiture litigation, and challenges to wellness surcharges. She secured a unanimous Second Circuit victory for a Fortune 50 company in a significant case involving retroactive pension benefits and plays a leading role in ongoing actuarial equivalence cases in multiple federal courts.

In the antitrust arena, Ashley has defended global pharmaceutical companies such as Merck and Amgen in class actions challenging reverse-payment settlements, successfully obtaining Rule 23(f) review and reversal of class certification. She also secured dismissal and a unanimous affirmance from the Fifth Circuit in SureShot Golf Ventures v. Topgolf International, a broad and complex antitrust action testing novel market theories.

A former Supreme Court clerk, Ashley has argued in the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Fifth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits, as well as multiple Texas appellate courts. In addition, she has briefed a diverse set of cases in the United States Supreme Court, including high-profile victories in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association (U.S. 2018), Bank Markazi v. Peterson (U.S. 2016), and Black v. United States (U.S. 2011).

Ashley is ranked by Chambers USA for Litigation: General Commercial and recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Appellate Practice (2024–2026).

She has also been named in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America in Employment, Commercial Litigation, and Appellate (2025-2026), and is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

Representative Experience

Appellate

West Texas Gulf Pipe Line v. FERC (5th Cir. 2025) – Lead counsel for West Texas Gulf Pipe Line in challenge to FERC’s denial of market-based rate authority.
In re Sensipar Cinacalcet Hydrochloride Tablets (3d Cir. 2024) – Lead appellate counsel defending dismissal of antitrust class action complaint.
ERISA appeals (2022-23) – Lead counsel in multiple ERISA class action appeals for a Fortune 50 company in the Second and Ninth Circuits.
City of Dallas v. Oxley Leasing North Loop, LLC (Tex. App.—Dallas 2021) – Lead appellate counsel defending denial of City’s plea to the jurisdiction.
In the Interest of Y.J., a Child (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2019) – Lead appellate counsel; reversed joint conservatorship order in ICWA dispute.
Sureshot Golf Ventures, Inc. v. Topgolf International, Inc. (5th Cir. 2018) – Lead appellate counsel; unanimous affirmance of dismissal in major antitrust suit.
Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Ass’n (U.S. 2018) – Successfully overturned PASPA on constitutional grounds before the Supreme Court.
Sause v. Bauer (U.S. 2018) – Lead appellate counsel; obtained per curiam reversal of dismissal of constitutional claims.
United States v. Ogoke (7th Cir. 2017); United States v. Poff (9th Cir. 2017) – Lead appellate counsel in criminal contempt and veterans’ benefits matters.
Bank Markazi v. Peterson (U.S. 2016) – Represented victims of terrorism in landmark Supreme Court case involving foreign sovereign immunity and Congressional authority.
Opulent Life Church v. City of Holly Springs (5th Cir. 2012) – Argued and won unanimous decision in religious discrimination case.
Black v. United States (U.S. 2010) – Won reversal of multiple white-collar criminal convictions in high-profile case.

Trial Courts / Arbitration

Represent Honeywell and major telecommunications company in ERISA class actions alleging violation of actuarial equivalence requirements
Lead counsel for major telecommunications company in ERISA class action challenging reasonableness of recordkeeping fees
Represent multiple Fortune 500 defendants in ERISA class actions alleging fiduciary breach based on theories including 401(k) fund forfeitures, tobacco surcharge challenges, and fee challenges
Represent Amgen in antitrust suits challenging patent infringement settlements and rebate practices
Represent major telecommunications company in nationwide class action regarding WiFi calling
Represented Merck & Co., Inc., in antitrust class action regarding alleged reverse-payment agreement
Co-lead trial counsel in FLSA case resulting in immediate defense verdict during early COVID-era jury trial

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Ashley served as a law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas of the Supreme Court of the United States and to Judge J. Michael Luttig of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. She earned her law degree in 2004 from Vanderbilt University Law School, where she was a John W. Wade Scholar, Editor-in-Chief of the Vanderbilt Law Review, and recipient of the Archie B. Martin and Robert F. Jackson Memorial Prizes for academic excellence. She graduated from Vanderbilt with a B.S. in Mathematics and History and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Ashley is actively involved in alumni activities at Vanderbilt Law School, where she serves on the Vanderbilt Law Review Alumni Board of Advisors and has delivered guest lectures through the Branstetter Litigation and Dispute Resolution Program. In 2014, she invited Justice Clarence Thomas to deliver the Cecil Sims Lecture at Vanderbilt.

She is admitted to practice in Texas and North Carolina and before the U.S. Supreme Court; the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Circuits; and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Texas.

George J. Hazel is a partner in the Washington office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and a member of the firm’s Litigation and White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Groups. A former federal trial judge and criminal prosecutor, George brings a broad range of trial experience, having presided over approximately 50 jury trials in federal court and handled 20 jury trials and 30 bench trials as an attorney in federal and state court. Since his return to private practice, George has been named by The Best Lawyers in America® in their 2025 and 2026 guides for Criminal Defense: White Collar. Additionally, Lawdragon has named him in both their 2024 list of “500 Leading Global Litigators” and their 2025-2026 “500 Leading Litigators in America” guide.

Before joining Gibson Dunn, George had an 18-year career in public service, most recently serving for nearly nine years as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland. After his nomination by President Obama, George was confirmed in 2014 by the Senate in a 95-0 vote. At the time of his swearing in, he was the youngest-sitting District Court judge at age 39.

During his time on the bench, George presided over all manner of criminal proceedings, including but not limited to prosecutions for wire and mail fraud, mortgage fraud, bribery, obstruction of justice, racketeering and drug trafficking. Similarly, he presided over and published opinions in a wide variety of civil litigation matters, including but not limited to employment litigation, Qui Tam / False Act Claims, intellectual property and Administrative Procedures Act claims. George also served as one of three Patent Pilot Judges assigned to handle an increased number of patent litigation matters.

From 2011 until his appointment to the bench, George served as Chief Deputy State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, Maryland. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia from 2005 to 2008 and in the District of Maryland from 2008 to 2010, where he served as Southern Division coordinator for Project Safe Neighborhoods. George began his legal career as an associate in the Washington, D.C. office of a major law firm from 1999 to 2004.

George received his Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, cum laude, in 1996, and his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1999, where he served on the Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law and Policy.

George’s recent speaking engagements include:

Podcast, “Motions Practice and Beyond,” Order in the Court with Paul W. Grimm, April 22, 2024

Chris Chorba is co-chair of the firm’s Class Actions Practice Group. He specializes in defending class actions and complex litigation. He has substantial experience across a broad range of complex commercial matters at the trial and appellate level in California and throughout the country, and in multi-district litigation (MDLs). His litigation and counseling experience includes work for companies in every industry—including automotive, beauty / cosmetic, consumer products, education, entertainment, financial services, food and beverage, health care, insurance, life sciences, retail, social media, sports and gaming, technology, telecommunications, and utility / energy.

Chris has been recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business and in The Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation. Benchmark Litigation acknowledges Chris as a “Litigation Star,” and Law360 also named Chris a “Class Action MVP,” which profiles attorneys who have “distinguished themselves from their peers by securing hard-earned successes in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters and record-breaking deals.” The National Law Journal also identifies him as a “Trailblazer” for his work defending consumer class actions, and Lawdragon recognizes him as one of “500 Leading Litigators in America” and the “500 Leading Global Litigators.”

After graduating cum laude from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Chris received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served on the Editorial Board of the Virginia Law Review. He is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Class and Representative Actions

Chris is a nationally recognized expert in defending class actions, including claims involving California’s Unfair Competition and False Advertising Laws (Business & Professions Code § 17200 and § 17500), the Consumers Legal Remedies Act (California Civil Code § 1750 et seq.), the Lanham Act, and the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005. His representative class and representative actions include the following:

Secured an order denying Rule 23(b)(2) and (b)(3) certification in a putative class action challenging the accuracy of Facebook’s ad targeting.
Defended major technology manufacturer in nationwide multi-district litigation (MDL 2827) involving flagship smartphone devices. Secured early ruling dismissing all statutory and common law fraud claims with prejudice, as well as all claims based on a broad theory that the devices were “defective.” Negotiated nationwide class settlement, and assisted with companion state JCCP action and other proceedings across the country.
Secured dismissal of entertainment company and content creator in putative class action alleging that placement of videos on YouTube constitutes a violation of federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) and California state privacy laws.
Served as lead counsel for retailer in multi-district litigation (MDL 3032) involving alleged pest infestation at distribution center. Negotiated favorable settlement resolving all claims.
Secured dismissal with prejudice of UCL and express warranty claims in putative class actions alleging “defect” in 8-speed automatic transmissions in several Toyota vehicles.
Representing online sports-betting company in class actions challenging product marketing and alleged data incident.
Serving as national counsel for home warranty company in defending putative class actions and “mass” arbitrations involving home warranty contracts. Tried several dozen arbitrations to successful resolutions.
After defeating class certification, secured case-terminating sanctions in long-running action against pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) for spoliation of evidence. Secured appellate ruling affirming judgment on separate ground (collateral estoppel).
Defeated class certification in a series of significant overpayment recovery class actions against a major health insurer and plan administrator. Plaintiffs sought certification under every prong of Rule 23—(b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), and (c)(4)—and the court rejected certification on all grounds, even though other courts had granted certification in similar cases.
Obtained order decertifying Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) class action against major technology company. Following decertification, obtained summary judgment determining that company’s system did not qualify as an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) as required to support TCPA claim.
Defended University of Southern California against high-profile ERISA retirement fees class action. Secured dismissal of all individual defendants and all claims for breach of duty of loyalty and “prohibited transactions,” and persuaded court to strike demand for jury trial. Negotiated classwide settlement.

Appeals

Chris has argued several appeals before the federal and state courts of appeal, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit:

Secured dismissal with prejudice of novel “car hacking” claims against Toyota based on the lack of Article III standing, and defended that judgment on appeal.
Represented leading technology company in data privacy class action alleging violations of Wiretap Act, California Invasion of Privacy Act, and other statutes. Secured denial of certification of all claims for statutory damages, and prevailed on appeal in defending classwide settlement for only injunctive relief.
Obtained dismissals with prejudice of all five product liability actions against major technology company involving alleged liability for “distracted driving” accidents, and successfully defended all of these wins on appeal.
Secured the reversals on appeal of judgments totaling $295 million in three certified class actions in New Mexico and California involving installment payment plans for auto insurance policies.

Trials

Assisted in the defense of a complex fraud and civil conspiracy action brought by the California Insurance Commissioner, which resulted a favorable defense verdict on five of six liability claims and all claims for monetary damages following a lengthy federal jury trial spanning several months, and a post-verdict order rejecting any punitive damages. Secured favorable jury verdict in limited retrial, resulting in no award of compensatory damages despite the Commissioner’s demand for $4 billion. The Daily Journal recognized this victory as one of its Top Defense Verdicts of the year.
Retained by product manufacturer to handle federal Lanham Act trial following an adverse, eight-figure jury verdict after initial trial. Secured exclusion of all damages evidence on the eve of the retrial, which resulted in a complete win for our client on all of plaintiff’s claims. Successfully defended the favorable judgment on appeal.

Selected Publications

Associate Editor, American Bar Association, A Practitioner’s Guide to Class Actions (and co-author of chapters on “Other Due Process Challenges to Class Device” and “Aggregation or Stacking of Penalties or Punitive Measures”)
Chapters on “Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200 and 17500, and the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act,” in California Civil Procedure Before Trial: Claims and Defenses(The Rutter Group)
“Expert Analysis of Class Certification Issues,” in Litigation Services Handbook: The Role of the Financial Expert

Selected Presentations

Served as Co-Chair of Steering Committee, Cambridge Forum on Defense of Class Action Litigation
“Class Action Trends in the Appellate Process,” Western Alliance Bank 3rd Annual Class Action Law Forum, April 22, 2021
“Drafting Blow-Up Provisions in Class Action Settlement Agreements,” Strafford Webinars, October 28, 2020.
“Resolving The Dispute Over Injunctive Relief Class Actions,” Bridgeport Consumer Class Action Litigation Conference, January 8, 2016
“State of the Law on Consumer Class Actions,” 2015 National Consumer Class Action Litigation & Management Conference (Bridgeport), January 9, 2015
“Other Pivotal Residential Mortgage Class Action Issues Currently in Play and Coming Down the Pike from the U.S. Supreme Court: Class Certifications, CAFA, Removal and More,” 12th National Forum on Residential Mortgage Litigation & Regulatory Enforcement (ACI), January 16, 2014
“Overview of U.S. Class Actions, Defending and Managing Litigation Against Financial Institutions” (C5 Global Conferences, London UK), November 28-29, 2012

Fabiana Obermeier is an associate in the Frankfurt office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Private Equity and Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Groups.

Fabiana advises on cross-border and national mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital transactions. She further advises on general corporate law matters and joint ventures.

Her experience* includes include advising:

H.I.G. Capital on its strategic investment in TIMETOACT GROUP
Valeo Food, a CapVest Partner portfolio company on its acquisition of confectionary manufacturer Schluckwerder
Eight Fifty Food Group, a CapVest Partners portfolio company, on its acquisition of AliSa Internation GmbH (Greenland Seafood)
Gantner Electronic Austria Holding GmbH, an ARDIAN portfolio company, on its acquisition of Contidata Datensysteme GmbH
ARDIAN on its sale of Gantner Electronic Austria Holding GmbH
STARK Group on its acquisition of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution
Insight Partners in connection with its investment in commercetools, Jedox, SimScale, and camunda services

She studied law at the University of Frankfurt, Germany. Before completing her Second State Examination at the Higher Court of Frankfurt (Main), Germany, Fabiana was a trainee in the Frankfurt and London office of a renowned U.S. law firm. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the American University of Paris. She has been admitted as a German lawyer (Rechtsanwältin) since 2019.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Fabiana worked as an associate in the Frankfurt office of a renowned U.S. law firm.

Fabiana is fluent in German and English and speaks French.

*Includes Experience Prior To Joining Gibson Dunn

Lora MacDonald is of counsel in the Washington, D.C. office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. She practices in the Firm’s Litigation Department, focusing on white collar criminal defense, internal investigations, and corporate compliance.

Lora has extensive experience representing multinational corporations as well as individuals in connection with internal investigations related to potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and U.S. antitrust laws. As part of her practice, she regularly interacts with attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Lora has particular experience guiding companies towards the resolution of DOJ and SEC investigations, as well as prophylactic and post-resolution corporate compliance. She has advised multiple publicly-traded companies regarding the structure and effectiveness of their anti-corruption compliance programs, working closely with corporate legal and compliance professionals to enhance policies and procedures, third-party due diligence systems, benchmarking, and corruption risk assessments. Lora regularly advises on anti-corruption aspects of proposed mergers and acquisitions, and conducts related due diligence as well as compliance program reviews and pre- and post-acquisition due diligence.

She also assists clients under investigation by the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency and companies already subject to World Bank sanction.

Lora is recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Criminal Defense: White-Collar.

She received her law degree from The University of Michigan Law School in 2013. During law school, she was an Articles Editor for the Michigan Journal of International Law. In 2009, Lora graduated with High Distinction from The University of Michigan, where she earned degrees in political science and English.

Lora is admitted to practice in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Justine Goeke is a partner in Gibson Dunn’s New York office. Her practice focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation and trials. She has experience in a broad range of substantive areas, including products liability, environmental and mass torts, class actions, bankruptcy, and trade secrets. She currently serves as national legal strategy and briefing counsel for several consumer-products companies facing mass litigation.

Justine has represented clients in their most important trials and evidentiary proceedings. Representative experience includes:

Co-lead trial counsel for SES in a high-stakes two-week federal court bench trial against Intelsat in a breach-of-contract case. After the bankruptcy court found for Intelsat, the district court reversed on appeal, describing the record evidence adduced by SES at trial as “extensive,” “very strong,” and “perhaps outcome-determinative.”
Trial counsel for a Fortune 250 company in securing a complete defense verdict after a three-week jury trial in the Northern District of Ohio arising out of asset-backed financing related to an alleged “Ponzi” scheme. The verdict was affirmed on appeal.
Trial counsel for global law firm in securing a complete defense verdict following a week-long arbitration brought by the firm’s former client.
Trial counsel for the former CEO of a publicly-traded technology company in an eight-week securities and wire fraud jury trial in the Southern District of New York. Defeated government request for a 20+ year prison sentence to secure a sentence of no time in prison.
Secured a sweeping preliminary injunction against a former executive of DraftKings, enforcing his restrictive covenants after an evidentiary hearing. Justine was part of the team that earned recognition in The American Lawyer as “Litigator of the Week Runner-Up” for this trade secrets and noncompete win.
Succeeded in restoring New York-based business’s license to operate after CPLR Article 78 proceeding and multi-day regulatory agency appeal evidentiary hearings.

Justine has secured significant wins on dispositive motions in bet-the-company litigation. Representative matters include:

Secured complete dismissal of a putative class action lawsuit against Nasdaq in the High-Frequency Trading Litigation filed against U.S. stock exchanges in the Southern District of New York.
Won a motion to dismiss for Guardant Health and its founders in the District of Delaware in a trade secret misappropriation and inventorship lawsuit brought by Illumina.
Won summary judgment for a healthcare technology company and its founders in a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York filed by an early investor alleging breaches of contract and fraud.

Justine also has a winning track record on appeal. Recently, she was part of the team that secured a First Circuit affirmance of DraftKings’ preliminary injunction enforcing a nationwide non-compete against a former executive. She also successfully reversed the bench-trial decision rejecting SES’s breach-of-contract claim against Intelsat.

Justine was named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America for 2026 and a “future leader of the law” in Lawdragon’s 500 X – The Next Generation guides for 2024 and 2025. Justine has been recognized as “One to Watch” by The Best Lawyers in America® for 2023 in appellate litigation.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Justine served as a law clerk to the Honorable Ann M. Donnelly in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and to the Honorable D. Brock Hornby in the United States District Court for the District of Maine.

Justine graduated in 2013 from Harvard Law School, where she was Secretary-Treasurer for the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, and a finalist in the National Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition. Originally from Iowa, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where she graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Justine maintains an active pro bono practice that includes impact litigation regarding police brutality and conditions of criminal detention. She secured a favorable settlement from the City of New York on behalf of a former detainee at Rikers Island for violations of his constitutional rights. She has successfully assisted New Yorkers in securing public housing repairs from the New York City Housing Authority and obtaining asylum.

Justine is admitted to practice in the State of New York, and before the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second and First Circuits and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Matthew A. Gibbons is a partner in the New York office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. He is a member of Gibson Dunn’s Real Estate Practice Group, and is also a Co-chair of Hiring for the New York office.

Matthew’s practice focuses on representing major financial institutions, private equity funds and other institutional lenders in connection with complex real estate transactions across all real estate asset classes, including originations of acquisition financings, mortgage financings, mezzanine financings and other subordinate debt, construction financings, refinancings, acquisitions and dispositions of loans and financings of loans. His practice also includes representing institutional investors in connection with acquisitions and dispositions of real estate, joint venture agreements and developments.

Matthew is recognized in the 2025 edition of Chambers USA as a Real Estate Finance (New York) “Up and Coming” lawyer. Matthew was recognized in Lawdragon’s “500 X – The Next Generation” and “500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers” lists in both 2024 and 2025. He was selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers in Real Estate in 2022 and 2023. He has also been recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ in Real Estate Law and selected for inclusion in the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

Matthew received his Juris Doctor in 2012 from New York University School of Law, where he served as an Articles Editor for the Annual Survey of American Law. He received Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Mathematics and Government & Law from Lafayette College in 2009, where he graduated with honors.

Matthew serves on the board of the Brotherhood Sister Sol, a Harlem-based nonprofit focused on youth development and community resilience.

Matthew is admitted to practice in the State of New York.

William E. Thomson is a litigation partner in the Los Angeles office of Gibson Dunn. He is Co-Chair of the firm’s Transnational Litigation Practice Group, which Legal 500 US 2025 has again ranked Tier 1, International litigation. He is also a member of the firm’s Appellate and Constitutional Law and Environmental Litigation and Mass Tort Practice Groups. Bill’s practice focuses on federal and state appellate and Supreme Court litigation, and on strategic analysis and briefing in high-stakes cases in trial courts around the country. Bill has extensive experience litigating and counseling on complex U.S. and cross-border matters before both trial and appellate courts in a broad range of contexts, including civil RICO, product liability and mass tort, foreign judgment recognition, First Amendment litigation, and class actions. He has advised on and litigated matters implicating the competing laws of multiple U.S. jurisdictions and dozens of countries around the world, including supply chain liability risks, corporate separateness issues, and cross-border evidentiary actions pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1782.

In both the transnational and domestic contexts, clients regularly rely on Bill to help them develop comprehensive global strategies. Bill has extensive experience with constitutional challenges to state and federal statutes and caselaw, including punitive damages and statutory penalties, and he works regularly with inside- and outside co-counsel to develop innovative, cutting-edge trial and appellate strategies to address such issues. He has played a key role in a number of the firm’s most high-profile transnational, mass tort and product liability, and environmental matters. Most recently, Bill was named as one of the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2023 for Appellate practice.

Bill is one of the principal lawyers representing Chevron Corporation in the large number of climate change actions that state and municipal governments have filed around the country pursuant to various state laws, alleging claims for public and private nuisance, product liability, and deceptive sales—attempting thereby to shift liability for national and international energy policy choices onto energy producers. To date, Chevron has prevailed in motions to dismiss in every court to reach the merits. See, e.g., City of New York v. Chevron Corp., 993 F.3d 81,85 (2d Cir. 2021) (“The question before us is whether municipalities may utilize state tort law to hold multinational oil companies liable for the damages caused by global greenhouse gas emissions. Given the nature of the harm and the existence of a complex web of federal and international environmental law regulating such emissions, we hold that the answer is “no.”).
Bill represents Chevron Corporation in its multifaceted defense against purported environmental claims emanating from Ecuador, in which U.S. and Ecuadorian lawyers obtained a purported $18 billion judgment from an Ecuadorian court. Among other things, Bill spearheaded the extensive briefing in Chevron’s RICO case in the Southern District of New York, in which the company successfully sued the U.S. and Ecuadorian lawyers and other agents for racketeering and fraud. In its 485-page opinion, the court described the case as “extraordinary” and “includ[ing] things that normally come only out of Hollywood,” such as “coded emails,” “payments out of a secret account,” videotaped evidence of crimes in progress, and blockbuster evidence that the defendants “wrote the [Ecuadorian] court’s Judgment themselves and promised $500,000 to the Ecuadorian judge to rule in their favor and sign their judgment.” The New York Times described the result as a “major victory,” and the Washington Post called it “resounding.” A unanimous Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed, noting that “[t]he record . . . reveals a parade of corrupt actions.” Bill continues to advise Chevron on a range of issues flowing from this high-stakes, complex matter and in related foreign enforcement and international arbitration matters.
Bill regularly works with a broad variety of companies on strategies to assess and limit their product liability exposure, including in the on-line marketplace space. Bill has deep experience developing and marshaling constitutional challenges to state-law regimes such as those governing punitive damages and their related underlying liability standards, especially in the product liability context. In this capacity, he works with companies to formulate both immediate-need and long-term trial and appellate strategies, briefing related motions and appeals in numerous jurisdictions around the country and acting as national appellate advisor to trial teams at all stages of the proceeding. He played a principal role on behalf of Ford Motor Company in persuading the United States Supreme Court to vacate what had been the largest personal injury award ever affirmed in U.S. history—and on remand convinced the court of appeal to cut the award by over 90%—as well as convincing the California Supreme Court to reject the “aggregate profit disgorgement” theory of punitive damages.
Bill has long played a leading role in defending Dole Food Company, Inc. in its national and international mass tort/product liability litigation involving the nematicide DBCP, brought by thousands of plaintiffs from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and the Ivory Coast. Cases currently are pending in Hawaii and Delaware. He was a key member of the team that successfully represented Dole in both the district court and Eleventh Circuit in the Osorio v. Dole action filed in the Southern District of Florida, where plaintiffs sought to enforce a bellwether Nicaraguan judgment totaling approximately $100 million. Bill was instrumental in obtaining the dismissal of three DBCP cases pending in the Los Angeles Superior Court as a terminating sanction for plaintiffs’ and their counsel’s fraud on the court in the widely noted Tellez, Mejia, and Rivera cases, and successfully defended the trial court decisions on appeal.
In both the transnational and domestic settings, Bill has led numerous civil cases brought pursuant to the Racketeer & Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), representing both civil RICO plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of industry contexts. He has written and spoken frequently on RICO-related topics. Representative RICO matters include, in addition to Chevron’s lawsuit against the lawyers suing it in Ecuador, defending automaker Aston Martin (Fisker v. Aston Martin Lagonda, C.D. Cal. 2015) (voluntarily dismissed by Fisker, with no settlement); defending Chevron U.S.A. (Committee to Protect Our Agricultural Water v. Chevron, E.D. Cal. 2016) (court granted motion to dismiss; plaintiff dismissed rather than try to amend complaint); defending nursing home owners and officers (Kan-di-Ki v. Paulson, C.D. Cal. 2017) (motion to dismiss granted; affirmed on appeal); defending Lynn Tilton and Patriarch Partners Zohar CDO 2003-1 Ltd. et al. v. Patriarch Partners LLC et al.(S.D.N.Y. 2017) (motion to dismiss granted based on securities fraud bar of 18 U.S.C. §1964(c)).
Bill also played a key role in Perez v. Dole Food Company, Inc., successfully defeating hundreds of false claims that Dole Food Company funded and directed the activities of AUC paramilitaries in the banana-growing regions of Colombia and was responsible for hundreds of deaths in connection with Colombia’s internal conflict between warring paramilitaries and guerrillas in that region. Plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their claims with prejudice after Gibson Dunn uncovered evidence of improper interactions between plaintiffs’ counsel and jailed paramilitary witnesses.

Bill served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Robert J. Kelleher in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law. He earned a Ph.D. degree and an M.A. degree from the University of Chicago, and an A.B. degree from Princeton University, all in the field of political science. At the University of Chicago he was a John M. Olin Fellow at the Center for Inquiry Into the Theory and Practice of Democracy. For his dissertation on the political theory of Alexis de Tocqueville he conducted research in Paris. He is fluent in French and conversant in Spanish.

Bill is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, California Supreme Court, Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States District Courts for the Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California.

Kahlil T. Yearwood is co-partner in charge of the San Francisco office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. He is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Department and serves on the firm’s Diversity Committee.

Kahlil’s practice focuses on commercial real estate finance and capital markets. He represents various portfolio lenders (including specialty finance companies, life insurance companies, hedge funds, and banks), debt fund managers, and private equity firms in transactions involving loan origination, loan purchases and sales, subordinate debt financing and acquisition, post-closing modifications, workouts, restructurings, foreclosures, and other exercises of remedies.

Kahlil has been recognized as a leading lawyer by:

Chambers USA in Band 1 for California Real Estate. Chambers notes, “He is one of the most skilled real estate finance lawyers in America. Clients go to him for their toughest, most complex and high-stakes matters and they don’t know anyone that can compare.”
The Legal 500 US for Real Estate Finance
Lawdragon‘s 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers in 2024 and 2025
The Best Lawyers in America for Real Estate Law

Additional relevant information about Kahlil includes:

Kahlil received his Juris Doctor in 2005 from the University of California, Berkeley. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 2001 from the University of California, Berkeley.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, Kahlil was a partner at another leading international law firm.
Kahlil is a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and a fellow in the American College of Mortgage Attorneys.
He is a frequent speaker on commercial real estate lending and subordinate debt structures.

Clarisse Bouchetemblé is an of counsel in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Corporate Transactions, Private Equity, and Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Groups.

Her practice focuses on public and private M&A transactions for domestic and international clients, notably stock and assets sales, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations, and corporate general counseling.

She advises industrial companies, investment funds, insurers, and banks.

Admitted to the Paris Bar, Clarisse received a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in 2008 from Auckland University, New Zealand. She also graduated from University Paris II – Panthéon Assas with a master’s degree in Commercial Law in 2006 after obtaining an undergraduate diploma in Commercial Law in 2005 from Drake University.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Julia-Barbara Michalon is an of counsel in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where she serves as a member of the firm’s Finance and Business Restructuring Practice Groups.

She specializes in structured finance transactions (particularly in the context of LBO transactions), complex cross-border debt restructuring transactions, and real estate financings. She seamlessly represents senior and junior lenders, financial sponsors, borrowers, and distressed investors in their significant strategic transactions.

Julia-Barbara is experienced in acquisition finance (whether using all-senior, senior, second lien, unitranche, mezzanine, or PIK financing), advising lenders, borrowers, and sponsors on leveraged buy-outs, build-ups, and corporate acquisitions. She also has experience in acting for lenders and borrowers in relation to investment-grade syndicated facilities, other corporate loans, and bridge financing.

Julia-Barbara also advises on bespoke financings for companies that require more complex corporate financings, including “special situation” financings for companies struggling to raise debt post-restructuring.

Best Lawyers in France has recommended her for Banking & Finance Law, Insolvency, and Structured Finance since 2025. Previously, she was recommended as One to Watch for Banking and Finance Law by Best Lawyers in France since she entered the ranking in 2022.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Julia-Barbara practiced for four years with a leading British law firm.

Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2015, she graduated from University of Paris II – Panthéon-Assas with a master’s degree in banking and financial law in 2011, a master’s degree in business law, and an MBA in 2010, and graduated from King’s College London in 2012 with a Master of Laws in financial law. Julia-Barbara teaches financial law at the Bar school of Paris.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Pauline Portos is an of counsel in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Energy & Infrastructure Practice Group.

Pauline specializes in infrastructure and energy transactions as well as M&A transactions in the infrastructure and energy sectors in France and abroad. Her expertise includes both financing and projects matters.

She advises clients ranging from investment funds, debt funds, and corporates to financial institutions, multilateral institutions, and governments with a particular focus on telecommunications, electric mobility, transport, and renewable energy projects.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Pauline practiced several years in the acquisition financing (LBO) department and the Energy and Infrastructure department of two Magic Circle law firms.

Admitted to the Paris bar in 2014, Pauline holds a Master’s degree in Corporate and Tax Law and a Master’s degree in Banking and Financial Law from Paris II Panthéon-Assas University.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Adam Dawson is a partner in the Brussels office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Antitrust and Competition Practice Group.

Adam specializes in merger control and foreign investment screening. He regularly manages the assessment of merger and FDI filings and has represented numerous clients in global merger investigations, including complex transactions that require negotiating remedies with various competition authorities.

He has also assisted many clients with competition law complaints and investigations conducted by the European Commission and national competition authorities. Adam frequently advises companies on the merits of potential Article 102 TFEU complaints.

Additionally, Adam is regularly called upon to advise clients regarding potential exposure under competition law. He has helped develop effective compliance programs and often guides companies on their local and international distribution and pricing strategies.

His recent experience spans a wide range of industries, including human and animal health, digital platforms, chemicals, energy, heavy machinery, packaging, and air transport.

Admitted to practice in Belgium, Adam earned a Bachelor of Laws from King’s College London and the Université de Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne in 2007, a Master of Business Law and Taxation from the Université de Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne in 2008, and an LL.M. in European Legal Studies from the College of Europe in 2009.

Before joining Gibson Dunn, Adam practiced at a prominent American law firm in Brussels.

He speaks English and French fluently.

Alex Bluett is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Energy & Infrastructure Practice Group.

As a dual-qualified lawyer (English and French law), Alex advises French and international clients on the development, structuring, and financing of large-scale energy and infrastructure transactions across a number of sectors including telecoms, roads, airports, energy transition, and renewables. He has experience in project, acquisition and corporate financings (including loans, bonds and hybrid financings), and M&A transactions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Alex worked for over a decade in the energy & infrastructure group of a Magic Circle law firm in their Paris and London offices.

Admitted to the Paris Bar and a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, Alex holds a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Cambridge.

Alex speaks English and French fluently.

Representative Matters*

Advised InfraVia in the context of its JV with Play (subsidiary of Iliad) for the development and operation of an FTTH network in Poland.
Advised the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and Luminor Bank as lenders on the financial close of the first major public-private partnership (PPP) in Latvia, the Kekava Bypass Project.
Advised the arrangers to InfraVia and EIR in the context of their JV for the development and operation of an FTTH network in Ireland.
Advised Meridiam, a leading infrastructure investment fund, and Allego, one of the leading developers of European high power EV charging stations, in the context of the structuring and implementation of a pan-European project to build, maintain, operate and finance several EV charging points across Europe.
Advised the lenders to Rubis terminals in the context of the refinancing of their portfolio of pan-European port terminals.
Advised the lenders on the financing, construction and operation of a wind farm under a corporate PPA by InfraVia Capital Partners located in Sweden.
Advised the lenders of a consortium led by Meridiam on their bid submission for the award of a concession for the construction, maintenance, operation and financing of Belgrade airport in Serbia.
Advised InfraVia and Alkion in the context of the financing and the refinancing of a portfolio of port terminals.
Advised the lenders to Antin in the context of its acquisition of the Idex group.

*Includes experience prior to joining Gibson Dunn.

Benoît Fleury is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Merger and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Securities law & Governance, Compliance, and Business Restructuring & Reorganization Practice Groups.

Benoît’s corporate practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions and private equity. He advises European and U.S. clients, particularly banks, insurance companies, and investment funds on their most strategic domestic and cross-border acquisitions. His experience encompasses a wealth of operations in regulated environments, as well as in the context of carve-outs and spin-offs and corporate governance matters.

He has developed particular know-how in securities-related transactions, proposing creative solutions in sensitive contexts, including restructuring and insolvency procedures. Benoit also devotes significant time to advising startups and early stage companies in their development.

Benoît focuses his restructuring practice on complex restructuring and insolvency matters (mandat ad hoc, conciliation and safeguard), regularly representing defaulting and distressed companies, creditors (including banks and CLOs), notable shareholders, and investors looking for the acquisition of distressed targets in some of the French market’s most high-profile cases. He provides strategic advice and business-oriented negotiation solutions to French and foreign stakeholders, counseling on prevention measures and court resolutions. He often assists listed companies, portfolio companies, hedge funds, and investment funds, which he also advises in connection with their strategic investments and day-to-day operations. Due to his restructuring and securities law expertise, Benoît has argued several landmark French cases, setting many precedents over the course of his career.

Chambers Europe recommends Benoît and sources highlight that he “has experience assisting clients with corporate reorganizations and insolvency proceedings” and is “really smart, always available, works quickly and has good business sense”. They appreciate his “straightforward style and clever strategies”. He is a “down-to-earth, commercial, no-nonsense lawyer” and “an astute analyst of critical judicial situations in the bankruptcy field, [that] turns things around very fast whilst providing great advice.” The directory mentions that he is “highly regarded” and described him as “very proactive and client-oriented.” Sources say “Fleury is very strong, reactive and commercial.” Previous editions praised his “responsiveness, dedication and negotiation skills” and referred to him as “patient, able to explain everything and ready to hear what we have to say.”

The Legal 500 EMEA also recommends Benoît for Mergers and Acquisitions and Best Lawyers in France has consistently recommended him for Corporate, LBO, and Insolvency Law.

Benoît graduated from University Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense with a master’s degree in 1996, after having received a diploma from business school EDHEC (École de Hautes Etudes Commerciales du Nord) in 1993. Benoît teaches corporate law at EDHEC business school, having previously taught for three years at Evry University. He frequently writes on topical legal issues.

He speaks French and English fluently.

Ahmed Baladi is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn. He is the Co-Chair of the firm’s Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Data Innovation Practice Group and a member of the Artificial Intelligence and Technology Transactions Practice Groups.

Ahmed has developed renowned experience in a wide range of privacy matters including the implementation of global privacy compliance and governance programs tailored to complex and evolving regulations. He assists clients in navigating the intersection of privacy and other digital related regulations such as the AI Act, the DSA, the Data Act, and the NIS Directive. His practice also focuses on strategic counseling for the development and launching of data driven products and services. Ahmed regularly represents corporates and executives on investigations and procedures before data protection authorities and courts. He also advises a variety of clients on data breach and national security matters, including handling investigations, enforcement defense, and crisis management.

Beyond regulatory compliance, Ahmed provides strategic counsel to clients seeking to leverage emerging technologies for competitive advantage. His practice covers strategic digital and technology projects such as the development and use of innovative solutions including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, smart devices or industry 4.0 solutions. A broad range of clients from various sectors seek his pragmatic advice from the outset of their projects, and Ahmed enables them to assess and implement innovative solutions where no clear legal guidance is available, bringing awareness on how such development or use could impact their operations and defining practical solutions.

Ahmed has received several accolades:

Chambers Europe ranks Ahmed Band 1 for TMT: Data Protection and Band 2 in its TMT: Information Technology category. Clients assess: “In my view, Ahmed is brilliant. He does a fantastic job explaining the law to clients and always leaves a positive impression” ; “I know I can trust him to be responsive, efficient and business-oriented” ; “Ahmed is very business-oriented and he can be creative. I have worked with him on difficult projects in the past and it is very comfortable working with him because he is organized” ; “Ahmed is incredibly quick, articulate and easy to work with. He can distil down complex or messy issues to simple elements and address them in a straightforward manner.”
Previous editions of Chambers described him as “on top of his game and a pleasure to work with” ; “a super business partner who finds excellent solutions” ; “efficient and reactive” and with “an excellent grasp of the sector;” “very smart and bright.” Other sources praise his negotiation skills, saying: “He is patient and always tries to find intelligent compromises” underlining his “reactivity and availability”, his “great judgement […] source of clear, calm advice under pressure” and the fact that he is “very patient, reactive, calm and balanced, especially in negotiations.” Sources consistently brand him as an “adept negotiator, pragmatic and practical,” who possesses “strong commercial and technical skills.” Many also note his ability to “understand complex and innovative projects very quickly, and to build a proposal that explores different legal areas but remains simple and clear.”
The Legal 500 EMEA has once more named Ahmed a Leading Individual for both Data Protection (Tier 1) and IT and internet (Tier 1) categories, with clients noting that “Ahmed is the market leader when it comes to advising on data protection issues as they apply to novel technologies.’”
Previous editions of The Legal 500 noted “Ahmed gives you great comfort when dealing with complex legal topics (whether at national level or on cross-border issues) or difficult business situations, and when having to navigate in grey areas. These are situations where you need to challenge yourself, share views and take decisions taking into account the regulations, but also, and equally importantly for a business, matching with the business interests. Ahmed’s legal expertise, deep business experience, hard-working capacity and humility at work make him a highly valued asset for our legal team.”
Best Lawyers in France named Ahmed its 2025 Outsourcing “Lawyer of the Year”.
Lawdragon has recognized Ahmed in its 100 Leading AI & Legal Tech Advisors list, which highlights “100 stellar players who capture the state of artificial intelligence in the law today, with a side of interesting legal tech.” (2024, 2025). In addition, Ahmed was named to its 500 Leading Global Cyber Lawyers guide, which highlights “lawyers who connect it all – data and security, innovation and inspiration, litigation and exploration.” (2024).
Who’s Who Legal: Data has also selected Ahmed as being a leading figure in Data.

Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2001, Ahmed graduated in 1998 from University of Lyon III Jean Moulin, where he received a DJCE (Legal counsel diploma) in Commercial Law and a post graduate degree in Business and Tax Law. Through an exchange program, he spent two years in the US, at the University of Georgia in 1999, and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1997.

Ahmed also graduated from the French Institute of Advanced Studies in National Defence (IHEDN) in 2021 on Cybersecurity and Data Sovereignty. He is a Young Leader of the France-Asia Foundation.

He speaks French and English fluently.

Eric Bouffard is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where he serves as a member of the firm’s Litigation, International Arbitration, Enforcement, Environmental and Social Governance, and Business Restructuring Practice Groups.

Eric is particularly active in cross-border litigation, commercial arbitration, commercial law (including insolvency and recovery of debt), industrial risk (latent defects, interruption of production, delay and disruption claims, consequential losses), international trade, and insurance before both judicial courts and arbitral tribunals.

He is regularly involved in M&A disputes, shareholder disputes, and more generally project partner disputes.

Eric has provided clients with legal and strategic advice for responding to crises and anticipating them. He is knowledgeable in the conduct of risk assessments and the review and implementation of compliance programs in fast-changing regulatory environments. He advises various French multinationals on Loi Sapin II aspects.

The Legal 500 EMEA distinguishes Eric in its Commercial litigation category (Band 2), highlighting he is “highly regarded” and a “key lawyer.” Previous editions described him as an “experienced” lawyer that “provide[s] strategic and spot-on advice” and an “excellent litigator”. “[He] assists both French and international clients with an array of contentious matters”. He is noted for his expertise in restructuring matters and disputes connected to the banking and finance industry. He is appreciated by clients for his “pedagogical skills to explain complex matters” ; “He’s accessible and a straight-talker. He gives constructive advice.”

Benchmark Litigation Europe has named him a Litigation Star every year since he entered the ranking in 2020, while Best Lawyers in France has also consistently recommended him for Litigation and International Arbitration.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn in 2017, Eric practiced at a leading British law firm since 2005. He is a member of the Association Française d’Arbitrage

(AFA), Association Française du Contract Management (AFCM), International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) and Association Française de Droit Maritime (AFDM).

A member of the Paris Bar, Eric graduated in 1993 from University of Paris II (Panthéon-Assas) where he received a DESS (postgraduate degree) in litigation and arbitration. He is the co-author of Tactics in M&A Arbitration, a book which gives a pan-European view on the questions which systematically arise in M&A arbitration proceedings.

He speaks French and English fluently.

Amanda Bevan-de Bernède is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where she serves as the Partner in Charge of the office and a member of the firm’s Finance Practice Group.

Amanda specializes in structured finance transactions, in particular in the context of LBO transactions and complex cross-border debt restructuring transactions.

She seamlessly represents senior and junior lenders, financial sponsors, borrowers, and distressed investors in their significant strategic transactions. Amanda is experienced in acquisition finance (whether using all-senior, senior, second lien, unitranche, mezzanine or PIK financing), advising lenders, borrowers and sponsors on leveraged buy-outs, build-ups, and corporate acquisitions. She also has experience in acting for lenders and borrowers in relation to investment-grade syndicated facilities, other corporate loans, and bridge financing. Amanda has acted on some of the largest French acquisition finance transactions over the last decade, but also on many of the most complex debt restructuring transactions completed in France over recent years, advising clients within a cross-practice team of lawyers combining excellent restructuring expertise with thorough technical knowledge of finance transactions.

The Legal 500 EMEA ranks her as a leading partner for Banking & Finance: Transactional Work and recommends her work in its Insolvency category (Band 1), noting that she is a Key N ame within the practice.

Best Lawyers in France consistently recommends her for Banking and Finance Law, Insolvency and Reorganization Law, as well as Investment.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn in 2017, Amanda practiced in a leading British law firm’s Paris corporate and banking departments, before joining another leading British law firm’s finance department in 2003.

Admitted to the Paris Bar since 1998, Amanda graduated from University of Paris I (Panthéon-Sorbonne) with a DEA (master’s degree) in private international law and international commercial law, and received a Magistère (postgraduate degree) in private and public economic law in 1997.

She speaks English and French fluently.

Darko Adamovic is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Energy & Infrastructure, Derivatives and Finance Practice Groups.

Darko advises on the development and financing of projects in the infrastructure and energy fields such as telecommunications, energy transition, conventional energy (including renewables), and transport projects. He has significant experience advising sponsors, lenders, multilateral institutions, contractors, and host governments on the development, structuring, and financing (including loans, bonds, hybrid and derivatives financings) of major projects in France and internationally. He also has significant experience in M&A transactions in the infrastructure and energy sectors.

Darko has advised on numerous innovative transactions in various sectors including the electric vehicle (EV), hydrogen, and alternative or e-fuel(s) sectors. He has developed innovative financing structures, including credit enhancement facilities and project bond enhancements, on behalf of the European Investment Bank. He was heavily involved in the BioTJet project, where he advised the consortium on the structuring of the Project.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Darko was a partner in the energy & infrastructure group of a Magic Circle law firm in Paris.

Admitted to the Paris Bar, Darko holds a Master’s degree in Banking, Financial, and Business Law from Paris II Panthéon-Assas University. Darko was one of the authors of the French chapter of the international edition of The Projects and Construction Review.

He speaks French, English, and Serbo-Croatian fluently.

Representative Experience*

Advised a group of lenders in relation to the financing aspects of the €2.6 billion EV acquisition of German energy utility company STEAG by Spanish investment management firm Asterion Industrial Partners.
Advised InfraVia in the context of its JV with Play (subsidiary of Iliad) for the development and operation of an FTTH network in Poland.
Advised the members of a consortium led by Elyse Energy in the context of a development of a SAF project in France.
Advised the lenders to the consortium led by NGE in the context of the financing of the concession of the development, maintenance, operation and financing of the A69 toll road in France.
Advised the arrangers to InfraVia and EIR in the context of their JV for the development and operation of an FTTH network in Ireland.
Advised Meridiam, a leading infrastructure investment fund, and Allego, one of the leading developers of European high power EV charging stations, in the context of the structuring and implementation of a pan-European project to build, maintain, operate and finance several EV charging points across Europe.
Advised the lenders to Rubis terminals in the context of the refinancing of their portfolio of pan-European port terminals.
Advised the lenders on the financing, construction and operation of a wind farm under a corporate PPA by InfraVia Capital Partners located in Sweden.
Advised Electra, a leading French developer of EV charging points, in the context of its initial fund raising and the development and financing of its projects in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain.
Advised Vauban on the financing of the acquisition of a stake in the Indigo Group.
Advised the lenders of a consortium led by Meridiam on their bid submission for the award of a concession for the construction, maintenance, operation and financing of Belgrade airport in Serbia.
Advised InfraVia and Alkion in the context of the financing and the refinancing of a portfolio or port terminals.
Advised the lenders to Antin in the context of its acquisition of the Idex group.
Advised Vinci Airports and ADP in the context of the financing of the concession for the development, operation and financing of the Santiago de Chile airport.

*Includes matters prior to joining Gibson Dunn

Jessica I. Basil is of counsel in the New York office of Gibson Dunn and practices in the firm’s Finance and Energy and Infrastructure Practice Groups.

Her practice focuses on project and general finance in the areas of gas, power, and infrastructure with a particular focus on representing lenders, sponsors and developers in connection with the construction, development, financing and operation of power generation projects. In addition, she has experience in the acquisition, disposition and restructuring of major infrastructure projects.

Jessica has extensive experience in wind, solar and other alternative energy sources (such as landfill gas, hydro and biofuels) in the United States, Latin America, and Europe. Her recent experience includes the representation of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its affiliates in the acquisition and financing of the 579 MW Solar Star power projects, the acquisition and financing of the 300 MW Jumbo Road wind power generation project and the tax equity financing of the 298 MW Kingfisher wind power generation project.

She earned her Juris Doctor cum laude in 1999 from Harvard Law School. In 1996, she earned her Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, as well as her Master of Arts in History from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jessica has served two terms as the secretary for the Energy Committee of the Bar Association of the City of New York.

She is a member of the State Bar of New York and is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.