Legal 500 Ranks Selendy & Gay Among Nation’s Top Law Firms

June 10, 2020

Legal 500 Ranks Selendy & Gay Among Nation’s Top Law Firms

Selendy & Gay has once again been recognized as one of the country’s top litigation firms by The Legal 500. The firm’s Securities & Structured Finance, Complex Commercial Disputes and Appellate practices, along with several individual attorneys, were honored among the best in their fields. 

“Top Performer” in Securities Litigation

Legal 500 praised the firm’s expertise in complex securities cases, reporting the group “has made a big impression in the securities litigation market since its formation in 2018 with well-established veteran practitioners” who have recovered more than $45bn for plaintiffs.

Touting the group’s work in the financial services sector, particularly in cases relating to residential mortgage-backed securities, Legal 500 noted “the firm has broadened its focus to handle securities and structured finance litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants. While it is still involved in some high-value RMBS cases, it is also handling matters related to other structured finance instruments, such as a credit-linked notes matter for private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management.”

Philippe Selendy and Sean Baldwin, who clients called “a really good, smart lawyer and an honest guy,” were both awarded as “Leading Lawyers” in the space, joined by Andrew Dunlap, who was highly recommended.

“Standouts” in Appellate Work

Clients surveyed by Legal 500 reported “the team at Selendy & Gay is not merely concerned with a successful appellate challenge, but also appreciates that the various potential outcomes could easily have broader policy impacts. The attorneys have worked closely with our in-house team to anticipate and provide for those impacts.”

The group earned praise for its work defending securities-related decisions for clients, an area where “Philippe Selendy and Baldwin are standout practitioners,” and in insurance sector appeals. Practice head Caitlin Halligan, whose counsel of record experience before the U.S. Supreme Court spans over 45 cases, and Lena Konanova were both recognized as highly skilled in this area.

Clients enthused, “Halligan and her team are perhaps the most responsive of any external counsel we have engaged. She is always available to us for advice and is truly thoughtful about the issues that matter to us. Her experience gives her singular insight into the big picture.”

Leaders in Complex Commercial Litigation

Legal 500 also lauded the firm’s Complex Commercial Disputes practice, writing “since its inception, the group has attracted a diverse and impressive range of clients, and is currently active on a number of complex high-value cases, enforcing a firm-wide 50/50 split between defense and plaintiff work.”

Faith Gay, Maria Ginzburg and Lena Konanova’s representation of public servants in a federal class action suit against student loan servicer Navient was highlighted, while managing partners David Elsberg and Jennifer Selendy were also recognized for their strength in this area.

For a complete list of Legal 500’s 2020 rankings, please click here.