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Cravath’s London Office Moves to 100 Cheapside

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Litigation

Class Action Defense

Class Action Defense

Cravath is a leading firm in class action defense, successfully representing clients named in class actions across industries and practice areas. Our litigators are particularly adept at handling class action litigation because we draw on our substantive knowledge to comprehensively address the underlying claims, while our generalist litigation training equips us with the skills to simultaneously manage, coordinate and direct a successful defense.

We routinely handle class actions in a variety of practice areas and, in particular, we have defended against legally significant and high-stakes antitrust, consumer products and securities fraud class actions in jurisdictions nationwide. We efficiently and effectively manage litigation strategy for all stages of a class action—analysis of the complaint, forum and jurisdiction issues, class discovery and certification, fact and expert discovery, dispositive motion practice and trial. Although we have a strong track record of resolving putative class actions at the motion to dismiss or class certification stages, our litigators—some of the most seasoned trial lawyers in the country—are well positioned to handle the unique aspects of proceeding with a jury trial against a class of plaintiffs. Additionally, we have extensive experience petitioning appellate courts for interlocutory review of class certification. Where appropriate, we also have the skills to assess possible risks and advise clients on the distinctive issues relating to class action settlement. 

Because we frequently handle the largest and most complex cases, we have expertise in coordinating the defense of multidistrict class actions as well as regularly advising clients on the simultaneous settlement of multiple actions in order to achieve a global solution. Combined with our deep bench of trial‑ready attorneys, the Firm is ideally suited to serve as both lead counsel and trial counsel in these matters. Our work also includes navigating the government investigations and regulatory proceedings that frequently run parallel to class action litigation. 

Cravath has been named New York Law Journal’s “Class Action Litigation Department of the Year” and received its Innovation Award, which recognized the Firm’s success in leveraging artificial intelligence to review the massive volume of documents frequently collected in complex litigation. Year after year, the Firm has ranked in the top tiers of Benchmark Litigation, Chambers USA, The Legal 500 US and Best Lawyers Best Law Firms. 

Our team has earned repeated praise from clients and the market, including:

  • “When you stand back and look at organizations, and put together your list of who you would go to if the world came to an end, it’s Cravath.” Client, Chambers USA 
  • Cravath “fields a strong bench of market-leading attorneys known for their extensive courtroom experience” with a “dominant presence in defending against RMBS claims, shareholder derivative actions relating to M&A and securities fraud class actions.” Chambers USA
  • Cravath “is renowned for its representation of corporate defendants as well as individual officers and directors in class actions and large individual actions.” The Legal 500 US
  • “New York-based Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP has earned a strong reputation as a major player in class actions, individual actions and arbitrations. It represents many industry leaders and blue-chip companies from a wide range of sectors.” The Legal 500 US
     

We routinely handle class actions in a variety of practice areas and, in particular, we have defended against legally significant and high-stakes antitrust, consumer products and securities fraud class actions in jurisdictions nationwide. We efficiently and effectively manage litigation strategy for all stages of a class action—analysis of the complaint, forum and jurisdiction issues, class discovery and certification, fact and expert discovery, dispositive motion practice and trial. Although we have a strong track record of resolving putative class actions at the motion to dismiss or class certification stages, our litigators—some of the most seasoned trial lawyers in the country—are well positioned to handle the unique aspects of proceeding with a jury trial against a class of plaintiffs. Additionally, we have extensive experience petitioning appellate courts for interlocutory review of class certification. Where appropriate, we also have the skills to assess possible risks and advise clients on the distinctive issues relating to class action settlement. 

Because we frequently handle the largest and most complex cases, we have expertise in coordinating the defense of multidistrict class actions as well as regularly advising clients on the simultaneous settlement of multiple actions in order to achieve a global solution. Combined with our deep bench of trial‑ready attorneys, the Firm is ideally suited to serve as both lead counsel and trial counsel in these matters. Our work also includes navigating the government investigations and regulatory proceedings that frequently run parallel to class action litigation. 

Cravath has been named New York Law Journal’s “Class Action Litigation Department of the Year” and received its Innovation Award, which recognized the Firm’s success in leveraging artificial intelligence to review the massive volume of documents frequently collected in complex litigation. Year after year, the Firm has ranked in the top tiers of Benchmark Litigation, Chambers USA, The Legal 500 US and Best Lawyers Best Law Firms. 

Our team has earned repeated praise from clients and the market, including:

  • “When you stand back and look at organizations, and put together your list of who you would go to if the world came to an end, it’s Cravath.” Client, Chambers USA 
  • Cravath “fields a strong bench of market-leading attorneys known for their extensive courtroom experience” with a “dominant presence in defending against RMBS claims, shareholder derivative actions relating to M&A and securities fraud class actions.” Chambers USA
  • Cravath “is renowned for its representation of corporate defendants as well as individual officers and directors in class actions and large individual actions.” The Legal 500 US
  • “New York-based Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP has earned a strong reputation as a major player in class actions, individual actions and arbitrations. It represents many industry leaders and blue-chip companies from a wide range of sectors.” The Legal 500 US
     
  • Deals & Cases
  • Recent News & Insights

Deals & Cases

February 13, 2025

Dfinity Wins Summary Judgment in Purported Securities Class Action

On February 10, 2025, the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo, granted summary judgment in favor of Cravath client Dfinity Foundation (“Dfinity), a Swiss not‑for‑profit entity working to create a smart contract platform designed to power blockchain versions of popular internet applications, in purported class action securities litigation.

Deals & Cases

September 19, 2024

Morgan Stanley Wins Dismissal of Putative Antitrust Class Action Against Major Banks

On September 13, 2024, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed a putative class action antitrust lawsuit brought by Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, a public pension fund for Oklahoma firefighters, against five banks and their United States affiliates, including Cravath client Morgan Stanley and co‑defendants Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, HSBC and RBC.

Deals & Cases

May 02, 2024

Root’s Sixth Circuit Win Affirming Dismissal of Putative Securities Class Action

On April 29, 2024, a three‑judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of Cravath clients Root, Inc., an insurance company primarily focused on automobile insurance, and certain of its officers and directors (collectively, “Root”) in affirming the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio’s dismissal of a purported class action securities complaint. The decision is a precedential opinion that creates new law of the circuit.

Deals & Cases

April 29, 2024

Mylan’s Appellate Win Affirming Summary Judgment in Securities Class Action

On Monday, April 15, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York’s granting of summary judgment in favor of Cravath client Mylan in a securities class action related to Mylan’s marketing, pricing and classification of EpiPen as well as alleged conduct concerning generic drug price fixing and market allocation.

Deals & Cases

November 27, 2023

PG&E Secures California Supreme Court Victory Shielding Company from Liability for Public Safety Power Shutoffs

On November 20, 2023, the California Supreme Court held that Cravath client PG&E, the country’s largest utility, cannot be sued for losses incurred by customers during public safety power shutoffs that complied with the guidelines set forth by its regulator, the California Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”). In a unanimous decision, the Court held that such claims are barred because their adjudication would interfere with the PUC’s comprehensive supervision and regulation of safety shutoffs.

Activities

March 25, 2025

Cravath Partners Featured by Crain’s as 2025 “Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys”

Cravath partners Gary A. Bornstein and Kevin J. Orsini were named to Crain’s New York Business’s list of “Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys,” published on March 24, 2025. The list honors “a talented cohort” of litigators and trial attorneys who are “shaping precedent and advocating for their clients across industries and issues.”

Activities

March 04, 2025

Law360 Names Cravath a 2024 “Securities Practice Group of the Year”

On February 25, 2025, Cravath was featured by Law360 as a “Securities Practice Group of the Year.” The profile highlighted the Firm’s “reputation as one of the top law firms that companies rely on for representation when faced with derivative lawsuits, investor class actions and other securities‑related litigation,” and recognized in particular the Firm’s representation of Robinhood in the sprawling “Meme Stock” litigation; Forward Air in its amended agreement to acquire Omni Logistics, resolving previously announced litigation; Root in its Sixth Circuit win affirming the dismissal of a putative securities class action; and Mylan in its appellate win affirming summary judgment in a securities class action.

Activities

February 26, 2025

Law360 Names Cravath a 2024 “Competition Practice Group of the Year”

On February 20, 2025, Cravath was featured by Law360 as a “Competition Practice Group of the Year.” The profile highlighted the Firm’s representations across litigation and antitrust clearance, including a “trailblazing antitrust verdict” for Epic Games in its trial victory against Google and the Firm’s successful antitrust guidance of Cisco Systems in its $28 billion acquisition of Splunk and of Aon PLC in its $13 billion acquisition of NFP. The profile also recognized Cravath’s successful defense of Robinhood Markets Inc. in antitrust claims before the Eleventh Circuit and victories for Meta in putative class action and individual antitrust litigation resulting in the dismissal of all claims.

Activities

February 24, 2025

Law360 Names Cravath a 2024 “Energy Practice Group of the Year”

On February 13, 2025, Cravath was featured by Law360 as an “Energy Practice Group of the Year.” The profile highlighted the Firm’s “groundbreaking legal wins” for prominent companies in the energy sector, including its representation of The Williams Companies, Inc. in its Delaware Supreme Court victory affirming a trial win with $600 million judgment and PG&E in a victory before the California Supreme Court shielding the company from liability for public safety power shutoffs. The profile also recognized Cravath’s consistent work on multibillion‑dollar M&A and project finance deals across the sector, including the Firm’s representation of Brookfield Renewable in its and Cameco’s $7.875 billion acquisition of Westinghouse and its $2.8 billion acquisition of Duke Energy Renewables.

Activities

December 12, 2024

Cravath’s Antitrust Practice Ranks as “Elite” in GCR 100

On December 11, 2024, Cravath’s antitrust practice was ranked among the “Elite” in Global Competition Review’s 2025 edition of GCR 100, a guide to the world’s leading competition law and economics practices. This is the thirteenth consecutive year the Firm has been ranked in the highest tier among New York Firms by GCR. The publication highlighted Cravath’s “bountiful antitrust work,” including its role representing clients Epic Games in litigation against Google and Apple; Meta in putative class action and individual antitrust litigation; and Amgen in a successful defense against an FTC challenge to its $27.8 billion acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics.

Deals & Cases

February 13, 2025

Dfinity Wins Summary Judgment in Purported Securities Class Action

On February 10, 2025, the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo, granted summary judgment in favor of Cravath client Dfinity Foundation (“Dfinity), a Swiss not‑for‑profit entity working to create a smart contract platform designed to power blockchain versions of popular internet applications, in purported class action securities litigation.

Deals & Cases

September 19, 2024

Morgan Stanley Wins Dismissal of Putative Antitrust Class Action Against Major Banks

On September 13, 2024, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed a putative class action antitrust lawsuit brought by Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, a public pension fund for Oklahoma firefighters, against five banks and their United States affiliates, including Cravath client Morgan Stanley and co‑defendants Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, HSBC and RBC.

Deals & Cases

May 02, 2024

Root’s Sixth Circuit Win Affirming Dismissal of Putative Securities Class Action

On April 29, 2024, a three‑judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of Cravath clients Root, Inc., an insurance company primarily focused on automobile insurance, and certain of its officers and directors (collectively, “Root”) in affirming the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio’s dismissal of a purported class action securities complaint. The decision is a precedential opinion that creates new law of the circuit.

Deals & Cases

April 29, 2024

Mylan’s Appellate Win Affirming Summary Judgment in Securities Class Action

On Monday, April 15, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York’s granting of summary judgment in favor of Cravath client Mylan in a securities class action related to Mylan’s marketing, pricing and classification of EpiPen as well as alleged conduct concerning generic drug price fixing and market allocation.

Deals & Cases

November 27, 2023

PG&E Secures California Supreme Court Victory Shielding Company from Liability for Public Safety Power Shutoffs

On November 20, 2023, the California Supreme Court held that Cravath client PG&E, the country’s largest utility, cannot be sued for losses incurred by customers during public safety power shutoffs that complied with the guidelines set forth by its regulator, the California Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”). In a unanimous decision, the Court held that such claims are barred because their adjudication would interfere with the PUC’s comprehensive supervision and regulation of safety shutoffs.

Activities

March 25, 2025

Cravath Partners Featured by Crain’s as 2025 “Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys”

Cravath partners Gary A. Bornstein and Kevin J. Orsini were named to Crain’s New York Business’s list of “Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys,” published on March 24, 2025. The list honors “a talented cohort” of litigators and trial attorneys who are “shaping precedent and advocating for their clients across industries and issues.”

Activities

March 04, 2025

Law360 Names Cravath a 2024 “Securities Practice Group of the Year”

On February 25, 2025, Cravath was featured by Law360 as a “Securities Practice Group of the Year.” The profile highlighted the Firm’s “reputation as one of the top law firms that companies rely on for representation when faced with derivative lawsuits, investor class actions and other securities‑related litigation,” and recognized in particular the Firm’s representation of Robinhood in the sprawling “Meme Stock” litigation; Forward Air in its amended agreement to acquire Omni Logistics, resolving previously announced litigation; Root in its Sixth Circuit win affirming the dismissal of a putative securities class action; and Mylan in its appellate win affirming summary judgment in a securities class action.

Activities

February 26, 2025

Law360 Names Cravath a 2024 “Competition Practice Group of the Year”

On February 20, 2025, Cravath was featured by Law360 as a “Competition Practice Group of the Year.” The profile highlighted the Firm’s representations across litigation and antitrust clearance, including a “trailblazing antitrust verdict” for Epic Games in its trial victory against Google and the Firm’s successful antitrust guidance of Cisco Systems in its $28 billion acquisition of Splunk and of Aon PLC in its $13 billion acquisition of NFP. The profile also recognized Cravath’s successful defense of Robinhood Markets Inc. in antitrust claims before the Eleventh Circuit and victories for Meta in putative class action and individual antitrust litigation resulting in the dismissal of all claims.

Activities

February 24, 2025

Law360 Names Cravath a 2024 “Energy Practice Group of the Year”

On February 13, 2025, Cravath was featured by Law360 as an “Energy Practice Group of the Year.” The profile highlighted the Firm’s “groundbreaking legal wins” for prominent companies in the energy sector, including its representation of The Williams Companies, Inc. in its Delaware Supreme Court victory affirming a trial win with $600 million judgment and PG&E in a victory before the California Supreme Court shielding the company from liability for public safety power shutoffs. The profile also recognized Cravath’s consistent work on multibillion‑dollar M&A and project finance deals across the sector, including the Firm’s representation of Brookfield Renewable in its and Cameco’s $7.875 billion acquisition of Westinghouse and its $2.8 billion acquisition of Duke Energy Renewables.

Activities

December 12, 2024

Cravath’s Antitrust Practice Ranks as “Elite” in GCR 100

On December 11, 2024, Cravath’s antitrust practice was ranked among the “Elite” in Global Competition Review’s 2025 edition of GCR 100, a guide to the world’s leading competition law and economics practices. This is the thirteenth consecutive year the Firm has been ranked in the highest tier among New York Firms by GCR. The publication highlighted Cravath’s “bountiful antitrust work,” including its role representing clients Epic Games in litigation against Google and Apple; Meta in putative class action and individual antitrust litigation; and Amgen in a successful defense against an FTC challenge to its $27.8 billion acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics.

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Celebrating 200 years of partnership. In 2019, we celebrated our bicentennial. Our history mirrors that of our nation. Integral to our story is our culture.

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