Highly ranked in a variety of categories relevant to this space, Debevoise’s practice is what Chambers Global describes as “full-service and creative, and has a global presence.”
The firm’s litigators were instrumental in handing U.S. TV networks a market-changing victory in ABC et al. v. Aereo, when the U.S. Supreme Court held that Aereo violates networks’ copyrights when it transmits over-the-air broadcast programs through the Internet to its subscribers without authorization from the copyright owners. It’s no wonder Chambers USA has noted, “If it’s a large bet-the-company case, Debevoise is one of the first firms you’d call.” Debevoise’s litigators are praised for having a “deep bench, excellent track record and impressive brain power.”
The firm’s corporate lawyers are a powerful force in the media and telecommunications space as well, with more than 35 lawyers who regularly handle transactions in the U.S., Latin America and Asia. The list of deals includes the $24.9 billion Dell going private transaction, Verizon Communications’ record-breaking $49 billion bond offering and Tribune Company’s $2.7 billion acquisition of Local TV Holdings.
Chambers USA has lauded the group as a “renowned corporate practice which spans the full variety of broadcasting and telecommunications industries,” and The Legal 500 notes that the practice’s lawyers “always come up with creative solutions and are excellent negotiators.” The corporate team regularly draws on the firm’s premier M&A Group as well as our highly experienced lawyers in intellectual property, antitrust, benefits, real estate and tax.
The corporate and litigation practices combine to deliver extraordinary industry experience. Says Chambers USA: “They are as good as you can get – extremely responsive, experienced, knowledgeable and thoughtful.”