Cadwalader Expands Litigation Team with Addition of Top International and Commercial Practitioners

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, one of the world’s leading law firms, announced today that attorneys Louis M. Solomon, Hal S. Shaftel, Colin A. Underwood and Michael S. Lazaroff have joined the firm in the Litigation Department. Mr. Solomon will become Vice-Chairman of the firm’s Litigation Department and Head of the Commercial and International Litigation Practice Group. All will be resident in the New York office.

“Lou Solomon and his team exemplify Cadwalader's commitment to provide our clients with the profession's top talent in areas where they face their most significant legal challenges”

"Lou Solomon and his team exemplify Cadwalader's commitment to provide our clients with the profession's top talent in areas where they face their most significant legal challenges,” stated Christopher White, Chairman of the firm. “Clients have a need for the skills of these accomplished lawyers. They have stellar records across a range of major complex commercial disputes and extensive trial experience. The team also has unmatched expertise in litigation with international dimensions, which is increasingly critical in a complex global economy. Their talents will strengthen the bridges between Cadwalader's already strong departments and practice groups. We are extremely pleased to welcome Lou, Hal, Colin, and Michael to Cadwalader.”

Gregory A. Markel, Chairman of Cadwalader’s Litigation Department, commented: “The addition of Lou and his colleagues strengthens the core disciplines within our litigation practice. Their experience in international and commercial litigation adds both scope and depth to our existing high-performing teams. I am truly excited that Lou, Hal, Colin, and Michael are joining us and look forward to working together as we expand our reach and continue to build our department.”

Louis M. Solomon is recognized internationally for his successful representations in complex litigation matters and high profile disputes, including antitrust, intellectual property, class action, and government and regulatory proceedings. He is ranked as a leading trial lawyer by many independent commentators, including Chambers USA, and received numerous accolades for outstanding work throughout his career. He has litigated cases involving multiple international jurisdictions including the EU, Russia, Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has been featured as an expert in numerous broadcast and print outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fox Business and National Public Radio. Prior to joining Cadwalader, Solomon was a partner with Proskauer Rose LLP, where he was former Co-Chair of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department and leader of the International Practice Group. He was the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Proskauer on International Litigation and Dispute Resolution, an e-Guide on international legal practice.

“We are excited by the professional challenges before us,” stated Solomon. “As clients have long recognized, the Cadwalader name connotes the very best lawyers for the most demanding matters in the areas in which the firm practices. Cadwalader presents us with an exceptional opportunity to join in the firm’s plan to turn an already strong litigation department into a powerhouse. In transitioning to Cadwalader, we find a platform where we can work with superbly talented colleagues."

Hal S. Shaftel litigates complex commercial cases and has handled cutting edge matters, both at trial and on appeal. His clients include major companies and individuals in the financial services, biotechnology, professional sports and entertainment industries. An oft quoted spokesman on general business litigation, Shaftel is a specialist in litigation practice and corporate governance. Prior to joining Cadwalader, Shaftel was a partner in Proskauer’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department and head of that Department’s Private Funds Practice Group.

Colin A. Underwood is a litigator with extensive experience in intellectual property and antitrust law. He also advises clients on antitrust compliance issues and in connection with merger analyses, and has represented clients before the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, and the FTC. His clients have included major pharmaceutical and biotech companies, mobile phone providers, and electronics manufacturers. Prior to joining Cadwalader, Underwood was a partner in Proskauer’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department and co-head of that Department’s Antitrust Practice Group.

Michael S. Lazaroff, formerly the other co-head of the Antitrust Practice Group in Proskauer’s Litigation Department, focuses on private and governmental antitrust litigation, antitrust counseling, and representing corporations and individuals in both civil and criminal government investigations. He has represented clients in numerous industries, including the pharmaceutical, medical device, waste management, securities, and airline industries. He also has extensive experience in complex litigation, including governmental actions, as well as multidistrict actions and class actions in many different areas of substantive law.

About Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft, established in 1792, is one of the world’s leading law firms, with offices in New York, London, Charlotte, Washington and Beijing. Cadwalader serves a diverse client base, including many of the world’s top financial institutions, undertaking business in more than 50 countries in six continents. The firm offers legal expertise in antitrust, banking, business fraud, corporate finance, corporate governance, environmental, financial restructuring and reorganizations, healthcare, insurance, intellectual property, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, private client, private equity, real estate, regulation, securitization, structured finance, and tax. More information about Cadwalader can be found at www.cadwalader.com.