The Firm: This compact but impressive team works for companies and investors on M&A, private equity investments, venture financings, IPOs and restructuring matters. Recent highlights include representing Netcordia in its $100 million plus merger with Infoblox.

Sources Say: "Proskauer always have the expertise in-house when you need advice. The firm is extremely well outfitted, with the right skills to be a full-service legal shop."

Key Individuals: Trevor Chaplick is popular with clients, who say he is "a very can-do attorney: he will find a way forward for you, he really wants to serve the client and will put you first." He was the lead partner on the Netcordia deal, and represented Intellon in a $244 million public-public merger with Atheros Communications.