The Firm: This banking and finance group's client roster is testament to the team's depth and talent. It represents clients including JPMorgan Chase, CitiBank and Credit Suisse. Notable highlights from the past year include advising General Nutrition Centers on its $1.28 billion senior secured credit facility undertaken in connection with its $414 million IPO, identified as one of the most important IPOs of 2011.

Sources Say: "It's a rising star - we see a lot of them."

Key Individuals: Steven Weise draws widespread praise from peers who note that his "intellect and knowledge is better than anyone's." He took a lead role in the aforementioned General Nutrion Centers matter. "He is an educator as well as a great practitioner," and an admired expert on UCC.

Interviewees are similarly enthusiastic about Neil Cummings, who is lauded for "understanding the market inside and out." He recently advised Össur on its $204 million multicurrency term and revolving credit facilities.