The Firm: This firm continues to build on its excellent reputation for capital markets transactions and has recently seen an increase in high-yield work. The team has advised Ares Capital Corporation in a series of note offerings worth $1.2 billion and continues to act for long-standing client Lazard Capital Markets in a range of equity and debt transactions.

Sources Say: "This team is user-friendly, accessible and acts in true partnership with us."

Key Individuals: Frank Lopez has a tremendous reputation among his clients, who describe him as "an excellent negotiator with an extremely strong grasp of the market," and appreciate his "creative solutions." Co-head of the group, he recently represented Celgene Corporation in its offering of three tranches of notes for $1.25 billion.

Stuart Bressman is valued by clients for his "huge transactional experience and 24/7 availability." His highlights include acting for Barclays Capital as sole book-running manager in Halozyme Therapeutics' public common stock offering.

Group co-head Julie Allen is "competent, knowledgeable," and a "very good resource," sources say. She advised Icahn Enterprises in a $500 million notes offering.

Head of the firm's Los Angeles office and the West Coast securities practice, Michael Woronoff "is my first choice when choosing a lawyer for a transaction," said one client.