The Firm: Proskauer Rose has traditionally been best known for its strength in labor and employment and litigation, but in recent times has greatly raised its profile in the corporate transactional arena. The firm has seen the greatest expansion in the Los Angeles and Boston offices in this regard. The group specializes in one-off, complex midmarket M&A transactions, typically representing strategic companies and financial sponsors such as Ares Capital, Arkema and Icahn Enterprises. Recent work highlights include advising the management of Neuberger Berman on its employee-led buyout from Lehman Brothers Holdings and acting for Ares Capital on its $1 billion acquisition of Allied Capital.

Sources Say: “They do a good job at bridging the gap between East and West Coast.”

Key Individuals: Jeff Horwitz and Peter Samuels, both based in New York, are the co-heads of the M&A group.