The Firm: This Los Angeles M&A practice group provides an extremely high caliber of service to its strategic and private equity clients. Many of the firm's transactions have attracted considerable publicity of late, including its representation of Bed Bath & Beyond in its proposed $580 million buyout of Cost Plus. Other key clients include Ares Management and Ares Capital, GNC Holdings and The Gores Group.

Sources Say: "They have taken that LA office to a new level." "They're doing a marvelous job in the private equity sector."

Key Individuals: Clients say Michael Woronoff "is not just a good technical lawyer, but has a keen insight for business and financial issues. He's brilliant." Sources say his counsel "puts you in a position to make a good decision." Representative work highlights include representing Ares in the acquisition of Potomac Fusion by its portfolio company, Sotera Defense Solutions.

Monica Shilling is "a solid performer and an excellent lawyer, and she understands private equity like only a handful of people do." Peers also characterize her as being "highly creative and skilled at negotiating, structuring and completing complex M&A transactions."