The Firm: This strong 30-partner M&A team acts on domestic and cross-border deals for top-drawer clients such as Ares, Accor and Bed Bath & Beyond. It is particularly active for clients in the chemical and industrial industries, and for an enviable range of retailers and financial services firms. Highlights include advising Neuberger Berman on its $1.5 billion buyout of Lehman Brothers' remaining stake in the company.

Sources Say: "We trust them because they have the ability to stay three steps ahead and get results in an efficient manner."

Key Individuals: Ronald Papa is "highly responsive" and "excellent technically." One client highlighted his skill in "getting our chemistry to the point where he can know our position implicitly." Papa recently advised French chemicals group Arkema on the sale of its tin stabilizer business to PMC.