June 10, 2024
Cohen Milstein has been recognized by the Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (2024) as a “Top Ranked” and “Leading Firm” in four nationwide categories:
- ERISA Litigation: Plaintiff – Nationwide – Band 1
- Antitrust: Plaintiff – Nationwide – Band 2
- Securities Litigation: Plaintiff – Nationwide – Band 2
- Product Liability & Mass Torts: Plaintiff – Nationwide – Band 3
The firm has also been recognized as a “Leading Firm” in the two following practice areas in specific regions of the United States:
- Litigation: Mainly Plaintiffs – Washington, D.C. – Band 2
- Litigation: Securities: Plaintiffs – New York – Band 3
The Chambers USA editorial team’s commentary is set out below.
Band 1
ERISA Litigation: Plaintiff – Nationwide
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC is highly regarded for its representation of plaintiffs in ERISA class actions. The firm is regularly sought out to represent plan participants and beneficiaries in a range of ERISA claims including breach of fiduciary duty. “Cohen Milstein are first rate. Their lawyers understand the bigger picture of cases and I enjoy working with them.”
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC successfully represented the participants and beneficiaries of the Wells Fargo 401(k) plan in an ERISA class action lawsuit, achieving a $32.4 million settlement.
Band 1 – Michelle Yau is a highly regarded litigator who is skilled in representing plaintiffs in ERISA class actions. “Michelle is incredibly smart and very thoughtful. She is a breath of fresh air and always easy to work with.”
Band 1 – Minneapolis-based Kai Richter has a strong track record of representing pension and ESOP plan participants in complex ERISA class actions.
Associate Daniel Sutter regularly assists with the representation of plaintiffs in breach of fiduciary duty and other ERISA claims.
Band 2
Antitrust: Plaintiffs – Nationwide
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC is an accomplished team offering plaintiff representation in major class actions frequently concerning price manipulation and product delays. Particularly adept in managing competition disputes in the finance, technology and pharmaceutical sectors. “Cohen Milstein is a strong antitrust practice.”
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC represented the direct purchaser class in a multidistrict litigation alleging Ranbaxy manipulated the FDA’s generic drug approval process to block competitors from entering the market and forcing purchasers to pay supracompetitive prices for three products.
Band 1 (New York), Band 2 (Nationwide) – Sharon Robertson of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC is recommended for her expertise in representing plaintiffs in a wide range of disputes. She regularly represents plaintiffs active in the pharmaceutical industry in significant antitrust proceedings. She is particularly expert at taking allegations of price-fixing to trial. “Sharon Robertson is very insightful.”
Securities Litigation: Plaintiff – Nationwide
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC is an established East Coast securities litigation group with a proven track record in complex shareholder derivative suits. It regularly advises institutional investors on major class actions, including RMBS-related matters, and offers additional capabilities in antitrust litigation. The firm recently played a key role in diversity and harassment-related shareholder actions, achieving settlements and reform packages.
“Cohen Milstein is a mainstay firm with some very good litigators.”
“They do great work and have lots of strong attorneys.”
Cohen Milstein represented several investors in a securities fraud class action brought against Wells Fargo alleging false and misleading statements made by the bank and its executives surrounding its compliance with federal regulations. The case was settled for $1 billion.
Washington, DC-based Steven Toll and Julie Reiser cochair the firm’s securities litigation practice.
Litigation: Maily Plaintiffs – Washington, D.C.
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll is a highly regarded plaintiffs’ firm who regularly try cases against Fortune 500 companies. The firm has particular expertise in mass torts, antitrust litigation and individual rights cases.
Band 2 – Joseph Sellers, founder and co-chair of Cohen Milstein’s civil rights and employment practice, is widely recognized for his work representing both individuals and classes in civil rights matters. “He’s absolutely great.”
Band 3
Product Liability & Mass Torts: Plaintiff – Nationwide*
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll has an impressive team with trial experience in mass and personal torts and class actions. It has noted strength in environmental matters and extensive skills dealing with data breach mandates. The team counsels clients in matters related to the automotive, consumer and pharmaceutical sectors, including high-profile fraud issues.
“Cohen Milstein has excellent litigators with sharp minds who deploy the resources needed, are a pleasure to collaborate with and responsive to the needs of co-counsel, clients and the court.”
“The firm has sophisticated lawyers who practice cutting-edge class actions.”
“Cohen Milstein’s dedication is very impressive. The wide range of partners and associates demonstrate the skills needed for successful engagement in a breadth of litigation.”
Cohen Milstein represented plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit against General Motors alleging breach of warranty and deceptive and fraudulent business practices related to the manufacture and sale of defective eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Band 4 – Theodore Leopold is an experienced litigator noted for his broad base of expertise in mass torts claims and consumer class actions. He cochairs Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll’s complex tort, environmental litigation and consumer protection practices.
*Our Product Liability & Mass Torts ranking reflect our work across three practice areas, including Consumer Protection, Complex Torts, and Public Clients.
Litigation: Securities: Plaintiffs-New York
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC is noted for its experience advising institutional investors on complex shareholder derivative suits and major class actions, with additional capabilities in antitrust litigation. The firm recently played a key role in diversity and harassment-related shareholder actions, achieving settlements and reform packages.
Band 3 – Laura Posner is noted for her wealth of experience handling securities fraud claims as well as notable results in derivative suits arising from allegations of discrimination. “I respect her very much. She’s smart, has good legal acumen, is a pleasure to work with but a tough lawyer. When she’s involved it gives me confidence.”
Other Individual Recognitions
Labor & Employment: Mainly Plaintiffs – Washington, D.C.
Band 1 – Christine Webber is co-chair of the civil rights and employment practice at Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC. She frequently assists plaintiffs bringing employment claims including wage and hour and discrimination claims. She attracts particular acclaim for her handling of class actions.
“Christine is very adept and skilled in the employment law space and is particularly strong in collective actions.”
“Christine is fantastic in class actions.”
Band 2 – Joe Sellers of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC has a highly regarded employment law practice, often acting for plaintiffs in disability and pay class actions. “Joe is an excellent strategic thinker and he is well known for his work in class actions.”
“Joe is a strong plaintiff lawyer.”