Hughes Hubbard & Reed

Hughes Hubbard & Reed is a prominent international law firm with a storied history dating to the late 19th century. Founded by the future Chief Justice of the United States, the firm has built a reputation for handling complex, high-stakes litigation and sophisticated corporate transactions. With its primary office in New York City, it maintains a global presence, advising a diverse roster of major corporations, financial institutions, and sovereign entities. The firm is consistently ranked among the top legal practices in various industry guides and is known for its collegiate culture and commitment to pro bono service.

History

The firm was established in New York City in 1888 by Charles Evans Hughes, who would later serve as Governor of New York, United States Secretary of State, and the eleventh Chief Justice of the United States. Key early figures included Harlan Fiske Stone, who also ascended to the Supreme Court of the United States, cementing the firm's legacy of producing legal statesmen. Throughout the 20th century, it navigated major national events, including advising on the financial restructuring during the Great Depression and contributing to the war effort through the work of partners like John J. McCloy. Significant growth occurred in the latter half of the century, with the opening of an office in Los Angeles in 1979 and expansion into Europe with a Paris office in 1985, followed by locations in Tokyo and Washington, D.C.. The firm's modern history is marked by its role in landmark matters such as the September 11 attacks victim compensation fund and the General Motors bankruptcy.

Notable cases and clients

The firm's docket features some of the most significant legal matters of recent decades. It served as court-appointed counsel for the Securities Investor Protection Corporation in the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, recovering billions for victims of the Ponzi scheme. In the realm of mass torts, it successfully defended Wyeth and later Pfizer in litigation concerning the drug Prempro. The firm represented the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the historic Chapter 11 reorganization of General Motors, one of the largest industrial bankruptcies in American history. Other notable representations include advising the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation during the Savings and loan crisis, acting for Belgium in disputes with Congo, and guiding Kuwait following the Gulf War. Longstanding corporate clients have included JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and IBM.

Practice areas

The firm maintains a full-service platform with particular depth in several key disciplines. Its Litigation department is renowned for handling complex white-collar crime, securities litigation, and international arbitration under rules like those of the International Chamber of Commerce. The Corporate practice advises on major mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and capital markets offerings, with a strong focus on the financial services and technology sectors. A robust Bankruptcy and Restructuring group regularly represents debtors, creditors, and other stakeholders in high-profile proceedings. Additional core areas include a highly regarded International trade practice dealing with matters before the United States International Trade Commission, Tax law, Environmental law, and a premier Art law group that counsels major museums, collectors, and artists.

Leadership and structure

The firm is governed by an elected Managing Partner and an Executive Committee, a structure designed to foster consensus and long-term strategic planning. It has historically emphasized a single, unified profit-sharing system across all offices and practice areas to encourage collaboration. This partnership model is known for its stability and low attorney turnover compared to many peers in Big Law. The firm's culture is often described as non-hierarchical and collegial, with a strong emphasis on mentoring and professional development. Its leadership has frequently included alumni who have held significant positions in government, such as within the United States Department of the Treasury or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Recognition and rankings

The firm is perennially ranked in the top tiers of major legal directories. It has consistently achieved "Band 1" rankings in areas like Bankruptcy and International trade in publications such as Chambers and Partners. It is regularly listed among the leading firms in the Am Law 200 and has been recognized for its elite pro bono program by the Pro Bono Institute. The firm's litigation successes have earned it accolades like "Litigation Department of the Year" honors from The American Lawyer. Individual attorneys are frequently cited as leaders in their fields by guides including The Legal 500 and Best Lawyers in America, and the firm is often noted for its strength in cross-border disputes and its representation of sovereign states.

Category:Law firms of the United States Category:Companies based in Manhattan Category:Law firms established in 1888