Claire P. Gutekunst

Melissa Hutson is a finance partner in Kirkland’s New York office and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. Melissa’s practice focuses on syndicated debt facilities, debt commitments and bridge loan financings for leveraged acquisitions by private equity firms, their portfolio companies and public and private companies. She also advises clients on a broad range of other secured lending and financing transactions, including debt restructurings. Melissa advises private e...

Richard S. Mandel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Copyright Law and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Richard S., who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Howard S. Steel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Howard S., who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Howard S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Usman Mohammad is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax. Usman, who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Usman is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason A. Lewis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law. Jason A., who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jason A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Wayne D. Katz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Sports Law. Wayne D., who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Wayne D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jacqueline Duval is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law. Jacqueline, who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jacqueline is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

The primary reason Michael Sonkin has pursued a career defending medical professionals is best explained in his own words: “I truly believe that practicing medicine is one of the noblest professions. I can think of no greater service I can render than to defend health care providers with passion, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the very best possible results for them.” With always meticulous preparation and expansive medical knowledge, Michael prides himself on vigorously...

Martin Joel Auerbach is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Martin Joel, who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Martin Joel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David J. Weinberger is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. David J., who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.