Hughes Hubbard & Reed announced it has acquired Schulman Bhattacharya, adding a Washington, D.C.-based commercial litigation and arbitration boutique to deepen the firm’s disputes capabilities in the capital region.
The firm said the combination expands its bench for high-stakes matters, including complex commercial litigation, international and domestic arbitration, internal investigations and related corporate counseling. Schulman Bhattacharya’s practice includes work for Fortune 100 companies, financial institutions and foreign governments across industries such as real estate, finance, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, energy and transportation, with experience appearing in federal and state courts in the Washington area and nationwide, as well as before arbitral tribunals.
As part of the transaction, partners Jeremy W. Schulman, Koushik Bhattacharya and Jeffrey S. Gavenman are joining Hughes Hubbard, along with two counsel and two associates. The firm said Schulman, a founding member of Schulman Bhattacharya, will lead Hughes Hubbard’s litigation practice in Washington, D.C.
Hughes Hubbard highlighted several representative results from the incoming team’s work, including serving as national litigation counsel to a pharmaceutical company and its principals in a matter that resulted in an $18 million jury verdict that was fully collected, a permanent injunction and contempt findings that were affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in two appeals. The firm also said the team defeated more than 50 counterclaims and obtained summary judgment dismissing a separate $160 million countersuit, which it said was affirmed in full on appeal.
In another matter, Hughes Hubbard said Schulman Bhattacharya represented a private equity firm in litigation tied to interests in a $480 million petroleum company sale, securing summary judgment on seven counts, dismissal of 11 counterclaims, and a finding that the opposing parties litigated in bad faith and without substantial justification, leading to a recovery exceeding $65 million plus reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and costs. The firm also cited work on behalf of minority partners in disputes involving real estate partnerships in the Washington metro area valued at more than $500 million, as well as representation of a real estate-backed lender that included more than 20 recent summary judgment wins and judgments and settlements exceeding $30 million.
The firm framed the acquisition as part of continued practice expansion following last year’s additions of project finance partners Frances McCabe in Washington, D.C., and Daniel Leslie in New York, as well as finance partner Andrés Berry in New York and international arbitration partner Alexander Marcopoulos in Paris. Hughes Hubbard also noted recent recognition as a finalist for Litigation Department of the Year by New York Law Journal and rankings across multiple practice areas by Chambers and Legal 500.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Schulman Bhattacharya team, experienced litigators with track records of excellence and the well-earned trust of their clients. This acquisition continues our positive momentum from last year as we strategically invest in the growth of the firm, adding strength to our leading litigation, arbitration and investigations practices and complementing our top-level finance team in D.C.”
Neil J. Oxford, Chair, Hughes Hubbard & Reed
“Hughes Hubbard’s distinct culture of independence and excellence, and commitment to the highest level of service make it a superb fit for our firm and our clients. I’m excited to join this outstanding team.”
Jeremy W. Schulman, Partner, Hughes Hubbard & Reed
“I look forward to connecting with the impressive litigation talent across the firm and collaborating across practice areas to continue delivering outstanding results for our clients.”
Jeffrey S. Gavenman, Partner, Hughes Hubbard & Reed
