Haynes Boone earned rankings across 12 practice areas in this year’s Legal 500 U.S. directory, with 12 attorneys recognized, including two Hall of Fame honorees.
Partner Craig Stahl received Hall of Fame status for the first time, a distinction reserved for lawyers who are “at the very top of the profession,” while Partner David McCombs was recognized for the third consecutive year.
Additionally, Daniel Geyser, David Ammons, Brian Sung, Ernest Martin Jr. and David O’Dell were ranked as Leading Partners, Michael Stoner was ranked as Leading Associate, and Garrett Martin, Peter Halprin, Emily Buchanan and Charlene Liu were ranked as Next Generation Partners.
Now in its 38th year, The Legal 500 conducts an in-depth, independent assessment of law firms based on a combination of firm submissions, interviews with leading practitioners and extensive feedback from more than 300,000 clients worldwide. Rankings highlight firms demonstrating strong technical ability, market presence and a track record of handling complex, high-value matters.
The following Haynes Boone practices and lawyers were ranked:
Dispute Resolution – Appellate: Courts of Appeals / Appellate: Supreme Courts (States and Federal)
- Daniel Geyser – Leading Partner
- Client Testimonials:
- “Daniel Geyser, the chair of the firm's U.S. Supreme Court practice, is wonderful to work with. He allows co-counsel to be as active as they would like in the work leading up to the Supreme Court argument. He made it a fun and memorable experience for us.”
Energy – Energy Litigation: Electric Power
- Client Testimonials:
- “They are the most client-focused attorneys I've ever worked with. They've gone above and beyond the normal call of duty to represent our company. This ranges from case law to procedural nuances to an overall championing of our case.”
- “I've been involved in several legal cases over the years, and Haynes Boone is hands down the best law firm I've worked with. They're responsive, they understand the law, they're ethical and they care about their clients both personally and professionally.”
Energy – Energy Litigation: Oil & Gas - Premium ($500M+)
- Craig Stahl – Hall of Fame
- David Ammons – Leading Partner
- Garrett Martin – Next Generation Partner
- Client Testimonials:
- “Always responsive, ready to listen and creative in their approach. I would also like to call out their support staff at trials - excellent work.”
Finance – Financial Services Regulation – Banking
- Client Testimonials:
- “The team has excellent expertise in financial services law, not only in the area of financing transactions, but also in regulatory aspects, including insolvency issues. Simply outstanding.”
- “What makes this practice unique compared to other law firms is the ability of the team to think outside the box and to make themselves acquainted with the law systems of other jurisdictions.”
Finance – Restructuring (Including Bankruptcy): Corporate
- Client Testimonials:
- “The Haynes Boone team is loaded with brilliant restructuring professionals, very strong technical with a superior blend of personalities and negotiating styles that suit a wide range of situations. Richard Kanowitz, in particular, is smart and a strong negotiator. Frasher Murphy and Steve Pezanosky are equally strong attorneys.”
Finance – Structured Finance: Derivatives and Structured Products
- Brian Sung – Leading Partner
- Client Testimonials:
- “Haynes Boone offers a more focused and hands-on service model, with direct access to senior lawyers and a high degree of flexibility. This makes the team particularly well suited to transactions that require tailored structuring rather than standardized documentation.”
- “The individuals we work with stand out for their strong client relationships, practical mindset and genuine commitment to understanding client priorities. Brian Sung is a partner we have worked with in several projects related to structured finance. He has always been hands-on and accessible, while his associates are proactive, responsive and detail-oriented, providing continuity and efficiency throughout each matter. We particularly value the team’s clear communication, approachability and reliability, which make them trusted advisors rather than purely transactional counsel.”
Insurance – Advice to Policyholders
- Ernest Martin Jr. – Leading Partner
- Peter Halprin and Emily Buchanan – Next Generation Partners
- Michael Stoner – Leading Associate
- Client Testimonials:
- “They take complex coverage questions and readily advise in a way that is simple, thoughtful and easy to understand.”
- “Peter Halprin consistently demonstrates deep understanding of relevant issues for our business and industry trends. His advice is presented in a clear, understandable manner and he is available to ensure that his advice is fully comprehended and relayed accurately to all relevant stakeholders.”
Intellectual Property – Patents: Prosecution (Including Re-Examination and Post-Grant Proceedings)
- David McCombs – Hall of Fame
- David O’Dell – Leading Partner
- Charlene Liu – Next Generation Partner
Intellectual property – Trademarks: Non-Contentious (Including Prosecution, Portfolio Management and Licensing)
- Client Testimonials:
- “Tiffany Ferris exemplifies the qualities that distinguish exceptional outside counsel from competent practitioners. Her ability to combine deep substantive expertise with practical business judgment sets her apart in a crowded field of trademark attorneys.”
- “What truly distinguishes them is their practical approach, they don't just identify legal issues but actively collaborate with us to develop workable solutions that protect our brand while enabling business growth.”
Boston Elite – Commercial Disputes
Finance – Capital Markets: Equity Offerings
Latin America: International Firms – Corporate and M&A
