National Law Journal Recognizes Dechert for Appellate and Pro Bono Success

Dechert has been recognized for excellence in appellate litigation and for the impact of its pro bono work in the National Law Journal awards for 2025, which were established to honor those law firms and lawyers who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in the past year.

In the “Appellate Hot List” category, Dechert was recognized for multiple victories secured in the past year in appellate courts across the country. Recent successes include a unanimous victory before the U.S. Supreme Court in a dispute that tested the limits of liability for banks operating in regions impacted by international conflict. A Dechert team led by Michael McGinley, global co-chair of Dechert’s securities and complex litigation practice, and Steven Engel, chair of Dechert’s appellate and regulatory litigation group, secured an important U.S. Supreme Court decision that establishes precedent under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act by clarifying the standards for pleading aiding-and-abetting claims in the federal system.

Dechert was also recognized in the “Community Impact Leader” category for the exceptional social impacts of the firm’s pro bono and sustainability efforts. Recent achievements include a landmark class action settlement secured on behalf of 3,300 Navy and Marine Corps veterans injured during service and unjustly denied military medical retirement benefits for over 15 years. Other notable successes include advising on the formation of the first blended investment fund combining philanthropic, public, and private sector capital to support promising businesses accelerating Southeast Asia’s low-carbon transition.

Honorees and winners in the National Law Journal Awards will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 5.

About Dechert

Dechert is the law firm that helps business leaders lead.

For more than 150 years, we have advised clients on critical issues – from high-stakes litigation to first-in-market transaction structures and complex regulatory matters. Our nearly 1,000 lawyers in commercial centers worldwide are immersed in the key sectors we serve – financial services, private capital, real estate, life sciences and technology.

Dechert delivers unwavering partnership so our clients can achieve unprecedented results.