Editors' Note

Scott Musoff serves as the practice leader for Skadden’s New York litigation practice and is co-deputy head of the firm’s nationwide Securities Litigation Group. He represents public and private companies, financial institutions and individuals in federal and state trial and appellate courts, as well as in arbitration. Musoff is a member of the Skadden team selected as a finalist for The American Lawyer’s 2018 Litigation Department of the Year and was profiled as one of the 10 Most Admired Securities Attorneys by Law360, which also named him as one of its Securities MVPs in 2012. He repeatedly has been selected for inclusion in Chambers USA, Legal 500 U.S., The Best Lawyers in America and Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America. He was named Best Lawyers’ 2014 New York City Litigation - Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer of the Year. Musoff received his B.A. from Tufts University and his J.D. from New York University School of Law.

Allison Schneirov is the head of Skadden’s New York M&A/Corporate Group. She has a diverse corporate practice with extensive experience in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities and general corporate matters. Schneirov has served on the firm’s Policy Committee, its top governing body, and currently chairs the firm’s Partnership Selection Committee. She repeatedly has been selected for inclusion in Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business and Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Schneirov previously was recognized as one of The American Lawyer’s45 Under 45 out-standing women lawyers. She received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania (magna cum laude) and her J.D. from New York University School of Law (cum laude).

Firm Brief

Founded in 1948, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and affiliates (skadden.com) is one of the world’s most highly-respected law firms. Skadden has 22 offices, approximately 1,700 attorneys and more than 50 distinct areas of practice. The firm’s clients include approximately 50 percent of Fortune 250 industrial and service corporations, as well as financial and governmental entities, startup companies and non-profits.

What have been the keys to Skadden’s consistent strength and leadership in the industry?

Musoff: In many ways, we are the same firm we’ve always been, and our ongoing adherence to our founders’ values has been a key source of our strength. Although we are internationally renowned, we are still a relatively young firm, and that makes it easier to remember our roots, with many of us having worked with Joe Flom and other partners who helped establish the firm.

Schneirov: As Scott says, our values are essential to our success. The best thing about Skadden is that we are an incredibly motivated, talented and interesting group of people who work closely together to get the best results for our clients. We take pride in what we do, we enjoy it – and our clients notice. It is a tremendously energizing environment in which to practice law, and that energy and dedication to client service are our signature strengths.

What is the focus of Skadden’s New York M&A practice and New York Litigation practice?

Schneirov: While the New York-based M&A team frequently handles our clients’ most high-profile and transformational transactions, we also work on an incredibly broad range of transactions by deal size, type of deal, industry and geography. M&A has grown in complexity with increased regulatory scrutiny, economic and political uncertainty, and other factors driving the market today. We relish the challenges that arise in the most complex situations, and our focus is to remain the premier firm across all geographies and industries. By developing our expertise globally, we are able to deliver superior service and innovative solutions on the myriad cross-border transactions that are the hallmark of our practice.

Musoff: On the litigation front, we have seen an increase in trials over the last decade and have developed a more robust internal trial support team. We also have observed historically high numbers of securities filings the last several years and many more disputes with an international element. Staying on top of the important changes in the law, including the relevant foreign laws and regulations, and under-standing how those changes will drive filings from the plaintiffs’ bar, is more crucial than ever. It allows us to provide value beyond the role of litigator in meeting clients’ business and legal objectives.

Skadden places a major focus on diversity and inclusion. How critical is it to have diverse thought and experiences around the table when making business decisions?

Musoff: We are only as good as our people, and different backgrounds add essential perspectives and approaches to solving clients’ problems. That alone makes attracting and developing a diverse group of lawyers and staff a top priority.

Schneirov: Diversity and inclusion have always been part of our history, and we work to foster a community based on the idea that both similarities and differences are a source of our strength. One of the areas where we are making strides is increasing the representation of women in leadership roles. I’m one of 18 women practice or office leaders at the firm, 35 percent of our Policy Committee members are women, and nearly 50 percent of our 2019 partner promotions are women. It speaks to the importance of aligning specific D&I initiatives with the firm’s overall goal of delivering the very best client service.

What are the keys to Skadden’s continued success?

Schneirov: We’ve talked a lot about how Skadden’s founding principles have remained unchanged over the years. The best way to continue achieving our goals is by investing in our people and remaining true to our values. That means attracting the best and brightest from a diverse pool of candidates, emphasizing the training and development of our existing talent, and ensuring a culture that continues to place a premium on delivering the very best client service while adhering to the highest ethical standards.