Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is charged with implementing the objectives of the Commodity Exchange Act, which include avoiding systemic risk and protecting customer assets. Initial margin that adequately covers the gap risk between the last margin call and the close out of a derivatives position stems the impact of a customer or clearing member default and serves as a cushion against systemic risk. Full background: https://lnkd.in/eDbKg6NJ

Willkie has been shortlisted for Firm of the Year - Patent Disputes Midwest, and Sara Horton, Co-Chair of Willkie’s IP Litigation Practice Group, has been shortlisted for “Litigator of the Year – Illinois” by the Managing IP Americas Awards 2025. Willkie was recognized for its role advising clients in high-profile patent disputes in courts around the country and before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) involving a variety of diverse industries. Managing IP recognized Sara’s leadership and achievements in patent litigation and technology-related litigation matters. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ejERMj5G

The latest edition of Willkie CAPITAL LETTERS covers the SEC's recent announcement of enhanced accommodations for companies to submit draft registration statements for confidential review. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dy32SjRC

On March 6, partner Sonali Patel will speak on the panel “Weighing M&A Opportunities and Risks” as part of the?Wall Street Journal’s?CFO Network Summit.?The panel will discuss the outlook for M&A in 2025 in connection with the new administration. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eehT-aWf

Last week, Willkie’s U.S. offices participated in the Annual Willkie Plank Challenge to raise money for various charities, including Fire Aid LA, CCF Wildfire Recovery Fund, ASPCA, The Bill Wilson Center and Legal Aid. Congratulations to Brandon Park-Lee, a corporate associate in Willkie’s Los Angeles office, who won the challenge with a 15 minute plank! Thanks to all who participated!

On March 24, 2025, individuals and entities that file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) may start to enroll in EDGAR Next. Check out the latest edition of Willkie CAPITAL LETTERS, prepared by John Ablan, Anne Barrett, Edward Best, Jennifer Carlson, Sean Ewen, Jared Fertman, Benjamin Nixon, Susan Rabinowitz, Danielle Scalzo and?Katelyn Merick. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ef_kx2P5

Welcome real estate lawyers John Bain and Wesley Smith, who have joined Willkie as partners in the Dallas office. John has significant experience in real estate and real estate finance transactions, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors. Wes focuses on complex real estate financings, as well as workouts and restructurings.?They are joined by four associates. The group’s addition extends Willkie’s global real estate platform and establishes a first-in-class Texas-based real estate practice, continuing its investment and expansion in the region. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eBSQkBFG

Katrina Robson, Antitrust & Competition partner based in Washington, DC, has been recognized by Women We Admire in its Top 50 Women Leaders in Law for 2025 list. Katrina’s profile highlighted her work guiding some of the most recognized companies in the world through complex, high-profile matters against both government agencies and private parties. Women We Admire notes that this year’s honorees “have demonstrated keen attention to detail, adaptability, and exceptional intelligence while navigating the complexities of the legal field.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dkF9QyfP

In celebration of Black History Month, Willkie was pleased to welcome Angela Ford, Executive Director of the Obsidian Collection, a major archive for Black media that provides access to material of historical, artistic and cultural significance gathered from around the country. Angela shared a presentation on Blacks in the media and the various legal challenges that sought to stop the Black press from spreading information to Black audiences.?The presentation was held live in Chicago and across Willkie’s U.S. offices via Zoom. Thanks to all who participated.

A Willkie team led by partners Michael Gottlieb and Nick H. Reddick, and co-counsel Ryan Sparacino of Sparacino PLLC, was recognized as a “Runner Up” by?The AmLaw Litigation Daily?for its victory on behalf of American servicemembers and civilians killed or wounded in Iraq using the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act (FSIA), securing $1.1 billion in damages against Iran for its support of terrorism. The award consists of $555 million in compensatory damages including prejudgment interest and $555 million in punitive damages. In addition to Michael and Nick, the Willkie team also included associates Devin Ringger, Nicholas Conlon, Logan Kenney, Alexis Dorner, Erik Holmvik, Trevor Newton and Lindsay Hemminger. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/evBjnt4e