In 2022, Hughes Hubbard’s litigators racked up victories for clients as varied as a world-famous auctioneer, a top-ranked esports organization, a not-for-profit saving vulnerable populations and many more.

Employment Win for Imperial Pacific

A federal judge granted HHR client Imperial Pacific International’s bid to throw out, for a second time, a suit brought by Turkish workers of the hotel-casino in the Northern Mariana Islands. Read More

Win for FaZe Clan in SDNY

HHR helped FaZe Clan, a top-ranked esports and entertainment organization, win a victory in the Southern District of New York against Adult Use Holdings and Zola Ventures, venture firms that were early Series A and Series B investors in the gaming company. The judge denied the plaintiffs’ petition to vacate or modify a pre-hearing arbitral award, and instead granted FaZe Clan’s cross-petition to confirm the award. Ultimately, the firm scored a complete arbitration victory for FaZe Clan when an International Centre for Dispute Resolution arbitrator issued a partial final award dismissing all claims by the two venture firms. Read More

Defending Sinclair in Multidistrict Class Action

The Firm continued its long-running defense of Sinclair Broadcast Group in Illinois federal court against plaintiffs’ efforts to expand the scope of discovery in a case involving accusations that Sinclair and other major broadcast groups were involved in a nationwide conspiracy to fix prices for TV advertising.

Victory for Imperial Pacific International in Battle with Casino Commission

HHR scored multiple victories for Imperial Pacific International and its investors against the Casino Commission of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in a long-running dispute over whether the force majeure provisions of an exclusive license agreement were triggered by the global COVID-19 pandemic. In September, the court found that “IPI would be irreparably and imminently injured without injunctive relief, that the equities tilt in favor of IPI, and that public policy favors that this matter go to arbitration.” Read More

Unanimous Appellate Win for American Arbitration Association

In a crucial victory for the American Arbitration Association (AAA), HHR helped secure denial of Uber's motion for preliminary injunctive relief in its bid to block the AAA from charging nearly $92 million in arbitration fees. Read More

Phillips Auctioneers in Celebrity Memorabilia Case

HHR won a motion for summary judgment in California state court for longtime client Phillips Auctioneers regarding a Rolex Submariner wristwatch, which had been gifted by famous late actor Steve McQueen to his stuntman, Loren Janes.

Defense of Global Risk Advisors and its Founder

The firm continues to represent Global Risk Advisors and its founder, former CIA officer Kevin Chalker, in a case against Elliott Broidy. Read More

Biotronik’s Civil Settlement with DOJ

HHR advised medical device manufacturer Biotronik Inc. on the civil settlement that it entered into with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, to resolve historical claims of alleged overuse of paid consultants to train field personnel and limited instances of excessive customer meals and travel. The parties agreed that the settlement is not an admission of liability, and Biotronik continues to deny all allegations on behalf of itself and its physician partners.

Ninth Circuit Win for Imperial Pacific

HHR continued its winning streak for Imperial Pacific International (IPI) when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a judgment against the company and remanded the matter to district court. Before the firm got involved, the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands had entered summary judgment for nearly $500,000 in favor of plaintiff Ping Shun Corp. on its claim against IPI for alleged failure to make payment for certain meals delivered to IPI employees over the course of approximately 18 months. The district court held that, since IPI had not contested Ping Shun's monthly invoices when they were first presented, it had manifested its assent to the invoices.

After being engaged, HHR moved for reconsideration of the district court's decision, presenting new testimony from a Ping Shun whistleblower who corroborated IPI's suspicions that Ping Shun had fraudulently inflated its invoices. The district court denied IPI's motion for reconsideration, holding that the new evidence was unlikely to change its summary judgment ruling. The Ninth Circuit, however, disagreed and vacated the district court’s judgment, adopting HHR’s argument.

Victory for Bumble in Contract Case

HHR achieved a victory for Bumble when the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court unanimously affirmed the trial court’s decision granting the dating app’s motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit it brought against restaurant company L&L NY 5 Inc. over a failed sublease. Read More

Another Victory for Phillips Auctioneers

The First Department of New York’s Appellate Division affirmed the trial court’s order dismissing all claims against longstanding HHR client Phillips Auctioneers. Read More

Shareholder Litigation Defense for ProPetro

HHR is representing oilfield services company ProPetro, and certain of its officers and directors, in shareholder litigation pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas based on allegations that public disclosures over a two-year period contained false statements regarding the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls. HHR obtained the complete dismissal of shareholder derivative litigation alleging breaches of fiduciary duty against ProPetro’s officers and directors. In a related securities class action, HHR was successful in significantly narrowing the scope of claims against ProPetro and its officers and directors through motions to dismiss and strike, resulting in a favorable settlement of all remaining claims (which remains subject to final court approval).

Bose in Front of International Trade Commission

HHR is serving as counsel to American audio electronics company Bose Corporation in a U.S. International Trade Commission patent infringement investigation against IP portfolio company Bell Semiconductor.

Save Our Allies’ Fraud Suit

HHR filed a lawsuit on behalf of firm client and not-for-profit organization Save Our Allies, who alleged it was defrauded by groups that had agreed to help relocate Afghan refugees waiting in Pakistan for resettlement

Dismissal of Breach‑of-Trust Suit Against Ross School

Hughes Hubbard achieved complete victory on behalf of an East Hampton private school when a New York State judge dismissed a $10 million lawsuit brought against it by a billionaire NYC real estate developer and his 17-year-old son, who alleged the son was bullied by teachers during a field trip to South America in March 2020. Read More

Epstein Victims' Compensation Program

HHR worked to establish the Epstein Victims’ Compensation Program, which concluded its claims processing activities in August 2022, permitted sexual abuse victims of Mr. Epstein to participate in a voluntary, confidential, non-adversarial alternative to litigation.

This year, Hughes Hubbard was instrumental in deals across borders and industries, with a particular focus on technology companies.

AMC Acquires Global Anime Distributor

Hughes Hubbard acted as legal counsel to AMC Networks in its acquisition of Sentai Holdings, a global supplier of anime content and official anime merchandise.

CI&T Makes its First U.S. Acquisition

HHR assisted Brazil-based information technology and software development company CI&T in its acquisition of NTERSOL, a U.S.-based software engineering and development company geared toward financial services. Read More

Cenveo Sells Custom Labels Group to Brook + Whittle

HHR represented Cenveo, a world leader in the management and distribution of print and related offerings, on the sale of its Custom Labels Group to label company Brook + Whittle. Read More

Julep Media’s Sale to Libsyn

The firm advised venture capital-backed Julep Media, Germany's largest independent podcast monetization platform, in its exit sale to U.S.-based Liberated Syndication Inc. in a mixed cash and stock deal.

Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. IV Merges with Amprius Technologies

The firm represented special purpose acquisition company Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. IV in its business combination with Amprius Technologies, Inc., a leader in lithium-ion batteries. Upon closing of the transaction, Amprius became a publicly listed company. Read More

Wipro’s Convergence Acquisition

The firm helped global information technology company Wipro acquire U.S.-based consulting and program management company Convergence Acceleration Solutions.

Cantor Fitzgerald Sponsored SPAC Plans Merger with XBP Europe

Hughes Hubbard advised CF Acquisition Corp. VIII, a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by Cantor Fitzgerald, in its planned merger with XBP Europe, Inc., the European business of Exela Technologies Inc. Read More

Advance Local Sells MatchCraft

The firm served as legal advisor to media group Advance Local in its sale of MatchCraft, a marketing technology platform, to software company Vendasta.

Wafra Capital’s Acquisition of Financeit

The firm served as legal counsel to Wafra Capital Partners Inc. (now known as InterVest Capital Partners Inc.) in the acquisition by an affiliated entity of Canadian point-of-sale financing provider Financeit from Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

Spireon Sale to Solera

HHR counseled vehicle intelligence company Spireon in its sale to Texas-based multinational technology company Solera. Before the sale, Spireon was a portfolio company of Greenbriar Equity Group, which was also represented by the firm.

Wipro Acquires Rizing

The firm advised global information technology company Wipro in its purchase of Rizing, an award-winning systems, applications and product company.

In 2022, Hughes Hubbard’s global investigations team continued representing our confidential clients in front of major national and international agencies, including obtaining three major releases from World Bank sanctions. Our attorneys also performed diligent assessments on sanction risks for many of our deal clients.

Large Chinese SOE Successfully Released from World Bank Sanction

HHR’s client – a large Chinese state-owned company that was debarred in 2018 – entirely satisfied conditions for release from World Bank sanction. Read More

Chinese SOE Obtains Successful Release from World Bank Sanction

In April, a Chinese state-owned company, and HHR client, was notified by the World Bank that it had satisfied the conditions for release from sanction. The release took place in May. Read More

Large Chinese Company Successfully Released from World Bank Sanction

HHR’s client, a large Chinese company, was notified that it had satisfied the conditions for release from debarment by the World Bank. Read More

In 2022, Hughes Hubbard closed deals for clients as diverse as an entertainment company, a real estate giant and a national government, while continuing our award-winning work in aviation finance.

Griffin’s Investment in Arajet

HHR represented Griffin Global Asset Management on their investment in Dominican Republic-based startup airline Arajet, S.A.

Malian Cotton Provider’s Euro Loan

HHR guided a group of 11 banks in negotiation and documentation of a €244 million commodity financing facility for Compagnie Malienne pour le Développement des Textiles, the Malian state-controlled company that produces and exports Mali’s cotton. Read More

Port Autonome de Conakry Renegotiates Port Concession Agreement with Bolloré Group

HHR advised Port Autonome de Conakry, Guinea’s largest port, in auditing and renegotiating the terms of a port concession agreement with Conakry Terminal, Bolloré Group’s Guinean subsidiary. Read More

Paraguay’s $500.6M Bond Issuance and Switch Tender Offer

Hughes Hubbard represented the Republic of Paraguay in its sovereign bond issuance and concurrent “switch” tender offer. Read More

Howard Hughes Corporation’s $55 million Investment

HHR counseled the Howard Hughes Corporation on its $55 million investment in award-winning restaurant group Jean-Georges Management, which is led by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Griffin’s Warehouse Facility Amendment, Extension and Upsize

The firm advised Griffin Global Asset Management and borrowers Palisade Aviation Holdings Warehouse, Ltd. and Palisade Aviation Holdings Warehouse, LLC, on an amendment, extension and upsizing transaction for its senior secured financing facility.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Powership Project

The firm advised the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, or Ivory Coast, on the structuring and negotiation of a project to establish a 400 megawatt floating power plant near Azito.

Griffin’s Sale-Leaseback Deals with Air France

The firm represented aircraft lessor Griffin Global Asset Management in two sale-leaseback transactions with Air France.

$1 Billion Paramount Global Offering

HHR represented an underwriting group in a $1 billion debt offering by Paramount Global.

Two Leasing Deals for Griffin

HHR advised Griffin Global Asset Management in the aircraft lessor's leasing deals with low-cost Indian airlines IndiGo and Akasa Air.

Sopra Steria’s €1.1 Billion Green-Linked Multicurrency Loan

The firm guided French consulting firm Sopra Steria in a €1.1 billion multicurrency sustainability-linked revolving and swingline facilities loan.

Suzano’s $70 Million Climate Fund

The firm advised Brazilian paper company Suzano on the creation of Suzano Ventures, a $70 million global corporate venture capital initiative focused on environmental issues and sustainability.

In 2022, Hughes Hubbard’s attorneys handled complex restructurings for a wide range of confidential clients and, in addition, worked on two of the year’s most high-profile bankruptcies.

Conclusion of Lehman Brothers, the Largest and Most Complex Liquidation in History

In September, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved the closure of the Lehman Brothers Inc. liquidation proceeding under the Securities Investor Protection Act, concluding the largest securities brokerage liquidation in U.S. history. Judge Chapman's order also discharged HHR senior counsel James W. Giddens from his duties as trustee.

Delta Strengthens Partnership with Aeroméxico Through Chapter 11 Restructuring

The firm advised Delta Air Lines in its capacity as strategic partner and equity investor in the Chapter 11 restructuring of Grupo Aeroméxico, Mexico’s largest airline. Read More

Last year, Hughes Hubbard’s specialized team of arbitration lawyers secured results for clients from the Hague to SDNY, and from Washington, D.C. to the Northern Mariana Islands.

Two Major Wins at The Hague

The Court of Appeals of The Hague issued its long-awaited judgments in two proceedings rejecting applications by the Russian Federation to set aside arbitration awards obtained in favor of HHR clients in two Crimea arbitrations seated in The Netherlands. Read More

Win for FaZe Clan in SDNY

HHR helped FaZe Clan, a top-ranked esports and entertainment organization, win a victory in the Southern District of New York against Adult Use Holdings and Zola Ventures, venture firms that were early Series A and Series B investors in the gaming company. The judge denied the plaintiffs’ petition to vacate or modify a pre-hearing arbitral award, and instead granted FaZe Clan’s cross-petition to confirm the award. Ultimately, the firm scored a complete arbitration victory for FaZe Clan when an International Centre for Dispute Resolution arbitrator issued a partial final award dismissing all claims by the two venture firms. Read More

Victory for Imperial Pacific International in Battle with Casino Commission

HHR scored multiple victories for Imperial Pacific International and its investors against the Casino Commission of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in a long-running dispute over whether the force majeure provisions of an exclusive license agreement were triggered by the global COVID-19 pandemic. In September, the court found that “IPI would be irreparably and imminently injured without injunctive relief, that the equities tilt in favor of IPI, and that public policy favors that this matter go to arbitration.” Read More

Unanimous Appellate Win for American Arbitration Association

In a crucial victory for the American Arbitration Association (AAA), HHR helped secure denial of Uber's motion for preliminary injunctive relief in its bid to block the AAA from charging nearly $92 million in arbitration fees. Read More

Client Avoids Enforcement of Arbitration Award Set Aside in China

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of HHR client Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Company, dismissing an attempt by plaintiff UNI-TOP to enforce an arbitration award that had been set aside by the courts in China. Read More

Togolese Republic’s ICSID Arbitration

Hughes Hubbard & Reed is representing the Togolese Republic in an ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) Arbitration against private logistics company Togo Terminal-Bolloré. This arbitration is based on an arbitration agreement contained in a port concession agreement between the African State and Terminal-Bolloré. The parties agreed to an arbitration under the ICSID Arbitration Rules.

The conflict arose out of the alleged violation by the State of a “right of first refusal” clause contained in the concession agreement. The clause provides that the logistics company may enter in any new concession project envisioned by the State, before the State is entitled to grant the new project to a third party.

The logistics company initiated the arbitration proceedings arguing that the State granted a similar concession to another private actor, in violation of its right of first refusal under the concession agreement.

Directed through our Paris office, 2022 saw Hughes Hubbard continuing our work aiding business and development across francophone Africa.

Malian Cotton Provider’s Euro Loan

HHR guided a group of 11 banks in negotiation and documentation of a €244 million commodity financing facility for Compagnie Malienne pour le Développement des Textiles, the Malian state-controlled company that produces and exports Mali’s cotton. Read More

Port Autonome de Conakry Renegotiates Port Concession Agreement with Bolloré Group

HHR advised Port Autonome de Conakry, Guinea’s largest port, in auditing and renegotiating the terms of a port concession agreement with Conakry Terminal, Bolloré Group’s Guinean subsidiary. Read More

Côte d’Ivoire’s Powership Project

The firm advised the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, or Ivory Coast, on the structuring and negotiation of a project to establish a 400 megawatt floating power plant near Azito.

Togolese Republic’s ICSID Arbitration

Hughes Hubbard & Reed is representing the Togolese Republic in an ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) Arbitration against private logistics company Togo Terminal-Bolloré. This arbitration is based on an arbitration agreement contained in a port concession agreement between the African State and Terminal-Bolloré. The parties agreed to an arbitration under the ICSID Arbitration Rules.

The conflict arose out of the alleged violation by the State of a “right of first refusal” clause contained in the concession agreement. The clause provides that the logistics company may enter in any new concession project envisioned by the State, before the State is entitled to grant the new project to a third party.

The logistics company initiated the arbitration proceedings arguing that the State granted a similar concession to another private actor, in violation of its right of first refusal under the concession agreement.

From cross-border M&A to releases from sanctions, Hughes Hubbard’s global team of attorneys delivered another strong year for our Asian clients.

Large Chinese SOE Successfully Released from World Bank Sanction

HHR’s client – a large Chinese state-owned company that was debarred in 2018 – entirely satisfied conditions for release from World Bank sanction. Read More

Wipro’s Convergence Acquisition

The firm helped global information technology company Wipro acquire U.S.-based consulting and program management company Convergence Acceleration Solutions.

Client Avoids Enforcement of Arbitration Award Set Aside in China

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of HHR client Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Company, dismissing an attempt by plaintiff UNI-TOP to enforce an arbitration award that had been set aside by the courts in China. Read More

Two Leasing Deals for Griffin

HHR advised Griffin Global Asset Management in the aircraft lessor's leasing deals with low-cost Indian airlines IndiGo and Akasa Air.

Chinese SOE Obtains Successful Release from World Bank Sanction

In April, a Chinese state-owned company, and HHR client, was notified by the World Bank that it had satisfied the conditions for release from sanction. The release took place in May. Read More

Wipro Acquires Rizing

The firm advised global information technology company Wipro in its purchase of Rizing, an award-winning systems, applications and product company.

Large Chinese Company Successfully Released from World Bank Sanction

HHR’s client, a large Chinese company, was notified that it had satisfied the conditions for release from debarment by the World Bank. Read More

For more than 50 years, Hughes Hubbard’s Paris office has served as the hub for the firm’s work in Europe, representing some of the world’s largest companies in complex matters. Most of our Paris attorneys’ work is confidential, but all of the firm’s practices thrive in Europe, as well as in the rest of the world.

Two Major Wins at The Hague

The Court of Appeals of The Hague issued its long-awaited judgments in two proceedings rejecting applications by the Russian Federation to set aside arbitration awards obtained in favor of HHR clients in two Crimea arbitrations seated in The Netherlands. Read More

Julep Media’s Sale to Libsyn

The firm advised venture capital-backed Julep Media, Germany's largest independent podcast monetization platform, in its exit sale to U.S.-based Liberated Syndication Inc. in a mixed cash and stock deal.

Griffin’s Sale-Leaseback Deals with Air France

The firm represented aircraft lessor Griffin Global Asset Management in two sale-leaseback transactions with Air France.

Cantor Fitzgerald Sponsored SPAC Plans Merger with XBP Europe

Hughes Hubbard advised CF Acquisition Corp. VIII, a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by Cantor Fitzgerald, in its planned merger with XBP Europe, Inc., the European business of Exela Technologies Inc. Read More

Hughes Hubbard’s award-winning Latin America practice continued helping clients across the region grow their businesses through financing, acquisitions and addressing ESG compliance.

Heinzel Invests in Paracel

HHR advised Heinzel Holding GmbH, a producer and trader of market pulp and packaging paper, in its equity investment in Paracel, an approximately $3.4 billion pulp mill project on undeveloped – or greenfield – land in Paraguay.

Paracel will produce eucalyptus pulp through its forest plantations in Paraguay's Concepción region, using the best available technology to meet the highest sustainability standards. The pulp mill, which is expected to produce 1.8 million tons of eucalyptus pulp per year, will also put Paraguay on the radar of the global pulp and paper industry.

The project – which is fully ESG (environmental, social and governance) compliant and expected to meet many of the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals – will be the largest industrial development and the largest private investment in Paraguay's history and will have the potential to transform the local economy. The total project cost is estimated to be $3.4 billion and is expected to be financed with a combination of equity and long-term debt.

CI&T Makes its First U.S. Acquisition

HHR assisted Brazil-based information technology and software development company CI&T in its acquisition of NTERSOL, a U.S.-based software engineering and development company geared toward financial services. Read More

Suzano’s $70 Million Climate Fund

The firm advised Brazilian paper company Suzano on the creation of Suzano Ventures, a $70 million global corporate venture capital initiative focused on environmental issues and sustainability.

Paraguay on $500.6M Bond Issuance and Switch Tender Offer

HHR represented the Republic of Paraguay in its sovereign bond issuance and concurrent “switch” tender offer. In the transaction, Paraguay raised $500.6 million through its newly issued 3.849 percent bonds due 2033. The offering launched and priced on Jan. 20 and closed on Jan. 28. Read More

Griffin’s Investment in Arajet

HHR represented Griffin Global Asset Management on their investment in Dominican Republic-based startup airline Arajet, S.A.

Last year, Hughes Hubbard led the hearing for a groundbreaking case before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, worked on curbing gun violence and continued our dedication to our immigration clients.

U.S. Asylum for Pakistani Immigrant

Hughes Hubbard obtained asylum for a pro bono client and her children, who fled Pakistan to escape death threats from members of the Taliban. Read More

Groundbreaking Human Rights Victory Before the Inter‑American Court of Human Rights

HHR client Brisa De Angulo Losada obtained a sweeping victory before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The judgment is the culmination of over a decade of HHR and a broad legal team’s work before multiple legal bodies to hold Bolivia accountable for its actions. Read More

Green Cards for Longstanding Client

HHR wrapped up its representation of a woman who fled to the U.S. from gender-based violence and sexual assault in Honduras, obtaining permanent resident status for our client and two of her children after years of assisting with their immigration status. Read More

Rare Remand for Client

HHR recently obtained a rare Second Circuit remand to the Board of Immigration Appeals on behalf of a pro bono client who faces a serious risk of death if he is returned to El Salvador. Read More

Victory for Russian Activist

In a victory for HHR client Ilya Zaslavskiy, Russia’s largest commercial bank voluntarily dismissed a lawsuit seeking information related to a 2016 cyber-hack that allegedly created a false link between the bank and the Trump Organization ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Read More

Working with DC Appleseed to Curb Gun Violence

As part of HHR’s longstanding partnership with the DC Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, the firm assisted in submitting testimony to the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety of the District of Columbia Council regarding a bill regulating so-called “ghost guns.” HHR has been involved for many years in D.C. Appleseed's efforts on gun safety issues through litigation, legislation, and policy advocacy. The team is currently working with Appleseed to support the D.C. Mayor’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention in designing programs to help curb the alarming increase in gun violence in the District.

Partnership with Cyrus R. Vance Center and ISLA

Hughes Hubbard partnered with the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice to assist the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa in preparing for a two-week Litigation Institute focused on providing quality, in-depth and long-term capacity strengthening to lawyers who work on strategic litigation for women's rights.