Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
Business Litigation · International Arbitration
The World's Most Feared Litigation Firm
Quinn Emanuel is the largest law firm in the world devoted solely to business litigation and arbitration[citation:9]. Founded by John B. Quinn, we have recovered nearly $80 billion in judgments and settlements for plaintiffs[citation:1].
By the Numbers
1,100+
Attorneys worldwide
33
Offices across 4 continents
$80B
Recovered for plaintiffs
#1
Most feared firm (5 of 6 years)
Founded in Los Angeles in 1986 with just four lawyers, Quinn Emanuel has grown into a global litigation powerhouse while remaining true to its singular focus[citation:1][citation:11]. We do not practice corporate law. We do not draft contracts. We try cases.
Unlike full-service firms, every attorney at Quinn Emanuel is a litigator. This singular focus creates a cohesive culture and eliminates the conflicts that arise when a firm must balance transactional relationships against litigation interests[citation:11].
Surveys of general counsel at the world's largest companies have named Quinn Emanuel the "most feared" law firm in the world five times in six years[citation:9]. Our trial track record gives defendants leverage for better settlements and gives plaintiffs the confidence to go to verdict.
With 33 offices across four continents, we handle disputes wherever they arise. Our Chambers-ranked teams in New York, California, London, and beyond work as one integrated litigation force[citation:1][citation:14].
Our practice spans the full spectrum of high-stakes business disputes.
High-stakes contract, fraud, and business tort disputes.
Cross-border disputes under all major arbitral rules.
Government investigations and enforcement actions.
Federal securities class actions and opt-out actions.
Patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret disputes.
Competition claims and defense in complex markets.
White-collar criminal defense and regulatory proceedings.
Post-trial and appellate advocacy nationwide.
Founding Partner & Chairman
Named by Bloomberg Law as the most famous practicing lawyer at a large law firm in the world[citation:2]. Described by The American Lawyer as a "master strategist."
John Quinn has built a trial record unmatched in business litigation. His practice spans the full spectrum of commercial disputes, from billion-dollar fraud claims to bet-the-company IP battles. He founded Quinn Emanuel in 1986 and has led its transformation from a four-lawyer startup to a global firm of more than 1,100 attorneys[citation:1][citation:2].
$6.01 Billion Settlement — 3M
Represented more than 250,000 servicemembers in one of the largest mass tort settlements in U.S. history[citation:3].
$1.1 Billion — General Motors v. Volkswagen
Secured settlement for GM against Volkswagen and its executives for theft of confidential documents[citation:2].
Samsung v. Apple — Jury Verdict
Defended Samsung in Apple's "holy war" against Android. Jury awarded Apple less than 5.5% of what it sought and found Apple infringed a Samsung patent[citation:2].
$2.1 Billion — Enron Credit-Linked Notes
Obtained settlement for two dozen hedge fund plaintiffs, including Elliott and Appaloosa, in the Yosemite v. Citibank action[citation:2].
A track record that speaks for itself.
$6B
Citgo Auction Victory
Secured a $6 billion win for Amber Energy in the court-run auction for Venezuela's shares of Citgo, defeating a nominally higher competing bid by demonstrating greater closing certainty[citation:8].
$261M
Serta "Lender Violence" Trial
Won a landmark bankruptcy verdict for TPG Angelo Gordon, Apollo, and other lenders in the first major trial holding lenders accountable in a liability management exercise dispute[citation:13].
Complete Win
OpenAI Trademark Defense
Secured summary judgment for OpenAI against Open Artificial Intelligence, Inc., establishing senior trademark rights and a permanent injunction. Recognized in the Daily Journal's Top Verdicts of 2025[citation:4].
Tell us the type of matter you are facing. A member of our team will contact you promptly. If your matter is urgent, please call +1 (213) 443-3000.