Fashion Law 2026: The Top U.S. Law Firms for Retail Companies

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Law

Fashion Law 2026: The Top U.S. Law Firms for Retail Companies

The fashion business brings with it a highly specific – and increasingly demanding – set of legal considerations. As a specialized, multi-disciplinary legal practice, fashion law spans intellectual property and brand protection, international trade, supply chain oversight, ...

April 22, 2026 - By TFL, Bradford Jordan, Emilie Mentrup

Fashion Law 2026: The Top U.S. Law Firms for Retail Companies

Image : Unsplash

Case Documentation

Fashion Law 2026: The Top U.S. Law Firms for Retail Companies

The fashion business brings with it a highly specific – and increasingly demanding – set of legal considerations. As a specialized, multi-disciplinary legal practice, fashion law spans intellectual property and brand protection, international trade, supply chain oversight, sustainability and ESG compliance, and evolving advertising standards, among other areas, creating a fast-changing regulatory and litigation environment for apparel, luxury, and retail brands.

At the same time, the pace of change in the fashion industry shows little sign of slowing. With shifting consumer expectations, emerging technologies, enduring industry consolidation, and ongoing market volatility, companies are increasingly turning to counsel that can offer not only industry fluency, but also practical, business-minded guidance. As a result, a growing number of law firms have developed dedicated fashion and broader retail practices to advise on the issues that arise across the lifecycle of fashion and consumer goods. These firms work closely with brands to mitigate risk, address day-to-day legal needs, and protect the value of both their creative outputs and broader business operations.

Against this backdrop, TFL has compiled its second annual list of top law firms working across fashion law, luxury goods, and the wider retail/consumer products sector. In putting together this list, TFL evaluated leading U.S.-based firms with established fashion law practices, considering factors such as the scale and scope of their work, the services they provide, the strength of their client rosters, and their involvement in the fashion law community.

The firms are presented in alphabetical order and reflect a cross-section of practices shaping the legal framework of the fashion industry today – from intellectual property portfolio-building and litigation to regulatory compliance, corporate strategy, and beyond.

A&O Shearman is a global law firm with over 200 attorneys specializing in the Consumer and Retail industry. The firm provides a comprehensive range of services to its clients, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital markets transactions, financing deals, regulatory matters, commercial agreements, financial restructurings, cybersecurity, data protection, and brand protection. A&O Shearman has been involved in several high-profile financing deals, with clients including Primark, Pandora, Net-a-Porter, Versace, and Etsy.

> A&O Shearman’s broad range of services, high-profile clients, and highly regarded M&A practice in the fashion sector position it as a leading fashion law firm.

ArentFox Schiff, LLP boasts a robust Fashion & Retail Law practice with over 60 attorneys dedicated to serving the fashion and retail sectors. Their services cover a wide array of areas, including advertising, privacy & data security, e-commerce, class action defense, online distribution & fulfillment, fashion & retail AI, international trade, labor & employment, real estate & leasing, and regulatory, recall & Prop 65. The firm is also highly active in the fashion law community, regularly contributing to industry events and thought leadership. ArentFox Schiff represents a prestigious clientele, including Jimmy Choo, Hugo Boss, Marni, Christian Louboutin, and Balenciaga.

> ArentFox Schiff’s extensive team, impressive client roster, firm accolades, and active involvement in the industry underscore its position as a leading fashion law firm. 

Baker McKenzie is a global law firm with a luxury, fashion, and cosmetics focus. The firm provides expert counsel in brand protection, trade compliance, data privacy, dispute resolution, intellectual property, private M&A, sustainability and ESG, tax for M&A and reorganizations, and cyber risk management. Notable clients include Mytheresa, Capri Holdings, and LVMH, reflecting the firm’s strong foothold in the luxury and fashion sectors, particularly with regard to deal-making.

> Baker McKenzie’s recent high-profile deal activity, sizable team, broad service offering, and notable client roster make it a leading fashion law firm. 

Ballard Spahr LLP is a Philadelphia-based law firm with roots in the fashion and retail law space. The firm’s Retail & E-Commerce practice has significantly expanded following the addition of a four-member litigation team led by Partners Stephanie A. Sheridan and Meegan Brooks, which brought a portfolio of over 100 retail clients. The group advises fashion, beauty, and consumer brands on a broad range of matters, including advertising and marketing compliance, retail and e-commerce issues, intellectual property protection and enforcement, licensing, and regulatory matters affecting consumer-facing businesses. 

The practice is widely recognized for its consistent strength in the retail sector and longstanding presence in leading industry rankings and directories.

> Ballard Spahr’s expanded retail client base and broad range of services for fashion, beauty, and consumer brands underscore its position as a top fashion law firm.

Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP (BFKN) is a Chicago-based firm distinguished for its luxury sector expertise and enduring leadership in fashion law, having represented some of the world’s most prominent luxury brands since 1984. With a dedicated team of attorneys, BFKN offers a comprehensive suite of services encompassing brand and product development, promotion, expansion, sales and distribution, and asset protection. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach also covers corporate law, real estate, intellectual property, employment, litigation, and tax matters. 

BFKN has established long-standing relationships with iconic brands, notably serving as principal U.S. counsel for the Paris-based LVMH Group. ​

> With decades of experience, an extensive client roster, and recent high-profile deals, BFKN has solidified its status as a leading fashion law firm. 

Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman (CLL) is a New York-based firm with a long-standing presence at the intersection of intellectual property and fashion, advising brands on how to structure, protect, and scale their businesses across global markets. While best known for its trademark and litigation capabilities, the firm’s work extends into the commercial and operational mechanics of the industry, including distribution, customs, and regulatory compliance.

CLL represents a wide range of clients, from emerging labels to established fashion groups, and is particularly active in supporting early-stage designers through educational initiatives, pro bono programs, and academic partnerships. Notable clients include G-III Apparel Group (DKNY, Donna Karan), J.Crew, Lafayette 148, Puig Beauty & Fashion Group (Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne, Nina Ricci), Vogue International, Tiffany & Co., Warby Parker, and Zara USA. 

> CLL’s extensive involvement in the fashion law sector, combined with its focus on brand and product development, promotion, expansion, sales and distribution, and asset protection, makes it a leading fashion law firm.

Debevoise & Plimpton is a New York City-based law firm with a team of attorneys experienced in the consumer and retail industry. Their clients include MSCHF, Steve Madden, and StockX. Notably, the firm represented Yves Saint Laurent in a high-profile trademark dispute brought by Christian Louboutin concerning red-soled shoes, successfully defeating Louboutin’s motion for a preliminary injunction. The firm also recently represented The Judd Foundation in a high-profile lawsuit against Kim Kardashian and Clements Design in California federal court involving allegedly inauthentic Donald Judd furniture. 

With a strong track record in high-stakes intellectual property disputes, Debevoise & Plimpton continues to be a go-to firm for luxury brands seeking to protect and enforce their designs, trademarks, and market positioning and/or to defend against litigation. Debevoise & Plimpton’s attorneys in this practice area are also actively involved in the fashion law community, regularly speaking at industry events and publishing articles on key trends and legal developments.

> Debevoise & Plimpton’s recent high-profile litigation and transactional work, along with its longstanding history handling significant fashion intellectual property disputes, establish it as a leading law firm in the fashion and retail space. 

Dentons is a global law firm with a Luxury, Fashion, and Beauty group comprising a substantial number of attorneys. This group offers an extensive range of services, including licensing, mergers and acquisitions, franchising, employment and labor law, real estate, and more. Dentons has been specializing in luxury, fashion, and beauty for over 40 years. With a strong presence in key fashion hubs worldwide, the firm assists luxury and beauty brands in navigating cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and market expansion strategies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Some of the firm’s notable clients include Christian Dior Couture, LVMH Group, Sephora USA, Ulta Beauty, Foot Locker, BaubleBar, Dermalogica, and Paula’s Choice. 

> Dentons is recognized as a leading fashion law firm due to its longstanding Luxury, Fashion, and Beauty practice, extensive global reach, and multidisciplinary capabilities. 

DLA Piper is a global law firm with a significant presence in the Retail and Fashion sector. Central to its influence is its Trademark, Copyright, and Media practice, through which the firm advises leading brands on trademark portfolio management, brand protection, and false advertising matters. The firm also handles mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, data privacy, real estate, tax, and private equity transactions for fashion and retail clients. DLA Piper maintains an active presence in the fashion and retail law community through industry engagement, speaking roles, and its Consumer Goods, Food & Retail Speaker Series, addressing emerging issues in brand protection, sustainability, and digital commerce. Notable clients include Amazon, Ralph Lauren, Dior, LVMH, Nike, Chanel, H&M, and other prominent fashion and consumer brands.

> DLA Piper’s broad global reach, active involvement in the fashion law community, and representation of leading international fashion and retail brands contribute to its status as a leading fashion law firm.

Foley & Lardner LLP is a Milwaukee-based law firm with a robust Fashion, Apparel & Beauty (FAB) Industry Team. This interdisciplinary team offers comprehensive legal services to fashion and retail companies, addressing issues ranging from intellectual property to regulatory compliance. Notable clients include Fashion Nova, Puma, Missoni, Steve Madden, TOMS, Carhartt Inc., Christian Dior, and Hermès International. In February 2025, the firm advised Steve Madden in its agreement to acquire UK-based footwear and accessories brand Kurt Geiger. The firm actively engages with the fashion community by publishing industry insights and hosting an annual Fashion Law Year in Review event. 

> Foley & Lardner’s broad experience in the fashion sector, full-service legal capabilities, representation of prominent brands, and meaningful involvement in industry initiatives firmly establish it as a leading fashion law firm.

Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. is a New York–based firm known for its deep expertise in intellectual property, particularly within the fashion and luxury sectors. The practice is widely regarded for guiding leading brands through the full lifecycle of trademark strategy – from clearance and registration to enforcement and high-stakes litigation – while also advising on global portfolio management and anti-counterfeiting initiatives. Its client roster includes Aritzia, Gap, Louis Vuitton, David Yurman, Stella McCartney, and Gucci. The firm has built a reputation for handling complex cross-border disputes, domain name conflicts, and copyright issues, helping fashion companies safeguard brand equity and preserve market distinction.

 > Fross Zelnick’s deep specialization in intellectual property, combined with its representation of leading luxury and fashion brands, establishes it as a premier fashion law firm. 

Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP is a New York-based firm that operates at the core of brand protection strategy for fashion and luxury companies, with a practice centered on the development, maintenance, and enforcement of intellectual property rights. The firm works closely with clients on building and managing global trademark portfolios, navigating oppositions and cancellations, and addressing infringement across both traditional retail channels and online marketplaces. In an environment increasingly shaped by cross-border commerce and digital brand exposure, Gibney’s work reflects a steady focus on the operational side of IP, ensuring that protection mechanisms keep pace with how brands are actually marketed, sold, and consumed.

> Gibney’s strong intellectual property practice, including its recent work managing luxury trademark portfolios and handling enforcement matters, highlights its standing as a leading fashion law firm. 

Gibson Dunn is a multinational law firm with a robust Consumer Products & Retail Practice group, encompassing a multidisciplinary bench across intellectual property, privacy, employment, regulatory, and IP transactions. The firm provides strategic legal counsel to clients in the fashion, luxury goods, and retail industries, including trademark enforcement, anti-counterfeiting, data privacy and cybersecurity, FTC advertising and regulatory compliance, labor and employment matters, and intellectual property transactions. With extensive experience handling complex, high-stakes disputes and cross-border matters, Gibson Dunn is widely recognized for advising leading global brands on both litigation and commercial strategy. Notable clients include Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, adidas, Fabletics, Zara USA, Vera Wang, Estée Lauder, Milk Makeup, Huda Beauty, Saks, and Crocs.

> The firm’s extensive services, impressive client roster, and industry accolades underscore its status as one of the top fashion law firms.​

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is a multinational law firm with a substantial Retail Group. The firm offers a wide range of services, including data privacy and cybersecurity, global supply chain management, distribution and fulfillment, international trade compliance, labor and employment, intellectual property protection, and real estate transactions. Notable clients include Marquee Brands, SHEIN, Keds LLC, and Chico’s FAS. In early 2025, Greenberg Traurig served as legal counsel to Marquee Brands in its acquisition of the home, fashion, and lifestyle brand Laura Ashley.

> The firm’s substantial team and recent representation of notable clients in high-profile transactions highlight its prominence in the fashion law sector. 

Hogan Lovells is an international firm co-headquartered in London and Washington, DC. It boasts a well-established fashion and luxury practice, advising brands across a broad spectrum of legal and regulatory issues. Its team counsels clients on intellectual property strategy, data privacy, sustainability compliance, supply chain oversight, and brand enforcement, alongside navigating the complexities of global trade and digital retail. The firm represents a range of high-profile clients, including Gucci, Pandora, Sotheby’s, Supergoop!, and Neil Lane. Known for its cross-border capabilities, Hogan Lovells delivers integrated, end-to-end guidance to fashion and luxury companies operating within an increasingly regulated and digitally driven marketplace.

> Hogan Lovells’ extensive fashion practice, deep roster of high-profile clients, and broad engagement across industry initiatives reinforce its leading position in the fashion law sector. 

Jayaram Law is a boutique law firm with a fashion and art law focus. The firm specializes in intellectual property, data privacy, and corporate growth matters. In 2025, the firm launched Creative Legal Alliance, a pro bono fellowship supporting creatives in the fashion and art worlds. In addition to its Creative Legal Alliance initiative, the firm is actively engaged in the broader fashion law community through its biannual magazine, development of a Sneaker Law textbook, and academic contributions by its attorneys. Some of the firm’s notable clients include Aimé Leon Dore, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, MSCHF, KidSuper, Daniel Arsham Studio, Eberjey, Perry Ellis, Barragán, Bossi, Entire Studios, Hidden.NY, Homerun NYC, House of Errors, PALY Hollywood, Satisfy, Siegelman + Stable, Sushi Club, and Veneda Carter. 

> Jayaram’s specialization in intellectual property and extensive involvement in the fashion law community make it a top fashion law firm.​

K&L Gates maintains a global Consumer Goods & Services practice that brings together attorneys across its international offices to advise fashion and luxury clients. The Pittsburgh-headquartered firm offers multidisciplinary counsel spanning intellectual property, regulatory compliance, real estate, M&A, technology, data protection, and international trade. Its team regularly guides brands on the legal dimensions of digital commerce, including privacy frameworks for online retail and coordinated anti-counterfeiting strategies, positioning clients to operate effectively across increasingly complex and cross-border markets.

> The firm’s large practice group, deep engagement in the fashion law community through industry events and programming, and broad full-service capabilities position it as a leading fashion law firm.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, headquartered in Chicago, is a global firm with a dedicated focus on the fashion, retail, luxury, and beauty sectors. Its multidisciplinary group advises clients across a wide range of matters, including M&A and corporate transactions, ESG-related disputes and sustainability compliance, intellectual property, litigation, and trademark strategy and licensing. The firm also brings significant experience in anti-counterfeiting, supporting brands in enforcing their rights across both physical and digital channels. Beyond its client work, Katten remains active in the broader fashion law ecosystem, frequently spearheading industry programming and initiatives. Its client roster includes Aeropostale, Authentic Brands Group, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Charlotte Tilbury, Kenneth Cole, Kith, Marc Jacobs International, and PVH Corp.

> Katten’s broad service offerings, high-profile client roster, recognized industry accolades, and standout individual attorneys in the space collectively solidify its position as a leading fashion law firm. 

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP a New York-based firm with a well-established role advising fashion and retail companies on regulatory risk and compliance, particularly as scrutiny around marketing, sustainability, and consumer protection continues to intensify. The firm’s practice spans advertising law, product safety, international trade, and litigation, with a notable emphasis on helping brands substantiate claims and navigate evolving FTC guidance and ESG-related expectations.

As regulatory frameworks around “green” marketing, data use, and consumer disclosures become more defined and more actively enforced, Kelley Drye has positioned itself as a go-to firm for companies seeking to align business practices with shifting legal standards. The firm is also active in the fashion law community, hosting an annual Fashion and Retail Law Summit. Notable clients include Cult Gaia, Gucci, and Polo Ralph Lauren.

 > The breadth of services offered to esteemed fashion clients highlights the firm’s prominence in the fashion law sector.​​

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP is an Atlanta-based firm with a strong foothold in intellectual property, advising fashion and consumer brands on the protection and enforcement of trademarks, copyrights, and trade dress across global markets. The firm is particularly active in handling disputes and portfolio strategy for companies operating at scale, where brand identity and product differentiation are central to market position. Kilpatrick Townsend is actively involved in the fashion law community, contributing thought leadership through journal articles and participating in industry initiatives.

Notable clients include adidas, Tory Burch, Macy’s, Hugo Boss, Rothy’s, PVH Corp. (Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger), and Oxford Industries (Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Johnny Was). 

> The firm’s prominent client roster and active involvement in the fashion law community underscore its status as a leading fashion law firm.​ 

Knobbe Martens, headquartered in Irvine, California, is an intellectual property-focused firm with a dedicated Fashion & Beauty practice that centers on protecting the creative and technical assets underlying modern fashion brands. The firm’s work spans trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, patents, and unfair competition, with an emphasis on helping clients secure and enforce rights tied to both design and innovation.

As fashion companies increasingly intersect with technology, whether through product development, materials, or branding, Knobbe Martens’ capabilities reflect a broader view of IP that goes beyond traditional trademark work. Notable clients include Kate Spade, Hurley International, Olaplex, Oakley, and Rolex, reflecting the firm’s strong presence in the luxury sector. Its client base underscores its role in advising brands on how to safeguard distinctiveness in a crowded and fast-moving market.

> With a comprehensive service offering and prominent client roster, Knobbe Martens stands out as a leading fashion law firm, providing strategic legal solutions to protect and enhance clients’ brands and products.

Loeb & Loeb LLP operates within the retail industry, with a team of attorneys based in New York and Los Angeles. The firm’s attorneys are frequent speakers at fashion and beauty law summits worldwide. It assists clients with brand protection, advertising and marketing, privacy and data, fintech, corporate and transactional matters, consumer litigation and regulatory issues, outsourcing, and real estate transactions. Notable clients include Bergdorf Goodman, Canada Goose, Farm Rio, Furla, Ganni, Golden Goose, Lanvin, Marco Bicego, Moncler, Neiman Marcus, Saint Laurent, and Stella McCartney. Loeb & Loeb is nationally and internationally recognized in the fashion law field, advising on influencer marketing regulations, intellectual property disputes, sustainability compliance, and digital commerce. The firm’s strength in entertainment and media further supports high-profile brand collaborations, licensing agreements, and sponsorship deals for luxury fashion houses.

> The firm’s extensive activity in the fashion law community, high-profile client list, and broad range of services underscore its status as one of the top fashion law firms.​

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a global law firm with dedicated Luxury & Fashion Brands and Retail & E-Commerce capabilities. The firm advises its retail clients on a broad range of matters, including commercial contracts, private equity and M&A transactions, intellectual property, data protection and privacy compliance, regulatory compliance, disputes and litigation, and labor and employment matters. Morgan Lewis also handles cutting edge issues like influencer marketing and AI regulations. Morgan Lewis attorneys are active in the retail industry and regularly participate in seminars and programming addressing brand protection and industry developments. Clients include Gap Inc. and URBN.

> Morgan Lewis’s global reach, firm engagement in the fashion law community, and comprehensive full-service intellectual property, regulatory, and commercial offerings position it as a leading fashion law firm.

Morrison Cohen LLP, a New York-based law firm, launched its Luxury Brands practice in the summer of 2024. The group advises clients on bankruptcy, restructuring and governance, business litigation, corporate transactions, executive compensation and employee benefits, labor and employment, real estate, technology, data, and intellectual property. The firm’s notable clients include Valentino, Moncler, OTB, Diesel, Zimmermann, Camilla, and Dion Lee. Morrison Cohen also advises clients on emerging trends in AI-driven fashion technology, tech-related brand protection, and evolving consumer protection regulations. In 2025, the group successfully beat a class certification bid against Valentino in a wage and hour lawsuit. 

> The firm’s comprehensive service offerings and recent involvement in high-profile litigation underscore its standing as a leading fashion law firm in the U.S.

Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm with a significant presence in the luxury and fashion industries. The firm’s Consumer Markets practice offers comprehensive legal services, including corporate law, real estate, intellectual property, employment, litigation, and tax. The firm is highly active in the fashion law community, including through its annual Trademark Year in Review webinar, as well as broader industry programming and thought leadership initiatives. Notable clients include G-III Apparel Group and Donna Karan.

> ​The firm’s global presence, comprehensive legal services, and involvement in the fashion law community make it a leading fashion law firm.

Paul, Weiss is a global law firm based in New York City with a significant presence in the fashion law field. The firm has represented high-profile clients in various matters, including complex, high-value transactions, challenging commercial disputes, high-stakes product liability, mass torts and consumer class actions, and business-critical restructuring matters. Notable clients include Estée Lauder, Gianni Versace, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, and Shopify. Paul, Weiss’s representation of Estée Lauder in its acquisition of Tom Ford garnered significant attention, showcasing the firm’s expertise in high-stakes transactions within the luxury and beauty sectors. The firm also recently represented Ralph Lauren Corporation in its $500 million notes offering.

> The firm’s achievements in fashion law, prestigious client base, and recent high-profile transactions in the space highlight its status as a leading fashion law firm.

Perkins Coie LLP is a multinational law firm with a robust Retail & Consumer Products practice, including a dedicated Apparel & Footwear subgroup. The Retail team assists clients with advertising and marketing promotions, bankruptcy and restructuring, consumer protection, intellectual property, labor and employment, privacy and data security, real estate, state and local taxes, and supply chain compliance. Perkins Coie also provides counsel on supply chain management, sustainability and ESG compliance, global trade and customs regulations, and emerging technologies in fashion, such as AI-driven design and blockchain authentication. Notable clients include Amazon, Arc’teryx, Costco, Crocs, J.Crew, Lululemon, Nordstrom, REI, and Starbucks. 

> Perkins Coie’s robust Retail & Consumer Products practice, extensive roster of leading apparel and lifestyle brands, and broad full-service capabilities position it as a leading fashion law firm.

Pryor Cashman LLP is a New York-based law firm with a dedicated Fashion Group. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services to fashion clients, including corporate formation, real estate transactions, joint ventures and partnership agreements, mergers and acquisitions, contract drafting, labor and employment, and immigration. Notable clients include Richemont, Gucci America, Inc., Camuto Group, Jimmy Choo, Prada, and Cartier North America. In addition to traditional corporate and transactional matters, the firm provides strategic counsel on intellectual property protection, brand enforcement, licensing agreements, and anti-counterfeiting measures to safeguard the creative assets of luxury fashion houses.

> Pryor Cashman LLP’s dedicated Fashion Group, strong representation of leading luxury brands, and full-spectrum capabilities position it as a top domestic fashion law firm.

Ropes & Gray LLP is a multinational law firm with a strong Consumer & Retail Brands practice. The firm advises fashion, luxury, and consumer brands on a broad range of matters, including strategic transactions, intellectual property protection and licensing, employment issues, and data privacy and cybersecurity, with particular strength in supporting branded consumer businesses across their operations. Notable clients include adidas, Marquee Brands, Luxury Brand Partners (In Common, IGK, R+CO, Smith & Cult), and TJX Companies. The firm is also consistently recognized for its highly-regarded trademark practice and presence in leading industry rankings, underscoring its strong position in the retail and consumer products space.

> Ropes & Gray’s strong brand management practice and long-standing work with consumer brands highlight its status as a leading fashion law firm.

Rothwell Figg is a DC-based law firm with over three decades of experience in the high fashion and beauty space. Leveraging its expertise in intellectual property, litigation, and technology law, the firm advises clients on a wide range of matters, including copyright registration. In 2025, the firm represented YOOX Net-a-Porter in a patent troll case. Some of the firm’s notable clients include Bvlgari, Chanel, Giuseppe Zanotti, Hoodrich, Shiseido Americas, Stella McCartney, and Valentino.

> Rothwell Figg’s deep expertise in intellectual property and litigation, its representation of prominent clients, and active involvement in the fashion law community position it as a leading firm in the fashion law sector.

Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP is a multinational firm with a substantial Retail, Fashion & Beauty practice. The firm advises fashion industry clients on various matters, including litigation, labor and employment, securing and enforcing patents, trademarks, and copyrights, both domestically and internationally, and handling technology transfers, including assignments, licensing, and joint ventures.

The firm represented Chanel in its win against What Goes Around Comes Around, with other notable clients including Nordstrom, Burberry, Levi Strauss, Kate Spade, and Patagonia. 

> The firm’s longstanding relationships with leading luxury brands and record of significant legal victories affirm its status as one of the top fashion law firms.


Methodology

The Fashion Law’s Top Fashion Law Firms™ ranking is based on a rigorous evaluation process by The Fashion Law’s editorial team. TFL conducts independent research and analysis, including an extensive examination of publicly available information to assess a firm’s standing within the fashion law space. The review and ranking process also involves an evaluation of law firm submissions detailing practice focus, market reputation, client impact, and firm commitment. 

Eligibility

Firms with five or more lawyers in their U.S. fashion practice are eligible to receive a ranking. Because fashion practices are not always explicitly labeled as such, this list also includes firms with dedicated practices in fashion, retail, luxury, consumer goods, or related areas where the firm demonstrates significant work representing fashion clients.

Submission Process

As part of the research process, a submission survey was publicly distributed for completion by law firms. The survey requested information on each firm’s fashion-related practice, including confidential client and litigation details that may not be publicly available and are, therefore, not detailed in the ranking.

The survey gathered information across four main areas: practice focus, market reputation, client impact, and firm commitment.

Evaluation Criteria

The Fashion Law’s team evaluated both the submissions, as well as external research across these core categories: Practice Focus; Market Reputation; Client Impact; Firm Commitment; and Notable Practitioners.

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