Biglaw

Acclaimed Trump Impeachment Lawyer Barry Berke Heads To Gibson Dunn Ahead Of Election 2024

The star litigator is well known for serving as counsel during both of former president Donald Trump's impeachment trials.

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Barry Berke (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Prominent trial lawyer Barry Berke — also known as “America’s greatest trial lawyer” — is leaving Kramer Levin for a new home at Gibson Dunn, where he’ll take up the mantle of global co-chair of the Biglaw firm’s litigation group. Gibson Dunn brought in $3,074,016,000 gross revenue in 2023, putting it at No. 7 on the Am Law 100 ranking.

As noted by the American Lawyer, Berke is taking his entire first-chair trial team, including Dani James, Jordan Estes, Darren LaVerne, and Mike Martinez, as well as his book of business, with him to Gibson Dunn. This is a real rarity in the legal profession. “We were not looking,” Berke said of his decision, “but they came to us and made the case for why this would be a great move.” The New York Times’ DealBook has additional information on why Berke decided to switch firms:

Berke was partly attracted to Gibson Dunn because of its commitment to its litigation practice. Many firms now use the business more as a broader service for corporate clients. Gibson Dunn has its own high-profile track record in litigation, having successfully defended same-sex marriage for Californians before the Supreme Court and Walmart in a gender discrimination lawsuit.

“The firm was very clear to us how important their litigation trial practice is,” Berke, 60, told DealBook. He was recruited by Orin Snyder, one of the top litigators in the country. Among the lawyers he will work with is Ted Olson, one of the country’s leading appellate and constitutional law lawyers. …

Having both Berke and Snyder will help cement Gibson Dunn’s spot as a top litigation shop, and will solidify its leading position for firms doing pro bono work.

Barbara Becker, Gibson Dunn’s chair and managing partner of Gibson Dunn, welcomed Berke and his trial team with open arms, “Our firm’s preeminent litigation platform is an important part of our identity, and we are proud to welcome Barry and the team as we continue to build on this legacy.” She went on to praise the outstanding litigators, saying, “With their extensive experience across a wide range of litigation and investigative matters, this stellar group is a natural fit for Gibson Dunn. We are thrilled to begin our work together in service of clients around the globe.”

Berke is perhaps best known on a national stage for his roles as impeachment special counsel and chief impeachment counsel during the 2019 and 2021 impeachment trials of former President Donald Trump, and his lateral move ahead of the 2024 election could not be more timely. It is highly likely that the results of the election will be challenged in court, and Berke is well aware of that fact. “It is fair to say that people are very focused — and have discussed with me — the concerns that legal issues may again predominate following the voting on Nov. 5,” he told DealBook.

For her part, Becker said the timing of Berke’s decision to come to Gibson Dunn was merely coincidental, noting that in the wake of the election, “there could be opportunities, depending on how things shake out.”

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Congratulations to Barry Berke on his move to Gibson Dunn. Best wishes for much continued success!

A star of the corporate defense bar jumps ship [DealBook / New York Times]
Barry Berke and Partner Group Exits Kramer Levin for Gibson Dunn [American Lawyer]
Gibson Dunn Grows its Powerhouse Litigation Practice with Acclaimed Trial Lawyer Barry Berke & Elite Team [Gibson Dunn]

Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on X/Twitter and Threads or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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