The Firm: This sizable tax team enters the rankings based on strong feedback. The 49-strong group provides a wide range of tax-related advice in M&A, restructurings, cross-border transactions and tax controversy. Clients comment that the team particularly shines in the area of estate planning. Recent highlights include assisting Neuberger Berman with its MBO of the equity Lehman Brothers had in the company.

Sources Say: "Terrific lawyers. They stay on top of the latest changes and their intellectual capital is beyond compare."

Key Individuals: Michael Fernhoff continues to impress clients and peers alike, with commentators asserting: "He has every answer at the tip of his tongue" and "he is an extremely smart and constructive tax lawyer." He has a great deal of experience in real estate transactions, including M&A, partnerships, joint ventures and tax-related restructurings.