Davis+Gilbert LLP

United States 2025

National Rankings

Metro Rankings

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General Information

Practice Areas

Individuals recognized in Best Lawyers

373

Client Comments

Year founded: 1906

This is the year the firm (or its earliest predecessor entity) was founded.

Overview

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Legal mastery is critical but not enough. Even the best legal strategies must work in tandem with your business realities. Davis+Gilbert’s industry focus and deep insight about the issues that drive your business enable us to provide solutions that make a difference. Davis+Gilbert’s proactive, business-oriented approach stems from their long history of working with key industries not just as advocates but also as counselors. The firm helped guide the marketing communications ecosystem as it evolved from the early 20th century to today’s world of data, digital and social media. For many years, Davis+Gilbert has successfully applied that same see-around-corners vision and focus to real estate, financial services, hospitality, technology and other service sector industries, becoming the firm of choice for the market leaders of today and tomorrow.

From its base in New York, Davis+Gilbert represents a diverse range of clients across the country and around the world.

Advertising + Marketing

Our firm grew up with the advertising industry, from its earliest beginnings through every stage of its exponential growth. We have been witness to, and a key participant in, the evolution of advertising and marketing law and the remarkable proliferation of related industries that now form the vast marketing ecosystem. From advertising agencies to major brands, from content creators to tech-forward digital platforms, whether our clients are global publicly traded companies or two-person startups, they depend on us to help achieve their business goals, protect their rights and minimize their legal risks.

Benefits + Compensation

Aside from being one of the top expense items on the books, a company’s employee benefits and compensation packages go to the heart of attracting and retaining a strong workforce. That said, these items all operate in a stringent regulatory environment where small mistakes can carry large liabilities. Our benefits and compensation attorneys understand the business practicalities that drive benefits and compensation issues and decisions. Our clients count on us to design and implement plans that strike the right balance of compliance, cost and administrative ease.

Corporate + Transactions

For companies of all sizes and across all industries, effective growth strategies are a key driver of success in the marketplace. Our transactional attorneys get deeply involved in understanding the business and strategic thinking of our clients, and we take a pragmatic yet long-term approach to determining how we can best support their growth. From early-stage start-ups to global Fortune 100 companies, our attorneys tend to the full range of our clients’ corporate, financial and transactional needs.

Bankruptcy, Creditors’ Rights + Finance

The last financial crisis shined a harsh light on the legal exposure of lenders, loan servicers, sponsors and trustees, when investors and other participants in the credit markets incurred losses. The collapse of the subprime mortgage securitization market, in particular, brought a wave of litigation — by investors and deal counterparties claiming contractual breaches and outright fraud — that continues to this day. This litigation has created a roadmap for new plaintiffs to follow, escalating the stakes for defendants. Our attorneys have been actively representing participants in the credit markets and the litigation they face, gaining deep experience in protecting and enforcing their rights at each stage of a market’s evolution.

Intellectual Property+ Media

For companies in a number of dynamic industries — particularly media, entertainment and sports — constant change is a given. As the lines between these fields continue to converge and cross, new legal challenges arise, especially in intellectual property law. Our Intellectual Property and Media practice has for decades been on the front lines of the seismic shift from traditional to digital media, and we are amply equipped to help clients address intellectual property challenges in ways both conventional and innovative. Companies look to us to understand their brands, prioritize their concerns and help them navigate the legal and regulatory risks they face in markets that are constantly redefining themselves.

Labor + Employment

For companies where employees and their talents are by far the most important assets, the business ramifications of labor and employment law hold special weight. Our labor and employment attorneys are uniquely attuned to the practical aspects of managing and retaining essential employees. We serve as primary employment counsel for businesses throughout the United States in various industries tending to the day-to-day legal aspects of their employee relations.

Litigation + Dispute Resolution

The most complex and hardest-fought legal cases tend to center around people, their ideas, their contracts or their workplaces. These disputes frequently involve the movement of talent between competitors, workplace claims, the ownership of intellectual property, false and deceptive marketing practices, the rights and responsibilities of the parties to corporate transactions and controversies over commercial leasing. Our litigation and disputes attorneys handle matters in all of these areas. We assess risk, secure favorable resolutions, and forcefully pursue our clients’ interests through trial and appeals. Our clients include major players in the marketing communications, e-commerce, financial services, hospitality and commercial leasing sectors. We also represent prominent advertisers, agencies and their brands.

Privacy, Technology + Data Security

The increasingly intertwined concerns of privacy and data security continue to cast a long shadow over the business models of companies in nearly every industry. Both concerns carry considerable risk — legal, financial and reputational — but with proper attention to the statutory and contractual requirements that underlie and inform the risk, they can be turned to competitive advantage. Our attorneys work with data-driven businesses of all kinds to identify and address the compliance risks associated with data flowing in and out of their organizations, advising clients on best practices, assessing their contracts, preventing and responding to data breaches and providing defense in litigation and enforcement actions.

When it comes to technology, today every business is a technology business, constantly entering into contractual arrangements involving a broad array of evolving technologies, including AI, SaaS platforms and ad tech services. Accordingly, Davis+Gilbert's attorneys regularly draft contracts for innovation-forward companies in virtually every industry sector, including advertising, e-commerce, financial services, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, entertainment, media and real estate. These extend to technology development, licensing, purchases, sales and joint ventures. To each transaction, they bring a deep understanding of both the technology and the underlying business.

Private Client Services

Davis+Gilbert’s private client services practice counsels business owners, executives, hedge fund principals and other successful individuals and families in a variety of issues impacting their personal and business decisions, including business succession issues, estate planning, charitable giving and trust and estate administration. Real Estate Our real estate lawyers represent tenants and landlords, as well as buyers and sellers of all sizes, at every stage in the real estate life cycle. Long dominant in the fast-paced New York City real estate market, we have become a key player in national markets as our clients’ interests have expanded. Our reputation for toughness and fairness has earned repeat business from sophisticated clients that value a win-win deal where all parties get what they need.

Real Estate

Our real estate lawyers represent tenants and landlords, as well as buyers and sellers of all sizes, at every stage in the real estate life cycle. Long dominant in the fast-paced New York City real estate market, we have become a key player in national markets as our clients’ interests have expanded. Our reputation for toughness and fairness has earned repeat business from sophisticated clients that value a win-win deal where all parties get what they need.

Rankings

Davis+Gilbert LLP is nationally ranked in 6 practice areas and metro ranked in 7 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.

Read how Best Law Firms ranks firms

"Law Firm of the Year" Awards

2025 "Law Firm of the Year" in Advertising Law

National Rankings

Tier 1

Tier 1 for Advertising Law

Tier 1 for Copyright Law

Tier 1 for Litigation - Labor and Employment

Tier 2

Tier 2 for Employment Law - Management

Tier 2 for Real Estate Law

Metro Rankings

New York City

Tier 1 for Advertising Law

Tier 1 for Copyright Law

Tier 1 for Employment Law - Management

Tier 1 for Litigation - Labor and Employment

Tier 1 for Real Estate Law

Select Clients

Chick-fil-A
Fortress Investment Group
JM Smuckers
Little Caesars Enterprises, Inc.
Nike
Ralph Lauren
Resy
Tishman Speyer Properties
Wieden+Kennedy

Highlighted Client Comments

All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.

Advertising Law

We, Yamba Malawi, are a pro-bono client of Davis & Gilbert. They provide outstanding support to us and are always willing to help.

Peter Twyman – Yamba Malawi

Advertising Law

I see Ashima Dayal and Richard Eisert of Davis & Gilbert as true business partners. They advise with an unmatched depth in advertising industry expertise and an eye on business growth. They have earned the trust of our business and legal teams alike.

James Cunningham – DDB Worldwide

Advertising Law

Ron Urbach and Aaron Taylor have provided my company with invaluable support and advice on a wide variety of advertising law issues, including NAD representation. I highly recommend Davis & Gilbert as a top tier advertising law firm that provides exceptional client service.

Real Estate Law

Davis & Gilbert has partnered with us, for many years on all of our Real estate transactions. They are very knowledgeable, work very timely & efficiently, and their lawyers are priced right. I would highly recommend them.

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert is an incredible partner to our agency. Their expertise, professionalism, and perspective navigating complex legal and business matters has been invaluable to us.

Advertising Law

I have enjoyed working with Gary Kibel and his team at Davis & Gilbert. Gary's counsel has served me well, and I was particularly impressed with how we was able to adjust to the changing requirements that were often foisted upon him by my internal management team. I highly recommend Gary.

Advertising Law

Our team at Davis & Gilbert is so great to work with! They are so responsive and knowledgeable. I learn something new every time I talk to Richard Eisert. I have confidence that whatever member of his team is working on our project it will be complete and correct. Also, everyone is very nice!

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert has fantastic service. They are very civil and calm and helped me get through a very stressful time buying someone out of a business. We now use them for all our legal dealings across multiple needs.

Employment Law - Management

I've only ever had great experiences with the attorneys at Davis & Gilbert.

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert is our go-to for outside counsel. They respond immediately with highly efficiency and beyond expert counsel.

Real Estate Law

Davis & Gilbert provided excellent professional legal guidance at a very competitive price.

Advertising Law

Gary Kibel of Davis & Glibert is amazing! He is extremely knowledgeable and practical.

Advertising Law

I always get valuable insight and analysis from the lawyers at Davis & Gilbert. They keep current on industry trends in a landscape that changes daily. Additionally, advertising is a very fast paced industry. Davis and Gilbert understands this and ensures fast response and turn around time. In particular Gary Kibel and Richard Eisert.

Media Law

I always can rely on Davis & Gilbert and its partner Jim Johnston for great media related work.

Real Estate Law

Davis & Gilbert is a phenomenal firm and partner to work with. They always put the client first and provide top quality service at a reasonable cost.

Advertising Law

I have worked with Davis & Gilbert for 15 years. During that time, the lawyers I have worked with have been knowledgeable and responsive to our needs. I can rely on them to give us guidance, as well as negotiating changes to the agreements received by our clients. Every lawyer I have worked with has been professional and indeed an asset to Davis & Gilbert.

Employment Law - Management

Davis & Gilbert continues to be a leader in the employment space, and their ability to be ahead of critical situations are impeccable.

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert have depth of expertise that I can rely on regarding important matters we face as a small yet growing organization. We outgrew using small law firms and it was time to graduate up. They have been very helpful in educating us about potential issues.

Advertising Law

The Advertising law group at Davis & Gilbert is an absolute pleasure to work with. As in-house counsel to a global agency, I rely on their expertise on a myriad of advertising law related issues. I have worked with D&G for the past 6 years and particularly enjoy working with Oriyan Gitig, who is an outstanding attorney.

Advertising Law

I had an excellent experience with Davis & Gilbert and would highly recommend this law firm to all my friends and family in need of counsel.

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert is the absolute leader in the field of advertising, marketing, and media law. They've been our trusted advisors for more than 30 years and have the expertise in house to handle every possible challenge we send them. They are incredibly responsive and provide a high level of service, even when we have urgent business needs outside of standard office hours. As for cost-effectiveness, I would find it difficult to put a price on the value they have brought us over the years. The value greatly exceeds the price.

Litigation - Labor and Employment

Neal Klausner of Davis & Gilbert was extremely helpful in numerous professional situations, all of which I was more than satisfied with the resolve. I have recommended him numerous times and will continue to do so.

Paul Woldar – Incapital

Media Law

Davis & Gilbert has been my go to as both my corporate firm in the media law space, but also my personal firm for non-corporate projects in media. Steven Manket has not only been a guide and partner, but he's been selfless and thoughtful in bringing in every attorney needed to help on all potential fronts.

Louis Venezia – Co-Pilot Pictures

Litigation - Labor and Employment

We have worked in tandem with some of the largest and best known employment firms in the country. We have also been privileged to work with Davis & Gilbert. While not a national firm, Davis & Gilbert's leadership and its attorneys' work in the labor and employment arena are as good as we have seen at any size or at any level.

Steven Ritardi – Carmagnola & Ritardi, LLC

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert is my go-to law firm for advertising law issues.

Christopher Poindexter – Cadent

Employment Law - Management

The services provided by Davis & Gilbert are consistently outstanding, relevant, cost-effective, and timely. We have been delighted with the outcome of every project, as well as the depth/breadth of knowledge. The advice we receive is on-point, well reasoned, and supported by appropriate rationale. In every situation, they have exceeded our very high expectations!

Gloria Nilsen – Jewish Federations of North America

Advertising Law

I have worked with Davis & Gilbert for nearly two decades. Their responsiveness, expertise, professionalism, and practicality have ensured they have remained tops in my rolodex whenever I am tackling intellectual property, business contracting, marketing, and general litigation matters.

Heather Lourie – theBalm

Employment Law - Management

We rely on the expert counsel of Dan Feinstein from Davis & Gilbert and have for many years.

Lori Lober – ID Public Relations

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert attorneys are very knowledgeable and helpful when issues arise.

Litigation - Labor and Employment

Jessica Cortes of Davis & Gilbert is informed and has an ability to cut through the clutter to provide practical actionable advice. As a GC, that is what I need.

Romy Horn – W2O Group

Employment Law - Management

Davis & Gilbert has been a tremendous partner to me and my firm. Their long-standing relationship with us provides the basis for advice that is in tune to our culture. They keep me abreast of changes in legislation that effect our industry and employee population. Their consultation is practical and as well as commercial. They are extremely responsive, accountable, engaged and care about our employees and our business. They are knowledgeable on every employment issue I have ever raised. They know trends in our industry and have good relationships with other attorneys in our space. I cannot say enough positive things about the attorneys I work with at D&G. They are truly part of our team.

Tracy Hart – York Capital

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert's advertising law practice has been an absolute gem. Their counsel, particularly that of legal superstar Oriyan Gitig, has swiftly guided us through some situations that could have been challenging. Oriyan's negotiation prowess has led us into very favorable agreements with clients who are far larger (with substantially bigger legal budgets than we have). They are continually at the forefront of industry trends and often send unsolicited (though greatly appreciated) advice and insights. As someone on the receiving end of a thousand emails a day, I believe it's a true testament to Davis & Gilbert's value to my business that any time I see a "dglaw.com" domain in my inbox, it's the first e-mail I will open up.

Cameron Gordon – Novel Media

Litigation - Labor and Employment

I see Dan Feinstein, Gregg Gilman, and David Fisher of Davis & Gilbert as true business partners. They advise with an unmatched depth in advertising industry expertise and an eye on business growth. They have earned the trust of our business and legal teams alike.

James Cunningham – DDB Worldwide

Employment Law - Management

I see Dan Feinstein, Gregg Gilman and David Fisher of Davis & Gilbert as true business partners. They advise with an unmatched depth in advertising industry expertise and an eye on business growth. They have earned the trust of our business and legal teams alike.

James Cunningham – DDB Worldwide

Litigation - Labor and Employment

The Davis & Gilbert team is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and a pleasure to work with.

Robert Cohen – Omnicom Group

Real Estate Law

Davis & Gilbert is a great firm; down to earth approach with sophistication in execution!

Randall Briskin – The Feil Organization

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert attorneys are among the very best in their field.

Duane Berlin – Intersections Inc.

Employment Law - Management

Davis & Gilbert has Partner level experience and in-depth knowledge of the industry. They provide cost-efficient, practical solutions. I cannot say enough about the Davis & Gilbert's service offering.

James Cunningham – DDB Worldwide

Advertising Law

Davis & Gilbert are quite simply the gold standard for Advertising Law. I have worked with them as co-counsel on multiple cases, and it has been an absolute pleasure to see them in action. They truly care for their clients and practice law as it should be practiced. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Christopher Holland – Holland Law LLP

Advertising Law

In my many years at Ogilvy & Mather Chicago, I had the good fortune to work with the advertising & marketing lawyers at Davis & Gilbert. They always provided the best guidance and advice for our clients. They were well-informed on the subject matter at hand, provided risk assessment when required, and paid attention to the pesky details. They were speedy when the situation warranted a quick and thoughtful review. The icing on the cake was their personable service.

Marie Goss – The Team Companies

Advertising Law

I've worked with many attorneys at Davis & Gilbert for nearly 30 years across different areas of law and have consistently found them to be an incredible resource and partner.

Sal Chieffalo – CFO

Advertising Law

I've used Davis & Gilbert for the last 20 years at different agencies and they are the best firm I've worked with. I would recommend them highly.

Sal Chieffalo – CFO

Rankings

"Law Firm of the Year" Awards

2025 "Law Firm of the Year" in Advertising Law

National Rankings

Tier 1

Tier 1 for Advertising Law

Tier 1 for Copyright Law

Tier 1 for Litigation - Labor and Employment

Tier 2

Tier 2 for Employment Law - Management

Tier 2 for Real Estate Law

Tier 2 for Sports Law

Regional Rankings

New York City

Tier 1 for Advertising Law

Tier 1 for Copyright Law

Tier 1 for Employment Law - Management

Tier 1 for Litigation - Labor and Employment

Tier 1 for Real Estate Law

Tier 2 for Litigation - Intellectual Property

Tier 2 for Sports Law

Practice Areas

The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.

Advertising Law
Corporate Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
Entertainment Law - Music
Intellectual Property Law
Media Law
Privacy and Data Security Law
Real Estate Law
Sports Law
Trademark Law
Trusts and Estates

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America^®

Davis+Gilbert LLP has 22 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America^®. By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Davis+Gilbert LLP eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings. For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards. Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.

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Client Comments

Editions

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Awards

Awards are self-reported by firms and are not verified by the Best Law Firms rankings.

Ranked in Tier 1 for Media, Technology and Telecoms - Advertising and Marketing: Transactional and Regulatory in Legal 500 United States
Ranked in Tier 3 for Media, Technology and Telecoms: Cyber Law (Including Data Privacy and Data Protection) by Legal 500 United States
Ranked in Tier 3 for Intellectual Property: Copyright by Legal 500 United States
Ranked in Tier 3 for Labor and Employment: Workplace and Employment Counseling by Legal 500 United States
Ranked in Band 1 for Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory by Chambers USA
Ranked in Band 4 for Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets, New York by Chambers USA
Ranked in Band 2 for Labor & Employment, New York by Chambers USA
Ranked in Band 4 for Real Estate: Mainly Dirt, New York by Chambers USA
Ranked in Band 3 for Retail by Chambers USA
Top-Tier ranked for Media Law by Media Law International
Ranked in Tier 1 for Advertising Law, Nationwide and NYC in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers
Ranked in Tier 2 for Copyright Law, Nationwide and NYC in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers
Ranked in Tier 1 for Employment Law - Management, NYC in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers
Ranked in Tier 2 for Employment Law - Management, Nationwide in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers
Ranked in Tier 1 for Litigation - Labor & Employment, Nationwide and NYC in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers
Ranked in Tier 2 for Media Law, Nationwide and NYC in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers
Ranked in Tier 1 for Real Estate Law, NYC in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers
Ranked in Tier 2 for Real Estate Law, Nationwide in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers
Ranked in Tier 3 for Sports Law, Nationwide and NYC in "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers
Selected to The BTI Consulting Group's "Client Service A-Team"
Noted as a Leading Firm for Media & Entertainment: Film, Music, Television & Theater, New York by Chambers USA
Awarded the 2013 Chambers USA Award for Excellence in Advertising