Boutique counsel for complex matters.
Westbrook & Hayes represents companies, boards, and individuals in commercial litigation, securities defense, M&A, and government investigations. Twenty-four attorneys. Lean teams. Partner-led.
Where we’re the right call
Is your matter a fit?
We don’t take every case. Here’s how we compare to alternatives — and how to think about whether we’re the right call.
Is your matter a fit?
We don’t take every case. Here’s how we compare to the alternatives most general counsel weigh — and the kinds of matters where we’re the right call.
| Feature | Westbrook & Hayes Boutique · 24 attorneys | AmLaw 100 firm 1,000+ attorneys | Other boutique 5–20 attorneys |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner attention on your matter | ✓Partner runs every matter | ~Variable | ✓Yes, depending on size |
| Subject-matter depth | Top-tier in our 4 areas | Top-tier across all areas | Variable |
| Effective hourly rate | $675–$925 partner | $1,400–$2,200 partner | $525–$850 partner |
| Junior leverage | Low (lean teams) | High (3:1 to 5:1) | Mixed |
| Conflict frequency | ✓Rare; we’re lean | —Frequent | ✓Rare |
| Regional court relationships | Strong (NY, DE, DC) | Strong nationally | Variable |
| Strategic M&A experience | $100M – $5B range | $1B+ range | <$500M typical |
| International matters | Through partner network | ✓In-house | — |
| Alternative fee arrangements | ✓AFAs in 60% of matters | ~ | ✓ |
| Responsiveness to GC | Within 2 hours, partner | Variable, often associate-first | Within hours, partner |
If your matter is in our wheelhouse — commercial litigation, securities defense, mid-cap M&A, or government investigation — send us a brief and we’ll tell you within 48 hours whether we’re the right fit, and what the engagement would look like.
What clients say
“We had AmLaw 50 representation on a parallel matter. Westbrook & Hayes was materially more responsive, lower cost, and got the better result. They’re our go-to for everything in their wheelhouse.”
“Caroline Hayes ran our cross-border M&A like a true partner — answered the phone, made the calls, defended the price. We never felt handed off to associates. Closed the deal $40M better than the original term sheet.”
“When the SEC opened an investigation, we needed counsel that could navigate the relationship without escalating. Westbrook resolved it pre-charge. Nine months from notice to closure.”
Before you reach out
- We have a robust pro bono practice — particularly in indigent criminal appeals and impact litigation. We don’t take contingency matters.
Send us a brief.
A short summary of the matter, the parties, and the timeline. We’ll respond within 48 hours, partner-to-partner.