Rob Saunders, Skadden

Tell us about your biggest trial win from January 2017 to July 2018 and how you achieved the result for your client.

In the biggest appraisal defense victory ever, Rob Saunders served as lead counsel in successfully defending Sprint Corp.'s $3.6 billion buyout of Clearwire Corp. After a 10-day trial in which hedge fund Aurelius Capital Management argued that Clearwire was worth $16.08 per share, the court ultimately adopted Skadden's expert's $2.13 per share valuation. As a result, Aurelius received $2.13 per share for its more than 25 million Clearwire shares, as opposed to the merger price of $5.00, in a determination that represents, by far, the most dramatic downward departure from a deal price in the history of the [Delaware] Court of Chancery.

1. Don't wait until trial to master the facts of your case and prepare your witnesses. Many trials are won or lost in depositions.
2. Skip theatrics.