Tell us about your top U.S. Supreme Court or federal appeals court victory over the past year and how you and your team achieved the win.

We had some big wins this year and are excited about two Supreme Court arguments coming up this fall. But probably the most fun I had all year was representing the heirs of Marvin Gaye, the legendary recording artist. The Ninth Circuit upheld a sizable verdict awarded to our clients finding that the hit song “Blurred Lines” infringed their copyright in Gaye's No. 1 song “Got To Give It Up.” I love music, and my prep included countless hours grooving to Gaye's iconic song and learning the fundamentals of music theory from a renowned musicologist. It doesn't get much better than that.

How did your firm approach appellate success over the past year?

The key to success is surrounding yourself with great people. I have amazing associates: Elisabeth Theodore, Sally Pei, Stephen Wirth, Bill Perdue, and Andrew Tutt. Not to mention exceptional partners and counsel with their own expertise—Reeves Anderson on international, Stanton Jones on political, Dirk Phillips on banking, and Anthony Franze on criminal appeals. It's a dream team.

What practice advice would you give your younger self?

The voice in your head telling you to follow your instincts and heart, even when it's not popular, is usually right.

Responses submitted by Lisa Blatt, a partner at Arnold & Porter.