Milan lost an estimated $100 million in a complex interest rate swap deal that it made with four banks in the run-up to the financial crisis. But the city fought back, becoming among the first municipalities to file criminal fraud charges against the banks under an Italian law that lets prosecutors file quasi-criminal charges against companies and their managers.

When other firms and conventional strategies come up short, clients in deep trouble turn to Gibson, Dunn for fresh, aggressive thinking and innovative rescues.

Media law exports come in two main packages—a free press, and freedom of information—and both are usually marked "Return to Sender." A new book, Exporting the Matrix: The Campaign to Reform Media Laws Abroad, describes some recent small victories achieved in pro bono projects around the world.

A new report on law firm social responsibility moves way beyond pro bono and asks firms to hew to international human rights principles--even if it means dropping clients.