King & Spalding Wins Two Awards, including Best Client-Law Firm Team, at the 2026

About Firm News

Recognition

November 13, 2026

Featured Lawyers:

Thomas M. Melsheimer

Partner

Heather Saul

Partner

Charles Christopher Cain

Associate

Amanda J. Klingler

Partner

Russell Gaudreau III (Chip)

Partner

Andrew T. Bayman (Andy)

Partner

Firm was also a finalist in five additional team and individual categories

King & Spalding won two awards at the 2026 American Lawyer Industry Awards, including Best Client-Law Firm Team, which recognized the strength of the firm’s relationship with Boehringer Ingelheim. In addition, Charles Cain received the Young Lawyer of the Year (Beyond Practice) award.

Best Client-Law Firm Team: King & Spalding and Boehringer Ingelheim – Winner

The Best Client-Law Firm Team award recognized the strength of Boehringer Ingelheim and King & Spalding’s deeply integrated partnership, which delivered nine trial victories in the Zantac product liability litigation. Together, the team has built a relationship that continues to create value far beyond a single matter through talent development, pro bono service, and strategic counseling.

Young Lawyer of the Year (Beyond Practice): Charles Cain – Winner

Charles Cain, a Marine officer and Afghanistan War veteran, received the Young Lawyer of the Year (Beyond Practice) award in recognition of his founding and leadership of the firm’s Afghan immigration pro bono program assisting America’s wartime allies. His recognition reflects his leadership in creating an Afghan representation pipeline, strengthening veteran transition resources, and developing mentoring structures that support attorneys balancing their legal careers with military service.

The firm was a finalist for five other awards, including:

Litigator of the Year – Thomas Melsheimer. Tom served as lead trial counsel in the successful defense of ExxonMobil in a decade-long securities class action involving approximately $3 billion in alleged damages, securing a complete defense verdict – a victory that was also a finalist for Best Provider Collaboration. He also represented a Dallas developer in the retrial of an indictment for public corruption resulting in an acquittal on all counts.
Best Provider Collaboration – ExxonMobil Securities Class Action Trial Win. The ExxonMobil verdict stands as a model of best-in-class provider collaboration. In a legal landscape where securities class actions of this magnitude almost never proceed to trial – and where complete defense verdicts are rarer still – a unified team of lawyers from King & Spalding, Paul Weiss, and Latham & Watkins secured a decisive and historic victory following a two-week jury trial.
Best Corporate Practice: Energy. With market-leading capabilities spanning conventional and renewable power, LNG, oil and gas, hydrogen and alternative fuels, King & Spalding was selected for combining transactional strength with deep regulatory, policy, and tax experience to guide clients through transformational investments and complex energy deals.
Best Corporate Practice: Small/Midcap Deals. The firm was recognized for its creative structuring, cross-border execution, and multidisciplinary experience that helps clients navigate complex, high-stakes transactions across the middle market.
Best Mentor: Law Firm – Heather Saul. Heather’s selection honored her years investing in younger lawyers by teaching the “why” behind the work, trusting them with opportunities to grow, and creating an environment where they feel supported both professionally and personally.

The annual awards program recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions by individuals, law firms, and legal departments across various practice areas and specialties.

To view the entire list of winners, please see here.

Related Capabilities

Securities & Corporate Litigation Class Actions Commercial Litigation Product Liability Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Energy Oil, Gas & Chemicals Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Life Sciences & Healthcare