Delaware litigation head Joseph Larkin was recognized by The American Lawyer as a Litigator of the Week for leading a team of Skadden lawyers, including corporate restructuring partner Ron Meisler and M&A partner Richard West, in connection with the firm’s recent work relating to 23andMe’s bankruptcy sale.
Skadden successfully represented TTAM Research Institute and Anne Wojcicki, the founder and former CEO of 23andMe, in defeating three emergency motions filed by the state of California to block the sale of 23andMe. These victories, secured within just five days, culminated in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit’s July 11 decision denying California’s request for a stay pending appeal.
In a Q&A with The American Lawyer, Mr. Larkin described the fast pace of the litigation and the collaborative nature of the work. “Our litigation teams have spent the majority of their careers working on high-stakes, expedited matters in the Delaware Court of Chancery and other courts throughout the country,” he said. “We function as a unit and we are synced up with our deal teams from very early on in the process. So we know what we have to do, and most importantly, how to do it. … We are built for this. It’s the Skadden way.”
Mr. Larkin also discussed the importance of the result. “From our perspective, we were able to deliver a phenomenal outcome for our client that will benefit all stakeholders involved. That is a rare and gratifying win in litigation, where there are inevitably winners and losers. Here, everyone wins.”
Read the Q&A: “Litigators of the Week: Getting 23andMe’s Bankruptcy Sale Past the Finish Line,” July 18, 2025.