National rapid-response injunction team members mobilize to quickly protect clients in emergency court battles
WASHINGTON — Oct. 22, 2026 — BakerHostetler announced the launch of its Emergency Equitable Relief team, reorganizing and nationally supporting courtroom work that the firm’s litigators have performed for decades. Formed in response to client reports of increased injunction activity, the team includes attorneys across the U.S. who are prepared to appear in court at a moment’s notice to seek or oppose temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and other emergency remedies.
Known also as the Injunction SWAT Team, the group draws on the more than 420 trial attorneys in 18 U.S. offices from BakerHostetler’s Chambers-ranked Litigation Practice Group. The team leverages the firm’s national footprint, with local, experienced injunction teams, ready to actively respond to a client’s need for quick courtroom action.
BakerHostetler has extensive experience handling emergency proceedings. Although many firms have established appellate teams, which is where most cases finish, it is the first known major law firm to formally establish a team dedicated to where a case often starts.
“Even though many big-ticket litigations may last for years, winning day one and week one can be the most important thing in a case. Our litigators have decades of experience obtaining and defeating emergency relief in high-stakes disputes,” said Steven Dettelbach, chair of BakerHostetler’s Litigation Practice Group. “As our clients both need and face more emergency applications with significant business consequences, this team brings together the courtroom experience, boots on the ground and industry knowledge needed to act or respond quickly and decisively.”
BakerHostetler regularly assists clients with urgent relief measures to safeguard business operations, trade secrets, confidential information, intellectual property and professional relationships. These matters often involve breaches of commercial agreements or restrictive covenants, noncompete disputes, false advertising claims, corporate governance conflicts, ownership and control challenges, allegations of unfair competition and media-related cases, among other disputes. This team allows BakerHostetler to further leverage its best-in-class Digital Assets and Data Management, Labor and Employment and Intellectual Property practice groups, whose members work seamlessly with litigators to address client emergencies.
“These disputes are often contentious and carry immediate operational risk,” said S. Derek Bauer, co-leader of the Emergency Equitable Relief team. “A favorable result at this stage can shape the trajectory of the litigation. Our team acts swiftly and strategically to protect critical business interests, safeguard our clients’ rights, prevent irreparable harm and challenge emergency applications that threaten operations.”
“Effective representation in a TRO or preliminary injunction proceeding requires immediate action, strong trial skills and a clear strategy,” said Jacqueline Romero, co-leader of the Emergency Equitable Relief team and former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “We assess the risks, identify the right legal approach and assemble attorneys with the industry knowledge, subject matter experience and courtroom skills the dispute demands.”
“Success in emergency proceedings often depends on understanding court-specific procedures, timing requirements and judicial expectations,” said Victoria L. Weatherford, co-leader of the team. “With attorneys in 18 offices who regularly practice in key state and federal courts all over the country, we can provide locally informed representation wherever these disputes arise.”
Examples of recent matters handled by the BakerHostetler team are available at Emergency Equitable Relief | BakerHostetler.
With more than 420 litigators in offices coast to coast, BakerHostetler’s Litigation Practice Group represents market-leading clients in virtually every type of case and proceeding nationally and around the world. The group’s roster of litigators includes former prosecutors, veteran civil trial attorneys, past in-house litigators and former agency heads and enforcement officials from various government agencies. Recognized as a go-to law firm for its deep bench, commitment to client needs and tenacity, and named by BTI as “Most Feared in Litigation” for five years, BakerHostetler’s Litigation Practice Group successfully protects clients in and out of the courtroom. For more information, visit bakerlaw.com/Litigation. Connect with us on LinkedIn at @BakerHostetler, @SteveDettelbach, @DerekBauer, @JacquelineRomero and @VictoriaWeatherford or on X at @BakerHostetler.
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About BakerHostetler
BakerHostetler helps clients around the world address their most complex and critical business and regulatory issues. Our highly ranked attorneys deliver sophisticated counsel and outstanding client service. We have six core practice groups — Business, Digital Assets and Data Management, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Litigation and Tax — and more than 1,000 attorneys coast to coast. For more information, visit bakerlaw.com.
