Chambers USA and Chambers Global Honor Duane Morris Attorneys

Chambers and PartnersDuane Morris' practice groups received 20 citations for excellence in Chambers USA: 2010, and Duane Morris attorneys received an additional 69. The following excerpts from Chambers can also be found at www.chambersandpartners.com.

Antitrust

Pennsylvania

Wayne Mack co-heads Duane Morris LLP's commercial, securities and antitrust division. He has an excellent reputation for antitrust counseling and litigation on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants. He regularly acts for clients in the healthcare sector and advised on antitrust issues arising from a joint venture between Adventist Health Systems and University Community Hospital in Florida.

Banking and Finance

Illinois

This firm has extensive experience in representing banks, savings associations, insurance companies and credit unions. It provides counsel on a broad range of regulatory, legislative and business law matters, including expansion and restructuring transactions, domestic and international M&A and strategic divestitures.

Kenneth Latimer has more than 30 years of experience representing secured and unsecured lenders in a variety of financing transactions.

Brian P. Kerwin acts for lenders, private equity funds and entrepreneurs in financing transactions.

Pennsylvania

This firm represents a balanced mix of lenders and borrowers in a range of complex financial transactions. It is also active in the public finance arena, where it acts for a number of municipal bond issuers. The banking and finance team is supported by the firm's stellar bankruptcy practice. In spite of the current economic climate, the firm continues to attract lending work, particularly in the alternative energy sector.

Dianne Meyer is chair of the firm's commercial finance practice group and has expertise in secured and unsecured commercial lending and municipal finance. She represented PNC Bank in two letters of credit, aggregating $145 million for a Pennsylvania hospital. Clients report that "she is solution-oriented and keeps transactions moving forward."

Bankruptcy/Restructuring

Delaware

Michael Lastowski of Duane Morris LLP is praised as "a diligent, smart and seasoned bankruptcy lawyer with polished litigation skills."

Massachusetts

This strong team advises on national bankruptcy and cross-border insolvency cases, insurance company receiverships and the enforcement of creditors' rights, and negotiates and drafts out-of-court financial restructuring transactions. Clients include Harvard Clinical Technologies, financier Rockland Trust and private investment firm CrossHarbor Capital Partners.

Sources Say: "A high-caliber shop whose lawyers have a good depth of experience and knowledge."

Paul Moore advises on business reorganization, loan workouts, bankruptcy and litigation and is considered "a smart, tough lawyer with a fantastic intellect."

New Jersey

Walter Greenhalgh is regarded as the go-to bankruptcy attorney at Duane Morris LLP. Sources commend him as "not only a skilled bankruptcy lawyer, but a skilled litigator, which can be of crucial importance."

Pennsylvania

This firm's Philadelphia bankruptcy group competes for work on a national basis. It is traditionally known for its creditors' rights practice, but has since expanded its client base to include debtors and trustees. The group represented Société Générale in connection with claims brought by Adelphia Recovery Trust; it also represented UBS as agent for syndicated credit facilities in the Leiner Health Products Chapter 11 case.

Sources Say: "The bankruptcy team has talented attorneys and is dedicated to client service."

Margery Reed is "top drawer ? in fact she's at the top of the top drawer." She is representing pre-petition and post-petition insurers of large companies, including Chrysler and Lehman Brothers Holdings, in a number of substantial Chapter 11 cases.

John Horstmann has a highly regarded workouts practice. Clients value his "wealth of experience and unique way of simplifying complex issues."

Lawrence Kotler is "bright and hard-working, with excellent oral and written skills." He acts for creditor, debtor and trustee clients on a range of bankruptcy and restructuring issues.

Rudolph Di Massa chairs the firm's business reorganization and financial restructuring group and specializes in commercial litigation and creditors' rights. One interviewee reports: "He is an astute negotiator, who knows how to get the best deal for a client."

James Holman provides "thoughtful and strategic advice" and has substantial experience in commercial finance and bankruptcy law.

Capital Markets: REITs

National

Douglas Lubelchek of Duane Morris LLP "has a lot of knowledge and expertise" in public and private REIT matters, and is particularly noted for his work on joint ventures.

Construction

National

This firm is equally adept at handling both noncontentious and contentious issues. It acts for a variety of public and private owners, developers and managers, and regularly advises contractors, suppliers, design professionals and sureties. Its New York office was strengthened in 2008 with the acquisition of the former Thelen New York construction team, and its national network of offices also covers Washington, D.C., Illinois and California.

Sources Say: "This group produces consistently good results. It's definitely a team that you want on your side of the table!"

Philadelphia-based Robert Prentice leads the construction department and has decades of experience in litigation, arbitration, mediation and contract preparation.

Illinois

A strong national practice forms the backdrop for this respected group, which deals with transactions and litigation arising from the design, development, financing and management of major private and public projects. The firm continues to make strong headway in the local market.

Sources Say: "Fine lawyers who can handle anything you throw at them."

Charles Lewis represents general contractors and owners in a range of construction matters. He is increasingly admired for his performance as an arbitrator and mediator in large, complex cases. Interviewees respect him as "a very good guy, very knowledgeable."

New York

This team is praised for its adept handling of complex transactional, litigation, mediation and arbitration-related construction matters. It has an impressively deep bench and offers a comprehensive range of expertise. Clients include owners, developers, managers, contractors, equipment suppliers, architects and engineers.

Sources Say: "An accessible and responsive firm that has the respect of peers and produces consistently excellent results for clients."

Admiring clients say that "the best way" to describe Allen Ross is "that he just is construction." He has a vast amount of experience in the area, including litigation, as well as real estate law. He recently acted for Forest City Ratner Companies in a dispute relating to the East River Plaza project.

Frederick Cohen receives accolades for his construction litigation practice. He regularly acts for a variety of public- and private-sector owner-developers, nonprofits, contractors and sureties, and advises on construction contracts for hospitals, university halls of residence, office buildings and high-rise residential buildings.

Richard Dyer covers the full range of transactional and contentious construction issues and has recently advised on the $200 million Milford Plaza Hotel renovation.

Arthur Silverman focuses on construction law matters, including litigation. He regularly acts for a combination of owners, developers, lenders, institutions, managers, contractors and designers.

Ken Lazaruk is "a seasoned professional who is reliable, responsive and accurate in his advice and representation." He is a construction law and litigation specialist, and has recently advised World Trade Center Properties on the construction aspects of its office-tower developments.

Washington, D.C.

Dan Toomey of Duane Morris LLP is "an unerringly capable and experienced trial lawyer" focused on construction and government contracts matters.

His colleague Tamara McNulty is a LEED-accredited professional and enters the tables this year following praise of her "thorough and detailed style" and her expertise in construction, government contracts and surety matters.

Corporate/M&A/Private Equity/Venture Capital

Illinois

This midmarket practice is adept at advising on corporate transactions for private equity funds and both public and private companies across the United States. Its experience of traditional acquisitions and the sale of portfolio companies is balanced out by work for entrepreneurs, particularly in the venture capital space. A good proportion of its recent workload has had cross-border and international aspects.

M&A, private equity and securitization specialist David Kaufman has recently focused on acquisitions, including one on behalf of Great Lakes Equity Partners. "He is skilled in negotiation, and understanding the nuances of documentation," say clients.

Brian Kerwin is "exceptionally good at dealing with opposing counsel and getting the deal closed." His practice is evenly divided between finance and corporate work.

Maryland

Jay Cohen receives praise for being "bright, amazingly responsive and focused on legal issues." In addition to local work, he frequently acts in transactions with an international aspect, involving regions such as the Persian Gulf and the Middle East.

Pennsylvania

This firm has offices in the United States, Asia and Europe. It has a broad practice, which encompasses M&A, venture capital, private equity and securities law. In recent times, the Pennsylvania team has been involved in a number of international transactions, working with Asian and European companies looking to make acquisitions in the United States. The Pennsylvania office has strength in a number of sectors, such as financial services, telecom, pharmaceutical and medical.

Sources Say: "This firm has real clout and is cost-effective."

Kathleen Shay is "practical, straightforward and provides good business advice." She has experience in a variety of corporate transactions, particularly those involving venture capital financing and the pharmaceutical industry. She advised Psyadon Pharmaceuticals on the licensing of a clinical-stage pharmaceutical project from Schering-Plough and on a recapitalization by New Enterprise Associates.

Richard Silfen has expertise in M&A and securities law. He recently advised Jaguar Capital Partners on a number of private equity acquisitions.

David Toner previously worked for a pharmaceutical company and focuses on M&A and other corporate transactions in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Clients report that he is "practical and has a good understanding of business issues."

John Coogan receives praise for his directness and "great commercial instincts." His practice spans M&A, securities offerings and venture capital.

Texas

Charles Harrell is "a practical and highly experienced lawyer who can handle complex issues well." His practice is focused on corporate transactions, M&A, capital markets and corporate governance.

Energy and Natural Resources

National

Sheila Slocum Hollis has been a presence in federal energy regulation for several decades and represents developers, energy companies, RTOs and merchant transmission in the full range of FERC matters. Clients appreciate her rapport with the regulators, legislators and other government personnel, as well as her "gregariousness and pleasantness, which always helps get things done."

Environment

New Jersey

Lawrence Diamond is a noted environmental litigation specialist, who also heads up the firm's Puerto Rican practice. He works on enforcement, compliance and permitting issues and business transactions.

Healthcare

National

Joanne Erde is applauded for her reimbursement expertise and is regarded as one of the leading healthcare lawyers on the East Coast. She advises a number of providers on Medicare and Medicaid matters.

Florida

This relatively compact but impressive group punches above its weight due to the excellent quality of the lawyers. It can draw on significant firmwide expertise and resources in the healthcare arena to provide clients with seamless service in regulatory and transactional matters, reimbursement and contract and commercial litigation.

Sources Say: "The lawyers are responsive, candid, concise and successful."

Joanne Erde is highly regarded as "one of the best on the East Coast for reimbursement issues." Her practice also covers Medicare and Medicaid disputes, and regulatory, compliance and false claim-related matters. Notable cases include acting for various hospitals in Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigations concerning emergency department billing practices. Clients describe her as a tough negotiator who is "direct, creative and solution-oriented."

Nanette O'Donnell is especially strong on the managed care side, representing national hospital systems and local hospitals, and advising on federal and state antikickback regulations. She has "a well-rounded, practical approach" to complex healthcare matters, according to interviewees. Recent work includes providing healthcare regulatory advice to large physician group practices. Clients value her ability to "drill through the legal jargon and identify business opportunities and concerns." She is also recommended for coupling a deep understanding of the dynamics of the south Florida marketplace with a good awareness of national trends.

Illinois

This firm offers wide-ranging expertise in healthcare law. It advises hospitals, physicians groups, nonprofit and for-profit organizations on regulatory and corporate issues, commercial litigation and taxation matters. As well as having a strong trial practice, the team is active in the pharmaceutical sector and certificate of need-related work. The firm provides counsel for SavaSeniorCare in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Nicholas Lynn heads up the healthcare practice in Illinois. His main areas of focus are pharmaceutical law, healthcare litigation and regulatory compliance matters.

Insurance

National

This well-established group has bolstered its East Coast presence with the acquisition of several lawyers from the now dissolved WolfBlock firm in Philadelphia. Over 100 insurance lawyers across the country and in London have served as counsel to various property/casualty insurance companies, life insurance companies and reinsurance entities. Clients praise the caliber of the team, particularly its practitioners in New York.

Sources Say: "They give good analysis, understand the issues, know when to push and when to cut to the chase."

General civil and insurance litigator Philip Matthews has acted on a number of complex cases, including Texaco's environmental coverage litigation. He is held in high esteem by peers who describe him as "a talented litigator who knows insurance inside and out."

Andrew Gordon has been lead trial and defense counsel in a number of significant complex insurance-coverage matters in a variety of western states.

The experienced and well-regarded Richard Seabolt maintains a strong practice in complex insurance litigation.

Senior statesman Thomas Newman has experience of a broad range of insurance and reinsurance matters, including coverage, claims handling, contract drafting, arbitration and litigation.

California

Duane Morris has a strong bench of litigators with extensive jury trial, appellate and alternative dispute resolution experience, who act for some of the biggest names in the insurance industry. The firm specializes in complex insurance disputes involving professional liability and construction defect issues. A recent highlight was the representation of Universal Underwriters Insurance Company in a case with Cardirect.com concerning coverage for statutory privacy violations.

Sources Say: "Duane Morris has great lawyers doing great work, which is what you want to see as a client."

Richard Seabolt is a trial lawyer with over three decades' experience in commercial insurance litigation. He "is very highly regarded by both lawyers and judges," and has recently been representing Republic Indemnity in a case involving compensation issues.

Philip Matthews is known for his general civil litigation and insurance counseling expertise. He advises on products versus non-products issues and is "one of the smartest and hardest-working attorneys you'll find."

Andrew Gordon works on complex insurance disputes, and often represents insurers issuing property and D&O policies in coverage disputes. He served as lead counsel for RJ Kiln in litigation against The San Francisco Hotel Group concerning the rescission of a policy due to misrepresentation/nondisclosure.

Max Stern is [chair] of the insurance sub-group. His practice covers a variety of issues in the professional liability arena, including workers' compensation and personal injury. He "is a good, strong lawyer with a lot of experience," according to sources, and recently acted for Universal Underwriters Insurance Company in a complex coverage matter.

Ray Wong is a general commercial litigator skilled in handling the most complex matters on behalf of insurance firms. He is regarded as a go-to attorney for liability issues relating to asbestos and pollution claims. He is also sought after for his skills as a mediator and arbitrator.

Intellectual Property

Georgia

This team's practice spans patent, trademark and copyright work. It has a significant presence in patent litigation and is particularly noted for its experience and expertise in the pharmaceutical sector. The group recently acted for EarthLink in two successful contentious patent matters.

Sources Say: "This attentive team gives practical and pragmatic advice."

Louis Norwood Jameson is praised for "his ability to articulate a case in clear fashion; he provides persuasive advocacy, both oral and written." He heads the IP litigation group and has a broad contentious practice.

Matthew Gaudet specializes in patent litigation.

Massachusetts

Michael Gottfried handles trademark, patent and copyright infringement matters and obtained a permanent injunction for Amgen against Hoffmann-La Roche after trial, which was upheld on appeal to the Federal Circuit.

Pennsylvania

This firm has strength in contentious and noncontentious IP law. IP litigators in the Philadelphia office have seen an uptick in patent litigation and have recently represented a number of generic drug manufacturers. The firm has patent attorneys with expertise in biosciences, materials, chemicals, polymers, electronics and telecoms.

Peter Cronk is "an acutely intelligent attorney who commands respect." He advises on a wide range of contentious and noncontentious IP issues, with an emphasis on patent prosecution. He acted for CertainTeed in relation to its joint development agreement with Energy Conversion Devices.

Immigration

Washington, D.C.

This impressive corporate firm is home to one of the leading immigration practices in Washington, D.C., offering a truly all-encompassing service. The group has a broad and varied client base, spanning Fortune 500 companies, privately held companies and startups. It has a tremendous business immigration practice, but unlike many of its counterparts, it also advises individuals (including foreign investors) on immigration matters. In addition, the team excels at handling deportation cases. This aspect of the practice was substantially strengthened by the recent arrivals of Andres Benach and Thomas Ragland from Maggio & Kattar.

Sources Say: "There isn't another firm in DC that can handle complicated federal immigration litigation quite like these guys."

Denyse Sabagh is a "deeply caring attorney who takes a personal interest in her clients." She has achieved iconic status in the field and is regarded as "the mover and shaker" of the firm's immigration practice. Her "creativity, energy and assertiveness" have attracted widespread praise, as has her pragmatism. "She has a good sense of when and where to push and when to pick her battles," observes one commentator.

Andres Benach has added weight and greater depth to the practice with his expertise in deportation and asylum issues. He has won widespread respect for his work in the area and is a favorite among peers when it comes to referring high-profile deportation cases.

Labor and Employment

Georgia

Duane Morris has expanded its national labor and employment base in recent years, and its Atlanta practice continues to go from strength to strength. Areas of expertise include employment litigation, particularly discrimination and wage-and-hour cases, as well as OHSA law and traditional labor law. It counts American Mills among its clients.

Sources Say: "These attorneys are a pleasure to deal with. They take the time to really get to know their clients and can distill complex legal issues to their essence."

Joseph Ciucci is "extremely bright, well prepared, appropriately aggressive and committed to his clients." His comprehensive practice sees him providing advice across the spectrum of labor and employment law. He is particularly esteemed for his single-plaintiff litigation advice to employers.

Terry Finnerty wins plaudits for his "impressive strategic input, extensive employment litigation experience and clear focus on client service."

Pennsylvania

This labor and employment group has recently grown with the addition of a number of lawyers from WolfBlock. It has seen an increase in employment work as clients downsize and those who are laid off pursue litigation. The labor practice has been busy with collective bargaining and unfair labor-practice charges. The firm also has a strong immigration practice.

Sources Say: "These attorneys put the client first and dedicate themselves to quality."

Thomas Servodidio is "excellent at strategy and planning, so the client is never taken by surprise." He chairs the firm's employment, labor, benefits and immigration practice and focuses on counseling, employment litigation and traditional labor law.

Litigation

New Jersey

Gregory Haworth of Duane Morris LLP is noted for his work on real estate and financial sector-related disputes.

Pennsylvania

This firm has recently strengthened its litigation group with the arrival of a number of lawyers from WolfBlock. It now has 87 litigation attorneys across its Pennsylvania offices. The firm has expertise in a number of litigation areas, including insurance, construction, securities, IP, real estate and class actions. It also has a well-regarded white-collar criminal defense practice.

Sources Say: "This firm adapts quickly to the demands of litigation and offers solutions that are compatible with business strategies."

John Soroko is chair of the firm and specializes in corporate and securities litigation. "He has a tremendous reputation that is backed up by his achievements as a lawyer."

Matthew Taylor chairs the firm's litigation practice and has experience in a wide variety of civil litigation. He is currently representing SAP America in a case against CL Financial involving the breach of a licensing agreement. According to one client, "[H]e is very responsive and is able to see the bigger picture."

Dana Klinges was chair of WolfBlock's litigation group. She has expertise in class actions and litigation concerning the financial services. She is defending a state agency and state officials against a taxpayer attempt to enjoin the award of contracts worth $632 million for three prison projects.

David Landau is also a former WolfBlock attorney and has a good reputation for IP, employment and commercial litigation.

Real Estate

Illinois

Douglas Lubelchek has moved over from Neal Gerber and specializes in complex transactions.

Maryland

Thomas Totten is highly recommended by peers for his work in real estate development and finance. His prior career as an urban planner is a further boost to his in-depth expertise in this area.

Pennsylvania

This firm's Philadelphia real estate group handles all matters relating to acquisitions and dispositions, financing, development, leasing, restructuring and zoning. It also has a strong eminent domain and land-value litigation practice.

Sources Say: "This firm understands how our business works, understands how our transactions work and even understands how our clients work."

Drew K. Kapur and George Kroculick specialize in eminent domain and land-value disputes. Kapur frequently acts for Daibes Enterprises and its affiliates in connection with condemnation matters. Clients say: "Whether there is good news or bad, he always offers creative solutions to advance our cause." Kroculick has obtained settlements totaling $7 million on two properties for ExxonMobil.

Marc Brookman is "knowledgeable, unflappable and persistent in fighting for his client." He is best known for his development practice and is advising Las Vegas Sands on a mixed-use development that will consist of a casino, a hotel and accessory restaurants and retail.

David Augustin focuses on transactional real estate matters, including financing, workouts, leasing and development. Clients say: "He does the work to a high quality without needing the razzle-dazzle of being told how great he is ? a really refreshing approach."