Chambers USA Honors Duane Morris Attorneys
Duane Morris' practice groups received 15 citations for excellence from Chambers USA: 2007. The book also cited 36 individual Duane Morris attorneys. The following excerpts from Chambers can also be found at www.chambersandpartners.com.
Antitrust
Pennsylvania
The Firm: This growing, ten-attorney practice is recognized for its expertise in antitrust counseling and class actions. Much of the firm's antitrust work is drawn from its loyal stable of healthcare clients, while it also represents a large volume of dealership clients. Recent examples include advising Adventis Health System and settling an antitrust case for plaintiff Diamond International in the Detroit Diesel litigation.
The Lawyers: "Polished writer" Wayne Mack "has a great handle on the law and knows how to express it," according to clients.
Clients/Work Highlights: Clients include Lehigh Valley Hospital, Adventis Health System and Lancaster General Hospital.
Banking & Finance
Illinois
The Firm: The banking and finance group at this firm competes with the bigger operations in the Midwest through utilizing its nationwide network of offices and experience. The individuals in the Chicago office represent financial institutions, commercial banks, insurance and finance companies, investment banks and asset managers in a number of transactions. Areas of particular strength include arranging acquisition finance, syndicated loan transactions, agented multi-lender transactions, mezzanine financing and real estate acquisition and construction loans. The team's headline deals include a $350 million financing for which it acted for the lead bank, and a syndicated $100 million acquisition facility.
The Lawyers: Brian Kerwin is a corporate and finance lawyer who handles deals from inception to completion, acting for all manner of banks, companies and private equity funds. His dynamic presence in the finance community of Chicago sees him attracting work from the likes of LaSalle Bank and Fifth Third Bank. "Fine lawyer," Kenneth Latimer has developed a reputation for excellence around the city, notably for his work in real estate finance, an area in which he represents both borrowers and lenders. He is also adept at construction as well as asset-based lending and letters of credit. An example of a typical deal would include acting for banks in providing a facility for the construction of a 50-story condominium in downtown Chicago.
Clients/Work Highlights: Northern Trust; AA Capital Partners; Lake Forest Bank & Trust and Alpine Investors.
Pennsylvania
The Firm: The breadth of talent and "the array of resources that the firm brings to the table" leave clients favorably impressed. The firm's commercial finance group, in which banking and finance is included, draws together attorneys from a number of practice areas, and clients benefit from this sharing of expertise and the wide scope of resources on offer. There are 16 dedicated banking lawyers in the Philadelphia office. One international client remarked: "I am putting a lot of faith in this Philadelphia firm, but it always pays off."
The Lawyers: Chair of the firm's corporate practice group, John Horstmann's extensive experience in bankruptcy extends to general financing and even M&A transactions. Horstmann has a highly developed international practice, including a number of important European clients such as Volvo. He is defined by one client as "the most amazing lawyer I've ever worked with, and I've worked with many including senior partners from most of the leading law firms." Horstmann's negotiating style also comes in for client praise: "John made it so that we can simplify agreements and negotiate by thinking about what is probable and what is possible." Another commentator enthused: "I've literally recommended him to thousands of people." Dianne Meyer is commended by clients for her ability to "guide us through the process" and her "excellent negotiation skills." One noted: "She always helps me with ideas and where I should focus my attention." Recent highlights for Meyer include working on credit transactions enhancing tax-exempt bonds for a number of healthcare providers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Clients/Work Highlights: Société Générale Securities; Volvo Construction Equipment; Chubb Federal Insurance and Philadelphia Zoo.
Bankruptcy/Restructuring
Massachusetts
The Firm: With a "long-standing profile" in the region's bankruptcy work, this small, established Boston team is able to draw on a significant national strength and a well-earned solid reputation. Sources stated that "it certainly impressed us on the debtor side," with a particular skill at "finding different and less obvious ways at helping its debtors out of bankruptcy." With a strong Delaware office, the firm also attracts a number of regional clients wishing to file for bankruptcy in Delaware. Clients were impressed with its attention to detail, commenting: "All of the paperwork is of an exceptionally high standard."
The Lawyers: A "smart, effective, go-to guy," Paul Moore is acknowledged as a specialist in the region's smaller debtor cases. Clients were impressed with his ability to "quickly be in control of the situation," stating they were "very pleased with his work and with the relationships he brought to the table." While seen as "a cerebral guy who understands the ins and outs," his aggressive approach also proved popular with clients.
Clients/Work Highlights: Recent major highlights include representing Chrysalis Capital Partners in the acquisition of Plymouth Rubber. The group is also involved with litigation relating to the Foss Manufacturing Chapter 11 case.
Pennsylvania
The firm is ranked in the 1st tier.
The Firm: Hailed as the "preeminent bankruptcy practice in the state," this team won plaudits from clients for its "deep talent and versatility - there is a great comfort in knowing that whichever lawyer we deal with will be competent and experienced." Ten of the nationwide firm's 40 bankruptcy attorneys are based in Pennsylvania and are well versed in advising a national and international client base of creditors, debtors and creditors' committees. Clients marveled at the firm's "great collegial culture" and the seamless service on offer: "The attorneys cooperate closely in order to ensure the most practical and business-friendly legal advice is provided." Recent work includes representing ACE in Delta Air Lines' bankruptcy litigation in New York, and the team has also been advising a number of mortgagees involved in the Winn-Dixie bankruptcy.
The Lawyers: Clients could "not be more impressed" with senior statesman David Sykes. "Bright, charismatic and highly skilled," he is deeply experienced in bankruptcy matters, and interviewees marveled at his "amazing knowledge - he has handled every type of insolvency situation you can imagine, so he knows the law and has seen it all." He was described by clients as "an articulate and credible advocate," and they further extolled his "thoughtful, careful and responsive approach and excellent courtroom demeanor." Current president of the American College of Bankruptcy, Sykes regularly serves as an expert witness and represents clients in bankruptcy litigations and arbitrations, in addition to handling out-of-court restructurings. "No-nonsense and objective-driven," Skip Di Massa won warm client praise for his "creative thinking and great integrity." His practice focuses on representing secured creditors and lenders, and he has also recently been defending a professional malpractice lawsuit concerning a bankruptcy. Peers and clients agreed that Di Massa is "a zealous advocate, but always a problem solver rather than a bomb-thrower - he is successful in complicated matters as he is levelheaded and has a good head for business." John Horstmann manages a national and international practice, advising large corporations and financial institutions on bankruptcy litigation and out-of-court restructurings. Recent highlights include representing the insolvent MuscleTech Research and Development on reorganization following litigation arising from a failed line of products. "Efficient, hard working and reasonable," Margery Reed was recommended by clients for her "common sense and pertinent advice - she has a very practical grasp of the business implications of the law and is accessible to us day and night." Peers applauded her "strong negotiation skills and zealous representation of her clients' best interests." Based in Philadelphia, Reed's practice is national in scope and focuses on lender and other creditor representation in bankruptcy cases and workouts. Credited with excellent negotiation skills and a deep knowledge of the law, Lawrence Kotler is widely admired for his bankruptcy expertise, particularly in secured and other creditor and debtor representation. He has recently been occupied with representing secured creditors Société Générale in the Adelphia Communications bankruptcy, and has also been involved in the Hatteras Reinsurance bankruptcy.
Clients/Work Highlights: ACE; Bank of America; Capmark Financial Group; CNA Insurance Group; Deutsche Bank; Federal Insurance Company; GE; PNC Financial Services Group; UBS and Wachovia.
Construction
Illinois
Charles Lewis has moved to Duane Morris but his practice, which focuses mainly on general contractors, remains similar. The "super litigator" has continued to represent one of Chicago's largest hospitals on the construction of its new $400 million women's hospital. He also represented a general contractor regarding two private projects totaling $9 billion.
Corporate/M&A/Private Equity
Pennsylvania
The Firm: Clients point to the "versatility" of this large Philadelphia stalwart as "key to our business practice." The firm has engaged in slow and steady growth, bringing in key lawyers with specific business bases in securities and corporate law rather than engaging in large-scale mergers. The group is communication-oriented and clients point to both its "competency and superb service" as reasons for turning to the firm. Clients characterize Duane Morris "as ranking up there with New York firms."
The Lawyers: Peers characterize Kathleen Shay as "a lawyer who is strong technically and gets deals done." She is seen to have "a good profile in the venture capital and early stage companies community," and sources also revealed her to be "very service-oriented and a counselor as well as a legal adviser." David Toner wins praise as "a no-spin type of attorney, who is practical and pragmatic." Clients like the fact that he finds the right solution with the right amount of time and billing: "He gives you advice that you pay for instead of advice so that his firm can keep on billing you. He is client-focused, honest and direct."
Clients/Work Highlights: The firm represented Centocor in the sale of its diagnostics business to Japanese company Fujirebo Diagnostics, and was involved in the sale of the largest pest control business in the USA to Rentokil Initial in a deal worth $142 million. The firm also advises a number of life science and early stage companies.
Texas
Clients admire the "cost-effective and rather bright" Charles Harrell, who leads the two-year-old Texas corporate team of Duane Morris LLP. The former Weil, Gotshal & Manges attorney enjoys a healthy workload of M&A and corporate finance transactions. He acted for NuCoastal in a reverse merger estimated at approximately $200 million.
Georgia
Philip Thompson of Duane Morris LLP enters the rankings this year following glowing feedback from clients. Sources commended his "ability to get to the crux of the problem and find simple solutions." Interviewees also praised his honest style, stating that "he is willing to provide a little dose of reality," but always retains a "tactful touch in delicate negotiations." Thompson practices M&A on a national scale, and recently organized private equity investment in a London-based film production company for a group of non-US private equity funds.
Employment
Pennsylvania
"His desire to win buoys us up as clients and manifests itself in an extraordinary work ethic," is how one client defines the appeal of Thomas Servodidio at Duane Morris LLP. Another noted: "His guidance always leads to positive results which is all you can ask for."
Energy & Natural Resources
Georgia
The Firm: Duane Morris is "always in tune with the needs of the corporate client," according to interviewees. In response to the revival of nuclear energy in Georgia, the firm has formed a nuclear practice group consisting of lawyers with hands-on nuclear experience and several nuclear engineers in the Washington, D.C. office. Matters handled by the team include the design, construction and everyday operation of nuclear plants. The Atlanta office is the hub of the firm's power plants and electricity practice. The team also possesses abundant experience in LNG and water rights, and has a growing renewables practice. Much of its time has been absorbed by its role representing Williams Group International in high-profile litigation relating to gas plants. The energy team attracts praise from clients for its national coverage and efficient use of resources. One source enthused: "It does an excellent job of locating the appropriate lawyers from across the country."
The Lawyers: Chuck Whitney is currently handling a major acquisition for Rollcast Energy, and is also representing Williams Group International in litigation. He enjoys a nationwide practice representing clients on nuclear issues. According to clients, Whitney "always gives great advice." His business background is also a valuable asset for clients. In the words of one interviewee, "he has spent time on the business side so knows the issue we are facing and how the industry works."
Clients/Work Highlights: The firm represents municipal and investor-owned utilities, industrial companies and associations. Williams Group International, Rollcast Energy and Texas Genco feature on the firm's client list.
Environment
New Jersey
The Firm: "Capable and solid," this dependable firm is applauded for its "great client focus." The firm has recently been successful in representing GE in resolving waste water permit compliance issues in the Virgin Islands.
The Lawyers: Lawrence Diamond is "highly creative" and has "a lot of experience with the department of the EPA." Brought in by Tyco to break an impasse in negotiations with EPA/DOJ to resolve an enforcement proceeding for alleged non-compliance with air toxic emission standards, Diamond persuaded the government to reduce its demand by 40% and a settlement ensued.
Clients/Work Highlights: The firm was successful in resolving wastewater permit compliance issues in the Virgin Islands for GE. The team has also defended entities including Tyco International and Veolia Water in environment-related lawsuits.
Healthcare
Florida
The Firm: Interviewees consider the healthcare department within this firm to be continuing to raise its profile, particularly within the Southern Florida market. The past twelve months have seen a number of lateral hires, adding luster to the group, particularly on the transactional side. The "finely tuned" practice specializes in acting for hospitals, physicians and post-acute care industries. For these it regularly undertakes insurance reimbursement, physician-hospital transactions, the sale/acquisition of facility assets and regulatory compliance work. The team receives further praise for its fraud and abuse and healthcare litigation proficiency and is applauded by clients for it's "around-the-clock availability."
The Lawyers: Sources are in unison in describing Joanne Erde as "top of the pile" in handling healthcare reimbursement issues. A "real straight talker," clients appreciate her "down-to-earth and direct nature." Another principle area of concentration comes in the form of regulatory matters arising within the Medicare and Medicaid area, and she has been involved in a number of large-dollar settlements of late. Her practice extends beyond the state boundaries and she is currently counsel to Adventis in Illinois. A recent addition and boon to the team, John Schwartz arrives from Akerman Senterfitt to bolster the transactional side of this practice. A national reputation precedes this "practical and highly efficient attorney" who further impresses for being well versed in the representation of hospitals in their M&A matters. Clients identify Nanette O'Donnell as a "rising star" exhibiting "real determination on behalf of her clients." She splits her practice between dealing with contractual issues cropping up in the managed care area and a successful regulatory practice dealing with matters such as licensure and fraud and abuse.
Clients/Work Highlights: The team recently brought a lawsuit that resulted in a settlement and a multimillion-dollar payment to more than 400 physicians. Other clients include nonprofit organizations, diagnostic imaging centers and other healthcare providers.
Illinois
The "intelligent and articulate" Nicholas Lynn at Duane Morris LLP debuts in the tables. He is best known for his work for nursing homes and other long-term care providers.
Immigration
District of Columbia
The firm is ranked in the 1st tier.
The Firm: With eight immigration partners and a practice on both the east and west coasts, Duane Morris offers a "fully rounded and focused service," clients report. The lawyers are widely considered to be "experts in the field, understanding and meeting their clients' needs at all times. They are bang on the money." The team covers the whole range of immigration work, counseling diverse clients, from Fortune 500 companies to smaller businesses, in a ream of sectors including IT, biotech, banking and shipping. It also counts a number of universities and embassies among its clients.
The Lawyers: Denyse Sabagh "doesn't shy away from the complicated cases but instead thrives on them." Her approach has won her a reputation for "innovative, cutting-edge" work in the field. She is said to be "solid on all aspects of the law" and clients also attest that "her compassionate client care is second to none." Roberta Freedman is "a walking talking regulatory encyclopedia" who "knows the law inside-out." She is noted most for her "tremendous work" in the J-1 visa area.
Clients/Work Highlights: The firm advises foreign and domestic companies from a number of sectors, including the healthcare, technology and hospitality industries.
Insurance
National
The firm is ranked in the 1st tier.
The Firm: It has been a year since the merger of Duane Morris and the top-rated West Coast insurance firm Hancock Rothert & Bunshoft and all reports suggest a successful pairing. The ramped-up firm has placed a strong emphasis on insurance; its offices across the country provide a "great practice from a good platform." Former Hancock lawyers in California have seen an increase in their ability to take on work on a broader geographical basis. New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania contribute coverage and reinsurance expertise to the mix, enabling the group to represent its clients in courts across the USA. The team has an historic relationship with Lloyd's entities in London and represents other European and Bermudan insurance and reinsurance companies in what is typically high-value and prestigious work.
The Lawyers: Philip Matthews has a well-formed profile in this area. He undertakes coverage litigation, usually in the toxic, pollution and environmental areas, as well as gives clients strategic direction on projects. The London insurance market provides much of his most important work. "He is great on the logistics of a case and is an excellent adviser on structural business decisions." In addition he is "uniquely enthusiastic and a very energetic person." Richard Seabolt has a long and illustrious career in the area of commercial disputes. His command of insurance cases means he is held in high regard as a leading lawyer in trials and appeals. Clients reveal Andrew Gordon to be "an experienced coverage lawyer with substantial litigation responsibility." He has taken the lead in many complex, long-running insurance cases. Sources described Deborah Pitts as "incredibly tough. She will stand strong on issues she believes in but will negotiate when she sees the space." Thomas R. Newman is a widely respected member of the insurance bar. He brings a wealth of experience in court litigation and arbitrations arising out of the reinsurance sector.
Clients/Work Highlights: Swiss Re; CNA; Great American Insurance Group; Equitas; Beazley Group and Converium.
California
The firm is ranked in the 1st tier.
The Firm: Peers on the policyholder side confess that this firm is "the best of the opposition," while clients affirm that it is "very good at insurance coverage and defense, and excellent at reinsurance coverage." Offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Lake Tahoe provide "a very good platform" from which to distribute the firm's excellent West Coast resources. Ever prominent in London-related cases, it typically acts for Lloyd's and is particularly well known for its environmental expertise, but also offers full-service provision in coverage, litigation, transactional, financial, IP and regulatory matters. This coverage is split three ways: insurance and reinsurance; coverage and risk management; and risk litigation. Services on offer range from litigating complex coverage issues to providing detailed opinions, and also include providing litigation and insurance coverage services to professionals, their insurers and reinsurers; and representing the insurers of commercial, industrial and residential properties. It counsels insurers on bankruptcy and reorganization matters, including Chapter 11 filings, and advises on the run-off of insurance companies, including insurance buy-back programs. The practice also defends claims by insurance companies in rehabilitation and liquidation, including preference actions. Finally, it has extensive experience with the full range of relevant organizations, including property and casualty insurance companies; professional liability underwriters; life insurance companies; reinsurance companies; HMOs and preferred provider organizations; rating bureaus; captive insurers offshore; alternative market entities and guarantee associations; and the underwriters insurance securities' public offerings. According to one major client, who uses the firm quite extensively and is "very pleased with its services," Duane Morris "certainly compares favorably to other firms across the country."
The Lawyers: Regarded by peers on the policyholder side as "the best on the other side," Philip Matthews is a "very bright and responsive coverage attorney" who is also "excellent on developing and implementing strategy." A "sometime lead lawyer for the London market," Richard Seabolt is "an A-plus attorney" whose practice has broadened somewhat into general commercial litigation, but who remains "an insurance trial lawyer par excellence." Andrew Gordon is well regarded and, like his foregoing colleague, "a very capable commercial litigator." The "articulate and capable" Deborah Pitts "takes a strong leading line for her clients" and is respected as a litigator who won't "fight unnecessary battles." William Casey is "diligent, focused and tenacious," and has "the informed background and experience to make it stick." Particularly specializing in professional liability, he is also "a very skilled negotiator and writer of briefs." With almost 30 years' experience, business litigator Ray Wong spends some 50% of his time on insurance litigation, particularly asbestos/pollution/hazard work.
Clients/Work Highlights: These include Yahoo!; Equitas; Liberty Mutual; Kraft and Lloyd's.
Insurance: Dispute Resolution
New York
The Firm: The merger with San Francisco-based Hancock Rothert & Bunshoft boosted the nationwide number of attorneys in the firm's insurance coverage practice. Clients praise the New York office's handling of insurance and reinsurance risk management and litigation, noting that it is particularly "excellent at reinsurance coverage."
The Lawyers: Thomas Newman has earned an exceptional reputation by serving as lead counsel for both cedents and reinsurers in several reinsurance arbitrations.
Intellectual Property
Pennsylvania
The Firm: The Philadelphia office of this growing national practice houses 20 IP experts. The team garnered client praise for being "incredibly open and transparent - it works well as a unit and is easy to build close relationships with." Indeed, it operates as a national practice, representing clients across the country. The firm is particularly renowned for its busy patent prosecution practice, which has been especially active of late in advising commercial construction products manufacturers. Key client names include CertainTeed and global packaging company Sonoko.
The Lawyers: Peter Cronk handles a busy patent, prosecution and litigation practice. Clients enthused: "He is much prized due to his business-oriented and common-sense approach. He is always down to earth and friendly - never one to sit in an ivory tower."
Litigation: General Commercial and Securities
Pennsylvania
The Firm: Clients praised this "efficient, thorough and ethical" firm for its "consistently excellent advice," and highlighted the attorneys' "killer instinct - their interest in a successful outcome for their client is not just professional, it is personal." With more than 100 litigators in Philadelphia, the firm won plaudits for its "deep resources" and dexterity in handling large-scale litigations across the country. Areas of focus include products liability, securities, malpractice, corporate and construction litigation. IP and insurance disputes also feature prominently in its workload.
The Lawyers: Clients applauded John Soroko's "sharp, clear and targeted thought process and ability to think on his feet." His practice comprises corporate, business and securities litigation as well as class action work, and he recently successfully represented a group of seven judges in a Supreme Court of Pennsylvania case to restore a disputed pay rise granted to all Pennsylvania judges. Scott Kramer won recommendations for his courtroom skills and is well versed in commercial, IP,securities and healthcare litigation.
Clients/Work Highlights: Bayer MaterialScience; Chester County Hospital; Delaware Valley Financial Group; Eerie Insurance Group; MetLife and Wachovia.
New Jersey
"Fine lawyer" Gregory Haworth of Duane Morris LLP is viewed by many as "hard working and consummately prepared." "Extremely determined and an excellent evaluator," Haworth works on commercial, business and banking disputes, and also takes on bankruptcy, shareholder and class action matters.
Real Estate
Pennsylvania
Drew Kapur at Duane Morris LLP has a growing practice in condemnation and eminent domain work. Clients appreciate his "clever technical abilities" and his "levelheaded demeanor. He has lots of contacts and relationships which he uses to get things resolved in an amicable way."