Chambers USA and Chambers Global Honor Duane Morris Attorneys
Duane Morris' practice groups received 19 citations for excellence in Chambers USA: 2014, and Duane Morris attorneys received an additional 61. The following excerpts from Chambers can also be found at www.chambersandpartners.com.
Banking & Finance
Pennsylvania
Duane Morris acts for clients from a broad range of industries, including construction and healthcare finance. Praised for its work on tax-exempt financing and its familiarity with municipal authorities.
Sources say: "They give quality work in high-risk situations."
Dianne Meyer of Duane Morris LLP is praised by clients for her high level of service. She is particularly noted for her knowledge of tax-exempt financing and lending transactions.
Bankruptcy/Restructuring
Delaware
The "extremely knowledgeable" Michael Lastowski of Duane Morris is noted for his wealth of experience in complex bankruptcy litigation, and is particularly singled out for his oral advocacy and writing.
Massachusetts
This team demonstrates proficiency in debtor and creditor-side work, offering a breadth of bankruptcy and restructuring expertise. Supported by a national footprint and noted for its considerable experience in the field.
Paul Moore has experience handling national cases for debtors and trustees in Chapter 11 matters. According to commentators, "you would be hard pressed to find someone practicing in this area who has more experience and a better knowledge of the bankruptcy code than Paul Moore."
"Fine lawyer" Jeffrey Sternklar is highly regarded for his practice handling Chapter 11 bankruptcies and out-of-court restructurings. He is praised for his representation of creditors' committees and dedication to his clients' cause.
New Jersey
Walter Greenhalgh is the managing partner of Duane Morris LLP's Newark office. His recent work includes acting for Liberty Healthcare Systems in its attempted purchase of Christ Hospital during a Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Pennsylvania
Duane Morris has a versatile group of insolvency and restructuring attorneys, with deep expertise in litigation. Maintains a diverse practice, with a recent focus on municipal bankruptcy filings, as well as cross-border Chapter 15 matters.
Sources say: "I have complete trust in them. They know the law very well."
Work highlights: Coordinated the closure and liquidation of social research and policy organization Public/Private Ventures. Acted for Invotex as plan trustee on settling a sizeable fraudulent conveyance action.
Rudolph Di Massa is head of the firm's bankruptcy practice and recently acted as lead counsel in the liquidation of Public/Private Ventures. He has deep experience representing debtors and secured and unsecured creditors in insolvency issues.
James Holman practices out of the firm's Philadelphia and Wilmington offices. His practice includes a focus on municipal bankruptcy.
Lawrence Kotler divides his time between the firm's Philadelphia and New York offices. His clients include Invotex.
Construction
National
The experienced construction practice at Duane Morris represents and advises a range of clients, including developers, architects, subcontractors and owners. Expertise lies in litigation and alternative dispute resolution, as well as in transactional work concerning project finance and development.
Work highlights: Represented Aker Kvaerner Songer in litigation and arbitration related to the construction of Council Bluffs Energy Center Unit 4, Iowa. Retained by Kendal Corporation to work on a range of construction matters, including litigation and contract negotiations. Other significant clients ACE INA Holdings, General Building Contractors Association, Oglethorpe Power, AAA.
Pennsylvania-based Albert Bates and Robert Prentice are key contacts.
California
Robert Hendrickson of Duane Morris LLP is a seasoned construction attorney. His practice covers all stages associated with construction and design projects, and includes litigation and alternative methods of dispute resolution.
Illinois
Charles Lewis of Duane Morris LLP is praised for being "a consummate litigator." One source goes on to explain that "he has great court presence, and is an aggressive questioner while remaining respectful and interjecting with occasional humor."
New York
Duane Morris represents an array of clients in the full range of construction and government contracting matters. Areas of expertise include representing owners or developers in projects, bid protests and awards disputes, and an array of claims.
Sources say: "They are problem solvers who understand the dynamics of making a legal decision." "They understand the industry very well and give us good advice."
Work highlights: Advised New York Power Authority on design and build contract documents. Represented Zeckendorf Development in several projects, including the renovation of 18 Gramercy Park South, New York City.
Frederick Cohen earns strong market endorsement for his expertise in representing clients at trial and in alternative dispute resolution procedures. His clients include nonprofit institutions, developers and contractors.
Arthur Silverman is recommended for his skills in drafting for complex projects. His areas of expertise include high-profile projects, distressed property workouts and dispute resolution.
Richard Dyer is highly regarded by sources for his representation of clients in construction projects, dispute resolution and transactions. He is a respected choice to advise clients on all aspects of the construction process.
The deeply experienced Ken Lazaruk is commended for his practical knowledge of the construction industry, in addition to his legal expertise.
"Excellent construction attorney" Allen Ross is "very practical" and a "great litigator and problem solver," sources say. He is held in high regard for his alternative dispute resolution work.
Pennsylvania
Duane Morris has deep expertise across a broad range of industry matters, from construction claims to large infrastructure projects. Impressive global reach with construction lawyers in a number of other jurisdictions. Particular emphasis assisting clients in the healthcare sector.
Sources say: "They are very responsive to the client's needs. They handle matters on a timely basis and produce excellent outcomes."
Work highlights: Worked with Aker Kvaerner Songer in arbitration and litigation arising from a number of claims relating to the construction of an electric generating facility in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Assisted Oglethorpe Power Corporation as construction counsel over certain capital projects at its Rocky Mountain Hydroelectric Plant.
The "reasonable and practical" Albert Bates recently worked with Kvaerner Industrial Constructors in an arbitration dispute regarding the construction of an air separation plant in Freeport, Texas.
Joseph Battipaglia regularly represents clients in litigation, particularly over construction contract disputes. He also has experience tackling licensing compliance matters. Sources describe him as "excellent - his technical background is very strong."
Richard Lowe is a highly popular figure among his clients. One interviewee notes "his main strength is that he is very smart but able to deal with complex issues on a practical level," and another adds that "he is creative and well prepared for contract negotiations." He has frequently represented The Kendal Corporation on a number of issues, including litigation and contract negotiations.
Robert Prentice is a well-respected member of the Pennsylvania construction law community. He has extensive experience representing clients in litigation and arbitration following construction disputes.
Washington, D.C.
Dan Toomey of Duane Morris LLP is "interested in the art of construction law and is a continued student of the practice area," says a commentator. In litigation his clients include contractors, subcontractors, owners, suppliers and sureties. He is also well known for his expertise in alternative dispute resolution.
Corporate/M&A/Private Equity/Securities
Illinois
Brian Kerwin of Duane Morris LLP recently represented a private equity fund in a $250 million divestiture. He represents a mix of targets and funds as part of a broad transactional and finance-based practice.
Maryland
Duane Morris is experienced in advising clients on strategic alliances, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, securities, and corporate governance and compliance.
Jay Cohen is described as a "good, technical lawyer" by market commentators. He handles mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and venture capital funding, and is experienced in both domestic and cross-border matters.
Massachusetts
Thomas Redekopp of Duane Morris LLP concentrates on the representation of both public and private companies in M&A work, and on venture capital investments and corporate finance. Sources describe him as "extremely knowledgeable with regard to corporate law" and he elicits further praise for his customer service, responsiveness and detail-oriented approach to matters.
Pennsylvania
Duane Morris is known for strengthening its Philadelphia corporate practice through an expanding presence in private equity and venture capital work. Represents clients from industries such as IT, life sciences and energy.
Sources say: "They make sure the client is up to speed and understand the challenges we are facing."
Work highlights: Represented Clarion Capital Partners in TriNet Group's purchase of Strategic Outsourcing. Acted for Sunoco on its $350 million sale of Sunoco Chemicals to Braskem.
Kathleen Shay recently represented Marinus Pharmaceuticals in a $21 million Series C investment by Domain Associates. Shay is lauded for her consistency, with clients asserting: "You can count on her when you are trying to get something done."
Co-head of the practice Richard Jaffe is said by his clients to have "impressive knowledge." He represents clients from a broad range of industries and has extensive expertise in corporate governance matters.
Energy
National
Electricity regulatory attorney Sheila Slocum Hollis of Duane Morris LLP primarily focuses on the representation of municipalities. She acted for Trinity River Authority in connection with a FERC hydroelectric licensing matter. Sources say: "She had a very good understanding of the regulatory framework and her approach is subtle but effective."
Environment
New Jersey
Lawrence Diamond of Duane Morris LLP has "30 years of experience and the breadth and depth of knowledge that allows him to offer suggestions that most lawyers wouldn't think of." He is an expert on both Superfund matters and regulatory issues.
Healthcare
National
Joanne Erde is lauded for being "extremely knowledgeable" in the healthcare arena by clients. She is well known for her deep-rooted expertise in Medicaid and Medicare payment, compliance and coverage matters, and is based in Duane Morris LLP's Miami office.
Florida
This team is highly regarded for its regulatory and compliance work, including specialist expertise in antikickback and Stark Laws. Also possesses notable strength in litigation and transactional work.
Joanne Erde is commended for her Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement expertise and her knowledge of regulatory matters.
Nanette O'Donnell primarily advises clients on regulatory matters such as federal and state antikickback, Stark Law and compliance. She regularly acts for hospitals, physician groups and other healthcare entities.
Illinois
Nicholas Lynn of Duane Morris LLP "commands a great deal of respect across many states," say clients. He focuses on healthcare litigation and regulatory compliance, and is singled out for his experience of long-term care issues.
Pennsylvania
This team is noted for its highly regarded healthcare practice that draws particular acclaim for its representation of providers, including physician groups and HMOs. A deep bench of experienced practitioners, well placed to handle a range of regulatory, transactional and litigation matters.
Sources say: "They provide very good advice and counsel, not only on legal matters but also strategic business advice."
Work highlights: Represented the Hospital and HealthSystem Association of Pennsylvania in a dispute with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department over the alleged overbilling of healthcare providers. Assisted Health Partners of Philadelphia in the $160 million purchase of its Medicare product by Bravo Health.
The "very talented" David Loder "provides good strategic and common-sense advice," and is "innovative in his creative solutions." He recently worked with the Hospital and HealthSystem Association of Pennsylvania in a dispute over the alleged $100 million overbilling of healthcare providers.
Michael Mustokoff is a white-collar criminal defense lawyer who operates within the healthcare sphere, working with providers on a range of regulatory civil and criminal matters. He is highlighted by one source as "a stellar lawyer for healthcare."
Immigration
National
This team is recognized for its strength in handling immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issues, and implementing corporate compliance strategies and training programs. Also concentrates on the immigration consequences of M&A transactions.
Sources say: "They are extremely organized and quick to respond to all matters." "I am very happy with their work. They are very helpful, responsive and prompt."
Work highlights: Successfully secured a clearance from the FBI on behalf of a client who had been considered inadmissible on the grounds of terrorism.
Denyse Sabagh heads the immigration group and is considered "an all-around gifted immigration lawyer." She has notable strength in handling immigration programs for corporate clients.
California
Lisa Spiegel of Duane Morris LLP is "extremely knowledgeable," "highly collaborative" and "a problem solver," impressed clients say. Her clients include Fresenius Medical Care North America, RockTenn and iPass.
Washington, D.C.
This team is a highly regarded immigration practice housed within a multi-service, international firm. Acts for sophisticated corporate clients, advising on compliance, employment visas and M&A-related immigration matters.
Sources say: "Duane Morris attorneys are so detailed and provide all the information needed. We did not need to chase them up, they were very responsive." "They are very diligent, detail-oriented and have very fast turnaround times."
Work highlights: Obtained FBI clearance for a Saudi Arabian national who was wrongly prevented from returning to the US on terrorism grounds.
Denyse Sabagh is praised as a "terrific" attorney who "cuts and tailors services" to suit each client. She is renowned for removal defense work and corporate immigration and regularly is sought out for help on complex, multijurisdictional cases.
Insurance
National
The Insurance practice group is considered a well-regarded team of experienced and skilled attorneys representing the industry's largest insurers and reinsurers in matters throughout the country. Expertise in and full coverage of the full range of areas, including asbestos, bankruptcies, transport, D&O and bad-faith litigation.
Sources say: "The team is knowledgeable and highly regarded. They focus on the right issues and serve their clients very well."
Work highlights: Recently advised American Centennial on settlements following the Thorpe Insulation bankruptcy, a high-profile asbestos liability coverage case involving claims of more than $2 billion. Recently represented Safety National and Transport Insurance in an asbestos coverage action and the related bankruptcy of Plant Insulation.
The "talented" Philip Matthews is well known for his skillful handling of high-stakes insurance matters. His strengths include litigation involving asbestos, bankruptcy and environmental claims. According to sources, "he comes out top on efficiency and effectiveness."
New York-based Thomas Newman frequently appears in reinsurance arbitrations representing both cedants and reinsurers, as well as possessing deep expertise in direct insurance matters.
California
This group is known as an acclaimed insurance practice which represents many of the major commercial liability insurers in the country. Well known for handling asbestos and pollution matters. Also highly adept in claims relating to property, life, reinsurance and class actions.
Sources say: "The team is knowledgeable and highly regarded. They focus on the right issues and serve their clients very well." "They've been doing this a long time and they're good at what they do."
Work highlights: Recently advised American Centennial on settlements following the Thorpe Insulation bankruptcy, an asbestos liability coverage case involving claims of more than $2 billion. Advised a series of XL Insurance companies in a variety of liability disputes in California and nationwide.
Philip Matthews is acclaimed for his experience in complex insurance litigation cases, in particular those involving asbestos and environmental issues. According to one source, "he has a good sense of tactics - he knows when to raise issues and when not to."
Andrew Gordon is reputed in the market for his insurance and commercial litigation practice, which includes representation of London market insurers and underwriters in matters including property and D&O claims.
Max Stern has a broad insurance practice, with areas of his expertise including coverage, subrogation, bad faith and reinsurance claims. He recently advised American Centennial in high-value pollution coverage litigation.
"Excellent litigator" Ray Wong is experienced in complex insurance coverage litigation, with transport insurance and toxic torts being areas of expertise.
"Very strong and very good commercial litigator" Richard Seabolt is highly regarded in the market for his deep litigation experience, which focuses on insurance and technology.
New York
The distinguished Thomas Newman of Duane Morris LLP is experienced in insurance coverage litigation and reinsurance arbitrations, in which he represents both cedents and reinsurers. An admiring source considers him to be "the godfather of insurer law."
Intellectual Property
Georgia
This team is known as a highly active patent litigation practice. A go-to firm for a number of major technology firms.
Sources say: "Duane Morris is one of the best IP firms I work with."
Work highlights: Successfully defended Cisco Systems in a Federal Circuit appeal of a patent infringement suit relating to Wi-Fi networking technology. Obtained summary judgment dismissing a multimillion-dollar patent, trade secrets and breach of contract suit brought by BAE Systems against Aeroflex relating to military aircraft missile defense systems.
Matthew Gaudet is a focused patent litigator, who is particularly praised for his courtroom skills: "His oral argument is fantastic; he can speak clearly and directly with a judge."
Louis Norwood Jameson combines long experience with IP litigation and an excellent grasp of business strategy; his clients feel that "he really understands the end game, and combines litigation analysis with analysis of business needs."
Pennsylvania
This group has a deep patent prosecution practice, and extensive experience defending clients in IP litigation. Full-service firm offering a national and global reach.
Work highlights: Assisted Saint-Gobain on an inventorship dispute and a trademark opposition proceeding. Represented Bambeco in a dispute regarding the use of an international trademark for baby products.
Peter Cronk recently worked with Bambeco on an international trademark dispute and has a great deal of experience in litigation, as well as counseling clients on patent, trademark and copyright matters.
David Wolfsohn recently joined the firm from Woodcock Washburn and focuses his practice on litigation, representing plaintiffs and defendants in patent and trademark issues. He is regarded by commentators as being "extraordinarily good" and "very effective."
The "very bright" Aleksander Goranin is a recent recruit from Woodcock Washburn. He is developing an outstanding reputation among peers in the market, with a focus on patent, trademark and copyright litigation.
Labor & Employment
Florida
Michael Casey of Duane Morris LLP has covered all manner of matters in his career as a labor and employment attorney. He advises on FLSA, trade secrets and noncompetes, as well as union elections and arbitration. He has recently handled numerous union issues, including for Coach America and Mas Tec, and his background also includes extensive appearances before state and federal courts, and agency bodies such as the NLRB and EEOC.
Georgia
"Tremendous litigator" Joseph Ciucci of Duane Morris LLP has extensive knowledge of discrimination, harassment and wrongful discharge. He is also admired for his experience in labor issues such as union organizing and strikes.
Pennsylvania
This team advises on a wide variety of union-related matters, including bargaining negotiations, labor arbitrations and union elections. Maintains an active litigation practice, with expertise across FLSA collective actions and restrictive covenant agreements, and offers a well-regarded training practice.
Sources say: "They are very sophisticated and nuanced. They will subordinate their own interests to the ones of the client."
Work highlights: Worked with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission on a collective bargaining agreement, bringing in a variety of new employee benefits. Represented SAP with regards to the termination of its defined benefit plan.
Thomas Servodidio has a good reputation among clients as "a consummate problem solver who takes things a step further to work out a problem and come up with a solution." He recently represented the Zoological Society of Philadelphia in an arbitral ruling with regards to certain collective bargaining negotiations.
Jonathan Segal recently advised New Penn Financial on wage and hour compliance and other employment matters. He proves very popular among clients, who say "he understands the need to manage risk, not eliminate it," and "he doesn't just throw the law at you, but does a lot of risk analysis to give you solutions."
Litigation: General Commercial
New Jersey
Duane Morris LLP's Gregory Haworth is a commercial litigator who is highly regarded for his expertise in bankruptcy and real estate-related disputes. He represents a fine choice of counsel for financial institutions.
Pennsylvania
This group is noted as a reputable litigation practice with a team of prolific litigators, adept at medical device, toxic torts and chemical exposure disputes. Strong bench of trial lawyers with experience pertaining to a wide range of industry sectors including technology and financial services.
Sources say: "They are very professional, patient and thorough."
Work highlights: Acted for HJ Heinz in defending against an alleged patent infringement for a condiment package. Assisted K&W Tire in a case alleging competitors were engaging in corporate espionage.
The "highly skilled" John Soroko is "a real bona fide litigator," according to one commentator. He has a wealth of experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in both business and securities litigation.
Matthew Taylor recently represented Aubrey McClendon, the former CEO of Chesapeake Energy, in certain government investigations. Taylor is chair of the firm's trial practice group and works with clients on various matters including commercial litigation, medical devices and government investigations.
David Landau recently worked with Academy One in IP litigation over allegations that it stole a competitor's database. He is highly valued by those he represents, with one commentator stating: "He is very strategic and helps the client understand the process."
Dana Klinges acted for Cohen & Co. Securities in litigation over the sale of $100 million of CDOs. She concentrates her practice on class actions, in particular those related to consumer fraud and consumer protection statutes, and is described by one source as "a very capable lawyer."
Real Estate
Pennsylvania
This group is notable for its real estate work for REITs and distinguished by its eminent domain and land valuation practice. Routinely serves clients on a broad roster of financing, leasing and distressed real estate issues.
Sources say: "The firm places significant importance on delivering the highest level of service in the most time- and cost-effective manner."
Work highlights: Assisted Sunoco in its joint venture with Carlyle Group for the operation of a refinery in Philadelphia. Represented New St. Mary's Cemetery in a condominium dispute with the State of New Jersey.
The "very detailed-oriented" David Augustin "does excellent work and makes you feel protected," comments one interviewee. Augustin works with buyers and sellers on portfolio acquisitions and dispositions, and with lenders on real estate loans and transactions.
"Pragmatic and strategic thinker" Marc Brookman brings a wealth of experience to the real estate group, and recently represented Equus Capital Partners in the redevelopment of a brownfield site for a retail center, offices and housing. "The different perspectives and legal arguments he brought to the case were excellent," notes one client.