Chambers USA Honors Duane Morris Attorneys
Duane Morris' practice groups received 19 citations for excellence in Chambers USA: 2015, and Duane Morris attorneys received an additional 65. The following excerpts from Chambers can also be found at www.chambersandpartners.com.
Banking & Finance [ + ]
Banking & Finance [ – ]
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Offers expertise in a range of commercial financing transactions. Frequently advises financial institutions but also has a strong borrower client base, which includes municipal authorities and educational institutions.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They do great work. We use them for our most complex larger deals."
Work highlights: Acted on behalf of Wells Fargo Bank in matters relating to its provision of asset-based financing to retailer Five Below.
Notable practitioners
Dianne Meyer has been praised by clients for being "very responsive, smart and efficient." She has expertise in commercial and municipal finance and is highly experienced in representing financial institutions.
Significant clients: Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Radian Insurance, University of San Diego.
Bankruptcy/Restructuring [ + ]
Bankruptcy/Restructuring [ – ]
Delaware
Michael Lastowski of Duane Morris LLP is a seasoned bankruptcy and commercial litigator with a prominent reputation in the Delaware market. Commentators remark: "Mike's skills before the bankruptcy court and appellate court are consistently top-notch - he is always the best-prepared lawyer in the courtroom."
Massachusetts
What the team is known for: Advises distressed companies, debtors and creditors in pre-bankruptcy workouts and restructurings and also has extensive experience before bankruptcy courts. Has national and international bankruptcy experience.
Notable practitioners
The "very smart" Walter Greenhalgh of Duane Morris LLP is commended for the way in which he "always finds solutions for the client." He recently represented the official unsecured creditors' committee of Horizon Health Center in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Accomplished representation of creditors on a range of matters, including bankruptcies, out-of-court restructurings and insolvencies, with noted proficiency in litigation.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They are a great firm that has exceeded expectations."
"A well-known firm providing good quality work."
Work highlights: Assisted secured creditor Principal Life Insurance in restructuring shopping mall loan facilities following General Growth Properties' Chapter 11 proceedings.
Represented Unicredit Bank and Klausen-Finanz in relation to the divestiture of Ffhoenix Cuivre assets.
Notable practitioners
Rudolph Di Massa heads the business reorganization and financial restructuring group and is described by peers as "among the highest caliber due to his extremely thoughtful and highly practical nature."
James Holman has a "quick mind, which enables him to spot issues immediately" and a broad practice advising on insolvency and restructuring matters. He represents a range of organizations, including institutional lenders and insurance companies.
Lawrence Kotler is commended for his increasing involvement in sophisticated cases. His substantial experience allows him to tackle Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy matters for a varied client base.
Construction [ + ]
Construction [ – ]
National
Basic facts about the department
Key offices include New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
What the team is known for: Active across all elements of the construction practice, representing public and private clients involved in contentious and noncontentious matters, including alternative dispute resolution, contract preparation and project management. Regularly works with contractors, subcontractors, owners and developers.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They are very responsive and experienced. They have assisted us very nicely and we are pleased with both the process and the results."
"Each member of the group has many years of experience in construction law, and they have a good working relationship with each other, such that they can come up with the best strategy or solution quickly."
Work highlights: Represented Bechtel in connection with telecommunication construction delay claims alleged by a plaintiff across a range of sites and jurisdictions.
Acted for EMCOR in arbitration proceedings relating to work undertaken at an oil refinery in Billings, Montana.
Notable practitioners
Pittsburgh-based Albert Bates is a key contact.
Significant clients: Barr & Barr, Benson, Hunter Roberts Construction Group, The Related Companies, Taconic Investment Partners.
California
Robert Hendrickson of Duane Morris LLP is described by one commentator as "an even-keeled, hard-nosed litigator." He is a notable figure in the Southern California construction industry with considerable expertise representing clients in matters such as bidding protests, mechanic's liens and bonds claims.
Illinois
Sources praise Duane Morris LLP partner Charles Lewis' professional mix of advocacy and mediation as a "combination that gives him a very practical insight into the resolution of construction disputes." He regularly represents major clients in significant construction matters.
New York
What the team is known for: Advises clients on the full spectrum of construction and government contract matters. Represents owners and developers in a variety of construction projects, disputes and bid protests.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They come up with the best strategy or solution quickly."
"They are very responsive and experienced."
Work highlights: Advised The Related Companies on its Hudson Yard development in the west of Manhattan. Represented Hunter Roberts Construction Group in its defense of a $15 million claim brought by Canyon-Johnson arising from the One Hanson Place project in Brooklyn.
Notable practitioners
Frederick Cohen brings a considerable amount of experience to his practice as a construction trial lawyer, representing public- and private-sector developers, contractors and nonprofit entities. He is also adept at advising clients on alternative dispute resolution.
Richard Dyer is adept at counseling major clients on issues arising at all stages of construction projects. He is well known for his transactional and dispute resolution work.
Ken Lazaruk is acclaimed by sources as "a hands-on lawyer" who "has a very good way of explaining things simply and boiling things down to their essence." He negotiates and drafts the full range of construction-related contracts and agreements, in addition to being an active litigator.
Allen Ross "sees the bottom line and knows how to get there," impressed market sources say. He has a strong reputation for his alternative dispute resolution work, including serving as a mediator and arbitrator.
Arthur Silverman is a seasoned construction practitioner with a well-established practice. His areas of expertise include contract negotiations and drafting, and the resolution of disputes.
Significant clients: Barr & Barr, Broad Street Development, Columbia University, Taconic Investment Partners, Zeckendorf Development
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Highly-respected construction group with expertise in negotiating and litigating on behalf of clients in complex and high-value construction projects. Areas of expertise include federal procurement, mechanic's liens, and inefficiency and delay claims.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They are an excellent group of lawyers who are experienced, reasonable and pragmatic."
Work highlights: Represented Kvaerner Industrial Constructors in a $15 million construction dispute concerning an air separation plant in Texas.
Acted on behalf of Johnson Matthey in a contractual dispute with BP concerning damages flowing from the supply and design of a pollution control system.
Notable practitioners
"Top notch litigator" Richard Lowe is experienced in representing an array of clients and has recently been involved in large residential and healthcare projects. He receives praise for his commercial and creative approach to matters.
"Dean of the construction practice" Robert Prentice has a breadth of expertise in construction matters with experience in advising a range of clients, including contractors, subcontractors and owners.
Albert Bates chairs the firm's construction team and is particularly respected for his expertise in complex projects, especially within the power generation industry. Sources praise him for being a "very accomplished arbitrator and effective trial lawyer."
Joseph Battipaglia has experience in contract negotiation and trial work and is noted for his recent work in the hotel and power generation sectors. Sources praise his proactive approach to litigation.
Significant clients: American Arbitration Association, Hunter Roberts Construction Group, University of Sciences, Watermark at Logan Square.
Washington, D.C.
Litigator and trial lawyer Dan Toomey of Duane Morris LLP has longstanding experience in construction and government contract disputes. Clients praise his "consistent good communication and advice." He is noted for his astute handling of disputes involving surety bonds.
Corporate/M&A/Private Equity/Securities [ + ]
Corporate/M&A/Private Equity/Securities [ – ]
Illinois
Brian Kerwin of Duane Morris LLP has broad transactional expertise. Sources report that he has "an excellent knowledge of the law and its practical application in a deal setting."
Maryland
What the team is known for: Respected corporate group, particularly prominent in the midmarket private equity sphere. Handles a broad range of M&A and transactional matters, and is also noted for its expertise in corporate governance, joint ventures, venture capital and securities law.
Work highlights: Advised sustainable living company Bambeco in connection with venture capital financing.
Notable practitioners
Robert Ruben is a key contact.
Significant clients: Bambeco.
Massachusetts
Thomas Redekopp of Duane Morris LLP is, according to his clients, "a very knowledgeable and professional legal expert." He handles corporate financings and M&A for public and private clients, while also providing counsel to institutional investors and serving as outside general counsel.
Pennsylvania
Richard Jaffe is described by clients as "highly experienced with a very high-level view." He is particularly knowledgeable in the field of private equity and regularly advises funds and other investors on related transactions.
Kathleen Shay frequently advises venture capital investors and emerging growth companies within the life science and technology spaces. Sources note that she is "very efficient and focuses on what you are trying to achieve."
Energy [ + ]
Energy [ – ]
National
Sheila Slocum Hollis of Duane Morris LLP is an electricity lawyer who represents municipalities in state and federal regulatory proceedings. Sources describe her as a "very astute and adept negotiator who has a very good grasp of the regulatory structure."
Environment [ + ]
Environment [ – ]
New Jersey
Lawrence Diamond of Duane Morris LLP has a broad practice, covering a range of complex environmental litigation, including CERCLA cases and recovery actions. Clients describe him as a "very knowledgeable and committed" attorney.
Gaming & Licensing [ + ]
Gaming & Licensing [ – ]
Nevada
Jennifer Roberts of Duane Morris LLP is praised as a "very talented and technically competent lawyer." Her practice covers regulatory and licensing work alongside legislative issues, as well as other matters related to gaming, such as land use and administrative law.
Healthcare [ + ]
Healthcare [ – ]
National
Joanne Erde of Duane Morris LLP advises providers on a broad range of regulatory matters and regularly handles disputes before local and federal courts, and agencies such as the CMS. She is particularly commended for her deep Medicare reimbursement expertise.
Florida
What the team is known for: Well known for its representation of both local and national healthcare entities across diverse regulatory and transactional matters, with significant skill in reimbursement matters. Also fields significant litigation capabilities, advising on matters such as Medicaid coverage disputes, and fraud and abuse.
Notable practitioners
Joanne Erde is highlighted by commentators as "one of the best Medicare reimbursement lawyers" in the state. She regularly represents providers in litigation involving insurance payments, as well as advising on regulatory compliance.
Nanette O'Donnell is highly regarded for her extensive regulatory capabilities, and brings this expertise to bear when advising on transactions such as joint ventures and sales.
Significant clients: Baptist Health South Florida, Ardent Healthcare, BayCare, Orlando Regional Healthcare, Tenet Healthcare.
Illinois
Nicholas J. Lynn of Duane Morris LLP has a strong base of expertise and experience in long-term care, and he is also routinely called upon for his strengths in healthcare disputes and regulatory compliance issues. Sources reserve particular praise for his time sensitivity, range of knowledge and proactive approach to working with his clients.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Heavyweight Philadelphia-based practice, notable in particular for its ongoing relationship with the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. Active in representing for-profit and nonprofit providers in a range of transactions, litigation and regulatory matters.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They are highly responsive and absolutely reliable in both service and the quality of their legal analysis."
"They have great depth in terms of legal talent and are able to drill down on specific legal matters."
Work highlights: Advised on the formation of Coordinated Health Holding Company and on regulatory and corporate matters relating to its numerous subsidiaries, including the formation of two hospitals.
Defended Virtua Health in a complex case in which Deborah Heart and Lung Center claimed Virtua and other defendants conspired to not refer patients to Deborah. The claim is that this alleged conduct breached antitrust and defamation laws.
Notable practitioners
David Loder chairs the firm's healthcare practice and is considered a "leader in the field." He has a breadth of expertise on issues such as hospital governance and managed care arrangements. Sources praise him for being "strategic and seasoned."
Michael Mustokoff is noted in particular for his expertise relating to white-collar crime within the healthcare space. He is praised for his ability to "develop relationships with the regulators" and is described as "very sharp and creative."
Matthew Jones advises a range of healthcare clients, including health systems and physicians, on corporate transactions. He is praised for being "excellent at developing creative solutions to complex problems."
Donald Auten is a healthcare transactional attorney who receives particular praise for his tax expertise. Sources claim that "the depth of his knowledge is really second to none."
Lisa Clark is noted for her expertise in mobile health and information technology matters. She is also noted for her expertise on governance issues, with sources praising her ability to "boil down complex areas of law into something the client can understand."
Significant clients: American Association for Cancer Research, Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, Coordinated Health Holding Company.
Immigration [ + ]
Immigration [ – ]
National
Basic facts about the department
Key office is Washington, D.C.
What the team is known for: Respected advisers to a varied roster of multinational corporations across all nonimmigrant and immigrant categories, as well as compliance audits. Accomplished attorneys deeply familiar with representing individuals in demanding and unconventional cases, including removal hearings, waivers and federal court litigation. Hugely experienced in supporting the immigration needs of universities, religious organizations, embassies and nonprofits.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They are always accessible and professional in their approach to any issue that is brought before them."
Notable practitioners
Denyse Sabagh leads the immigration team. Fellow attorneys are impressed by the "amazing breadth of her practice," which covers all manner of immigration and naturalization matters, from removal defense through to the EB-5 investor visa category. She is regarded as a "superb lawyer," particularly in challenging cases.
California
Lisa Spiegel of Duane Morris LLP is praised for her "superior customer service" and "ability to solve practically any problem that is presented to her." Her practice covers a range of employment immigration issues.
Washington, D.C.
What the team is known for: Superb group of immigration specialists that manages a broad caseload for multinational corporates, midsized privately held companies and startup ventures, including treaty trader visas, intracompany transfers, labor certifications and best practices for global compliance. Known for its rigorous defense of clients in deportation and removal hearings involving problematic criminal elements. Also provides a range of family-based services to individual clients and family members of corporate clients.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They are always in front of changes in regulations, laws and guidelines, and always ensure that information is proactively imparted to me so that my organization is positioned to make the best possible decisions."
"Their practitioners have always patiently guided me through every immigration process and have ensured that I fully understood all that is needed to successfully navigate my way to a resolution."
Notable practitioners
Denyse Sabagh has a nationally recognized immigration practice that covers the gamut of immigration law and notably includes challenging and high-profile removal and exclusion cases. "If I had some sort of crazy, complex waiver case, I would seek her out," remarks one peer.
Insurance [ + ]
Insurance [ – ]
National
Basic facts about the department
Key offices include New York and Los Angeles.
What the team is known for: Involved in a series of insurance disputes, providing expertise in areas such as bad faith, bankruptcy and professional liability, among others. Particular expertise in matters involving the London market, with additional involvement in life and health, marine and specialty lines insurance.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The firm has a vast knowledge of the London market insurers. This historical knowledge is valuable for the assessment of issues, the identification of potential witnesses and responsive documents."
"They are practical in their approach and surgical and strategic in how they advance the claims."
Work highlights: Represented Lloyd's underwriters against McDonnell Douglas and Boeing in a dispute surrounding long-term coverage for environmental contamination.
Retained by XL Insurance subsidiary Greenwich Insurance to handle its Ninth Circuit appeal following a trial court decision concerning coverage for damages from natural gas production structure coating failures.
Notable practitioners
Philip Matthews is "a very savvy practitioner," according to market commentators. He has a wealth of experience in handling cases involving large asbestos liability claims. Sources add: "He is brilliant at settlement and is a very trustworthy negotiator with a calming presence."
Max Stern offers expertise across the full range of insurance dispute resolution on behalf of prominent industry clients. A source notes: "He is one of the most intelligent yet practical attorneys that I know and I trust his advice on coverage and policy drafting."
Thomas Newman is a "legend" with a "tremendous reputation" in the insurance legal market. He is deeply experienced in handling disputes, with a key focus on reinsurance arbitrations.
Significant clients: Allstate Insurance, Great American Insurance, Liberty Mutual, RiverStone Group, Travelers.
California
What the team is known for: Full-service insurance practice that has unparalleled bench strength at the highest level of insurance work. Possesses the expertise to assist on all coverage matters across a huge range of arenas, as well as reinsurance, bad faith and policy drafting advice. Particularly noted for big-ticket environmental and asbestos liability work.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"A very solid, dependable, reliable firm with very bright attorneys."
"A top-notch firm with very competent insurance defense counsel."
Work highlights: Won summary judgment on all issues for Great American Insurance in a federal court case centering on tender of defense, indemnity and the Cumis counsel doctrine. The case was appealed all the way up to the California Supreme Court, in which the initial decision in the insurer's favor was upheld.
Acted for Liberty Mutual in a federal court case concerning exhaustion of insurance and indemnity limits and costs. A settlement was reached, but the court's tentative decision was in the insurer's favor.
Notable practitioners
Philip Matthews has been "front and center on this work for 25 years and is a thoughtful and high-quality lawyer," notes one market observer. He is frequently retained by insurers on big-ticket asbestos coverage litigation but has deep knowledge on all insurance coverage issues. Sources say: "He sees the big picture and is someone who can facilitate appropriate resolutions and find common ground with the other side."
Andrew Gordon's practice encompasses complex commercial and insurance litigation. He works with carriers and London market insurers, particularly in the D&O and property damage arenas. Interviewees describe him as "very organized and detail-orientated with a good, even-keeled manner about him."
Max Stern offers a broad insurance practice that includes the life and health insurance spheres, as well as property and casualty issues. One client lauds him, saying: "He is extremely intelligent, diligent and responsive at all times when we have questions or problems. He is a top-notch attorney."
Ray Wong is a "wonderful lawyer" and a "good litigator," who has an active practice assisting clients with transport and toxic tort coverage litigation, as well as bad faith cases. Interviewees say he is "bright and accomplished, and a very intelligent and technical lawyer."
While primarily a commercial litigator, Richard Seabolt also handles significant insurance cases. Sources describe him as "polished, professional, organized and intelligent."
Significant clients: ACE, CNA, Travelers, Allstate Insurance, Catlin.
New York
Thomas Newman is of counsel at Duane Morris LLP and has decades of experience advising and litigating for insurer clients. He has a strong state and federal appellate practice, which is coupled with extensive knowledge of reinsurance dispute resolution.
Intellectual Property [ + ]
Intellectual Property [ – ]
Georgia
What the team is known for: High-quality patent litigation practice representing well-known names in the technology and telecoms space. Recognized for the strength and sophistication of its litigation offering.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They're all creative thinkers. They think about the endgame, and the strategy to get there."
"A strong player in the patent litigation market."
Work highlights: Obtained summary judgment of non-infringement for Cisco Systems in a patent case brought by Eon, which concerned wireless modem technology.
Acted for CenturyTel Broadband Services and Qwest in defense of patent infringement claims brought by United Access Technologies, relating to ADSL technology.
Notable practitioners
Woody Jameson chairs the intellectual property practice at Duane Morris and handles the full range of IP litigation. He is well regarded in the Atlanta market and beyond for his patent litigation experience representing technology clients. "We greatly cherish his creative thinking and his ability to really understand what our goals are," sources state.
Matthew C. Gaudet is a highly regarded patent and technology litigator, with a "wonderful, persuasive" manner. Of his courtroom presence, clients say: "He is nimble on his feet. Judges and juries enjoy him."
Significant clients: AT&T, Verizon, NetApp, EarthLink.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Offers a range of services in trademark and patent litigation, and prosecution matters. Acts for clients from the healthcare and education sectors.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The quality of the work both in terms of depositions and arguments was very well delivered."
"They provide excellent service in a cost-effective manner on a timely basis."
Work highlights: Represented SignatureMD in a trademark dispute with Signature Healthcare. This concerned allegations regarding a consent agreement.
Acted on behalf of Adhezion Biomedical in an inventorship dispute with Azevedo.
Notable practitioners
Peter Cronk has a wealth of expertise in registering and litigating patents and trademarks. He is "what you would look for =in an IP attorney," with sources complimenting him for his ability to understand and explain both the technical and legal aspects of matters.
Aleksander Goranin is highlighted as a rising star in the IP litigation space. He handles an array of IP cases involving a number of technical industries and is described as an "excellent communicator, writer and theorist."
David Wolfsohn handles a range of IP litigation. He is praised for being "absolutely fearless in discovery and the courtroom," and for having "terrific relationships with federal judges."
Significant clients: ZS Associates, NorProp.
Labor & Employment [ + ]
Labor & Employment [ – ]
Florida
The "superb" Michael Casey of Duane Morris LLP has built up a reputation as a "legend" in his 40 years' practice. Casey remains a stalwart of the labor and employment landscape, and is highlighted as having "a tremendous reputation in the community."
Georgia
Clients say Joseph Ciucci of Duane Morris LLP is "extremely thorough and well prepared whether in depositions or in court," adding: "We can have good, strong discussions on what our options are." He is frequently engaged on Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act and ADEA litigation, as well as handling cases before the EEOC and the NLRB.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Offers expertise in both employment and traditional labor issues. Regularly represents employers facing unfair labor practice charges and also provides training for human resources professionals.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"It is a given that they are excellent lawyers but they can also think like business people."
"They are excellent at doing the cost benefit analysis and helping you look at risk from a business standpoint."
Notable practitioners
Thomas Servodidio is well respected for his expertise in traditional labor issues and regularly advises companies on remaining union-free. Sources praise his "eye for detail" and his "very knowledgeable and down-to-earth advice."
Jonathan Segal is particularly experienced in counseling and training employers on policy development matters. He is described by a client as "the king of making legal answers work in a business context."
Significant clients: Beneficial Bank, Bon Grain, Atlas Energy, Delaware Management Company, Princeton Healthcare System.
Litigation: General Commercial [ + ]
Litigation: General Commercial [ – ]
New Jersey
Eric Breslin of Duane Morris LLP is a well-regarded white-collar defense attorney. He is held in high regard by peers, who say he has "good professional judgment based on long experience in this area," and is "very able and great to work with, without ever losing track of clients' needs."
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Offers a deep bench of expertise with strengths in commercial, securities and antitrust litigation. Noted in particular for its active trial presence.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"We appreciate the experience, skillset and depth of the team as well as their ability to handle huge volumes of work."
"They are good value for money and they have a very deep set of litigators."
Notable practitioners
Matthew Taylor heads the firm's trial practice group and is active in commercial litigation in the IT sector. Sources say he is "well-considered in the community and does good cases."
John J. Soroko is well respected in the field of commercial and securities litigation and also has a frequent involvement in class actions and fiduciary litigation. One source notes: "Everyone without a doubt thinks that John Soroko is a fine trial lawyer."
David Landau has a broad practice that includes commercial litigation and IP litigation. Sources describe him as a "very solid lawyer."
Michael Mustokoff is a white-collar crime specialist and is noted in particular for his expertise in the healthcare industry. Sources describe him as a "seasoned and wise lawyer," who has "very good relationships with the authorities."
Real Estate [ + ]
Real Estate [ – ]
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Represents developers and financial institutions in various real estate transactions, while also providing expertise in eminent domain and zoning and land use issues.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They are terrific - very responsive and on top of the law."
Work highlights: Handled the sale of a 306-unit multifamily project on behalf of Mandy Partners.
Notable practitioners
David Augustin has a broad involvement in transactional work and frequently acts on the purchase and sale of commercial projects. He is praised for having a "tremendous grasp of technical real estate knowledge."
Marc Brookman is deeply experienced in all manners of transactional real estate. Sources praise his "ability to take complex issues and bring them down to their business terms quickly."