Duane Morris’ practice groups received 18 citations for excellence in Chambers USA: 2016, and Duane Morris attorneys received an additional 64. The following excerpts from Chambers can also be found at www.chambersandpartners.com.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: A full-service law firm widely recognized for its representation of major banks and financial services entities. Frequently engaged in an array of sophisticated matters including project finance work, mortgage lending and commercial disputes.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“Very responsive and easy to work with - we have a good relationship with them.”
Work highlights: Represented JPMorgan Chase in a ground-breaking case concerning standing in a mortgage foreclosure action.
Acted on behalf of the lender in a $75 million credit facility to a manufacturer of piping systems. The guarantees were obtained from affiliates in Belgium and Canada.
Notable practitioners
Dianne Meyer has extensive commercial lending expertise and regularly acts for both borrowers and lenders in significant transactions. She is also well versed in multijurisdictional lending and asset-based lending deals.
Significant clients: ING Bank, TD Bank.
California
Ron Oliner of Duane Morris LLP acts for financial institutions on bankruptcy matters as well as representing creditors’ committees and trustees. Sources say: “He is a very seasoned professional who I can rely on without hesitation. He is always quick and to the point.”
Delaware
“Excellent attorney” Michael Lastowski of Duane Morris LLP is “always very well prepared and does a really good job of framing an argument and presenting it,” notes one impressed source. Lastowski is an experienced bankruptcy and commercial litigator, and is managing partner of the firm's Wilmington office.
Illinois
The “very insightful” John Weiss of Duane Morris LLP is highly regarded for his representation of creditors in connection with business reorganizations, debt restructurings and workouts.
New Jersey
Sources say Walter Greenhalgh of Duane Morris LLP is “a zealous advocate who brings substantive knowledge, oral advocacy and litigation skills.” His areas of expertise include Chapter 11 litigation and out-of-court reorganizations.
Massachusetts
What the team is known for: Advice to creditors, distressed businesses and trustees across the range of bankruptcy matters. Noted for expertise in creditors’ rights enforcement, cross-border insolvency matters and out-of-court restructurings.
Notable practitioners
Paul Moore focuses on Chapter 11 reorganization, loan workouts and bankruptcy litigation. One market source says: “He’s a very bright, driven person who really gives it his best.”
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Distinguished practice handling high-profile Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and major restructurings. Practitioners have considerable experience in cross-jurisdictional insolvency work and creditors’ rights matters.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“Their bankruptcy practice is outstanding - they are very well prepared and very good at negotiations. I have tremendous confidence in them.”
“A highly regarded firm with solid practitioners. They are smart, easy to get along with and practical.”
Work highlights: Successfully obtained full payment for Claims Recovery Group (CRG) in the Phoenix Payment bankruptcy case.
Acted for Lynn E. Feldman as trustee in a complex Chapter 7 bankruptcy matter.
Notable practitioners
Rudolph Di Massa chairs the business reorganization and financial restructuring group and is noted for his litigation strengths. Sources describe him as “a very good attorney who is smart and flexible.”
Observers single out Lawrence Kotler as “very effective at accomplishing his client’s goals.” He is recognized for his expertise in complex business reorganizations, and is also praised for his “excellent writing skills” and “very calm and sensible way of approaching matters.”
James Holman operates out of Philadelphia and Wilmington and maintains an excellent standing market. He is highlighted for his asset planning work, in addition to his expertise in business reorganization and insolvency.
Wendy Simkulak is a rising star in the market and comes recommended for her strengths in Chapter 11 and creditors’ rights issues. Commentators say: “She understands how business works, thinks things through and is a really good leader on matters.”
Significant clients: Jeffries Leveraged Credit Products.
National
What the team is known for: Prominent group working nationally and internationally on all aspects of construction law. Possesses substantial experience in a wide range of areas, including high-value project development, contentious claims, liens, government contracts, and labor and employment concerns.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“We’ve been very happy with them. I would give them very high marks and recommend them.”
Work highlights: Provided extensive advice to Columbia University regarding its mixed-use redevelopment of 35 acres in West Harlem, including the construction of 17 new facilities.
Filed a claim against the City of Philadelphia on behalf of A.T Chadwick, a mechanical contractor employed in the construction of a new airport terminal.
Notable practitioners
Mark Canizio in New York.
Significant clients: RFR Realty, Hunter Roberts Construction, Vigilant Insurance, Zeckendorf Development, Barr & Barr.
California
Robert Hendrickson is “a strong, very knowledgeable litigator” based at Duane Morris LLP. He advises on disputes arising from a broad spread of construction issues, including defect claims, insurance coverage disputes and omissions litigation.
Illinois
Charles Lewis of Duane Morris LLP “is recognized as a go-to guy for construction litigation” according to sources, who also highlight him as a “very smart lawyer and tough litigator.” He has a wide-ranging practice, representing parties at all stages of construction.
New York
What the team is known for: A highly respected construction group with substantial experience in representing contractors and owners. Fully capable of tackling a range of both day-to-day and complex matters including contracts, safety issues, litigation and insurance claims.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“They are very responsive. I can get them on the phone and have a thoughtful, substantive conversation.”
Work highlights: Defended Columbia University in connection with an action brought by excavation and foundations joint venture E. E. Cruz/Nicholson. The action revolved around the highly technical construction of foundations for the university’s new Mind Brain Building, utilizing top-down techniques.
Acted as construction and bond counsel to a consortium, including Goldman Sachs, in connection with a finalist bid for the $3.5 billion new terminal at LaGuardia Airport. The public-private partnership will see the complete renovation of the airport’s current terminal system into an efficient, eco-friendly model with several new additions.
Notable practitioners
Frederick Cohen is a highly respected construction litigator and arbitrator noted for his representation of contractors, owners and nonprofits, among others. Sources describe Cohen as “deeply experienced” and observe that “he’s been there and seen every kind of possible deal.”
Ken Lazaruk handles contract negotiations and dispute resolution on behalf of engineers, owners and other clients. Sources find him “practical and thoughtful” and attest to his “wealth of experience.”
Interviewees report that Arthur Silverman “has seen every construction issue possible in New York City.” He is noted for his handling of all aspects of construction law, including contractual matters and dispute resolution.
Richard Dyer’s construction practice encompasses a range of contentious and noncontentious matters including transactional work and dispute resolution. His clients include developers, contractors and subcontractors.
Allen Ross is described as “one of the most innovative lawyers going” by impressed interviewees. He is reputed for his extensive experience arbitrating and mediating construction industry disputes, while he is also a highly regarded litigator.
Significant clients: Hunter Roberts Construction Group, RFR Realty.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Distinguished firm in the construction space. Well known for negotiating contracts, arbitration and litigation involving complex projects on a national and international scale. Experts in public and private contracts, OSHA compliance and turnkey contracts.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“Their work is very consistent, prompt and thorough. We feel very well served by them.”
Work highlights: Acted for the University of Sciences in a high-value dispute over the deterioration of piping in an underground tunnel.
Represented Watermark at Logan Square in bringing action against the project’s designers and constructors over a series of major water leaks.
Notable practitioners
Richard Lowe is renowned for his handling of complex construction disputes, acting for contractors, subcontractors and design professionals, among others. He draws high praise from clients, who comment: “He is particularly strong at figuring out the best strategy that will result in a successful outcome.”
Joseph Battipaglia has a wealth of experience litigating a wide range of high-value construction disputes. He is valued by clients for his “construction background," who appreciate that “he understands the construction industry.”
Robert Prentice is of counsel at the firm. He has significant experience handling complex construction-related litigation for contractors and managers. He is lauded by peers as “an excellent lawyer and well respected.”
Significant clients: SunPower, PJM Interconnection, Power Home Remodeling Group, American Arbitration Association.
Illinois
The “superb” Brian Kerwin of Duane Morris LLP enjoys a solid reputation for his extensive experience in corporate and private equity matters, often counseling clients on financings, acquisitions and fund formation.
Massachusetts
Clients turn to Thomas Redekopp of Duane Morris LLP for advice on M&A and capital markets deals. Commentators state: “He has very strong interpersonal skills and helps people understand how what they are doing impacts their business.”
Eastern Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Respected operator in the Pennsylvania market offering advice on various matters including joint ventures, corporate governance and private equity. Very active in M&A and securities work and often represents significant clients in the technology sector.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“Their performance is excellent - they are thoughtful, they do good work and they are service-oriented.”
“They have a strong breadth of knowledge and have experts in many different areas.”
Work highlights: Acted for CD Diagnostics in the negotiation and expansion of its strategic partnership with Zimmer.
Counsel to Inovio Pharmaceuticals on a public offering worth an estimated $87.4 million in gross proceeds.
Notable practitioners
“Standout lawyer” Kathleen Shay is described as “attentive, experienced and wise” by sources. She has a thriving corporate practice encompassing securities compliance, M&A and venture capital financings.
Richard Jaffe is “super responsive, incredibly polished and very technically proficient," says one observer. He has considerable expertise in corporate finance and venture capital financing as well as fund formation and divestitures.
Significant clients: Intact Vascular, Bracket Global, S1 Biopharma, National Securities Corporation, RCS Capital.
Sheila Slocum Hollis of Duane Morris LLP has experience representing municipalities in electricity regulation matters. An interviewees says: “She is a very valuable asset to have because she has a lot of experience in the energy markets and on FERC enforcement.”
Sources say Lawrence Diamond of Duane Morris LLP is a “very smart, extremely thorough and practical lawyer” who is “very good at what he does.” He is particularly well known for representing clients in environmental litigation.
Florida
What the team is known for: Talented group providing a range of healthcare services, including Medicare and Medicaid regulatory advice and associated litigation. Skilled practitioners offer guidance to hospitals, physician groups and assisted living centers, among other clients.
Notable practitioners
Joanne Erde is considered to be “technically sharp and creative” by one interviewee. She is regularly called upon to advise on Medicare and Medicaid rate setting and reimbursement and frequently appears on behalf of clients before various administrative bodies and in federal courts.
Nanette O’Donnell specializes in healthcare regulatory matters such as antikickback issues, practice management and managed care. She represents a variety of clients including clinical laboratories, home health agencies and management services organizations.
Illinois
Nicholas Lynn heads Duane Morris LLP’s Chicago healthcare practice. He is noted by sources for his knowledge of pharmaceutical law, but he has a wide practice encompassing long-term care and a range of healthcare litigation.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: A leading healthcare firm with a strong litigation team and transactional support group. Possesses a diverse client base including nonprofit corporations, hospitals and physician groups.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“All of them in their specialty are very knowledgeable and I don’t feel like I’m wasting time educating them.”
“Very effective before the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Work highlights: Acted as outside counsel for Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on various matters in the healthcare arena.
Notable practitioners
Chair of the Health Law Group David Loder is acclaimed for his counsel to healthcare associations on governance, reimbursement issues and Medicare programs. Sources say he is “thoughtful and diligent in pulling together the best team and has strong negotiation skills.”
Donald Auten is held in high esteem for his tax expertise, which he brings to healthcare transactions. He also specializes in counseling nonprofit organizations and hospital-physician relationships.
Lisa Clark is distinguished for her specialization into privacy and cyber security of health information. Her clients include hospitals, long-term care providers and physicians.
Matthew Jones is emerging as an authority on healthcare contracts and transactions, particularly mergers and acquisitions. “He gives mature business advice and delivers documents in a timely manner with a great deal of professionalism.”
Michael Mustokoff evokes praise as “an excellent litigator” and “a very experienced fraud and abuse lawyer.” A leading healthcare trial and appellate lawyer, he is an imposing presence when defending in regulatory, criminal defense and fraudulent insurance cases.
Significant clients: Vail Valley Medical Center.
National
Basic facts about the department
Key office is Washington, DC.
What the team is known for: Respected immigration department offering expertise in complex corporate immigration matters, as well as visa and deportation issues for individuals. Supports a broad roster of clients including organizations in the banking, entertainment, education and nonprofit sectors, among others.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“We love working with them. They are a true partner and give the personal touch in terms of client service.”
“The team is very informative and extremely patient with our employees."
“Top customer service.”
Notable practitioners
“Terrific practitioner” Denyse Sabagh is commended for her diverse skills and knowledge, with one source commenting: “She can handle a deportation and a business case and everything in between.” As well as assisting clients with all types of visa, she regularly handles I-9 audits and advises on the impact of criminal charges on immigration plans.
California
Lisa Spiegel of Duane Morris LLP is highlighted by observers for her provision of “solid and pragmatic advice.” She continues to advise corporate clients in connection with a broad range of immigration law and nationality law issues.
District of Columbia
What the team is known for: Prominent practice offering a diverse selection of immigration services including transactional support, immigrant and non-immigrant visa assistance and global mobility strategies. Clients range from nonprofits and educational institutions to Fortune 500 companies. Also adeptly handles deportation litigation.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“In particular, their ability to manage the expectations of our employees is very impressive.”
“We love working with them. They are a true partner and give the personal touch in terms of client service.”
Notable practitioners
Head of department Denyse Sabagh has a highly regarded immigration practice and true breadth of expertise, ranging from complex family immigration issues to international personnel transfers for large companies. She is hailed by her peers as “a brilliant lawyer and very much an advocate for people who are being wronged.” She is particularly noted for her “expertise in removal and exclusion cases” as well as her caring and approachable client manner.
National
Basic facts about the department
Key offices include Los Angeles and New York.
What the team is known for: Represents insurers in virtually all lines of coverage, with its robust disputes practice bolstered by key regulatory and reinsurance expertise. Also handles litigation and arbitrations of the highest complexity as well as large environmental claims and commercial general liability cases. Offers clients expertise both at trial and on appeal.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“They are excellent to work with and very responsive."
Work highlights: Defended California Insurance Guarantee Association against claims relating to plaintiffs in asbestos-related bodily injury claims that have been awarded in excess of $1 billion in settlements from insurers.
Represented Indian Harbor in an appeal following successful summary judgment against policyholder Pizter College, affirming that the institution had no right to indemnity coverage for $2 million of environmental remediation done without notifying the insurer.
Notable practitioners
Philip Matthews possesses deep expertise in settlement negotiation and also takes the lead on substantial joint defense cases in the insurance industry. Clients note him as being a “very responsive” lawyer who also “really thinks about the strategy.” Peers are also impressed, commenting: “He’s a heck of a settlement guy, he’s a standout.”
Insurance chair Max Stern handles a wide range of dispute proceedings for major insurers across the country, including a substantial amount of appellate work. Market commentators cite Stern as “a really great lawyer, who does an outstanding job.”
Senior statesman Thomas Newman continues to enjoy a fine reputation for his skill at handling key disputes and arbitrations for reinsurance clients. “He is a legend," remarks one source, while another says: “He probably has more in-depth knowledge than 99.9% of the lawyers practicing in this area.”
Significant clients: Great American Insurance, Liberty Mutual, Zurich, Safety National Casualty, XL Catlin.
California
What the team is known for: Well-regarded practice with a deep bench and a wide range of expertise that allows it to advise on almost all aspects of insurance law, from company formations through to high-stakes litigation. Particularly adroit at handling large environmental claims and also possesses keen insight into the workings of London and European insurance markets.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“The firm is stellar, one of the best I’ve worked with.”
“The lawyers offer a first-class, professional service. I have been fully satisfied with their individual and collective advice and service.”
Work highlights: Successfully achieved a settlement on behalf of American Star, for environmental claims concerning mining sites in New Mexico.
Represented certain London market insurers in a receivership case involving efforts to create a new mechanism to handle future asbestos claims.
Notable practitioners
Philip Matthews is “one of the top lawyers in insurance in the country," according to a market source, who also praises the attorney’s “encyclopedic knowledge of insurance." He is well respected throughout the industry, continues to advise clients on long-tail asbestos liability and is also known for his expert handling of large joint-defense cases.
Andrew Gordon regularly acts on big-ticket coverage litigation, often cases concerning significant environmental contamination claims and asbestos liability. One client states that “what sets him apart from other attorneys is that he himself is engaged with and is an expert in what we need, but is incredibly cost-effective and practical at the same time.”
Heading up the insurance team is the “very well-regarded” Max Stern, also described by sources as a “very solid practitioner." Highly capable of managing cases through the trial process and at appellate level, he handles a wide variety of contentious matters on behalf of insurers, including coverage disputes, bad faith, regulatory issues and subrogation.
Ray Wong is a respected litigator and trial lawyer who advises on a diverse selection of cases, from asbestos claims through to professional liability. One client references his “ability to quickly grasp the important aspects of a matter” and appreciates that he “keeps me informed and seeks my opinion and input.” Other market sources also offer praise, describing him as “very bright, very strategic, very well regarded" and "really terrific.”
Significant clients: American Centennial, The Doctors Company, Liberty Mutual, California Insurance Guarantee Association, XL Catlin.
New York
Veteran insurance practitioner Thomas Newman is of counsel at Duane Morris LLP and continues to offer the benefit of his insight and expertise to clients involved in major disputes, arbitrations and appeals. As one client notes: “He does a very nice job, and he has a lot of experience that he can rely on.”
Georgia
What the team is known for: Recognized for its experience acting for technology companies in contentious proceedings, including patent infringement disputes. Frequently sought out to assist with cases initiated by non-practicing entities. Also advises on portfolio management matters including licensing negotiations.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“They are really effective, strategic and work well with in-house teams.”
“They are really efficient, very smart and have the client’s best interests at heart."
Work highlights: Successfully assisted Seagate Technologies in obtaining a summary judgment dismissing a patent dispute initiated by Garnet Digital.
Acted for Cisco Systems in a patent dispute with Crossroads Systems.
Notable practitioners
Woody Jameson is a “top-notch practitioner” and is noted for being a “very good lawyer who is able to handle complex matters and operate at a high level.” He is sought after by clients for his “efficiency and expertise” and is distinguished for his abilities in handling complex and high-value patent litigation matters.
Sources say Matthew Gaudet is “a good litigator who is strong on his feet.” He handles a wide range of work including advice on contentious proceedings initiated by non-practicing entities and inter partes reviews.
Significant clients: Century Link.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Well-respected department providing comprehensive IP representation. Known for an impressive raft of clients that includes market leaders in life sciences, consumer products, telecommunications and beverages.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“Extraordinary firm - very responsive and they work really well with us as a team.”
“Very good litigation preparation and strategy, and the results were great.”
Work highlights: Successfully appealed a refusal by the US trademark examiner on behalf of Bitburger Braugruppe for the right for exclusive use of the term ‘Benediktiner’ to describe their beer in the US.
Defended Lutron Electronics at the trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) from an opposition by Pass & Seymour to their application to register a trademark configuration for dimmer switches.
Notable practitioners
David Wolfsohn has a general IP practice with extensive trademark, copyright and patent trial experience. One client describes him as a “terrific litigator” while another is “impressed with his creative approach to copyright issues.”
Peter Cronk is a well-known patent litigator and he also negotiates trademark licensing agreements and transfers for technology startups. Sources say: “He is a first-class lawyer, knows his stuff inside and out.”
Aleksander Goranin is a patent litigator who acts for technology and life sciences clients at trial and on appeal. Sources say: “He is very bright and writes beautifully," and is “a really top-notch litigator.”
Significant clients: Cisco, Lutron Electronics.
Florida
Michael Casey of Duane Morris LLP has extensive experience across a broad range of labor and employment matters including union elections and unfair practice claims. His peers are quick to praise his “tremendous reputation," describing him as “one of the leading lawyers in the state.”
Georgia
Joseph Ciucci of Duane Morris LLP is praised for his “detail-oriented” approach and for his “excellent knowledge of labor law.” He is recognized for his excellent representation of employers before the EEOC or the NLRB, and is also frequently sought after for his counsel on compliance matters.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Provides comprehensive coverage across a range of employment, immigration and benefit plans matters. Active litigation practice that is frequently retained to act on wage and hour disputes that cross state lines. Also noted for its strength in traditional labor law.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“They are very realistic and business-oriented. They are always on point, always succinct and always worthwhile.”
“It’s a very fine firm and I really look on our relationship as an invaluable partnership.”
Notable practitioners
Thomas Servodidio is an acclaimed employment litigator who regularly acts on both single plaintiff and class action suits, as well as handling NLRB proceedings and arbitration. Interviewees describe him as “brilliant in the courtroom.”
Jonathan Segal frequently counsels clients on matters such as HR training, immigration law issues and federal and state employment regulatory compliance. Interviewees describe him as “just all-around superb," stating: “If Superman wore pinstripes, his name would be Jonathan Segal.”
Eastern Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Broad litigation team with extensive experience representing clients in class actions before the state and federal courts. Acclaimed prowess in consumer protection, IP and securities cases.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“They always have a strategy and a plan and are always at the forefront of telling you what they think is the most effective way to resolve a matter.”
“It is a group of dedicated, smart, insightful, hard-working people.”
Notable practitioners
John Soroko acts as chairman and CEO of Duane Morris. He maintains a strong reputation as a gifted commercial and securities litigator at the trial and appellate levels.
Matthew Taylor is described as “tenacious in the courtroom” and regarded as “one of the best in the business.” Commentators rave about his ability to manage complex commercial litigation.
Michael Mustokoff is lauded for his expertise in the white-collar crime arena. He has a strong record representing clients in fraudulent insurance cases, regulatory proceedings and RICO prosecutions, particularly within the healthcare industry.
David Landau is admired for his IP know-how and his experience of employment and commercial litigation. “He’s very analytical and I’ve always found his advice to be good and very strong," say sources.
New Jersey
Eric Breslin is highlighted by sources as a “very experienced trial lawyer.” He litigates a range of civil and criminal disputes, acting for a broad institutional and individual client base. He is based at Duane Morris LLP.
National
Trial lawyer Sharon Caffrey chairs the product liability and toxic torts group at Duane Morris LLP. Sources observe that “she’s extremely thorough in investigating a case, and has a good way of balancing the supervising of her team while remaining master of the facts herself.”
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for: Advises developers, financial institutions and contractors on all aspects of transactional real estate. Further experience in eminent domain issues, zoning and land use matters, as well as large-scale real estate developments.
Notable practitioners
David Augustin is recognized by interviewees for his expertise in advising lenders on financing transactions. He possesses further experience representing clients in the purchasing and selling of commercial projects and properties.
Marc Brookman is regarded by clients and peers alike as a “veteran in the Philadelphia market with a great network.” He has experience in transactional real estate issues, including property development, acquisitions and zoning matters.
Pennsylvania
Chair of the tax practice group at Duane Morris LLP, Stephen DiBonaventura is known for his expertise in federal and corporate tax matters. He impresses with his skill overseeing large restructurings and in handling M&A.