Duane Morris’ practice groups received 21 citations for excellence in Chambers USA: 2017, and Duane Morris attorneys received an additional 70. 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 which is widely recognized for its representation of major banks and other financial services entities. Frequently engaged in an array of sophisticated matters, including mortgage lending and restructuring, and also noted for its strength in project finance, particularly in the renewable energy space. Additionally recognized for its strength in banking and finance disputes.
Strengths The team “possesses a strong understanding of our business,” reports one satisfied client, who also praises the firm’s responsiveness and “practical approach.”
Work highlights Represented Wells Fargo Bank as lender in establishing a $60 million credit facility to a global leader in the manufacture of zeolites applications.
Defended First Horizon Home Loans against a suit from a private individual following incomplete construction of his property, financed by First Horizon. The judgment of the California Courts set that lenders can protect themselves from the failures of such a residential project.
Significant clients Bank of America, Ocwen Loan Servicing.
Notable practitioners
Dianne Meyer represents both lenders and borrowers in secured and unsecured lending, and also has notable experience in domestic and cross-border syndicated transactions. She also comes recommended for her counsel on municipal finance matters and excels in taxable and tax-exempt transactions.
California
Ron Oliner of Duane Morris LLP is held in high regard by clients who describe him as “invaluable” and note his “intelligence and wide breadth of legal knowledge.” He is experienced in handling financial restructurings and business reorganizations for a varied client list including trustees, creditors’ committees and financial institutions.
Delaware
Michael Lastowski of Duane Morris LLP is considered by market peers to be a “very knowledgeable” attorney. He is managing partner of the firm’s Wilmington office, and handles bankruptcy and commercial disputes for a wide range of clients.
Illinois
John Weiss of Duane Morris LLP offers creditor and debtor representation in matters of loan defaults, recapitalizations, bankruptcies and workouts. He is known for his work in the golf, restaurant and trucking industries and is said to be “great to work with.”
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. Particularly praised for the firm’s impressive handling of the recent New England Compounding Pharmacy case.
Strengths “They are a very, very good firm with lots of resources,” says one source, while another notes: “They are always good about following up with items - nothing slips through the cracks with them.”
Work highlights Partner Paul Moore acts as Chapter 11 Trustee of New England Compounding Pharmacy following a widespread outbreak of meningitis allegedly caused by the company’s products. Developed and implemented a plan to consolidate pending lawsuits into multidistrict litigation proceedings and subsequently engaged in negotiating settlements with claimants totaling more than $200 million.
Represented CrossHarbor Capital Partners in high-profile litigation and appeals arising from its Chapter 11 acquisition of the Yellowstone Club resort in Montana.
Significant clients Boyne USA, Big Sky Resort, Boston Private Bank & Trust Company.
Notable practitioners
Chapter 11 bankruptcy specialist Paul Moore is “universally regarded as a brilliant bankruptcy attorney” and described as a “very tough negotiator” who is “strategic when it comes to getting an end result.” Industry sources strongly commend him for his work as trustee in the recent New England Compounding Pharmacy case.
New Jersey
Walter Greenhalgh of Duane Morris LLP is described by sources as a “knowledgeable bankruptcy practitioner who has good commercial litigation skills,” and they add: “He is a good oral advocate, zealous and gets good results for his clients.” His specialties include Chapter 11 proceedings and reorganizations.
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 The team’s lawyers are acknowledged as “strong advocates who are very thorough and look out for our interests,” adding: “They are very good at making sure we are doing the proper things to protect ourselves.”
Another client describes them as “consummate professionals who put their clients’ needs first.”
Value for money The team is often noted by clients for the value it provides, with one client commenting: “They provide a tremendous service for the amount they charge.”
Notable practitioners
Chair of the business reorganization and financial restructuring group Rudolph Di Massa is known as a “top lenders’ lawyer,” with a significant focus on complex litigation and creditors’ rights matters. One satisfied client praises his “entrepreneurial sense and business savvy,” adding: “He gave us a business-oriented service, which was a big help to us.”
James Holman regularly advises on the full range of commercial reorganizations and related transactions. One client comments: “He really brings good business sense to the legal side.”
Lawrence Kotler is well respected for the strength of his advocacy, acting in bankruptcy litigation matters, as well as complex Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases. Impressed interviewees remark: “He has an incredible breadth of knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code.”
Wendy Simkulak is a well-respected up-and-comer in the market, regularly representing insurance companies in bankruptcy proceedings. Clients say: “She’s very smart but also very practical. She has a very intuitive understanding of not only the law, but also how the dynamics of a bankruptcy case play out.”
Nationwide
Basic facts about the department Key offices include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and New York.
What the team is known for Prominent group working nationally and internationally on all aspects of construction law. Noted for its excellent record handling contentious claims in large-scale litigation, and for achieving settlements through alternative dispute resolution. Possesses substantial experience in a wide range of areas, including high-value project development, government contracts and public-private partnerships.
Strengths A satisfied client comments: “Duane Morris is one of our go-to firms because of its knowledge, responsiveness and client service.”
Work highlights Represented Perkins & Will in complex litigation concerning the design and construction of the University of California’s new research and teaching hospital, and successfully concluded the dispute in a mediated settlement.
Advised Kiewit Infrastructure West on multiple bidding and contractual matters, including alternative methods of project delivery and public-private partnerships.
Significant clients John Russo Industrial Sheetmetal, FlightCar, O’Connor Properties, Columbia University, Five Star Electric.
Notable practitioners
Mark Canizio in New York is a key contact.
California
Robert Hendrickson of Duane Morris LLP is valued by clients for his “in-depth knowledge of contractor issues” and his “thorough, creative and diligent” approach. He is recommended for representing owners and contractors in construction disputes with one interviewee stating: “I would trust him with our highest-stakes litigation.”
Illinois
Charles Lewis of Duane Morris LLP is a highly regarded attorney with a broad construction practice, particularly noted for his expertise handling litigation and alternative dispute resolution matters. “He’s the top of his field,” remarks one impressed client.
New York
What the team is known for Prominent construction practice with notable experience overseeing major developments and renovations in New York City. Well versed in assisting through all stages of a project and noted for its counsel on front-end contract formation as well as dispute resolution. Acts for an impressive client base including architects, engineers and contractors, as well as owners and construction managers.
Strengths A satisfied client comments: “Duane Morris is one of our go-to firms because of its knowledge, responsiveness and client service.”
“The team is excellent.”
Work highlights Acted for Columbia University in preparing and negotiating design and construction agreements, as well as conducting risk and insurance consultations, in relation to the redevelopment of a large area of Manhattanville.
Advised Zeckendorf Development in the formation of its design and construction agreements in relation to multiple projects, including the renovation of a masonry structure and the construction of two residential condominium buildings in New York City.
Significant clients AmTrust Realty, Broad Street Development, Five Star Electric, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, O’Connor Properties.
Notable practitioners
The highly experienced Allen Ross is described by one source as “one of the top attorneys in the construction industry.” He is well regarded for his acumen in negotiations and arbitrations, with one client reporting: “He can articulate the issues and the arguments very well and very persuasively.”
Frederick Cohen has extensive experience in contract formation and in resolving disputes through litigation and alternative dispute resolution procedures. He acts for a distinguished roster of clients, including owners, contractors and nonprofit organizations.
Kenneth Lazaruk is well known for representing major owners and developers in prominent construction projects in New York City. He acts for a broad array of clients in contract negotiations, ADR and litigation.
Arthur Silverman is well regarded for his project advice and transactional experience, which is complemented by his dispute resolution work. His clients include private owners, developers, private equity investors and general contractors.
Richard Dyer has a wealth of experience in dispute resolution and contract formation. He acts for a diverse client base and has overseen sports stadium, energy and infrastructure projects, among many others.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for Distinguished firm in the construction space. Well known for negotiating contracts and handling arbitration and litigation involving complex projects on a national and international scale. Experts in public and private contracts, OSHA compliance and turnkey contracts. Particularly excels in P3 projects and bid protests and award disputes.
Work highlights Acted for Westinghouse Electric Company in disputes regarding the design, procurement and construction of two nuclear power plants.
Assisted in contract and regulatory work for PJM Interconnection regarding the design construction of electric transmission lines from nuclear power plants across state lines.
Notable practitioners
Joseph Battipaglia is singled out by clients for his “knowledgeable, responsive, and pragmatic” counsel. Battipaglia is an experienced commercial litigator who has represented a wide variety of clients in large-scale construction disputes.
Richard Lowe is well respected as a construction mediator by his peers, one of whom notes: “He was very well organized, did an effective job to bring the parties together, and didn’t take any nonsense from the litigants.” Another source asserts: “He was fantastic, passionate and knowledgeable, and used these skill sets to bring parties to an agreement.”
Robert Prentice is well versed in litigation, mediation and arbitration and acts for an impressive roster of clients including owners, contractors and architects. He is also highly regarded for his excellent document drafting counsel.
Illinois
Brian Kerwin is the chair of Duane Morris LLP and is noted for his experience representing companies and private equity funds in a range of corporate transactions, including financings, acquisitions and fund formation. Of late, he advised Alpine Investors on the sale of FFO Home to a national private equity fund.
Massachusetts
Thomas Redekopp of Duane Morris LLP is recognized for his work on a range of corporate transactions, including M&A and securities offerings. One client describes him as “very intelligent and thorough.”
Eastern Pennsylvania
What the team is known for Respected operator in the Pennsylvania market with a varied corporate practice. Very active in M&A and securities work advising on joint ventures, corporate governance and other transactional issues.
Strengths “They provide high-level service in the most efficient, practical manner of any firm I have dealt with.”
“They know how to approach a situation with just the right amount of tact, diplomacy and friendliness. Most firms know how to be professional but these folks really understood the intricacies of the buyer and the seller and grasped the idiosyncrasies.”
Work highlights Advised the special committee of the board of directors of Javelin Mortgage Investment in its merger agreement with Armour Residential REIT.
Represented Polder Housewares in the sale of all its assets to New York private equity fund Topspin Partners.
Significant clients Unilife, STRATA Skin Sciences, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, National Securities Corporation, Hill International.
Notable practitioners
Richard Jaffe is known for his combination of venture and private equity work. Clients enthuse: “His greatest strength is being able to act as a strategic adviser in addition to as an attorney. He has strong technical skills and is also really good at handling the big picture and what needs to be focused on to make a deal happen.”
Kathleen Shay focuses her practice on corporate financing, M&A, securities and venture capital work. Clients say: “Her general corporate law knowledge is a real strength, as is her phenomenal recall for the company’s history.”
Nationwide
Sheila Slocum Hollis of Duane Morris LLP handles a range of regulatory and litigation matters for electricity market participants. She has significant experience acting for municipalities. A client enthuses that “her vast experience in energy law gives us insight into the regulatory framework and how things get done.”
New Jersey
The “very responsive” Lawrence Diamond of Duane Morris LLP is a seasoned practitioner with a strong reputation in the market for his regulatory and litigation strengths. He regularly advises clients on CERCLA, CAA and CWA matters and is also noted for his expertise in issues pertaining to RCRA.
Florida
What the team is known for Talented group providing a range of healthcare services across regulatory, administrative litigation and transactional issues. Skilled practitioners offer guidance to hospitals, physician groups and assisted living centers, among other clients. Expertise includes Stark Law, managed care and acquisition work.
Strengths “They have all been great. Every person that we have met to date has been second to none,” say clients.
Work highlights Engaged by a group of Florida hospitals to handle a Medicaid rule and substantial interest challenge involving the state’s rate-setting regulations.
Handled an appeal relating to the result of an audit carried out by Florida’s Agency for Healthcare Administration on behalf of a number of hospitals, from which the Agency is demanding millions in repayment.
Notable practitioners
Joanne Erde is highly experienced in administrative litigation issues covering Medicare/Medicaid payment, compliance and coverage disputes. She is frequently sought out by hospitals among other healthcare providers. Her peers describe her as “an excellent lawyer” and a “go-to person in her area.”
Nanette O'Donnell specializes in handling regulatory issues including managed care, Stark and antikickback work. She also handles such transactional issues as provider joint ventures and practice roll-ups. Clients describe her service as “world class,” and one enthuses: “By far she is the absolute best attorney that I have ever worked with.”
Illinois
What the team is known for Expert healthcare practice with a substantial Illinois offering. Advises clients such as hospitals and physicians on disputes, regulatory compliance and transactions. Also noted for its niche telemedicine capabilities. Notable experience in the post-acute care and senior living space.
Strengths The uniform strength offered by the firm is a key selling point for clients: “Every attorney I’ve worked with is extremely knowledgeable, has impeccable customer service and is very personable. Duane Morris only hires the very best.”
Clients commend the firm’s “exceptional team of legal experts that are able to consult with each other to ensure the best outcome for their clients.”
Work highlights Represented Bryn Mawr Care before the Seventh Circuit in a claim challenging CMS’s scope for imposing penalties on nursing homes without there being a way to officially dispute the punitive process.
Acted for a physician facing allegations that he had violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, securing a more lenient sentence than the custodial terms originally faced.
Significant clients Touhy Pharmacy, Senior Lifestyle Corporation, Meridian Senior Living, Heritage Enterprises, Chicago Bears Football.
Notable practitioners
Nicholas Lynn comes highly recommended for his strength in regulatory compliance concerns and healthcare litigation. He maintains a strong focus on matters impacting long-term care entities, as well as pharmaceutical companies. Clients describe him as “an outstanding lawyer who offers phenomenal customer service.”
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for Longstanding healthcare practice noted for its highly respected bench of experienced transactional and regulatory compliance experts. Maintains a broad client base representative of its widespread industry coverage. Notable expertise in areas such as telemedicine, reimbursement disputes and joint ventures.
Strengths Clients describe the team as “very competent and customer service-oriented,” while others note that the attorneys are “reputable, confident and dependable.”
Clients also cite the team’s “expertise and experience” as being key selling points.
Work highlights Continued to act for a group of Pennsylvania-based hospitals in a dispute with the CMS, in which the agency was attempting to recoup $55 million.
Defended nonprofit entity MedicAlert Foundation against copyright and trademark claims filed by a for-profit competitor in federal court in Texas.
Significant clients Hospital and Healthsystem Association, Vail Valley Medical Center.
Notable practitioners
David Loder is highly respected for his expert representation of clients such as health systems and hospitals in reimbursement litigation, regulatory compliance and credentialing issues. Clients praise his “deep knowledge and understanding of the big picture, which helps him to provide strategic counsel and specific legal advice. This is his world and he’s an expert in it.”
“Quality practitioner” Lisa Clark is particularly highlighted for her expert health IT practice, which includes advising on areas such as mobile health. Her broad expertise also includes counseling providers on HIPAA and reimbursement issues. One client states: “We were really impressed with how quickly she could understand the nitty-gritty of our business.”
Matthew Jones draws praise for his “very sophisticated business sense” and “hands-on” approach to transactions. He frequently represents clients such as health systems, pharmaceuticals and physician practice groups in joint ventures and M&A, as well as advising on tax issues in the healthcare space.
Michael Mustokoff is described by one interviewee as “a fantastic fraud and abuse litigator.” His extensive white-collar criminal defense experience sees him regularly represent healthcare entities in external investigations and litigation brought under the False Claims Act.
Nationwide
Basic facts about the department
Key office is Washington, DC.
What the team is known for Respected immigration department offering expertise across the full spectrum of corporate immigration matters, as well as visa and deportation issues for individuals. Supports a broad roster of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to startups, across a range of industries, including IT, biotechnology and banking. Often advises on H1-B visa issues and green card applications.
Strengths Clients benefit from the fact that “all members of the team are very fast and involved.”
One interviewee states: “They are absolutely great, very responsive, and just a pleasure to work with.”
Work highlights Acted for Zensar Technologies on the re-examination of a number of PERM application denials, successfully obtaining their approval on appeal.
Significant clients CNSI, BitTorrent, SITA, Apollo Education Group, Unilife.
Notable practitioners
Denyse Sabagh is the head of the firm’s immigration practice group, and is “well known and well regarded in the immigration Bar.” One source said: “She is one of the top in the field.” Offering extensive experience advising on I-9 audit cases, consular processing and immigration issues stemming from criminal cases, Sabagh represents both business clients and individuals.
California
What the team is known for Accomplished business immigration practice with experience in global visas and work and residence permit applications. Also handles compliance audits, for clients ranging from large multinational corporations to NGOs and individuals, as well as immigration-related litigation and government compliance matters.
Strengths One client pinpoints the firm’s ability to think strategically: “What I love about this firm is that they’re able to look at things from a 50,000 feet level, anticipating what to look for and what to expect, particularly on the global scale.”
Work highlights Secured an L-1A visa for an employee on behalf of SITA by demonstrating the real value of the relevant functional manager’s role, which was not ostensible.
Obtained a complicated TN visa for a Bittorrent employee whose previous work experience was not obviously relevant to her current role.
Significant clients Zensar Technologies, Apollo Education Group, Bittorrent.
Notable practitioners
Lisa Spiegel concentrates on issues related to the employment of foreign nationals, alongside a range immigration services. Spiegel is “extraordinarily well versed in the nuances of immigration law and also very well connected with the various organizations that control these issues,” say sources.
District of Columbia
What the team is known for Prominent practice offering a diverse selection of immigration services including transactional support, immigrant and nonimmigrant visa assistance and global mobility strategies. Clients range from nonprofits and educational institutions to Fortune 500 companies, across such sectors as IT, biotechnology, security and entertainment. Also adeptly handles deportation litigation.
Work highlights Handles all immigration-related matters for CNSI, recently obtaining a number of PERM audit approvals by optimizing the efficiency and accuracy of their PERM processing program.
Advises Nodal Exchange on all its immigration matters, including H-1B cases, labor certifications and green card applications.
Significant clients Unilife, Inova, Clarkston Potomac Group, Atlantic Council, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Notable practitioners
Denyse Sabagh is head of the firm’s immigration practice group and a “real star in the field.” She is “renowned” for her work across all aspects of immigration law and “respected particularly for complex waiver cases.” She is also well regarded for her advice on consular processing and the immigration ramifications of criminal charges.
Nationwide
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. Additionally provides notable capability in relation to bankruptcy and market conduct matters as part of an all-encompassing insurance practice.
Strengths Sources say: “They are a very good team. I have been impressed with their ability and their client service is top-notch.”
Work highlights Represented Great American Insurance in a complex defense cost recovery dispute with the Port of Seattle in relation to environmental liability issues arising from the Lower Duwamish Waterway cleanup.
Acted on behalf of Liberty Mutual in coverage litigation arising from underlying defamation claims, further complicated by the insured’s bankruptcy.
Significant clients XL Catlin, Zurich North America, One Beacon, American Centennial Insurance, Safety National Casualty.
Notable practitioners
Philip Matthews provides significant expertise in a broad range of insurance market disputes, including toxic tort matters, asbestos claims and healthcare issues. He is also noted for his mediation and arbitration acumen.
The “very talented” Max Stern leads the insurance practice and is highlighted for his considerable ability in professional liability and bad faith disputes for insurance industry clients. He demonstrates further expertise in the appellate arena.
Thomas Newman is a well-respected and highly experienced practitioner renowned for his skill across reinsurance market matters. “He is one of the most knowledgeable people in the industry,” say sources.
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 high-stakes litigation. Particularly adroit at handling large environmental claims and also possesses keen insight into the workings of London and European insurance markets. Frequently sought out by an enviable client roster featuring some of the largest players in the insurance space.
Strengths Delighted clients say: “They are extremely good coverage counsel and are excellent litigators. They are very experienced.”
One impressed client reports: “I am unquestionably happy with their performance. It is a number of things - their attention to detail, their knowledge of Californian law and the fact that, once appointed, the other party knows they’ll have a fight on their hands.”
Work highlights Represented Great American Insurance in litigation involving the McClatchy newspaper family trust. Work included handling directors’ and officers’ coverage matters.
Represented Liberty Mutual in connection with a defamation case, including filing a coverage declaratory relief action.
Significant clients California Insurance Guarantee, One Beacon, London Market Insurers, XL Catlin, Zurich North America.
Notable practitioners
According to clients, Andrew Gordon is a “very good” lawyer. He is vastly experienced in handling insurance litigation, with a particular focus on coverage disputes involving asbestos liability and environmental contamination claims.
Max Stern has notable experience in handling a variety of litigation matters for insurance market clients, including regulatory, bad faith and coverage disputes. Clients appreciate that he is “knowledgeable and has good practical sense” and is “a good negotiator and very outcome-oriented.”
Ray Wong is highlighted as “smart, strategic and thoughtful,” with other sources adding: “He is extremely thorough, very detail-oriented and great to work with.” He is a skilled litigator with expertise in a range of contentious insurance matters, including asbestos and professional liability claims.
The “terrific” Philip Matthews wins resounding praise from clients and peers alike for his work in the insurance arena. He is experienced in handling a range of complex contentious matters, including asbestos claims and coverage disputes. As well as his prowess in the courtroom, he is also commended for his ability to “get both parties seated at a table, negotiate and get a result that is favorable.”
New York
The “incredibly knowledgeable” Thomas Newman of Duane Morris LLP is highly respected for his longstanding insurance and reinsurance disputes practice. He draws on longstanding experience in trial and appellate proceedings, as well as arbitrations. Interviewees describe him as “one of the best insurance lawyers in America.”
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. Additional strength in matters pertaining to the entertainment, media, franchising and consumer products areas.
Strengths One client reports: “The team is efficient, thoughtful and cares about our business. I highly recommend them.”
Work highlights Acted for Cisco Systems and NetApp in defense of patent infringement claims by Crossroad Systems regarding computer storage systems. The plaintiffs alleged damages of $200 million.
Significant clients Cisco Systems, Netgear, CoxCom, Time Warner Cable, NetApp.
Notable practitioners
Louis Jameson is a “top-notch” IP litigator. He focuses on patent disputes, in addition to handling trade dress, trademark and copyright litigation. One client attests: “He’s phenomenal. He really thinks through what the business goals are and how to get there.”
The “very talented” Matthew Gaudet is recommended for his strength in the patent litigation space, handling such matters as part of a broader commercial litigation practice.
Robin McGrath is a respected patent litigator who is noted for her handling of IP litigation in the financial services and technology sectors, including cases pertaining to the rapidly emerging financial technology space.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for An experienced group with a breadth of highly effective practitioners capable of providing assistance on a full range of IP matters, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and licensing. Acts for an impressive raft of clients that includes market leaders in life sciences, consumer products, telecommunications and beverages.
Strengths One client affirms that “they do an extraordinary job and they are very effective communicators.”
Another client highlights how “they really took a lot of time to prepare for trial and prepare the witnesses, they really got to grips with the case.”
Work highlights Successfully defended HJ Heinz in a misappropriation of idea suit, in which the plaintiff, Wawrzynski, claimed to have invented the defendant’s Dip N Squeeze condiment packets.
Defended Lutron Electronics in a trademark product configuration opposition proceeding before the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board, involving significant legal issues relating to the registration and expiration of patents.
Significant clients Yellow Pages Photo, Next Biometrics, Mercer Café.
Notable practitioners
David Wolfsohn is a “phenomenal litigator” who has experience representing clients across all areas of IP. One client praised his skills at trial, saying: “He’s detail-oriented, very smart and aggressive in the courtroom and it works.”
Peter Cronk is a skilled attorney, with expertise in prosecution and litigation for patents, trademarks and copyrights. Sources describe him as “a great litigator who knows his stuff inside and out.”
Aleksander Goranin is a well-regarded patent litigator with experience across a wide range of science and technology fields. One client says: “He’s a great partner - he’s always thinking things through and coming with intellectual approaches to matters.”
Florida
Michael Casey of Duane Morris LLP is recognized for his strength in the traditional labor law space. Peers acknowledge him to be “a fantastic lawyer.”
Georgia
Labor lawyer Joseph Ciucci of Duane Morris LLP handles a broad spectrum of employment matters before state and federal courts and the EEOC. His areas of expertise include wrongful discharge actions, harassment and discrimination issues.
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, drawing on significant experience in defending against NLRB proceedings.
Strengths One source observes: “Duane Morris has a very strong group, and I’ve had tremendous experiences with them. They’re especially good in trade secrets matters.”
Another client enthuses: “The quality of the staff is at the very top. I feel privileged to be represented by them.”
Work highlights Acted for Mid-Atlantic Healthcare in a dispute arising from labor contract negotiations, in which one union involved alleged that the company was in violation of agreements as it had not applied a 2.5% wage increase to newly hired employees.
Represented Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in negotiations regarding a collective bargaining agreement that included employee contributions for health insurance and no wage increases for a four-year period.
Significant clients Verizon, K2 Intelligence, Xerox, Unilife, Bio-Medical Applications of New Jersey.
Notable practitioners
“Problem-solver” Thomas Servodidio is held in high regard by clients for his “complete understanding of the law and ability to understand the issue and find a solution.” He is recognized for his strength in both labor disputes and employment litigation, including wage and hour and discrimination matters.
Jonathan Segal draws praise for his expert counsel on a range of employment matters, as well as his handling of traditional labor work. Impressed clients report: “He is consistently practical and flexible and crafts a number of solutions based on what we care about. He can be counted on to know the law and the legal ways to work within it to solve business problems.”
New Jersey
Eric Breslin of Duane Morris LLP is known for his experience handling white-collar criminal litigation in state and federal courts. “His professionalism impresses even the most caustic of judges,” notes one interviewee
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. Renowned for its prowess in securities and white-collar crime cases and also noted for its strengths across IP, product liability and antitrust disputes.
Strengths “Duane Morris has large resources and handles complicated cases well,” one impressed client notes.
Another satisfied client avers: “The legal work has just been fantastic and we have gotten good results in the matters we’ve had with them.”
Work highlights Represented SAP America in defense of a $325 million damages case brought by the State Controller’s Office of California regarding contract breaches.
Represented 32,000 physicians against the American Osteopathic Association in an antitrust case regarding a challenge to the association’s requirement that board-certified physicians must pay membership dues to retain their board certification.
Significant clients Cellular One, Academy One, Re-Bath, Lockheed Martin, Wright Medical.
Notable practitioners
“Terrific litigator” and “fine trial lawyer” Matthew Taylor draws praise for his work in high-profile complex commercial disputes and has a wealth of experience in cases involving product liability and trade secrets issues. He chairs the firm’s trial practice group.
Firm chairman and CEO John Soroko is regarded as “an excellent lawyer” with strong leadership skills. He has significant expertise in litigating securities and professional liability matters, and maintains a fine track record for his work in class actions.
The “very experienced” Michael Mustokoff is a well-regarded trial lawyer recognized for his adept counsel in complex white-collar crime cases. He is particularly noted for his expertise in RICO matters and is also highlighted for his representation of healthcare providers in criminal proceedings.
Nationwide
Sharon Caffrey chairs the product liability and toxic tort group at Duane Morris LLP. She is an experienced trial lawyer, who frequently serves as counsel in multidistrict litigation involving asbestos and phenylpropanolamine (PPA) claims.
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for Advises developers, financial institutions and contractors on all aspects of transactional real estate. Maintains a fine reputation for its work in the leisure and hospitality space, and is also a popular choice of firm for its counsel on multifamily properties and projects in the healthcare sector.
Strengths One satisfied client comments: “The team is skilled and is enjoyable to work with. Having direct access to the lead partner and having a bench of staff to handle various aspects of a closing is very helpful.”
“Duane Morris is a great firm that is both large and international, which means that their footprint is wide enough for us, giving us the opportunity to work in different states. They are a cutting-edge firm!” another source enthuses.
Notable practitioners
“Good technical lawyer” David Augustin acts for lenders, buyers and sellers in a wide variety of projects, including hotels and retail developments. He is also highly regarded for real estate workouts expertise.
Florida
William Rohrer of Duane Morris LLP frequently handles international tax matters for both domestic and foreign clients, including public and private companies. Interviewees hold him in high regard, noting that “his output is excellent.”
Pennsylvania
What the team is known for Strong transactional tax practice that advises a range of domestic and international clients on structuring deals. Also noted for its handling of state and federal controversy work, which includes acting on criminal proceedings.
Strengths Clients are impressed with the firm’s tax offering, with one noting: “It’s a firm I trust with my company’s reputation. They go out of their way to be proactive; I love that they keep us informed in a continually changing world.”
Work highlights Served as tax counsel to Iroko Pharmaceuticals on its $140 million secured loan facility with CRG and parallel pay-off of a loan facility held with a different lender.
Counseled South American investors on tax matters arising from the corporate restructuring of $72 million in assets across six jurisdictions throughout Europe, South America and the USA.
Significant clients Albert Cambata, JM Financial Securities, Bajaj Finance.
Notable practitioners
Tax practice chair Stephen DiBonaventura comes recommended for his expert tax counsel on large-scale transactions. He routinely advises on the structuring of deals such as spin-offs, M&A and restructurings. His practice also includes advising on deals involving distressed companies.
“Talented international tax lawyer” Hope Krebs is highly regarded by clients for her “outstanding experience” and “practical advice on complex matters.” She is a go-to attorney for a range of cross-border deals, including restructurings and credit facility negotiations.