The law firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton Professional Association is pleased to announce that the firm has been recognized with five firm rankings and 18 distinct individual attorney rankings in the Chambers USA: A Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers.
Conducted by Chambers and Partners, Chambers USA: A Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers recognizes America’s top business attorneys and leading law firms. Chambers USA selected McLane’s offices in New Hampshire (Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth) as top-ranked in the state for Corporate/Commercial, Environment, and Litigation: General Commercial. The firm was ranked second tier in Labor & Employment and Real Estate.
Among the outstanding McLane attorneys who were recognized individually in Chambers USA’s were: Steven M. Burke (Corporate/Commercial and Corporate/Commercial: Tax), Bruce W. Felmly (Litigation: General Commercial), Wilbur A. Glahn III (Litigation: General Commercial), John E. Hughes (Corporate/Commercial: Tax), Linda S. Johnson (Labor & Employment), Jack B. Middleton (Litigation: General Commercial), Barry Needleman (Environment), Daniel J. Norris (Corporate/Commercial), Jessica A. Nylund (Real Estate), Jennifer L. Parent (Labor & Employment), Michael J. Quinn (Environment), Peter B. Rotch (Real Estate), Mark Rouvalis (Environment), Richard A. Samuels (Corporate/Commercial), Gregory H. Smith (Environment), Charla B. Stevens (Labor & Employment), David Wolowitz (Litigation: General Commercial), and William V.A. Zorn (Corporate/Commercial: Tax).
Now in its 13th edition, the list ranks top U.S. law firms and individual attorneys in various practice areas. The relative weight of client feedback in their rankings makes the Chambers guides among the most respected of all law firm reference publications available.
Corporate/Commercial
Chambers’ USA Assessment:
What the team is known for.
Market leader in New Hampshire corporate matters, offering high –quality advice on the full range of business-related issues, including M&A, financing and securities. Sector focuses include manufacturing, energy, education and healthcare.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“McLane operates very efficiently and effectively. They regularly send updates on matters that may be relevant to our company and are quick to point out the most efficient solution to legal issues that arise.”
“They are extremely competent and experienced.”
Work highlights
Advised on the sale of a lumber supply company worth $4 million.
Notable practitioners
“Consummate professional” Richard Samuels is the firm’s managing director and holds expertise in the corporate governance and M&A arenas. One client notes: “Richard has provided great overall guidance and has been key in developing an optimal corporate structure that benefits all parties.”
Steven Burke is a partner in the tax department of the firm, advising businesses on the tax-related side of corporate transactions. Sources say he is “dedicated to client service” and is “very highly regarded both among colleagues and by clients.”
Daniel Norris chairs the corporate department at the firm and handles a variety of M&A and corporate finance transactions. Peers praise him as “a good corporate lawyer who knows how to get the work done.”
John Hughes is experienced in handling complex tax structures and is also involved in estate and trust planning. One client reports: “He gave us great advice and direction; he’s so proactive in his approach and creative in his strategies.”
William Zorn concentrates his practice on federal and state tax planning, alongside advising organizations on their structuring. This complements his additional expertise in estate planning and wealth management.
Significant clients
University System of New Hampshire, Liberty Energy, Merchants Automotive, groSolar, Hitchiner Manufacturing.
Litigation
Chambers’ USA Assessment:
What the team is known for.
Preeminent litigation practice with strengths in handling business, employment and personal injury disputes, among others. Growing focus on environmental litigation, particularly in hazardous waste and electrical energy transmission issues.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“They are a fine firm who charge reasonable rates and do excellent work, which we have been consistently very pleased with.”
“Overall a very good firm that is well run. They have handled litigation in a very good manner.”
Work highlights
Represented Dartmouth College in a breach of contract action brought following the renovation of The Hanover Inn at Dartmouth.
Acted for The Bay Shore MGP on a significant case in which 80 plaintiffs have claimed contamination and consequent decrease of property value due to a former manufactured gas plant.
Notable practitioners
Litigation practice chair Bruce Felmly represents organizations and private individuals in a range of contentious matters. Clients report that he is “very helpful in identifying strategies to resolve disputes” and sources agrees that he “continues to be a leader” in the sector.
David Wolowitz has a strong focus on the education sector, often representing schools and academies. Market commentators describe him as an “excellent lawyer.”
The “superb” Wilbur Glahn is regularly involved in significant cases, most recently with respect to environmental and personal injury cases. Clients report that he is a “first-rate advocate and legal strategist.”
Jack Middleton is a skilled mediator and arbitrator. Peers commend him, reporting that “everything he does is of high quality and class.”
Significant clients
Philip Morris USA, Cate Street Financial, GE, National Grid, Northeast Utilities.
Labor and Employment
Chambers’ USA Assessment:
What the team is known for.
Acts for a strong client base in the New Hampshire market, representing employers in industries ranging from manufacturing and hospitality to hi-tech. Offers advice and representation across the full spectrum of employment issues.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“They are available at short notice, respond very quickly and have good knowledge of our company’s values and strategies. I believe that they are well rounded in all employee matters.”
“Their lawyers seem to really enjoy what they do, are always responsive and provide expert advice and guidance.”
Work highlights
Successfully acted on behalf of Hitchiner Manufacturing in defense of an employee’s claim of unpaid absence wages as a result of disability.
Represented defendant AutoZone with respect to a racial discrimination claim brought by a former employee.
Notable practitioners
Jennifer Parent is chair of the employment practice at the firm and handles risk management and acting on behalf of clients against claims brought by employees. Clients say she “is thorough and articulate, and represents arguments quite well.”
Charla Stevens represents clients in compliance issues and defending businesses against discrimination, misclassification and wage claims. She provides “outstanding service” with a “personable, reliable” approach. Sources note she is “committed to resolving issues with the customer’s needs and interest as top priority.”
Linda Johnson cochairs the firm’s education and litigation practice, advising private schools and businesses on their legal compliance duties and litigating employment issues. One client reports she has “an amazing ability to explain things in a way that is clear and understandable.”
Significant clients
Ektron, University System of New Hampshire, DNR Group, Yankee Spirits, Pinard Waste Systems.
Real Estate
Chambers’ USA Assessment:
What the team is known for.
Assists financial institutions in secured lending transactions and acts for borrowers in real estate financings. Clients include developers, tenants, sellers and lenders. Focused of late on matters arising from the telecommunications industry.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“An excellent firm. Always very responsive, professional and easy to work with.”
Work highlights
Represented a trustee of a mobile home park in the sale of the park worth $4.25 million. Handled the title review and prospectus for future buyers.
Acted for wireless communications provider Verizon in the permitting, acquisition and lease of numerous sites throughout 2013.
Notable practitioners
Jessica Nylund has a strong general real estate practice, including transactional, leasing and title experience. One client reports she is “an excellent attorney” who is there to “help us meet our goals.”
Esteemed practitioner Peter Rotch is known for his ability to handle complex real estate financings, and for his wide range of real estate expertise.
Significant clients
SIG SAUER, Liberty Utilities, CVS Caremark, Manchester Water Works, Rockland Trust.
Environment
Chambers’ USA Assessment:
What the team is known for.
Offers comprehensive expertise in environmental law matters, including waste and clean air permitting. Regularly represents its broad client base before federal, local and state government agencies.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“In all aspects I would rate them as exceptional: their knowledge of the law, the players, the nuances of filing briefs and bringing out the most important points at court.”
“Couldn’t ask for better service and advice. They’re such a well-respected firm of individuals that when dealing with third parties we get a fair shake because they come to the table with that credibility.”
Work highlights
Acted on behalf of National Grid in its request for approval from the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee for a tap line construction.
Aided Monadnock Paper Mills in its appeal to the State Water Council regarding the conditions purported by the state’s Water Quality Certificate.
Notable practitioners
Barry Needleman has an impressive energy and environment practice and works both in the state and nationally. He has substantial experience in siting, permitting and counseling on a vast array of various projects. One client reports: “Without a doubt I can say that Needleman is the best I’ve ever encountered.”
Gregory Smith is well reputed for his work in environmental law and litigation, representing major companies in relation to development, permitting and enforcement issues. One source describes him as “one of the most prestigious environment attorneys in the state.”
Michael Quinn has a strong practice in environment law, with particular emphasis on disputes and litigious matters. Clients regard him as being “extremely knowledgeable in that area.”
Mark Rouvalis sits in the litigation department of the firm and focuses on environmental disputes, acting for both defendants and prosecutors. Furthermore, he often advises governmental bodies on federal and state environmental regulations.
Significant clients
Hitchiner Manufacturing Company, Wheelabrator Technologies, Northeast Utilities, Altid Enterprises, Public Service Company of New Hampshire.
About Chambers USA
The Chambers USA guide is published by Chambers and Partners – a London-based publisher that produces guides to the world’s top lawyers. The guide is available online at: http:///chambersandpartners.com/usa.
About McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton Professional Association
Founded in 1919, McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton Professional Association is one of New England’s premier full-service law firms with offices in Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the Route 128 Trade Center in Woburn, Massachusetts. Driven by the firm’s depth of sophisticated legal expertise and an unwavering commitment to client service, McLane has built collaborative and lasting relationships with a broad spectrum of domestic and international clients.