Chambers Ranking Based on Client Feedback
June 2, 2006, MANCHESTER, NH— The law firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, P.A. has been recognized as the leading law firm in New Hampshire in the areas of Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions, (“M&A”) Commercial Litigation and Real Estate, by Chambers USA: A Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers. Now in its fourth 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.
Beyond McLane’s being named the best firm in New Hampshire in Corporate M&A, Commercial Litigation, and Real Estate, 13 of McLane’s attorneys were individually recognized as “Leaders in their Field.”
Commercial Litigation
Chambers’ Assessment:
“This capable and ‘very attentive’ outfit gears its litigation services toward business clients. The generalist practice is recognized for its particular strength in environmental, IP, employment, utility and insurance coverage. The team profits from a deep bench of talent from partner through to associate and clients praise its ‘hands-on’ attitude.”
Several attorneys were noted for their premier work in Litigation, under the leadership of Bruce Felmly, recognized by Chambers as “one of the best trial layers in the state” and described as “a formidable opponent…`whose` litigation abilities allow him to successfully turn his hand to any matter.” David Wolowitz was recognized again this year. Mr. Wolowitz has a diverse practice that includes both general commercial and employment-related litigation, with a noted practice in work with mental health care organizations and private schools. His clients were quick to note that he is “always prepared and immediately available when needed.” Thomas Donovan’s main area of focus is IP law; however he also undertakes general business contract and utility litigation. Clients rate his “stellar communication skills, personable nature and intricate understanding of the law.” Wilbur Glahn, who focuses largely on corporate governance matters was noted by clients as being “incredibly thorough and frighteningly clever.” As always, Jack Middleton, a senior member of the firm’s litigation team was lauded by a client, who said, “He is legendary, delightful, gracious and brilliant – you couldn’t do any better than Jack.”
Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions
Chambers’ Assessment:
“This well-established and respected firm serves a wide variety of clients from a broad range of industry sectors. It has particular strength in the traditional New Hampshire-based industries such as manufacturing, technology, utilities and telecom. Its clients range from small, closely held companies to large corporations. As one of New Hampshire’s largest law firms, it offers an entire array of corporate services, including business contracts and formations, M&A, corporate governance and finance. The firm profits from a deep bench of leading experts across the corporate practice and offers particular expertise in securities. The firm’s tax and estate planning practice provides added value to clients who report they appreciate the responsiveness and the depth of knowledge of attorneys across the firm.”
Richard Samuels leads the state’s most highly regarded Corporate M&A practice, with his work focusing mainly on securities for smaller public and nonpublic entities. Steven Burke chairs the firm’s tax group and divides his practice between tax-related matters and general transactional corporate work, with a focus in ESOPs. As a CPA, clients say Burke “can see behind the numbers” and Chambers reports that “he impresses clients with his very deep knowledge.”
William Zorn was singled out in the tax tables this year as “one of the top people in the state for estate planning.” Another addition to this year’s list of outstanding lawyers was up-and-comer Dan Norris. Mr. Norris’ practice concentrates largely on business combination transactions, corporate restructuring and finance. He was noted by clients for “being able to address business and legal issues at the same time.”
Real Estate
Chambers’ Assessment:
“This commercial lending and real estate team has a broad practice that covers commercial development and land use issues, financing and leasing. Clients are drawn to the considerable resources the firm has on offer, and the team profits from its close relationship with the environmental, tax and bankruptcy practices.”
Peter Rotch, of the real estate practice was honored by his clients for “being able to see the forest for the trees and making transactions happen.”
Employment
Chambers’ Assessment:
“This premier New Hampshire firm’s employment and labor law group offers clients both risk management counseling and litigation expertise, with the added value of benefits and immigration specialists. The firm has extensive experience advising schools and churches, and the employment group is also well versed in serving such clients.”
Employment practice leader Linda Johnson was recognized by peers as being “a very effective advocate who injects a practical perspective into her legal advice. Clients appreciated that she “always responds right away” and “can be as tough as they get, but is also passionate and a good listener .” Two additional McLane Employment law group members were added to the tables this year — Cameron Shilling and Andrea Chatfield. Clients of Ms. Chatfield, who heads the counseling and risk management side of the firm’s employment practice noted, “She is very good at focusing on the real implications of the decisions employers make.” Mr. Shilling is recommended for his expertise in trade secrets and non-competition agreement litigation. Clients report he “is always prepared and on top of the material.”
These 13 McLane attorneys have been recommended as leading lawyers in New Hampshire in their areas of practice and are included in the book’s editorial.
Chambers USA researchers conducted over 10,000 interviews with attorneys and clients across the U.S. in order to rank attorneys on a scale of one through six based on their reputation in the market. The New Hampshire section of the book ranks lawyers in four practice areas: Corporate M&A, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate and Defendant Employment.
Qualities assessed included technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence and commitment. For each firm referenced, the directory provides detailed quotations from clients and peers, a list of practice strengths, an overview of recent work and a client listing.
“Over the past year, the legal marketplace has spoken extensively to Chambers and our guides reflect its judgment and opinions,” said Fiona Boxall, Director of Chambers and Partners and Managing Editor of the directories. “Unlike most legal directories, Chambers USA is not just another “Yellow Pages” guide. You cannot buy your way into the rankings.”
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 on-line at: http://www.chambersandpartners.com/usa/.
About the McLane Law Firm
Founded in 1919, the McLane Law Firm has grown to the largest full-service law firm in the state of New Hampshire, with offices in Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth. 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. www.mclane.com.