Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 30 attorneys and nine practice areas for inclusion in the 2020 edition of the Global and USA guides.
In the Chambers USA Guide, the Firm was ranked in the areas of Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Corporate/M&A, Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation (Electricity), Environment, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, Real Estate, and Real Estate: Zoning / Land Use.
Each year, Chambers and Partners identifies leading practitioners and law firms in the United States and around the world through the culmination of thousands of interviews with attorneys and clients conducted by more than 200 research analysts. Criteria for selection include recommendations by clients, the attorney’s visibility in his or her area of law, and the volume, complexity, and size of work undertaken. For more information, visit the Chambers and Partners website.
Jackson Walker’s ranked practice groups received the following commentary from Chambers and from interviewed clients:
Bankruptcy/Restructuring
Chambers says: “Represents a diverse client base across sectors including energy, real estate and healthcare. Frequently engaged on reorganizations, Chapter 11 cases and bankruptcy litigation. Able to handle fraudulent conveyance matters. Caseload ranges from complex corporate cases to liquidation proceedings for small businesses and individuals. Acts on behalf of creditors, debtors and asset purchasers, among others.”
Sources say: “You can’t beat its service and expertise.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Corporate/M&A
Chambers says: “Diverse practice with expertise in a range of industries, including telecommunications, energy, healthcare and technology. Regularly works with investment funds in midmarket transactions, with additional experience handling cross-border deals. Client base is comprised of public and private companies, and various funds.”
Work highlights: Chambers cited Jackson Walker’s work acting as counsel to Whataburger on the sale of a majority stake to BDT Capital Partners.
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Energy: State Regulatory and Litigation (Electricity)
Chambers says: “Has experience across the full range of regulatory and litigation matters involving the electricity market. Frequently appears in complex PUCT and ERCOT proceedings, as well as advising on regulatory concerns arising in transactions. Regularly provides due diligence support and state regulatory counsel to financing parties and project developers in power project development. Acts for transmission, generation and renewable energy clients, among others.”
Sources say: “Its lawyers stay very even-keeled and are respected by the Commission for being straightforward,” with another client adding, “Each team member brings their individual strengths, unique experiences and a positive personal demeanor that has validated our good impression of them.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Environment
Chambers says: “Strong team fielding expertise across a range of litigation and regulatory matters such as Superfund cleanup, water permitting and air issues. Advises on due diligence in relation to corporate and real estate transactions. Maintains a notable focus on environmental concerns affecting the electric power industry, as well as matters arising from renewable energy and water projects. Also well-versed serving clients from the financial services sector.”
Sources say: “Its environmental expertise and experience is top-notch in Texas; the team understands risk and has a good knowledge of environmental regulations.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Healthcare
Chambers says: “Advises clients on a broad range of transactional and regulatory healthcare issues including joint ventures, M&A and the formation of health networks. Clients include clinical laboratories, hospitals, health systems and telemedicine providers. Highly experienced with matters concerning radiology clinics and departments. Also possesses particular expertise in reimbursement matters.”
Sources say: “The healthcare team at Jackson Walker is highly competent and easy to work with, and it seeks out solutions.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Labor & Employment
Chambers says: “Respected provision of a broad range of labor and employment advice, with a large team handling matters such as labor relations, employee benefits matters and the employment implications of M&A. Also noted for its strength in employment litigation. Acts on behalf of prominent names in a number of sectors, including financial institutions and retail companies.”
Sources say: “Jackson Walker is the leader in understanding and appreciating the many facets of our business and how it affects our overall labor employment.” Another client added, “They do an excellent, efficient job. They are subject matter experts at the top of their field.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Litigation: General Commercial
Chambers says: “A renowned Texas firm with experience at every stage of local, national and international litigation. Active across a broad range of sectors, from construction to aviation, and offers notable strength in IP disputes. Regularly represents clients in arbitrations and class actions. Also handles fraud and breach of fiduciary cases, acting for both claimants and defendants. Represents clients from a variety of sectors, ranging from energy to agriculture and insurance.”
Sources say: “They’re mindful of what we need, and whatever course they take, they do it well.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Real Estate
Real Estate: Zoning / Land Use
Chambers says: “Advises an array of clients, including investors, owners and developers, in connection with a range of sophisticated real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leasings and capital markets matters. Also houses significant capabilities in land use and zoning. Further expertise in the real estate finance space, advising both borrowers and lenders in connection with transactions across the USA. Maintains offices throughout the state, including in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.”
Sources say: One client praises the team’s “knowledge of the law, problem-solving skills, experience and ability to meet client deadlines no matter what.” Another client adds, “The market knowledge the group brings to the table is exceptional.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Congratulations to the following Chambers-ranked lawyers:
Ranked for First Amendment Litigation (Nationwide – Band 1)
Chambers says: “Texas-based Charles Babcock is a highly reputed figure in the space, with interviewees placing him ‘at the top of the list of people to try libel cases.’ He regularly handles complex libel disputes as part of his broad commercial litigation, and is especially well versed in anti-SLAPP law. He is renowned especially for his experience in trials, and clients also appreciate that he is ‘a great litigation strategist.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Litigation: General Commercial (Texas – Band 2)
Chambers says: “Charles is a respected litigator with a wealth of trial experience. He offers particular strength in First Amendment litigation.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Litigation: Trial Lawyers (Texas – Spotlight Table)
Chambers says: “Charles Babcock is a respected litigator with a wealth of trial experience. He offers particular strength in First Amendment litigation.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Healthcare (Texas – Band 4)
Chambers says: “Barron Bogatto ‘readily tackles complex, difficult projects’ and ‘gets the job done properly,’ [report] state commentators. He provides expert representation in a range of complex regulatory matters, including reimbursement disputes and broader administrative proceedings.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Transportation: Aviation: Litigation (Nationwide – Band 3)
Chambers says: “Brad Brown acts for a number of industry-leading manufacturers, covering both fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft. Clients say: ‘He’s knowledgeable of the legal issues and of the various players in the aviation space. He’s respected on both the plaintiff and defense side.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Technology: Corporate & Commercial (Texas – Band 3)
Chambers says: “Stephanie Chandler is valued by clients for having a ‘great overall expertise in the legal side of the software industry.’ Chandler’s expertise includes M&A, cybersecurity risk management and BPO. She acts for clients in the software, computer services and automotive sectors, among others.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Corporate / M&A (Texas: San Antonio – Band 1)
Chambers says: “According to sources, Stephanie Chandler is ‘thoroughly knowledgeable in her field, walks clients through processes step by step and is very service-oriented.’ She advises a variety of clients, including large publicly traded and privately held companies, start-ups and venture capital firms. She offers particular expertise in the technology sector.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation (Electricity) (Texas – Band 3)
Chambers says: “Patrick Cowlishaw is recognized for long years of experience in the power sector. He represents clients before the PUCT in rate cases and is knowledgeable of market structuring. Interviewees state: ‘He is a good communicator who interfaces well with other parties.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Texas – Band 1)
Chambers says: “William Dahlstrom offers strength handling the related zoning aspects of hotel, mixed-use and office projects for his developer clients. Sources consider him ‘a really good lawyer with strong client skills.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (Texas – Band 3)
Chambers says: “Jay Dewald has a superb white-collar defense practice, and is ‘exceptionally strong in criminal fraud matters,’ according to interviewees. He frequently assists clients with DOJ and other governmental investigations. One source reports: ‘He was a prosecutor in Texas and so knows the mechanical aspects of criminal law quite well and is great with clients. He remains calm and collected when things don’t go well and can figure out the path forward.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Environment (Texas – Band 3)
Chambers says: “Leonard Dougal has a ‘strong understanding of how to navigate the regulatory environment allowing us to resolve issues expeditiously’ in the opinion of clients. He has particular experience handling Clean Water Act and other water related issues for mining and energy industry clients. His practice area expertise extends into the environmental issues arising from construction projects.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Healthcare (Texas – Band 3)
Chambers says: “Jeff Drummond is experienced in advising physicians, hospitals and other providers on transactions such as partnership formations and tax-exempt financings. He is also noted for his strength in HIPAA and cybersecurity concerns.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Intellectual Property (Texas – Senior Statespeople)
Chambers says: “Former federal judge David Folsom brings his years of experience in the courts to bear in his IP litigation practice. He is highlighted as a ‘good mediator,’ and an ‘effective and well-respected’ figure by interviewees.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Corporate / M&A (Texas: San Antonio – Associates to Watch)
Chambers says: “Alexine Friedman wins praise for her handling of transactional matters, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. ‘She is amazingly diligent, always extremely timely, very personable and passionate about her work,’ comments a client, adding: ‘She reviews documents and situations with our best interests at heart.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation (Electricity) (Texas – Band 3)
Chambers says: “Meghan Griffiths regularly advises clients on ERCOT matters, regulatory proceedings pertaining to project development and administrative proceedings before the PUCT. Sources say: ‘She is an extremely capable litigator who does a great job of understanding her client’s issues.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Corporate / M&A (Texas: San Antonio – Band 1)
Chambers says: “Steven Jacobs acts for clients from the healthcare, technology and energy industries in a range of corporate matters. Interviewees highlight that ‘he works diligently to push through complicated transactions.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Labor & Employment (Texas – Band 1)
Chambers says: “John Jansonius receives praise for his ‘strong grasp of Texas employment law.’ He provides expert representation to employers in labor relations matters as well as high-stakes employment litigation. An interviewee describes him as ‘a very high-quality technician in his legal skills,’ and another comments: ‘He is smart and phenomenally good in the courtroom.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Labor & Employment (USA – Band 2)
Chambers says: “The ‘phenomenal’ John Jansonius is a vastly experienced labour and employment practitioner. He has a strong track record of litigating on behalf of employers, including recently in high-profile cases involving restrictive covenants, collective bargaining agreements and pay equity. A client reports: ‘He is extremely knowledgeable about the law and a great counsellor when it came to making sure we take the best approach.’”
[From Chambers Global 2020]
Ranked for Real Estate (Texas – Band 2)
Chambers says: “Steve Jenkins draws on decades of experience to handle acquisitions, developments and financing matters on behalf of major institutional clients. A source reports: ‘Steve is not only a technically excellent attorney, but he has the business sense and experience to allow him to provide that high-level advice.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Real Estate (Texas – Band 2)
Chambers says: “Kevin Kelley handles an array of real estate matters across the country, including transport and residential projects. One interviewee describes him as ‘a very experienced attorney who understands commercial real estate law and finance.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Texas – Senior Statespeople)
Chambers says: “Susan Mead offers vast experience handling zoning and land use matters in Texas. Her client base includes architects and developers working on residential and mixed-use projects.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Real Estate (Texas – Band 2)
Chambers says: “Alfred Meyerson practice covers the acquisition, development and financing of a range of commercial real estate transactions. A client praises his ‘great combination of subject matter expertise and client service.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Healthcare (Texas – Band 4)
Chambers says: “Virginia Mimmack is well versed in advising telemedicine providers, along with physicians and hospitals, on everything from regulatory compliance to M&A and private offerings. Clients note that she ‘combines a tremendous attention to detail with the ability to identify and understand a client’s goals and to navigate through the law to achieve those goals.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Environment (Texas – Up and Coming)
Chambers says: “Lindsey Moorhead receives extensive praise from clients, who say: ‘Her communication skills, productivity and time management are top-notch.’ She acts across a wide array of environmental law matters including enforcement, cleanup and remediation. Also active in environmental litigation, she has a particularly impressive track record in cases involving CERCLA issues.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Construction (Texas – Band 3)
Chambers says: “Michael Moran is a litigation specialist who manages a wide array of construction cases and related commercial litigation. His construction practice also covers design and construction contract negotiations for both public and private projects.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Healthcare (Texas – Band 2)
Chambers says: “Edgar Morrison is ‘extremely organized, timely, cost-efficient, knowledgeable and prepared,’ interviewees observe. He draws on more than three decades of experience in advising clients on a range of transactional and regulatory concerns.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Environment (Texas – Band 2)
Chambers says: “Michael Nasi has a ‘deep understanding of a broad range of regulatory issues’ according to market sources. He has expertise ranging across, water, air and waste matters as well as knowledge of site remediation proceedings.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Cynthia “Cindy” Brotman Nelson
Ranked for Leisure & Hospitality (Nationwide – Band 4)
Chambers says: “Cynthia Brotman Nelson chairs the hospitality industry team. Her clients include REITs, developers and owners, and she acts on a range of cross-border acquisitions, financings and sales. Interviewees describe her as ‘incredibly business-minded; she understands the concerns of the client.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Real Estate (Texas – Band 1)
Chambers says: “Kurt Nondorf is regularly called upon to handle complex real estate matters by developer and investor clients. One client appreciates his ‘complete understanding of the local market and tenant relationships.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation (Texas – Band 2)
Chambers says: “Kirk Rasmussen handles a broad range of regulatory proceedings including rulemakings and contested case actions. He also manages compliance counseling for significant power sector clients. Sources say: ‘He is a really skilled litigator who is great at oral arguments.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Texas – Band 3)
Chambers says: “Bruce Ruzinsky is ‘an outstanding lawyer,’ who is ‘exactly the type of outside counsel you want,’ according to commentators. He works on various chapter bankruptcies and litigation. He counts debtors, landlords and trustees among his clients.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Litigation: General Commercial (Texas: San Antonio – Band 1)
Chambers says: “Robert Soza is experienced in representing both plaintiffs and defendants at trial and on appeal in a wide range of disputes. A client notes that ‘he has attention to detail, he’s prepared, dedicated to clients and he’s hard-working.’”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Corporate / M&A (Texas: San Antonio – Band 1)
Chambers says: “Patrick Tobin is regularly called upon to advise on M&A. He acts for clients from a range of industries, including financial services and construction. ‘He is the whole package, from his contract drafting to his ability to understand what a client is trying to accomplish and any collateral issues,’ reports an interviewee.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
Ranked for Environment (Texas – Band 4)
Chambers says: “Daniel Vineyard is noted by clients as ‘a very good negotiator who stays on top of the issues and gets good results.’ He is noted for his Superfund expertise as well as his work on natural resource damages issues.”
[From Chambers USA 2020]
