Sixteen Jackson Walker partners were selected for inclusion in the 2014 edition of the prestigious Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business guide, and one additional partner was named a “Recognized Practitioner.”
The Firm itself was ranked for its Construction, Corporate/M&A, Energy: State Regulatory and Litigation (Electricity), Environment, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate practice groups in Texas. In addition, the firm is listed as a “Recognized Practitioner” in the nationwide rankings for Transportation: Aviation: Litigation and in the Texas rankings for Bankruptcy/Restructuring.
The Chambers guide identifies leading lawyers and law firms through interviews with thousands of lawyers across the U.S. and their clients. The criteria for selection in the guide include recommendations by clients, the attorney’s visibility in his or her area of law, and the volume, complexity and size of work undertaken.
Jackson Walker’s Texas-ranked practice groups received the following commentary from Chambers and from interviewed clients:
Construction
Chambers says: “Has a broad client portfolio, and advises on construction issues throughout all phases of project realization, in transactional matters and in litigation.”
Sources say: “They are thorough and cost-effective. We are especially pleased with the level of our communication with the firm as the matter has developed.”
“They are approachable, yet very professional.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Corporate/M&A
Chambers says: “Well known for its work on small to mid-sized deals involving companies drawn from a diverse range of industries. Impressive presence around the state makes it an attractive option for Texan clients.”
Sources say: “They are very thorough and very responsive to the client’s needs and concerns, which makes them adept at handling sensitive issues.”
“I get hands-on partner-level support that is accompanied by good value.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Energy: State Regulatory and Litigation (Electricity)
Chambers says: “Performs consistently well in the electricity market, fielding experienced attorneys with extensive litigation capabilities. Regularly appears before the PUCT while also handling FERC proceedings. Acts for a diverse client base which includes electrical providers, power generation companies and distribution utilities.”
Sources say: “They have knowledge, technical experience and a broad range of experience that they bring together to offer their clients a wide range of high-quality legal services.”
“They are very direct, keep the client’s strategic focus in mind in all decisions and work hard to provide the best advice.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Environment
Chambers says: “Diverse team with a variety of specialty areas, including environmental litigation and water quality. Roster of significant clients drawn from industries such as water supply and renewable energy.”
Sources say: “Their depth of knowledge and experience on complex land ownership issues is impressive.”
“In my experience, no other firm brings that kind of technical, practical experience to the table.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Healthcare
Chambers says: “Renowned for its in-depth knowledge of federal and state regulatory compliance issues. Also possesses extensive knowledge with regard to joint ventures, acquisitions and corporate governance.”
Sources say: “Jackson Walker has an extremely high level of understanding of government regulations and the impact of these regulations on healthcare providers.”
“Extensive resources are available to conduct complex legal research, and the work is done in a thorough, complete, and timely manner.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Labor & Employment
Chambers says: “A large full-service firm with clients active in a range of industry sectors, including aerospace, petrochemical and government. These attorneys deal with a broad scope of issues, from providing advice in connection with traditional labor law, to assisting with non-subscriber matters.”
Sources say: “The group is excellent. They are thorough, provide good advice, and are cost efficient.”
“These are good, well-respected folks at Jackson Walker.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Litigation: General Commercial
Chambers says: “Texas full-service firm with a large commercial litigation team across its seven offices. Often represents financial institutions in matters including class action litigation. A notable presence on First Amendment cases in the media and entertainment sector.”
Sources say: “The quality of work is excellent and the attorneys are friendly and accessible.”
“They have a terrific reputation; they are a fine group of lawyers and good litigators.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Real Estate
Chambers says: “Impressive coverage in Texas, with 28 real estate partners across seven offices. Particularly noted for its strength in office acquisition and leasing, while also recognized for development and acquisition matters.”
Sources say: “Their depth of knowledge and experience on complex land ownership issues is impressive.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Congratulations to the following Chambers-ranked lawyers:
Chip Babcock
Ranked for First Amendment Litigation (Nationwide — Band 1)
Chambers says: “Charles Babcock is ‘a sought-after trial lawyer for the media; he has a very high national profile and is a larger than life figure.’ Peers note that ‘he gets good results for his clients and clients like him.’ He was successful in defending Univision Television Group against a defamation suit, which was the first anti-strategic lawsuit against public participation (anti-SLAPP) case to be dismissed under the Citizen Participation Act.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Ranked for Litigation: Trial Lawyers (Nationwide)
Chambers says: “Jackson Walker’s Charles Babcock garners impressive acclaim for his nationwide First Amendment litigation practice and his extensive experience in commercial matters, covering areas such as energy and media disputes. Sources commend his impressive defense of high-profile clients in major cases, stating that he is “outstanding – smart, available, and always accommodating.'”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Ranked for Litigation: General Commercial (Texas — Band 1)
Chambers says: “Charles Babcock recently represented Spaeth Communications in a successful defense of a defamation action brought by the former head football coach of Texas Tech, Mike Leach. ‘He’s a very accomplished trial lawyer and appellate advocate, particularly in the First Amendment media space,’ peers said.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Pat Cowlishaw
Ranked for Energy: State Regulatory and Litigation (Electricity) (Texas)
Chambers says: “Patrick Cowlishaw is ‘a very good strategist’ and is commended for his [experience] in handling ERCOT and PUCT proceedings. He recently represented RES America Developments during the course of ERCOT appellate proceedings relating to revised reactive power requirements.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Richard Dahlson
Ranked for Corporate/M&A (Texas)
Chambers says: “Richard Dahlson ‘has an excellent understanding of deal dynamics and is able to add value.’ He is also praised for his creativity when finding ways of closing deals.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Leonard Dougal
Ranked for Environment (Texas)
Chambers says: “Leonard Dougal is known for his [experience] in environmental permitting, water rights and water districts, and recently handled the $24 million acquisition of a water treatment plant. He is seen as a ‘top-notch water lawyer, well recognized and well respected.'”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Susan Halsey
Ranked for Real Estate (Texas)
Chambers says: “Clients have ‘a very high opinion’ of real estate head Susan Halsey’s broad practice. She is especially noted for her transactional [experience], honed over 25 years working in the Texas market.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
John Jansonius
Ranked for Labor & Employment (Texas — Band 1)
Chambers says: “John Jansonius focuses his practice on the defense of all manner of labor and employment claims, appearing in state, federal and Supreme Court. He is experienced in handling matters relating to NLRA and ERISA, and he earns praise for being ‘a delightful person to work with.’ Sources also admire his ‘excellent, practical advice and responsiveness.'”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Steve Jenkins
Ranked for Real Estate (Texas — Band 1)
Chambers says: “The hugely well-respected Steve Jenkins handles real estate leasing, acquisitions, development and financing. One client attests: ‘His credentials, experience and advice are at the highest level of anybody I’ve ever dealt with. He has a peculiar ability to make me feel like I’m his most important client, despite me knowing how busy he is.'”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Kathleen LaValle
Ranked for Energy: State Regulatory and Litigation (Electricity) (Texas — Band 1)
Chambers says: “Kathleen LaValle is a much-admired litigator in the electric power market. One very impressed client declared that ‘she stands out for her ability to weave together all the different facts about an issue to tell a compelling, memorable story’ in the courtroom.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Mike Moran
Ranked for Construction (Texas)
Chambers says: “Michael Moran is very popular among clients, who point out that he is ‘very experienced and knowledgeable in construction litigation matters.’ He heads the firm’s construction practice and handles contract negotiation and interpretation, as well as disputes.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Jed Morrison
Ranked for Healthcare (Texas)
Chambers says: “Edgar Morrison possesses significant [experience] in regulatory compliance matters, antitrust and transactional work. He recently advised Kelsey-Seybold Medical Group with respect to the formation of a provider-sponsored organization for the provision of health benefit products to self-insured employers.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Mike Nasi
Ranked for Environment (Texas)
Chambers says: “Michael Nasi is known for his [experience] in air quality and energy, and is a prominent name in the field of electric power development. His clients are leading authorities in innovative power projects. One interviewee appreciates that he is ‘very strong on energy lobbying, very sharp and very personable.'”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Kurt Nondorf
Ranked for Real Estate (Texas — Band 1)
Chambers says: “Kurt Nondorf is highly recommended as ‘a professional, calm consensus-builder who has extremely deep legal skills.’ He represents clients in a broad array of real estate matters, particularly acting for landlords in leasing transactions.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Bob Ruckman
Ranked for Transportation: Aviation: Litigation (Nationwide)
Chambers says: “Jackson Walker practice head Robert Ruckman ‘does extremely well in trials and negotiating,’ according to clients. He recently defended GE Aviation Systems against wrongful death and personal injury claims arising from an aircraft crash in Mexico.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Bruce Ruzinsky
Ranked for Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Texas)
Chambers says: “Bruce Ruzinsky of Jackson Walker is highlighted for his skills in negotiation, typically on the behalf of creditors, in out-of-court restructurings and Chapter 11 bankruptcies. Recent work includes representing Capital One in negotiation and litigation in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Handy Hardware Wholesale.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Ken Stohner
Ranked for Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Texas)
Chambers says: “Ken Stohner of Jackson Walker has over two decades’ experience in bankruptcy and reorganization, representing debtors, lenders and creditors. Recent work includes representing Texas Capital Bank as holder of a $5 million secured claim in Dallas Roadster, a car dealership which filed for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Tim Taylor
Ranked for Real Estate (Texas)
Chambers says: “Timothy Taylor’s practice includes representing clients in real estate lending, acquisition, development, and management matters. He is particularly noted for the strength of his presence in the Austin market.”
[From Chambers USA 2014]
Jerry Webberman
“Recognized Practitioner” in Environment (Texas)
[From Chambers USA 2014]
