Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 2015 Chambers-Ranked Partners and Practice Groups

May 22, 2015 | Spotlight



Twenty Jackson Walker partners were selected for inclusion in the 2015 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 Bankruptcy/Restructuring, 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 State Regulatory & Litigation (Oil & Gas) and for Intellectual Property.

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. For more information about the Chambers USA guide, visit chambers.com.

Jackson Walker’s Texas-ranked practice groups received the following commentary in the 2015 Chambers USA guide and from interviewed clients:

Bankruptcy/Restructuring

Chambers says: “Acts for debtors, creditors, trustees and other stakeholders. Advises healthcare, energy and real estate sector clients on workouts, restructurings and bankruptcies.”

Sources say: “The team has an excellent reputation, and a well thought-out business approach to every transaction.” “The bankruptcy group is both responsive and knowledgeable.”

Construction

Chambers says: “Calls on long experience with both transactional and contentious aspects of construction law. A broad client base including engineering groups, transit agencies and design professionals.”

Sources say: “My impression is the firm has great, seasoned lawyers. When work can be done by an associate they will assign it to them but will ask me first before doing so.” “The firm has done a good job of keeping me out of court trials.”

Corporate/M&A

Chambers says: “Active throughout Texas on behalf of local and national clients in significant M&A deals. Also handles private equity and financing transactions, as well as corporate governance issues.”

Sources say: “They are highly skilled, experienced and bring a wide breadth of knowledge and expertise to the table.” “They provide prompt, top quality work at a reasonable cost.”

Energy: State Regulatory and Litigation (Electricity)

Chambers says: “Broad practice handling regulatory proceedings before the ERCOT and the PUCT, as well as offering strength in litigation to an assortment of players in the electric industry. Recent activity includes involvement in matters surrounding attempts to improve the electrical transmission grid.”

Sources say: “Jackson Walker can offer high-quality legal talent, practical advice and a client-focused approach to the work that they do. I know they will bring top talent to every issue and be responsive to my concerns.” “The team possesses an in-depth knowledge of the technical, political and policy components of the issues at hand, along with a keen strategic eye and grasp of the impact of solutions on all aspects.”

Environment

Chambers says: “A well-rounded offering, including lobbying, regulatory compliance and litigation expertise. Acts for an enviable client list, including major energy and natural resources companies.”

Sources say: “Overall my impression of the firm is very high. There is certainly a breadth of knowledge about the legal, environmental and technical issues.”

Healthcare

Chambers says: “Advises clients including hospital districts, physician groups and medical centers on transactions such as financing and joint ventures, while also fielding extensive regulatory expertise.”

Sources say: “The services among their various offices and attorneys are seamless and they work together well to provide a quick, efficient, and cost-effective positive result.” “Jackson Walker’s operations as a whole are stellar.”

Labor & Employment

Chambers says: “Significant statewide presence with deep experience across the full range of labor and employment matters. Demonstrates additional capacity handling workers’ compensation issues.”

Sources say: “They’re excellent. They’re very responsive, they know what they’re doing and they are efficient.” “They absolutely exceeded expectations.”

Litigation: General Commercial

Chambers says: “Long-established litigation practice with a highly experienced group of attorneys recognized for its track record in bet-the-company disputes. Noted sector-specific experience pertaining to the aviation, financial services and insurance industries, among others.”

Sources say: “We go to them because they are incredibly reliable, responsive and they have a great depth of knowledge.” “They’re involved in most areas of litigation and the lawyers we’ve encountered are very good.”

Real Estate

Chambers says: “A deep bench of lawyers, bolstered by having one of the strongest zoning practices in the state. An impressive client roster includes real estate investment companies, developers and financial institutions.”

Sources say: “My impression is that the firm has great, seasoned lawyers.” “A strong zoning group, probably the best in the state.”

Congratulations to the following Chambers-ranked lawyers:

Chip Babcock

Ranked for First Amendment Litigation (Nationwide – Band 1)
Chambers says: “Charles Babcock is described by the market as ‘an exceptional trial lawyer’ and a ‘go-to’ practitioner for First Amendment litigation, having represented a long list of prominent figures in such matters. Babcock is praised for his written and oral advocacy and also possesses strong appellate skills. He successfully handled an appeal concerning a defamation suit brought against Dr. Phil and CBS Television in relation to the disappearance of Natalee Holloway in Aruba, which had been brought by two of the suspects.”

Ranked for Litigation: Trial Lawyers (Nationwide)
Chambers says: “Charles Babcock is a highly respected First Amendment and commercial trial lawyer. He is commended for his ‘outstanding written and oral advocacy’ and described as ‘an exceptional trial lawyer.’ He divides his time between the Houston and Dallas offices of Jackson Walker L.L.P., and has significant experience in appearing before diverse trial and appellate courts. His recent caseload showcases his strength in media disputes, including a defamation case brought against Dr. Phil McGraw.”

Ranked for Litigation: General Commercial (Texas – Band 1)
Chambers says: “Charles Babcock enjoys an outstanding reputation as one of the leading commercial litigators in Texas. He recently represented television personality Dr. Oz in defense of allegations of clinical negligence, successfully achieving a motion to dismiss the claims. Sources name him ‘a good guy and a heck of a trial lawyer.'”

Pat Cowlishaw

Ranked for Energy: State Regulatory and Litigation (Electricity) (Texas)
Chambers says: “Patrick Cowlishaw is experienced in handling matters before the PUCT, with expertise across a range of disputes involving the electricity sector. A client remarks: ‘I can always count on him to do a lot with very little guidance. He consistently produces a very good work product.'”

Richard Dahlson

Ranked for Corporate/M&A (Texas)
Chambers says: “Manager of the firmwide corporate and securities group, Richard Dahlson handles leveraged buyouts and M&A deals.” Sources say: ‘Rick has been a standout since day one of working with him. He has a broad knowledge of corporate law and a practical approach to advising clients.'”

Leonard Dougal

Ranked for Environment (Texas)
Chambers says: “Leonard Dougal recently advised a consortium of lenders in connection with the project financing of a 218-megawatt wind generation facility. He is a versatile attorney who also garners increasing attention for his water-related work. One source describes him as ‘excellent – very responsive and very thorough.'”

John Jansonius

Ranked for Labor & Employment (Texas – Band 1)
Chambers says: “The highly respected John Jansonius has over 30 years’ experience in the field and handles a range of employment and labor concerns for giants such as UPS, Hyatt and McDonald’s. Jansonius is valued by clients as ‘a very calm presence and very good at the strategy and big picture work.'”

Steve Jenkins

Ranked for Real Estate (Texas – Band 1)
Chambers says: “The respected Steve Jenkins counsels investment companies and REITs on the negotiation of transactions, including acquisitions and development projects.”

Mark Josephs

Ranked for Litigation: Securities (Texas)
Chambers says: “Mark Josephs is recommended for his handling of shareholder class actions and other securities litigation matters. Sources say that Josephs is ‘a very good negotiator’ and ‘very, very, very good on class action defense.'”

Kathleen LaValle

Ranked for Energy: State Regulatory and Litigation (Electricity) (Texas – Band 1)
Chambers says: “Energy litigator Kathleen LaValle is ‘incredibly hardworking for her clients and very efficient,’ according to sources. She is praised for her insight into the regulatory area and understanding of client needs. LaValle acts for electric retail providers and power generation companies, among others, in regulatory proceedings and subsequent litigation.”

Susan Mead

Ranked for Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Texas – Band 1)
Chambers says: “Sources agree that Susan Mead is a great choice of counsel for clients facing land use and zoning issues. Sources say: ‘She is really respected by the cities and counties she does business with, and really good at getting out with adjacent landowners to try to help rezoning go more smoothly.'”

Alfie Meyerson

Ranked for Real Estate (Texas)
Chambers says: “His broad practice encompasses real estate purchase, disposal, financing and workout matters. Meyerson is ‘very effective, incredibly personable, and great at analyzing transactions and telling us where the deal points are, without being bogged down in the minutiae,’ say sources.”

Michael Moran

Ranked for Construction (Texas)
Chambers says: “Michael Moran is a key construction lawyer in the Dallas office. His construction practice includes both litigation and negotiation of contracts. He had a lead role for Drexel Highlander Condominium Association on litigation connected with water infiltration into a residential building and associated damage caused.”

Edgar “Jed” Morrison

Ranked for Healthcare (Texas)
Chambers says: “Edgar Morrison is described as a ‘fantastic lawyer’ who does ‘good work on the front line with high-profile clients.’ He is an [experienced] transactional and regulatory healthcare attorney.”

Mike Nasi

Ranked for Environment (Texas)
Chambers says: “Michael Nasi’s broad practice includes lobbying, regulatory counseling and litigation. Recent highlights include his lead role for San Miguel Electric Cooperative concerning a Supreme Court challenge to the EPA’s Cross State Air Pollution Rule.” Sources say: ‘His track record speaks for itself.'”

Kurt Nondorf

Ranked for Real Estate (Texas – Band 1)
Chambers describes “The ‘very professional and very knowledgeable’ Kurt Nondorf” as having recently advised a client on its $300+ million disposal of a four-building office development in California.

James Prappas

Ranked for Immigration (Texas)
Chambers says: “James Prappas of Jackson Walker L.L.P. is highly adept at guiding clients through numerous nonimmigrant visa scenarios, including the transfer of significant personnel. He also handles employment-based visa issues, and is hailed as a ‘very conscientious attorney’ with ‘[vast knowledge of immigration law.'”

Bob Ruckman

Ranked for Transportation: Aviation: Litigation (Nationwide)
Chambers says: “Robert Ruckman leads the aviation practice at Jackson Walker L.L.P. and regularly advises airlines, manufacturers and insurers on contentious issues. Sources say he has ‘skill sets allied to a pragmatic and flexible approach to litigation.'”

Bruce Ruzinsky

Ranked for Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Texas)
Chambers says: “Bruce Ruzinsky advises on bankruptcy litigation, restructurings and workouts on behalf of a variety of stakeholders.” Sources describe him as a practitioner ‘who comes in and gets things done.'”

Katherine Staton

Ranked for Transportation: Aviation: Litigation (Nationwide)
Chambers says: “Katherine Staton of Jackson Walker L.L.P. represents airlines, insurers and fixed-based operators. She handles product liability, food-borne illness and worker’s compensation claims, among other matters. Sources say: ‘Her experience and capability mean that she is always taken seriously.'”

Ken Stohner

Ranked for Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Texas)
Chambers says: “Ken Stohner has many years’ experience representing debtors, creditors, trustees and lenders in bankruptcy cases. He is characterized by respondents as ‘a lawyer who is on top of everything, never unprepared, willing to negotiate, and reasonable.'”

Tim Taylor

Ranked for Real Estate (Texas)
Chambers says: “Partner Timothy Taylor is based in the firm’s Austin office. His practice includes real estate transactions and financing matters.”

Jerry Webberman

“Recognized Practitioner” in Environment (Texas)