Howrey Lists Astounding Number of Lawyers in Chambers USA & Europe and Legal 500 USA

Howrey lawyers and practice groups have received high marks from three of the leading international ranking publications- Chambers USA, Chambers Europe, Chambers UK and Legal 500 US and Europe- in their annual rankings of the nation’s top law firms and lawyers. Chambers USA and Europe  have combined to name 60 different Howrey lawyers, and some attorneys were ranked more than once in its annual review of top US attorneys and practices.  Legal 500 US recognized eleven lawyers throughout Howrey’s three practice groups.

The rankings came after an extensive review period which consisted of a comprehensive written submission for each practice group and attorney nominated, followed by a substantial interview with partners combined with comments from their clients and peers.   

The researchers concluded that Howrey’s attorneys and their practice groups are leaders in many areas and continue to rank high among clients and peers. 

The firm received national rankings from Chambers USA in the areas of Antitrust; Construction; Insurance: Policy Holder; Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property: Section 337.  In Europe, Howrey listed 8 different practice groups across five offices in areas such as Competition/European Law; Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property: Patent.

From Legal 500, Howrey received national (US) recognition in Patent Litigation: Full Coverage, Trademark Litigation, Trademark: non contentious, Litigation: Trade Secrets and Antitrust.  Henry Bunsow, John Froemming, Dale Giali and Alan Wiseman are all listed as "Leading Lawyers" in their respective practice areas. 

A complete list of practice groups and partners for both Chambers and Legal 500 follows:

Chambers USA 2009:

National Rankings- US

Antitrust

            The dynamic team at Howrey is a major attraction for clients requiring support on high-profile antitrust matters. The firm's brand name in this area, coupled with its global reach, ensures it is well equipped to deal with both national and international matters. It is proficient in a range of areas, and is particularly well respected for its experience of the issues arising out of the intersection of IP and antitrust. By way of example, it successfully defeated antitrust counterclaims lodged against Digene (now Qiagen) stemming from a patent infringement suit brought against Third Wave Technologies. Elsewhere, the firm's class action litigation practice guarantees its involvement in high-stakes antitrust litigation, while its prowess in matters relating to cartels and price fixing elicits further client praise. Mark Schechter has garnered an impressive reputation for the depth of his knowledge in the area.  

Construction:

            Howrey’s 2008 takeover of the bulk of the construction practice of Thelen LLP has enabled the firm to cultivate “a bright and capable group that is internationally renowned.” How the Thelen team will fare at Howrey remains to be seen: while it is likely that Howrey’s traditional strength in litigation will benefit the construction group as the economy results in more and more projects leading to disputes, market observers are watching closely to see how the merger will impact the noncontentious aspects of the practice. However, current market consensus is that Howrey’s superb litigation practice will augment the construction team’s expertise as well as giving it a presence in Houston and London. The group advises owners and contractors on troubled projects and represents them in mediation, arbitration and trials. It has carved out a niche advising universities on construction projects and also possesses considerable expertise in government contracting and construction insurance issues. John Heisse and Andrew Ness chair the construction department.

Intellectual property

            This national practice is spearheaded out of Washington, DC, and it has a solid focus on patent matters. The group is particularly strong in litigation, and peers say: "The attorneys are always well prepared - the battles are hard-fought." The firm recently acquired respected IP litigation boutique Day Casebeer Madrid & Batchelder. The passing of practice co-chair and firm vice chair Cecilia Gonzalez is a loss to the group and the market as a whole. Henry Bunsow is a prominent Californian trial lawyer who is well-known in this area. Lloyd Day, formerly of Day Casebeer, specializes in patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret litigation.

Insurance: Policy Holder

            Howrey's insurance practice spans its Washington, DC, Los Angeles and Chicago offices and has been boosted by the arrival of a number of lawyers from the now-dissolved Thelen. The deep, 50-strong group is involved in a diversity of insurance matters. These include representing Goodrich against more than 30 insurance companies in environmental-related insurance disputes. Another highlight was acting on behalf of MBIA in a federal court action against its D&O primary and excess carrier for the costs of defending parallel investigations by the SEC and the New York Attorney General, consolidated class action securities litigation and related stockholder derivative actions.

• This matter, led by DC-based attorney Robert Shulman, is indicative of the cutting-edge work undertaken by the team, which has cornered the market for stock option backdating-related work. For example, it is representing Maxim on its claims for coverage in connection with litigation arising out of allegations that its directors and officers breached their duties to the company by issuing backdated stop options.
• Los Angeles-based  David Steuber is playing a central role in this case and is regarded as one of the practice’s leading forces. Working alongside him in the West Coast office is Tyrone Childress, identified as an “intellectually versatile and creative thinker" and praised for his responsiveness. 
• In Chicago, Jill Berkeley focuses on liability-type disputes relating to construction, professional liability and advertising issues and has a client portfolio featuring the American Dental Association, Chicago Bears Football Club and The Ryland Group. The group is lauded for its dynamic teamwork, excellent client service and sophisticated use of resources in other departments

International Trade: Intellectual Property (Section 337)

            This global IP player has years of experience at the ITC, and continues to be an oft-cited destination for referral work when it comes to Section 337. The recent passing of Cecilia Gonzalez is a blow to the practice and a loss to the marketplace. She was deeply respected by commentators. Juliana Cofrancesco is a contact for the group.

Regional Rankings- US

California
Antitrust:

            …This team remains a significant player; it benefits from the firm's national portfolio of clients, which includes names such as Intel, GE, O2Micro International and Nestlé. Working with lawyers in Washington, DC, the lawyers are coordinating the representation of Philips in 15 nationwide class action lawsuits. The team also defended Union Pacific Railroad in over 25 putative class actions regarding fuel surcharge fixing. The primary contacts for the practice are group heads Sean Boland and Alan Wiseman.

Construction

• David Buoncristiani: “Maintains a leading position in the market. His "clear negotiation style" and over three decades of experience in all aspects of public and private construction disputes ensure his popularity with clients.”
  
  
• John R Heisse II: ”Brings a practical approach to the table and is ‘extremely knowledgeable about California's unique construction law.’ Sources remark on his ‘loyalty, dedication and consistency’ in dealing with clients, often on the contractor side.”

• Robert B Thum: “Has deep experience in engineering and construction-related disputes, for both public and private entities.”
  
  
• Stephen V O'Neal: “Wins praise for his construction and real estate litigation and arbitration practice.”

Environment

• Elizabeth Weaver: “Is a favorite among clients for her environmental litigation work, which focuses on Superfund, hazardous waste, air and water issues. She is currently representing a number of major oil companies in issues relating to the Cooper Drum federal Superfund site.”

Insurance: Policy Holder

• Curtis Porterfield: “Has an excellent reputation for his work in insurance coverage litigation matters.”
  
  
• David Steuber: “Is singled out by interviewees for his thorough and pragmatic approach. ‘He has seen it all,’ say sources.”
  
  
• Mary Craig Calkins: “Is gaining a name for herself in the entertainment sphere. She advises clients such as Fremantle Media North America.”
   
• Tyrone Childress: “Has an excellent reputation for his work in insurance coverage litigation matters.”

Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property: Patent

• Henry Bunsow: “Is a prominent trial lawyer in the state and is credited with transforming the practice into what it is today.”

Litigation: General Commercial

• Joanne Caruso: “Handles a diverse range of litigation, including representing KPMG in a suit filed by Vitesse Semiconductor in the Los Angeles Superior Court.”
  
  
• Robert Gooding: “Concentrating on securities litigation, he is also representing directors in litigation challenging a tender offer by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ for the shares of UnionBanCal Corporation.”

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

• Jan Handzlik: “Has been involved in a number of backdating cases in the past year. He is rated as ‘someone who knows his way around the area – you would want him on your team in times of trouble.’”

District of Columbia

Antitrust

• Alan Wiseman: “Is hailed for his ability to put together winning groups. One client states: ‘Client relationships are clearly important to Howrey, and here Alan leads by example.’”
  
  
• Christopher MacAvoy: “Is highlighted for the strong support and guidance he provides in antitrust matters, particularly in the retail space.”
  
  
• James Rill: “Market sources continue to value his experience in merger-related matters. A trusted counsel to his clients, his name is still a major draw for the firm, particularly for matters before overseas agencies.”
  
  
• John Taladay: “Interviewees agree that John offers not just academic answers, but practical, real-world solutions.”
  
  
• Marc Schildkraut: “Is hailed as a ‘strong lawyer’ whose long-standing experience in the field helps him to make well-judged decisions.”
    
• Mark Schechter: “Is recognized for his strength in the defense of corporations in merger, civil and criminal antitrust matters.”
   
• Sean Boland: “is deemed ‘excellent for a big-picture perspective’ and praised for his effective strategizing.”
   
• Roxanne Henry: “Is praised for understanding their business concerns, she is also popular for bringing versatile and creative solutions to the table.”

Construction

• Andrew Ness:  Is described as ‘Top-drawer’ and is recommended for his broad experience and ‘exceptional ability to think laterally in large, complex cases.’ Clients prize his ‘wonderful demeanor, sound logic and spot-on advice.’”
  
  
• Barbara Werther: “She is especially strong on default contract matters. Market sources deem her ‘a thorough, deliberate litigator with impressive expertise in negotiation.’”
   
• David Dekker: “Adds a strong insurance recovery component to the practice, having successfully carved out ‘a unique niche as the preeminent specialist in construction insurance.’ he is ‘outstanding at finding solutions to difficult problems.’”

Insurance: Policy Holder

• Robert Jacobs: “Is identified as a ‘total class act: he has the most amazing ability to quickly digest even the most complicated matters. He always delivers.’”
  
  
• Robert Shulman: Is co-chair of the group of “consummate professionals who stay on top of all the issues.”
  
  
• Andrew Reidy: “Interviewees singled out his impressive work in the insurance arena, exemplified by his successful representation of Goodrich against more than 30 insurance companies in an environmental-related insurance dispute.”

Intellectual Property

• Joseph Lavelle: “Rivals admire Joe’s  ‘strong grasp of technical issues and strategic skill in disputes.’”
  
  
• Matthew Wolf: “Has been focusing on patent litigation in the medical devices arena, and recently defended Boston Scientific in a patent infringement claim pertaining to its Liberté stent.”
  
  
• Cono Carrano: “Is praised for his judgment and counseling skills.”

Litigation: General Commercial

• John Nields: “Is highly respected in the DC legal community, and lauded for his diverse litigation experience. He successfully defended Schering in a major antitrust case that resulted in the denial of a class action suit seeking more than $1 billion in damages.”

Illinois

Insurance: Coverage Litigation

• Jill Berkeley: “Is the group’s most prominent attorney and ‘one of the top coverage litigators in Chicago,’ declare commentators.”

Litigation: General Commercial

• Scott Mendeloff: “He has a strong practice representing corporate clients in healthcare fraud, accounting fraud and civil RICO litigation.

New York
Antitrust

• Ethan Litwin: "Is quick to grasp new concepts and industry peculiarities."

Texas

Intellectual Property

• Floyd Nation: “Is a vastly experienced patent litigation specialist and "excellent trial lawyer" with extensive knowledge of the chemical, medical devices and biotech industries.” 
   
• John Keville: “‘His knowledge of IP litigation makes him truly formidable.’ Clients note: ‘He's well prepared, adept and able to answer questions on the fly.’”
  
  
• John Norris: “Acts on trademark, patent, trade secret and unfair competition matters for major clients in the chemical and petrochemical industries.”

Utah

Litigation: General Commercial

• David Greenwood: “Frequently represents audit firms in connection with government investigations. He also handles cases involving business disputes, condemnation, construction litigation and arbitration.”
   
• Gary Bendinger: “‘Has an excellent courtroom presence, together with a tremendous ability to figure out any concerns a judge may have.’ He focuses on securities, IP and accountancy malpractice litigation.”
   
• Christopher Sullivan: Is an Up and Coming attorney who ‘is a fantastic writer and an articulate advocate.’”
  
  
• Richard Casey: “Is the incoming managing partner of the firm’s Salt Lake City office and has experience in antitrust and securities litigation.” 
•  

Chambers Europe 2009

Belgium
Competition/European Law –

• Julian Joshua: “Is described as ‘an on-the-ball and unswerving competition lawyer.”‘
  
  

• Maarten Meulenbelt: “Focuses on European law in the life sciences sector, particularly involving competition and regulatory matters.”
   
• Trevor Soames: “Is able to take a global view of things and delivers expert advice to clients.”

Intellectual Property

• Benoit Strowel: “Strengthening an already great team, Benoit brings a great deal of experience and expertise to his work in the life sciences sector.”
  
  
• Carl De Meyer: “balances his style between aggressiveness and moderation to great effect and has an impressive track record in IP.  His clients laud him as ‘a proactive lawyer who is almost as much a business partner as a legal adviser.”’

France

Dispute Resolution: Litigation

• Jean de Hauteclocque: “Is recognized as a ‘talented practitioner’ who specializes in corporate and regulatory disputes.”

Intellectual Property –

Denis Monegier du Sorbier: “Is an acclaimed patent and trade mark expert.”

• Marina Cousté: “Focuses on life sciences and is deemed ‘extremely knowledgeable and tenacious."’

Pharma/Life Sciences: IP

• Marina Cousté: “Described as a ‘Pragmatic and proactive,’  and is a top-rated full-time IP lawyer who excels at patent litigation.”

Germany

Intellectual Property: General

• Joachim Feldges: “Is the standard bearer at the firm and has forged himself a stellar reputation in patent litigation matters, especially in the pharmaceutical sector.”

The Netherlands

Intellectual Property: General

• Bart van den Broek: ‘“He is proving to be a key player in the complex electronics market,’ and a healthy caseload that also encompasses general IP has resulted in his elevation in the rankings.”
  
  
• Willem Hoyng: “Widespread praise and involvement in some of the most ground-breaking cases in the market confirm his long-standing and well-deserved reputation as ‘the most esteemed and respected lawyer in the Netherlands.” ‘

Intellectual Property: Patent

• Bart van den Broek
• Willem Hoyng

Spain

Competition/European Law

• Rafael Allendesalazar: “Was praised for the quality of his work, which is ‘held in the highest esteem’ by clients.”
  
  
• Helmut Brokelmann: “Is a highly respected practitioner whose expertise bolsters Martínez Lage's, and ensures the team’s place in the market.”
  
  
• Santiago Martinez Lage: ‘“remains a star in the field’ and his vast experience is an invaluable asset to the team and to his clients.”

Intellectual Property

• Javier Sanmartin: “Sound negotiation skills serve him well in IP-related disputes and litigations, especially those concerning patents and trade marks.”
   
• Laura Alonso: “Has advised several major companies on all aspects of IP. Her main strengths lie in branding, trade mark and design matters.” 
   
• Luis Fernandez-Nova: “Heads the department and focuses on patent litigation. He has worked across a range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, mechanics and electronics.”

Life Sciences: Patent Litigation

• Luis Fernandez-Nova: “Is acclaimed amongst observers for his successful patent law practice.”

Legal 500 USA

The Legal 500 USA, in its third year of print, rated several Howrey practices and lawyers in the areas of Patent Litigation: Full Coverage, Trademark Litigation, Trademark: non-contentious, Litigation: Trade Secrets and Antitrust.

Patent Litigation Full Coverage: “Howrey LLP is increasingly prominent in this practice area, with particular strength in the hi-tech sector, having handled a number of cases in 2008.  The firm exceeds clients’ expectations and ‘continues to be a responsive, competent litigator partner.”’

• Henry Bunsow: ‘prompt, having a full knowledge of complex cases and being appropriately aggressive’
• Alan Grimaldi: “is praised by clients for his ‘excellent deposition skills, and effective delegation and leverage of the firm’s resources.’”
• Matthew Moore: specializes in patent litigation and has acted as counsel for various Fortune 100 companies.  

Trademark Litigation: “With ten offices in the US, six in Europe and one in Asia, Howrey LLP boasts a thriving trademark practice and ‘deserves to be recognized.”’

• John Froemming: “is the name on clients lips: he is rated by clients as ‘fabulous and with great trial skills.”’
• Susan Kayser: “is considered a ‘rising star’ in the trademark litigation arena.” 
• Bobby Ghajar: is praised by clients “for being ‘a responsive and competent litigator.”’

Trademark: Non-Contentious: “Having a reputation of ‘efficiency and sensitivity to clients’ concerns’ Howrey LLP’s full-service trademark practice advises an assorted variety of clients.”

• Bobby Ghajar: “handles dozens of high-stakes litigation matters and is viewed by clients as being a ‘very strong advocate with great business acumen.”’
• Alan Cooper: “has represented trademark owners for over 25 years. Clients praise him for giving ‘great advice.’”

US Litigation: Trade Secrets: “Howrey LLP’s relatively large trade secrets practice bridges the firm’s commercial trial team with the IP practice, and this facility is partly responsible for the high volume of trade secrets cases that it takes on, which make up around 10% of the firm’s work.”

• Dale Giali: “is described by clients as an ‘incredible’ litigator with a ‘great character.’”

Antitrust National: “Howrey LLP provides ‘practical advice and guidance’ to blue-chip corporates across the full suite of disciplines, from M&A work and day-to-day counseling, to high-stakes litigation and investigations. “They are very professional… the partners are always on top of matters and their associates are always excellent.”’

• Alan Wiseman: “Thorough and thoughtful in his advice about the law and the strategy.’”
• Sean Boland:  “has ‘outstanding knowledge of the law, detailed knowledge of the industry and astounding practical insights.’”
• Roxann Henry: is and “‘excellent lawyer’ who is ‘always available and gives practical advice.”’
• James Rill: “is widely revered by clients. His varied practice regularly sees him appearing before the antitrust agencies on behalf of clients.”

Legal 500 Europe

Belgium: Competition Howrey LLP’s practice has a hi-tech accent, being no stranger to IP-influenced cases. Clients describing the practice as having ‘an unusual combination of advocacy talent’ with some partners having ‘ distinguished past careers with the Commission’. The practice represents EDF in the proposed acquisition of British Energy (which received EC approval with conditions), and continues to work with Qualcomm in long-running, IP-related litigation, as well as acting on behalf of Anheuser-Busch in the $52 billion acquisition by InBev. The partnership is led by Trevor Soames, who provides ‘ consistent quality of work that make us return, time and time, again to Howrey LLP.

Belgium:  Intellectual property Clients of the practice at Howrey LLP know that it is a ‘ top-class specialist in IP litigation adding, ‘ Howrey LLP delivers on commitment’. Recent work includes a European-wide patent infringement matter for a client in the chemical sector with simultaneous seizure description proceedings in Belgium, Italy and Germany. Carl De Meyer delivers ‘ incisive experience based on judgment and clear, pragmatic advice’. Partners Maarten Meulenbelt and Benoit Strowel make up the team that is ‘ extremely responsive and client friendly’. It has advised a global provider of business software on a cross-border litigation. Additional clients include pharmaceutical companies and one of the world’s largest electronics companies.

France:

Intellectual Property - Boutiques:Howrey LLP has one of the strongest teams in patents, led by Marina Cousté, the ‘ outstanding’ Denis Monégier du Sorbier and François Jonquères. The practice, which also handles trade marks, is strong in the fashion and pharmaceutical industries. The team represented Essilor International in a patent and trade mark infringement case relating to a corrective lens, and Céline in a trade mark case.

Netherlands:

Intellectual Property: Howrey LLP has a first-class market reputation for IP work. The team includes some industry experts such as Willem Hoyng, who is consistently recommended for his ‘ high level of experience and brilliant advocacy skills’. The team has a strong footing in patent litigation, and undertakes a broad range of IP work. Recent highlights include successfully defending Philips in a patent infringement suit, and representing Sisvel in enforcing several patents. Bart van der Broek is singled out for his ‘ high level of knowledge’ and for being ‘ a good communicator and a pleasure to work with’.

Spain:

Competition: Spain’s longstanding EU and competition boutique Howrey Martínez Lage, S.L. remains one of the best firms in this sector. ‘ Their experience is overwhelming’, clients comment, while particularly praising name partner Santiago Martinez-Lage as a ‘ hugely knowledgeable expert and leading figure in the legal profession’, as well as Helmut Brokelmann for his ‘ indefatigable dedication to every matter at hand’. The team notably represented GlaxoSmithKline on an appeal before the European Court of Justice. Other clients include FIFA, France Telecom and Sogecable.

Intellectual property: Howrey Martínez Lage, S.L. has significantly strengthened its IP capability, following the arrival of two IP experts. Laura Alonso and Luis Fernández-Novoa (and his team) joined the firm in 2008, from Elzaburu and Gómez-Acebo & Pombo Abogados respectively. While Alonso is ‘ highly experienced’ in Spanish and Community trade mark and design matters, and domain name issues, Fernández-Novoa is ‘ a leading name in patent litigation’. Following these high profile arrivals, the practice has increased significantly its IP client portfolio, with new clients including Seiko Epson Corporation, Imaginarium and Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

UK

Dispute resolution

The highly experienced Melanie Willems is recommended at Howrey LLP’s London office, which works closely with counterparts in Brussels and Paris.

TMT (technology media and telecoms)

Howrey LLP has hired Taylor Wessing LLP’s Marjan Noor, who handles patent litigation and pharmaceutical regulatory work, and Simmons & Simmons’ Paul Inman. The firm has a solid reputation for patent litigation, where clients include Eli Lilly, while its trade mark portfolio filing practice handles all of Coca-Cola’s UK work and acts for several US clients. For patents, Mark Hodgson and Richard Willoughby are recommended.

Intellectual Property

Patent Litigation  Howrey LLP has acknowledged ‘ excellence’ in patent litigation and competition, and a growing regulatory practice that has been boosted by the hire of Marjan Noor

Founded in 1956, Howrey LLP is a global law firm with over 725 attorneys and more than 50 economic, financial and regulatory consultants. Howrey has offices in Washington DC; Northern Virginia; Houston, Texas; New York, New York; Los Angeles, Irvine, East Palo Alto and San Francisco, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; Chicago, Illinois; London, England; Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Munich, Germany; Madrid, Spain and Taipei, Taiwan. Howrey's affiliate, The CapAnalysis Group, LLC (economic, financial, and litigation consultants) teams with Howrey attorneys as a strategic business resource. A consistent American Lawyer “A-List” and PLC Which Lawyer? “Global 50” firm, Howrey is one of the most frequently used law firms by the world’s leading companies. Howrey’s Intellectual Property practice was ranked as a top national IP practice and the Top IP Appellate practice by IP Law & Business and its Antitrust practice topped Global Competition Review’s  “GCR 100.” As the winner of the 2003 Thomas L. Sager Award from the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, Howrey is committed to the ideals of diversity and is equally committed to the tenets of pro bono and public service. Howrey's “Advantage of Focus” makes it the clear choice for antitrust, intellectual property and complex business dispute resolution. For more information, visit our Web site at www.howrey.com.