Phillips Lytle, 2020 Chambers USA Rankings

Phillips Lytle Practices and Attorneys Receive Highest Distinctions from Chambers USA in 2020 Rankings

Buffalo, N.Y. – Phillips Lytle LLP received notable recognition in the latest Chambers USA rankings, released today. The Chambers Guides have been ranking the best law firms and lawyers since 1990, and now cover 185 jurisdictions throughout the world. Chambers USA covers all states in the U.S., and has regional rankings in a number of states, including New York, California, Pennsylvania and Missouri. The Chambers USA ranking tables are compiled through assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback. Firms and lawyers need to demonstrate sustained excellence in order to be ranked in the Guide.

In the 2020 rankings, Phillips Lytle LLP is listed:

• Band 1 – Corporate/M&A – Upstate New York (6^th consecutive year ranked);
• Band 1 – Environment – Upstate New York (new category in 2020);
• Band 1 – Litigation: General Commercial – Upstate New York (6th consecutive year ranked);
• Band 1 – Real Estate – Upstate New York (4^th consecutive year ranked);
• Band 2 – Energy: State Regulatory & Wholesale Electric – New York (new category in 2020);
• Band 2 – Environment – New York (12^th consecutive year ranked); and
• Band 3 – Labor & Employment – Upstate New York (2^nd consecutive year ranked).

According to Chambers USA, Phillips Lytle’s corporate/M&A Practice Team is a “Distinguished practice with leading expertise in a diverse array of matters. Well regarded for its longstanding proficiency in traditional M&A matters, joint venture agreements and complex restructurings, with notable experience in the health care, technology and financial services sectors.”

Chambers USA said Phillips Lytle’s Litigation: General Commercial Practice is a “Standout litigation practice with capabilities across a broad range of commercial disputes. Fields an excellent bench of litigators with extensive experience at trial and appeal levels. Expertise includes insurance coverage, construction, employment franchising and contractual disputes. Also noted for its strength in white collar criminal litigation and government investigations.”

The Phillips Lytle Environmental Practice Team is “Recommended for Superfund work and brownfield redevelopment. Maintains a notable focus on project development, frequently advising on environmental reviews and permitting matters, in addition to general compliance and natural resources issues. Clients include leading names in the energy, manufacturing, metallurgy, real estate and chemicals sectors.”

The firm’s Real Estate Practice Team is recognized as an “Esteemed practice with expertise across numerous areas of real estate, most notably in the acquisition and sale of commercial property. Further strengths lie in guiding clients through the land use approval process, with the firm handling environmental impact, zoning and historic preservation reviews across the State. Has an abundance of specialists in condominium developments. Diverse client roster includes private developers, institutional lenders, REITs, public utilities and municipalities.”

Phillips Lytle’s Energy Practice Team was described as “a developing presence in the energy space. Able to guide clients through proceedings before the New York State Public Service Commission. Particularly notable for its representation of renewable energy clients, regularly advising on permitting proceedings for renewable power projects, as well as advocating on behalf of sector groups.”

The Phillips Lytle Labor & Employment Practice Team is “Particularly noted for its representation of clients in trade secrets and data security litigation. Also manages wage and hour collective and class actions, discrimination and harassment claims, and employment contract disputes. Acts for clients in investigations and actions by federal and state Departments of Labor, and in defense of whistle blower claims. Further noted for handling a broad range of traditional labor matters.”

Fifteen Phillips Lytle attorneys were recognized by Chambers USA for exemplary work as follows:

• Frederick G. Attea, Upstate New York – Corporate/M&A (Senior Statesperson)
• Edward S. Bloomberg, Upstate New York– Litigation: General Commercial (Band 3)
• Kevin J. English, Upstate New York – Litigation: General Commercial (Band 2)
• David P. Flynn, New York – Environment (Band 4); Upstate New York – Environment (Band 2)
• Kevin M. Hogan, New York – Environment (Band 3); Upstate New York – Environment (Band 1)
• Kenneth A. Manning, Upstate New York – Litigation: General Commercial (Band 1)
• David J. Murray, Upstate New York – Corporate/M&A (Band 1)
• Kimberly R. Nason, New York – Environment (Associates to Watch)
• John A. Pappano, Upstate New York – Real Estate (Band 3)
• Gregory L. Peterson, Upstate New York – Real Estate (Band 3)
• Linda T. Prestegaard, Upstate New York – Labor & Employment (Band 2)
• Thomas F. Puchner, New York – Energy: State Regulatory & Wholesale Electric Market (Band 2)
• John G. Schmidt Jr., Upstate New York – Litigation: General Commercial (Band 3)
• Adam S. Walters, Upstate New York – Real Estate (Band 1)
• Preston L. Zarlock, Upstate New York – Litigation: General Commercial (Band 3)

Chambers USA evaluates several categories when ranking firms, including:

• Technical legal ability;
• Client service;
• Commercial vision and business understanding;
• Diligence;
• Value for money;
• Efficient staffing;
• Organization and innovation to save clients time and money; and
• Depth of team.

Phillips Lytle LLP is a preeminent law firm that is recognized nationally for its legal excellence. With offices across New York State and in Chicago, IL; Washington, D.C.; and Canada, our attorneys serve a multinational client base, including Fortune 1000 companies, global and regional financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, middle-market companies, startups, entrepreneurs and individuals on important matters affecting their businesses and personal wealth. For more information, visit phillipslytle.com.

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