Jun 01, 2022

Phillips Lytle Practices, Attorneys, Chambers USA In 2022 Rankings

Phillips Lytle Practices and Attorneys Receive Highest Distinctions From Chambers USA In 2022 Rankings

Buffalo, N.Y. – Phillips Lytle LLP has once again received notable recognition in the 2022 Chambers USA rankings of the top lawyers and law firms across the United States, released today. The Chambers Guides have been ranking the best law firms and lawyers since 1990, and cover 200 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.

Chambers USA is the definitive and most comprehensive resource guide for businesses seeking information on outside legal counsel in the country. 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 2022 rankings, Phillips Lytle LLP is listed:

  • Band 1 – Environment – Upstate New York (3rd consecutive year ranked);
  • Band 1 – Litigation: General Commercial – Upstate New York (8th consecutive year ranked);
  • Band 1 – Real Estate – Upstate New York (6th consecutive year ranked);
  • Band 2 – Corporate/M&A – Upstate New York (8th consecutive year ranked);
  • Band 2 – Energy – State Regulatory & Wholesale Electric – New York (3rd consecutive year ranked);
  • Band 2 – Environment – New York (14th consecutive year ranked); and
  • Band 2 – Labor & Employment – Upstate New York (4th 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. The firm is well regarded for its longstanding proficiency in traditional M&A matters, joint venture agreements and complex restructurings, with notable experience in the healthcare, technology and financial services sectors. The M&A team collaborates with its tax, intellectual property and financial services teams, among others, in order to handle large transactions. Phillips Lytle retains upstate offices in Albany, Rochester and Buffalo.” Client referrals state that “the team is responsive and provides a quick turnaround.”

Chambers USA said Phillips Lytle’s Litigation: General Commercial Practice is a “standout litigation practice with capabilities across a broad range of commercial disputes. The practice fields an excellent bench of litigators with extensive experience at trial and appeal levels. The team’s expertise includes insurance coverage, construction, employment franchising and contractual disputes. It is also noted for its strength in white-collar criminal litigation and government investigations.” One client said, “The lawyers always return calls and meet deadlines, are proactive and know the client’s needs. They are focused on building long-term relationships which enables them to gain institutional knowledge of the client, anticipating risks and preferences.”

The Phillips Lytle Environmental Practice Team is “recommended for Superfund work and brownfield redevelopment. The firm maintains a notable focus on project development, frequently advising on environmental reviews and permitting matters, in addition to general compliance and natural resources issues. Its clients include leading names in the energy, manufacturing, metallurgy, real estate and chemicals sectors.” Clients state, “Phillips Lytle is a well-established environmental firm. It has good depth and experience in litigation and licensing.”

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 of the firm lie in guiding clients through the land use approval process, with the firm handling environmental impact, zoning and historic preservation reviews across the state. The team has an abundance of specialists in condominium developments. Its diverse client roster includes private developers, institutional lenders, REITs, public utilities and municipalities.” One client noted, “The team is good at anticipating potential speed bumps along the way. They are able to give global perspective and advice, and the complex advice is given in language accessible for business people.”

Phillips Lytle’s Energy Team was described as “a developing presence in the energy space. Able to guide clients through proceedings before the New York 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.” Clients state, “The team is great; they are knowledgeable and put their best foot forward for their client.”

The Phillips Lytle Labor & Employment Practice Team is “particularly noted for its representation of clients in trade secrets and data security litigation. The practice also manages wage and hour collective and class actions, discrimination and harassment claims and employment contract disputes. The team routinely acts for clients in investigations and actions by federal and state Departments of Labor and in defense of whistleblower claims. The group is further noted for handling a broad range of traditional labor matters.” One client states, “They understand commercial realities and take a very practical approach to matters on which they assist my company. I never have trouble reaching them and getting a response to any questions I may have.”

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

  • Kristen M. Birmingham, Upstate New York – Corporate/M&A (Up & Coming)
  • Edward S. Bloomberg, Upstate New York – Litigation: General Commercial (Senior Statesperson)
  • David L. Cook, Upstate New York – Environment (Band 3)
  • James D. Donathen, Upstate New York – Labor & Employment (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)
  • James R. Grasso, Upstate New York – Labor & Employment (Band 3)
  • 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)
  • John A. Pappano, Upstate New York – Real Estate (Band 3)
  • Linda T. Prestegaard, Upstate New York – Labor & Employment (Band 1)
  • 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); Upstate New York – Environment (Band 3)
  • 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.
  • 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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Press Contact:

Tracey L. Mancini