06/06/2016

Pierce Atwood Receives Firmwide Rankings by 2016 Chambers and Partners

Chambers and Partners, a prominent publisher of law firm rankings, continues to award its highest rankings to Pierce Atwood and its attorneys in Chambers USA 2016.  

Pierce Atwood is the only law firm in Maine to receive number one rankings in all six practice areas evaluated in the state – Corporate/M&A, Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, Labor & Employment, Litigation, and Real Estate – and the only Maine firm with an international presence and ranking in Chambers’ Global Guide.

Pierce Atwood is also the only Maine law firm included in Band 1 for environmental law. According to Chambers, Band 1, the highest ranking available, indicates that the firm has the “technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client.”

This year, Rhode Island-based partner Christopher Whitney and Boston-based partner Tim Maguire were recognized for Litigation and Corporate/M&A respectively. We are also pleased to report that Washington, DC-based energy partner Randall Rich has moved from Band 4 to Band 3, and our Rhode Island-based litigation practice has moved up from Band 3 to Band 2. These recognitions point to our strategic growth and strong regional presence throughout the Northeast.

Here is what Chambers USA 2016 – and firm clients and contacts – had to say about some of our highest ranked practice areas:

Corporate/M&A – Maine (Band 1): “An outstanding group, providing counsel on a variety of corporate and bankruptcy issues. Excels in M&A and routinely sought after for its advice on tax, corporate formation and governance. Also renowned for its capabilities in venture capital transactional and public securities offerings.”  A Chambers source calls them "The best lawyers I have ever worked with - they are efficient, very well organized and incredibly responsive."  

Energy & Natural Resources – Maine (Band 1): A “robust practice widely respected in the energy and natural resources market. Heavily involved in regulatory and compliance advice. Also noted for its project development and transactional work in both a domestic and cross-border context. Acts for a diverse roster of clients including utilities, buyers and sellers of energy, renewable energy companies and financial institutions.” Chambers sources say, “Their work is consistently of the highest quality." 

Environment – Maine (Band 1): The group is known as the “preeminent environmental practice skilled in handling a broad range of matters, including renewable energy issues, licensing requirements and regulatory compliance concerns. Enjoys a fine track record for its work on land use issues and toxic tort matters.”  Chambers sources call this group “"The hands-down gold standard for environmental representation in Maine."

Labor & Employment – Maine (Band 1): Called an “outstanding practice with expertise across the spectrum of labor and employment matters. Highly adept in traditional labor issues, including unfair labor practice claims and collective bargaining. Also regularly in demand for its expertise in employee benefits and possesses particular strength in immigration. Represents a fine choice of firm for clients in the education, healthcare, manufacturing and technology sectors.”

Litigation: General Commercial – Maine (Band 1): The team is called a “distinguished commercial litigation group, acting for an enviable roster of clients across a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, energy, manufacturing, retail, and financial services. Recognized for its strengths in antitrust and IP disputes and possesses additional expertise in white-collar crime and government investigations.” Chambers sources state, "They're very knowledgeable, are good on strategy, have sound judgment, and get good outcomes."

Real Estate – Maine (Band 1): The team “maintains an excellent reputation in the real estate market, with substantial strength across acquisition, leasing, financing, and development work. Also routinely sought after for its counsel on land use and title matters. Offers strengths across a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare and energy.” “Chambers sources state, "They are very focused and very client-driven. They provide business-oriented answers, and are proactive and efficient. They're brilliant!"

Litigation – Rhode Island (Band 2): Called “an excellent litigation group acting for both plaintiff and defendant clients. Cases traverse a range of areas, including product liability, insurance coverage, and intellectual property. Noted for its capabilities in class action matters. Maintains an excellent reputation for its expertise in construction-related litigation.” Chambers sources state, "The service is excellent. They're one of the best firms I have worked with,” and, "I would recommend them without question and I'm proud to do so. They were very helpful to me."

Corporate/Commercial – New Hampshire (Band 3): Recognized as a “well-regarded firm that acts for both large-scale organizations and private individuals. Specialist expertise in venture capital matters and securities offerings.” 

Chambers USA 2016 recognized the following individual Pierce Atwood attorneys:

Maine:

  • Anthony Derosby: Labor & Employment
  • Brian Rayback: Environment
  • Catherine Connors: Litigation
  • Charles Einsiedler, Jr.: Labor & Employment; Employee Benefits & Compensation
  • Charles Graceffa: Corporate M&A
  • Christopher Howard: Corporate M&A
  • David Barry: Litigation
  • David Champoux: Corporate M&A
  • Dennis Keeler: Real Estate
  • Dixon Pike: Environment
  • Eben Adams: Real Estate
  • Jacob Manheimer: Corporate M&A
  • James Erwin: Labor & Employment
  • Jared desRosiers: Energy & Natural Resources
  • John Gulliver: Energy & Natural Resources
  • Judith Woodbury: Real Estate
  • Katharine Rand: Labor & Employment
  • Kenneth Gray: Environment
  • Margaret LePage: Labor & Employment
  • Margaret Minister: Litigation
  • Matthew Manahan: Environment
  • Rebecca Greenfield: Real Estate
  • Robert Stier: Litigation
  • Thomas Doyle: Environment
  • William Taylor: Environment

Massachusetts:

  • Donald Frederico: Recognised Practitioner in Litigation
  • Gayle Ehrlich: Bankruptcy/Restructuring
  • Kathleen King Parker: Tax
  • Michelle O’Brien: Environment
  • Timothy Maguire: Corporate M&A – NEW in 2016

Washington, DC:

  • Randall Rich: Nationwide Energy & Natural Resources

New Hampshire:

  • Mark Beliveau: Environment
  • Scott Pueschel: Corporate/Commercial

Rhode Island:

  • Christopher Little: Litigation
  • Christopher Whitney: Litigation – NEW in 2016
  • John Bulman: Litigation
  • Mark Pogue: Labor & Employment; Litigation

Chambers and Partners has been ranking law firms and lawyers since 1990, and now covers 185 jurisdictions throughout the world. Lawyers and law firms are ranked on a variety of factors and considerations, all of which are investigated by more than 150 researchers that work full-time in their London headquarters. Individual lawyers are ranked (in their practice-area(s)) on the basis of their legal knowledge and experience, their ability, their effectiveness, and their client-service.