06/02/2017

Pierce Atwood Receives Firmwide Rankings by 2017 Chambers and Partners

Chambers and Partners, a prominent publisher of law firm rankings, continues to award its highest rankings to Pierce Atwood LLP and its attorneys in Chambers USA 2017.  

Pierce Atwood is the only firm in Maine to receive number one rankings in all six practice areas evaluated in the state and the only Maine-based law firm with lawyers ranked in Chambers’ Global Guide: Randy Rich for Energy & Natural Resources, and Robert Stier for his IP work in Sweden.   

Pierce Atwood is also the only Maine 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, Portland, Maine-based partner Sarah Tracy was recognized for the first time for Energy & Natural Resources. In addition, Boston-based partner Donald Frederico moved from a “Recognized Practitioner” to a Band 3 recognition for Litigation: General Commercial, and Portland partner Charles Graceffa has moved from Band 3 to Band 2 in Corporate/M&A, and Boston partner Philip Olsen was named a “Recognized Practitioner” in the area of Tax Law.

These new and improving recognitions point to our continued growth and strong regional presence throughout the Northeast.

Here is what Chambers USA 2017– 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, widely regarded for its advice and representation on a range of issues, including debtor and creditor rights, alongside corporate formation and governance concerns. Specialties include complex M&A transactions, venture capital financings and public offerings, as well as bankruptcy and tax matters.” Chambers sources calls them, "Top-notch.  I have a very high opinion of the quality of their service. They are a value for the money and the billing transparency is great. They have big-firm competencies but more reasonable rates"

Energy & Natural Resources – Maine (Band 1): “A distinguished group providing counsel on a wide variety of energy matters, notably regulatory and compliance advice, energy infrastructure development and domestic and cross-border transactional work. Acts for a diverse roster of clients including utilities, buyers and sellers of energy, renewable energy companies and financial institutions.” Chambers sources say, "We like the gold standard, and Pierce Atwood is that."

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 say, "Pierce Atwood has worked efficiently to highlight possible issues and to provide very clear and actionable recommendations."

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.” Chambers sources call Pierce Atwood, "A top-notch firm, particularly for its service level, expertise and big-level thinking."

Litigation: General Commercial – Maine (Band 1): The team is called “A market-leading 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 IP, antitrust and energy litigation. Possesses additional experience in class action cases and appellate proceedings and is regularly sought for professional liability defense by lawyers and law firms.” Chambers sources state, "They have very smart lawyers at a great price – one of the greatest bargains out there. They are good lawyers and get excellent results - I'm surprised they still only charge Maine/New England rates!"

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 a leading firm in the area. They have very talented people there."

Litigation: General Commercial – Rhode Island (Band 2): Called “An excellent litigation group acting for both plaintiff and defendant clients. Cases cover a range of areas, including product liability, ERISA, UCC litigation and IP. Noted for its capabilities in class action matters. Maintains an excellent reputation for its expertise in construction-related litigation. Chambers sources state, "They’ve been excellent, especially in construction litigation. Good guidance and good support.”

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 investments and securities transactions. Increasingly active in advising both issuers and underwriters on public offerings.” Chambers sources state, “This is my go-to regional firm, it's a very strong, full-service team that provides great value for money and really practical advice."

Chambers USA 2017 recognized the following individual Pierce Atwood attorneys:

Maine:

  • Anthony Derosby: Labor & Employment: Immigration
  • Brian Rayback: Environment
  • Catherine Connors: Litigation: General Commercial
  • Charles Einsiedler, Jr.: Labor & Employment
  • Charles Graceffa: Corporate/M&A
  • Christopher Howard: Corporate/M&A
  • David Barry: Eminent Practitioner
  • David Champoux: Corporate/M&A
  • Dennis Keeler: Real Estate
  • Dixon Pike: Environment
  • Eben Adams: Real Estate
  • Jacob Manheimer: Corporate M&A: Bankruptcy
  • James Erwin: Labor & Employment
  • Jared des Rosiers: Energy & Natural Resources
  • John Aromando: Litigation: General Commercial
  • John Gulliver: Energy & Natural Resources
  • Judith Woodbury: Real Estate
  • Katharine Rand: Labor & Employment
  • Kenneth Gray: Environment
  • Margaret LePage: Labor & Employment
  • Margaret Minister: Litigation: General Commercial
  • Matthew Manahan: Environment
  • Rebecca Greenfield: Real Estate
  • Robert Stier: Litigation: General Commercial
  • Sarah Tracy: Energy & Natural Resources – NEW in 2017
  • Thomas Doyle: Environment
  • William Taylor: Environment

Massachusetts:

  • Donald Frederico: Litigation: General Commercial – NEW in 2017
  • Michelle O’Brien: Environment
  • Timothy Maguire: Corporate/M&A
  • Philip Olsen: Tax - NEW in 2017

Washington, DC:

  • Randall Rich: Nationwide Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation)

New Hampshire:

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

Rhode Island:

  • Christopher Little: Litigation: General Commercial
  • Christopher Whitney: Litigation: General Commercial
  • John Bulman: Litigation: General Commercial
  • Mark Pogue: Labor & Employment; Litigation: General Commercial

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.