Corporate/M&A: Massachusetts

THE FIRM This team stands out for its expertise in M&A, public offerings, financings, joint ventures and real estate transactions. It is also regarded as a top competitor with respect to private equity and technology transactions. Recent highlights include representing JMI Equity and Arlington Capital in their acquisition of Compusearch Software Systems. The firm also acted for OpenPages on its sale to IBM.

Sources say: "They give us strong support and guidance before, during and after all transactions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The well-known Stuart Cable is outside general counsel to a number of public and private companies, with a focus on the technology, software and life sciences sectors. "He is extremely experienced and knowledgeable - he's terrific," sources agree.

Securities expert Gilbert Menna is "excellent for big-ticket matters," according to interviewees. He recently advised AvalonBay Communities on a $752 million underwritten public offering of common stock.

John Haggerty acts for companies on a range of securities and M&A matters. He represented Royalty Pharma in its $255 million acquisition of Cypress Bioscience.

Mark Burnett is rated for his technical skill, solution-oriented approach and business acumen. He recently represented The Carlyle Group and Schoolnet in Schoolnet's $230 million acquisition by Pearson. "He's an excellent M&A lawyer," peers comment.

Ettore Santucci chairs the firm's securities and corporate finance practice and the REITs practice. Work highlights include advising Boston Properties on an $850 million offering of senior notes.

Mark Bettencourt is "ultra responsive and thoughtful" and "gives really good service and advice," clients say. He regularly advises international technology companies on their activities in the USA.

John Egan is also noted for his work in the technology sector, and recently advised on the $525 million sale of Aprimo to Teradata. 

M&A practice chair Joseph Johnson represented CPEX Pharmaceuticals in its $76.5 million sale to FCB I Holdings. 

Mitchell Bloom is "really personable and has tons of experience," sources say. His clients include public and private life science companies.

The "highly solution-focused" William Schnoor "has that 'client comes first' dedication which I value," say interviewees. He represented Thunder Motorcycles in the $21.1 million sale of Indian Motorcycle to Polaris Industries.

THE FIRM This team is recommended for its high-level work on key corporate, M&A and securities mandates. Notably, it represented Genzyme in its $20.1 billion sale to Sanofi and acted for NSTAR on its $17.5 billion merger with Northeast Utilities. Other key clients include Citigroup Global Capital Markets, Bain Capital, MicroPort Scientific and Avaya.

Sources say: "A top-quality firm." "They will do whatever is required to get the job done."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bradford Malt has substantial private equity expertise and counsels clients on M&A, financings and portfolio company issues. "He's top-notch," commentators remark.

The "first-rate" David Chapin recently represented Thomas H Lee Partners in its $1.1 billion acquisition of inVentiv Health. Other notable clients include Berkshire Partners and Weston Presidio.

Keith Higgins is a "tremendous adviser" who is a "formidable technical lawyer," sources say. He counsels public companies on public offerings, M&A and corporate governance.

The "practical, highly smart and hard-working" Paul Kinsella frequently advises on transactions related to biotechnology, medical device and pharmaceutical companies. Recent highlights include representing Covidien in its $2.7 billion acquisition of ev3. He co-heads the firm's securities and public companies practice with Patrick O'Brien, who earns top marks for his effective approach. "He is all about getting the deal done," say sources.

Julie Jones recently represented LPL Investment Holdings in its acquisition of Concord Wealth Management. Sources say: "She is fantastic - a brilliant attorney who is very responsive."

Jane Goldstein heads the firm's retail and consumer brand practice. Her key clients include Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Timberland and Oscar de la Renta.

THE FIRM WilmerHale is recognized for its strength in public company work. In addition to M&A and corporate governance, the firm also handles IPOs and corporate reorganizations and restructurings. It recently represented Intel in Nortel's patent auction and advised Netezza on its $1.7 billion sale to IBM. Other key clients include Akamai Technologies, Zipcar and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Sources say: "Their Boston team is terrific." "A top competitor in town."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extremely knowledgeable" Mark Borden is "very hands-on in critical situations," say sources. One peer enthused: "He is the dean of corporate lawyers in the Boston area." He recently advised BJ’s Wholesale Club on its acquisition in a cash merger.

David Redlick is a "thoughtful and constructive lawyer" who is lauded for his service-oriented approach. He recently advised Levitronix on the sale of its medical division to Thoratec. Jay Bothwick cochairs the M&A group. He is recommended for his "business sense, guidance, negotiating tactics and ability to explain complicated areas."

Hal Leibowitz acted for Thermo Fisher Scientific on its $3.5 billion acquisition of the Phadia Group. "He's an outstanding practitioner," sources say.

THE FIRM The Boston arm of Bingham McCutchen is rated for its M&A focus; 2011 saw the firm act on a slew of transactions in the technology, financial services and energy sectors. Highlights include representing Oracle in its acquisition of Ksplice and advising Citrix Systems on its acquisition of Cloud.com. Other notable clients include Agilent Technologies, MegaPath and Verenium.

Sources say: "The service has been excellent and the quality of the work is exceptional."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Utzschneider recently advised Evergreen Solar on its prearranged bankruptcy filing. He has a superb reputation for his representation of private and public companies in M&A deals, corporate financings and securities offerings.

Steven Browne is regarded as "a problem solver and a leader" who is "articulate in explaining the situation in laymen's terms." He handled both the aforementioned Oracle and Citrix deals.

James Stokes is praised for his "highly responsive and proactive" approach. He regularly represents international clients in M&A transactions.

THE FIRM The Boston office of this New York heavyweight maintains a strong profile for its advice to an array of clients on substantial M&A deals. It recently represented Northeast Utilities in its merger of equals with NSTAR. Other notable clients include Novell and TravelCenters of America.

Sources say: "We received excellent service from the firm - high competence, total dedication and 24/7 responsiveness."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Margaret Brown has extensive M&A experience and an "infinite memory for the history and detail of a transaction" as well as "tremendous follow-through," clients say. She recently represented EMC, as part of a consortium, in respect of a $4.5 billion acquisition of a patent portfolio from Nortel Networks.

Louis Goodman advises on a host of transactions, including restructurings, financings and acquisitions. He recently advised Esselte on its $65 million acquisition of American Pad & Paper. 

Margaret Cohen focuses on M&A, joint ventures, and public and private debt and equity financings.

Graham Robinson recently joined the firm from WilmerHale. He is forging a reputation as one of the rising stars of the Massachusetts corporate law community, and is described by sources as "highly responsive and thoughtful adviser."

THE FIRM This robust team is frequently called upon by blue-chip companies on significant M&A deals. It has seen an increase in heavyweight transactions such as advising Sanofi on its $20.1 billion takeover of Genzyme. Other notable highlights include acting for Iron Mountain on the sale of its digital archiving business to Autonomy Corporation.

Sources say: "Clearly a strong M&A firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Basile is highlighted for his expertise on international transactions. His clients include United Technologies, Medicis Pharmaceuticals and Telesat Canada.

THE FIRM This firm is praised for its representation of clients in the technology and healthcare sectors in a range of M&A transactions, securities offerings and financings. Clients include Vitality, Brim Holdings and Healthcare Waste Solutions.

Sources say: "They provide us with off-the-chart client service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Asher has a strong focus on the life sciences sector. He recently advised Teradyne on its sale of Teradyne Diagnostic Solutions to SPX.

Robert Jahrling's "distinguishing strength is his business judgment," clients say. Work highlights include advising LNX on its $35 million sale to Mercury Computer Systems.

Laurence Naughton is "highly approachable and gives good advice." He is the cochair of the firm's business and technology group.

THE FIRM Boston staple Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge merged with Chicago's Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon to form the 650-attorney Edwards Wildman Palmer in 2011. The well-respected team in the Boston office advises a strong client base on a wide array of transactions and general corporate work.

Sources say: "An outstanding group to work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stanley Keller is "one of the deans of the Boston Corporate Bar," sources say. He is well known on a national stage for his writing and lecturing in this field.

THE FIRM This team is a highly respected option for M&A transactions and general corporate counseling. Recent highlights include representing Edhance in its acquisition by BuyWithMe.

Sources say: "They understand the commercial side exceptionally well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extraordinarily dedicated" Peter Rosenblum "understands the business" and "is exceptionally successful in negotiations," loyal clients enthuse. He is the chairman of the business department and acts for a host of clients in the energy, technology and life sciences industries, including Advion BioSciences and Abiomed.

William Kolb "focuses on problem solving," clients say. He leads M&A transactions for clients such as Alere, EMC and Aware.

Mark Haddad recently advised Beacon Hospice on its $125 million acquisition by Amedisys. He focuses on regulatory and transactional matters.

THE FIRM This team is a recent addition to the Boston legal landscape and enters the rankings following work on several key deals. Notably, the firm represented Boston Scientific in its acquisition of Atritech. Other key clients include Zipcar, American Superconductor and beRecruited.

Sources say: "I have been thrilled with the firm; everyone I have dealt with has been good and the service has been tremendous."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Handrinos advises life sciences and technology companies on M&A, capital markets and venture capital transactions. He is "available and responsive 24/7" and "integrates well into our management team and is respected by all," clients say.

Johan Brigham acts on a broad range of transactions. He recently represented The Endurance International Group in its acquisition of software company Dotster.

THE FIRM This well-established team is recommended for its M&A and securities practices in Boston, with sources noting its expertise in the healthcare and technology sectors. It recently represented Ion Torrent Systems in its sale to Life Technologies.

Sources say: "Their lawyers are very good and thoughtful." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Wiesen recently advised FoldRx Pharmaceuticals on its sale to Pfizer. Sources say he is a "good, practical guy and tough negotiator who knows the life sciences field well."

The "extremely insightful" Jonathan Kravetz is "more than just a legal adviser; he can also inject strategic input," clients say. He acted for Myriad Genetics on its $80 million acquisition of Rules-Based Medicine.