Litigation: New Jersey

THE FIRM Anderson Kill & Olick is considered one of the nation's preeminent insurance practices. Its Newark-based insurance coverage group is well known and regarded for its representation of policyholders. It remains particularly active in the environmental arena but has also represented a number of national and regional businesses in the food production industry. The five-attorney team, which has access to wider expertise across the firm's strong national insurance litigation practice, has a well-developed expertise helping businesses to recover income losses from insurers. It represents Taco Bell franchisees.

Sources say: "I value their integrity and honesty."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Reputable litigator Steven Pudell is well known in the state for his insurance recovery work. Described as an "extremely knowledgeable" policyholder attorney, Pudell acts on behalf of businesses particularly in the chemical, pharmaceutical and manufacturing fields, as well as real estate owners and developers.

Since publication, the "top notch" Robert Chesler has joined the firm from Lowenstein Sandler PC. He is a distinguished insurance litigator and dominant force in coverage disputes. He is widely known for environmental insurance in particular and is considered one of the leading practitioners in the state, if not the country, in this area.

THE FIRM This compact litigation boutique is well respected in the area of white-collar crime representation, where it punches well above its weight. The firm's experienced attorneys are regularly called upon to advise individuals and corporate entities involved in government investigations and criminal prosecutions. An in-depth knowledge of the New Jersey courts and procedures, as well as a vastly active practice advising leading professionals including CEOs, lawyers, police and financiers, ensures that the team is well placed to take on a wide range of cases.

Sources say: "That's a group of excellent lawyers. I have nothing but good things to say about them - they know what they're doing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS New Jersey white-collar crime stalwart Jack Arseneault is an "incredibly well-respected and competent trial attorney." With a wide array of white-collar criminal defense cases under his belt, this prominent lawyer is a go-to advisor for many high-profile individuals.

Described as a "smart and hardworking lawyer," John Whipple is one of New Jersey's most distinguished criminal defense attorneys. An experienced trial lawyer, he has represented clients in high-profile cases at both a state and federal level. Whipple has represented clients involved in environmental criminal actions and police corruption charges, and also has a strong record in pretrial negotiations.

THE FIRM International law firm Clyde & Co's recently established office in Florham Park principally dedicates itself to insurance coverage matters. The 14-attorney team represents some of the nation's biggest insurers and reinsurers. Undertaking litigation and international coverage arbitrations, the team is well positioned to advise clients on a global basis. The team has been particularly active over the past year in pharmaceutical insurance disputes for major insurance companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "terrific" Daren McNally has an "incredibly strong reputation" and is regarded by sources as an "outstanding lawyer." Representing both domestic and international insurers, McNally is able to draw on a broad range of coverage litigation and counseling expertise to provide robust and solid advice.

Since publication, Robert Priestley has joined the firm from Mendes & Mount. He is a "fabulous coverage lawyer who is involved in a large number of important cases," according to impressed sources. He is an expert in ABH coverage and also defends professional and product liability claims.

THE FIRM Cole, Schotz is praised by commentators for its strong team of litigators which is able to support clients across a range of litigation matters. Real estate and real estate finance-related litigation is a core area for the team, but it has also seen an increase in shareholder and LLC disputes. The team covers the gamut of commercial litigation and, according to clients, the user-friendly team pursues actions in an economical manner and pays close attention to achieving a outcome that provides clients with the best value. 

Sources say: "Cole Schotz is a firm that prioritizes its client relationships, always ensuring that proper coverage and immediate attention is brought to all matters. They are diligent and business oriented in their focus. They provide and execute real-world solutions - rather than providing a purely academic answer - to present-day legal challenges."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Litigation cochair Steven Klein is a key player in the New Jersey bar and has an active practice that spans a full range of corporate and commercial disputes, with a particular niche in real estate cases. Klein recently represented the minority shareholders of Consolidated Dairies in bringing a range of successful claims against the company.

Leo Leyva, who practices in both New Jersey and New York and chairs the New York office's litigation department, is a distinguished corporate litigator who represents financial entities and real estate investors. Valued for his "outstanding legal strategy and implementation," Leyva is considered a "focused and loyal purveyor of sage legal advice."

The highly-regarded Michael Meisel cochairs the firm's New Jersey litigation department and focuses on general business dispute resolution and arbitration, as well as insurance coverage litigation. He achieved a successful resolution for Safeco Insurance in relation to a $1 million subcontract agreement claim.

THE FIRM Insurer and reinsurer representative Coughlin Duffy has developed a strong position in the New Jersey market since its inception in 2004. While it undertakes a wide range of litigation, it is particularly well known for its strengths regarding coverage matters and reported decisions. Its practice covers the full spectrum of insurance and reinsurance advisory matters including policy negotiation, claims management and trial advocacy. It also defends policyholders and self-insureds in tort and mass tort actions.

Sources say: "Coughlin Duffy is a leading practice with leading attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Considered "one of the best coverage lawyers around," Kevin Wolff specializes in the representation of insurers and reinsurers and is a key player in state and federal environmental and toxic tort insurance cases.

Cofounder and managing partner Kevin Coughlin excels at insurance coverage litigation and arbitration. Acclaimed by sources as an "experienced and strong" insurance litigator, his broad practice is augmented by a significant multinational focus, which also sees him advising international insurers and reinsurers.

THE FIRM This Roseland-based firm has an enduring reputation for complex federal and state white-collar criminal litigation. With a compact team of highly experienced attorneys who are considered engaged and persuasive, the firm is extremely active in the New Jersey bar. It represents individuals from a range of sectors in actions brought for allegations of securities and tax fraud, misconduct, corruption and environmental offenses.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Critchley is revered by sources as a "go-to guy for criminal cases in the state and federal courts, especially political corruption, organized crime, and racketeering cases." He has a significant white-collar fraud, antitrust and professional misconduct practice, and currently represents Mathew Sheldon, former part-owner of New York litigation fund Law Funder LLP, arrested for an alleged $1 million wire fraud.

THE FIRM This robust general commercial litigation practice covers a comprehensive range of areas, with particular strengths in consumer finance, franchising, products and class action defense. The 15-partner team represents clients in sectors including financial services, technology, energy and pharmaceuticals. It continues to represent long-standing client Budget Rent-A-Car, and on its behalf recently successfully defended a multimillion-dollar class action before the New Jersey Superior Court on appeal.

Sources say: "They are extremely knowledgeable and respond to all inquiries immediately. They have a vast pool of knowledge to give us the answers we need in a short amount of time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly-respected Dennis LaFiura is a commercial litigator with an abundance of franchise business expertise in the automotive, hotel, and consumer products and services arenas.

Experienced litigator Anthony Marchetta is "responsive and strategically proficient." An all-around advocate with a great deal of trial experience before both state and federal courts, Marchetta gains plaudits from sources for his hands-on and committed approach. 

Dennis Kearney is an experienced trial lawyer and former state prosecutor "who has the ability to crystallize the heart of a dispute in a couple of sentences - a valuable skill." He has a broad civil and criminal litigation practice and covers the financial, environmental and healthcare sectors, among others.

Joy Harmon Sperling chairs the consumer finance and creditors' rights practice group and defends lenders and investors against claims brought by individuals and class actions.

John O'Reilly is held in high regard by peers and clients alike. He acts for businesses and individuals in complex white-collar crime litigation and comes recommended by sources for his ability to handle big cases.

Ben Haglund is a key player in product liability matters and is singled out as "thorough and diplomatic - he takes a practical approach and handles difficult and sensitive situations with ease."

THE FIRM Dechert's litigation team has an indisputable national reputation as a leader in complex product liability cases. While the firm practices across the spectrum of commercial litigation matters, this robust practice comes particularly recommended for its expertise in class action defense. Widely recognized as stellar trial lawyers with comprehensive knowledge of both state and national laws in this area, the Dechert team has achieved tremendous results for clients in headline-grabbing cases. The team successfully represented Philip Morris USA in the leading case of City of St. Louis v. American Tobacco, a substantial claim brought by 37 hospitals regarding cost liability for the treatment of smoking-related illnesses.

Sources say: "This firm provides me with brilliant lawyers and beautiful writing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "A master of class action defense," Ezra Rosenberg enjoys a terrific reputation for high-profile cases concerning product liability, with commentators affirming: "He does a superb job: what he is able to do is leverage his practice in New Jersey against Dechert's geographically vast expertise to play a strong role in our most important litigation."

THE FIRM Drinker, Biddle & Reath is one of New Jersey's preeminent business advisory firms. It has a significant litigation practice and strength in commercial disputes, insurance and product liability matters. The team is looked on favorably by peers and clients for its strong litigation focus both in New Jersey and beyond. In product liability cases, the team is considered a power player in mass tort litigation and enjoys a substantial reputation for advising global and national insurers on defense and regulatory matters.

Sources say: "The firm is very professional, collegial, and easy to work with. They are very responsive as well and my experience has been nothing but positive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "No-nonsense litigator" Thomas Campion is "one of the greatest lawyers in the state," proclaims one respondent. Campion cochairs the firm's professional services liability team in addition to his position as a product liability and mass tort expert.

The "strong" and "outstanding" James Altieri chairs the firm's insurance practice on a national platform. He is "rock solid, handles cases proficiently and has a good reputation in the courts." With a significant complex insurance practice, Altieri has advised a number of global insurers in relation to the defense of multiparty claims against religious entities, property claims and FDA-initiated recalls.

White-collar criminal defense litigator Paul Nittoly "is an excellent attorney; smart, diligent," and has "lots of commonsense." He is currently engaged in a number of sensitive investigations and is valued for his ability to "evaluate and strategize a case."

The "wonderful and prominent attorney" Susan Sharko does a "great job" litigating major product liability claims particularly for organizations in the pharmaceutical arena.

THE FIRM This first class litigation team has specialist experience in areas such as construction, financial services and media law. During the last year the firm has been actively engaged in major national class actions, commercial business disputes, and defending numerous mass tort product liability claims. The team represents private and public organizations and also excels at white collar crime defense including healthcare fraud.

Sources say: "Gibbons is among the premier litigation firms in the state. It has great lawyers and I have been very impressed with the team. They are solid and deserve their statewide reputation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Talented" state and federal litigator Michael Griffinger practices in the resolution of corporate and commercial disputes, as well as antitrust and securities litigation. He is currently engaged in a multimillion-dollar international product liability and breach of contract claim.

Robert MacPherson's reputation precedes him as an authority on construction law, with commentators affirming: "he has a tremendous understanding of the law in this area and can argue a case from any side." He represents civil contractor EE Cruz & Company in relation to a number of high-value infrastructure projects in the metropolitan area.

Michael McDonald "has done a really good job for us: the cases he has represented us on have been resolved with favorable outcomes. He is very strategic and cautious about how we handle the litigation, but in a positive way," enthuses one satisfied client. McDonald is particularly active in class action defense work.

John Gibbons is a stalwart of the New Jersey business litigation scene and one of the state's most respected attorneys. He is held in considerably high regard by clients of the firm and peers, and provides counsel on significant litigation cases, as well as mediation and arbitration.

The "smart and hardworking" Lawrence Lustberg receives resounding praise as an excellent trial and appellate lawyer whose practice covers a wide spectrum of matters. He chairs the firm's criminal defense department. 

Kim Catullo is the firm's product liability department chair. She represents medical and pharmaceutical companies engaged in mass tort class actions relating to product liability claims. Catullo is also retained by public utility companies in defense of personal injury and property damage claims.

The firm's business and commercial litigation department chair Brian McMahon has played a significant role in some of the state's biggest class action cases. He represents financial services companies and healthcare organizations, and also acts as bankruptcy trustee counsel in a number of ongoing matters.

THE FIRM Greenbaum Rowe covers the full ambit of business litigation, handling cases from small disputes to substantial high-profile matters. The team is thorough and impresses clients with its ability to digest the facts of a case and achieve successful outcomes. The attorneys also draw praise for their highly competent development of case strategy.

Sources say: "The firm has a well-developed and highly trained litigation department, capable of handling complex and varied litigation in all commercial sectors. They are very attentive to client needs and their communications in all aspects of litigation are well done."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John North is "thorough and has impressive skills in front of a jury." He elicits particular praise for his expertise in the construction sector and is also singled out for his "understanding and quick grasp of the business aspects of a matter."

"Premier litigator" Paul Rowe "is a sought after commodity" for his extensive range of experience and, as one commentators attests, "is one of the best trial lawyers I have seen: he is well prepared, a great strategist, and a superb cross-examiner."

"Seasoned litigator" Alan Naar is an active federal court attorney representing businesses in a full range of commercial disputes. He is "smart, intuitive and able to express complex points of law in a brief or memo in a highly persuasive and compelling manner."

THE FIRM Renowned law firm Greenberg Traurig uses its global network of experienced lawyers and litigators around the world to serve the varied needs of its diverse client base. Its Florham Park-based litigation team handles complex class action and litigation matters for significant consumer brands, healthcare practices and financial services institutions. American Express Company, Verizon Wireless and Canon USA are among the notable names it represents.

Sources say: "They are a client-focused team. They have a keen understanding of their clients needs and they work hard to achieve them through a strong grasp of complex subjects and swift uptake."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commercial litigator and insurance coverage specialist Philip Sellinger is recognized by sources for the terrific job he has accomplished in building a comprehensive litigation team in New Jersey. Drawing upon his significant experience as a trial attorney, he represents two American Express entities - Card Management Company and Travel Related Services - in linked actions against the Treasurer of the State of New Jersey.

THE FIRM Despite its compact size, this Newark-based boutique provides a robust approach to a host of civil and criminal matters. The firm has particular expertise in the defense of individuals facing criminal proceedings, including business executives and professionals in the public sector against corruption and fraud charges. Recent work has seen it advise a former senior New Jersey official in relation to a US Justice Department investigation.

Sources say: "They are very good trial lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Excellent attorney" Gerald Krovatin commands an admirable reputation as one of the state's preeminent criminal defense lawyers. Despite a varied practice, his high-profile work over the years has positioned him in the public eye as the David against the Goliath of political corruption.

Henry Klingeman is a leader in New Jersey white-collar criminal defense and is described as "smart and not afraid to try and work towards the best resolution."

THE FIRM Latham & Watkins has the expertise and capacity to handle a broad range of litigation, including securities, environmental cleanup cases and employment disputes. It also has a solid class action practice. The team benefits from being able to tap into a diverse national practice to provide clients with a one stop shop for corporate and commercial advice. It counts Essex Chemical and Fannie Mae among its clients.

Sources say: "Latham & Watkins is a wonderful national firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Top-flight litigator" Alan Kraus elicits much praise from the market for his thorough and confident ability to handle the most complex of cases."He is one of the most brilliant lawyers that I know," one commentator attests.

New Jersey office managing partner David McLean has a broad practice which includes trade secret litigation, financial services investigations and dispute resolution. He counts telecom company Telwares among his notable clients.

THE FIRM This preeminent practice is well versed in all areas of litigation: from insurance, commercial and corporate cases to white collar and government investigations, the team is well placed to advise its significant portfolio of clients on a range of complex disputes. The firm's experienced team represents both private and public organizations across the financial services and pharmaceutical sectors and has recently handled a number of high-value claims on behalf of global biopharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Sources say: "This firm is top-notch: they are the best in the state and the team is very strong." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roseland-based Douglas Eakeley is widely regarded as one of the preeminent corporate litigators in New Jersey. He focuses on antitrust and class action work, with sources reserving particular praise for his advocacy skills and client-focused approach.

David Harris is championed as a "smart, wily litigator with good trial sensibilities." He has particular expertise in IP-related disputes.

Lawrence Rolnick chairs the firm's securities litigation and enforcement practice and is particularly sought after for acting on behalf of plaintiffs seeking to recover losses through securities fraud action.

Jeffrey Wild is a capital markets litigation specialist and chair of the firm's practice group in this area. He is a well versed lead attorney on significant cases and recently represented Amalgamated Bank in a number of disputes, from fraud to contract litigation.

Michael Himmel is a seasoned white-collar crime practitioner with a national reputation for representing individuals and companies involved in high-profile investigations and criminal proceedings. He has a robust securities fraud practice and chairs the firm's litigation and white-collar criminal defense teams.

"What I most value about Robert Kipnees is his keen sense of the many facets of the matter and how he has kept me focused on the relevant issues at all times," reports one satisfied client. Kipnees is a white-collar crime litigator and has an active practice concerned with securities fraud, investigations and environmental crime proceedings.

The firm welcomes back Lynda Bennett from Herold Law, P.A. Bennett is a talented insurance litigator and her return to the firm is seen as a tremendous boost to its insurance practice.

Corporate litigator and appellate specialist Nicole Albano is particularly active in class action cases. She "takes care of matters efficiently and does a terrific job," sources say. 

THE FIRM Premier New Jersey firm McCarter & English continues to be top of the class for business litigation. Sources particularly recommend its great depth of experience in product liability defense as well as its tremendous strength in insurance policyholder representation. The team has a lot of presence in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as in medical and industrial product and mass tort litigation. It also has an active financial services practice.

Sources say: "We think we had the best firm in New Jersey for the job. The team predominantly defends companies against suits brought by others and can respond well to whatever is thrown at it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commercial and securities litigator Steven Beckelman is applauded as a "thorough, confident, resourceful and efficient cross-examiner and an exceptional writer."

William Wallach is a "knowledgeable and skilled attorney," and has a well-rounded commercial litigation practice with particular expertise in closely-held company shareholder disputes. He recently advised Hair Systems in an action brought by the company's former CEO.

Antitrust, class action and commercial litigator William O'Shaughnessy enjoys a fine reputation among peers and is singled out as "a very savvy litigator: he brings credibility to the matters with which he is associated."

Insurance coverage group leader Sherilyn Pastor impresses with her handling of some large and complex insurance cases. Commentators reserve praise for her thoroughly prepared approach to matters and tough, yet personable manner.

The "extremely experienced" David Kott provides counseling and litigation advice on product liability cases and is described as "encyclopedic in his knowledge" of that area of the law.

Gita Rothschild is a "fine trial lawyer and strategic thinker," and enjoys an excellent reputation in insurance and product-related litigation.

Ira Gottlieb has an established insurance coverage practice, which focuses on representing policyholders in natural resource and environmental claims on a state, regional and national basis. He has recently represented Sulzer Pumps in a coverage claim relating to the Portland Harbor Superfund Site.

White-collar crime attorney Robert Mintz is an "extremely professional," "experienced and intelligent practitioner" who "really achieves the best possible results for his clients." He enjoys an excellent track record in state investigations and fraud allegation matters.

The "knowledgeable and skilled" David Cooner handles product liability litigation matters. Sources particularly value his ability to "work efficiently and keep costs to a minimum."

Gregory Horowitz has forged a broad practice spanning insurance coverage and complex commercial litigation. He is developing an excellent reputation for high-value multiparty cases.

Insurance coverage litigator Brian Osias continues to enjoy a fine track record acting for corporate policy holders, and elicits praise for his "fully engaged" and highly responsive approach to client service.

Since publication, William S Greenberg has moved in-house.

THE FIRM This well regarded practice is recommended for its broad experience in dispute resolution matters particularly within the real estate, construction and medical device fields. The practice has a strong record in insurance coverage defense work on behalf of insurance companies and is considered to be a key player in this area. The firm recently represented New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company in a successful multimillion-dollar bad faith action.

Sources say: "The firm has always been very responsive and legally knowledgeable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "First-rate, experienced trial lawyer" Joseph LaSala "is both practical and legally astute." He demonstrates the "highest level of trial skills, diligence and ability to develop a rapport with the court."

James Mulvaney enjoys a varied commercial and corporate litigation practice. He is widely praised for his professionalism and comes highly recommended to handle construction disputes.

Michael Marone is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer, adept at handling complex litigation matters, and is also a well-known name in the insurance coverage arena.

Walter Timpone is a well-connected corporate fraud and investment investigations attorney, and is a recommended choice of counsel for organizations trying to turn aside indictments. He is particularly active in the healthcare sector and draws particular praise for his skills in negotiation.

THE FIRM As a significant national and international practice, this team has a wealth of specialist experience to draw upon across the firm and continues to cement its name in New Jersey. The Princeton-based team is considered to have a strong financial services dispute resolution and insurance coverage practice. It is also highly sought after to handle contentious matters connected with the pharmaceuticals sector.

Sources say: "I think they are very sharp strategically and understand the dynamics of litigation very well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Loeber is a key litigation contact at this firm.

THE FIRM Solid firm Porzio is considered a top litigation firm for local product liability matters. The team represents an excellent choice for clients from the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and medical device arenas, and also maintains an impressive track record acting for technology companies. Its trial attorneys are singled out by sources as smart, responsive and client focused.

Sources say: "For mass tort they are one of the power players and represent a significant proportion of the industry in New Jersey on a regular basis."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Benenson chairs the firm's litigation practice group.

THE FIRM Riker Danzig is an excellent commercial litigation firm with particular strength in insurance and reinsurance disputes. The experienced team is praised for its client focus and ability to staff matters with the right resources in a swift and intelligent fashion. The team counsels clients in both litigation and ADR strategies and ensures clients receive the most cost-efficient service. In a recent example of the firm's work, it advised Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company of America regarding its coverage liability following the 2011 Japanese earthquake.

Sources say: "They have taken the time to get to understand our strategic and commercial needs. I feel that I get honest advice and enjoy working with all of them; their professional approach is without exception."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Glenn Clark enjoys an excellent reputation for his commercial litigation practice and continues to represent corporations and individuals in significant multiparty cross-border actions, healthcare litigation and employment disputes.

Gerald Liloia is a "sound negotiator" and clients appreciate the robust but fair approach he takes to litigation matters.

Kenneth Van Deventer is a skilled tactician who helps clients resolve complex shareholder disputes and multiparty financial services litigation.

The "outstanding" Shawn Kelly is a standout figure in the New Jersey coverage arena. Representing some of the state's leading insurance and reinsurance providers, he has developed a strong reputation as a "quarterback with a lot of experience."

Brian O'Donnell elicits praise for his understanding of clients' needs and is also described as an "experienced litigator who comes across with authority in front of arbitration panels." He is particularly noted for his expertise in claims relating to class action suits in the electronics industry. He also played a significant role in the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company of America matter mentioned above.

Samuel Moulthrop is head of the firm's white-collar crime practice and a member of the environmental team, and straddles both areas with finesse. He wins particular acclaim for his corporate fraud work.

Kelly Strange Crawford is a product liability and mass tort litigator who has taken over the departmental reins from New Jersey Supreme Court Justice, Anne Patterson. She represents pharmaceutical companies and is active in the defense of a number of asbestos matters.

THE FIRM Reputable New Jersey firm Saiber has a confident all-around business litigation practice, which includes construction, employment and insurance matters. Based in Newark and Florham Park, the team is well placed to represent state and regional businesses in a range of commercial disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly respected William Maderer's practice spans both business litigation and white-collar criminal defense. An effective litigator, he continues to come recommended for his representation of clients from the education sector.

Arnold Calmann is a "smart attorney" with a practice that includes corporate and commercial litigation with a particular focus on intellectual property matters.

Insurance litigation practitioner Michael Cohen handles claims under a range of policies including professional liability and property owner policies. He has been particularly active in a number of asbestos coverage cases.

THE FIRM This litigation team has a diverse array of expertise and is particularly strong in commercial and product liability disputes. Its attorneys draw much acclaim for their business-minded, cost-effective, and client-focused approach to matters, and maintain an excellent track record for advising organizations in the finance and healthcare sectors. The group also comes recommended for its representation of pharmaceutical companies, and remains a good choice for clients seeking advice pertaining to class actions. In addition, it is also well equipped to handle white-collar crime litigation, regularly dealing with government investigations and issues concerning tax fraud.

Sources say: "I value their ability to come up with practical solutions to address the issue at hand. Matters are leanly staffed with highly competent individuals to keep costs down and their ability to provide feedback in a timely manner is vital to the fast-paced nature of my company."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Greenbaum is a "terrific attorney," who draws much praise for his wide-ranging knowledge and is well known for his work in complex class action litigation defense.

Beth Rose "is a litigator with impressive experience and skills," with sources singling her out as "brilliant on the regulatory side of product liability cases." Commentators also appreciate that she "is a very good team player" and value her "excellent attention to detail."

Former tax fraud prosecutor Lawrence Horn "is a pro and a go-to guy for criminal tax cases; he has developed a real specialty in that area."

The "extremely knowledgeable" Mark Olinsky litigates commercial cases and represents individuals and businesses in government investigations. Organizations in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors frequently seek his counsel and advice.

Respected trial attorney Joseph Buckley "is my commercial dispute expert," explains one client, who goes on to say, "he understands our company and provides sound legal advice that aims to meet our business needs."

THE FIRM This stellar white-collar criminal practice is renowned as being among the best in the state. With significant trial skills as well as a prudent approach to both investigations and criminal actions, this compact team continues to impress across a range of matters including fraud, environmental actions and misconduct claims.

Sources say: "They are one of the strongest white-collar crime firms in the state and have real depth."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers continue to regard Joseph Hayden and Justin Walder as "deans of the criminal bar." Both are experienced trial lawyers, who garner much praise for their high-level and complex white-collar criminal defense representation.

THE FIRM Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer has strength in commercial litigation and also enjoys a reputation as a premier plaintiff practice. It represents clients in a range of business disputes including ADR procedures. Sources commend its strategic approach, which ensures that issues are resolved in as efficient and beneficial a manner for the client as possible.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Widely respected commercial litigator Brian Molloy enjoys a varied practice encompassing casino law, professional malpractice, particularly in the legal industry, and Lanham Act litigation claims.

THE FIRM Wolff's well-rounded litigation team is valued by clients for its ability to forge strong working relationships. The team represents a range of clients, from insurance companies and financial services organizations to law firms and publishers. In a recent highlight, it successfully represented International Fidelity Insurance in a national class action lawsuit.

Sources say: "The team is efficient, responsive and cost-effective. They provide good representation and communication."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers regard Gage Andretta as a fine "professional adversary." He advises businesses involved in insolvency proceedings as well as general business litigation matters.

Arthur Goldstein is a skilled and talented attorney who focuses on banking and real estate litigation. He also has a strong practice representing individuals and businesses in professional negligence claims and has recently been engaged by one law firm to defend an action alleging legal malpractice.