Litigation: General Commercial: Pennsylvania

THE FIRM This Philadelphia-based team has earned a stellar reputation for handling complex commercial litigation, particularly large-scale, high-profile class actions. The firm's international reach attracts major clients from the financial, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. Attorneys in this practice group have developed niche practices in white-collar and government investigations, representing both companies and individuals before a range of official bodies. Securities litigation is another specialist area for Dechert, and they regularly deploy highly skilled attorneys to defend clients in enforcement actions.

Sources say: "Very professional, very thorough, terrific engagement and interaction."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Feirson has been heavily involved in litigation on behalf of former directors of Advanta. These figures are facing a host of complex actions against them in the aftermath of the company's bankruptcy declaration. Sources say: "I think he's bright and he has a good way of presenting to clients what the objectives and goals are." 

Robert Heim has a strong reputation in the area of product liability, with one source commenting: "You think of him first when you have a big matter." He has recently represented Wyeth in a drug design defect case and has also helped negotiate a settlement for the Citizen's Bank of Pennsylvania in a lender liability lawsuit.

"Outstanding white-collar lawyer" Thomas Lee attracts plaudits for his active healthcare-based practice, acting on RICO litigation, claims under state consumer fraud statutes and the False Claims Act. He also defends individuals and companies in other industries on charges of fraud against the government.

Joseph Tate specializes in white-collar litigation, defending both individuals and corporations. He maintains an "absolutely first-rate" practice and has the capacity to handle antitrust and securities matters as well as complex class actions.   

Diane Danoff is an experienced IP litigator for whom peers hold "a lot of respect." She handles a diverse range of cases within the areas of trade secrets, noncompete agreements and patent issues.

Michael Kichline is described by sources as a "very fine attorney indeed." He has handled a major lender liability lawsuit for Citizen's Bank of Pennsylvania and has also worked alongside colleagues in defense of former Advanta directors this year.  

"Outstanding lawyer" Fred Magaziner focuses his practice particularly on complex product liability work. He is also able to handle personal injury claims on behalf of plaintiffs and medical malpractice cases for both sides.  

THE FIRM This firm houses a broad litigation practice in its three Pennsylvania offices. It handles commercial litigation for retail industry and IP clients. Attorneys at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius have also garnered significant victories in securities litigation and white-collar investigations. The firm has noted an uptick in class actions this year and has been involved in these from consumer, employment and securities perspectives. Notable clients include AstraZeneca, Hewlett-Packard and Medtronic.   

Sources say: "Deep in a wide variety of practice areas, very pragmatic and businesslike."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Gordon Cooney receives high praise from peers and clients alike, with one respondent describing him as "superb," adding: "He has extraordinary judgment and overall he is probably one of the most talented lawyers I've ever met." He represents medical device manufacturers, financial services institutions and construction product companies in litigation relating to product liability. He is also noted for his experience in class actions and general commercial litigation.  

John Dodds is known to be "hugely effective in government investigations." He represents pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer and his experience covers class actions, regulatory matters and qui tam litigation.

Eric Sitarchuk has demonstrated his renowned litigation skills this year, acting on behalf of Triumph Group in a trade secrets case and Guthrie Health System in a qui tam action. He maintains a strong white-collar and investigations practice, displaying "excellent judgment and great presence." 

Head of the securities litigation group Marc Sonnenfeld has an admirable reputation as "a great securities and derivative suit litigator." He represents medical device manufacturer Zimmer Holdings and regularly defends claims against the directors, shareholders and underwriters of both public and private corporations.

John Lavelle guides clients expertly through product liability litigation, thanks to his great depth of experience in the field. He counts among his clients significant medical device manufacturer Medtronic. Clients say: "He is responsive and to the point, he retains the knowledge and asks good questions." Sources also note that he is "articulate and very congenial." 

James Pagliaro continues his work on behalf of National Gypsum this year, demonstrating his capabilities in product liability defense. He also acts for Sandvik on a series of countrywide class actions.

THE FIRM  This national firm is renowned in the region for its representation of pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. Attorneys at the firm are adept at handling a wide variety of litigation, from general commercial to specialized product liability, insurance and media-related work. Pepper Hamilton draws from a deep bench of litigators to provide advice and guidance to their clients and the firm attracts business from key industry players such as Hershey Trust and Tyco International as well as regional news organizations.

Sources say: "Very business-oriented, a very good firm." "A leader in this region in pharmaceutical work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Crawford is a prominent commercial litigator within Pennsylvania. He covers a broad range of litigation, including class actions, securities and product liability cases. He is a well-known member of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Nina Gussack has earned her place among the top litigators in the region, described by one source as "one of the most active big pharmaceutical lawyers in Philadelphia and the country." As chair of the firm, she garners praise from peers, who view her as "a predominant factor in the success of the firm's litigation department." She has a strong health executives practice group, representing pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers, and is seen as a "really phenomenal lawyer."

Robert Hickok is a "very fine lawyer" who has been handling commercial litigation for Tyco International this year. He has the capacity to represent clients in high-value, complex work including class actions.  

Barbara Mather represents Hershey Trust on antitrust matters and is described by one respondent as "the person there that I would recommend, definitely." She is a "smart" trial lawyer who has "good experience" in the field.

Francis Devine handles complex litigation for clients such as Exelon. He has also defended clients against claims of fraud, breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation in the context of a real estate transaction.   

Chair of the commercial insurance and reinsurance group Deborah Cohen has built up a healthy practice, exemplified by her representation of Legion Insurance before state and federal courts. She is able to pursue RICO claims and fraud actions for her clients, as well as counseling them on regulatory issues.  

Amy Ginensky is known statewide for her defense of media companies and typically handles defamation litigation and related matters. She chairs the commercial litigation practice group and garners praise for her depth of experience: "She really knew her stuff." Peers know her as "an outstanding lawyer" and she regularly represents media entities such as Lancaster Newspapers and Philadelphia Media Network.

Thomas Gallagher chairs the firm's white-collar and corporate investigations practice group. He has particular knowledge in the healthcare area and recently represented Bristol-Myers Squibb in a whistle-blowing case. Clients appreciate his "really high-caliber" work and describe him as "fantastic."

Since publication, Deborah F Cohen has moved in-house.

THE FIRM Ballard Spahr's litigation team represents regional, national and international clients including GlaxoSmithKline, Comcast and PNC Bank. Out of its Pennsylvania office, the firm is able to provide expertise on a range of litigation matters, encompassing antitrust, white-collar and securities issues. White-collar crime experts at the firm have recently played significant roles in the controversial Lower Merion School District case, involving laptops handed out to pupils by the school.  

Sources say: "Strong competitors, consistently strong reputation and good results."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Norman Goldberger has a formidable reputation as a securities litigator and peers and clients are full of praise for him: "He is bright and experienced but also business and practical-minded." Recently he has been busy dealing with high-profile Argentine bond default cases and a major property acquisition by Liberty Property Trust. His experience enables him to "get to solutions creatively" and one respondent notes that he is "skilled at helping us strategize to get an optimum settlement."

"Outstanding" white-collar crime specialist Henry Hockeimer has recently been devoting his time to the Lower Merion School District case. He also handles investigations into corruption, financial crimes and healthcare fraud among others. His broad practice also extends to complex civil litigation.

Stephen Kastenberg has been busy this year defending clients against class and individual actions across the state, as well as continuing his work on behalf of NASDAQ OMX. He counts among his clients telecommunications company Comcast and Lubert-Adler Partners in claims that could run to hundreds of millions of dollars. Clients say that he "has done a nice job for us." 

Arthur Makadon is a "very prominent member of the Bar" and well known in the region. He is a former chair of the firm and focuses his practice in the white-collar and investigations area. He has experience in trying cases related to antitrust, securities and consumer protection laws. GlaxoSmithKline is a notable long-standing client.

David Pittinsky is a highly experienced litigator who has handled a wide variety of cases including RICO, securities and qui tam actions before the federal courts. This year he has been acting for National City Bank, part of PNC Bank, on numerous complex class actions spanning across multiple jurisdictions.  

THE FIRM Spanning four offices in the state, Conrad O'Brien has a formidable reputation for its representation of lawyers and law firms in professional liability and malpractice matters. The firm has an impressive client roster, including names such as Cephalon, Dow Chemical and IBM, and regularly handles product liability, patent and antitrust cases for these companies. Attorneys at the firm are also solicited for their solid guidance in white-collar crime and government investigations cases.    

Sources say: "Very strong litigation boutique."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nancy Gellman serves as counsel to Cephalon and her practice encompasses antitrust, patents and product liability. She has also played a key role in a complex breach of fiduciary duty case, and a series of malpractice claims in the healthcare sector. She is highly thought of by her peers, one of whom notes that she is "brilliant, as smart as any lawyer I've ever met."

James Rohn has "achieved outstanding results" for his clients this year. He has been representing Dow Chemical against several toxic tort claims and has also been involved in a high-profile fraud case. His practice is impressively broad, incorporating complex commercial litigation, legal malpractice and white-collar investigations.

"Tenacious litigator" Jack Guernsey has also been acting for Cephalon, on antitrust and patent matters, as well as a product liability case. Sources comment: "You can trust him, he handles himself with a lot of class."

Howard Klein is highly respected for his professional negligence and malpractice experience. He has been representing Hillerich & Bradsby, a baseball bat manufacturer, in negligence claims and putative class actions relating to the performance of the bats. He is an "excellent trial lawyer and has almost an encyclopedic knowledge of the law and procedure."

Nicholas Centrella continues to develop his practice, handling major cases for clients such as Prudential Financial. He focuses his practice on both white-collar defense and civil matters such as legal malpractice and product liability.  

THE FIRM This firm continues to demonstrate strength in a broad range of litigation areas, providing support to clients from the pharmaceutical, software development, real estate and financial industries. Recently it has represented SAP in a complex RICO litigation and has also handled work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Sources say: "Extremely strong support." "Fantastic, I get an immediate response."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Soroko elicits positive comments from peers and clients alike, with one respondent noting: "He is certainly as billed, an excellent litigator with fantastic insights." His practice covers securities litigation, corporate governance issues and commercial litigation.

Matthew Taylor is a "very respected lawyer" and his counsel is sought by major global players such as SAP. He has experience in a diverse range of commercial litigation, including employment, securities and product liability matters.

Dana Klinges has recently been handling a range of litigation issues for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Her advice is also solicited by the NFL on antitrust matters. Sources say: "I think she was very good."

David Landau has an active practice which spans the areas of employment, IP and complex commercial litigation. He is at the forefront of technological developments both pretrial and during trial.

THE FIRM Attorneys at this firm have noticed an increase in the levels of insurance coverage work this year and are also seeing a large volume of malpractice litigation coming through. They are well known for their representation of law firms and other professional organizations in litigation of this kind. Clients include the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Bentley Systems.  

Sources say: "One of the premier litigation boutiques in the state." "Lots of very sophisticated litigation." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Hangley sits "among a handful of top litigators in Philadelphia." He maintains a strong presence in the region with a broad litigation practice and a particular specialty defending professional organizations, such as law firms, against malpractice claims. Peers demonstrate high respect for him, saying: "He's terrific, one of the leading lawyers of his generation; he's a real presence in the courtroom."

Mark Aronchick is known as an "excellent lawyer" in litigation circles. He has recently represented a major cigar manufacturer in an extensive action against the City of Philadelphia. He has also handled a series of suits on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Daniel Segal gathers praise from peers and clients, with one source admiring his ability to "hone in on the critical issues." He serves as practice chair and handles a variety of litigation work including IP, antitrust and employment. He is known to be "very attentive to client needs."  

Ronald Schiller has recently achieved victory for insurance client HSB Group in a complex professional liability suit. He has particular strength in insurance coverage disputes and also handles commercial litigation on behalf of telecommunications companies and financial institutions.  

John Summers is a defense litigator who is able to handle both white-collar and civil litigation issues. He is well versed in matters relating to healthcare, such as disputes arising between pharmaceutical companies. He is described by one respondent as an "excellent lawyer."

THE FIRM Blank Rome's litigation attorneys draw on their extensive experience in the field, with many of them having held previous posts as judges and prosecutors. The firm has impressive depth in a broad range of litigation practice areas, representing pharmaceutical companies, energy suppliers and medical device manufacturers among others.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ann Blair Laupheimer has a specialist knowledge of insurance litigation matters, handling coverage disputes as well as insolvency. She is described as a "terrific lawyer and a terrific person." She also has strength in commercial litigation and has worked on corporate liability, shareholder and business disputes. 

"Outstanding lawyer" James Smith heads up the litigation practice. He has been devoting time recently to handling complex bankruptcy litigation on behalf of several clients. With nearly 30 years' experience behind him, he is able to handle an impressive variety of commercial and white-collar litigation.

THE FIRM This firm has a diverse litigation practice operating out of its three Pennsylvania offices. As well as handling a significant number of class actions this year, attorneys have also noticed an uptick in the volume of energy-related work coming to the team. Other vibrant areas include healthcare, product liability and white-collar crime. Buchanan Ingersoll counts among its clients key industry players such as Procter & Gamble, the NFL and XCoal Energy & Resources.

Sources say: "Excellent, we're very satisfied."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "outstanding" James Becker has great depth of experience representing individuals and corporations under government investigation. Corporations also seek his guidance with regards to internal investigations. He provides counsel to clients from the environmental, healthcare and insurance fields, among others.

Thomas Bergstrom is a white-collar and criminal defense specialist who is described by one peer as being, in his experience, "one of the top lawyers" in this field. He handles government enforcement cases, defending individuals, professionals and businesses against both state and federal proceedings. He is also capable of guiding clients through criminal suits ranging from antitrust to securities matters.

Howard Scher concentrates his practice in the area of business litigation, particularly in antitrust matters. He has in the past year been working on a complex matter for client Arkema, a chemical manufacturing company. Sources comment that he is a "really fantastic lawyer" who "tries a lot of cases."

Steven Bizar also handles work on behalf of Arkema and is "well respected" by his peers. He focuses particularly on antitrust work and his expertise in this area is noted by respondents. He also represents clients on securities, contract and insurance matters.  

THE FIRM This national firm houses a broad litigation practice in its Philadelphia birthplace. Attorneys at Drinker Biddle have extensive trial experience and are able to handle complex commercial, securities and white-collar criminal defense litigation. They regularly perform work on behalf of insurance, telecommunications and professional services companies.

Sources say: "They're a strong department, they do high-quality work and have good lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregory Miller is known as a "diverse lawyer." He has the ability to handle white-collar criminal defense, commercial and securities litigation for a range of clients including major multinational corporations. His work has been described as "terrific."

THE FIRM This year the firm has handled an impressive volume of complex litigation, with attorneys acting on high-stakes bankruptcy, environmental and real estate-related lawsuits. Clients of the firm are skillfully guided through all steps of the litigation process by the strong team in Philadelphia. The office also houses a significant niche practice defending law firms and individual lawyers accused of malpractice and professional negligence.  

Sources say: "Top-flight guys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS One respondent says of Abraham Reich: "He's a very good advocate, very good on his feet." He has a particular specialty defending lawyers and other professionals against negligence and malpractice claims. He is "very responsive, has mature judgment, is well liked by judges and opposing counsel and is a very fine legal strategist."

James Griffith is known for his skill acting on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants in a range of complex cases from medical malpractice to patent disputes. Clients include manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.

Stephanie Resnick has developed a significant reputation for her representation of clients in commercial disputes. Her broad practice covers shareholder disputes, breach of fiduciary duty and IP.

Scott Vernick is "one of those guys who understands that it's about moving your business forward. He is pragmatic and focuses on business resolution." He is skilled in his representation of pharmaceutical and healthcare industry clients and has successfully resolved a number of matters this year.

THE FIRM This litigation boutique has earned a reputation for its work defending law firms against malpractice claims. This year, attorneys have expertly advised clients on a variety of matters, including product liability, antitrust and RICO actions. The firm also has experience bringing claims under statutes such as the Price-Anderson Act, dealing with nuclear leaks and resultant damage.

Sources say: "This firm has always been very strong."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Harkins has "long been regarded as a top lawyer" by his peers. He handles a variety of complex cases, ranging from corporate investigations to derivative suits. He is able to navigate stringent and complex rules to get results for his clients and one respondent notes that he is "sharp as a tack."

THE FIRM The Pennsylvania offices of this international firm serve as the global base for its insurance practice. This year the firm has represented major corporations in cost recovery actions, typically acting for plaintiffs in complex litigation scenarios. Attorneys at the firm have noticed a continued high volume of environmental-based claims in the past twelve months. Clients such as Anglo Swiss, Alcoa and Honeywell have been attracted by the considerable reach and depth of the litigation practice at K&L Gates.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Birsic represents the insured in insurance coverage disputes and is skilled at achieving "good results in difficult cases." In the past year he has been devoting his time to asbestos litigation and acting as national coordinating counsel for Alcoa. Peers identify him as an "outstanding lawyer."

Michael Zanic has a practice focusing on energy and resources which spans the country. He also has particular strength in insurance coverage disputes and asbestos-related litigation.

David McClenahan has in the past year been working on a large antitrust matter for an electricity supplier. His practice runs the gamut of commercial litigation from employment discrimination to product liability.

THE FIRM This midsized firm has experience in a wide range of litigation practices including antitrust in the nonprofit sector, competition and insurance matters. The firm also enjoys a strong aviation practice, handling large and small crash claims. Recently, attorneys at the firm have been involved with a series of complex claims on behalf of Rohm and Haas, a chemical company facing a range of claims stemming from accusations of environmental exposure and mass torts.  

Sources say: "Some of the best appellate lawyers on the East Coast."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dennis Suplee has the full confidence of his peers, who describe him as an "experienced lawyer." His practice covers a broad range of litigation including antitrust, insurance coverage and professional liability defense. One respondent notes that he is "connected in the city."

Elizabeth Ainslie is viewed as a "very high-profile, very accomplished lawyer." Her practice has impressive breadth and depth, spanning criminal and civil defense of individuals and corporations. She is capable of handling fraud, RICO and malpractice matters for her clients.

THE FIRM This firm continues to grow its litigation practice out of the Philadelphia office, with an active bench of litigators able to handle a wide range of work, with a particularly strong emphasis on insurance and general commercial litigation. The firm has made a significant number of lateral hires this year, forging ahead with plans for expansion. Cozen O'Connor has attracted the business of a number of sophisticated clients such as Airgas, Toll Brothers and Praxair.

Sources say: "This is a very respected litigation practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Winning continues his work as chair of the criminal defense and government investigations practice. He represents clients accused of regulatory and compliance offenses and has appeared frequently before state and federal bodies. Sources comment that "he is a fighter for his clients, an excellent defense lawyer."

Robert Fiebach has a "good reputation as a litigator." He is especially skilled at defending law firms in professional malpractice and negligence suits and has also spent time in the past year on insurance defense matters.

THE FIRM Attorneys at the office in Pittsburgh are regularly called upon to act for major national and international companies in complex business litigation. Following the firmwide policy of this global player, clients are referred to the expertise held by lawyers in this location, and in the past year they have been handling a diverse range of litigation matters. They were chosen to represent University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as well as continuing to act on the Rhino vehicle litigation for Yamaha Motor.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice chair Laura Ellsworth has been representing Education Management Corporation (EDMC) in complex litigation relating to a qui tam lawsuit brought against the company. Her practice focuses broadly on commercial litigation, handling matters including toxic torts, employment and IP.

Paul Pohl heads the worldwide product liability and tort litigation practice at the firm. He receives accolades for his work from clients, one of whom notes that he is a "damn good litigator." His extensive experience encompasses trial and appellate work countrywide.

THE FIRM From its offices in two of the business and administrative centers of the state, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, this firm has a strong presence in several of the most vibrant practice areas of this year. They have been involved in significant energy litigation related to the Marcellus Shale region and have also taken on many banks as clients, handling the results of decreased residential and commercial property prices. This international firm attracts clients from the pharmaceutical, financial and manufacturing industries.  

Sources say: "Strong litigation practice; they've done very well and attracted a lot of business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Ellison has a specialist insurance coverage practice working on behalf of policyholders. Working out of the firm's Philadelphia office, Ellison has represented clients in some of the most significant insurance disputes of the past few years, extending his reach countrywide.

Thomas Suddath is known in the field as "a strong lawyer with a good reputation." He specializes in white-collar litigation and government investigations and commonly represents clients in the healthcare industry.  

Michael Scott has represented a multitude of high-profile clients in product liability matters throughout his career. He is particularly strong in litigation relating to accounting and the pharmaceutical industry.

THE FIRM This mid-Atlantic firm houses offices in Chesterbrook, Harrisburg and Philadelphia. The firm's litigators are adept at handling a broad range of commercial litigation as well as white-collar crime and government enforcement. Clients are drawn from a variety of industries and include Waste Management, First Energy and Innophos Holdings.

Sources say: "The perfect fit: the firm is big enough to handle the work and local enough to know the right people to contact on a matter."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph O'Dea attracts significant praise from peers and clients for his litigation practice, with one source describing him as "one of the top-notch lawyers in Philadelphia." He practices complex commercial litigation and is particularly in demand by the defense industry. "He is someone who really has the confidence of clients."

THE FIRM This firm represents both private and public companies in securities litigation, which has long been a key strength across the firm's Pennsylvania offices. In the past twelve months the attorneys have been active in securities fraud investigations and enforcement actions, as well as class actions. They maintain a strong relationship with religious institutions within the state and also handle product liability and general commercial litigation for clients such as Liberty Mutual Insurance and Tasty Baking.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Lutsky has an impressive litigation practice which spans commercial, product liability and criminal matters. He is described by one respondent as "very impressive, a very good litigator." He has attracted business from insurance and corporate clients among others.