THE FIRM Long part of the local market, the Phoenix office of this international firm wins client praise for the diversity of its practice. Sources cite impressive strength and experience in real estate, construction and IP litigation.
Sources say: "A group that listens to the client, provides its opinion and identifies who has the most at stake."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Lawrence Scarborough stands out as being "brilliantly sharp and organized." His track record in antitrust and national class action litigation is much admired by the market. Steven Hirsch is considered a go-to attorney for real estate litigation and condemnation work, someone with the ability to "think clearly on his feet when under pressure." He recently defended Hunt Construction Group, the general contractor of the University of Phoenix Stadium, in a postconstruction litigation.
THE FIRM Focused on real estate, construction and legal malpractice litigation, this lean team is acclaimed for its representation of landowners and condemning authorities in regards to eminent domain issues. The team has also advised companies affiliated with AMERCO, one of the largest companies in the state, in an alleged class action litigation relating to various business practices.
Sources say: "The team always consults the client and explains all courses of action in a very clear manner."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The "superb and well-versed" Gary Birnbaum is admired for his versatility and ability to think on his feet. As one of the most recognized lawyers in the state, he frequently represents governmental entities in trial court and appellate matters. He works alongside the "talented and amiable" Timothy Thomason, a lawyer of "great thoroughness and tremendous organizational skills."
THE FIRM This traditional regional player is acclaimed for its ability to grasp the complexities of a case. Highly rated for its commercial litigation work, the team recently acted for a building client in relation to a failed $1 billion development. Besides a number of Arizona home builders, the group handles business disputes for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.
Sources say: "Though not as big as some of the firms on the coast, its advice is just as good and so proves terrific value."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Federhar acts for a number of pharmaceutical companies in relation to product liability and commercial litigation. Interviewees underline his "total commitment and attention to detail." Timothy Berg handles antitrust, professional liability and legal malpractice cases. "He's highly intelligent and a great strategist," say clients. Litigation chair William Thorpe frequently works on cases involving product liability and personal injury litigation. He also has niche expertise litigating for railroad clients.
THE FIRM Sources express admiration and respect for the skill and caseload of this 32-strong commercial litigation team. Loan workouts, trade secrets and real estate litigations are practice staples. The group has also been advising PetSmart in a breach of contract case and acting for Yamaha on complex product liability matters. The firm is also prominent in white-collar criminal defense, with a six-lawyer team adept at handling insider trading, conspiracy and consumer fraud allegations.
Sources say: "A group of exceptionally smooth and well-connected lawyers."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees habitually place the "wonderfully talented and experienced" Tom Henze at the top of their shortlists. Considered by most to be "one of the best white-collar crime lawyers in the state," he has lately been active defending utility companies against allegations of criminal wrongdoing. As a former US Attorney General for Arizona, Paul Charlton offers clients "essential experience and connections that you just don't get elsewhere." Observers hail Barry Mitchell's impressive track record handling criminal, regulatory and administrative cases. Michael Kennedy is praised for his "big-picture strategy" and "superb administration and coordination of cases." He is particularly recommended for sports-related disputes. Litigation head Kevin O'Malley "leads like a colonel and is thoroughly dedicated, attentive and conscientious." He is especially recommended for litigations involving Indian gaming, insurance bad faith and securities issues.
Since publication, Barry D Mitchell has joined Mitchell | Stein | Carey, P.C.
THE FIRM Clients hail the group's breadth of litigation experience at both trial and appellate level. The team handles commercial, IP and product liability disputes for a range of clients, spanning Fortune 500 companies to smaller local businesses. It is also a popular choice for constitutional issues, and clients praise its strong working relationships with local politicians. A more compact unit than some of its rivals, clients praise the team's great commitment.
Sources say: "The group does a phenomenal job in sorting through the messiest of cases, and is very good about keeping the client involved."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Dale Danneman is considered a go-to lawyer for high-stakes litigation. "Incredibly tough and thorough," clients say he makes opponents "stand in fear." Entering this year's tables for the first time is Tucson-based John Iurino. "He has an impressive big-picture view and achieves fabulous results," say clients.
THE FIRM Regularly called on for the most complex commercial litigation and appellate work, this group is celebrated for the consistent high pedigree of its attorneys. While primarily recognized for antitrust, securities and professional liability cases, the team also handles class actions and multidistrict litigations.
Sources say: "Capable of analyzing any problem and getting right up to speed extremely quickly."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources identify Larry Hammond as a leading expert in white-collar and criminal cases. "He's a brilliant strategist, blessed with excellent judgment and a wealth of experience," say clients. One of the most seasoned bet-the-company litigators in the market, Bill Maledon is a "terrific trial lawyer" admired for his "flexible approach and incredible ethics." He has recently been defending W L Gore & Associates in a big-ticket patent litigation. The "crisp, sharp and focused" David Rosenbaum is an "outstanding trial lawyer with thorough knowledge of courts, judges, local rules and procedures," according to clients. His book of business includes the likes of Honeywell International. Former president of the state Bar, Mark Harrison is a highly regarded litigator and professional liability lawyer. He also wins praise as a skilled appellate lawyer.
THE FIRM Most celebrated for its IP and white-collar litigation practice, this compact Phoenix group is also much sought after for complex business litigations and consumer class actions. The group is also increasingly active nationally. A recent highlight saw it defending major technology companies in cutting-edge infringement actions.
Sources say: "The lawyers not only have praiseworthy ethics, but their advice is always bang on the money."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees heap praise on the talented Paul Eckstein, whose experience in legal malpractice, Indian and constitutional law is vastly appreciated by clients. He has lately been acting for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association in a defamation case. Considered a true expert in white-collar defense, Jordan Green excels in corporate compliance, internal investigations and commercial litigation. "Top-flight litigator" Joe Mais is chair of the firm's national litigation group. With years of experience handling a range of consumer class actions, securities and corporate governance litigation, he is much admired for the "clarity of his thinking and his versatility." Lee Stein is praised for his "ability to reach early case resolution," bringing to bear experience gained as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Special Assistant Attorney General. He has lately acted for officials accused of various forms of public corruption. Securities, antitrust and product liability cases are the fortes of Howard Cabot, "a highly accomplished trial lawyer." Up-and-comer Jean-Jacques Cabou is a new addition to the practice, having recently left Osborn Maledon. He arrives with good market feedback behind him, clients noting: "He quickly grasps the main issues, is technically excellent and provides top-quality advice."
Since publication, Lee Stein has joined Mitchell | Stein | Carey, P.C.
THE FIRM The Phoenix office of this proactive Missouri-based outfit snagged 12 lawyers from Bryan Cave in 2010, the majority of whom have litigation experience. The growing team wins respect for its environmental, insurance and white-collar litigation wings. It has also been active in bankruptcy litigation, acting in defense of Mortgages Ltd in cases filed by investors.
Sources say: "The group is great at keeping clients informed and managing expectations, and at finding people within the firm with the appropriate expertise."
KEY INDIVIDUALS A former president of the state Bar, Edward Novak has considerable jury and appellate experience in criminal defense matters. He commands tremendous respect for his "superb trial skills and an always articulate manner." Head of the trial practice Marty Harper has a track record in commercial, construction and employment litigation which spans almost 40 years. Over that time, he has naturally developed bountiful connections, as well as an "easygoing, practical and realistic style."
THE FIRM This group is recognized for its strength in healthcare, real estate and insurance litigation. The team has also been busy advising banks on a range of foreclosure and lender liability claims, defending one against aiding and abetting accusations relating to a Ponzi scheme. Clients praise the team's consistently sound advice and clear communications.
KEY INDIVIDUALS The "highly capable headline lawyer" Don Martin tackles professional liability cases and lender liability litigations. Senior partner Jim Ryan is acclaimed for antitrust, securities and bet-the-company litigations. A "tremendous litigator, straightforward, proactive and congenial," he recently represented another law firm in a federal civil racketeering lawsuit.
THE FIRM This sizable and old-line Arizona firm is a formidable outfit in the commercial litigation field. Clients cite its particular ability in securities litigation and product liability, while automotive litigation is also a niche strength, with the group acting for clients such as Ford.
Sources say: "Highly prominent lawyers on the Phoenix legal scene, who provide quality service backed by deep expertise."
KEY INDIVIDUALS John Jacob Bouma is much celebrated for his complex commercial litigation skills and experience. He has been acting for a large law firm in a legal malpractice case and has also been heavily involved in Arizona immigration litigation cases brought by the DOJ. Donald Bivens earns plaudits for his commercial litigation practice, handling significant accounting cases and internal investigations. Legal malpractice remains a particular forte of James Condo, while David Rauch has a burgeoning reputation in litigation and arbitration, thanks to impressive work on behalf of clients such as Kahala Franchising, owner of Cold Stone Creamery.
THE FIRM This group wins praise for taking a proactive approach to litigation. The department launched a distressed real estate litigation and restructuring desk in 2009, an initiative designed to meet increased demand for workout and insolvency representation. The new division complements recognized expertise in securities fraud, professional liability and first amendment litigation. Clients cite responsiveness as a major selling point.
Sources say: "The group pursues litigation through the courts in an admirably aggressive and fair style."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extremely efficient and diligent" Floyd Bienstock manages the Phoenix office's insurance coverage and bad faith practice. Commercial litigator Karl Tilleman is lauded for his "deep analysis of cases and articulate manner."
James Belanger of Coppersmith Schermer & Brockelman PLC is championed for
"his phenomenal and longstanding trial record" in white-collar criminal defense and civil litigation. With almost 40 years' trial experience,
Walter Nash of Nash & Kirchner is deemed
"one of the deans of the Tucson Bar." As a lawyer, he is focused on white-collar defense work, and he also spends time teaching at the University of Arizona.
Leo Beus of Beus Gilbert PLLC is well recognized as both a defendant and plaintiff attorney. Professional malpractice and antitrust issues form a significant part of his caseload. The
"well connected and vastly experienced" Bates Butler of A. Bates Butler Law is a popular choice for commercial litigation in Tucson.
Mark Nadeau of DLA Piper LLP (US) is respected for his international arbitration practice and for appearing on commercial litigations across the country. He is championed for his
"direct approach and honest appraisal of a client's case." He recently acted for Veolia Transportation in a pension dispute with the City of Phoenix.
Mike Kimerer of Kimerer & Derrick, P.C. handles white-collar criminal matters and is acclaimed for his
"creativity, deep knowledge and straightforward manner." Similar praise is directed at the
"thoroughly likable and direct" Mick Rusing of Rusing & Lopez PLLC. He wins litigation instructions across the board, but especially in the fields of construction, real estate, employment and the environment.