THE FIRM This six-lawyer boutique is universally admired for its impressive record of success in complex commercial litigation. Its relatively compact size doesn't stand in the way of it regularly winning instructions in major bet-the-company disputes and high-value plaintiff-side catastrophic injury cases.
Sources say: "This terrific team of practitioners compares favorably with any of its competitors."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The "utterly outstanding" Richard Burbidge is widely recognized for his extensive trial skills, and interviewees agree that he "is the advocate to get hold of when you are in real trouble; he takes no prisoners in cutting straight to the heart of the matter." Interviewees also compliment Jefferson Gross' trial experience.
THE FIRM Interviewees express appreciation for this highly regarded local firm's securities, bankruptcy and class action litigation. It also excels in environmental and energy-related cases, both in and out of state. The team recently defended Barrick Cortez against challenges by Native American tribes and environmental groups over the expansion of open-pit gold mines in Nevada.
Sources say: "This flexible and responsive group of heavy hitters has an impressive depth of resources that allows it to deftly manage the larger cases."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources admire "terrific tactician and brilliant court performer" Francis Wikstrom for his "fierce intelligence, vast trial experience and client-friendly manner," while firm CEO Raymond Etcheverry continues to attract attention for his rainmaking and management skills. Group chair Michael Larsen is considered an "incredibly articulate and well-prepared litigator" of various commercial cases. He recently played a key role on behalf of ATK Launch Systems in a case alleging the supply of defective illuminating flares to the US military. The "charming, bright and well-connected" Michael Bailey impresses sources with his experience of environmental and commercial litigation for clients such as Hewlett-Packard and Marathon Oil.
THE FIRM This team's responsiveness, diligence and impressive bedside manner secure it a well-deserved spot in the top band. Six lateral hires have recently joined the team, bringing further experience in bankruptcy, white-collar crime and product liability. This complements an already impressive practice which is renowned for its securities, employment and real estate litigation.
Sources say: "This team's cross-departmental approach, well-judged opinions and band of upcoming associates give it an invaluable edge."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees are quick to praise the "terrifically practical and innovative" group chair Justin Toth, who handles significant antitrust cases and "keeps clients informed at all times." Managing partner John Adams is an "extremely credible litigator and convincing orator," while head of the tort and insurance team Rick Rose exudes confidence and experience in product liability and insurance defense litigation. Greg Savage earns respect for a varied practice, a large component being real estate litigation. Clients appreciate him as "an incredibly savvy practitioner with a great understanding of how things will play out."
THE FIRM This Arizona-headquartered firm wins plaudits for the high profile and comprehensive experience of its Salt Lake City-based litigation team. Clients such as Huntsman and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints instruct the 26-strong group in numerous disputes, underlining its involvement in complex commercial, real estate and product liability litigation.
Sources say: "This marvelously talented group consistently delivers a timely and prompt service."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees are quick to praise the "incredibly talented classic gent" Alan Sullivan. He is widely admired as "one of the more exceptional litigators in town" for his work in a range of commercial disputes. The "smart, effective and strong-willed" Bryon Benevento commands market respect for being a "tough but fair litigator." Matthew Lalli is "an approachable and intellectually impressive" practitioner who handles an array of commercial, professional liability and securities litigation. Christopher Sullivan, formerly of Howrey, offers significant trial experience, covering a comprehensive range of commercial matters including securities fraud, healthcare cases, product liability and mass tort defense.
THE FIRM Clients benefit from this team's depth of knowledge, resources and increasing experience in workouts, bankruptcies and real estate litigation. Almost two-thirds of the firm's attorneys are involved in litigation, and it attracts particular attention for its understanding of media and complex commercial disputes. Its diverse roster of clients includes several leading direct marketing groups.
Sources say: "It has more than sufficient strength in depth for most types of commercial litigation."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients value the "excellent judgment and strategic thinking" of Robert Clark, who sets the tone as the group leader. As "one of the finest litigators in the state," he is a go-to lawyer for complex commercial cases, and he recently played a key role in a matter concerning the disposal of radioactive waste. His colleague Jeffrey Hunt is particularly recognized for his work in disputes concerning public access, defamation, privacy and First Amendment issues. Market observers lend their support to the "talented and responsive" Jonathan Hafen, who handles a range of commercial, employment and IP cases, and to Stephen Hale, whose workload encompasses commercial and tort matters with a recent focus on construction litigation.
THE FIRM This team is particularly well known for its expertise in contentious IP matters, although its talented group of younger associates and experienced partners deftly handles a range of business, personal injury and product liability litigation. Clients also appreciate its ability to draw on the resources of the firm's ten other US offices.
Sources say: "It always pays close attention to costs and it never overloads cases with lawyers."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources acknowledge that "superb trial lawyer" David Jordan is a top choice for any antitrust case and identify him as "an advocate you definitely want in your corner." A wide array of business, IP and employment cases keep the much-admired Ken Black flying high, with clients highlighting his extensive experience: "He has litigated almost every kind of case going." The "go-getting, highly experienced and determined" John Anderson wins a swath of compliments for his vast product liability expertise and his "ability to spot the points that will make the difference between winning and losing a case." Entering this year's rankings is Matthew Moscon, who chairs the firmwide litigation practice and is "a very impressive trial lawyer."
THE FIRM This robust 14-lawyer firm maintains its highly regarded position in Utah, with a regular flow of business disputes on both the defendant and the plaintiff side. Clients ranging from construction contractors to computer companies have instructed the team in cases of all sizes, including appellate and national class action litigation.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources identify the "tenacious, intelligent and effective" Thomas Karrenberg as pivotal to the practice's success. He is a popular trial lawyer for tough commercial, antitrust and securities disputes.
THE FIRM Clients greatly appreciate this team's high-quality and diverse litigation experience. Its lawyers are held in high regional regard, as evidenced by several of its members being appointed as local judges. Over the last year it has been active in numerous bankruptcy, real estate and construction disputes, as well as maintaining a significant presence in franchising-related litigation.
Sources say: "Both extremely smart and incredibly responsive, the team really gets to know its clients inside and out."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Few have more experience in franchise, IP and insurance disputes than Tim Houpt, whose 30 years in the business make him a popular choice for complex litigation. A significant amount of bankruptcy and commercial litigation keeps the highly impressive Jeff Shields inundated with work, while litigator Lewis Francis is increasingly coming into his own and has been handling a notable breach of contract case.
THE FIRM This litigation boutique impresses clients with its flexibility and its impressively thorough trial preparation. The eight-lawyer team advises local clients such as ClearOne Communications and Codale Electric Supply on complex commercial disputes, while the December 2009 arrival of two lateral hires adds further IP, business and real estate litigation experience.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees heap praise on the "well-organized and reassuringly experienced" trial lawyer James Magleby, whose impressive zeal and fearless approach win him numerous instructions in commercial and IP litigation.
THE FIRM This team of over 50 lawyers tackles a comprehensive range of business disputes, although it is most notably recognized as a leader in insurance defense litigation. It also wins praise for its work in construction, personal injury and white-collar crime disputes.
KEY INDIVIDUALS A long track record in criminal tax and white-collar defense secures Max Wheeler a deservedly high profile. He was instrumental in the recent Olympics bribery case. John Lund advises clients on catastrophic injury, personal injury and other complex litigation. Robert Shelby recently joined the practice from Burbidge Mitchell & Gross. He attracts attention for his "calm approach and excellent relationship with all parties in a dispute."
THE FIRM Market observers commend this team's recent push to grow its litigation practice. It has been handling an increasing amount of debt collection, breach of contract and other commercial disputes.
Sources say: "It is incredibly responsive, efficient and sensible about the costs."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Praise is forthcoming for group chair John Ashton, who is a popular port of call for IP and class action litigation. Head of the appellate department Stephen Christiansen makes his ranking debut, following market admiration for his "articulate manner and precise management of cases." His practice covers a combination of commercial litigation and energy and utilities, and clients agree that "he never loses his cool and he always pays close attention to the important details."
Securities, corporate control and civil fraud form the backbone of
Steven Marsden's practice. He heads the trial department at Dorsey & Whitney LLP.
"Long-established, gifted courtroom advocate"
Robert Wing of Prince, Yeates & Geldzahler is highly skilled in IP, real estate and contract-related cases before state and federal courts.
Peter Billings is president of Fabian & Clendenin, and he wins wide acclaim for a trial practice that spans three decades. His experience covers bankruptcy, environmental and complex business litigation throughout the Western USA. The "
quick and highly responsive"
Mark Gaylord of Ballard Spahr LLP wins praise as
"a practitioner who always stays calm under pressure." He regularly handles distressed real estate and construction disputes. The
"extraordinarily bright and reliable" Gary Bendinger of Sidley Austin LLP has a bicoastal practice, and he is particularly recognized for his expertise in false advertising-related class actions.
Richard Casey of Bendinger, Crockett, Peterson, Greenwood & Casey, PC earns praise as an
"utterly professional and clear-speaking" advocate, who has extensive experience representing individuals in fraud-related SEC investigations.