Litigation: General Commercial: Massachusetts

THE FIRM This strong and impressive firm draws upon a bench of over 80 attorneys to conduct high-level litigation in Boston, and its reach spreads well beyond state boundaries. The team includes experts in the financial services, technology and pharmaceutical sectors, and is particularly well regarded for its work relating to white-collar crime. Notable clients include Harvard University, Enterprise Publishing and GE Capital.

Sources say: "A top-notch firm, with top-notch lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Robinson has a great reputation with respect to his white-collar crime practice. He advises on a wide range of matters, including securities fraud, corruption and financial misconduct. Commentators say he is "responsive and a very creative thinker. When his clients are in tough spots he puts them at ease and gets them to focus."

Joseph Kociubes is known as an excellent civil litigator, and has substantial experience of acting on disputes in a range of industry sectors. In addition to his trial practice, he also provides litigation avoidance counseling to clients such as GE Capital.

Jordan Hershman is an accomplished securities litigator with a strong track record. He recently assisted leading technology supplier Teradyne with the dismissal of a books and records action.

Jonathan Albano advises a variety of organizations on constitutional, and especially First Amendment, disputes. Clients admire his style, and say: "He knows us, he understands our position, he is efficient and he is cost-effective."

Daniel Goldberg is well regarded for his great depth of expertise in contentious matters relating to franchising and IP rights. He has advised both the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox on issues in these areas.

THE FIRM Goodwin Procter remains one of the most highly regarded firms in the state when it comes to high-value litigation of all types. Its clients are drawn from a wide range of industries and professions, and include such high-profile organizations as IBM, Nomura Securities International and People's United Bank. A recent highlight saw the team advise Medicis Pharmaceutical on litigation relating to financial matters, and have the case dismissed.

Sources say: "I have a great deal of respect for them - they are one of the premier litigation teams in the city."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Dittmar continues to impress with his work on complex securities matters. Clients say he is "one of the top trial lawyers in Massachusetts" and are happy to use him on bet-the-company cases.

Securities litigator Brian Pastuszenski has what peers describe as a "big following" in Boston, where he is "definitely among the best." He recently won the dismissal of a securities suit brought against Countrywide Financial in federal court.

The distinguished Paul Ware recently defended Bank of America and Countrywide in a series of civil fraud litigation matters. Sources say: "He is one of the very best."

James Rehnquist is an experienced trial lawyer with a terrific record in white-collar defense and a loyal following among clients in a range of industry sectors.

Joseph Savage is "one of the premier white-collar specialists around," according to interviewees. He has a strong reputation for his work on governmental investigations. 

Former federal prosecutor David Apfel also continues to impress with his white-collar defense work.

Kenneth Parsigian is known as a "superb advocate," focusing on high-profile product liability issues. Commentators say he "continues to be a standout performer" and draw particular attention to his work on behalf of tobacco giant Philip Morris.

Stephen Poss has a reputation as an "absolutely outstanding litigator" who is "very good in terms of both substance and responsiveness." He cochairs the firm's securities litigation and SEC enforcement group.

Since publication, Kenneth J Parsigian has joined Latham & Watkins

THE FIRM This well-established firm houses a top-rated litigation group with a presence on the national stage and the capacity to handle the most complex of disputes. Its lawyers are respected throughout the market for their expertise and the quality of their service, which takes in a variety of industries and the key areas of securities and white-collar litigation. Notable clients include Sony Computer Entertainment America, Hartford Investment Financial Services, Amgen and Pfizer. 

Sources say: "A great department with great lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Donovan is a leading figure in securities litigation, and a highly respected member of the team. A recent highlight saw him advise Ameriprise Financial Services on a mutual fund excessive fee class action.

Randall Bodner is known as a "truly exceptional" attorney, and brings great skill to his role as head of the firm's securities litigation group.

Michael Fee is an experienced litigator with great expertise in both civil and criminal matters. He recently acted for IASIS Healthcare with respect to the dismissal of a False Claims Act complaint.

Joshua Levy continues to develop a first-rate practice in the field of white-collar litigation, most notably in pharmaceutical and healthcare matters. Clients report that he is "smart, canny and a great guy."

Joan McPhee is also an expert in white-collar defense, among other types of business litigation. Clients note her "exceptional way with the jury" and confidence in the courtroom.

Brien O'Connor's clients "think the world of him," and are enthusiastic in their praise for the quality of his service.

Joan Lukey is an excellent lawyer with a very strong and varied business litigation practice. She is currently representing the plaintiff in a product liability action arising out of a helicopter crash in which the pilot survived but suffered severe injuries.

John Montgomery is the firm's managing partner and a hugely respected attorney whose own practice is concentrated on high-profile trials and appeals.

John Kenneth Felter is an IP specialist with long experience of handling complicated and high-value litigation in that space.

Harvey Wolkoff continues to excel in his handling of high-profile litigation in the state and federal courts, and recently represented Heartland Payment Systems in relation to a major computer data security breach.

THE FIRM The litigation department at WilmerHale is recognized for its depth and breadth, and for its capacity to represent clients in a wide range of industry sectors and across all manner of disputes. The firm's lawyers are known for their strength in trials, and their high level of courtroom experience is a real plus in tough situations. Recent highlights include assisting Intel in a dispute with a former employee concerning trade secrets, and advising Intercontinental Real Estate on a suit brought by an investor.

Sources say: "A truly exceptional litigation powerhouse."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Rudman is a hugely experienced securities expert. Clients admire his work and agree he is a "standout performer in securities litigation."

John Batter works with high-profile companies on securities matters, and has a great reputation, particularly within the hi-tech domain.

Andrea Robinson is the vice chair of the firm's securities group, and has an active practice which includes financial services litigation and regulatory enforcement.

Robert Keefe is "terrific on the white-collar side," sources say. He recently represented Novartis in a series of parallel criminal and civil investigations into alleged off-label promotion and improper payments. He acted alongside Karen Green, who also has a strong reputation for her focus on white-collar criminal litigation. She takes the lead on much of the firm's key work in this area.

William Paine is highly rated for his specialization in securities litigation. "He's one of the top names in this space," said one peer.

Robert Cultice is the vice chair of the firm's litigation/controversy department. He has recently been involved in high-profile work for Chrysler on the national stage.

Daniel Halston is highly regarded by his peers in the Massachusetts litigation Bar. He recently acted for a public company in multiple actions arising out of a $1.5 billion merger transaction.

THE FIRM This long-established Boston firm has a strong team of litigators based in the city, and advises on contentious matters arising in a variety of sectors. It has particular expertise in the pharmaceutical industry, and its white-collar defense specialists are very well regarded. Notable clients include Ernst & Young, Bayer Healthcare, Liberty Mutual and Harvard Pilgrim.

Sources say: "I'm very impressed with their work - they are good communicators, and very diligent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS RJ Cinquegrana is a very well-regarded white-collar litigator who is revered for his trial experience. Clients admire the way he "sees the whole picture, deals well with people and builds very satisfactory working relationships."

Robert Frank is best known for his work in IP litigation, and also handles a broad range of commercial disputes with great skill and expertise.

THE FIRM This highly regarded litigation boutique is well equipped to handle a range of sophisticated dispute resolution work. Its attorneys have great experience and expertise when it comes to assisting their clients, and do so across a range of civil and criminal matters.

Sources say: "A small but talented firm with a very active practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Name partner Michael Collora has long experience of complex litigation, and has built an enviable reputation among market commentators.

William Kettlewell is a key figure on the team and a very talented trial lawyer. He is much admired for his skilled handling of white-collar criminal defense.

THE FIRM Foley Hoag assists clients involved in litigation of all types. Its expertise covers corporate governance disputes, securities litigation and business torts, among a range of other areas. The team recently advised PwC on a multimillion-dollar lawsuit relating to the alleged misappropriation of funds.

Sources say: "They are bright guys who get the point very quickly and have a practical, efficient approach."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Keating heads the team, and remains one of the most respected and influential litigators in Boston. He recently won a significant appeal for Honda in a case arising from the sale of vehicle service warranties via the internet.

Martin Murphy is a talented white-collar litigation specialist. He recently successfully defended a national law firm in a $120 million multiyear fraud allegation suit.

Nicholas Theodorou chairs the firm's business crimes and government investigations practice group and is known throughout the Massachusetts legal community as a "very good criminal lawyer."

THE FIRM The Boston litigation arm of this international firm has a well-established presence in the market. A key member of the team, Edward Liebensperger, was elevated to the judiciary this year, which is a measure of the quality of the lawyers at the firm. It regularly represents Amgen in complex litigation and recently advised the company in relation to a federal whistle-blower suit.

Sources say: "They work day and night and do a great job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Pearlstein has an impressive practice with a focus on white-collar matters. He recently advised dialysis services provider DaVita on a number of significant cases, including a class arbitration and a civil False Claims Act investigation.

The "knowledgeable, tremendously effective counselor" Michael Kendall leads the firm's white-collar defense group. Clients remark upon his calm approach to particularly tense cases, with one interviewee commenting that "he gives you the confidence that everything is under control."

THE FIRM A strong litigation department is at the heart of the success of this well-regarded firm, and its attorneys have expertise across the full range of contentious work. Its clients run from private individuals to major international companies, with big names including Teva, Eli Lilly, GE and Liberty Mutual.

Sources say: "A good firm with high-quality individuals." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tracy Miner chairs the firm's white-collar defense group and is known for her top-quality service and excellent grasp of all aspects of that work.

Jack Sylvia is an experienced securities practitioner and comes highly recommended by client commentators. He advises on highly complex matters in both the civil and criminal arenas, and handles both arbitration and trial work.

Firm chair Robert Popeo's reputation precedes him, and he remains a distinguished figure at the Massachusetts litigation Bar.

THE FIRM The litigation practice group at Nutter McClennen is known for its expertise across a broad spectrum of contentious matters. The firm's white-collar crime offering is well thought of, and it also provides high-quality counsel on issues arising in the real estate, environment and product liability domains.

Sources say: "The firm provides outstanding legal advice and services, and has a deep and accomplished bench of experienced trial lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Allison Burroughs is an accomplished litigator with an excellent track record in white-collar work. She advises on a range of government investigations at the state and federal level.

Kenneth Berman has a broad-ranging practice, with a strong focus on IP litigation. A recent highlight saw him work with a major medical devices company on civil litigation relating to breach of contract, business tort and trade secret claims. Daniel Gleason focuses on civil litigation, including IP, life sciences and insurance disputes, and is well known for his trial and appellate work.

THE FIRM Skadden's Boston office houses a group of attorneys who are extremely proficient across a range of litigation work. The firm represents corporate and individual clients in all types of commercial disputes, and is known for its expertise in the pharmaceutical, financial services and hi-tech sectors. Notable clients include Aspen Technology, Conseco Life Insurance and JPMorgan.

Sources say: "The quality of their work is great, and their results are tremendous. They are easy to communicate with, go out of their way to keep us involved and turn things around quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Dougherty is regarded across the board as an outstanding securities litigator, and remains a key figure within the team. He recently advised Citi on litigation arising from its Capital Accumulation Program, a contentious incentive scheme.

James Carroll is rated for his expertise in handling a broad variety of complex litigation. Sources note his "real knack for collaboration - which is what clients want."

David Clancy recently worked with such clients as Eaton Vance and Guardian Life Insurance on class action and fraud-related litigation. Commentators say he is "very responsive, and gives a lot of information and feedback."

THE FIRM This well-regarded outfit continues to impress with the quality of its litigation work. The team in Boston cooperates closely with the firm's offices around the country, and its depth and breadth are key strengths.

Sources say: "They have a sophisticated understanding of the law at a national level."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Tuteur heads the firm's litigation practice and is well known for his expertise and experience. He is the main contact for the firm's close relationship with major health plan company Wellpoint.

Market sources agree that new arrival Roger Lane provides a significant boost to the firm's securities litigation offering. He has strong experience of complex litigation matters, and is known for his expertise in corporate cases.

THE FIRM This long-established firm has a powerful commercial litigation team that handles a wide range of cases, including real estate, banking and finance and First Amendment disputes. Recent highlights include notable pieces of work for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Boston Properties.

Sources say: "A very client service-focused law firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Zielinski has a strong track record in complex, high-profile litigation, and is a favored option for clients needing assistance with particularly difficult issues.

Thomas Sartory acts as the firm's general counsel. He is recognized for his trial experience, in areas including business litigation, product liability and professional malpractice defense.

Martin Fantozzi is the firm's co-managing director and a highly experienced litigator. Clients are admiring of his efforts, and say he is "practical and analytical, and really gives good advice."

Richard Renehan is a distinguished figure in the Massachusetts legal community, and remains a popular choice for bet-the-company litigation in both the civil and criminal courts. 

Mark Swirbalus recently joined Goulston & Storrs from Day Pitney. Focusing on probate litigation and controversies, he is "smart, and has an excellent knowledge of trust matters. He had a plan from day one to address our concerns."

THE FIRM Murphy & King is equipped with a strong group of highly capable litigators who focus on complex business disputes. Their cases take a variety of forms, from securities litigation to employment matters, and range in size from the small to the very large.

Sources say: "We see a lot of them - a good practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Evans is a key contact.

THE FIRM This small yet powerful Boston firm specializes in complex litigation of all types, from general business matters to major class actions. The team is praised for its trial exposure and involvement in challenging cases.

Sources say: "They are definitely strong competitors."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Weld has long experience of complex and fiercely fought litigation in a range of sectors. He is known as an "incredibly bright attorney" with a great grasp of legal strategy.

The distinguished Owen Todd has an impressively varied range of experience, which includes business, employment and fiduciary litigation as well as arbitration and mediation. He is highlighted for his exceptional abilities and remarkable presence.