Chambers USA Recognizes Drummond Woodsum for the 10th Consecutive Year as a Top U.S. Firm

Chambers USA 2014 has again ranked Drummond Woodsum as one of the top law firms in the U.S. in the fields of Corporate/M&A, Environmental Law, Labor & Employment, Litigation, Native American Law and Real Estate. Chambers USA recognized a record seventeen Drummond Woodsum attorneys as leaders in their respective fields this year.

In Corporate/M&A, Chambers USA noted the firm’s skills with respect to financing transactions, M&A and joint ventures and experience in the areas of biotechnology, pulp and paper, and financial services. Notable practitioners include:

  • Michael High is highly respected for his representation of clients on M&A, shareholder matters and finance transactions. He chairs the firm's business and commercial services group.
  • Benjamin Marcus is recognized for his skill in advising clients on lending transactions and the sale and purchase of companies. He frequently counsels businesses in the manufacturing and service sectors.
  • Aaron Pratt represents clients on a wide array of corporate transactions, including M&A, private placements and venture capital financing. His clients include nonprofit organizations, businesses and Indian tribes.
  • Jeffrey Piampiano is a well-respected option to advise clients on the sale and purchase of assets out of bankruptcy. He also has expertise in counseling clients on corporate reorganizations.
  • Jeremy Fischer advises clients on a broad spectrum of workout and bankruptcy matters. His clients include lenders and borrowers.

In the field of Environmental Law, Chambers USA notes the firm: "Handles a wide range of environmental and land use matters including permitting, enforcement, compliance and litigation. Industry-specific expertise pertaining to a range of sectors including manufacturing, energy and education." Notable practitioners include:

  • James Kilbreth handles environmental disputes as part of a broader litigation practice. Clients praise his "sage advice" and professional working manner.
  • The "hugely experienced" William Plouffe is known for his land use and environmental law practice and often acts for municipal clients.
  • The "very capable" Joanna Tourangeau chairs the firm's environmental and natural resources law group. She handles permitting, compliance and enforcement matters.

Chambers USA ranked the firm highly in both Maine and New Hampshire in Labor & Employment noting: "Respected handling of a broad range of labor and employment issues, with a strong focus on the education sector. Areas of excellence include discrimination litigation, ADA compliance and collective bargaining." Notable practitioners include:

  • Mark Broth of Drummond Woodsum is a recent addition to the firm's employment team. He provides a range of services to employers, from the development of employment policies and agreements, to providing training in handling disciplinary matters and unions.
  • Melissa Hewey is praised by market sources for being "an excellent trial lawyer." Hewey is particularly recognized for her litigation skills in matters at the intersection of employment law and education law.
  • Harry Pringle handles employment litigation and labor law matters including collective bargaining and arbitrations. He has significant experience in appearing before courts in wage and hour actions and discrimination cases.
  • The "phenomenal" Daniel Rose chairs the firm's labor and employment practice group. Rose's clients include public and private sector organizations and Native American tribes, and he is skilled in wrongful discharge and discrimination cases.

In Litigation Chambers USA states: "Handling of an impressive array of business disputes including commercial and contract disputes, construction litigation and insurance defense. Strong trial expertise, with experience at state, federal and appellate levels." Notable practitioners include:

  • George Toby Dilworth is described by market sources as "a very skilled trial lawyer." He is known for his work in white-collar litigation, while he is also noted for his increasing presence in commercial litigation.
  • Melissa Hewey is a "very strong, experienced litigator" who is "very well thought of by members of the Bar and judges," according to one impressed interviewee. Hewey is recognized for her niche skill in school law, while she also handles general commercial disputes and insurance defense work.
  • The highly experienced James Kilbreth is recognized for his handling of a broad range of matters including complex commercial disputes, antitrust and securities litigation.
  • Jerrol Crouter has a recognized specialty in schools litigation, which he handles as part of a broader civil and commercial litigation practice. Sources note that he is "just very bright - a quick study who understands cases very quickly and has proven to be very helpful in helping parties work their way through to resolution."

Attorney Robert Gips was singled out by Chambers USA for his nationwide practice in Native American Law:

  • Robert Gips of Drummond Woodsum & MacMahon has a wealth of experience and broad knowledge in the area. Peers note his transactional practice and commend him as being "stellar on the gaming front."

In Real Estate Chambers USA states: "Maintains a solid reputation in the state, handling a broad spectrum of matters including development and redevelopment, acquisition and disposition, permitting and financing." Notable practitioners include:

  • Richard Shinay's practice covers a broad swath of real estate law, including the representation of owners, developers and lenders in real estate financings, developments, acquisitions and leasings.
  • Gary Vogel primarily represents businesses and investors in commercial real estate matters such as financings and sales.

Chambers USA staff of full-time researchers conduct in-depth interviews with attorneys and clients and make selections based on satisfaction, professional ability and reputation. The USA Guide was first introduced in 2003.

Click here for the complete 2014 results. 

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