(July 17, 2008. Manchester, NH.) - The law firm of Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green PA is proud to announce that it has been named as one of the highest rated law firms in New Hampshire for 2008 by Chambers USA, the world's leading organization for ranking law firms and individual attorneys. In addition to Sheehan Phinney being given top rankings in each of the five practice areas cited, there are also 16 individual attorneys recognized as "leaders in their field."
Each year Chambers USA researchers conduct thousands of interviews with attorneys and clients across the United States in order to rank attorneys based on their reputation in the market. The rankings are based on qualities such as technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence and commitment. For each firm referenced the directory, Chambers USA: A Guide to America's Leading Lawyers, provides detailed quotations from clients and peers, a list of practice strengths, an overview of recent work and a client listing. The guide is available on-line at http://www.chambersandpartners.com.
Chambers 2008 Commentary for Sheehan Phinney Includes:
Corporate/Commercial:
This New England firm has a longstanding reputation in the corporate, M&A and securities areas. Interviewees agreed that "it has a strong practice with a wide regional reach, and some talented attorneys."
Environment:
This firm has a highly respected environmental practice. It has "well-seasoned lawyers and a sound body of work," which this year included working on remedying the Beede Waste Oil Superfund site matter. It can also call on the expertise of Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group, it's affiliated government relations entity, to assist when environment matters stray into the public law and political lobbying domains.
Labor & Employment:
This firm has "a strong and well-rounded" labor, employment and employee benefits practice. The combined strength of its diverse workforce is considered one of its key strengths. Instead of litigation, it places an emphasis on consultation and dispute avoidance. It is however, visible in the federal court and "provides top service for clients" which includes municipalities, educational institutions, hospitals and privately held enterprises. Clients value the "highly responsive lawyers and their good local knowledge."
General Commercial Litigation:
The firm has the largest number of new entries to this year's table of litigation practitioners. "It has some really good commercial litigators, who prove themselves practical and business-savvy." Clients enjoy its "great service levels and excellent value for money."
Real Estate:
This is one of the larger firms in the region, operating from four offices across New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Sources consider the real estate practice to be "one of the best in New Hampshire; it is a go-to firm for this type of work." Clients find the lawyers "pleasingly responsive," while peers highlight the enviable client list, which includes large financial and insurance institutions, and state that "the firm's long history in this area engenders confidence." The team recently acted for Rockwood Capital in acquiring three hotels, including the historic Wentworth by the Sea; it also acts for local institutions such as Dartmouth College.
The 16 Sheehan attorneys named as the best in New Hampshire for their respective fields, including Chambers USA commentary, are:
Peter T. Beach - Corporate/Commercial
"A bright tax lawyer whose reputation precedes him." He tackles issues "effectively and proficiently."
Robert P. Cheney - Environment
A former chief of the New Hampshire Environmental Bureau. "He is almost a class apart on permitting work," and is also admired for his "finely honed skills relating to the Clean Air Act," say clients.
Christopher Cole - Litigation
His litigation practice has a slant towards IP matters. He is liked and "respected for being on the ball and for the way he conducts himself," and clients also find that "he writes and strategizes well."
Peter S. Cowan - Litigation
He has been with the firm since 1980. His litigation practice has led to visibility in employment and trade secret matters of late. Interviewees distinguish him as "an intelligent and practical business adviser who is thorough in his work."
Michael J. Drooff - Corporate/Commercial
He has a focus on venture capital finance and securities. Clients consider him "responsive, knowledgeable and an excellent draftsman who exhibits good judgment."
Edward A. Haffer - Litigation
He has a background in criminal homicide work as a former Assistant Attorney General. Now in private practice, he has recently handled IP and restrictive covenant matters. "He is easy to get along with, yet is also an effective litigator with good trial skills," say client sources.
Michael C. Harvell - Litigation
"Has built a substantial and impressive practice in his 32 years at the firm. He is considered a strong general commercial litigator and an astute advocate, with considerable trial experience."
Bruce A. Harwood - Corporate/Commercial
"One of the top bankruptcy attorneys in the state." His knowledge stems in part from being a former examiner for the local Bar association in bankruptcy matters, and clients appreciate his "common-sense approach."
Peter W. Leberman - Corporate/Commercial
He spends much of his time on corporate and transactional work, and acting for healthcare clients. He is lauded as "a fine attorney who certainly knows what he is doing," and interviewees also singled out his "great communication skills."
Susan A. Manchester - Real Estate
A member of the peer invitation-only American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and chairs the firm's real estate practice. She handles real estate projects and lending work, for which she commands considerable peer respect. Clients agree that "she provides an excellent service."
John E. Peltonen - Environment
Heads up the firm's environmental and energy practice. Rated as "a clear leader," he is well liked and respected. Clients say he has "an almost disarming manner when negotiating with regulatory authorities." Peers "greatly respect him for his expertise born of early involvement in this area" and for his "sound legal knowledge."
James P. Reidy - Labor and Employment
Heads the firm's labor, employment and employee benefits practice. "He is a top player for his prowess in risk management, and has a light-hearted yet commanding manner," say interviewees. Clients like his "respectful and knowledgeable manner."
Alan L. Reische - Corporate/Commercial
"A strong and powerful business lawyer who handles a good deal of securities work. His wide practice includes corporate planning, stock ownership and business structures, and is also no stranger to tax matters either, being admitted to practice in the United States Tax Court."
James Q. Shirley - Litigation
"Is described as an aggressive litigator and bright trial lawyer."
Kenneth A. Viscarello - Real Estate
Is admitted to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bars. He chairs the firm's corporate practice, with a focus on the tax and financing aspects of real estate. Peers judge him to be "highly qualified and enjoyable to work with, and thorough with good attention to detail."
Diana K. Wieland - Labor and Employment
Is an alumnus of the NLRB in St. Louis, and is showing herself to be a "decent and effectual employment risk management and consultancy lawyer."
Founded in 1937, Sheehan Phinney has grown to 59 attorneys with four offices throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The firm provides a full range of legal services to businesses, institutions and non-profits throughout New England and the United States. The firm is known for professional excellence, practical counsel and commitment to both its clients and the communities it serves. Sheehan Phinney is the exclusive member in New Hampshire of Lex Mundi, the world's leading association of independent law firms. |
