(June 1, 2017, Manchester, NH) – The firm of Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA has once again received the highest rankings in New Hampshire for 2017 by Chambers USA, a prestigious directory of the country’s top law firms. Sheehan Phinney is the only firm in New Hampshire to be ranked Band 1 (highest ranking) in the state for all areas, which include Corporate/Commercial (including Tax), Environment, Labor & Employment, Litigation and Real Estate.
In addition, 16 Sheehan Phinney attorneys were recognized as among the nation’s top lawyers in their respective fields:
Elizabeth A. Bailey – Labor & Employment
Peter T. Beach – Corporate/Commercial: Tax
Robert P. Cheney – Environment
Alan P. Cleveland – Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits & Compensation
Peter S. Cowan – Litigation: General Commercial
Joseph A. DiBrigida – Corporate/Commercial
Michael J. Drooff – Corporate/Commercial
Robert R. Lucic – Environment
Colleen Lyons – Corporate/Commercial
Susan A. Manchester – Real Estate; Land Use
David W. McGrath – Labor & Employment
James P. Reidy – Labor & Employment
Alan L. Reische – Corporate/Commercial
James Q. Shirley – Litigation: General Commercial
Kenneth A. Viscarello – Real Estate
Charles A. Waters – Commercial Litigation (Massachusetts)
Chambers USA comments:
Corporate/Commercial
What the team is known for: Distinguished for its high-quality offering for regional, state and national clients. Regularly handles complex matters across the full spectrum of business law, including areas such as midmarket M&A, IP, bankruptcy-related issues and securities regulation. Also noted for its strength in areas such as fund formations and corporate debt financing.
Clients report being “extremely happy with the team,” noting that it “exceeded our expectations” and has “been able to service all our company’s needs.”
Market sources recommend this as a “high-quality outfit.”
Value for money Interviewees draw attention to the firm’s strong value proposition, with one stating: “You would be shocked at how reasonable their hourly rates are. They are very efficient at what they do.”
Key Attorneys:
Michael Drooff is considered an expert in a broad range of corporate matters, including acting for public and private companies in M&A and securities compliance. Sources report that he’s a “really good, very thoughtful and detail-oriented lawyer.”
Joseph DiBrigida is recognized for his strong transactional and corporate counsel practice, which includes advising on business planning, M&A and capital raising deals. His experience extends to advising on cross-border matters.
Colleen Lyons is held in high regard by clients, who note that she’s “very good: she’s responsive, helpful and knows the local New Hampshire issues.” She routinely acts on M&A and financing transactions for a broad roster of companies.
Alan Reische is widely regarded as the “dean of the corporate Bar” in New Hampshire. He continues to advise on general corporate concerns and large-scale transactions, drawing on longstanding experience in the market.
Peter Beach is highly sought after for his broad knowledge of corporate tax. His experience includes structuring a range of transactions, as well as advising on controversies.
Environmental
What the the team is known for: Preeminent team of highly regarded practitioners with extensive experience appearing before energy and environmental agencies at both state and federal levels. Held in high esteem for its deep knowledge of redevelopment, regulatory compliance, cleanup and permitting matters. Offers strength in connection with areas such as air and water quality and shoreland protection.
One client reports “When I compare them to Boston lawyers, their rates are better and they are just as knowledgeable and just as well received by the EPA. I view them as the top choice.”
Key Attorneys:
Robert Lucic chairs the firm’s litigation group and handles environmental litigation, arbitration and administrative proceedings as part of a broader commercial dispute resolution practice. Sources say: “Bob is just top-notch. He is not just great in terms of knowledge, but also when we need a fighter. He can also negotiate when necessary. He is a strategic lawyer.”
Robert Cheney concentrates his practice on regulatory compliance and enforcement matters in the energy and environmental spaces. Clients note that he is “very, very good technically.”
Labor & Employment
What the team is known for: Recommended for its representation of clients across New England in labor and employment law. Knowledge and experience working in both an advisory capacity and in defending clients in the courtroom. Expertise covers areas such as employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge and whistle-blower violations.
One client praises the firm as having “a very strong labor and employment section.” Another client comments: “They do a great job on labor and employment work.”
Key Attorneys:
Alan Cleveland is a highly regarded attorney whose practice focuses on the ERISA space, including both public and private pension plans.
James Reidy has extensive experience representing management clients in employment law matters. He has been lead partner on many of Sheehan’s most notable cases and is described by one interviewee as “very good, top-notch.”
Elizabeth Bailey is an experienced lawyer focusing on employment litigation. She is praised for her practicality and her ability to “communicate effectively” and to “talk through problems, particularly with opposing counsel.”
David McGrath focuses on employment litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Sources describe him as “brilliant,” noting that “he’s very cost-efficient. He always comes up with a solution.”
Litigation
What the team is known for: Considered to be a leading name for commercial litigation in New Hampshire. Offers litigation services for individuals and organizations in a wide range of industries including education, insurance and retail. Also known for its skills in mediation and arbitration.
A client praises the team for its communication, saying: “I have been very happy with the service. I think communication is key. They are open and honest about the possible outcomes of cases from the start, and they give me realistic approaches on things.”
Key Attorneys:
Peter Cowan represents clients in a wide range of commercial disputes, including consumer protection and breach of contract cases. Clients regard him as a “great litigator,” noting also that “he is a great communicator.”
The hugely experienced James Shirley remains a highly respected figure at the New Hampshire Bar. He is widely recognized for his broad expertise in contentious commercial matters, including product liability disputes, toxic torts and insurance coverage cases.
Real Estate
What the team is known for: Acknowledged market leader handling complex real estate mandates for a range of clients, including landlords, tenants and developers. Noted for its expertise in acquisitions, lease negotiations and bond financing. Recognized experience pertaining to condominium, assisted living and affordable housing matters.
Value for money Clients consider the firm to represent “awesome value for money,” and note: “They’re very fair in their billings.”
Key Attorneys:
The “fantastic” Susan Manchester offers an impressive commercial real estate practice with particular strength in the condominium space. Sources say: “She really cuts to the chase. She knows her stuff and she gets things done.”
Kenneth Viscarello focuses his practice on real estate development matters in the affordable housing area. Sources consider him to be “a smart guy and a good practitioner.”
About Chambers USA
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 in 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 www.chambersandpartners.com.
About the Firm
Sheehan Phinney is a full service business law firm representing local, national and international clients with innovative approaches and practical solutions. Founded in 1937, Sheehan Phinney has grown to over 60 attorneys with four offices throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts and 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 premier independent law firms.