News

12 Patterson Belknap Attorneys Receive Recognition in Chambers USA 2018

May 3, 2018

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is pleased to announce that five of our practice areas and twelve of our partners and counsel received recognition in the newly released Chambers USA - America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2018.

Chambers rankings are based on extensive research and interviews with peers and clients around the country. The qualities assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client.

The following firm practices were recognized:

  • Advertising: Litigation – National
  • Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
  • Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright – New York
  • Litigation: Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs – New York
  • Real Estate: Mainly Dirt – New York


In addition, the following partners and counsel were recognized:

  • William F. Cavanaugh, Jr., in Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
  • Gregory L. Diskant in Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
  • Joshua A. Goldberg in Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations – New York
  • Erik Haas in Litigation: Securities Institutional Plaintiffs – New York
  • Andrew L. Herz in Real Estate – New York
  • Robert P. LoBue in Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright – New York
  • Lewis V. Popovski in Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
  • Geoffrey Potter in Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright – New York
  • Daniel S. Ruzumna in Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations – New York
  • Robert M. Safron in Real Estate – New York
  • John D. Winter in Product Liability & Mass Torts – National
  • Steven A. Zalesin in Advertising: Litigation – National


Comments regarding the Firm from the Chambers 2018 guide include:

ADVERTISING: LITIGATION – NATIONWIDE

“Remains a go-to firm for high-stakes advertising litigation. Particularly noted for representing leading brands in false advertising disputes, with a strong capability in handling cases that go to trial. Also possesses a nationwide practice in the defense of consumer class actions. Particularly active on behalf of clients in the food and drink industry.

Sources Say: Clients consider it to be ‘the premier advertising firm in the country,’ explaining that it offers ‘a nice combination of substantive knowledge, practical advice and is very responsive.’

One client notes that the firm houses ‘incredibly smart people’ and that the group is ‘well connected in New York.’

KEY INDIVIDUALS:

Steven Zalesin calls on more than three decades of trial experience in his advertising practice. He has particular expertise in false advertising matters. Clients observe: ‘He is very strong strategically and also helps manage the case all the way through its life cycle.'"

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: PATENT, TRADE MARK & COPYRIGHT – NEW YORK

“Draws acclaim for its strong offering across the patent, trademark and copyright spaces. Possesses strength and depth in a number of areas including pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. Continues to excel in false advertising and Lanham Act matters. Boasts an impressive client roster of brand-name and market-leading clients.

Sources Say: One client comments: ‘They understand our business goals, provide first-rate strategy and advocacy, as well as performing efficiently.’

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Gregory Diskant is a well-regarded IP practitioner who is praised as a ‘spectacular first chair trial attorney who communicates well with judges and juries.’ He has experience handling a range of contentious matters, with notable expertise in patent infringement disputes.

William Cavanaugh is an accomplished IP litigator who handles complex disputes, often for clients in the medical devices and pharmaceutical industries. Commentators laud: ‘Bill Cavanaugh is just an outstanding trial lawyer; he is excellent in the courtroom.’

Robert LoBue is a seasoned IP practitioner who handles a range of complex disputes and also offers expertise in First Amendment matters. Sources affirm: ‘He's an excellent litigator who is very strategic and thoughtful.’

Geoffrey Potter is ‘an excellent attorney, especially in litigation,’ sources say, adding: ‘He is thorough, knowledgeable about the subject and tenacious in representing his client.’ He is experienced handling a range of disputes and is highlighted for his particular strength in anticounterfeiting matters.

Lewis Popovski is described by market sources as ‘a very strategic, thoughtful and practical lawyer.’ He is an experienced practitioner who handles contentious patent disputes, frequently involving technology sector matters.”

LITIGATION: WHITE-COLLAR CRIME & GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATIONS, SECURITIES: INSTITUTIONAL PLAINTIFFS – NEW YORK

“Go-to RMBS litigation practice that remains a top choice for institutional plaintiffs. Regularly acts for monoline insurers in high-value actions brought against financial institutions, with a strong track record of securing multimillion-dollar settlements. Leverages notable expertise in corporate and real estate matters when advising on securities disputes.

Sources Say: Clients say: ‘I think their combination of a practical approach and intellectual strength is unmatched.’

Another adds: ‘They are exceptional. My expectations for client service are now likely unrealistic due to PBWT effortlessly raising the bar.’

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Joshua Goldberg is a white-collar defense lawyer with extensive experience of government investigations, often acting for major financial institutions and their employees. Clients say: ‘He is extremely practical, thoughtful and has a terrific way of communicating with law enforcement agencies.’

Daniel Ruzumna is an ‘extremely talented white-collar and regulatory trial lawyer,’ according to sources, who add: ‘He is just good at everything. He is thorough, smart and a good tactician.’ He cochairs firm's white-collar defense group and frequently represents clients before the DOJ, the SEC and other regulatory bodies.

Erik Haas cochairs the firm's structured finance litigation team and has been involved in a range of RMBS litigation since the financial crash. Clients particularly value his ‘relentless’ advocacy and ‘incredibly practical’ approach.”

PRODUCT LIABILITY & MASS TORTS – NATIONWIDE

“According to one interviewee, John Winter of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is 'an experienced, imaginative, and creative lawyer.' Another notes that 'companies look to him for strategy and decision-making.' He defends clients from the medical device and pharmaceutical industries in complex product liability matters.”

REAL ESTATE: MAINLY DIRT – NEW YORK

“Highly regarded leasing practice, regularly engaged by major tenants and landlords for complex transactions. Also proficient in the financing, acquisition and disposition of high-value real estate assets.

Sources Say: Sources say: ‘They are extremely knowledgeable, practically minded and solution oriented.’

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Andrew Herz brings a lot of practical experience to the table,’ note clients, who report that ‘his practice is driven by sound advice.’ He has experience acting for a broad spectrum of clients on complex transactions, with notable expertise in leasing matters.

Robert Safron is described as ‘smart and levelheaded’ by a commentator who highlights that ‘his advice, both legal and business, is faultless.’ He possesses extensive experience across a wide range of real estate transactions.”