Firm News

Firm Continues to Increase Recognition In Chambers USA

June 7, 2012

Patterson Belknap was named “Advertising Firm of the Year” at the 2012 Chambers USA Awards for Excellence. The awards were announced on June 7 at a dinner in New York. Award recipients are determined based upon Chambers' independent research, including client and peer interviews. The New York Times has referred to Chambers as the "gold standard" of law firm rankings.

In addition, Patterson Belknap is pleased to announce that Chambers USA - America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2012 has also named five of our practice areas and eleven of our partners to its lists of law firm leaders.

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 ranked:

  • Advertising: Litigation - National
  • Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation - New York
  • Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright Litigation - New York
  • Media & Entertainment: Entertainment Litigation - New York
  • Real Estate: Mainly Dirt - New York

In addition, the following partners were ranked as leading lawyers in their fields:

  • Gregory L. Diskant in Intellectual Property: Patent - New York
  • Andrew L. Herz in Real Estate - New York
  • Jeffrey I.D. Lewis in Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation - New York
  • Robert P. LoBue in Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright Litigation - New York and in Media & Entertainment: Copyright & Contract Disputes - New York
  • Geoffrey Potter in Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright Litigation – New York
  • Daniel S. Ruzumna “up and coming” in Litigation: White Collar Crime and Government Investigations – New York
  • Robert M. Safron in Real Estate - New York
  • Saul B. Shapiro in Media & Entertainment: Copyright & Contract Disputes - New York
  • John D. Winter in Products Liability & Mass Torts – National
  • Russell G. Wohl in Real Estate - New York
  • Steven A. Zalesin in Advertising: Litigation - National

Comments regarding the firm from the Chambers 2012 guide include:


ADVERTISING LITIGATION - NATIONWIDE

THE FIRM: False advertising litigation is an indisputable strong point of this New York-based group. It has in the last year defended a number of consumer class actions and undertaken an increasing amount of work on behalf of manufacturers. It is a popular choice with pharmaceutical companies and also counsels Coca-Cola, L'Oreal and Cablevision Systems. Recent highlights include defending Johnson & Johnson in multidistrict litigation regarding the marketing of its Listerine mouthwash.

Sources say: "The firm is detail-oriented and client-focused."

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Steven Zalesin is a standout individual in the false advertising arena, admired for his excellent advocacy and brief-writing skills. He recently successfully defended Johnson & Johnson in the above mentioned case concerning misbranding claims. Clients applaud his business sense and describe him as "easy to work with," "thoughtful and conscientious."


INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION: PATENT, TRADEMARK & COPYRIGHT - NEW YORK

THE FIRM: This group is admired for its comprehensive approach to IP, and handles a broad range of patent, copyright, trademark, anticounterfeiting and trade secrets work. Best known for its role in 'bet the company' patent litigation, the firm represents big-name clients including Microsoft, Hearst and Abbott Laboratories. Recent work has included representing Endo Pharmaceuticals in three related appeals argued simultaneously at the federal circuit relating to pending patent applications.

Sources say: "A team that gets results - if we have a tough case that requires a lot of analysis and an assertive style they would be the first people we call."

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Gregory Diskant is a highly respected figure in IP litigation, particularly in patent cases. He is well known for his representation of Johnson & Johnson, and recently represented a subsidiary of the company, Cordis, in an appeal against Boston Scientific.

Robert LoBue is the firm's cochair and managing partner, and has a long-standing focus on trademark and copyright work, particularly for media and entertainment clients. He recently represented Dow Jones in its theft of content claim against Briefing.com.

Jeffrey Lewis is "an excellent litigator who is very thoughtful and bright." He is also the current president-elect of the American Intellectual Property Law Association.

Geoffrey Potter "is one of the smartest, most strategic thinking, aggressive lawyers I have ever worked with in IP," said one client. He represented Johnson & Johnson in a counterfeiting claim concerning blood glucose test strips.


MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT LITIGATION – NEW YORK

THE FIRM: Patterson Belknap's 32-strong media and entertainment group has litigated on a variety of matters of late, including trade secrets, advertisement and First Amendment. It recently acted for online travel agency Priceline.com in a false advertising claim brought by Expedia.

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Saul Shapiro heads the litigation group and co-heads the media and entertainment group, and has an emphasis on soft IP and commercial litigation in the media space.

Robert LoBue continues to receive wide praise from sources, particularly for his First Amendment work.


REAL ESTATE – NEW YORK

THE FIRM: This four-partner real estate practice concentrates on leasing, and often represents major companies in significant Manhattan leases. For example, it recently advised the American Folk Art Museum on the sale of its West 53rd Street museum building. Other clients include the Durst Organization, Dow Jones and the Winter Organization.

Sources say: "They have a wide range of specialists that are needed to complete transactions. They work with clients to develop the best strategies, and are very careful about attending to details."

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Andrew Herz is an "incredible leasing lawyer, probably the best in the city in terms of leasing," say peers. He represented the independent directors of Hotel Carlyle Owners in the sale of the hotel.

Robert Safron handled the Condé Nast Publications lease at One World Trade Center on behalf of WTC Tower 1. He is noted for his vast experience, and praised as being "very good at spotting issues."

Russell Wohl acted on Morrison & Foerster's lease at 250 West 55th Street, representing the tenant. He is praised for his responsiveness.


PRODUCT LIABILITY & MASS TORTS - NATIONWIDE

John Winter of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP has an established products practice with a strong focus on pharmaceutical work. Clients applaud him as "very knowledgeable about regulatory issues with the FDA," adding that he is very "articulate, smart and capable." Highlights include coordinating the defense of 3,500 cases across the country regarding claims arising from a prescription antibiotic on behalf of Johnson & Johnson.


LITIGATION: WHITE-COLLAR CRIME & GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATIONS - NEW YORK

Daniel Ruzumna leads the white-collar defense group at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP. He is a "bright and personable individual" who wins praise for his collegial manner. He enters the rankings backed by strong support from commentators for his extensive white-collar criminal defense and investigations expertise.