Steven A. Zalesin, Partner

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is pleased to announce that six 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 2017.

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
• Media & Entertainment: Litigation – New York
• Real Estate: Mainly Dirt – New York

In addition, the following partners were recognized:

• William F. Cavanaugh, Jr., in Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
• Gregory L. Diskant in Intellectual Property: Patent – 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
• Saul B. Shapiro in Media & Entertainment: Litigation – 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 2017 guide include:

ADVERTISING: LITIGATION – NATIONWIDE

“Remains a go-to firm for high-stakes advertising litigation. Particularly noted for representing leading companies 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.

Sources say: ‘If we had any bet-the-company matters, we would go to them,' describing the team as 'very proactive, very efficient and very collaborative.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: The market holds the 'terrific' Steven Zalesin in high regard for his advertising litigation practice, which includes acting on high-value disputes and defending clients in consumer class actions. He is particularly noted for his abilities as a trial lawyer.”

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.

Sources say: Clients praise the 'efficient' and 'effective' firm for how 'they manage a lean team' and 'know how to identify the issues and streamline the case.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: 'Really, really excellent lawyer' Gregory Diskant is 'absolutely the real deal,' according to sources, who highlight his 'high-class' litigation practice. He works in sectors including biotechnology, media and entertainment and financial services. 

Geoffrey Potter is 'one of the leading lawyers in anticounterfeiting,' according to clients, who say that he is 'tenacious' and 'brilliant.' He is also praised for being 'able to think outside the box' and for being 'a lawyer who genuinely looks out for his client's best interests.'

William Cavanaugh is a 'really excellent lawyer' whose IP litigation practice also includes significant antitrust and commercial aspects. He represents pharmaceutical, software and medical device clients.

The 'extremely smart' Robert LoBue is an experienced litigator whose longstanding IP practice is complemented by notable antitrust and First Amendment work. One commentator describes him as 'the exact type of lawyer that in-house counsel need. He gives real-world advice, not some academic exercise.'

Lewis Popovski litigates a range of technology patent matters including those involving microprocessors, optical communication devices and mechanical systems. Interviewees describe him as one who 'works hard, digs in' and 'exhibits the ability to handle pressure and obstacles with extreme ease.'"

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: One client enthuses: 'I think their work is outstanding. They have a very strong group of partners who are very committed, very knowledgeable and provide extremely good counsel and service. They also have a very strong bench of associates.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: White-collar practice head Daniel Ruzumna offers deep experience in defending clients at trial and on appeal, also drawing on his time as a federal prosecutor. 

Interviewees describe Erik Haas as a 'fantastic attorney' with a strong record of representing plaintiffs in securities cases, offering particular expertise in acting for guarantors."

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT: LITIGATION – NEW YORK

“Respected litigators who continue to be engaged in intellectual property, libel and contractual disputes on behalf of leading publishers, news organizations and other media companies. False advertising litigation is another area of expertise.

Sources Say: One source commends the firm's 'incredible wealth of knowledge with a wide variety of legal issues.' The interviewee continues: 'The lawyers have always been very quick to reply and offer clear and concise solutions.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Saul Shapiro is 'an excellent lawyer,' according to clients. He handles a wide array of contentious media matters, including intellectual property and false advertising litigation."

PRODUCT LIABILITY & MASS TORTS – NATIONWIDE

"John Winter of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is recognized for his experience in defending pharmaceutical and medical device product liability cases. Sources praise his strength as both a 'very tough negotiator' and 'highly regarded trial lawyer.'"

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: Clients praise the team's attitude and work product, saying it is 'a very helpful and professional team that produces high-quality work.' The team has deep legal knowledge allied to great interpersonal skills: 'I have generally found the firm highly knowledgeable, efficient in their areas of expertise, and very user-friendly too.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Andrew Herz is highly respected for his work for both landlords and tenants in the leasing space. Clients attest: 'He gets the job done, is efficient and knowledgeable, and is wonderful to deal with.'

Robert Safron has a broad real estate practice and is particularly well thought of for his leasing work. He is described by sources as 'an excellent lawyer in the detail of a deal, and extremely thorough.'"