Steven A. Zalesin, Partner

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is pleased to announce that six of our practice areas and thirteen of our partners and counsel received recognition in the newly released Chambers USA - America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2016.

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 Litigation – New York
• Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright – New York
• Litigation: Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs – New York
• Media & Entertainment: Entertainment Litigation – New York
• Real Estate: Mainly Dirt – New York

In addition, the following partners were recognized:

• William F. Cavanaugh, Jr., in Antitrust – New York and Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
• Gregory L. Diskant in Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
• Erik Haas in Litigation: Securities – 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: Copyright & Contract Disputes – New York
• Travis J. Tu in Advertising: Litigation – National
• John D. Winter in Product Liability & Mass Torts – National
• Steven A. Zalesin in Advertising: Litigation – National

Comments regarding the firm from the Chambers 2016 guide include:

ADVERTISING: LITIGATION – NATIONWIDE

“Highly respected advertising litigation practice known for its representation of major brands in matters such as Lanham Act litigation and consumer fraud cases. Experienced in class action defense and multijurisdictional litigation on behalf of a broad range of high-profile clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Steven Zalesin is noted for his vast expertise in false advertising cases and IP litigation. Interviewees name Zalesin ‘an amazing advertising lawyer.’

The ‘smart, personable and hard-working’ Travis Tu is highlighted for his handling of false advertising litigation and consumer fraud class action defense. He also offers experience of self-regulatory proceedings before the NAD and other bodies.”

ANTITRUST – NEW YORK

“William Cavanaugh of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is an experienced litigator whose antitrust practice covers a broad spectrum of industries, including pharmaceuticals and financial services. Sources are quick to highlight his ‘big trial record’ and agency experience as particular strengths.”

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: PATENT, TRADEMARK & 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: ‘They are very good at what they do. They get results.’ ‘They have some of the best and the brightest.’ ‘They are easy to work with, smart as can be and collaborative.’

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Gregory Diskant is a highly experienced patent lawyer, seen by his peers as ‘very bright’ and ‘an excellent lead trial counsel.’ He is well versed in handling patent disputes of the highest value, and is routinely sought after to act in cases relating to medical devices.

The ‘formidable’ William Cavanaugh, observers comment, is ‘an excellent trial lawyer and strategist, quick on his feet and excellent at conveying points clearly and persuasively in the courtroom.’ He represents a fine choice of counsel for cases in the technology and life sciences sectors.

Robert LoBue, sources say, ‘has a great sense for what the client needs.’ He receives further praise for his ‘cost-effective manner’ and for being ‘precise in everything he does.’ He enjoys a fine reputation for his work in publishing and media-related disputes.

One impressed client says of Geoffrey Potter: ‘When we have him supporting us, we feel that we have the best legal representation.’ He has a wealth of experience in trademark and copyright work and elicits particular acclaim for his expertise in anticounterfeiting matters.

Litigator Lewis Popovski receives considerable praise for his court-craft, with clients reporting that he is ‘forward-looking in his strategy’ and ‘able to predict the other side's strategy.’"

LITIGATION: GENERAL COMMERCIAL, 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. Leverages notable expertise in corporate and real estate matters when advising on securities disputes.

Sources Say: ‘Their lawyers, both partners and associates, are truly exceptional. They are smart, thoughtful and offer a range of litigation approaches, from aggressive litigators to under-the-radar thinkers. The team offers a unique perspective and litigation style.’ ‘They're extremely good, have a comprehensive knowledge of the law and take a long view on its development.’

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Erik Haas is a ‘very talented litigator’ who impresses with his broad securities litigation practice, according to market commentators. Clients highlight his ‘strength in oral arguments and depositions,’ also noting that he is ‘very strategic and understands the nuances of intricate legal arguments.’

Daniel Ruzumna is held in high regard for his expert criminal defense practice, which includes advising on internal and external investigations and asset forfeiture matters. Sources describe him as a ‘really fabulous’ litigator.”

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT: ENTERTAINMENT LITIGATION – NEW YORK

“Well-regarded practice active in contract disputes, false advertising claims and intellectual property matters, including copyright and trademark infringement. Clients include major publishers as well as telecom companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Saul Shapiro is known for handling high-stakes litigation, both commercial and media and entertainment focused. One client says: ‘If we have litigation, he would be my first choice. He's a brilliant lawyer, extremely good to work with, pragmatic and has a great personality. Whenever issues come up day to day, I call Saul.’”

PRODUCT LIABILITY & MASS TORTS – NATIONWIDE

“John Winter of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP has an active trial practice that focuses on drug and device disputes. His recent highlights include leading the trial team representing [a major pharmaceutical company] in a bellwether trial that was part of [an] ongoing [product liability] litigation.”

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: ‘They are extremely fast, diligent and responsive.’ ‘With them, there is never any drama; they always approach things in a calm, relaxed manner.’

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Andrew Herz represents both landlords and tenants in high-profile leasing deals. He recently represented [a major hospital system] in a transaction to lease office space at 150 East 42nd Street.

Robert Safron is noted as a ‘very experienced leasing lawyer.’ He assisted [one of New York City’s largest commercial and residential real estate companies] as a landlord in negotiating leases for various office properties.”