Steven A. Zalesin, Partner

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is pleased to announce that six of our practice areas and fourteen of our partners and counsel received recognition in the newly released Chambers USA - America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2014. Three attorneys were listed for the first time in 2014.

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 Litigation - 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 and counsel 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 - New York
• Andrew L. Herz in Real Estate - New York
• Jeffrey I.D. Lewis in Intellectual Property: Patent - New York
• Robert P. LoBue in Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright Litigation - New York
• Christine H. Miller in Advertising: Litigation - National
• Geoffrey Potter in Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright Litigation - New York
• Daniel S. Ruzumna 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
• Travis J. Tu in Advertising: Litigation - National
• John D. Winter in Products Liability & Mass Torts - National
• Steven A. Zalesin in Advertising: Litigation – National

Comments regarding the firm from the Chambers 2014 guide include:

ADVERTISING: LITIGATION – NATIONWIDE

"Highly esteemed litigation group with particular expertise in Lanham Act false advertising and a wealth of experience appearing before the NAD. Represents an enviable client list of major industry players and Fortune 500 companies.

Sources Say: 'A top-tier advertising litigation firm.' 'They have very specialized expertise in this area.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Peers consider Steven Zalesin to be a 'first-rate litigator and a pleasure to work opposite, because he is a gentleman.' He offers clients a wealth of trial experience and is particularly well versed in false advertising and labeling disputes: 'He is a real leader of the Bar.'

Christine Miller is viewed by the market as ' an excellent lawyer.' She offers clients a real depth of insight into NAD proceedings, handling various industry disputes.

Travis Tu is a young partner rising up through the ranks and gaining the respect of his peers and clients. He is praised for being ' strategic and able to connect well with business folks; he can speak intelligently and translate the legal concerns.'"

PRODUCT LIABILITY & MASS TORTS – NATIONWIDE

"New York-based John Winter of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is praised for his 'good judgment and common sense.' He is also singled out for his impressive client service, with sources noting that 'he has excellent people skills and is completely responsive.' In addition to his work on the metal-on-metal hip implant litigation for Biomet, he is also noted for his recent representation of Janssen Pharmaceutical in product liability matters related to the Topamax medication."

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: PATENT, TRADEMARK & COPYRIGHT – NEW YORK

"Sophisticated IP offering with strength in patent litigation and also copyright and brand enforcement and management. On the patent side, the firm is a leader in representing branded pharmaceutical makers in Hatch-Waxman cases.

Sources Say: 'A very fine, high-quality group.' 'The lawyering was masterful.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Robert LoBue is the firm's immediate past co-chair and managing partner. He continues to lead on copyright and trademark infringement cases, as well as related antitrust matters.

Geoffrey Potter heads the firm's anticounterfeiting practice, and is well regarded for his work in that field. He has led the firm's anticounterfeiting drive on behalf of Living Essentials concerning the client's 5-hour ENERGY dietary supplement.

Gregory Diskant is described as an ' excellent first-chair advocate,' and 'a rock star' by clients. He is a seasoned patent litigator and led for Johnson & Johnson in its Federal Circuit appeal triumph regarding coronary stents.

William Cavanaugh is co-chair of the firm and one of its lead litigators, representing marquee clients in business-critical patent cases. Sources describe him as ' very accomplished' and 'a strong first chair.'

Jeffrey Lewis is best known for his handling of patent infringement cases on behalf of hi-tech and life sciences companies. He has significant experience acting for innovators in Abbreviated New Drug Application litigation pursuant to the Hatch-Waxman Act."

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

"Key player in the New York securities litigation market. Highly active in representing institutional investors in connection with high-profile RMBS litigation stemming from the financial crisis. Additional capabilities in white-collar criminal defense work.

Sources Say: 'Their client service is exceptional. They're smart, intelligent and thoughtful; they work very hard and they are very diligent.' 'They've always been very reliable - they work quickly, their work product is good and they are very knowledgeable.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: 'Very effective advocate' Daniel Ruzumna heads the white-collar department at the firm. Clients appreciate the level of experience brought from his background in government. He has significant experience in handling sensitive criminal and regulatory investigations.

Erik Haas concentrates on representing financial guarantors in MBS related litigation. His recent highlights include handling multiple claims for Ambac Assurance against EMC Mortgage and JPMorgan. Clients praise his creativity and strategic approach."

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT: ENTERTAINMENT LITIGATION – NEW YORK

"Skilled litigation team with a wealth of experience in the media industry. Involved in matters across all areas of the industry, including music, television and publishing.

Sources Say: 'They really do fine work.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Saul Shapiro is a commercial litigator with strength in IP matters. He represents major media companies and has deep experience within the industry."

REAL ESTATE: MAINLY DIRT – NEW YORK

"Strong commercial leasing practice representing clients on high-profile and substantial transactions. Expertise includes representing law firms as well as acting for a series of significant landlords and tenants.

Sources Say: 'They are extremely well versed in commercial real estate.' 'They bring a business sense to the process.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Robert Safron is 'extremely knowledgeable and very easy to work with,' according to market commentators. He counts major real estate player The Benenson Family among his clients.

Andrew Herz is respected by clients for his deep experience in transactions. He recently advised Grace Church School on revising and restating a lease for a new school building."