White Collar Defense and Investigations

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 2015.

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 and counsel 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
• Joshua A. Goldberg in Litigation: White Collar-Crime & Government Investigations – 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
• Christine H. Miller in Advertising: Litigation – National
• 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 2015 guide include:

ADVERTISING: LITIGATION – NATIONWIDE

"A preeminent advertising litigation practice with top-class expertise and a superb track record in defending blue-chip brands against false advertising lawsuits. Represents an impressive roster of clients in major litigation, including class action cases and complex appellate work.

Sources Say: 'They are fantastic lawyers with deep understanding of the law.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Steven Zalesin is a leading litigator who garners particular praise for his strength in Lanham Act cases.

Christine Miller is recognized for her counsel on complex regulatory and trademark issues in the advertising space. She regularly represents clients in cases before the NAD and FTC.

Travis Tu is a highly rated commercial litigator with particular strength in advertising matters. He is adept at handling Lanham Act litigation and has expertise in areas such as consumer fraud, false advertising and unfair competition."

ANTITRUST – NEW YORK

"Sources note that William Cavanaugh of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is a 'great trial lawyer.' He is well versed in both antitrust and IP litigation, and is an experienced plaintiffs attorney, with notable expertise in pharmaceuticals and medical devices."

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: PATENT, TRADEMARK & COPYRIGHT – NEW YORK

"Powerful full-service IP practice covering patents and trademark, copyright and trade secrets. Particularly strong on life sciences patent litigation, brand protection, false advertising and copyright.

Sources Say: 'They are great, great trial lawyers. Their trial skills are just right up there with the best I have seen.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Robert LoBue is an esteemed litigator with a flourishing and successful copyright disputes and trial practice. He acts for clients in a range of industries, and has a particularly strong record on behalf of media and publishing companies.

Geoffrey Potter is a trademark law expert and handles high-stakes brand protection disputes. He is a noted authority on anti-counterfeiting issues and chairs the firm's practice in this area.

Gregory Diskant concentrates on patent litigation concerning life sciences, and has an excellent reputation for his work in the 'stent wars' and medical device cases. Sources say he is a 'very astute litigator' and 'a very fine trial lawyer.'

William Cavanaugh is an accomplished litigator with a prestigious client following in life sciences and financial services. One client said he is a 'really terrific first chair lawyer and also one of the best team-builders I have seen.'"

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

"Regularly represents institutional plaintiffs in high-stakes securities disputes. Offers significant expertise in bringing actions against financial institutions related to the acquisition of residential mortgage-backed securities. Also demonstrates significant prowess in securities enforcement actions.

Sources say: 'They are able to field efficient teams of smart, experienced lawyers, get them on the ground quickly and provide first-rate sophisticated advice in a lean, efficient way.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Daniel Ruzumna leads the firm's white-collar group, and is commended for his strength in asset forfeiture issues. He is a former Southern District prosecutor, and is well versed in criminal defense proceedings and investigations.

Erik Haas 'is very client-friendly, and is always willing to take the extra step to work with you and take your thoughts into account,' comment sources. He handles a range of civil litigation, including securities class actions and product liability disputes. He is highlighted for his 'very creative approach, and excellent command of the law.'"

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT: ENTERTAINMENT LITIGATION – NEW YORK

"A well-regarded firm with recognized strength in media and entertainment litigation. Represents major media companies in connection with a range of issues, including corporate disputes, advertising and trademark matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Saul Shapiro is recognized for his abilities in copyright and trademark disputes affecting media clients. Sources call him 'an accomplished litigator.'"

PRODUCT LIABILITY & MASS TORTS – NATIONWIDE

"Clients describe John Winter as a 'phenomenally experienced and practical' litigator based at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP."

REAL ESTATE: MAINLY DIRT – NEW YORK

"Well regarded for its expertise in representing well-known landlords and tenants on major leasing matters. Frequently advises law firms and financial institutions.

Sources say: 'They are a great group.'

KEY INDIVIDUALS: The 'excellent' and 'very capable' Andrew Herz is a seasoned real estate practitioner with a significant leasing practice.

'Deal maker' Robert Safron is 'very effective in getting to workable solutions without wasting time,' clients say. He advises lenders, developers, owners and investors in a range of commercial real estate matters.