Schwabe, a leading Pacific Northwest law firm, is pleased to announce that eleven of the firm’s practice areas and 25 of its attorneys have been recognized for excellence by Chambers & Partners in its 2023 rankings. Schwabe’s Intellectual Property practice received Chambers’ highest band ranking for the eighth year in a row as an “acclaimed IP practice capable of providing a wide range of patent, trademark, copyright and licensing advice.”
In addition, the Oregon Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use and Washington: Environment practices and attorneys Connie Sue Martin, Charmin Shiely, Christopher Slottee and Garrett Stephenson were ranked for the first time. Alaska’s Litigation: General Commercial practice and attorney Nika Aldrich both moved up one band ranking this year.
“We are truly honored by our recognition in the Chambers 2023 results, as it underscores Schwabe’s deeply embedded industry expertise and unwavering commitment to providing our clients with exceptional, knowledgeable and reliable service,” Schwabe CEO Graciela Gomez Cowger said. “The tireless efforts of our core industry groups in providing the utmost care within their respective sectors are truly commendable. Schwabe remains committed to surpassing expectations and forging enduring partnerships with our valued clients.”
Chambers is the world’s leading legal data and analytics provider, highlighting the top lawyers and law firms across the USA for over two decades. The annual Chambers ranking is one of the definitive sources for law firm and attorney rankings due to its extensive market research. Below are summaries of Schwabe’s practice areas and attorneys as well as select comments Chambers received from Schwabe clients:
Construction (Washington)
- Chambers noted Schwabe’s Construction group is a “well-regarded practice with notable capabilities in construction litigation” that “acts for a variety of clients including owners, managers, contractors and subcontractors” and “advises on contract negotiation and drafting.”
- One source said: “They have good overall understanding of a wide variety of issues.”
Corporate/M&A (Oregon)
- Schwabe’s Corporate/M&A practice area “is experienced in representing buyers and sellers in a wide range of M&A transactions and financing matters. The team works with clients across a number of sectors, with particular expertise in the timber and manufacturing sectors.
- One client stated: “The team has a broad and deep team with a range of skill sets to address nearly every need.”
Environment (Oregon)
- Chambers shared that the Natural Resources Industry Group “offers strength in water law issues, forestry and environmental litigation” for a “robust client base that includes those involved in the manufacturing, mining, transportation and energy industries.” It continues that Schwabe “offers wide-ranging advice on permitting, compliance and liability” and “niche expertise in matters at the intersection of environmental law and Native American law” with “further expertise in forestry and agriculture-related mandates, as well as waste water and cleanup issues.”
- One source shared: “The team is incredibly responsive, thinks creatively and is very client-focused.”
Environment (Washington)
- Chambers shared that the Natural Resources Industry Group “is well-versed in advising clients on renewable and alternative energy matters.” It continues that Schwabe “is particularly noted for their strength in environmental Native American law” and “is active across a range of sectors including natural resources, ports, manufacturing and construction.”
- One source shared: “[Schwabe] is forward-thinking in their legal recommendations.”
Immigration (Oregon)
- “Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt’s well-regarded business immigration practice provides advice on a broad range of mandates, including labor certifications, investment visas and family-based matters.”
Intellectual Property (Oregon)
- The Intellectual Property practice has a “client base includes many leading Northwest companies from a number of industries, including technology, engineering, natural resources and manufacturing, as well as healthcare and biotechnology.” Chambers noted “the depth of talent possessed by its bench, with recognized expertise in strategic counseling and prosecution issues. Further highlighted for its expanding IP litigation practice, with notable strengths in patent infringement cases and trade secret disputes.”
- A client noted: “The team offers a complete set of services.”
Labor & Employment (Oregon)
- Schwabe’s Labor and Employment services were highlighted as a “comprehensive practice which covers all of its clients’ employment needs, including litigation and compliance counseling. The team holds well-known labor expertise advising employers on union election campaigns and collective bargaining. The group demonstrates considerable knowledge on employee benefits matters, as well as in related legal disciplines such as business immigration. Lawyers are experienced in representing clients from sectors such as technology, financial services, transportation and natural resources.”
Litigation: General Commercial (Alaska)
- Chambers indicates that Schwabe’s litigation practice “demonstrates considerable strengths across a broad spectrum of contentious mandates, including alternative dispute resolution. Offers a solid pool of skilled litigators across the Pacific Northwest. The firm demonstrates significant experience representing individuals in all levels of court including before the Supreme Court.”
- A source commented: “Schwabe was able to pull in numerous additional attorneys and trial presentation specialists. The firm vigorously defended us with a stellar work product.”
Litigation: General Commercial (Oregon)
- Schwabe’s general commercial services were spotlighted as a “respected litigation practice that demonstrates proficiency in an array of commercial disputes acting on both the defense and plaintiff side. The team has experience working on false advertising, product liability, environmental, maritime, and real estate litigation. The department also handles large-scale union and employment litigation. Clients come from all sectors, including agricultural, technological, entertainment, and insurance.”
- A client comment reads: “Schwabe has a very qualified team of attorneys to address a variety of legal issues.”
Real Estate and Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Oregon)
- Chambers calls Schwabe’s Real Estate practice a “well-regarded real estate practice is skilled in acquisitions, dispositions, leasings and financings in the industrial, office and residential spaces. Particularly renowned for its expertise in timber law, with additional strength in land use and construction issues.” Furthermore, Schwabe “offers additional niche expertise in conservation matters as well as general environmental and natural resources law pertaining to real estate developments.”
- One client says: “The firm has a thorough understanding of local and national real estate legal matters. The team is accessible and quick.”
In addition to the eleven practice areas highlighted above, 25 individual Schwabe attorneys were designated as industry leaders based on their legal acumen and experience, their effectiveness, and their client service. These Schwabe attorneys are:
- Nika Aldrich – Intellectual Property (Oregon)
- Carson Bowler – Environment (Oregon)
- Carmen Calzacorta – Corporate/M&A (Oregon)
- Mike Cohen – Intellectual Property (Oregon)
- Brendan Crowley – Real Estate (Oregon)
- Janna Davydova – Real Estate (Oregon)
- James Dulcich – Real Estate (Oregon)
- Scott Eads – Intellectual Property (Oregon)
- Jeff Eden – Litigation: General Commercial (Oregon)
- Brien Flanagan – Environment (Oregon)
- Greg Fullem – Real Estate (Oregon)
- Michael Garone – Labor & Employment (Oregon)
- Ryen Godwin – Environment (Washington)
- John Guinasso – Real Estate (Oregon)
- Elizabeth Howard – Environment (Oregon)
- Bradley Maier – Immigration (Oregon)
- Connie Sue Martin – Environment (Washington)
- Steven Prewitt – Intellectual Property (Oregon)
- Elizabeth Schleuning – Labor & Employment (Oregon)
- Charmin Shiely – Real Estate (Oregon)
- Matt Singer – Litigation: General Commercial (Alaska)
- Christopher Slottee – Litigation: General Commercial (Alaska)
- Garrett Stephenson – Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Oregon)
- Tom Tongue – Corporate/M&A (Oregon)
- Howard Trickey – Litigation: General Commercial (Alaska)
The full 2023 rankings can be found via www.chambers.com.
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