Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP is pleased to announce that Chambers USA 2020 (a publication of Chambers and Partners) has again recognized the firm in its annual rankings of the foremost law firms and lawyers in the country.

In the publication’s latest edition, the firm and 18 of our attorneys are listed among New Jersey’s leading law firms and lawyers in a number of our core practice areas – Litigation: General Commercial, Corporate/M&A, Real Estate, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use, Environment, Healthcare and Construction.   

Here is a summary of the firm’s editorial presence in Chambers USA 2020:

Litigation: General Commercial

Chambers notes that the firm provides “sophisticated support to a broad client base, including significant domestic and international businesses” and offers “strength at trial and appellate level, as well as in arbitration and mediation.” Chambers’ editors further comment that our services are “routinely sought out by real estate and developer clients for representation in corporate disputes.”  

The publication quotes clients who value our “stellar lawyers” and who note our ability to “win cases without breaking the bank.”

Partners recognized in this practice area:

• John D. North is endorsed by his clients as a “terrific litigator who understands strategy and tactics.” Chambers notes that Mr. North “maintains a broad practice in commercial litigation, with substantial experience representing clients in jury and non-jury trials.”
• Paul A. Rowe is characterized by interviewed sources as“a legend” within the civil litigation bar and as an “outstanding attorney.” Chambers adds that Mr. Rowe “is adept at handling high-profile and complex business disputes, including those with cross-border elements.”

Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions

A key competency of the firm’s corporate practice is its sophisticated knowledge of both big picture issues and fine point details of business dealings in New Jersey. Clients benefitting from this practical and solution-oriented representation include individuals, entrepreneurs, middle market companies, family-owned operations and regional and national corporations in various industries.

Partners recognized in this practice area:

• W. Raymond Felton has “earned the respect of the market,” according to Chambers, which quotes sources commenting on his “wide breadth of knowledge” and “practical and smart” approach. Chambers adds that Mr. Felton “is particularly noted for his representation of target companies in transactions.”   
• Alan E. Davis is considered by interviewed clients to be a “smart, organized and very thorough” attorney who, the publication adds, “has recent experience handling the sale of businesses on behalf of clients.”

Real Estate

Chambers writes that our real estate team is known as “a superb group for real estate matters with an active and robust practice across the entire spectrum of work.”  The publication notes our “extensive experience acting for regional and national developers, private equity investors and landlords and tenants” and calls attention to our “expertise in transactional work including sales, acquisitions, leases, financing and tax issues” and “further strength handling litigation matters along with environmental issues associated with development projects.”

The publication quotes one research source as follows: “They understand my company's needs and perform all work above our expectations. They know how we analyze deals and size up risk before and during transactions.”

Another firm client adds: “The group has a good specialty in sales and leasebacks” while another interviewed source says, “They have a deep bench and lots of people able to provide us with terrific support and counsel.”

Partners recognized in this practice area:

• Jack Fersko is labeled by one source interviewed as “one of the most tireless workers I know,”while other market voices repeatedly attest to his “top-notch” abilities in the real estate sector. Chambers adds that Mr. Fersko “is a recognized expert in environmental law issues, alongside broader expertise in transactional work, development projects and financing matters.”
• Thomas J. Denitzio, Jr. is “recommended” by clients interviewed as a “thorough and thoughtful”real estate attorney. Chambers further comments that Mr. Denitzio “offers considerable expertise in handling transactional and financing matters, alongside expertise in insolvency and tax issues.”
• Christine F. Li is “renowned for her expert handling of development projects, including notable expertise in condominium law.” Chambers says that Ms. Li is “respected by her peers,” who comment that “whatever commercial condominium question you have, you can speak to her.”
• Martin E. Dollinger is described by market commentators as “one of the best real estate attorneys the State of New Jersey has had.”  Chambers adds that Mr. Dollinger “commands respect for his longstanding experience in commercial real estate matters, having advised on an array of significant transactions and leasing matters across his distinguished career.”

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use

In ranking this practice area, Chambers references our team’s involvement in “varied zoning and land use projects involving mixed-use buildings, industrial premises and brownfield redevelopment sites, assisting with issues including the acquisition of planning permits and site approvals.”

Partners recognized in this practice area:

• Gary S. Forshner is “respected by his peers,” who comment on his ability to “put aside differences and work toward a common goal” in difficult negotiations. Adds Chambers, “His clients include a range of developers and local businesses that turn to him for his expertise in project work, including obtaining site plan approvals and zoning permits.”
• Robert S. Goldsmith “assists his clients with an array of matters relating to development and redevelopment projects, including expertise in permitting and design issues as well as contentious matters,” according to Chambers. An interviewed client affirms: “He is a gentleman and knows how to tell you when you are headed down an incorrect path.”

Environment

Chambers highlights that the firm’s environmental group is “sought out by a diverse range of clients, including developers, property owners and manufacturers” and further comments on our “noted strength in contaminated site remediation, particularly brownfield cleanups” and that our team is “adept at conducting environmental due diligence and providing counsel on air, water and wetlands laws and permits.” 

Clients are quoted as considering the group to be a “true standout for environmental law with top-notch legal advice and sound business strategy for reasonable rates.”  Another interviewed source comments that the team consists of “knowledgeable and more seasoned attorneys.”

Partners recognized in this practice area:

• David B. Farer is considered by peers interviewed by Chambers to be “one of the deans of the environmental Bar” who is known as a “business-oriented” The publication adds that Mr. Farer’s “exceedingly broad practice encompasses environmental litigation, regulatory compliance, transactional issues and redevelopment work.”
• Jay A. Jaffe is regarded by research sources as a “practical and cooperative”attorney who “gets the job done efficiently” and is “thorough and knowledgeable in environmental affairs.”
• David A. Roth “assists clients with regulatory compliance, environmental liability, site remediation and cost recovery litigation,” comments Chambers’ Market sources commend how he “earns the trust of the regulator, effectively resolves issues, considers business strategy and is always available.”
• Ann M. Waeger is “a respected attorney who handles a range of environmental matters associated with real estate and corporate transactions,” according to Chambers, which also notes that Ms. Waeger “specializes in environmental insurance coverage and claims.”

Healthcare

The firm’s healthcare group, according to Chambers editors, “is increasingly active in the New Jersey healthcare market, acting for a broad client base of providers, pharmaceuticals and those investing in the industry.” The publication further references the group’s “extensive regulatory practice that includes areas such as Stark Law and HIPAA compliance, as well as certification issues,” adding that the group is “also noted for its strong transactional and litigation experience.” Chambers further comments that the group’s “dedicated private equity practice” advises both sponsors and portfolio companies.

Partners recognized in this practice area:

• James A. Robertson “offers notable strength in litigation such as reimbursement appeals” and is “respected for his representation of a wide range of healthcare providers on diverse regulatory and corporate mandates” according to Chambers. A source interviewed says, “He's a longtime, well-known practitioner who does excellent work.”
• Andrew F. McBride, III is “easy to work with, smart and does a good job,” according to an interviewed client.  Chambers further notes that Mr. McBride’s “broad-based practice includes transactions such as M&A and related antitrust concerns, as well as reimbursement dispute.”

Construction

The firm’s established practice focuses on representing developers, owners, condominium associations and general contractors in litigation. Chambers writes that our attorneys "are experienced in handling a broad range of disputes, including claims relating to defective construction and design, negligence and construction delays."

Partners recognized in this practice area:

• Dennis A. Estis is “regularly called upon for his advice regarding litigation and arbitration,” says Chambers. A research source is quoted: “He's a first-rate construction lawyer,” adding “He's very highly regarded with real expertise in representations involving condominiums and community associations.”
• John D. North is commended by interviewed sources as “a skilled trial lawyer” in construction cases, with expertise that includes disputes involving condominium association law.

Banking & Finance

Partner recognized in this practice area:

• Lydia C. Stefanowicz is acknowledged by interviewed sources as "a great lawyer" who is "very responsive and knowledgeable.”  Chambers notes that she is “commended for her commercial lending and real estate finance practice, including CMBS and mezzanine financings.”

The London-based publishers of the Chambers USA 2020 conduct comprehensive annual research, including in-depth interviews with thousands of lawyers and clients, as they seek to assess the reputations and expertise of business lawyers from across the country. Rankings are assessed on qualities including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client. The complete methodology can be viewed at https://chambers.com/research/methodology

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