Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP is pleased to announce that Chambers USA 2021 (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 22 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, Construction and Banking & Finance.   

The following is a summary of the firm’s editorial presence in Chambers USA 2021:

Litigation: General Commercial

Chambers notes our experience in “wide-ranging commercial disputes, including professional liability cases, RICO litigation, consumer finance class actions and business torts” and adds that the firm provides “sophisticated support to a broad client base, including significant domestic and international businesses,” with “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 research sources who describe our litigation group as “a very impressive team that has a diverse combination of experience, skill and advocacy.”

Attorneys recognized in this practice area:

• John D. North is characterized by his clients as “a really good lawyer.” 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 described by interviewed sources as “a real legend in the state.” Chambers adds that Mr. Rowe “is adept at handling high-profile and complex business disputes, including those with cross-border elements.”

Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions

In its editorial review of the firm, Chambers recognizes our position in the New Jersey market as “Well-established…with a solid corporate team” that demonstrates “particular strength in real estate-related transactions and also provides advice on corporate finance and M&A.” The publication’s editors spotlight our representation of clients in “the automotive and healthcare industries,” quoting an interviewed source who explains “The team's knowledge of their specialty, understanding of every detail and articulation of the issues makes the process easier for all parties.”

Attorneys recognized in this practice area:

• W. Raymond Felton is “able to give authoritative advice and is very oriented toward solving problems,” comments a client, who also states: “He does an excellent job protecting his clients but also looks after the best interests of the transaction as a whole.” Chambers’ editors add that Mr. Felton “represents both purchasers and target companies in M&A transactions.”
• Alan E. Davis is considered by interviewed clients to be “a good corporate lawyer who is meticulous, detailed and thorough” with “five decades’ experience handling corporate transactions, with additional expertise in matters that pertain to franchising.”

Real Estate

Chambers commends our real estate team as “a superb group for real estate matters with an active and robust practice across the entire spectrum of work.”  The publication calls attention to our “expertise in transactional work including sales, acquisitions, leases, financing and tax issues” and our “further strength handling litigation matters along with environmental issues associated with development projects.” The publication singles out our team’s “extensive experience acting for regional and national developers, private equity investors and landlords and tenants.” A client comments that, “The firm holds a strong professional work ethic” and goes on to say: “They have exceptional communication skills and a quick delivery turnaround on transactions.” Another source adds: “They are very knowledgeable in real estate law and have a wonderful working relationship with state agencies,” while a third source describes the group as “very knowledgeable, available and reliable.”

Attorneys recognized in this practice area:

• Jack Fersko is characterized by client sources as “a fantastic attorney.” They add: “From a knowledge of the law standpoint, there is no question that he is very much up there at the top. He also has a good way with people.” Another client comments: “Jack is a top lawyer. He is a very good draftsperson and a very practical lawyer as well.” Chambers’ editors note that Mr. Fersko “is recognized as an expert in real estate transactions, development projects and financing matters” with “additional expertise in environmental law issues.”
• Thomas J. Denitzio, Jr., clients report, “is a class act.” “He is a good, solid real estate lawyer.” 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,” according to Chambers’ A client says: “Christine is fabulous - if you were to have any question to do with condominium law, the first name that comes up is Christine's and she will certainly know the answer!” Another market source describes Ms. Li as “a good lawyer” who is “very well regarded.” A third source adds: “Christine is fantastic - she wrote the handbook on condominium law in New Jersey.”
• Martin E. 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,” notes Chambers. According to a client, Mr. Dollinger is “responsive, trustworthy, and professional,” with another source interviewed remarking on his “unrivaled technical skills in the marketplace. He does a good job of protecting his clients’ interests.”

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use

In ranking this practice area, Chambers highlights 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.”

Attorneys recognized in this practice area:

• 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 wider contentious matters,” according to Chambers. An interviewed client affirms: ”He is a really, really terrific attorney” and “a very accomplished redevelopment lawyer.” Another source is quoted as saying: “He represents clients all over the state and he is an expert in his field of redevelopment and land use. He is practical and gets things done because he understands the political context and is able to build consensus around issues.”
• Steven G. Mlenak is ranked as “Up and Coming” in his field by Chambers’ editors, who note that he “advises clients such as developers, municipalities and owners on a range of development projects.” A research source says: “Steven is strong and dynamic - he is someone who is going to emerge as a future powerhouse of land use and redevelopment,” while another source adds: “He is highly knowledgeable in the subject matter and is very responsive and accessible.”

Environment

Chambers references our environmental group’s “noted strength in contaminated site remediation, particularly brownfield cleanups” and adds that the team is “sought out by a diverse range of clients, including developers, property owners and manufacturers.” The publication further recognizes the group as being “adept at conducting environmental due diligence and providing counsel on air, water and wetlands laws and permits.”  Clients explain: “They are very professional, have a very quick turnaround and are always very accommodating and responsive.”

Attorneys recognized in this practice area:

• David B. Farer “has an exceedingly broad practice which encompasses environmental litigation, regulatory compliance, transactional issues and redevelopment work,” according to Chambers. A client weighs in that Mr. Farer is “Knowledgeable and detail-oriented … good at drilling down to the major risks and liabilities without getting lost in the weeds.”
• Jay A. Jaffe “assists large corporations with environmental issues with a transactional context including leasing and facility development matters” and “also manages regulatory compliance,” according to Chambers. An interviewed source describes Mr. Jaffe: “He is extremely diligent and by the book, he does everything with the law in mind and doesn't take any shortcuts.” Another source adds that “He is detail and process-oriented and very knowledgeable.”
• Barbara J. Koonz, Chambers’ reports, “advises domestic and overseas businesses on environmental permitting for redevelopments and renewable energy projects.” A client describes her as “a very good, practical problem solver.”
• David A. Roth “assists clients with regulatory compliance, environmental liability, site remediation and cost recovery litigation,” comments Chambers’ Market sources describe him as ”a good, solid lawyer.”
• Ann M. Waeger is “a respected attorney who handles a range of environmental matters associated with real estate and corporate transactions” and “specializes in environmental insurance coverage and claims,” according to Chambers. A client says Ms. Waeger is “detail-oriented and very thorough drafting agreements and contracts.” 

Healthcare

According to Chambers’ editors, the firm’s healthcare group is “a highly regarded team active in the New Jersey healthcare market, acting for a broad client base of providers, pharmaceuticals and those investing in the industry.” The publication 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 on our “dedicated private equity practice” that advises both sponsors and portfolio companies. Market sources add: “The firm has a tremendous reputation and provides high-quality services” and “They are proactive, they bring things to our attention before problems arise and they are super responsive - when we need an answer, we get it right away.” Another interviewed client says: “Their healthcare practice is impressive, especially because the lawyers we work with are very familiar with our business and provide timely, value-add services,” continuing on to comment that “Each person on the team is enjoyable to work with and each has become an essential partner to our organization.”

Attorneys recognized in this practice area:

• James A. Robertson is “respected for his representation of a wide range of healthcare providers on diverse regulatory and corporate mandates” and has “notable strength in litigation such as reimbursement appeals,” according to Chambers. A source interviewed comments: “He is highly professional, keeps his finger on the pulse of the healthcare industry and is very active in the community too.” Other clients say Mr. Robertson has “distinguished himself as a scholar and is also very good at building relationships” and add that he is “very knowledgeable, particularly in the area of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, as well being very good in licensing matters.”
• John W. Kaveney is ranked by Chambers’ editors as “Up and Coming” in his field, with “considerable experience advising clients on Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement disputes and wider regulatory concerns.” He is described by sources as “an incredibly bright attorney who sees potential issues before they arise” and as “smart, sophisticated and efficient.” Another market source adds: “He provides meaningful and actionable recommendations, and strongly advocates on behalf of our organization.”
• Glenn P. Prives is ranked as “Up and Coming” in this area of practice by Chambers, which states that he represents “a wide range of healthcare clients in regulatory and corporate matters, offering expertise in areas such as sales and network formations.” Research sources describe him as “a detail-oriented transactional lawyer” who is a “knowledgeable, skilled and zealous advocate for his clients.” A client adds: “He is personable, has good client skills and provides valuable opinions on regulatory issues” while another comments that “Glenn's work is comprehensive and makes me comfortable that all aspects of a contract are properly evaluated after his review.”
• Andrew F. McBride, III is “one of the deans of the New Jersey healthcare Bar and is very well thought of,” according to an interviewed source. A client adds: “He is a good all-around lawyer and an expert in antitrust law.” Chambers notes that Mr. McBride “advises on transactions such as M&A and related antitrust concerns, as well as reimbursement disputes and medical staffing mandates.”

Construction

Chambers notes that the firm’s construction practice “represents developers, owners, condominium associations and general contractors in litigation,” with attorneys “experienced in handling a broad range of disputes, including claims relating to defective construction and design, negligence and construction delays.”

Attorneys recognized in this practice area:

• Dennis A. Estis is “recognized for his expertise in condominium work” and is “regularly called upon for his advice regarding litigation and arbitration,” says Chambers. A client comments: ”Dennis is very knowledgeable on real estate and condominium law” while another research source affirms that “He is a well-respected and well-known construction lawyer.”
• John D. North is described by interviewed sources as “very knowledgeable in his field and…pleasant to work with.” The publication notes that Mr. North’s “expertise includes disputes involving condominium association law.”
• Steven Nudelman has a practice that “encompasses a wide spectrum of issues ranging from construction lien claims to contract negotiations and drafting,” says Chambers’ editors. A client adds: “Our experience with Steve has been excellent.”

Banking & Finance

Attorney recognized in this practice area:

• Lydia C. Stefanowicz is “commended for her commercial lending and real estate finance practice.” Chambers also comments that “Of particular note is her work on CMBS and mezzanine financings.” A source interviewed says: “She is very responsive and very competent.”

The London-based publishers of the Chambers USA 2021 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 on Chambers’ website.

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