Chambers USA 2006 Client's Guide Places Bartlit Beck Attorneys at the Top

06.2006

Chicago Litigation:

"The Firm: This firm is 'first choice for bet-the-company cases' as commentators believe its relatively modest size has no bearing on its ability to get right to the heart of big-figure litigation. These are 'trial lawyers with the best combination of judgment, presence and skill,' forming a boutique that is 'the best in the business.' The group has taken a lead role in some of the biggest-profile cases in the country, and has of late acted for pharmaceutical companies in antitrust investigations, chemical companies in toxic torts and accounting firms in commercial fraud. Strength in patent litigation also makes up a large part of the firm's arsenal. Clients say of the firm's success: 'They are trial lawyers in the truest sense of the word.'"

"The Lawyers: Having acted on some of the country's most important cases, Phil Beck has a 'record that speaks for itself.' Observers praised his 'immense capability meshed with tactical street smarts.' He scooped plaudits as 'one hell of a cross-examiner, capable of the knockout punch' in the highest-profile cases. In fact, the only apparent drawback seems to be the difficulty in retaining this incredibly busy attorney. His packed diary includes ongoing responsibility for defending Bayer in the Baycol litigation and representing Merck in the first federal trial over its Vioxx painkiller. The 'sensational and highly experienced' Fred Bartlit 'has an amazing ability to inspire confidence and comfort,' clients reported. He is a master of big-ticket litigation and recently defeated a damages claim against investment company Forstmann Little. Sources said that 'it's not just a job to him—he truly cares about the case.' Adam Hoeflich gained praise for his 'unique collaborative aptitude and ability to coordinate a defense over multiple jurisdictions.' He has a deep practice, acting for pharmaceutical, chemical and other companies and is representing DuPont in class actions across the USA alleging consumer fraud relating to Teflon-coated cookware."

"Clients/Work Highlights: Bayer; 3M; Merck; DuPont; Reebok; Sears; United Technologies; Hewlett-Packard and Deloitte & Touche."

Denver Litigation:

"The Firm: Commentators enthused that Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott is 'one of the top firms in the country' for litigation work. With offices in both Denver and Chicago, this firm had built a truly national practice. Certainly, much of the Colorado team's work originates outside of the state. The group has won a formidable reputation for its impeccable courtroom skills and for successfully taking on many high-stakes, complex commercial cases. This talent was recently utilized when the team represented travel product innovators Sabre Holdings in a breach of contract and antitrust lawsuit against Northwest Airlines."

"The Lawyers: Fred Bartlit is universally considered to be 'as good as it gets' for litigation matters. He has had a long and distinguished career as a trial lawyer. One source notes: 'It is hard to find anyone with more varied experience.' He practices across the country on some extremely high-profile cases. For example, he has recently represented pharmaceutical giant Bayer in class action antitrust litigation. Renowned litigator Donald Scott is a 'tenacious trial lawyer with a keen intelligence.' He also recently defended Bayer against claims that individuals had suffered strokes after taking Bayer's Alka-Seltzer Plus product."

"Clients/Work Highlights: Bayer; DuPont; United Technologies; 3M; Ernst & Young and Nicor." 

Denver Corporate/M&A:

"The Firm: This team is small than many of its competitors but packs a punch across a full range of corporate matters including securities, compliance and M&A. It handles some of the largest and most complex transactions in the region, and interviewees report: 'The team is especially bright and talented. They hire and retain the cream of the crop.' Clients admire the firm's straightforward approach, declaring: 'There are no complications with them—they knuckle down and get the job done.'"

"The Lawyers: Clients value James Palenchar's 'deep experience and great bedside manner.' He has a nationally renowned general corporate practice and is commended for his 'keen mind and abilities as a creative problem solver.' Thomas Stephens is acknowledged to be 'a careful drafter and a good negotiator.'"

"Clients/Work Highlights: The clientele includes Stratos International and Alpha Natural Resources. The firm also represents a number of private equity businesses."

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