Proskauer Rose LLP - The Who's Who Legal 100 2012

What is the Who's Who Legal 100?

The firm is “undoubtedly a leader” in management labour and employment and 13 of its attorneys are listed in the corresponding chapter. Eight of them are based in the New York office, including Lloyd Chinn, a “tremendously experienced litigator”. Paul Salvatore is co-chair of the global labour and employment law department and handles major collective bargaining agreements as well as actively participating in arbitrations and litigations arising from these relationships. Howard Ganz has served as principal outside labour counsel for the National Basketball Association for over 25 years, advising it in connection with collective bargaining negotiations between the League and the unions representing both players and referees. The “outstanding” Bettina Plevan’s practice includes representing clients in such diverse industries as banking and finance, health care, entertainment, publishing and consumer products and Kathleen McKenna has “invaluable business sense”. Anthony Oncidi heads the labour and employment law group in the Los Angeles office and is a “prolific” author and speaker on employment law matters. Howard Shapiro is “first class”, while the “greatly admired” Lawrence Lorber argued the landmark Bourselan v. Aramco case in the Fifth Circuit regarding the extraterritorial reach of Title VII, and filed briefs in several landmark Supreme Court employment law cases.

Proskauer Rose has an “accomplished” private funds team, with seven lawyers listed for their work in this area. Kate Simpson is based in London and advises on the establishment and structuring of a wide range of UK and international investment funds. Past clients have included CVC Capital Partners, La Salle Investment Management and Lion Capital. Boston lawyer David Tegeler is global co-head of the private investment funds group and “a gifted lawyer”, according to sources. Fellow co-head Robin Painter has over 25 years’ experience in the private equity and venture capital industry and is “widely respected” for her work in this field. The “fantastic” Christopher Wells advises hedge funds, funds of funds and other pooled investment vehicles and their managers on all aspects of fund formation, operations and ongoing compliance with securities, commodities and tax laws. Malcolm Nicholls and Bruce Lieb both garnered much praise from peers and Nigel van Zyl, a partner in the London office, is considered “highly effective”.

Two lawyers are nominated for their real estate practices. Ronald Sernau is co-chair of the real estate department and an “elite attorney” according to sources. He represents some of the most prominent real estate developers in New York City in their investments in premier properties. Louis Eatman has an “enviable client list” and “a wealth of legal knowledge”.

Two attorneys from the New York office feature in the environment chapter. Gail Port is “very skilled” at counselling clients, nationally and internationally, on environmental risks in mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and financings. Sources praise her “endless knowledge” and ability to remain “constantly one step ahead”. Robert Kafin has handled complex problems arising under the entire spectrum of environmental issues and garnered votes for his “unparalleled expertise” in this area.

Proskauer lawyers are also listed in immigration, insurance, internet and trademarks chapters, attesting to the firm’s “stellar” reputation for commercial work.