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Chambers USA Rankings

Amy G. Dulin, Andrew H. Braiterman, Candace K. Beinecke, Charles W. Cohen, Christopher M. Paparella, Charles A. Samuelson, Eduardo Vidal, Edward J.M. Little, James B. Kobak, Jr., Federico A. Goudie, F. Amanda DeBusk, James C. Fitzpatrick, James W. Giddens, James Modlin, John Fellas, John K. Hoyns, John M. Townsend, Kenneth J. Pierce, Kenneth A. Lefkowitz, Ned H. Bassen, Michael Luskin, Nicolas Swerdloff, Richard Stern, Norman C. Kleinberg, Steven A. Hammond, Theodore H. Latty, Jonathan E. Swerdloff, Theodore V. H. Mayer, William R. Maguire, William A. Weber

Nine practice areas and 33 Hughes Hubbard lawyers are ranked in Chambers USA Guide 2010, released last week and available online at www.chambersandpartners.com.

The firm’s other ranked practice areas include Latin America Investment (for both Florida and New York); Bankruptcy/Restructuring; Corporate M&A and Litigation: Securities in New York; International Arbitration; Native American Law; Product Liability & Mass Torts; and Transportation: Aviation: Finance nationwide.

The following are excerpts from Chambers about each of Hughes Hubbard’s ranked practice areas:

Bankrupty/Reorganization

“Hughes Hubbard continues to establish itself in this field following the acquisition of the boutique firm Luskin, Stern & Eisler LLP in 2008. It has a good reputation for representing banks and creditors and has increased its capacity on the debtor side. Its enviable client roster includes the likes of Citibank, Scotiabank and ABN AMRO. Much of the team’s recent marketplace profile originates with the appointment of group co-chair James Giddens as trustee for the liquidation of Lehman Brothers. Sources say: ‘The firm has done an excellent job at demonstrating its ability to handle large, sophisticated and international cases.’”

Corporate/M&A

The firm’s “corporate practice encompasses the full scope of corporate work, including acquisitions of public and private companies, hostile takeovers, proxy fights, LBOs, special committee representations, auction bids and joint ventures, and represents large corporations and private equity players. On the corporate side, the team is especially skilled in representing Fortune 500 companies such as CBS, Newscorp and Delta Air Lines; foreign parties involved in cross-border transactions are also another source of work, and the firm undertakes a significant amount of Latin American mandates. Recent highlights include acting for the joint administrators for Nortel Networks on the $915 million asset sale of Nortel’s Enterprise Solutions business to Anaya, and representing private equity fund Czura Thornton in its acquisition of the global clinical laboratory testing and cardiac services business of MDS. Sources say: ‘They have represented us masterfully; they have a great command of the area, and are very easy to work with.’”

International Arbitration

“This firm’s US-based team advises a wide range of clients on matters across the world. The firm has a particular eminence in international commercial arbitration, with highlights including assisting Dun & Bradstreet and Moody’s in an AAA International Rules arbitration. The team also acts on some investor-state matters, which has recently included representing an investor against Russia. Sources say: ‘A down-to-earth, highly responsive, practical and results-oriented firm.’”

International Trade

“This firm offers strong trade, customs, compliance and FCPA capabilities. Involved in several key antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, it often represents foreign companies and associations including the Thai Frozen Food Association, Thai Plastic Bags Industries and its Vietnamese subsidiary, and steel producers in Japan, Thailand and Mexico. For the latter client, the firm has worked on revoking orders under the 'three zeros' rule. Large defense contractors and technology companies, such as KBR, Dell and Globecomm Systems, rely on the team’s fine reputation for export controls. Jennifer Choe Groves has recently joined the firm as chair of the international IP rights and entertainment group. She was previously senior director of IP and innovation and chair of the Special 301 Committee in the Office of the USTR. Sources say: ‘The lawyers provide good technical skills, detailed legal arguments and insightful briefs.’”

Latin American Investment

Florida

“This firm is one of the most active in the field of Latin American investment, with particular strength in financial matters and a well-established client base among international lenders. The team also covers trade finance, export finance and high-end M&A. It recently acted for Banco Itaú in matters related to its merger with Unibanco, and advised Commerzbank on the restructuring of a $50 million export prepayment facility for a Brazilian poultry exporter. Sources say: ‘The team always performs above and beyond expectations, doing the heavy lifting necessary to complex deals without dropping its high quality.’”

New York

The Latin America group at this international firm is jointly run from New York and Miami, focusing on high-end finance and M&A matters. The team recently acted for Grupo Elektra on its $190 million joint venture with Western Union. It also assisted Carlos Casado with establishing an over-the-counter American Depositary Receipts program.
Sources say: “The team provides outstanding service, and its experience is notable. ”

Native American Law

“This talented group advises a variety of clients on Indian law, high-yield finance, syndicated lending and tax-exempt bonds. It recently represented Seneca Catskills Gaming on the development of a $1 billion casino project in New York State. Sources say: ‘These lawyers have done some impressive and interesting work with regards to gaming and finance, and clients benefit from their experience.’”

Litigation: Securities

“This team is recommended for securities-related class actions, shareholder derivative litigation, investigations and criminal prosecutions. The group is primarily recognized for representing accounting industry clients, including Ernst & Young, Deloitte & Touche and PwC. The New York lawyers work closely with their Washington, DC counterparts to provide optimum client service. Sources say: ‘Talented lawyers who give practical advice.’”

Products Liability and Mass Torts

“This group has continued its prominent role in Vioxx litigation, assisting Merck with its domestic resolution program and defending the company in international litigation. The team’s expertise and reputation extend outside of pharmaceutical work to include consumer, fuel and chemical products. Clients include Chemtall, Novartis and Bureau Veritas Consumer Products. Sources say: ‘A highly skilled team with great litigation instinct.’”

Transportation: Aviation: Finance

“This group is admired for its representation of domestic airlines, including Continental Airlines and Republic Airlines. It recently represented the former in connection with its public offering of Pass Through Certificates, Series 2009 1, to finance 12 used aircraft and five new aircraft. The team advises on a range of issues, including aircraft purchase agreements, leveraged leases, operating leases and secured debt. Sources say: ‘The team is efficient about getting transactions done, which lowers the overall cost.’”


This is what Chambers had to say about each of the ranked Hughes Hubbard attorneys:

“Marshall Babson is highlighted as ‘really strong in labor negotiations’ and is recognized as one of the deans of the traditional labor law Bar. He is particularly well versed in NLRB unfair labor law practice, collective bargaining and arbitrations.

“Ned Bassen is head of the firm’s labor and employment practice and makes his debut in the table following client praise for his ‘encyclopedic knowledge’ of employment law and his
‘finely tuned instincts and well-balanced judgment.’ His skill in the courtroom does not go unnoted, with sources reporting: ‘He is able to distill facts to their essence and forcefully and effectively argue his client’s position.’

“Candace Krugman Beinecke chairs the firm, where she is hailed by interviewees as ‘one of the best law firm managers in the country – the firm has really prospered under her guidance.’ Particularly sought after at the board-advisory level, she is highly active in the corporate governance sphere.

“Andrew Braiterman is ‘outstanding at bringing together the many threads of a complex transaction,’ clients reveal. Handling global joint ventures, partnership and high-value acquisitions, he recently acted as tax counsel to Cablevision on its acquisition of Newsday from Tribune Company.

“Talented trial lawyers Charles Cohen and James Fitzpatrick have been working with Mayer on the remaining international Vioxx litigation. Sources commend their intelligence, tenacity and technical knowledge.

“A former Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Amanda DeBusk chairs the international trade group and has a prominent export controls practice. She has represented Eaton on multiple export control matters under the ITAR, including commodity jurisdiction requests and compliance, and complex licensing related to large defense projects such as the Eurofighter program.

“Amy Dulin ‘consistently provides high quality advice,’ focusing on financial matters. Following market trends, her practice has shifted and expanded to include refinancings and restructurings. Dulin led the team for Commerzbank, and in a separate deal acted for RBS in connection with the restructuring of a $125 million export prepayment facility for Quatro Marcos.

“John Fellas is described as ‘an incredibly talented practitioner who is technically impressive and personable.’ His practice focuses on international commercial arbitration.

“Richard Friedman ‘provides a wide range of options to clients’ problems.’ He handles transactional and development matters and has significant knowledge of related Native American gaming law.

“James Giddens has been busy with his ongoing role as trustee in the Lehman bankruptcy proceedings. Managing one of the largest claims processes in history demonstrates his aptitude in this area.

“Federico Goudie…recently advised BAC Credomatic in its sale to GE, and also worked on the Itaú-Unibanco merger. Interviewees praise him as ‘an intellectually astute and objective attorney.’

“Steven Hammond is highly rated for his work as an arbitrator, in addition to being a notable presence as counsel. Clients laud ‘his remarkable insight into legal matters and superb level of knowledge, along with his strong grasp of both the larger picture and smaller details of a case.’ Highlights include his successful defense of the Turkish state petroleum company in an ICC dispute concerning a gas storage facility.

“John Hoyns is praised as ‘one of the best legal minds in the area.’ Clients ‘always feel that our interests are being looked after when he is on a deal.’

“James Kobak is renowned for his skills in both antitrust and IP. Sources say he is ‘an asset to any case.’ He continues to advise Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck, and recently represented Conergy in bringing antitrust claims to avoid a ten-year silicon wafer supply agreement.

“Norman Kleinberg is a skilled, experienced and well-respected attorney. His expertise lies in defending pharmaceutical and energy companies.

“Gaming law practice chair Theodore Latty advised Merrill Lynch on negotiations with the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians and its River Rock Entertainment Authority. ‘Ted has been handling casino financings since long before tribes got into gaming,’ say admiring market sources.

“Ken Lefkowitz heads the firm’s corporate practice. Well-known for his experience in the media and financial sectors, he has been the lead on a range of Nortel dispositions, as well as a series of acquisitions for Cablevision Systems, including that of Newsday from the Tribune Company.

“Assertive attorney Edward Little chairs the white-collar practice and co-chairs the securities litigation group. He is skilled in handling criminal and internal investigations as well as civil securities disputes. One peer reveals: ‘He’s the type of guy I’d turn to if I were in a jam.’

“Michael Luskin has an eminent reputation in contentious bankruptcy and insolvency matters. Clients describe him as ‘a technically sound lawyer with in-depth knowledge of the relevant bankruptcy codes.’

“William Maguire is recommended for his ‘easygoing manner and great interpersonal skills.’ Sources also describe him as ‘an experienced and thoughtful attorney who gives prudent advice.’ He excels at accounting firm representation and in 2009 achieved a favorable settlement for PwC in malpractice and preference actions arising out of the bankruptcy of Werner Ladder. He successfully achieved dismissal of all claims against Deloitte in the Priceline.com securities class action lawsuit. Maguire has an excellent reputation as a securities litigator, particularly in the representation of accounting firms: ‘He is smart, prudent, a great trial lawyer and a gentleman.’ His clients include PwC, Ernst & Young and Deloitte & Touche.

“Clients rely on Theodore Mayer for strategic direction, noting that ‘as a tactical specialist he is as good as it gets.’ He remains heavily involved in the Vioxx litigation and has been active in the defense of consumer products litigation.

“Steven McSloy is [Native American Law] practice leader in New York, and a former general counsel of an Indian tribe. He also previously served as a professor of American Indian law at several major U.S. law schools. ‘He’s a very smart guy, who knows his area brilliantly,’ sources report. He represented the Morongo tribe in California on general tax and real estate acquisition matters.

“James Modlin stands out for his expertise in the media and chemical sectors. He has advised on a range of matters for KKR portfolio company Rockwood, including the sale by subsidiary Advantis Technologies of its pool and spa treatment chemicals and water treatment chemicals business to Arch Chemicals.

“Christopher Paparella has played a central role in this firm’s work in the international arbitration arena. He is lauded for doing ‘a wonderful job on very high-profile matters.’

“Ken Pierce recently assisted HBO Latin America in negotiations that resolved a decades-long intellectual piracy dispute in the Caribbean.

“Charles Samuelson is a younger partner making a name for himself through such matters as playing the lead role on the firm’s representation of the US Treasury on contracts for equity purchases in banks as part of TARP.

“Partner Clark Siegel is a ‘smart and talented attorney,’ with particular skill in matters involving the convergence of technology and entertainment. General entertainment M&A is also an area of strength.

“Co-chair of the corporate reorganization and bankruptcy team Richard Stern is renowned for his ability in complex transactions and workouts involving large groups of banks. According to sources, ‘he is excellent at conveying matters in a way that bankers understand.’

“Nicolas Swerdloff is managing partner of Hughes Hubbard & Reed’s Miami office. Satisfied clients say: ‘He is easy to talk to - he really listens to your needs and strategizes accordingly.’ Recommended for his understanding of the business objectives and economic concerns in disputes, he handles complex financial and commercial litigation and arbitration issues.

“John Townsend is a highly respected figure in the field, acting as both counsel and arbitrator. Sources praise him as ‘a personable practitioner who is experienced, effective and quick-thinking.’ He leads on the Dun & Bradstreet matter, in addition to acting as arbitrator on numerous matters under a range of arbitral bodies.

“Practice co-chair Eduardo Vidal led the teams for Grupo Elektra and Carlos Casado. He focuses on capital markets and corporate deals, and is ‘a proactive negotiator who looks after his clients’ needs.’ He recently advised Mexicana on the financial restructuring of its aircraft lease operations.

“William Weber is highly regarded for land use work, and has particular expertise in hotel and resort-related matters.”