Environment & Land Use, Healthcare and Infrastructure Groups Honored

Chambers & Partners has named six Nossaman attorneys along with the Firm's Environment & Land Use, Healthcare, and Infrastructure Practice Groups to its list of leading law firms and lawyers in the United States. 

The 2013 edition, published today, recognizes Nossaman as one of only four firms in the top-tier of law firms nationally in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects category.  Partners Patrick Harder and Geoffrey Yarema were selected as leading lawyers in the same category and Partner Linda Morgan received a top-tier ranking in the nationwide Transportation: Rail category. 

Chambers stated that Nossaman is "nationally renowned as a leader in PPP matters."  Editors noted, "Clients enthuse about the group's highly specialized industry knowledge, and its ability to negotiate complex agreements while safeguarding both the clients' and the public interest."  A Nossaman client stated that the Firm's attorneys "work extremely hard to get the job done, even when faced with very challenging schedules."  Another client said they chose Nossaman because "it is certainly one of the preeminent firms in the USA working in PPP" and "the team brings a deep experience on public-side representation."

Patrick Harder, Chair of Nossaman's Infrastructure Practice Group, is recognized in the guide for his role in working with the New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Department of Transportation on a design-build contract matter for the development of a new toll bridge which will be the furthest-reaching in the state.  Editors noted that Geoffrey Yarema "is a well-connected and active practitioner who is widely recognized as a leader in projects involving PPP."  They also added, "Sources highlight his deep knowledge of the industry and experience in handling the most complex of matters."  As a notable practitioner in the Transportation: Rail category, Linda Morgan is praised for her "great knowledge of legislative matters" and her "industry and policy understanding."

Chambers also recognized Nossaman as a leading California law firm in Healthcare and selected Partner Richard Spohn for individual recognition.  Chambers editors said that Nossaman's Healthcare Practice Group, "continued to act for key clients, and one notable mandate was its longstanding representation of HealthCare Partners, counseling the company through its acquisition by DaVita."  Richard Spohn "is admired for his expertise in representing health maintenance organizations."

For the first time, Nossaman has also received recognition as a leading firm in Environmental law in California.  Chambers editors said that Nossaman's Environmental team has an "impressive client base" and "offers a broad range of environmental expertise that covers such areas as air and water quality, endangered species, CEQA and NEPA compliance, climate change and renewable energy."  Sources mentioned that the group consists of "high-quality lawyers at a fair price, with deep commitment to and understanding of client concerns."  Referred to as "highly-regarded," Partner Robert Thornton was also named a leading attorney in the same category and wins praise for being "extremely knowledgeable, creative and easy to work with."  Sources added, "He contributes ideas and works out solutions to difficult issues and provides excellent service." 

Chambers employs a rigorous methodology that sets it apart from other legal guides and lists.  By retaining a large dedicated research staff the organization is able to conduct original research.  Feedback from interviews with participating firms' clients and other industry leaders provides the basis of their tiered rankings.  Chambers recognizes firms and individuals by practice area both nationally and regionally.