Four Nossaman Practice Groups Earn Recognition in National Ranking
Chambers & Partners has recognized eight Nossaman attorneys along with the Firm's Eminent Domain, Environment & Land Use, Healthcare, and Infrastructure practices in its 2014 Chambers USA guide of leading law firms and lawyers in the United States.
The 2014 edition recognizes Nossaman as one of only five firms in the top-tier of law firms nationally in the Projects: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) category. Partners Corey Boock, Patrick Harder and Geoffrey Yarema were selected as leading lawyers in the same category.
Chambers noted that Nossaman is known for a "dedicated PPP practice which focuses on representing the public sector in infrastructure projects." One client commented that Nossaman's Infrastructure attorneys "are very knowledgeable" and "advise us as to the right times to stand our ground and also when we need to reach a consensus." Another client stated, "They have done a really good job of knowing and understanding the concerns of the private sector, understanding what makes the private sector come to the table with their equity."
Patrick Harder, Chair of Nossaman's Infrastructure Practice Group, is recognized for advising the Florida Department of Transportation on the procurement of the I-4 Ultimate highway under a design-build-finance-operate-maintain contract. Sources attest: "His commitment to a project and his technical knowledge, both on the legal side and the construction side, really makes for a very smooth process." Editors noted that Geoffrey Yarema "is a well-respected infrastructure lawyer, noted for his knowledge of policy issues." One market observer stated, "We look for him to bring us solutions and ideas and he hasn't let us down; he is a very smart guy." Chambers described Corey Boock as "an experienced PPP lawyer who has been involved on the sell-side of a number of notable transport projects." "He is thoughtful, diligent, provides good solutions, is highly organized and has got lots of experience advising the public sector," affirms one commentator.
Chambers also recognized Nossaman as a leading California law firm in Environmental law and selected Partner Robert Thornton for individual recognition. Chambers noted that the team is know for "substantial expertise in working with public bodies and agencies in environmental matters, ranging from NEPA and CEQA issues to endangered species and wetland concerns." A client stated that Nossaman is "customer-oriented" and "an excellent legal and business resource." Clients acknowledged that Mr. Thornton is "a terrific person to work with" who "knows what is happening in all aspects of the environmental law." Chambers also noted that he is especially well versed in endangered species and natural resource law.
Recognized once again as a leading firm in Healthcare in California, Nossaman is "highly regarded for advising a number of healthcare entities including nursing facilities, managed care organizations and trade associations." Clients noted that Nossaman's Healthcare attorneys are "knowledgeable, reliable, available and personable" and "very collaborative and very team-oriented." Mary Powers Antoine, leader of Nossaman's Healthcare Practice Group, is regarded as "diligent and thorough" and "extremely knowledgeable regarding medical staff governance, regulations and laws." Chambers noted that Partner Richard Spohn, also receiving individual recognition, "operates in the managed care arena and acts for clients such as HMOs, hospitals, medical organizations and healthcare delivery systems."
For the first year, Nossaman also received recognition as a leading California law firm in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use category. Editors noted that the firm "provides public agencies with a full service relating to the development of infrastructure projects, particularly those involving rail, road and highway schemes" and "has a noteworthy niche in coastal law." One client stated that the firm "does not take an 'I know it all' approach" and attorneys "are willing to listen to the client and to advise regarding the best approach."
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.
