Eminent Domain, Environment & Land Use, Healthcare and Infrastructure Groups Recognized

Chambers & Partners has recognized fourteen Nossaman attorneys along with the firm's Eminent Domain, Environment & Land Use, Healthcare, and Infrastructure Practice Groups in its 2015 Chambers USA guide of leading law firms and lawyers.

The 2015 edition distinguishes Nossaman as one of only five firms in the top-tier of law firms nationally in the Projects: Public Private Partnership (PPP) category.  Chambers noted that the group is known for  "advis[ing] the public sector in relation to PPP projects and focus[ing] on advising public bodies such as state Departments of Transport on the structuring and procurement of transport PPPs, including highways and rail projects."  One client commented that Nossaman's Infrastructure attorneys' work process "was outstanding…they were able to take very complex issues, [and] break them up into pieces that needed to be discussed on a piece-by-piece basis."  Another client stated that the quality of the group's work "was excellent." Chambers noted the group's work advising the "California High-Speed Rail Authority on the institutional arrangements, financing options and procurement plan for its high-speed rail program" and acting "for the Florida Department of Transportation on the procurement of its $2.3 billion I-4 Ultimate Managed Lanes project." Infrastructure Practice Group Partners Barney Allison, Corey Boock, Patrick Harder, Yukiko Kojima  and Geoffrey Yarema were selected as leading lawyers in the category. 

Patrick Harder, Chair of Nossaman's Infrastructure Practice Group, is praised by clients for his "ability to give a balanced view of situations and to offer creative solutions to problems,"  and for being able to "handle complex questions and juggle competing client demands, expectations and viewpoints."  Editors commented that Geoffrey Yarema is an "experienced infrastructure lawyer [who] advises on PPP industry policies and legislative issues," and industry sources described him as a "national thought leader."  Chambers noted Corey Boock's work acting "for the public sector on transport and social infrastructure PPPs," and a client described him as "do[ing] a great job with the process and structure, and provid[ing] practical insight into how the process should work."  Barney Allison was commended by sources for his "ability to understand the commercial aspects of PPP and traditional tax-exempt finance," and for "zealously representing his clients." 

Chambers also recognized Nossaman as a leading California law firm in Environmental law, and commented that the team is known for "a unique understanding of coastal law and the inner workings of the California Coastal Commission, complemented by substantial knowledge of CEQA, NEPA and endangered species matters."  Clients stated that Nossaman attorneys have "become real partners and learned our business," and "make sure they parse all of the issues in an extremely detailed way."  Chambers noted the group's work advising "the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority on environmental compliance, as well as CEQA and NEPA litigation for a $1.5 billion, light-rail transit project connecting Santa Monica to Los Angeles."

Partners Robert Thornton and Steven Quarles, both members of the firm's  Environment and Land Use Practice Group, were recognized  as leading attorneys in California and Washington, D.C., respectively.  Mr. Thornton's praise included having a "tremendous, big-picture sense of issues and understand[ing] the intricacies and political aspects of major environmental laws, including NEPA, CEQA and the Endangered Species Act."   Clients described Mr. Quarles as a "very good natural resources lawyer," and Chambers noted his "sound grasp of EPA and interior policy…[and] his expert counsel on the Endangered Species Act."

Recognized  once again as a leading firm in Healthcare in California, Nossaman was lauded for its "in-depth expertise in the managed care space" and its "significant knowledge of licensing agreements, medical staff and peer review matters, and healthcare transactions."  Clients noted that Nossaman's Healthcare attorneys are "incredibly responsive and communicative, and very committed." Chambers referenced the group's work representing "United Surgical Partners in the $100 million purchase of a minority stake in Siouxland Surgery Center Limited Liability Partnership,"  and being retained to "act for Universal Health Services of Delaware in relation to medical staff issues."

Two practice group members were recognized: Mary Powers Antoine is praised by Chambers for her "breadth of knowledge in peer review and medical staff matters," and clients commented that she is "a strong communicator, and an effective negotiator."  Richard Spohn is lauded for his "particular skill in managed care plan matters, and represent[ing] diverse medical groups, HMOs and hospitals," and clients stated that he is "an excellent healthcare attorney well versed in history, rules and regulations in California."

Nossaman also received recognition as a leading California law firm in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use category.  Editors commented that the firm is known for specializing in "advising diverse public and private sector clients on all land use and zoning components of substantial infrastructure projects [and] boasts considerable knowledge of eminent domain, valuation and coastal matters."  One client stated that the practice group "help[s] me reach my goals and ha[s] good business and financial judgment." Chambers noted the group's representation of the "San Bernardino Associated Governments in the acquisition and eminent domain process associated with 65 properties for the Downtown Passenger Rail Project." Partner and Chair of the Firm's Eminent Domain Practice Group Bradford Kuhn was recognized as an "Up and Comer" by Chambers for his work in the practice throughout California—one client said that he is "one of the most responsive people I've ever worked with," and sources stated that he "values his clients' technical expertise and is able to use that in formulating a case effectively."

Chambers employs a rigorous methodology that sets it apart from other legal guides and lists.  The organization uses a large dedicated research staff to conduct original research.  Feedback from interviews with participating firms' clients and other industry leaders provides the basis of its tiered rankings.  Chambers recognizes firms and individuals by practice area both nationally and regionally.  Click here for additional information on Chambers' research methodology.