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Kegler Brown Honored in 2019 Chambers USA + Global Rankings

Chambers and Partners, one of the premier guides to legal resources, has released its annual rankings, which sees many Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter attorneys honored in both the USA and Global publications.

Don Gregory, chair of the firm’s Construction practice, and litigator Thomas W. Hill both maintained their prestigious “Band 1” rankings.

Don is one of only four construction lawyers in Ohio with this rank, while Tom is one of only six commercial litigators to receive the honor.

Vinita Mehra, chair of the firm’s Global Business practice, was recognized in Chambers Global’s Corporate/M&A rankings with Foreign Expertise in India. Foreign Experts are individuals with expertise in a different jurisdiction from where they are based and are particularly highly regarded for international and cross-border work, according to the Chambers website.

Previously listed as “Up and Coming,” Brendan Feheley is now ranked as a “Recognised Practitioner.” This ranking is given to individuals who handle notable matters and are on Chamber’s radar for increased research.

Overall, fifteen individual attorneys were recognized, along with four practice areas.

Chambers & Partners is an independent company that awards rankings to practice areas and attorneys in Ohio, nationally and internationally. The objective process follows three steps: submissions put forward by legal practices, interviews during the course of research, and Chambers’ own database resources. Only select attorneys and practice areas are ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best. Complete rankings for Kegler Brown are outlined below (descriptions, and quotations used when they "sum up the prevailing opinion in the market," are offered by Chambers).

The following attorneys received a ranking of “Band 1” by Chambers USA 2019:

Donald Gregory maintains an excellent reputation for his handling of both contentious and noncontentious construction matters. He offers a wealth of experience in a variety of matters, ranging from representing clients in defects and performance bond claims to advice on bidding and construction contracts.

Thomas Hill is a "superb trial lawyer," say sources who also praise him as "a brilliant mind and a skilled advocate." He is highly regarded for his experience representing corporate clients in a range of business-critical complex litigation.

The following attorneys received a ranking of “Band 2” by Chambers USA 2019:

Described as being "incredibly personable," Catherine Cunningham "has a lot of experience," according to sources. Her real estate practice focuses on zoning and land use matters, including cooperative economic development agreements and annexation agreements.

Scott Doran regularly assists clients with toxic tort claims and permitting issues. He often handles wetlands-related matters.

Lawrence Feheley predominantly advises management clients on a broad range of labor and employment matters. "He is the smartest, most conscientious, responsive attorney I have ever worked with," says a client.

The following attorneys received a ranking of “Band 3” by Chambers USA 2019:

Charles Kegler is a highly experienced transactional corporate practitioner with clients which include fund sponsors and major corporates. He also brings to bear his additional experience in estate and succession planning.

Todd Kegler represents clients in financing transactions, both with traditional and alternative lenders. "He's skilled, easy to work with and does a nice job for clients," reports one impressed market observer.

Larry McClatchey regularly acts as a Chapter 7 trustee and cochairs the firm's bankruptcy practice. Sources describe him as "excellent to work with, very diligent and responsive to client needs."

Roger Sugarman is recognized for his wealth of experience in complex business litigation including securities class actions and investigations. He is also noted for strength handling shareholder disputes. One source reports: "He is an excellent lawyer; he's smart, well organized, and judges and juries trust him," and a peer remarks: "He is a consummate professional and a noble adversary."

The following attorneys received a ranking of “Band 4” by Chambers USA 2019:

Stephen Barsotti offers considerable experience advising US and international clients on complex IP commercialization and protection strategy matters. He is noted for his strength advising emerging and startup companies.

Allen Handlan leads the firm's real estate, banking and commercial financing practices. He advises on issues such as real estate sales, acquisitions and financings. He also offers significant expertise in real estate tax valuation matters.

Michael Madigan acts for clients on the full range of construction law work. He is adept at handling mediation proceedings on behalf of contractors.

Martijn Steger acts as counsel to clients undertaking corporate sales and acquisitions. He is particularly adept in handling cross-border deals, including those with Asian elements.

The following attorneys received a ranking of “Foreign Expertise” by Chambers Global 2019:

Columbus, Ohio-based Vinita Mehra chairs the global business practice at Kegler, Brown, Hill + Ritter and is experienced in advising international clients on US and Indian transactions. Her expertise covers international franchising matters, among others.

The following practice areas received rankings from Chambers USA 2019:

Construction
Possesses particular experience working with national trade associations across a variety of construction-related areas. Comes recommended for its work on large Ohio infrastructure and development projects, including hospital, school and highway projects. Also recognized for its strengths in construction litigation. Sources say: "They know their way around the courtroom and construction law, and they know their clients' business," and that it is a "very good firm with highly experienced lawyers."

Corporate/M+A
A solid offering in the corporate law space, with notable areas of strength including midmarket M&A, private placements and corporate governance. Particular strength in matters pertaining to the education sector. Offers transaction-adjacent experience in areas including employee benefits and executive compensation, taxation, antitrust and wider commercial contracts matters. One source appreciates "their commitment to the project and their timeliness and availability. All team members were excellent at explaining the complexities of the law." Another reports that "the team gives practical introduction to challenges and opportunities related to the business and gives realistic appraisals."

Labor + Employment
Continues to be a go-to practice for labor and employment matters concerning assisted care facilities and also recognized for its work in the food and services and education arenas. Frequently engaged to provide counsel in discrimination and retaliation cases and highlighted for its strength in class actions as well as arbitrations. Maintains a broad client base, regularly representing clients in the education, food and restaurant industries. Clients say: "The attorneys' strengths lie in their recognition of the needs of clients and implementation of their agenda in a good way. Their responsiveness is also impeccable."

Real Estate
Sought-after department particularly active in the Columbus market, with a focus on providing counsel to heavyweight developers in Ohio's central region. Also offers expert advice to public and private financial entities in leasing and financing work. Noted for its expertise in the retail and construction sectors. Also sought after for its land use and zoning strengths. Sources say: "They're very capable. They do a lot of zoning and entitlement work, and they have some strong transactional real estate lawyers."

 
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