Gibbons Recognized as a Leading Firm by Chambers USA
Publication recognizes 14 lawyers in nine practice areas as leaders in their fields

Gibbons is once again eminently positioned in the annual rankings by the Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, with nine of the firm’s practice areas and 14 individual attorneys ranked in the top tiers. The firm has appeared in the New Jersey section of the Chambers guide since the guide’s inception, but 2008 marked the first time Gibbons has been ranked in the section of the publication dedicated to firms with a significant Pennsylvania presence.

“The firm is always proud of the achievements of our talented practice groups and attorneys, but we are particularly pleased when prestigious publications like Chambers also recognize such talent,” says Patrick C. Dunican. Jr., Chairman & Managing Director of Gibbons.

Chambers annually rates the nation’s leading business lawyers and law firms through comprehensive interviews with top companies, attorneys, and business executives; this year’s process included over 14,000 such interviews. The Gibbons practice groups that earned places in Chambers’ top four tiers among law firms with significant New Jersey presence include the following, with Chambers and client testimonials excerpted from this year’s guide:

• Litigation: General Commercial
  “Top of the line in New Jersey,” this firm is universally renowned for its regional litigation clout. From constitutional issues to stockholder disputes, the team provides clients with “the whole package.” Whether litigating cases with complex facts or navigating areas of unclear law, the team has the resources and the expertise to impress. In the words of clients, “the lawyers are knowledgeable and thoughtful – they don’t rush their judgment, and tend to reach the right decisions.”
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring
  “With “superb legal abilities…[a] team of dedicated lawyers and a number of “hard-working, intelligent associates” coming up the ranks ensure a depth of knowledge and expertise at every level.”
• Environmental
  Especially acclaimed for its local expertise, Gibbons has a high profile for dealing with matters that require in-depth knowledge of New Jersey law and institutions. The team is especially renowned for its skills in litigation, and it regularly proves its worth in large-scale environmental and toxic tort cases.
• Healthcare
  Particularly active on the finance side, the group acts for pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and biotech companies, as well as physician practices and hospitals.
• Intellectual Property
  ”Wonderfully responsive under enormous time pressure,” the growing team is proving a hit with clients, who report that they would “go back to the firm time and again.”
• Labor & Employment
  [T]he “very responsive team” is widely praised for both its handling of court cases and for its counseling on policy and dispute avoidance. From discrimination to ERISA and wage and hour matters, the lawyers deliver “a very strong service.”
• Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
  [T]he team handles specialist areas including criminal defense and alternative dispute resolution, proving its breadth of coverage and its focus on disputes of all shades.
• Real Estate
  Attracting massive respect in New Jersey, this firm fields a range of resources in real estate, for transactions, land use and zoning…The firm’s overall litigation reputation is also of great help when handling zoning, which peers call “one of the firm’s claims to fame.” Meanwhile the variety of work on the transactional side ensures that it is not dependent on a single market. According to clients, “this is a major firm with top talent, and as soon as you mention Gibbons all parties have confidence in the deal.”
• Corporate/M&A
  ”The lawyers really care – they always have your best interests at heart” [and provide] “responsive, high-quality legal work…” The group was described by one client as “a great outfit for small to midmarket companies – it can handle anything we need.”

Several of our attorneys made sterling showings in the guide’s individual rankings as well:

• Christine A. Amalfe
  Labor & Employment
  Peers state that “she is held in the highest regard and has really advanced herself,” while clients describe her as “fabulous - a real asset in the courtroom.”
• Patrick G. Brady
  Labor & Employment
  Delivering “practical, eminently practical advice,” Patrick Brady is commended for his employment litigation work and his work on immigration issues.
• Kim M. Catullo
  Litigation: Products Liability
  The “wonderful, very intelligent and highly experienced” Kim Catullo is a solid choice for products liability work. “She is very perceptive in seeing where a case will go, and she has a great rapport with everybody,” according to clients.
• Karen A. Giannelli
  Bankruptcy/Restructuring
  Karen Giannelli has a “common-sense approach, extensive knowledge of the law, and high ethical standards.”
• John J. Gibbons
  Litigation: General Commercial
  John Gibbons is one of the most highly acclaimed and eminent attorneys in the field. The firm’s principal rainmaker, his track record alone defines the firm’s fortunes. According to peers, “he always will be a dean of the New Jersey Bar.”
• Michael R. Griffinger
  Litigation: General Commercial
  Michael Griffinger is “one of the top business litigators in the country,” and he has an exemplary reputation in commercial litigation, including securities and antitrust disputes. Clients say: “Everything from his demeanor to his knowledge of the law makes him stand out as a powerful advocate.”
• Louis M. Heidelberger
  Intellectual Property
  Louis Heidelberger brings more than 30 years of experience to his work in IP and manages a workload that encompasses both transactional and litigation matters…[a] well-known and experienced patent practitioner.
• John H. Klock
  Environmental
  John Klock impresses clients far and wide with his broad litigation practice, which covers Superfund disputes as well as construction cases. Clients rate him “a very smart guy with a great personality.”
• Bruce A. Levy
  Healthcare
  “An excellent lawyer and a nice guy to boot, he really knows his way around the system. If an issue comes up at the last minute, he’ll make himself available, and his analysis is always thorough.”
• Lawrence S. Lustberg
  Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
  Lawrence Lustberg is “a fantastic criminal litigator.” He chairs the criminal defense department and is also notable for his extracurricular task forces and committees work.
• Michael R. McDonald
  Litigation: General Commercial
  Michael McDonald litigates a range of complex commercial disputes and also handles alternative dispute resolution. A recent highlight involved his representation of Chubb Group in a class action defense.
• Edward F. McTiernan
  Environmental
  Edward McTiernan leads the environmental team and is hugely experienced in litigation and redevelopment. “McTiernan put Gibbons on the map in this sector,” declare admiring peers, while clients value this “diligent, responsive adviser who is great to work with.”
• Susan L. Nardone
  Labor & Employment
  Susan Nardone is singled out as “a very knowledgeable and responsive employment attorney.”
• Frank J. Vecchione
  Bankruptcy/Restructuring
  Frank Vecchione is “a real leader in the market.” His excellent knowledge and “careful deliberation of matters” make him a popular choice with clients.