Seyfarth Shaw Again A Leader in Chambers USA Rankings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2005

Seyfarth Shaw Again A Leader in Chambers USA Rankings

Chicago, IL (May 26, 2005) – Seyfarth Shaw LLP, one of America’s leading full service law firms, has been named among the best law firms in several practice areas and offices, with many of our attorneys also ranked as best in class in the 2005 Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business Guide.

“It is truly amazing to see our core values - innovation, teamwork, client service, commitment and excellence - echoed back in comments from our clients and peers in the Chambers reviews,” said J. Stephen Poor, Managing Partner. “Our attorneys work extremely hard to live these values and we are very proud of their recognition by Chambers for being excellent lawyers and delivering superior client service.”

The combination of a national presence and expertise at the local level is considered a major boon for larger clients requiring a seamless service nationwide. The firm was also praised for having lawyers that provided "terrific customer service” who “are easy to talk to” and "won't let raging egos get in the way."

Practice Groups

Seyfarth Shaw topped the list of Employment law firms in Illinois and was one of three top firms named in Massachusetts. “There is no one better than Seyfarth Shaw,” voted Chambers. The firm's impressive national reach and its "fabulous spectrum and depth" were raised again and again during interviews, with clients telling researchers, "We are impressed with the way they assign lawyers to become subject matter experts; this makes the work quick, complete and cost-effective."

Some 275 labor and employment lawyers are based across the firm's US offices with well over 100 of them in Chicago. This massive group handles the full spectrum of labor and employment matters and is well known for its expertise in complex litigation. As one interviewee noted, "If there is a huge class action lawsuit to be defended you can expect that Seyfarth Shaw will be handling it." Competitors acknowledged the firm's formidable presence and proactive approach, observing that "If the going gets tough, there are excellent lawyers there who can handle tough cases." Rivals also agreed that the team has “gained strength and is a great competitor – it’s a great choice for the biggest cases.”

A team of approximately 25 lawyers specializes in Employee Benefits and executive compensation, advising an outstanding client list that includes such international giants as Motorola and Dow Chemical. The office also boasts a separate group of ERISA litigators, which serves as further evidence of the firm's commitment to the area. It is also much appreciated by clients. As one commented, "If you can find an attorney who understands ERISA and is also a litigator then you have struck a gold-mine --- Seyfarth Shaw has this strength."

Also in Illinois our Real Estate, Media and Entertainment – Transactional, Employee Benefits and Environmental practice groups were singled out for their outstanding capabilities. Our Washington, D.C. office was ranked in Employment and Construction, and in California our Employment law practice group received recognition statewide. Clients commented on our Environmental lawyers as being “remarkably practical” with “balanced” and “innovative” approaches. The same “practical and no nonsense” approach was attributed to our Media and Entertainment lawyers.” In Washington, DC, a team of “impressive advocates” was credited with our leading Construction practice.

Individual Lawyers Honored

California

Gilmore Diekmann- “a class action luminary” clients applauded for his “balance and know-how.”

David Kadue– cited by clients as “gifted” for his practical approach.

District of Columbia

Peter Chatilovicz– recommended by clients for difficult labor situations that require “a tough, direct approach.”

Richard Preston- especially valued for his arbitration skills, Richard also benefits from an international aura and has established dispute resolution expertise.

Illinois – Employment Law

Joel Kaplan– wins the respect of the market for “representing clients in big matters.” “A smart and aggressive litigator” handling traditional labor-relations law and complex employment litigation.

Thomas Piskorski– described as “a bright and dedicated lawyer who has tremendous respect for his clients and puts their needs first.”

Kenneth Dolin– cited for his expertise in labor-related matters.

Ellen McLaughlin – her “high intelligence” and “tremendous common sense” make her popular with clients. “Her advice is practical, easy to understand, and always right.”

Camille Olson– noted as “a national expert in all areas of labor and employment law, particularly wage and hour.” Clients put faith in her, and rely on her “phenomenal knowledge and practical application of the law to business needs.” They also said she projects “a deep sense of caring about her clients.”

John Powers – recommended to researchers as a key member of the employment law team, handling a variety of labor and employment law matters and acting as outside counsel to a range of employers across the USA.

Illinois – Environmental Law

Andrew Perellis– “Innovative” and boasting a “huge range of skills,” Andrew was singled out for his regulatory and litigation work.

Eric Boyd– recommended as “an extremely bright attorney and excellent speaker” best known for his air pollution work.

Illinois – Media and Entertainment – Transactional

Jeffrey Brown– “Practical and no nonsense” and a “talented and conscientious” entertainment lawyer, with Music and Theatre forming the bedrock of his practice.

Luke DeMarte– “listens to what his clients say, and doesn’t try to take over a deal,” researchers were told. Luke handles a significant amount of rap music-related work.

Illinois – Real Estate

Joel Rubin– The market heaped praise on Joel, citing him as a “tremendous rainmaker” and key client relations manager. Much of his time is spent assisting clients in the acquisition and disposal of office and retail property portfolios around the country.

Massachusetts

Richard Alfred– “Extremely high-quality” with a “wonderful mix of technical mastery and practical business sense.” Although primarily a litigator, he counsels clients on the range of employment law issues and has “real breadth to his practice.”

Lisa Damon – key strength is her practicality, say clients. “She has a keen understanding of the importance of viewing matters from a business perspective and always provides a balanced judgment.” Discrimination litigation and counseling are her main areas of focus, with an emphasis on retail and supermarket clients.

Joseph Ambash– “Terrific” say Joe’s clients, which are concentrated in traditional labor and the defense of discrimination and wrongful discharge suits. He is noted for his creative approach to problem solving.

“Congratulations again to these fine lawyers” said Steve Poor. “The client comments tell the story, and our team has done an extraordinary job.”

About Seyfarth Shaw LLP Founded in 1945, Seyfarth Shaw will now have approximately 600 attorneys located in nine offices throughout the United States – including Chicago, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento -- as well as Brussels, Belgium. Seyfarth Shaw provides a broad range of legal services in the areas of labor and employment, employee benefits, litigation and business services.

The firm’s practice reflects virtually every industry and segment of the country’s business and social fabric. Clients include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, newspapers and other media, hotels, health care organizations, airlines and railroads. The firm also represents a number of federal, state, and local governmental and educational entities.

###