SAN FRANCISCO, CA (June 13, 2011):  Chambers USA has recognized 13 lawyers and seven practices at Farella Braun + Martel in its 2011 edition.  Nationally, Chambers USA recognized Farella's Construction and Food & Beverages (Alcohol) practice areas.  In California, the Construction practice received a top-tier Band 1 ranking, the publication's highest distinction.  Also noted among leading practices in the state were Farella's Commercial Litigation, Environmental, Insurance Coverage, Real Estate and White Collar Crime & Government Investigations practices.

Four lawyers, James Bruen (Environmental), Deborah Ballati (Construction), Charles Sink (Construction) and Doug Young (White Collar Crime), earned top-tier Band 1 rankings.

A full list of Farella's practices and lawyers recognized in Chambers USA 2011 include:

National

Construction:  Sources say, "I have been very impressed with Farella Braun + Martel. The lawyers have never failed to exceed my expectations."

Food & Beverages (Alcohol):  Clients praise the firm's "provision of a complete wine industry service, and turn to its expert attorneys for a broad range of issues, including acquisitions, regulatory compliance, licensing, disputes, and environmental and real estate concerns."

California

Construction:  Sources say, "It is one of California's top construction firms, and as such it never fails to exceed expectations."  Attorneys ranked include Deborah Ballati, Alan Harris, Charles Sink, Jeffrey Sykes and Carl Switzer.

Environmental:  Sources say, "It has some of the best ‘solution' lawyers for significant issues, and it provides high-quality and fast service at a competitive and cost-effective rate."  Attorneys ranked include James Bruen, Robert Hines and Chris Locke.

Insurance (Policy Holder):  Sources say, "Farella has knowledge of the intricacies of insurance law and seasoned experience with a multitude of insurance company claims personnel."  Attorneys ranked include William Friedrich and Mary McCutcheon.

Litigation (General Commercial):  Sources say,  "Very bright and engaged lawyers who provide good value for money."  Doug Young is ranked.

Litigation (White Collar Crime & Government Investigations):  Sources say, "Farella is an excellent regional firm."  Doug Young is ranked.

Real Estate:  Sources say, "A highly professional and friendly group that has the depth and strength to handle any issues that may arise."  Steven Vettel is ranked.

Additionally, Partner John Cooper earned a ranking in the Intellectual Property practice area.  A source commented, "He is very bright intellectually, and understands engineering, which really helps my company." 

Chambers USA ranks both law firms and attorneys.  Qualities on which the rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients.  The rankings are derived from surveys and interviews with in-house counsel.

Please visit the Chambers & Partners website for the full Chambers USA 2011 rankings and editorial for Farella Braun + Martel practices and attorneys: https://chambers.com/law-firm/farella-braun-martel-llp-usa-5:65249.

Farella Braun + Martel represents clients throughout the United States and abroad in sophisticated business transactions and high-stakes commercial, civil and criminal litigation. Founded in 1962, the firm is headquartered in San Francisco and maintains an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry. Farella Braun + Martel lawyers are known for their imaginative legal solutions, dynamism and intellectual creativity. With an unwavering service ethic and interdisciplinary team approach, the firm is committed to advancing clients' objectives in the most effective, coordinated and efficient manner. Farella Braun + Martel is a green business. 

Contacts:
Melinda Hepp / Traci Stuart
Blattel Communications
415.397.4811    
[email protected] / [email protected] 

Cheryl Loof
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
415.954.4433
[email protected]