SAN FRANCISCO, CA (June 12, 2009):  Farella Braun + Martel received top rankings in the 2009 Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Lawyers for Business.  The firm was recognized as one of the leading law firms nationally in Construction and Food & Beverages (Alcohol). In California, ranked practices included Construction, Environmental, Insurance Coverage, Intellectual Property, Commercial Litigation and White Collar Crime & Government Investigations.

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 the client.  The rankings are derived from surveys and interviews with in-house counsel.

Farella Braun + Martel ranked practice areas and attorneys:

National:

Food & Beverages (Alcohol):  The Beverage practice was noted for often combining "its corporate expertise with the firm's wider strengths in real estate, environmental and land use law to ensure it is the go-to firm for winery transactions." Client remarked that special counsel Susan Cagann "has been there and understands the stresses and strains of being in the business."

Construction:  The Construction practice was highlighted for its "copious expertise" which "extends to a host of projects including hospitals, mixed use developments, bridges, dams, laboratories and university housing." Clients reported the team brings "unusually fine judgment, strategy and cost-consciousness" to matters.

California:

Construction:  According to clients "we use this firm because we know we're getting the best" from the team of prominent "go-to lawyers for contractual issues." They described partner Charles Sink as "personable, responsive and a great all-rounder," while partner Carl Switzer was regarded as "a great strategist with a talent for solving disputes prior to litigation."  Partner Deborah Ballati received "excellent market feedback for developing great working relationships with clients and good rapport with other attorneys and mediators."  Of counsel Al Harris was noted as an excellent mediator with three decades of experience in construction law.  Clients praised partner Jeff Sykes for being an "extremely bright and an excellent strategic thinker."

Environmental:  Clients reported having "immense respect for this practice, which while not the largest in the state, has an extremely strong team of environmental lawyers advising on the full spectrum of environmental law and product stewardship."  Partner James Bruen was described as a "great practitioner" who is "best known for toxic tort and Superfund work."

Insurance (Policy Holder):  Clients applauded the group for "always getting the job done when it  says it will, even when faced with tight deadlines" and praised them for their "ability to clearly explain complicated concepts or arcane aspects of insurance law."  Partner Mary McCutcheon was described as "well known for her insightful and practical advice," while partner Bill Friedrich was lauded for his "personability and dynamic representation of clients."

Intellectual Property (Patent):  Partner John Cooper was noted for his "leadership and trial skills." 

Litigation (General Commercial):  The Business Litigation practice was noted as becoming most prominent for its appellate work and for its impressive clients, such as Visa, Dell, and Apple.  Regarding partner Doug Young, clients noted that: "Every judge really respects him; he is number one in the country in terms of credibility."

Litigation (White Collar Crime & Government Investigations):  The White Collar Crime practice was highlighted for representing officers of a major company in federal derivative and stockholder litigation arising from alleged options backdating.  Partner Doug Young was considered a "strong defense lawyer" by clients and noted for his "wide-ranging expertise in white-collar defense, civil and regulatory proceedings, IP, securities and antitrust."

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.  www.fbm.com

Contact:
Cheryl Loof
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
415.954.4433