Nossaman's Eminent Domain, Environment & Land Use, Healthcare, Infrastructure and Public Policy Practices Recognized by Chambers
Chambers & Partners has recognized 14 Nossaman attorneys along with the Firm’s Eminent Domain, Environment & Land Use, Healthcare, Public Policy and Infrastructure Practice Groups in its 2016 Chambers USA guide of leading law firms and lawyers.
The 2016 edition distinguishes Nossaman as one of only five firms in the top-tier of law firms nationally in the Projects: Public Private Partnership (PPP) category. Chambers noted that the group is widely recognized for its work representing public bodies, including government departments, universities and state authorities, in large PPP negotiations [and is] active on the structuring and running of both road and rail bidding processes for a cross-section of national clients.
Clients commented that the Firm has a wealth of knowledge and helped draft a lot of legislation in this area and that they really paid attention to issues that were important to us on [the financial] side. Chambers noted the group's work advising the Florida Department of Transportation on the $2.3 billion I-4 Ultimate Managed Lanes Project and counselling the Regents of the University of California on the $1 billion campus update at the University of California, Merced—the first U.S. campus expansion to use a PPP availability payment model. Infrastructure Practice Group Partners Barney Allison, Corey Boock, Patrick Harder, Yukiko Kojima and Geoffrey Yarema were selected as leading lawyers in the category.
Many of the lawyers in the Infrastructure Practice Group were also singled out for individual praise. Patrick Harder, Chair of Nossaman's Infrastructure Practice Group, was praised by clients for being very knowledgeable about public-private partnerships and for his diplomatic approach to solving problems while still finding solutions that are in the client’s best interest. Editors commented that Geoffrey Yarema is a veteran PPP operator who was one of the first lawyers to operate in this space in the U.S.A. Chambers noted that Corey Boock is a PPP lawyer who is experienced in representing public bodies in deal negotiation and structuring, and Barney Allison was commended by sources for being a smart lawyer who understands all the issues well.
Chambers also recognized Nossaman as a leading California and Washington, D.C. law firm in Environmental law, and commented that the California team is a robust group able to handle an array of environmental matters [and is] known for its work in permitting and litigation, acting for corporate clients and public agencies in the transportation sector, [and] also noted for its grasp of clean water issues and the Endangered Species Act.
Clients stated attorneys in the practice make them feel as though we are their only client, that we are special. We appreciate that. Chambers noted the group's work representing the Arizona Department of Transportation as lead environmental counsel in the $1.8 billion development of the South Mountain Freeway project in Phoenix and acting for the Imperial Irrigation District on obtaining approval for an agriculture to urban water transfer project.
Environment and Land Use Partners Robert Thornton and Mary Lynn Coffee were recognized as leading attorneys in California, and Partners Svend Brandt-Erichsen and Steven Quarles were highlighted as leading attorneys in Washington state, and Washington, D.C., respectively. Mr. Thornton's praise included having in-depth knowledge of issues relating to the Endangered Species Act. Mr. Brandt-Erichsen was noted by his clients for being very talented and for his work on the development and operation of energy and natural resource projects, and Mr. Quarles was recognized as a go-to attorney for Endangered Species Act work.
Recognized once again as a leading firm in Healthcare in California, Nossaman was lauded for its healthcare presence in California with particular strength in managed care matters and medical staff and peer review. Clients noted that Nossaman's Healthcare attorneys know exactly what needs to be done, and deal with matters swiftly and effortlessly. Chambers referenced the group's work providing regulatory advice to The Word & Brown Companies in relation to the CalChoice Program.
Nossaman also received recognition as a leading California law firm in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use category. Editors commented that the Firm is known for advising on all aspects of the land use permitting process, including zoning, CEQA, coastal developments and eminent domain. One client stated that the practice group is effective…in terms of results. Chambers noted the group's representation of the LA Metropolitan Transportation Authority in various eminent domain negotiations involved in its acquisitions of properties in connection with the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project.
Partner and Chair of the Firm's Eminent Domain Practice Group Bradford Kuhn was recognized as an Up and Comer by Chambers for his work in the practice throughout California—with one client stating that he has a very thorough understanding of the condemnation and eminent domain areas of law. He is effective in providing us with focused and pragmatic solutions to issues.
Chambers employs a rigorous methodology that sets it apart from other legal guides and lists. The organization uses a large dedicated research staff to conduct original research. Feedback from interviews with participating firms' clients and other industry leaders provides the basis of its tiered rankings. Chambers recognizes firms and individuals by practice area both nationally and regionally. For additional information on Chambers' research methodology, click here: http://www.chambersandpartners.com/methodology