17 Hirschler Attorneys and Five Practice Areas Earn Top Ranking by Chambers USA 

06.03.2022

Hirschler is pleased to announce that 17 attorneys in five different practice areas were included in the 2022 edition of Chambers USA, a highly regarded directory featuring client-driven intelligence on America’s leading lawyers for business. Hirschler was also recognized among Virginia’s top-ranked law firms in the Bankruptcy / Restructuring, Construction and Litigation (General Commercial) practice categories and in Virginia’s Southern region for its Corporate / M&A and Real Estate / Land Use practices.

“We are honored by the generous feedback of our clients and peers that led to the firm’s recognition in the 2022 Chambers USA Guide,” said Courtney Paulk, president of Hirschler. “There is no higher compliment than being distinguished for high-quality work, exceptional service and a business-minded approach to the practice of law.”

Richmond, Virginia

Kelly J. Bundy, Construction

Brian Farmer, Corporate / M&A

Lisa J. Hedrick, Corporate / M&A

Andrew M. Lohmann, Corporate / M&A

Webb Moore, Construction

Courtney M. Paulk, Construction

Charles H. Rothenberg, Real Estate and Real Estate: Zoning / Land Use

Emily M. Scott, Litigation: General Commercial

James W. Theobald, Real Estate: Zoning / Land Use

Robert R. Vieth, Litigation: General Commercial

John R. Walk, Litigation: General Commercial

Robert S. Westermann, Bankruptcy / Restructuring

Tysons, Virginia

Lawrence A. Katz, Bankruptcy / Restructuring 

Stephen E. Leach, Bankruptcy / Restructuring 

David I. Swan, Bankruptcy / Restructuring

Wayne G. Travell, Litigation: General Commercial

Jay Yurow, Real Estate

Chambers praised Hirschler’s Bankruptcy / Restructuring practice as “a leading firm for midmarket bankruptcies in the state and well-suited to serving as local counsel on larger cases.” The practice is noted for its creditors’ rights work and representation of debtors when handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 matters, as well as out-of-court restructuring, bankruptcy litigation and Section 363 asset sales. One client said the team “often provides an explanation with implications on our case before I have reviewed the filing/email summary. This creates efficiency from a client’s perspective.” Another client added “We can always count on Hirschler to be responsive around the clock.” Partner David Swan received praise for his counsel on Chapter 11 proceedings, creditors’ rights issues and asset sales, with one client saying “David’s responsiveness and efforts to proactively identify and explain complex bankruptcy issues in a manner that is understandable to our specific situation has been essential. David is an excellent bankruptcy lawyer and has a very good sense of strategy and case dynamics that he uses to get cases successfully resolved.” Lawrence A. Katz, partner, was recognized for his broad bankruptcy practice and experience acting as a Chapter 11 trustee. “We often consider hiring Lawrence Katz as a trustee in cases. He is very reliable and good to work with,” one respondent said. Chambers said Partner Robert Westermann is highly esteemed for his handling of complex Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 proceedings. A client said “Robbie is a seasoned veteran and a sophisticated Chapter 11 practitioner, and knows the Eastern District of Virginia inside and out. He is our trusted go-to adviser whenever we need assistance in Virginia. We have worked with him on routine matters and mega, international Chapter 11 cases. He has the bandwidth and the team to function at the highest levels of Chapter 11 practice." Another client added "The top band is warranted for Robert. He handles good-quality and strong work and has key positions in representing creditor committees." Stephen Leach, partner, was also recognized for his wealth of experience advising debtors and trustees on Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 proceedings, with a client saying he “is a lawyer’s lawyer. He is calm, smart, confident and capable.”

Discussing Hirschler’s Commercial Litigation practice, one client said, “They are very knowledgeable in complex commercial matters. They provide consistent high-level support in a timely fashion.” Another client added “The Hirschler team is excellent in supporting complex needs including both strategic leadership and tactical execution.”  Individually, clients interviewed noted that Tysons Partner Wayne G. Travell has “one of the most accomplished litigators with whom I have had the pleasure to work,” and noted his experience in commercial litigation and complex ADR proceedings. Partner Robert R. Vieth earned praise for his representation of clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, with one client calling him “very knowledgeable about corporate litigation matters.” John Walk was noted for his handling of real estate litigation as part of his broad trial and appellate practice, as well as his experience in insurance and environmental disputes. Of Emily Scott, one client said “She helps us tremendously, she gets everything on file and helps us strategically when it comes to filing motions and how to go to the judges.”

Chambers recognized Hirschler’s Construction practice as “a well-regarded construction practice which advises clients throughout the lifecycle of a project,” and one that acts for a varied client base, including contractors, developers and owners. Individually, Chambers noted R. Webb Moore, partner, for the benefit of his experience as an attorney and a former engineer for clients on range of construction and real estate matters. He was also noted as “a wonderful attorney and amazing litigator” by a client respondent. Chambers also noted Hirschler President Courtney M. Paulk for her considerable experience in construction matters, including contract negotiations and disputes concerning delay, defect and payment. Newly ranked Kelly J. Bundy was recognized as a notable practitioner known for her counsel for owners, contractors and design professionals in contract drafting and negotiation, as well as construction claims and regulatory compliance. One commentator noted that “Kelly is an excellent attorney.”

Hirschler’s Corporate M&A practice is recognized for its broad, midmarket-focused practice and strengths in investment management for institutional investors, mergers and acquisitions and ancillary areas like tax, franchising and estate planning. One respondent said “Hirschler's team is very deep and broad with experience in the private equity areas. From senior partners to midlevel associates, they all seem to have the same level of enthusiasm and interest in being on the cutting edge of private equity legal matters, and their intersection with Virginia state law issues. No matter what our need is, Hirschler has the perfect attorney to give us the guidance that we need." Another said the team is “very committed to timely, responsive and sensitive client service. The firm has very strong client service ethos.” Chambers called S. Brian Farmer highly regarded for his work advising investment funds, with one client saying, “Brian has been a long-time trusted legal adviser. His experience and expertise are valued assets.” Executive Vice President Andrew M. Lohmann was noted for ably handling a wide variety of corporate transactions, including M&A and private equity transactions on behalf of both buyers and sellers. M&A Partner Lisa J. Hedrick was noted by Chambers for “her expertise in M&A and private equity transactions,” adding she also is experienced in capital raisings.

Hirschler’s Real Estate practice is recognized by Chambers for its high level of activity in significant developments regionally. The practice is featured as a top-rated firm by Chambers since 2003 with strength in development, transactional, land use and zoning matters for developments in the mixed-use, retail, office, multifamily and hotels sectors. Commentators said of the practice “They’re determined to foster strong client experience.” Individually, Real Estate Section Chair Charles H. Rothenberg was noted for “strength in zoning and land use as well as transactional matters, with one client adding “Charles was outstanding.” James W. Theobald, partner, was recognized for his “extensive experience acting for developers on zoning and land use matters.” Chambers commented on M. Jay Yurow, partner in Tysons, by saying he is held in high esteem for his broad real estate practice, which encompasses the acquisition and financing of a wide range of property types. “Jay is simply amazing. I very much appreciate his expertise and savvy,” said one client. “Jay is a solid leader and has provided invaluable input,” another added. “He is very thorough and always responsive.”

About Chambers USA

Chambers USA is one of the most distinguished guides to law firms and lawyers across the country. Every year, Chambers & Partners conducts thousands of in-depth interviews with clients to assess the reputations of business lawyers. Top firms and lawyers are ranked, and their merits described – usually in the words of their clients that are interviewed by the Chamber’s research staff. It is the weight of client interviews that gives Chambers & Partners’ guides their highly valued credibility and reliability. For more information, visit www.chambersandpartners.com.