17 Hirschler Attorneys and Four Practice Areas Achieve Earn Top Rankings in Chambers USA

05.21.2021

Hirschler is pleased to announce the inclusion of 17 attorneys in six different practice areas in the 2021 edition of Chambers USA, a highly regarded directory featuring client-driven intelligence on America’s leading lawyers for business. In addition, Hirschler was recognized among Virginia’s top-ranked law firms in the Bankruptcy / Restructuring, Construction and Litigation (General Commercial) practice categories and in the 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 2021 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.”

The Hirschler attorneys recognized in the 2021 Chambers USA guide, along with the practice areas in which they were selected, are:

Richmond, Virginia

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

Alina Savage, Corporate / M&A

Emily M. Scott, Litigation: General Commercial

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

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

Robert R. Vieth, Litigation: General Commercial

Jay Yurow, Real Estate

Emily M. Scott, newly ranked in the guide this year, is lauded for her litigation practice and client counsel in the healthcare sector, including work in large-scale, multidistrict litigation and constitutional challenges. Clients interviewed by Chambers commented “she is very impressive,” and “she is really good at what she does and is a good communicator.”

In Chambers’ editorial comments about the firm, clients shared insight on Hirschler’s Commercial Litigation practice, saying of the firm, “They are always professional and prepared. I have never had a moment when they did not have my complete trust.” Individually, clients interviewed noted that Tysons Corner Office Managing Partner Wayne G. Travell has “an impressive commercial litigation practice that draws on extensive strength at the trial and appellate level,” as well as experience in complex ADR proceedings. Partner Robert R. Vieth earned praise for his representation of clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, with one client calling him “super smart and a solid litigator.” Another client complimented John R. Walk, partner, saying, “Working with John Walk is great – he is very effective and he communicates clearly, but without excess. You get a response, but not a sermon.”

Hirschler’s Corporate M&A practice is also 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 client noted their positive working relationship with the team, with others offering additional commentary on Hirschler’s individually ranked attorneys. Chambers called S. Brian Farmer highly regarded for his work advising investment funds, with one client saying, “He is very knowledgeable in investment management and has a great sense of the market terms. He provides a great service.” Another said he was “very business-minded and creative. One client commented on Executive Vice President Andrew M. Lohmann, saying “He is professional and responsive, and his advice is well thought out and understandable. He is also quick to point me to the right person in the firm on all issues.” 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. Describing Alina A. Savage, honored among Chamber’s Associates to Watch, Chambers said she “is developing a superb corporate practice with a particular focus on the representation of institutional investors.”

Chambers praises 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 “offers very practical advice and distills the information down to what we need to know.” Partner David Swan received praise for his counsel on Chapter 11 proceedings, creditors’ rights issues and asset sales, with one client saying “He’s very collaborative and thinks outside the box. He provides creative solutions to meet the goals of the business.” Lawrence A. Katz, partner, was recognized for his broad bankruptcy practice and experience acting as a Chapter 11 trustee. Chambers said Partner Robert Westermann is highly esteemed for his handling of complex Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 proceedings. A client noted Westermann as “a zealous advocate with lots of experience.” Partner Stephen E. Leach is also commended by a client saying, “He’s knowledgeable and has a very calm demeanor. He’s a good sounding board.”

Hirschler’s Real Estate practice is also lauded by Chambers for its involvement in many of Virginia’s most significant real estate developments, transactions and financings. 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 say the practice includes “Virginia specialists” and is complemented by a “strong litigation team.” Clients also say, “they’re fantastic” and “they’re business-minded, efficient and consistent.” Individually, Real Estate Section Chair Charles H. Rothenberg was noted for “his very strong land use practice and a very good reputation” by sources in the regional market. James W. Theobald, partner, was recognized for his “extensive experience acting for developers on zoning and land use matters.”

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. One client said, “They are extremely knowledgeable in contract law and they’re very responsive,” and another commented, “Hirschler is a well-respected and professional firm that strives hard to meet client needs.” Individually, Chambers noted Webb Moore, partner, for the benefit of his experience as an attorney and a former engineer for clients on a range of construction and real estate matters. His peers said “He is a creative problem solver and people like working with him. He is successful at bringing people to the table and negotiating favorable outcomes.” Chambers also noted Hirschler President Courtney Paulk for her considerable experience in construction matters, including contract negotiations and disputes concerning delay, defect and payment.

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.