June 7, 2012 – Foster Pepper PLLC’s continued success in four practice areas received high rankings in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA, with the firm’s Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy, Land Use and Real Estate practices receiving the highest rankings.
Gary Ackerman, Beth Clark, Gary Fluhrer, and Michael Kuntz were named as leading individuals in real estate. Chambers noted that the group has “a commanding presence in both real estate and land use law. Commentators highlight the team’s strength in condominium projects, real estate financing and municipal law, and praise the firm’s impressive depth for its size. Beth Clark concentrates on real estate and land use matters, often for clients operating in the energy and utilities, infrastructure and transportation industries. Gary Ackerman is highly regarded for his expertise in condominium and homeowner association law and its applications to residential, commercial and mixed-use condominium projects. Michael Kuntz has made a name for himself acting for commercial and residential developers. His experience extends to architect and construction contracting, and hydroelectric projects. Gary Fluhrer has worked on all manner of residential, commercial and portfolio real estate projects, with a particular focus on the hospitality and infrastructure sectors.”
In the land use practice area, Judith Runstad, Dick Settle and Tom Walsh were listed as leading attorneys. Chambers notes “Judith Runstad’s real estate and land use expertise is particularly sought after by major players in the alcohol and sport and leisure sectors. Thomas Walsh represents private and public companies, as well as institutional clients, in matters concerning land use projects and environmental law. Richard Settle is widely considered to be ‘one of the leading authors and scholars’ in the field of land use law. He is much sought after by clients undertaking large, sophisticated projects.”
Foster Pepper’s Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy practice also received Chambers’ highest ranking, naming practice group members Chris Alston, Deborah Crabbe, Jack Cullen and Dillon Jackson as leading individuals in the practice. According to Chambers, ‘A top-flight practice.’ “Jack Cullen has represented creditors, debtors, bondholder committees and trustees in bankruptcy courts across and land. Recently, he successfully reorganized a large condominium project out of bankruptcy, cleared the title and recapitalized it. Sources say Dillon Jackson is ‘just a terrific bankruptcy lawyer’. He has comprehensive and detailed experience in Chapter 11, debtor-creditor relations and restructuring. A seasoned litigator, Chris Alston represents committees, debtors, secured creditors, landlords and trustees in contentious Chapter 11 reorganizations. ‘Astute, dynamic and impressive practitioner’ Deborah Crabbe handles a wide range of matters, including receiverships, secured transactions and workouts.”
Finally, the firm’s Corporate/Commercial practice area was also recognized by Chambers as “a respected corporate practice which spans a wide range of services required by businesses, including corporate governance, financing, restructuring and M&A. The team is particularly noted for its work on behalf of hedge and private equity funds, for which it undertakes matters of national and international scope. Sources say ‘Sophisticated, responsive and a joy to work with’.” Chambers noted “Robert Diercks attracts plaudits for his ‘practical, thorough and careful’ approach to M&A transactions, public and private offerings, limited liability companies and partnership matters. Allen Israel’s practice straddles corporate, commercial, contract and real estate law. He is expert in all manner of business transactions and other concerns and has a particular strength in reorganizations. Robert Kunold, Jr. is noted for his ability in major M&A deals and projects in a range of key industry sectors. His practice has a strong cross-border dimension. Mike Gamsky is adored by clients for his ‘responsiveness and excellent advice and his creative, strategic mind’. He specializes in M&A, securities and structured finance.”
Chambers & Partners is a London-based publishing company, producing legal services guides around the globe. Leading international law firms and individuals are ranked in the principal areas of law. The Chambers USA Guide follows the same pattern, covering every state in the USA. Top firms and attorneys are ranked and their merits described – often in the words of clients they have interviewed.
With offices in Seattle and Spokane, Foster Pepper PLLC provides a full range of legal services to businesses, municipalities and individuals, both regionally and across the country. In 2005, the firm entered its second century of service.