Recognized among top firms in the country for Middle Market M&A, Technology Transactions and Outsourcing, and REITs; William Russell and Charles Morton named Leading Lawyers
Washington, DC (June 26, 2013) – Legal 500, considered one of the most comprehensive worldwide qualitative guides available on legal services providers, has announced its 2013 rankings. Venable’s Corporate Group continued its strong showing in the national rankings with recognition in four separate areas: M&A: Middle Market (Sub $500m), Technology: Outsourcing, Technology: Transactions and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The latest edition recognized attorneys from the firm’s Baltimore, MD; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; and Washington, DC offices.
Partners William T. Russell and Charles J. Morton, Jr. received special recognition as Leading Lawyers in Technology: Transactions and M&A: Middle Market (Sub $500m) respectively. Mr. Morton was described by a client in the Legal 500 editorial as “a standout attorney…he has exceptional market knowledge.” Leading Lawyers are selected from all the nationally recommended attorneys in a particular category and represent those few individuals, who, in the view of their peers, represent the highest standards of their practice. This is Mr. Russell’s third year as a Leading Lawyer and Mr. Morton’s second. Mr. Russell was one of only 12 attorneys nationwide named a Leading Lawyer in Technology: Transactions. Mr. Morton was one of 15 attorneys nationwide named a Leading Lawyer in M&A: Middle Market (Sub $500m).
Venable’s middle-market (Sub-$500m) M&A practice was highly ranked and, in addition to Mr. Morton’s recognition, the editorial praised Sharon A. Kroupa’s work and recognized the addition of Bobby N. Turnage, Jr. in the past year. One particularly satisfied client praised the group calling its service “very strong.”
In the Technology: Outsourcing category, Legal 500 recognized Mr. Russell, James E. Nelson, Nora E. Garrote and A.J. Zottola. The team was also praised for its “high level of service and expertise” in the Technology: Transactions category in which Mr. Zottola was described as “reliable, responsive and smart.” Michelle Ontiveros Gross was also recognized for her prowess in technology transactions.
Venable’s Baltimore-based Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) was called “the best of the Maryland REIT firms,” and praised for being “very knowledgeable on all issues of Maryland law, and giv[ing] practical advice based on extensive experience.” Partners singled out on the “first rate team” at the “go-to practice” include James J. Hanks, Jr., Ms. Kroupa, Patricia McGowan and Christopher W. Pate. Mr. Hanks was called “a leading Maryland corporate lawyer” while Ms. Kroupa was noted as an attorney who “has experience of almost every type of deal, and is a great resource.” One source said the “experienced and knowledgeable” Ms. McGowan “keeps abreast of every leading-edge development.”
“This recognition shows the momentum our group continues to build nationally. We are grateful for the continued support from our clients who play a pivotal role in how we are perceived by Legal 500,” said Mr. Morton who co-chairs Venable’s Corporate Group along with Ms. Kroupa. “It’s also incredibly humbling to be recognized two years in a row as one of the top mid-market M&A lawyers in America.” Added Mr. Russell, “Many clients look to Legal 500 as an important reference in the legal industry for top firms and attorneys, and I greatly appreciate their continued recognition of my practice and the group as a whole.”
The Legal 500 results continue the group’s recent momentum from the U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers® 2012-2013 rankings which named Venable a Tier 1 firm nationwide for Mergers & Acquisitions Law and Technology Law. The group also earned high marks nationally for Corporate Law, Private Equity Law and Venture Capital Law.
Firmwide, Legal 500 recognized a record 59 Venable attorneys and 15 practice groups in its latest edition including six attorneys who were named Leading Lawyers.
Published for over 25 years, the Legal 500 series is an independent guide, and recommends firms and individuals purely on merit. Each year, more than 250,000 corporate counsel are surveyed and interviewed to determine the guide’s recommendations. The Legal 500 United States is the only guide to recommend firms on a national basis, and in 2013, recommended just 311 firms.
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