Press Release

Date:  6/13/2008

16 Firm Attorneys Recognized in Prestigious Legal Guide Chambers USA

ORLANDO, Fla.; June 13, 2008 — The statewide law firm Broad and Cassel has once again received recognition by prominent legal guide Chambers USA: A Guide to America’s Leading Business Lawyers, the only legal directory to rank law firms and individual attorneys.

The Health Law Practice Group received top honors in the guide, led by practice group leaders Gabriel L. Imperato and Mike Segal. In total, the 2008 USA edition features 9 Broad and Cassel practice groups and 16 attorneys. The following is a summary of the Chamber USA commentary:

Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The practice group was recognized for its strength in the Orlando market and success in the creditors’ rights field. Roy S. Kobert, Orlando Partner and Chair of the Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Practice Group, was credited with being the engine that drives the team, noting that he “enthusiastically stokes the fires” of the practice.

Business & Finance: The dynamic operation was lauded for catching market sources’ attention for its “unparalleled level of activity” in public finance, led by Orlando Partner and Public Finance Co-Chair Joseph B. Stanton. Noted as “one of the top choices” for public finance and underwriters counsel, Stanton was also recognized as “an outstanding financial lawyer who thinks outside the box and works exceedingly hard.” Under the direction of Boca Raton Partner Arvin J. Jaffe, who leads the Banking & Institutional Lending Practice Group, the group was acknowledged as “clearly on the rise.” Jaffe, who focuses on institutional lending, was also noted as “an impressive attorney with great understanding of the business at hand.”

Construction: Once again noted as a growing force in Florida, the Construction Law and Litigation Practice Group was acknowledged for its high-profile work and strong presence in the Orlando market, which permeates throughout the state. Noting the broad spectrum of the team’s capability on construction matters, the group was praised for its expertise in delay and defect claims. Practice Group Chair and Orlando Partner Michael K. Wilson was described as “a really talented attorney.”

Corporate/M&A: Making its debut in the legal guide, the group arrived on a wave of positive endorsement: “Its work in midmarket deals is simply superb!” With more than eight offices across the state, the practice group was lauded as well-equipped to handle the business needs of a range of multinational and domestic clients. West Palm Beach Partner Kathleen Deutsch and Miami Partner Jeffry Robinson received recognition as leaders within the successful group.

Environment: Acknowledged once again for his unmatched expertise in endangered species matters, Tallahassee Partner Douglas Rillstone, who also serves as Chair of the Firm’s Land Use and Environmental Practice Group, was honored for his leadership in the industry.

Healthcare: Recognized throughout the state, and renowned as national speakers and published authors, the Health Law Practice Group was lauded as “wonderful people who are really quality lawyers.” Health Law Practice Group Chair and Miami Partner Mike Segal was lauded as “the godfather of healthcare law in Florida,” recognizing his expertise in the representation of physician groups. Leading the group in its praise for its expertise in fraud and reimbursement issues, Fort Lauderdale Managing Partner Gabriel L. Imperato was distinguished as the undisputed fraud and abuse luminary and deemed “a good investigative kind of guy. He ferrets out the truth and gets to the heart of the matter” Tackling transactional, regulatory and enforcement work, the group shined brightest for their activity in the regulatory and enforcement arena: “Their depth of understanding of the laws and nuances pertaining to the regulations is astounding,” clients noted. Clients also valued Fort Lauderdale Partner Lester Perling’s extensive background in healthcare and social work. Tallahassee Partner Douglas Mannheimer, who chairs the Firm’s Governmental Relations Practice Group, was noted for his lobbying work on behalf of healthcare clients; while Tallahassee Partner Donna Stinson was acknowledged for her representation of nursing home clients and experience as former general counsel to the Florida Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services.

Litigation: The Firm was acknowledged for building a strong litigation group around its transactional strengths in real estate and financial services, and was lauded for operating “a straightforward and transparent approach,” and noted for its cost-effectiveness. West Palm Beach Managing Partner Patricia Lebow was listed as “a tough cookie but a great person to work with,” and distinguished as “extremely well known and highly regarded in the local community.” In the specialized arena of Appellate Law, Fort Lauderdale Partner Beverly Pohl was lauded for her top notch case work and ability to manage various federal litigation and appellate matters, often representing indigent prisoners on behalf of the Florida Supreme Court.

Real Estate: Noted for its long history in the South Florida market and growing presence across the state with nearly 50 attorneys, the practice group was recognized as exceptionally strong in the development and sale of multi-housing and commercial developments. Admired for his real estate financing work, Firm Chairman C. David Brown, II, was noted for “running a tight ship” and inspiring respect among his peers, who deem him “an absolute pleasure to work with.” Orlando Partner Jim Slater was also recognized for his representation of developers, owners and investors in real estate transactions, including financing, developments and sales.

The Chambers USA: A Guide to American’s Leading Business Lawyers, is an independent, objective, research-based legal directory. Attorneys and law firms are selected for inclusion by strong recommendations from the market and according to reputation. This year, over 50 full-time researchers conducted thousands of interviews in order to determine the most exceptional law firms and attorneys.

Based in London, Chambers and Partners began as a general book publisher in 1969, then launched a legal recruitment consultancy four years later. The Chambers Directory has been published since 1990.

Broad and Cassel is one of Florida’s most prestigious corporate law firms, serving clients worldwide from Boca Raton, Destin, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Founded by Alvin Cassel and Shepard Broad in 1946, the Firm has more than 175 attorneys with extensive experience in a wide variety of practice areas including: Corporate and Securities; Construction Law and Litigation; Real Estate Development; Estate Planning and Trusts; Commercial Litigation; Health Law; Law Use and Environmental Law; Taxation; Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights; Labor and Employment; Eminent Domain; Auto Dealership/Repair Shop Defense and Regulatory Compliance; Appellate Law; Public Finance and Capital Projects; and White Collar Crime and Civil Fraud Defense. For more information, please visit us online at www.broadandcassel.com.

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For more information, contact:
Jessi Blakley, Consensus Communications
407/835-0020 x105
jessi@onmessage.com