Chambers USA 2021

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) is pleased to announce that the firm and numerous attorneys are recognized in Chambers USA 2021. The firm received 29 regional rankings in 14 practice areas, while 72 attorneys are recognized for their outstanding work as individuals.

BCLP achieved national rankings in the practice areas of Environment, Franchising, Outsourcing, Real Estate and Sports Law.

Chambers noted that BCLP’s Environment Practice is known for offering experienced counsel to clients from the energy and mining sector on a broad range of environmental regulatory compliance and enforcement issues, as well as toxic tort litigation and permitting. The group was also noted for its handling of complex transactions involving brownfield redevelopment of former military bases and chemical plants, among other industrial sites, and for counseling clients on international M&A and risk management procedures. “You get big-firm level expertise but also a very personal service. They are really great,” a client said.

The firm’s Franchise & Distribution Practice was featured as handling a broad range of sophisticated and complex franchising matters. Members offer domestic and international capability in both franchise transactional matters and litigation, with notable experience in acquisitions, class actions and general financing and regulatory work. Chambers noted BCLP has particular strength in countries such as France, Germany, the UK and China, and is regularly called on by major franchisors in the construction, automotive and hospitality industries. “It is an experienced team that genuinely understands the franchise world,” a client said.

The firm’s Outsourcing Group was noted for its wide-ranging practice, taking on ITO and BPO transactions as well as providing guidance on areas such as vendor management and deal structure. The team brings to bear valuable knowledge of the leading service providers when advising on the customer side and is well placed to advise on new technologies such as blockchain and AI, and across the key industries of financial services and fintech, insurance and higher education. “They're absolutely superb,” a source told Chambers. “They're a very strong team and they work well together. They're tireless, very patient and are very good at distilling complex concepts into simple ones.”

BCLP’s Real Estate Practice was featured for representing clients in matters related to multiple asset classes, including office, multifamily, hospitality, retail, industrial and mixed-use properties. The group draws upon a sizable nationwide footprint to advise across mandate types including acquisition, leasing, construction and development. “It's a really great team,” one client commented. “We really appreciate that they cover such a wide variety of practice areas.”

The firm’s highest nationwide practice ranking came for Sports Law, in Band 2. Chambers reported that the practice boasts a highly capable team that is international in scope and adept at advising on significant antidoping mandates for antidoping agencies and sporting organizations. The group is respected for its work with international sporting bodies and domestic minor leagues as well as emerging sports. Other areas of deep experience include naming rights, sponsorship agreements, stadium development and corporate transactions. BCLP’s Sports Law Practice is one of just two in the world recognized by Chambers as having a leading sports practice in both the U.S. and the U.K. “They have a very substantial practice in anti-doping,” one source said. Another described the team as “one of the top firms on the side of the governing bodies.”

In addition, the publication acknowledged nine lawyers on a nationwide basis:

Accolades went to Jonathan Solish (Band 1) and Ken Costello in Franchising. The publication featured client praise, saying: “It is an experienced team that genuinely understands the franchise world.”

Susan M C Kovarovics is noted for her work in International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions. "Her clients value her practical advice on compliance matters." 

Charles F. Hollis III, Derek C. Johnston and Sean D. Christy are listed in Outsourcing, with commentators saying that "the team is very strong and there is always a consistent and thorough approach to issues and to the matter."

Richard R. Young, Steven B. Smith and Ryan Davis are recognized for Sports Law. Clients offered the following comment for the group: “We have been extremely grateful for the quality of their work, the sophistication of their counsel and their responsiveness.”

Chambers and Partners ranks lawyers and law firms based on their technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and on other qualities most valued by the client. For more information about Chambers and Partners, visit their website at www.chambers.com.