News: Chambers USA: Ungaretti & Harris Ranks Among Top Firms in Banking & Finance, Corporate, Healthcare, and Labor & Employment Practices

Ungaretti & Harris has had four practices—Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A & Private Equity, Healthcare, and Labor & Employment—ranked among Illinois’ best in the 2011 edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business. This highly regarded guide to the legal profession rates attorneys based on technical legal skills, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients.

Regarding Ungaretti & Harris’Banking & Finance practice, Chambers notes:

“This firm is an emerging force in the market. In September 2010 it hired former Latham & Watkins attorney Don Schwartz to develop the finance practice. The new group is already winning acclaim, especially in areas such as asset-backed lending and restructuring. Given the firm's traditional strength in the healthcare sector, it has recently been acting for several healthcare clients. New recruit and practice head Donald Schwartz is an experienced and respected market figure, adept at straight financing, debt securities and refinancing. ‘He knows his way around the market and how to play all the angles,’ say sources.”

About Ungaretti & Harris’Corporate practice, Chambers says:

“This Chicago firm is a respected midmarket player and the corporate and securities department attracts a healthy flow of M&A mandates. The firm's newly established finance and restructuring group is focused on distressed M&A transactions in the midmarket and is designed to complement the corporate practice. Sources say, ‘The firm is available 24/7 and always comes to the table thoroughly prepared and results-oriented. It achieves outstanding results while working to short deadlines.’ Gary Levenstein chairs the corporate and securities group and has expertise in corporate governance and finance. Clients appreciate that, ‘he's a great technical attorney but also a businessman, so it's like having a consultant too.’”

Chambers notes the following about Ungaretti & Harris’ Healthcare practice and attorneys:

“Ungaretti & Harris has a 16-strong team devoted to healthcare matters and represents health systems, medical device manufacturers, healthcare venture capital funds and bond underwriters. Sources say, ‘Ungaretti & Harris has a small but very sharp and efficient healthcare department with valuable ties to the Attorney General.’ Thomas Fahey is the healthcare department chair and has a broad practice. He focuses on regulatory concerns and finance-related matters such as bond counsel, corporate governance and tax-exemption issues. Both peers and clients describe him as ‘an excellent practitioner.’ John Durso has a national reputation for his work on nonprofit retirement centers and religious organizations. Peers refer to him as ‘a dean of the Healthcare Bar with absolutely loyal clients.’ Lynn Gordon is hailed by peers and clients as ‘excellent, experienced and active.’ She is a nonprofit regulatory lawyer with expertise in the areas of fraud, abuse and Stark. Her transactional practice includes M&A and joint ventures for health systems.”

Tom Fahey has also been named a notable practitioner in the nation according to Chambers USA.

About Ungaretti & Harris’ Labor & Employment practice, Chambers says:

“This 12-strong team handles labor and employment litigation and has a strong reputation in the healthcare sector. Sources say, ‘The firm meets all our needs and provides excellent client care.’ Nicholas Anaclerio is ‘a very proficient and aggressive litigator with great understanding of legal strategy.’ He is skilled in handling discrimination cases and noncompete litigation. Frank Saibert heads the practice group and has particular expertise in labor law. ‘He's direct, responsive and an excellent litigator,’ say sources.”

The 2011 Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business is based on in-depth interviews with leading private practice attorneys and key in-house counsel. We are honored by the esteem of our clients and peers in the profession.