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  • Bayard, P.A.
June 28, 2010

Chambers USA 2010 Ranks Bayard Among Top Firms in Delaware

Bayard, P.A., a Meritas® member law firm based in Wilmington Delaware, announced today that Chambers USA 2010 ranked five Bayard lawyers as leading practitioners in multiple practice areas in Delaware. The firm’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring, Intellectual Property, and Real Estate practices have also once again earned high marks. The rankings are compiled based on in-depth interviews with key in-house counsel and private practice attorneys.

“Client satisfaction is very important to Bayard,” said Neil B. Glassman, Bayard’s Chairman and Chair of the bankruptcy practice. “It is an honor to, once again, receive positive feedback from our clients through Chambers’ research.”

Chambers ranks law firms and individual attorneys in Bands from 1 through 6, with Band 1 being the highest ranking. The firm’s Real Estate practice received a Band 2 ranking. Glassman and Douglas M. Hershman, Chair of the firm’s real estate practice, also earned Band 2 individual rankings. The Intellectual Property practice and Bankruptcy and Restructuring practices earned a Band 3 and Band 4 rating, respectively. Richard D. Kirk and Marla H. Norton each earned a band 3 individual rating in recognition of their work in the areas of Intellectual Property and Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions: Alternative Entities, respectively. Charlene D. Davis earned a band 4 individual rating in recognition of her work in the area of Bankruptcy and Restructuring.

Chambers provided the following editorial comments about Bayard’s practice areas and attorneys. Quotations are used when a statement sums up the prevailing opinion in the market. These comments are solely based on the research team’s findings.

Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Band 4
This compact bankruptcy and restructuring practice is lauded for its work as local counsel. Its insolvency lawyers work with clients through all phases of the reorganization or liquidation of troubled businesses, including out-of-court workouts and Chapter 11 and 7 cases. It represents clients in many different jurisdictions, though it focuses on bankruptcy cases in the District of Delaware. A particularly high profile example of its work was its representation of approximately 1,400 investors in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy case of DBSI and affiliates. Sources say: “The firm is sensitive to the business aspects of restructuring.” Neil Glassman heads the team. He regularly represents debtors and creditors in large bankruptcy cases. “He has a practical understanding of the bankruptcy code and develops good strategies.” Charlene Davis focuses on creditors' rights work and commercial litigation. Sources say: “She inspires confidence in the court.”

Real Estate: Band 2
This well-established group has long been recognized for its commercial and residential real estate expertise, and of late it has been increasing its land use work. It acts for a variety of developers, landlords and tenants across a comprehensive range of property types. Recently, it has advised on numerous sales and purchases; it has also been representing lenders in financings secured by commercial real estate throughout the USA. Sources Say: “Top-notch for real estate settlements.” Douglas Hershman has “made a great name for himself” as a practical and goal-oriented lawyer. He has a diverse real estate practice, and regularly advises clients on the full range of matters.

Intellectual Property: Band 3
This compact firm is praised for punching above its weight and has an excellent reputation for IP; local counsel work in patent litigation is one area of expertise. It also handles transactional matters, advising on issues such as trademarks and domain names. Sources Say: “The team's particular strength is its understanding of the local Delaware counsel role in IP litigation.” Richard Kirk is praised by clients for his “impressive stature in court.” He handles general business litigation, with a particular emphasis on IP. He recently advised LG Display on multiple patent infringement cases.

Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions: Alternative Entities
Marla Norton of Bayard, P.A. is praised as an “intelligent and careful lawyer.” She is equally well versed in corporate issues and alternative entities, and her varied client base ranges from individuals, small businesses and nonprofit agencies to large corporations, banks and international business enterprises.

Bayard, P.A., a Wilmington, Delaware-based firm, has a nationally recognized practice in commercial bankruptcy and corporate and commercial litigation, securitization and structured finance. Other established practices include counseling clients in the formation of corporations and other alternative entities, real estate, intellectual property, insurance, tax, estate planning and estate administration, and domestic disputes.

Chambers and Partners, based in London, began as general book publishers in 1969. Since 1990, they have published the Chambers Guide to the UK legal profession. The USA Guide was first introduced in 2003. For more information about Chambers and Partners, visit www.chambersandpartners.com.