June 15, 2007
(Burlington, Vt.) Nine of the 36 senior lawyers at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC have been named among the best in Vermont as a result of client interviews conducted by researchers for Chambers USA: America’s Leading Business Lawyers, 2007. In addition, the firm has been named a top-tier firm in two of the four practice areas evaluated in Vermont and second among six tiers in the other two areas.
“The largest firm in Vermont benefits from a statewide presence and ‘awesome resources,’” the evaluators wrote about DRM. “It has more bench strength than most, and the depth of the group allows lawyers to specialize in sub-areas such as IP, tax and environmental law,” they continued, adding that clients described the DRM team as “sharp attorneys who have broad expertise and meet just about any legal need.”
DRM ranks in the top tier both in corporate/commercial law and in labor and employment law. The firm ranks in the second tier in litigation and real estate law. The rankings are based on the work of forty full-time researchers who assessed technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client. Commentary includes quotations attributed to clients that “sum up the prevailing opinion of the market,” according to Chambers.
Nine DRM lawyers were singled out for particular commendation. In the area of corporate/commercial law, Paul H. Ode is described as “sharp and creative…great at reviewing and analyzing issues” and Thomas H. Moody is referred to as an “efficient and smart” corporate and securities lawyer and a talented facilitator, best known for representing out-of-state venture capital investors in multinational transactions in places like India, Singapore and Europe.
Litigator and “Senior Statesman” Robert D. Rachlin is called “brilliant” and “very intellectually gifted,” and Marc B. Heath is portrayed as a “sharp and thoughtful” litigator known for handling complex commercial cases. In labor and employment, Peter B. Robb is commended for his “exceptional expertise,” especially in the areas of organized labor and labor management. Patricia M. Sabalis is described as an “unbelievable resource” to her clients, and the “approachable” Johan W. E. Maitland brings “a perspective to the table that you just hadn't even thought about.” William W. Schroeder, who was cited for his strong portfolio of national clients, is viewed by clients as an “outstanding” and personable real estate specialist, and Kathleen H. Davis is recognized for her leadership in the legal aspects of the captive insurance industry.
Chambers and Partners has published world-famous guides to the legal profession, based on in-depth, unbiased research conducted by qualified and experienced researchers, since 1969.
DRM, with more than 70 attorneys and legal professionals in six offices in Vermont and New Hampshire, provides legal services to local, national and international clients in practice areas which include litigation, business law, labor and employment, captive insurance, environmental law, estate planning, family law, tax law, public utilities, real estate, health care, intellectual property, creditors rights, venture capital and insurance defense. It represents clients in legislative, regulatory and public affairs through the Government Affairs group. DRM is the law firm member for Vermont of Lex Mundi, the world's leading association of independent law firms.
