Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith has received the top ranking from Chambers USA for both its business and litigation practices with more than half its lawyers individually recognized.
DEHS received the so-called "Band 1" ranking in Corporate/Commercial Law, including Bankruptcy; Labor and Employment Law, including Workers' Compensation; Commercial Litigation, including Healthcare Litigation; and Real Estate Law. In addition, 18 different lawyers in the firm were recognized in the rankings, which appear in the recently released 2009 edition of Chambers USA. Chambers conducts thousands of interviews with lawyers and clients with law firms and individual lawyers ultimately ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best.
Here's what Chambers, frequently used in the business community, reported about DEHS, with Chambers putting quotes from firm clients in italics:
Corporate/Commercial Law -- "'In addition to being excellent attorneys who really know their stuff, they also have a real diversity of skills and expertise,' say clients of the corporate team at this South Dakota firm. The attorneys specifically recognized by Chambers were Scott Anderson, Jon Brown, Keith Gauer, Charles Gullickson, Doug Hajek, Bob Hayes, Dave Knudson and Monte Walz. Hayes and Gauer were also two of only four attorneys in the state recognized for skills in bankruptcy law.
Commercial Litigation -- "This large group has developed expertise in a number of areas, including healthcare, banking, contract disputes and insurance defense. The team is complimented for its “cutting-edge and aggressive approach,” and clients appreciate the fast response times and great value for money." Specifically ranked by Chambers were Ed Evans, Mark Haigh, Melissa Hinton, Bob Lange and Eric Schulte. Evans, Haigh and Hinton were also selected in Healthcare Litigation, with Evans received the state's only "star" ranking.
Labor and Employment Law -- "The labor and employment team of this firm is split into two groups, handling labor and employment law, and personal injury and employment claims. Both sections of the team have an impressive wealth of case experience and clients appreciate their 'expertise, prompt responses and thoroughness.'" Sue Simons and Cheryle Gering were ranked in labor and employment law while Schulte, Kristi Holm and Rick Orr were among only seven state lawyers recognized in the workers' compensation field.
Real Estate -- "The sophisticated team at this firm advises a range of clients, from landowners and developers to contractors, on a substantial number of transactions, including sales and purchases, financing options, real estate development; it provides representation before governmental regulatory authorities at all levels." Brown, Hayes and Dan Donohue were selected in this category.