Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith has again received the top ranking from Chambers USA for both its business and litigation practices with 16 of the firm’s lawyers being individually recognized.
Davenport Evans received a "Band 1" ranking in every category for South Dakota: Corporate/Commercial Law, including Bankruptcy; Labor and Employment Law, including Workers' Compensation; Commercial Litigation, including Healthcare Litigation; and Real Estate Law. 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. The rankings appear in the recently released 2011 edition of Chambers USA and can be found at www.chambersandpartners.com.
The Chambers listing provides details regarding ranked firms and individual attorneys. Chambers, which is frequently used in the business community, included the following about Davenport Evans, with quotes from firm clients in italics:
Corporate/Commercial Law – “This Sioux Falls stalwart is widely considered one of the best business and corporate groups in the state.” Davenport Evans has a “deep bench with a well-earned preeminent position in the market.” Attorneys specifically recognized by Chambers were Charles Gullickson, Doug Hajek, Bob Hayes, Scott Anderson, Jon Brown, Keith Gauer, and Monte Walz, while Matt McNamee received an "up and coming" designation. Hayes and Gauer were also two of only four attorneys in the state recognized for their skills in bankruptcy law.
Labor and Employment Law – “This Sioux Falls team has a broad and sophisticated offering in labor and employment law.” "Very committed to its clients – always one step ahead in terms of what we may need.” Jean Bender and Cheryle Gering (who left the firm just in the summer of 2011 to serve as a circuit court judge in the 1st Judicial Circuit in South Dakota) were recognized by Chambers in general labor and employment law, while Rick Orr, Kristi Holm, and Eric Schulte were recognized for their practice in workers' compensation.
Commercial Litigation – “This strong Sioux Falls team has experience in complex commercial litigation, construction disputes, tax and tort claims, IP, anti-trust, white-collar crime, and securities fraud. It also has what is arguably the most effective medical malpractice defense group in the state.” “Without doubt a first-rate litigation shop.” Specifically ranked by Chambers in commercial litigation were Ed Evans and Eric Schulte. Evans, Mark Haigh, and Melissa Hinton were recognized in Healthcare Litigation, where Evans, who is commonly held to be "the premier medical malpractice defense attorney in the state,” received the state's only "star" ranking.
Real Estate – “This group, one of the biggest in Sioux Falls, has a reach that extends beyond the state line.” "Without doubt one of the top firms for real estate in the state." Jon Brown, Dan Donohue, and Bob Hayes were recognized by Chambers in this category.