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17 Morris James Attorneys Named In Best Lawyers in America® 2012 in 20 Practice Areas
Seventeen Morris James attorneys are listed as being among the most elite lawyers in their practices in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012.
The Best Lawyers in America® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Their rigorous research is based on an exhaustive peer-review where leading attorneys cast votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas.
The Morris James attorneys listed in the 18th edition of the guide and the areas of law in which they are recognized include:
Richard P. Beck
Litigation – Real Estate (1983)
Real Estate Law (1983)
John M. Bloxom IV
Real Estate Law (2010)
P. Clarkson Collins, Jr.
Corporate Law (2005)
Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions (2005)
Mary M. Culley
Elder Law (2008)
Keith E. Donovan
Personal Injury Litigation (2009)
Dennis D. Ferri
Medical Malpractice Law (2007)
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2007)
Richard Galperin
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2005)
Richard K. Herrmann
Information Technology Law (2003)
Technology Law (2003)
Francis J. Jones, Jr.
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2008)
Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2008)
Gretchen S. Knight
Family Law (2007)
Lewis H. Lazarus
Commercial Litigation (2006)
Corporate Law (2006)
Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions (2006)
Mary B. Matterer
Litigation – Intellectual Property (2009)
Edward M. McNally
Corporate Law (2005)
Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions (2005)
Mark D. Olson
Tax Law (2011)
James W. Semple
Commercial Litigation (2009)
Bruce W. Tigani
Tax Law (2011)
David H. Williams
Education Law (2007)
Employment Law – Management (2007)
Labor Law – Management (2007)
Litigation – Labor and Employment (2007)
(Year indicates first year listed in practice area)
District of Delaware chooses Magistrate Judge Selectee
The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware announced that it has chosen Christopher J. Burke, Esquire as its Magistrate Judge Selectee to fill the vacancy created by the elevation of The Honorable Leonard P. Stark in August of 2010. Mr. Burke is currently serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Delaware.
New Delaware District Court Judicial Nomination
President Barack Obama announced today that he has nominated Delaware attorney Richard G. Andrew, 55, to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware that was created by the retirement of Judge Joseph J. Farnan, Jr. nearly a year ago. Since 2007, Mr. Andrews has served as state prosecutor in the Delaware Department of Justice.
Form AO-120
PATENT CASES: In cases involving patents and trademarks, counsel shall complete form AO-120, Report on the Filing or Determination of an Action Regarding a Patent or Trademark, and include it with the case initiating document. If additional patents are brought into the case at a later time, counsel shall complete the AO-120 form, to include the additional patents, and electronically file the form in CM/ECF. If a patent case involves an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA), counsel shall also complete the Court's ANDA form and submit it at the time of filing the complaint. Both form AO-120 and the ANDA form can be found on the Court's website at www.ded.uscourts.gov under the Clerk's Office forms section.
Morris James LLP is Named a "Go-To Law Firm" for the Nation's Fortune 500 Companies
Recognizing the firm's strength in intellectual property litigation, Corporate Counsel magazine has named Morris James a “Go-To Law Firm for the Top 500 Companies.” Go-To Law Firms are chosen from an American Lawyer Media national survey of general counsel from the top Fortune 500 companies and through research in various key databases. The firm’s recognition will be published in the 8th Annual Edition of In-House Law Departments at the Top 500 Companies.
The Morris James Intellectual Property Litigation Group provides out-of-state firms and their clients help in navigating the Delaware court system. The Group combines its on-the-ground, technical and trial experience to address the complex intellectual property protection issues moving global markets today. They represent clients in complex disputes involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, unfair competition, and antitrust issues and have successfully litigated cases in all areas of technology in the Delaware District Court, the Delaware Court of Chancery and Superior Court, and federal courts throughout the country, including the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
The Morris James Intellectual Property Litigation Group provides out-of-state firms and their clients help in navigating the Delaware court system. The Group combines its on-the-ground, technical and trial experience to address the complex intellectual property protection issues moving global markets today. They represent clients in complex disputes involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, unfair competition, and antitrust issues and have successfully litigated cases in all areas of technology in the Delaware District Court, the Delaware Court of Chancery and Superior Court, and federal courts throughout the country, including the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Kenneth L. Dorsney Joins Morris James As Counsel In Its Intellectual Property Practice
Morris James LLP is pleased to announce Kenneth L. Dorsney has joined the firm as Counsel in its intellectual property litigation practice as of November 17, 2010. Mr. Dorsney, a registered patent attorney, represents corporate clients in a wide variety of complex commercial matters, including patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright cases. He has represented patent litigants from the pre-suit investigation through discovery, mediation, trial, and the post-trial phases of the case.
“Ken Dorsney’s arrival at Morris James will expand and provide depth to the firm’s intellectual property practice,” says managing partner, David H. Williams, “his experience in complex commercial matters is impressive and we are glad to have him on our team.”
Mr. Dorsney has a B.A. and B.M.E. from the University of Delaware and a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School Of Law. He clerked for The Honorable Mary Pat Thynge, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Delaware. After his clerkship with Judge Thynge, Mr. Dorsney clerked for The Honorable Kent A. Jordan, U.S. District Judge for the District of Delaware (in December 2006, Judge Jordan was elevated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit).
Mr. Dorsney is admitted to practice in Delaware, the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
“Ken Dorsney’s arrival at Morris James will expand and provide depth to the firm’s intellectual property practice,” says managing partner, David H. Williams, “his experience in complex commercial matters is impressive and we are glad to have him on our team.”
Mr. Dorsney has a B.A. and B.M.E. from the University of Delaware and a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School Of Law. He clerked for The Honorable Mary Pat Thynge, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Delaware. After his clerkship with Judge Thynge, Mr. Dorsney clerked for The Honorable Kent A. Jordan, U.S. District Judge for the District of Delaware (in December 2006, Judge Jordan was elevated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit).
Mr. Dorsney is admitted to practice in Delaware, the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Morris James to Host ABA-IPL Patent Law Roundtable on November 30, 2010
On November 30, 2010, Morris James LLP, in conjunction with the Intellectual Property Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Litigation (“ABA-IPL”), will host a patent law roundtable in the Firm’s Wilmington office, 500 Delaware Ave. Ste. 1500, Wilmington, Delaware, entitled “Implications of Recent Court Decisions on the Application of the ‘Entire Market Value Rule’ to Patent Damages Analysis”.
Gregory J. Urbanchuk, MSc., AVA, CFE, a Principal with Asterion, Inc., will add to the roundtable discussion by providing his perspective as an IP damages expert.
Please join us on November 30th at 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a friendly debate and discussion focusing on the effects that these notable cases will have on the future of patent damages law. Materials are provided by the ABA-IPL and lunch will be provided. An application will be made for 1.0 hour of DE CLE credit.
Please register for the November ABA-IPL Wilmington, Delaware roundtable by November 29th by emailing Ken Dorsney at kdorsney@morrisjames.com or by calling (302) 888-6855.
Morris James to Host the Meeting of the IP Section of the Delaware State Bar Association on November 30, 2010
Morris James LLP will host a meeting of the IP Section of the Delaware State Bar Association in its offices on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to discuss the status of current projects and plans for the year. Kenneth L. Dorsney, counsel at Morris James, is currently serving as Chair of the Intellectual Property Section of the Delaware State Bar Association.
Four Morris James Attorneys Selected By Their Peers As "Top Lawyers" In Delaware Today Magazine
Morris James is pleased to congratulate the lawyers listed below who were the most recommended by their professional peers, as determined by a Delaware Today survey of Delaware attorneys.
Gretchen S. Knight
Divorce
Family Law
Mary M. Culley
Elder Law
Keith E. Donovan
Personal Injury
(Dover Office)
Jill S. Di Sciullo
Family Law
To view the entire list of "Top Lawyers", please click here.
Morris James LLP Receives "Award of Excellence" From The Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards Sponsored by the DSCC
We are very pleased to receive this honor from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce," said David H. Williams, Managing Partner of Morris James LLP, "Our firm is deeply rooted in Delaware and we are committed to providing our community with top-tier legal services.”
The Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Award, named for one of Delaware’s leading small business entrepreneurs, honors businesses and non-profit corporations for their outstanding achievements and model approaches to business and management. The awards are presented to companies that have been in business for at least three years, are small businesses based on number of employees, and are members of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. Awards of Excellence are also granted to deserving companies.
Continue Reading...Stark confirmed as Delaware District Court Judge
Yesterday Magistrate Judge Leonard Stark was confirmed by the Senate to fill the vacancy in the Delaware District Court left three and a half years ago when Judge Jordan was elevated to the Third Circuit. The White House has not yet nominated the successor to fill the vacancy due to Judge Farnan's retirement from the bench.
18 Morris James Attorneys Selected by their Peers for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2011
18 Morris James attorneys in 13 practice areas were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2011. New to the list are Mark D. Olson and Bruce W. Tigani from the firm’s Tax, Estates and Business practice. The firm’s Real Estate Practice Group Chair, Richard Beck, has been named in this highly regarded publication since its inception in 1983.
The Best Lawyers in America® 2011 has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Their rigorous research is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 39,000 leading attorneys cast almost 3.1 million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. The Morris James attorneys listed in the 2011 edition and the areas of law in which they are recognized include:
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
• P. Clarkson Collins, Jr. (2005)
• Lewis H. Lazarus (2006)
• Edward M. McNally (2005)
• James W. Semple (2009)
CORPORATE LAW
• P. Clarkson Collins, Jr. (2005)
• Lewis H. Lazarus (2006)
• Edward M. McNally (2005)
ELDER LAW
• Mary M. Culley (2008)
EDUCATION LAW
• David H. Williams (2007)
FAMILY LAW
• Gretchen S. Knight (2007)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAW
• Richard K. Herrmann (2003)
INSURANCE LAW
• Mary B. Matterer (2009)
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW
• David H. Williams (2007)
PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION
• Keith E. Donovan (2009)
• Dennis D. Ferri (2007)
• Richard Galperin (2005)
• Francis J. Jones, Jr. (2008)
REAL ESTATE LAW
• Richard P. Beck (1983)
• John Bloxom IV (2010)
TAX LAW
• Daniel P. McCollom (2007)
• Mark D. Olson (2011) *
• Bruce W. Tigani (2011) *
TECHNOLOGY LAW
• Richard K. Herrmann (2003)
TRUSTS AND ESTATES
• Mary M. Culley (2008)
* Indicates First Year on List
Benchmark Litigation 2011 Names 5 Morris James Partners Among Top "Local Litigation Stars"
Morris James LLP is pleased to announce that five of its partners have been recognized among the top Delaware litigation attorneys in Benchmark Litigation 2011 - The Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys.
Morris James’ Litigation Stars
Rich Galperin
Clark Collins
Richard Herrmann
Lewis Lazarus
Edward McNally
Benchmark Litigation focuses exclusively on litigation lawyers and firms in the United States. Recommendations are based on extensive face-to-face and telephone interviews with the nation’s leading private practice lawyers and in-house counsel.
Chambers USA Names 10 Morris James Partners In Their 2010 Guide to Leading Business Lawyers
Morris James LLP is pleased to announce that ten of its partners have been ranked among the leading Delaware lawyers in the 2010 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business - an increase of two rankings from last year. In addition, four practice areas including Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, Intellectual Property and Employment Law were identified among the leading practices in Delaware. The Morris James partners selected for inclusion in the 2010 edition are:
Bankruptcy/Restructuring
- Brett Fallon
- Carl N. Kunz
- Stephen M. Miller
Chancery
- Edward M. McNally
- Lewis H. Lazarus
- P. Clarkson Collins, Jr.
Intellectual Property
- Mary M. Matterer
- Richard K. Herrmann
Labor and Employment
- David H. Williams
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use
- A. Kimberly Hoffman
Chambers & Partners is a highly respected and influential London-based research and publishing company that provides rankings of leading business lawyers and law firms throughout the world. Rankings are based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients.
Peter B. Ladig Joins Morris James LLP as a Partner in the Corporate and Fiduciary Litigation Group
Morris James LLP is pleased to announce Peter B. Ladig has joined the firm as of June 1, 2010. The majority of Mr. Ladig’s practice is in the Delaware Court of Chancery, although he has extensive experience in the other state and federal courts in Delaware and has been involved in over 50 published decisions.
David Williams, the firm’s managing partner stated “We are delighted Peter Ladig has joined the Firm as a partner in our Corporate/Commercial Litigation Group. Peter adds his considerable skill and experience to a talented Group. We continue to look for opportunities to grow our Firm by adding accomplished laterals, particularly in the IP practice.”
Mr. Ladig has represented both stockholders and directors in litigation in the Court of Chancery in cases involving, among other things, advancement of legal fees and expenses, contested elections of directors, requests to inspect books and records and claims for breaches of fiduciary duties. He has also represented corporations and other entities in commercial disputes involving breach of contract claims and claims arising under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
Mr. Ladig has authored several articles pertaining to corporate and commercial litigation in Delaware and he is a frequent speaker before groups of professionals regarding Delaware laws affecting LLCs and other business entities. Mr. Ladig graduated with distinction from Emory University School of Law and has been a member of the Delaware Bar since 1996.
Super Lawyers® Names 7 Morris James Partners As Top Legal Counsel in Delaware
Super Lawyers® magazine has named 7 Morris James partners as top legal counsel in Delaware. The multiphase selection process is handled by Law & Politics who evaluates each candidate on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis and include only 5 percent of the licensed attorneys in a state.
Morris James’ 2010 nominations include:
• Richard Herrmann – Intellectual Property Litigation
• P. Clarkson Collins, Jr. - Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions
• Richard Galperin - Personal Injury Defense: Medical Malpractice
• Lewis H. Lazarus - Business Litigation
• Edward M. McNally - Business Litigation, Business/Corporate
• James W. Semple - Business Litigation, General Litigation, Insurance Coverage
• David H. Williams - Employment & Labor, Government/Cities/Municipalities
Stark one step closer to confirmation
Federal Magistrate Stark is one step closer to taking a seat on the bench of the Delaware District Court. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, May 13, 2010, unanimously approved the nomination of Magistrate Stark to become a district judge, sending his nomination to the full Senate for consideration.
Delaware is again #1
U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) has released its survey ranking the states with the best and worst legal climates in the country.
Obama nominates Stark to fill Delaware's judicial vacancy
President Obama has nominated Leonard Stark to fill the judicial vacancy in the District of Delaware created after Judge Jordan's elevation to the Third Circuit. Judge Leonard P. Stark is a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Delaware, a position he has held since 2007. Previously, he was an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Delaware and an associate in the Delaware office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Judge Farnan Announces Retirement
After 25 years of dedicated service as a United States District Judge for the District of Delaware, the Honorable Joseph J. Farnan, Jr. submitted his letter of retirement to President Barack Obama. Judge Farnan plans to leave his office on July 31, 2010 and return to the practice of law. During his tenure on the bench, Judge Farnan was pivotal in cementing the Court's reputation as a national venue for complex litigation.
Candidates for Vice Chancellor Position are Sent to the Governor
It has been reported that the following names for consideration as Vice Chancellor in the Delaware Court of Chancery have been submitted to Governor Jack Markell from his Judicial Nominating Commission:
- Mary Johnston, a Superior Court judge since 2003 and previously the chief disciplinary counsel for the Delaware Supreme Court and a partner at Morris James.
- Richard Forsten, a partner at Saul Ewing and counsel to the Delaware Republican Party.
- Travis Laster, a partner at Abrams & Laster with a practice in corporate law.
Morris James "Best in the Business"
Morris James was recognized as the highest-ranking law firm in Delaware in their "Best in the Business" survey for "Mid-sized Companies". The survey, conducted for The News Journal by WorkplaceDynamics, gathered feedback from 97 participating organizations on a variety of factors such as management, advancement, environment and compensation.
Morris James launches eDiscovery blog
Morris James has launched a new e-discovery blog titled Delaware eDiscovery Report. Chris Spizzirri's expertise has been described by Gabe's Guide to the e-Discovery Universe as "top notch." We invite you to check out the blog and follow e-discovery developments.
Candidates for the vacant judgeship are reported
It was reported in the Delaware Grapevine by Celia Cohen that the candidates for the vacant judgeship in this district are rumored to be Andre Bouchard, managing partner at Bouchard Margules & Friedlander, U.S. Magistrate Judge Leonard Stark, and Mary Graham, a partner at Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell.
Nearby judges to assist during vacant judgeship
Chief Judge Sleet announced today that the court would be assigning every fourth case to a judge selected from a roster of about 6 judges from the E.D.Pa. and possibly later from the D.N.J. until the vacancy is filled with a fourth judge in this district. It is expected that the pretrial proceedings will take place where those judges normally reside, but the trials will take place in Delaware. It is unclear at this point whether those cases will be reassigned once the vacancy is filled.
Bush nominates U.S. Attorney Colm F. Connolly for U.S. District Court Seat
The White House confirmed today that it has sent U.S. Attorney Colm F. Connolly's name to the U.S. Senate as its nominee to fill a vacancy on the federal bench in Delaware.
Connolly's name was submitted for consideration by President Bush along with three others last year to fill the position left vacant by Kent A. Jordan after he was appointed to the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.
Efiling of Complaint
The Delaware District Court has now started a six month pilot program which grants registered CM/ECF users the right to file civil and miscellaneous case opening documents via the efiling system with the use of a credit card. Previously, all new complaints needed to be filed in hard copy and on CD directly with the Clerk's office. The Clerk's office would then give the new case a civil action number and upload the documents to the efiling system, after which users would be able to access and add new documents to the case.
District Court moves to resolve log jam over vacant judgeship
Given that the vacancy in the fourth judgeship has lasted for over one year and is not likely to be filled in the near future, the District judges entered an Order on January 23, 2008 rescinding their prior Order "In Re: Assignment Of Civil Cases To United States Magistrate Judges" which was made effective on August 6 2007. By this Joint Order, all cases assigned pursuant to the Order of August 6, 2007, and all cases filed in the future in the District shall, until further notice, be divided among the three active District Judges in accordance with the method currently employed by the Court for the allocation of assignments.
A copy of the full article is available here.
