The 2019 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized nine Ashby & Geddes attorneys as “Leading Individuals” in their respective areas of practice: Steven J. Balick (Intellectual Property), William P. Bowden (Bankruptcy/Restructuring), John G. Day (Intellectual Property), Catherine A. Gaul (Chancery), Stephen E. Jenkins (Chancery), Andrew C. Mayo (Intellectual Property), Ricardo Palacio (Bankruptcy/Restructuring), Karen B. Skomorucha Owens (Bankruptcy/Restructuring), and Philip Trainer, Jr. (Chancery).  In addition, the firm was ranked for excellence in three of its practice areas: Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, and Intellectual Property.

Ashby & Geddes’ Bankruptcy/Restructuring practice is “highly regarded for its sophisticated counsel on complex reorganization matters,” and “walking into court with them gives you extra credibility.”  Head of the group, Bill Bowden, is regarded by peers as a “shining star” with a wealth of experience handling Chapter 11 cases, while Rick Palacio was described as a “very smart lawyer” who is “excellent at addressing urgent issues quickly, efficiently and intelligently.”  Karen Owens was praised as being “very knowledgeable about the Bankruptcy Code,” and as having “great relationships with other professionals and judges.” 

The firm’s Chancery practitioners are a “respected team with a strong track record in the Court of Chancery.”  Sources commented that they were “extremely comfortable with their knowledge of Delaware law, expertise and credibility.”  Steve Jenkins is praised for his “responsiveness, collaborative approach, knowledge and professionalism.”  Lee Trainer is “highly knowledgeable, very responsive and good at navigating contentious matters in cases.”  Catherine Gaul was described as “very responsive” and “incredibly smart and very knowledgeable about local practice in the Court of Chancery.”

Chambers describes Ashby & Geddes’ Intellectual Property attorneys as “adept at handling a range of work on both the plaintiff and defense side of IP litigation,” and as having “a diverse client base including companies from the biotechnology, computer software and telecommunications industries.”  Steve Balick was described as “a very wise and senior local counsel who has very good insight into judges and very good instincts about what arguments are good.” John Day was noted for his “wealth of knowledge of Delaware courts,” and for being “highly responsive” with “excellent judgment.”  Andrew Mayo was noted for his expertise in patent infringement lawsuits, including Hatch-Waxman litigation, and breach of contract actions relating to intellectual property license agreements, and described as being “knowledgeable about local practice and Delaware judges.”

Chambers and Partners assesses business lawyers across the country using independent researchers to conduct in-depth interviews with clients and lawyers.  Individual lawyers and firm practice areas are ranked on the basis of legal knowledge, experience, ability, effectiveness, and client-service.  For more information about Chambers and Partners, visit here.