The Legal 500 US 2021

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP is recommended in three practice areas in The Legal 500 US 2021 guide, with 10 of its lawyers also recommended in their respective areas. In addition, Partner Judith Gallent, leader of the firm's U.S. Planning & Zoning Practice, is recommended as a leading lawyer in Land Use/Zoning.

M&A/corporate and commercial - M&A - middle-market (sub-$500m)

The firm’s M&A Corporate Finance practice was featured as representing public and private companies in a full range of strategic M&A, particularly excelling in strategic acquisitions and divestitures, and private-equity-backed deals. The team is well-positioned to handle cross-border and international deals, and has an especially developed presence in Asia, Russia and Israel. It also noted the group has particularly strong client relationships in the industrial manufacturing and consumer goods industries, regularly advising on split-offs, spin-offs and restructurings.

Practice head(s): John Welge
Other key lawyers: Stephanie Hosler; Steve Baumer

Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax exempt organizations)

Legal 500 notes BCLP’s multidisciplinary tax-exempt organizations practice is based in St. Louis and is jointly overseen by Keith Kehrer and Gino Serra in Kansas City. The group has a strong charitable planning and estates subgroup which advises on wealth transfer, administration and tax/financial planning matters for clients including religious institutions, charitable trusts and private foundations. Key contacts here include Doug Stanley in St. Louis. In Chicago, Mary Reichert who previously served as an IRS appeals officer is the contact for tax controversy and corporate restructuring matters for tax-exempt organizations. The team also advises on political lobbying matters. “Their non-profit expertise is amazing,” a source told Legal 500.

Practice head(s): Keith Kehrer; Gino Serra
Other key lawyers: Doug Stanley; Mary Reichert

Real estate - Land Use/Zoning

Legal 500 reported BCLP’s Real Estate Land Use/Zoning covers the full range of land use services from its New York office. The team handles litigation as well as a variety of municipal and state approvals, acting for clients such as Silverstein Properties and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The publication noted, “Praised for her 'hard work, communication skills and ability to dissect an issue', Judith Gallent leads the firm's US planning and zoning practice and is experienced in all aspects of the land use process including zoning analysis and air rights transfers. As an architect as well as a lawyer, James Colgate has a unique perspective on land use legal matters, and often represents clients seeking special permits from land use agencies, including the Department of City Planning and Board of Standards and Appeal.”

“Very strong knowledge and track record regarding NYC zoning and the public review process required for zoning changes. The firm’s land use/zoning practice is regarded as one of the best in NYC,” a client commented.

Practice head(s): Judith Gallent
Key lawyers: James Colgate
Other key individuals: Jed Weiss

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