Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani has once again been recognized by Chambers USA, a prestigious directory of the country's top law firms. In addition to the firm's practice recognitions, five partners, David Capell, Nancy Erfle, Craig Heryford, Andrew Port, William Shelley, were recognized among the nation's top lawyers in their respective fields.
Chambers USA recognized the firm in the following categories:
Insurance, Band 2, Arizona
Highlighted for its notable insurance litigation practice including complex coverage and bad faith defense. Broad disputes capabilities also extend to reinsurance and surety issues. Draws on wider experience in areas such as professional liability, employment and construction law.
Notable practitioners include Kira Barrett, John Condrey, and Matthew Kleiner.
Insurance, Band 4, California
Offers sound advice to the insurance industry in a broad range of coverage areas. Particular specialties include life and health and first-party property insurance, with additional knowledge of aviation, marine and product liability. Demonstrates strong capabilities in bad faith litigation and class action defense, and also maintains a significant appellate practice. A key area of expertise is the firm's insurance fraud practice, ably representing both domestic and foreign insurers. Chambers USA reports strengths as, "The firm has a strong bench with lawyers that have lots of experience and expertise." and highlighted the firm's representation of GuideOne in a dispute brought by Church Mutual arising from a total fire loss at a church property.
David Capell is featured as a notable practitioner.
Insurance, Band 3, Pennsylvania
Respected for its high-quality representation of national and international insurers in complex coverage disputes. Offers expertise in general liability and asbestos claims, and provides additional counsel in related bankruptcy proceedings. Its extensive litigation capabilities sees it frequently defend against high-value class actions. The firm is experienced in excess verdict and bad faith insurance claims, and also demonstrates notable strength at appellate level. Chambers USA reports strengths as, "The firm has an extensive insurance practice which has proven their longevity and strength." "They are a strong team that makes practical decisions." Notable highlights include representation of Mutual Benefit Insurance Company in obtaining a summary judgment regarding a serious bodily injury claim arising from a collision between an uninsured vehicle and an ATV.
William Shelley, managing partner of the Philadelphia office, is featured as a notable practitioner.
Chambers USA recognized Gordon & Rees partners in the following practice groups:
David Capell, Insurance: Insurer – California, Band 3
Capell is frequently called upon to represent his clients in coverage disputes and bad faith litigation. He often works with health insurers, as part of a broader client base. "David has a wealth of experience and I can rely on him for sage and informed advice." "He is very knowledgeable and practical."
Nancy Erfle, Product Liability & Mass Tort – USA – Nationwide, Band 5
Erfle is widely recognized for her strength in representing pharmaceutical and automotive clients in product liability cases and broader class actions. She is especially well known for her work in toxic torts such as talc litigation. "Nancy is a great trial lawyer."
Craig Heryford, Banking & Finance – Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds, Band 2
Heryford focuses his practice on corporate finance and venture capital funding matters for a broad range of investors and funds. "He is business-oriented and focused on getting the right result."
Andrew Port, Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (outside New York) - USA – Nationwide, Band 3
Port is noted for his longstanding experience as a litigator in the maritime space. He handles the full range of sector disputes, covering both wet and dry shipping matters, with particular expertise in marine personal injury and toxic tort. "Andy Port is a knowledgeable and professional maritime attorney." "Andy has in-depth knowledge of marine asbestos, and other marine occupational disease matters, as well as a deep historical knowledge of the industries involved in these cases."
William Shelley, Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer – USA - Nationwide, Band 3; Insurance – Pennsylvania, Band 1
Shelley is noted for his successes in coverage litigation, including sophisticated class action claims. He also serves as cochair of the firm's national insurance group. He is managing partner of the firm's Philadelphia office. He is well-versed in a wide variety of insurance coverage disputes, as part of a broader commercial litigation practice. "William is a top-notch adviser, problem-solver and litigator. He is the first person I call for advice on tackling complex cases." "He is an excellent strategist who leads his clients well and has stature in the community. For larger matters with big stakes, I'd choose him."
Chambers USA bases its rankings on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients. To conduct its independent research into the strengths of law firms and individual lawyers, the annual publication conducts thousands of interviews with clients and attorneys.
The Chambers USA Guide is part of a series of Chambers & Partners research-based guides to the legal profession. They rank the leading law firms and lawyers in an extensive range of practice areas throughout each region. For more information about Chambers USA 2022, please click here.