Chambers USA Recognizes MBT for its Labor and Employment and Insurance Coverage Practices
Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson LLP has been recognized as a leading law firm in the area of labor and employment and insurance litigation by Chambers and Partners in the Chambers USA guide. This annual publication showcases leading law firms and lawyers representing corporations in the United States and internationally. Chambers and Partners’ team of 100 full-time researchers interview thousands of lawyers and their clients around the world, which provides the basis for the listings. Below are highlights of the MBT listings in Chambers USA:
Labor and Employment
Although only founded in 1994, the firm has quickly demonstrated “an extremely high level of sophistication,” according to the market. Indeed, some sources consider it to have already established itself as “one of the strongest boutique firms in Chicago.” Rivals were full of admiration for Joseph Tilson and his practice, telling researchers, “He is a strong lawyer; his clients are extraordinarily loyal to him, which says a lot.” His expertise is broad, covering negotiation, counseling, litigation and arbitration in both labor and employment arenas. Brian Bulger also attracted praise as a “low-key and levelheaded attorney; he doesn’t get ruffled.” Market sources appreciate the way that “he is always willing to listen to other people’s opinions” and highlighted his experience of work in the healthcare sector. Chambers USA 2005
Despite this being a relatively young practice, the general consensus in that this litigation firm of 85 lawyers has individuals who are “among the best in the city.” Few would dispute the firm’s place in the upper echelons of the Chicago labor and employment market and it attracts clients with national and international profiles. “Excellent employment defense lawyer” Brian Bulger “brings the whole package to the table” and is well trusted by the market. In addition to his success as a litigator, he focuses on training managers and employees. Joseph Tilson impresses peers. Most agree that he is “a superb lawyer and a very talented guy,” contributing much to the labor and employment landscape of Chicago. Chambers USA 2006
This “classic” boutique has carved out a fine reputation for itself in the labor and employment community over the last 13 years. Brian Bulger is an exceptional lawyer with a hand in most aspects of the labor and employment practice area. His experience extends from union avoidance and collective bargaining through to wrongful termination litigation and class discrimination actions. Commentators identify him as a role model for younger lawyers on account of his “civility and professionalism.” The “fabulous” Joseph Tilson comes highly recommended for his employment litigation practice and has “real strength in wage and hour litigation.” He conducts cases all over the USA, and advises both public and private bodies on collective bargaining with unions. Chambers USA 2007
Market authorities are full of praise for this “highly respected boutique practice.” Based in Chicago, this is a compact firm, but the team expanded during 2007, opening offices in Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona. Sources assert that it certainly has “big firm sophistication: the lawyers are intelligent and skillful and they are not afraid to try cases.” Sources agree that Joe Tilson is “a very talented lawyer - one of the finest in the city.” He specializes in wage and hour and employment discrimination class actions and also regularly represents employers in large union negotiations. The “extremely knowledgeable” Brian Bulger advises employers on a wide range of matters, including individual and class discrimination litigation, collective bargaining, wrongful termination litigation and general employment advice. “Bright, creative and unflappable,” Paul Garry receives positive feedback for his work in the labor and employment field. His practice covers NLRB work, sexual, racial and disability discrimination, workplace harassment and state law claims involving wrongful discharge, trade secrets and restrictive covenants. Chambers USA 2008
This fine boutique firm has a well-developed practice in Chicago that is now augmented by further nationwide offices, enabling it to offer clients national resources but maintain its local expertise. Litigation is a key strength for the group, particularly discrimination and wage and hour class actions; other areas of strength include collective bargaining and traditional labor relations. Founding partner Joseph Tilson is well-known in the Chicago market for large-scale class actions in wage and hour disputes. Brian Bulger "has great judgment and really knows how to counsel his clients," according to sources. He is well respected for his work on complex employment litigation matters. Paul Garry "has an unparalleled client focus" when handling discrimination, harassment and restrictive covenant work. Chambers USA 2009
This boutique firm commands the respect of peers and clients alike. Its main strength is in litigation, including wage and hour collective action cases, employment discrimination, collective bargaining negotiations and traditional labor law. It also has experience of handling major FLSA collective actions. Joseph Tilson is very well respected among peers. “He’s a well-known and experienced attorney who doesn’t just litigate but is also involved in strategy: he can fire the bullets, but can also sit back and see the bigger picture." Brian Bulger specializes in complex employment litigation, while Paul Garry handles discrimination, harassment and restrictive covenant work, often representing insurance and manufacturing companies. Chambers USA 2010
http://www.chambersandpartners.com/USA/Editorial/36565#org_66688
Insurance: Dispute Resolution
The lawyers at this Chicago firm draw praise from commentators for their “excellent instincts and ability to produce great results.” The insurance practice as a whole offers expertise in coverage and reinsurance litigation, with skills in general liability, environmental impairment and first-party property cases. The team has represented Zurich in several coverage cases, including its environmental and asbestos coverage litigation case against GE that involved two other insurance companies. James Kallianis is one of the group's leading lawyers acting for insurers on matters involving employment practices, D&O, fiduciary and professional liability policies. Chambers USA 2009
This 31-strong team has an excellent reputation for its cost-effective approach. It covers a broad range of insurance coverage matters, including bad faith litigation, class actions involving claims handling, underwriting, and business practices of insurers. Sources say the firm is "a real powerhouse with a strong reputation in the industry. It is a tough adversary." James Kallianis has extensive experience representing insurers in matters involving D&O issues, employment practices, general liability, fiduciary liability and professional liability policies. Scott Seaman is praised for his specialized expertise and experience in complex insurance and reinsurance matters. Chambers USA 2010