The 2019 edition of Chambers USA, the annual guidebook to the best lawyers and law firms in the U.S., saw top placement and individual recognitions for Goldberg Segalla’s Employment and Labor, Commercial Litigation and Arbitration, and Global Insurance Services Practice Groups, as well as nearly a half dozen individual lawyers throughout the firm.

Employment and Labor

Upstate New York’s Employment and Labor market is a new category in Chambers USA 2019—and Goldberg Segalla makes its debut in Band 1, as one of only three elite firms practicing in the state outside of Metro New York City.

Chambers praises this “[h]ighly commended group known for its representation of municipalities across upstate New York, handling day-to-day employment counseling, litigation, and traditional labor services,” noting strengths in areas spanning dismissal challenges, a diverse range of discrimination claims, and labor relations, including employment contracts, collective bargaining, and pension fund negotiations. The guide also notes “additional expertise in the manufacturing and transportation sectors as well as counseling school districts and housing providers.”

Praise from clients supports the Chambers researchers’ assessment. Client testimonials note the group’s “excellent communication skills,” “excellent legal advice,” and “solid guidance.” “They’re well respected in the field and good at building relationships,” another client confirms.

Several upstate New York-based leaders in Goldberg Segalla’s Employment and Labor practice also earn recognition among the guide’s rankings of individual attorneys.

Sean P. Beiter (Band 1) is noted for his “extensive experience representing school districts, transport authorities, municipalities, and manufacturers,” handling “a range of employment and traditional labor matters, from employee discharge litigation to union collective bargaining and contract negotiations.” One client says of Sean, “He’s a genius and he has a real understanding of the local consequences of particular matters.”

Matthew C. Van Vessem (Band 2) is noted for representing “municipalities, school districts, and other public sector clients on “a host of labor and employment work” including state and federal court, labor arbitrations, and agency hearings. One client praises his “excellent knowledge in grievance areas and arbitration.”

Kristin Klein Wheaton (Band 2) earns a nod from Chambers for her “deep experience in a range of employment and traditional labor matters, including discrimination charges, dismissal challenges, and union organization negotiations.” A client adds that Kristin is “very well versed in hearing strategies.”

Commercial Litigation

For the fifth consecutive year, Goldberg Segalla ranks among the preeminent law firms in the General Commercial Litigation category for Upstate New York in Chambers USA, placing in Band 2. In addition, Corporate Services and Commercial Litigation Practice Group Chair Christopher J. Belter was ranked in Band 3 for individual attorneys.

Chambers notes Goldberg Segalla’s “Large commercial litigation team with experience across a breadth of contentious business matters. Specialist advice ranges from day-to-day and regulatory guidance to litigation derived from multijurisdictional transactions, with notable expertise in shareholder litigation, class actions, and intellectual property disputes.” Chambers calls the firm “Well-placed to represent clients from a broad range of industries and sectors, including financial services, construction, retail and agriculture,” and also notes work in sports and entertainment.

Clients attest that Goldberg Segalla is a “go-to firm” for commercial litigation: “[T]hey’re responsive and in terms of billing and value for money, their rates are very competitive,” one says. “They provide exceptional lawyering,” another adds. “They are smart, dedicated and strategic. We work perfectly together.”

Chris Belter is also highlighted for his “deep expertise in the construction, utilities, and retail” and for “regularly representing global clients in complex commercial litigation.” A client describes the practice chair as “a strategic thinker, very experienced and thorough.”

Insurance

Goldberg Segalla’s Global Insurance Services Practice Group also earns recognition in Pennsylvania. Partner Michael A. Hamilton, who helps to lead the team in Pennsylvania, ranks in Chambers’ Band 3 for individual attorneys. Chambers recognizes Mike as “a strong practitioner whose broad practice [includes] coverage claims and litigation on behalf of insurers,” and notes that he is “particularly adept at environmental matters and class action litigation.”

Read Goldberg Segalla’s 2019 Chambers listings here:

• Goldberg Segalla LLP, Chambers USA 2019