America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011: Outsourcing
Chambers & Partners has compiled its independent and objective list of America's Leading Lawyers for Business based on comments gathered from thousands of interviews with clients and lawyers from Maine to Hawaii. This guide — which is designed to reflect market opinion — contains a view of the firms and attorneys who are considered leaders in their field.
In Chambers' 2011 review of national legal talent in the area of "Outsourcing," our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.
Chambers' comments:
Nationwide Ranking: Tier 2
The Firm: Outsourcing remains a key practice area for this Chicago-based firm, which brings together attorneys from various disciplines to offer an integrated approach. The team includes technology and IP specialists who are experienced in ITO and BPO transactions. In addition, it consults on several other outsourced functions such as logistic, supply chain management and contract manufacturing agreements. Clients include customers and service providers across a variety of sectors, such as financial services, energy, insurance and real estate.
Client Service "The team has a strong work ethic and is staffed by smart, dedicated people. It also takes client service seriously."
Key Individuals: In Chicago, Neil Hirshman is "fantastic – he knows all the ins and outs of a deal and always gets the best possible outcome in negotiations." His practice is focused on IP and technology-related transactions. In the same city, Gregg Kirchhoefer is well regarded for his work on facilities management and telecom agreements. Clients describe him as "an outstanding lawyer with great negotiation skills." Acting out of San Francisco, Stephen Johnson is "an intelligent lawyer who understands the relevant issues from the outset."
Technology & Outsourcing
Illinois Ranking: Tier 3
The Firm: Kirkland & Ellis has established a significant presence in the outsourcing field. Its stature continues to rise as it recently acquired new clients including CIGNA, Kellogg and Xchanging. It advises clients on all aspects of the strategy, implementation and restructuring of ITO and BPO operations. Clients are attracted to the team's determination and first-class service.
Sources Say: "It is a high-caliber practice. The team has good market sense and provides a high quality of service."
Key Individuals: Neil Hirshman is praised by both peers and clients as a "very intelligent attorney with a good sense of business objectives." Gregg Kirchhoefer is described as a "great negotiator" and "outstanding attorney." He is an acknowledged authority on computer law, and counsels clients in outsourcing operations and technology-related agreements.
IT & Outsourcing
California Ranking: Tier 3
The Firm: This firm has a well-established presence in the IT and outsourcing market representing both service providers and customers. The group has extensive experience in not only ITO and BPO, but also application process outsourcing and application service provider outsourcing. It also advises on issues concerning software, open source and licensing arrangements.
Key Individuals: Stephen Johnson is well respected for his wide range of capabilities in BPO and ITO, as well as M&A, joint ventures and other strategic agreements involving technology-based businesses.
Reprinted with permission from Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011— www.chambersandpartners.com.
