Allen Matkins Ranked in Top Tier of California Real Estate Law Firms by Chambers USA for 16th Consecutive Year

LOS ANGELES – May 31, 2017 – Chambers USA has released its annual rankings of the premier business law firms in the U.S. and, for the 16^th consecutive year, Allen Matkins is in the number one tier of real estate law firms in California. Chambers USA also recognized the firm's construction, environmental, and labor and employment practices among the best in the state.

Real estate attorneys Michael Matkins, Tony Natsis and O'Malley Miller; real estate: zoning/land use attorney Jeffrey Chine; environmental attorneys Pamela Andes, David Cooke, James Meeder and Sandi Nichols; labor and employment attorney Dwight Armstrong; and banking and finance attorney Pauline Stevens were also individually recognized by the publication.

Through interviews with peers, significant purchasers of legal services, and competing law firms, London-based Chambers USA rates business lawyers at U.S. law firms by state within a selected set of key practice areas, assessing the attorneys' and firms' legal abilities, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients. The following is what Chambers USA said about Allen Matkins in its 2017 guide:

Real Estate Practice: Allen Matkins maintains a strong reputation across the state of California for its deep real estate expertise. The firm is particularly noted for its strength in highly sophisticated leases, acquisitions and dispositions. Recognized in the market for representing developers. Practitioners are noted for their "great ability to turn around documents in a very time-sensitive fashion." Clients note that the team "produces a tremendous quality of work in very short order." The team attracts praise for its deal-oriented approach: "A very good and experienced real estate law firm, with a culture that finds a way to quickly and efficiently find the common ground."

Tony Natsis wins praise from market commentators for his approach to leasing matters. "He thinks about us not only with regard to providing services, but also seeks out new opportunities for us to work together," according to clients. Jeffrey Chine acted for Kilroy Realty Corp on the zoning aspects of the mixed-use New One Paseo development in San Diego. Sources describe him as "a strong land use attorney with great business sense." Firm founder and name partner Michael Matkins is a senior and respected figure at the California real estate Bar. Peers endorse O'Malley Miller as "very good at distilling complicated issues and explaining them to clients." He is a well-respected lawyer with numerous high-value transactions under his belt.

Construction Practice: The firm's work includes drafting and negotiating design and construction contracts for a range of projects, including mixed-use, residential and retail developments. It has the capacity to handle construction issues arising from each stage of a project, encompassing bid protests, delay and insurance claims. Noted for its experience in both private and public projects. Clients appreciate that "they are experienced construction transactional attorneys."

Environmental Practice: Allen Matkins maintains a strong reputation for the full range of environmental regulatory, transactional and dispute resolution work. The firm boasts a strong litigation team with significant experience in both trial and appeals, particularly in relation to CERCLA cases and contaminated sites. Its attorneys frequently advise clientele on high-value projects and redevelopments requiring environmental due diligence. The firm also has a wealth of experience in water rights and quality matters.

Environmental litigator David Cooke has extensive experience in trials and appeals covering the full spectrum of statutes and enforcement issues. He has particular know-how in hazardous waste and contaminated property disputes. The "exceptionally knowledgeable and effective" Pamela Andes combines deep expertise in environmental issues and real estate transactions. She is highly recommended for handling all stages of project development, from due diligence through financing and selling properties. James Meeder is an environmental litigator with substantial experience in civil and criminal trials, appeals and investigations. Sandi Nichols, "an excellent litigator," is valued by clients for her compliance and litigation counseling, particularly in relation to CERCLA, CEQA and the CWA.

Labor and Employment Practice: Allen Matkins is a strong California firm with a number of offices throughout the state. It has a wide-ranging practice that includes standout work on employment litigation, including wage and hour defense and NLRA matters. Sources attest to the firm's responsiveness and commitment to the client: "Client service is always A+++ with this team; I know they will always be there on short notice when issues arise."

ABOUT ALLEN MATKINS

Practice head Dwight Armstrong engages in a range of employment issues, including litigation, transactions and compliance counsel. One commentator states: "He is practical and intuitive in finding solutions and resolving problems - he is the best labor law attorney that I have seen."

Allen Matkins, founded in 1977, is a California-based law firm with approximately 200 attorneys in four major metropolitan areas of California: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco. The firm's areas of focus include real estate, construction, land use, environmental and natural resources; corporate and securities, real estate and commercial finance, bankruptcy, restructurings and creditors' rights, joint ventures and tax; labor, employment and OSHA; and trials, litigation, risk management and alternative dispute resolution in all of these areas. For more information about Allen Matkins please visit www.allenmatkins.com.