Allen Matkins Ranked Number One Real Estate Law Firm in California by Chambers & Partners; Construction, Environmental, and Labor and Employment Practices Named Among Best in California

LOS ANGELES – June 20, 2011 – Chambers & Partners has released its rankings of the premier law firms in the U.S. and, for the tenth consecutive year, Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP is in the number one tier of real estate law firms in California. Chambers & Partners also recognized the firm's construction, environmental, and labor and employment practices among the best in the state.

Real estate attorneys Michael Matkins, Richard Mallory, Tony Natsis and Kevin Ehrhart, construction attorney Raymond Buddie, environmental attorney David Cooke, and labor and employment attorney Dwight Armstrong were also individually recognized by the publication.

Through interviews with peers, significant purchasers of legal services, and competing law firms, London-based Chambers & Partners rates business lawyers at U.S. law firms by state within a selected set of key practice areas, assessing the attorneys' and firm's legal abilities, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients. The following is what Chambers USA 2011 said about Allen Matkins on their Web site:

Real Estate Practice Recognition: This team is particularly noted for its leasing work and representation of developers, although it is also strong on acquisitions, dispositions, equity restructuring, workouts and distressed assets. Its highly regarded attorneys garner widespread praise for their impressive business acumen. Sources say: “A top-notch firm that delivers to high standards every time and regularly exceeds expectations."

Founding partner Michael Matkins is commended as "tremendously knowledgeable, persuasive and well connected, "and is noted for his expertise in leasing, financing, contract negotiation and joint venture agreements which has cemented his reputation as one of the top real estate lawyers in California."

Interviewees also lauded Richard Mallory, founding partner and co-chair of the firm's San Francisco office, for his 41 years of experience handling commercial leasing work and representing landlords and tenants.

Based in the firm’s Century City office, Tony Natsis, a name partner of the firm and chair of its real estate department, primarily focuses on complex leasing, which has recently involved a significant amount of property restructuring. He also regularly turns his "sharp and practical eye" to disputes, development projects and office buildings.

Chambers & Partners has named Kevin Ehrhart among the outstanding real estate attorneys in the California for the six th year in a row. He chairs the Allen Matkins real estate group in Los Angeles and the firm’s hospitality practice. Ehrhart maintains a strong presence in sales transactions and has recently represented a number of large real estate players in company and debt restructuring.

Construction Practice Recognition: This California-based group has a sound reputation for advising general contractors and construction managers. Recent work has included contracts for tenant improvements and major repairs matters, as well as handling a claim involving a Native American casino project. Sources say: “This team comes highly recommended for its timely and effective service." In addition, Raymond Buddie, a partner in the firm's San Francisco office and co-chair of the firm's construction practice group, was recognized. Buddie is a licensed civil engineer and he mainly represents large general contractors and construction managers.

Environmental Practice Recognition: This group offers a range of contentious and non-contentious services, and is increasingly active in CWA, CERCLA and Proposition 65 work. It is often instructed in large commercial projects and major permitting issues. Sources say: “A well-respected and efficient team of environmental lawyers; it is excellent.” David Cooke, co-chair of the Allen Matkins environmental and natural resources group, covers both litigation and transactional counseling, with particular expertise in hazardous waste and contaminated property issues. Cooke is being recognized as a leading attorney for the first time by Chambers & Partners. Clients praise him for being “a pleasure to work with - he is incredibly diligent and knowledgeable and he has an impressive understanding of the commercial realities."

Labor and Employment Practice Recognition: The labor and employment team litigates wrongful termination, employment discrimination and wage/hour cases, including state and federal class actions, and also represents management in the traditional labor law arena. It is also noted for its expertise in preventive counseling, particularly with regard to sexual harassment matters and reductions in force. Sources say: "The attorneys have an excellent approach when giving advice: practical, no-nonsense and business-oriented. When you ask them a question you get a quick, straightforward answer."

Dwight Armstrong, a partner in the firm's Orange County office and chair of the firm's labor and employment practice group, was praised by sources for his "wide-ranging knowledge and personable manner with clients."

ABOUT ALLEN MATKINS

Allen Matkins, founded in 1977, is a California-based law firm with approximately 220 attorneys in four major metropolitan areas of California: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco and San Diego. The firm's core specialties include real estate, real estate and commercial finance, bankruptcy and creditors' rights, construction, land use, natural resources, environmental, corporate and securities, intellectual property, joint ventures, taxation, employment and labor law, and dispute resolution and litigation in all these matters. For more than 30 years, Allen Matkins has helped clients turn opportunity and challenge into success by providing practical advice, innovative solutions and valuable business opportunities. When clients' challenges require experienced trial counsel, Allen Matkins has a proven track record of successful litigation before juries, judges and arbitrators.