Connell Foley was recognized for its excellence across multiple practice areas with two new attorneys added to the list in the 2022 Chambers USA Guide, which ranks the leading lawyers and law firms across the USA.
The firm is proud to extend congratulations to our attorneys recognized in this year’s Guide: Agnes Antonian (Environment), Kevin Coakley (Real Estate), Timothy Corriston (Environment), John Cromie (Corporate/M&A), Neil Dornbaum (Immigration), Mark Fleder (Construction), Kevin Gardner (Environment), Charles Harrington III (Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use), Christina Ku (Environment), Michael McBride (Construction), Nevins McCann (Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use), Jonathan McHenry (Insurance), Kathleen Peregoy (Immigration), Peter Smith (Construction) and Abigail Walsh (Immigration).
Connell Foley's 2022 Chambers USA rankings are as follows:
Construction (Band 1). The third consecutive year achieving Band 1 status, the Construction group was described by Chambers as a “leading construction firm with vast experience assisting governmental entities, owners, developers and contractors with contract negotiation and litigation." Interviewees stated, "They are quick to answer questions, and they provide the requisite deliverables on a timely basis."
Corporate/M&A (Band 4). Chambers writes that the Corporate/M&A group is a “respected local firm with multiple offices across the state,” and “focuses on midmarket work for clients including family-owned businesses and public companies,” According to clients, "They listen intently and advise carefully and comprehensively to all of our requests and requirements. All of their people are very responsive and deeply invested."
Environment (Band 4). According to Chambers, Connell Foley’s Environment group, "Offers astute environmental regulatory counsel to clients in a variety of sectors across energy, utilities, real estate and chemicals."
Immigration (Band 2). The Corporate and Immigration practice is described by Chambers as “well-respected” and notes the employment Immigration team “assists clients on I-9 compliance audits” and “provides advice on the immigration elements of corporate M&A.” Clients stated, “The attorneys are very knowledgeable, very thorough and will always explain all options and the downsides of all alternatives. The partners are extremely capable, intelligent and the support team are all very well versed in the subject matter, careful and accurate."
Insurance (Band 2). Chambers writes that the Insurance group is a “skillful outfit acting on behalf of insurers in coverage and subrogation disputes, regularly selected to represent clients in many large and high-profile cases, including class action coverage disputes.”
Litigation: General Commercial (Band 5). Connell Foley is “well regarded in the New Jersey market for its strong team of litigators. The firm's attorneys are routinely called upon for their significant experience acting for clients in state and federal trials.”
Real Estate (Band 3). Connell Foley’s Real Estate group has “expertise in transactional, development and financing matters” and is “frequently involved in high-profile residential and commercial projects throughout the state,” according to Chambers.
Agnes Antonian – Environment (Band 3). Chambers writes that Agnes “is adept at negotiating with government agencies as well as defending companies in contamination and CERCLA claims.” Clients note that Agnes “is an extremely competent and well-versed environmental lawyer.” “Agnes is a powerhouse. She can combine the technical acumen with legal expertise to wade through thorny issues."
Kevin Coakley -- Real Estate (Band 2). Chambers highlights Kevin’s ability to “guide clients through dealings with government agencies in New Jersey.”
Timothy Corriston – Environment (Band 3). Chambers states, “Tim is recognized for his work on Superfund, Spill Act and mass tort matters.”
John Cromie -- Corporate/M&A (Band 3). Chambers highlights John’s “expertise in divestitures, among other transactions, and also provides advice on governance and finance matters.” A client reports, “John is an exceptional and practical lawyer. He's very sensible and knows how to advise his clients."
Neil Dornbaum – Immigration (Band 2). Neil “advises on employment-based immigration matters for clients in the education and pharmaceutical sectors, among others,” writes Chambers. Clients state, “Neil is an expert in his field and we have absolute trust in his knowledge.” “Neil is a powerhouse in New Jersey."
Mark Fleder – Construction (Band 1). The Chambers Guide notes that Mark is valued for his “ability to handle major construction projects and litigation on behalf of public owners and general contractors.” One source states, “With Mark Fleder's guidance we have seen our way through each challenge we have been presented with.”
Kevin Gardner – Environment (Band 3). Kevin “has a broad commercial litigation practice which includes significant experience managing environmental law claims,” describes Chambers. A source described as "a seasoned litigator who has successfully handled several large, complicated multi-party environmental matters."
Charles Harrington III – Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Band 3). Chambers credits Chuck for “advising developers in obtaining approvals for mixed-use development projects, among other matters.”
Christina Ku – Environment -- (Up and Coming). Christina “is a talented up-and-comer who advises clients on environmental litigation involving CERCLA and the Spill Act,” Chambers writes.
Michael McBride – Construction (Band 1). Chambers highlights “his deep expertise advising owners and developers on major construction projects and disputes.” Sources explains, "He gets down to the issues very quickly and is a strong advocate.” “Michael McBride has always been very responsive and quick to move matters forward."
Nevins McCann -- Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Band 3). Nevins “is a well-known real estate attorney with prominent expertise in zoning and land use matters,” Chambers writes.
Jonathan McHenry – Insurance (Band 3). The Chambers Guide writes that Jon “handles a diverse array of coverage disputes, including those involving environmental damage, asbestos, product defects and sexual abuse claims.” One source described Jonathan as “a tenacious litigator."
Kathleen Peregoy – Immigration (Band 3). Chambers describes Kathleen as “an experienced attorney who advises employers from a wide range of sectors on immigration matters.” Sources stated, "Kathleen truly understands the current landscape in immigration and always offers good solutions to potentially sticky situations and the correct path forward. Her guidance is valued. She is wonderful to work with and extremely knowledgeable." "Kathleen is a true pleasure to work with; she helps clients better understand and streamline immigration processing."
Peter Smith – Construction (Band 2). Chambers notes that Peter is “deeply experienced in the litigation and arbitration of construction disputes and is recognized for his work as an arbitrator.” One source wrote, "Peter Smith's long experience in construction law matters as an advocate and arbitrator, coupled with his keen intelligence, makes him well suited to sophisticated construction arbitration matters."
Abigail Walsh – Immigration (Associates to Watch). The Chambers Guide states that Abby “handles business immigration matters for a broad range of corporate clients” and is “adept at advising on extraordinary ability visas.” Abby was described by sources as, “very knowledgeable and never lets things slip through the cracks. She makes things easy for us clients.” “Abigail is a true professional at heart. She delivers the best service in the quickest possible way. She is really responsive and always outlines the scope of work that needs to get done as well as potential issues which may arise." "Abigail is extremely knowledgeable and dependable."