Cincinnati, OH – Fourteen Taft partners have been named to the 2007 edition of Chambers U.S.A.: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.

In Bankruptcy/Restructuring the firm is dubbed "one of the best mid-market firms in the city" by clients who look to this group for "prompt responses and a quality work product."  The firm is also expanding its team in Cleveland, in order to provide statewide coverage.
 
The Lawyers:  "When Tim Hurley tells you something, you know you can take it to the bank," enthused clients of this well-regarded lawyer.  Hurley is admired and trusted as "a down-to-earth guy who you know won’t pull a fast one on you."  An excellent writer with an in-depth understanding of the Bankruptcy Code, he is technically strong and "an effective guiding hand for his clients."  Peers say:  "You always know that when he’s on the other side, it’ll be as easy an experience as you’d like."  Tim Miller continues to win plaudits as a bright, promising lawyer who "definitely knows what he is doing."  Clients endorsed his practical approach and technical abilities, adding:  "He’s always able to listen and focus on our management objectives."
 
In Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions, Chambers says the firm has a long-standing reputation in the corporate and securities area, particularly in Cincinnati, where its lawyers are "on top of everything."  Clients remarked:  "The lawyers are the most responsive people we’ve worked with and they have a great Midwestern attitude."  They also praised the partners’ cost-effectiveness.  Peers endorse the firm’s strength acting on the other side:  "The lawyers do a good job of when they’re adversaries in a transaction."
 
The Lawyers:  The "very wise and thoughtful"  Tim Hoberg heads the firm’s securities practice.  According to sources, "he really knows the law and can utilize his other skills to approach the work efficiently on behalf of his clients."  Peers admit they like having him on the other side because "you can deal with him and just know he’ll be fair."

In the area of Labor and Employment, Taft received a Band 1 ranking, with Chambers noting:  This "classy" Cincinnati group comprises "top lawyers with top credentials."  Clients admire Taft for "not churning out the work like other firms" but carrying out high-quality yet "not overdone" work.  "They’re a reliable and consistent bunch of folks who know how we work," reported one client, while another appreciated the group’s "let me see what I can get you" rather than "This will cost you" approach.
 
The Lawyers:  Mark Stepaniak is "an extraordinarily fine lawyer" who is applauded for his high-profile work for the University of Cincinnati.  Commentators lavished a wealth of praise on him, describing him as "measured, bright and ethical, with real integrity."  His strengths lie in communication and negotiations, for he is "approachable, not only to his clients but to the unions and employees too.  The late Roger Weber, who served as chairman of the department until his untimely death on February 20, 2007, was revered for taking a cerebral approach to matters.  Doreen Canton is termed "a real star in the courtroom."  A "calm, cool and collected" trial lawyer, she represents defendant corporations in jury trial in employment discrimination cases in the federal courts in Southern Ohio.  "People feel comfortable with her because she’s so experienced," reports peers.  Tim Reilly is recognized for being an experienced, ethical lawyer who is practical and results-oriented in his approach to litigation.  He is popular with peers because "he’ll settle cases and doesn’t get mired down in strict legal issues," while clients admire his "easygoing" manner and big-picture approach.  Rising star Greg Rogers is acknowledged for "fighting his cases hard."  Clients applaud him for being "quick to respond with good practical legal advice, without lavishing lots of extra time on the matter."
 
In Litigation, Chambers describes the firm as:  This prestigious Cincinnati outfit also has offices in Cleveland and Columbus.  Peers conceded that the strength of the firm’s trial group was impressive and consisted of some "absolutely terrific people."  Clients were also quick to heap praise on the team, with one stating:  "It’s just a great law firm. I think the world of all the guys there."  The firm has a particularly strong concentration of litigators in Cincinnati and Cleveland.
 
The Lawyers:  Clifford Craig‘s main focus is on financial litigation.  Peers reported that he is "always a pleasure to deal with.  He is a true gentleman of the highest class."  Chair of Taft’s antitrust practice group, Jack Donson has over 30 years experience in handling antitrust litigation.  Clients are drawn to him for his well-known mastery of antitrust law.
 
In Natural Resources and Environment, Taft is described by Chambers as a team of eight lawyers engaged in environmental affairs from air and water work to hazardous waste and Superfund work.
 
The Lawyers:  "Firm and articulate" Kim Burke has a stalwart reputation for his skills in the courtroom.  Thomas Terp has a reputation that transcends state boundaries as he is retained by many of his clients on a national basis, whom appreciate his "good blend of business and legal sense."  Sources report:  He answers questions in a straightforward manner which makes the whole process a lot easier."

In construction matters, David Wallace ”is described by those who have opposed him as ‘tenacious and vastly knowledgeable’.”

In matters of real estate, Chambers notes that Ed Diller, Partner-in-charge of Taft’s Cincinnati office,  “has years of real estate-related experience behind him and continues to shine.  As the ‘archetypal professional,’ he is praised for his clear judgment and deal-oriented approach.”

In Banking & Finance, Jeff Schloemer “wins plaudits for being ‘a match for any attorney in Los Angeles or New York’ and ‘His deal management skills are second to none’.”

Entry in Chambers USA, a London-based publication, is based on market recommendation. Researchers spend a year canvassing clients and lawyers across the United States to obtain a consistent market view of which firms and attorneys are considered leaders in their field.

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP has offices in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton and Northern Kentucky.  The firm provides a broad range of legal services to businesses and individuals, including litigation, corporate and business law, securities and municipal financing, tax and estate planning, labor and employment law, real estate and environmental, health care, intellectual property and unfair competition and antitrust law.