Benchmark Litigation 2014

(LOS ANGELES—NOV. 7, 2013) Glaser Weil and three of its partners have been recognized by Benchmark Litigation 2014, a guide that provides analysis of commercial and financial litigators and law firms in the United States based on interviews with the nation’s leading private practice lawyers and in-house counsel.

For its debut in the publication, Benchmark researchers graded  Glaser Weil as “highly recommended,” one of only 17 California law firms to garner the top rank.

Partner and Litigation Department Chair Patricia Glaser, previously named to Benchmark’s list of the Top 250 Women Litigators in California, was named a “litigation star” by Benchmark for the second year in a row. In addition, Partner Robert Shapiro was also named a “litigation star” and Partner Jill Basinger was listed as a “future star.”

Benchmark explained that Glaser Weil “impressively” debuts as a “highly recommended” law firm because of “the enthusiastic feedback the Firm receives from peers and clients.” One peer told Benchmark researchers: “They are what I’d call a ‘small big firm’…. They are not necessarily a boutique, but they operate like one, which is a good thing. And half of their clients are celebrities!”

Ms. Glaser received “nods from numerous peers for her active practice representing high-profile personalities in very contentious matters.” Both Ms. Glaser and Ms. Basinger were hailed for their work on behalf of Henry Nicholas, co-founder of wireless technology company Broadcom Corp. Mr. Nicholas received a $27.8 million judgment in a dispute arising out of a loan he made to a real estate developer, who failed to deliver collateral for a second portion of the loan and then sued Mr. Nicholas for his refusal to fund the remainder of the loan in the absence of the promised collateral. Their representation of Keith Olbermann and Olbermann Broadcasting Empire in the political commentator’s $50 million breach of contract lawsuit against Current TV, which settled for a confidential amount, was also cited.

Benchmark cited the number of high profile corporations” Mr. Shapiro has represented, including Rockstar Energy Drink, Diamond Resorts International, Steve Wynn and Wynn Resorts Ltd. and many celebrity clients. “A client cheers on Shapiro’s behalf, ‘Robert is a very seasoned litigator, with business and criminal law experience. These areas of expertise, along with general commercial litigation, make him very valuable as a part of a team.’”