June 2, 2022: Chambers USA 2022 Ranks Conrad O’Brien as Top Firm for Litigation and Attorneys Recognized as Leading Lawyers
The Philadelphia-based law firm, Conrad O’Brien, is again recognized as a top firm in Pennsylvania (Band 2) for Commercial Litigation in the 2022 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Chambers USA describes the firm as a “[d]istinguished boutique with a formidable bench of experienced trial lawyers.” One interviewee comments that Conrad O’Brien attorneys “work hard to learn the facts and set up a clear pathway forward to resolve the situation. They strategically plot each step using their knowledge of the subject matter and experience to give good advice on how to proceed.” Another interviewee comments: “They work collaboratively to make sure the matter is sorted in the client's best interest and make sure there are no missteps.” One source notes: "The Conrad O'Brien team is responsive, on top of all deadlines and always willing to discuss and explore alternative theories. They have a very deep bench in Pennsylvania for litigation."
Conrad O’Brien attorneys were also recognized for their individual achievements in General Commercial Litigation: Nick Centrella, Nancy Gellman, Jack Guernsey, Patricia Hamill, Kevin Dooley Kent, and Howard Klein:
- Nicholas Centrella (Band 2, Litigation: General Commercial) is the firm's managing partner. He has a wide-ranging practice which sees him representing law firms in legal malpractice cases, as well as assisting other clients with antitrust and product liability matters. His clients and other attorneys say: “He's a great, hard-working lawyer. He knows how to take complex concepts and state them in a way that is very understandable, which makes him particularly effective.” Another source notes: “He is knowledgeable in all areas of the applicable law and a strong written and oral advocate. He is hands-on and makes being responsive a priority.”
- Nancy Gellman (Senior Statesperson, Litigation: General Commercial) is a founding partner of the firm. She has a wealth of litigation experience and advises on a broad range of commercial disputes. One source says: “She's very good on her feet, has a lot of gravitas and credibility in court, and is very thoughtful.”
- John Guernsey (Band 4, Litigation: General Commercial) has experience in handling commercial litigation with a focus on trade secrets and post-employment restrictions. His expertise also extends to ADR proceedings. One source says: “He's able to hone in on the real issues quickly and present them effectively.” Another notes “John Guernsey can take a complicated, difficult situation and represent the client effectively.”
- Kevin Kent (Band 4, Litigation: General Commercial) is highlighted for his expertise in litigation. He has experience acting for utilities, as well as clients in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. One source says: “Kevin Kent is a very strategic thinker. He's a very strong lawyer and advocate when making and presenting arguments to the various courts.”
- Howard Klein (Band 3, Litigation: General Commercial) acts on behalf of law firms and healthcare sector clients in malpractice matters, as well as advising on product liability. A client notes: “He gets to what's important in matters and is able to focus on the end result.”
- Patricia Hamill (Band 4, Litigation: General Commercial) is a specialist in Title IX litigation and regularly advises current and former students on claims in that area. Her clients and other attorneys say: “She does a great job advocating for her clients' interests, leaves no stone unturned and analyzes things at the deepest level." Another source says: “She is extremely knowledgeable in the area and very levelheaded. She's a very strategic thinker who can take the possibility of winning, losing or resolving matters into consideration.”
Chambers and Partners have been ranking the best lawyers and firms since 1990, publishing the world’s leading guides to the legal profession. Chambers has built a reputation for in-depth, objective research, relying on more than 170 full-time editors and researchers who conduct thousands of in-depth interviews with lawyers and clients worldwide. Chambers considers the firm’s reputation in the legal market and the firm’s recent work and areas of expertise.
