Bartlit, Beck Nominated as Two of "America's Leading Business Lawyers"
From Chambers USA/America's Leading Business Lawyers 2003-2004:
Fred Bartlit was characterized as "a lone gunman coming into the city at high noon."
Phil Beck was said to be "at the peak of his game."
Read excerpts from the entry below:
From the Litigation Overview:
"To qualify for a place in Chambers' litigation rankings, firms have to demonstrate the capacity to represent corporate clients across a range of disciplines. Examples might include commercial disputes, securities, banking, civil fraud and real estate litigation."
On the Chicago office:
"Bartlit Beck: This 'fabulous boutique' is renowned among peers for great quality and for its 'smart and savvy lawyers.' It broke away from Kirkland & Ellis nearly ten years ago and has become a 'much sought after' shop. A small group of about 40 lawyers focuses on complex commercial litigation, and won particular approval from clients for its alternative fee arrangements.
"The Lawyers: Chambers' researchers encountered strong market recommendation for Phil Beck, a 'first-rate' attorney who came to prominence following his representation of George W. Bush in the contested Florida election. More recently, he has acted as special trial counsel for the US Department of Justice in the Microsoft antitrust case. Peers believe him to be at 'the peak of his game,' and admire him for his 'exceptional' cross-examination skills. Fred Bartlit was also endorsed as an attorney who 'will walk through walls for his clients.' He successfully represented MediaOne/AT&T Broadband in a contract dispute against US West over responsibility for telephone class actions.
"The Clients: Reebok; GM; Bayer; Johnson & Johnson; United Technologies and AT&T."
On the Denver office:
From the Colorado preface:
"Overview: Chicago-based Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP maintains a large second office in Denver. It has one of the most respected litigation departments in the country and a high-profile national clientele. Star litigator Fred Bartlit numbers George W. Bush, who used the firm during the 2000 election, among his clients. The firm also acts for Shell and Marriott International.
"The Firm: One of the nation's most dynamic litigation boutiques, the Chicago-based firm's second home in Denver benefits from the reflected glory. It brings a senior partner-led approach to its cases and was endorsed for producing litigators steeped with trial experience.
"The Lawyers: The star of the firm, Fred Bartlit, splits his time between Chicago and Denver and serves a national clientele, including George W. Bush in the 2000 election contest. Besides Bartlit's impressive client list and potent trial skills, opponents admire his ability to focus on the endgame. When he takes to the courtroom, it's like 'a lone gunman coming into the city at high noon.' While some expressed reservations that he's 'not quite as homespun as I would want in a Denver courtroom,' he was overwhelmingly voted as one of the best for the bet-your-company variety of commercial disputes. He successfully represented MediaOne Group in a contract dispute against US West in front of a three-member arbitration panel, and defended United Technologies in an antitrust case.
"The Clients: GM, Hughes Aircraft, Shell and Marriott International are leading clients of the firm."