Chambers USA Recognizes 30 Cole Schotz Attorneys and 14 Departments

Cole Schotz is pleased to announce that 30 attorneys across the firm’s offices have been included in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide, with several lawyers moving up in the rankings.

Michael D. Sirota was named a “Star Individual,” a designation reserved for practitioners who receive exceptional recommendations in their field of practice. Gary H. Leibowitz, Irving E. Walker, Richard W. Abramson and Warren A. Usatine each maintained Band 1 positions.

Ryan T. Jareck, Emily M. Lamond, William W. Stroever, Marissa A. Mastroianni and Jonathan Goodelman all moved up in the rankings for their respective practice areas, while H.C. Jones, III was recognized for the first time as “Up & Coming” in Maryland Bankruptcy/Restructuring. Leo Leyva also joined the New Jersey Real Estate list, in addition to being recognized again in the New Jersey Litigation: General Commercial list.

In addition to individual rankings, the firm received 14 department recognitions. It maintained Band 1 positions in Maryland Bankruptcy/Restructuring, New Jersey Bankruptcy/Restructuring and New Jersey Real Estate. The firm was recognized for the first time in the Nationwide Cannabis Law and Florida Litigation: General Commercial practice rankings while also having moved up the rankings in the New Jersey Labor & Employment practice area.

The Chambers USA Guide ranks select lawyers and law firms using criteria most valued by clients – such as legal aptitude, client service, technical knowledge, business acumen, cost efficiency and effectiveness. The rankings are based on the organization’s research, which includes in-depth interviews with attorneys and clients and considers information submitted by law firms. 

The firm’s department and individual rankings include: 

Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Highly Regarded – Nationwide – Chambers states “Cole Schotz is recognized for its national profile. The group acts for both debtors and creditors on a broad array of bankruptcy matters, including Chapter 11 proceedings and out-of-court restructurings. It also offers substantial expertise in bankruptcy-related litigation.”

Bankruptcy/Restructuring – Delaware – Chambers states “Cole Schotz P.C. houses a strong bankruptcy and corporate restructuring team experienced in all aspects of Chapter 11 proceedings. The firm acts for a wide range of stakeholders, including debtors, institutional creditors, official committees and equity holders. Clients include companies from the manufacturing, entertainment and retail sectors. Cole Schotz possesses a strong bench experienced in acting as both lead and co-counsel in high-stakes bankruptcy proceedings.”

• Justin R. Alberto – Chambers states “Justin Alberto is recognised for his adroit representation of secured lenders, as well as his experience in advising debtor-side clients. He comes particularly recommended as a creditors’ committee expert, advising on a range of Chapter 11 filings both within and outside the region.”
• G. David Dean – Chambers states “David Dean frequently represents debtors in bankruptcy proceedings and garners praise for his approach to cases.”
• Patrick J. Reilley – Chambers states “Patrick Reilley provides counsel in corporate restructuring matters across a variety of industries, including retail and automotive.”
• Stacy Newman – Chambers states “Stacy Newman is a rising talent with experience handling sophisticated Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 matters. She is active in a range of sectors.”

Luis Salazar, Bankruptcy/Restructuring – Florida: South – Chambers states “Luis Salazar of Cole Schotz has a broad bankruptcy practice, which sees him handle a range of Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations. He brings particular expertise in litigious matters.”

Bankruptcy/Restructuring – Maryland (Band 1)

• Gary H. Leibowitz (Band 1) – Chambers states “Gary Leibowitz is held in high esteem for his able handling of bankruptcy proceedings and related litigation.”
• Irving E. Walker (Band 1) – Chambers states “Irving Walker has a strong track record of representing debtors and creditors in high-stakes Chapter 11 proceedings and out-of-court restructurings.”
• H.C. Jones, III – Chambers states “H.C. Jones, III is a partner at Cole Schotz and regularly assists clients in Chapter 11 proceedings. He is experienced in representing both debtors and creditors.”

Bankruptcy/Restructuring – New Jersey (Band 1) – Chambers states “Cole Schotz P.C. is home to a prestigious group of highly regarded practitioners known for the representation of debtors and creditors’ committees as well as hedge funds and liquidating trustees. It is experienced in corporate restructuring and insolvency proceedings for distressed businesses, as well as asset sales. The law firm has represented clients in a broad range of industries including technology, retail and biosciences, both nationally and internationally, and is noted for its work in bankruptcy litigation.”

• Michael D. Sirota (Star Individuals) – Chambers states “Michael Sirota is well equipped to handle all manner of Chapter 11 cases and other restructuring matters, specializing primarily on debtor sided representations. He cochairs the firm’s bankruptcy and corporate restructuring department and represents clients in industries including retail, technology and manufacturing.”
• Warren A. Usatine (Band 1) – Chambers states “Warren Usatine specializes in handling Chapter 11 restructuring on behalf of both creditors and debtors. He is adept at representing high profile clients in industries including retail and technology.”
• David M. Bass – Chambers states “David Bass provides debtors with Chapter 11 representation and other bankruptcy counsel. His practice also encompasses bankruptcy litigation.”
• Jacob S. Frumkin – Chambers states “Jacob Frumkin is well regarded for his ability to advise both debtors and secured creditors. He handles a wide spectrum of issues, including bankruptcy proceedings and restructurings.”
• Ryan T. Jareck – Chambers states “Ryan Jareck specializes in handling Chapter 11 cases on behalf of debtors, creditors and others.”
• Stuart Komrower – Chambers states “Stuart Komrower is adept at representing creditors and debtors in a variety of bankruptcy matters, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 proceedings.”
• Felice R. Yudkin – Chambers states “Felice Yudkin is recognized for her bankruptcy practice, which includes acting in complex Chapter 11 proceedings. She is experienced in industries including retail, technology and manufacturing.”

Luis Salazar, Bankruptcy Litigation – Florida  – Chambers states “Luis Salazar of Cole Schotz has a broad bankruptcy practice, which sees him handle a range of Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations. He brings particular expertise in litigious matters.”

Cannabis Law – Nationwide

Robert M. DiPisa, Cannabis Law: Eastern United States – Chambers states “Robert DiPisa of Cole Schotz is particularly notable for his real estate expertise as it pertains to the CBD and cannabis industries.”

Corporate/M&A – New Jersey – Chambers states “Cole Schotz handles the full range of corporate work, advising on M&A, joint ventures and finance transactions. Its diverse sector expertise includes in technology, health care and media, with experience in private equity and venture capital.”

Environment – New Jersey  – Chambers states “Cole Schotz houses a group with experience and expertise in all areas of environmental law, including land use and insurance cost recovery matters, Superfund and Spill Act liability litigation. It regularly advises clients on issues concerning air, water and waste regulations, and is also noted for its work obtaining government brownfield incentive funds. The firm represents clients from an array of sectors, including real estate, manufacturing and chemicals.”

• Catherine E. Bostock – Chambers states “Catherine Bostock provides companies with environmental assistance on corporate transactions.
• Heather L. Demirjian – Chambers states “Heather Demirjian is experienced in environmental transactional, regulatory and litigation matters. She assists a variety of clients, including real estate developers, food and drink, and manufacturing sector clients.”
• Richard J. Ericsson – Chambers states “Richard Ericsson is an accomplished environmental attorney who frequently navigates issues relating to remediation and Superfund sites, such as environmental insurance policies and liability costs. He is also skilled at handling the environmental aspects of joint ventures and other corporate transactions.”
• Emily M. Lamond – Chambers states “Emily Lamond is experienced in the environmental sector, specifically advising clients on the implications of environmental liability risks on a number of deals.”

Intellectual Property – Texas – Chambers states “Cole Schotz has a growing IP group with experience advising across a range of areas of IP, including patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret matters. The firm is frequently called upon to handle litigation and non-contentious mandates such as prosecution and IP strategy for a varied client base that includes technology and energy companies.”

• Aaron D. Davidson – Chambers states “Aaron Davidson advises clients in a range of intellectual property litigation matters, including patent infringement, patent and trade dress counsel, and trade secret disputes.”
• Gary R. Sorden – Chambers states “Gary Sorden handles intellectual property matters including patent infringement litigation, patent licensing and enforcement, as well as trademark and copyright litigation.”

Intellectual Property – New Jersey – Chambers states “Cole Schotz houses a significant breadth of IP expertise, with its team regularly advising on portfolio management and prosecution, as well as high-stakes contentious proceedings including infringement disputes. The firm represents a diverse client base including media and entertainment, and retail companies.”

• David S. Gold – Chambers states “David Gold focuses his practice on advising clients on protecting, enforcing and monetizing trademarks and copyrights. He is particularly well regarded for his work in the music and arts field.”
• William W. Stroever – Chambers states “William Stroever counsels clients in a variety of sectors including consumer and biomedical products. He has expertise in advising on matters in connection with trademark prosecution, enforcement and disputes.”

Labor & Employment – New Jersey – Chambers states “Cole Schotz P.C. has a notable Hackensack-based group offering deep expertise in employment litigation, with experience spanning wage and hour, discrimination, trade secrets and wrongful discharge disputes. The firm is additionally able to advise clients on a wide array of noncontentious matters and to provide support on corporate and real estate mandates.”

• Randi W. Kochman – Chambers states “Randi Kochman oversees a range of employment proceedings on behalf of clients, including wrongful discharge, wage and hour, and contract disputes. She chairs the employment practice at Cole Schotz P.C.”
• Marissa A. Mastroianni – Chambers states “Marissa Mastroianni enjoys a growing reputation for her practice, which focuses on employment litigation. She also advises on corporate investigations and employment-related compliance.”

Litigation: General Commercial: Highly Regarded – Florida – Chambers states “Cole Schotz offers deep expertise as both plaintiff and defense counsel in commercial litigation matters. The team is especially experienced in real estate and bankruptcy-related disputes.”

Litigation: General Commercial – New Jersey – Chambers states “Cole Schotz P.C. wins praise for the strength of its commercial litigation practice and the depth of its trial experience. The team handles complex litigation across the USA, including business, construction, real estate, IP, product liability, bankruptcy and insurance cases.”

• Leo V. Leyva – Chambers states “Leo Leyva’s broad practice spans a range of commercial litigation, including shareholder actions and real estate disputes.”
• Warren A. Usatine – Chambers states “Warren Usatine co-chairs the firm’s litigation department and is highly regarded by peers and clients alike. Warren has a broad range of expertise, including representation of clients in breach of contract and fraud claims.”

Real Estate – New Jersey (Band 1) – Chambers states “Cole Schotz P.C. has a top quality and much-admired department, with expertise across the spectrum of real estate law. A versatile practice that demonstrates strength in areas such as sales, acquisitions, development and redevelopment as well as financings and restructurings on behalf of a wide range of major clients. It offers notable experience in residential real estate matters as well as commercial projects concerning office, retail and industrial space. It also offers substantial national reach owing to its network of offices in several states across the USA.”

• Richard W. Abramson (Band 1) – Chambers states “Richard Abramson is widely respected for his largely transactional practice supporting a range of household businesses and investors on various acquisitions, joint ventures and financing matters.”
• Jonathan Goodelman – Chambers states “Jonathan Goodelman advises investors and developers on redevelopment matters. He is especially active in the retail and restaurant spaces.”
• Leo V. Leyva – Chambers states “Leo Leyva handles complex commercial real estate matters, regularly representing lenders, property owners and developers.”
• John S. Stewart – Chambers states “John Stewart represents clients such as developers, owners and investors in a range of real estate transactions, including complex financings.”

Real Estate: Mostly Dirt – New York – Chambers states “Cole Schotz handles all aspects of real estate transactions, including portfolio acquisitions and sales. The team is experienced across the real estate space, including on matters concerning office, hospitality and residential assets. Clients include landlords, REITs and developers.”

For a more detailed overview of the firm’s department and individual rankings, including testimonials from research participants gathered by Chambers on behalf of the firm’s submissions, please visit here.

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