Wiggin and Dana LLP's Franchise and Distribution Practice Group and its Lawyers Receive High Rankings In Chambers USA 2014

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June 04, 2014 // Franchising.com // The law firm of Wiggin and Dana LLP is pleased to announce that its Franchise and Distribution Practice Group has been recognized as one of the top franchise practices in the country in the 2014 edition of Chambers USA: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business. In addition, Wiggin and Dana Partners Edward Dunham, Dean Fournaris, Bethany Appleby and Jim Goniea were ranked and recognized as leading national franchise attorneys in the 2014 edition of Chambers USA.

In the 2014 edition, the firm's Franchise and Distribution Practice Group was named a Band-2 practice nationally. The Band-2 ranking, which has been earned for eight years in a row, places the practice group among the top five franchise practice groups in the country. According to Chambers, the practice group has key offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New Haven, Connecticut, and represents a series of high-profile franchisor clients in both litigation and transactional work. Clients commented that the practice group, "Has a breadth of expertise in business issues we face on a daily basis, in addition to franchising;" and "Understands our business model and is always willing to work with us collaboratively."

Edward (Jack) Dunham, named as a Band-1 attorney nationally by Chambers USA for the eighth year in a row, is noted as "phenomenal." According to Chambers, he is widely recognized for his leading reputation in contentious franchising work and wins plaudits as a "gentleman, genius and extraordinary trial lawyer."

Constantine (Dean) Fournaris, who co-chairs the practice group, was named as a Band-3 attorney nationally. Clients and sources recognize Dean as "tenacious" and a "very effective litigator," who "is smart, focuses like a laser and is extremely effective."

Bethany Appleby, named as a Band-4 attorney nationally, is noted by clients and sources as "extraordinarily dependable and very hands-on." Bethany, who co-chairs the practice group, was also recognized by Chambers for her "impressive client list."

Jim Goniea, named as a Band-4 attorney nationally, is noted by clients and sources as "smart and professional." Jim enjoys a rising profile in the market and clients and sources recognize him as being "skilled in the courtroom setting, a good speaker and writer, and analytical." Making his first appearance on the list, Jim held the position of General Counsel for AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. prior to re-entering private practice at Wiggin and Dana LLP two years ago.

Chambers USA ranks law firm practice areas and individual attorneys based on research conducted by the directory's team of researchers, including in-depth interviews with clients and attorneys. Rankings assess qualities including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence and commitment. (For more information about the standards for inclusion in Chambers, please Go to: [http://www.chambersandpartners.com/]).

SOURCE Wiggin and Dana LLP

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