International Publication Ranks Bracewell Top in Banking & Finance, Indian Law

May 26, 2005

Firm's Energy Expertise Earns Stellar Recognition

HOUSTON (May 26, 2005)  In its 2005 Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business directory, international legal publisher Chambers & Partners has ranked 21 individual attorneys at Bracewell & Giuliani LLP among the nation's leaders, including two attorneys who were named No. 1 in their fields.

Bill Hayes of Houston was named No. 1 in Texas for Banking & Finance for the third consecutive year and Nancy Appleby of Washington, D.C., was ranked No. 1 in New Mexico for her expertise in Native American law for the second consecutive year.

Fourteen Bracewell practice areas were also recognized as outstanding in Texas and Washington, D.C.

Overall, Bracewell ranked among the top two firms in Texas for its work in the areas of Banking & Finance, Environment and Tax. The firm's energy expertise in litigation, project finance and regulatory matters in Texas and Washington, D.C. was also noted for overall excellence.

Individual attorney rankings were as follows:
Energy: Litigation in Texas:  Cliff Gunter of Houston ranked No. 2.
Litigation: Environmental in Texas:  Tracie Renfroe of Houston ranked No. 2.
Environment in Texas:  Tracy Hester of Houston and Ken Ramirez of Austin both ranked No. 2, and Eric Groten of Austin ranked No. 4.
Intellectual Property in Texas:  Ben Tobor and Al Kimball of Houston both ranked No. 2.
Banking & Finance in Texas:  Mark Evans of Houston ranked No. 2 and Robin Miles of Houston ranked No. 3.
Bankruptcy in Texas:  Henry Kaim of Houston ranked No. 2 and Sam Stricklin of Dallas ranked No. 4.
Real Estate in Texas:  Clark Thompson of Houston ranked No. 3.
Employment: Mainly Defendant in Texas:  Amy Karff Halevy of Houston ranked No. 3.
Communications in Texas:  Tom Manford of Houston ranked No. 3.
Technology: Corporate and Commercial in Texas:  Tom Manford ranked No. 3.
Corporate/M&A:  Edgar Marston ranked No. 4.
Energy & Natural Resources in Texas:  Alan Rafte ranked No. 4 and Robert Stephens of Houston was noted as an "Up and Coming" attorney.
Energy Oil & Gas in Washington, D.C.: Chuck Shoneman ranked No. 4.
Projects in Texas:  Mark Evans and Alan Rafte of Houston both ranked No. 4.
Tax in Texas:  Joe Hull of Houston ranked No. 4.

According to Chambers & Partners, the guide based its individual and firm rankings on market recommendations. More than 4,500 interviews were conducted nationwide by the company's researchers. The London-based research team ranked lawyers on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client.