31 Attorneys Recognized as Leaders in Their Field in the 2026 Edition of Chambers USA

June 4, 2026Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WILMINGTON, DE -- Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP is pleased to announce that 31 of the firm’s attorneys in 6 practice areas (three Band 1 recognitions) are listed as “Leaders in their Field” in the 2026 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. 

Chambers USA ranks leading law firms and lawyers in a wide range of practice areas. Their research is in-depth and client focused and the guide is read by industry-leading companies and organizations throughout the United States and worldwide. We invite you to read the client comments below, or you may visit the Chambers USA website.

Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Delaware

Chambers USA researchers note that in Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Delaware, Young Conaway maintains a "premier practice notable for the strength and depth of its bankruptcy team, which houses numerous highly skilled attorneys. The team advises an impressive range of clients, both locally and nationally, across numerous industry sectors, particularly retail." 

Practitioners listed in the area of Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Delaware include:

  • Chair of the Firm, Robert Brady, who "is known by both lawyers and judges as highly effective and pragmatic. He brings decades of wisdom and the experience of hundreds of successful cases to help his clients and co-counsel.";
  • Vice-Chair of the Firm, Michael Nestor is “one of the deans of the Delaware bankruptcy Bar" who "brings exceptional legal and commercial instincts to bear on all matters";
  • Chairman Emeritus James Patton, is “extremely dynamic and a valuable resource for both legal and commercial matters”;
  • Section Co-Chair, Joseph Barry, is a “knowledge leader in the Delaware bankruptcy courts”;
  • Section Co-Chair, Sean Beach, is a "popular choice for distressed companies, including in the retail and construction markets";
  • Edwin Harron is a "great lawyer who you want in the trenches with you";
  • Edmon Morton routinely serves as debtors' counsel in Chapter 11 filings and is a "strong choice for companies operating across different states";
  • Andrew Magaziner is a “go-to lawyer for restructuring matters" who "can handle complicated in-court matters and is very good with clients and other lawyers alike";
  • Kara Hammond Coyle is "diligent, engaged, responsive and highly experienced"; 
  • Robert Poppiti is a "leading Chapter 11 practitioner with both transactional and litigation skills that make him a versatile lawyer for all aspects of Chapter 11 practice”; 
  • Matt Lunn "adeptly handles a range of bankruptcy work, with notable experience in debtor Chapter 11 cases"; 
  • Sean Greecher is "very smart" with expertise that "covers both contentious and out-of-court restructuring work for a broad client base of public and private companies";
  • Ryan Bartley is "the guy you want in the courtroom" who is "really sharp in fiduciary obligation work"; and
  • Allison Mielke is a "terrific" lawyer who is "noted for her work advising key stakeholders in bankruptcy and restructuring matters." 

Bankruptcy/Restructuring: North Carolina

Chambers USA describes Young Conaway’s Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring Partner, Felton Parrish, as a “very good lawyer” who represents both borrowers and lenders in Chapter 11 and bankruptcy litigation.

Chancery: Delaware

Chambers USA describes Young Conaway’s Chancery: Delaware team as a “well-regarded firm that handles the full range of corporate and alternative entity litigation, with a specific focus on M&A disputes and fiduciary duty litigation as well as hostile takeovers and proxy contests."  The attorneys represent both defendants and plaintiffs.

Highlighted attorneys include:

  • Chair of the Corporate Litigation practice, James Yoch, has "outstanding knowledge of and a very thoughtful approach to challenging issues of Delaware law";
  • C. Barr Flinn “brings his extensive experience to bear in the representation of clients involved in complex corporate governance proceedings” and special litigation committees;
  • Elena Norman a "top-notch litigator and advisor" who is a "strong leader with the respect of the court and her clients";
  • Martin Lessner is “well versed in fraud and books and records issues” and “demonstrates experience acting for corporate clients in disputes concerning stockholders, M&A and fiduciary duties”;
  • Rolin Bissell "has broad contentious expertise, which includes notable experience in matters including M&A disputes, proxy contests and fiduciary duty challenges"; and
  • David McBride, “has significant experience acting for directors and shareholders in complex litigation and investigations."

Corporate/M&A & Alternative Entities: Delaware

Norman Powell is recognized by Chambers USA in the Corporate/M&A & Alternative Entities: Delaware category for his practice which “covers the establishment and operation of a wide range of Delaware-specific business structures.”

Intellectual Property: Delaware

Chambers USA editors note that Young Conaway’s Intellectual Property: Delaware team is “well regarded” and acts for both plaintiffs and defendants from the software, medical devices and pharmaceutical sectors. The team also provides experienced lead counsel in complex patent infringement claims, trade secret cases and Hatch-Waxman litigation.  Clients note that the "firm's lawyers have exceptional experience handling large, sophisticated matters."

Notable practitioners in the Intellectual Property: Delaware category include:

  • Section Co-Chair Adam Poff is "responsive and smart" and the "go-to local counsel in Delaware" with notable expertise in patent infringement cases and trade secret disputes;
  • Section Co-Chair Anne Shea Gaza is an “outstanding lawyer" who has extensive experience acting for plaintiffs and defendants in an array of industries including the pharmaceutical, technology and telecommunications sectors; and
  • Clients "love working with" Pilar Kraman who is "attentive, substantively aware of the case issues and able to jump in and advise seamlessly."

Labor & Employment: Delaware

Chambers USA researchers describe Young Conaway’s Labor & Employment: Delaware team as having a “comprehensive practice” with an “excellent reputation for its expertise in discrimination and wage and hour claims.” The firm also has “a deep bench offering expertise in a range of industries, including the education, public services and financial sectors.”

Recognized practitioners include:

  • Michael Stafford is “highly regarded for his deft handling of labor and employment matters” and is "especially active in representing clients in the education sector";
  • Barry Willoughby “brings significant experience to bear in the representation of employers in both contentious proceedings and advisory mandates”; and
  • William Bowser, who is considered the “go-to attorney for Delaware labor matters” acting on behalf of “employers from a range of sectors in complex disputes and negotiations.”

Real Estate: Delaware and Real Estate: Zoning and Land Use:  Delaware

Chambers USA researchers describe Young Conaway’s Real Estate: Delaware and Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use: Delaware as having a “fine reputation” for the transactional work performed on behalf of regional developers and financial institutions, especially the financing, refinancing and acquisition of property. The team is also recommended for its advice on zoning and land use matters.

Key individuals include:

  • Section Co-Chair John Tracey who is “respected” for his handling of land use approvals and experience in real estate transactions, such as financings;
  • Daniel Johnson is a "leader in the industry" and "regularly takes the lead on commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions and financings"; and
  • Brent Shaffer who is "impressively adept at high-value transactions such as construction loans and refinancings" and a "go-to for complex asset-based deals."

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Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP, one of Delaware's largest law firms, counsels and represents national, international and local clients, handling sophisticated advisory and litigation matters. The firm’s headquarters are located in downtown Wilmington, DE with additional offices in New York, New York and Charlotte, North Carolina. For additional information, contact Director of Marketing and Business Development, Felicia A. Gojmerac at 302.571.6600 or [email protected].