june 2006

Chambers USA names David Farer, Jack Fersko and Ann Waeger – and the Firm – as Leaders in Environmental and Real Estate Law

The English legal publisher Chambers and Partners, in its 2006 “Chambers USA” guide to leading business lawyers around the country, has again named Farer Fersko as a leader in environmental law, real estate law, and zoning and land use law. Chambers has singled out our partners David Farer, Jack Fersko and Ann Waeger as leaders in their fields.

Based on interviews of clients and competitors, Chambers writes, among other things, “Clients regard the firm as ‘the premier environmental boutique,’ and the lawyers certainly inspire trust – ‘I sleep very well at night knowing our environmental ship is kept in good order.’” Chambers also notes that “[t]o use the words of a competitor, ‘This is the only boutique I would mention – the lawyers are terrific people.’”

“Expertise in brownfields redevelopment is a key draw for clients,” writes Chambers, “and here the [real estate] group’s synergy with colleagues in the environmental team is of real benefit. This is widely seen as an ‘excellent’ group of advisors with the ability to understand all the issues, especially those specific to New Jersey.”

Of David, Chambers writes that “he is an expert on site remediation. Peers respect his expertise in ISRA, where he is ‘considered the state expert’ for his authoritative writings on the subject. His reputation among clients is also enviable, with his 'sharp legal mind’ being the object of praise.” Chambers concludes that David’s “tremendous business acumen and academic aptitude continue to draw commendations.”

Chambers describes Jack as “‘the one to go to’ for any land use question. Highly experienced in redevelopment and most other types of transactions, Fersko is also a leading figure in continuing legal education.”

Ann Waeger’s rating and review is new to this year’s guide. Chambers writes that “Ann is a partner with a rising profile in brownfields redevelopment and the effect of environmental insurance.”