(February 20, 2012, San Francisco, Richmond and Pittsburgh) – Reed Smith LLP today announced that three of its partners were named 2013 BTI Client Service All-Stars in a report published by The BTI Consulting Group.
Scott D. Baker, a member of the Intellectual Property Practice in the firm’s San Francisco office, was selected as a 2013 Client Service All-Star, as well as a 2013 BTI Client Service MVP, in recognition of making the team in 2013 and 2010.
Betty S.W. Graumlich, a Deputy Practice Group Leader of the Labor and Employment Practice based in Richmond, and Pittsburgh-based Dusty Elias Kirk, Chair of the firmwide Real Estate Practice, were selected as 2013 Client Service All-Stars.
“This is a well-deserved recognition,” said Gregory B. Jordan, Reed Smith’s Global Managing Partner. “The selection of these three partners reflects the firm’s commitment to exceptional client service, quality work and value.”
Mr. Baker was nominated by a Fortune 101-500 retail client; Ms. Graumlich was nominated by a Fortune 100 telecommunications industry client; and Ms. Elias Kirk was nominated by a large real estate company client.
This is BTI’s 12th consecutive year interviewing corporate counsel. The factors that nominators consider in evaluating All Stars are client focus, exceptional understanding of the client’s business, outsized value, legal skills and outstanding results.
According to Michael B. Rynowecer, President of The BTI Consulting Group, Reed Smith’s three 2013 honorees are among just 307 attorneys from 194 firms across the nation chosen for the 2013 Client Service All-Stars roster. Mr. Baker is one of just 41 Client Service MVPs, comprising the All-Stars who have been selected more than once for this recognition.
Mr. Baker became a partner at Reed Smith in 2003, when the firm combined with Crosby Heafey Roach & May. His practice focuses on all areas of IP and unfair competitive practices law, including patents, trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks, with particular emphasis in computer and other technology-related industries. Recently selected as one of the "Top IP Litigators in California" by the Daily Journal, he is experienced in a range of business litigation and all aspects of alternative dispute resolution.
Ms. Graumlich joined Reed Smith in 2005. She represents a Fortune 100 telecommunications company, a nationwide optical manufacturer and retailer, a private aviation facilities company, a surgical center, numerous health care providers, and a regional financial services company, among other notable clients. Ms. Graumlich was selected by Virginia Lawyers Weekly as a member of the “Influential Women of Virginia” class of 2012.
Ms. Elias Kirk joined Reed Smith in 2010. Her practice concentrates on all aspects of real estate development, acquisitions and economic incentives, with an emphasis on litigation, including tax-assessment appeals, land-use and zoning appeals, and eminent domain proceedings. She also counsels clients on sustainable development matters such as LEED ratings and regulatory compliance matters. Ms. Elias Kirk was named one of 2012’s “Women of Influence” by Real Estate Forum, the leading national publication of the commercial real estate industry.
In selecting the 2013 Client Service All-Stars, BTI Consulting Group conducted more than 240 individual interviews with corporate counsel at Fortune 1000 and other large organizations to probe clients on every aspect of law firm relationships, needs and priorities, including their expectations for client service. The attorneys selected in this rigorous process embody and deliver superior client service.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 25 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
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