Washington, D.C. – Two Reed Smith lawyers were among the “Top Washington Lawyers 2008” announced last week by the Washington Business Journal.  William G. “Bill” Thomas, a partner in the firm’s Falls Church and Richmond offices, and Irene Recio, counsel in its D.C. office, were chosen by the publication from a field of nearly 400 nominees.

Mr. Thomas earned his second recognition in three years as the area’s “Top Local & State Lobbying Lawyer” and Ms. Recio was honored as the area’s “Top Immigration Lawyer” at ceremonies September 18.  Both were featured in a September 19 supplement to the Washington Business Journal.

“Reed Smith is justifiably proud of Irene and Bill and their work,” said A. Scott Bolden, Reed Smith’s D.C. office managing partner. “His efforts to promote the construction of the Virginia segment of the Capital Beltway project and her efforts on behalf of improving local employers’ relationships with immigration officials are exemplary. We congratulate both of them for this noteworthy achievement.”

A member of Reed Smith’s regulatory practice, Mr. Thomas represented Fluor Enterprises over a seven-year period to secure federal, state, regional and local government approval of a $1.7 billion public-private partnership that broke ground this summer. The project will create high-occupancy-toll (HOT) lanes on 14 miles of the Beltway through one of the roadway’s most currently congested sections. Mr. Thomas was recognized as a “Top Washington Lawyer 2006” by the Journal. 

“I am delighted to be recognized again for my contributions to this much-needed, high-profile public transportation project,” said Mr. Thomas.  “The unique partnership we created to build this segment of the Beltway achieves the ultimate “win-win” situation. The region secures relief from traffic congestion and new transportation choices at minimal risk and cost to the taxpayers, and my client Fluor and its partner Transurban take on the cost and risk of building and operating the HOT lanes in return for the right to collect tolls. I thank the Journal for its acknowledgement of the importance of this project to our state and regional future.”

Ms. Recio, a member of Reed Smith’s Labor and Employment practice group, represents employers in the area and nationally with a range of issues, including immigration matters such as defense against work-site enforcement proceedings by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for alleged violations of immigration law.  Earlier this year, she helped CMC Concrete, a Manassas-based company, settle a federal case involving the arrest of several employees suspected of being illegal workers.  Key to her strategy was bringing the company into compliance, including providing affirmative training to demonstrate that CMC Concrete was interested in preventing future immigration issues.

“As a first-generation American, I have always wanted to impact the way immigration law affects both individuals and employers,” says Recio.  “Receiving this award is very gratifying. It reinforces my enthusiasm for this field of practice.”

The Washington Business Journal named 16 attorneys in the D.C. region as “Top Washington Lawyers” this year, each in a different legal specialty.

“Reed Smith joins the Journal in saluting the contributions Bill and Irene have made to improving the quality of life in the Washington, D.C., area through the practice of law,” said Karen Fagelson, managing partner of the firm’s Falls Church, VA, office.  “We are always proud when members of our firm are publicly recognized for their outstanding work and far-reaching, forward-looking results.”

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,600 lawyers in 23 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 attorneys provide litigation services in multi-jurisdictional matters and other high stake disputes, 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 and media, shipping, international trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education.  For more information, visit reedsmith.com.

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