CHICAGO – Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is pleased to announce that four of the firm’s practices have been ranked among the best in the nation in the Legal 500 United States 2010 edition. Katten is listed as a recommended law firm in the areas of Alternative/Hedge Fund Formation and Management; Domestic Tax for the Central Region; Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts for the Middle Market; and Real Estate and Construction for the Central Region.

Legal 500’s team of experienced researchers speaks with thousands of law firm commercial clients each year. Its law firm recommendations are based largely on what those clients say, as well as on opinions solicited from thousands of rival commercial lawyers. In addition, Legal 500 acquires confidential information about the client lists of major firms and the transactions and deals in which they have been involved. Firms are included in the Legal 500 guides based on merit alone; it is not possible for a firm to buy its way into the editorial section of the guide.

Alternative/Hedge Fund Formation and Management

In recommending Katten in the area of Alternative/Hedge Fund Formation and Management, Legal 500 points to client comments that the firm demonstrates “industry knowledge far above the usual” and commends the firm for its “best-in-field service, business acumen and strength in depth.” Fred Santo, chair of the firm’s New York Financial Services Practice, is, according to one client, “as good as they come,” and partner Henry Bregstein is touted as “one of the best around – extremely responsive and client friendly.”

Domestic Tax for the Central Region

Legal 500 highlights Katten’s “deep roots in the regional business sector.” Clients describe Chicago-based partners Saul Rudo and Valentina Famparska as “exceptional talents,” and Reid Mandel is noted for his “expertise in federal taxation.” The publication notes that “as the firm has expanded nationally and internationally, particular expertise has been developed in large and mid-tier corporate transactions, banking and finance, real estate and, although recently affected by the economic downturn, private equity and hedge fund investment.”

Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts for the Middle Market

Legal 500 recommends Katten for Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts for the Middle Market based on client comments that “the firm has been very responsive to our needs and requirements, and provided excellent legal advice.” Legal 500 notes that Katten’s M&A Practice, with 100 attorneys firmwide, has completed over 200 deals over the past three years. Practice co-chairs David Landau and Jeffrey Patt are “highly regarded and deeply experienced.” Partner Mark Grossmann also received strong client feedback. The firm is also noted for its acquisitions of heavy-hitters Feng Xue and D. Louis Glaser in 2009.

Real Estate and Construction for the Central Region

Katten’s commercial real estate practice is noted by Legal 500 as a “large and well-respected practice” that regularly “handles highly complex transactions for local and national clients.” David Bryant is “praised for his expertise in pension funds.” David Dlugie, Andrew Small, Mark Simon, Kenneth Jacobson, Timothy Patenode and Keith Pascus all received client praise as well for their outstanding performance in real estate and construction.