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 Hill Ward Henderson and its attorneys drew praise for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2017 edition of the Chambers USA Guide:  America's Leading Business Lawyers, published by Chambers and Partners. Chambers researchers spend a year conducting thousands of in-depth interviews with key in-house counsel, firm clients, and leading private practice attorneys in each U.S. state to obtain a consistent market view of which firms and attorneys are considered leaders in their field.

Hill Ward Henderson’s Construction, Corporate / M&A, General Commercial Litigation, Real Estate, Land Use & Zoning, and Tax practice groups all received top rankings within the state of Florida in the Chambers USA 2017 Directory.

Published editorials for what the firm's practice areas are known for: 

  • Construction
    Heavily involved in development with a diverse client base, including a range of industry professional and come of the largest home builders in the state. The team is experience in dealing with surety work, construction contracts and litigation in addition to having significant expertise in insurance matters. "In my opinion, it is the top law firm in Tampa Bay in any and all of the areas that I have had the pleasure of working with them on. They excel in all of the services we have used them for."
  • Corporate/M&A

    Predominantly involved in acquisitions, representing both buyers and sellers. Frequently engaged by private equity funds, as well as smaller and family-run businesses. Sought by clients involved in a range of industries, with particular expertise in automobile and restaurant matters. “They have great negotiation skills and reflect our interests very well in their documentation.” "They have good business acumen. They are really ingrained in all the ins and outs of a deal and know how to support the business side of it. They are great partners."

  • General Commercial Litigation
    Tampa-based team offering expertise across a wide range of commercial litigation both statewide and beyond. Represents both individuals and corporations and is well known for its work in breach of contract, securities and IP disputes, among other areas. Also possesses notable expertise in product liability and professional negligence cases. "They are very well regarded in the legal community and handle complex litigation. They are extremely thorough and they jump on a case as soon as they get it. They use a team approach and develop a case theory very quickly. From start to finish they really lead the case." "My impression is that they're outstanding in every way, including but not limited to their client service, cost-effectiveness, value for the money and efficiency. They have no weaknesses in my eyes."
  • Real Estate and Real Estate Land Use & Zoning
    High-quality representation of real estate investors, owners and developers. Especially proficient at real estate acquisition, disposition, leasing and land use. Particular strength in matters on the West Coast of Florida. "You know that whatever the project, it will get done properly and get their full attention."
  • Taxation
    Solid breadth of expertise across private wealth and estate planning, general corporate and employee taxation issues. Provides public companies and healthcare entities with significant depth in executive compensation and employee benefits issues. "They're knowledgeable, act with urgency and are very capable and bright people." "I can't say enough good things about them."

Published editorials praise the Firm's Attorneys As Follows...

  • Benjamin H. Hill, III Benjamin H. Hill, III

    Benjamin Hill has a fantastic reputation in the market and is regarded as "one of the icons of the Florida litigation Bar." Hill is recognized for his adept counsel in product and professional liability disputes.

  • David T. KnightDavid T. Knight

    David Knight is "always attentive, very personable and knowledgeable and knows the market well in Florida.”. He has a fine track record in shareholder disputes and contract litigation, and is also noted for his work in arbitration proceedings.

  • Dennis P. WaggonerDennis P. Waggoner

    Dennis Waggoner is a "fabulous trial lawyer," emphasizing his "preparation and ability to communicate to the jury." He has notable experience at trial and appellate level and comes recommended for his expertise in class action suits.

  • Thomas N. Henderson, IIIThomas N. Henderson, III

    Firm Vice Chair enjoys an excellent reputation as "one of the preeminent lawyers in Tampa." Clients commend "his remarkable ability to relate with both clients and opposing counsel” stating “he is very detail-oriented."

  • R. James Robbins, Jr.R. James Robbins, Jr.

    James Robbins is identified as "a bright, sharp lawyer."  Clients appreciate that he is "knowledgeable, experienced and very responsive."

  • S. Katherine FrazierS. Katherine Frazier

    Katherine Frazier "is intelligent and hard-working," and has been described as "organized and diligent," and as "a thorough, steady and extremely competent lawyer." 

  • Ed ArmstrongE.D. Armstrong, III

    Known for his "outstanding"  work, clients say: "His level of experience and knowledge is first-rate and he knows how to communicate with the right people to accomplish our goals."

  • David S. FelmanDavid S. Felman

    Thought of as "very, very experienced with good business judgment, in addition to legal."  He maintains broad corporate expertise, including experience in joint ventures, securities offerings and M&A matters. Observers note: "He's good at identifying a practical solution and communicating it to his clients, including all the things you really want to know."

  • John C. Connery, Jr.John C. Connery, Jr.

    John Connery is adroit at handling M&A, as well as private equity and tax matters. One market commentator reports: "His combination of corporate and tax experience is very helpful for us; he is a smart guy who can connect the dots."

  • Alton C. WardAlton C. Ward

    Peers describe him as a "top-quality" practitioner with an "excellent practice." He is held in high regard for his significant expertise in advising public and private companies and tax-exempt organizations on a range of tax issues.

  • Timothy HuntTimothy A. Hunt

    Timothy Hunt divides his practice between dispute resolution and the negotiation and drafting of complex construction contracts. Sources say he is "very calm, very measured and consistent in everything he does," adding: "He doesn't get frazzled."

  • Ben DachepalliB. Ben Dachepalli

    He is focused on construction litigation with particular experience in defect and error matters, as well as construction liens and contractual disputes. Sources say "he has never seen a mountain too big. He just never wears down."

  • Timothy FordTimothy Ford

    Timothy Ford "is very diligent and hard-working," according to peers. Clients describe him as "a strategist. He is very methodical and well prepared," continuing: "When it comes to mediations or hearings, he has all the facts and figures at his fingertips. He approaches it in a businesslike manner with no histrionics. He's a gentleman."

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