Chambers Global 2025 recognized partners Mark R. Haskell, John D. Kimball, Stacy Louizos, Joanne E. Osendarp, Eric S. Parnes, Lamiya Rahman, Brett A. Snyder, and Thomas Westle for their industry knowledge and leading practices, as well as Blank Rome LLP as a global leader in Shipping: Litigation and as a USA leader in Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation), and International Trade: Trade Remedies & Trade Policy.
Blank Rome LLP: Ranked Attorneys
Mark R. Haskell – Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) – USA
Mark R. Haskell “is deeply experienced in representing clients seeking FERC and DOE authorization for LNG project development and expansion. He also skillfully acts for pipeline owners and shippers in market manipulation disputes and rate cases.” A Chambers source says, “Mark Haskell understands all facets of energy law. He is unparalleled in his breadth of knowledge." Another notes, “Mark Haskell is one of the foremost experts in the industry.”
At Blank Rome, Mark is a partner in the firm’s Energy group, which is nationally recognized in leading industry publications, such as Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, and The Legal 500. Mark advises his clients on matters related to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”), including investigations, litigation, and related court appeals, and Commodity Futures Trading Commission investigations affecting the energy industry. He also represents natural gas and power marketers, local distribution companies, end users, producers, industrial consumers, and liquefied natural gas and shale gas developers in energy regulatory matters. In recognition of his leading energy practice, Mark was named the exclusive winner of the Lexology Client Choice Award for Energy & Natural Resources USA (2024–25; 2022) and a Lawyer of the Year for Natural Resources Law by Best Lawyers (2021) and is consistently ranked as a global leader in energy by Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, The Legal 500, Expert Guides, and Who’s Who Legal.
John D. Kimball – Shipping: Litigation – Global-wide
John D. Kimball “is an experienced practitioner who handles complex shipping disputes. His practice sees him work on commercial and environmental litigation, among other disputes.” One Chambers source noted, “John Kimball is a great US lawyer.”
At Blank Rome, John is a partner in the firm’s Maritime group, which is nationally recognized by leading industry publications, such as Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and Lloyd’s List. John concentrates his practice in the areas of admiralty and maritime law and commercial litigation and has more than 30 years of experience both domestically and internationally and counsels clients regarding maritime matters. John is also an adjunct professor at New York University Law School, where he teaches the course in admiralty law, and is a prolific writer and speaker both domestically and internationally on legal issues facing the maritime industry. In recognition of his leading maritime practice, John is consistently ranked as a global leader in maritime by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, The Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal, and Expert Guides.
Stacy Louizos – Registered Funds – USA
Stacy Louizos is “highlighted for her ability to advise investment companies, investment advisors and independent directors on a wide range of issues, including regulatory compliance and fund formation.” One Chambers source states, “Stacy is remarkable in her ability to help the board navigate very complicated issues.” Another added, “Her knowledge and experience is excellent.”
At Blank Rome, Stacy is partner and co-chair of the firm’s Investment Management group and is co-leader of its Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG") team. For more than 25 years, she has advised clients on a broad range of matters relating to the operation of investment companies of all kinds, including the organization and offering of open-end and closed-end investment companies; mergers of individual mutual funds and of fund complexes; and board governance, compliance, and other regulatory matters under the federal securities laws. She has served as fund counsel and/or counsel to the independent directors of fund complexes of all sizes, including a number of large and well-known fund groups.
Joanne E. Osendarp – International Trade – USA & International Trade: Trade Remedies & Trade Policy – USA
Joanne E. Osendarp “is a very prominent attorney.” One Chambers source says, “Joanne always does a very good job and is always well prepared.”
At Blank Rome, Joanne is a partner and co-chair of the firm’s International Trade group. She advises and represents governments, industry associations, export credit agencies, and companies in international trade and investment matters, including countervailing duty, antidumping, and other trade remedy proceedings before the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission, as well as appeals to the Court of International Trade, the World Trade Organization, and panels under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Joanne has distinguished herself in international legal circles as Canada’s principal U.S.-based lawyer in its high-profile, ongoing softwood lumber dispute with the United States, called the “biggest trade battle on the planet” by The Economist. Chambers Global recognizes her as having “Foreign Expertise in Canada.” She has been described by her clients as “a senior experienced trade lawyer of international repute blessed with superb judgment.”
Eric S. Parnes – International Trade: Trade Remedies & Trade Policy – USA
Eric S. Parnes “regularly advises clients on trade disputes such as antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings. His clients include governments and multinational corporations.” “Eric is up to speed on the key issues and offers great advice,” notes one Chambers source. Another states, “Eric is very experienced and extremely responsive.”
At Blank Rome, Eric is a partner in the firm’s International Trade group. He is an accomplished litigator who focuses on advocating for and advising clients in international trade disputes and other high-stakes government-facing matters, including internal and government investigations and False Claims Act (“FCA”) litigation. Eric also has extensive experience as a trial and appellate advocate in a range of substantive areas, including FCA litigation, securities class actions and shareholder derivative claims, intellectual property litigation, and commercial disputes. Eric has represented clients before the Supreme Court of the United States, five U.S. Courts of Appeal, and the highest courts in multiple states and the District of Columbia.
Lamiya Rahman – Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) – USA
Lamiya Rahman “assists oil and gas and infrastructure companies with a range of matters before federal agencies, including FERC and the DOE.” One Chambers source notes, “Lamiya is fantastically bright.”
At Blank Rome, Lamiya is a partner in the firm’s Energy group. She focuses her practice on the federal regulation of the natural gas, power, and oil industries, as well as related litigation and transactions. She represents such clients as producers, end users, and gas and power marketers in matters primarily involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), and the Department of Energy (“DOE”). Lamiya is regularly involved in administrative litigation before FERC, and represents interstate natural gas pipeline shippers in rate, tariff, and complaint proceedings under the Natural Gas Act. She also has experience representing clients in the certification of natural gas facilities, including liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) terminals, by FERC and obtaining related LNG export authorizations from the DOE. Lamiya has defended clients in enforcement proceedings, compliance assessments and audits, and self-reports before FERC. In connection with FERC proceedings, Lamiya has assisted clients in appellate litigation.
Brett A. Snyder – Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) – USA
Brett A. Snyder “is noted for his experience handling rate cases and cost allocation proceedings on behalf of pipeline companies.” “Brett is very thorough and thoughtful in his responses,” notes one Chambers source. Another says, “Brett Snyder provides a high level of service.”
At Blank Rome, Brett is a partner in the firm’s Energy group, which is nationally recognized in leading industry publications including Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, and The Legal 500. Brett focuses on the regulation of the natural gas, oil, and electric industries; manages certification proceedings; and advises clients regarding certification of new natural gas infrastructure projects. He represents clients in complex administrative and rate litigation, regulatory agency investigations, and in federal courts. He counsels clients on the federal regulation of natural gas and oil/liquids transportation; sales, including the structuring of transactions; and new terminal projects. Brett is co-author of the first editions of The AGA FERC Manual: A Guide for Local Distribution Companies, a comprehensive Federal Energy Regulatory Commission manual for natural gas distribution companies. Best Lawyers in America has recognized him as a leader in Energy Law since 2020.
Thomas Westle – Registered Funds – USA
Thomas Westle is “noted for his ability to provide counsel on the registration and reorganization of BDCs and closed-end funds.” “He is a very experienced attorney,” notes one Chambers source. Another states, “Thomas is a super knowledgeable attorney who is extremely responsive.”
At Blank Rome, Thomas is partner and co-chair of the firm’s Investment Management group. He provides counsel to registered and unregistered investment companies, independent boards of directors/trustees of registered investment companies and business development companies, and investment advisers. Thomas serves as underwriters’ counsel to Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. with respect to numerous equity and debt financing transactions for new and existing closed-end investment companies and business development companies. Additionally, he authors Blank Rome’s quarterly Fund and Investment Management Regulatory Update and Recent SEC Actions publication and organizes and is a featured speaker at Blank Rome’s recurring Chief Compliance Officer’s Roundtable in New York, New York.
Blank Rome LLP: Global Leader
Shipping: Litigation – Global guide
What the team is known for:
“Blank Rome has a well-regarded shipping litigation practice with considerable expertise in dealing with high-profile disputes, as well as maritime arbitration. It is respected both within the USA and internationally for its deep industry knowledge. The law firm offers:
- Notable expertise in handling a wide range of issues, including casualties, charter party disputes, bankruptcy, and environmental matters.
- Experience acting for a mix of owners, operators, charterers, financial institutions, and shipyards.
- Additional strength advising on shipping issues as they intersect with environmental litigation.”
One market commentator reported: “Blank Rome is my go-to firm in the US.”
Blank Rome LLP: USA Leader
Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Highly Regarded – USA
What the team is known for:
“Blank Rome fields a solid bankruptcy group with a comprehensive national footprint. It acts for an impressive stable of clients, including financial institutions and private equity funds in domestic and cross-border matters. The firm offers substantial expertise in Chapter 11 cases and bankruptcy-related litigation.”
Strengths:
One market commentator shares: “Blank Rome is able to get great outcomes in bad situations. They are all about the client and have a team of really excellent lawyers.”
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) – USA
What the team is known for:
“Blank Rome LLP is a highly regarded oil and gas regulatory practice able to draw on expertise of attorneys with long-standing industry experience capable of handling a variety of regulatory work. Offers particularly strong representation in FERC and CFTC investigations and enforcement proceedings. Further noted for assisting clients in obtaining oil and gas export authorization.”
Strengths:
A market commentator states: “Blank Rome is very knowledgeable and strategic when it comes to federal regulatory matters."
International Trade: Trade Remedies & Trade Policy – USA
What the team is known for:
“Blank Rome LLP is an emerging presence in the international trade space. The firm has excellent trade remedies experience, with notable strengths in antidumping and countervailing duties.”
Strengths:
One market commentator says: “The firm and its members are very attuned to the current commercial environment.”
About Chambers Global
Chambers & Partners, the UK-based publisher of Chambers Global, conducts research by speaking to a vast range of lawyers and clients. Greater weighting is given to the views of the latter, and any biased viewpoints tend to cancel each other out. All interviews are conducted purely for research purposes and are entirely confidential and un-attributed. The methodology has been approved by the British Market Research Bureau, which audits the research annually. In-depth interviews with clients and lawyers are done over the telephone, each one lasting about half an hour.
Chambers research is conducted by 200 research analysts across 200 jurisdictions and provides nearly 6,000 rankings tables. Annually, Chambers collects hundreds of thousands of responses from clients, the majority via in-depth interview. Qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client. Editorial comment is also derived from the research, with quotations used when they sum up the prevailing opinion of the market.
For more information, please visit Chambers Global 2025.
