Founded in 1933, Whiteford Taylor & Preston is a highly recognized firm in the mid-Atlantic. Despite being most recognized in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, the firm also has offices in Michigan Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC. In total it has 16 offices east of the Mississippi River.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known in the mid-Atlantic, especially in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. It is highly regarded for its work in restructuring and insolvency and M&A. The Maryland restructuring teams are market leaders in the region.
In M&A the firm acts largely in the mid-market space, representing firms on the buy and sell side in strategic acquisitions and joint ventures. The acquisitions are largely private, but the firm does handle public acquisitions as well.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm acts for debtors, trustees and creditors in out of court restructurings and Chapter 11 proceedings. Also of note is the Maryland team’s real estate practice.
The Maryland corporate team acts for a plethora of firms in the real estate industry, necessitating its own practice. It advises real estate developers and owners regarding real estate acquisitions, financing, leases and development matters.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include CloudControlMedia, City of Baltimore Water and Wastewater Systems, Accumark, Meridian Waste Services, Ethos Veterinary Services, NXL Construction Services, J.M. Smucker, Curtiss-Wright, Mar-Bow Value Partners, Cambrian Holding Company, CITGO Petroleum, New England Motor Freight, Far Hydrant, Credit Suisse, VFP Investments, Essex Construction, Fujifilm and MCSG Wind Down.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Throughout the research period the M&A team advised firms in strategic acquisitions. The firm acted on both the buy and sell side for the transactions.
The restructuring and insolvency team represented mostly debtors and creditors in out of court restructurings. It was also a part of some Chapter 11 proceedings, especially in the retail industry.
Regarding lateral moves, the Virginia corporate team added partners Katja Hill, John Selbach and David Shane Smith. All three joined from LeClairRyan and specialize in real estate. In Maryland, real estate partner Deborah Diehl and restructuring and insolvency partner John Carlton retired. The restructuring and insolvency team in Pennsylvania brought partner Scott Hare and of counsel Kenneth Lund from private practices. In Delaware, restructuring and insolvency partner Abrams joined from Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Meanwhile, partners Chris Samis and Katie Good left for Potter Anderson & Corroon.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Claire’s Stores Chapter 11 restructuring
HSW Pro-Pipe $55 million acquisition of Accumark
Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)
M&A
“Attentive, attention to detail.”
“Experience, highly skilled.”
Restructuring and insolvency
“The firm has one of the finest bankruptcy practices in the US. Mr. Kevin Hroblak was the principle attorney on the case. His advice was always spot on. I initially thought his insistence that we be uber responsive to an overly expansive document request by the claimants was excessive. Hroblak was correct on this and all other issues. All four courts concluded that these claims were frivolous.”
“The firm is replete with consummate professionals who are not only tacticians but strategists, taking a long view and planning for any contingency. They are strong advocates and excel at implementation.”
“Responsiveness, value, outstanding advice.”
“The firm (Stephen Gerald and David Gaffey) are amazing to work with. Not only are the professional, but they are also responsive. They address issues fully without providing a treatise. They provide advice that is practical for a business. They are also always willing to provide training to our employees on important customer finance issues as well as speak to our employees in a way that they can understand; in other words, without the legalese.”
