Skoler, Abbott & Presser recognized as top labor firm

Date: 6/19/2013

SPRINGFIELD – The law firm of Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., the leading labor and employment law firm serving the greater Springfield, Massachusetts area, announced on June 10 that the firm has once again been ranked as one of the top labor and employment firms in Massachusetts in the 2013 edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business.

Skoler-Abbott is the only Massachusetts-based firm west of Boston that was recognized in the 2013 edition. Chambers USA legal guides are published annually to identify and rank the world's best lawyers and firms based on in-depth, objective research.

In addition, Skoler-Abbott partners Ralph F. Abbott, Jr. and Susan G. Fentin, are individually listed as among the top labor and employment law attorneys in the Commonwealth. Ranking criteria in each assessment includes technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the individual client. Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., practices exclusively labor and employment law and represents only management interests in this complicated area of the law.

"We are honored to be included in the 2013 edition of Chambers USA," Abbott said. "Submission to the guide does not guarantee ranking, so we are thrilled that the feedback of our clients, peers and other independent market resources has validated Skoler-Abbott as a leading source for labor and employment law throughout New England."

The Chambers USA listing includes a comprehensive analysis of the firm; commentary sections are comprised of an overview, main areas of practice, clients, and the number of partners and associates.

The independent research team lists Skoler-Abbott as "one of the largest law firms in New England specializing in the practice of labor relations and employment law exclusively for management – the underpinning to Skoler-Abbott's successful relationship with its clients is the firms 'preventive maintenance' philosophy. Careful employment practices can improve the likelihood of successful employment litigation and even lessen the likelihood that litigation will ensue."

The full listing and rankings can be viewed online, http://www.chambersandpartners.com/USA/Firms/115959-98851.

"Chambers USA is a trusted source identifying and raking the best lawyers and firms," Fentin said. "We are extremely proud to be acknowledged and ranked among the world's leading legal professionals and practices."

Abbott, a partner since 1975, is well known throughout the legal community for his work representing management in labor relations and employment-related matters, providing employment-related advice to employers, assisting clients in remaining union free, and representing employers before the National Labor Relations Board.

Abbott has been recognized by Chambers USA as one of the country's leading attorneys in the labor and employment field since 2010, and has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and by the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, Inc. (2004).

Abbott also has numerous credits as an author, editor, and educator, and a record of civic and community involvement.

Fentin is also a partner in the firm. Before beginning her law career, she had a career in business and owned and operated her own company, giving her unique insight into the employment problems faced by business owners.

She is Editor of the Massachusetts Employment Law Letter, has been routinely named a "Super Lawyer," and has been ranked as one of the best labor and employment attorneys in Massachusetts by Chambers USA since 2010.

She teaches Master Classes on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is experienced in both labor law and employment litigation.