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7/10/2009

Columbus Business First: What Practice Groups are Springing Up Because of the Economy?

Columbus partner Andrew Ferris was quoted in a July 10, 2009, Columbus Business First article, "What Practice Groups are Springing Up Because of the Economy?"

Ferris was one of three Columbus attorneys asked to respond to the question regarding how law firms are adapting their practices, in light of recent economic developments. According to Ferris, "Firms have been devoting significant resources to organizing and staffing teams to deal with distressed assets of all types including real estate, business and intangibles. On the debtor and creditor sides, much of this activity has been in response to the requests of existing client groups such as lenders, developers and private equity firms."

Ferris continued: "As the extent of the downturn has become apparent, firms have been promoting these teams both to existing and potential clients. Given the unprecedented loss in asset value and lag between the start of the downturn and the commencement of workouts in earnest, it seems likely that this distressed asset work will continue through calendar year 2010 and beyond. Thereafter, renewed emphasis on government regulation and compliance will likely result in significant work for these same attorneys. Additionally, large firms are forming 'green' teams in hopes of positioning themselves in what many believe will become a growing portion of the local and national economy."