The Firm: This well-respected, large-scale team counsels a range of illustrious clients across the entire gamut of labor and employment matters, ranging from overseeing high-stakes wage and hour class actions and ADA cases to advising on the employment issues concerning mergers and transactions. It is particularly renowned for its representation of the major sporting leagues, such as the NFL and the National Basketball Association, securing collective bargaining agreements on behalf of both clients.

Sources Say: "The attorneys are pragmatic in their approach, give great legal advice and are very communicative and responsive. We feel that we are a part of a single team."

Key Individuals: Bettina Plevan is described as "accessible and knowledgeable," and clients "value her judgment immensely." Plevan is renowned for representing law firms in employment disputes and many of her admiring peers have had cause to utilize her skills.

Clients see cochair Paul Salvatore as being "at the top of his profession," adding that "the reason our negotiations went so well was his ability to forge excellent relationships with people." Over the past year he has deftly negotiated a number of collective bargaining agreements for clients.

Howard Ganz comes recommended for his knowledge of employment as it relates to sports law. He has been busy of late representing the National Basketball Association as well as continuing to work with a number of other high-profile sporting clients on issues such as collective bargaining and labor practices.

Kathleen McKenna enjoys an enviable practice representing large performing arts groups and television networks. She has recently defended against several allegations of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, and is described by sources as "a very talented litigator - fantastic to deal with."

The highly regarded Joseph Baumgarten continues to advise companies and individuals on various labor and employment matters, but is particularly singled out as a fine choice for financial institutions facing employment disputes.

"Wonderful lawyer" Allen Fagin is known for successfully defending employers against class actions. He has also litigated on behalf of employers faced with individual plaintiffs alleging breach of contract, discrimination and wrongful discharge.

Elise Bloom enter the rankings after a successful year, acting on behalf of clients including financial institutions on high-stakes matters such as wage and hour class actions. "You'd want her to be your lawyer no matter what the issue was," a satisfied client reports.

Bernard Plum is co-head of the labor management relations group and continues to advise The New York Times, as well as a number of the city's major cultural institutions, including The New York City Ballet, Carnegie Hall and The Museum of Modern Art, on a range of labor and employment matters.