The Firm: Proskauer continues to be a dominant force in this area, representing every major league in some capacity and playing an integral part in a large proportion of the major cases in the last year. These include the NHL, NBA and MLB collective bargaining agreements, and the acquisitions of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns. The team has also been active in the establishment of a series of regional sports networks on behalf of NASCAR, Time Warner and CBS.

Commercial Awareness: "They are so aware and tailor their work to fit the league rules and conventions. There is no weakness that I have ever seen in them."

Key Individuals: Peers consider the "terrific" Howard Ganz to be one of the "top-flight" labor litigators working in sports law. His impressive recent activity includes serving as outside counsel to the NBA in the continuing fallout from the 2011 lockout, and performing a similar role in relation to the MLB collective bargaining agreement.

Sources describe Joseph Leccese as "the top corporate sports guy," and as a "really talented client-facing person." His recent work has included advising on the acquisitions of the Houston Astros and Jacksonville Jaguars, and working on the creation of a number of major regional sports networks.

Leading labor lawyer Robert Batterman's stellar year has included key roles in the high-profile and controversial NHL lockout and a similar work stoppage by NFL officials. Clients describe him as "very practical, very smart and a very good negotiator."

Wayne Katz is admired for his "coolness under pressure, in addition to being brilliant, which is a given." His primary focus is on transactional and financing work, and he was part of the team that recently advised Jimmy Haslam on his acquisition of the Cleveland Browns.

Another corporate and financing partner, Jon Oram continues to stand out for his impressive work for major clients, which includes securing credit facilities for the NFL, MLB and MLS.

The "tremendous" and "amazing" Bradley Ruskin rounds off Proskauer's offering. An experienced litigator, he has overseen various major disputes of late, including defending the ATP Tour against claims of monopolization.