James G. Leyden, Jr.

Kristen Bennett is passionate about the law and enjoys helping her clients navigate potentially confusing areas of estate planning, as well as estate and trust administration, with care, understanding and compassion. She keeps abreast of the ever-changing laws that affect her clients so that she can give them the most up-to-date information possible. Practicing in the firm’s Greater Wilmington, Delaware office, Kristen also provides counsel on taxation and tax planning for individuals a...

Ericka F. Johnson is the chair of the restructuring and reorganization practice at Bayard. She advises companies and creditors to maximize the value of assets/recoveries whether it is through an in-court or out-of-court financial restructuring or dissolution. Ericka also helps buyers navigate the purchase of distressed assets and directors and officers in understanding fiduciary duties in an insolvency setting. She is a top advocate with a diverse practice spanning a wide range of industries....

Nathan E. Barnett focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, corporate finance and securities, and Delaware corporate and alternative entity laws. He also advises boards of directors, special committees and equity holders on fiduciary duties and other corporate governance matters related to Delaware corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and statutory trusts, including in connection with conflict transactions. He has experience ...

A lifelong Delaware resident with more than 25 years of experience practicing family law, Carl W. Heckert is a respected and long-time practitioner of divorce litigation and mediation. His family law practice includes divorce, property division, custody, child support, alimony, protection from abuse, as well as grandparent and stepparent’s rights. He is also a Certified Family Law Mediator in Delaware following the state’s inaugural certification program by the Family Court of the...

Chad Stover represents clients in Delaware’s federal and state courts, and in courts across the country. He is a frequent first-chair trial attorney with a knack for making complex technical and factual problems understandable to juries, judges, and clients. Chad has successfully resolved patent and trademark claims, as well as breach of contract, fraud and other general commercial litigation claims, often involving licensing disputes. Known for building focused and persuasive arguments...

Benjamin Strauss is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Benjamin, who practices law in Wilmington, Delaware, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Benjamin A. Schwartz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Benjamin A., who practices law in Dover, Delaware, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Timothy P. Cairns is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Timothy P., who practices law in Wilmington, Delaware, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Shawn Tucker is an accomplished and well-respected real-estate attorney who has successfully quarterbacked some of Delaware’s largest development projects – from negotiating complex purchase agreements to obtaining final land use approvals in short order. In fact, Shawn’s unique background makes him a natural choice for developers and business leaders looking to expand in Delaware. Prior to entering private practice, Shawn served as New Castle County’s First Assistant ...

Cliff C. Gardner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Cliff C., who practices law in Wilmington, Delaware, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cliff C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.