Austin, TX (March 7, 2024) – Michael Best is pleased to announce that Katherine (Katie) A. Fillmore has joined the firm as Partner in the Litigation practice group. She will be located in the Austin office.

As a seasoned litigator with over a decade of experience, Fillmore manages and conducts all aspects of litigation before state and federal courts and arbitrators, including taking and defending depositions, developing case strategies, evaluating complex legal and regulatory compliance issues, working with clients, experts, and corporate witnesses, drafting and arguing dispositive motions, trying cases, and drafting and arguing appeals.

“Katie is an outstanding and valuable addition to our Litigation practice,” said Dan Vaccaro, Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. “We are committed to meeting our clients’ needs, and Katie will help us further enhance our capabilities so we can continue to support our clients as they navigate increasingly complex litigation matters.”

With a robust background in high-stakes commercial litigation, appeals, and regulatory compliance, Fillmore has established herself as a formidable advocate for clients in various industries such as representation of healthcare providers, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, construction companies, and financial institutions.

“Michael Best continues to attract talented practitioners in strategically important regions like Austin, and we’re delighted to welcome Katie,” said Commissioner George P. Bush, Managing Partner of the firm’s Austin office. “She brings a multifaceted litigation background to further bolster our growing Texas presence and service offerings.”

Fillmore has been recognized for her outstanding achievements, including being named to Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” in Administrative/Regulatory Law, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, and Government Relations Practice.

Fillmore earned her J.D. from Baylor Law School, and graduated with a B.S. in Advertising, with high honors, from the University of Texas.

About Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Michael Best is a leading law firm, providing a full range of legal services to clients around the world. The firm has more than 400 legal professionals, including more than 300 attorneys, serving clients in 17 offices across the U.S. in Colorado; Illinois; North Carolina; Texas; Utah; Washington, D.C.; and Wisconsin. Michael Best’s areas of practice include: intellectual property; labor and employment relations (including employee benefits); litigation; corporate; government relations, political law, and public policy; privacy and cybersecurity; real estate; regulatory; tax; and wealth planning. The firm serves a variety of industries, such as advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, banking, and financial services, digital technology, energy, food and beverage, healthcare, higher education, and life sciences. For more information, visit michaelbest.com.

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Michael Best is pleased to announce that Katherine (Katie) A. Fillmore has joined the firm as Partner in the Litigation practice group. She will be located in the Austin office.

As a seasoned litigator with over a decade of experience, Fillmore manages and conducts all aspects of litigation before state and federal courts and arbitrators, including taking and defending depositions, developing case strategies, evaluating complex legal and regulatory compliance issues, working with clients, experts, and corporate witnesses, drafting and arguing dispositive motions, trying cases, and drafting and arguing appeals.

“Katie is an outstanding and valuable addition to our Litigation practice,” said Dan Vaccaro, Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. “We are committed to meeting our clients’ needs, and Katie will help us further enhance our capabilities so we can continue to support our clients as they navigate increasingly complex litigation matters.”

With a robust background in high-stakes commercial litigation, appeals, and regulatory compliance, Fillmore has established herself as a formidable advocate for clients in various industries such as representation of healthcare providers, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, construction companies, and financial institutions.

“Michael Best continues to attract talented practitioners in strategically important regions like Austin, and we’re delighted to welcome Katie,” said Commissioner George P. Bush, Managing Partner of the firm’s Austin office. “She brings a multifaceted litigation background to further bolster our growing Texas presence and service offerings.”

Fillmore has been recognized for her outstanding achievements, including being named to Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” in Administrative/Regulatory Law, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, and Government Relations Practice.

Fillmore earned her J.D. from Baylor Law School, and graduated with a B.S. in Advertising, with high honors, from the University of Texas.

Milwaukee, WI (March 6, 2024) – Michael Best is pleased to announce that Nicholas (Nick) Behrens has joined the firm as Senior Counsel in the Corporate Practice Group. Behrens will be located in the Milwaukee office.

Behrens’s practice is centered on advising buyers and sellers in mergers & acquisitions spanning diverse industries, and helping clients navigate complex investment, joint venture and other business transactions. Behrens also counsels clients on corporate governance and federal securities laws matters.

“Adding even more depth to our robust M&A practice reinforces our commitment to top-notch client service,” said Jason Thompson, Chair of the firm’s Transactional Practice Group. “Nick’s vast knowledge and successful track record have him well-positioned to flourish at Michael Best.”
Behrens’s mergers and acquisitions experience ranges from multi-billion-dollar buyouts and public company mergers to small-cap private equity add-on acquisitions. He is well-versed in negotiating earnouts, milestone payments, equity rollovers and joint venture protections. His impressive background is attuned to advising investors, growth-stage companies and entrepreneurs with their various legal needs, pairing well with the firm’s Venture Best team.

“Nick is a highly skilled lawyer who will enhance strategic counsel to our clients,” added Alec Fraser, Managing Partner of the firm’s Milwaukee office. “We’re thrilled to have a lawyer of his caliber strengthen our presence in Milwaukee and beyond.”

Behrens earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Law School and was elected to the Order of the Coif. He received his B.S., cum laude, in Finance with High Honors Distinction from Butler University.

About Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Michael Best is a leading law firm, providing a full range of legal services to clients around the world. The firm has more than 400 legal professionals, including more than 300 attorneys, serving clients in 17 offices across the U.S. in Colorado; Illinois; North Carolina; Texas; Utah; Washington, D.C.; and Wisconsin. Michael Best’s areas of practice include: intellectual property; labor and employment relations (including employee benefits); litigation; corporate; government relations, political law, and public policy; privacy and cybersecurity; real estate; regulatory; tax; and wealth planning. The firm serves a variety of industries, such as advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, banking, and financial services, digital technology, energy, food and beverage, healthcare, higher education, and life sciences. For more information, visit michaelbest.com.

Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP (RJLF), an elite majority women-owned trial boutique, announced that Quinn Johnson, former Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Arconic Corporation, has joined the firm as a Partner and the firm’s General Counsel. Johnson brings over two decades of unparalleled experience as both an in-house counsel and a trial lawyer.

At Arconic, as a regular advisor to the CEO and Board, Johnson excelled in blending sophisticated legal strategies with business objectives. She managed a broad portfolio encompassing thousands of cases, from high-stakes commercial disputes and product liability litigation to international arbitration matters and securities litigation. Her capabilities extended to crisis response, intellectual property protection, mergers and acquisitions, government relations, as well as adeptly managing risk, conducting corporate investigations, and ensuring corporate compliance.

“Quinn’s unique background as both a trial lawyer and seasoned in-house counsel perfectly aligns with our client-first approach,” said Courtland Reichman, Managing Partner at RJLF. “She is a seasoned pro who blends in-house perspectives with deep understanding of what it takes to win cases.”

Johnson, a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and former trial lawyer at Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP, has also blended her professional endeavors with her passion for diversity and community involvement. As the global co-chair of Arconic’s Women’s Network, Thrive, she spearheaded educational and recruiting initiatives. This commitment to diversity mirrors the values of RJLF, enhancing her role within the team. Beyond her professional achievements, Johnson actively contributes to her community through her leadership role on the Board of The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

On her move to RJLF, Johnson said, “Having known Courtland for over a decade, I was eager to be part of the exceptional firm they’ve established. Coming from an in-house background, RJLF’s innovative fixed-fee approach really resonated with me, challenging the traditional billable hour to better serve client needs. I see joining RJLF as a chance to further a model that truly aligns with client interests.”

About Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP
Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP (RJLF) is an elite national trial firm that handles high-stakes commercial, intellectual property, and white collar disputes. The firm is majority women-owned, reinventing the practice of law without the billable hour in favor of fee arrangements that align client interests. RJLF’s attorneys are diverse, exceptionally credentialed, and passionate about trial advocacy. From offices in Silicon Valley, New York, Washington, D.C., Austin, and Atlanta, the firm tries cases and argues appeals throughout the country.

AUSTIN, TX (March 5, 2024) – Michael Best is proud to announce that the 28th Land Commissioner for the State of Texas, George P. Bush, has been named the new managing partner of the firm’s Austin office. Bush, who will oversee the office’s operations and strategic planning, succeeds Richard J. Ressler. Ressler will continue to serve as a partner in the firm’s Corporate practice group.

Bush is a native-born Texan and a graduate of Rice University who clerked for U.S. Federal Judge Sidney Fitzwater following graduation from The University of Texas School of Law. A military veteran, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an intelligence officer for 10 years and completed an 8-month tour in Afghanistan.

“I am honored to step into this role and bring my commitment to lead with integrity, advocate for excellence, and uphold our firm’s 175-year legacy,” said Bush. “The firm and I are grateful for Richard’s guidance and leadership, and I optimistically look forward to furthering the growth of our Texas presence in the future.”

Widely known throughout the Lone Star State, Bush was elected as the 28th Texas Land Commissioner in 2014 and overwhelmingly re-elected in 2018. During his tenure, Bush built a track record of success, helping tens of thousands of Texans recover from natural disasters, funding Texas public education through the Permanent School Fund, providing benefits to Texas veterans, and helping to preserve the Alamo.

Bush joined Michael Best in 2023 following his second term as Texas Land Commissioner. His legal practice ranges across a variety of areas including transactions in oil and gas, renewables, and commercial real estate; corporate governance and securities law; administrative law, public-private partnerships and economic development. Bush advises private investment funds and operating companies on the implications of federal and state-level policy decisions coupled with market guidance to assist investment and business strategy.

Michael Best’s Austin office opened its doors in 2015 and has 15 members, including attorneys, strategists, and other firm professionals. As the office managing partner, Bush will lead efforts to bolster the firm’s legal and consulting practices throughout Texas.

About Michael Best
Michael Best is a legal and consulting group with more than 400 diverse professionals across the U.S., serving clients around the world. We offer full-service law firm capabilities (capital markets, corporate, intellectual property, labor and employment relations, litigation, political law, privacy and cybersecurity, real estate, regulatory, tax, and wealth planning); and consulting talent (business strategies, communications, government relations, HR consulting, and technology innovation). We serve a variety of industries, including agribusiness, banking and financial services, digital technology, energy, food and beverage, healthcare, higher education, and life sciences. For more information, visit michaelbest.com.
The law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and the consulting firm of Michael Best Strategies LLC are affiliated entities that provide distinct services.

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(January 24, 2024) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has elected five new members to its 2024 board of directors: William Anthony (New York), Kristine Grady Derewicz (Philadelphia), Danielle Herring (Houston), Charlotte Main (Atlanta) and Stephan Swinkels (Amsterdam). Additionally, Michael Wilder has been reelected as board chair.

“I am excited to welcome this talented group to the firm’s board,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “Each of these individuals brings a range of leadership experience to the table and will be integral to furthering our strategic vision and ensuring that Littler maintains its position as the world’s leading employment and labor law firm.”

“I am again honored to serve alongside such an impressive group of colleagues,” Wilder added. “We will undoubtedly benefit from their collective insights and perspectives as we continue to focus on Littler’s path for the future.”

The 2024 board is reflective of Littler’s unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of inclusion, equity and diversity. Its diverse members – attorneys who identify as women, of color and/or LGBTQIA+ – make up nearly 60% of the board. Littler’s entire board slate, along with member bios, can be found on Littler.com.

About Littler

With more than 1,800 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

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LITTLER ACHIEVES 2022-2023 MANSFIELD CERTIFICATION PLUS FROM DIVERSITY LAB

(October 10, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has earned 2022-2023 Mansfield Certification Plus for the sixth consecutive year through Diversity Lab. The certification process is designed to ensure all talent at participating law firms have fair and equal opportunities to advance. The “Plus” designation is reserved for firms that voluntarily measure the outcomes of their inclusive processes and have achieved positive results.

“As a firm dedicated to creating opportunities for all attorneys to excel, we are thrilled to once again receive Mansfield Certification Plus,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, and Paul Bateman, Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, in a joint statement. “Having been an advocate of this program since 2016, it is incredibly rewarding to see how participation has grown and to witness the tangible impact it has had on the legal industry. We look forward to our continued work in advancing inclusion, equity and diversity, alongside Diversity Lab and other participating firms, as we work together to keep moving the needle.”

To achieve Mansfield Certification, Littler considered broad slates of qualified talent for leadership roles. Because of its commitment to being an inclusive law firm, Littler had a broad bench from which to draw, and this included historically underrepresented lawyers – such as women lawyers, underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities, thus meeting the Mansfield 30% guideline. In addition, as part of the certification process, the firm worked toward enhancing the transparency of its leadership roles, advancement processes and compensation policies.

Mansfield is now entering its seventh year, and its methodology has proven to build more diverse leadership teams, which is rooted in changes to systems and processes – not just exclusivity or discrimination. Mansfield ensures that opportunities for advancement are inclusive by broadening talent pools instead of instilling quotas, set asides or requirements unrelated to an individual’s qualifications.

Littler was one of nearly 50 firms to pilot the inaugural version of the Mansfield Rule, which is named after Arabella Mansfield, the first woman admitted to the practice of law in the U.S. It was also one of the winning ideas from the 2016 Women in Law Hackathon hosted by Diversity Lab in collaboration with Bloomberg Law and Stanford Law School. Littler Shareholder Nina Markey (Philadelphia) was part of the team that pitched the initial concept.

“At a time when efforts to expand opportunities to underrepresented groups are under attack, these Mansfield firms are making their advancement processes more open and transparent,” said Alyssa Jarvis, Director of Mansfield & Strategic Innovations at Diversity Lab. “The firms honored today for achieving Certification have articulated and broadened the paths to leadership. The expectations, and avenues to success, have never been clearer. And this commitment to transparency benefits everyone. I am proud to work with each of these firms.”

Littler continues to set the standard in the industry as it continually earns recognition for its commitment to inclusion, equity and diversity. A full list of Littler’s accolades can be found on Littler.com.

About Littler

With more than 1,800 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.
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BOSTON (October 4, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Ellen Donovan McCann as senior counsel in its Boston office. McCann joins from Unum where she most recently served as assistant vice present.

“We’re excited to welcome Ellen back to the Boston office,” said Asha Santos, Littler’s Boston officing managing shareholder. “Ellen’s experience will complement our growing Boston team and greatly benefit our clients seeking leaves of absence guidance.”

For over 25 years, McCann has given employment-related legal advice to human resources and executive management on matters including leaves of absence, Title VII compliance, COVID response, wage and hour issues, sales compensation matters, paid time off programs and restrictive covenants. She has also managed employment-related litigation, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state charges, and has provided exceptional legal counsel on employee leave and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) administration services.

Additionally, McCann is a frequent contributor to numerous publications, and is nationally recognized for her knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act, ADA and state leave and paid leave laws.

McCann earned her J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School, and her B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross.

About Littler

With more than 1,800 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

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Polsinelli Adds Private Equity Shareholder Monica Diddell in Houston

Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli has welcomed Monica A. Diddell as a new shareholder in the firm’s Private Equity Practice and in the Houston office. She is the fourth private equity shareholder Polsinelli has added since May, underscoring the firm’s substantial growth of its nationwide private equity bench.

“We are thrilled to add Monica to our team. She is a talented attorney who will be a great asset to our clients across the firm,” said Jane E. Arnold, Co-Chair of Polsinelli’s Business Department. “Her addition demonstrates our continued commitment to expanding our top tier private equity platform across different regions and industries to serve clients across the entire private equity spectrum. Monica also brings in-house energy and infrastructure industry experience to the table, which deepens our bench in key markets like Texas.”

“Joining Polsinelli is a significant milestone in my career. I am honored to be a part of a team renowned for its dedication to the private equity sector, and I eagerly anticipate leveraging my experience across multiple industries to bring further value to the firm’s corporate and private equity clients,” Diddell said.

Diddell advises public and private companies, private equity firms and private equity portfolio companies in a variety of complex corporate transactions and the investment life cycle, including asset and stock acquisitions, divestitures and mergers, joint ventures and minority investments. Prior to her time in private practice, she worked as a corporate attorney in-house in the energy and infrastructure industries.

She received her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and holds a B.A., cum laude, from Texas A&M University.

Polsinelli’s Private Equity Practice advises private equity sponsors, portfolio companies and management teams in all aspects of the private investment life cycle. With a team of more than 120 attorneys, the firm has represented hundreds of private equity funds and portfolio companies in transactions.

The firm’s attorneys advise on every stage – from fund formation, investment and M&A activity to debt financings (including private credit and bank financings), equity financings, recapitalizations, special situations, and daily counsel to dispositions and exits. Polsinelli’s cross-disciplinary and business-minded attorneys leverage their unique skills to help clients take the next step in growing their businesses.

About Polsinelli

Polsinelli is an Am Law 100 firm with more than 1,000 attorneys in 22 offices nationwide. Recognized as one of the top firms for excellent client service and client relationships, Polsinelli is committed to meeting our clients’ expectations of what a law firm should be. Our attorneys provide value through practical legal counsel infused with business insight, offering comprehensive corporate, transactional, litigation and regulatory services with a focus on health care, real estate, finance, technology, private equity and life sciences. Polsinelli PC, Polsinelli LLP in California, Polsinelli PC (Inc) in Florida.

TORONTO (September 20, 2023) – Barry Kuretzky and George J.A. Vassos, partners in the Toronto office of Littler LLP, the world’s largest employment and labour law practice representing management, have been recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ in Labour and Employment Law.

Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in Canada list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.

Barry Kuretzky has been an acknowledged resource on Canadian employment and labour law for over four decades. He brings creative solutions to business-critical decisions and his distinctive legal knowledge guides clients across the employment spectrum, from hiring to termination. Kuretzky has gained particular experience counseling clients in the labour relations area, which includes collective bargaining, union organizing drives, certification and decertification of unions, grievances and arbitrations.

Additionally, Kuretzky has been quoted significantly in the press on Canadian labour and employment issues by Canadian Employment Law Today, SHRM, Human Resources Director Canada, among others, and has been consistently recognized by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as one of the country’s top lawyers for over 25 years.

George J.A. Vassos has practiced employment law for 40 years, providing strategic and proactive advice to a wide variety of clients on the full spectrum of employment law issues, including hiring, terminations, reductions in force, wrongful dismissal, lay-offs, employment contracts, group insured benefits and ADR, among others. In addition to being listed by Best Lawyers, Vassos has acted as an expert witness and media commentator, and has been consistently recognized in the industry as a leading employment lawyer in Canada by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (over 25 consecutive years) and Chambers Canada (five consecutive years). He publishes extensively on employment law issues including statutory and case law developments and was also recognized as a 2022 thought leader in employment law by JD Supra.

Additionally, more than 230 Littler lawyers were recently included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, and over 180 Littler attorneys were featured in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

About Littler

With more than 1,800 labour and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

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First new California Partner since firm expansion

Partner Madison Spach has joined Frost Brown Todd AlvaradoSmith’s (FBT) Orange County office. He is the first new Partner to join FBT’s California offices since it merged with AlvaradoSmith in January. Spach brings more than 30 years of litigation experience in a variety of industries including real estate and construction. He also advises clients both within and outside bankruptcy proceedings and litigation.

“Madison is a proven heavyweight in complex business, construction, and real estate litigation, bringing with him an unmatched depth of understanding in transactional issues and problem-solving,” said Orange County Managing Partner Ruben A. Smith. “His acumen, garnered from years of managing high-stakes disputes and representing a diverse range of stakeholders, significantly strengthens our firm’s capabilities to serve our middle-market clients. Madison’s arrival marks the first in a series of strategic additions to our California offices since the AlvaradoSmith FBT merger in January. We’re invigorated by our mission to continue growing our team with talented attorneys, fortifying our ability to navigate the evolving needs of our clients in California and nationwide.”

Prior to joining FBT, Spach was a founding and named Partner of his previous firm. He also spent several years serving as the Director of the Orange County Bankruptcy Forum. Spach is a graduate of Duke University School of Law.

In addition to Spach, Counsel Craig Young, previously a partner with AlvaradoSmith, has also signed on with FBT’s Orange County office. Young is also a registered investment advisor who assists clients with estate planning and business succession.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Craig to our team at Frost Brown Todd AlvaradoSmith,” said Smith. “His diverse experience across law, finance, and public service uniquely equips him to navigate our middle market clients’ complexities. Craig’s commitment to efficiency and fiscal responsibility, coupled with his proven leadership and community impact, makes him a strong addition to our firm. We look forward to the valuable insights and comprehensive advice he will bring to our clients.”

Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that the firm has significantly expanded its national Real Estate Practice Group with a team of four attorneys across each of its Texas offices. Joining Foley from Husch Blackwell, the group includes partners Tyler Johnson and Sadie Fitzpatrick in Dallas, partner Kevin Garland in Houston, and of counsel Alexandra Jashinsky in Austin. The addition of this talented team underscores the firm’s commitment to continued growth in one of the nation’s most robust markets.

“By adding this dynamic group to our Dallas, Houston, and Austin offices, Foley is deepening our platform to serve our clients’ needs in a key growth market,” said Daljit Doogal, Foley chairman and CEO. “As the economic market in Texas continues to expand, so does our need for top-notch attorneys who can navigate clients through the complexities of their real estate-related transactions. We are pleased to welcome such a sophisticated, entrepreneurial, and collaborative team and further strengthen our national real estate capabilities.”

The group represents developers, financial institutions, investors, owners, and real estate companies in all aspects of their projects, including portfolio and single-asset acquisitions, developments and redevelopments, dispositions, debt and equity financing, leasing, and property management. They offer clients a skilled partnership by leveraging their experience across most real estate products, including hospitality, resorts, industrial, master-planned single-family communities, stream and wetland mitigation banks, mixed-use, multifamily, build-to-rent, office, retail, and renewable energy facilities.

The incoming team commented, “Foley’s commitment to client service, significant resources, and collaborative culture offers us an ideal environment to expand our practices and better serve the needs of our clients both in Texas and across the country. We are excited to build upon Foley’s strong reputation and add our real estate capabilities to the firm’s full spectrum of legal services.”

R. Tyler Johnson – Partner

Tyler Johnson represents clients in the real estate and energy industries. He has extensive experience working on most real estate product types and guides developers, investors, and real estate companies across each step of their projects, including portfolio and single-asset acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, property management, and new developments. Johnson also advises manufacturers and other industrial companies in managing their real estate portfolios and counsels financial institutions and investors in workouts and Texas foreclosures.

Sadie Fitzpatrick – Partner

Sadie Fitzpatrick represents owners, developers, investors, tenants, and landlords on real estate projects of all types and sizes, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, construction, and operations of a wide range of property types. She also advises investors, developers, and purchasers of wind energy and solar projects with respect to real estate matters, including the preparation and negotiation of leases, easements, curative instruments, and financial closing documents.

Kevin P.M. Garland – Partner

Kevin Garland represents clients in all aspects of real estate, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, financing, and related equity transactions. He routinely counsels commercial lenders, private lenders, and banks in a range of sophisticated real estate finance transactions. Garland also brings significant experience advising clients entering or expanding their presence in Southern California and Southeast Texas, having closed approximately 100 buy-side and sell-side transactions and 75 lender-side loan transactions over the last five years.

Alexandra Jashinsky – Of Counsel

Alexandra “Alex” Jashinsky counsels clients on a broad range of real estate transactions, bringing extensive experience to all aspects of the development cycle, including negotiation of purchase agreements, development agreements, condominium regimes, master covenants, construction financing, and joint ventures. She also has a unique background in structuring and negotiating leases and other real estate transactions within the health care industry and helps clients navigate the complexities of health care regulations that impact those transactions.

Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that Christopher “Chris” McNamara has joined the firm’s Energy Litigation Practice Group as a partner in its New York office, expanding its deep bench of litigators and geographic reach in the Energy Sector. McNamara is the latest in a series of attorneys to join Foley’s growing New York office over the past two months.

McNamara is an experienced commercial litigator who guides clients through domestic and international trials, arbitrations, and pre-suit dispute resolution across a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on the energy sector. He routinely represents clients in matters involving the development, financing, and ownership of large renewable energy projects and the purchase and sale of related commodities. McNamara leverages his broad-based litigation experience and commercial perspective when advising clients on disputes involving contractual rights, as well as business torts, intellectual property, and employment matters.

“As our clients increasingly focus on opportunities in the energy sector, we are committed to expanding our capabilities to better meet their growing needs,” said Geoffrey Bracken, co-chair of Foley’s Energy Litigation Practice Group. “Chris’ proven litigation skills and ability to guide companies through complex trials will be a tremendous asset to the firm and our clients. It’s a pleasure to welcome Chris to the team.”
McNamara’s experience also includes representing oil and gas companies, public companies, hedge funds, private equity funds, global health care companies, real estate investment trusts, nationwide logistics companies, and technology companies in a broad array of matters, including securities litigation, class actions, partnership disputes, shareholder litigation, government investigations, and transactions.

“Chris is the latest in a string of high-caliber talent we have attracted to broaden our service offerings on the East Coast,” said Anne Sekel, managing partner of Foley’s New York office. “His strong local ties and impressive trial experience immediately deepen our litigation bench in New York and across the firm’s footprint. We are thrilled to have Chris on board and look forward to his continued success at Foley.”

“I was immediately impressed by Foley’s national platform, talented cross-functional teams, and its reputation for providing excellent legal services in the energy sector,” said McNamara. “I’m excited to join the firm and collaborate with my new colleagues to deliver top-quality results for our clients.”

SAN DIEGO (August 28, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Mattheus Stephens as a shareholder in its San Diego office. Stephens joins from Schor Vogelzang & Chung LLP and brings more than 30 years of trial and litigation experience.

“Matt’s addition deepens our litigation bench in San Diego and further strengthens our ability to guide clients through the challenging employment litigation landscape in California,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “Matt has developed a versatile skillset through his decades of experience navigating the state’s court system and we are thrilled to add him to our team.”

Stephens focuses his practice on helping clients navigate the lifecycle of employment litigation with a focus on defending against claims of discrimination, particularly those relating to gender and disability. He also counsels clients on wage and hour matters, conducts workplace investigations, and provides trainings on preventing discrimination and harassment, including gender and LGBTQ+ training.

“Matt has a well-earned reputation as a leading trial attorney in San Diego,” said Al McLaughlin, Littler’s regional office managing shareholder for the San Diego office. “He has deep roots in the local community and has established himself as a trusted advisor to employers that conduct business in the city and across the state.”

Stephens is also active in the local legal community, serving as a continuing lecturer at the University of California San Diego and as a Judge Pro Tem for the San Diego Superior Court.

“I have worked with several Littler attorneys over the course of my career and have long admired the impressive team the firm has built across its global platform,” said Stephens. “I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and leveraging the firm’s extensive experience to best serve our clients.”

Stephens earned his J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law, Camden and his B.A., cum laude, from the College of New Rochelle. He is actively involved in community service work and has received several awards recognizing his successful legal practice and service to the community. His professional associations include serving as a founding member and former co-president of the Tom Homann Law Association, San Diego’s gay, lesbian and bisexual bar association, and as a former chair of the City of San Diego’s Civil Service Commission as well as the City’s Human Relations Commission.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow.

ST. LOUIS (August 22, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, welcomes Colleen Vetter as senior counsel in its St. Louis office. Vetter joins from Deloitte and previously served as Director of the Workers’ Compensation Division at the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Colleen join our team in St. Louis,” said Patricia Martin, St. Louis office managing shareholder. “Colleen is a seasoned employment and labor litigator and has significant appellate practice experience, both of which will greatly bolster the services we offer our clients.”

For over 30 years, Vetter has represented plaintiffs and defendants in state, civil, administrative and federal court in matters ranging from commercial contracts, real estate and construction to workers’ compensation and class actions, among others. She also has extensive public sector experience: in addition to serving as Director of the Workers’ Compensation Division, Vetter was Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Litigation Division of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, where she represented state employees and agencies in a variety of matters, in state and federal court, through all stages of litigation and appeal.

Vetter is also an active member of Missouri’s business and legal communities. She has served on the board of governors of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL), is a member of the Women Lawyers Association and has served as a volunteer arbitrator and mediator for the Missouri Bar Association’s Fee Dispute Resolution Program. Additionally, Vetter has lectured before the Missouri Bar and BAMSL CLE seminars, assisted Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and been a Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer for St. Louis County.

Vetter earned her J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law and her B.A. from Webster University in St. Louis and Geneva, Switzerland.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.
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(August 17, 2023) – Over 230 lawyers from Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, have been included in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® guide. Littler attorneys were recognized in numerous categories including Commercial Litigation, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law – Management, Immigration Law, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – ERISA, Litigation – Insurance, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Qui Tam Law and Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers.

Lawyer of the Year 2024

Further, eight Littler attorneys received the “Lawyer of the Year” designation in their respective practices and metropolitan regions for 2024. They are:

• Kristine Grady Derewicz (Philadelphia)
• Edward T. Ellis (Philadelphia)
• Katherine (Kit) E. Flanagan (Houston)
• G. Mark Jodon (Houston)
• Darren E. Nadel (Denver)
• Jeff Nowak (Chicago)
• George E. O’Brien Jr. (New Haven)
• Paul E. Prather (Memphis)

Additionally, more than 180 Littler attorneys were featured in the fourth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. The “Ones to Watch” award recognizes attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their professional excellence.

Best Lawyers recognitions are compiled based on an exhaustive Purely Peer Review® evaluation. More than 123,000 industry leading lawyers are eligible to vote worldwide, which yielded more than 20 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas. In the milestone 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® more than 13.7 million votes were analyzed resulting in over 76,000 leading lawyers being recognized. For the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2024 edition, more than 2.4 million votes were analyzed with 25,000 lawyers being selected as a result.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

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ArentFox Schiff is pleased to announce the addition of partners Morgan Forsey, Daniel McQueen, and Nora Stilestein to its Labor & Employment practice in the Los Angeles office.

The group brings extensive experience defending employers in complex wage-and-hour class action litigation and against claims arising under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), among other employment disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Their depth of insights into the complexities of complying with employment and labor laws in California – as well as their focus in industry sectors that face unique workplace issues, including health care, hospitality, retail, and fashion – will further bolster the firm’s leading Labor & Employment practice.

A seasoned employment litigator and trial lawyer, Morgan regularly defends employers in wage-and-hour class actions, PAGA cases, and matters before governmental agencies. Her impressive track record includes defeating numerous class certification motions, prevailing on motions to affirmatively deny class certification, and successfully defending class and PAGA actions through trial. Morgan has represented companies in a range of employment disputes arising under state and federal laws, including claims involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, and misclassification. She also defends and supports employers facing regulatory audits and provides counsel on various aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including leaves of absence and disability accommodation, employee privacy, and protection of trade secrets.

With a career that spans more than two decades, Daniel has represented employers in high-stakes cases and jury trials across the country. He helps clients navigate all stages of litigation and has a particular focus on defending wage-and-hour class actions, as well as representative actions under the PAGA. Daniel frequently represents employers in matters arising under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act. In addition to his litigation practice, he advises on various human resources and workplace issues, and conducts wage and hour audits designed to limit litigation risks.

Nora represents employers in both federal and California courts in numerous labor and employment matters, with a particular focus on defending wage-and-hour class actions and PAGA actions through trial. Her litigation experience includes defeating several class certification motions, successfully defending certified claims through trial, and representing clients in arbitrations. Nora also provides training on various employment issues and advises employers on compliance with wage and hour laws, classification of independent contractors, and employee discipline and terminations.

“Employers operating in California have to comply with complex, and sometimes conflicting, employment and labor laws at the state and local levels, while navigating the continued increase in lawsuits under PAGA and wage and hour laws. This team’s significant experience with state and federal employment litigation will add great value to our clients in California and beyond.”
– Michael L. Stevens, Partner and Labor & Employment Practice Group Leader

“We are thrilled to welcome Morgan, Daniel, and Nora to the Los Angeles office. They bring substantial experience in health care and other industry sectors that align well with the strengths of our firm, and they will add even more depth to our talented bench of attorneys in Southern California.”
– Aaron H. Jacoby, Managing Partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office

All three attorneys join ArentFox Schiff from Sheppard Mullin, where they were partners in the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group.

LITTLER’S HARRY W. WELLFORD, JR. APPOINTED TO MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL’S TRIAL MASTERS PROGRAM AND COMMITTEE

ST. LOUIS (August 7, 2023) – Harry (“Hal”) W. Wellford, Jr., a shareholder in the St. Louis office of Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been appointed to serve as a trial master for the Missouri Attorney General’s Trial Masters Program and Committee. Wellford is one of 14 attorneys from across the state selected for this new and innovative program, which is intended to provide training and mentorship to its next generation of public-service attorneys from experienced litigators from across the state.

In addition, the trial masters act as independent consultants and provide non-binding, discretionary advice and guidance, including trial skills and strategies, to the Missouri attorney general and assistant attorneys general, regarding legal strategies and related matters on pending and prospective litigation, in which the state of Missouri and its departments and employees are represented by the office. The program and committee were spearheaded by Deputy Attorney General Bill Corrigan and implemented by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

For more than 30 years, Wellford has focused his practice on employment litigation and client counseling. His experience includes all facets of wrongful termination and employment discrimination, as well as executive compensation and unfair competition litigation in federal, state, trial and appellate courts, and before arbitration panels and federal and state agencies. Wellford has handled several groundbreaking unfair competition cases in Missouri and drafted the Missouri Dram Shop law – the constitutionality of which was upheld by the Missouri Supreme Court. He has also represented multiple Missouri sheltered workshops on a pro bono or reduced fee basis, in connection with wage and hour and personnel matters.

Wellford has received the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, been recognized as a Leading Lawyer for Business by Chambers USA and named to The POWER List for Employment Law by Missouri Lawyers Weekly. He has also been recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America© every year since 2007 and was distinguished as Lawyer of the Year in Labor Law – Management (St. Louis) in 2017. Wellford earned his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from Washington and Lee University.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

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(July 31, 2023) – The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced today that Travis Kearbey, a leading employment law attorney in St. Louis, has joined the firm as a partner in the Labor, Employment & Benefits Practice Group.

Kearbey was most recently the leader of an Am Law 200 firm’s Employment and Labor Group and was one of 35 attorneys named last month to Missouri Lawyers “Power List” of the most powerful employment attorneys in the state, the third straight year he has made the list.

He is particularly experienced in the areas of litigation, business transactions, employment law counseling and labor law, representing clients in industries such as higher education, manufacturing, hospitality, professional services and various nonprofit sectors.

Kearbey has handled jury trials in federal and state courts on discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower claims, has litigated restrictive-covenant disputes in federal and state courts, and has represented clients before numerous state and federal administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the Illinois Department of Human Rights and other fair employment practices agencies across the nation.

“Quarles is nationally recognized as a leading firm in employment and labor law,” said Kearbey. “I am beyond excited to be part of the Quarles culture of success, which includes an admirable record of progress in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion. I am honored to join an incredibly deep bench of attorneys in the areas of employment and higher education and to have the opportunity to partner with seasoned attorneys across the firm’s full-service platform that will help me take my practice to the next level.”

In addition to disputes-related employment matters, Kearbey has significant experience representing clients with respect to employment and labor law issues arising in the context of mergers and acquisitions, including the negotiating of executive employment and severance agreements, handling employment-related due diligence, negotiating employment-related reps, warranties and covenants, and advising on post-closing integration matters, all in the context of M&A transactions. Kearbey previously served as a leader of an Am Law 100 global firm’s Labor & Employment deal team.

Additionally, his practice includes more than 15 years of experience representing education-sector clients in matters including Title IX investigations and hearings; disputes concerning tenure, academic freedom and disciplinary matters; and negotiating executive agreements for university leaders.

Kearbey has been named to Best Lawyers in America (Employment Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment) each year since 2020, a Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers “Rising Star” each year since 2012 and a Benchmark Litigation “Labor & Employment Star” each year since 2020. He earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and his B.S. from Missouri State University.

“Travis is a highly respected advisor and leader who will be a valuable addition as our team continues to expand to meet the growing needs of our clients, especially in St. Louis,” said Sean Scullen, national co-chair of the Quarles Labor, Employment & Benefits Practice Group. “He brings tremendous breadth in both the type of labor and employment matters he handles and the range of clients he represents. Equally important, he shares our commitment to building partnerships with clients designed to help them achieve long-term success.”

ST. LOUIS (August 7, 2023) – Harry (“Hal”) W. Wellford, Jr., a shareholder in the St. Louis office of Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been appointed to serve as a trial master for the Missouri Attorney General’s Trial Masters Program and Committee. Wellford is one of 14 attorneys from across the state selected for this new and innovative program, which is intended to provide training and mentorship to its next generation of public-service attorneys from experienced litigators from across the state.

In addition, the trial masters act as independent consultants and provide non-binding, discretionary advice and guidance, including trial skills and strategies, to the Missouri attorney general and assistant attorneys general, regarding legal strategies and related matters on pending and prospective litigation, in which the state of Missouri and its departments and employees are represented by the office. The program and committee were spearheaded by Deputy Attorney General Bill Corrigan and implemented by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

For more than 30 years, Wellford has focused his practice on employment litigation and client counseling. His experience includes all facets of wrongful termination and employment discrimination, as well as executive compensation and unfair competition litigation in federal, state, trial and appellate courts, and before arbitration panels and federal and state agencies. Wellford has handled several groundbreaking unfair competition cases in Missouri and drafted the Missouri Dram Shop law – the constitutionality of which was upheld by the Missouri Supreme Court. He has also represented multiple Missouri sheltered workshops on a pro bono or reduced fee basis, in connection with wage and hour and personnel matters.

Wellford has received the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, been recognized as a Leading Lawyer for Business by Chambers USA and named to The POWER List for Employment Law by Missouri Lawyers Weekly. He has also been recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America© every year since 2007 and was distinguished as Lawyer of the Year in Labor Law – Management (St. Louis) in 2017. Wellford earned his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from Washington and Lee University.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

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