– Sidley Austin LLP is pleased to announce that Kenneth A. Polite Jr. will be joining Sidley after serving two years as Senate-confirmed Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. In that role, he was the highest-ranking attorney in the DOJ’s Criminal Division. Mr. Polite will join Sidley on October 1, 2023, as a partner and global co-leader of the firm’s White Collar: Defense and Investigations practice. He will focus on white collar criminal defense, investigation, and compliance matters.

“With his background and experience in government, a Fortune 500 corporation, and private practice, Kenneth is a rare talent and strong leader and presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the firm,” said Yvette Ostolaza, Sidley’s Management Committee Chair. “We’re thrilled to welcome someone of Kenneth’s caliber to the firm.”

As Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, Mr. Polite led a team of more than 1,400 attorneys and staff members who were responsible for conducting criminal investigations and prosecutions in many of the most wide-ranging and complex criminal cases at the department involving securities fraud, healthcare fraud, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, public corruption, cybercrime, intellectual property theft, and money laundering offenses. As head of the Criminal Division, Mr. Polite traveled extensively to work with his counterparts around the world in multinational and cross-border investigations.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Polite served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana and was responsible for all federal criminal and civil matters in that district, including political corruption, healthcare fraud, tax evasion, and environmental crimes. He was responsible for bringing several high-profile cases during his tenure. Mr. Polite also previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted a broad range of federal cases, including public corruption and healthcare fraud.

In addition to his government service, Mr. Polite was the Chief Compliance Officer at Entergy, a Fortune 500 company. He is the first Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division to have served as a Chief Compliance Officer. While at DOJ, he drew upon that experience while overseeing significant changes to DOJ’s guidance on the Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs and other compliance policies.

During his time as a partner in private practice, Mr. Polite represented corporations in sensitive government enforcement matters before the DOJ and other federal and state entities. He also conducted internal investigations on behalf of companies and boards of directors (particularly in the energy, financial, healthcare, life sciences, and technology sectors) and counseled management on corporate compliance and governance.

“Kenneth’s breadth of experience across white collar, investigation, and compliance matters is unmatched and will be a tremendous asset to the Firm’s clients,” said Kristin Graham Koehler, managing partner of Sidley’s Washington, D.C. office and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. “Kenneth is a highly strategic hire for our practice and our clients, and we are delighted that he has decided to join Sidley for the next chapter of his career.”

“I am excited to join Sidley’s top-flight white collar team,” said Polite. “Sidley has an extremely deep and talented bench of white collar practitioners. I look forward to representing clients in matters involving white collar investigations, crisis management, and compliance.”
Mr. Polite received his A.B. from Harvard University and his J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center. He clerked for the Honorable Thomas L. Ambro of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Sidley is “Built to Win” at each stage of the litigation process and counts more than 750 litigators worldwide. With true geographic reach, the firm can field winning litigation teams in virtually any forum where its clients find themselves facing a dispute.
Sidley is an elite global law firm with over US$3 billion in revenue powered by lawyers who practice at the highest level of the profession. Backed by 157 years of experience, we deliver superior service to a high-caliber group of market-leading clients worldwide, while placing a premium on collaboration and diversity.

Our firm boasts a roster of 2,300 lawyers who wield deep experience in litigation, transactional, and regulatory matters spanning over 50 legal disciplines and industries.

With 21 offices situated in major commercial and financial capitals around the world, our lawyers possess the cultural awareness and legal acumen needed to advise clients in today’s global economy.

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.”

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (August 2, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Kimberly R. Ward as special counsel to its Birmingham office. Ward joins from Ogletree Deakins and is among a recent string of new hires the firm has welcomed over the past month nationwide.

“We are excited to welcome Kimberly to our growing Birmingham office,” said Charles Powell, Birmingham office managing shareholder. “Kimberly is a trusted advisor on a wide range of employment issues and her extensive experience defending employers in discrimination and harassment and leaves of absence and accommodation matters will benefit our clients greatly.”

Ward’s practice is concentrated on employment litigation, including discrimination claims, Family Medical Leave Act compliance, accommodation issues, wage and hour disputes, and non-compete matters, among others. In addition to her litigation practice, Ward investigates and assists entities to effectively respond to complaints pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Commission, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Office of Civil Rights, and the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development. She is skilled at providing clients with strategic advice to avoid litigation regarding issues such as employee leave, employee discipline and termination, and requests for accommodation. Additionally, Ward regularly drafts and reviews employee handbooks for compliance with state and federal laws, and she partners with employers to provide EEO training to managers and staff in an effort to proactively avoid litigation.

Ward earned her J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law and her B.A. from Auburn 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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Katten announced today that Miriam K. Harwood has joined the New York office as a partner and chair of the firm’s new International Arbitration practice.

“Miriam is a formidable attorney, with decades of experience representing clients in international disputes involving complex, high-stakes claims,” said Wendy E. Cohen, managing partner of the New York office. “With her globally respected reputation and proven track record of success, Miriam is an exceptional leader who will focus on this high-profile practice at Katten, complementing its industry-leading practices across jurisdictions.”

Harwood has extensive experience advising clients in a wide range of disputes involving cross-border commercial relationships and investments around the world. She has been recognized as a leader in international dispute resolution by Chambers Global, Chambers USA, Legal 500 USA, Who’s Who Legal, Benchmark Litigation and many other industry publications.

She has served as lead counsel in international arbitrations at the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, and under the rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade and Law (UNCITRAL).

Harwood also has broad experience in commercial litigation in US courts, including contract disputes, bankruptcy, intellectual property, securities fraud, and matters involving international law, sovereign immunity and enforcement of arbitral awards.

Harwood is well known for her work in investor-State treaty arbitrations, as well as international commercial arbitrations, in cases involving government regulations, construction and infrastructure projects, telecommunications, oil and gas projects, renewable energy and mining. Over the course of her career, she has represented clients in dozens of international arbitrations, including 10 sovereign states.

Most recently, she achieved two major victories this year, for the Republic of Croatia in May and for Turkmenistan in June, serving as lead counsel representing the states in ICSID arbitrations involving disputes in the telecommunications and real estate sectors. In both cases, the tribunals dismissed all claims against her clients, and ordered the claimants to pay the costs of the arbitrations. The Turkmenistan case involved USD $2 billion in claims by a Russian telecom company, which were dismissed on the merits after a two-week evidentiary hearing in Switzerland in 2022.

“I am excited to launch the International Arbitration practice at Katten,” said Harwood. “Katten’s clients in the US and around the world will be well-served by strengthening the firm’s capabilities to advise them in international disputes. It is an honor to lead the firm in this challenging area of the law and to continue and expand my practice at Katten.”

A thought leader on international law and arbitration, Harwood has been a featured speaker at dozens of professional conferences and industry events around the globe. She has advised states on investment treaties and domestic investment laws, and taught courses on international law and arbitration, including at Columbia Law School’s Executive Training Program for Government Officials. She was appointed to the prestigious ICSID Panel of Arbitrators in 2020. She also serves on the board of directors of the New York International Arbitration Center and the advisory board of The American Review of International Arbitration.

Katten’s newly formed International Arbitration practice builds on its strength in dispute resolution for clients engaged in cross-border transactions and investments around the world. Katten attorneys have represented clients in international arbitrations relating to the licensing and marketing of pharmaceutical products, production and distribution of motion pictures, major construction and infrastructure projects, commercial real estate development, mining, oilfield operations and gas supply contracts, among others.

Before joining Katten, Harwood served as partner and co-head of the Investment Arbitration practice at an AmLaw 100 firm, and she was previously a partner in the International Arbitration group at an AmLaw 200 firm.

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm’s core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit katten.com.

(July 26, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, is proud to announce that shareholders Janell Ahnert (Birmingham), Jeff Nowak (Chicago) and Michael Royal (Dallas) have been elected as fellows in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers’ (CLEL) 2023 class. Ahnert, Nowak and Royal will be inducted at this year’s annual installation of fellows during the ABA Labor and Employment Law Section’s CLE Conference in Seattle on November 11, 2023.

“It is an honor to have Janell, Jeff and Michael join the group of Littler attorneys who serve as fellows in this distinguished organization,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “Each of them continually demonstrates the leadership qualities, professionalism and exceptional client service the college requires of its fellows. On behalf of the firm, I congratulate them on this merited distinction.”

The CLEL is a nonprofit professional association honoring leading lawyers nationwide in the practice of labor and employment law. Fellows are recognized as prominent members of the labor and employment community who promote achievement, advancement and excellence in the practice. Election as a fellow is the highest recognition by one’s colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession and a demonstration of integrity, dedication and skill.

Janell Ahnert’s practice encompasses all facets of employment law, specifically in representation of management in both employment counseling and litigation. With licenses held in four states, she is able to serve her client’s needs in various legal forums, while handling a variety of employment law matters in state and federal courts. She has first-chair trial and arbitration experience, successfully defending statutory employment claims on behalf of employers. Ahnert also has over a decade of experience defending financial services clients in employment matters pending before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). In this area, she represents broker-dealers and other financial services clients in FINRA industry disputes across the country.

In addition to being a top-notch advocate, Ahnert is also a respected mediator. She is known for being able to combine empathetic listening with realistic cases and evaluate damages based on her extensive federal court litigation experience. Ahnert earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and her B.A., cum laude, from the University of South Alabama.

Jeff Nowak has decades of experience advising and litigating on behalf of employers on a wide range of complex employment law matters, so they can run the most profitable business and efficient operations without being side-tracked by discrimination claims, strikes or other workplace issues. He is a recognized leader on Family and Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities Act issues, helping employers develop comprehensive strategies to achieve compliance with employee leave and accommodation issues.

Additionally, Nowak is co-chair of Littler’s Leaves of Absence and Disability Accommodation practice group and is the author of the highly regarded FMLA Insights blog, which has earned him entry into the ABA Journal’s Blogger Hall of Fame. Nowak earned his J.D., cum laude, from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and his B.A. from Indiana University.

Michael P. Royal has built a notable reputation over the last 30 years as a zealous advocate on behalf of regional, national and international clients in multiparty, complex and class action litigation matters. On behalf of employers, he handles matters involving allegations of breach of post-employment covenants, misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference with contracts, wage and hour violations, wrongful discharge, whistleblowing and retaliation, harassment and discrimination, and other employment-related torts.

Royal is a core member of Littler’s International Employment Law, Wage and Hour, and Contingent Workforce practice groups, and serves as the Texas coordinator and liaison for the firm’s Workplace Policy Institute. He is a frequent writer, commentator and lecturer on workplace issues before numerous organizations, such as the American Bar Association, International Bar Association, National CLE Conference, State Bar of Texas and the Employment Lawyers Association. Royal earned his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Oklahoma.

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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Milwaukee — The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced today that Robert Browning, a business law attorney who has advised clients on complex tax issues for almost 25 years, has joined the firm as a partner in the Business Law Practice Group.

Working with individual and corporate clients of all sizes, Browning counsels them on the full spectrum of federal, state, local and international tax matters. Issues he advises on include tax provisions in asset acquisitions, stock acquisitions, transfers of LLC membership interests and overall deal structure. His clients include emerging businesses, real estate investors and developers, municipalities and other organizations dealing with tax-exempt bond issuances, and high-net-worth individuals and families.

Browning regularly represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state taxing authorities, and in U.S. Tax Court. Admitted in California, he will help support the needs of the firm’s growing client base in the state.

“Quarles is a great fit for me for several reasons,” said Browning. “The firm is widely respected for its track record of sustained growth, which is driven by its excellent culture and values. In addition, their top-notch people and practitioners across the country and across practices create opportunities to strengthen client relationships. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Quarles success story.”

Named in 2019 by St. Louis Small Business Monthly as one of the “Top 100 St. Louisans to Know to Succeed in Business,” Browning received his B.A. from the University of Utah, his J.D. from Pepperdine University and his LL.M. in taxation from Georgetown University Law Center.

“Rob has a broad and deep skillset that makes him a valuable addition to our firm,” said Will Schultz, national chair of the Quarles Business Law Group. “Not only can he provide M&A and general tax advice to our corporate clients, but he also has specific experience in areas such as historic, renewable energy and low-income housing tax credits; real estate investment trusts (REIT); cross-border transactions; and tax-exempt bond issuances.”

(July 19, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, is pleased to announce that attorneys in its Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and United Kingdom offices have been listed in the 2024 editions of Best Lawyers®.

The individual attorneys that were recognized include the following:

1. Belgium – Shareholder Edward Carlier
2. France – Partners Julie Béot-Rabiot, Jean-Martial Buisson and Jacques de Tonquédec
3. Germany – Partners Dr. Alexander Bartz, Jan-Ove Becker, Tobias Berdesinski, Dr. Frauke Biester-Junker, Christoph Crisolli, Jan Einhaus, Dr. Thomas Griebe, Dr. Oliver Grimm, Dr. Rajko Herrmann, Peter Hoppenstaedt, Sebastian Juli, Dr. Matthias Kast, Dennis Lüers, Philipp Meese, Dr. Antje Peterhänsel, Dr. Stefan Röhrborn, Dr. Matthias Sandmaier, Stephan Settekorn, Julia Viohl and Dr. Frank Zaumseil
4. Italy – Partner Carlo Majer
5. United Kingdom – Partners Jon Gilligan and Sophie Vanhegan

Partner Laura Jousselin and Associate Foucauld du Pradel were featured in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in France™.

Partners Dr. Esther Dehmel, Christoph Kaul, Stephanie Koch and Dr. Torben Weihmann, and Senior Associates Tabea Frühinsfeld, Lioba Lamers, Dr. Stefanie Reiche, Luisa Rödemer and Ulrike Schulke, and Associate Sascha Gründler and Dr. Ferdinand Hultzsch were featured in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Germany™.

Attorneys on Best Lawyers® lists are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional experience by practice areas and geographic region.

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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Lahore, Punjab (July 18, 2023) – YODO, a prominent name in the design and development industry, proudly announces the launch of its innovative and cutting-edge tools and services, encompassing a diverse range of solutions to cater to every aspect of design and development. With a strong commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, YODO has quickly become a sought-after destination for businesses worldwide.

Addressing All Aspects of Web Design and Development

At YODO, the team takes immense pride in delivering a comprehensive suite of essential services that have garnered appreciation from clients across the globe. From Web design and Web development to SEO services (On-page and off-page) and content writing, YODO offers an all-inclusive approach to meet the diverse needs of businesses in today’s competitive landscape. Moreover, the company also excels in providing eCommerce solutions, UI/UX design, marketing services, mockups, graphic designs, landing pages, plugin development, and page speed insights, offering a one-stop destination for all design and development requirements.

YODO: A Legacy of Trust and Success

YODO boasts an impressive track record, backed by 10 years of exceptional service to clients from various industries. Drawing from a cumulative experience of 20 years, the team at YODO is adept at understanding the unique challenges faced by businesses and providing valuable services that propel their growth and success.

Satisfied Clients and Unwavering Commitment

The success of YODO lies in its dedication to client satisfaction. With a client base of over 450 happy patrons, the company has established itself as a brand that not only meets but exceeds its clients’ expectations. The team’s unwavering commitment to delivering premium-quality work has earned YODO a reputation as a reliable and trusted partner in the design and development arena.

A Team of Professionals

Behind YODO’s stellar services stands a team of over 80 professionals who collectively offer a powerhouse of talent and expertise. The team’s harmonious collaboration ensures that clients receive top-notch solutions tailored to their specific needs, all while adhering to strict timelines for on-time project delivery.

Forward-Looking Objectives

YODO has set forth clear objectives that guide its endeavors towards success:

1. Premium Quality Work: YODO is committed to delivering work of the highest standards, leaving no room for compromise on quality.
2. All Solutions Under One Roof: As a comprehensive service provider, YODO eliminates the hassle of juggling multiple vendors by offering a full spectrum of design and development services.
3. Do MORE, Pay Less: The company believes in providing unmatched value for its clients, ensuring they receive the best returns on their investments.

A Culture of Collaboration

At YODO, creativity thrives in an environment where ideas are freely exchanged, and everyone’s input is valued. The team’s dedication to meeting deadlines ensures that clients’ projects are completed on time without compromising on quality.

Fostering a Vision of Success

Yodo’s vision is rooted in a dedication to client success. The company aims to make a significant impact through its creativity and services, supporting businesses in achieving their ambitious goals.

For more information about YODO’s cutting-edge design and development services, please visit their website at https://yodo.club or contact them at info@yodo.club.

About YODO

YODO is a leading design and development company based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. With a legacy of 10 years of exceptional service and a team of over 80 talented professionals, YODO offers a comprehensive suite of services, including Web design, Web development, SEO services (On-page and off-page), content writing, eCommerce solutions, UI/UX design, marketing services, mockups, graphic designs, landing pages, plugin development, and page speed insights. YODO’s commitment to delivering excellence and fostering client success has positioned it as a sought-after name in the industry.

Media Contact:

Usman Pervaiz

CEO, YODO

Phone: +1 7372733314

Email: usman@yodo.club

Address: Harrisonville, Missouri, United States

SAN FRANCISCO (July 11, 2023) – Womble Bond Dickinson announced today its combination with boutique litigation firm Simmonds & Narita LLP. The deal brings together the complex litigation practice of the San Francisco-based firm with Womble’s full-service, international capabilities. The team, comprised of partners Tomio Narita and Jeffrey Topor, counsels Leanne Yu, Nathan Searles, and Dominic Luca, and paralegal Rosana Klingerman, has extensive experience defending individual and class actions filed under a wide range of consumer protection statutes in federal and state courts in California and jurisdictions across the country against companies operating in the consumer financial services industry.

“Simmonds & Narita is a high-quality team of lawyers with a strong track record of litigation excellence,” said Chris Jones, who leads the Business Litigation Practice Group and serves on the firm’s Global Board. “The addition of their depth of talent and sophisticated skill set, including decades of experience handling class action matters, greatly enhances the dispute resolution and litigation practice for our firm.”

The team defends creditors, finance companies, debt buyers, law firms, and collection agencies against individual and class claims brought under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the California Rosenthal Act, the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, Section 17200 of the California Business & Professions Code, and other state statutes governing credit and debt collection. They are well-versed in defending against individual and class action claims brought under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and the California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCRAA). They also handle arbitration matters pending before JAMS and the American Arbitration Association and are regularly retained to handle cases pending before federal and state appellate courts.

“We accomplished a heck of a lot as a five-attorney law firm, and our team has built close relationships with our clients and with each other. In considering a move like this, we knew it had to be the right fit for our people and clients,” said Narita. “We immediately recognized that Womble shared our values, including a commitment to exceptional client service, and their platform will be an incredible resource with greater efficiencies and robust services for the complex litigation needs of our clients.”

Chris Mammen, who, in addition to serving as Office Managing Partner, leads the Intellectual Property Litigation Group and is a member of the firm’s Global Board, added: “We could not be more pleased with the continued growth of our San Francisco office. This combination comes on the heels of an exciting year, including our move to a new office and earlier combination with Cooper, White & Cooper, a multi-practice firm of more than two dozen legal professionals. It further strengthens our capabilities on the West Coast and expands the legal services we can offer our clients.”

With additional offices in Irvine, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley, the firm now has over 100 legal professionals, including 54 lawyers, in California and a global platform of more than 1,000 lawyers in 31 offices.

About the new lawyers:

Tomio Narita is a trial attorney focused on defending class actions and high-risk cases filed against members of the consumer financial services industry. He has over three decades of experience representing creditors, national banks, debt buyers, finance companies, alternative lenders, collection agencies, collection law firms, and mortgage companies in cases arising under various consumer protection statutes. Tomio has also successfully defended hundreds of class and representative actions in state and federal courts and frequently handles complex business disputes.

Jeff Topor has over thirty years of experience litigating in and working for federal and state courts. Since 2000, he has concentrated his practice on complex litigation with an emphasis on defending creditors, finance companies (including fintech companies), debt buyers, debt collectors, and law firms in federal and state courts against individual and putative class claims under the FDCPA, TCPA, FCRA, corollary state Acts, and myriad other consumer protection statutes. Jeff has tried cases before juries in state and federal courts, has extensive experience in federal and California appellate courts, and has mediated and arbitrated scores of matters.

Leanne Yu focuses her practice on complex civil litigation, including defending banks and companies in individual and class actions brought under the FCRA, FDCPA, TCPA, Truth in Lending Act (TILA), and related state laws. Prior to private practice, Leanne was a Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, focusing on complex financial services litigation.

Nathan Searles is experienced in defending against individual and class action claims brought against businesses and individuals under the FDCPA, FCRA, TCPA, California Rosenthal Act, California CCRAA, and California Identity Theft Act, among others. He also assists in regulatory, employment, and privacy claims.

Dominic Luca focuses his practice on complex litigation, including consumer financial services defense litigation brought under a wide variety of federal and state laws in courts and arbitration tribunals in California and throughout the United States. He represents clients in matters arising under the FDCPA, FCRA, Rosenthal Act, and California Unfair Competition Act, as well as related federal and state law causes of action.

Katten announced today that Ted Huffman has joined the firm as a partner in the Class Action and Consumer Finance Litigation practice in Dallas.

Huffman represents businesses and financial institutions in various legal areas, including cases involving breaches of contract, securities law, corporate fraud, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property disputes, anticompetitive conduct, government enforcement actions and class action proceedings.

“Ted is a tested attorney who has proven he can successfully take on complex and high-risk litigation at the state and national level,” said Gregory S. Korman, chair of Katten’s Class Action and Consumer Finance Litigation department. “His extensive knowledge and experience in handling commercial litigation and financial services matters will add value to our clients who face increased regulatory and litigation issues in this area.”

Named among D Magazine’s 2023 “Best Lawyers Under 40,” Huffman serves on committees for the Dallas Bar Association and the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, and volunteers for the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity and the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, among other local organizations.

“We look for top talent to add to our fast-growing office, and Ted is recognized as a rapidly ‘up-and-coming’ attorney who will enhance our litigation capabilities in Dallas and actively engage in the community,” said Mark S. Solomon, managing partner of Katten’s Dallas office.

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm’s core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit katten.com.

Calloquy Announces New Features and Enhancements to Its Remote Litigation and Court Reporting Platform

Developers focus on granularity and efficiency in this quarter’s updates, integrations, UI, and Cyber Security upgrades to its industry-leading platform.

ATLANTA, July 10, 2023 — Calloquy, PBC, the first remote litigation platform and court reporting platform designed for litigators, is proud to introduce several new features on and enhancements to its platform. With its new spate of updates, Calloquy continues to advance its mission of delivering its state-of-the-art platform and secure court reporting services to leading law firms while empowering litigators and law firms that value the efficiency and reliability of remote litigation.

“One of the most gratifying things for a developer is getting feedback from users, hearing about and then digesting their user experience, and then working to make that experience even better. We designed each new feature to make depositions and legal proceedings conducted on the platform go as smoothly as possible,” said Keith Hagerich, one of the Product Owners at Calloquy. “We know litigators know how to depose people. We’ve been focusing on convenience so litigators on our platform can do what they do with ease and focus on the case. We are always working to make all facets of our platform as intuitive and efficient as possible.”

2023’s Quarter 2 updates include the following features:

• Arbitrations. Calloquy has officially released its arbitration module. The module makes it easy for litigators to present their witnesses and documentary evidence in a seamless manner. For arbitrators, the customized view elevates the formality of the process over conducting virtual arbitrations using “off-the-shelf” video conferencing solutions. “Most significantly, the arbitration module’s intuitive custom layout is something litigators and arbitrators will recognize and find more befitting of the dispute resolution process,” said Suvi Burks, another Product Owner at Calloquy. “In building the secure breakout rooms and private chat features, our developers sought the input of dozens of litigators, arbitrators, court reporters, and paralegals. Our goal was to make the process of conducting remote arbitrations more efficient and more secure from start to finish.”
• Single Sign On. In furtherance of our commitment to information security and privacy, Calloquy also configured Single Sign On (SSO) to integrate to law firms’ internal security protocols. “Cyber security is foremost on everyone’s mind these days, especially in light of the recent cyber breaches at law firms,” said David Roberts, Calloquy’s Chief Information Security Officer. “SSO allows Calloquy to enhance the security posture for the law firms using our platform while reducing complexity for both the lawyers and the law firm’s IT and compliance teams.”
• Exhibit Annotation and Enhanced Witness Features. Calloquy has also released additional features that improve the way exhibits are presented and how witnesses and parties view and interact with those exhibits. The platform now allows the attorney conducting the witness examination to turn control of the exhibit over to the witness and follow along as the witness annotates the exhibit. Witnesses can annotate exhibits in real time. Those annotations are visible to everyone and can either be saved or discarded depending on the circumstances. Additionally, Calloquy has made it easier for all parties in a deposition to upload and reveal exhibits, including those that are not the primary party noticing the deposition. This feature enhancement can be valuable in cases that involve multiple defendants or where an attorney defending a deposition needs to elicit testimony from their own witness after the conclusion of the noticing party’s questioning. “Remote depositions continue to flourish as litigators and clients continue to reap the significant efficiency benefits,” said Brian Ingram, Calloquy’s Director of Sales & Customer Success. “However, the reliance on screen sharing and being tethered to someone else’s view of what’s important when managing exhibits has been a chief complaint of attorneys about conducting depositions on standard video conferencing applications. Calloquy’s platform changes that,” he continued.
• Enhanced Cyber Security Operations for Court Reporters. “Calloquy’s court reporters are the best in the business. We have equipped them with security features that freelance reporters just do not have – they conduct depositions from secure facilities, with business-grade internet, secure access service, and state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools,” Hagerich says. “In addition, we have improved the experience in providing Realtime feeds in the platform for the litigators to follow the records as the examination is being conducted.”
• “Hot Seat” Tech. Platform users who use Calloquy’s professional court reporters now have the option of requesting a technician to aid in managing exhibits during the deposition or arbitration. “We want to give our users every assurance their deposition or arbitration will go smoothly. The Hot Seat Tech is a part of the white-glove service offering that allows participants to focus on the substance of the testimony while our skilled team manages the other details,” said Hagerich.

“The Calloquy platform is continually evolving with input from some of the world’s best litigators,” said Burks.

“These new features highlight our commitment to listening to our customers so that we can continue to make it easier and more effective for lawyers to advocate for their clients without the unnecessary costs and inefficiencies of travel.”

ABOUT CALLOQUY
Calloquy is the first virtual legal proceedings platform intentionally built for the way litigation is practiced now. Its technology and court reporting services empower attorneys to conduct and manage legal proceedings more effectively and securely, while increasing productivity and reducing costs. The company is helping to shape The Next Era of Litigation™ by combining legal industry-specific videoconferencing technology, world-class security, highly professional court reporting services, and an access-to-justice social mission. Calloquy is a Public Benefit Corporation, and its commercial litigation clients fuel that mission by enabling the company to provide free platform access to legal service organizations and pro bono cases. For more information, please visit www.calloquy.com

BOSTON/PORTLAND, Maine/PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 5, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has selected Asha Santos as office managing shareholder (OMS) of the firm’s Boston, Portland, Maine, and Providence, Rhode Island, offices, effective July 1. Santos succeeds Michael Mankes, who will be stepping down to focus on his full-time practice.

“Asha’s familiarity with the local business communities and firm leadership experience make her a fantastic choice to take the helm of our Boston, Portland and Providence offices,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “I am certain she will build upon the strong foundation that Mike has established. A special thanks to Mike for his steadfast leadership and countless contributions during his 15-year tenure as OMS.”

Santos devotes her practice to the litigation of all types of employment disputes in state and federal court and before government agencies. She assists employers with single- and multi-plaintiff harassment and discrimination matters, leave of absence issues, wrongful termination claims, and wage and hour matters as well as pre-litigation counseling and compliance issues. Santos also serves as a neutral investigator for sexual harassment and discrimination claims, and she has conducted workplace culture audits concerning allegations of bullying and microaggressions.

“We have an amazing team of attorneys and professional staff in all three offices, and I am excited to work alongside my colleagues to further expand our presence across the Northeast,” Santos said. “Thanks to Mike’s leadership, Littler’s presence is well-established in the region. I look forward to collaborating with our teams in these three markets as we continue to demonstrate that Littler is the premier firm for employment and labor law solutions.”

Additionally, Santos is a regular speaker on the topic of how to address bias issues in the workplace and has developed a popular bystander intervention training that has been implemented by numerous employers. Santos earned her J.D., cum laude, from Boston College Law School and her B.A. from Williams College.

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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(June 30, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has earned Gold Standard Certification from the Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) for the 13th consecutive year. This recognition follows Littler recently being named among the top five of Seramount’s “Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity”, ranked on The National Law Journal’s Women’s Scorecard and having earned the “Top Firm for Diversity” spot in the Top Firms Report 2023 by Yale Law Women+.

WILEF grants Gold Standard status to firms that meet objective criteria concerning the number of women among equity partners, in firm leadership positions and in the ranks of their most highly compensated partners. Littler is among the four firms that have been awarded Gold Standard Certification every year since WILEF began the award in 2011. Additionally, the firm was one of only 16 firms that met all six certification criteria this year.

“We are proud to be recognized by WILEF for the 13th consecutive year,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president and Paul Bateman, Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, in a joint statement. “At Littler, we remain intentional about cultivating an environment that provides opportunities to empower women, and those who identify as women, to accomplish their professional and personal goals.”

For 2023 Gold Standard Certification, firms must meet the following mandatory criteria that:

• 25% of equity partners or, alternatively, 40% of the attorneys becoming equity partners during the past twelve months are women
  o Littler – 38.6% equity/45.8% promoted to equity
• 10% of women equity partners are women of color or 4% of women equity partners are LGBTQ+
  o Littler – 21.7% women of color/7.0% LGBTQ+ women

and at least two of the following criteria that:

• 20% of firm and U.S. branch office heads are women
  o Littler – 46.3%
• 25% of the firm’s primary governance committee are women
  o Littler – 44.0%
• 25% of the firm’s compensation committee or its equivalent are women
  o Littler – 45.4%
• 20% of the top half of the firm’s equity partners in terms of compensation are women
  o Littler – 29.7%

Littler offers a number of inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D) programs and initiatives that support the advancement of women and diverse attorneys. Through its Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), the firm focuses on developing and retaining women, and those who identify as women, at every level of the firm, while empowering them to share their experiences, promote their successes, advance their skills through new roles and greater responsibilities.

Littler continues to be ranked as a top firm for women by organizations such as The American Lawyer, Law360 and Vault, among others. A full list of the firm’s accolades, as well as a comprehensive overview of Littler’s ongoing IE&D programming and initiatives can be found in the firm’s 2022 Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Annual Report.

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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WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 28, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Thomas S. Grow as a shareholder in its Labor Management Relations practice group. Grow, who was previously special counsel with Littler, rejoins the firm in the Washington, D.C., office from telecommunications and mass media company Charter Communications, where he served as vice president of labor relations.

“We are always thrilled when our former colleagues come back to Littler, and Tom is an exceptional addition to our well-established labor management practice,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “His depth of experience advising large employers in key industries on labor and employment matters will make him a great resource for our clients.”

Grow has over 20 years of experience developing strategic, outcome-based labor and employment strategies and solutions. He has represented clients in a broad range of labor matters including labor arbitration, unfair labor practice litigation and collective bargaining. Having served as both in-house and outside counsel, Grow has extensive experience defending employers against various large-scale union organizing attempts throughout the country under the National Labor Relations Act and Railway Labor Act. In addition to his labor management relations practice, Grow provides employment advice and counsel to employers and is well-versed in the employment testing field.

“Amid numerous changes to federal labor law, Tom’s hands-on experience advising leadership on strategic, outcome-based solutions is invaluable,” said Jonathan Levine, Brooke Niedecken and Tanja Thompson, co-chairs of Littler’s Labor Management Relations practice group, in a joint statement. “We’re excited to have him back.”

Grow has considerable knowledge of the transportation industry. Before joining Littler initially, he previously spent 16 years as a labor and employment attorney at FedEx, where he served as legal advisor to a broad cross-section of company stakeholders – focusing on developing practical solutions that struck the right balance between business and legal objectives.

“I’m energized by the opportunity to return to Littler and collaborate with talented colleagues in helping clients navigate changing workplaces and shifting labor policy,” said Grow. “I look forward to drawing on Littler’s unsurpassed resources and applying my in-house leadership experience to deliver first-rate counsel to my clients.”

Grow received his J.D. from the St. Louis University School 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.

Michael Best is pleased to announce the addition of Bethany Martinez to the firm as the Chief Talent & Administration Officer. Martinez will be based in the firm’s Chicago office.

Bringing more than two decades of experience, Martinez will work alongside the leadership team to oversee and implement core policies and processes related to people, culture and workplace inclusiveness. Specifically, she will be responsible for overseeing the Human Resources, Administration, Professional Development, DEI and Recruiting operations.

“Bethany’s extensive experience in the professional services industry combined with her proven record of success makes her the ideal person to lead our talent and operations functions, two areas of critical importance for providing top-level service and value to our clients,” said David Krutz, Firm Managing Partner. “She has successfully demonstrated her ability to help organizations adapt and thrive in dynamic market conditions, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the firm.”

Martinez joins the firm’s executive c-suite alongside the chief growth officer, chief financial officer, chief innovation & technology officer and chief business improvement officer. Prior to joining Michael Best, Martinez held several leadership roles at Ernst & Young and the global law firm Baker & McKenzie spanning over the last twenty years.

Martinez received her B.S.B.A. in Human Resource Management from Roosevelt University and her M.S.H.R. from Loyal University of Chicago.

Outside GC Introduces a New Role into the Legal Ecosystem

Firm marks 20+ years in business with an updated brand identity

BOSTON–Outside GC, a law firm of veteran attorneys that augment in-house legal teams and provide early-stage companies with a business-first approach to lawyering, today announced its new brand identity and will now be known as OGC. This change emphasizes OGC’s unique service offering in the legal ecosystem and the opportunity that the firm provides companies of all sizes to add an important new role for managing their ever-increasing legal and regulatory workload – the “OGC.”

This new role combines the best elements of traditional legal service strategies to create something that has been missing, an option that offers: (1) the business mindset of an in-house lawyer; (2) the breadth and depth of an outside law firm; and (3) the flexibility of an alternative legal services provider (ALSP). “General counsel, CFOs, and CEOs see the value in partnering with attorneys who are experienced, efficient, and work as in-house counsel do: in strategic alignment with larger business objectives,” says Amy Jeffrey, managing partner at OGC. “But finding the right resources is a challenge and adding internal legal headcount is not always an option.” The OGC represents a fourth model for doing legal work and a solution to those resourcing challenges.

“OGC is much more than an outside law firm to our business. They are a trusted partner that understands the legal issues and risks facing us and are able to give advice through an in-house lens,” commented Amiel Gross, general counsel at Center for Breakthrough Medicines.
“Adding an OGC to our roster has been incredibly valuable, not just for the experience and efficiency our lawyer brings, but also for the way he has become an integral part of our team. Working with an OGC is like adding another in-house lawyer with the benefit of outside perspective and depth.”

OGC’s unique structure allows highly experienced, partner-level attorneys to align closely with clients while still delivering cost effectiveness, expense predictability, and flexibility. All OGC lawyers have practiced law for a minimum of 15 years, including in senior in-house roles, and have experience in a wide variety of industries and practice areas. High-caliber lawyers join OGC because they value the close alignment between business and legal that comes with being an in-house attorney, and also enjoy the variety of work that an outside law firm offers.

“Since 2002, our mission has been to offer the best of all worlds to our clients and to our attorneys by providing a unique option for procuring legal services and enabling our partners to practice law on their own terms,” adds Jeffrey. “I look forward to the day when the term ‘OGC’ is as ubiquitous as GC, AGC or DGC.”

About OGC
OGC is a unique law firm that offers the relationship and experience of a traditional law firm with the cost savings and speed of an alternative legal services provider. By combining top-notch legal talent and significant business acumen, our OGCs deliver the value and efficiency of an in-house lawyer, without adding to our client’s headcount or sacrificing quality. With 100+ attorneys, OGC serves companies of all sizes either as a fractional general counsel or as a seamless extension to an existing legal department. OGC’s approach is simple: We offer practical legal advice with less over-lawyering. To learn more, visit OutsideGC.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 27, 2023) – Bruce Buchanan, a special counsel attorney in the Nashville office of Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been reappointed to the American Immigration Lawyer Association’s (AILA) Verification and Documentation (V&D) Liaison Committee for the 2023-2024 year. Buchanan has been a member of the V&D Liaison Committee for the last three years and previously served during the 2015-2016 term.

Founded in 1946, the ALIA is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit, voluntary national bar association that provides continuing legal education, professional services, information and proficiency to more than 16,000 members through its 39 chapters and more than 50 national committees. The ALIA’s V&D Liaison Committee liaises with the Department of Homeland Security, the Immigration and Employee Rights (IER) Section of the Department of Justice, and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO) on matters involving employment verification, Form I-9 documentation requirements, immigration and customs enforcement efforts, OCAHO issues, and more.

Buchanan is a member of Littler’s Immigration Practice Group and counsels employers on immigration compliance issues and on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement inspections and audits. He has significant experience with matters related to employment-based visas, asylum and frequently handles I-9 compliance issues. Before focusing on immigration, Buchanan served as senior trial specialist for the NLRB for 20 years. In his employment and labor law practice, Buchanan focuses on counseling clients on union-filed representation petitions, representing employers in collective bargaining, and advising on wage and hour and Family and Medical Leave Act matters.

Additionally, Buchanan regularly writes and speaks on immigration compliance issues for employers. This year, he spoke at the AILA Annual Conference on immigration customs and enforcement of I-9 audits, Littler’s Executive Employer Conference on immigration issues, and the AILA Georgia | Alabama Chapter Conference on immigration compliance issues. Buchanan is also the co-author of the I-9 and E-Verify Handbook and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.

Buchanan earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and his B.S., magna cum laude, from Florida State 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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NEW YORK — June 27, 2023 — Epiq announced today it has won the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

“Compliance is top of mind for our clients deploying Microsoft solutions,” said Doug Mazlish, Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances at Epiq Legal Solutions. “Having the collective Epiq team recognized by Microsoft as the global compliance services leader underscores our position as the trusted advisor of choice. Epiq’s longevity of experience in eDiscovery, legal, and compliance services – combined with our technology expertise and relentless focus on client needs – solidifies our role as the go-to Microsoft compliance provider.”

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognizes Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services, and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,200 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Epiq was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in compliance.

Epiq provides services aligned to Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Priva product portfolios, enabling clients to address the growing challenges of managing their data estate in the age of digital transformation and hybrid work. Epiq specializes in data migrations, information governance, eDiscovery, and data lifecycle management to provide tangible business outcomes for clients.

“Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards!” said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. “The innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation from this year’s winners demonstrate the best of what’s possible with the Microsoft Cloud.”

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the company’s global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19 this year. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner blog: https://aka.ms/POTYA2023-_announcement. The complete list of categories, winners and finalists can be found at https://partner.microsoft.com/en-US/inspire/awards/winners.

About Epiq
Epiq, a global technology-enabled services leader to the legal industry and corporations, takes on large-scale, increasingly complex tasks for corporate counsel, law firms, and business professionals with efficiency, clarity, and confidence. Clients rely on Epiq to streamline the administration of business operations, class action, and mass tort, court reporting, eDiscovery, regulatory, compliance, restructuring, and bankruptcy matters. Epiq subject-matter experts and technologies create efficiency through expertise and deliver confidence to high-performing clients around the world. Learn more at www.epiqglobal.com.

Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Jason Myers joined the firm as a partner in Houston. With wide-ranging transactional experience, Myers focuses his practice on finance, commercial real estate, and economic development. His experience as outside counsel at Am Law 100 firms includes specialized projects in the energy, public-private partnership, and corporate sectors.

Merrick Benn, Womble Bond Dickinson’s Vice Chair (US) and Capital Markets Practice Group Leader, said: “Jason is a versatile lawyer who will thrive in our collaborative culture. Not only does Jason’s skill set expand our finance and real estate capabilities in Texas, but it will also further deepen our already first-in-class financial sector offerings across the firm’s international platform.”

Jeffrey Whittle, Global Head of Energy and Natural Resources and Houston Managing Partner, said: “Jason’s multi-perspective experience throughout Texas and at the national and international levels will be a valuable asset to our growing Houston office, particularly as supporting clients’ evolving needs in today’s global marketplace continues to be a strategic priority for the firm.”

Stephanie Yarbrough, Womble Bond Dickinson’s Economic Development Team Leader, added: “Jason’s finance background, private equity experience, and tenure at other Am Law 100 firms will tremendously benefit our economic development clients. His Texas-based practice adds further geographic diversity to our nationwide presence, and we are excited to welcome him to the firm.”

Myers regularly advises clients on complex, high-profile matters. Notable transactions include serving as the primary lease drafter for a professional football stadium; developing, financing, and leasing a shopping center in Sarajevo; and handling the origination and material modifications of over $22 billion in corporate and fund credit facilities and real estate financing transactions.

“Womble’s impressive roster of national and international clients and their complex legal needs present an opportunity to leverage my comprehensive experience in finance, real estate, and business operations,” said Myers. “Furthermore, the Womble lawyers I have worked with throughout my career have always been first-rate, and I am proud to call them now my esteemed colleagues.”

In addition to private practice, Myers spent over a decade in in-house legal and business positions. He served as a senior counsel and director at a globally integrated asset manager operating in the private equity space focused on real estate, credit, equity, and other financial assets. He also led the financial services legal team providing coverage for the treasury (credit facilities) and global markets (derivatives transactions and related regulatory matters) internal business groups. Prior to practicing law, Myers served as a vice president of asset management for a real estate developer and independent power producer, with responsibilities including financial modeling, regulatory and covenant compliance, and investor relations.

Myers joins Womble from Wick Phillips Gould & Martin in Dallas. He earned his J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law and M.A. in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

(June 8, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been named the Top Firm for Diversity in the Yale Law Women+ (YLW+) Top Firms Report 2023. Through the report, YLW+ aims to raise awareness of inequities within the legal profession and highlight the progress being made in the industry. YLW+ honors individual firms for excelling in categories that relate to overall workplace equity. Littler also received an honorable mention in the Advancement category.

“We take great pride in our culture that prioritizes inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D), and we are thrilled to receive this recognition from YLW+ for our ongoing efforts,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, and Paul Bateman, Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, in a joint statement. “This recognition underscores the importance of cultivating a workplace where individuals are empowered to succeed. Through our intentional IE&D initiatives, we strive to provide an environment where attorneys can achieve their careers goals, from leadership to partnership and everything in between.”

Littler was selected for the Diversity award based on an assessment of the firm’s overall attorney diversity, hiring and retention outcomes and initiatives (such as summer diversity programs), and diverse representation in firm leadership.

The report noted that “Littler excels in attracting and, more importantly, retaining diverse attorney. The firm is also a leader when it comes to promoting diverse attorneys to leadership positions.”

In the Advancement category, Littler was rated based on training, mentorship, and review policies, with a focus on how the firm creates equitable opportunities for associates to interact with supervisors and shareholders. Additionally, how Littler facilitates advancement opportunities for diverse attorneys, such as through affinity networks and promotion outcomes, was also considered.

Littler supports the development and advancement of women and diverse attorneys at every level of the firm through several innovative and meaningful IE&D initiatives, including its award-winning Career Advocacy Program, SOAR Program, Women’s Leadership Initiative and affinity groups, among others. As a result, numerous attorneys serving in firm leadership positions – including on the firm’s board of directors, as office managing shareholders and as practice and industry group chairs – identify as women or diverse. Additionally, 100% of the members serving on Littler’s Management Committee, the firm’s highest governing body, are women or diverse.

Over the past year, Littler has received several other recognitions for its diversity efforts, including recently being named one of the top five best law firms for women and diversity by Seramount. A full list of the firm’s accolades, as well as a comprehensive overview of Littler’s ongoing IE&D programming and initiatives can be found in the firm’s 2022 Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Annual Report and on Littler.com.

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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