Shearman & Sterling today announced that Alejandro Gordano is rejoining the firm as a Capital Markets partner in its award-winning Latin America group, based in New York.

Alejandro further strengthens Shearman & Sterling’s Latin America group, a team that has built a stellar reputation advising many of the world’s leading corporations, financial institutions, emerging growth companies, venture capital investors, governments and state-owned enterprises across the region in industries that leverage the firm’s many practice specialties including capital markets, project finance, structured finance, M&A, venture capital, securities regulation, restructuring, litigation and arbitration.

“Alejandro is an accomplished capital markets lawyer with a keen understanding of the business and legal challenges and opportunities unique to Latin America,” said Adam Hakki, Shearman & Sterling’s Senior Partner. “His relationships with financial institutions, corporations and sovereign clients in the region will be an asset to both our Capital Markets and Project Development & Finance practices.”

Over the course of 20 years as an attorney, Alejandro has guided clients on ambitious and complex debt and equity transactions throughout Latin America. His recent work includes SEC-registered and exempt debt and equity offerings, credit facilities, restructurings, and a broad assortment of structured finance transactions, and also reflects a wide-ranging knowledge of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors associated with capital market dealmaking in Latin America.

“Alejandro is a versatile attorney with a pragmatic, problem-solving approach and a talent for building long lasting client relationships and getting deals done,” said Antonia Stolper, a member of the firm’s Latin America group.

Alejandro is the third lateral partner to join the firm’s Latin America group this year. In February, Shearman & Sterling added global energy attorney Mona Dajani and tax attorney Jorge Medina as partners in the Project Development & Finance practice based in New York and the Bay Area. The firm also recently promoted Robert O’Leary to the partnership in the Project Development & Finance practice, based in New York.

“We’re absolutely delighted that Alejandro has decided to return to Shearman & Sterling at such an exciting time for the firm,” said partner Manuel Orillac of the Latin America group.

Alejandro began his U.S. legal career at Shearman & Sterling before gaining experience working for a major international bank as well as a global bio-technology company.

“I am very excited to return to Shearman & Sterling as a partner at such a transformational moment in the firm’s history,” said Alejandro. “I feel energized by the great opportunities we see in Latin America and am committed to delivering unparalleled legal advice to our clients.”

Buchalter is delighted to welcome Christopher Rogers as a Shareholder in its Scottsdale office and as a member of the Corporate Practice group.

“Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our corporate team and I am thrilled to welcome him to our Scottsdale office,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “Arizona is an important market for us, and Chris and his practice perfectly align with our strategic growth plan in Arizona and the firm at large.”

Rogers is a highly regarded corporate attorney known for his prowess in handling complex business transactions. He focuses his practice on corporate, securities, mergers and acquisitions, real estate finance, and all kinds of business transactions. He regularly represents investors and companies through securities offerings and other finance and capital transactions as well as advising them through day-to-day legal issues.

His clients include investment funds, managers, founders and entrepreneurs, growing and mature companies and partnerships, and others in industries as diverse as real estate, technology, agriculture, energy, food service, financial technology, manufacturing, emerging industry, finance, entertainment, and others. Chris brings a wealth of experience in advising businesses and their management from their founding steps through exit, and all along the way.

“Joining Buchalter offers me an exciting opportunity to take advantage of the firm’s stellar reputation in the corporate legal landscape. I am eager to work with this talented team to deliver comprehensive legal solutions to our clients,” said Rogers.

Beyond his legal practice, Rogers is a leader in the M&A community. He is President of the Association for Corporate Growth-Arizona Chapter, where he has been a long-time member of the Board of Directors. He also actively supports entrepreneurship within the startup ecosystem with involvement in organizations like the Arizona Technology Council, Invest Southwest, and Venture Madness. His dedication to leadership is evident in his executive positions within the State Bar of Arizona, specifically as Chair of the Business Law and Securities Regulation Sections.

Rogers joins Buchalter’s Scottsdale office soon after the recent additions of Shareholder Chris Mason and Senior Counsel Christine Claffey in June. Chris is a member of the Labor & Employment Practice Group and Christine joins the Real Estate Practice Group. Since opening in Arizona almost twenty years ago, Buchalter has experienced substantial growth in both Arizona and the West with 30 attorneys in Scottsdale.

“We are excited to have Chris join us,” added Craig Cartwright, Managing Shareholder of Buchalter’s Scottsdale office. “His expertise along with the recent additions of Chris and Christine further strengthens our commitment to excellence in the local Arizona market, and we look forward to their contributions as we continue to expand and enhance our team.”

Yi-Chin Ho Joins Hughes Hubbard as Co-Chair of China Practice

Los Angeles, August 22, 2023 – Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP is pleased to announce that Yi-Chin Ho has joined as a partner in the firm’s litigation and arbitration practices in its Los Angeles office and co-chair of the China practice. Ho’s broad cross-cultural, cross-border practice focuses on representing Chinese and Taiwanese companies based in the United States and abroad in a variety of matters including antitrust and trade regulation, white collar and government investigations, securities fraud and investigations, and class action, intellectual property, and other complex business litigation.

“Hughes Hubbard is a well-respected, innovative firm with an impressive cross-border practice,” Ho said. “My presence on the West Coast will bolster the firm’s work in East Asia, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

“Geopolitical tensions have kept most law firms away from China. I wanted to join a firm that is hungry and committed to the region. Hughes Hubbard has made a material commitment to Asia and its needs that other firms have not, recruiting key partners like China practice co-chair Christine Kang. And it is a very human firm. Hughes Hubbard lawyers do high caliber work with a highly collaborative, family feel.”

Ho has litigated commercial disputes at all stages including arbitrations, mediations, court and jury trials, and appeals in federal and state courts throughout the country, as well as before the California Courts of Appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Supreme Court. She recently acted as counsel for Chinese clients in high-profile antitrust civil class actions and multiple U.S. Department of Justice investigation matters involving, among other key sectors, the automotive parts and technology industries. She has specific cross-cultural experience leading complex litigation matters to resolution on behalf of Chinese companies and regularly advises CEOs and C-suite executives in high conflict crisis management situations using a keen level of creativity and practical nimble thinking to achieve her clients’ commercial business objectives. She plays a broader role as a strategic business advisor, helping clients grow and achieve their goals. This has kept Ho by the side of many clients for more than 20 years. In addition to serving clients and co-chair of the China practice, she will help guide the firm’s expansion in the region as Chair, Asia Practice Development.

“Yi-Chin’s unique experience will strengthen the firm’s litigation and arbitration practices and provide an important presence for us on the West Coast that will extend to the Pacific Rim,” said Kevin Abikoff, deputy chair of Hughes Hubbard and co-chair of the firm’s Anti-Corruption & Internal Investigations and Securities Litigation practice groups. “She also brings valuable expertise in antitrust matters, having worked on several civil class action and U.S. Department of Justice investigation matters.”

“We are thrilled to have Yi-Chin join Hughes Hubbard,” said Ted Mayer, chair of Hughes Hubbard. “In addition to her extensive experience and impressive client list, Yi-Chin has a unique language and bicultural skillset, as well as a strategic, business-minded approach that will help the firm make further inroads into sophisticated markets in the Pacific Rim. We are eager for her to take a leading role in expanding our litigation practice in Los Angeles as well as in growing our Asia reach.”

Ho is a native speaker of Mandarin and Taiwanese. She is a frequent speaker on legal issues affecting Chinese businesses and has been quoted and interviewed by the Chinese Daily News, World Journal and Taiwan Economic Daily News, in addition to other leading Chinese news and media outlets.

Ho earned her B.A. at University of California, Berkeley and her J.D. at University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

ORLANDO, Florida – ILTACON 2023 – August 22, 2023 — DISCO, a leader in AI-enabled legal technology, announced today the launch of AI Timelines as part of DISCO Case Builder. AI Timelines is a new feature designed to automatically generate timelines by uploading preexisting legal documents including formal complaints, review protocols, or internal memos. AI Timelines is intended to automate previously tedious and time-consuming tasks in order to facilitate the handling of complex client disputes, allowing legal professionals to focus more on the work that matters the most.

DISCO recently announced that Cecilia has been made available to a select group of customers in private access ahead of general availability later this year. DISCO Cecilia is an industry-first solution designed to combine the latest advances in large language models, natural language processing and generative AI, in order to significantly improve ediscovery and legal review processes. Cecilia should accelerate insights and allow attorneys to interrogate their evidence — literally — to determine the more compelling facts of their case, providing answers to natural language questions along with supporting documents.

“DISCO has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions that help drive efficiencies and deliver better outcomes. Through our AI innovation lab, we have spent years developing new technologies directed at a variety of legal use cases, and we are committed to bringing real and sustainable AI to the industry,” said Kevin Smith, DISCO’s Chief Product Officer. “We’ve been hearing more from clients and prospects who are looking to understand how they can integrate generative AI into their businesses. With Cecilia and our other exciting products, DISCO is envisioning a future where lawyers can assess facts and evidence in a much more efficient and precise way.”

Legal professionals at ILTACON looking to learn more about DISCO’s evolving AI-enabled platform as well as ways to speed up your legal workflows and fact management, can visit booth #315 or sign up for an on-site executive briefing. Visit csdisco.com/iltacon to learn more.

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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ANN ARBOR (August 21, 2023) – Barnes & Thornburg announced today that Joseph R. Morrison Jr. has joined the firm’s Southeast Michigan office as a partner in the Corporate Department. Joe is the latest addition to Barnes & Thornburg’s Corporate Department this year, following Laurian Cristea in New York and Raleigh, M. Shams Billah in New York, Jay Knight and Taylor Wirth in Nashville, and Kevin DiDio, also in Southeast Michigan.

Joe serves as outside general counsel for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-growth companies located throughout the United States, helping them navigate legal and business challenges. He also advises on technology and intellectual property licensing, venture and institutional financing rounds, governance matters and employment and real estate issues.
Joe joins Barnes & Thornburg from a large Michigan-based law firm.

“With first-hand experience in technology and high-growth businesses, Joe is a fantastic resource for entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their companies or those looking to invest in emerging companies,” said David Gotlieb, Chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Corporate Department. “He also has an impressive background in negotiating sophisticated transactions, making him a well-rounded addition to our team.”

Before private practice, Joe was an information technology (IT) consultant for an international business consulting company and corporate counsel and consulting manager for a Michigan-based IT startup.

An active member of the venture community in Michigan and across the country, Joe regularly presents to startup groups and students of the University of Michigan on legal issues facing high-growth companies and entrepreneurs.

In addition to the firm’s Southeast Michigan office, Joe will be spending time in the firm’s Los Angeles office to support clients on the West Coast.

“Joe is the second corporate partner to join our Southeast Michigan office this year as we continue to prioritize our office’s growth in this area,” said Robert Stead, partner-in-charge of Barnes & Thornburg’s Southeast Michigan office. “We look forward to leveraging Joe’s strong presence in the community to bolster our relationships and offerings in Michigan and across our national platform.”

Joe earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.S. in business administration from the University of Richmond Robins School of Business.

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.

Greensfelder is pleased to announce that Ryan Gordon has joined the firm’s St. Louis office as an associate in its Business Services group.

Ryan plays a pivotal role on buy- and sell-side transaction teams and has experience ranging from high-value asset sales and equity-based mergers to private equity investments. His skillset includes detailed review of transaction documents, drafting of crucial deliverables, and performing comprehensive due diligence reviews.

Ryan has represented clients in large commercial mortgage-backed securities transactions and small-market reorganization and corporate governance matters. He has experience with conducting extensive research on intricate legal matters and skillfully conveying outcomes in a timely and effective manner to both legal professionals and clients.

Ryan is a member of Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and the American Bar Association.

Ryan received his J.D. from The University of Kansas School of Law and his bachelor’s in business administration from Truman State University. During his time at the University of Kansas School of Law, Ryan was an intern for the Honorable Kevin Moriarty in the Johnson County, Kansas District Court, then served as a financial services intern at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

(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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BALTIMORE (August 16, 2023) – Womble Bond Dickinson today announced that Eryn Brasovan has joined its Baltimore office as a partner. She has extensive experience encompassing a variety of transactional and regulatory matters related to the financial services and insurance industries, including consumer and commercial lending, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance and risk management, and litigation and dispute resolution.

“Eryn represents our ongoing commitment to adding the best talent that advances the interests of our clients and the firm,” said Barry Herman, Managing Partner of the Baltimore office. “Her experience as in-house counsel translates to an invaluable perspective and understanding of the unique intersection of business and the law, and we are excited for her bright future with us.”

Merrick Benn, Womble’s Vice Chair and Capital Markets Practice Group Leader, added: “Eryn’s background makes her a key addition to our insurance premium finance practice as we continue to expand our specialty lending and broader transactional capabilities.”

Prior to joining the firm, Brasovan was general counsel for one of North America’s largest insurance premium finance lenders (by amount financed) for nearly 15 years. In that role, she interacted directly with federal and state regulators, including the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, Department of Treasury, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and state banking and insurance examiners and licensing agencies.
“As an international firm with full-service capabilities, I knew Womble was the ideal platform to further develop my practice. The firm’s innovative solutions and commitment to excellence resonate deeply with my values, and I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of Womble’s accomplished team,” said Brasovan.

Brasovan has served for over a decade as the member-elected president of the National Premium Finance Association, a not-for-profit corporation that serves as the national trade association for property and casualty insurance premium finance lenders. She graduated from DePaul University College of Law and received her B.S. from Indiana University Bloomington.

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.

Text Messages Are NOT Prerecorded Voice Messages

​On August 8, 2023, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a major win for both Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) defendants and the industry at large. In Trim v. Reward Zone USA LLC, the Plaintiff set forth the novel argument that the text messages she received violated the prerecorded voice restrictions contained in the TCPA. TCPA plaintiffs have demonstrated increased creativity in their TCPA cases following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Facebook, Inc. v. Duguid. Readers will recall that in Facebook, the Supreme Court narrowed the TCPA’s definition of what constitutes an automatic telephone dialing system (“ATDS”). In Trim, Plaintiff set her sights on the last clause of 47 U.S.C. § 227(b)(1)(A), which prohibits calls made using “an artificial or prerecorded voice.”

In a case of first impression for the circuit courts, the Ninth Circuit held that the text messages at issue did not contain prerecorded voice as contemplated by the TCPA because they did not include audible components. In representing the Defendant in this action, the ruling is a major victory for Klein Moynihan Turco on behalf of not only Reward Zone, but the entire telemarketing industry, as it closed a path to TCPA liability that plaintiffs had begun to explore.

The Prerecorded Voice Analysis in Trim

​In Trim, the Ninth Circuit decided two distinct issues, namely whether the disputed text messages: 1) were sent using an ATDS; and/or 2) utilized prerecorded voice. On the first issue, the Court found that Plaintiff’s ATDS arguments were foreclosed by binding Ninth Circuit precedent and, thus, had been properly dismissed by the lower court. On the second issue, the Court held that the alleged text messages did not use prerecorded voice and, thus, did not implicate section 227(b)(1)(A) of the TCPA.

The TCPA does not define “artificial or prerecorded voice.” It was due to this lack of a statutory definition that Plaintiff sought to fill the void by arguing for an “idiosyncratic” definition of voice as “an instrument or medium of expression.” However, the Court disagreed that such an esoteric definition is appropriate given the facts at issue. Using “traditional tools of statutory interpretation,” the Court began its analysis by turning to the ordinary meaning of the word “voice” at the time that Congress enacted the TCPA. It found that ordinary definitions of “voice” integrate audible sound and that, as a result, the most natural understanding of “voice” is the sound produced by one’s vocal system.

The Court also analyzed the broader context of the TCPA to conclude that prerecorded voice does not encompass text messages. Specifically, the Court drew heavily from the fact that Congress utilized the word “voice,” as typically used, elsewhere in the TCPA. For example, § 227(e)(8)(A)) defines “caller identification information” as “information regarding the origination of . . . a call made using a voice service or a text message sent using a text messaging service.” The Court noted that if voice calls included text messages, Congress’ inclusion of the term “text message” later in the sentence was unnecessary. That Congress understood how to distinguish voice from text messages in one part of the statute ultimately meant that it could not have intended to have “voice” include text messages in another part of the statute.

Based on ordinary meaning and statutory context, the Court determined that “voice,” as contemplated by the TCPA, does not allow for an interpretation that would otherwise extend to text messages. Accordingly, the subject text messages could not possibly have implicated the § 227(b)(1)(A) restriction on “prerecorded voice” messages. In so finding, the Ninth Circuit comprehensively rejected Plaintiff’s attempt to broaden the definition of prerecorded voice to include text messages.

Why Does Trim Matter to Your Business?

​As previously mentioned, the Facebook decision has made filing claims under the TCPA more complicated for plaintiffs. Specifically, many TCPA plaintiffs are having difficulty establishing that equipment employed by a defendant qualifies as an ATDS. Because of this, plaintiffs are relying on other, less commonly utilized, provisions of the statute. Trim is an example where an enterprising plaintiff attempted to contort the plain language meaning of “voice” as used in the TCPA, in order to significantly expand the potential scope of liability for text messages under the statute.

Fortunately for the industry, the Ninth Circuit agreed with arguments that we submitted on behalf of Reward Zone insofar as the ordinary definition of “voice” is concerned. While extremely favorable to the telemarketing industry at large, the Trim decision does not mean that businesses do not need to continue to prepare themselves for incoming lawsuits filed under other provisions of the TCPA.

Given the ever-changing landscape of TCPA litigation, it is important that businesses regularly consult with experienced telemarketing law counsel. Our attorneys have defended countless lawsuits filed under different provisions of the TCPA. Trim is one of many cases in which we have prevailed on behalf of our clients.

If you are interested in working with attorneys who can help your business with all of its telemarketing law needs, please email us at info@kleinmoynihan.com or call us at (212) 246-0900.

The material contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice, nor is it a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney. Each situation is unique, and you should not act or rely on any information contained herein without seeking the advice of an experienced attorney.

SAN DIEGO (August 14, 2023) – Barnes & Thornburg has announced that John E. Fitzsimmons has joined the firm’s San Diego office as a partner in the Labor and Employment Department. He joins Barnes & Thornburg from DLA Piper’s San Diego office.

Fitzsimmons has over 25 years of employment counseling and litigation experience. He centers his practice on the defense of employers in wrongful termination, employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment-related litigation.

“John has an incredibly rich understanding of employment law,” said Kenneth J. Yerkes, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Labor and Employment Practice Group. “His extensive experience in the field is a fantastic resource to our clients as we continue to build upon and strengthen our department’s offerings and presence in Southern California.”

Fitzsimmons has a particular focus on intellectual property-related claims, including both the prosecution and defense of claims involving non-compete agreements, trade secrets, proprietary information, and restrictive covenants.

In addition to guiding clients through California and federal wage and hour litigation and class actions, Fitzsimmons counsels and trains employees on day-to-day operations, employment issues, as well as labor-management relations. He also assists employers with union organizing, corporate campaigns, and collective bargaining, and has represented employers in labor arbitrations and proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board.

“We’re thrilled to welcome to Barnes & Thornburg a longtime San Diegan with strong ties to the business community,” said Eric J. Beste, partner-in-charge of the San Diego office. “John’s many years of sophisticated employment litigation and deep industry knowledge will substantially assist our office with serving clients in the San Diego market and throughout Southern California.”

Fitzsimmons received his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to his legal career, Fitzsimmons served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.

ShareFile Introduces Unified Legal Solution for Secure and Efficient Workflows

Designed specifically for the legal industry, expanded functionality improves security and operational efficiencies for better client experiences

ShareFile, a business unit of Cloud Software Group, today announced the release of ShareFile® for Legal, a secure, collaborative client experience solution that allows law firms to create unparalleled client experiences. The latest ShareFile solution features can help expedite client onboarding and document-heavy workflows. It also enhances security protections to empower legal professionals to protect critical business and client personal identifiable information (PII) without burdening IT teams.

Law firms today face unique challenges in managing tasks and assignments around client matters, with data showing that 75% of legal professionals spend 20 hours or more per week on non-client-facing billable work. ShareFile’s new offerings directly address these pain points for legal professionals, allowing them to seamlessly onboard clients, efficiently manage documents across caseloads, reduce effort around non-billable work to support profitability, and, ultimately, deliver an exceptional client experience.

“With the number of repeatable processes and document-heavy caseloads, legal work quickly becomes tedious and time-consuming,” said David Le Strat, senior vice president, product and technology, ShareFile. “As a trusted partner to law firms, ShareFile is committed to empowering our clients with a unified and secure solution that amplifies their capabilities and enriches the client experience. Our enhanced platform addresses the unique challenges law firms face, streamlining task management, increasing security, and driving efficiency for all legal services.”

ShareFile’s all-in-one solution includes:

• Security Threat Detection Alerts: Receive proactive insights into content security threats with suggested actions for mitigating threats, enabling employees and admins to mitigate security risks when handling client documents without affecting workflow productivity.
• Task Management: Easily assign tasks to ensure specific documents are supplied quickly and easily without the use of email, with automated notifications on value-add activity like:
  o Task tracking, which allows firms to easily track the status of tasks that are related to client matters, including whether they are in progress, completed, overdue, or yet to start.
  o Client updates, which allow firms to provide prompt updates to clients by having a single view of all tasks and work being done for their specific matters.
• Native Integrations with QuickBooks and Salesforce: Integration of prospective client data with Salesforce and QuickBooks, eliminating manual data entry and duplicate efforts by automatically syncing prospective client data, saving time and reducing errors.

This announcement follows a series of product enhancements ShareFile introduced earlier this year, including expedited client onboarding, secure document management and collaboration, and automated workflows to save time and enable firms to stay on top of a growing client list.

“Maybe 30% of our people are in the office every day, so being able to collaborate is a big deal, but also being able to collaborate better with clients because they don’t come into the office anymore is a big deal to us,” said Christopher J. Edwards, systems administrator at an Arizona legal firm and a ShareFile customer.

Womble Grows Telecom Team With Addition of Richard Cameron

D.C. Partner Has Extensive Experience in Complex Regulatory Matters in the Broadband, Communications, and Technology Sectors

WASHINGTON (August 14, 2023) – Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Richard R. Cameron has joined the firm’s Communications, Technology and Media team as a partner in Washington. A trusted advisor in the broadband, communications, and technology sectors, Cameron brings extensive experience in regulation, competition, universal service, regulatory compliance, satellite market access, and spectrum licensing matters, as well as in the rules governing federal grant awards and other financial assistance programs.

“Rich’s expansive knowledge of the complex business and legal issues affecting the telecommunications sector will be hugely beneficial to clients and play a significant role in furthering our strategic growth,” said Marty Stern, who leads the firm’s multidisciplinary Communications, Technology and Media team. “He is highly respected in the industry for his professionalism and depth of capabilities, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the firm.”

Elizabeth Lee, managing partner of the Washington office, added: “We have an exceptional group of lawyers in D.C. and throughout the firm, and Rich’s insight and sophisticated skill set make him an ideal fit for our platform.”

Cameron began his career at the Federal Communications Commission, gaining experience in telecommunications and media regulation as legal counsel to two bureau chiefs and as federal staff chair of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. He later served as a compliance officer at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and as in-house counsel at a domestic telecommunications carrier. Immediately prior to joining Womble, he was the principal of an independent legal practice for over a decade.

“I’m delighted to join Womble’s talented, vibrant, and growing team in D.C.,” said Cameron. “Great things are happening at Womble, and I’m excited to join my efforts with those of my new colleagues.”

Cameron graduated with honors from George Washington University Law School and received his A.B. from Cornell University. He also earned a Post Graduate Diploma in EU Competition Law from the Centre of European Law at King’s College London.

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About Womble Bond Dickinson

Womble Bond Dickinson is a transatlantic law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers based in 31 U.K. and U.S. office locations serving clients across every business sector. The firm provides core legal services including Commercial; Corporate; Employment; Dispute Resolution and Litigation; Finance: Banking, Restructuring, Insolvency; IP, Technology and Data; Private Wealth; Projects, Construction and Infrastructure; Real Estate; and Regulatory Law.

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright announced today that it has opened the doors to its new Chicago office space, which is located on the top two floors of 1045 on Fulton – the newest and tallest building in the Fulton Market Historic District.

Norton Rose Fulbright is the first major law firm to move into the vibrant Fulton Market District, which is a symbol of transformation in Chicago. 1045 on Fulton is a LEED-certified building with its sustainable design and construction as is also WELL-certified with its positive impact on occupants’ health and well-being.

Occupying approximately 17,000 square feet on the 11th and 12th floors, Norton Rose Fulbright’s space is modern and progressive with a focus on collaboration and innovation. The design includes a significant amount of multifunctional open areas, which can be configured for a variety of work needs as well as client and community events. The building’s panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline.

Jeff Cody, Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Managing Partner, said:

“We embraced the ambitious spirit of Fulton Market to design a precedent-setting office space based on how we envision law firms will operate moving forward. I am proud of the end result – a dynamic workplace with state-of-the-art amenities, which maximizes our ability to serve clients while better connecting us with one another.”

Norton Rose Fulbright engaged with geniant + Eastlake Studio, an experiential architecture and interior design firm known for consulting with leading technology companies, to take a more forward-thinking approach to the design of the office. The space intentionally promotes many different working styles and environments, ranging from individual lawyer offices to public co-working spaces complete with couches, high-top tables and huddle rooms. The private areas sport glass walls to encourage collaboration – a departure from the silo nature of traditional lawyer offices. The workspace is also complete with client-entertaining spaces and a coffee bar.

Daniel Farris, Norton Rose Fulbright’s Chicago Partner-in-Charge, said:

“Our new home in Fulton Market reimagines the law firm office experience to focus on technology, flexibility and collaboration, which emphasizes the firm’s mission of providing innovative services and solutions. We invite firm clients to use our co-working spaces, and we have already welcomed in-house lawyers from several client organizations to work side-by-side with firm lawyers in our new space, which wouldn’t have been as effective in a traditional law office environment.”

While some offices are assigned, personnel have access to a mobile and web-based reservation software that allows them work how and where they desire on any given day. All spaces are outfitted with cutting-edge multimedia sound and video equipment to ensure seamless connectivity across our national and global offices.

Norton Rose Fulbright has increased its headcount in Chicago to 30 lawyers, including 14 partners, since the opening of its 12th US and 52nd worldwide location on April 12, 2022. The firm’s Chicago lawyers serve tech and tech-enabled businesses in transformative sectors across a range of practices, including corporate, M&A and securities, employment and labor, energy, intellectual property, litigation, privacy and data security, projects, real estate and technology transactions.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright provides a full scope of legal services to the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions. The global law firm has more than 3,000 lawyers advising clients across more than 50 locations worldwide, including Houston, New York, London, Toronto, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Sydney and Johannesburg, covering the United States, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. With its global business principles of quality, unity and integrity, Norton Rose Fulbright is recognized for its client service in key industries, including financial institutions; energy, infrastructure and resources; technology; transport; life sciences and healthcare; and consumer markets. For more information, visit nortonrosefulbright.com.

Buchalter is pleased to welcome new Shareholders Agustin Ceballos and Daniel Silva to the firm’s San Diego office. Ceballos joins as a member of the Corporate and Tax, Benefits and Estate Planning practice groups, and Silva is a new member of the White Collar & Investigations and Litigation practice groups.

“We are delighted to welcome Agustin and Daniel,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “Agustin has a deep knowledge of corporate and tax matters, and Daniel has extensive trial and investigation experience. Their exceptional skills and experience align perfectly with our firm’s commitment to excellence and providing comprehensive legal solutions.”

Ceballos has a proven track record of providing exceptional counsel to clients in a wide range of complex tax and estate planning matters. His representative work includes advising on multi-generation succession planning for foreign nationals, cross-border estate and tax planning, compliance with FATCA and CRS regulations, structuring U.S. and Mexican investments, tax implications of business operations for foreign investors, and more.

He has been well-recognized for his achievements, including receiving the Fulbright Garcia-Robles Scholarship. He actively participates in professional organizations such as the State Bar of California’s International & Taxation Law Sections and the San Diego County Bar Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee for the International Law and Immigration Section of the California Lawyers Association

“I am honored to join Buchalter and its esteemed Corporate and Tax, Benefits and Estate Planning practice groups,” said Ceballos. “Buchalter’s reputation for excellence, its commitment to client success, and its collaborative approach to problem-solving make it an ideal platform for serving clients effectively. I look forward to working alongside talented colleagues and providing strategic counsel to our clients.”

Silva is a former financial crimes prosecutor and in-house global risk counsel at an international financial technology company with extensive trial, investigation, and risk assessment experience. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in San Diego, he led hundreds of investigations into financial crimes, anti-money laundering (“AML”) violations, fraud, and forfeiture, often involving cooperating witnesses and whistleblowers. Many of his cases worked conducted in parallel with federal law enforcement agencies and financial regulators like the SEC, FinCEN, federal and state tax authorities, OFAC, and banking regulators. He has received some of the highest awards these agencies could bestow. After leading many of the most influential AML prosecutions in the U.S., Silva has been retained as an expert witness, taught at law schools in the United States and Mexico, and trained prosecutors, financial professionals, investigators, and foreign law enforcement.

“Buchalter’s White Collar & Investigations team continues to expand its areas of expertise, as well as the size and sophistication of matters it handles. I am thrilled to add my skills to the team and eager to put that experience to work on behalf of clients as they navigate all their criminal, civil, regulatory, and forfeiture issues,” added Silva.

In addition to representing businesses and individuals in complex criminal, civil, and forfeiture litigation, Silva advises clients engaged in regulatory enforcement actions and internal investigations. He draws on his prior role as risk counsel for Stripe—a global financial technology (“fintech”) and payments company—to provide first-hand guidance to digital startups, emerging payment and finance systems, and web3 companies.

“Both Augustin and Daniel are impressive additions to the Firm and in San Diego,” added Bass. “Further expansion of our footprint in San Diego is underway, and we are excited about our plans for continued growth.”

LOS ANGELES (August 8, 2023) – Barnes & Thornburg announced today that Brian L. Schall has joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as a partner in the Entertainment, Media, and Sports Practice Group. He joins from Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP.

“We’re thrilled to be able to tap into Brian’s extensive experience providing counsel to some of the best in the music business,” said Jason Karlov, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Entertainment, Media and Sports Practice Group. “He has a track record of smart and original problem-solving for some of the entertainment industry’s greatest challenges, and we look forward to offering his unique industry skillset to our clients.”

Brian has advised and guided the careers of various multi-platinum musicians, songwriters, electronic artists, social content creators, music publishers, record companies, management companies, music industry executives and record producers in connection with their various legal needs. He counsels clients on virtually all aspects of the music industry, including, negotiating and drafting recording agreements; producing agreements; distribution agreements; endorsement agreements; catalogue sales agreements; music licensing agreements; merchandising agreements; touring agreements; worldwide residency agreements; management agreements; and executive employment agreements.

Additionally, Brian’s clientele includes entertainment entrepreneurs, concert promoters, chefs, social influencers, fashion designers, nightlife venues, athletes and various music-related brands.

“Brian is a fantastic addition to our office as we continue to grow our Los Angeles footprint and offerings, particularly for entertainment and media,” said Kevin D. Rising, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Los Angeles office. “We’re excited to add Brian’s knowledge of and experience in the music industry to our talented team of attorneys.”

Brian received his J.D. from Southwestern University with honors and his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.

7.31.2023 Milwaukee — 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.”

Western Alliance Bank Launches National Commercial Banking Service Devoted to “NewLaw” Clients
NewLaw Banking Caters to Law Firms and Legal Tech Companies Navigating Change in the Industry

PHOENIX, AZ—August 9, 2023—In a forward-looking response to seismic changes in the legal industry, Western Alliance Bank today announced that it has launched a national commercial banking service dedicated to enabling law firms and other companies in the legal ecosystem to thrive in the NewLaw economy. NewLaw Banking, part of Western Alliance Bank’s Juris Banking Group, serves the complete banking needs of law firms, legal technology providers and other businesses that are adapting to—and driving—change in the market for legal services.

“Western Alliance Bank has been a valued steady, reliable resource for law firms and legal service providers for nearly 20 years. As students of the industry, we have observed the recent and dramatic shift in the way corporations buy legal services, particularly their intense focus on efficiency,” said Francesca Castagnola, senior managing director of Western Alliance Bank’s Juris Banking Group. “That has created a massive opportunity for law firms and others willing to develop and use new tools to improve and streamline services. NewLaw Banking helps the profession’s leaders to seize that opportunity.”

Informed by an understanding of clients’ unique business needs, the group provides secure depository and treasury services and lending solutions for the launch of new firms and for innovative projects at established firms of all sizes, regardless of how far along they are in the innovation journey. NewLaw Banking also provides legal techs and ALSPs, or alternative legal service providers, with corporate financing in the start-up, early growth and later stages of their business journeys.

The launch of NewLaw Banking builds on Western Alliance Bank’s history of leadership in the evolution of business practices within the legal profession. Its Juris Banking Group offerings include Settlement Services for class action, mass tort and bankruptcy attorneys, claims administrators and related businesses; Digital Disbursements to facilitate payments to claimants in these matters; and now nationwide full-service banking solutions under the same umbrella.

“Law firms have long been an important client base for the bank, and our team has been at the forefront of innovation for all their banking needs, including settlement services and digital disbursement capabilities. We keep our fingers on the pulse of the changes happening across the legal ecosystem, so it only makes sense that we expand our legal banking services to include all members of that ecosystem and on a national level,” said Dale Gibbons, chief financial officer at Western Alliance Bank. “Simply put, we are the bank for the future of the legal profession.”

About Western Alliance Bank
With more than $65 billion in assets, Western Alliance Bancorporation is one of the country’s top-performing banking companies. Its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, offers a full spectrum of tailored solutions and outstanding service delivered by banking and mortgage experts who put customers first. Major accolades include being ranked #1 top-performing large bank with assets greater than $50 billion in 2021 by both American Banker and Bank Director. Serving clients across the country wherever business happens, Western Alliance Bank operates individual, full-service banking and financial brands and has offices in key markets nationwide. For more information, visit Western Alliance Bank.

About NewLaw Banking
Western Alliance NewLaw Banking, a national banking service within the Juris Banking Group at Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, is a group built for the future of the legal services industry. We deeply understand the business of law and where it is going. Combining this knowledge with creative financing solutions, leading technology and a white-glove approach to client service, our NewLaw group is the right choice for law firms and other players in the legal ecosystem that are ready to go beyond tradition and ensure their future. The NewLaw Banking Group is part of Western Alliance Bancorporation, which has more than $65 billion in assets and ranked #1 among top-performing large banks with assets greater than $50 billion in 2021 by both American Banker and Bank Director. With significant national capabilities, the NewLaw Banking Group delivers the reach, resources and deep industry knowledge that make a difference for customers. For more information, visit Western Alliance NewLaw Banking Group.

Womble Adds Corporate Partners to Continue Expansion of Government Contracts, Cross-Border Trade Practice

August 9, 2023 – Womble Bond Dickinson announced the further expansion of its Government Contracts and Cross-Border Trade practice with the addition of partners Robert Broadbent and Cherylyn Harley LeBon in the firm’s Charlottesville and Tysons, Virginia, offices, respectively. Broadbent represents clients in international trade and national security matters and government investigations in the commercial and defense sectors. LeBon focuses her practice on government contracts and corporate matters, including regulatory compliance.

“Al and Cherylyn are well-known and highly respected practitioners who are immediately credentialing to our Government Contracts and Cross-Border Trade practice and, indeed, the firm as a whole,” said Corporate & Securities Practice Group Leader Jamie Francis. “We could not be more pleased to welcome them to Womble.”

The addition of Broadbent and LeBon follows a string of strong hires within the firm’s Government Contracts and Cross-Border Trade practice, including partners Chris Lockwood, David Vance Lucas, and Richard Raleigh and global trade advisors Angela Ennis and John McCullough.

About the new partners:

Robert A. Broadbent is a trusted advisor to clients in many areas of international trade and national security, including export controls (ITAR/EAR/DOE/NRC and E.U. dual-use controls); economic/trade sanctions programs (OFAC); foreign direct investment/national security reviews and investigations (CFIUS); space, aerospace, and autonomous systems development strategies; trade agreements and foreign market access strategies; and defense and intelligence project strategies.

Broadbent served for over three decades in the federal government, providing legal advice to senior national and military leaders. Most recently, he was Acting Associate General Counsel for the Mission and International Law Division of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Office of General Counsel, where he supervised ten civilian attorneys and five active-duty judge advocates dispersed globally.

Cherylyn Harley LeBon is a highly regarded lawyer, advocate, and strategist with over 25 years of leadership experience in Washington, D.C., and abroad. With a distinguished background as a Presidential appointee at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, LeBon leads clients through every stage of the federal procurement process. Her experience is aligned with the SBA’s portfolio, including bank loans, financial assistance, disaster response, and government contracting for 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB, and HUB Zone firms.

LeBon also advises clients on a range of corporate matters, including complex contracts, mergers and acquisitions, banking representations, employment policies, and corporate governance. Prior to private practice, she was president and CEO of her consulting firm, KLAR Strategies, providing business strategy and guidance to clients, including mid-size companies, technology firms, and boards.

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About Womble Bond Dickinson

Womble Bond Dickinson is a transatlantic law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers based in 31 U.K. and U.S. office locations serving clients across every business sector. The firm provides core legal services including Commercial; Corporate; Employment; Dispute Resolution and Litigation; Finance: Banking, Restructuring, Insolvency; IP, Technology and Data; Private Wealth; Projects, Construction and Infrastructure; Real Estate; and Regulatory Law.

“Womble Bond Dickinson,” the “law firm” or the “firm” refers to the network of member firms of Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited, consisting of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP. Each of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is a separate legal entity operating as an independent law firm. Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited does not practice law. Please see www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/legal-notice for further details.