Polsinelli Adds Private Equity Shareholder Monica Diddell in Houston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Polsinelli

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 25, 2023) – Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Kristina M. Moore has joined the firm’s Business Litigation group as a partner in Washington, D.C. Operating at the center of law, politics, and the media for over 20 years, Moore advises highly regulated industries with a focus on policy and legal challenges that have gained the attention of the national news media and policymakers on Capitol Hill. She leverages nearly 15 years of experience in Congress to advise Fortune 500 companies facing Congressional inquiries as well as litigation into toxic tort matters and has counseled clients through unique bet-the-company crises and challenges.

“Kristina is a talented, multi-faceted advisor with an impressive track record of successful engagements in areas that are strategically important to the firm, including government relations and investigations,” said Chris Jones, who leads the Business Litigation Practice Group and serves on the firm’s Global Board. “Her deep experience and diverse skill set will benefit clients as they navigate the evolving legal challenges raised in regulatory oversight and enforcement.”

Prior to joining Womble, Moore was a managing director in the Strategic Communications practice at FTI Consulting. As founder and director of their Congressional Oversight & Investigations practice, she advised clients under Congressional investigation on both government affairs and communications strategies. Moore also led the Industrials practice in delivering strategic and crisis communication services to Fortune 500 companies facing complex reputational challenges and a team of Crisis and Litigation communications professionals that helped clients targeted by federal and state attorneys general investigations, as well as mass tort litigation.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Womble, a highly respected law firm that aggressively invests in its professionals and practice groups,” said Moore. “The culture at Womble is dynamic and entrepreneurial – exactly the combination I was looking for. I’m excited to expand the firm’s capabilities to support clients in their time of crisis, leveraging both my experience as a Congressional investigator and a crisis communicator.”

During her time as a lead investigator in Congress, Moore focused on energy and environmental policy, leading investigations into the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Solyndra, as well as the impact of government bureaucracy on entrepreneurship and job creation. Her government and government relations experience includes senior roles with the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Senate and Environment and Public Works Committee, National Automobile Dealers Association, and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

This addition reflects continued momentum for the firm’s Business Litigation group, which has welcomed 35 lawyers in the last year, including partners Liz Campbell (Atlanta), Patricia Cymerman (Los Angeles), Ana Maria Gutiérrez (Denver), Edward Kim (Irvine, California), Carol Lee (Washington, D.C.), Tomio Narita (San Francisco), Joe Patella (New York City), Harry Rimm (New York City), Mariam Tadros (Tysons, Virginia), Jeff Topor (San Francisco), and Lee Van Voorhis (Washington, D.C.).

RALEIGH, N.C. (September 25, 2023) – Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Hideki Akiyama has joined the firm’s Corporate & Securities group in Raleigh. A trusted advisor to Japanese companies doing business in the U.S., Akiyama focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, general corporate matters, labor and employment matters, and dispute resolution. He grew up, studied, and has worked in the U.S. and Japan and is well-versed in the cultural and structural differences of doing business in both countries.

“Hideki is a great fit for our Corporate & Securities and Japan practices,” said Jamie Francis, Leader of the firm’s Corporate & Securities Practice Group. “He understands that being a cross-border attorney involves more than providing legal guidance – you must help your clients navigate unfamiliar markets and legal systems to find solutions that meet their business goals.”

Akiyama has represented Japanese and U.S. companies in dispute resolution matters and arbitration proceedings before various tribunals, including the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. He has also worked for Japanese and U.S.-listed companies in cross-border energy and infrastructure projects.

This addition reflects continued momentum for the firm’s Corporate practice, which has welcomed a string of notable partners this year, including Paul Afonso (Boston), Scot Anderson (Denver), Tracy Bacigalupo (New York City), Marcantonio Barnes (Tysons, Virginia), Al Broadbent (Charlottesville, Virginia), Doug Butler (Atlanta), Rich Cameron (Washington, D.C.), Howard Herndon (Nashville), Cherylyn Harley LeBon (Tysons), and David Vance Lucas (Huntsville, Alabama).

Akiyama joined Womble from the Tokyo office of Atsumi & Sakai, where he was a partner and led their Cross-Border M&A Group. He graduated from Duke University School of Law and received his LL.B. from Keio University Faculty of Law.

Legal departments are increasingly under pressure to do more with less: 70% report higher matter volumes, yet 66% say that their budgets are flat or declining. While new technologies, including AI, could help improve efficiencies, legal departments say they are facing what the report terms a “technology conundrum.”

Increasing use of technology is a high priority for legal departments with a majority of general counsel (57%) saying that leveraging technology automation is one of their top cost-control strategies. As a result, using technology to improve workflow efficiency is their second-highest priority, ranking behind controlling outside counsel costs. However, only 32% of legal departments’ budgets for legal technology are increasing.

“Corporate legal departments continue to face challenges in making the up-front investments in technology needed to keep pace with expanding workloads,” said Laura Clayton McDonnell, president of the Corporates segment for Thomson Reuters. “Efficiency is more paramount than ever as the volume of work continues to increase, and many legal departments are seeking to bring more work in-house. Technologies, including AI, can not only improve efficiency, but potentially position legal departments to move from being cost centers to growth enablers by assisting in the development of new products and services.”

As far as which technologies legal departments value, e-billing and spend/matter management software rated as the most valuable, followed by e-signature, litigation hold, and legal research. The Future of Professionals Report found that 60% of legal professionals believe AI will result in corporate legal departments moving more work in-house over the next five years, owing to improved efficiency and reduced costs. However, legal professionals also have concerns about AI, including the accuracy of outputs and the need for regulation to govern the ethics of AI.

Legal departments also are conflicted about return-to-office policies, seeking to balance the benefits of face-to-face interaction with the autonomy and flexibility of remote working. However, the decision may be largely out of their hands, as 54% of legal departments say their policies are set by the broader organization.

Download a copy of the 2023 Legal Department Operations Index here: https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/insights/reports/legal-department-operations-index-eighth-edition-2023/

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Littler

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

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

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

Barry Kuretzky has been an acknowledged resource on Canadian employment and labour law for over four decades. He brings creative solutions to business-critical decisions and his distinctive legal knowledge guides clients across the employment spectrum, from hiring to termination. Kuretzky has gained particular experience counseling clients in the labour relations area, which includes collective bargaining, union organizing drives, certification and decertification of unions, grievances and arbitrations. Additionally, Kuretzky has been quoted significantly in the press on Canadian labour and employment issues by Canadian Employment Law Today, SHRM, Human Resources Director Canada, among others, and has been consistently recognized by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as one of the country’s top lawyers for over 25 years.

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

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

About Littler

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

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Polsinelli Continues Corporate Growth Momentum With Two New Shareholders in St. Louis

Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli has welcomed two new shareholders to the firm’s St. Louis office and its Business Department – J. Powell Carman and C. Brendan Johnson. Joining Polsinelli from another Am Law 100 firm, both are experienced corporate attorneys who guide clients through transformative and complex transactions, securities financing, corporate matters, strategic alliances and venture capital investments. Their addition comes on the heels of the recent hiring of Raymond Jacobi and Matthew Weill, further demonstrating Polsinelli’s exceptional growth momentum in the corporate space.

“Powell and Brendan are outstanding attorneys who have earned their great reputations. Their addition reflects our continuing focus on the expansion of our department and the investment we are making in our high-priority areas of M&A, private equity and venture capital,” said Jane E. Arnold Co-Chair of Polsinelli’s Business Department.

“I am excited to join Polsinelli and offer the firm’s broader resources and deeper bench to our agri-business and ag-tech clients. I think our clients will particularly benefit from this in the areas of strategic investment and transactions,” said Carman.

“I was drawn to Polsinelli’s exceptional venture capital and M&A capabilities and its unmatched national platform,” said Johnson. “With clients in agri-business, distribution, software, life sciences, medtech and venture capital investing, Polsinelli’s robust full-service offering and depth in venture capital and M&A transactions make it a perfect fit. I am also excited to work with my new colleagues and reconnect with former colleagues across the firm’s offices.”

Carman counsels private and publicly held clients on general corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, strategic alliances, licenses, commercial agreements and other business issues. His practice focuses largely on clients in the life sciences, agribusiness, ag biotech and food industries. He has extensive experience guiding national and international biotech and agribusiness companies through acquisitions and divestitures and serves as outside general counsel for a number of privately held companies and nonprofit organizations. Carman received his J.D., with honors, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his B.S., cum laude, from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is joining Polsinelli in the Corporate M&A Practice Group.

Johnson has a broad-based corporate practice with concentrations in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and securities law, and corporate governance matters. He has represented clients ranging from emerging companies to public companies in matters such as private placements of debt and equity securities, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and strategic commercial arrangements. He also has experience with initial public offerings and other public securities offerings as well as SEC periodic reports and proxy materials.

In addition, Johnson has represented numerous private equity-backed companies in connection with their acquisition programs and other strategic transactions. Johnson received his J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center and his A.B., cum laude, from Princeton University. He is joining Polsinelli in the Venture Capital & Emerging Growth CompaniesPractice Group.

Polsinelli’s Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures Practice closes deals. Spanning multiple industries, the firm’s attorneys complete transactions for private and public companies. They work collaboratively with in-house personnel and coordinate efforts with clients’ investment bankers, local and foreign counsel, accounting firms and other advisers to provide high caliber, integrated legal advice covering all areas needed for a seamless negotiation and closing process. By taking the time to understand the economic and value-related consequences singular to clients’ business transactions, Polsinelli attorneys work to protect interests and lead in the navigation of a full range of deal options.

Polsinelli’s Venture Capital and Emerging Growth Companies Practice is focused on representing investment funds and venture-backed companies across a range of industry verticals, with a special concentration on disruptive technology, consumer, food and beverage healthcare and biotech/life sciences. While primarily focused on growth and later-stage equity, Polsinelli’s attorneys routinely represent seed funds and start-ups, and other pre-Series A companies. The team’s approach and processes allow Polsinelli’s clients to receive thorough and diligent counsel, but with the speed, pace and economics that venture capital requires

About Polsinelli

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

First new California Partner since firm expansion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

R. Tyler Johnson – Partner

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

Sadie Fitzpatrick – Partner

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

Kevin P.M. Garland – Partner

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

Alexandra Jashinsky – Of Counsel

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

Duane Morris Welcomes Trial Partners Terry R. Weiss and Stefanie M. Wayco in Atlanta

ATLANTA, September 14, 2023―Terry R. Weiss and Stefanie M. Wayco have joined Duane Morris LLP as partners in the firm’s Trial Practice Group in its Atlanta office. Prior to joining Duane Morris, Weiss and Wayco were both shareholders at Maynard Nexsen PC.
“We are deepening our securities litigation practice with two talented and broadly experienced partners, and I am pleased to welcome Terry and Stefanie to Duane Morris,” said Duane Morris Chairman and CEO Matthew A. Taylor.

“We continue to see an uptick in both industry enforcement and internal investigation activity, and so we are focused on growing our roster to support clients,” said Sharon L. Caffrey, co-chair of Duane Morris’ Trial Practice Group. “Terry and Stefanie will add their significant background in the securities industry to our capabilities and expand our client base, too,” added Wayne A. Mack, co-chair of Duane Morris’ Trial Practice Group.

“Terry and Stefanie enhance our platform in Atlanta and will add to our thriving office here,” said G. Kirk Domescik, managing partner of the firm’s Atlanta office.

Terry R. Weiss has more than three decades of experience representing securities industry clients in the full spectrum of legal disputes, from regulatory and enforcement matters to internal investigations, civil litigation and arbitrations. He has represented investment advisers, prime brokers, broker-dealers and other securities industry professionals in enforcement matters before securities industry regulators such as FINRA, the SEC and state regulators. He has also served as lead counsel in more than 100 arbitrations through award and supervised hundreds more. Weiss has a subspecialty in appellate matters, having argued appeals before most of the federal circuit courts of appeal and numerous state courts resulting in decisions favorable to the securities industry. He also often leads internal investigations linked to litigation or enforcement matters.

Weiss is a graduate of Emory University School of Law (J.D., 1986) and Emory University (B.A. with high honors, 1983).

Stefanie M. Wayco represents financial services firms, investment advisers, clearing firms, broker-dealers and other securities industries professionals in a wide range of regulatory and enforcement matters, as well as arbitrations, civil litigation and internal investigations. Wayco has both worked with and litigated against securities industry regulators such as the SEC, FINRA and state regulators, among others. Her experience includes matters relating to anti-money-laundering regulations, the Bank Secrecy Act, mass actions, alternative investments, product cases, privilege issues, compliance and supervisory policies, outside business activities and financial services firms’ standard operating procedures. She also serves as secretary and advisory board member for Southeastern Women in Financial Services, an organization for women lawyers practicing in the financial services industry.

Wayco is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2009), New York University (M.A., 2006) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (B.S. with highest honors, 2004).

“I’m honored to be joining such a talented team in Atlanta and look forward to working closely with colleagues as we serve our clients,” said Weiss. “I was impressed by Duane Morris’ top-tier, full-service platform, and look forward to offering its many benefits to my clients,” added Wayco.

About Duane Morris

Duane Morris LLP provides innovative solutions to today’s multifaceted legal and business challenges through the collegial and collaborative culture of its more than 900 attorneys in offices across the United States and internationally. The firm represents a broad array of clients, spanning all major practices and industries. Duane Morris has been recognized by BTI Consulting as both a client service leader and a highly recommended law firm.

ArentFox Schiff is pleased to announce the addition of partner Jena Watson to its Real Estate and Municipal Bond practices in the firm’s San Francisco office. Jena brings nearly three decades of experience managing project and municipal finance and commercial real estate transactions, including 10 years in senior in-house counsel roles in financial institutions.

Most recently, Jena served as Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Associate Corporate Secretary, at HomeStreet Bank. In this capacity, she advised leadership teams on a range of regulatory strategy, legal compliance, and operational issues, while also managing commercial agreements and financial transactions. Earlier in her career, Jena served as Associate General Counsel of the Multifamily Division at Fannie Mae and, prior to that, spent many years in private practice at large international law firms.

At ArentFox Schiff, Jena will counsel both private and public companies on a range of financing transactions. Her practice will focus on serving as counsel in municipal finance transactions; assisting clients in financing, real estate, and other aspects of infrastructure deals; and advising on public-private partnership (P3) projects. Jena has represented both lenders and borrowers in private debt financings, recapitalizations and acquisition facilities, leveraged and structured financings, mezzanine debt, securitized executions and distressed debt situations, among other complex transactions. She has worked on large financial transactions in numerous industries, including housing, energy, and manufacturing projects.

“A seasoned finance lawyer, Jena has proven herself to be a trusted advisor to companies and governmental entities in structuring and securing financing for their most critical development projects. Her in-house leadership experience and success managing municipal finance, project finance, and other financing transactions in private practice will bring significant value to our clients. Having worked with Jena personally over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of her business-minded approach, extensive knowledge of public and private financings, and genuine care for driving the best possible outcomes. We could not be more thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

David L. Dubrow, Partner and Municipal Bond Recovery Team Leader

NEW YORK, September 13, 2023 – Brown Rudnick announced today that Kevin Brown has joined its New York office as a partner in the Tax group.

Brown advises clients on matters involving executive compensation and employee benefits, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, financings and corporate restructurings. He counsels clients on equity-based and other incentive compensation plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans and executive employment, severance and change in control agreements, as well as on tax-qualified plan, welfare plan and ERISA fiduciary matters.

“Kevin is a valuable addition to our Firm,” said Mark Dorff, managing director of the Firm’s Corporate & Capital Markets Department. “His broad-based experience across a range of corporate transactions makes him a perfect fit for our exceptional Tax group and strengthens our ability to provide superior service to our clients.”

Brown has represented clients in their deadlines with the IRS, the Department of Labor and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation on benefits-related matters, including plan audits, compliance filings, administrative proceedings, ruling requests and plan terminations.

Brown previously was a counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell. He received a B.S. from the University of Florida, a J.D. with honors from Emory University School of Law and an LL.M. in taxation from New York University.

“I am very excited to join Brown Rudnick and work with its highly regarded lawyers,” Brown said. “The Firm’s market-leading corporate transactional and restructuring practices provide a great platform for me to grow my practice and contribute to the Firm’s success.”

About Brown Rudnick LLP

Brown Rudnick is an international law firm that serves clients around the world from offices in key financial centers in the United States and the United Kingdom. We combine ingenuity with experience to achieve great outcomes for our clients in high-stakes litigation and complex business transactions. We deliver partner-driven service; we incentivize our lawyers to collaborate in the client’s best interest; and we put excellence before scale, focusing on industry-driven, client-facing practices where we are recognized leaders.

DENVER (September 13, 2023) – Building on a year of unprecedented expansion, Womble Bond Dickinson planted a flag in the Mile High City with the addition of prominent partners Scot Anderson and Ana Maria Gutiérrez in Denver. Formerly with Hogan Lovells, they bring extensive regulatory and transactional experience and further strengthen the firm’s Energy and Natural Resources and Environmental Regulation, Disputes, and Litigation practices.

“For the last several years, Womble has been executing a strategic plan to build offices and teams in markets powering the future of key industries like energy, financial services, technology, and life sciences. As a leading innovation center and fast-growing legal market, Denver has long been at the top of that consideration set,” said Betty Temple, Womble’s CEO and Chair (U.S.). “Given our strength in the Energy and Natural Resources sector – and this group’s impressive credentials and long-standing work in the market – this was an ideal foundation to build our presence in the Mountain West.”

Denver is the firm’s 32nd office internationally and its fifth U.S.-based opening in the last 18 months. Anderson, who has decades of work in oil, gas, and mining and a deep understanding of the extractives industries, will serve as office managing partner. Details of the office’s location will be announced later this year.

“We are excited to launch the firm’s Denver office and guide its continued growth from a market where we have strong practices and connections to the business and legal communities,” said Anderson. “We were impressed with Womble’s collaborative culture, full-service practice offerings, and competitive rate structure – all of which translate to a strong platform to serve clients. We also appreciate Womble’s focus on innovation in both business and the law, which fits nicely with the evolution of the energy and natural resources industries.”

“Colorado is ground zero for some of the most progressive environmental regulations in the country. As energy transition and regulatory frameworks continue to be key issues for years to come, Womble’s presence in Denver and subsequent practice expansions will position us to provide the support clients need in the present and into the future,” said Gutiérrez.

Anderson is the former head of the global Energy and Natural Resources industry sector at Hogan Lovells and the past president of The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law (formerly the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation). His extensive experience spans commercial transactions, financing, project development finance, regulatory compliance, permitting, ESG, and litigation. Anderson regularly advises clients throughout the Americas, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia and is working on the development of natural resources in outer space. He received a J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law, Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, M.A. from the University of Iowa, and B.A. from Augustana College.

Gutiérrez is recognized for her knowledge of environmental, regulatory, and permitting issues affecting many industries, including energy and natural resources, manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and waste management, among others. She counsels companies in the implementation of compliance programs, climate initiatives, and transactional due diligence across a range of environmental issues relating to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, public lands, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulations, and other federal environmental statutes and regulations. Gutiérrez received a J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and B.A. from Seattle University.
Womble’s Energy and Natural Resources sector is a global, multi-disciplinary practice of more than 150 lawyers skilled in addressing clients’ transactional, intellectual property, regulatory, and litigation needs as they navigate the challenges and complexities of the energy transition. Their experience covers the broad spectrum of subsectors, including all segments of the oil and gas industry, mining and minerals, renewables, electricity generation and transmission, water and related infrastructure, and commodities and trading.
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About Womble Bond Dickinson
Womble Bond Dickinson is a transatlantic law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers based in 32 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.

CHICAGO (September 11, 2023) – Barnes & Thornburg announced today that Eric A. Berg has joined the firm’s Chicago office as a partner in the Litigation Department. Berg is the latest addition to the firm’s Chicago office, following Aaron Gavant and Kenneth P. Kansa, who joined the Finance, Insolvency and Restructuring Department; Jeremy Lewin, who rejoined the Corporate Department; and William V. Essig, who joined the Litigation Department earlier this year.

Berg comes to Barnes & Thornburg from an AmLaw 100 firm, where he led the nationally ranked Construction Law practice.

Berg brings over 30 years of experience litigating and providing counsel on a wide breadth of construction law issues. As a litigator, Berg represents owners, contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and lenders in trials, arbitrations, and mediations. Berg’s transactional work includes drafting and negotiating contracts for the design, construction, rehabilitation and construction management of hotels, hospitals, office buildings, apartment buildings, casinos, transit facilities, private residences, retail stores, and distribution centers.

Formerly a deputy general counsel for a large U.S. provider of dredging services, Berg has provided counsel on contract drafting, extras claims, payment disputes, mechanics liens, labor and employment matters, compliance issues, personal injury and workers compensation, public contracts, real estate transactions, insurance and risk management, and surety and bond questions.

“Eric’s in-house experience gives him a unique understanding of his clients’ day-to-day legal needs and the pressures facing the construction industry,” said D. Randall Brown, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Litigation Department. “His diverse range of industry knowledge and his calm, thoughtful demeanor in the courtroom make him a fantastic addition to our team.”

In addition to his litigation and transactional practice, Berg investigates, negotiates and litigates disability access claims under federal, state and local laws, including Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act, and the Chicago Building Code.

“We’re in a period of exciting growth here in Chicago,” said Michael A. Carrillo, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office. “Eric marks our fifth addition to the Chicago office this year, and we’re pleased to bring him into the fold and continue to offer our clients access to top talent in the local market and across the U.S.”

Berg earned his J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and his B.A. in political science from Yale University.
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.

September 6, 2023 – Wiggin and Dana’s wiggin(x)® division today announced the launch of goldilo(x), a tailored suite of outsourced general counsel services for emerging growth companies. wiggin(x) collaborates with each goldilo(x) client to deploy attorneys who can deliver specific legal services that align with the client’s needs and budget.

goldilo(x) offers a variety of options organized in several broad tiers:

Tier 1: Corporate Housekeeping – Clients are provided a Wiggin corporate partner and paralegal to provide counsel at quarterly board meetings and administrative support for corporate governance administration.

Tier 2: Outsourced General Counsel – In addition to corporate housekeeping services, this tier includes a multi-disciplinary team of Wiggin and Dana partners to provide counsel regarding corporate governance, commercial and technology transactions, trademark management, labor, employment, and benefits, and other services commonly managed by in-house attorneys.

Tier 3: Reporting Company Support – Partners from Wiggin and Dana’s Securities and Capital Markets group team up with publicly listed companies in this tier to help them meet their reporting requirements, reviewing and revising SEC forms and filings, proxy statements, releases and conference call scripts regarding quarterly financial results, and managing other listing and compliance issues.

Clients may also work with wiggin(x) to craft a “just right” suite of services that meets the unique needs of the client, whether serving an internal legal team that needs a specific skill set, or to fill out specialties that a lone in-house lawyer may not have.

“We know that growing businesses are eager for a managed legal services solution like goldilo(x),” said Len Gray, a wiggin(x) founder and partner with Wiggin and Dana. “They want to pick up the phone and ask for help without worrying about running up their legal bills. We aim to create value for our clients by delivering an outsourced legal team that can fill the role of a full-service general counsel’s office.”

“We built the wiggin(x) platform to demonstrate the intense focus and broad range of partner-level experience we bring to emerging companies, and how we align our insights and counsel with the world in which our clients operate their businesses,” said Paul Hughes, former Wiggin and Dana managing partner and a wiggin(x) founder and partner. “goldilo(x) is the first tailored suite of services we are offering on the platform, and we have already seen excellent results across its scope of service. We are excited to expand its reach to a broader range of emerging companies.”

In addition to the specific goldilo(x) offering, wiggin(x) provides a full range of services in areas that matter most to emerging companies, including M&A, intellectual property, licensing and tech transfers, employment, immigration, tax, fund formation, international trade compliance, dispute resolution, commercial contracting, and real estate. Learn more at www.wigginx.com.

Wiggin and Dana has served emerging, high-growth and venture-backed businesses for decades. In its 2022 Annual Global League Tables, Pitchbook once again recognized Wiggin and Dana as among the most active law firms in venture capital transactions. Pitchbook listed Wiggin and Dana among the most active firms in representing U.S.-based venture backed companies generally as well as for venture capital transactions in New England and in the Southeast. Pitchbook also recognized the firm for its work with companies in the Healthcare Devices and Supplies sector.

Launched in November 2022, wiggin(x) is a division of Wiggin and Dana designed to meet the specific needs of emerging and high growth companies, their investors, and their founders. The wiggin(x) brand reflects how its lawyers collaborate with clients. As former startup founders, GCs of venture-backed companies, and investors themselves, the wiggin(x) team understands the challenges their clients face every day, and has the experience required to guide clients to creative solutions.

“Wiggin and Dana is among a small group of law firms serving clients with an independent brand tailored to the unique needs of emerging companies, founders and venture investors, and an even smaller group of firms offering anything resembling goldilo(x),” said Tim Diemand, Wiggin and Dana’s managing partner. “With goldilo(x), the wiggin(x) team has crafted an offering that will deliver significant value to its clients. We are proud to be a firm where our lawyers innovate to better meet the needs of clients in a rapidly evolving marketplace.”

About Wiggin and Dana

Wiggin and Dana is a full-service law firm of highly talented, creative and experienced lawyers dedicated to exceeding our clients’ expectations every day. With offices in Connecticut, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Palm Beach, we represent clients throughout the United States and globally on a wide range of sophisticated and complex matters. From defending a Fortune 500 institution in “bet-the-company” litigation, to helping the next generation of inventors bring a new technology to market, to preserving the wealth that a family business has worked so hard to create, we pride ourselves in offering value driven solutions and results.

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Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Timothy K. Lewis, former judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Brandy S. Ringer have joined the firm’s Pittsburgh office in the Corporate Litigation group as senior counsel and associate, respectively. The duo joins from Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis where Judge Lewis was co-chair of the firm’s alternative dispute resolution practice and former co-chair of the appellate practice.

Judge Lewis was appointed to both judicial positions by President George H. W. Bush. Prior to his judicial service, Judge Lewis served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and as an assistant district attorney in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Judge Lewis and Brandy are the latest additions in a string of strategic hires. Nationally, Blank Rome has experienced significant growth across the firm’s offices and practice groups since the start of the year, welcoming more than 24 lateral partners to date and opening a Dallas office. Recently the Pittsburgh office welcomed Andrew P. Cross and Alexander J. Bell.

“We are honored to welcome Judge Lewis and Brandy to the firm,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Chair and Managing Partner. “Judge Lewis has had a remarkable career as a prosecutor, judge, private practitioner, and activist, and we are fortunate to have him join our ranks. Whether he is helping a trial team steer an appellate case, a client navigate mediation, or aiding a nonprofit in the pursuit of civil rights, Judge Lewis draws upon his decades of unmatched experience to reach sound and successful resolutions. He and Brandy will be tremendous additions to our national litigation team.”

Judge Lewis will advise domestic and international clients through arbitration, mediation, and other means of alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”). Additionally, Judge Lewis counsels lawyers, businesses, and individuals on appellate strategy for matters pending in state and federal appellate courts throughout the country. Judge Lewis also handles federal and state criminal cases and corporate investigations.

Brandy’s practice spans all aspects of general commercial litigation, including product liability, aviation law, contractual litigation, internal investigations, and appellate litigation. She has experience in all facets of litigation, including drafting pleadings, facilitating pre-trial discovery, taking plaintiff and fact witness depositions, drafting and arguing dispositive motions, and participating in trial preparation, trial, and settlement negotiations. She also has experience briefing appeals in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, Superior Court, and Supreme Court; the Third Circuit; and the Ninth Circuit.

“We’re thrilled to have Judge Lewis and Brandy join our litigation team in Pittsburgh,” said Amy Joseph Coles, Partner and Co-Chair of Blank Rome’s Pittsburgh office. “Judge Lewis is a powerhouse figure in the Pennsylvania legal community and brings to Blank Rome expansive knowledge of state and federal courts as well as an impressive track record of successfully resolving disputes out of court.”

Roy W. Arnold, Partner and Co-Chair of the Pittsburgh office, added, “Since becoming co-chairs of the firm’s Pittsburgh office in January, Amy and I have been focused on the development and growth of the team here. We are very excited about the top-tier talent we have welcomed this year to serve clients, locally and nationally, and look forward to continued momentum in the months ahead. Judge Lewis and Brandy are highly skilled, service-oriented, collaborative attorneys and will be great fits with our office and firm culture.”

“While I’m absolutely thrilled to join Blank Rome, I must acknowledge that I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Schnader, which gave Brandy and me an important platform to address professional matters and social issues of significance to our local communities and beyond,” added Judge Lewis. “I’m extremely excited to bring all my experience to the firm. I’ve worked with Blank Rome for years and many of the firm’s attorneys appeared before me when I sat on the bench. I am deeply impressed with the professionalism and experience of the firm’s lawyers, and I look forward to expanding my ADR and appellate counseling practices through Blank Rome’s national platform.”

While at Blank Rome, Judge Lewis will also dedicate time to pro bono and community investment initiatives focused on issues related to civil and human rights, as well as judicial independence and upholding the integrity of the judiciary throughout the country. For example, he sits on the board of directors and officers and serves as treasurer of the Eradicate Hate Global Summit.

Judge Lewis is an active participant in many organizations in and outside of the legal community, including the American Law Institute; the American Arbitration Association; the CPR-International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution; the Council on Criminal Justice; The Appellate Project; and the Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness; among others. He has also served as an adjunct professor, faculty member, guest lecturer, moot court judge, and commencement speaker at various law schools, including the University of Pittsburgh, the Georgetown Law Center, Duquesne, Temple, and Harvard. He earned his J.D. from Duquesne University and his B.A. from Tufts University.

Brandy served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Christine L. Donohue at both the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Pennsylvania Superior Court. As a judicial law clerk, Brandy worked on a wide array of matters and issues of first impression. She earned her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh, magna cum laude.

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Andrew P. Cross has joined the firm’s Pittsburgh office as of counsel in the Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy group. Andrew focuses his practice on derivatives transactions and investment management regulatory matters. He joins from Perkins Coie LLP.

Nationally, Blank Rome has experienced significant and strategic growth since the start of the year, including opening a Dallas office with a team of leading corporate, real estate, and finance partners, adding a team of nine leading litigators in New York, welcoming a group of nine international trade attorneys and legal professionals in Washington, D.C., and bolstering its Chicago office with a real estate finance trio.

“We are pleased to welcome Andrew to our firm’s leading finance practice and our growing Pittsburgh office,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Chair and Managing Partner. “Andrew’s derivatives transactional experience and extensive background in the investment management space will further strengthen our national finance team and will be of great value to our clients.”

Concentrating his practice on complex financial transactions and regulatory matters, Andrew advises a diverse client base that includes financial institutions, commodity trading firms, family offices, public companies and other corporate end-users, registered investment advisers, registered investment companies, and private funds. Andrew routinely negotiates complex derivatives transactions and related trade agreements, so that clients can achieve their investment and risk management objectives. On the regulatory front, Andrew’s practice covers issues arising under federal statues that govern the use of derivatives for investment or hedging purposes. He routinely advises clients regarding the application of the Commodity Exchange Act, the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act, and the Investment Advisors Act.

Additionally, Andrew has more than 20 years of experience as an investment management attorney, regularly advising mutual funds and their boards and investment advisers with respect to regulatory matters, including client commission arrangements and related fiduciary oversight matters, as well as fintech regulatory issues.

“We are thrilled to have Andrew join our finance team as his derivatives transactional experience and ability to provide regulatory analyses will greatly benefit our financial services clients in Pittsburgh and across the country,” said Lawrence F. Flick II, Partner and Chair of Blank Rome’s Financial Services industry group. “Combined with Blank Rome’s innovative work with commodity and energy finance transactions, Andrew’s experience will help us expand our asset-management focused derivatives regulatory and transactions practices.”

“Blank Rome has an incredible reputation in the finance industry, and I am excited to work with such talented and experienced attorneys,” added Cross. “There are already synergies with several partners who practice in the derivatives transactional space, including David Kronenberg and Brendan Delany, making Blank Rome a great fit for me to serve my clients, further develop my practice, and contribute to the growth of the firm’s derivatives and investment management service offerings.”

Andrew earned his J.D./M.B.A from the University of Pittsburgh, his M.A. from the University of Balamand, and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Washington & Jefferson College. Andrew has been recommended by The Legal 500 and recognized in DerivAlert’s “Who’s Who in OTC Derivatives Reform.”

About Blank Rome
Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 15 offices and more than 680 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.

Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that it has further enhanced its Health Care Practice with the addition of partner Jim Miles and senior counsel Charles Gass in Denver, underscoring the firm’s commitment to expanding capabilities in the Health Care and Life Science Sector and its Colorado presence. The attorneys join Foley from Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

Miles represents health care organizations, health care professionals, and private equity firms with commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financing, joint ventures, and start-ups. He advises a range of health care providers, including ambulatory surgical centers, assisted living facilities, community health centers, home health agencies, hospitals, imaging centers, laboratories, pharmaceutical firms, physician practices, and skilled nursing facilities.

Miles also advocates for health care providers undergoing government investigations by the Office of Inspector General, State Medicaid Fraud Control Units, and other government agencies and advises in business planning and government relations.

“Jim and Charles have strong local and Colorado roots, making them an excellent fit for our office and Health Care Sector,” said Emily Weber, managing partner of the firm’s Denver office. “Their highly regarded transactional experience complements that of our Denver-based litigation, antitrust, securities enforcement, government investigations, venture finance, and corporate lawyers. We are thrilled to welcome them to our growing team.”

Gass is an experienced business attorney who advises private companies, private equity sponsors, and strategic investors in complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, equity and debt financing, and general corporate matters. He also counsels health care clients as they navigate regulatory risks and concerns associated with M&A transactions.

“Building upon Foley’s capabilities in the Health Care and Life Sciences Sector is a strategic priority for the firm, and having attorneys of Jim and Charles’ caliber join us adds to that momentum,” said sector chair Susan Pravda. “This group will further enhance our footprint in Colorado and create new opportunities to support our clients both regionally and nationally.”

“Foley’s robust sector approach and nationally acclaimed health care team provide an excellent platform to continue growing our practices,” said Miles. “We were also drawn to the firm’s vibrant culture and thriving Denver office. We look forward to joining our new colleagues to further Foley’s local presence and esteemed health care team.”

About Foley & Lardner LLP
Foley & Lardner LLP is a preeminent law firm that stands at the nexus of the energy, health care and life sciences, innovative technology, and manufacturing sectors. We look beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and act as trusted business advisors to deliver creative, practical, and effective solutions. Our 1,100 lawyers across 25 offices worldwide partner on the full range of engagements from corporate counsel to IP work and litigation support, providing our clients with a one-team solution to all their needs. For nearly two centuries, Foley has maintained its commitment to the highest level of innovative legal services and to the stewardship of our people, firm, clients, and the communities we serve.

Tarsha A. Phillibert has joined Duane Morris LLP as a partner in the firm’s Trial Practice Group in its Washington, D.C.. Prior to joining Duane Morris, Phillibert was a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section.

“The strength of our Trial Practice Group is a hallmark of Duane Morris and our already-stellar white-collar defense capabilities are enhanced by Tarsha Phillibert, who will contribute deep experience as a federal litigator,” said Duane Morris Chairman and CEO Matthew A. Taylor. “Within a continually evolving and complex legal and regulatory landscape at both the state and federal levels, Duane Morris is very well-resourced with attorneys with the knowledge and relationships to respond to any type of client request.”

“Our team of former federal and state-level prosecutors is collaborative, diverse and very attuned to the current pace of civil and criminal activity. Tarsha is joining our strong group here at Duane Morris, and we are so pleased that she has selected Duane Morris for the next phase of her career,” said Sharon L. Caffrey, co-chair of Duane Morris’ Trial Practice Group. “In this current environment of increased regulatory scrutiny and internal investigations, businesses are being more proactive and solution-oriented, and we are pleased to add Tarsha to our team roster,” added Wayne A. Mack, co-chair of Duane Morris’ Trial Practice Group.

“We welcome Tarsha to our full-service Washington office,” said Patrick D. McPherson, managing partner of the firm’s Washington, D.C., office.

While at DOJ’s Fraud Section, Phillibert identified, investigated and prosecuted complex international white-collar matters, including violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), money laundering, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, and the Bank Secrecy Act. These matters involved corruption-related offenses that encompassed every significant industry sector and geographic region. Phillibert coordinated investigations with domestic regulators, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as law enforcement counterparts around the world.

“I’m excited to join the talented attorneys at Duane Morris and am looking forward to taking advantage of the firm’s expansive platform for this next chapter of my career,” said Phillibert.

Phillibert is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law (J.D., 2006) and Boston University (B.A., 1998).

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

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

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

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

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