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.

Polsinelli Grows Private Equity M&A Practice with New Shareholder Raymond Jacobi

(August 9, 2023) Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli has welcomed Raymond J. Jacobi III as a new shareholder to the firm’s Private Equity M&A Practice and in the Chicago office. Continuing the Business Department’s steady growth path, he is the seventh new shareholder the department has added in 2023.

“We are excited to welcome Ray to our steadily growing Private Equity M&A Practice,” said Jane E. Arnold, Co-Chair of Polsinelli’s Business Department. “Meeting our clients where the demand is has been a major priority for us and our focus has been on building out a deep bench of talented attorneys to help clients achieve their business goals, guiding them through investment cycles and their most impactful transactions.”

“With its proven culture of collaboration and exceptional platform for lateral attorneys to grow their practices, Polsinelli was a natural fit for me,” said Jacobi. “I’m excited to join the growing and well-respected private equity practice and contribute to its ongoing success.”

Jacobi focuses his practice on M&A, capital raising, private equity and general corporate matters. He represents privately held start-up companies and technology companies and their owners, including funds, and throughout their organizational growth cycles, from structuring transactions to handling ongoing business and compliance issues.

Prior to joining Polsinelli, Jacobi was a partner in the Business and Finance Group of a Chicago-based law firm. He received his J.D., summa cum laude, Order of the Coif, from the DePaul University College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. 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. Polsinelli’s Private Equity team is nationally ranked 12th and 24th as most active law firm by Pitchbook 2022 Global League Tables for Private Equity deals.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

About Littler

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

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Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Partner Joel V. Sestito, Of Counsel Rachel E. Mather, and Associate Olivia S. Ortiz have joined the firm’s nationally recognized Real Estate group in Chicago. Real estate finance pros, Joel, Rachel, and Olivia represent lenders in real estate and commercial loan transactions. The team joins from Akerman.

The team’s arrival follows several notable hires in the firm’s Chicago office, including partners Eric Tower, Rikke Dierssen-Morice, and Bill Katris who joined earlier this year. And last month Blank Rome expanded to Dallas with the addition of seven attorneys, including Real Estate partner Justin Mapes.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joel, Rachel, and Olivia to the firm,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Chair and Managing Partner. “We have a strong national practice in complex real estate financing and the addition of this talented team enhances our capabilities. With decades of experience and exceptional insight into the real estate and financial markets, Joel and the team will be assets to our financial institution clients, especially national, regional, and community banks, as they engage in commercial loan transactions.”

Joel represents lenders at all stages of the loan process, including the negotiation and documentation of new loan transactions, the workout and disposition of troubled loan assets, and the exercise of various creditor’s remedies. He advises clients regarding secured and unsecured, single lender and syndicated loans, revolving lines of credit, mezzanine loans, A/B loans, loan on loan financings, and securitized loans. Joel also has experience with loan transactions that involve EB-5 financing, new markets tax credits, historic tax credits, low-income housing tax credits, and ground lease financing. He also counsels clients in the acquisition, disposition, and development of multifamily, retail, office, industrial, and other real estate assets.

Rachel and Olivia focus their practices on representing financial institutions and other lenders in syndicated and single-bank real estate and construction financing transactions. Rachel also represents private equity and other strategic buyers in acquisition financing transactions and in representing borrowers and lenders in negotiating and documenting a variety of other secured and unsecured commercial lending transactions, including asset-based and cash-flow facilities, mezzanine debt facilities, international financing facilities, and asset securitizations.

“With strong roots in Chicago and sophisticated national practices, Joel, Rachel, and Olivia will be excellent additions to our growing office and to our local finance team,” said Kenneth Ottaviano, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Chicago office. “Joel has represented lenders in a variety of multimillion dollar commercial loan transactions spanning senior housing, multifamily, single-family rental, and industrial construction—deals that are essential to the Chicago economy and beyond. The group’s experience will be invaluable to our growing office and the firm and I look forward to collaborating with them.”

“Blank Rome’s Real Estate practice is well-known and highly regarded,” Sestito said. “The group has developed a leading reputation in real estate finance, known for being efficient and effective with a collaborative team-based approach. I look forward to growing my practice and broadening the work we do for clients on the firm’s national real estate platform.”

Joel earned his LL.M at Georgetown University Law Center, his J.D. at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, and his B.A at the University of Richmond.

Rachel earned her J.D. from Marquette University Law School, magna cum laude, and her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Olivia earned her J.D. from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, and her B.S. from Arizona State University.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Littler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buchalter is pleased to announce the addition of Shareholder Josh Escovedo to its Sacramento and Los Angeles offices. Josh brings a wealth of legal experience and a diverse litigation practice with an emphasis on intellectual property, real estate, business, and sports law issues.

“Josh is a seasoned attorney with a remarkable breadth of expertise, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Buchalter,” said Adam Bass, Buchalter’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “His dynamic practice and commitment to exceptional representation align perfectly with our values and commitment to client success.”

With a focus on complex litigation matters, Josh is known for handling cases involving breaches of contracts, fraud, shareholder and partnership disputes, and other business-related actions. His proficiency extends to defamation and free-speech actions, where he has established himself as a recognized authority, providing strategic counsel to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.

Josh also brings his extensive experience in intellectual property law to the firm. He regularly handles trademark and copyright matters, including litigation, transactional work, licensing, and acquisitions and sales of intellectual property. His comprehensive approach ensures that clients’ intellectual property assets are well-protected and utilized to their fullest potential.

Moreover, his sophisticated real estate practice caters to commercial property owners, developers, property managers, and builders. His expertise includes managing commercial contract and lease disputes, purchase and sale litigation, development disputes, fraud actions, mechanic’s lien claims, and providing strategic advice and counsel to his clients.

“I am delighted to join Buchalter and collaborate with its talented team of attorneys,” said Escovedo. “Buchalter’s commitment to excellence and comprehensive service offerings provide an exceptional platform to deliver top-tier counsel to our clients, and I’m especially excited about its entrepreneurial spirit.”

With this addition, Buchalter continues to strengthen its position as a leading legal service provider, delivering high-quality representation to a diverse range of clients.

“We are delighted to welcome Josh and add his extensive legal knowledge to Sacramento and the firm as a whole. His arrival aligns perfectly with our growth trajectory, and we anticipate further expansion and additional lateral hires in the near future,” commented Jim Dyer, Buchalter’s Chief Financial Officer and the Managing Shareholder of its Sacramento office.