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

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

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

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

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

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

About the new lawyers:

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

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

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

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

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

Adam M. Weg Joins Venable’s Commercial Litigation Practice in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles, CA (July 10, 2023) – Venable LLP is pleased to announce that Adam M. Weg has joined the firm as a partner in the Commercial Litigation Practice in the Los Angeles office.

Mr. Weg focuses his practice on complex business, real estate, antitrust, trade secrets, cross-border international arbitration disputes, and sophisticated insurance matters. He has considerable experience handling matters through all stages of civil litigation, pending in both state and federal courts, as well as in both domestic and international arbitration.

“Adam is an effective and strategic litigator who is known for getting the best possible outcome for his clients. He is a tremendous addition to our team,” said Daniel P. Hoffer, a co-chair of the Commercial Litigation California Practice Group and a co-partner-in-charge of the Los Angeles office.

“Adam’s proven track record in high-stakes litigation matters will be a great addition to our growing group of highly-skilled litigators,” said Stacie E. Tobin, a co-chair of the firm’s Litigation Division.

Commenting on his move to Venable, Mr. Weg said, “Moving to Venable will be fantastic because my clients will benefit from the firm’s robust platform, a plethora of resources, and amazing talent.”

Mr. Weg received his J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of Law (now known as UC College of the Law, San Francisco) in 2009 and his B.A. from Cornell University in 2006.

Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including in California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients’ objectives in the United States and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit https://www.venable.com/.

IRVINE (July 11, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Bren K. Thomas as a shareholder in its Irvine and Las Vegas offices. Thomas, who practiced at Littler from 1996 to 2016, returns to the firm from Jackson Lewis. He is the fifth attorney to rejoin Littler as a shareholder in the past two months, following the additions of Thomas Revnew in Minneapolis, Thomas Grow in Washington, D.C., Richard Rahm in San Francisco and Laurent Badoux in Phoenix.

“We are excited for Bren to rejoin our team as we welcome back a string of exceptionally talented attorneys across several practice areas and offices,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “His impressive track record representing employers in high-stakes jury trials and complex class actions lawsuits will be of great value to our clients.”

A skilled litigator, Thomas has more than 30 years of experience conducting jury and bench trials with a nearly 85% win rate, including issues arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and related state claims.

“Bren’s extensive trial experience and deep familiarity with a range of critical workplace law matters make him a key addition to our teams in both Irvine and Las Vegas,” said Heather Vigil, office managing shareholder of Littler’s Irvine office. “With a focus on providing both preventive counsel to navigate various issues that arise during the employment lifecycle, as well as thoughtful strategies when clients are faced with litigation, Bren’s practice aligns well with our multidisciplinary approach to representing employers in litigation and trial matters.”

Thomas has also successfully tried a number of class action disputes, including those involving wage and hour compliance and ERISA matters. He has litigated matters before numerous administrative bodies, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Communications Commission.

“Having spent two decades at Littler, I know first-hand the value of the firm’s depth and breadth of experience, combined with its unique ability to leverage technology and data-driven insights throughout the litigation process,” said Thomas. “I look forward to once again collaborating with my colleagues across Littler’s global platform to help clients navigate a shifting labor and employment law landscape.”

Thomas received his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law and his B.A. from Oregon State University.

About Littler

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

Former FDA Chief Counsel Dan Troy Joins BRG as Managing Director

Global expert services and consulting firm Berkeley Research Group (BRG) announced today that former Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Chief Counsel Dan Troy has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as a managing director in its Health Analytics practice. His pharmaceutical and regulatory expertise will bolster the practice’s ability to address FDA issues on behalf of its clients.

A globally recognized healthcare lawyer, Troy has practiced at the highest levels of the pharmaceutical sector. He served as chief counsel at the FDA and spent a decade as general counsel and senior vice president of GSK plc. Dan was previously a partner at preeminent law firms Sidley Austin LLP and Wiley Rein LLP, where he advised multinational healthcare companies. At BRG, Troy will work with law firms and pharmaceutical companies to provide expert witness testimony on FDA regulatory and related matters.

At the FDA, Troy was a primary liaison to the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services. He spearheaded initiatives on Hatch-Waxman reform, the First Amendment preemption and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)–FDA interactions. During his tenure, he oversaw the agency’s litigation and enforcement efforts and helped shape major regulations and guidance.

“No one knows the FDA better than Dan. In his more than 30-year career, he has helped shape, enforce and litigate pharma regulatory matters for leading healthcare organizations, law firms and the government alike,” said Jerry Lewandowski, a managing director in BRG’s Health Analytics practice. “As an expert witness, he’s demonstrated a sterling track record on behalf of generic and branded companies—in areas such as Orange Book listed patents, allegations of fraud and reverse payment antitrust matters—that showcases the breadth of knowledge he will deliver to clients.”

“Simply put, Dan’s experience is unrivaled,” added Edward Buthusiem, a managing director in BRG’s Health Analytics practice. “His addition reflects our commitment to bringing the industry’s preeminent minds to our clients. With Dan on board, BRG clients will have priceless access to a former FDA senior official with decades of experience in both the public and private sectors.”

As general counsel and senior vice president at GSK for a decade, Troy led a global team of more than 630 professionals, including more than 400 attorneys. While there, he employed practical approaches to creatively resolve major issues and litigation, including several high-profile Department of Justice and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigations, as well as numerous product liability matters; manage risks; and advise the board and C-suite on global legal matters.

Troy is a highly sought thought leader who has chaired the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Litigation Center and led influential committees and sections within organizations like PhRMA, the American Bar Association and the American Law Institute. He was named a “Legend in the Law” at the 2013 Burton Awards and selected in the Financial Times’ “Global General Counsel 30” in 2016.

Troy’s diverse background combines technical legal skills honed over 30 years in private and governmental sectors. He has also served as a board member with a background in corporate governance, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance.
Commenting on his appointment, Troy said, “I’m thrilled to join such an elite group of healthcare experts at BRG and look forward to combining my extensive private- and public-sector experience to support the firm’s clients in today’s increasingly complex regulatory landscape.”

About BRG
Berkeley Research Group, LLC is a global consulting firm that helps leading organizations advance in three key areas: disputes and investigations, corporate finance, and performance improvement and advisory. Headquartered in California with offices around the world, we are an integrated group of experts, industry leaders, academics, data scientists and professionals working across borders and disciplines. We harness our collective expertise to deliver the inspired insights and practical strategies our clients need to stay ahead of what’s next. Visit thinkbrg.com to learn more.
SOURCE Berkeley Research Group, LLC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2023’s Quarter 2 updates include the following features:

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

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

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

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

SHAREHOLDER THOMAS REVNEW REJOINS LITTLER IN MINNEAPOLIS

MINNEAPOLIS (July 10, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Thomas R. Revnew as a shareholder in its Minneapolis office. Revnew, who was an attorney with Littler from 2000 – 2003, joins the firm from Peters, Revnew, Kappenman & Anderson.

“With more than three decades of experience in labor and employment law – particularly in the traditional labor arena – I have no doubt that Tom will be a terrific complement to our team,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “I’m excited to welcome him back to the Littler family.”

Revnew’s practice focuses on labor management relations, with an emphasis in the construction industry sector. He regularly advises on matters arising under the National Labor Relations Act, defends unfair labor practice charges, negotiates collective bargaining agreements and handles high-stakes arbitrations.

“With several changes to Minnesota law affecting all employers taking effect this summer and into next year, Tom’s broad labor and employment law experience will be extremely valuable,” said Susan Fitzke, Minneapolis office managing shareholder. “His approach to client service, which is rooted in taking proactive measures to address workplace issues and avoid litigation before it arises, will be of great benefit to our clients.”

Revnew’s experience also includes defending clients in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies. He has represented employers in a wide range of matters, including drug and alcohol testing; OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) compliance; unfair competition and trade secrets; wage and hour compliance; and against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful discharge.

“I’m thrilled to be coming back to Littler,” said Revnew. “Littler’s reputation as the premier labor and employment law firm, combined with its innovative approach and depth of resources drove my decision to return to the firm. I am looking forward to collaborating with the talented team here in Minnesota, and nationally, to provide clients with the legal solutions they need as they face near-constant changes in workplace regulations.”

Revnew received his J.D. from the Marquette University Law School and his B.B.A from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

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.

NEW YORK (July 10, 2023) – Barnes & Thornburg announced today that M. Shams Billah has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Corporate Department. Billah will lead the firm’s Private Credit team and collaborate closely with the firm’s Private Funds and Asset Management practice.

Together with the recent addition of bankruptcy partner Gregory Plotko to the firm’s New York office, Billah will add significant leadership depth to the practice, which advises leading and early-stage asset managers across the spectrum of funds, finance, M&A and restructuring transactions. Billah joins from Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP.

“Few finance lawyers have Shams’ level of experience in representing both lenders and borrowers,” said David Gotlieb, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Corporate Department. “We’re lucky to have his distinct perspective and depth of knowledge on sophisticated lender and borrower issues.”

Billah focuses his practice on advising credit funds and other global asset managers on a wide variety of corporate and finance matters, as well as advising private equity firms and their portfolio companies in a range of traditional middle-market acquisition and financing transactions, including secured and unsecured direct lending transactions, syndicated loan facilities, rescue financings and bond financing strategies. He also has significant experience in connection with debt restructurings, distress-to-own debt investments, liability management transactions, debtor-in-possession financings and exit financings. Billah’s industry experience includes healthcare, media, software, technology, restaurants and other franchised business models, aviation, and manufacturing.

“Our New York office has seen an exciting amount of growth in the first half of this year,” said Robert Boller, partner-in-charge of Barnes & Thornburg’s New York office. “Shams’ experience makes him a valuable addition to our leading Private Funds and Asset Management practice, and we’re looking forward to the work he and the Private Credit team will do on behalf of our clients.”

“This is a unique opportunity to be part of a stellar team that is well-positioned as a national resource for both early stage fund managers and sophisticated lenders deploying capital in the credit and alternative capital spaces,” said Billah. “I look forward to leading the Private Credit team and working alongside the firm’s top-notch Private Funds and Asset Management practice. Our clients will need guidance to implement the creative capital solutions that are increasingly necessary in today’s dislocated markets. In times of disruptions like these, sophisticated funds, investors, sponsors, financial institutions, and companies will benefit from the value proposition offered by the Barnes & Thornburg platform.”

Billah earned his B.A. in economics from George Washington University and his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude.

Barnes & Thornburg’s Private Funds and Asset Management group provides investment managers and investors with guidance on fund formation and structuring, private transactions, financings, disputes, and regulatory enforcement matters. The firm’s clients range from startup advisers to some of the largest and most sophisticated fund managers and institutional investors in the world.

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.

Eversheds Sutherland is pleased to announce that Renée Dailey has joined the US Finance Practice Group as partner. Ms. Dailey advises institutional investors in US, Australian and cross-border debt finance and financial restructuring matters. Her practice also includes advising insurance companies on their front-end investment structures, intercreditor arrangements and workouts.

“I am thrilled that Renée has joined our Finance Practice Group, which is experiencing dynamic growth brought on by expanding market opportunities,” said Mark D. Wasserman, Co-CEO of Eversheds Sutherland. “Renée’s first-rate experience representing institutional investors will deepen our restructuring services and benefit clients with needs throughout the restructuring process,” he said.

“Renée is a trusted advisor and team player who brings a market-leading practice representing insurance companies, noteholder groups and individual institutions in connection with restructuring matters,” said Peter A. Fozzard, Practice Group Leader Finance (US). “Her industry experience, which includes advising insurance companies on the investment side of their businesses, will greatly enhance our ability to support US and international clients in additional areas of their origination, restructuring and workout objectives.”

Ms. Dailey’s extensive knowledge base, built over two decades of advising insurance companies and institutional investors, will be a strong addition to the firm’s Insurance and other practice teams that advise such clients on complex business matters, including in connection with transactions, regulation, product design and taxation. For example, Ms. Dailey frequently represents private noteholder groups and bank groups in amendment and consent requests, complex out-of-court restructurings, and in-court proceedings in the US and internationally. She also advises clients on their general investment activities and proposed investment structures, with a focus on mitigating financial risk.

Prior to joining Eversheds Sutherland, Ms. Dailey was a partner at Akin Gump. She is the President and a board member of the American College of Investment Counsel.

Ms. Dailey’s arrival to the Finance team follows the addition of senior counsel Jennifer Kimble, a corporate restructuring attorney, in May.

About Eversheds Sutherland

As a global top 10 law practice, Eversheds Sutherland provides legal services to a global client base ranging from small and mid-sized businesses to the largest multinationals, acting for 77 of the Fortune 100, 68 of the FTSE 100 and 129 of the Fortune 200.

With more than 3,000 lawyers, Eversheds Sutherland operates in over 70 offices in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. In addition, a network of more than 200 related law firms, including formalized alliances in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa, provide support around the globe.

Eversheds Sutherland provides the full range of legal services, including corporate and M&A; dispute resolution and litigation; energy and infrastructure; finance; human capital and labor law; intellectual property; real estate and construction; and tax.

Eversheds Sutherland is a global legal practice and comprises two separate legal entities: Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP (headquartered in the UK) and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP (headquartered in the US), and their respective controlled, managed, affiliated and member firms. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland is for description purposes only and does not imply that the member firms or their controlled, managed or affiliated entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. For more information, visit eversheds-sutherland.com.

DISCO Cecilia Enters Private Access, Currently Live Across Select Client Databases

Cecilia allows lawyers to ask natural language questions and receive narrative answers with citations to evidence drawn from private ediscovery databases

AUSTIN, Texas – DISCO (NYSE: LAW), a leader in AI-enabled legal technology, announced today that DISCO Cecilia, an AI for large-scale ediscovery, will be made available for private access and is currently live and integrated within select client databases. Cecilia is designed to allow lawyers to interrogate their data faster and more efficiently and accelerate insights into data, witnesses, and events. Unlike chatbots that answer questions based only on public data sources or the Internet, Cecilia provides answers based on the user’s private documents in a DISCO Ediscovery database.

Cecilia combines the work of DISCO’s AI lab with the latest advances in large language models and generative AI. Unlike solutions that rely on sending confidential data to broadly used models via simple APIs, DISCO’s design blends a mix of proprietary technology including natural language processing, generative AI, and advanced search technologies. DISCO remains committed to the premise that client data should remain private and secure.

“We’ve seen growing interest from lawyers who are excited at the prospect of using generative AI technology in their cases. DISCO Cecilia is designed to enable lawyers to simply ask the ultimate question and get a direct answer, with citations to supporting evidence, dramatically accelerating fact investigation in a dispute,” said Liad Levinson, DISCO’s Senior Director, Product Management. “DISCO’s mission is to build products that make the law work better. With Cecilia, we are solving real problems lawyers have through more efficient review and faster access to facts.”

“We look forward to working closely with customers as we roll out our generative AI capability, which we believe will help clients solve real-world issues. We anticipate future innovations that will continue our leadership around AI, including AI to help generate chronologies, analyze evidence, and augment case strategy at scale,” said Kevin Smith, DISCO’s Chief Product Officer. “DISCO has been at the forefront of developing AI to support legal processes. This is another example of our long-term investment in our AI center of excellence.”

DISCO anticipates Cecilia will be commercially available in the US in 2023 following a phased rollout to current customers. To learn more about DISCO Cecilia and how it can help transform your legal practice, visit csdisco.com/discovery/cecilia.

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

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

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

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

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

About Littler

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

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

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

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

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

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

and at least two of the following criteria that:

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

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

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

About Littler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grow received his J.D. from the St. Louis University School of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from Washington and Lee University.

About Littler

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

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 30, 2023) – Laurence Grayer has joined SIG SAUER as Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer as a business partner to provide counsel while furthering corporate business objectives.

“Larry is an extraordinary addition to the SIG SAUER executive team,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “As SIG continues our path of unprecedented growth and expansion, Larry’s skills, experience, and leadership will be essential in supporting our strategic initiatives.”

Grayer previously served as the General Counsel for the global government services providers DynCorp International (McLean, VA) and Creative Associates International (Chevy Chase, MD). Grayer has been repeatedly recognized for excellence in the legal field by his peers, receiving honors and awards for his legal abilities, including named Top 50 Corporate Counsel in the U.S. (OnCon Icon Awards), Legal Executive of the Year – International (Best in Biz), and Top 25 Attorneys in Virginia (Attorney Intel).

“I’m truly honored to join SIG SAUER. With a fantastic reputation, an unparalleled dedication to quality and serving the needs of their customers, and an unwavering commitment to ethics and compliance, SIG SAUER is an employer of choice. I feel privileged to join such a highly skilled management team,” added Grayer.

Grayer received his juris doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The George Washington University. Additionally, Grayer currently serves on the Board of Directors for Veterans Moving Forward, a non-profit organization providing service dogs, facility dogs, and emotional support dogs to veterans with physical or mental health challenges at no cost to the veterans.

Buchalter is pleased to welcome Shareholder Chris Mason and Senior Counsel Christine Claffey to its Scottsdale Office. Chris is a new member of the Labor & Employment Practice Group, and Christine joins the Real Estate Practice Group.

“We are thrilled to welcome both Chris and Christine to the Firm,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our prominent Labor & Employment Practice, and with her comprehensive experience in Real Estate Law, Christine makes an impressive addition to our robust Real Estate Practice.”

Chris counsels employers and management on all aspects of labor and employment law, including collective bargaining and union organizing; restrictive covenants; employment discrimination; sexual harassment; whistleblowing; retaliation; wrongful termination; wage and hour compliance; personnel policies; reductions in force; trade secrets; duty of loyalty; drug and alcohol testing; and other state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

He is also an experienced litigator, representing clients in Arizona, federal, and appellate courts, as well as before administrative agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Arizona Civil Rights Division, and the Department of Economic Security.

“Buchalter’s reputation in the Labor & Employment field made the firm a perfect fit to facilitate the growth of my practice,” said Chris. “I am excited to introduce my clients to the top-tier services the firm provides.”

Christine focuses her practice on commercial real estate leasing and has over 20 years of experience representing landlords and tenants across all asset classes, including office, retail, industrial, and lab. She also has significant experience representing clients in other commercial real estate matters, including acquisition, disposition, and financing transactions.

“Chris and Christine are fantastic additions as we continue to grow our full service platform in Arizona,” said Scottsdale’s Office Managing Shareholder, Craig Cartwright. “We anticipate additional lateral hires in the very near future.”

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

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

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

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

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

Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery LLP will present a free webinar, “Discretionary Denial and Beyond: Recent Developments in AIA Trial Practice,” featuring Fitch Even attorneys Paul B. Henkelmann and Brian P. Herrmann.

The webinar will take place on Thursday, July 27 at 9:00 a.m. PDT / 10:00 a.m. MDT / 11:00 a.m. CDT / 12 noon EDT.

Since the introduction of inter partes review proceedings in 2012, AIA trial practice has been constantly evolving and the USPTO has signaled that big changes may be ahead. Starting with the USPTO director’s 2022 memorandum issuing guidance on discretionary denial practice and continuing up to the Office’s recent Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, this webinar will give attendees an overview of the latest precedent affecting AIA trial practice from the PTAB and the Federal Circuit, as well as current practice guidance and potential future rulemaking issued by the USPTO.

During this webinar, our presenters will address these topics and more:

-Recent guidance and proposed changes to discretionary denial procedures
-The latest notable decisions from the PTAB and the Federal Circuit affecting AIA trial practice
-A summary of proposed changes to AIA trial practice issued by the USPTO

CLE credit has been approved for California and Illinois and is pending in Nebraska. Other states may also award CLE credit upon attendee request. There is no fee to attend, but please note registration is required.

To reserve your place, please REGISTER HERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3394429222066916949

Outside GC Introduces a New Role into the Legal Ecosystem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buchanan earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and his B.S., magna cum laude, from Florida State University.

About Littler

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

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NEW YORK — June 27, 2023 — Epiq announced today it has won the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

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

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

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

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

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

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