“Labour has accused ministers of a potential cover-up over a PPE contract with a company linked to Tory peer Michelle Mone, after the health department refused to release documents connected to the deal, citing commercial sensitivities. The row comes days after the National Crime Agency NCA,” reports Peter Walker in The Guardian.

“The row comes days after the National Crime Agency (NCA) searched Mone’s home as part of a potential fraud investigation into the company, PPE Medpro, which won more than £200m in government contracts without public tender. Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, wrote to the government in January to seek the release.”

Read the article.

“The Am Law 100 was recently announced, ranking the top Biglaw firms by 2021 gross revenue. And it was a banger year in Biglaw. Every single Am Law 100 firm saw and increase in revenue. All. Of. Them. Plus 52 firms crossed over into the billion dollars in revenue world. And we know that Biglaw,” reports Kathryn Rubino their Above The Law.

“Firms are struggling to keep up with the demand on their legal services. They’re in need of qualified lawyers to staff the deals/cases that are filling up their books of business. So, yes, the lateral market’s been intense with all manner of repercussions like. But some Biglaw watchers are cautioning there’s a potential downside lurking in this.”

Read the article.

“BigBear.ai, a leader in AI-powered analytics and cyber engineering solutions, today announced that it has appointed Carolyn Blankenship as General Counsel. In this role, Blankenship will develop and lead corporate legal strategy supporting BigBear.ai’s growth initiatives as a publicly-traded company She will,” reports Business Wire their blog.

“Blankenship brings over 25 years of legal experience and specializes in providing the legal infrastructure needed for innovative growth strategies and navigating the commercial regulatory landscape for successful business and product strategies. In her previous role as General Counsel, Innovation and Product for Thomson Reuters.”

Read the article.

“A three-bill package creating a framework for the distribution of about $776 million in opioid settlement funds in Michigan garnered widespread support as the state House approved it Thursday. But several Republicans in more rural areas criticized the settlement’s lack of money for small town,” reports Beth LeBlanc The Detroit News.

“R-Richmond, criticized Attorney General Dana Nessel from the House floor Thursday for failing to secure funding for all small communities. Yaroch said he had to tell the Memphis mayor pro-tem recently he wouldn’t get a direct payment from the settlement because the community’s population falls below the 10,000-person threshold.”

Read the article.

“Thousands of Native Hawaiians who waited decades for homestead leases aimed at guaranteeing them access to ancestral lands may soon get some payment from the state. The state reached a $328 million settlement agreement with the Hawaiian beneficiaries, who first brought a class-action lawsuit,” reports Blaze Lovell Honolulu Civil Beat.

“The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for mismanaging the public lands trust in the late 1990s. The settlement agreement, which was unsealed Tuesday afternoon, marked another turn in fortune this year for Native Hawaiians who have long struggled to take advantage of the program meant to ensure they have access to long-term.”

Read the article.

Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram is pleased to announce that Laura C. Fraher, Judah Lifschitz and Steven H. Schram are named among the 2022 Super Lawyers for Washington, D.C.

Fraher and Lifschitz are included for their work in Construction Litigation and Schram for Business / Corporate work. Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers has ranked Lifschitz for the past 14 years, Schram for 12 years and Fraher for the past six years.

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only five percent of lawyers in Washington, D.C. are selected as Super Lawyers.

Selections for Super Lawyers are made through a rigorous process entailing independent attorney-led research, evaluations and peer evaluations. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, including verdicts / settlements, transactions, special licenses and pro bono service.

Shapiro Lifschitz & Schram is a Washington, D.C.-based law firm delivering solutions for clients in the areas of business, construction, real estate and commercial litigation. The firm has a proven track record of success representing clients in sophisticated deals and big-ticket, complex litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. With state-of-the-art document management and electronic discovery techniques, sophisticated graphics capabilities and seasoned lawyers, Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram creates client-centered solutions to close deals and win cases. For more information, please visit the firm’s website, http://www.slslaw.com.

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that eight of its attorneys have been recognized by South Carolina Super Lawyers for 2022. Five attorneys from across the firm are included among the annual list of leading lawyers, and an additional three attorneys have been named Rising Stars by the publication. Super Lawyers creates a diverse listing of outstanding attorneys who are honored for their professional achievements. Only five percent of lawyers in South Carolina are named as Super Lawyers, and no more than two-and-a-half percent are selected as Rising Stars. The complete list is available today at www.superlawyers.com.

The Turner Padget attorneys named among South Carolina Super Lawyers for 2022 by office are:

Charleston
Richard S. Dukes, Jr.: Personal Injury – Constitutional Law

Columbia
Catherine H. Kennedy: Estates & Probate
Lanneau Wm. Lambert, Jr.: Real Estate
Thomas C. Salane: Insurance Coverage
Franklin G. Shuler, Jr.: Employment and Labor

The Turner Padget attorneys named as Rising Stars are:

Charleston
Kristen N. Nichols: Creditor / Debtor Rights
Nickisha M. Woodward: Personal Injury – General: Defense

Columbia
W. Taylor Stanley: Business Litigation

Every year, Super Lawyers selects attorneys from all firm sizes and over 70 practice areas throughout the United States. Each candidate undergoes a multiphase selection process where they are evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers can be found online at www.superlawyers.com, where lawyers can be searched by practice area and location.

Turner Padget exceeds expectations by taking your interests, your business and our relationships personally. Our depth of knowledge, technical strength and diverse experience makes us sharp, talented business thinkers able to see our clients’ needs holistically and get to the core of the problem quickly. As one of South Carolina’s largest law firms, Turner Padget has expanded into neighboring states with offices located in Augusta, Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville and Myrtle Beach, along with strategic alliances in Florida and North Carolina. http://www.turnerpadget.com/

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Venable LLP is pleased to announce that our client, UC Davis, has prevailed in a civil lawsuit brought by activists under the California Public Records Act. The suit was filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Peta, in January 2019, seeking access to unpublished research data from the work of two researchers at the California National Primate Research Center. The Superior Court of California, County of Yolo, ruled that releasing the material did not serve the public interest and would undermine academic freedom and the scientific process while increasing the risk that researchers could face physical harm and harassment from activists.

The court issued its ruling on Jan. 11, 2022. PETA had the opportunity to appeal the decision but has declined to do so.

“We’re pleased with the court’s decision enabling UC Davis researchers to pursue their work, which ultimately benefits our community,” said Prasant Mohapatra, vice chancellor for research at UC Davis. The Office of Research oversees animal care programs on campus.

The Venable trial team was led by Jean-Paul Cart and supported by Antonia Stabile.

NEW YORK (Apr. 28, 2022) – The transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson is opening an office in New York with the addition of a prestigious group of lawyers from the intellectual property boutique firm Abelman Frayne & Schwab. With this year marking the fifth anniversary of the transatlantic combination that created Womble Bond Dickinson, the firm’s continued growth has included new offices in Boston, Los Angeles, and Houston, and an expanded presence in Palo Alto.

The New York-based trademark, licensing, and copyright team will be led by partners Julianne Abelman and Marie Anne Mastrovito, who will be joined by of counsel Erica R. Halstead, senior counsels Lori B. Cohen and Anthony A. Coppola, and six paralegals. With a well-known reputation across the trademark world, the team represents clients at all stages of trademark protection and litigation in every country of the world.

“This impressive group of lawyers has represented some of the world’s top brands, providing a wide range of trademark services across several industries,” said Elizabeth O. Temple, CEO and Chair of Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP. “Along with bolstering our trademarks and brand management practice, this addition allows us to plant our flag in one of the world’s most important business and legal centers. In alignment with our strategic plan, this office – combined with our existing presence in other key innovation centers, including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Raleigh-Durham, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C. – continues our growth trajectory in markets that are driving innovation and technological change.”

Abelman and her team offer a full range of trademark services, including counseling clients in the selection of marks, providing trademark clearance searches and opinions, prosecuting trademark applications, counseling on enforcement strategies, representing clients in opposition and cancellation actions, and infringement litigation. They have worked with major corporations in several sectors, including alcoholic beverages, food, clothing, energy, technology, healthcare, consumer products, and manufacturing.

“We are excited to join Womble Bond Dickinson and establish the firm’s presence in New York,” said Abelman. “We will be able to combine our experience and small-firm culture of personal service to our clients with the support of a highly respected intellectual property department. We can’t think of a better partner as we begin this new chapter for our team.”

With this addition, Womble Bond Dickinson’s intellectual property practice will include more than 140 attorneys, patent agents, and technical advisors who help clients protect innovations and capitalize on the value of their IP in a competitive marketplace. The group’s full-service offerings include trademark clearance, prosecution and enforcement, patent preparation and prosecution, copyright registrations, technology transactions, complex licensing, IP litigation, trade secret protection, and data privacy and cybersecurity. More than 100 of these legal professionals are U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) registered practitioners, including attorneys and agents, and the team has more than 75 professionals with advanced degrees, 28 of whom have Ph.D.s or doctorates. Womble Bond Dickinson is a top-ranked firm in the Chambers USA 2021 Guide for intellectual property.

More information on the attorneys joining Womble Bond Dickinson can be found below:

Julianne Abelman has experience in the protection and enforcement of trademarks, copyrights, and domain names worldwide, including counseling on the selection and clearance of trademarks and slogans, filing and prosecution, licensing of intellectual property, trademark infringements, oppositions, and agreements relating to the use and coexistence of trademarks. At AFS, she served as a primary team leader and manager of that firm’s trademark practice group and managed a number of important client relationships.

Lori B. Cohen has represented Fortune 100 clients in the procurement and protection of well-known trademarks domestically and internationally. She concentrates her practice on all aspects of international and domestic trademark prosecution and international opposition and cancellation proceedings.

Anthony A. Coppola focuses his practice on various intellectual property litigation matters in the federal courts and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. He also counsels clients in selecting, clearing, and maintaining international trademarks. He has experience in patent and trademark prosecution and negotiating and drafting intellectual property licensing and coexistence agreements. He has successfully litigated cases in the areas of patent infringement, trademark infringement, theft of trade secrets, trademark counterfeiting, and product liability in jurisdictions across the country.

Erica R. Halstead’s practice is focused on U.S. trademark prosecution, policing, enforcement, clearance, and counseling. This includes practice before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in both opposition and cancellation proceedings. She also has experience in negotiating and preparing assignments, licenses, and coexistence agreements.

Marie Anne Mastrovito is a former trademark examining attorney with the USPTO. She concentrates her practice on domestic trademark portfolio management, enforcement, and protection, including trademark clearance, trademark prosecution, negotiation of coexistence and settlement agreements, and the representation of clients in opposition and cancellation actions and ex parte appeals before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. She has also represented clients in successful appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

ArentFox Schiff LLP is pleased to announce the expansion of its Health Care practice with the addition of Counsel Gayland O. Hethcoat II in the firm’s Los Angeles office.

Gayland brings nearly a decade of experience serving as in-house counsel to two of California’s leading health care organizations, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a nationally-ranked and freestanding acute care children’s hospital, and Dignity Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States.

A strategic legal advisor to providers and stakeholders across the health care delivery spectrum, Gayland offers a practical, business-minded approach to supporting his clients. As regulatory counsel, Gayland develops solutions for complying with the complex web of federal and state laws governing the healthcare sector, including in the emerging fields of telemedicine and digital health. He has represented hospitals and health systems, physician practices, retail pharmacies and clinics, clinical laboratories, home health agencies, telehealth platforms and health tech start-ups, and management service organizations.

Gayland possesses particular experience with health data privacy and security laws (including HIPAA, the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA), 42 CFR Part 2 substance abuse confidentiality regulations, and the FTC Health Breach Notification Rule) and healthcare fraud and abuse laws (including the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and Civil Monetary Penalties Law). In addition, he routinely advises on healthcare licensure and scope-of-practice requirements, Medicare and Medicaid program rules, and controlled substance regulations.

In his transactional practice, Gayland drafts and negotiates various types of contracts and legal instruments, including financial arrangements between hospitals and physicians. He also assists with matters involving for-profit and nonprofit corporate board governance, conflicts of interest, and discharge of fiduciary duties.

“Gayland joins us at a critical time for our health care clients as they continue to manage their operations during the pandemic and work to comply with the changing regulatory landscape. Gayland’s impressive knowledge, excellent legal skills, and strong client service record are well-recognized in the health community. Welcoming attorneys with Gayland’s level of experience allows us to provide superior service and strategic counsel to our very sophisticated, growing client base.”
– Douglas A. Grimm, Health Care Practice Leader

Gayland’s Experience
Gayland’s recent work includes:

– Advising on issues involving COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements for healthcare workforce members, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory waivers and flexibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic
– Supporting senior compliance officers in administering healthcare compliance programs, including internal investigations, audits, and risk assessments
– Providing representation in enforcement actions and investigations conducted by the US Department of Justice, Office for Civil Rights in the US Department of Health and Human Services, the California Department of Public Health, and other federal and state agencies

About ArentFox Schiff
ArentFox Schiff LLP is internationally recognized in core industries where business and the law intersect. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals, the firm serves as a destination for an international roster of corporations, governments, private individuals, and trade associations.

– Foley & Lardner LLP secured a victory on behalf of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors last week when Honorable Judge Michael Beckloff of the Los Angeles County Superior Court denied a County resident’s petition for a writ of mandate in an attempt to block the transfer of Bruce’s Beach back to the legal heirs of Charles and Willa Bruce.

Bruce’s Beach was a popular Black-owned resort in the City of Manhattan Beach that catered to Black beachgoers in the 1910s and 20s. In 1924, the City of Manhattan Beach condemned Bruce’s Beach in an act of racial discrimination, seeking to drive out Black patrons from Manhattan Beach. Recognizing this profound historical wrong, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 796 into law, enabling the County to take appropriate actions to return Bruce’s Beach to the legal heirs of the Bruce family.

A County resident petitioned for a writ of mandate to block the transfer of the property. The resident primarily argued that the transfer of the property violates Article XVI, Section 6 of the California Constitution, which prohibits the Legislature from giving public funds to private citizens. Foley partner and the County’s lead counsel Byron McLain argued that returning the property to the Bruce family is not an improper gift in violation of the California Constitution because this act serves a clear and direct public purpose of addressing and redressing government racial discrimination. As stated in Senate Bill 796, this transfer enables the County to “rectify the historic injustice that was done to the Bruce family by returning the land…from whom it was taken in an act motivated by racism.”

Judge Beckloff denied the Petitioner’s writ of mandate and held that the anticipated transfer is constitutional, which effectively grants the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors the power to right this historic wrong. The County’s effort to return Bruce’s Beach “works to strengthen government integrity, represents governmental accountability. . . [and] fosters trust and respect in government,” Beckloff wrote in his ruling. “Redressing past acts of discrimination as well as preventing such acts in the future benefits the whole of the community. The public purpose served by [the County’s efforts] is direct and substantial,” Beckloff found.

McLain commented, “The Superior Court’s decision to allow the County of Los Angeles to transfer the Bruce’s Beach property back to the Bruce family is a huge step in support of the County’s concerted call to action for government entities to recognize and dismantle the history of racial oppression, injustice, and inequity that has left an indelible stain on this nation, most especially, its communities of color.”

In addition to McLain, the Foley team representing the County included Anum Amin and former Foley attorney M. Kristina Fernandez Mabrie. Paralegal Autumn McIntosh and Vivian Hong also assisted in this matter.

Sidley Accelerates Expansion in Emerging Companies Practice
-Welcomes Global Finance Partner Cynthia Bai and Executive Compensation Partner Nic Frey in Palo Alto
-Strengthens National Platform in Emerging Technology and Life Science Sectors

PALO ALTO – Sidley Austin LLP is pleased to announce that Cynthia Bai and Nicholas (Nic) Frey have joined the firm as partners in its Palo Alto office. Ms. Bai joins the firm’s Global Finance group from Cooley LLP, while Mr. Frey joins the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice from Baker Botts. Sidley’s presence in Northern California continues to grow with more than 100 lawyers serving technology, life sciences, emerging companies, venture capital, and other practice areas.

“With over a dozen new partners nationally in the emerging growth practice over the past several years, our strategic investment in this sector is only gaining momentum,” said Martin Wellington, leader of Sidley’s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. “Cynthia and Nic bring the Silicon Valley-native expertise that entrepreneurial technology and life sciences companies expect in credit and executive compensation matters, as they are intimately familiar with the bespoke practices and market norms that have grown up in this sector.”

Mr. Frey focuses on executive compensation and benefits, equity plan and award design, M&A and capital markets transaction support, ERISA matters, and general public and private company compensation and benefit matters.

“Sidley has built a strong pipeline of technology and life sciences capital markets and M&A opportunities,” said Matthew E. Johnson, co-leader of the firm’s global Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice. “Nic’s experience will be a great asset to the team and the firm.”

Ms. Bai focuses her practice on debt financing transactions involving technology, life science, healthcare, and other high growth verticals, with an emphasis on venture debt and other emerging growth debt facilities, as well as fund finance. Her clients include debt funds, banks, and other lenders, as well as operating company and investment fund borrowers.

“We continue to attract the highest level of talent to our globally recognized practice,” said Kevin Blauch, leader of Sidley’s Global Finance practice and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. “Cynthia’s strong knowledge of the structures common to early stage and high growth borrowers and venture funds is a great addition to our team.”

With more than 180 lawyers, Sidley’s Global finance group is a destination practice for high-value, complex financings across a broad spectrum of platforms, industries and asset types. Sidley lawyers have pioneered the development of financial instruments for the world’s financial markets and is consistently recognized by leading publications as one of the world’s leading finance practices.

With more than 2,000 lawyers in 20 offices around the globe, Sidley is a premier legal adviser for clients across the spectrum of industries. Follow Sidley on Twitter @SidleyLaw.

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SARASOTA, Fla., Ball Janik LLP is pleased to announce the firm’s fourth office opening, and first on the Gulf Coast, in Sarasota, Florida. The newest office is in the Center Pointe Office Building at 2033 Main Street, Suite 201. Located in downtown Sarasota, the office is across the street from the Sarasota County Courthouse and minutes away from several city highlights such as the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Opera House, and the Sarasota Art Museum. Special Counsel Salvatore G. Scro will lead the Sarasota office, along with partners Phillip E. Joseph, James C. Prichard, Evan J. Small, Kelly M. Corcoran, and Brian T. Crevasse. The Sarasota office is positioned to serve clients up and down the Gulf Coast, including Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.
“Expanding to western Florida is a natural move for our firm as we grow in the Florida market. The new office allows us to strengthen our client relationships and services,” said Jim Prichard, Managing Partner at Ball Janik. “Having someone as experienced as Sal Scro leading our Sarasota office will ensure it provides the highest quality of service to clients—matching Ball Janik’s nationally recognized brand.”
Scro resides in Sarasota, Florida, where he is heavily involved in the community. His legal experience spans 33 years and includes various areas of litigation, real estate, and business matters in New York and Florida. Since relocating to Florida in 2006, Scro has concentrated his practice on the representation of homeowners, homeowner associations, and condominium associations in complex construction defect litigation and turnover matters. He also represents clients in business, civil, and commercial and residential real estate transactions.
“Establishing the firm’s first western Florida office is an exciting endeavor,” said Scro. “I have no doubt this office will provide the best service to every client we represent and expand Ball Janik’s footprint in the coming years.”
An expansion of Ball Janik’s growing presence throughout Florida, the Sarasota office will continue the Florida mission of working with owners of all types in construction defect claims, construction and design matters, real estate transactions, insurance recovery, and first-party property damage claims.
About Ball Janik LLP
Ball Janik LLP is a bicoastal comprehensive services law firm focused on real estate, land use, construction, and business litigation. With offices in Florida and Oregon, we serve clients in the areas of affordable housing, bankruptcy, and creditor rights, community associations, construction and design, construction defect disputes, corporate, financial services, hospitality, insurance recovery, investigations and white-collar crime, public agencies and schools, and renewable energy.
Since our firm’s inception, we have expanded our capabilities, professionals, and geographic footprint. In doing so, we have earned a national reputation for upholding the rights of our clients.
Ball Janik LLP has been recognized by Chambers USA, US News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, The Best Lawyers in America©, and Corporate International. Ball Janik LLP’s success and integrity have repeatedly made it one of “Oregon’s Most Admired Professional Firms,” according to the Portland Business Journal’s survey results of CEOs throughout the region. To learn more about Ball Janik LLP, please visit www.balljanik.com.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce eight of the firm’s Washington, D.C. attorneys have been recognized in the 2022 edition of Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers and the list of “Rising Stars.”

“We congratulate this group of attorneys for their well-deserved recognition among their peers in the D.C. area. We are proud of their success and the high level of service they consistently provide their clients,” said Bradley Washington, D.C. Office Managing Partner Douglas L. Patin.

The following four Bradley attorneys are recognized as Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers:

Aron C. Beezley, partner (Government Contracts)
Gregory G. Marshall, partner (Criminal Defense: White Collar)
Douglas L. Patin, partner (Construction Litigation)
Sky Woodward, partner (Class Action)

The following four Bradley attorneys are recognized as “Rising Stars”:

Lee-Ann C. Brown, associate (Construction Litigation)
Kya M. Henley, associate (Criminal Defense: White Collar)
Anna M. Lashley, associate (Criminal Defense: White Collar)
Jessica L. Zurlo, associate (Intellectual Property)

The selections for the Super Lawyers lists, published by Thompson Reuters, are determined through independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Only the top 5% of lawyers in D.C. are included in the Super Lawyers list. No more than 2.5% percent of D.C. attorneys who are 40 years old or younger or practicing for 10 or fewer years are included in the “Rising Stars” list.

About Bradley
Bradley combines skilled legal counsel with exceptional client service and unwavering integrity to assist a diverse range of corporate and individual clients in achieving their business goals. With offices in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and the District of Columbia, the firm’s almost 600 lawyers represent regional, national and international clients in various industries, including banking and financial services, construction, energy, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, real estate, and technology, among many others.

The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has announced that Jennifer S. Park, a shareholder at Dentons Cohen & Grigsby P.C., in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has accepted an invitation to join the IADC, the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests.

“I am thrilled about the opportunities that the IADC offers to learn about current issues and trends affecting members and their respective organizations,” Ms. Park said.
Ms. Park advises and represents global and U.S. clients on various employment matters including, but not limited to, issues related to disability, leave, wage and hour, whistleblower, discrimination, and retaliation.

At Dentons Cohen & Grigsby, Ms. Park is a member of both the Governance and Nominating, and Oversight and Executive committees. Also, since 2020, she has served as Co-chair of the firm’s U.S. Pandemic Special Situations Team, providing guidance and insight related to COVID-19 issues affecting Dentons clients. In addition, she is a member of the Dentons ESG Advisory Committee, which provides guidance to firm clients on all manner of environmental, social and governance issues including, but not limited to, board diversity and other issues related to diversity and inclusion.
Ms. Park also is a board member of the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition.
Ms. Park received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) from Wellesley College.

About the International Association of Defense Counsel
The IADC is the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests. Founded in 1920, the IADC has members who hail from six continents, 51 countries and territories, and all 50 U.S. states. The core purposes of the IADC are to enhance the development of skills, promote professionalism, and facilitate camaraderie among its members and their clients, as well as the broader civil justice community. For more information, visit www.iadclaw.org.

Washington, D.C. – Blank Rome LLP is pleased to welcome leading international trade and national security attorney Anthony Rapa as a partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office where he will lead the firm’s National Security team. Working closely with the firm’s Aerospace, Defense and Government Services industry group, Anthony will counsel companies, private equity sponsors, and financial institutions on sanctions and export control-related matters in cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, government investigations, and regulatory matters. A dual U.S./UK-qualified practitioner, he joins Blank Rome from Kirkland & Ellis where he was a partner.

“Anthony is a fantastic addition to Blank Rome and our aerospace, defense and government services industry team,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Managing Partner and CEO. “He will play a key role in expanding our national security and international trade capabilities as well as helping our clients address critical issues in this multidisciplinary and evolving area. His deep knowledge of the sanctions and export control regimes in the United States, UK, and EU will greatly benefit our clients as we help them navigate the increasingly complex, fast-moving sanctions landscape.”

Anthony advises clients on wide-ranging sanctions and export controls compliance matters, including under the sanctions regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”), and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (“DDTC”). He leads internal investigations and merger and acquisition due diligence related to sanctions and export controls, submits license and advisory opinion requests on behalf of clients, advises on transactions involving high-risk jurisdictions and/or export-controlled items, conducts product classifications under EAR and ITAR rules, develops compliance policies for multinational organizations, and assists clients with supply chain due diligence. In addition to his U.S. qualification, Anthony is admitted to practice as a solicitor in England and Wales, and has deep familiarity with UK and EU sanctions and export control regimes.

“Anthony’s experience handling some of the most sophisticated national security and international trade matters gives him a well-rounded perspective into the challenges that companies operating in the global marketplace encounter,” said Justin A. Chiarodo, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Government Contracts group. “His strong relationships across key government agencies bolsters our firm’s abilities to advocate for clients facing challenging regulatory matters and investigations not only in the United States, but in the UK and EU as well. I look forward to collaborating with Anthony in helping our clients navigate their most challenging national security and international trade matters.”

Anthony works with entities around the world and has experience in a number of industries, including aerospace, defense, energy, technology, software, semiconductors, mining, manufacturing, telecommunications, automotive, financial, shipping, and freight forwarding and logistics.

“We are in a pivotal moment for sanctions and export controls policy that calls for a holistic approach to national security and geopolitical issues, and Blank Rome’s deep reserve of multidisciplinary capabilities and strong focus on a collaborative approach to client service and commitment to growth will position our clients for success,” added Rapa. “The opportunity to work with such talented people was something I couldn’t pass up. This is a great firm to call home.”

Anthony received his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, summa cum laude, and his B.A. from Drew University, summa cum laude. During law school, Anthony was the comments editor of the Seton Hall Law Review.

About Blank Rome

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 14 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.

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By Rebecca L. Palmer
When a marriage is on the rocks, it’s difficult not to continually blame your partner for what went wrong in your marriage. As your life goes through drastic emotional and financial changes, fanning the flames of blame during the divorce mediation can delay the process, increase animosity, and prevent you from getting on with your life.
No-fault divorce is one way separated couples can be granted a dissolution of marriage without assigning fault in the court proceeding. Also referred to as irreconcilable differences or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, a no-fault divorce does not require proof of misconduct or the placement of blame on either spouse when submitting a dissolution of marriage petition. Florida is one of 17 states in the U.S. that adheres to a no-fault divorce process. All states recognize no-fault divorces, and each state has its own separation requirements before one spouse can formally file for divorce. To navigate the process in the state of Florida and outside its jurisdiction, it is wise to consult a family law attorney to make sure you are adhering to the law and that your rights are being protected.
A no-fault divorce does not relieve either party of personal accountability in the breakdown of the marriage; it simply does not have to be a part of the petition and court proceedings during the fault divorce process. Without a burden of proof needed, there is no legal directive to go into the private details of the marriage and find reasons, such as alleged infidelity, to illustrate support for the petitioner’s divorce request. Also, unique to the no-fault divorce process, one spouse cannot refuse the divorce petition. A refusal of the request will serve as support to the dissolution request by giving an example of the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship. In most cases, no-fault divorces are typically quicker, less expensive, and not as intense or emotionally draining as fault divorces can be. In Florida, it is only necessary to let the court know the marriage is broken and request a dissolution.
Even though it is referred to as “no-fault,” fault can be used to illustrate wrongdoing that would affect the rights to distribution of marital funds. No-fault divorce doesn’t mean that a party can walk away from a marriage without being held accountable for their actions. The Florida courts can still address any actions during the marriage that negatively affected the opposing spouse.
A common misunderstanding is that a no-fault divorce is the same as an “uncontested” divorce. The only way a divorce is uncontested is if all the provisions outlined in a divorce decree, such as child custody, alimony, and division of assets, have been agreed upon.

One potential drawback of a no-fault divorce is that there is no opportunity for either party to share the circumstances that led to the breakdown of the marriage during the proceedings. If this is a crucial element for you to achieve closure and move forward with your life, you may want to seek the counsel of a family law professional.
Long, drawn out, divorces can take a heavy emotional and financial toll. Be sure you understand the ramifications of choosing a no-fault divorce, as it may be the best course for you.
Rebecca L. Palmer, Esq. is a Family & Marital Law attorney practicing in Orlando, FL. She is the Managing Partner of the Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group, and she can be reached at rebecca@rlpvlawgroup.com

DALLAS – The trial work of Michael Lyons and Chris Simmons has earned the Lyons & Simmons, LLP co-founders selection among Dallas’s top lawyers for 2022.

Lyons and Simmons were each named to D Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Dallas listing based on their work on behalf of plaintiffs in high-stakes personal injury litigation.

This is the ninth selection for Lyons, who has previously earned recognition for both his personal injury and business litigation work from the magazine. The respected trial attorney also has earned individual honors from The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers – Texas Top 100 and DFW Top 100, Lawdragon 500, and the National Law Journal. He is a member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums.

Simmons’ work on behalf of plaintiffs who have been catastrophically injured or killed by the negligence of others helped propel him to his third selection among Dallas’ best lawyers. A member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, his work has also earned recognition by Best Lawyers in America, Lawdragon 500, the National Law Journal, and Texas Super Lawyers.

Lyons & Simmons has a reputation for obtaining outstanding results in cases involving life-altering personal injuries, wrongful death, and “bet-the-company” business disputes. The firm was honored with the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association’s prestigious 2021 John Howie Award, which is presented to firms that exemplify the “courageous pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.”

The Best Lawyers in Dallas is based on a comprehensive selection process that starts with peer nominations and includes extensive review by the magazine’s editorial staff, assisted by a blue-ribbon panel of attorneys. The complete 2022 list is featured in the May issue of D Magazine.

About Lyons & Simmons LLP

Dallas-based Lyons & Simmons, LLP is a trial boutique representing clients in wrongful death, personal injury, products liability and complex “bet-the-company” business litigation matters across the country. To learn more, visit http://www.Lyons-Simmons.com.

Abdón Pedrajas Littler, a leading labor and employment law firm in Spain and part of Litter, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has opened an office in Valencia, Spain. The office will be led by partner Javier Molina, who is part of a six-lawyer team joining from law firm Cuatrecasas.

In addition to building on the firm’s existing operations in Spain in Madrid and Barcelona, the new Valencia office follows Littler’s November 2021 expansion into Portugal when DCM Lawyers (now DCM | Littler) joined its global platform.

“We’re thrilled to continue our growth in the Iberian Peninsula and to add a third office in Spain,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “The ongoing expansion of our European footprint has been a core part of our global growth strategy and we have built a strong team across 27 offices in 12 European countries. Javier and his colleagues are an ideal addition to our talented team and will serve as a great resource for our clients.”

Molina brings nearly three decades of experience in labor relations and deep knowledge of the Valencian community. His practice focuses on counseling employers on collective bargaining and productive decentralization processes, as well as on issues related to workplace accidents and occupational risk prevention. He also advises on labor matters for German companies doing business in Spain, as well as Spanish companies operating in Germany.

“Valencia is a strategic location for our growth trajectory, both in Spain and across Europe,” said Antonio Pedrajas, managing partner of Abdón Pedrajas Littler. “The new office anchored by Javier and his team, all of whom are recognized leaders in labor law with extensive knowledge of the Valencian legal market, will allow us to expand our services, while continuing to provide top quality counsel to our clients.”

Along with Molina, the attorneys joining Abdón Pedrajas Littler in Valencia include Patricia Madrona García, Amparo Bru Mundi, Gemma Pla Peris, Maite Martínez Otero and Raquel Romero González.

Stephan Swinkels, a Littler shareholder who helps lead the development and integration of the firm’s global practice added: “In addition to providing us with a presence in Spain’s three largest cities and expanding our ability to serve clients operating throughout Europe and the Iberian Peninsula, this new office further strengthens our Latin American capabilities, given the strong ties between the regions.”

“Littler is the leading firm in labor and employment matters globally, and we look forward to boosting the firm’s presence in the Valencian community,” noted Molina. “It is an exciting move for our team and we are energized by the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Littler’s international operations span four continents – North America, South America, Asia and Europe – and 26 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Brazil (via a correspondent counsel relationship), Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Venezuela. The firm’s global capabilities also include lawyers with exceptional international experience, including practitioners dually licensed in the U.S. and Australia, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, Russia and South Africa.

About Littler

With more than 1,600 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.

DALLAS – The publishers of D Magazine have recognized Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson attorney Bridget Moreno Lopez in the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers in Dallas for her work in tax law.

An expert in tax litigation and litigation management, Ms. Lopez has served as the firm’s managing partner of the Dallas office for the last eight years while also overseeing the New York and Boston offices. She is the youngest person appointed to the firm’s management committee. Prior to her appointment to managing partner, Ms. Lopez managed the litigation division for the Dallas office, handling thousands of lawsuits.

“I am inspired by the recognition from my peers,” said Ms. Lopez. “Linebarger is dedicated to our clients and their efforts to improve public service and local communities, and I’m grateful that we are recognized for our work to make North Texas a better place to live.”

A national firm, Linebarger represents governmental entities in 13 states with 49 offices, recovering revenue by collecting delinquent government receivables. The firm has a history of giving back to the communities its clients serve, and Ms. Lopez’s own volunteerism reflects that same commitment to helping others.

She has given her time to numerous organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including the H100 Latina Giving Circle and the Latino Cultural Center. Ms. Lopez is a former board member of the DFW International Airport and the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

Each year North Texas attorneys nominate D Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Dallas honorees. The magazine’s research staff and an independent panel of distinguished lawyers make the final selections after an extensive review. Those selected are featured in the magazine’s May issue and online at www.dmagazine.com.

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson is a national law firm with 49 offices across the country dedicated to representing governmental entities in collecting delinquent government receivables. For more than 46 years, Linebarger has provided customized collection programs for its public sector clients. For more information, visit https://www.lgbs.com/