Cohen Seglias is pleased to announce that William Buchanan has joined the firm as a partner in the Pittsburgh office. He is a member of the Financial Services and Real Estate Groups.

Additionally, partner Christopher Carusone has relocated to Pittsburgh and been named the office’s managing partner. Previously based in Harrisburg, Chris will continue his white-collar corporate defense practice focused on government and internal investigations.

“Will brings a high level of experience to our firm, serving a variety of clients including banks, lenders, condominiums, physicians and long-term care facilities,” said managing partner George Pallas. “His addition strengthens our financial services and real estate teams, increasing the capabilities we offer our clients, and we are confident that our Pittsburgh office will enjoy continued growth and success with Will’s arrival and under Chris’ leadership.”

Will concentrates his practice in the areas of bankruptcy, creditor rights, commercial litigation, collections, real estate and litigation. He regularly counsels creditors or interested parties in bankruptcy proceedings, clients who are seeking to obtain judgments or to utilize their collection and foreclosure remedies, and clients who are in involved in contract disputes. Will works with property managers and condominium and planned community associations in disputes and governance issues and has additional experience defending medical malpractice liability actions and representing medical facilities.

A graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law, Will received his B.A. from Allegheny College. He is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Turnaround Management Association, the National Creditors Bar Association and the Allegheny County Bar Association.

Cohen Seglias’ Financial Services Group provides counsel on an array of matters including creditors’ rights, commercial finance and lending, loan workouts, bankruptcy, foreclosures, and consumer and lender liability litigation.

The firm’s Real Estate Group represents all parties in various real estate transactions, from owners and developers to lenders, buyers, and sellers. Attorneys draft documents and negotiate real estate transactions, all while providing counsel on numerous issues affecting the outcome of each matter or project.

About Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC
Founded in 1988, Cohen Seglias is a law firm with 80 attorneys in offices across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Washington, DC, and Kentucky. The firm provides client service on a national basis in areas including business transactions, commercial litigation, construction, energy & utilities, financial services, government contracting, labor & employment, government law & regulatory affairs, insurance coverage & risk management, real estate, research misconduct, student defense, Title IX, wealth preservation, and white collar defense & internal investigations. For more information please visit www.cohenseglias.com.

Venable LLP represented Glass House Brands Inc., one of the fastest-growing vertically integrated cannabis and hemp companies in the United States, in its acquisition of Plus Products Holdings, Inc., a leading cannabis edibles company based in California.

Glass House acquired Plus for approximately $25.6 million through a combination of unsecured convertible debt and equity, plus additional performance-based consideration. The closing of this transaction establishes Glass House as the only company with a top 5 market position in both the flower and edibles segments in California’s adult-use and medical cannabis market.

The Venable team was led by Matthew Portnoff and included Harry Atlas, Carol Calhoun, Cameron Cole, Audrey Cubizolles, Jordan Ferguson, Daria Ivanova, Jeffrey Ostrager, and Liz Barket Kremser.

The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has extended its strategic, cross-promotional partnership with the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR), a global non-profit organization that advances dispute prevention and resolution practices and provides high-quality solutions.

The partnership, which began in 2020, has been extended for another two years.

“We are thrilled to extend the IADC’s collaboration with the highly regarded CPR,” said IADC President Spencer H. Silverglate. “We look forward to continuing the outstanding benefits that this partnership provides to IADC members, including much sought-after professional development opportunities that complement the core purpose of the IADC in serving our members.”

CPR President and CEO Allen Waxman said, “Our collaboration with IADC has been a resounding success. We look forward to continuing our partnership while providing our innovative dispute resolution services, thought leadership, tools and other resources to IADC’s worldwide membership.”

The collaboration provides IADC members with access to CPR’s numerous resources and publications, as well as preferential rates for CPR membership and attendance at CPR events, including the organization’s annual meeting that convenes panels on a variety of topics regarding dispute prevention and resolution. In addition, both U.S. and international IADC members can apply to serve on CPR’s Panel of Distinguished Neutrals.

The IADC recommends CPR to its membership as an ADR provider whose arbitration, mediation and dispute resolution services and rules can be utilized worldwide by the IADC’s approximately 2,500 members and their clients. In addition, the IADC promotes membership with CPR among IADC members and facilitates attendance by CPR corporate members at the IADC’s Corporate Counsel and International Corporate Counsel Colleges, which provide content of particular interest to the in-house community.

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.

About the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR)
Established in 1977, CPR is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes the prevention and resolution of conflict to better enable purpose through the CPR Institute and CPR Dispute Resolution.

The CPR Institute drives and advocates for a global prevention and dispute resolution culture through the thought leadership of its diverse members – companies, leading mediators and arbitrators, law firms, individual practitioners, and academics – who share best practices and develop innovative tools for dispute management through Committees and events.

CPR Dispute Resolution is a boutique provider of leading-edge dispute management services – mediation, arbitration, custom appointing services, a panel of dispute prevention specialists, and more – that leverages resources generated by the CPR Institute. The case administrators are experienced attorneys with a combined 40 years of experience in ADR who speak five languages. The Panel of Distinguished Neutrals is a carefully curated, diverse group of prominent, experienced subject matter experts based in 35 countries.

To learn more visit www.cpradr.org.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – May 12, 2022 – Wiggin and Dana announced that it is implementing billable hour credit for diversity, equity and inclusion work. An annual allocation of 150 hours per lawyer previously granted for work with pro bono clients or within the Wiggin Opportunity Initiative now extends to qualified activities that enhance diversity, equity and inclusion at the firm or in the legal industry. This decision to prioritize DEI work reflects Wiggin and Dana’s continued leadership in DEI efforts and is retroactive to January 1, 2022.

Qualified DEI activities include representing Wiggin and Dana at law school diversity events, mentoring and establishing recruiting relationships with law students from diverse backgrounds, partnering with clients on DEI initiatives, participating in diversity specific bar and other legal associations and any of the several LCLD programs in which Wiggin and Dana has enrolled, among many other options.

“Providing billable credit for DEI work is a key component of our firm’s efforts to foster a diverse and welcoming professional environment, one where DEI work is valued and critical to our success,” said Tim Diemand, Wiggin and Dana’s Managing Partner. “This important step signals the next phase of building greater equity into our systems and policies.”

“By incentivizing and rewarding attorneys for spending time on activities that build an inclusive culture and equitable workplace, we aim to ensure attorneys are appropriately credited for DEI activities, the majority of which often falls disproportionately to attorneys from underrepresented groups,” said Jana Simon, Wiggin and Dana’s Chief DEI Officer. “Additionally, incentivizing DEI work through the billable hour drives more engagement from attorneys firmwide to enhance DEI at the firm and in the profession.”

About Wiggin and Dana
Wiggin and Dana is a national law firm with more than 160 attorneys. We are a true partnership of highly talented, creative, and experienced lawyers dedicated to exceeding our clients’ expectations every day. With offices in Connecticut, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Palm Beach, we represent clients throughout the United States and globally on a wide range of sophisticated and complex matters. From defending the Fortune 500 in “bet-the-company” litigation to helping the next generation of inventors bring new technologies to market, we pride ourselves in offering value-driven solutions and results.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Jennifer Morrison Ersin has been named a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), making her the only Fellow based in Mississippi.

Fellowship in the CIArb is the highest level of membership. Fellows must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in arbitration and first-hand involvement in settlement agreements. They must also have been involved in the management of proceedings and attended hearings that have resulted in the publication of a reasoned award or decision.

“Jennifer is a highly accomplished arbitration lawyer and has built a successful practice in dispute resolution. We are proud of the diligent efforts that have earned her this designation,” said Bradley Jackson Office Managing Partner Margaret Oertling Cupples.

Ms. Ersin concentrates her practice in international disputes, regularly advising clients in international investment and commercial arbitrations across a range of sectors. She has acted in proceedings governed by the rules of arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), American Arbitration Association (AAA), and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Ms. Ersin has experience acting in disputes involving sovereign states, including counseling contractors on how to best exit high-conflict states.

CIArb is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the practice and profession of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It has more than 17,000 members in 149 countries. The organization provides education and training for arbitrators, mediators, and adjudicators and supports the global promotion, facilitation, and development of all ADR methods.

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.

(May 11, 2022, Washington, DC) — Steptoe & Johnson LLP is pleased to announce that Timothy Strafford has joined the firm’s Transportation Practice Group as a partner in Washington, DC. Strafford joins Steptoe from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), where he served for over a decade as Associate General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Prior to joining the AAR he served as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

At Steptoe, Strafford will advise clients on legislative issues, economic and safety regulatory matters, rulemaking and individual disputes before the STB, appeals in federal court, court actions and arbitrations. His experience also extends to, and he will add value to the firm’s clients on, matters related to federal preemption, communications law and transborder transportation.

“Amid a surge in U.S. freight volume and historic rail investments, it’s never been clearer just how critical railway infrastructure is to a properly functioning supply chain in the United States, and Tim’s arrival couldn’t have come at a more opportune time,” said Steptoe chair Gwen Renigar. “His insider experience in government and with prominent industry groups will solidify our standing as a go-to firm in every major area of rail regulatory activity.”

“Having already worked with several of Steptoe’s clients, joining the firm’s preeminent Transportation Practice Group was a natural next step for me in my career,” added Strafford. “The Group’s Railroad practice is renowned for the depth and quality of its representation before federal agencies, and I look forward to bolstering the team’s impressive and longstanding efforts on behalf of this vital American industry.”

Steptoe’s Railroad practice represents rail carriers in complex commercial disputes before the STB, in federal and state courts, and in arbitration proceedings. Its major representations include high-stakes rail rate, contract litigation and arbitration proceedings, as well as major rail construction/environmental cases and cases involving the pre-emption of state law.

Strafford earned his J.D. from the American University, where he served on the Washington College of Law International Law Review. He earned his B.A. from Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

NEW YORK, May 4, 2022 – Brown Rudnick announced today that Aaron Lang has joined its New York office as a partner in the Litigation & Arbitration practice and as a member of the Crisis Management Litigation & Government Response team.

Lang’s practice focuses on high-stakes litigation and investigations for banks, investment firms, and corporate clients. He has handled multibillion-dollar and high-profile securities, M&A, and corporate governance litigation, as well as a variety of other complex commercial cases. Lang also has extensive experience conducting regulatory and internal investigations, including anti-money laundering, tax, benchmark-setting, and compliance investigations.

“We are very excited to integrate Aaron into the elite crisis management litigation team,” said Stephen Best, chair of the White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice. “Aaron’s talent and experience will make him a key player.”

Lang joined the Firm from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, where he practiced with Mark Grider, a former White House senior adviser and deputy assistant attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice. Grider recently joined Brown Rudnick’s Washington, D.C., office as a partner in the White Collar Defense practice and as head of the Crisis Management Litigation & Government Response team.

“This is a time of growth and opportunity for our Firm and practice groups,” said Sunni Beville, managing director of Brown Rudnick’s Dispute Resolution & Restructuring Department. “Aaron exemplifies the type of lawyer we are seeking as we strengthen and diversify our practice offerings.”

As a member of the Crisis Management Litigation & Government Response team, Lang will partner with Grider to navigate clients through bet-the-company litigation and regulatory crises. “I am delighted that Aaron will be joining the team,” Grider said. “We had a strong working relationship at our prior firm, and I believe our collaboration at Brown Rudnick will be very beneficial to our clients. Aaron is a true strategist and a skilled advocate; he is an important addition to the Crisis Management Litigation team.”

Lang received his B.A., cum laude, from Harvard University and his law degree from Duke University.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the top talent at Brown Rudnick and reunite with Mark,” Lang said. “I look forward to contributing to the Firm’s outstanding reputation for litigation and investigations.”

About Brown Rudnick LLP

Brown Rudnick is an international law firm that serves clients around the world from offices in key financial centers across the United States and Europe. We combine ingenuity with experience to achieve great outcomes for our clients. We deliver partner-driven service; we incentivize our lawyers to collaborate in the client’s best interest; and we put excellence before scale, focusing on industry-driven, client-facing practices where we are recognized leaders. Our lawyers and government relations professionals work across the United States and Europe, with offices in key financial centers. Beyond the United States and Europe, we serve clients around the world.

NEW YORK, May 4, 2022 – Brown Rudnick announced today that Aaron Lang has joined its New York office as a partner in the Litigation & Arbitration practice and as a member of the Crisis Management Litigation & Government Response team.

Lang’s practice focuses on high-stakes litigation and investigations for banks, investment firms, and corporate clients. He has handled multibillion-dollar and high-profile securities, M&A, and corporate governance litigation, as well as a variety of other complex commercial cases. Lang also has extensive experience conducting regulatory and internal investigations, including anti-money laundering, tax, benchmark-setting, and compliance investigations.

“We are very excited to integrate Aaron into the elite crisis management litigation team,” said Stephen Best, chair of the White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice. “Aaron’s talent and experience will make him a key player.”

Lang joined the Firm from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, where he practiced with Mark Grider, a former White House senior adviser and deputy assistant attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice. Grider recently joined Brown Rudnick’s Washington, D.C., office as a partner in the White Collar Defense practice and as head of the Crisis Management Litigation & Government Response team.

“This is a time of growth and opportunity for our Firm and practice groups,” said Sunni Beville, managing director of Brown Rudnick’s Dispute Resolution & Restructuring Department. “Aaron exemplifies the type of lawyer we are seeking as we strengthen and diversify our practice offerings.”

As a member of the Crisis Management Litigation & Government Response team, Lang will partner with Grider to navigate clients through bet-the-company litigation and regulatory crises. “I am delighted that Aaron will be joining the team,” Grider said. “We had a strong working relationship at our prior firm, and I believe our collaboration at Brown Rudnick will be very beneficial to our clients. Aaron is a true strategist and a skilled advocate; he is an important addition to the Crisis Management Litigation team.”

Lang received his B.A., cum laude, from Harvard University and his law degree from Duke University.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the top talent at Brown Rudnick and reunite with Mark,” Lang said. “I look forward to contributing to the Firm’s outstanding reputation for litigation and investigations.”

About Brown Rudnick LLP

Brown Rudnick is an international law firm that serves clients around the world from offices in key financial centers across the United States and Europe. We combine ingenuity with experience to achieve great outcomes for our clients. We deliver partner-driven service; we incentivize our lawyers to collaborate in the client’s best interest; and we put excellence before scale, focusing on industry-driven, client-facing practices where we are recognized leaders. Our lawyers and government relations professionals work across the United States and Europe, with offices in key financial centers. Beyond the United States and Europe, we serve clients around the world.

Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that Jim Lundy has joined the firm’s Chicago office as a partner in its Litigation Department and Securities Enforcement & Litigation Practice Group. Lundy brings over two decades of SEC enforcement experience, including 12 years at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Lundy defends clients in enforcement investigations and litigation instituted by the SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), state attorneys general, and self-regulatory organizations. He represents public and private companies, investment management and brokerage firms, hedge and private equity funds, and futures trading firms in these high-stakes matters. Lundy’s practice also includes conducting internal investigations, counseling on governance and compliance issues, handling cybersecurity regulatory investigations, defending clients in complex financial services litigation, and serving as an independent monitor.

“Jim’s experience in private practice combined with his deep knowledge of the SEC enforcement process further strengthens and diversifies the firm’s Securities Enforcement & Litigation Practice,” said the group’s chair, Beth Boland. “Jim is an excellent addition to our nationally-recognized practice and our diverse group of former SEC enforcement attorneys.”

Before entering private practice, Lundy spent over a decade at the SEC’s Chicago Regional Office and held various leadership roles within the Division of Enforcement and Division of Examinations. After his time at the SEC, Lundy served as associate general counsel at a futures and securities firm, handling matters involving complex futures, derivatives, and securities enforcement investigations and litigation.

“Jim adds significant expertise to the firm’s already deep bench of securities and enforcement litigators and further expands the capabilities of our team here in Chicago,” said Frank Pasquesi, managing partner of Foley’s Chicago office. “He is a strong cultural fit for Foley and will play a key role in growing our securities enforcement platform – both in Illinois and nationally. We are pleased to welcome him to the team.”

“Foley’s Securities Enforcement & Litigation Team is one of the best in the country,” said Lundy. “I’m excited to join the team and collaborate with this exceptional group of lawyers to advise clients on their most challenging matters.”

SEATTLE and SHANGHAI (May 5, 2022)—Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that Michael Wise has been appointed to managing partner of the firm’s Shanghai office. Michael is the chair of the firm’s Life Sciences & Healthcare industry group, as well as a patent litigator and portfolio management counselor.

“Michael’s deep knowledge and experience of China will continue to be of high value to our international clients and we know that Michael will be an inspiring and collaborative leader for our busy Shanghai office,” said Bill Malley, Perkins Coie’s firmwide managing partner. “Michael’s insights and understanding of China also stem from him having led the opening of our Shanghai office in 2006 and previously serving as the managing partner of both our Beijing and Shanghai offices.”

Michael’s practice focuses on patent portfolio management and contested patent matters in the life sciences industry. He has more than 30 years of patent counseling, procurement, and litigation experience handling district court patent litigation, inter partes review, and interference matters before the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). He also regularly advises academic institutions, research institutions, emerging companies, privately held companies, and publicly traded companies on protecting and enforcing their intellectual property rights.

“I’m energized by the opportunity to return to Shanghai to lead the firm’s office in one of the world’s preeminent centers for business, finance, science and technology, manufacturing, and academic research,” said Michael. “Our Shanghai office serves both multinational and Chinese clients, and we continue to see strong demand across a range of practice areas, including intellectual property matters, international trade, and cross-border transactions.”

In addition to his legal practice, Michael has been an active member of the Southern California Biomedical Council (SoCalBio), where he served as the chair of the annual SoCalBio Investor Conference and is the secretary of the board of directors. He further served on several national firm committees, including the Strategic Diversity Committee.

Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients’ success. With more than 1,200 lawyers in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory legal advice to a broad range of clients, including many of the world’s most innovative companies and industry leaders as well as public and not-for-profit organizations.

Semmes is pleased to announce that the firm’s principal Imran Shaukat has been elected to serve a three-year term as director of the Maritime Law Association of the United States(MLA).

A member of the firm’s Business Litigation and Maritime practice groups, Shaukat focuses his practice on litigation involving maritime-related matters and is active in several maritime organizations. He will continue to serve as chair of the MLA’s Continuing Legal Education Committee.

Shaukat received his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland.

Founded in 1899, the MLA focuses on improvements in U.S. maritime law. The MLA’s goals include advancing reforms to maritime law, facilitating justice and uniformity in the administration of the law, and serving as a forum for discussion of issues affecting maritime law. The MLA seeks to collaborate with other associations to bring about greater harmony in shipping laws, regulations, and practices of different nations.

MLA membership consists of lawyers involved in maritime matters, judges active in matters involving admiralty issues, admiralty law professors, and non-lawyers selected based on their positions in the maritime field.

– In a further expansion of its IP practice, Womble Bond Dickinson welcomes Kevin J. Davis, Ph.D., and Brandon W. Massengill as of counsels in the firm’s Houston and Raleigh offices, respectively.

Davis joins the Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Biotechnology team, and his practice includes patent preparation and prosecution, IP counseling and diligence, preparing opinions, and serving as counsel in proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He prepares and prosecutes patents in a broad spectrum of technologies within the energy, chemical, medical device, and pharmaceutical sectors. Massengill joins the Software and Electrical Engineering team and focuses on drafting and prosecuting patents, opinions, and counseling in several fields, including electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering; software technologies; and medical devices.

“Kevin and Brandon will add depth to our patent litigation bench and offer clients the benefit of their sharp technical knowledge,” said Christopher M. Humphrey, leader of the firm’s Patent Prosecution and Litigation group. “Intellectual property has long been an area of strength for the firm, and we continue to be committed to adding and retaining top-level talent in areas of client need, particularly in tech-focused markets like Houston and Raleigh.”

Last month, Womble announced the opening of an office in New York with the addition of a prestigious group of lawyers from IP boutique firm Abelman Frayne & Schwab.

Davis and Massengill join a team of 140 attorneys, patent agents, and technical advisors who help clients protect innovations and capitalize on the value of their IP in a competitive marketplace. More than 100 legal professionals are U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registered practitioners, including attorneys and agents. The team has more than 75 professionals with advanced degrees, 29 of whom have doctorates.

Kevin J. Davis, Ph.D.
Davis has a deep understanding of a variety of scientific and technical fields, including chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, biology, nanotechnology, geology, and upstream technology. His practice includes preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in the U.S. and coordinating foreign prosecution of patent portfolios.

His practice also includes patent due diligence, non-infringement, invalidity, freedom-to-operate, and patentability opinions for chemistry, pharmaceutical, and oil and gas clients. He has experience serving as counsel on inter partes review and derivation proceedings in front of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Prior to law school, Davis earned a doctorate in geology and geophysics from Rice University, where his work in geomicrobiology – performed in collaboration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory – earned several awards and grants. He also holds a Master of Science degree in geochemistry from Georgia Tech and two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Virginia, one in chemistry with a specialization in biochemistry and one in biology.

Brandon W. Massengill
Within the firm’s Patent Prosecution and Litigation practice, Massengill is an of counsel on the Software and Electrical Engineering team. He offers an ability to capitalize on synergies between the patent drafter, inventor, and respective company and has a talent for identifying, understanding, and protecting valuable technology.

With nearly a decade of experience, he focuses his practice on drafting and prosecuting patents, including portfolio building and managing, patent counseling, opinion work, product clearance, licensing and technology transactions, and IP mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Massengill counsels clients in various industries, including electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering; business; software technologies; and medical devices.

While attending law school, Massengill also earned a Master of Business Administration degree. He holds two Bachelor of Science degrees from North Carolina State University, one in civil engineering and one in electrical engineering.

In a further expansion of its IP practice, Womble Bond Dickinson welcomes Kevin J. Davis, Ph.D., and Brandon W. Massengill as of counsels in the firm’s Houston and Raleigh offices, respectively.

Davis joins the Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Biotechnology team, and his practice includes patent preparation and prosecution, IP counseling and diligence, preparing opinions, and serving as counsel in proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He prepares and prosecutes patents in a broad spectrum of technologies within the energy, chemical, medical device, and pharmaceutical sectors. Massengill joins the Software and Electrical Engineering team and focuses on drafting and prosecuting patents, opinions, and counseling in several fields, including electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering; software technologies; and medical devices.

“Kevin and Brandon will add depth to our patent litigation bench and offer clients the benefit of their sharp technical knowledge,” said Christopher M. Humphrey, leader of the firm’s Patent Prosecution and Litigation group. “Intellectual property has long been an area of strength for the firm, and we continue to be committed to adding and retaining top-level talent in areas of client need, particularly in tech-focused markets like Houston and Raleigh.”

Last month, Womble announced the opening of an office in New York with the addition of a prestigious group of lawyers from IP boutique firm Abelman Frayne & Schwab.

Davis and Massengill join a team of 140 attorneys, patent agents, and technical advisors who help clients protect innovations and capitalize on the value of their IP in a competitive marketplace. More than 100 legal professionals are U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registered practitioners, including attorneys and agents. The team has more than 75 professionals with advanced degrees, 29 of whom have doctorates.

Kevin J. Davis, Ph.D.
Davis has a deep understanding of a variety of scientific and technical fields, including chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, biology, nanotechnology, geology, and upstream technology. His practice includes preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in the U.S. and coordinating foreign prosecution of patent portfolios.

His practice also includes patent due diligence, non-infringement, invalidity, freedom-to-operate, and patentability opinions for chemistry, pharmaceutical, and oil and gas clients. He has experience serving as counsel on inter partes review and derivation proceedings in front of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Prior to law school, Davis earned a doctorate in geology and geophysics from Rice University, where his work in geomicrobiology – performed in collaboration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory – earned several awards and grants. He also holds a Master of Science degree in geochemistry from Georgia Tech and two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Virginia, one in chemistry with a specialization in biochemistry and one in biology.

Brandon W. Massengill
Within the firm’s Patent Prosecution and Litigation practice, Massengill is an of counsel on the Software and Electrical Engineering team. He offers an ability to capitalize on synergies between the patent drafter, inventor, and respective company and has a talent for identifying, understanding, and protecting valuable technology.

With nearly a decade of experience, he focuses his practice on drafting and prosecuting patents, including portfolio building and managing, patent counseling, opinion work, product clearance, licensing and technology transactions, and IP mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Massengill counsels clients in various industries, including electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering; business; software technologies; and medical devices.

While attending law school, Massengill also earned a Master of Business Administration degree. He holds two Bachelor of Science degrees from North Carolina State University, one in civil engineering and one in electrical engineering.

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About Womble Bond Dickinson
Womble Bond Dickinson is a transatlantic law firm with more than 1,100 lawyers based in 27 U.K. and U.S. office locations serving clients across every business sector. The firm provides core legal services including Commercial; Corporate; Employment and Pensions; Dispute Resolution and Litigation; Finance: Banking, Restructuring, Insolvency; I.P., Technology and Data; Private Wealth; Projects, Construction and Infrastructure; Real Estate; and Regulatory Law.

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

RumbergerKirk partner Rob Blank has been invited to become a member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC). Blank joins RumbergerKirk attorneys Dick Caldwell, Dan Gerber, LaShawnda Jackson, Larry Smith and Jennifer Thomas who are also members of FDCC. Membership into the FDCC is offered to those who have differentiated themselves professionally and personally and whose exemplary reputations have been earned.

“I am honored to have received an invitation to become a member of the FDCC, the premier professional trade association of vetted defense and corporate counsel and industry executives. I look forward to meeting and developing relationships with the other defense and corporate counsel members of the FDCC from all over the country. I am thankful to my mentor Dick Caldwell for nominating me.”

Founded in 1936, the FDCC provides members with access to unique and relevant opportunities to enhance their skills and leadership through productive meetings, knowledge sharing and active collaboration with their peers. The organization is dedicated to leading the legal profession by advancing the principles of integrity, professionalism, fair civil justice, intellectual capital, and fostering the trust and value of fellowship among FDCC peers.

RumbergerKirk provides litigation and counseling services in a wide range of civil practice areas including product liability, commercial litigation, construction, real estate, intellectual property litigation, securities litigation, labor and employment law, bankruptcy, insurance coverage, professional liability and administrative law. Offices are located in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Tallahassee and Birmingham, Alabama.

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Internationally recognized immigration law firm Grossman Young & Hammond (GYH) is pleased to announce an expansion in critical practice areas with the addition of new partner Patrick Taurel, as head of the firm’s Federal Litigation practice, and of counsel attorneys David Morris and Sheryl Winarick. The growth amplifies the firm’s strengths in complex immigration litigation, investor visa matters, and cases for the most talented and accomplished immigrants.

GYH founders and Co-Managing Partners Becki L. Young and Sandra Grossman expressed their excitement about the new additions.

Young noted, “We are thrilled to welcome Patrick, David and Sheryl to our firm as seasoned immigration attorneys and thought leaders who will help us continue to advocate for immigrants in the United States and educate U.S. citizens about the realities of immigration policy.”

Grossman added, “This expansion marks our firm’s pledge to consistently grow its capabilities and embrace a holistic approach to immigration advocacy to inspire meaningful change.”

Taurel focuses on litigating complex immigration cases in federal and immigration court and advising criminal defense counsel on the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. He brings more than a decade of experience as an advocate for immigrants, having worked for impactful non-profit immigrant rights organizations and leading immigration practices, including, most recently, the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Immigration Council, and Clark Hill PLC. Taurel received his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and his Bachelor of Arts from Brown University. He has been listed in Washingtonian’s “DC’s Best Lawyers” list since 2017.

“I am thrilled to join the talented and compassionate team at GYH to grow the firm’s federal litigation and removal defense practice,” Taurel said. “I have helped clients seek redress from federal courts when they encountered problems endemic in our broken immigration system, including unlawful detention, arbitrary decisions, and unreasonable delays, and I look forward to offering my services to GYH clients.”

For the past 20 years, Morris has represented foreign investors and regional centers in all aspects of the EB-5 investor visa program and has served as an expert witness on EB-5 legal issues in state and federal court. He is continually recognized as one of the “Top 25 Attorneys in the EB-5 Industry” by EB5 Investor Magazine. He also created and co-owns the DC Regional Center LLC, a regional center entity designated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2011, through which Morris has raised and deployed more than $400 million of EB-5 funds from 800 investors to help finance large commercial real estate development projects in the Washington, D.C., region. Morris is a regular speaker at major EB-5 industry conferences and is widely published, including as the senior editor of the leading EB-5 legal book in the field, “AILA Immigration Options for Investors & Entrepreneurs.” Morris received his J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law and his B.S. in political science from the University of New York College at Buffalo.

“I am excited about collaborating with the excellent attorneys and staff at GYH and to help their overseas clients obtain temporary and immigrant visas in support of their business and investment goals in the United States,” said Morris.

Winarick joins GYH as an attorney and thought leader/facilitator of meaningful discourse and connection among extraordinary immigrants and the U.S. communities that welcome them. For more than two decades, she has creatively helped individuals, families, businesses and organizations maximize their potential in the United States. She represents and advises clients on a wide range of immigration matters, including employment and family-based cases, consular processing, J1 waiver applications, and naturalization, with a focus on green cards and visas for “aliens of extraordinary ability.”

As a Resident at TED, a renowned nonprofit devoted to spreading powerful ideas particularly in the form of powerful talks, Winarick recently worked on a project to elevate and inform the conversation about migrants and refugees, including collaboration with TED organizers and other community leaders around the world to build bridges and deepen connection in their local communities through personal story-sharing. Winarick received her J.D. from the George Washington University Law School and her Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University.

“I am thrilled to join forces with GYH, to increase our capacity to serve ‘extraordinary aliens’ and all immigrants seeking to bring their unique gifts to the United States,” Winarick said. “I’m also excited to work with the firm to create a sense of community for our clients and to shine a light on their inspiring contributions to society.”

Grossman Young & Hammond is an internationally recognized law firm offering a full suite of immigration services including employment and family-based immigration, human rights issues, asylum, INTERPOL matters, and more. The firm and its attorneys are recognized by Chambers & Partners (U.S. & Global Guides), Washingtonian’s DC’s Best Lawyers List, Best Lawyers® (US News and World Report), Super Lawyers (Thompson Reuters), and more. To learn more, visit: https://www.grossmanyoung.com/.

TYLER, Texas – All three attorneys at Martin Walker PC have earned a place on Lawdragon’s list of 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers for 2022. The ranking by the legal media publication recognizes top attorneys who specialize in consumer-focused litigation.

The national legal guide honors partners and trial veterans Reid Martin and Jack Walker for their civil personal injury practice that ranges from catastrophic injury to medical malpractice cases.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Lawdragon and especially by our peers in the legal profession,” said Mr. Martin. “The quality of work we are able to provide for our clients is what means the most to us as a team.”

Mr. Martin has been Board Certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1997 and Mr. Waker since 1999. Both name partners have been honored on Lawdragon’s annual list for the last three years.

“The Lawdragon list is very thorough,” said Mr. Walker. “To be a part of it among other veteran lawyers is truly an honor. I am thankful to be honored for our hard work bringing justice to our clients.”

Attorney Marisa Allen also earned the recognition for her work in personal injury and civil appellate law, which she has been board-certified in since 2011.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Ms. Allen. “This list names so many esteemed professionals, and I am very grateful to be a part of it.”

Lawdragon is known for its carefully curated lists of the country’s leading lawyers and is considered by legal practitioners as one of the most respected legal ranking organizations in the country. Each year, the Lawdragon research team spends several months reviewing verdicts and settlements and working with peer-review boards to vet potential honorees.

To view Lawdragon’s fifth edition of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, click here.

About Martin Walker PC
Martin Walker PC is a Tyler-based law firm with significant trial expertise representing individuals statewide in high-stakes litigation, including medical malpractice, catastrophic injuries involving 18-wheeler accidents, oilfield injuries, wrongful death, and product liability. For more information visit: http://www.martinwalkerlaw.com/

Media Contact:
Mark Annick
800-559-4534
mark@androvett.com

Chamberlain Hrdlicka welcomes Senior Associate John Nail and Associate Reed Turry to the firm’s Atlanta office. Nail joins the nationally recognized Tax Controversy & Litigation practice, comprised of attorneys experienced in advising and representing taxpayers before federal, state and local taxing authorities and in all federal and state courts where tax disputes are litigated. Turry joins the Corporate, Securities, & Finance group, a team of seasoned attorneys who serve as general or special legal advisors to many public and privately-held companies, as well as partnerships, strategic alliances and joint ventures. These attorneys are the latest additions to Chamberlain’s rapidly growing Atlanta office.

John Nail
Nail’s practice focuses on representing clients in all aspects of matters involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), from examination and appeals to litigation in the U.S. Tax Court and Federal District Court. His considerable experience allows him to effectively counsel clients in tax matters, including disallowed deductions for charitable contributions, executive compensation and bad business debts; employment tax compliance; state sales and use tax audits; and collection activities. Nail also has experience counseling high net worth individuals and corporate clients on issues related to tax, estate and business planning. He handled disputes with the IRS and state taxing authorities related to deficiency proceedings, refund claims and collection activities while working at a firm in North Carolina. Super Lawyers listed Nail among North Carolina’s Rising Stars in 2019 and 2020, and Business North Carolina named him to the North Carolina Legal Elite in the areas of Tax and Estate Planning (2016) and Young Guns (2018 and 2019). Nail earned his undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston and his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law.

Reed H. Turry
Turry represents companies in a variety of transactional and corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, corporate finance, entity selection and corporate governance. He additionally serves as outside general counsel, advising clients on a broad range of corporate legal issues. While in law school, Turry gained experience working in both governmental entities and Fortune 500 companies, interning at SunTrust, The Home Depot, The Coca-Cola Company, the Federal Trade Commission, and the State of Georgia Attorney General Office’s Consumer Protection Division. This experience helps him understand his clients’ internal corporate and external regulatory environments, providing them with straightforward and insightful answers to a wide variety of legal questions. Turry is also a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US), representing specialized knowledge of the privacy and cybersecurity legal landscape. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.

About Chamberlain Hrdlicka
Chamberlain Hrdlicka is a diversified business firm with offices in Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia and San Antonio. The firm represents both public and private companies, as well as individuals and family-owned businesses across the nation. The firm offers counsel in appellate law, bankruptcy, commercial and probate litigation, construction law, corporate, employee benefits, energy and maritime law, ERISA, estate planning and administration, intellectual property, international and immigration law, labor and employment, privacy and data security, real estate, securities and finance, tax controversy and tax planning.

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Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Tripp Haston, a partner in the firm’s Birmingham office, has been named a 2022 Global Elite Thought Leader in the area of product liability defense by Who’s Who Legal (WWL).

The sixth edition of the WWL Thought Leaders: Global Elite includes a total of 27 attorneys recognized in product liability defense, with only 10 of those attorneys located in the United States. The guide focuses on individuals who obtained the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources during the research cycle. Honorees have demonstrated a high level of work, as well as an ability to innovate, inspire and go above and beyond to deliver for their clients.

“We congratulate Tripp on his continued recognition by Who’s Who Legal for his product liability defense work,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters. “It is a tremendous accomplishment to be considered among the top in your field, and Tripp’s inclusion in this prestigious list is a testament to his legal skill and to his commitment to providing exceptional client service.”

Mr. Haston is chair of the firm’s Life Sciences Litigation team and a member of the Product Liability team where he represents a broad spectrum of clients on regional, national and international engagements. He has served as national trial and coordinating counsel and as a national team member in individual actions, as well as in mass tort and multidistrict litigation. Mr. Haston has handled matters throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.

Bradley’s acclaimed Product Liability team represents clients in a variety of industries and jurisdictions throughout the state and federal court systems. Their representations involve litigation over a diverse range of consumer products, including tires, construction equipment, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, vehicles (both on- and off-road), component parts, industrial equipment, power tools and building products. These attorneys frequently serve in leadership roles on the legal defense teams for clients navigating litigation and mass claim matters.

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.

SEATTLE (MAY 9, 2022)—Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that David Lawson has joined the firm’s Trust & Estate Planning practice as a partner in the Seattle office.

David focuses his practice on advising tax-exempt organizations, philanthropists, and companies engaged in philanthropy and social-impact efforts. He provides tax advice to tax-exempt organizations, and counsels clients on matters related to nonprofit governance, philanthropic structuring, and charitable trust and solicitation compliance. His clients include foundations, nonprofit healthcare organizations, trade associations, universities, social service providers, and socially minded businesses.

“David has a highly successful track record and over a decade of experience assisting clients with complex transactions and tax planning matters,” said Scott Wallace, chair of Perkins Coie’s Trust & Estate Planning practice. “Attorneys with David’s level of experience in the exempt organization space are scarce, and his practice and deep knowledge in this area will support the group not only in Seattle and Bellevue, but across the entire firm.”

David also has experience handling investigations and examinations by the IRS and state attorneys general, and he frequently works closely with federal and state agencies that oversee tax-exempt organizations and nonprofits. He also assists clients in navigating transactions such as spinoffs and joint ventures, and in resolving complex, high-stakes corporate governance and management issues.

“David has an exemplary reputation throughout the Pacific Northwest as a high-caliber tax-exempt organizations attorney who helps his clients succeed,” said Perkins Coie’s Seattle office managing partner James Williams. “The charitable space is a growing and evolving industry for personal planning and David is well qualified to counsel our many charitable clients in the region and beyond.”

David received his J.D. from Harvard University and his M.Mus. and B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Washington. He serves as the chair of the Washington State Bar Association Nonprofit Corporations Committee. David joins Perkins Coie from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP.

Perkins Coie’s Trust & Estate Planning team works with families and high-net-worth individuals, helping them define and meet their estate planning needs. Members of the Trust & Estate Planning practice provide tailored planning for owners of closely held businesses, senior officers of public companies, and entrepreneurs. The planning may involve managing financial resources through the strategic use of trusts, gifts, sales, and other income- and wealth-transfer devices. The team implements family and philanthropic goals while minimizing income, gift, and estate taxes.

Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients’ success. With more than 1,200 lawyers in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory legal advice to a broad range of clients, including many of the world’s most innovative companies and industry leaders as well as public and not-for-profit organizations.

Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) is pleased to announce the addition of Spring Health, a new mental wellness benefit for attorneys and staff. The personalized mental health care platform deepens NGE’s commitment to the whole well-being of its employees.

“The pandemic clearly emphasized the need for the legal community to prioritize mental health and wellness, topics that were stigmatized for too long in our industry,” said Bobby Gerber, NGE’s Managing Partner. “At NGE, we put our people first. We are excited to provide this new offering and hope that it becomes a valuable resource for everyone at the firm.”

Spring Health provides personalized, private, and confidential mental health care. NGE staff, attorneys, and their dependents will have access to an array of tools to support their mental health, no matter how small, including six therapy sessions each calendar year through a diverse network of providers, a dedicated care navigation team, a digital library of self-guided wellness exercises, and professional coaching.

“Mental health is more important than it’s ever been. While we at NGE have long focused on the well-being of our employees as a vital part of our culture, we believe that by offering Spring Health’s services to every member of our firm, we are re-affirming our commitment to serve the whole person, across every aspect of their life,” said Sonia Menon, NGE Chief Operating Officer.

Spring Health bolsters the firm’s health and well-being offerings available to all attorneys and staff, which includes Homethrive, announced in early 2020, and subsequent additions of LifeLock and Headspace. You can learn more about the firm’s Being Well initiatives here.