Jackson Walker is pleased to announce S. Priya Coffey and Michael E. Taten have been appointed as managing partners of the Houston and Dallas offices, respectively.

“Jackson Walker has been fortunate to have decades of strong leadership in each of our offices across Texas, and Priya and Mike are part of the next generation of those leaders,” Firmwide Managing Partner Wade Cooper said. “Under the guidance of Kurt Nondorf and David Moran, the Houston and Dallas offices have grown substantially, and our advancement over the past 10 years is just incredible. Kurt and David established a strong foundation that Priya and Mike will build upon.”

A partner in the Real Estate practice, Priya assists clients with complex commercial real estate transactions, including the representation of buyers and sellers in the acquisition and disposition of raw land, office buildings and retail centers, and the representation of landlords and tenants in commercial office building leases and retail leases.

Outside of her practice, Priya serves on Jackson Walker’s Management and Compensation committees, the Board of Directors of Recipe for Success, and the University of Chicago’s Houston Regional Council. She is also a member of the South Asian Bar Association of Houston, the Houston chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women, and The Junior League of Houston, Inc. In addition, Priya stepped up to help the Houston community in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Under her leadership, Jackson Walker attorneys and staff volunteered more than 2,000 hours toward providing relief by collecting monetary contributions, coordinating volunteer and pro bono efforts, and reaching out to displaced clients and those in the legal community who were affected by the floods.

In honor of her leadership excellence and commitment to the community, the Texas Diversity Council recognized Priya among the Top 50 Women Lawyers of Houston in 2017.

On her appointment, Priya noted: “I am so proud and happy to serve the Firm. It is my honor and privilege to work with so many of my friends and colleagues to advance the interests of the Firm and our clients. We would not be where we are without extraordinary leaders like Kurt Nondorf who have worked tirelessly to expand our client base, promote diversity and preserve the Firm’s culture — all reasons why I have stayed at Jackson Walker for over 20 years. I cannot thank them enough for the past years, and I am excited about the future.”

With her appointment, Priya is the third woman—and the first woman of color—to serve as an office managing partner in the Firm’s history. Currently, Julia W. Mann serves as Managing Partner of the San Antonio office, a role she was appointed to last year.

Priya earned her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law, M.Sc. from the London School of Economics, and B.A. from The University of Chicago.

Mike focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, corporate transactions, joint ventures, executive employment and compensation arrangements, equity financing transactions, and corporate governance. His clients represent a diversity of industry sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, technology, and service providers. Since 2014, Mike has been recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer” in Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers list.

In addition to his practice, Mike has held leadership roles within the Firm as a chair of the Dallas Corporate & Securities practice group, a three-year member of the Management Committee – for which he was recently re-elected to serve a second term, and a member of the Compensation Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Regional Chamber.

“Jackson Walker’s culture has been foundational to our commitment to excellence in client service and our success as a firm, and it is the chief ingredient in making our office such a great place to work,” Mike said. “David Moran has set a superlative example of service for all of us, and it is a privilege and an honor to follow in his footsteps. I look forward to carrying those traditions forward together with my colleagues.”

Mike received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law and his A.B. from Stanford University.

Meet JW

Founded more than 130 years ago, Jackson Walker has played a vital role in the growth and development of Texas business. With more than 400 attorneys across seven Texas-based offices, the Firm represents Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, major financial institutions, insurance companies, and a wide range of public companies and private businesses around the globe. The Firm is ranked nationally in 27 practice areas in the U.S. News’ “Best Law Firms” rankings, has eight Chambers USA-ranked practices and 16 practice areas with Chambers-ranked attorneys, and has been recognized on the BTI Client Service A-Team since 2014. Learn more at JW.com.

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the election of 11 attorneys to partnership on Friday, February 7, 2020. The new partners in each city are:

• Austin: Denise Rose, Carlos Treviño
• Dallas: Joseph Guajardo, Kelly Hodge, Natalie Kosydar, James McFall, David Schlottman
• Houston: Briggs Knight, Trey McDonald, Kristhy Peguero
• San Antonio: Shari Mao

“At Jackson Walker, we’re proud of our people-centric culture and our commitment to recruiting, developing, and advancing talented lawyers,” Firmwide Managing Partner Wade Cooper said. “We realize that recruiting talent is great, but if we don’t help set them up for success, we haven’t accomplished much. From the start, we are invested in their future and give them responsibility early on, all with the goal of preparing them for partnership and ultimately a leadership role within the Firm.”

Joe Guajardo
Dallas, Corporate & Securities

Joseph T. Guajardo is an experienced transactional lawyer who works closely with clients in a full range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private placement of debt and equity securities, entity formation and governance, joint ventures, and general corporate counseling. In addition to his extensive M&A work in the healthcare sector, Joe also represents clients in the energy, manufacturing, real estate, and technology industries. He received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center and his B.B.A. from the University of Houston.

Kelly Hodge
Dallas, Finance & Banking

Kelly S. Hodge’s real estate finance experience includes the negotiation, structuring, and documentation of construction; interim and permanent financing for multifamily properties, office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, car dealerships, industrial properties, and residential properties; and transactions involving Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). He also represents borrowers and lenders in the restructuring of troubled credit facilities and foreclosure on real estate. Outside of his practice, he volunteers his time as a Level C1 Referee for the Texas Rugby Referee Association and as a Director for the Young Risk Manager’s Association. Kelly received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Baylor University School of Law and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Texas A&M University.

Briggs Knight
Houston, Real Estate

Briggs A. Knight represents purchasers, owners, and developers in connection with the acquisition, disposition, leasing, and development of improved and unimproved real property. Additionally, he handles lending transactions secured by or involving real estate, including retail, office, industrial, and multifamily projects and related personal property. He received his J.D., with honors, from the University of Houston Law Center. He also graduated from Louisiana State University with his B.S. and M.B.A., both with honors.

Natalie Kosydar
Dallas, Corporate & Securities

Natalie M. Kosydar is a transactional attorney specializing in complex mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate transactions, executive employment and compensation arrangements, equity financing transactions, and corporate governance. Outside of her practice, Natalie serves on Jackson Walker’s Recruiting Committee and is a regular contributor to Nepris as a mentor to students of all levels. Natalie received her J.D., cum laude, from the Notre Dame Law School and her B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Michigan.

Shari Mao
San Antonio, Corporate & Securities

Shari Y. Mao represents privately held clients in a variety of general corporate matters, including entity formation, corporate governance, financings, and divestitures. In 2015, the Bexar County Women’s Bar Foundation honored Shari with the Belva Lockwood Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. She has also been recognized by San Antonio Scene as a Best S.A. Lawyer since 2017 and a Rising Star Lawyer in 2018. In addition to her practice, Shari serves on the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from St. Mary’s University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Duke University.

Trey McDonald
Houston, Trial & Appellate Litigation

William “Trey” A.I. McDonald III practices media litigation and complex commercial litigation with a focus on First Amendment, defamation, false advertising, and Lanham Act claims. In addition to his practice, Trey serves on the University of Texas School of Law Young Alumni Steering Committee, the OneGoal Houston young professional board, and the Sweat Equity Group board of directors. He also enjoys raising money for Houston-area nonprofits that uplift minority communities though his annual One Night event. Trey is also a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. Recently, Trey was selected to The National Black Lawyers’ “Top 40 Under 40” list. He received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Morehouse College and studied as an exchange fellow at Stanford University.

James McFall
Dallas & San Antonio, Trial & Appellate Litigation

James Carlos McFall focuses his practice on  media, sports, entertainment, and complex commercial litigation, including cases of alleged fraud, tortious interference, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and theft of trade secrets. He has represented clients in federal and state courts Texas and California. James has been named a “Rising Star” in Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers from 2017-2018 and in 2020. Outside of his practice, James volunteers his time as Board President of the Windcrest/Northeast Bridge Builders, as a Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s First Amendment and Media Law Diversity Moot Court Competition, and as a Board Member of Kids-U. He received his J.D. from Washington University School of Law and his M.A. and B.A. from Stanford University. James has been admitted to practice in California and Texas.

Kristhy Peguero
Houston, Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery

Kristhy M. Peguero represents debtors, financial institutions, creditors’ committees, and other creditors in Chapter 11 proceedings. Outside of her practice, Kristhy volunteers her time as a Trustee of the Association of Women Attorneys Foundation. She is also a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. Kristhy received her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and her B.A., with honors, from the University of Miami. She has been admitted to practice in Delaware and Texas.

Denise Rose
Austin, Government Relations, Public Policy, & Regulatory Law

Having worked in and around the Texas Capitol for over a decade, Denise Rose provides effective strategic counsel to clients on a wide variety of issues, including but not limited to Medicaid and hospital finance, special utility districts, occupational licensing, healthcare quality, and agency rulemaking processes and requests for proposals. In 2019, Denise was recognized as a “Rising Star” in the Lobby Power Rankings from Capitol Inside. In addition to her practice, Denise volunteers her time with the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, Texans Care for Children, the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, Dress for Success Austin, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and GENAustin. She was also selected to participate in the Leadership Texas Class of 2020. Denise received her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and her B.S. from the University of Oklahoma.

David Schlottman
Dallas, Labor & Employment

David Schlottman is an adviser and litigator who focuses on complex cases involving employees, the workplace, and related business disputes. He has been recognized in the labor and employment field as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” by D Magazine. In addition to his practice, David serves on the Board of Directors of the Community Partners of Dallas and on the leadership councils for both the State Bar of Texas Labor and Employment Law Section and the Labor & Employment Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association. He received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Baylor Law School and his B.A., with high honors, from Abilene Christian University.

Carlos Treviño
Austin, Corporate & Securities

Carlos R. Treviño handles domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and general corporate matters. Outside of his practice, he is an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law. Carlos received his LL.M. from UT School of Law, his M.B.A. from Thunderbird School of Global Management and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, and his LL.B. from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. He has been admitted to practice in Mexico and Texas.

Meet JW

Founded more than 130 years ago, Jackson Walker has played a vital role in the growth and development of Texas business. With more than 400 attorneys across seven Texas-based offices, the Firm represents Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, major financial institutions, insurance companies, and a wide range of public companies and private businesses around the globe. The Firm is ranked nationally in 27 practice areas in the U.S. News’ “Best Law Firms” rankings, has eight Chambers USA-ranked practices and 16 practice areas with Chambers-ranked attorneys, and has been recognized on the BTI Client Service A-Team since 2014. Learn more at JW.com.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Jonathan H. Ferry, most recently an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, has joined the firm’s Charlotte office as a partner in the Government Enforcement and Investigations Practice Group.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Jon to our firm and our team of distinguished attorneys who represent clients in government and internal investigations,” said Bradley Charlotte Office Managing Partner Christopher C. Lam. “As a former federal prosecutor, Jon is well versed in the numerous enforcement challenges that businesses face across diverse and highly regulated industries.”

“Jon is a highly accomplished prosecutor who has handled some of the largest investigations involving the healthcare, financial services, and other industries in North Carolina. He will be an asset to our clients and a great addition to our government enforcement and white collar defense team, which is among the largest and deepest in the region, with seasoned defense attorneys and former prosecutors in offices in Texas, Washington, D.C., and across the Southeast,” said Ty E. Howard, chair of Bradley’s Government Enforcement and Investigations Practice Group.

Mr. Ferry focuses his practice primarily on Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) violations, procurement and mortgage fraud, as well as fraud involving the Small Business Administration, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Housing and Urban Development. He has extensive knowledge of healthcare statutes and regulations, including the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Stark Law, and the Food Drug and Cosmetics Act, and their application to various business arrangements and marketing activities.

As an AUSA, Mr. Ferry served as the healthcare fraud coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and led the affirmative civil enforcement department. He developed the Healthcare Fraud False Claims Act program and recovered over $280 million in government program funds. Previously, Mr. Ferry served as Assistant General Counsel for the Central Intelligence Agency, where he was deputy chief of the High Value Terrorist Prosecution Task Force.

Mr. Ferry has been a frequent speaker on healthcare fraud matters for the ABA Healthcare Fraud Conference (Stark Law developments), North Carolina Association of Health Care Attorneys, the Taxpayer’s Against Fraud National Conference and continuing legal education events. Mr. Ferry also served on the faculty at the Department of Justice’s National Advocacy Training Center.

Mr. Ferry received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. Judge Larry Edmondson on the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

Bradley’s Government Enforcement and Investigations Practice Group is made up of numerous former federal prosecutors and accomplished civil litigators, as well as seasoned defense attorneys with decades of government and industry experience. The group’s attorneys handle a full range of legal matters, ranging from high-stakes regulatory and civil enforcement to white-collar and criminal enforcement.

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 over 500 lawyers represent regional, national and international clients in various industries, including financial services, healthcare, life sciences, real estate, construction, technology, energy, insurance, and entertainment, among many others.

During the month of January, Jackson Walker proudly welcomed Joe Flack, David Parker, and John Wittenberg as partners in the Houston and San Antonio offices. In addition, the Firm added Dana Murphy as senior counsel in the Dallas office.

“We’re proud to kick off 2020 with the addition of four lateral attorneys who each bring proven track records of obtaining successful results for regional and national clients in the energy, finance, and corporate sectors,” Managing Partner Wade Cooper said. “The new year is off to a great start as we continue to build on our strategic hiring efforts and serve our clients in the robust Texas market and around the country.”

Meet Joe

Focused on oil and gas transactions, Joe F. Flack’s substantial upstream representations include buyers and sellers in acquisitions and divestitures, borrowers and lenders in reserve-based lending transactions, and grantors and grantees in conveyancing transactions. He also has led various diligence examinations with regards to property and title issues.

Additionally, Joe has handled midstream matters for gatherers and producers/shippers in gathering agreements, and processors and producers in processing agreements. He also offers broad experience related to energy transactions, including exploration and development agreements, farmout agreements, participation agreements, joint operating agreements, gas gathering agreements, processing agreements, and oil and gas leases.

“Jackson Walker has a long-established presence in the energy sector—especially in the state of Texas,” Joe said. “I am proud to join this leading team and leverage my experience handling oil and gas transactions to help solve clients’ complex legal issues.”

On welcoming Joe to the Firm, Energy Practice Chair Mike Pearson noted, “We have a proud legacy of providing cutting-edge legal advice to energy businesses in Texas and nationwide. With Texas leading the nation in energy production, Jackson Walker has had great success in providing counsel in every segment of the industry. We’re excited to have Joe join our team as he adds breadth and depth to our experience in upstream and midstream energy transactions, including in particular acquisitions and dispositions, and energy finance.”

Joe received both his J.D. and B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin.

Meet David

David Parker focuses on all facets of development, leasing, and the acquisition, disposition, construction, and financing of various real estate projects. His representative clients vary widely across numerous industries, including oilfield services, healthcare, retail, and industrial, residential, office, and mixed-use developments. Prior to private practice, David was an analyst and lender at a leading Texas bank.

“Jackson Walker has established itself as a leading law firm in the real estate industry and has handled many high-profile real estate transactions within Texas and across the nation,” David said. “I am excited to join an elite group of attorneys who practice across a broad spectrum of areas, while also offering great value to my clients.”

Houston Real Estate Chair Lewis Kasner noted: “The Houston office is thrilled to have David join our team. Real Estate is a core practice area at Jackson Walker, with the Firm maintaining one of the largest real estate groups in Texas and Houston. David represents our strategic vision to grow the size and expertise of our real estate practice, and our ability to handle all facets of buying, selling, financing, developing, and operating commercial real estate.”

David received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and his B.B.A., cum laude, from Texas Tech University.

Meet John

Bringing previous experience as an executive vice president and corporate counsel at one of the 60 largest U.S. banks, John D. Wittenberg, Jr. represents banks and other financial services companies on commercial finance, real estate finance, equipment finance, and business transactions.

With nearly 30 years of multifaceted and multidisciplinary transaction experience, John concentrates on syndicated transactions, direct lending transactions, secured financings, acquisition and bridge financings, refinancing facilities, loan workouts and restructurings, and other types of complex credit facilities. He also has significant experience handling regulatory compliance, vendor contract, capital markets, public funds, and treasury management matters, along with commercial real estate—acquisition, disposition, leasing, and development—transactions.

On his decision to return to private practice, John said, “The opportunity to help Jackson Walker enhance and expand its banking and financial services practice and contribute to its Real Estate practice is exciting and compelling. I’m honored to be a member of the JW team.”

“A number of our attorneys have known and worked with John over the years, and his extensive banking and financial services experience are a terrific fit for us,” said Debbie Robinowitz, who chairs the Firm’s Finance & Banking practice. “With the dual-lens perspective and client-centric approach that John brings to our Finance team, we can continue to expand our presence in commercial and real estate lending markets locally, regionally, and nationally.”

John received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and his B.A. in Economics, summa cum laude, from St. Mary’s University.

Meet Dana

Dana F. Murphy counsels high-net worth individuals, family-owned businesses, publicly traded entities, and private equity and operational investors related to mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and commercial contracts. In her practice, she handles entity formation and structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and drafting and negotiating loan instruments, master services agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, and real property transfer documentation.

“What drew me to Jackson Walker was the fact that it’s a regional firm that isn’t small,” Dana said. “I look forward to growing my practice while working at a law firm that is known for its mid-market transactions for investment funds as well as M&A deals.”

“Dana’s broad experience in corporate matters, specifically related to corporate governance and complex commercial contracts, is a strong value add for our clients,” said Mike Taten, who chairs the Dallas office’s Corporate & Securities practice.

Dana received her B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Mississippi and her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law.

Meet JW

Founded more than 130 years ago, Jackson Walker has played a vital role in the growth and development of Texas business. With more than 400 attorneys across seven Texas-based offices, the Firm represents Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, major financial institutions, insurance companies, and a wide range of public companies and private businesses around the globe. The Firm is ranked nationally in 27 practice areas in the U.S. News’ “Best Law Firms” rankings, has eight Chambers USA-ranked practices and 16 practice areas with Chambers-ranked attorneys, and has been recognized on the BTI Client Service A-Team since 2014. Learn more at JW.com.

Alicia Sienne Voltmer, of counsel in the Dallas office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, served as lead counsel for Paul Quinn College, a nationally recognized Historically Black College, in the Rebecca Musser v. Paul Quinn College (PQC) case, wherein Musser, a former PQC employee, alleged retaliatory discharge under the federal False Claims Act (FCA). In a matter with facts that spanned an eight-year period, Voltmer secured summary judgment for PQC and Musser appealed.

In an opinion issued this week and designated for publication, the Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for PQC and found that Musser could not establish that PQC’s legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for her discharge, including poor performance and a reorganization, were pretextual. According to the Court, no reasonable juror could conclude Musser’s firing was due to retaliation for engaging in protected activity.

Learn how this eight-year matter was ultimately resolved.

60%-80% of B2B deals are governed by contracts, but 85% of companies are still using manual processes to manage those contracts. Your organization might be one of them. If it is, you know about how slow the contract cycle can be and the headaches that come with contract negotiations.

You may have experienced in the past the frustration of hunting for the latest version of the contract, or worse, sending redlines that you added to an out-of-date version. If you’re in sales, you’ve spent time tapping your foot waiting on feedback and approval from the legal team, fingers crossed that you can close this deal before end of quarter.

Download this eBook

Campaign raises awareness in support of American Heart Association

WASHINGTON (Feb. 10, 2020) Local heart attack survivor John Harrity, managing partner of Harrity & Harrity, LLP, has launched a campaign to raise awareness and support for the American Heart Association with a unique challenge, dubbed the “Keep the Beat Challenge.” The campaign kicked off on February 1^st in alignment with the start of American Heart Month, a federally designated program founded in the 1960s to raise awareness of the prevalence of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the world today.

The challenge began with a video featuring Harrity performing an original rap about the disease, after which he challenged several others to “keep the beat going.” The challenge is intended to encourage communities nationwide to focus on heart health, educate individuals on preventing heart disease, and generate support for the American Heart Association.

The cause is particularly meaningful to Harrity, who, despite showing no risk factors for heart disease, suffered a near fatal “widow-maker” heart attack in 2016.

“I was in the best shape of my life, and I experienced the worst type of heart attack you can have. Hours later, at the hospital, my situation got gravely worse. I experienced bleeding into my lungs, which sent me into respiratory distress, and eventually led to multiple organ failure. During that first day in the hospital, my wife was told more than a half of a dozen times that the chances of me surviving were very slim. My cardiologist said the odds of me making it through those first few weeks were a million to one,” said Harrity.

Harrity was fortunately with friends, who quickly called 9-1-1 and administered CPR before the ambulance rushed him, unconscious, to the hospital.  Harrity spent three weeks in a coma and an additional five weeks of grueling recovery in an intensive care unit in Virginia. Despite his doctor’s unfavorable odds, Harrity survived the attack and made an incredible recovery. His unlikely rehabilitation compelled him to implement a giving back initiative at his firm, with a focus on the crucial work of the American Heart Association.

“From the second I woke up and understood what had happened, I was laser focused on two things: getting back to 100% and ensuring that I don’t waste my heart attack. If I just went back to my old way of life, then this traumatic experience would have been for nothing. I have no intention of wasting my heart attack. During the following five weeks, as I lay in intensive care regaining my ability to speak and move, my twin brother and I had many conversations. We knew we needed to do more, we needed to be purpose driven. It was in that bed at Fairfax Hospital that the foundation for Harrity 4 Charity, our giving back initiative, was born.”

However, Harrity wasn’t done there. Inspired by the success of the “Ice Bucket Challenge,” which raised over $115 million in one summer for the ALS Association, Harrity crafted the idea of Keep the Beat. The goal of challenge is to spread awareness of the reality of heart disease and the mission behind the American Heart Association. One-hundred percent of donations raised by the challenge go directly to the American Heart Association through a text-to-donate number and heart.org webpage and will fund research, prevention, and treatments of this universal killer- instrumental factors in decreasing the shocking mortality rate by heart disease and stroke worldwide.

“When you participate in the Keep the Beat Challenge, you are supporting the American Heart Association, and serving as a beacon for others to support our lifesaving mission in a unique and powerful way! Thank you for joining us in the fight against heart disease; the number one killer of all Americans. Together, we are a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives!” said Soula Antoniou, Executive Director of the American Heart Association.

To participate, upload a video to social media of yourself keeping a beat in honor of American Heart Month and challenge at least three others to do the same. Tag and follow the Keep the Beat Challenge on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and the hashtags #KeeptheBeat and #Harrity4Charity to watch challenge videos and learn more about the campaign.

To hear John’s whole story and to donate to the Keep the Beat Challenge for the American Heart Association, visit the Heart.org Campaign Page or text “KEEPTHEBEAT” to 41444 .

About Harrity 4 Charity

Harrity 4 Charity represents a partnering of law firm Harrity & Harrity, LLP, with charities that are near and dear to our hearts. Harrity partners pledge to give five percent of profits to partner charities and all Harrity employees pledge to donate a portion of their paychecks. Harrity & Harrity is a patent preparation and prosecution firm specializing in the electrical and mechanical technology areas and is considered a Go-To Firm for the Patent 300®. Our clients have come to trust in our high-quality work, experienced people, industry leading innovation, and outstanding service. For more information, visit harrityllp.com.

RumbergerKirk has elected three new partners to the firm including Brett Carey and Samantha Duke in Orlando and Abigail Roberts in Miami.

Brett Carey

An extremely versatile attorney, Brett Carey practices in the areas of insurance coverage and bad faith, employment, and commercial litigation. He represents insurers in first and third party coverage matters, including claims involving personal and commercial lines of insurance, and claims involving extra-contractual liability and bad faith disputes. He also has extensive experience representing insurance companies and other clients in contract disputes, claims of fraud and misrepresentation and other commercial litigation.

Carey is an active member of The Florida Bar Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He also participates in RumbergerKirk’s annual pipeline program known as Street Law, which introduces local high school students to topics and careers in the legal field. Carey also mentors law students in the firm’s Summer Associate Program, a program he participated in before joining the firm. He graduated, magna cum laude, from Florida State University College of Law in 2011 and from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing.

Samantha Duke

Samantha Duke practices in the areas of commercial litigation and product liability. She defends clients in Florida and multi-state consumer protection class actions including false advertising and violations of state consumer protection acts, such as the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA). In 2016, Duke was an integral member of a team in securing a denial of class certification in a multi-state putative class action venued in the Northern District of California. She recently played a large role in drafting the petition to the FCC for Amerifactors Financial Group, LLC where the FCC ruled in favor of the petition that online fax services are outside the scope of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

Duke also represents companies in commercial litigation and product liability matters, defending manufacturers of a variety of products including automobiles, personal watercraft, motorcycles and medical devices. She graduated, magna cum laude, from the University of Florida College of Law in 2011 and graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Art History.

Abigail Roberts

Abigail Roberts practices in the areas of aviation law, drone law and appeals. She represents airlines in matters involving the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions, negligence claims, security issues, as well as catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Roberts played a large role in the successful defense of the American Airlines Flight 331 crash in Kingston, Jamaica in December 2009.

She is dedicated to serving individual, corporate and government clients in all aspects of drone law and litigation including assistance with obtaining airspace and operational waivers under Part 107, obtaining Public Certificates of Authorization or Waiver (Public COAs), policies and procedures for drone programs, and regulatory compliance. Roberts monitors the latest developments in the drone law industry and is published frequently regarding the legal developments in this emerging area of law.

Roberts graduated from the University of Miami Law School, cum laude, in 2007 and from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, with highest distinction.

Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell has rebranded to become RumbergerKirk, revealing a new, modern brand identity and website. In part, the refreshed brand is a result of the firm’s market research showing that clients and recruits respond favorably to more contemporary styles and shorter names. The new look and name reflects the regional litigation firm’s commitment to its core values of trust, mentorship, courage and diversity, while offering clients, colleagues and the community a more engaging, user-friendly experience across all of the firm’s communications channels.

The firm’s Director of Marketing, Marisa Eubanks, spearheaded the initiative working closely with the firm’s leadership team and Orlando-based creative agency Big Vision. Drawing upon insights from clients, colleagues and community partners, the new look is a dynamic visual representation of the firm’s personality and collaborative nature.

In addition to introducing a clean and minimal aesthetic, RumbergerKirk made significant enhancements to its website, which now offers an improved user experience. “Clients and recruits will be able to find the information they’re seeking easily —from attorney insights to details about the kind of work we do, and what recruits can expect from a career with us,” said Eubanks.

The brand exemplifies RumbergerKirk’s unique culture and commitment to the community, which has made it a trusted leader in the legal services industry for more than 40 years.

To experience the firm’s new brand identity and learn more about RumbergerKirk, please visit www.rumberger.com.

ORLANDO, Fla., – RumbergerKirk announces the return of former partner Larry Smith as of counsel and new partner Jennifer Smith Thomas to the firm’s Orlando office. Smith brings deep experience in product liability and catastrophic injury litigation. In addition to working in product and casualty defense, Smith Thomas also brings with her a commercial litigation background.

Larry D. Smith

Smith comes back to RumbergerKirk from Southern Trial Counsel | PLC where he was a founding partner. For more than 30 years, he has defended complex, high exposure product liability cases for automotive and medical device and drug manufacturers, as well as primary and excess insurance companies.

Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with Great Honor from the University of North Alabama, and his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Jennifer Smith Thomas

Also from Southern Trial Counsel | PLC, Smith Thomas focuses her practice on product and premises liability defense, both risk management pre-suit and after litigation has been initiated, as well as commercial litigation. She serves on the Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors as a Ninth Judicial Circuit Representative and will remain active with Orange County Bar Association committee work and voluntary bar organizations.

Smith Thomas received her bachelor’s degree from Mercer University in Macon, triple-majoring in Criminal Justice, Political Science, and International Relations. She graduated from Barry University School of Law in 2008.

Stephens Law is a premier law firm focused exclusively on handling serious personal injury and wrongful death claims. We have over two decades of experience and a proven track record of success in helping individuals and families who have been harmed by the wrongdoing or negligence of others.

Our team is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in everything we do, while providing trustworthy, compassionate representation to our clients. We leverage our vast experience, cutting edge technology, advanced resources, unquestionable preparedness, and our reputation to pursue the best results for our clients.

We seek to maximize our client’s restitution and compensation, while understanding that families and loved ones will likely never fully know their old way of life again. We strive to be “Difference Makers” and to be true advocates for the seriously injured. At Stephens Law, we take your trust seriously and personally and always seek to serve our clients and our community with honor and integrity.

If you or someone you knows ever needs a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer with a proven record of success in the courtroom, please give us a call to see how we can help.

Michael Best is pleased to announce the addition of nine partners as members of its LLC.

The new partners include:

Eric J. Callisto—Energy Law, Madison
Callisto is the chair of the firm’s Regulatory practice group. Callisto has extensive experience in energy and environmental matters, particularly the regulation of utilities at both the state and federal levels. He helps clients with regulatory filings and issues before state public utility commissions, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) audits and investigations, and electric transmission and Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) policy matters.

Adrienne S. Ehrhardt, Privacy & Cybersecurity, Madison
As chair of the firm’s Privacy & Cybersecurity practice group, Ehrhardt is known to give practical and actionable legal advice. She counsels clients on the many complex aspects of privacy and data management matters. Her extensive background includes experience with issues relating to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as well as privacy programs and cyber security issues.

Denise L. Greathouse, Labor & Employment Relations, Milwaukee
Greathouse is a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment practice group. She represents management clients in regard to labor and employment matters. Clients rely on Greathouse’s informed guidance involving OSHA and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issues, workplace investigations, labor arbitration, employment tort and breach of contract lawsuits, employee safety and health, Medicare/Medicaid billing disputes and Social Security disability

Michelle E. Kouba, Intellectual Property, Chicago
Kouba handles all aspects of U.S. and international trademark law, helping clients build and protect their IP portfolios while providing actionable advice on brand management. Her practice focuses primarily on clearance, prosecution, and enforcement matters. Her practice focuses primarily on clearance, prosecution, and enforcement matters. She has experience handling proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and coordinating foreign trademark enforcement and litigation for clients based in the U.S. and around the world.

Molly S. Lawson, Intellectual Property, Milwaukee
Lawson is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group experienced in all phases of obtaining patent protection both in the United States and internationally. Her patent prosecution and patent clearance practice is focused on computer software and hardware technologies, including wireless networks and communication protocols, vehicle and industrial machinery control systems, including RFID technology and near-field communications, imaging systems and applications (including computed tomography and radiographic image creation, analysis, and management), productivity and messaging software and services, cryptographic and security applications, and web-based applications and business methods.

Lee M. Seese, Litigation, Milwaukee
Seese is a member of the firm’s Litigation practice group with substantial experience in insurance recovery, complex commercial litigation, product liability, and construction matters. He is well versed in all aspects of pre-trial litigation and has tried cases before state and federal courts. His appellate work is also noteworthy, including arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Ryan T. Sulkin, Privacy & Cybersecurity, Chicago
Bringing a robust background in privacy and cybersecurity, Sulkin focuses his practice in the areas of information technology, outsourcing, data protection, licensing, e-commerce, and intellectual property. He serves clients across industry sectors, including financial services, hospitality, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Sulkin’s experience with privacy and cybersecurity issues includes compliance with multinational regulatory requirements (specifically cross-border data transfers), evaluation and negotiation of agreements for cloud-based solutions, creation of website privacy policies and terms of use, investigation and management of potential data security incidents, and compliance with PCI-DSS and applicable breach notification laws.

David J. Trautschold, Intellectual Property, Milwaukee
Clients look to Trautschold for help in obtaining patents and in managing their intellectual property portfolios. His proven track record as a patent prosecutor, together with his academic training as a biomechanical engineer, give him the depth of technical knowledge and legal experience needed to tackle the issues facing client innovators. Trautschold has experience with consumer products such as outdoor power equipment, furniture, office supplies, computer accessories, power tools, motorcycles, medical devices, and robotic storage and dispensing systems. He has also worked on industrial machinery and software applications.

Betsy T. Voter, Corporate, Salt Lake City
Voter focuses her practice on financial services, securities law, and regulatory compliance. Voter advises clients to take a proactive approach to meeting their regulatory requirements, in line with their practical and operational needs. In her past role as general counsel for a brokerage and clearing firm, she developed an informed perspective on advising clients who conduct their business in a regulatory environment. She has extensive experience in advising clients on compliance with federal and state securities laws and their impact on broker-dealers, investment advisors, and public companies.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is proud to announce that it is celebrating the firm’s 150th anniversary this year. Founded in 1870 in Elyton, Alabama, before moving to Birmingham the following year, Bradley has grown to 10 offices with nearly 550 lawyers in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and the District of Columbia.

“This significant milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the past 150 years with our attorneys, staff, clients, and friends, and to focus on the future of the firm as we continue to carry forward our strong tradition of excellent client service,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters. “Bradley’s extraordinary legacy is reflective of the highest standards of value, ethics, and professional excellence in the practice of law – standards that have guided us through to the present day.”

As one of only a handful of U.S. law firms to reach this milestone, Bradley is proud to have developed a national reputation for serving businesses around the world in the banking and financial services, construction, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and life sciences, real estate, and technology industries.

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 nearly 550 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.

Freeborn & Peters LLP is pleased to announce that Joseph T. McCullough IV has been elected as Chair of the Firm’s Executive Committee, effective Jan. 1.

McCullough, Partner in the Litigation Practice Group, is the Leader of the Firm’s Insurance/Reinsurance Industry Group. He has served as a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee for many years.

Freeborn’s Insurance and Reinsurance Industry Group was recommended by the 2019 Legal 500 United States Guide for Insurance: advice to insurers and the Reinsurance team was ranked in the 2019 Chambers USA-Guide to Leading Lawyers for Business.

For more than 35 years, McCullough has devoted his practice to representation of insurance and reinsurance companies in both life & health and the property & casualty matters. He has acted as counsel to insurers and reinsurers from around the world in more than 150 arbitration, court, and administrative proceedings, including some of the highest-profile cases in the industry. In 2019, McCullough received a Nationwide ranking for Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance in the Chambers-USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. He is one of only six attorneys nationwide to receive that honor. He has also been recognized as a Litigation Trailblazer by The National Law Journal.

McCullough received his J.D. (cum laude) from Northwestern University School of Law, a Postgraduate License in European Law (highest honors) from University of Gent, Belgium and his Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) from Georgetown University.

“Attorneys sparred Friday over oil and gas drilling in Alaska – whether the government ignored environmental consequences and if it should reevaluate projects in light of climate science released after the project was first evaluated in 2012.” reports Karina Brown in Courthouse News Service.

“The National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska is 23.4 million acres of pristine wilderness named as a source of oil for the U.S. Navy in 1923. The vast area is important habitat for millions of migratory birds, marine mammals like beluga whales and home to the Teshekpuk Lake caribou herd – critical for Nuiqsut subsistence hunters. Congress handed management to the Department of the Interior in 1976 with the mandate to provide “maximum protection” to the area’s fish and wildlife habitat.”

“In 2016, ConocoPhillips Alaska found a new cache of oil in the reserve that would mean an additional 130,000 barrels per day – beyond the daily 500,000 barrels that flowed through TransAlaska Pipeline last year.”

Read the article.

“The president of Texas Southern University may be out of a job after TSU regents alleged that he failed to promptly report information about an admissions scandal at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.” reports Debra Cassens Weiss in the ABA Journal.

“The regents said in a Feb. 4 termination notice that Lane failed to promptly report to the board or internal auditor allegations of fraudulent and dishonest conduct by an assistant law dean.”

“The assistant law dean was accused of taking a $14,000 payoff for facilitating a scholarship and fraudulent admission for a law student. The assistant law dean was also accused of facilitating a fraudulent transfer application for a second student.”

Read the article.

“The Biglaw firm of Dentons is facing a $25 million lawsuit alleging self dealing, conflict of interest, and gross overbilling. ” reports Kathryn Rubino in Above the Law’s BigLaw.

“The lawsuit alleges that both Dentons and partner Shane Stevenson told Venning that “within a short period of time” of the Regent Energy sale, Stevenson would come in-house at Venning Group. While that move never materialized, the complaint alleges that in anticipation of the move, Stevenson became involved as a shareholder or director in numerous of its companies.”

“Additionally, the complaint alleges that Stevenson has a substance abuse problem and that Dentons was aware of the issue and failed to provide proper supervision of his legal work. The allegations against Stevenson include ones that he provided legal advice under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and that Venning was not warned the legal work they got from Stevenson may be under the influence.”

Read the article.

“Legal technologies promise to flourish in the coming decade, and although it is not possible to predict all the innovations that are likely to become mainstream, the use of smart contracts appears to be on the rise. A typical smart contract uses computers and code to automate performance of some or all of the parties’ obligations. However, the legal terms of the contract are likely to remain in written form in a contract that people can read. If a dispute arises, the parties may prefer arbitration as an alternative to court, but arbitration doesn’t happen on its own – it typically requires a properly drafted arbitration clause.”

Steven K. Davidson, Michael J. Baratz, Jared R. Butcher and Molly Bruder Fox provide some tips in Steptoe’s News/Publications to keep in mind when considering how to draft these clauses.

Read the article.

“It is important for contractual language to be not only precise but also accurate. Many agreements govern multiple individuals, some of whose gender is unclear or variable. This article will give you advice and guidance on how to adjust contract language to be gender-neutral. As society moves towards treating all genders equally, legal contracts should too.” advises Kati I. Pajak in Mintz’s Insights Center.

“Conversations around gender and gender neutrality are becoming more and more mainstream. Thompson Reuters reported that in the past year (2018), there has been an increase in the number of clients requesting gender-neutral documents. Start-ups are at the forefront of change and industry disruption, so it is logical that they stay ahead of the trend.”

“Now, the shift towards non-gendered pronouns and away from binary choices of “he” or “she” means attorneys need to adopt new drafting techniques. As entrepreneurs and leaders of your own business, you can encourage this shift.”

Read the article.

“When business deals are concluded verbally or with a gentleman’s agreement solely, the results can later on be very detrimental. Oral agreements are inadmissible in the court of law and if you happen to be ripped off by a business associate, the chances are slim to win that case. Therefore, drafting a business agreement and documenting it is very important to secure the deal that you will be conducting.” advises Margaret Francis in the Southeast Missourian’s Career Advice.

“To clearly state each party’s rights and obligations, you need to draft an agreement that will be agreed upon by all stakeholders. However, drafting a business deal contract agreement can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a lawyer on your side.”

Read the top 5 tips for a fair business contract agreement.