“City Council has been urging city staff since at least 2012 to hire more security guards as city employees, while city management and financial officers have pointed out the difficulties of doing so. Once again this week, Council will be considering contracts with five security guard companies. The item authorizes,” reports Jo Clifton in Austin Monitor.

“Negotiation and execution of five multi-term contracts for unarmed security guard services with IPSA Security Services, Vets Securing America, Securitas Security Services, Starside Security & Investigation, and Universal Protection Service. Each contract is for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $45 million divided.”

Read the article.

“SciTec, Inc., a non-traditional small business, was recently awarded separate contract vehicles supporting development of advanced capabilities in two of the DoD’s major technology initiatives: Joint All Domain Command and Control JADC2 and Artificial Intelligence AI. The first, awarded March 14,” reports PR Newswire in their blog.

“The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center AFLCMC for Advance Battle Management System (ABMS) supports the maturation, demonstration, and proliferation of capabilities across platforms and domains, leveraging open systems design, modern software and algorithm development in order to enable JADC2. This multi-level security.”

Read the article.

“If you’re looking for a high-powered, take-no-prisoners law firm straight out of central casting, they don’t come bigger or badder than Kirkland & Ellis. The firm unquestionably enjoys a reputation for top-flight lawyering where businesses go when everything is on the line. The firm also sits atop the,” reports James Goodnow in Above The Law.

“Am Law 100 rankings based on gross revenue. But amassing more money than any other U.S. law firm in an industry built on human beings billing hours doesn’t come without some baggage. For those who somehow don’t know, Kirkland & Ellis made its modern reputation as the OG, eat-what-you-kill megafirm. Whereas Biglaw firms.”

Read the article.

“AsiaSat has appointed Victor Au as its new general counsel, the company announced April 22. Au has more than two decades of experience working across international and local law firms and in-house legal departments in areas of corporate, commercial and intellectual property. He will be responsible for,” reports Mark Holmes in Via Satellite.

“Prior to joining AsiaSat, Au was the Asia Pacific general counsel of Vertiv Holdings Co., a U.S.-based multinational corporation. He also served as the in-house counsel of IDT International Limited, a Hong Kong listed company. I’m truly excited to take up this new and challenging role and I look forward to working closely with Roger Tong.”

Read the article.

“The pandemic brought on a surge of zoom-bombing as hackers and pranksters crashed into virtual meetings with abusive messages and imagery. Now, Zoom has agreed to a historic payout of $85m as part of a class-action settlement brought by its users, including church groups who said they were,” reports Maya Yang in The Guardian.

“As part of the settlement agreement, Zoom Video Communications, the company behind the teleconference application that grew popular during the pandemic, will pay the $85m to users in cash compensation and also implement reforms to its business practices. On Thursday, federal judge Laurel Beeler of California granted final.”

Read the article.

“Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc has agreed to pay $55 million to end an antitrust case in U.S. federal court over the pricing of disposable contact lenses, marking the largest settlement in the private class action and the last defendant to resolve claims. The settlement amount was shown in a court filing,” reports Mike Scarcella in Reuters.

“The plaintiffs’ lawyers leading the case in Tampa, Florida, federal court. They are seeking preliminary approval of the deal, which was first announced last month but without any details about the settlement amount. J&J Vision reached an agreement on the eve of a trial scheduled in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.”

Read the article.

“In an effort to improve its cybersecurity posture, the Navy is moving away from the old compliance model to an ongoing readiness approach much in the way the service evaluates its forces and weapon systems,” reports Mark Pomerleau in FedScoop.

“Put bluntly, the Navy – and the Department of Defense writ large – have been taking the wrong approach, according to its chief information officer. “Today, I would argue that the way that we do cybersecurity at the Department of Navy … is wrong,” Aaron Weis said Tuesday during the Cloudera Government Forum, which was produced by FedScoop.”

Read the article.

“The Biglaw lateral market continues to be fire. And, as Above the Law has documented, that’s resulted in all manner of repercussions, But while a lot of these trends are focused around associates that are potentially looking to leave their firm, the partner market has also seen a spike in activity. The,” reports Kathryn Rubino in Above The Law.

“Remember the blockbuster move of 43 attorneys including 18 partners from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan to Paul Hastings? As historical as that move was, Paul Hastings is far from the only firm looking to bolster their partnership ranks. Leopard Solutions has broken down exactly which Biglaw firms have added the most lateral partners.”

Read the article.

“LRS, among the nation’s leading independent waste diversion, recycling and portable services providers, today announced it has appointed Corey H. Grauer to Executive Vice President & General Counsel, effective immediately. Grauer brings an experienced and diverse portfolio of career legal accomplished,” reports PR Newswire in their blog.

“Most recently, Grauer served seven-and-a-half years at Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, comprising more than 100 autonomous manufacturing and service businesses across 11 market sectors. At Marmon, Grauer served as General Counsel, Corporate Secretary & Compliance Officer, overseeing legal and compliance.”

Read the article.

“Two pork producers agreed to a combined settlement of over $100 million to resolve claims they violated antitrust laws to raise the price of pork products. The settlement benefits consumers and companies that purchased pork products directly from defendant pork producers between Jan. 1, 2009, and,” reports Top Class Actions in their blog.

“Defendants in the case are: JBS Food Company, Clemens Food Group, Hormel Foods, Indiana Packers, Seaboard Foods, Smithfield Foods, Triumph Foods, Tyson Foods, and Agri Stats. JBS Foods is a meat producer that sells pork products under numerous brands including Swift, Primo. Smithfield  is a similar company selling meats including.”

Read the article.

“Rebirthed dairy and plant foods processor, Noumi, is asking for $26.4 million from shareholders to cover a legal settlement with US almond farmer co-operative Blue Diamond. Last month the re-named Freedom Foods business paid about $23m in an initial upfront payment to Blue Diamond which,” reports Andrew Marshall in Farm Weekly.

“Which began litigation in early 2020 alleging Freedom had stopped paying for branding rights and Blue Diamond almond milk products in mid-2019. At the time Freedom Foods had long-established Australian distribution rights to the internationally-known Almond Breeze brand. Six months later Freedom’s then chief executive Rory Macleod.”

Read the article.

“A U.S. federal agency that enforces civil rights laws against workplace discrimination can now be added to the list of agencies that is investigating Tesla, ” reports Rebecca Bellan in Tech Crunch.

“In a court filing on Monday related to a separate case, the automaker revealed that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has an “open investigation” into Tesla, a finding first reported by Bloomberg. The disclosure was tucked inside a filing with the California Superior Court in Alameda County related to a case involving the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.”

Read the article.

“In the third part of our Why Mentoring Matters series, two female partners at large law firms write about their personal journeys and how mentoring or being mentored has played an important and positive role in their careers. Morgan Lewis & Bockius labor and employment partner Debra,” reports MP McQueen in their Bloomberg Law.

“Her lack of a female mentor as a young attorney inspired her to become a mentor to others, especially women. She relates how she had no role models to guide her when she returned from maternity leave at another firm in the 1990s. That, and her discovery that she had been excluded from male partners’ get-togethers, forced her to create.”

Read the article.

“President and CEO John H. Watt, Jr. announced that M. Randolph Randy Sparks has joined NBT as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. In this position, Sparks will coordinate NBT’s legal activities, manage external legal counsel and assist in the oversight of relations with regulatory agencies,” reports Globe Newswire in their blog.

“A member of NBT’s Executive Management Team, Sparks will also be appointed Corporate Secretary by NBT’s Board of Directors. He will be based at the company’s headquarters in Norwich, NY. Sparks has extensive experience in legal executive roles at both large and midsize banks. Most recently, he served as General Counsel and Corporate.”

Read the article.

“After the end of a half-hour hearing in federal court on Monday, the presiding judge removed his black robe, stepped down from the bench and chatted with the attorneys and the plaintiffs who were present. After nearly six years, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Geoffrey Crawford said he wanted to,” reports Tiffany Tan in VT Digger.

“Indeed, the hearing made it official: Bennington-area residents who sued a multinational plastics company for contaminating their soil and water will receive financial compensation and medical monitoring. On Monday morning, Crawford approved the $34 million settlement agreement that the complainants and Saint-Gobain.”

Read the article.

“Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) said on Monday it agreed to pay $99 million to settle claims by West Virginia that it helped fuel an opioid addiction crisis in the state, removing the company from an ongoing trial that began earlier this month. West Virginia is still pursuing claims against Pharmaceuticals,” reports Dietrich Knauth in Reuters.

“J&J did not admit liability or wrongdoing in the settlement, the company said. The other companies, which have previously denied the accusations, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. West Virginia previously reached a $26 million settlement with Endo International Plc (ENDP.O), which had also been a defendant.”

Read the article.

ArentFox Schiff is pleased to announce the expansion of its Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring practice with the addition of Partner Jeffrey R. Gleit in New York. Jeff represents debtors, hedge funds, private equity funds, financial institutions, independent directors, and trade creditors in restructuring distressed companies.

For more than two decades, Jeff has advised clients spanning a variety of industries, including financial services, energy, healthcare, automotive, retail, telecommunications, and manufacturing, with all aspects of distressed situations. Jeff’s experience boosts the firm’s distressed lending and recovery, indenture trustee and agency, creditors committee, and debtor capabilities. Jeff also regularly counsels boards of directors in distressed situations, contract counterparties, and parties to credit default swap agreements.

A recognized industry thought leader, Jeff frequently publishes and speaks on hot topics and trends in bankruptcy and restructuring. Prior to joining ArentFox Schiff, Jeff was the Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice group leader at Sullivan & Worcester LLP.

“Our Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring practice is strategically growing and adding depth, expertise, and capabilities to provide our clients greater breadth and bench strength and otherwise prepare for the likelihood of a challenged and distressed economy. Adding Jeff and Brett Goodman, who joined the group in October, will also enable us to better service the new work created by the needs of our newly combined firm. Jeff’s national reputation and recognized skills fit our team and the firm well.”
– Andrew I. Silfen, New York Co-Managing Partner and Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring Practice Leader

Jeff’s Experience
Jeff’s recent work includes representing secured lenders, private investment firms, and cross-border entities in Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 cases. Other notable work and recognitions include:

• Represented Newmark Group, Inc. in its acquisition of Knotel, Inc. as part of Knotel’s Chapter 11 case.
• Represented Purdue Pharma L.P. and its subsidiaries as special conflicts counsel in their Chapter 11 cases.
• Represented Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, in the Covia Holdings Corporation and Denbury Resources Chapter 11 cases.
• Represented the independent directors of iQor Holdings in connection with iQor’s prepackaged Chapter 11 case.

Texas Rising Stars Honors Ward, Smith & Hill Attorney Brett F. Miller

Miller is recognized for his work with plaintiffs in civil litigation

LONGVIEW, Texas – Ward, Smith & Hill trial attorney Brett F. Miller has earned selection to the 2022 edition of Texas Rising Stars for his expertise in civil litigation. The listing highlights the best young attorneys in the state.

Mr. Miller’s expertise involves business and employment disputes as well as cases involving non-competes and trade secrets. He leads the firm’s family law practice, representing individuals in divorce proceedings, child custody disputes and complex property issues. This marks his fifth year to earn Rising Stars honors.

“This recognition reflects the team effort of our law firm,” said Mr. Miller. “I’m honored that my legal peers recognize the arduous work we do for our clients.”

Only 2.5 percent of eligible attorneys are chosen for the annual Texas Rising Stars listing, which is designed to recognize attorneys who are 40 or younger or who have been practicing for 10 years or less. Selections are first made through peer nominations followed by a meticulous blue-ribbon review.

Texas Monthly and the Texas Rising Stars issue of Super Lawyers magazine will highlight the 2022 honorees. For more information on Texas Rising Stars, visit www.superlawyers.com.

Longview, Texas-based Ward, Smith & Hill, PLLC, has tried more than 350 cases to verdict, earning a national reputation in high-stakes claims involving complex commercial litigation, intellectual property law, oil and gas matters, bad faith insurance claims, and serious personal injury claims. The firm frequently assists lawyers nationwide in complex cases before Texas juries. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.wsfirm.com.

April 12, 2022

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. is pleased to announce that David Wasserman has joined the firm as an associate in its Employment & Labor practice group.

David advises clients in matters related to employment and labor law and defends employers in both state and federal courts against allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and breach of contract. As a child of two deaf parents, one of whom experienced workplace disability discrimination, David has dedicated his work to counseling employers on workplace issues and compliance training. He also serves on the Executive Board of Directors at DEAF, Inc.

Before joining Greensfelder, David served as a plaintiff-side employment lawyer at a nationally recognized St. Louis law firm. During law school, he was President of the Employment Law Association, Managing Editor of the ABA Journal of Labor & Employment Law, and an extern at the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. David was the recipient of the Judge Robert G. Dowd Sr. Appellate Advocacy Award and an employment law certificate from the William C. Wefel Center for Employment Law.

David earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law and his B.A., summa cum laude, in political science from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.

The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has announced that Anne D. Harman, a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in Wheeling, West Virginia, has accepted an invitation to join the IADC, the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests.

“As the legal world continues to expand and grow globally, IADC provides its members with practice resources, unique educational opportunities and the camaraderie of defense-oriented peers,” Ms. Harman said.

Ms. Harman has more than three decades of legal experience, focusing her practice on the representation of business and companies in toxic tort civil litigation, regularly involving asbestos and benzene defense work in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. She represents a range of large and small companies, often connected to the steel, power and chemical industries.

Ms. Harman is a member of DRI, the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia, and the American Inns of Court, the William Blackstone Inn. She has been named a West Virginia “Super Lawyer” for Product Liability Defense.

Ms. Harman received her J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law and her Bachelor of Business Administration from Marshall University.

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.