Littler Names Jen Chierek Znosko Co-Chair of Women’s Leadership Initiative

Littler has appointed Shareholder Jen Chierek Znosko as co-chair of its Women’s Leadership Initiative, the firm announced Nov. 25.

Znosko, based in St. Louis, joins current co-chair Margaret Parnell Hogan of Denver. She succeeds Jennifer A. Youpa of Dallas, who is retiring this year. The initiative, established in 2008, focuses on developing and retaining women leaders at the firm.

Littler Managing Director and President Erin Webber said the appointment reflects Znosko’s commitment to advancing gender equity and supporting women in the legal profession. Znosko said she looks forward to working with Hogan to continue strengthening the program.

The firm said the initiative has contributed to its recognition in several rankings, including being named No. 1 among Best Law Firms for Gender Equity and Women in Equity Partnership by Law360’s Women in Law Report. Littler also received top honors from Seramount, recognition from Yale Law Women+, and has maintained Mansfield Certification.

Znosko advises employers on pay equity and workplace drug and alcohol issues and is a member of Littler’s Pay Equity Assessment Team. She co-chairs the firm’s Drugs and Alcohol Practice Group.

She represents employers in discrimination and retaliation litigation in Missouri and Illinois. Jen holds a law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis.




Littler Releases European Employer Survey Report 2025

Brussels: European employers are navigating a complex new reality. With major E.U. regulatory deadlines approaching and U.S. policy changes creating widespread uncertainty, companies face mounting challenges in managing their workplaces. Critical issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), pay transparency, and diversity programs are in flux.

Littler’s eighth annual European Employer Survey Report, released today, explores how businesses are responding. The survey gathered insights from more than 400 European business leaders, in-house lawyers, and HR executives. A significant 64 per cent of these respondents hold C-suite or other leadership roles.

The data reveals a stark preparedness gap. The year 2026 is set to be a watershed for European workplace regulations. Yet, most companies are not ready. Only 18 per cent of respondents feel their organizations are very prepared to comply with the E.U. AI Act.

A concerning 20 per cent report being not at all prepared. For the E.U.’s Pay Transparency Directive, just 24 per cent indicate they are very prepared. These readiness levels have shown slight improvement since last year.

U.S. policy shifts are also having a direct impact. A striking 75 per cent of respondents with U.S. operations or a U.S. workforce strategy have already taken action in response. These steps include cancelling or reducing business travel to the U.S. (25 per cent) and scaling back U.S. operations (25 per cent).

Furthermore, nearly 70 per cent of those with inclusion, equity, and diversity (IE&D) programmes are now considering rollbacks due to heightened political scrutiny from the Trump administration.

The report also details the ongoing push for in-office work and other pressing issues. It highlights crucial differences in how companies across various European countries and of different sizes are adapting to this volatile environment.

View Littler’s European Employer Survey Report: https://www.littler.com/sites/default/files/2025-11/2025_littler_european_employer_survey_report.pdf?po6ryewx0x




Michael Best Announces Additions to Firm’s Management Committee

Milwaukee, WI (Nov. 18, 2025) – National law firm Michael Best has appointed partners Michael Green and Hamang Patel, and reappointed Kerryann Haase Minton to its Management Committee. These appointments highlight the firm’s commitment to strong leadership and adapting to the evolving legal industry.

David Krutz, Firm Managing Partner, praised the new appointments, stating, “Michael, Kerryann, and Hamang each bring a distinct set of skills and perspectives that will help propel Michael Best forward. Their leadership will continue to drive innovation and excellence within the firm.”

The appointments come as Michael Best recognizes the contributions of David Crass and Dan Jones, who are stepping down after years of service. Their leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction.

The 2026 Michael Best Management Committee will include:

  • James Forrest, Managing Partner – North Carolina
  • Michael Green, Firm Strategic Recruiting Partner
  • Gregory Hartwig, Partner
  • Steven Joffee, Managing Partner – Utah
  • David Krutz, Firm Managing Partner
  • Kerryann Haase Minton, Managing Partner – Chicago
  • Hamang Patel, Partner
  • Betsy Voter, Partner

Founded in 1848, Michael Best serves clients globally with more than 400 legal professionals across 18 offices. The firm specializes in intellectual property, labor relations, corporate law, and related areas, offering services across industries including healthcare, finance, and life sciences.




Quarles & Brady Welcomes DEA Veteran Linden Barber as Partner

Indianapolis: The national law firm Quarles & Brady LLP announced today that Linden Barber, a distinguished attorney with deep experience in controlled substance regulatory matters, has rejoined the firm as a partner in the Health & Life Sciences Practice Group in its Indianapolis office.

Barber returns to Quarles after serving as executive vice president, quality and regulatory affairs, and chief regulatory counsel at Cardinal Health. He was previously a partner at Quarles from 2011 to 2017. His career also includes a pivotal role as head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Litigation Enforcement Section.

Barber’s practice focuses on advising health care companies, organizations, and practitioners on compliance and enforcement issues involving the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and state regulations. He represents clients in DEA administrative actions, civil penalty matters, and Board of Pharmacy proceedings. He guides them in designing and implementing compliance systems.

“With his impressive breadth of experience and reputation as a thought leader on controlled substance regulation, Linden will be a tremendous resource to our clients,” said Brenda Maloney Shafer. Brenda is a national chair of the Health & Life Sciences Practice Group. “We are happy he is returning to Quarles. Its not just because of the value to our clients but also because of his ability to mentor younger attorneys throughout our group and the firm.”

Barber’s client work spans manufacturers, wholesale distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, and individual practitioners, advising them on their obligations under the CSA and representing registrants in administrative and civil litigation.

A U.S. Army veteran, Barber served as a judge advocate with assignments as a prosecutor, defense counsel, and legal advisor to the National Security Agency, the Army’s military intelligence brigade in Korea, and a corps support group in Iraq. He was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Barber earned his B.A. from Tennessee Temple University and his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School.

“My colleagues at Quarles are invested in the success of our clients and innovative in solving complex legal problems,” Barber said. “I returned to Quarles because of the people at the firm with whom I have the privilege to serve our clients.”

About Quarles & Brady LLP

Quarles & Brady is a full-service law firm with more than 475 attorneys practicing in offices across the United States. The firm provides advanced legal counsel to national and global businesses on complex, high-stakes matters.

 




Littler Attorneys Secure Global Recognition in Best Lawyers Lists 2026

Nov – 13, 2025: Sixty attorneys from Littler, an international employment and labor law firm, have been named to the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Spain. The recognition includes senior partners, shareholders, and associates across the firm’s global offices.

The following individual attorneys were included in the list:

  • Brazil – Partners Daniel Domingues Chiode and Marília Nascimento Minicucci.
  • Colombia – Partners Federico Bernal García, Francisco Buriticá, Andrés DaCosta Herrera, Gustavo José Gnecco, Carlos Hernán Godoy, Juan Pablo Godoy, Catalina Hoyos, Gustavo Lorenzo, Santiago Martinez and Ana Cristina Medina.
  • Mexico – Office Managing Shareholder León Rodríguez, Shareholders Luis Cortés Salazar, Jorge Alejandro Galeano García, David E. Leal González, Mónica Schiaffino and Tania Terrazas Arnaldo, and Associates David Barrios Jiménez, Jorge Cerda Chapa, Jesús Segundo Escárcega Martínez, Erik Daniel Garcia Coronel and José Alberto Núñez González.
  • Portugal – Office Managing Shareholder David Carvalho Martins, Partner Nuno Abranches Pinto, and Managing Associates Joana Azenha, Filipa Lopes Galvão, and Cláudio Rodrigues Gomes.
  • Puerto Rico – Managing Capital Member Erika Berríos-Berríos, Partner Emeritus Carl Schuster, Capital Members Shiara Diloné-Fernández, Lourdes C. Hernández-Venegas, Elizabeth Pérez-Lleras, Daniel Quiles-Pumarejo, Mariela Rexach and Anabel Rodríguez-Alonso, Member Veronica M. Torres-Torres, and Special Counsel Lady E. Cumpiano.
  • Spain – Office Managing Shareholder Antonio Pedrajas Quiles, Partners Miguel Arberas Lopez, Sonia Cortes, Juan Carlos Fernandez Fernandez-Aviles, Ignacio González Fernández, Tomas Gomez Alvarez, Ivan Lopez Garcia de la Riva, Daniel Miro Morros, Ines Molero Navarro, Javier Molina, María Orio Gonzalez, Alfonso Pedrajas Herrero, and Pablo Pedrajas Quiles, Senior Associates Amparo Bru Mundi, Patricia Madrona García, Cristina Prieto Ramos, and Teresa Trigueros Ramos, and Associates Marina Lamas Miralda, Laura Martín Gabilondo, and Rafael Rodríguez Pérez.

Colombian attorney Catalina Hoyos was singled out as “Lawyer of the Year” for Tax Law in her jurisdiction.

In addition to the primary listings, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch honored several early-career Littler attorneys in Mexico, Portugal, and Spain for their professional excellence in labor and employment law.

  • Mexico – Shareholders Rogelio (Roger) Alanis Robles and Estefania Rueda Garcia, and Associates Hilario Jahir Cortés Armijo, Jose Guillermo Martinez Rojas, and Juan Manuel Soriano Perez.
  • Portugal – Senior Associate Goncalo Asper Caro.
  • Spain – Associates Sara Bermejo Maniega, Marta Nebot Estrelles, Gemma Pla Peris, Sara Olabarria Rodriguez and Raquel Romero Gonzalez.

Attorneys are selected for Best Lawyers based on peer reviews assessing legal expertise, ethics, and professionalism in their respective practice areas.

About Littler

Littler, which has more than 1,800 attorneys worldwide, specializes in workplace legal solutions for employers. For more information, visit www.littler.com.




Leah Capritta Joins Buchalter as Litigation Shareholder in Denver

Buchalter has named Leah Capritta as a Litigation Shareholder in its Denver office, expanding the firm’s legal capabilities in energy, employment, and commercial litigation.

Capritta brings extensive experience representing multinational oil and gas companies, with a focus on litigation and regulatory strategy for power and natural gas providers. Among her noted accomplishments, she led a legal initiative that resulted in Pacific Gas & Electric revising its billing and collections operations in Northern California.

Her practice also includes handling Title VII discrimination claims, ADA and FEHA lawsuits, whistleblower actions, FMLA cases, and wage-and-hour class actions. Capritta has also represented clients in insurance disputes and intellectual property matters involving trade secrets and trademarks.

Buchalter President and CEO Adam Bass said Capritta’s addition strengthens the firm’s litigation group and supports its Denver office’s growth. Denver Office Managing Shareholder Robert Hinckley added that Capritta’s litigation background will benefit clients and enhance the firm’s regional presence.

Buchalter is a business law firm with nearly 600 attorneys across 11 states, serving clients in banking, corporate law, health care, intellectual property, labor and employment, and other areas.




Frost Brown Todd Names Madhav Srinivasan as CFO

Frost Brown Todd has appointed Madhav Srinivasan as its new Chief Financial Officer, the firm announced Thursday. Srinivasan will be responsible for overseeing the law firm’s financial operations and contributing to its strategic and growth initiatives.

Srinivasan brings extensive experience in legal and corporate finance, most recently serving as CFO at an Am Law 50 firm. His previous roles included leading global finance operations, optimizing tax structures, and implementing business intelligence systems.

In addition to his leadership background, Srinivasan is recognized in the legal industry as a thought leader in law firm management. His work has been featured in legal and business publications, including The American Lawyer, Law.com, and

Bloomberg Law. He has also spoken at industry events such as SXSW and the Thomson Reuters COO/CFO Forum.

Srinivasan has served in academic roles, including as a visiting professor at the Wharton School and as an adjunct faculty member at Columbia University and the University of Texas law schools.

Frost Brown Todd, a national law firm with over 650 attorneys across 14 U.S. offices, serves clients in industries including finance, manufacturing, real estate, energy, and healthcare.

Visit: frostbrowntodd.com




Buchalter Promotes Eight Attorneys to Shareholder

Buchalter announced eight of their attorneys have been promoted to Shareholder.

These promotions cover a variety of practice areas and locations, showcasing the scope of Buchalter’s reach. The attorneys include Sarah Andrzejczak from Denver, who specializes in Litigation and Labor & Employment.

Brandon Carr in San Francisco, emphasizing Litigation. Devan McCarty in Sacramento, who has expertise in both Litigation and Healthcare.

Chadwick McCombs in Los Angeles doing Corporate law. Jarret Osborne-Revis in Sacramento tackling Litigation and Insolvency.

Alexandra Shulman, who’s working across Seattle and Portland in Labor and Employment.

Khaled Tarazi from Scottsdale, handling insolvency, and Kripa Upadhyay in Seattle, concentrating on Immigration and International Trade Compliance.

The firm really wants to highlight that these promotions are part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing legal talent across its national offices.

We are incredibly proud to promote this outstanding group of attorneys from across the Firm. We look forward to their continued success and career growth at Buchalter,” added Bass.

Buchalter is a law firm having nearly 600 attorneys spread over ten states, covering all practice areas like Litigation, healthcare, Insolvency, corporate law, and employment law.

For more information about the firm, visit: buchalter.com.




Littler Names Kathryn Siegel Executive Director of Labor Practice Group

Littler has appointed Kathryn (Kat) Siegel as Executive Director of its Labor Practice Group, the firm announced on November 10, 2025.

Siegel, a shareholder based in Littler’s Chicago office, will oversee the firm’s strategic planning and daily operations for its labor-focused legal services. She will collaborate with co-chairs Jonathan Levine, Tanja Thompson, and Brooke Niedecken to guide the practice group’s direction.

She joined Littler in 2008 and has nearly 20 years of experience in labor law. Her responsibilities will include talent acquisition and management, business development, practice operations, and enhancing group profitability.

Siegel most recently served as management co-chair of the American Bar Association’s Committee on Practice and Procedure Under the National Labor Relations Act. She holds a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and a B.A., cum laude, from Miami University.

Littler, which has over 1,800 attorneys worldwide, is the largest labor and employment law firm representing management.




Buchalter Adds Jeffrey Wolf as Shareholder in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.: Buchalter has named Jeffrey Wolf a shareholder in its Scottsdale office, strengthening its litigation and franchise law team as the firm celebrates 20 years in Arizona.

Wolf, a commercial litigator with more than three decades of experience, joins the firm’s Litigation and Franchise Law Practice groups. He has represented clients across the hospitality, restaurant, fitness, and health sectors in federal and state courts nationwide, and he also serves as outside general counsel to several businesses.

His addition comes as Buchalter marks 20 years since establishing its Scottsdale presence through the 2005 integration of attorneys from Brody, Levinson & Weiser. The office now includes 60 attorneys and staff, reflecting strategic growth in the Southwest region.

Earlier this year, Buchalter grew its team, bringing on real estate shareholder Matthew Levine and intellectual property shareholder Jonathan Talcott. Levine guides clients through complex commercial real estate deals, from negotiating office leases to finalizing sales. At the same time, Talcott, ranked in the 2025 IAM Patent 1000, takes on complex intellectual property disputes.

Buchalter plans to celebrate the Scottsdale office’s anniversary next month with a client reception.




Promotion of Stephen J. Maloney, Jr. to Junior Partner

Napoli Shkolnik, a leading law firm, has announced the promotion of Stephen J. Maloney, Jr. to Junior Partner. Maloney’s promotion reflects his outstanding contributions to the firm and his ongoing commitment to its mission and values.

Maloney, a dedicated attorney known for his success on behalf of clients, has demonstrated leadership qualities that have inspired both colleagues and clients alike. His promotion highlights his role in the firm’s growth and his commitment to upholding justice.

“Stephen’s leadership and dedication to our clients and firm values have been exceptional,” said the spokesperson. “This promotion is a signal to his hard work and the high standard of service he consistently delivers.”

Maloney’s promotion comes at a pivotal time for Napoli Shkolnik, as the firm continues to expand and enhance its services to clients. He has been involved in several key cases that have contributed to the firm’s growing reputation in the legal community.




Barbara Russell Rejoins Littler as Shareholder in San Francisco Office

Littler Mendelson has announced the return of Barbara Russell as a shareholder in its San Francisco office, rejoining the firm’s Labor Practice Group. Russell brings corporate experience from previous in-house roles in technology, aviation, and environmental services sectors, including a recent position as global Director of Employee Relations at a major technology company.

Her return underscores Littler’s strategy to expand its labor practice with attorneys experienced in complex corporate labor environments. Russell has advised on more than 100 representation campaigns, led both single- and multi-employer negotiations, and managed cases under the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act.

Russell’s international experience includes compliance and strategic counsel on labor regulations across global jurisdictions. She has worked with companies in technology, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and hospitality to develop labor and employment frameworks.

She previously worked at Littler before moving into corporate roles. She holds a law degree from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Littler, the world’s largest labor and employment law firm representing management, has over 1,800 attorneys worldwide.




Littler Named 2026 “Law Firm of the Year” for Employment Law – Management

Littler has been named “Law Firm of the Year” for Employment Law – Management in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms, published by Best Lawyers. The firm also secured National Tier 1 rankings in three core practice areas for the 16th consecutive year.

The employment and labor law firm received top-tier national recognition in Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor & Employment. It also earned national rankings in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Litigation – ERISA.

In addition to its national honors, Littler achieved Tier 1 rankings in 42 metropolitan markets across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.

The Best Law Firms rankings are determined through Best Lawyers’ Purely Peer Review process, which evaluates law firm performance based on peer feedback, legal accomplishments, and client outcomes.

Earlier in 2025, over 250 Littler attorneys were recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. More than 170 were included in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list, which spotlights attorneys earlier in their careers.

Littler has more than 1,800 attorneys worldwide and focuses exclusively on labor and employment law for management.

For more information, visit www.littler.com.




Buchalter Adds Noel Gillespie as IP Shareholder in San Diego

Buchalter has appointed Noel Gillespie as an Intellectual Property Shareholder in its San Diego office, where he will also serve as Chair of the firm’s Medical Technology Practice Group.

Gillespie joins Buchalter with significant experience advising startup and emerging growth companies on strategic patent portfolio development, particularly in the medical technology sector.

His background includes work with digital health, health IT, medical devices, telecommunications, semiconductor, and software companies.

The firm stated that Gillespie’s expertise strengthens its national Intellectual Property group as it expands. Gillespie said the firm’s reputation and resources influenced his decision to join.

About Buchalter

Buchalter, a full-service business law firm with nearly 600 attorneys, operates in ten states, including California, Arizona, and Colorado. The firm’s practice areas include Commercial Finance, Corporate Law, Healthcare, Litigation, and Intellectual Property.




Michael Best Adds Rebecca Mordas as Senior Counsel

Michael Best has named Rebecca Mordas as Senior Counsel in its Labor & Employment practice group, the firm announced Oct. 29. She will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and focus on employee benefits and compliance.

Mordas brings over 15 years of legal experience in labor, employment, and benefits law. Before joining Michael Best, she served as Assistant General Counsel at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), where she advised on retirement and health plans and on regulatory compliance under federal laws, including ERISA, ACA, and HIPAA.

In her new role, Mordas will support clients in designing and administering benefit plans and navigating evolving federal and state regulations. Her work will also include advising on plan amendments, wellness programs, and regulatory filings.

Her background includes litigation support, contract negotiations with plan service providers, and internal training on legal and compliance issues. She has also overseen outside counsel in complex employment disputes.

Mordas earned an Employee Benefits Certification from Georgetown Law School, a J.D. from Hamline University School of Law, and a B.A. from Rutgers College. She is licensed to practice law in New Jersey and as corporate counsel in Virginia.




Jennifer Campbell Joins Venable as Counsel in Los Angeles Wealth Planning Group

Venable LLP has added Jennifer Campbell as counsel in its Los Angeles office, strengthening its West Coast Private Wealth Planning Group. Campbell brings experience advising high-net-worth individuals, fiduciaries, and business owners on estate planning, trust and probate administration, and tax-related matters.

Her practice includes the design and implementation of estate plans involving revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and gifting strategies such as charitable vehicles and spousal lifetime access trusts.

Before joining Venable, Campbell held roles at various international and boutique law firms and served as trust and managing counsel for financial institutions. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and holds a B.A. in political science from Whittier College.

Campbell said she looks forward to working within Venable’s full-service legal platform to serve clients at every stage of the wealth planning process.

Venable LLP, a Global 100 law firm, has over 900 professionals across the U.S. and offers services in business law, regulatory matters, litigation, and intellectual property.




Kenneth J. Nunnenkamp Joins Blank Rome as International Trade Partner in D.C.

Blank Rome LLP has added Kenneth J. Nunnenkamp as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office, where he will join the firm’s International Trade practice group. Nunnenkamp brings nearly four decades of experience in national security and international trade, including a strong focus on Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews, export controls, and sanctions compliance.

Previously with Morgan Lewis, where he led the firm’s CFIUS working group, Nunnenkamp has represented clients across various industries and countries in foreign investment reviews. He is ranked by Chambers and recognized by Foreign Investment Watch, where he also serves on the advisory board.

His work includes extensive representation before federal agencies, including the Departments of Justice, State, Commerce, Treasury, and Homeland Security, in matters involving trade enforcement, sanctions, and export regulations.

Nunnenkamp is a former U.S. Marine Corps JAG officer and maintains an active pro bono practice, particularly advocating for veterans seeking benefits and discharge upgrades.

He earned his LL.M. from George Mason University’s Scalia Law School, his J.D. from Catholic University of America, and a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University.




Beth Freemal Joins Frost Brown Todd as Real Estate Partner in Cincinnati

Beth Freemal has joined Frost Brown Todd as a partner in its Cincinnati office, strengthening the firm’s commercial finance and real estate capabilities.

Freemal brings experience as general counsel for a national real estate investment company, where she oversaw legal operations for a portfolio of more than 100 downtown parking facilities, 16 off-airport locations, and over two million square feet of warehouse space.

At Frost Brown Todd, she will be part of the firm’s Real Estate practice group, advising clients on complex transactions including acquisitions, sales, commercial lending, securitization, and structured finance.

Her addition aligns with the firm’s continued efforts to expand its national platform in real estate and finance. Frost Brown Todd’s Cincinnati office leadership cited Freemal’s strategic and pragmatic approach as a key asset for clients and internal collaboration.

Freemal has received multiple recognitions for professional and community leadership, including the Ohio Women’s Conference Glass Ceiling Award and the Cincinnati YWCA Rising Star award. She is also an alumna of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s WE Lead Program.

Frost Brown Todd is a national law firm with more than 600 attorneys across 14 states, providing legal services in business transactions and litigation to clients in industries including real estate, finance, construction, and health care.




Michael Best Adds Amanda Wait as Antitrust Practice Leader

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP has appointed Amanda Wait as a partner to lead its Antitrust and Competition practice in Washington, D.C.

Wait brings more than 20 years of experience in antitrust and competition law, having advised Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and startups on merger reviews, government investigations, and litigation. She previously led the antitrust practice at a major international law firm. She served as an attorney at the Federal Trade Commission.

At the FTC, Wait oversaw merger investigations and enforcement actions. She has secured global merger clearances and represented clients before the FTC, Department of Justice, and state attorneys general.

Jason Thompson, chair of Michael Best’s Transactional Practice Group, highlighted Wait’s combination of public- and private-sector experience as a key asset. Her role at the firm will focus on merger clearance, investigations, and antitrust litigation.
Dave Crass, managing partner of the Washington, D.C., office, said Wait’s addition supports the firm’s regional expansion and enhances its regulatory practice.

Wait has counseled clients across sectors, including healthcare, energy, life sciences, and industrials. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the University of Cincinnati Foundation Board of Trustees. She supports economics students through mentorship and scholarships.

Michael Best has more than 325 attorneys across 18 U.S. offices and serves clients in industries such as manufacturing, agribusiness, financial services, and digital technology.




Fenwick Elects 2026 New Partner Class

Fenwick & West LLP has elected three attorneys to its 2026 partner class, effective Jan. 1, the firm announced Thursday.
The new partners, based in Santa Monica and Seattle, specialize in intellectual property, corporate law, and tax, with a focus on technology and blockchain-related matters.

Julia Arruda, based in Santa Monica, will join the partnership from the firm’s intellectual property group. She advises technology companies on IP issues in corporate transactions and commercial agreements, particularly in fintech, AI, blockchain, and gaming sectors.

Christopher Crawford, also based in Santa Monica, practices in the corporate group. He counsels startups and technology firms on corporate governance, venture financing, mergers and acquisitions, and public offerings, with expertise in blockchain-related legal matters.

Sean McElroy, based in Seattle, will join the tax group. His practice focuses on tax planning and controversy, including litigation before federal courts and advising on blockchain-related tax issues.

Firm Chair Richard Dickson said the new class would contribute to the firm’s ongoing national expansion and growth across the technology and life sciences sectors.

Fenwick, founded in Silicon Valley, has more than 600 legal professionals worldwide. It was named 2024 Practice Group of the Year in Life Sciences and Technology by Law360.