Perkins Coie Expands Regulatory Expertise with Ted Dowd

Washington, D.C. — Perkins Coie has added Ted Dowd to expand its regulatory practice. He is a former Acting Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief Counsel of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Dowd joins the firm as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in the U.S. banking system.

In his new role, Dowd will collaborate with James Vivenzio, another former OCC official, to advise clients across the financial services sector, including banks, fintech platforms, and private equity sponsors. Their combined expertise in regulatory strategy and enforcement will be a significant asset as companies navigate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

During his tenure at the OCC, Dowd played a crucial role in overseeing fintech, blockchain, and digital assets within the federal banking system. His leadership extended to high-profile regulatory matters and licensing decisions, positioning him as a key figure in shaping U.S. banking policy.

“Ted’s deep insights in shaping national banking law and policy will be invaluable to clients facing the challenges of today’s financial services environment,” said Molly Moynihan, chair of Perkins Coie’s Financial Regulation practice.

Joe Cutler, chair of the firm’s Fintech Industry Group, emphasized that Dowd’s addition strengthens Perkins Coie’s ability to offer regulatory guidance for companies at the intersection of innovation and scrutiny.

Perkins Coie, which has earned top rankings in blockchain and fintech law, continues to expand its regulatory capabilities, with Dowd being the 13th partner to join the firm in 2025.




Mitratech and iManage Unite to Revolutionize Legal Tech

Mitratech and iManage have joined forces in a strategic move to transform legal operations. Together, they’ve launched an all-in-one platform that merges contract, case, and document management. The result is a single, seamless legal tech experience. This groundbreaking partnership embeds iManage Work directly into Mitratech’s CaseCloud™. It marks the first fully unified digital environment designed specifically for legal teams in the corporate, public, and private sectors.

Unlike traditional third-party plug-ins, this integration is fully embedded, meaning users can work directly with iManage’s robust content features inside CaseCloud without needing to switch platforms. This marriage of technologies marks a new milestone in legal tech, enabling law firms and legal departments to elevate collaboration, boost productivity, and maintain airtight compliance.

Key capabilities of the new platform include:

  • Unified management of diverse legal documents, including contracts, memos, and legal filings.
  • Streamlined contract workflows with built-in compliance and approval tracking.
  • Enhanced document security and auditability backed by iManage’s industry-leading infrastructure.
  • Real-time visibility into legal processes through one centralized system.

Legal teams in both public and corporate sectors can benefit significantly from this platform. It reduces risk, speeds up legal processes, and ensures full oversight of every document’s lifecycle. The integration combines Mitratech’s automation tools with iManage’s secure document environment. As a result, it streamlines litigation, contract handling, and knowledge management like never before.

Chris Iconos, General Manager of Legal Solutions at Mitratech, emphasized the broader market shift:

“This is no longer a premium capability for elite firms — it’s a must-have for every legal and risk team striving to operate smarter and more securely.”

Dan Dosen, EVP of Channels and Alliances at iManage, highlighted the seamless user experience:

“By embedding iManage into CaseCloud™, we’re enabling legal professionals to manage critical knowledge where they already work. It’s about enhancing workflows without adding friction.”

The fully embedded iManage for Mitratech CaseCloud™ is now available to both existing and new CaseCloud™ clients. As legal technology continues to evolve, this partnership sets a new benchmark for unified legal platforms that combine reliability, usability, and innovation.




Buchalter Adds Brad Markoff and Mark Levinson to Los Angeles Office

Buchalter has expanded its Los Angeles office with the addition of Brad Markoff and William Mark Levinson as corporate shareholders, the firm announced this week.

Markoff will also serve as chair of Buchalter’s Real Estate Capital Markets practice. His legal work focuses on capital markets and complex financing transactions, including cross-border deals involving Asia-based clients, real estate portfolio transactions, and private and public offerings.

Levinson returns to the firm after nearly 30 years. He brings over four decades of experience in corporate law, real estate, securities, and public finance. His clientele has included public and private companies, developers, financial institutions, and government entities.

Buchalter President and CEO Adam Bass said the additions strengthen the firm’s financial and transactional capabilities nationwide. The firm now has close to 600 attorneys across 11 states.




Katten Announces New Partner Class of 2025

Katten, a law firm, announced today that 11 lawyers will be promoted to partner status starting September 1, 2025. Katten’s Chair, Gil M. Soffer, said, “This is a major achievement for these talented lawyers. Their promotion shows how much the firm values their hard work, excellent legal skills, and strong relationships with clients and colleagues.”

The following lawyers were chosen to become partners:

  • Ava R. Alim, Real Estate Investment and Finance, Charlotte
  • Christopher Collins, Financial Markets and Regulation, London
  • Christopher T. Cook, Insurance and Health Care Fraud Litigation, New York
  • Fabiola Fox, Capital Markets, Dallas
  • Michaela C. Holcombe, Commercial Litigation, Charlotte
  • Kelly N. Hutchinson, Government and Public Finance, Chicago
  • Matthew R. Jennings, Structured Finance and Securitization, New York
  • Elise W. Michael, Investment Management and Trading, New York
  • Michelle R. Poncetta, Real Estate Investment and Finance, Los Angeles
  • Zachary M. Schmitz, Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement, Chicago
  • Karolen S. Younan, Health Care, Chicago

Katten is a law firm with about 700 lawyers in offices across the U.S., London, and Shanghai. The firm collaborates with clients worldwide in various areas, including business law, finance, real estate, and other sectors. You can learn more by visiting their website at katten.com.




Fenwick Expands Boston Office with New Corporate Partner

Fenwick & West has announced the continued growth of its Boston office with the hiring of corporate partner David Horne. This move underscores the firm’s commitment to enhancing its presence in the region and supporting clients through all phases of business growth.

Horne, who specializes in advising high-growth companies and investors on venture financings, mergers and acquisitions, and public offerings, brings over a decade of experience. He is well-known for his solutions-oriented approach and strong client relationships. His expertise spans multiple industries, with a particular focus on Boston’s startup ecosystem, including connections with university accelerators and founder groups.

Fenwick’s firmwide chair, Richard Dickson, emphasized that Horne’s arrival strengthens the firm’s ability to serve Boston’s innovative market. “David’s addition aligns with our vision to build a team that captures the dynamic spirit of the region’s tech and startup landscape,” said Dickson.

Check this post: Fenwick adds a partner to strengthen the Booston office.

Horne’s decision to join Fenwick stems from the firm’s reputation in the tech and life sciences sectors, as well as its collaborative culture. “The firm’s national reach, coupled with its growing Boston team, makes Fenwick the ideal place for continuing to help entrepreneurs and investors achieve their ambitious goals,” Horne remarked.

This move follows Fenwick’s recent expansion in Boston, where the firm launched its office in April with a prominent life sciences IP team. Since then, the firm has also bolstered its executive compensation practice with the addition of partner Jim Hauser. The Boston office is poised for further growth as it continues to build its local team while leveraging Fenwick’s national resources.




Former California Deputy Solicitor General Joins Perkins Coie as Partner

AN DIEGO (August 25, 2025) — Perkins Coie has announced that Josh Patashnik, the former Deputy Solicitor General of California, has joined the firm’s Litigation practice as a partner in its San Diego office. Patashnik will focus on appellate cases, legal strategy, and related issues.

Patashnik brings extensive experience, having argued cases in numerous state and federal courts, including the California Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His work also spans the U.S. Supreme Court, where he has represented clients at both the certiorari and merits stages, as well as in matters involving emergency relief and injunctions.

“Josh’s legal expertise, particularly in California state and Ninth Circuit cases, will be invaluable for our clients,” said Julia Markley, co-chair of Perkins Coie’s Litigation practice. “His deep experience as a former Deputy Solicitor General will be an asset in navigating the complex litigation landscape.”

Patashnik’s practice will cover a wide range of areas, including constitutional law, federal preemption, antitrust, environmental law, and healthcare regulation. He will assist clients with navigating federal and state statutes and responding to investigations by state agencies.

Patashnik previously clerked for Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and Justice Anthony Kennedy of the U.S. Supreme Court. He holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.

Perkins Coie’s Litigation practice continues to grow, with Patashnik becoming the latest addition as part of the firm’s ongoing expansion. He is the 12th new partner to join this year, following the recent hire of former U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath.




Littler Adds Veteran Labor Lawyer Dan Mueller to Seattle Office

Littler has expanded its labor practice by adding Dan Mueller, a seasoned labor relations attorney with over 25 years of experience, as a shareholder in its Seattle office.

Mueller, who joins the firm’s Labor Practice Group, previously served as corporate labor counsel at an international retail company and worked as a field attorney for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). His background includes representing employers in collective bargaining, unfair labor practice cases, labor arbitration, and union organizing matters.

Littler, which bills itself as the world’s largest labor and employment law firm representing management, said Mueller’s experience will enhance its capacity to serve union and non-union employers, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

Mueller’s practice spans multiple sectors, including retail, hospitality, and healthcare. At the NLRB, he handled investigations, litigation, and federal court injunction proceedings. He has also represented clients in dozens of labor arbitrations and filed legal briefs with the NLRB and federal courts.

The firm’s labor practice includes more than 250 attorneys and has advised nearly half of the Fortune 100 on labor issues in recent years, according to Littler. Mueller’s addition supports Littler’s ongoing efforts to grow its presence in key markets and address evolving workplace dynamics.

More on Littler: Donal Dowling addition




Over 250 Littler Attorneys Honored in 2026 Best Lawyers Rankings

August 21, 2025 – Over 250 attorneys from Littler, a global labor and employment law firm, have been named in the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

The lawyers were honored for their work in various areas of law, including employment law, labor law, litigation, immigration, and tax law. Eleven Littler attorneys were also named “Lawyer of the Year” in their practice areas and cities. Those selected include attorneys from New Haven, Kansas City, Dallas, Philadelphia, Anchorage, Lexington, Milwaukee, Providence, Birmingham, and Los Angeles.

In addition, more than 170 Littler attorneys were recognized in the Ones to Watch category in America, which highlights younger lawyers with strong professional achievements.

  • Paula N. Anthony (New Haven)
  • Daniel B. Boatright (Kansas City)
  • Arthur T. Carter (Dallas)
  • Kristine Grady Derewicz (Philadelphia)
  • Gregory S. Fisher (Anchorage)
  • Jay Inman (Lexington)
  • Jonathan O. Levine (Milwaukee)
  • LaToi D. Mayo (Lexington)
  • Heather A. Pierce (Providence)
  • Charles A. Powell IV (Birmingham)
  • Tanja L. Thompson (Los Angeles)

Best Lawyers has published lawyer rankings for 40 years. Selections are based entirely on peer reviews and a detailed review process. Lawyers cannot pay to be included.

About Littler

Littler has more than 1,800 attorneys working in offices around the world, focusing on workplace legal matters.




Littler Earns Top Rankings in 2026 Chambers Latin America Guide

Littler, the world’s largest labor and employment law practice representing management, has secured multiple recognitions in the Chambers Latin America 2026 guide, with several offices and attorneys earning top honors in the region.

The firm’s Colombia and Costa Rica offices received Band 1 rankings in the Labor & Employment category, reflecting their leadership in the field. Additionally, Littler’s offices in Mexico and Puerto Rico were also acknowledged in the same practice area.

The recognition extends to several notable attorneys across different countries:

  • Colombia: Francisco Buriticá, Andrés DaCosta Herrera, Gustavo José Gnecco, Carlos Hernán Godoy, Santiago Martínez, and Ana Cristina Medina were recognized as leaders in labor and employment law.
  • Costa Rica: Marco Durante Calvo, José Joaquín Acuña Solís, Francisco Salas Chaves, and Oscar Corrales Retana received accolades for their work.
  • Mexico: David E. Leal González and Mónica Schiaffino were highlighted for their expertise.
  • Puerto Rico: Carl Schuster, Anabel Rodríguez-Alonso, Erika Berríos-Berríos, and Mariela Rexach earned recognition for their significant contributions to the field.
  • Venezuela: Juan Carlos Varela was also recognized for his labor law work.

Federico Bernal García was named an “Up-and-Coming” attorney, underscoring his rising potential and pivotal role in the firm’s growth.

The Chambers Latin America guide evaluates firms and attorneys based on factors such as legal knowledge, professional integrity, client service, and commercial insight. This recognition underscores Littler’s commitment to excellence in labor and employment law across Latin America.

Chambers and Partners’ rankings are highly respected in the legal industry, offering a comprehensive guide that covers 19 jurisdictions across Latin America. The guide’s methodology includes client feedback, peer reviews, and in-depth research, ensuring that only the most accomplished legal professionals and firms are featured.

About Littler

With over 1,800 attorneys worldwide, Littler continues to set the standard for labor and employment law, offering innovative solutions to employers globally.

For more information, visit www.littler.com.




Clausen Miller Triples Texas Presence with Five Attorneys

HOUSTON (August 18, 2025) – Clausen Miller has tripled the size of its Texas operations with the addition of five attorneys and eight professional staff members, the law firm announced Monday.

The expansion, which coincides with the firm’s third anniversary in Texas, brings enhanced capabilities in trial law, insurance litigation, and commercial disputes across offices in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio. The new team joins from Doyen Sebesta & Poelma, a Houston-based litigation boutique.

New arrivals include Shareholder Scot Doyen, Partners Terence McCarthy and Angela Hahn, and Associates Tamara Crawford and Paul-Michael Dusek. Collectively, they bring decades of experience handling complex litigation across state and federal courts.

Doyen is board-certified in civil trial law and has argued cases before both the U.S. and Texas Supreme Courts. Hahn brings more than 15 years of experience in insurance defense and transportation cases. McCarthy focuses on first-party insurance litigation and healthcare-related disputes. Crawford and Dusek both handle a broad spectrum of insurance and commercial litigation matters.

The additions mark a strategic move by Clausen Miller to strengthen its client services across the Southwest.




Daniel Johnson Joins the Littler as a Shareholder in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Aug. 19, 2025) — Littler has expanded its Kansas City office with the addition of Daniel Johnson as a shareholder. Johnson joins the firm from Ogletree Deakins and brings more than two decades of experience in employment litigation and labor law.

Licensed in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, Johnson represents employers in disputes involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower claims, wage and hour issues, and restrictive covenant matters. He also has experience representing clients before the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

“Daniel has a well-rounded and strategic practice,” said Littler Managing Director Erin Webber. “His deep litigation background and practical approach to resolving complex employment issues will be of tremendous value to our clients.”

Johnson has served as lead counsel in jury and bench trials, as well as in labor arbitrations. He earned his law degree with honors from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Littler, which focuses on representing management in labor and employment matters, employs more than 1,800 attorneys in offices worldwide.

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Littler Appoints Gerardo V. Hernandez OMS in Fresno.




iManage Boost AI Features for Secure, Smarter Workflows

CHICAGO — iManage has announced major updates to its AI tools, boosts new features designed to make contract review, research, and workflow automation faster, more accurate, and more secure. The enhancements will debut at ILTACON 2025.

The upgrades focus on what the company calls “AI Confidence.” This means all AI outputs are linked to trusted data. That data is explainable, traceable, and stored securely in iManage Cloud.

This approach aims to help legal and business professionals get clear, defensible answers from AI while keeping sensitive information protected.

Three Key Advancements

Model Context Protocol (MCP) Support: This new integration standard allows customers to connect any MCP-compatible AI app directly to iManage Cloud. This will give users more choice in AI tools without custom integrations.

Enhanced Insight+ Search: Upgrades to iManage’s search engine. Let users ask questions in plain language, uncover hidden trends, and get contextual answers from across their organization’s documents.

Advanced AI Assistant Features: The “Ask iManage” tool now supports multi-turn conversations for deeper research and includes inline citations so users can instantly verify sources.

Real-World Impact

Clients like law firm Bracewell say these updates have made AI more practical for day-to-day legal work, helping with tasks like security reviews, litigation research, and summarizing complex documents.

New Search Power

With the Insight+ upgrade, professionals can quickly find information such as which lawyers have the best track records in specific jurisdictions or which documents match a certain legal strategy. A new “Matter Search” feature links documents to related business data, making it easier to analyze profitability and success rates.

Open Ecosystem for AI

By supporting MCP, iManage enables third-party AI agents to coordinate multi-step workflows across different platforms. These include reviewing contracts, assigning follow-up tasks, and scheduling meetings. All activities maintain strict security and ethical controls.

“Our goal is to make AI both powerful and trustworthy,” said Neil Araujo, CEO of iManage. “By integrating intelligence into tools people already use, like Microsoft 365, we help professionals work smarter without disrupting their routines.”




Katten Welcomes Meredith O’Leary as A Partner in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, DC — Katten has welcomed Meredith Sheldon O’Leary as a partner in its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice in Washington, DC.

O’Leary has more than 20 years of experience advising companies, financial institutions, private equity and hedge funds, pension funds, and multinational corporations on executive pay and benefits matters. She works with clients on designing tax-efficient compensation strategies, particularly during mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions.

Her practice covers a wide range of executive and employee programs, including equity-based compensation, incentive and retention plans, change-in-control packages, deferred compensation, retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, and fringe benefits.

“Meredith’s expertise strengthens our already deep bench and will help deliver exceptional results for clients,” said Kate Saracene, chair of Katten’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice.

Seth Messner, managing partner of Katten’s Washington office, added, “Her knowledge and practical approach will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”

Katten is a full-service law firm with about 700 attorneys in offices across the U.S., London, and Shanghai. The firm advises clients on corporate law, finance, restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, tax, and other complex legal matters.

For more information, visit katten.com.




Frost Brown Todd Adds Litigator Kevin Havelda in Denver

DENVER — Frost Brown Todd adds attorney/litigator Kevin Havelda as a partner in its Business Litigation Practice Group in Denver. Havelda returns to the firm where he began his legal career, having previously worked in its Lexington, Kentucky, office.

Havelda represents clients in a wide range of legal disputes, including business and employment matters, medical licensure issues, and insurance defense. He also advises employers on contracts and compliance to help avoid future legal problems.

“As Denver’s business landscape continues to grow, Kevin’s experience and deep ties in Colorado will be a great asset to our clients,” said John Kellogg. He is a managing partner of the Denver office. “His return is part of our plan to strengthen our presence in the region.”

The Denver office opened in 2024 and serves as a hub for Frost Brown Todd’s expansion in the Rocky Mountain region.
Havelda said he’s excited to rejoin the firm that helped shape his early career. “It’s great to be back at FBT and to work with such a strong team again,” he said. “This is the ideal place to grow my practice and support clients with complex legal needs.”

Havelda holds a law degree from the University of Kentucky, a master’s in education from Hunter College, and a bachelor’s degree from Centre College. He clerked for U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom and currently serves as an elected school board director in Colorado’s Poudre School District.




Womble Adds 20 Lawyers from Neal & Harwell in Nashville

NASHVILLE — Womble Bond Dickinson is significantly expanding its presence in Nashville with the addition of 20 attorneys, including 15 partners, from local firm Neal & Harwell. The move strengthens Womble’s litigation and disputes capabilities, especially in commercial and complex matters.

“This is a big step forward for our firm,” said Merrick Benn, Chair and CEO of Womble (U.S.). “These attorneys bring decades of experience across trial law, entertainment litigation, appellate work, corporate finance, and real estate. Their skills and strong reputations will boost the service we offer clients nationwide.”

Eighteen of the new lawyers are joining Womble’s Business Litigation Group, while two will support the Finance, Bankruptcy & Restructuring team. The group includes well-known names in the legal community, such as Bill Ramsey, Phil Elbert, Ron Harris, and Jim Sanders—each with decades of trial experience and leadership in high-profile cases.

“These attorneys are not only accomplished in the courtroom but are also deeply connected to the Nashville community,” said Josh Mullen, managing partner of Womble’s Nashville office. “They bring strong client relationships and civic involvement that align with our firm’s values.”

Bill Ramsey, one of the new partners, called the move a “new chapter” that allows the team to grow under a national platform while continuing the legacy of legendary trial lawyer Jim Neal. “We’re excited to keep working together with greater reach and resources,” he said.

The expansion follows Womble’s recent merger with Lewis Roca, growing the firm to more than 1,300 attorneys across 37 offices in the U.S. and UK.

See Also: In June, Foley also expands its firm in Nashville with three partners.




FiveStar Gourmet Foods Appoints Liz Atlee as General Counsel

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — FiveStar Gourmet Foods, the company behind the Simply Fresh brand, has appointed Liz Atlee as its new General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.

Atlee brings over two decades of legal and compliance experience, most recently serving as SVP and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at CBRE. In that role, she led global programs across more than 100 countries. There, she focus on risk management, cybersecurity, litigation, and corporate governance.

“Liz is a smart and respected legal leader who will strengthen our executive team and board,” said Tal Shoshan, CEO of FiveStar. “Her experience will help guide us as we grow and protect the reputation of our brand.”

Atlee earned her undergraduate degree from Yale and her law degree from USC. She also teaches corporate ethics and compliance at USC Law and serves on several nonprofit and corporate boards.

At FiveStar, Atlee will also serve as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors. She will lead the company’s efforts in governance and regulatory compliance. Her arrival comes as FiveStar opens a new production and distribution facility in Southern California. This is designed to support the nationwide rollout of its fresh food offerings.

“Joining FiveStar is a chance to be part of something meaningful,” said Atlee. “I’m excited to support the company’s mission and contribute to its next phase of growth.”

About FiveStar Gourmet Foods

FiveStar Gourmet Foods, home of Simply Fresh, is a leader in fresh, innovative meal solutions with a focus on culinary creativity, food safety, and premium quality across retail and foodservice.

Recently, an AI-powered provider, Datasite also appoints a Mathnew Steinhilber as General Counsel.




Datasite Appoints Matthew Steinhilber as General Counsel

MINNEAPOLIS — Datasite, a global provider of AI-powered tools for mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic business projects, has appointed Matthew Steinhilber as its new General Counsel.

In this role, Steinhilber will lead the company’s global legal operations, including litigation, intellectual property, corporate governance, and business matters. He will report directly to President and CEO Rusty Wiley.

Steinhilber brings more than 20 years of legal and leadership experience. He has previously served as General Counsel for ACA Group and, most recently, at Blueflame AI—a provider of AI solutions for financial services companies that Datasite recently acquired.

His appointment reflects Datasite’s commitment to strengthening its legal function as technology, business strategy, and compliance continue to converge.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Muhlenberg College and a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law.

About Datasite

Datasite is a global SaaS provider of AI-powered workflow collaboration and automation solutions for M&A, investment, and strategic projects. Datasite’s innovative products drive execution while generating unique data insights that empower knowledge workers around the world to succeed across the entire project lifecycle.

For more information, visit www.datasite.com.




Icertis and Dioptra Team Up to Speed AI Contract Review

BELLEVUE, Wash. & NEW YORK — Icertis and Dioptra have team up to speed contract review faster and more accurate using AI. The two companies are combining their technologies to help legal teams handle contracts more efficiently and reduce risk.

The partnership brings together Icertis’ AI tools, explicitly built for contracts, with Dioptra’s redlining software. This combo helps legal teams automatically review and edit contracts in line with company policies known as “playbooks” saving time on routine work while flagging risks in more complex deals.

As demand for legal services grows and corporate risk rises, legal departments are looking for smarter ways to manage contracts. With this new toolset, legal teams can focus more on essential negotiations and spend less time on repetitive tasks.

“Legal teams need to do more with less, and AI can help,” said Sudarshan Chitre, Senior VP of AI at Icertis. “Our partnership with Dioptra lets us offer powerful AI tools that improve contract accuracy and speed.”

Farah Gasmi, co-founder of Dioptra, said the partnership allows companies to move faster without changing their existing processes. “Our AI builds on what teams already use, making contracts quicker and safer to review,” she said.

Icertis is known for its AI-powered platform that helps businesses maximize the value of their contracts. At the same time, law firms and in-house legal teams use Dioptra to automate early-stage contract reviews.




Buchalter Adds Two Real Estate Shareholders in Pacific Northwest

SEATTLE & PORTLAND — Law firm Buchalter has added two experienced real estate attorneys, Ian Taylor and Michelle Da Rosa, as shareholders in its Pacific Northwest offices. Taylor joins the firm in Seattle, while Da Rosa is based in Portland. Both will be part of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group.

“Ian and Michelle bring valuable experience in handling complex real estate deals,” said Buchalter President and CEO Adam Bass. “They will strengthen our capabilities in the region and support our clients’ growing needs.”

Taylor represents both public and private clients in lease negotiations for a variety of properties, including office space, retail sites, cell towers, and marinas. He also handles purchase and sale agreements, easements, and eminent domain matters. He offers regulatory advice especially in niche areas like airport facility leasing.

“The entrepreneurial approach at Buchalter fits well with how I work,” said Taylor. “I’m excited to contribute to the firm’s real estate practice.”

Da Rosa’s work spans both traditional real estate deals and renewable energy projects. She advises developers and clients in industries like solar, wind, natural gas, and hospitality. Her practice includes affordable housing, commercial leasing, and clearing up title issues. She is also recognized as a leading attorney in Oregon for condominium and master-planned developments.

“I’m happy to join Buchalter and continue supporting clients in their real estate and energy projects,” Da Rosa said. “The firm’s collaborative culture is a great fit for my practice.”

Bass noted that the firm is seeing growing demand for real estate expertise in the region and expects both attorneys to thrive with the support of Buchalter’s national platform.

Read Also:

Buchalter added White Collar Attorney Michael Kilgarriff in Denver office.




Honigman Adds Litigator Devin Carpenter as Partner in Chicago

CHICAGO — Honigman LLP has welcomed attorney Devin Carpenter as a partner in its Litigation Department, marking the latest addition to the firm’s growing Chicago office.

Carpenter is the eighth partner to join the Chicago team this year, as the firm continues to expand its litigation bench. He brings experience handling high-stakes cases in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts nationwide.

“Devin is a talented litigator who strengthens our team, especially as we continue to grow our litigation practice in Chicago,” said J. Michael Huget, chair of Honigman’s Litigation Department.

Carpenter represents clients in complex disputes involving antitrust, trade secrets, fraud, breach of contract, privacy, and ERISA matters. His work spans industries such as telecom, finance, insurance, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Kristen Boike, managing partner of the Chicago office, said Carpenter’s addition reflects the firm’s ongoing strategic growth. “We’re excited to have him on board,” she said.

Carpenter earned his law degree from the University of Chicago and his undergraduate degree from Indiana University.