“Disputes over exclusive contracts are nothing new in MMA or for the sport’s largest promoter, the UFC. While the elite champions and challengers usually make headlines Jon Jones and Jorge Masvidal holding out for better deals, Francis N’Gannou attempting to fight out his contract before presumably being subject,” reports Paul Gift in Forbes.

“A champion’s clause extension, or Nate Diaz being one fight away from restricted free agency and a possible future boxing match with YouTube star Jake Paul 100% of UFC fighters are subject to an exclusivity clause preventing them from taking their talents to any other mixed martial art, martial art, boxing, professional wrestling, or any other.”

Read the article.

“As the clock struck 8 p.m. EST, the league has once again passed the non-tender deadline. This means that all 30 teams have offered contracts to their pre-arbitration players and will either sign them or advance to arbitration for those who are eligible, or they have chosen to let them become free agents,” reports Ryan Pavich in SB Nation.

“The biggest name on the Yankees roster that was on alert for this deadline was Gary Sánchez, who for the second-straight offseason had rumors circling that the team might not offer him a contract. Sánchez has made it through both instances, though this time there was definitely some hesitancy the Yankees were rumored to be interested.”

Read the article.

“Construction contracts often use the rubric of the contractor being entitled to a fair and reasonable EOT where a relevant delay has occurred. This broad wording suggests that the person assessing the EOT application has a large measure of discretion in deciding what EOT to award. This, in turn, leads to the,” reports Julian Bailey in JD Supra.

“Question of how a fair and reasonable EOT should be assessed where there are two or more causes of the same period of delay, some at the owner’s risk, and some at the contractor’s risk – i.e., concurrent or parallel delay. Where there is concurrent delay, this can give rise to difficult questions regarding which party should be responsible for.”

Read the article.

“The current Biglaw lateral market is overwhelming. There are more variables influencing associates career planning and strategic decision making than ever before.  A byproduct is that getting started on a lateral search can be intimidating.  My goal here is to advise you on how to take the first few steps,” reports Above The Law in their blog.

“Because the way in which you target and contact firms can hugely influence your ability to make a change. Below is a list of factors I encourage you to consider, and a quality recruiter will view each as an opportunity to maximize the likelihood of attractive offers. Take advantage of active markets like this one to at least do your diligence.”

Read the article.

“Bird Global Inc., one of the largest electric scooter rental companies, named a new general counsel and corporate secretary in Lisa Murison ahead of going public last month. Bird’s recruitment of Murison came after she served as chief legal and people officer and executive vice president of operations,” reports Brian Baxter in Bloomberg Law.

“Edmunds.com Inc., a Santa Monica, Calif.-based online automotive information service. Santa Monica-based Bird went public following the completion of a merger agreed upon in May with Switchback II Corp., a special purpose acquisition company. The deal valued Bird, advised by Latham & Watkins, at roughly $2.3 billion.”

Read the article.

“Opportunity Financial, an online lender, will refund $1.5 million to more than 4,000 D.C. borrowers, settling a lawsuit that alleged it charged them excessive interest rates, D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced Tuesday. Racine’s office sued Opportunity Financial, also,” reports Michael Brice Saddler in The Washington Post.

“It is known as OppFi, in April, alleging that the lender had violated D.C. law by “misrepresenting its high interest loans as fast and easy cash,” according to a news release at the time. The loans, known as OppLoans and issued from at least 2018 until May 2020, carried an annual percentage rate of 160 percent, seven times higher than the 24.”

Read the article.

“The three governmental plaintiffs in St. Louis’ Rams litigation must negotiate over how to split proceeds from the case’s $790 million settlement. St. Louis, St. Louis County and the public entity that owns the Dome at America’s Center, the Rams’ home before the team moved to Los Angeles in 2016, last week,” reports Jacob Kirn in KSDK.

“Agreed to settle the case, filed in 2017 against the Rams and National Football League. Two law firms that worked for the plaintiffs on contingency are to receive 35% of the settlement, plus certain costs, making unclear right now exactly how much the governments will receive. Spokespeople for St. Louis city government didn’t immediately.”

Read the article.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Corby Cochran Anderson, retired partner, is the recipient of the 2021 Ayscue Professionalism Award by the Mecklenburg County Bar (MCB).

Ms. Anderson was presented with the award at the MCB’s virtual Law & Society Luncheon on December 2. The award recognizes a current or former MCB member for exemplary professionalism through outstanding service to the MCB and the community and embodiment of the traits to which all attorneys should aspire.

“Corby is incredibly deserving of this recognition, and it is particularly meaningful since the Professionalism Award is named in honor of one of her mentors, Ozzie Ayscue. Corby is held in the highest esteem in the Charlotte community and beyond, known as an exceptional practitioner, mentor and friend,” said Bradley Charlotte Office Managing Partner Christopher C. Lam.

Ms. Anderson practiced in North Carolina trial and appellate courts and in federal courts throughout the United States, focusing on commercial litigation with an emphasis on franchising, intellectual property, retail and new media. She founded and chaired Bradley’s Franchise & Distribution Practice Group, as well as the Retail team, building them from scratch and playing a key role in securing significant franchise and intellectual property victories. Ms. Anderson’s work earned her recognition in Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, and The Best Lawyers in America® and she was named among the “50 Most Influential Women” by The Mecklenburg Times in 2017.

An active member of the Charlotte community, Ms. Anderson worked with Kids Voting Mecklenburg County (now Generation Nation) to promote civic engagement among young people through programs that engage teenagers to become active participants in the community. She was active with the MCB, serving on the organization’s Board of Directors from 2003 to 2006, and consistently participating in programs benefitting children, including the school reading program. In addition, Ms. Anderson was an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association, serving on various sections and committees, including the Appellate Rules Study Committee, and she was a leader in the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising, where she worked to develop the area of franchise law.

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.

DENVER (December 2, 2021) — Lathrop GPM announced today the addition of two Trusts & Estates attorneys, Tom Rodriguez and Casey Breese, along with paralegal, Kathleen Dunlap, in the firm’s Denver office, further establishing the Trusts, Estates, & Legacy Planning Practice Group in the region and enhancing its national capabilities. All three represent clients in trusts & estates litigation, joining Lathrop GPM Denver Partner Alison Zinn, who focuses her practice exclusively in the area of trusts & estates litigation and leads the firm’s Trusts & Estates Litigation team.

Rodriguez joins as Counsel, bringing over 20 years of experience practicing in the Denver market, most recently with boutique Vincent, Romeo & Rodriguez, LLC. His practice focuses on probate litigation, including contested guardianships and conservatorships, fiduciary representation and other will and trust litigation. Rodriguez has been a Fellow to the American College of Trust and Estates Counsel (ACTEC) for almost a decade and is a previous co-chair of the Elder Law Section of the Colorado Bar.

“Tom brings to Lathrop GPM an impressive background in trusts and estates litigation and an established practice and reputation for excellence in Colorado,” said Patrick McRorie, Partner in Charge of the firm’s Denver office. “We are thrilled that Tom chose to bring that expertise and client base to Lathrop GPM.”

Breese, who started his legal career at Lathrop GPM, returns as an Associate. He joined the firm on November 8 from Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, and previously Steptoe & Johnson, where he established his litigation practice in Denver. He is looking forward to focusing his litigation practice on contested trusts, estates, guardianships and conservatorships.

“Our team is dedicated to representing fiduciaries and beneficiaries in disputes related to wealth distribution and the administration of trusts and estates. An increasing number of people and companies need representation from attorneys who truly understand the details of trusts and estates when disputes arise — or even when they are percolating,” said Marya Robben, Chair of the firm’s Trusts, Estates, & Legacy Planning Practice Group. “We are thrilled to add Tom, Casey and Kathleen to our strong national team in Trusts and Estates Litigation to be able to serve more clients with needs in this area.”

Rodriguez joins the firm on November 30, along with Kathleen Dunlap, an experienced paralegal in the areas of probate, estate planning, and litigation who also served clients from Vincent, Romeo & Rodriguez.

Rodriguez earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law and his B.A. from Hardin-Simmons University. Breese earned his J.D. from Washington University School of Law and his B.S. from Missouri State University. Dunlap earned her B.A. from University of Arizona.

Steptoe continues to expand its legal talent team, reflecting its increased emphasis on holistic attorney development.

Khara Kelsch will serve as Manager of Coaching and Career Development, focusing on individual coaching, group training, workplace skill development, mentoring programs, and general career growth. The move reflects the increased emphasis that law firms are placing on providing career growth and development for their attorneys that sit alongside the more established technical legal skills development.

Kelsch received her J.D. and her B.S. from Cornell University, and was a corporate lawyer in Boston before focusing on attorney development and coaching. Prior to joining Steptoe, she was also the Director of Career and Professional Development at Hofstra University School of Law and an Attorney Development Manager at Goodwin Procter. Kelsch was certified as a professional coach by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching and earned Career Coaching Professional Development Gold from the NYU School of Professional Studies.

Kelsch’s appointment comes on the heels of another recent addition, Lindsay Daniels. Daniels serves as Manager of Legal Talent Learning and Professional Development, focusing on technical skill development and training programs, as well as attorney assessments. Daniels received her M.S. in Teaching from Fordham University, and her B.A. from Macalester College. She was a teacher before moving into the attorney professional development and recruitment space. Most recently, she was part of the legal talent team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.

Both Kelsch and Daniels report to Shauna C. Bryce, Chief Legal Talent Officer and Chief Diversity Officer at the firm. “As we continue to navigate challenges ushered in by the pandemic and new ways of working, Khara and Lindsay will help our associates develop the skills they need to thrive. Lindsay brings an educator’s perspective to professional development, including designing courses and thinking about educational milestones. Khara brings an executive coach’s perspective to career development, including coaching on workplace success and thinking about how we can help our lawyers achieve their career goals,” said Bryce. “I’m thrilled to have Khara and Lindsay on board. These initiatives will also reinforce the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by ensuring all our attorneys have the tools they need to be successful.”

As part of its recent learning and development efforts, Steptoe has more than doubled the number of CLE training programs it hosts per year. Additionally, the firm is building a one-on-one lawyer coaching program, expanding its lawyer integration and mentoring programs, and building a series of academies to prepare lawyers for success at every stage of their careers.

About Steptoe

In more than 100 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.

The diversity of the firm is a critical factor in its success. The majority of Steptoe’s nine offices are managed by women; the majority of Steptoe’s practice groups have women as leaders; the firm’s fourteen-person elected compensation committee includes six women; and the firm’s nine-person elected executive committee includes three women. The firm’s eight-person professional business services leadership is equally diverse, with half the c-suite made up of women, including three women of color, and other leaders who openly identify as LGBTQ+.

Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP is pleased to announce that it has expanded its Real Estate Practice Group with partner Tracy Plott in Atlanta. Plott has extensive experience in commercial and real estate financing transactions.

“Tracy’s wide-ranging real estate experience will expand upon our full team’s strengths and capabilities,” said Real Estate Practice Chair Eric Rapkin. “Her skills will further deepen our Real Estate bench not only in key markets such as Atlanta, but also across the country.”

With more than 30 years of experience, Plott has significant experience in asset-based financing, restructuring of debt obligations, bond financing, joint ventures, syndications of loans, and limited partnerships. Her lending practice encompasses construction, permanent and mezzanine lending, asset-based financing, and synthetic leases.

Plott also represents corporate and other clients in the acquisition, development, leasing, and disposition of real property. Her acquisition and development practice includes representing clients involved in commercial, industrial, health care, and recreational communities. She is experienced in forming joint ventures for the acquisition, development, and management of real property.

In addition, Plott represents lending clients in non-judicial foreclosures and confirmations of such non-judicial foreclosures. She provides support for wealth management and fiduciary litigation relating to real estate matters, including financing, acquisition, and disposition of property.

About Akerman

Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward-thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth.

Akerman’s Real Estate Practice Group offers comprehensive and fully integrated project counsel services to clients across the United States and Latin America. With substantial industry experience and local market insights, the firm represents clients in complex real estate transactions and financings, development and redevelopment projects, public-private initiatives, and litigation. Recognized as a national tier one law firm for real estate law by U.S. News – Best Lawyers, the group advises investors, developers, builders, lenders, retailers, owners and corporate end users, often in high profile matters.

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that C. Brendan Cummings has joined the firm’s Houston office as a partner in the Corporate, M&A, and Securities group. At Blank Rome, Brendan will focus his practice on transactions, dispute resolution, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance matters. He joins Blank Rome from international industrial services provider Bilfinger North America Inc., where he served as head of the company’s legal department in North America.

“We are pleased to welcome Brendan to our firm and nationally recognized Corporate team,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Managing Partner and CEO. “Brendan brings to Blank Rome 10 years of experience acting as in-house counsel for large multinational companies, which enables him to provide counsel in many areas of law, including business transactions and disputes, both in the United States and internationally. His experience as in-house counsel will be a tremendous asset to clients navigating a wide range of business challenges.”

Brendan has advised businesses on all aspects of merger and acquisition transactions, including initial due diligence processes, evaluating targets, closing deals, and managing through post-acquisition strategies. He has also guided corporations through spinoffs and strategic restructurings. Additionally, Brendan has experience counseling C-Suite executives through all phases of construction disputes. This includes working with operations personnel on new contracts, change orders, notice issues, placing and enforcing liens, prompt payment concerns, retention issues, claims resulting from delay and disruption, productivity issues, fraudulent inducement causes of action, and the many related issues that arise during construction projects.

“Brendan is a great addition to our growing Houston office, which recently welcomed Cassandra G. Mott, Sarah H. Frazier, and Cecilia Ibarra-van Oostenrijk,” said Louis M. Rappaport, Co-Chair of Blank Rome’s Corporate, M&A, and Securities group. “Brendan is known for his solid counsel and building trust with his clients to establish long-term relationships in the United States and beyond. We are thrilled to introduce him to our clients and add him to our expanding Corporate team.”

As part of his litigation experience, Brendan has managed a significant docket of affirmative and defensive claims from initial assessment through trial/arbitration or other final resolution, including large contract disputes, construction claims, personal injury matters, legacy asbestos cases, employment and union disputes, and class action claims. He has also managed and maintained corporate governance initiatives and led response and remediation teams following data breaches, including coordination with authorities as well as ensuring compliance with the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation and U.S. privacy laws.

“I started my career at Bell, Ryniker and Letourneau, which combined with Blank Rome in 2013, and I am excited to be reunited with my former colleagues,” Brendan said. “I have worked with several Blank Rome attorneys on a number of high-stakes matters over the years, and I know the team can deftly navigate any challenges and accomplish whatever clients ask of them. I look forward to being a part of this strong team and helping our clients solve their complex legal needs.”

Brendan earned his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, where he was editor-in-chief of the Environmental & Energy Law & Policy Journal, and his B.A. from the University of Houston, cum laude.

About Blank Rome

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 13 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.

NEW JERSEY (December 1, 2021) – Many jurisdictions recognize that commercial property insurance
covers direct physical loss or damage to property that has not suffered structural damage. Yet many
insurers have denied coverage for COVID-19 business interruption claims made under commercial property
policies, and courts have too often dismissed the insureds’ claims in litigation, denying them the opportunity
even to submit their proof. In an Amicus Brief filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit,
Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C. (SDV) argued that insureds deserve an opportunity to prove their claims
and not be denied coverage without the chance to litigate an insurer’s coverage decision.
SDV is at the forefront of policy interpretation issues and filed the brief as an advocate for policyholders
nationwide. The outcome on appeal in 1 S.A.N.T., Inc. v. National Fire & Marine Insurance Company, 513
F.Supp.3d 623 (W.D.Pa. 2021) and the related consolidated cases could significantly impact rulings in
future business interruption cases for commercial property owners, homeowners, and retail businesses.
Prior to recent COVID-19-related decisions, case law construing the phrase “direct physical loss or damage”
was consistent with the broad goals of all-risk property coverage, which was designed to cover fortuitous
property loss but not inherent vice or legal loss such as foreclosure. Recent COVID-19 decisions requiring
structural loss or physical alteration to covered property threaten to upset coverage law that had been
otherwise settled for over a generation. SDV filed its Amicus Brief in the Third Circuit to oppose this threat.
SDV represents clients in multiple industries, including real estate, hospitality, insurance broker support,
construction, and franchised businesses. SDV also works closely with risk managers, CFOs, in-house
counsel, and other corporate leaders to resolve insurance conflicts quickly and effectively. SDV is dedicated
to advocating on behalf of policyholders to ensure their interests are represented – and protected – in
connection with the Third Circuit’s ruling. In addition, SDV aims to hold insurers accountable and ensure
the court’s decision is consistent with case law precedent.

Venable LLP is pleased to announce that Charles R. Conner, III has joined the firm in the State and Local Government Practice in the Towson office. Mr. Conner previously served as the director of government affairs for Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.

In his new role, Mr. Conner will represent his clients’ interests before the executive and legislative branches of Maryland government, and before county and municipal governments and agencies in the state.

During his time with Baltimore County, Mr. Conner formulated and pursued the administration’s annual legislative agenda and served as the chief proxy for the county executive on all legislative matters at the local, state, and federal levels. He also represented the county executive before the state government, the county council, and the county’s state and federal delegations.

He previously served as the deputy state director for U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, where he gained valuable insight as the senator’s principal advisor regarding the government, businesses, and communities of the Greater Baltimore area. As the chief of staff for Maryland Delegate and then Democratic Caucus Chairman Luke Clippinger, Mr. Conner collaborated with Delegate Clippinger to implement legislation and policy initiatives, and represented him in interactions with constituents, advocates, lobbyists, and the press. He also acted as the director of community outreach and later the executive director of the Maryland Democratic Party. His responsibilities included managing the election year team in 2016, conducting media outreach, and building partnerships with various stakeholders, such as faith, civil rights, and other affiliated organizations.

Robert A. Hoffman, partner-in-charge of Venable’s Towson office, said, “Chuck has amassed significant experience in the public sector. His in-depth familiarity with the legislative process and the relationships he’s forged with many of the state’s and county’s key figures will be of immense value to our clients. We are thrilled to welcome him to the firm.”

John R. Stierhoff, partner in Venable’s Annapolis office, said “We are proud and excited to have Chuck become a part of our team. Chuck has earned the trust and respect of state legislators and local officials, and he will be an important advocate for our clients.”
Commenting on his move to Venable, Mr. Conner said, “Venable has a long-standing presence in Maryland and is known for providing exceptional counsel, making it the ideal fit for my practice. I look forward to joining the team as I take on this new role.”
Mr. Conner received his J.D. from Charleston School of Law in 2013, his M.Div. from Duke University, The Divinity School in 2008, and his B.A. from Davidson College in 2005.

Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including in California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients’ objectives in the United States and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit https://www.venable.com/.

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that Columbia-based Shareholder Reginald “Reggie” Belcher has been named among the Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers. The annual guide recognizes the nation’s top talent in defending wage and hour, discrimination and a host of other claims. The complete list of this year’s Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers is available here.

Belcher counsels clients in state and federal courts and before government agencies in employment litigation, including discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims, as well as the enforcement of non-compete agreements, trade secrets and other restrictive covenants. He also helps employers avoid potential liability by conducting internal HR audits, training supervisors and managers on best HR practices, and developing the necessary employment policies and practices for compliance.

Belcher is among South Carolina’s few elite attorneys who are certified as Specialists in Employment and Labor Law by the South Carolina Supreme Court, and he has leveraged his professional experience to serve in more than a dozen leadership positions at Turner Padget and within the local legal, business and civic communities over the past 25 years. As Workplace Law Client Service & Development Leader, Belcher manages more than 20 lawyers and paralegals. He also leads the firm’s Statewide Professional Licensing Team, which defends professionals in disciplinary matters before boards regulated by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

For eight years in a row, Belcher has also been named among Human Resource Executive’s 40 Up-and-Comers in Employment Law as part of the publication’s annual list of The Nation’s Most Powerful Employment Attorneys and was the only attorney selected from the South Carolina. He has been named a South Carolina Super Lawyer in Employment Law, has been ranked by Chambers USA in Employment Law, named to Best Lawyers in America in both Litigation and Labor and Employment, and named as a Midlands Elite Lawyer in Employment Law.

Turner Padget exceeds expectations by taking your interests, your business and our relationships personally. Our depth of knowledge, technical strength and diverse experience makes us sharp, talented business thinkers able to see our clients’ needs holistically and get to the core of the problem quickly. As one of South Carolina’s largest law firms, Turner Padget has expanded into neighboring states with offices located in Augusta, Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville and Myrtle Beach, along with strategic alliances in Florida and North Carolina. http://www.turnerpadget.com/

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Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Kelley Meyerriecks has joined the firm’s Nashville, TN, office as a senior attorney. Ms. Meyerriecks will practice as part of the firm’s Real Estate team.

“We are excited to welcome Kelley to our Nashville office,” said Bradley Nashville Office Managing Partner Lauren Jacques. “We know she is going to be an asset to our Real Estate group and bring a wealth of knowledge that will help advance the business interests of our clients.”

Ms. Meyerriecks drafts, negotiates and administers contracts for land leases, track leases, right of entry, and utility crossing licenses by collaborating with a range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, individuals, and governments. She closely collaborates with leadership to determine effective business strategies and manage real estate assets. She also has extensive experience in state real estate procurement, lease, and disposition regulatory schemes.

Prior to joining Bradley, Ms. Meyerriecks was an attorney in the Real Estate Management Division of the State of Tennessee Department of General Services, where she drafted, negotiated and managed contracts for license and lease agreements, as well as contracts for real estate brokers, designers, and environmental remediation providers. She presented complex real estate transactions to state regulatory boards and represented the state on zoning matters involving metro government council decisions and state property.

Ms. Meyerriecks graduated with a B.A. from the University of Tennessee and earned her J.D. from Paul M. Herbert Law Center Louisiana State University.

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.

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Bradley E. Wolf has joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as of counsel in the Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy practice group, which recently expanded its nationally recognized practice with the addition of leading finance partners Cassandra G. Mott and Sarah H. Frazier in the firm’s Houston office.

Brad focuses his commercial law and transactional practice on a wide range of secured and unsecured debt financing types, including single lender and syndicated credits, acquisition financing, asset-based lending, leveraged lending, cross-border lending, recapitalizations, working capital loans, subordinated debt, trade finance, transactions involving real estate and first lien/second lien structures, and restructurings and workouts of all such debt financing types. He also has significant experience in many industries and types of businesses, including manufacturing, food and other retail products, casinos and gaming, and agricultural businesses. His representative clients include an array of financial institutions, private equity sponsors, lenders, and corporate borrowers.

Prior to joining Blank Rome, Brad served as a shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC. In addition to his private practice experience, he served as in-house counsel for leading American multinational financial services companies.

Admitted to practice in California and New York, Brad received his J.D. from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and his B.A. from that University of California, Berkeley. He is a fellow of the American College of Investment Counsel and previously served on the board of directors for the Inner City Law Center.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Jay Wright, a partner in the firm’s Birmingham office, has been elected to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association’s (NRMLA) Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 term.

Established in 1997, NRMLA is the national voice of the reverse mortgage industry and is dedicated to enhancing the professionalism of the reverse mortgage business by serving as an educational resource, policy advocate, and public affairs center for lenders and related professionals.

“Jay’s leadership skills and knowledge of the reverse mortgage industry will allow him to serve the NRMLA well in this new role and provide meaningful contributions to the organization’s continued success advancing the industry’s goals,” said Bradley Birmingham Office Managing Partner Dawn Helms Sharff.

Mr. Wright focuses his practice on financial services litigation and regulation, with a significant portion devoted to helping lenders and servicers of Home Equity Conversion Mortgages implement regulatory changes mandated by HUD, as well as interfacing directly with HUD to seek clarification about or revisions to proposed regulatory changes.

As the co-leader of Bradley’s Reverse Mortgages team, Mr. Wright oversees a skilled group of attorneys dedicated to representing originators, investors, servicers, and other mortgagees across the country, providing counsel on the numerous complex issue they face with their unique loans, including the HUD regulatory requirements. The team also assists reverse mortgage companies with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and state regulatory examinations.

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.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 23, 2021) – Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that eleven attorneys in the firm’s Nashville office have been recognized by the Tennessee Supreme Court as 2021 “Attorneys for Justice.” The firm’s honorees are Marc Bussone, Tim Capria, Madison Crooks Haynes, Alexandra Lynn, Peter Sales, Edmund Sauer, Jeff Sheehan, Rachel Sodée, Taylor Scott, Richard Swor, and David Taylor.

This marks the eighth consecutive year that the Tennessee Supreme Court has recognized “Attorneys for Justice,” which the court defines as lawyers who work a minimum of 50 pro bono hours annually to provide legal services to those who cannot afford the costs. The goal of the recognition program is to increase statewide pro bono work to 50% participation.

“We are thrilled to have attorneys in our Nashville office once again recognized as Attorneys for Justice,” said Bradley Pro Bono Counsel Tiffany M. Graves. “At Bradley, we are committed to pro bono service in the communities where we live and work, and we are proud of these eleven attorneys for their dedication to serving those in need.”

Attorneys in Bradley’s Nashville office are actively involved in a number of pro bono efforts, including the Black-Owned Small Business and Nonprofit Legal Clinic, which was launched in January of 2021 to provide accessible and affordable business-oriented legal services to Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits in the Nashville area.

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.

Washington, D.C. – Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Elizabeth N. Jochum has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C., office as a partner in the Government Contracts practice group. A skilled litigator and counselor with a significant background in white collar defense and investigations matters, Elizabeth joins Blank Rome from Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC where she was a partner.

“We are pleased to welcome Elizabeth to our firm and leading Government Contracts practice,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Managing Partner and CEO. “Government contractors face a complex landscape right now, and Elizabeth’s significant experience will greatly benefit our clients in both achieving their goals and successfully working with the public sector.”

Elizabeth advocates for government contractors in bid protests before the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims as well as handles appeals before the Armed Services and Civilian Boards of Contract Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. She also represents contractors in size protests, determinations, and appeals before the Small Business Administration. Elizabeth advises prime contractors and subcontractors on a range of matters, including regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, and change and claim preparation.

Elizabeth is also skilled in handling white collar defense matters, representing individuals and corporations in investigations involving allegations of civil or criminal fraud liability before the U.S. Department of Justice and Inspectors General. She has defended clients under the False Claims Act and in procurement fraud and bribery investigations. Additionally, she provides counsel on mandatory and voluntary disclosure matters, internal investigations, and compliance issues.

“I have known Elizabeth for many years and am thrilled that she is joining our team,” said Justin A. Chiarodo, Partner and Chair of Blank Rome’s Government Contracts practice group. “The government contracts sector is competitive, and to solve our clients’ most pressing issues we are dedicated to growing our team with industry leaders committed to collaboration, excellence, and client service. Elizabeth embodies these traits and principles and is a wonderful addition to our team, and will help further enhance our capabilities to meet the new challenges presented in today’s complex landscape.”

“My clients’ needs evolve as they successfully grow their businesses, and Blank Rome has an incredibly strong platform to help them achieve their goals, both on government contracts issues and in related areas from mergers and acquisitions to labor and employment and cybersecurity and data privacy,” said Jochum. “I have had the chance to get to know many Blank Rome attorneys during my career and have always been impressed with their legal skills and collegiality. I look forward to collaborating with such a talented team and expanding my services across various practice areas.”

Elizabeth earned her J.D. from George Mason University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Virginia. During law school, Elizabeth was an intern for Judge Susan Braden in the Court of Federal Claims and for the Office of General Counsel in the U.S. General Services Administration. She serves as vice chair of two committees of the American Bar Association Section of Public Contract Law: the Bid Protest Committee and the Mergers & Acquisition Committee. She is also an active member of the Section’s Procurement Fraud and False Claims Act Committee. Additionally, Elizabeth serves as a member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association Chapter Activities Team, which organizes events and maximizes networking opportunities for its members.

About Blank Rome

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 13 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.