“It’s been a few months since Davis Polk blew the lid off associate salaries, and while many firms raised pay in some form or fashion, a great number of them adopted lockstep scales across the country. Some elite firms took their time and are just now getting around to it. For example back in june,” reports Staci Zaretsky in Above The Law.

“Greenberg Traurig which brought in $1,730,230,000 gross revenue in 2020, placing it at No. 16 in the most recent Am Law 100 ranking reportedly raised salaries for associates in New York but left other offices hanging. Now, at least one other GT office has joined in the monetary madness that brought associates some joy during the pandemic.”

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“Two V.I. Water and Power Authority employees have been named to top spots within the agency. Dionne G. Sinclair has been promoted to general counsel and Ashley M. Bryan, an electrical engineer, will now serve as director of Transmission and Distribution for its electric system. As,” reports The Virgin Islands Daily News in their blog.

“According to the statement, Sinclair has served as WAPA’s deputy general counsel since last year, and is a former assistant attorney general with the V.I. Justice Department. Prior In addition to the Virgin Islands, she is also licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey. Sinclair holds a juris doctor from the University of California.”

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“A Southern California school district has agreed to pay $11 million to settle a lawsuit filed by seven victims and alleged victims of a former middle school teacher who is serving a 74-year prison sentence for sexual abuse. The San Bernardino Sun reported Thursday that the settlement by the Redlands,” reports Brenda Ordonez in KTLA 5.

“Unified School District ends litigation initially comprising four separate lawsuits involving Sean Ramiro Lopez, who taught English at Clement Middle School. Redlands Unified, under the leadership of this administration, has put in place aggressive policies, practices, and reporting protocols that can prevent this kind of behavior from occurring.”

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“Residents in Michigan and Wisconsin who purchased fresh or frozen raw chicken within the last decade may be eligible to receive some money back. Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro and Cohen Milstein, Sellers & Toll, two successful law firms based in Illinois, announced on September 10,” reports Brenda Ordonez in UP Matters.

“The mass producers being accused of price-fixing chicken products from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2020, include Fieldale, George’s, Mar-Jac, Peco, Pilgrim’s, and Tyson. According to the lawsuit, these companies have denied all claims being made in this lawsuit, but in order to “avoid the further expense, inconvenience.”

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“It wasn’t that long ago that we told you about the Baker McKenzie partner who, ahem, moved on from the mega Biglaw firm following bullying allegations. The allegations against Morne van der Merwe, the onetime managing partner of the firm’s Johannesburg office, included current and former,” reports Ben Maiden in Above The Law.

“As reported by Jamie Hamilton at Roll on Friday, two other members of the Baker McKenzie leadership team are out. Wildu du Plessis, the now-former head of Baker McKenzie’s Global Africa Practice, and Bruce Schubach, the soon-to-be-former Director of Africa Operations, are on their way out the door. Du Plessis, Schubach.”

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“TSX-listed Loop Energy has hired Wendy Bach as general counsel and corporate secretary, reporting to CEO Ben Nyland. Bach was most recently general counsel and corporate secretary at Mulhall Ventures. Before that she spent 19 years at Methanex Corporation, where she held positions such,” reports Ben Maiden in Corporate Secretary.

“Senior vice president for corporate resources and general counsel, vice president for human resources, director of investor relations and senior corporate counsel. Her experience includes corporate governance, risk management, compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, corporate finance, joint ventures and commercial contracts.”

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“A federal judge on Wednesday tentatively approved more than $450 million in settlements with three pharmaceutical giants accused of conspiring to jack up the price of an essential diabetes drug. In a consolidated class action, drug wholesalers claim Bausch Health Companies,” reports Nicholas Iovino in Court House News Service.

“Assertio Therapeutics and their affiliated companies struck anticompetitive deals that caused the price of brand-name diabetes drug Glumetza to spike nearly 800% from $5.72 to more than $51 per tablet in 2015. A jury trial was set to start in early October, but before that could happen motions for settlements with all three pharma giants.”

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“The Fairfield County commissioners reached a settlement for $7.3 million with the Franklin County Health Insurance Cooperative regarding a past health insurance pool, or reserve, of $8.5 million. The county won the $8.5 million judgment against the cooperative regarding the,” reports Jeff Barron in Lancaster Eagle Gazette.

“The Franklin County commissioners appealed to the Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals decision. On Tuesday, the Fairfield County commissioners passed a resolution accepting the agreement of the five-year dispute regarding their exit from the cooperative. In the absence of a settlement the litigation would have continued through.”

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“The morning air is getting brisk and summer officially ends in two days. Another thing that’s ending is Biglaw firms hopes and dreams of getting associates and staff back into their offices before the new year begins. Thanks to the continued assault of the coronavirus crisis, many of the nation’s most,” reports Staci Zaretsky in Above The Law.

“Prestigious law firms have delayed their reopenings numerous times. But how many postponements does it take for a firm to realize that it may not be safe or wise to reopen in full in 2021? For Holland & Knight a firm that brought in $1,044,337,000 gross revenue in 2020 and recently completed a merger with Thompson & Knight the third time.”

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“FirstLight Power, a leading clean power producer and energy storage company, today announced that the company has tapped Stephen Pike as Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Pike joins FirstLight after leading the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) as Chief Executive Officer,” reports Business Wire in their blog.

“Mr. Pike will bring more than eight years of experience and leadership in the clean energy sector at MassCEC and well over a decade serving as outside general counsel to privately held and publicly traded companies, advising on transaction, commercial and operational matters, focusing primarily on financing transactions and mergers.”

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“A federal judge has ruled in favor of one of West Virginia’s largest natural gas producers looking to block gas leaseholders from going after the company in Ritchie County Circuit Court. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey sided with Pittsburgh-based EQT Corp. after it asked the U.S. District,” reports Charleston Gazette Mail in their blog.

“EQT had argued that a 2019 $53.5 million class-action settlement agreement to resolve a lawsuit that alleged the company was shorting thousands of state residents and businesses on gas royalty payments prohibited further action against the company for royalty claims. In the litigation, the plaintiffs are residents Philip Williams, Timothy.”

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“Motley Rice LLC, one of the nation’s largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms, negotiated a settlement resolving litigation in the Northern District of California against Twitter, Inc. and two former senior executives. The preliminary settlement came the Friday before jury selection was scheduled to begin,” reports Johnson City Press in their blog.

“U.S. District Court Judge Jon S. Tigar oversees the case, and will decide whether to approve the settlement on a later date. Motley Rice was appointed Lead Counsel in the case in December 2016, and since that time its team of securities fraud attorneys, which included, William Narwold, Gregg Levin, Meghan Oliver, Max Gruetzmacher.”

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Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that 10 of the firm’s partners have been named by Who’s Who Legal as among the world’s leading product liability defense practitioners. The attorneys listed in the Who’s Who Legal: Product Liability Defence 2021 are Lindsey C Boney IV, W. Wayne Drinkwater, James W. Gewin, William F. Goodman III, Tripp Haston, Lela Hollabaugh, Andy Johnson, Kim Bessiere Martin, Charles A. “Chuck” Stewart, and R. Thomas Warburton.

“We congratulate our accomplished attorneys who were recognized by Who’s Who Legal as among the top product liability defense practitioners in the world,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters. “We are proud of their continued successes on behalf of our clients.”

Bradley’s acclaimed Product Liability team members represent clients in a variety of industries and jurisdictions throughout the state and federal court systems. Their representations involve litigation over a diverse range of consumer products, including tires, construction equipment, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, vehicles (both on- and off-road), component parts, industrial equipment, power tools, and building products. Many of the firm’s attorneys have leadership roles on clients’ legal defense teams for litigation in various multidistrict litigation and mass claim matters.

The Who’s Who Legal: Product Liability Defence seeks to identify the top lawyers in all aspects of the defense of product liability claims, including mass tort, class action and cross-border litigation. Only lawyers who receive the highest number of recommendations from peers and clients as determined through independent research are listed in the publication. The Who’s Who Legal guides are intended to serve as reference sources for companies seeking to corroborate the reputations of lawyers recommended by another party.

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.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Frederic L. Smith Jr., a partner in the firm’s Birmingham office, has been listed in the 2021 edition of Who’s Who Legal: M&A and Governance.

“We congratulate Frederic on being recognized once again by Who’s Who Legal,” said Bradley Birmingham Office Managing Partner Dawn Helms Sharff. “His exceptional legal skill in M&A and governance matters continue to earn him praise from both his clients and peers.”

A member of Bradley’s Corporate and Securities Practice Group, Mr. Smith has more than 20 years of experience advising businesses on M&A transactions, contract negotiations, business succession issues, and joint venture and financing transactions. He also serves as outside general counsel to several privately held and family-owned businesses. Mr. Smith has a broad range of experience in diverse industries and a particular focus representing companies in the construction, manufacturing, construction aggregates, oil and gas services, and real estate industries. He is an active member of the American Bar Association’s M&A Committee, for which he chairs a working group that tracks judicial developments in M&A transactions.

The 2021 edition of Who’s Who Legal: M&A and Governance is published by London-based Law Business Research Limited. Only lawyers who receive the highest number of recommendations from peers and clients as determined through independent research are listed in the publication. The Who’s Who Legal directories lists more than 24,000 private practice lawyers from more than 150 national jurisdictions, covering diverse areas of corporate and commercial law. The guides are intended to serve as reference sources for companies seeking to corroborate the reputations of lawyers recommended by another party.

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.

A.Y. Strauss, a leading law firm focused on commercial transactions and litigation in the areas of real estate, construction contracting, bankruptcy, franchising, and labor and employment, is pleased to announce that Maria A.G. Harper has joined the firm as an associate in the Litigation practice group, based in the firm’s New Jersey office.

“We are very pleased to welcome Maria to A.Y. Strauss,” said Kelly M. Purcaro, a partner at A.Y. Strauss who co-chairs the Litigation practice group and serves as chair of the Class Action practice group. “Maria is a great addition to our growing team of litigators.”

Most recently, Harper was a judicial law clerk for Judge Bonnie J. Mizdol, A.J.S.C., of the Bergen County Superior Court. Previously, she worked as a law clerk and paralegal at a prominent northern New Jersey firm.

Harper received her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Montclair State University.

About A.Y. Strauss
A.Y. Strauss provides legal counsel for commercial transactions and litigation in the areas of commercial real estate, construction contracting, bankruptcy, franchising law, and labor & employment. With the intellectual depth of a large firm and the personalized touch of a boutique, the firm’s lawyers represent emerging businesses, institutional clients, and high net worth individuals in domestic and international matters. The dynamic culture and collaborative working environment at the firm provide a balanced and enriching experience for its team members, with a focus on giving back to the communities the firm serves. A.Y. Strauss has offices in Roseland, NJ and New York, NY. For more information, visit https://www.aystrauss.com/.

Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost & Botwinick, PC, is pleased to announce the addition of Emily Deyring and Joshua T. Randall to the firm. Deyring has joined the Family/Matrimonial practice and Randall has joined the Accidents/Personal Injury practice.

“We are pleased to welcome Emily and Joshua to the firm,” said Patricia M. Barbarito, Co-Managing Partner, “and look forward to their contributions to our team and to incorporating them into our culture of mentorship and excellent client service.”

Deyring assists clients on all aspects of matrimonial law, including financial matters, prenuptials, divorce and post-divorce issues, and child custody issues. She collaborates with other attorneys in the firm to ensure clients receive comprehensive and strategic advice. Deyring earned her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and recently served as a law clerk for the Honorable Mary Gibbons Whipple in the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. She is admitted to the New Jersey Bar and previously worked as a copy editor at daily newspapers.

Randall focuses his practice on all aspects of personal injury matters related to automobile accidents, medical malpractice, and products liability. He works with Einhorn Barbarito’s team of professionals to formulate legal strategies and implement tactics to help his clients prepare for trial or work toward a favorable settlement. Randall earned his J.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Law and recently clerked for the Honorable Peter G. Geiger in the Superior Court of New Jersey. He is admitted to the New Jersey Bar.

About Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost & Botwinick, PC
Established in 1961, Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost & Botwinick, PC, based in Denville, New Jersey, is a full-service law firm devoted to serving a broad range of legal needs. In its more than 50 years in business, Einhorn Barbarito and its attorneys have earned a reputation for dedication to the community. The firm represents a diverse base of clients from individuals and families to public and private companies, entrepreneurs and long-standing institutions. The multi-disciplinary team of attorneys leverages experience in areas of concentration including business and corporate matters, employment law, commercial litigation, personal injury and workers’ compensation, family and matrimonial matters, real estate and zoning issues, estate planning, special education, assisted living issues, criminal law, and tax law, and the firm has a strong appellate practice that touches on a variety of legal issues. The firm also provides counsel to small- to medium-size businesses on an as-needed, on-demand basis through its innovative On-Call for Business program. For more information, please visit www.einhornlawyers.com.

Stinson LLP is proud to welcome Partner John J. Tucker to the Stinson team. Tucker is the third partner to join the Dallas office since June of this year. He brings extensive experience in complex corporate finance transactions throughout Texas and nationwide.
“We’re excited to welcome John to the firm and our growing Dallas office,” said Paul Lackey, Managing Partner of the firm’s Dallas office. “His experience in complex real estate financing transactions and commercial lending strengthens our corporate transactional team as we continue to grow and serve our local and national clients.”
Tucker’s finance practice focuses on fund representation, investment banking, and other institutional lenders. He also assists market participants with commercial mortgage loan origination, securitization, and secondary market transactions. He has significant experience in structuring and advising clients concerning warehouse and repurchase facilities, preferred equity, mezzanine, subordinate, and pari passu financings, as well as whole loan sales, participations, splits, and syndications. He handles acquisitions and dispositions of distressed assets, including representing buyers and servicers in workouts and restructurings, foreclosures, discounted payoffs, and REO sales.
“Stinson’s strong and reputable finance practice drew me to the firm,” said Tucker. “I know I am joining a phenomenal team, and I am excited to be part of such a dynamic and talented practice.”
Tucker has represented lenders and borrowers in syndicated and non-syndicated credit facilities and other types of asset-backed financing transactions. He has experience representing REITs, private equity funds, and other investors in the acquisition, disposition, financing, and development of all types of commercial real estate. Additionally, he has represented purchasers, sellers, and investors in mergers, acquisitions, and financings of privately held entities.
Tucker is admitted to practice law in the State of Texas. He received his J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law and his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama.
About Stinson LLP
Stinson LLP collaborates with clients ranging from individuals and privately held enterprises to national companies and international public corporations. Our accomplished attorneys leverage deep knowledge and experience to deliver practical guidance, helping clients minimize risks and realize opportunities. We take pride in our collaborative approach, our lasting relationships, and our unique perspectives. Connect with us at one of our 12 offices nationwide and at stinson.com.

The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has announced that Lisa R. Hsiao, senior counsel at Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP in Costa Mesa, California, has accepted an invitation to join the IADC, the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests.

“I look forward to learning from these remarkable colleagues who have achieved so much in their careers,” Ms. Hsiao said.

Ms. Hsiao focuses her practice on commercial trucking defense, products liability, business litigation and employment. Her clients range from Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and individuals.

Prior to practicing law, Ms. Hsiao clerked for five federal judges in the Central District of California. During her undergraduate time at the University of Southern California, she played for the women’s basketball team, and she frequently participates in USC student-athlete alumni events.

Ms. Hsiao has been named a California Super Lawyers Rising Star for the last three years. She received her J.D. from LMU Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California.
About the International Association of Defense Counsel
The IADC is the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests. Founded in 1920, the IADC has members who hail from six continents, 51 countries and territories, and all 50 U.S. states. The core purposes of the IADC are to enhance the development of skills, promote professionalism, and facilitate camaraderie among its members and their clients, as well as the broader civil justice community. For more information, visit www.iadclaw.org.

“Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng will hold crisis talks with industry bosses including Centrica and E.On on Monday. High demand for gas and reduced supply are behind a surge in wholesale prices. Consumers are protected from sudden hikes through the government’s energy price cap, a maximum,” reports BBC News in their blog.

“But that also means energy firms are unable to pass on higher wholesale costs to their customers. The UK’s sixth largest energy company, Bulb, is seeking a bailout, while four smaller firms are expected to go bust this week, as a result. At the beginning of 2021 there were 70 energy suppliers in the UK, but industry sources have said there.”

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“Republicans on the House Oversight Committee are pushing for answers from the Department of Health and Human Services on its use of “no-bid” contract awards amid reports of “disturbing” conditions at centers housing unaccompanied children coming across the border. In light of multiple,” reports Adam Shaw in Fox News.

“Whistleblower complaints received by the Committee alleging disturbing conditions at HHS Emergency Intake Sites (EIS) housing unaccompanied children, there are serious questions about HHS’ use of and failure to adequately oversee multiple contractors with no childcare experience,” the letter penned by Ranking Member James Comer.”

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