Honigman LLP announced today that Kenneth (Ken) Goldstein has joined the firm as a partner in its Chicago office’s Private Client Practice Group and Corporate Department. He comes to Honigman from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP.

With a focus on wealth preservation, Goldstein provides comprehensive estate and tax planning advice to individuals and business owners. He works with clients to build income, estate, gift, and generation-skipping tax strategies for businesses with diverse assets, including real estate and non-cash holdings. Additionally, he assists in optimizing charitable efforts, including creating and managing foundations.

“We are excited to welcome Ken to the firm and look forward to expanding our private client offerings in Chicago,” said Grace Trueman, leader of Honigman’s Private Client Practice Group. “His expertise in partnership tax will be a valuable asset in helping clients maximize the value of their estates. His skills will enhance our private client practice group and the firm.”

Goldstein is also experienced in preparing wills and trusts, representing clients in income, estate, and gift tax audits, and handling operational and shareholder agreements, buy-sell agreements, and succession planning. He specializes in multi-generational wealth planning, creditor protection, charitable planning (including charitable trusts and donor-advised funds), and using non-profit vehicles. Furthermore, he has expertise in art law.
Goldstein earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Illinois Chicago and his B.B.A. from the University of Iowa.

About Honigman

Honigman LLP is an Am Law 200 full-service business law firm with over 350 attorneys. The firm offers counsel on complex legal issues from offices in Chicago, Michigan (Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Lansing), Washington, D.C., and Israel. Honigman’s attorneys provide expertise in more than 60 areas of law. For more information, visit www.honigman.com.

LegalSifter, based in Pittsburgh, has launched LegalSifter ReviewPro™, a new AI-powered solution designed to make contract reviews faster and more accurate. This tool builds on the company’s AI technology, which has improved contract management since 2014. ReviewPro helps businesses by automatically flagging risks and applying redlines based on their specific legal standards. This tech will significantly speeding up the contract review process and giving consistency.

Eric Hall, CEO of LegalSifter, explained, “ReviewPro is build to assist legal and business teams review contracts efficiently while keeping in line with their company’s legal requirements.” The tool offers customized playbooks, reducing review times, cutting costs, and maintaining uniformity across all agreements.

Lars Mahler, Chief Science Officer, added that ReviewPro’s AI engine uses advanced machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) to flag issues and generative AI to apply redlines. This combination ensures highly accurate results, giving users confidence without overlooking details.

Key features of ReviewPro include:

• Quick first-pass contract reviews with flagged risks, guidance, and auto-applied redlines in Microsoft Word.
• Contract-specific AI developed over 10 years, ensuring precise analysis of legal documents.
• Easy-to-use playbook management, allowing customization to suit specific legal and business needs.

To see how ReviewPro works, visit legalsifter.com/products/ai-contract-review and sign up for a free trial when available.

LegalSifter, founded in 2013, combines AI with contract expertise to improve businesses’ contract management, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Visit www.legalsifter.com for more details.

A legal team from Littler secures an injunction for CyberCoders, a permanent placement recruiting firm. Litter is the world’s largest management-side employment and labor law firm. The preliminary injunction aims to stop two former employees from violating their restrictive covenants and fiduciary duties.

The lawsuit centers on allegations that the two former employees, referred to as the defendants, unlawfully solicited CyberCoders’ clients, candidates, and staff after suddenly resigning on February 17, 2025. Within 48 hours of their departure, ten additional employees from the recruiting division also quit, allegedly due to the defendants’ solicitation in violation of their confidentiality, non-compete, and nonsolicitation agreements. CyberCoders reacted swiftly by filing a lawsuit on March 6, 2025.

Following a full-day evidentiary hearing on March 24, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon of the Southern District of Florida gave CyberCoders’ motion for an initial injunction on April 15, 2025. The ruling enforces the restrictive covenants, forbidding the defendants for 12 months from engaging in certain competitive or solicitation activities within specified geographic and industry boundaries.

The Court concluded that CyberCoders is likely to succeed in its breach of contract claims and would face irreparable harm without the injunction while the case proceeds.

Littler, the world’s largest labor and employment law firm representing management, is welcoming back a familiar face. Laura E. Devane has rejoined the firm as a shareholder in California, bringing her deep experience in employment arbitration to Littler’s rapidly growing Arbitration Practice Group.

Devane, who previously worked at Littler, returns after her time at Whitney, Thompson & Jeffcoach LLP. She’s the tenth shareholder to join the company this year, reflecting Littler’s ongoing momentum and commitment to top-tier legal talent.

“We’re thrilled to have Laura back,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “Her experience and insight will be a huge asset as we continue helping clients use arbitration agreements to resolve workplace issues efficiently. This will also avoid expensive litigation.”

Devane focuses heavily on helping employers develop and enforce arbitration agreements—a crucial tool in today’s complex legal landscape. She regularly appears in California’s state and federal courts, supporting clients throughout every stage of the legal process, including motions, trials, and appeals.

“Laura knows what works when it comes to arbitration,” said Rob Friedman, co-chair of Littler’s Arbitration Practice Group. “Her return means our clients get the benefit of a trusted advisor who’s been in the trenches and can guide them with clarity and confidence.”

Beyond arbitration, Devane provides legal counsel on a broad range of employment law issues. She has defended employers before major agencies, including the EEOC, DFEH, DLSE, and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

She’s also passionate about giving back. Her pro bono work includes representing individuals in death penalty cases and volunteering in housing court to assist low-income residents.

“Littler has always been a place where attorneys can do their best work for clients,” Devane shared. “I’m excited to be back and to grow my practice alongside some of the best labor and employment lawyers in the country.”

Devane earned her law degree magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School, where she also completed her undergraduate studies. She began her legal career as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Paul B. Higginbotham at the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

About Littler

With over 1,800 attorneys in offices worldwide, Littler helps employers navigate today’s evolving workplace. From local challenges to global compliance, our diverse team and innovative tools are designed to deliver results no matter where you do business.

Dallas litigation firm Crawford, Wishnew & Lang is excited to welcome attorney Alexis Wright to their team. “Alexis is an excellent addition to our firm,” said Dave Wishnew, founding partner at CWL. “Her strong work ethic and drive, demonstrated by her success as a collegiate athlete. Her extensive experience in various legal areas will provide invaluable support to our clients.”

Wright earned her law degree from UNT Dallas College of Law before launching her legal career at a leading Dallas litigation firm. She initially focused on advising and representing individuals and businesses in civil cases, including premises liability, tort, and general negligence. “Alexis’s distinct background enhances our team’s proven expertise in catastrophic injury cases,” Wishnew added. “CWL is always ready to take on challenging cases, and we are happy to have Alexis on board as part of our seasoned team of trial advocates.”

“I find great satisfaction in identifying key issues and helping clients find the best solutions,” Wright shared. “I’m excited to join the Crawford, Wishnew & Lang team.”

Fenwick has announced that Noah Solowiejczyk has joined the firm as a partner in the white collar defense & investigations practice in New York. He served Illicit Finance & Money Laundering Unit’s Co-Chief at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). He brings over a decade of experience. He will support clients facing government investigations, regulatory challenges, and complex civil litigation.

This hire is the third major addition to Fenwick’s white collar team in recent months. It follows the recruitment of former federal prosecutors Benjamin Kingsley and Jonathan Lenzner. “Noah’s arrival strengthens our ability to support clients in navigating risk across industries,” said Jedediah Wakefield, chair of Fenwick’s litigation group. “His experience at SDNY and enforcement background will enhance our white collar and investigations practice in New York.”

At SDNY, Solowiejczyk led a team of senior prosecutors working on major investigations. The investigation involve money laundering, sanctions violations, and export control breaches. He played a key role in securing corporate guilty pleas and advising on asset forfeiture matters.

At Fenwick, Solowiejczyk will represent clients in both criminal and civil enforcement investigations. His clients will span a variety of sectors, including blockchain, fintech, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and global trade. Solowiejczyk will also provide proactive compliance and risk management advice. His extensive knowledge of anti-money laundering regulations, securities laws, and export controls will help fast-growing and public companies stay ahead of risks.

“I’m excited to join a firm that is closely aligned with the industries it serves,” Solowiejczyk said. “Fenwick’s platform supports innovative clients navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. I look forward to using my experience as a federal prosecutor to guide clients through high-stakes investigations and litigation.”

Fenwick Firmwide Chair Richard Dickson highlighted Solowiejczyk’s leadership. “His experience in crypto, life sciences, and digital finance makes him an incredible asset. He will be invaluable to companies facing evolving legal and regulatory challenges. We heartedly welcome him to the firm.”

About Fenwick

Fenwick is a leading law firm focused on helping tech and life sciences companies, along with their investors, at every stage of growth. From startup funding to leading publicly traded enterprises, Fenwick has over 600 lawyers, patent agents, engineers, and scientists. The firm serves clients worldwide. Fenwick was named the 2024 Practice Group of the Year for Life Sciences and Technology by Law360. It is consistently ranked a top-tier firm by Chambers for its deep experience and technical skill in helping industry leaders innovate. To learn more, visit www.fenwick.com.

Dykema, a prominent national law firm, has announced that Jason Paul Blair has joined its Trademark Practice Group as a Member in the firm’s Austin office. He joins Dykema after over three years at Smith Gambrell & Russell, LLP in Austin. Before entering private practice, he spent over 13 years as a Trademark Examining Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). There he managed the implementation of rules for sound and motion marks.

Blair’s practice covers a broad spectrum of intellectual property issues, focusing on trademarks, trade dress, and copyrights. His extensive experience in the trademark registration process is grounded in his direct involvement in examining and prosecuting over 15,000 trademark applications at the USPTO.

He has a diverse background in managing trademark portfolios for clients from multinational corporations with global portfolios to small startups. His work includes clearance, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement. He has also negotiated and drafted intellectual property licensing agreements. Also, he represented clients in trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

His clients include well-known restaurant and hospitality brands, sports franchises, technology firms, and academic institutions.

“We are excited to have Jason join our Trademark Team and Austin Office,” said Dan Harkins, Director of Dykema’s Intellectual Property and IP Litigation Department. “His extensive experience at the USPTO is a great asset. It strengthens our team of former Trademark Examiners. This brings unique expertise in securing brand protection for our clients.” His addition aligns with the firm’s growth strategy to meet the increasing demand for IP services.”

Blair is a Member of the International Trademark Association (INTA). He holds a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law. He completed B.A. in Political Science, cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Cooley has announced that Shashwat Tewary has joined the firm as a capital markets partner in its Singapore office. Tewary brings experience advising clients on capital markets activities in the rapidly growing India and Southeast Asia regions.

Tewary’s practice spans various industries, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, aviation, real estate, and infrastructure. He provides strategic counsel to companies and investment banks on matters of various capital markets. These include initial public offerings (IPOs), follow-on equity offerings by corporations and real estate investment trusts (REITs), investment-grade and high-yield bonds, medium-term note programs, and liability management and restructuring initiatives. Before joining Cooley, Tewary was with Sidley Austin.

Sonya Erickson, partner and global chair of Cooley’s business department, remarked, “We are excited to welcome Shashwat to Cooley.

His extensive experience will further enhance our capabilities in India’s expanding capital markets. It will also support our continued growth in Southeast Asia. Shashwat’s addition aligns with our strategy to strengthen our presence in these key markets. This will enable us to offer exceptional service to our global clients.

Tewary has a long-standing focus on the Indian and Southeast Asian capital markets, advising clients in these regions since 2009. He notably played a key role in advising on India’s first REIT IPO and the inaugural infrastructure investment trust IPO. His experience also includes advising on multiple sponsor- and private-equity-led IPOs and IPOs in the technology and healthcare sectors.

Charlie Kim, partner and co-chair of Cooley’s global capital markets practice, added, “Shashwat brings valuable experience and an extensive network within the capital markets ecosystems of India and Southeast Asia. His expertise will significantly enhance our ability to deliver high-quality, effective advice to clients in these regions. We look forward to his contributions as we expand our global reach.”

Tewary expressed his happiness about joining Cooley, saying, “I’m excited to be part of Cooley’s dynamic and innovative capital markets team. With Asia’s rapidly evolving capital markets landscape, it’s an exciting opportunity to help Cooley’s clients navigate and capitalize on growth prospects in the region.”

Cooley’s global capital markets practice is renowned for advising innovative companies and investment banks on complex equity and debt transactions. In 2024, Cooley advised on 158 deals globally, totaling over $41 billion in deal volume. The firm is recognized as a leader in issuer-side IPOs and life sciences IPOs. It has advised on more venture-backed IPOs than any other firm over the past 15+ years.

Cooley is one of the most active firms in global equity offerings and continues to expand its team in Asia. The expansion has offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore. The firm’s capital markets practice in Asia is one of the largest international teams in the region, reinforcing its commitment to this critical area of growth.

About Cooley LLP

Cooley partners with clients on transformative deals, complex intellectual property and regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation. The firm has nearly 1,400 lawyers across 19 U.S., Asia, and Europe offices, with a total workforce of over 3,000.

Employment defense attorney Brandon Rainey has joined Frost Brown Todd as a partner in its Labor and Employment practice, expanding the firm’s presence in San Francisco.

Frost Brown Todd (FBT) has appointed Brandon Rainey as partner in its Labor and Employment group, strengthening the firm’s capabilities in California’s competitive legal market. Rainey brings more than a decade of experience in defending employers in a wide range of litigation matters, including discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and whistleblower cases.

Rainey’s clients span several sectors, including software, technology, manufacturing, and transportation. His work includes pre-litigation investigations, trial strategy, dispositive motions, and appeals in both state and federal courts. He also advises on risk management and has particular expertise in matters involving machine learning and advertising technologies.

Rainey joins the firm as it continues to grow its national footprint, with a focus on servicing California-based businesses. He holds a law degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he served as Executive Editor of the Journal of Legislation, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers for eight consecutive years.

Honeywell has appointed Su Ping Lu as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, effective May 5, 2025, succeeding Anne Madden.

Lu, who currently serves as vice president and corporate secretary and general counsel for international, will lead the company’s global legal, government relations, and security functions. She will report directly to Honeywell Chairman and CEO Vimal Kapur.

Madden, who has served as general counsel since 2017, will transition to the role of senior vice president of portfolio transformation and senior advisor. In her new position, she will oversee the completion of Honeywell’s planned spin-offs of its Aerospace Technologies and Advanced Materials businesses.

Lu joined Honeywell in 2009 and has held various legal leadership roles across its Aerospace Technologies division. She holds a B.A. from Stanford University and a J.D. from Columbia University.

Madden joined Honeywell’s predecessor AlliedSignal in 1996. During her tenure, she led mergers and acquisitions resulting in about 100 acquisitions and 70 divestitures. Her new role aligns with Honeywell’s broader strategy to streamline operations and drive growth through nearly $12 billion in recent acquisitions.

About Honeywell:

Honeywell operates across aerospace, industrial automation, building technologies, and energy sectors. The company is undergoing strategic changes to align with market megatrends including automation, aviation, and energy transition.

Honigman LLP proudly announces the addition of Mike Tirman as a partner. He joins the Chicago office’s Real Estate Transactions Practice Group and Real Estate Department. Tirman, formerly a partner at Ice Miller, brings a wealth of experience. He has managed complex real estate acquisitions, developments, and financing across the United States.

Tirman is renowned for his meticulous counsel and skilled negotiation. He assists clients with various transactions, including loans, purchase agreements, joint ventures, fund agreements, and development structuring. Tirman also has expertise in Shariah-compliant investments. He is notable for representing foreign entities in real estate and corporate financing. He adeptly manages finance leases (Ijara) and advises on acquisition structures involving funds from the MENA region.

J. Adam Rothstein, Honigman’s Real Estate Department co-chair, commended Tirman’s alignment with the firm’s entrepreneurial spirit and significant career achievements. “Mike’s proven track record over the past decade exemplifies the type of innovative thinking and client dedication we value at Honigman. We are confident he will continue to excel and deliver outstanding service to his clients here,” Rothstein noted.

Lowell D. Salesin, another department co-chair, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Tirman’s international experience and negotiation skills as valuable additions to the firm’s capabilities in the competitive Chicago real estate market.

Tirman is a cum laude graduate of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, where he was managing editor of the Northwestern University Law Review, and he earned his B.A., magna cum laude, from Butler University.

Honigman LLP, an Am Law 200-ranked full-service business law firm, operates offices in Chicago, Michigan, Washington, D.C., and Israel. It offers counsel across more than 60 legal domains. For more information, visit www.honigman.com.

Foley & Lardner LLP has added five new partners to its California offices, strengthening its national Intellectual Property Department and expanding its presence in the Innovative Technology and Health Care & Life Sciences sectors.

John Schnurer, Louise Lu, Kevin Patariu, and Miguel Bombach join the firm’s IP Litigation Practice Group and Innovative Technology Sector in San Diego. Tom Anderton joins the Chemical, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Practice Group in San Francisco.

Schnurer, Lu, Patariu, and Bombach, all formerly of Perkins Coie, bring experience in patent litigation, Section 337 investigations before the U.S. International Trade Commission, post-grant proceedings, and intellectual property portfolio management. The group has collectively handled over 70 ITC investigations and more than 270 inter partes review petitions before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Schnurer and Patariu previously co-chaired Perkins Coie’s ITC Litigation Practice. Schnurer, with a background in electrical engineering, has tried numerous patent cases and counseled clients from Asia, including Taiwan, China, Korea, and Japan.

Lu is experienced in litigation involving wireless, AI, encryption, and semiconductors. Patariu has led several successful ITC investigations and has also handled cybersecurity and privacy matters. Bombach has tried several jury trials and led more than 100 patent cases to resolution, including cases in LED lighting, power converters, and wireless systems.

Anderton, formerly of K&L Gates, advises companies in the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, and medical device sectors on IP procurement, licensing, technology transactions, and patent portfolio strategy. He brings experience as a former life sciences executive. He has handled matters involving cross-border transactions, particularly in China and Europe.

Firm Chairman and CEO Daljit Doogal said the additions are part of a long-term strategy to grow Foley’s California footprint and deepen its capabilities in key sectors. “Their practices seamlessly align with our broader strategic plan, and their collective experience further solidifies our capabilities in the Innovative Technology Sector and our expertise in patent litigation, particularly before the U.S. ITC,” Doogal said.

The firm now has more than 300 professionals in its Intellectual Property Department. The latest hires follow other recent additions and reflect Foley’s continued focus on strategic growth in high-demand legal areas.

Sidley welcomes George Hunter as a new partner in its Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) practice, based in the New York office. Mr. Hunter is transitioning from his previous position at Jones Day.

In his role, Mr. Hunter offers expert advice to companies and their boards on M&A, corporate governance, shareholder activism, and securities law. He possesses particular skills in public company transactions. He has actively led various high-profile deals that employ diverse deal structures. His industry expertise spans aerospace, defense, digital and energy infrastructure, mining, consumer goods, and retail.

Brian Fahrney, the Chair-elect of Sidley’s Executive Committee, praised Mr. Hunter’s esteemed track record, saying, “George brings a wealth of experience in boardroom legal strategy for public companies, private equity deals in infrastructure, and restructuring. His skills will enhance our robust public company practice in New York and beyond, offering significant advantages to our clients.”

Nancy Chung, managing partner at Sidley’s New York office and member of the Management and Executive Committees, expressed enthusiasm about Mr. Hunter’s arrival. “George’s deep understanding and strategic approach in critical corporate matters will be invaluable. He is set to work closely with our M&A, energy and infrastructure, activism defense, and restructuring teams to deliver top-tier service to our clients,”. she said.

Sidley’s global M&A and Private Equity practice boasts over 650 lawyers. These professionals participate in a wide range of M&A and private equity activities. They cover industries such as manufacturing, energy, and life sciences, highlighting the firm’s extensive capabilities.

About Sidley

Sidley is a premier global law firm with a history spanning nearly 160 years. The firm comprises a team of 2,300 lawyers. It generates an annual revenue of US$3.4 billion and operates 21 offices worldwide. It is famous for its ‘Built to Win℠’ legal strategies. The firm also has a notable presence in 65 countries, specializing in complex transactional, restructuring, regulatory, and litigation matters. Sidley’s team possesses extensive cultural and legal expertise essential for navigating the global business environment. For more information about Sidley, including office locations and legal disclaimers, please visit www.sidley.com/disclaimer.

Washington, D.C., April 2, 2025—Hogan Lovells has welcomed Gary Orseck, William Trunk, Jennifer Windom, and Matthew Madden as litigation partners in its Washington, D.C. office. The group joins from Kramer Levin and brings extensive experience handling high-stakes commercial litigation across industries, including health care, financial services, private capital, and professional services.

“We are excited to welcome Gary, Bill, Jen, and Matt to Hogan Lovells,” said Des Hogan, Global Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Litigation, Arbitration, and Employment practice. “They are nationally recognized litigators whose addition strengthens what is already one of the most formidable litigation teams in the country. Our practice is busier than ever following a record-breaking year, and their support will be invaluable to our clients.”

Adam K. Levin, Americas Litigation Practice Area Leader, added, “We’ve known Gary and his team for years. Their track record in complex business litigation ranges from securities class actions to enforcement matters. It aligns seamlessly with our strengths in sectors like health care, life sciences, and financial services.”

About the New Partners:

Gary Orseck previously served as Co-Managing Partner of Kramer Levin’s D.C. office and chaired its Litigation Practice. He has led the defense in multibillion-dollar securities class actions and represented major players in health care, hedge funds, banking, and accounting. Orseck is a founder of Robbins, Russell, Englert, Orseck & Untereiner LLP and a former DOJ’s Civil Division attorney. He regularly defends clients in investigations by the SEC and the PCAOB.

William Trunk handles complex commercial litigation for corporations, hedge funds, and financial institutions. His experience includes federal and state trials, U.S. Supreme Court advocacy, and appeals in multiple Circuit Courts. He frequently advises on disputes from liability management, refinancing transactions, and derivative and fiduciary duty claims.

Jennifer Windom co-led Kramer Levin’s D.C. office and Health Care Practice Group. She represents clients in civil litigation, securities disputes, and government investigations. Her work focuses on highly regulated public health, government contracting, and finance sectors. She frequently handles matters that involve overlapping civil, criminal, and regulatory risks.

Matthew Madden focuses on high-stakes litigation and appeals related to bankruptcy, investment disputes, and securities class actions. He has represented creditors and debtors in complex reorganizations, defended public companies and executives in class actions, and advised clients as litigation and investigation counsel.

“We’re excited to join Hogan Lovells,” said Orseck. “The firm’s global reach, litigation leadership, and strong regulatory and corporate practices make it the ideal platform for serving our clients’ most critical business challenges.”

Ajay Kuntamukkala, Office Managing Partner in Washington, D.C., noted, “Gary, Bill, Jen, and Matt are well-respected in the D.C. legal community, and we’re proud to have them on board. The D.C. office remains a growth priority—it’s one of our oldest, largest, and most vital to the firm’s success.”

About Hogan Lovells’ Washington, D.C. Office

Founded in 1904, Hogan Lovells’ Washington, D.C. office is the firm’s largest U.S. location and home to over 500 attorneys. The office offers deep regulatory insight and strong litigation capabilities. It covers three core areas: Corporate and Finance, Global Regulatory and IP, Litigation, Arbitration, and Employment. It is located at the intersection of business and government. The team helps clients navigate complex legal and political challenges across various industries.

Womble Bond Dickinson is excited to announce a new strategic alliance with Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel, a prominent law firm based in Brazil. This collaboration aims to strengthen client support across various jurisdictions, particularly in the energy and natural resources sector, where both firms have substantial expertise and resources.

Key alliance goals include expanding global reach through shared branding, launching joint marketing and business development efforts, creating preferred referral relationships in respective regions, and fostering professional development opportunities for staff.

Merrick Benn, Chair and CEO of Womble US, commented, “We are delighted about this alliance, which offers clients seamless access to outstanding legal counsel in Brazil and Latin America. It also opens doors to global markets with growing opportunities that align with our expertise. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and mutual success, ultimately benefiting our clients.”

Paul Stewart, Managing Partner of Womble UK, added, “This partnership with Schmidt Valois represents a significant milestone for us both domestically and internationally. Enhancing our energy sector offerings and expanding our international presence are central to our growth strategy. With our established network, including partnerships in France and Germany and the Lex Mundi network, Schmidt Valois’ leadership in energy and renewables will further enhance our ability to serve our clients.”

Jeff Whittle, Head of Womble’s Global Energy and Natural Resources Sector, stated, “The energy sector is undergoing significant global transformation, and this alliance boosts our ability to offer top-tier legal services to clients driving this change. Our presence across key jurisdictions will help clients seize opportunities in oil, gas, infrastructure, and renewable energy across the Americas and Europe.”

Paulo Valois Pires, Co-Managing Partner of Schmidt Valois, expressed, “We are excited about this partnership, especially as it offers new opportunities for clients in Brazil looking to invest or already investing abroad. This collaboration enables us to integrate high-quality legal services for multijurisdictional operations across Latin America.”

The alliance will begin on April 1, 2025, and will be managed by a leadership team composed of partners from both firms. Womble US will be represented by Merrick Benn and Jeff Whittle; Womble UK by Alexander Dickinson and Paul Stewart; and Schmidt Valois by Paulo Valois Pires, Rogério Miranda, and Guilherme Schmidt.

About Womble Bond Dickinson

Womble Bond Dickinson is a transatlantic law firm with over 1,300 lawyers across 37 offices in the UK and US. The firm offers services in various business sectors. It provides core legal services in areas such as Corporate, Employment, Dispute Resolution, Finance, Technology, Private Wealth, Construction, Real Estate, and Regulatory Law.

Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited is a network of member firms. This firm include Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, each operating as independent legal entities. For more information, visit www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/legal-notice.

About Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel

Schmidt Valois is Brazil’s leading law firm specializing in Natural Resources and Infrastructure. It has significant expertise in Energy, Renewables, Oil and Gas, and Mining. The firm also offers services in sectors such as M&A, Project Finance, Private Equity, Tax, Labor, Dispute Resolution, Regulatory, ESG, Sports, Life Sciences, and Technology. Schmidt Valois is recognized for its innovative approach, ethical standards, and high-quality services.

Buchalter is excited to announce the expansion and relocation of its Denver office. In line with the firm’s commitment to growth, Buchalter has secured a full-floor office space at 1099 18th Street, Suite 1900. This new space spans approximately 21,223 square feet and includes more than 50 attorney offices.

“Our growth in Denver reflects our dedication to enhancing our presence in key markets,” said Adam Bass, President and CEO of Buchalter. “The new office provides an ideal environment for our team to thrive in downtown Denver.”

The Denver office now hosts approximately 25 attorneys and professionals. This expansion strengthens Buchalter’s capabilities in key industries, including corporate law, real estate, estate planning, commercial litigation, and natural resources law. The firm remains committed to providing tailored legal services while continuing to invest in its Denver presence.

Since opening in November 2022, the Denver office has experienced significant growth. Last year, attorneys Rajesh “Raj” Kukreja and Kara Chrobak joined the firm’s Family Law practice. They focus on high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, particularly in marital estate matters, including company valuation, real estate interests, and trust analysis. They represent clients throughout the Denver metro area, as well as in communities such as Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, and Telluride.

Betty Arkell, a Shareholder in the Corporate Practice Group, brings extensive experience in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). She guides clients through the corporate lifecycle, from formation to growth and exit. Her clients include both established and emerging growth companies, as well as venture capital and private equity funds. Arkell has received numerous accolades, including recognition from Chambers, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. She also won the 2023 Bob Newman Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado Technology Association.

Steve Segal, is also a Shareholder in the Corporate Practice Group. He specializes in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity transactions. He works with start-ups, emerging growth companies, and mature businesses across various industries, including data security, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Segal also serves as outside general counsel to many of his clients, advising executives and boards on strategic matters.

Scott Evans, a Shareholder in the Litigation Practice Group, handles a wide range of commercial disputes, including contract and real estate litigation, business torts, and regulatory matters. He also conducts corporate and government investigations, leveraging his background as a federal investigator. Evans serves as a neutral third party for the American Arbitration Association and the College of Commercial Arbitrators.

“Our new office space marks a significant milestone in our Denver expansion,” added Bass. “As our team grows, this relocation allows us to better serve our clients with enhanced resources and a collaborative work environment.”

Buchalter is a full-service business law firm representing clients locally, nationally, and internationally. The firm specializes in various practice areas, including banking and finance, corporate law, healthcare, litigation, intellectual property, real estate, tax, and estate planning, among others. Buchalter employs approximately 550 attorneys across offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington.

For more information, visit buchalter.com.

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1. As part of Buchalter’s nationwide strategy to expand and relocate, the firm also welcomed new shareholders, such as Steven Mroczkowski in Chicago, to further strengthen its market position.
2. Buchalter’s continued growth includes new hires in cities like San Francisco, including Bruce joining Buchalter as a Shareholder in the San Francisco Office.

Buchalter is excited to announce that Brian Goldberg has joined the Firm as a Shareholder in the Atlanta office. With a wealth of litigation experience, Goldberg specializes in managing intricate commercial and business disputes, real estate litigation, landlord/tenant issues, creditor rights litigation, lender-liability defense, professional liability, and premises liability cases.

“Brian’s extensive litigation background and his proven success in representing clients in high-stakes cases make him a valuable addition to our team,” said Adam Bass, President and CEO of Buchalter. “We are thrilled to have him on board as we continue expanding in Atlanta and look forward to the contributions he will make to the Firm.”

Goldberg’s client roster includes publicly traded companies, national banks, mortgage servicers, property management firms, small businesses, investors, and individuals he represents in state and federal courts. He has served as lead counsel in jury trials. He has significant experience managing complex bankruptcy disputes and adversary proceedings in Georgia and beyond.

“I am excited to join Buchalter and work alongside the talented team in Atlanta and throughout the Firm,” Goldberg shared. “The Firm’s dedication to exceptional client service and its strategic approach to litigation align perfectly with my practice.”

Goldberg is a trusted advisor for businesses and individuals dealing with various real estate litigation issues, including quiet title actions, boundary disputes, partition cases, and complex title resolutions. His expertise also extends to handling residential and commercial property foreclosures and eviction matters.

Seth Trimble, Managing Shareholder of the Atlanta office, commented, “Brian’s expertise in commercial and real estate litigation enhances our capabilities as we expand in the Southeast. His reputation as a skilled litigator and trusted advisor will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”

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2. Buchalter’s Atlanta expansion follows recent office relocations of the Denver Office to Granite Tower.

ArentFox Schiff is excited to announce that Molly F. James has joined the firm as a partner in the Private Clients, Trusts & Estates (PCTE) practice in Washington, D.C. With over 30 years of experience in estate planning and administration, Molly will help create personalized strategies for clients with various personal and financial needs.

Molly’s addition is part of the firm’s ongoing growth in the PCTE practice, which welcomed Partner Todd Angkatavanich and Counsel Joe Blumberg earlier this month. Molly is happy to regularly reviewing and updating her clients’ estate plans, ensuring ensuring smooth management of affairs when a family member passes away. She works with various clients, including business owners, professionals, executives, venture capitalists, real estate investors, and multigenerational families. She also provides expert advice on U.S. estate planning for clients with connections to other countries.

“We are delighted to welcome Molly to our team,” said Christine R.W. Quigley, PCTE practice leader. “Her extensive experience in trust and estate planning will greatly enhance our practice. Molly simplifies complex issues, helping clients make well-informed decisions best suited to their family’s needs.”

Molly’s expertise extends beyond traditional estate planning documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives. She also prepares specialized instruments such as dynasty trusts, prenuptial agreements, grantor-retained annuity trusts, and spousal lifetime access trusts. These instruments protect assets from taxes, creditors, divorcing spouses, and beneficiaries.

Before joining ArentFox Schiff, Molly was a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke. Outside her practice, she actively supports College Bound, Inc., serving as their pro bono legal counsel and advocating for programs that help D.C. public and charter school students achieve their college aspirations.

At ArentFox Schiff, our committed is to assists clients reach their full potential. Focusing on immediate and long-term objectives, we provide practical legal solutions that address today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. We partner with you to get you across the finish line.

Today, Katten welcomed the addition of Gidon M. Caine to its team as a securities litigation partner, bolstering the firm’s elite litigation offerings. “Reuniting with Gidon after all these years is a pleasure. We previously collaborated at another firm many years back.

I’ve been pursuing him for a while,” stated Bruce G. Vanyo, who co-chairs the Securities Litigation practice at Katten. “Gidon brings over three decades of expertise in strategic legal counseling and is adept at managing the considerable reputational and financial risks that companies encounter during investigations and litigation, which is invaluable for our clientele.”

Based in Silicon Valley, Caine specializes in various aspects of securities and corporate governance disputes. Gidon M. Caine has a wide range of legal skills. He handles many types of cases, including lawsuits involving shareholders, legal actions against company executives for not fulfilling their duties, and cases about company mergers and acquisitions. He has also led major trials as the main attorney, such as in the Delaware Court of Chancery, representing very large companies.

Caine works with various clients such as company boards, directors, officers, and special committees, mainly in Silicon Valley’s technology and life sciences industries. He also manages cases involving internal and government investigations, issues with venture funds, and other complex business legal matters.

Recognized by Chambers USA in the Securities Litigation sector, Caine is a respected authority in the legal field. He often shares his insights with the media and speaks at Stanford Law School Directors’ College panel discussions. Caine focuses on the complexities and challenges of being on boards of special purpose acquisition vehicles (SPACs). He also teaches at the University of California Berkeley School of Law and the Practicing Law Institute. Additionally, he writes critical legal analyses on major court decisions.

Katten is a full-service law firm with around 700 attorneys in the United States, London, and Shanghai. It offers high-quality legal services to clients both locally and internationally. The firm specializes in corporate law, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit, and private wealth.

Katten represents various clients, from public and private companies to government and nonprofit entities and individuals.

More information about Katten is available at katten.com.

FRESNO, Calif. (March 20, 2025) — Littler, the most significant global employment and labor law firm representing management, has named Gerardo V. Hernandez, the new office managing shareholder (OMS), for its Fresno location. He takes over from Ryan L. Eddings, who is stepping down to concentrate on his legal practice and additional firm duties.

Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, highlighted Hernandez’s appointment as part of the firm’s broader strategy to grow its presence in Fresno. “Gerardo’s leadership and strong local connections will help drive our goals forward,” Webber stated. She also expressed appreciation for Eddings’ service.

Hernandez brings extensive experience defending employers in both state and federal labor matters. His legal background includes handling union decertification before the National Labor Relations Board and the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board, managing appeals for OSHA citations, and defending against unfair labor practice allegations. He has also led litigation in class actions, Private Attorneys General Act cases, and Fair Labor Standards Act claims.

Hernandez, raised in a business-focused family, continues to support employers within Fresno’s Hispanic business community. His affiliations include the Fresno County American Bar Association, Fresno County Young Lawyers Association, Agricultural Personnel Management Association, and the role of Vice Chair on the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“I’m grateful for Ryan’s guidance and excited to lead our Fresno team,” Hernandez said. “We’ll continue prioritizing client needs through practical and innovative legal strategies.”

Hernandez holds a J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law and a B.S. from the University of California, Davis.

Littler employs over 1,900 labor and employment attorneys worldwide. The firm blends local legal knowledge with global resources and proprietary technology to deliver proactive workplace legal solutions. Visit www.littler.com to learn more.