“Reputation is the most important asset you’ll ever own. A recent study found that 70% of a company’s reputation is attributable to the perception of their CEO. Unfortunately, many CEOs don’t know what appears when searching their name in Google search results or on social media until it’s too late,” reports Chris Padilla in Chief Executive.

“Luckily, there are simple and effective ways to establish an online presence that can withstand negative media campaigns. For example, one of our clients is a technology industry veteran. In 2015, she was the target of an accusatory and baseless article—an article that, unfortunately, gained a lot of traction because of its inflammatory wording. It quickly rose to the first page of her Google search results.”

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“Underscoring the growing importance of instant-messaging and online chat rooms in the workplace, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has gone back to court in its lawsuit against Ripple Labs — this time, to demand access to more communications between Ripple employees on Slack, a popular chat and messaging application used by businesses,” reports Michelle Lim in Forkast.

“In a letter dated Aug. 9 to U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, SEC attorney Jorge Tenreiro complained that a “massive quantity” of Slack data from Ripple was missing from discovery and that the SEC was entitled to see those messages.”

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Joinder, Inc. (Joinder), a solutions-based engagement platform that puts corporate legal departments in control of their deadlines, tasks, and records, today announced the official launch of its newest solution, Joinder Intake. This announcement marks the first dedicated legal department work request solution integrated with Slack, with an upcoming launch for Microsoft Teams.

Don Keller, Joinder CEO, said: “Our clients have consistently identified intake as a point of pain for their legal operations. Handling work requests through email or scattered chat messages is disorganized and inefficient. Joinder’s solution brings order and security to chaos, bringing legal departments closer to their internal clients and demonstrating impressive efficiency.”

With Joinder Intake, any member of a company’s workspace can request legal assistance directly from Slack, with requests collected in a secure Joinder workroom where they can be assigned, tracked, and completed by the legal team.

“Our company uses Slack as our core communication platform, but it’s not well suited for receiving and managing legal requests,” noted Mark Janoff, Chief Business Officer, Brava, and early adopter to the solution. “That’s why I’m excited about Joinder Intake. It will enable our legal team to maintain the ease and simplicity of Slack communications while adding much-needed organization, discipline, and efficiency to the legal request process.”

Joinder Intake is a no-cost solution for Slack workspaces. Companies that register for the solution will also receive a 30-day free trial to the full Joinder app. Legal departments can immediately benefit from Joinder Intake by visiting legalintake.joinderapp.com.

Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm, and the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children (National CASA/GAL Association) today announced Tawanna Brown, of Verona, New Jersey, an incoming freshman at Seton Hall University, as the 2021 recipient of the Akerman Academic Excellence Scholarship.

The Akerman Scholarship, which awards $2,500 a year for up to four years of higher education, is funded through an endowment established in 2015 as part of the firm’s historic $1 million pledge to the National CASA/GAL Association. The endowment supports young adults who have spent part of their childhood in the foster care system, by helping minimize the financial burden of higher education. The honorees demonstrate outstanding academic commitment and readiness for success. The scholarship endowment is currently supporting four scholars, contributing $10,000 annually to their educational pursuits.

“Tawanna has faced more obstacles in her 18 years than most people do in their entire lifetime, yet she found the strength to persevere and rise above it,” said Beth Zafonte, chair of Akerman’s Philanthropic Council. “Tawanna’s struggles have motivated her not only to work hard, but also to help others who are currently in similar situations. She is truly an inspiration and Akerman is honored to award her with this scholarship.”

“Assisting youth who have experienced foster care as they continue on their path to success is an important initiative of the National CASA/GAL Association. The scholarship provided through this partnership with Akerman is one of the many ways that we are able to offer tangible support to help youth achieve their full potential,” said National CASA/GAL Association CEO Tara Lisa Perry. “Tawanna has an incredibly bright future ahead of her, and we are honored to support her in her educational endeavors.”

Brown is a steadfast advocate for children in foster care, having entered foster care herself at 12 years old. As such, she is a devout member of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families Youth Council. The council was created to provide children who are currently in or have been in foster care with a voice. On this council, Brown is responsible for curriculum review, webinars, training courses, and the development of new policies, agendas and course programs. Additionally, she participated in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Summer Internship and the Howard University Crump Summer Law Program, working to get closer to achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer and continuing her advocacy work.

“We are so proud of Tawanna. She is a great example of what belief in oneself and the pursuit of excellence can yield even in the face of adversity,” said Marla Higginbotham, executive director of CASA for Children of Essex County.

Studies demonstrate the invaluable benefits a CASA volunteer brings to a child’s life. Children with a CASA/GAL advocate are more likely to do better in school. Only 50 percent of youth in foster care earn a high school diploma, compared to 91 percent of all students nationwide. Only 15 percent of foster youth attend postsecondary institutions, with only about three percent completing college due to insufficient support, lack of appropriate guidance, and unmet financial needs. The goal of the Akerman Scholarship is to help these students afford higher learning so that they will be more successful after they age out of foster care and live independently.

Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that David Sewell has joined the firm’s Financial Transactions practice and Fintech industry group as a partner in the expanding New York office.

David focuses his practice on advising banks, nonbank financial institutions, and fintech companies on federal banking laws and regulations, with a particular focus on anti-money laundering procedures, sanctions, and financial crime compliance issues. He deals regularly with federal and state bank regulatory and law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Reserve Banks, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Office of Foreign Assets Control, and state banking departments.

“We’re pleased to welcome David to our team as the financial marketplace continues to evolve and particularly with respect to fintech and the growth of cryptocurrencies, which are coming under increasing scrutiny from regulators around the world,” said Chian Wu, chair of Perkins Coie’s Financial Transactions practice. “David’s private sector and government experience—including with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York—will be very valuable to our clients in New York and beyond.”

David counsels clients on investments, activities, supervisory examinations, and formal and informal enforcement actions and provides regulatory advice on charter and licensing matters as well as requests for interpretive relief. He also helps financial institutions develop and refine their compliance policies and procedures. In addition to his time in private practice, David served as counsel and assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and as executive director for regulatory strategy and engagement at JPMorgan Chase.

“David’s strong background at the intersection of banking and government oversight will benefit our clients in navigating a complex regulatory environment,” said Ron Sarubbi, Perkins Coie’s New York office managing partner. “His understanding of the banking and technology sectors will help us to continue to provide our clients with both effective and insightful legal counsel.”

David joins Perkins Coie from Debevoise & Plimpton, where he was counsel in the New York office. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center, his M.A. from Columbia University, and his B.A., with high honors, from Wesleyan University.

Corporate legal teams traditionally respond to ediscovery demands with a matter-centric collections approach. It seems logical; put a custodian on hold, collect their data to preserve it, and you’re off to the races. Unfortunately, this standard approach does not translate well to collaboration data sources like Slack.

In this discussion, we’ll explore the challenges organizations encounter trying to do discovery the old way, address why old thinking is unsustainable, and share insights on how to stop introducing unnecessary risk and cost by modernizing your ediscovery approach with a “collect once-use many” solution. At the end of the session, you’ll also see a quick demo of how Hanzo Hold can help corporate legal teams modernize their ediscovery workflows, prepare for the wave of discovery requests and investigations that involve data from collaboration platforms.

Presented by: Brad Harris, VP of Product, Hanzo

Brad Harris is the VP of Product at Hanzo, a pioneer in the contextual capture, and preservation of dynamic web and collaboration content for corporate legal and compliance departments. He leads product vision and innovation for the company. Brad has more than 30 years of experience in the high technology and enterprise software sectors, including assisting Fortune 1000 companies to enhance their e-discovery preparedness through technology and process improvement. Brad is a frequent author and speaker on data preservation and e-discovery issues and is a member of The Sedona Conference WG1 and WG6.

“Given the overlap between accounting and law services, it makes sense for the Big 4 to get in on the legal services action. We’ve always called the Big 4 the Walmart of professional services firms, but you can’t find a law practice at any of them in the U.S. The closest you would find is Deloitte’s new,” reports Jason Bramwell in Going Concern.

“Which works with in house legal offices to streamline functions that track client contracts, invoices, eDiscovery, and other core functions, according to Bloomberg Law. EY’s legal managed services unit also focuses on helping large and medium-sized in-house legal departments streamline and automate their legal services,”

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“The Banner Bank executive leadership team today announced the retirement of Craig Miller, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Banner Corporation and its subsidiaries. Sherrey Luetjen has been promoted to those positions effective immediately. Banner Bank is part of Banner,” reports Business Wire in their blog.

“Miller joined Banner in 2016 as Executive Vice President and General Counsel and later assumed the additional role of the company’s Ethics Officer. Miller retires after more than 45 years practicing law, including having previously served as a senior litigation partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP, in Seattle. We are grateful for the years,”

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“Former Chicago Cubs utilityman Ben Zobrist dropped his lawsuit against pastor Byron Yawn that sought $6 million in damages stemming from Yawn’s extramarital affair with Zobrist’s estranged wife, Julianna, and an allegation that Yawn defrauded his charity. According to a court document the Tribune obtained, attorney Larry Crain filed a notice Thursday in Nashville (Tenn.) Circuit Court voluntarily,” reports Phil Thompson in Journal Star.

“The notice did not list a reason why Zobrist decided to drop the case. The Tribune attempted to reach Crain via email but didn’t immediately receive a response. Zobrist first filed the lawsuit May 6, alleging that Yawn’s affair with Julianna which she admitted to having during a deposition for the divorce constituted intentional infliction of emotional distress. He also alleged that Yawn fraudulently collected on his $3,500 per month.”

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“A judge ordered the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach developer to pay back $2.7 million in loans and interest to project financiers who allegedly have ties to the Odebrecht corruption scandal. Jose Luis Zapata and the Viyella family, through their CFLB Partnership, developed the 24 story oceanfront condo hotel with 290 units at 551 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard,” reports Lidia Dinkova in The Real Deal.

“Lenders Diamond Blue International, based in Anguilla, British West Indies; and Fundacion Lemar, of Panama City, sued CFLB in 2016 alleging default of $1 million in financing each had issued the prior year. An attorney for CFLB Partnership alleges the lenders are tied to the sons of former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, Luis Enrique and Ricardo Alberto Martinelli.”

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“Dealing with the climate crisis involves the overhauling of many facets of life, but few of these changes will feel as tangible and personal as the transformation required within the home. The 128m households that dot America gobble up energy for heating, cooling and lighting,” reports Rashida Kamal and Oliver Milman in The Guardian.

“More energy hungry dwellings than people in other countries, using more than double the energy of the average Briton and 10 times that of the average Chinese person. This sizable contribution is now coming under the scrutiny of Joe Biden’s administration, which recently put forward a raft of measures to build and upgrade.”

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“A federal judge in Memphis, Tennessee, has denied the Tennessee Valley Authority’s TVA bid to dismiss a lawsuit in which conservation groups allege some of the corporation’s long-term contracts illegally restrain local power companies that purchase its electricity from switching to competitors,” reports Sebastien Malo in Reuters.

“In a Thursday ruling, U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker said that the lawsuit accusing the TVA of violating the TVA Act of 1933, the statute that governs the U.S. owned power utility, can proceed. The complaint by Memphis based Protect Our Aquifer and others alleges TVA has violated the statute by offering contracts that since 2019 require.”

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“Norwegian offshore services player Reach Subsea has entered into various contracts and call offs under frame agreements, taking its backlog to around 1,550 project days, of which some 1,250 project days are for execution this year, up from 1,100 days announced earlier. The Oslo listed firm said the,” reports Adis Ajdin in Splash 247.

“Contracts cover both oil and gas and renewables projects and indicate good utilisation for the third quarter to build upon for the 2021/22 winter season. In addition, Reach has entered into a letter of intent with an undisclosed client for mobilisation of one ROV on a new subsea vessel towards a two-year firm contract, which would add.”

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“After a slow July, Brooklyn luxury contract signings are on the rise again. Twenty five contracts for homes asking $2 million or more were signed in the borough last week, a boost from the previous week’s 15 contracts, according to Compass weekly report. It’s the most luxury contracts signed since the,” reports Cordilia James in The Real Deal.

“The asking prices of those contracts totaled $82 million, a jump from the $49.5 million the week before. Buyers inked deals for 13 townhouses and 12 condominiums. The median asking price for those contracts was $2.6 million, with an average price per square foot of $1,263. Topping the list was a 6,500-square foot Boerum Hill Townhouse.”

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“Law firms continue to reverse course and change their plans when it comes to the reopening of their offices across thanks to the emergence of the COVID-19’s Delta variant. Vaccination mandates now seem to be the way of the future, and one by one, law firms are joining in to protect their employees,” reports Staci Zaretsky in Above the Law.

“The latest firm to issue a vaccine requirement is Greenberg Traurig, the first Florida based Biglaw firm to announce such a measure. With Florida continuing to set COVID-19 case records and state government staunchly against mask mandates and other rational restrictions and safety measures, it’s no wonder that GT announced this new policy.”

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“Kinney Recruiting are excited to be working on an exclusive basis to fill a position for general counsel of a family office, to be based in New York, San Francisco, or Miami. If you have at least several years of experience handling VC or private equity deals at a top law firm probably 4-6 years, VC firm, private equity firm, or family office, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills,” reports Kinney Recruiting in Above the Law.

“This is the first GC hired and this family office is currently doing four deals per week or more. The pace will be fast the hours will be manageable, but it will not be a lifestyle job. You should expect to be in direct and constant contact with the client, who is an outstanding gentleman, and to be a problem solver on many levels. Pay will be commensurate with experience, but this has the potential to be a very lucrative role over time.”

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“Butler County could receive more than $5 million and access to many millions more in a huge statewide settlement with the big three opioid distributors and Johnson & Johnson. The county commissioners signed the agreement Monday which clears the way for a potential direct payment of $3.8 to $5.4 million and access to a share in $38 to $54.4 million more, as part of regional group of seven counties,” reports Denise G. Callahan in Journal News.

“The payments would be over 17 years but the deal was contingent on 95% of the state litigants agreeing to the settlement by today. The county’s share is part of a nationwide $26 billion settlement brokered by state attorneys general with the three largest opioid distributors Cardinal, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen and Johnson & Johnson. Nearly 4,000 jurisdictions nationwide filed lawsuits in state and federal courts years ago.”

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“Wahpeton The massive diversion project that will protect Fargo-Moorhead from severe floods is helping to build houses in a roundabout way in towns around Wahpeton and Breckenridge. The Metro Flood Diversion Authority agreed last fall to pay a $75 million settlement with Richland County in North Dakota and neighboring Wilkin County in Minnesota to end all legal and administrative challenges,” reports Patrick Springer in Grand Forks Herald.

“The two counties both of which will sustain impacts and are located upstream from a dam that will be built on the Red River have selected housing as their top priority for the settlement money. So far, $12 million of the settlement has been dedicated, including Richland County’s $8 million share and $4 million for Wilkin County. Both counties are combating a housing shortage and have identified home building as an effective way to stem their population.”

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The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has announced that Brigid E. Heid, a Member at Eastman & Smith Ltd. in Columbus, Ohio, has accepted an invitation to join the IADC, the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests.

Ms. Heid regularly assists businesses and business owners with the legal risks they encounter in the workplace. She counsels clients on best practices and procedures; handbooks; wage and hour, employee leave and discipline, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission matters; internal investigations; and protecting intellectual property and confidential information. She also represents employers in state and federal court and administrative agencies throughout Ohio.

Ms. Heid currently serves as chair of the Employment Law Committee of the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys. She is a past president of the Columbus Bar Association (CBA) and currently serves on the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates as the CBA representative.

Ms. Heid received her J.D. (with honors) from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts (summa cum laude) from The Ohio State University.

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.

New York – Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Christy Reuter has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Real Estate group. As a leader in the hospitality sector, Christy brings more than 25 years of experience guiding clients in hospitality transactions and related business law matters. Before joining Blank Rome, Christy was a partner at Meister Seelig & Fein, where she chaired the Hotel & Hospitality group and was a member of the Corporate and Real Estate groups. Prior to that role, Christy founded Reuter Law PLLC and spent seven years as general counsel at Cipriani, a world-renowned global hospitality company.

“Clients consider Christy a trusted advisor and look to her for counsel on both real estate and high-level business and legal matters,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Managing Partner and CEO. “Her time as a general counsel at a global hospitality group gives her unique insight into the concerns and priorities of in-house legal and business teams working in the hospitality industry. We’re pleased to welcome her to Blank Rome and our New York office.”

Christy advises hospitality groups, restaurants, and hotels in all phases of real estate transactions and has experience in joint ventures, shareholder and operating agreements, commercial leases, and license and management agreements. She also advises clients on employment, non-disclosure, contractor, and vendor agreements, as well as intellectual property matters. With a focus on both domestic and international companies, Christy helps clients expand their businesses in the United States, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Turkey, Monaco, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.

“There is great momentum in the hospitality industry right now—restaurants and hotels are eager to make deals now that cities are reopening and travel is resuming,” said Samantha Wallack, Partner and Co-Chair of the Real Estate practice group. “Christy’s deep background in the hospitality industry and her experience in a wide range of real estate and other business matters will greatly benefit our restaurant and hotel clients as they navigate through the pandemic and beyond.”

“Blank Rome’s reputation as a top-tier firm with skilled lawyers and professionals and a collaborative, collegial culture drew me to the firm,” said Christy. “Additionally, the firm is well-established and highly regarded in locations across the country that are critical to my clients, and I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues throughout the country and growing my practice on Blank Rome’s platform.”

Christy earned her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and her B.A. from State University of New York at Albany.