Barnes & Thornburg has added Christina Baugh as a partner in the firm’s Litigation Department in the Atlanta office, the firm announced in a release.

Baugh is a commercial and intellectual property litigator. She advises clients on a variety of complex business disputes, including tort claims, insurance coverage matters and litigation spanning officer liability, shareholder, non-competition and property cases.

“Christina is highly regarded in Atlanta and nationally, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the firm,” said D. Randall Brown, chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. “Her deep experience in alternative dispute resolution and litigating cases at the state and federal levels enables her to provide well-rounded counsel to her clients.”

The firm said Baugh advises businesses in commercial matters that arise during disputes between business partners. This includes handling allegations of breaches of fiduciary duties, transferring ownership and management duties between partners and managing matters related to directors and officer liability, shareholder disputes and trade secrets matters.

“Christina is a strong advocate for Atlanta’s thriving business community, helping companies navigate complex matters they encounter during their lifecycle,” said John T.L. Koenig, Atlanta managing partner. “She is also a tremendous civic leader who is extensively involved in the local legal and philanthropic community.”

On the intellectual property side, Baugh, who is admitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, handles trademark, copyright and patent matters. She represents small family owned-business, multibillion dollar corporations and international companies in the manufacturing, gaming and medical device industries, among others. She has successfully resolved intellectual property cases related to infringements, copyright rights, false advertising and design patent rights.

Baugh currently serves as president-elect of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. In addition, she is an officer for the Atlanta Bar Association and the Atlanta Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and active in the Junior League of Atlanta.

Baugh earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law, and her B.S. from Emory University.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Paul M. Sykes has returned to the firm as a partner in the Birmingham office.

Sykes had been with Bradley for more than 19 years when he left in January 2018 to serve as general counsel with ADTRAN, Inc., the Huntsville, Ala.-based provider of next-generation open networking and subscriber experience solutions.

“We are extremely happy to welcome Paul back to Bradley where he has built his reputation as one of the best intellectual property attorneys in the United States,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters.

Sykes said, “It is an honor to be able to resume my practice at Bradley alongside colleagues who continue to set the standards for protecting and enforcing our clients’ IP rights and business interests.”

A member of Bradley’s Intellectual Property and Litigation practice groups, Sykes represents businesses and individuals in a wide variety of intellectual property and technology-related legal matters. He counsels clients in the acquisition, licensing and protection of intellectual property rights, and represents clients in litigation involving patents, copyrights, trademarks, unfair competition, and trade secrets. A registered patent attorney and former computer engineer, Sykes previously served as president of the Intellectual Property Section of the Alabama State Bar.

Sykes received his J.D. (magna cum laude) from the University of North Carolina School of Law and his Bachelor of Science (summa cum laude) from Auburn University.

Jennifer Recine, a trial litigator who has handled complex real estate cases and other high-profile matters across industries, has joined Stroock’s New York office as a partner, the firm announced in a release.

Recine is the 11th lateral partner to join Stroock within the past year and the second in three weeks. Commercial real estate lawyer Elsa Ben Shimon joined the firm on Feb. 13.

The firm said Recine regularly leads high-stakes litigation in practice areas as varied as civil RICO, securities, environmental and land use, trusts and estates, and criminal enforcement.

“Jennifer brings a depth of experience in complex trial matters to an already-elite team of lawyers,” said Alan Klinger, Stroock’s co-managing partner. “She’s exactly the type of lawyer we look for in a lateral hire: one of the top litigators in the country, in the prime of her career, with deep experience in our core areas. She’s a lawyer who perfectly aligns well with our firm’s mission of strategic, client-centric growth.”

“Stroock is a vibrant, thriving firm with a real estate practice that is truly second to none,” Recine said. “I look forward to leveraging its full-service offerings and client support to take my practice to the next level.”

Recine has been named a “Litigation Trailblazer” by the National Law Journal, was shortlisted by the Legal 500 as a “Next Generation” Commercial Litigator, and recognized as a “Local Litigation Star” and one of the “Top 250 Women in Litigation” by Benchmark Litigation, as well as a “Woman to Watch” by the Diversity Journal and a “Female Power Player” by Bisnow.

Bonduelle Fresh Americas, formerly Ready Pac Foods, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bonduelle, announced the appointment of Monica Johnson, general counsel, to its Executive Committee, the business unit’s senior leadership team.

Johnson joined the company in October 2018 and was appointed to the senior leadership team in January. She is responsible for providing professional legal advice and representation for all legal, regulatory and government matters affecting the business. As part of her role, she also provides legal advice and support to Bonduelle Americas Long Life, the company’s North American canned and frozen business unit based in Canada, the company said in a release.

“Monica’s deep legal experience with a variety of industries, as well as her government affairs background, bring great diversity to the Bonduelle Fresh Americas leadership team,” said Bonduelle Fresh Americas CEO Mary Thompson. “The general counsel role is an important one for Bonduelle Fresh Americas and she has made a positive impact on many areas of the business in her short tenure here.”

The company said Johnson brings more than 15 years of legal experience to Bonduelle in a broad range of industries, including foodservice, technology, manufacturing and supply chain/logistics. Prior to joining Bonduelle, she was assistant general counsel and assistant corporate secretary at Ventura Foods, LLC, a privately held manufacturer and distributor of branded and private-label food products, including dressings, oils, sauces, dips, shortening, margarine, butter blends, mayonnaises, and flavor bases. Before Ventura Foods, Johnson was senior counsel at Western Digital, served as corporatecounsel of BAX Global and was an associate at the law firm Theodora Oringher and Yoka & Smith.

Johnson has government affairs experience as well, having served in the administrations of three California governors. Most recently she served for eight years on the California Board of Optometry as an appointee of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as vice chair partnering with board members to protect the public and regulate the profession of optometry.

San Antonio-based law firm Langley & Banack, Inc. announced that Charla D. Davies, Richard A. McNitzky, and Dane H. Patrick have been promoted to shareholders. The law firm has 66 lawyers practicing in 18 specialties in six central and south Texas office locations.

Charla D. Davies is a board-certified Family Law attorney and current President of the Family Law Section of the San Antonio Bar Association. Davies’ emphasis is litigation of high-conflict family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, and enforcement of court orders. In addition to her trial practice, she practices Collaborative Family Law and is a member of both the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas and the Collaborative Professionals Association of San Antonio. Davies received her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at San Antonio and her Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

Richard A. McNitzky represents hospitals, facilities, and individual health care professionals in complex medical, personal injury, and business disputes. The underscore of his practice is litigation and trial of cases on behalf of health care providers. McNitzky has represented clients in almost every county in South Texas and achieved verdicts favorable to his clients. McNitzky received his Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and his Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law.

Dane H. Patrick focuses on complex commercial litigation and is board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He represents businesses, trustees, individuals and families and litigates in matters involving business, trust and estate, construction, and personal injury disputes. He is rated AV-Preeminent (highest rating for legal ability and professional ethics) by his peers in Martindale-Hubbell, and author of the law blog, The Texas Commercial Litigator. Patrick received his Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and his Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Robert Smith has joined the firm’s Business Law Group as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office.

Smith represents U.S. franchisors expanding into international markets, which often involves new master franchise, development and area representative agreements, joint ventures, franchise terminations, ownership changes and regulatory compliance. He also provides franchise counsel to clients involved in complex financial transactions, including whole business securitizations and public and private offerings.

“Bob has earned acclaim as one of the nation’s leading franchise attorneys,” said Nikia Gray, Washington, D.C. Office Managing Partner. “He’s among the best at handling large scale, international franchise projects and working with business executives and legal teams on establishing and growing systems and managing franchises and franchisee relationships.”

The firm said Smith’s arrival follows on the heels of David Wiese, another D.C.-based partner in the Business Law Group who focuses on franchise law. Prior to Quarles & Brady, Smith was a partner at Wiley Rein LLP, where he served as chair of the franchise group. Earlier in his career, Smith worked as in-house counsel for Marriott International and represented the Roy Rogers and Bob’s Big Boy Divisions.

Smith is a member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising and has held several leadership positions at the International Franchise Association. He received his J.D. and B.A. from the Catholic University of America.

Stacie Hartman, a regulatory enforcement lawyer and first-chair litigator, has joined Steptoe & Johnson LLP as co-chair of its Financial Services Group. She will reside in the Chicago office and will also maintain a New York office.

In a release, the firm said Hartman focuses her practice on financial services litigation and enforcement. She has represented clients in court as well as enforcement proceedings before the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, National Futures Association, and financial exchanges, and in investigations by the Department of Justice.

“Stacie has a national reputation among derivatives and futures lawyers and a strong CFTC and SEC practice,” said Phil West, chair of Steptoe. “Her extensive experience, coupled with her record of leadership, makes her the ideal person to co-lead our Financial Services practice with Micah Green and to continue the expansion of that group.”

Over the past year, Steptoe’s commercial litigation practice has added nine partners, including first-chair litigators Robyn Crowther and Stephanie Sheridan, who lead the Los Angeles and San Francisco offices, respectively.

Hartman commented: “I have known Charley Mills and Micah for many years through my work before the CFTC and in the derivatives industry, and have been impressed by the pre-eminent financial services team at Steptoe. I am excited to take on this leadership role at Steptoe to continue to build upon the growth of the practice and the Chicago office.”

Hartman is active with several industry groups, including the ABA Derivatives and Futures Law Committee, the Futures Industry Association, and the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, and is a frequent speaker on issues faced by financial market participants. Since 2012, Hartman has been recognized each year as a “Leading Lawyer” by Leading Lawyers, a division of Law Bulletin Publishing Company, which publishes the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer. She sits on the board of directors for ADL (formerly the Anti-Defamation League), Midwest region, the Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board, and the board of directors for the Chicago Fashion Incubator.

Hartman earned her J.D. and B.A. from Northwestern University and served as a judicial extern for the Honorable George Marovich of the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois while she was in law school.

Law Rocks USA, the nonprofit organization that hosts a series of fundraising concerts starring legal professionals, will be kicking off its 8th Annual U.S. concert series on March 21 and 22 in Los Angeles.

The concert promotes local nonprofit organizations represented by bands from 23 law firms around Los Angeles.

The event will take place at the historic Whisky A Go Go on Sunset Strip, a renowned site that has featured some of the most influential acts in rock history, including The Doors, Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin, and Guns ‘N Roses. Hosted by radio personality Ted Stryker of KROQ, the event will play host to local attorneys and legal professionals in a battle of the bands rock concert with each band raising funds for their local nonprofit of choice.

After the success of the first event in London in 2009, Law Rocks was brought to the United States three years later by co-founder Ted Scott. The battle of the bands format provided a unique opportunity for the legal community in various U.S. cities to bring attention and funding to deserving local nonprofits. The winning band is selected by four factors: donations raised, ticket and sponsorship total, judge’s score, and audience favorite. Proceeds from the event benefit all 14 nonprofits being represented.

Law Rocks will also be donating proceeds to Above Ground, the organization founded by Billy Morrison (Billy Idol, Royal Machines) and Dave Navarro (founding member Jane’s Addiction, Royal Machines and host of Paramount’s Ink Master) dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the treatment of mental health issues.

“When we brought Law Rocks to L.A. eight years ago, we never expected it would have become such a hit, even more so a two-day event,” Scott said. “We are blown away by the continued success of these concerts and are proud to support this global movement as it continues to make an impact on deserving charities and communities around the world.”

The Law Rocks judging panels include Billy Morrison, Shawn Dailey (former bassist of Hole), Mick Smiley (songwriter and producer), Laura Ferrerio (Founder of M4G Media & Music for Good), Joseph Trofino (Associate General Counsel at ICM Partners), Chris Poole (President and Chief Executive Officer of JAMS), Debra White (Deputy Chair of Music Industry at Loeb & Loeb LLP), and Daniel Flores (Senior Vice President, Litigation at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc).

The Eighth Annual Law Rocks Los Angeles is made possible by presenting Hall of Fame sponsor Perkins Coie LLP, as well as headliner sponsors Buchalter; Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP; Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP; JAMS; and Latham & Watkins LLP. Also supporting the event are firms Day Pitney LLP; Pillsbury LLP; and Secretariat International.

To date, Law Rocks has raised over $3 million for various nonprofits across the globe. The Los Angeles concert is the inaugural stop for 2019 Law Rocks U.S. Tour, with Friday night (March 22) marking their 100th concert, followed by nine additional U.S. locations and five international stops total. For tickets and additional information, visit the Law Rocks event site.
For any questions or inquiries, contact Omi Crawford, Director of Marketing and Development, at +1.424.220.4004

Jackson Walker announced the appointment of Julia W. Mann as managing partner of the San Antonio office. Mann is the first woman to hold that position since the office opened in 1991, and the second-ever woman to serve as an office managing partner in the Firm’s 132-year history.

“Julia represents the kind of leader Jackson Walker looks for and celebrates. She is committed to her clients and has a take-charge attitude,” firmwide managing partner C. Wade Cooper said. “Julia’s new role in San Antonio is a tangible example of how we’re working hard to recruit, develop, and promote excellent lawyers who will be great leaders.”

“Jackson Walker fosters an entrepreneurial environment that I’d like to continue. I am excited about this opportunity to help lead the charge in growing our diverse practice space to serve San Antonio and beyond,” Mann said.

Inn a release, the firm said Mann has represented clients on both sides of the docket,appearing in matters in 40 counties across Texas and Oklahoma. She was named chair of the litigation practice in San Antonio in 2013, a position she will hold for the remainder of the year.

She has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2018, Super Lawyers since 2012, and San Antonio Scene since 2017, and Who’s Who in Energy for 2012-2015. In 2013, Mann was selected to the San Antonio Business Journal “Outstanding Lawyer” list in the category of Litigation.

She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Mann serves as president of the William S. Sessions American Inn of Court and as a member of the Nominating Committee for the San Antonio Bar Association. She is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and the San Antonio Bar Foundation.

FisherBroyles, LLP announced the expansion of its Intellectual Property (IP) Practice Group with the addition of Richard Eckman, Thomas Osborne and Jeremy Sanders as new partners in the firm’s Palo Alto, Calif.; Denver; and Seattle offices, respectively.

“We are very excited about the enhanced caliber and scope of intellectual property services that Richard, Tom, Jeremy and other recently added IP partners have brought to the FisherBroyles team,” said T.J. DoVale, managing partner of the FisherBroyles Intellectual Property Practice Group. “As our firm continues to expand, our clients ranging from high-tech startups to Fortune 500 companies are benefitting from the collective experiences of one of the top IP law groups in the nation.”

Since January 2018, FisherBroyles has added 22 new intellectual property law partners – including Eckman, Osborne and Sanders – all with prior Big Law firm experience, the firm said in a release. The firm’s IP group includes more than 60 patent prosecutors, 12 trademark prosecutors, and several IP litigators and transaction attorneys.

“I am very happy to continue to provide the high level of service that my clients expect, plus deliver the added value that the FisherBroyles distributed partnership model provides,” Eckman said.

Osborne added, “It is very rewarding to work alongside my FisherBroyles colleagues who possess very rich and diverse experiences across the entire spectrum of IP practice.”

Sanders said, “I look forward to drawing from my engineering background and in-house experiences to help FisherBroyles clients maximize the protection and value of their IP assets.”

Eckman’s practice includes worldwide patent estate procurement and patentability, freedom to operate, landscape and IP life cycle management, foreign oppositions and patent litigation issues, diligence investigations, and regulatory requirements, as well as licensing and capture of critical technologies. His experience includes patenting and protecting various biologic and pharmaceutical medicines and treatments, inventions in genomic sciences, lipids and drug delivery systems, diagnostics, life science tools, nucleic acid therapeutics, gene editing and CRISPR methodologies, biotechnology, vaccines, green technology, medical devices, and nanotechnology. Eckman also has experience in the fields of electronics, physics, and computers.

Prior to joining FisherBroyles, Eckman was a partner at Eckman Basu LLP. He also previously was in practice at Goodwin Procter LLP and Morrison Foerster LLP.

Eckman received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. He also holds a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.

Mr. Osborne primarily represents large and small businesses, as well as technology transfer departments of universities. His practice includes portfolio management, patent preparation and prosecution, licensing and other IP related agreements, due diligence related to client sales and acquisitions, and assisting clients with managing IP litigation and other disputes. He also counsels clients regarding risks related to the introduction of new products, which includes analyzing infringement and validity issues and preparing related opinions. Mr. Osborne has experience in a wide variety of electrical and mechanical technical areas.

Osborne most recently was a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. He also previously was in practice at Jones Day and Dorsey & Whitney LLP.

Osborne received his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame and his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton.

Sanders focuses his practice on patent prosecution, portfolio development, licensing, development agreements, opinion work, landscape analysis, and assertion strategies. He concentrates his work on a variety of technologies in areas that include the mechanical, electro-mechanical and software arts. He has helped clients create patent strategies that complement their business interests, including patent drafting and prosecution before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, matters before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and litigation in the United States and abroad. He has represented both start-up organizations and multiple Fortune 100 corporations.

Prior to joining FisherBroyles, Sanders served as associate general counsel at TerraPower, where he provided legal and intellectual property support in the fields of advanced nuclear reactor and fuel designs. Previously, he served as division IP counsel at the Launch Systems group at ATK. He was also formerly a partner at Lee & Hayes, P.C.

Sanders received his J.D. from the J. Reuben Clark Law School and his Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University.

Littler has added Terrence T. Creamer as special counsel and Leah M. Farmer as an associate in its Chicago office.

Previously with Franczek Radelet P.C., their arrival follows the recent addition of shareholders David P. Radelet, Christopher A. Johlie, Jeff Nowak and Staci Ketay Rotman from the same firm to Littler’s Chicago office.

“We’re excited about the further growth of our Chicago office with the addition of these two talented attorneys,” said Jody Boquist, Littler’s office managing shareholder in Chicago. “Like their colleagues who joined us earlier this year, Terry and Leah bring impressive experience in labor and employment law and a strong dedication to client service.”

With experience in the private and public sectors, Creamer works in traditional labor matters, including collective bargaining, defense of unfair labor practice charges, arbitration of grievances and union representation campaigns. He has experience before the National Labor Relations Board, the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. Creamer also advises employers on compliance with federal and state employment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Farmer advises and represents companies in employment law matters, including discrimination and harassment claims, wage and hour compliance, disability and medical leave requirements, and developing and reviewing employee handbooks, policies and procedures. She also has experience conducting internal investigations, analyzing restrictive covenants and preparing risk assessments for employers.

“I’m proud to have Terry and Leah join forces with us and our new colleagues in Littler’s Chicago office, all of whom share their same commitment to delivering first-class counsel and service to clients,” said David Radelet, Littler shareholder and former name partner of Creamer and Farmer’s previous firm. “Their diverse backgrounds will be further enhanced by the firm’s robust resources and unmatched bench of labor and employment attorneys.”

Creamer received his J.D., with honors, from Chicago-Kent College of Law and a M.S. and B.S. from Northern Illinois University. Farmer received her J.D., cum laude, from the DePaul University College of Law and her B.A. from the University of Georgia.

Buchalter has added Daniel Wu, litigation shareholder in the firm’s Los Angeles office and Brian Fish, real estate and land use shareholder in the San Diego office. Wu joins from Squire Patton Boggs, and Fish was previously with Dentons.

“We are thrilled to welcome Daniel and Brian to Buchalter. Their impressive capabilities are valuable additions to our Real Estate and Litigation practices,” said Adam J. Bass, president and chief executive officer of Buchalter.

In a release, the firm said Wu’s practice focuses on commercial, business, and intellectual property litigation. He represents regional and national banks and other financial institutions in litigation and commercial workouts. Wu has experience in bank operations, business torts, breach of contract, forgeries and alterations, organized crime schemes, unfair competition and unfair business claims, creditor’s rights/bankruptcy, real estate based transactions and secured transactions. He represents clients in general business and commercial litigation as well as high-stakes patent and intellectual property litigation.

Wu earned his J.D. from Pepperdine University and his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley.

“Given the firm’s well-established reputation, I look forward to integrating my clients and providing them with the exceptional client service Buchalter has to offer,” added Wu.

For more than 22 years, Fish’s has worked in real estate development including land use, permitting/entitlements, public/private partnerships, public contracting, and environmental matters. He has experience assisting public and private clients with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, coastal permitting, planning and zoning issues, Subdivision Map Act processing, Williamson Act issues, condominium conversions and prevailing wage analysis. He also represents clients before administrative agencies, and handles litigation at the trial court and appellate court levels, with respect to public contracting issues, entitlements, CEQA, Subdivision Map Act and other land use and real estate related matters.

Fish received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law and his B.A. from the University of California San Diego in Urban Studies & Planning.

“Buchalter’s West Coast presence, strong real estate/land use practice and full service capabilities provide a great opportunity to cultivate and continue to grow my practice. I’m thrilled at the opportunity to be joining the San Diego office and further expand the Firm’s footprint in Southern California,” said Fish.

Stephen A. Cazares, a former federal prosecutor with two decades of experience handling complex corporate and securities fraud investigations and litigation, has joined the white collar and government investigations team at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP as a partner. He will work in the firm’s Los Angeles and San Francisco offices.

Most recently the deputy chief of the Major Frauds Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, Cazares played a leading role in many of Southern California’s largest and most high-profile white collar investigations and prosecutions of the last 14 years. Cazares also served as a staff attorney in the SEC Division of Enforcement, where he investigated and prosecuted financial fraud cases. Many of his investigations involved parallel civil litigation and/or SEC regulatory investigations and litigation, the firm said in a release.

“From the investigation stages through jury trial, Stephen brings to our firm years of experience managing high-stakes matters,” said Rob Maguire, chair of the litigation practice group at Davis Wright Tremaine. “Our clients in tech, healthcare, financial services, and many other industries will benefit from his dual civil and criminal regulatory expertise. We look forward to him increasing our depth in California.”

During his time at DOJ, Cazares was lead or co-lead counsel in 16 federal jury trials to verdict, as well as principle author and oral advocate in a dozen appeals before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

His cases while with DOJ included:
• prosecution of a hedge fund manager in a net asset value fraud case;
• prosecution of a former executive of a publicly traded food company in relation to a revenue inflation scheme;
• prosecution of a former CIA agent for defrauding investors in independent films; and
• prosecution of former Major League Baseball star Doug DeCinces for insider trading.

As deputy chief of the Major Frauds Sections, Cazares was also responsible for the training and supervision of other federal prosecutors, including trial attorneys in the DOJ Health Care Fraud Strike Force in Southern California, the firm said.

Cazares’ investigations and prosecutions while at the SEC included cases of accounting fraud, insider trading, investment adviser fraud, market manipulation, and public company disclosure violations. During his SEC tenure, he was also tapped to spend a year and a half as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California to assist in the prosecution of securities fraud cases.

“Davis Wright’s team is handling some of the country’s most-watched white collar cases right now,” said Cazares. “I look forward to partnering with this well-regarded team, and the full range of the firm’s practice groups, to put my government experience to work for Davis Wright clients.”

Cazares received his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and his J.D. from UCLA Law School.

Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Katea Ravega has rejoined the firm’s Indianapolis office as a partner in its Health & Life Sciences practice group. In addition, she was named the Indianapolis Health & Life Sciences office chair. Ravega was a long-time attorney with the firm before going in-house to work for a Silicon Valley-based app company in the pharmaceutical space.

In a release, the firm said Ravega is a health care lawyer who focuses her practice on technology, innovative business models, regulatory compliance, and contracting. She represents clients involved in the pharmaceutical industry, physicians, and other health care providers.

“We are thrilled to have Katea rejoin our Indianapolis office,” said Lucy Dollens, Indianapolis office managing partner. “Her knowledge and experience in the health care technology and pharmacy industry, from both the inhouse counsel and outside counsel perspective, strengthens our efforts to grow the firm’s health law practice in our Indianapolis office and provide our clients with the best possible legal service.”

Ravega received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and is originally from Columbus, Indiana.

Jessica M. Mendez has joined Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.’s St. Louis office as of counsel in the Intellectual Property (IP) practice group.

“We are excited to welcome Jessica to Greensfelder and to our growing team of intellectual property attorneys,” said Greensfelder Intellectual Property practice group leader and Officer Mark E. Stallion. “Jessica’s particular focus on trademark issues will greatly benefit our clients in helping them to protect their brands.”

In a release, the firm said Mendez helps businesses maintain, enforce and defend their trademarks and other intellectual property including copyrights, domain names, and other associated rights. She assists clients in numerous industries including manufacturing, health care, technology, and food and beverage. In addition, she has litigation experience handling intellectual property disputes in courts across the country, as well as in proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Part of Mendez’ practice involves helping start-up and small businesses protect their intellectual property through agreements, appropriate registrations, and practical policies and procedures. She is a member of Greensfelder’s team that operates an office in the Cortex Innovation Community, a thriving innovation hub and technology district in St. Louis.

Mendez is the current deputy vice president of programs for the Hispanic National Bar Association and formerly served as president of the Hispanic Bar Association of St. Louis. She also serves as general counsel for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Prior to joining the firm, Mendez most recently practiced intellectual property law at Tucker Ellis LLP. Previously, she also practiced at Armstrong Teasdale LLP.

Mendez received her J.D. and her Master of Laws both from Washington University School of Law. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University.

Brown Rudnick LLP announced that William R. Baldiga will become chief executive officer and chairman of the firm’s Management Committee, effective upon the retirement of current Chief Executive Officer Joseph F. Ryan on March 15, 2019.

In a release, the firm said Baldiga takes the reins during a period of significant growth of such market-leading practices as white-collar defense, international arbitration and intellectual property litigation across its platform both in the United States and in its rapidly expanding offices in London and Paris.

“I am honored to be selected by our partners for this critical role,” said Baldiga. “I am looking forward to building upon the tremendous success that we have achieved under Joe’s leadership with a strong emphasis on delivering the partner-driven service, focused expertise and highly collaborative approach that we are known for – and that our clients expect.”

In addition to his new role, Baldiga will continue to represent public and private companies and committees of creditors and shareholders in major restructuring cases. “I plan to remain very close to our clients, soliciting feedback and identifying how we can refine what we do to provide greater value,” said Baldiga.

Most recently, Baldiga represented The Boston Herald in its chapter 11 case, and is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking interpretation of “cause” in restrictions on credit bidding in the Fisker Automotive case. He began his career at Brown Rudnick as a summer associate in 1982, and has taken on several leadership roles, including: head of the firm’s Litigation and Restructuring Department; and Hiring, Pro Bono and Diversity Committee Member.

Joe Ryan joined the Brown Rudnick in 1978 after a judicial clerkship. During his legal career he has represented debtors, creditors and creditor syndicates in complex public and private company restructurings. As Brown Rudnick’s CEO since 2003 he has led the firm through a period of significant growth, including the opening of offices in Paris, Washington, D.C. and Orange County, significant expansion of the firm’s offices in London and New York, and the development of leading practices in white collar, IP litigation and European finance and special situations. Under Ryan, the firm has prospered through turbulent economic times, including the global financial crisis, and through many changes in the legal industry, the firm said in the release.

“It has been a privilege to lead Brown Rudnick as Chairman and CEO,” said Ryan,” and I am so pleased Bill will succeed me. He is a bright, able, deeply experienced firm leader. He will be nimble and flexible in the face of change, and he understands that to deliver the highest value services to our clients requires that we foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment where every one of our lawyers can realize his or her full potential. I am sure the firm will continue to achieve great things under Bill’s leadership.”

Trial law firm Ward, Smith & Hill, PLLC, announced that firm attorney Andrea L. Fair has been promoted to partner.

Fair, whose promotion became effective Feb. 1, handles intellectual property and business litigation. She serves on the firm’s trial team, participating in several phases, including picking the jury, directing and cross-examining fact and expert witnesses, and closing arguments. Fair routinely appears and argues at pretrial hearings while also helping teams prepare their cases and witnesses for trial, the firm said in a release.

“Andrea is an excellent trial lawyer,” said Johnny Ward, founding partner of Ward, Smith & Hill, a Longview, Texas-based firm. “She is truly an expert at her craft, and that talent is evident in the courtroom. I’m proud of her accomplishments.”

Fair joined the firm in 2016 after five years of handling complex commercial litigation in Houston, where she focused on patent infringement cases, construction disputes, insurance coverage and defense work. She was recognized in 2017 and 2018 on the Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for her work in intellectual property and business litigation.

“I’ve enjoyed working with and learning from the talented team of litigators at Ward, Smith & Hill, and I’m excited about this new position and the responsibility that comes with it,” said Fair. “This is a firm that thrives on teamwork, always for the benefit of our clients.”

Fair is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She is a member of the Gregg County Bar Association.

Fair is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and earned her undergraduate degree from the College of Liberal Arts at the same university.

Chris Gokturk has joined Littler as a principal in its Tysons Corner, Va., office. Gokturk has more than 20 years of experience in compliance, enterprise risk management and statistical analyses.

“Chris brings a unique skillset in conducting risk assessments, analyzing employment data and advising on compliance with requirements enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP),” said Michael McIntosh, Littler’s office managing shareholder in Tysons Corner. “Her experience and insights will be invaluable for our clients, including those pursuing government contracts as they navigate an ever-evolving landscape of affirmative action regulations and anti-discrimination laws.”

Gokturk is a non-attorney consultant who specializes in helping employers understand and mitigate their systemic discrimination risks, and also in the development, implementation and defense of compliant and data-driven affirmative action programs. She consults on OFCCP compliance review process, implementation of applicant tracking and human resources information systems, talent acquisition, analyses of compensation data, performance management, diversity and inclusion metrics, workforce planning and restructuring, as well as the systems utilized to manage these functions, the firm said in a release.

“Chris has a strong technical understanding of the systems companies use to manage employees and how those systems communicate with each other,” said Littler shareholder Lance Gibbons, who previously worked with Gokturk. “She’s highly respected by her peers and clients, and her extensive experience advising on OFCCP matters, risk management and analyses of employment data compliments our OFCCP attorneys’ work and will further strengthen our capabilities in this area.”

“Littler’s leading role in leveraging technology and data-driven insights to help employers better manage their workforces, as well as its depth of experience counseling government contractors on affirmative action and OFCCP compliance issues, was a perfect fit for me,” Gokturk said. “I’m excited about the opportunity Littler’s platform offers in risk assessments, pay equity audits and statistical analyses of employment data.”

Foley & Lardner LLP announced that Bobby Sharma has joined the firm as special adviser to its Sports Industry Team. He will be based in the New York office.

In a release, the firm said Sharma joins Foley with nearly 20 years of sports industry experience, including serving as VP & General Counsel of the NBA Development League, as well as SVP, Global Head of Basketball & Strategic Initiatives at IMG. His work in the sports, media and entertainment sectors has involved professional sports development and management, finance, data and technology. Sharma is chairman of Blue Devil Holdings, an international sports, media and entertainment investment company, and recently co-founded the market-leading esports advisory firm Electronic Sports Group in partnership with esports pioneer Mike Sepso and former HBO Sports president Ken Hershman. ESG helps investment and business leaders navigate and operate in the burgeoning billion-dollar esports industry. Sharma is also partner at GACP Sports, a private equity firm focused on high-growth sports and entertainment assets, including in European football.

“Bobby and I were previously colleagues at the NBA, where we worked together to help establish and grow the NBA’s minor league system, including the evolution of its league and team structures, and their insertion points with NBA business and basketball operations,” said Jon Israel, vice chair of Foley’s Sports Industry Team. “As a highly-respected member of the sports business and legal communities, he is a valuable addition to Foley, and I’m excited to be working with him again.” Foley business partner, and former president and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball Bob DuPuy, added “Bobby’s unique and extensive global experience, in both traditional sports and esports, make him an impact player in the sports, media, and entertainment industry today. Our firm and Sports Industry Team clients will greatly benefit from his involvement and advice on their projects and issues.”

While at IMG, Sharma led the growth of strategic business interests around the world, including the creation, development and management of basketball, soccer and cricket properties – from grassroots programs and academies, to national teams and professional leagues in major emerging markets such as India, Brazil, China, Turkey, Africa and Asia-Pacific. He also managed IMG Media’s global sales and distribution business for Euroleague and FIBA basketball properties.

During his time at the NBA Development League, Sharma helped lead the establishment of the NBA’s first minor league. He had management responsibility for all league and team businesses, operations and legal matters, including franchise administration, broadcast, digital media, sponsorship, marketing, licensing, tickets, arenas, employment, anti-doping and security. Sharma was also responsible for all league and team agreements, rules, policies and procedures, as well as the integration of the minor league into the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement. He handled a variety of corporate transactional matters for the NBA, WNBA and the NBA Development League, including joint ventures and other innovative sports transactions relating to the acquisition, financing and operation of franchises. Sharma also led the creation of the NBA’s first international league consulting business unit, according to the firm’s release.

In his role at Foley, Sharma will provide services to organizations, teams, leagues and other stakeholders across all professional and amateur sports on a range of subjects, such as league development and governance, team sales and acquisitions, media, sponsorship, licensing, data use and privacy, and technology, the firm said. His work will include a focus on the rapidly evolving business and legal issues in esports, involving its broad and complex range of stakeholders – including leagues and teams, game publishers, technology and software developers, investors, media distributors, sponsors, and merchandisers.

Peter C. Lando of Lando & Anastasi, LLP has been named co-chair of the Boston Chapter of the Licensing Executives Society (LES).

The Boston Chapter’s first event for 2019 will be a program on Licensing Technology from Universities and Non-Profits, to be held on March 13, 2019 in Cambridge, MA.

LES is a professional organization providing a forum for education and idea exchange on topics relevant to technology transfer and licensing. The Boston Chapter is one of more than 35 LES Chapters located in the USA & Canada.