Stacy Horth-Neubert has joined Sidley Austin LLP in Los Angeles as counsel in its global Litigation group. She joins Sidley from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Her arrival follows that of her former Skadden colleague and seasoned trial litigator Lisa Gilford, who joined Sidley in Los Angeles in January.

Horth-Neubert focuses her practice on commercial litigation, multidistrict litigation and class actions, federal and state appeals, international arbitration, and administrative appeals. She has advised clients on a wide range of matters, including state and local regulation, commercial contact disputes, and unfair business practices and false advertising. Horth-Neubert has represented several internet-based enterprises and large companies in such industries as design, entertainment, fashion, and travel and leisure.

“Stacy has a strong reputation representing clients in high-profile litigation matters,” said Dan Clivner, managing partner of the Greater Los Angeles offices and a member of Sidley’s Executive Committee. “We strive to outperform the expectations of our clients, and are well-positioned to continue doing so with Stacy and Lisa on our team.”

“Stacy has a wealth of experience representing clients in a broad variety of business and commercial disputes,” said Mark Hopson, global practice leader of Sidley’s firmwide Litigation group and a member of Sidley’s Management and Executive Committees. “She is a gifted litigator and will be a great asset to our clients in Greater Los Angeles and globally.”

In 2019, trial firm Provost Umphrey celebrates the firm’s 50th anniversary.

“We have been honored to call Beaumont home for the last 50 years and we’re privileged to represent honest people who need help,” said managing partner Joe J. Fisher II. “To be able to mark this milestone is a testament to our founders’ mission, our staff’s hard work and the local community, which has continued to embrace our firm. We look forward to the next 50 years of representing our community.”

In 1969, Walter Umphrey founded the firm, which now has 22 attorneys.

In a release, the firm said: “With a long history of involvement in notable cases and impressive verdict wins, the firm is perhaps best known for its lead role in the successful Texas litigation against the tobacco industry. Mr. Umphrey served as lead counsel for Texas, engineering a historic $15.3 billion settlement for the state.”

Provost Umphrey has contributed to several projects:

• Provost Umphrey Stadium, Lamar University, Beaumont
• The Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center at Baylor Law School
• The Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center also at Lamar University
• Walter Umphrey State Park on Pleasure Island in Port Arthur

The firm has prepared a video highlighting some of its cases

Employment lawyer Emily Stout will join Crawford, Wishnew & Lang PLLC as a partner, the firm announced in a release.

Stout is Board Certified in Labor & Employment from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She advises on employment policies, practices, training, and employment benefits and litigates employment, labor, business, and commercial cases on behalf of both corporate and individual clients. She is a certified mediator and offers her services in employment and business cases, the firm said.

“I am extremely excited to bring my skillset to this talented group of lawyers who have built a well-respected practice in such a short period of time,” said Stout. “I will always treasure and fondly remember my years practicing with Clouse Brown. Joining the CWL team was the right move at the right time, and I look forward to the next chapter of my career.”

“Emily and I were adversaries in a noncompete case several years ago and became good friends,” Dave Wishnew said. “We have remained close over the years and have successfully worked together on several cases. I know first-hand the quality of person that Emily is, and we are lucky and thrilled to add such a high-caliber attorney that shares in our firm’s core values.”

Stout was with Crawford, Wishnew & Lang after many years working with Keith Clouse at the firm now known as Clouse Brown PLLC.

Arent Fox LLP announced the expansion of its International Trade and National Security practices with the addition of partner David R. Hanke.

Following his service as a Professional Staff Member on the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a lead policy advisor to Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Hanke will practice in the firm’s Washington, DC office and counsel domestic and foreign clients on the implementation of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) — the most sweeping overhaul of CFIUS in 40 years, the firm said in a release.

“As an intellectual architect and driving force behind FIRRMA, Dave is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the country about CFIUS, whether M&A, joint venture, and finance transactions must now be filed, and how to handle the new CFIUS review process,” said International Trade leader Kay C. Georgi. “While serving at the Senate Intelligence Committee, Dave collaborated with key officials at the Treasury Department and other CFIUS member agencies as FIRMMA was developed. He also has unique insight into what emerging and foundational technologies may be controlled in the future by the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security. Dave’s experience and his excellent legal skills will be a great resource to our national security and international trade clients.”

In the release, the firm said Hanke’s work at the Senate Intelligence Committee and for then-Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn exposed him to some of the country’s most complicated and multifaceted national security issues and technology-related challenges. His work included serving as the principal advisor to Sen. Cornyn on all intelligence, CFIUS, and related issues; devising, developing, and drafting FIRMMA and also two bills regarding foreign theft of US intellectual property; reviewing all classified CFIUS National Security Threat Assessments written by the Intelligence Community; and formulating policy to maximize security for 5G mobile communications.

At Arent Fox, Hanke will advise clients at the intersection of national security and business on matters involving CFIUS, export controls, Defense Security Service issues, and national security-related investigations.

Prior to joining the Senate Intelligence Committee, Hanke served as Counsel for National Security Affairs to Sen. Cornyn and held various staff positions on several committees in the House of Representatives, including International Relations, Ways and Means, and House Administration. From 2004-2007, he served on active duty as a Judge Advocate in the US Army, during which time he was a lead prosecutor and principal attorney for commanders at various levels and deployed to Iraq for 11 months with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Taylor Mohr, an associate at Texas family law boutique Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, has earned Board Certification in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Mohr becomes the firm’s 14th attorney to earn Board Certification in Family Law, a distinction that has been earned by less than 1 percent of eligible Texas attorneys, the firm said in a release. Additionally, two of the firm’s partners hold Board Certification in a second area of practice.

“Having 14 attorneys board certified in Family Law is a great testament to the talent at our firm,” says firm name partner Keith Nelson. “We are extremely proud of Taylor for earning this recognition and for the work she does on behalf of her clients.”

Mohr joined ONDA in June 2018. Her practice involves divorce, modifications, enforcements and child custody. She also has experience in estate planning and elder law issues, the firm said.

“I’m passionate about family law and helping people who are facing one of the most difficult times in their lives,” says Mohr. “My desire to do my best and to be the best for my clients drove me to achieve this level of distinction in Family Law.”

Recognized in the 2017 and 2018 Texas Rising Stars listing by Super Lawyers magazine, Mohr also has been selected among the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys’ Top 10 Under 40 in Texas and the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys’ Top 10 Best Female Attorneys.

A graduate of Baylor University and Baylor Law School, Mohr is a member of the State Bar of Texas Family Law section and the Texas Bar College.

Hogan Lovells announced that Clay James has been named office managing partner for the firm’s San Francisco office.

A member of the firm’s board, James is a litigator and trial lawyer who tackles high-stakes intellectual property disputes, class actions, privacy and data security cases, and complex commercial litigation, with a focus on technology-related matters, the firm said in a release.

He joined Hogan Lovells Denver office in 2009 from Sun Microsystems where he served as chief litigation counsel for seven years.

G. Thomas Stromberg has joined Perkins Coie’s M&A practice as a partner in Los Angeles.

In a release, the firm said Stromberg has experience representing investors in the acquisition and financing of private companies. He represents promoters and investors in the structuring of private companies and debt and equity investors supporting them. He regularly works on middle-market M&A transactions, private financings, joint ventures and other matters with technology clients, specifically those in the life sciences, software and cryptocurrency industries. Many of the matters he handles are cross-border transactions with Asian clients or counterparties. He previously practiced in Tokyo and speaks Japanese.

“Tom has worked with an array of industries in North America, in Asia and around the world – and he’ll be a nice addition to Perkins Coie and our M&A team,” said Jeff Beuche, Chair of Perkins Coie’s Mergers & Acquisitions practice. “In addition to his ties to Japan, Tom is well known in Silicon Valley, and he’s been at the forefront of the legal and regulatory issues surrounding crypto assets and other emerging technologies.”

Stromberg joins from Jenner & Block, where he was a partner and co-head of that firm’s media and technology group. He has represented a variety of private and public investment funds as well as private and family-owned businesses in domestic and cross-border transactions. He previously founded and managed a Palo Alto office for a New York-based law firm.

“Tom is a highly regarded M&A lawyer who counsels clients of all sizes, with an emphasis on those in the tech space,” said Jon G. Daryanani, Managing Partner for the Los Angeles office. “He is another important addition to our growing presence in Southern California, following the arrival last year of well-known privacy lawyer Dominique Shelton Leipzig.”

Stromberg received his J.D. from the University of Utah and his B.A., with honors, from Harvard College.

Roy W. Arnold has joined Blank Rome LLP’s Pittsburgh office as partner in the Commercial Litigation group and Co-Chair of the National Class Action Defense team. Arnold focuses his practice on the defense of corporate litigation, class actions, and claims under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

He joins from Reed Smith LLP where he led the firm’s Class Action Defense Team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Roy, one of the country’s top class action litigators, to our Firm,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Managing Partner and CEO. “Roy’s significant courtroom experience and legal talent strengthens our Firm’s formidable class action defense team and corporate litigation capabilities and, coupled with his complementary experience in ADA Title III cases, further diversifies our Firm’s offerings across numerous industries and advances our robust growth strategy in 2019.”

“Roy’s courtroom skills and advocacy are exceptional, and we could not be more excited to welcome him to our Firm,” added James J. Barnes, Partner and Chair of Blank Rome’s Pittsburgh office. “His commitment and determination to achieve a favorable result for his clients are relentless, yet he is practical and bottom-line oriented when he needs to be. He will be a terrific addition to our commercial litigation practice and class action defense team, and further strengthen our growing Pittsburgh office’s service offerings and talent.”

In a release, the firm said Arnold has represented clients faced with alleged class action and shareholder derivative lawsuits, as well as other complex litigation throughout the United States. He has successfully defended and resolved a variety of major cases brought against banks and other financial services companies, retailers, hotels/resorts, real estate companies, and energy or natural resources companies. He has worked on the defense of claims arising from mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and fiduciary duties, residential mortgage lending, auto finance, loan servicing, consumer finance, securities, and secondary market issues. As a result, he has defended well over 250 class action lawsuits, the firm said.

Through a string of high-profile engagements in Western Pennsylvania and elsewhere, he has successfully represented a number of Fortune 500 corporations and their boards of directors in shareholder transaction-related litigation seeking to enjoin mergers valued in the billions of dollars, the firm said.

“Roy’s strong litigation experience will be a great complement to our group,” said Jason A. Snyderman, Co-Chair of Blank Rome’s Commercial Litigation group. “His background in class action defense as well as his exemplary track record of success for financial services companies and other clients faced with significant claims is extensive. He brings a complete repertoire of skills and experience having handled class action litigation effectively via motions practice, defeating class certification, trying the case to verdict, or winning on appeal.”

“It is an honor to join Blank Rome, a firm focused on delivering the highest-quality representation of clients while remaining resolute in achieving their business objectives,” stated Arnold. “In the commercial litigation practice, and across the Firm, you find accomplished lawyers committed to client service and developing strong, lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.”

Arnold earned his B.A., with honors, from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D., with honors, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where he was elected to Order of the Coif and served as lead executive editor of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review.

Arnold sits on the board of directors for the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theatre, which presents award-winning professional theater for young audiences. He also devotes time to pro bono causes, primarily representing children and families in the adoption setting and protecting women from abusive situations.

Lisa Gilford has joined Sidley Austin LLP in Los Angeles as a partner in its global Litigation group. Gilford, a civil litigator, joins from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

In a release, the firm said Gilford focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, including class actions, products liability law, regulatory and enforcement matters, and jury trials.

The firm said she has represented major companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical, entertainment, higher education, communications, oil and gas, aerospace and chemical manufacturing industries.

“Lisa is an exceptional first-chair trial lawyer who complements the capabilities of our talented trial team in Greater Los Angeles and globally,” said Dan Clivner, managing partner of the Greater Los Angeles offices and a member of Sidley’s Executive Committee. “We have seen Lisa in action and are very pleased to call her a Sidley lawyer.”

“Lisa is an outstanding litigator with proven success in assisting clients across industries in high-stakes litigation matters,” said Yvette Ostolaza, a global practice leader of Sidley’s firmwide Litigation group and a member of Sidley’s Management and Executive Committees. “She shares our outcome-oriented approach to litigation and will be an excellent addition to our strong team of more than 600 litigators worldwide.”

Prior to entering private practice, Gilford taught at Georgetown University Law Center. She is a frequent lecturer on topics including consumer protection and unfair competition claims, successful defense of class actions, best practices for outside counsel, and professional development for women lawyers and other diversity issues.

Employment attorney Terah Moxley of litigation boutique Estes Thorne & Carr PLLC has been promoted to partner.

“We are exceptionally pleased that Terah has accepted this new role,” said managing partner Jessica Thorne. “With her focus on building relationships and developing winning strategies for clients, Terah embodies what makes this firm special. She joined our firm early in her career, and it has been exciting watching her practice develop. We look forward to her continued success.”

In a release, the firm said Moxley, a Board Certified in Labor & Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, works to develop legal strategies and policies focused on keeping employers out of the courtroom, advising clients on issues including the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also has represented clients in state and federal courts and appellate venues on matters involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as restrictive covenants.

“Estes Thorne & Carr is focused on complete client service. It is not just about mobilizing when there is a crisis,” said Moxley. “We are all about developing strategies unique to the individual client and helping to enhance its day-to-day business. This type of work is why I became a lawyer and what I appreciate about practicing at this firm.”

Moxley earned her law degree from Baylor University School of Law, graduating at the top of her class in 2010. She earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Texas Christian University in 2004. She is a member of the Dallas Women Lawyers Association, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, and Texas Young Lawyers Association. Her work has earned her recognition on Texas Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars listing of the top young attorneys in the state.

Frederic L. Smith Jr., a partner in Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP’s Birmingham office, has been named by Who’s Who Legal as among the world’s leading M&A and governance lawyers. He is listed in the 2019 edition of Who’s Who Legal: M&A and Governance.

“We congratulate Frederic on his inclusion in the latest Who’s Who Legal guide, honoring the top attorneys who practice in areas of M&A and governance,” said Bradley Birmingham Office Managing Partner Dawn Helms Sharff. “Frederic has demonstrated outstanding legal skills and leadership that continue to earn him praise from his clients and peers.”

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

The 2019 edition of Who’s Who Legal: M&A and Governance is scheduled to be published in April by London-based Law Business Research Limited. Only lawyers who receive the highest number of recommendations from peers and clients as determined through independent research are listed in the publication. The Who’s Who Legal directories lists more than 24,000 private practice lawyers from more than 150 national jurisdictions, covering diverse areas of corporate and commercial law. The guides are intended to serve as reference sources for companies seeking to corroborate the reputations of lawyers recommended by another party.

Business trial lawyer Jody Rodenberg of Sommerman, McCaffity, Quesada & Geisler LLP is featured in the January issue of Texas Monthly in a special section of Top Women Attorneys in Texas – those who were selected to the Texas Super Lawyers or Rising Stars list for 2018.

Rodenberg was selected to the Texas Rising Stars list based on her business litigation practice. To be considered for Rising Stars, an attorney must be 40 or younger or in practice no more than 10 years. Only 2.5 percent of eligible lawyers in Texas are chosen each year.

“I’m grateful to be included among such a talented group of women,” said Rodenberg. “This recognition comes from my peers, which means that the hard work we accomplish for our clients does not go unnoticed, and I appreciate that.”

Through an extensive selection process that involves nominations, independent research and peer evaluation, the Texas Super Lawyers legal guide each year recognizes the top attorneys in the state. Rodenberg was first named to the Texas Rising Stars list in 2017.

She also handles employment and ERISA litigation, personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice cases.

She is a 2011 graduate of Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law and a member of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers.

Perkins Coie announced that “KoKo” Ye Huang has joined the firm’s International Transactions & Trade practice as a partner in the Seattle office.

In a release, the firm said Huang counsels on a broad range of employment-based immigration matters, including advising employers on best practices and compliance with disclosure and documentation requirements from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Labor, Department of State, and other government agencies. She also assists employers with securing work authorization for foreign national employees working in the United States and represents companies and individuals in the preparation of employment-based immigration petitions and permanent resident applications.

Huang joins Perkins Coie Partner Greg McCall as part of the Seattle office’s dedicated immigration team.

“KoKo’s hire to Perkins Coie further deepens our ability to counsel clients in this highly specialized area,” said Georges Yates, Co-Chair of Perkins Coie’s International Transactions & Trade practice. “Her strong skill set on a wide range of employment-based immigration matters, coupled with her experience working with various government agencies, makes her an exceptional addition to our team.”

The firm said Huang has experience in discrimination matters; harassment; wrongful discharge; wage and hour issues; federal, state and local employment statutes; hiring, and EEOC charges. She regularly presents to employers and human resources executives on timely immigration and employment law issues.

She joins Perkins Coie from Jackson Lewis P.C., where she was a principal in the firm’s Seattle office.

“As a Seattle native involved in several community and professional organizations, KoKo will be a tremendous asset to our emerging companies and venture capital clients in the Pacific Northwest,” said James Williams, Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Seattle office. “We are seeing an increased focus from many clients on foreign nationals who require U.S. visas and credentials from employers as well as a growing immigration compliance focus for companies. KoKo’s unique blend of labor and employment and immigration experience complements the needs of our regional and national clients.”

Huang received her J.D., cum laude, from the Seattle University School of Law and her B.A. from Bowdoin College in Maine.

Samantha E. Caluori has rejoined Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.’s St. Louis office as an associate in the Business Services practice group. She previously held the same position with the firm from late 2016 through 2017.

“We are very pleased to welcome Sam back to Greensfelder, and we are excited to reap the benefits of the valuable experience she gained while serving in an in-house corporate position while away from the firm,” said Greensfelder Chief Executive Officer Timothy R. Thornton.

In a release, the firm said Caluori assists businesses with a variety of transactions including mergers and acquisitions. Her corporate transactions work involves exempt securities offerings and other governance matters, as well as commercial contracts, and entity formation and dissolution.

Prior to rejoining Greensfelder, Caluori served as in-house associate counsel for Energizer Holdings, Inc., the St. Louis-based manufacturer of batteries, flashlights and lanterns. With that company, Caluori was involved with commercial transactions, international and domestic supply agreements, and international distributorship arrangements, among other matters. She also assisted with due diligence and integration related to multiple acquisitions of global consumer products companies.

During law school, Caluori worked for the Consumer Protection Division of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

Caluori received her J.D. (cum laude) from St. Louis University School of Law and her Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University.

Holland & Hart announced the addition of Steve Clayton to the firm’s Salt Lake City office in the Real Estate Development practice. He previously was an in-house counsel for 12 years, helping a nascent real estate company grow into a private REIT, the firm said in a release.

Clayton services real estate owners, developers, and managers with a variety of matters from offer through diligence and acquisition, from leasing to ongoing management support. His experience extends into general transactional fields assisting real estate companies with related organizational, contracting, risk management, and operational matters.

Clayton  is an adjunct associate professor at the S.J. Quinney College of Law teaching contract drafting and co-teaching an intellectual property and business law survey course.

Family law boutique Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, announced the addition of associate Jessica Anderson, who previously worked as a paralegal in the firm’s Dallas and Frisco offices.

“We are honored that Jessica decided to rejoin our firm following law school,” said firm partner Keith Nelson. “She has a passion for helping others, and it shows through her work ethic. She’s a great new addition to our team.”

In a release, the firm said Anderson will guide clients in matters involving divorce, modification, enforcement and child custody, and help navigate the transitional phase of divorce.

“Working as a paralegal at ONDA helped me understand what families go through during and after a divorce,” said Anderson. “I’m glad to be back at the firm as a lawyer and am ready to help our clients during what can be a difficult time in their lives.”

Anderson earned her law degree from the Texas A&M University School of Law, where she served as vice president of the Family Law Student Association. She earned her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Texas Woman’s University. She is a member of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers.

BRG announced that Richard D. Gregorie has joined the firm as a managing director in its Global Investigations and Strategic Intelligence practice.

In a release, the firm said Gregorie’s career with the U.S. Department of Justice includes awards and high-profile prosecutions, including indictments of Panamanian General Manuel Noriega and the Medellin Drug Cartel.

“It’s not every day that you can add someone with Dick’s experience and pedigree—and he knows more about criminal law than anyone I’ve ever met,” said Frank Holder, leader of BRG’s Global Investigations and Strategic Intelligence practice. “Dick has worked on some of the biggest cases in recent memory, involving heads of foreign governments and international drug traffickers. He’s a well-known figure, having testified before Congressional committees and appeared on national television. His impressive experience in such areas as white collar crimes, sanctions and regulatory matters makes him a strong addition to our team at BRG.”

Gregorie began work in Miami in the early 1980s during the War on Drugs, joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida as chief of Narcotics. He also served that office as senior litigation counsel, chief Assistant US Attorney, and chief of the Criminal Division. As a result, he has extensive knowledge of money laundering, extraterritorial jurisdiction, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and complex multi-object conspiracies. Before coming to Miami, Gregorie prosecuted organized crime across New England, and he has tried cases related to terrorism, public corruption and fraud over the course of his career.

Gregorie received an unprecedented three Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Awards as well as the National Association of Former US Attorneys award as the outstanding Assistant US Attorney in the country. As senior litigation counsel and a teacher at the DOJ’s National Advocacy Center, he trained and mentored young prosecutors, and he contributed chapters in the 2011 and 2016 editions of the DOJ’s Federal Narcotics Prosecution Manual.

“BRG is regularly involved in high-profile investigations and business intelligence engagements, generating praise as a forward-thinking firm that provides strong expertise and perspectives to clients,” Gregorie said. “My more than four decades at the Department of Justice will dovetail nicely with BRG’s existing work, particularly in matters related to money laundering and the False Claims Act, and I’m excited to provide strategic counsel and serve as a spokesman for BRG.”

Veteran immigration lawyer Michael E. Durham has joined Barnes & Thornburg’s South Bend office as a partner in the firm’s Labor & Employment Department.

Durham, who has practiced immigration law for 17 years, was previously with Bose McKinney & Evans LLP.

“Globalization has fundamentally changed the way businesses and organizations address challenges related to their human resources in today’s economy,” said Kenneth J. Yerkes, chair of the firm’s nationally acclaimed Labor and Employment Department. “Michael’s immigration experience gives us added depth and resources that many of our clients increasingly are seeking as they maneuver around the realities of operating in a global environment.”

In a release, the firm said Durham assists businesses and individuals in a variety of immigration services. He advises employers such as hospitals, colleges and universities, technology companies, religious organizations and small companies in obtaining nonimmigrant and immigrant status for their employees.

He has experience working with physicians, post-doctoral researchers, professors, engineers, scholars, scientists, international business executives and managers and investors. Durham also represents individuals on a variety of family-based immigration and naturalization matters.

“We’re excited to have Michael join our South Bend office,” said Philip J. Faccenda, Jr., managing partner of the firm’s South Bend office. “We have a wealth of businesses and institutions throughout the region who seek sophisticated counsel about the various employment issues affecting their operations. Immigration policy is a hot topic these days, and we are happy to have Michael here to support our clients and answer their questions.”

Durham also counsels employers concerning I-9 verification compliance, E-Verify and related immigration-employment enforcement issues. Additionally, he has represented professional race car drivers, including a recent winner of the Indianapolis 500.

He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh District and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

Durham earned his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado.

Homble Olsby, a boutique Norwegian labor and employment law firm comprised of 12 attorneys, is joining Littler‘s global platform. The expansion, Littler’s first into the Nordic region, brings the firm’s presence in Europe to seven countries, and follows recent openings in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy.

Inn a release, the firm said Norway is widely viewed as a desirable place to do business and ranked seventh out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s 2019 “Doing Business” Report, and third out of 180 on Transparency International’s most recent Corruption Perceptions Index. Littler’s move into the country is part of a global expansion strategy that includes combining with the top firms focused on labor and employment law in significant international markets. The firm now has more than 1,500 attorneys across 85 offices and 20 countries.

“Norway has a strong, globally-focused economy and one of the highest per-capita GDPs in the world,” said Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, co-managing directors of Littler, in a joint statement. “Homble Olsby, which is one of Norway’s largest employment practices with a strong reputation for client service, will be a great addition and will coordinate our work throughout the Nordic region, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.”

Ranked by both Legal 500 and Chamber & Partners, Homble Olsby has a broad labor and employment law offering, including employment and human resources law, pensions law, GDPR and related areas.

“Littler’s global platform is very impressive and we are excited to be joining forces with the world’s leading labor and employment powerhouse,” Ole Kristian Olsby said in a statement. “The firm’s innovative approach to delivering legal services will benefit Homble Olsby’s existing and future clients – and we’re excited to be part of Littler’s expanding footprint.”

Homble Olsby was founded in 2007 by partners Runar Homble and Ole Kristian Olsby, later joined by Trond Erik Solheim, Tore Lerheim, Anders Reiremo and Merete Furesund, all of whom have careers in labor and employment law negotiations and litigation. They also advise on commercial and contract law matters, both as legal and strategic advisors. The partners are individually recognized in national and international rankings, Littler said in a release.

“We are excited to add our first Nordic global practice,” said Stephan Swinkels, a Netherlands-based Littler shareholder who helps lead the development and integration of the firm’s global practice. “I have encountered Homble Olsby several times in recent years and have had a very positive experience with the work they do domestically and with clients around the world.”

“Norway has been on our radar for some time as a strategic market,” said Peter Susser, Littler’s Global Practice Leader and chair of Littler’s International Employment Law practice. “Having already made great connections with Runar and Ole Kristian and their colleagues, we know Homble Olsby will nicely complement our existing collection of European and global offices, as they are well-regarded for their impressive work and exceptional service throughout the Nordic region.”

Attorney LeElle Slifer has been named partner by the Dallas-based trial law firm of Burns Charest LLP.

Slifer, who joined the firm as counsel in 2016, focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation involving a wide range of claims, including breach of contract, oil and gas royalty disputes, and patent infringement.

“Everyone who works with LeElle admires her legal expertise and intelligence, and her dedication and persistence in anticipating and meeting the needs of her clients,” said Dan Charest, co-founder of Burns Charest. “We are pleased to recognize those qualities in welcoming her to the partnership.”

Some of Slifer’s current representations include Kosmos Energy, in both Texas state court and before the International Chamber of Commerce, and Stonebriar Commercial Finance, in various federal and state courts across the nation. She currently represents wounded service members and their families bringing a civil action in the Eastern District of New York against six international banking organizations for allegedly conspiring with Iran to evade U.S. economic sanctions and conduct illicit trade-finance transactions.

Slifer has handled several significant appellate matters, including to the U.S. Supreme Court in Comcast Corp. v. Behrend. She represented the plaintiffs in DDR Holdings v. Hotels.com, where after winning a jury verdict of patent infringement in the Eastern District of Texas, her team secured an appellate victory at the Federal Circuit. Some of her other clients include Pizza Hut, Q Aviation, Black Stone Minerals, Torreya Partners, and Verdad Capital.

Slifer began her legal career in 2010 as a clerk to Judge Jerry E. Smith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In 2011, she joined Susman Godfrey LLP in Dallas before transferring to the New York office in 2013. She is admitted to practice in both Texas and New York.

She earned her law degree, with honors, from Harvard Law School in 2010 where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy and a member of the Harvard Federalist Society. Slifer received her undergraduate degree with high honors from Duke University in 2007.

Burns Charest has offices in Dallas, Denver, and New Orleans.