Appellate attorney Brett D. Kutnick has joined Jackson Walker as a partner in the Dallas office.

The firm said in a release that Kutnick has more than 20 years of experience as a litigator and the managing partner of an appellate boutique law firm.

“Having Brett join our team is a significant triumph for both the Firm and our clients. He is a premier appellate lawyer with a proven track record,” said W. Ross Forbes Jr., Chair of the Trial & Appellate Litigation practice.

Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Kutnick has served as lead appellate attorney in courts throughout the state, including the Texas Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The firm said his experience includes commercial cases and business appeals, encompasses oil and gas issues, contract disputes, business torts, professional malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty claims, shareholder oppression, and intellectual property rights.

“Moving to Jackson Walker was a natural choice for both me and my clients. At Jackson Walker, I’ll be able to expand my practice while focusing on the cases I enjoy,” Kutnick said.

While working toward his J.D. at the University of Texas School of Law, Kutnick was a member of the Texas Law Review, Chancellors, Order of the Coif, and the Legal Research Board.

Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Peter C. Spier has joined the firm’s Business Law Group as a partner in its Chicago office. Previously, Spier was a partner at Gould & Ratner LLP.

The firm said Spier represents private equity funds, venture capital investors and privately-held companies in structuring and negotiating mergers & acquisitions, debt and equity financing transactions and myriad contractual arrangements. He also serves as outside general counsel for middle-market and emerging growth companies.

In addition to his corporate practice, Peter represents clients in the gaming sector, including sports betting companies, and the cryptocurrency/blockchain industry, where he handles the formation and structuring of cryptocurrency investment funds and advises clients on the impact of blockchain technology on their business.

“Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is a burgeoning area of law and is already having a tremendous impact on the ways that transactions are conducted and financial assets are tracked,” said Paul Langer, Chicago Office Managing Partner. “Peter has been at the forefront of this movement and is among the best to advise clients on this technology underpinning their business.”

Spier has been named an “Illinois Leading Lawyer” in the areas of M&A, Securities & Venture Finance, Closely & Privately Held Business Law and Casino Gaming Law. He has also been named a “Rising Star” by Illinois Super Lawyers and has been recognized for “Excellence in Private Equity Legal Services” by Corporate LiveWire. Spier received his J.D. from Northwestern University and his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania.

Adam Weinstein and Tony Feuerstein will join Sidley Austin LLP’s global Private Equity and M&A practices as partners in New York.

Weinstein and Feuerstein are private equity lawyers who have represented private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in high-profile private equity M&A transactions, the firm said in a release.

“We are delighted that Adam and Tony have decided to join Sidley as we continue to advance our strategy to build out our private equity capabilities,” said Larry Barden, chair of Sidley’s Management Committee. “Their arrival marks a major step forward for us in New York, and they will play pivotal roles in leading the expansion of our private equity and M&A services in that market.”

Weinstein and Feuerstein regularly advise clients on complex carveouts, take-privates, cross-border M&A, leveraged buyouts and investments and divestitures, as well as the management of portfolio companies and corporate governance matters.

“Adam and Tony are rare talents sought after by private equity sponsors, CEOs and other clients for their knowledge, tenacity and client service,” said Dan Clivner, co-leader of Sidley’s global Private Equity practice and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. “They will help us take Sidley’s growing Private Equity practice to the next level in New York and worldwide. We are very excited to welcome them to the firm.”

Bradford T. Hammock has joined Littler as a shareholder in its Tysons Corner, Va. and Washington, D.C., offices. Previously, Hammock served as managing principal of Jackson Lewis P.C.’s Washington, D.C. regional office.

Hammock, the 10th shareholder to join Littler this year, has experience in workplace safety and health law, having been lead counsel for safety standards at the Department of Labor (DOL). He will be a member of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute (WPI), which engages branches of government to ensure that employers have a voice in legislative and regulatory developments that impact their workplaces and business strategies, the firm said in a release.

This summer, WPI added James Paretti, former chief of staff and senior counsel to the acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Lance Gibbons, a veteran of representing clients on Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program matters. WPI also includes Tammy McCutchen, former administrator of the DOL’s Wage and Hour division.

“As we represent our client’s interests in the nation’s capital, Brad is an important addition to WPI and strengthens the prominence of our OSHA practice,” said WPI co-chair Michael Lotito. “His reputation and clout in Washington, which stems from his work developing federal ergonomics standards in the early 2000s, further rounds out our group of elite WPI practitioners who are on the front lines of critical employment, labor and benefits issues.”

“Brad is well-known in the Beltway and throughout Virginia, and he brings extensive experience to our office and the firm regarding workplace safety and health issues,” said Michael McIntosh, Tysons Corner office managing shareholder. “He’s a relentless advocate on behalf of employers, and his practice further expands the capabilities we can offer our clients, cementing Littler’s position as the preeminent management-side labor and employment practice in the region.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining Littler,” said Hammock. “Not only does the firm provide a strong platform for my safety and health compliance practice, but their work at the policy level in the Beltway provides a unique opportunity to create a positive, long lasting regulatory impact on our clients.”

Hammock earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Syracuse University and his B.A. from the University of Virginia.

Robert C. Freed and Conrad A. Hansen of the intellectual property law firm Moore & Hansen have joined Dykema’s Minneapolis office, both as senior counsel.

Founded in Minneapolis as the Williamson Law Firm in 1885 by James F. Williamson, Moore & Hansen was Minnesota’s first patent, trademark, and copyright law firm. Led by both Freed and Hansen, the Moore & Hansen firm counseled clients on enhancing the value of their businesses in a number of ways, including providing strategic analysis of potential patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret protection, IP asset management, licensing, patent and trademark procurement, and litigation, Dykema said in a release.

“We are thrilled that Bob and Conrad have decided to join Dykema. Adding these accomplished IP attorneys to our ranks deepens our firmwide bench and enriches our ability to provide IP counsel to all of our clients,” said Reed Heimbecher, Leader of Dykema’s Intellectual Property Transactional Practice Group and Office Managing Member of the firm’s Minneapolis office. “In addition to their legal proficiency, Bob and Conrad are well-respected in the Minneapolis community, and their knowledge will be invaluable to our clients and our firm.”

Freed served as president of Moore & Hansen and counsels clients on all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law, with an emphasis on patents. Having earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in Food Science, with a minor in Biochemistry, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Freed has experience in the food science and biochemistry sectors, complementing Dykema’s Food & Beverage Industry Group, which is also led from the firm’s Minneapolis office. He also has experience with innovative medical and mechanical devices, and is well-versed in managing IP portfolios, advising on licensing matters and strategic IP planning.

Prior to practicing with Moore & Hansen, Freed served as patent counsel for Cytran International and for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). Following law school, he practiced in Minneapolis with Merchant & Gould, where he was made a partner. Freed received his B.A. in Chemistry from St. Olaf College and his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Hansen, formerly a managing partner at Moore & Hansen, focuses his practice primarily on trademark and patent prosecution before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for individuals, startups, and mid-sized corporations. He experienced in managing IP portfolios, advising on licensing matters, and strategic IP planning. Hansen previously served as president of the Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association (MILPA) and remains an active member. He earned a J.D. as well as a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

“This is a natural next step for Moore & Hansen as our clients and their legal needs have continued to evolve along with those of the region’s predominant industries and technologies,” said Freed. “Dykema’s national platform will allow us to expand our services to clients. As such, we are excited to join Dykema and add to the firm’s already strong and dynamic capabilities in the IP sector. Dykema is driven to serve and deliver for its clients, and we look forward to being part of that culture.”

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. announced the launch of its office in the Cortex Innovation Community, which the firm described as “a thriving innovation hub and technology district integrated into the historic Central West End and Forest Park Southeast neighborhoods of St. Louis.”

In a release, the firm said more than 20 Greensfelder attorneys from diverse practice groups staff the office on a rotational basis, with at least two lawyers on site each weekday. The attorneys provide legal services and general business counsel to entrepreneurs and start-up businesses that are part of the Cortex community. Greensfelder also plans to provide educational resources, including seminars, for community participants.

“The success of the St. Louis start-up community, of which Cortex is an integral part, is important to all players in the community, including law firms,” said Mark E. Stallion, a Greensfelder Officer and intellectual property attorney who leads the firm’s Cortex team. “The question is, are you going to sit on the sidelines and watch this development from a distance, or are you going to be a key contributor to the effort? Our desire at Greensfelder is to be a major part of Cortex as growth continues.”

Situated in the Cortex 4220 building, the Greensfelder Cortex team includes attorneys, both officers and associates, with significant experience advising businesses and entrepreneurs on the legal matters essential to their success and growth. They practice in areas that include employment law, intellectual property, litigation and business services, and serve diverse industries that range from technology and financial services to health care to media and retail, among others.

“One of the most common first mistakes of successful start-up companies is failure to get the right legal advice up front. We strive to educate this community in that regard, while also offering innovative and scalable fee structures that make it very palatable for start-ups to take advantage of our services,” Stallion added. “Our goal is to build constructive, long-term relationships with these entrepreneurs and start-ups to help make sure the community succeeds.”

Stallion said Greensfelder’s integration into the Cortex community also benefits the firm’s other clients, including large corporations and companies of all sizes, that already have existing relationships with businesses in Cortex or that may benefit from exploring new collaborative relationships.

Stallion added that Greensfelder’s Cortex team is purposefully diverse in terms of age, gender, ethnicity and race.

“We feel it is important that the makeup of our Greensfelder team on site reflects the rich diversity and inclusion that is distinctly prevalent both throughout the Cortex community and at our firm,” Stallion said.

In addition to Stallion, Greensfelder’s Cortex attorneys (and their practice areas) include the following:

– Cassie L. Barr (Business Services)
– Lauren A. Daming (Employment & Labor)
– John C. Drake (Litigation)
– Gino P. Gusmano (Litigation)
– Lauren B. Harris (Employment & Labor)
– Andrew M. Hartnett (Litigation)
– Clark Hedger (Litigation)
– Rachel M. Hirshberg (Business Services)
– Jennifer M. Horrom (Health Care)
– Audrie R. Howard (Employment & Labor)
– Karen M. Johnson (Intellectual Property)
– Carson Maricle (Business Services)
– Andrew M. Mitchell (Trusts & Estates)
– Erika N. Reynolds (Litigation)
– Juliane M. Rodriguez (Litigation)
– Debbie J. Sluys (Business Services)
– Zackary G. Smith (Litigation)
– Patrick J. Sweeney (Business Services)
– Camille P. Toney (Employment & Labor)
– Mary Ann L. Wymore (Intellectual Property /Litigation)

Cortex houses more than 250 technology-related start-up programs and established businesses and is considered the Midwest’s premier innovation hub of bioscience and technology research, development and commercialization. The community is surrounded by nationally ranked universities and medical centers and numerous cultural attractions and recreational amenities. The master plan for Cortex includes $2.3 billion in construction, more than 4.5 million square feet of mixed-use development, and 15,000 permanent, technology-related jobs. The community also connects to a new MetroLink light-rail station, which opened this summer.

Michael Aldana has been appointed Quarles & Brady LLP’s managing partner, effective Oct. 1, 2018. Daniel Radler, who currently serves in that position, is retiring from Quarles & Brady.

Aldana will be the third managing partner in the firm’s history and his new responsibilities will include operational leadership for the 11-office, AmLaw 200 firm including strategic growth initiatives following the firm’s recent opening of a Minneapolis office. He has been with Quarles & Brady for more than 20 years and is a partner in its Labor & Employment Group representing a broad range of employers in all facets of labor and employment law.

“Mike’s commitment, expertise and ongoing success at Quarles & Brady are a few of the many reasons he is very well qualified to be our managing partner. I am thrilled to be working with him as we continue our national growth,” said Kimberly Leach Johnson, firm chair of Quarles & Brady. “We thank Dan for the years he served as managing partner and as our partner and look forward to Mike’s success in this new role.”

Aldana has been on the firm’s Executive Committee since 2016, serving as Section Chair and also as the firm’s employment counsel. Aldana previously chaired Quarles & Brady’s Legal Personnel and Recruiting Committees, and served on the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He has been recognized in numerous publications, including Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, and was recently inducted as a Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation.

Aldana is a member of the Milwaukee Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, and the American Bar Association. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce; Seeds of Health, a Milwaukee charter school network; and, Children’s Outing Association.

Aldana received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also received certificates from Harvard Law School’s Executive Education program (Law Firm Leadership, 2016) and the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business (Executive Management, 2013).

“I’m honored to be selected to serve as managing partner. I look forward to helping continue the firm’s growth, keeping clients at the forefront of our business, and working with our partners, attorneys and staff to maintain the inclusive, people-first culture that has always been a core value of Quarles & Brady,” said Aldana.

Littler has named Thomas Burns as its chief financial officer (CFO), based in the firm’s Kansas City office. Burns, a financial executive with more than 25 years of experience across multiple industries, will be responsible for Littler’s accounting strategy and overseeing the firm’s financial operations.

“Tom has an impressive and long-standing track record of managing large and sophisticated finance departments across a wide range of industries. His deep experience will be instrumental as we continue to expand and improve upon our processes to achieve optimal organizational value,” said Littler’s Chief Operating Officer Robert Domingues. “Furthermore, as a local Kansas City resident, Tom represents the talented labor pool we are able to draw from to support Littler’s world-class Global Services Center.”

Burns has spent much of his career with DST Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company based in Kansas City. He started as the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (2001-2007) and later served as CFO of the subsidiary DST Customer Communications (2007-2016) until its sale to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. As part of that transaction, which he helped orchestrate, Burns joined Broadridge Customer Communications as the subsidiary’s CFO. “I was really impressed by Littler’s innovative and technology-driven approach to serving clients, where business and legal issues are addressed together to benefit the firm’s blue-chip client base,” Burns said. “Furthermore, the collective resources and talent in the Global Services Center is a true representation of a work environment of collaboration, innovation and connectedness.”

Burns began his career as an auditor and financial analyst and worked with premier professional services firms and corporations, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, UOP (n/k/a Honeywell UOP), Boots Pharmaceuticals (n/k/a Abbott) and the Quaker Oats Company (n/k/a PepsiCo). He earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his BBA from Loyola University Chicago.

Buchalter announced that a team of former Archer Norris attorneys, including the firm’s former managing shareholder, have joined the firm. Douglas C. Straus joined as a shareholder; Peter W. McGaw has joined as of counsel; and Benjamin C. Ellis and Zachary B. Young have joined as attorneys. All join the firm’s San Francisco office. Both Straus and Young will also join the Litigation Practice; McGaw and Ellis will join the Litigation and Environmental and Natural Resources Practice.

“I am so pleased to welcome Doug and this talented team of attorneys to Buchalter. They will make strong contributions to both the office and the Firm. Incorporating their wealth of knowledge and expertise, especially in environmental regulation, provides additional value to our clients,” said Adam J. Bass, Buchalter President and Chief Executive Officer.

A release from the firm continues:

Douglas Straus focuses his practice on commercial litigation in the areas of financial services, real estate development and lending, solid waste management, healthcare, and insurance.
Straus represents both private and public sector clients in dispute resolution in business, real estate, and public sector conflicts. As a skilled litigator, Straus has prevailed in jury trials, court trials and arbitrations involving tens of millions of dollars.

Straus earned his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and his B.S. highest distinction, from Northwestern University.

“Joining Buchalter was an easy decision for us. Given the firm’s strong platform, I look forward to integrating my clients and providing them with the impressive resources the firm offers,” said Douglas Straus, shareholder.

Litigation attorney Zachary Young advises clients on matters involving contract disputes, fraud, intellectual property rights, including trade secret misappropriation, class action matters, and other complicated business disputes. Young has been successful in cases in both federal and state court, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Young earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Young received a double major, magna cum laude, from Santa Clara University, including a B.S. in Political Science and a B.S.C. in Business Management.

Of counsel Peter McGaw is an expert in environmental law. His practice includes regulatory, remediation, and property damage matters arising out of environmental legislation. McGaw also advises on legislative and regulatory drafting, and advocacy on environmental issues.

McGaw earned his J.D. from the University of California Berkeley School of Law and his B.A. Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University.

As a litigation attorney, Benjamin Ellis’ environmental law experience includes working on matters associated with water contamination, permitting disputes, CERCLA and toxic exposure. Ellis has worked alongside government groups: DTSC, CPUC, LACMTA, CARB, RWQCB and Caltrans.

Ellis earned his J.D. with a concentration in environmental law from Vermont Law School. Ellis received his B.A. from The Evergreen State College.

Stephanie Roy has joined Perkins Coie’s Technology Transactions & Privacy practice as a partner in the Washington, D.C. office. Roy also joins the firm’s Communications industry group.

Roy’s practice includes advising satellite, telecommunications, and new media companies on regulatory matters before various governing bodies. She has a technical background, having been a researcher and analyst in the aerospace and satellite industries before becoming an attorney.

“It’s rare that you find a lawyer with the technical prowess and depth of subject matter expertise who is able to handle complex tech transactional and telecom regulatory matters in the U.S. and abroad,” said Tom Bell, firmwide Co-Chair of Perkins Coie’s Technology Transactions & Privacy practice.

Marc Martin, firmwide Chair of Perkins Coie’s Communications industry group, adds: “Stephanie’s work with global tech and telecom giants underscores the importance of her addition to our strategic objectives and developing these key sectors on a national scale.”

Roy’s significant work includes counseling global internet platforms on domestic and foreign telecommunications regulatory issues in support of international connectivity. She also has represented key industry players before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to challenge noteworthy proposed mergers in the telecom and media sectors. Roy has been involved in a number of crucial industry proceedings, including the FCC and D.C. Circuit cases involving net neutrality, the firm said.

“Stephanie’s FCC regulatory experience will make an immediate impact on our TTP team and Washington, D.C. office,” said Bill Malley, Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Washington, D.C. office. “Her dual proficiency in tech transactions and telecom work is a rare find that will nicely complement our national clients. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the firm.”

Since 2014, Roy has been recognized in the Legal 500 U.S. for her work in Media, Technology & Telecoms – Regulatory (2014, 2017, 2018) and Transactional (2014, 2017), and was named to the 2017 Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. She was also named a Fellow for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity in March 2018.

Roy received her J.D., summa cum laude, from The George Washington University Law School, and both a B.S. and B.A., summa cum laude, from American University. She also holds an M.A. in science and tech policy, summa cum laude, from The George Washington University, and an M.S. in applied physics, summa cum laude, from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining Perkins Coie, Roy was a partner at Steptoe & Johnson.

Joseph N. Sacca, a commercial and securities litigator , joined BakerHostetler’s Litigation Group as a partner in the firm’s New York office. Sacca joined BakerHostetler from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

In a release, the firm said Sacca represents clients around the world in complex corporate, commercial, and securities litigation in federal courts, state courts, and in arbitration proceedings. He also has extensive experience advising public companies and private equity firms in litigation involving mergers and acquisitions.

His arrival follows other additions to BakerHostetler’s litigation roster this year, including Howard Cotton and Michael Gordon, commercial litigators from Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP in New York, and a technology-focused team with litigation experience from LeClairRyan in Atlanta.

In his nearly three decades as a litigator, Sacca has represented clients in numerous high-stakes matters, the firm said. These include defending investment banks against multibillion-dollar claims arising from the banks’ sale of mortgage-backed securities, a successful defense of an automobile manufacturer in a multibillion-dollar securities fraud action, and representation of a Big Four accounting firm in actions alleging accounting malpractice and disputes with former partners.

“Joe is a brilliant trial lawyer with significant litigation experience handling complex matters,” said W. Ray Whitman, chair of the firm’s national Litigation Group. “We have a deep bench of accomplished trial lawyers with bet-the-company experience, and are positioned to meet any client’s litigation needs, no matter how large or complex. Joe is a seamless addition to our group, and we are thrilled to have him join the firm.”

“BakerHostetler’s wave of recruiting top flight lateral litigators continues with the acquisition of Skadden powerhouse Joe Sacca, who is a very talented commercial and securities litigator,” said George Stamboulidis, BakerHostetler’s New York office managing partner. “We have strategically grown our litigation practice here in New York and in our other 13 offices around the nation over the past year, and are excited to continue this growth by bringing Joe onto our team.”

Sacca received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Temple University School of Law, where he was the managing editor of the Temple Law Review. He is also committed to pro bono work, particularly in his role as the chair of the board for Infinite Family, a global mentoring organization dedicated to using technology to allow adults around the world to serve as role models and mentors for children in Africa.

“BakerHostetler has so much to offer my clients, including the firm’s strong overall litigation focus and its remarkable attorneys from various legal backgrounds” Sacca said. “I am excited to join this firm as it continues to build upon its exceptionally strong litigation capabilities.”

The Litigation Group consists of more than 360 attorneys across all of BakerHostetler’s 14 offices nationwide. With a roster of litigators that include former prosecutors, veteran civil trial lawyers, and former government enforcement officials, the firm’s clients benefit from a team that can successfully represent them in nearly any type of case and proceeding.

James T. Grogan has joined Blank Rome LLP as a partner in the Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy group in the firm’s Houston office.

Grogan focuses his practice on Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, representing a client base of debtors, lenders, and committees of unsecured creditors across a wide range of industries. He joins Blank Rome from Paul Hastings LLP where he was a member of the Corporate Department and the Finance and Restructuring practice.

“James is an accomplished attorney with tremendous experience in counseling his clients on their most complex finance and restructuring matters,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Blank Rome’s Chairman and Managing Partner. “From his experience representing some of the largest Chapter 11 debtors in history, to his broad client mix, James fits in seamlessly with our practice and we are thrilled to welcome him to Blank Rome.”

In a release, the firm said Grogan most recently has had a particular focus on restructuring transactions in the energy sector, but over his almost 20-year career he has counseled companies in the automotive, telecom, manufacturing, entertainment, financial services, and retail industries. Grogan, who is licensed in both Texas and New York, has experience with complex cross-border restructurings.

“With the recent wave of restructuring activity in the Houston market, combined with the cyclical nature of bankruptcy within various industries, James could not be joining us at a better time,” said Regina Stango Kelbon, Co-Chair of the Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy group. “James has built a solid reputation counseling clients through every stage of Chapter 11 filings, and we’re excited to welcome him to our team.”

Grogan serves as Master of the Bench for the Moller-Foltz Inn of Court, and is a member of the Houston Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association. Additionally, Grogan performs many hours of pro bono legal counsel each year.

“I’m truly excited to be joining a firm as accomplished as Blank Rome. The firm has an incredible practice mix that is well-suited for the Houston market, and I feel privileged to be joining so many outstanding practitioners.” Grogan adds, “I’m looking forward to collaborating with many of the firm’s highly regarded practice groups, including its market-leading maritime practice in Houston, and working to build a preeminent restructuring practice in the Texas market.”

Grogan earned his B.A. from Wheaton College and his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law, where he was associate editor of the Kansas Law Review.

Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP announced the addition of Mark J. Levin as Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer.

Most recently, Levin co-founded and served as general manager of The Right Profile, a company that provides talent assessment, management, and development services for law firms, law schools, and sports teams through its AttorneyAssessment and AthleteTypes offerings.

“We are thrilled to bring on someone of Mark’s stature to lead our marketing and business development efforts,” said firm managing partner Jeffrey S. Sharp. “He is well-respected in the legal community and comes with an impressive track record of excellence in the development and implementation of market-leading branding and business development initiatives,” added Sharp.

Levin earned his MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and his JD at the Chicago-Kent College of Law. He has been in the legal industry in various capacities since 1995, working as an executive at Thomson Reuters and as a business development coach at Akina (now GrowthPlay) before becoming the head of Business Development and Marketing at Levenfeld Pearlstein, and then at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg.

“I am excited to join Marshall Gerstein, one of the nation’s leading intellectual property firms,” said Levin. “I look forward to working with this immensely talented team to build on its successes and help guide strategic initiatives that serve its needs both now and well into the future,” he added.

Rebecca “Becky” Wood, former chief counsel to the Food and Drug Administration, has rejoined Sidley Austin LLP as a partner.

The firm announced Wood will co-lead both the firm’s Food, Drug, and Medical Device Regulatory practice and its FDA group in Washington with partner Coleen Klasmeier.

Wood previously served as Chief Counsel to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Associate General Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel, Department of Health & Human Services. She will focus her practice on providing counsel on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious FDA regulatory and litigation issues to clients in the life sciences industry and private equity firms investing in the area.

In her role as Chief Counsel to the FDA, Wood served on Commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s leadership team. She was the principal legal advisor on major initiatives, including efforts to streamline the drug and device development and approval process, modernize the agency’s regulatory framework, combat addiction to opioids and nicotine, enhance the product safety and labeling of food and medical products, and address drug pricing. She served as a liaison to the Department of Justice and the White House and advised agency leadership on legislative matters. She also focused on First Amendment and preemption issues.

“We are delighted that Becky is rejoining us,” said Klasmeier. “Regulatory insight is at the core of our life sciences practice. Based on both her long experience in the industry and her role as the lead legal advisor to the FDA during a transformational period, Becky will enhance our ability to offer deep strategic insight into the complex regulatory issues facing our clients and to defend our clients’ conduct when challenged. Becky’s perspective on the rapidly changing regulatory environment is unique.”

Prior to joining the FDA in 2017, Wood served as a partner at Sidley for more than a decade. She focused her practice on district court and appellate litigation arising under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the United States Constitution, including managing class actions and multi-plaintiff cases. Earlier in her career, she served as a law clerk to Judge Pasco M. Bowman II of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

“Becky is an extraordinarily accomplished litigator,” said Mark Hopson, global co-chair of Sidley’s litigation practice and managing partner of the Washington, D.C. office. “The intersection of her premier regulatory and litigation practices will greatly bolster the firm’s capabilities to help clients across a wide spectrum of legal areas.”

Charles (Chuck) Geitner has joined FisherBroyles, LLP as a partner and litigator in the firm’s Naples, Florida, office.

“We are delighted to welcome Chuck to FisherBroyles in Florida and to our team of highly successful litigators who serve our clients across 21 offices nationwide,” said FisherBroyles General Counsel and Managing Partner of Litigation Joel M. Ferdinand. “Chuck brings more than two decades of litigation experience in state and federal courts and a valuable business acumen from his prior work in the banking industry.”

Geitner said, “It is a great joy to join FisherBroyles and work alongside the firm’s talented attorneys who all are committed to delivering high quality legal services and value to our clients.”

The firm said Geitner represents clients in a variety of complex commercial disputes, class actions, and regulatory matters. He advises and assists businesses in protecting their trademarks, service marks and trade secrets, and structures contracts for employees who handle sensitive and confidential business information. He also litigates cases on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants under the Lanham Act, and in relation to patent, copyright and trademark infringement. In addition, Geitner defends professionals in the legal, insurance and technology industries against officer and director liability, errors and omissions claims, and professional malpractice claims. His clients include banks, warranty companies, real estate developers, manufacturers, insurance agencies and professionals, medical equipment suppliers, e-commerce companies, and consulting firms. In particular, he serves as counsel to publicly traded auto retail groups and privately-owned auto dealerships, advising on issues including regulatory and licensing compliance, sales and finance disclosure, leasing disclosure, sales and use tax audits, and franchise rights.

Most recently, Geitner was a partner with Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP. Prior to his law career, he was a vice president, bank manager and loan officer with First Union National Bank (n/k/a Wells Fargo).

Geitner received his J.D. (cum laude) from Stetson University College of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (summa cum laude) from the University of Central Florida.

John Hardin has joined Perkins Coie’s Insurance Recovery practice as a partner in the Dallas office. He is joined by Skyler Howton, an associate in the Insurance Recovery practice.

The firm said Hardin handles complex commercial litigation and has experience in resolving complex insurance recovery disputes for corporate policyholders. He advises clients on topics including policy language, claim submission and growing areas of conflict, such as cyber liability.

“John has an impressive depth of knowledge and experience in complex litigation, particularly related to insurance coverage in Texas,” said Robert Jacobs, Firmwide Chair of Perkins Coie’s Insurance Recovery practice. “The state has been an active jurisdiction for these kinds of cases for some time now, and as we continue to help clients navigate related concerns, John’s background will make him an invaluable asset to our team.”

Hardin’s litigation work also extends into real estate litigation, where he advises clients on matters ranging from traditional disputes to cross-jurisdictional litigation in administrative, arbitration and courtroom settings. He joins Perkins Coie from K&L Gates, where he led the firm’s Global Real Estate Litigation Group.

“We’ve watched the Dallas economy continue to grow, and we anticipate complex client queries will only increase in tandem with it,” said Bobby Majumder, Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Dallas office. “John has a proven track record as an exceptional litigator, and since real estate and insurance issues tend to impact nearly every industry, his background will immediately enhance our cross-practice capabilities in Dallas.”

Hardin received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, and his B.S., cum laude, from Middle Tennessee State University.

Akerman LLP announced additions to its Consumer Financial Services Practice Group with partners Eric Goldberg and Erica Stein. Goldberg joins the firm from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, where he served as Managing Counsel for Regulations, and Stein joins from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., where she was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.

“Eric and Erica are exceptional lawyers with impressive financial services backgrounds,” said William Heller, chair of the Consumer Financial Services Practice Group. “Their combined experience as a former regulator and as a former in-house counsel make them powerful additions to our national team, particularly relating to payment systems and litigation in every state and all risk levels.”

The firm said Goldberg advises clients on a range of consumer financial services issues primarily relating to payments and fintech. His work focuses on both legacy payment systems such as debit and credit cards and emerging technologies such as mobile payments and prepaid cards. Prior to joining Akerman, Goldberg was Managing Counsel for Regulations at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, where he led the agency’s payments regulatory work. At Akerman, Goldberg will concentrate on federal and state regulatory issues impacting providers of deposit accounts and emerging payment services, including prepaid cards and money transfers. He will also advise on credit products including credit cards and on fintech products such as those involving virtual currency, blockchain, and consumer data aggregation services. Relatedly, Goldberg will be evaluating UDAAP risk and counseling clients on issues arising under EFTA, TILA, TISA, EFAA, GLBA, BSA, MLA, and the Dodd-Frank and FTC Acts.

Stein has experience as in-house counsel at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and previously with Akerman, defending a wide variety of financial services litigation, from individual disputes to class actions, in state and federal courts nationwide. She regularly defends financial services providers from claims (high volume to high stakes) brought pursuant to RESPA, TILA, FCRA, FDCPA, and TCPA. Erica also defends mortgage lenders, servicers, investors, and other financial services providers against borrower complaints alleging wrongful foreclosure and violations of state statutes, as well as operationalizing compliance with those state laws.

In recent weeks, Akerman also attracted partner Lori Nugent to the firm’s Consumer Financial Services Practice Group. Joining from Greenberg Traurig in Dallas, she serves as co-chair of Akerman’s Privacy, Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies Team.

Douglas Taber has joined Hogan Lovells’ Business Restructuring and Insolvency (BRI) practice as partner in its New York office. Prior to joining Hogan Lovells, Taber served as Lead Executive Counsel, Restructuring & Banking, at GE Capital.

Taber’s arrival follows that of Rick Wynne, Bennett Spiegel, and Erin Brady to the firm’s BRI practice in April.

“We have been strategically expanding our BRI practice and the banking practice nationwide to provide lender-side restructuring advice,” said Chris Donoho, co-head of the firm’s US BRI practice. “Doug’s experience and reputation in New York will enable us to continue our strong performance in a very competitive market.”

Taber spent over 17 years at GE Capital, first as Managing Director and General Counsel responsible for restructurings at GE Capital Corporate Financial Services, then as Head Executive Counsel at GE Capital, including throughout the financial crisis. At GE Capital he managed GE Capital’s largest and most complex US bankruptcies, cross border insolvencies and out-of-court restructurings.

Taber began his legal career in 1988 at Goldberg Kohn Ltd., where he served as an associate until 1995 before accepting an invitation to join the partnership. He spent five years as a partner before going in-house to GE Capital.

The firm said Taber also has experience in commercial finance, corporate governance and M&A. His tenure at GE Capital coincided with the introduction of a significant amount of new regulations created by the Dodd Frank Act, and he acted as the lead internal counsel on GE Capital’s Dodd Frank resolution plan.

Taber earned his J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School, an MA in Teaching (English) from the University of Chicago, and BA in English summa cum laude from Bowdoin College. He is admitted to practice in Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.

Christina Marshall, a former corporate partner at Haynes and Boone, LLP, is returning to the firm following a stint as executive vice president and general counsel at Chalak Mitra Group of Companies, a Dallas-based group of investment companies focused in the hospitality and sports industries.

Marshall will serve as a partner in Haynes and Boone’s Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group, where she will focus on advising companies in connection with middle market mergers and acquisitions and other corporate strategic transactions.

“We are excited to have Christina return to Haynes and Boone and help us expand our middle market corporate strategic acquisitions practice,” said M&A Partner Jennifer Wisinski. “Having worked in-house, Christina has a keen understanding of what clients expect from their lawyers. She is also a proven mentor who can help us train and develop our younger lawyers as she leads deal teams through the acquisition process.”

Marshall handled legal and business issues at Chalak Mitra Group of Companies, including the purchase and sale of assets, management of the group’s litigation docket, and oversight of several departments including human resources and risk management. She later served as a principal at Dallas law firm Keating Marshall PLLC, where she advised clients on M&A matters and other business transactions, including joint ventures, securities law issues, and debt and equity offerings.

“I have missed Haynes and Boone since I left and am very excited to return. I have many close colleagues and a deep appreciation for the firm’s client-first and teamwork culture,” Marshall said. “I look forward to furthering Haynes and Boone’s commitment to partnering with clients to provide the tailored, practical and comprehensive business solutions that I know companies covet.”

Linda Novosel has joined Blank Rome LLP as its first Chief Innovation & Value Officer. Novosel joined Blank Rome from Steptoe & Johnson LLP where she served as the firm’s Chief Client Value Officer. Novosel is based in the firm’s Philadelphia office.

“We are delighted to welcome Linda to Blank Rome,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Chairman and Managing Partner. “We are committed to partnering with our clients to develop and deliver innovative and efficient services, and are confident that Linda’s proven experience in strategic pricing and legal project management will further enhance our efforts in these critical areas.”

The firm said that, in this new role at Blank Rome, Novosel will develop solutions to drive efficiency and enhance client service through the implementation of collaborative systems and processes to support litigation, transactional, and regulatory compliance matters and projects. With more than 25 years of experience in the legal industry, Novosel has held senior management positions at several AmLaw 100 firms where she was responsible for pricing, practice management, process improvement, and legal project management.

“I am honored to join Blank Rome as its first Chief Innovation & Value Officer,” said Novosel. “As the firm continues to grow impressively—geographically as well as through its expanding practice capabilities and client reach—it is critical that we continually adapt our legal services delivery to align with our clients’ ever-changing needs. I look forward to collaborating with Blank Rome’s leadership team, attorneys, administrative departments, and professionals to build upon the firm’s impressive accomplishments, support our clients, and advance our long-term strategic goals.”

“Our main goal is to maximize the value we offer to our clients. We continue to make significant investments in strategic pricing and LPM, as they are areas of critical importance to our clients and firm,” added Patrick O. Cavanaugh, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Blank Rome. “Under her direction, we will continue to improve the efficiencies and cost-effectiveness of our client service efforts. I look forward to collaborating with Linda on advancing these objectives as well as overseeing their successful implementation.”

Novosel received her J.D., cum laude, from Widener University School of Law where she served as an editor of the Widener Journal of Public Law and was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. She earned her B.A. in International Relations from Bucknell University.