Peter V. Hogan and Dennis E. Raglin have joined Buchalter as shareholders in the Los Angeles office.

Hogan, a member of the Corporate Practice Group, represents middle market and emerging growth companies in initial public offerings, second offerings, mergers and acquisitions, angel and venture capital financing, 1934 Act reporting obligations, as well as the interests of broker-dealers.

As a member of the Litigation Practice Group, Dennis Raglin has more than 20 years of experience as a litigator and concentrates his practice on products liability, including medical device and pharmaceuticals, and in general and complex litigation. He also counsels and defends clients in California’s Proposition 65 right-to-know chemical warnings law, as well as state and national chemical compliance laws and regulations generally.

“I am so pleased to welcome Peter and Dennis, said President and Chief Executive Officer Adam J. Bass. “They are both accomplished attorneys who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our transactional and litigation practices.”

In a release, the firm said Hogan’s clients include private early stage, middle market, and publicly traded companies from the entertainment, digital media, manufacturing, restaurant, technology industries, software, payment processing and esports. He also advises companies on corporate governance, executive employment and shareholder matters. Hogan received his J.D., from Boston College School of Law. He also earned his M.B.A. and B.A. from Boston College.

“I am thrilled to join Buchalter’s full-service Corporate Practice Group. The firm’s impressive platform allows me to offer unparalleled service to my clients and grow my practice,” said Peter Hogan.

The firm said Raglin’s clients span a range of industries, including representing clients who manufacture and distribute products that include implantable and prescription medical devices, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, biologics, baby and toddler formula, nutritional supplements and food products, durable medical equipment, heavy equipment, automobiles, personal care goods and cosmetics, pet care products, household goods, sporting goods and water gear. He earned his J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from the University of California, Riverside.

“My practice fits perfectly with Buchalter’s talented and growing litigation practice and I am excited to be joining the firm. I look forward to integrating my clients and introducing them to the firm’s impressive capabilities,” added Raglin.

Roetzel & Andress LPA announced that four senior labor and employment law attorneys have joined the firm in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio.

Joining Roetzel’s Cleveland office are Nancy A. Noall as a shareholder and Morris L. Hawk and Deirdre G. Henry, both as of counsel. Doug R. Unver joins the firm’s Columbus office as of counsel. All four previously were attorneys at Weston Hurd LLP, where Noall and Henry served in leadership roles.

“This is an exciting time of growth for our Roetzel teams in Cleveland and Columbus and we are thrilled to welcome Nancy, Morris, Deirdre and Douglas to the firm,” Roetzel Chairman Robert E. Blackham said. “Each brings veteran skills, leadership and valuable insights to help manage our clients’ needs across the entire spectrum of labor, employment and human resources issues.”

Douglas E. Spiker, shareholder-in-charge of Roetzel’s Cleveland office and manager of the firm’s Employment Services Practice Group, said, “The additions of Nancy, Morris, and Deirdre represent a significant expansion for our Cleveland office. They join our team of accomplished attorneys, many of whom have previous government and business experience that has helped them earn national rankings in a number of key legal practice areas.”

Noall served as chair of the Labor Law practice at Weston Hurd. She focuses her practice on the provision of general employment advice, particularly on the ADA, Title VII, FMLA, and FLSA. She also with traditional labor issues, including union avoidance, union negotiation, labor arbitrations, and NLRB charges. She has counseled numerous employers on these issues, including Cooper Tire & Rubber Company based in Findlay, Ohio. In a release, the firm said she manages all phases of the employment relationship for her clients, which include sole proprietorships and global manufacturing companies. In addition to counseling clients on employment law issues, Ms. Noall has litigated cases ranging from employment discrimination to wrongful discharge in multiple states throughout the country and has arbitrated grievances under union contracts in Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, New Jersey, and Ohio.

Noall received her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University and her Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) from John Carroll University.

Hawk represents privately owned and publicly held corporations in all aspects of the employment relationship, including traditional labor law and workers’ compensation. He counsels employers on day-to-day employment law issues and represents them in litigation before administrative agencies and in federal and state court. Hawk also advises employers on employee benefits issues, including drafting executive compensation agreements and assisting in compliance issues related to qualified plans. In addition to his labor and employment practice, Hawk represents businesses in commercial and construction litigation and represents two national retailers in premises liability matters in Ohio.

Hawk received his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts (summa cum laude) from Ohio University.

Formerly chair of the Workers’ Compensation practice at Weston Hurd, Henry represents employers in workers’ compensation cases and cases involving violations of a specific safety requirement (VSSR). She also represents clients in matters involving employment, medical and legal malpractice, and employer intentional tort claims. Henry previously served as an Ohio Assistant Attorney General, defending the Industrial Commission and the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation.

Henry received her J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law and her Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University.

Unver concentrates his practice on workers’ compensation matters. Previously, he represented public universities and agencies in workers’ compensation matters while serving as a Senior Ohio Assistant Attorney General in the office’s Workers’ Compensation Defense Unit and Workers’ Compensation Section.

Unver received his J.D. from Capital University and his Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University.

Lilya Tessler has joined Sidley Austin LLP as partner and New York head of Blockchain and FinTech in the Securities & Derivatives Enforcement and Regulatory group. Tessler joins Sidley from McDermott, Will & Emery, where she served as co-head of the firm’s Blockchain and FinTech group.

In a release, the firm said Tessler focuses her practice on representing digital asset trading platforms, blockchain technology companies, financial services firms, and leaders of cryptocurrency funds. Tessler advises technology companies on SEC registered and exempt blockchain token offerings, and counsels financial institutions on digital asset trading, securities issues, private placement agent and custody rule requirements, cross-border regulatory matters, money services requirements and FINRA and SEC regulatory inquiries.

“Lilya’s experience is perfectly aligned with exciting, evolving developments within the FinTech industry, and she offers clients a comprehensive approach to formulating and executing strategies to address where technology and finance meet,” said Sam Gandhi, managing partner of Sidley’s New York office. “Lilya’s capabilities and deep understanding of FinTech and related matters will further strengthen Sidley’s multidisciplinary approach to our work with clients –particularly those in the fast-developing areas of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.”

Tessler is a certified public accountant and FINRA dispute resolution arbitrator.

Baton Rouge-based Kean Miller LLP has opened offices in The Woodlands, Texas, and Lafayette, Louisiana, by combining with the energy-focused law firm Dupuis & Polozola.

The firm said this expansion builds on Kean Miller’s Houston office opening in 2017 and strengthens the firm’s portfolio of legal and business services to energy, oil & gas, and petrochemical industry clients.

The 10 lawyers with Dupuis & Polozola work in upstream oil and gas exploration and production, handling transactional, regulatory, and litigation matters, as well as business and corporate, and real estate matters. The firm’s clients include global exploration companies and small independents operating in Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Kansas, North Dakota and New Mexico.

“Lafayette is the hub of the south Louisiana energy corridor, and The Woodlands continues to experience unprecedented growth in corporate headquarters,” said Blane Clark, managing partner of Kean Miller. “Our two new offices strengthen our ability to offer strategic legal resources to our clients from east of New Orleans to the energy corridor of West Houston, and from the Gulf of Mexico to West Texas and beyond.”

James H. “Jimmy” Dupuis Jr.

The firm now has more than 160 attorneys after the union with Dupuis & Polozola. Joining Kean Miller as equity partners are James H. “Jimmy” Dupuis Jr. in The Woodlands and Kyle P. Polozola in Lafayette. The Woodlands office is located at 8301 New Trails Drive, Suite 100. The Lafayette location is at 2020 W. Pinhook Road, Suite 303.

“Combining our law firms makes great sense. We share a commitment to knowing our clients’ business inside and out, and to personalized client service,” said Dupuis. “Our clients will benefit from Kean Miller’s progressive approach and full-service offerings, and Kean Miller’s clients now have access to a team of upstream oil and gas attorneys experienced in Texas, Louisiana, and other producing states.”

Kyle P. Polozola

Polozola said he looks forward to playing a part in the cooperative efforts of talented lawyers across Kean Miller’s operations. “Our Lafayette office magnifies the existing firm presence across Louisiana and in Texas. With Kean Miller’s regional presence and deep bench of talented lawyers, we are an even more dynamic force in the Bayou State.”

Dupuis and Polozola, both experienced oil and gas and business attorneys, founded their firm in 2010. Dupuis earned his law degree from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert School of Law; Polozola’s law degree is from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.

Akerman LLP announced that it has added to its domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions practices with partners Peter Eccles from Foley & Lardner in New York and Karyn Koiffman from Baker McKenzie in Washington, D.C. and New York. Prior to that, Koiffman was at Kirkland & Ellis.

“Peter and Karyn are consummate corporate lawyers with decades of combined experience handling highly complex transactions,” said Jonathan Awner, co-chair of the Corporate Practice Group. “With them, we continue to expand our robust New York presence while adding significant bench strength to our national team of M&A and private equity lawyers, who represent clients in all facets of their transactions across markets sectors and jurisdictions.”

“Despite the upcoming presidential elections and political uncertainty, we at Akerman are bullish on Brazil and believe opportunities abound for clients to take advantage of competitive asset valuations to drive international deal flow,” said Brazil trade and transactional partner Felipe Berer. “Peter and Karyn are great additions to our Brazil team and will strengthen our ability to advise corporate and individual investors, private equity and venture capital funds involved in cross-border transactions and financings in Brazil, the U.S. and beyond.”

In a release, the firm said:

Eccles focuses his practice on M&A, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital transactions and other corporate and commercial arrangements, with an emphasis on cross-border transactions in Latin America, particularly Brazil. In addition to advising private equity, venture capital, strategic and family office investors on investments in Latin America, Eccles has advised leading companies in the region in the energy, shipping, oil and gas, food and agriculture, real estate, auto, retail, banking, media, technology and telecom industries on novel financings, including the first ever Rule 144A capital markets transactions involving Brazilian issuers.

Koiffman represents private equity funds, private companies and public corporations in domestic and cross-border middle market deals. Her practice focuses on acquisitions and divestitures, including leveraged buyout transactions, follow-on acquisitions, mergers, and stock and asset transactions. Related to her M&A practice, Koiffman also handles joint venture arrangements, minority investments, recapitalizations, financing agreements, related equity arrangements, as well as expansions and other commercial transactions. She also counsels clients on general corporate and contractual related matters. Koiffman leverages her prior experience of 14 years in transactional practices at international law firms in the United States, as well as four years of practice in the São Paulo office of a Brazilian law firm, in all client matters.

In addition to Eccles and Koiffman, Akerman’s national Corporate Practice Group most recently welcomed four additional M&A and private equity partners in New York, including Michael O’Brien from Vedder Price, Ted Rosen from Fox Rothschild and Corporate Finance, Lending Practice Co-Chair Robert Stein from Kirkland & Ellis, and Robert Winner from Seyfarth Shaw in Chicago. Together with today’s lateral partners, they bolster Akerman’s middle market focus toward domestic and international client ventures across dynamic sectors.

Employment and labor law Littler and Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization that provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities at no charge, announced the formation of a strategic partnership.

Accommodating requests from employees and customers to bring service animals into their workplaces or facilities has become increasingly complex for companies, the firm said in a release. The issue is intensified by the rise in instances of people using fake vests to pass family pets off as service animals, which undermines the acceptance of legitimate service dogs and creates headaches for companies. As part of this partnership, Littler and Canine Companions will work together to address this issue and provide guidance for companies on managing service animal accommodation requests in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Canine Companions is a very worthwhile organization and we look forward to working together to educate companies on the myriad issues surrounding service animal accommodation, while further raising awareness of the vital services Canine Companions provides in matching individuals with disabilities with assistance dogs,” said Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, co-managing directors of Littler, in a joint statement.

“We have worked closely with Littler during the past year to raise awareness of the proper use of service dogs in the workplace and business facilities, and are excited to embark on this formal partnership,” said Canine Companions Chief Development Officer Barbara Barrow. “Littler’s depth of experience in the legal aspects of service-animal accommodation, as well as its commitment to expanding the availability of assistance dogs for people with disabilities, make the firm a perfect partner. We look forward to combining our resources to continue to provide support to people with disabilities and help prevent service-dog fraud.”

In their work together to date, Littler and Canine Companions hosted a breakfast briefing in San Francisco in October 2017 on employment and public accommodation requirements for service animals. Canine Companions was also featured at Littler’s 35th annual Executive Employer Conference in May 2018, including an interview from the conference floor on employee requests to bring service animals into the workplace. As part of its formal partnership, Littler and Canine Companions will be hosting a series of educational events in the coming months, including:

• Littler Breakfast Briefing in Washington, D.C., September 5, 2018
• Littler Breakfast Briefing in Philadelphia, September 6, 2018
• Littler Regional Employer Conference in Las Vegas, September 12, 2018
• Littler Regional Employer Conference in Reno, Nevada, September 13, 2018
• California State Council of SHRM in Redding, California, September 26, 2018
• California State Council of SHRM in Monterey, California, November 15, 2018

Peter Petesch, a shareholder in Littler’s Washington, D.C., office who regularly advises clients on service animal accommodations in the workplace, added: “As we continue to see an uptick in questions related to service animals from our clients, this partnership with Canine Companions will be beneficial in helping companies ensure a safe and sensible environment for employees and customers in accommodating these requests.”

Perkins Coie announced that Andrew Moriarty has joined the firm’s Labor & Employment group as a partner in the Seattle office. He joins from Amazon, where he was senior corporate counsel. Moriarty was previously with Perkins Coie from 1998 to 2013.

The firm said Moriarty focuses on a wide range of labor and employment matters, including contractor classification, labor relations, class action claims, litigation, and claims brought before various state and federal agencies. He also has credentials dealing with the labor and employment law nuances associated with third-party vendor relationships, discrimination and contract actions, and contractor misclassification cases in Washington and California.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew back to the firm,” said James Williams, Perkins Coie’s Seattle Office Managing Partner. “He is a highly regarded attorney with excellent technical skills and a great aptitude for mentoring junior lawyers. He will be a valuable addition to our team in the Pacific Northwest.”

Upon his re-entry into private practice, Moriarty will counsel clients across a variety of industries including tech, telecom, transportation, food and beverage, education and aerospace, the firm said.

“Andrew’s in-house experience provides him an exceptional understanding of our clients’ needs and the employment challenges they face day-to-day,” said Ann Marie Painter, Chair of Perkins Coie’s Labor & Employment group. “He is a passionate attorney with the desire to dig deep into the issues, and he will serve as a vigorous advocate in the courtroom.”

Moriarty earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Boston University.

Akerman LLP announced the addition of partner Lori Nugent to the firm’s national Consumer Financial Services Practice Group. Joining from Greenberg Traurig, she will serve as co-chair of Akerman’s Privacy, Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies Team and will reside in Akerman’s Dallas office.

“Data breach incidents in the United States and abroad are happening at a record pace and the financial services sector has been disproportionately affected,” said William Heller, chair of the Consumer Financial Services Practice Group. “Lori is a renowned veteran in the data security and cyber liability space with an impressive track record as lead counsel in highly complex matters. She is a strong addition to our compliance, enforcement and litigation practice, reflecting our commitment to helping clients address their most pressing business challenges.”

With a practice focused on cybersecurity and privacy, Nugent has served as lead counsel responding to and defending more than 1,000 data breaches, ransomware situations, and privacy-related matters in a wide variety of market sectors—including financial institutions, healthcare, retail, energy and utilities, public entities, hospitality, high tech, and higher education.

In a release, the firm said Nugent served as lead incident response and defense counsel in a high-profile data security breach that led to a $6.5 billion class action. Even though the breach was the largest in its industry, the client achieved a settlement for considerably less than six figures, and investigations by a myriad of state and federal regulators were resolved without any fine or penalty.

Southern California-based law firm Buchalter announced the promotion of Oren Bitan and Paul J. Fraidenburgh to shareholder.

“These two individuals are dedicated members of the Buchalter community as well as a tremendous representation of the firm – we are proud to share the news of Oren and Paul’s well-deserved recognition. The high-level degree of specialized expertise both attorneys possess will continue to add great value to our clients and the Firm,” said Adam J. Bass, president and chief executive officer.

Based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, Oren Bitan handles matters in the business, real estate, banking, receivership law, consumer product, and commercial litigation industries. Representative clients include banks and financial institutions, state and federal receivers, private investors and investment funds, private equity groups, real property developers, apparel manufacturers, breweries, consumer products companies, and corporate entities large and small.

Bitan earned his J.D. cum laude at Loyola Law School, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and a Sayre Macneil Scholar. He received his B.S. in Business Administration at the University of Southern California.

Paul J. Fraidenburgh focuses his practice on representing transportation industry clients in complex litigation and regulatory affairs. Working primarily in the firm’s Orange County office, he has represented clients in the transportation and technology industries. In 2018, Fraidenburgh was named a “Top 40 Under 40” lawyer by the Daily Journal, as one of only 20 lawyers selected from Southern California.

Fraidenburgh earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and his B.A., magna cum laude, in History from University of the Pacific.

Health care lawyer and former hospital general counsel Paul Leslie has rejoined Dallas-based Estes Thorne & Carr PLLC as a partner focused on health care regulatory compliance and litigation.

In a release, the firm said Leslie has more than 30 years of experience representing entities in health care-related regulatory, operational and transactional matters, and commercial and business litigation, as well as advising clients on efficient and effective management of in-house legal departments and functions.

He previously practiced at Estes Thorne & Carr and rejoins the firm from Parkland Health & Hospital System where he served as executive vice president and general counsel for eight years. He also has experience as an associate general counsel at another Fortune 500 health care company.

“We have known and worked with Paul for years and are excited to welcome him back as a colleague. His industry experience and understanding of the regulatory landscape are invaluable to our clients in the health care industry,” said managing partner Jessica Thorne.

The firm said Leslie has expertise in developing and implementing cost-effective strategies for health care operators. In addition to his experience with transactions and regulatory compliance, he has worked with board governance, enterprise risk management, contract negotiations and dispute resolution, commercial and whistleblower litigation, false claims investigations, real estate transactions and insurance contract coverage litigation.

“I have known and worked with the Estes Thorne & Carr attorneys for the better part of the last decade and always have been impressed by their legal prowess and their ability to develop strong relationships with their clients,” he said. “Once I had the opportunity to rejoin the firm, I knew this was the right place for me.”

A graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law, Leslie earned the Magna Stella Award for Outstanding General Counsel from General Counsel Forum in the government/non-profit category in 2016. He is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest excellence in legal ability and ethical standards.

Perkins Coie announced that Adrian Rich has joined the firm’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital (ECVC) practice as a partner in the firm’s Palo Alto office.

Thee firm said Rich has more than 15 years of experience counseling high-growth emerging companies and their investors. In a release, the firm said his education in biomedical engineering and economics helps him in counseling clients from inception to exit, assisting them with financial and strategic investments, licensing, strategic partnerships, acquisitions and public offerings, as well as routine corporate matters. Early in his career, Rich focused almost exclusively on medical device and biotech clients. In more recent years, his practice has broadened to include technology companies, big data, artificial intelligence/machine learning, AR/VR and blockchain, as it applies to business processes, data science and education.

“With his exceptionally diversified background, Adrian offers insightful counsel to life sciences and cutting-edge technology companies on a wide range of matters,” said Buddy Arnheim, Co-Chair of Perkins Coie’s ECVC practice. “As a trusted advisor on private and public securities offerings, licensing, incubators and small fund formation, Adrian is a key addition to the high level of support we provide our clients in the Bay Area and beyond.”

In addition to his traditional Silicon Valley startup corporate practice, Rich has represented venture funds and incubators in their operations and has worked for several life science incubators and their associated investment funds. Rich also represents several social impact companies and investors supporting clean water and gender and racial equality in the venture environment. Rich earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and received a B.S. from Johns Hopkins University in biomedical engineering and also qualified for a B.A. with honors in Economics. Before joining Perkins Coie, he was a partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP.

“Adrian is a substantively experienced ECVC attorney with deep roots in the Bay Area venture capital and startup communities,” said Lowell Ness, Office Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Palo Alto office. “Adrian’s solid reputation and extensive industry knowledge is a tremendous fit for our ECVC team. We’re thrilled to have him join Perkins Coie.”

Lance E. Gibbons has rejoined Littler as a shareholder in the Washington, D.C., office. Previously a partner at NT Lakis, LLP, Gibbons’ return to Littler marks the eighth shareholder to join the firm since January.

“Lance is a strong addition to the talented group of shareholders we’ve added this year, as he offers clients experienced counsel on labor and employment regulatory matters at all levels of government,” said Alison N. Davis, Littler’s office managing shareholder in Washington, D.C. “His extensive experience before the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs will deepen Littler’s position as the foremost advisor of management on anti-discrimination laws and affirmative action regulations.”

In a release, the firm said Gibbons advises companies on compliance with the array of employment-related requirements associated with government contracts, as well as in preparing for and resolving OFCCP audits. He also has experience on matters before other workplace regulatory and enforcement agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

“Littler has continued to increase its profile and influence around the globe and here in Washington, and I’m excited to return to the firm,” Gibbons said. “In addition to drawing on Littler’s robust platform and resources to serve clients, I look forward to supporting the firm’s efforts to engage with the government on behalf of employers on labor and employment related developments.”

Gibbons will work closely with members of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute, a resource for employers to ensure that they have a voice in legislative and regulatory developments that impact their workplaces and business strategies.

During his time at NT Lakis, Gibbons also served as assistant general counsel to the Center for Workplace Compliance. Earlier in his career, he served as senior counsel to National Labor Relations Board Member Peter C. Schaumber.

Gibbons received his J.D., with distinction, from Ohio Northern University College of Law and his B.S. from Miami University.

Hogan Lovells has elected a new partner to its board. Karen Hughes has been elected as an at-large representative, and will start her role effective immediately, the firm said in a release.

The Hogan Lovells Board comprises 12 members and has supervisory responsibility for overseeing the affairs of the firm, but without executive responsibility for strategy, management, and operating decisions. It provides input to the CEO and Hogan Lovells’ International Management Committee. Members of the board make up the Compensation Committee, Finance Committee and are part of the Equity Elevation and Partner Admission Committees which they chair. Membership of the board is designed to reflect the broad scope of the business, with members representing a combination of geographic and other backgrounds. Karen will also be a member of the Finance Committee.

Hughes is a London-based corporate tax partner and Global Co-head of Tax who focuses on corporate tax advice for highly complex international structuring, including cross-border M&A transactions. She is also a member of the Hogan Lovells’ Corporate Leadership Committee, a global management team focused on the business strategy of the worldwide Corporate Group.

The board will now comprise:

Chair (and “At Large”): Leopold Gerlach
CEO: Steve Immelt
Asia Pacific Middle East: Andrew McGinty
Continental Europe: Joaquín Ruiz Echauri
Washington, D.C. area: Cate Stetson
London: Adrian Walker
The Americas: Bruce Oakley
U.S. (except D.C.): Richard Lorenzo
45 and under: Ben Higson
“At Large” representatives: Karen Hughes, Clay James, and Phoebe Wilkinson

“I am honored to welcome Karen to the board,” said Hogan Lovells Chair Leopold von Gerlach. “The board plays an important role in the governance of Hogan Lovells. Board members are expected to engage with, and to be accessible to, all partners as part of their duties and, in particular, to engage constructively with firm management in exercising the Board’s supervisory responsibility.”

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Jeffrey Davis, Mary Elizondo Frazier and Peter Scaff have joined the firm’s Houston office as partners. Davis and Scaff will co-chair Bradley’s Oil and Gas team, and Frazier will serve on the firm’s Texas Growth and Expansion Task Force.

All three attorneys were long-term partners and practice leaders at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, which recently merged with Foley & Lardner, LLP. At Foley, Davis served as vice chair of the Energy Litigation Practice Group and, before the merger, was a member of Gardere’s Board of Directors. At Gardere, Scaff most recently served as the firm-wide chair of Gardere’s Compensation Committee, and Frazier served as co-chair of the Associates Committee.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff, Mary and Peter to Bradley,” said Houston Office Managing Partner Ian P. Faria. “Their added depth and experience in the energy sector for handling complex litigation disputes as well as business needs are a great benefit to our clients.”

Davis added, “Mary, Peter and I are very excited about joining Bradley to help boost its already thriving energy litigation practice. We believe that Bradley provides us with the best platform to take our practices to the next level and enhances our ability to effectively serve our clients.”

In a release, the firm said Davis represents energy companies in litigation involving catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, surface and downhole tool incidents, and royalty and mineral interest disputes. He has served as lead counsel in more than 100 oilfield incident cases in state and federal courts across Texas and Oklahoma. He also represents clients in a variety of commercial and construction litigation matters, including contractual disputes, business torts, products liability, warranty, real estate and trade secrets litigation. Davis is an elected member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Davis received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, where he was member of the Houston Law Review, and received his B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Frazier represents clients in personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death and product liability litigation, as well as business tort disputes. The firm said she has experience with multi-plaintiff and multi-defendant oil and gas litigation cases in Texas.

Frazier received her J.D. (magna cum laude) from South Texas College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin.

Over his 18-year career, Scaff has litigated a variety of energy industry disputes, including cases concerning joint operations, areas of mutual interest, lease acquisition, trade secrets, seismic licensing, supply chain, construction, and manufacturing. He also has experience handling cases related to oilfield operations, downhole failures and well control events. In addition to his energy industry matters, Scaff has a commercial litigation practice, handling matters involving real estate, construction, franchising, partnership litigation, misappropriation, and fiduciary litigation. He also has prosecuted a number of civil fraud and investment scheme cases, many of which involved parallel criminal proceedings.

Scaff received his J.D. (magna cum laude) from the University of Houston Law Center and his Bachelor of Arts with honors from the University of Texas at Austin.

Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Randall L. Oyler has joined the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group as a partner in its Chicago office.

In a release, the firm said Oyler represents motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors on various dealer network matters, vehicle distribution matters, market representation strategies, dealership litigation, and corporate transactions in the automobile, motorcycle and power sports industries. Spanning more than 25 states, he has litigated dealership matters before federal and state courts and state administrative agencies.

“New business and legal challenges are emerging in the motor vehicle industry, which can impact a company’s operations, compliance and, ultimately, its go-to-market strategy,” said Paul Langer, Office Managing Partner and Chair of the Chicago Office Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice. “Randy’s deep background and experience working with prominent manufacturers and distributors will be an invaluable asset to clients who are active in these areas.”

Oyler co-founded an alternative investment management company that has raised over $100 million to fight global poverty through direct investments in micro-finance institutions in developing economies all over the world. He is a member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising and has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America® for Franchise Law.

Oyler earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School, where he served as developments editor for the University’s Legal Forum, and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Wheaton College of Illinois.

Christopher A. Pesch has joined Freeborn & Peters LLP as a partner in the firm’s Corporate Practice Group in New York.

In a release, the firm said the New York since that office was formed in March 2016 through the combination with New York City firm Hargraves, McConnell & Costigan P.C., with a particular focus on insurance and reinsurance law.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to Freeborn’s New York office where he adds breadth and depth to our current team of attorneys including a number of top insurance and reinsurance practitioners,” said Daniel Hargraves, the Managing Partner of Freeborn’s New York office. “Chris has been a leader in corporate and securities law for many years and his knowledge and experience will be great assets for the diverse business clients we serve.”

Freeborn Co-Managing Partner William E. Russell added, “Chris enhances the scope and caliber of services that we provide to our clients from New York. As a former Chicago practitioner, he also brings insights and leadership that will benefit our corporate clients across all Freeborn’s offices.”

The firm said Pesch focuses his practice in a broad range of general corporate and securities matters, including mergers and acquisitions, compliance with federal securities laws, public offerings, corporate governance, and general commercial transactions. He has represented diverse businesses of all sizes, including publicly and closely held corporations, in the areas of corporate finance, securities, and business organization. In addition, he has represented purchasers and sellers in a variety of business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures.

Most recently, Pesch was a partner and served as chair of the Corporate and Securities practice at PIB Law. Previously, he also served as chief legal officer for former insurance industry technology and outsourcing solutions provider Patriot National, Inc.

Pesch received his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law (cum laude) and his Bachelor of Arts from Lake Forest College.

FisherBroyles, LLP has added Wayne Alder and Alfred J. Monte, Jr. as partners and litigators in the firm’s Naples, Fla., and Philadelphia offices, respectively.

“Wayne and Alfred are great additions to the team of successful litigators in our Southwest Florida and Philadelphia offices,” said FisherBroyles General Counsel and Managing Partner of Litigation Joel M. Ferdinand. “Wayne and Alfred also continue the growth that has made FisherBroyles the largest distributed law firm partnership in the nation.”

Alder said, “I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to deliver the brand of high-level service and value that clients expect from FisherBroyles.”

Monte added, “I am thrilled to collaborate with other attorneys who combine their Big Law experiences with the platform that FisherBroyles offers for delivering high-level, cost-effective legal services to our clients.”

In a release, the firm said Alder concentrates his practice on litigation matters and represents companies, individuals and municipalities. He has experience in the litigation of claims related to professionals’ business and international transactions. He also handles the defense of directors and officers against trustees in bankruptcy, as well as matters related to marine and shipyard liability, product liability, environmental claims, personal injury, construction defects and claims, cyber risks and claims, architects and engineers, and insurance coverage disputes. Alder also has experience in the area of condominium law, the Florida Condominium Act, homeowners association issues, general liability, and property claims and defense.

Previously, Alder was a partner at Kaufman Dolowich &Voluck LLP in Boca Raton, Fla. He also formerly was a partner with Becker & Poliakoff in West Palm Beach, Fla., and served as co-managing partner with Seiden, Alder & Matthewman, P.A., in Boca Raton, Fla.

Alder received his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hartwick College. He also attended Regent’s University in London.

The firm said Monte focuses his nationwide practice in business risk management, both preventative and post-litigation. He has litigated and tried to conclusion cases in virtually every jurisdiction in the nation. The vast majority of his practice involves businesses operating in federally regulated environments, focusing on the often-conflicting obligations of regulated businesses to disclose adverse events to regulatory agencies and the resulting liability exposure such disclosures cause. He is actively sought out by medical device, pharmaceutical, biotech and other businesses regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to design and manage risk before and after litigation has initiated. He is well-versed in traditional and alternative risk management strategies.

Prior to joining FisherBroyles, Monte served as the founding chair and later as co-chair of the Life Sciences Practice Group at Fox Rothschild, LLP for more than 11 years.

Monte received his J.D. from Villanova University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from DeSales University.

George Callas, who served as senior tax counsel to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and was one of the chief architects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), has joined the Steptoe & Johnson LLP’s Government Affairs & Public Policy and Tax Groups. He will serve as a managing director in Steptoe’s Washington office.

Callas is a 15-year Capitol Hill veteran who spent most of that time working on tax issues at the committee level and for Republican leadership. As senior tax counsel to Ryan since 2015, Callas worked as lead staff negotiator for House Republicans on the three major tax packages that were enacted into law during Ryan’s tenure. Along with the TCJA, which Ryan personally thanked him for shepherding upon signing the legislation in December 2017, Callas led the charge on the Protecting Americans against Tax Hikes Act of 2015 and the tax title of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, the firm said in a release.

Previously, Callas served seven years on the House Committee on Ways and Means, including as chief tax counsel, where he worked closely with former Chairmen Dave Camp, Paul Ryan, and current Chairman Kevin Brady. In 2012, Roll Call recognized him as “One of Five Hill Aides to Know” in tax. During his tenure as chief tax counsel, Callas also worked on the revenue aspects of several pieces of trade legislation. Callas’s Hill experience also includes time spent on the Senate side, serving as legislative director and senior advisor to Sen. George Voinovich, and a position as counsel to the House Budget Committee.

“George is one of the most influential tax staffers on the Hill,” said Steptoe Chair Phil West, who also leads the firm’s tax department. “Along with his strong technical tax skills, George has been recognized for his ability to translate the technical aspects of tax policy into concise and straightforward language that legislators, Treasury officials, and business executives understand. He will provide great value to clients, from large multinational corporations to trade associations, in navigating the new tax laws and the rulemakings that lie ahead.”

Micah Green and Scott Sinder, who co-lead the firm’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Group, added: “George’s experiences both technically and politically at the committee level and in the speaker’s office, have given him unique insights not only into how tax laws are negotiated and enacted, but also the intent of the Congress on virtually every section of the most significant tax reform legislation to pass Congress in over three decades. Such deep and recent experiences and insights will provide tax clients valuable perspective on tax regulatory, legislative, and planning strategies as this new law is implemented and continually reviewed.”

Callas remarked: “Since reaching a decision to leave the Hill, I’ve explored a number of opportunities with law, lobbying and accounting firms. Steptoe is the right fit. With a stellar tax practice and equally strong public policy shop, it is the combination of everything I was looking for to shape and grow a comprehensive tax policy and legislative practice.”

Callas earned his B.A. and his J.D., with honors, from the University of Florida, where he served as the senior managing editor for the Florida Journal of International Law. He also received an LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida. Before transitioning to Capitol Hill, Callas spent several years at KPMG as a senior tax associate.

Truda K. Chow has joined Michael Best as Chief Operating Officer. Chow most recently served as a senior advisor at LawVision Group, a professional and legal services consultancy.

In a release, the firm said Chow will work closely with firm leadership, including the chief finance officer, chief information officer and practice group managers, to oversee the firm’s operations, administrative, and human resources functions. She will collaborate with the chief marketing and business development office to execute firm strategy initiatives.

“Truda stood out above all other candidates in our extensive search as an experienced and intelligent leader who has counseled professional service organizations and law firms around the world,” said David Krutz, firm managing partner. “The law firm COO is more important than ever to an organization’s success, and Truda’s expertise will be a huge asset as we continue to strategically expand our services and business operations nationally.”

Chow has management experience in strategy, operations, finances, recruiting and retention, culture and mergers, the firm said. During her career, she provided national and international guidance, particularly in Asia, where she developed and implemented Asia regional strategies for multinational organizations. Prior to that, Chow held several positions in the legal industry and international consultancies providing counsel on global marketing and business development initiatives, growth, and investment strategies.

“I’m thrilled to join Michael Best,” said Chow. “Michael Best’s growing national presence coupled with the firm’s strong leadership in the industries they serve was a major draw in deciding to join the firm, and I’m looking forward to assisting in its continued strategic expansion.”

Chow received her M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management, her J.D. from Loyola University’s School of Law, and her B.S. from the University of Illinois.

Boutique family law firm Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, announced the promotions of Chris Oldner and Holly Rampy Baird to partner.

“Chris and Holly are exceptional attorneys who have demonstrated their dedication to the success and well-being of our clients,” said partner Keith Nelson. “We are pleased to have them accept this new responsibility.”

Oldner served three terms as judge of the 416th District Court in Collin County, where he presided over criminal and civil cases, including family law bench and jury trials. He holds dual certification in Family Law and Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

He has served as co-chair of the Judicial Disproportionality Workgroup for the Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Commission for Children, Youth and Families’ Court Improvement Project, and as a member of the Texas Center for the Judiciary’s Children’s Justice Act Task Force. Oldner earned his law degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law.

Recognized for five consecutive years on the Texas Rising Stars list, Baird earned a place on the publication’s list of the Top 100 Up-and-Coming lawyers and the Top 50 Up-and-Coming Women lawyers. She also was recognized on D Magazine’s 2018 list of Best Lawyers Under 40 for her work in divorce and complex property division, modification and enforcement actions, and child custody litigation.

Most recently, Baird was selected to People Newspapers’ 20 under 40 listing for 2018, which honors young professionals making the biggest impact in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow neighborhoods of Dallas. Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, she is a graduate of Texas Tech University School of Law.