Paige D. Bartholomew of Farrell Fritz has been selected to receive the Hon. Judith S. Kaye Scholarship. The scholarship seeks to increase the number of women taking leadership roles in commercial cases litigated in New York’s state and federal courts.

Established by the New York Bar Foundation through a gift from the New York State Bar Association’s Commercial and Federal Litigation Section, the scholarship is awarded to female litigators and covers the cost of their registration at the 2019 Litigation Academy.

Bartholomew, a Massapequa, NY resident, earned her J.D. from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and her B.A. from Siena College. She is a frequent contributor to Farrell Fritz’s New York Commercial Division Practice blog.

DLA Piper announced that R. David Whitaker has joined the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice as a partner in the Chicago office. His arrival follows that of his colleague, Margo H.K. Tank, who recently joined the firm as a partner in the Washington, DC, office.

In a release, the firm said Whitaker and Tank, both of whom who will be in the Technology, Data and Commercial subgroup of the firm’s IPT practice, employ a team approach to advising traditional and emerging financial services companies and commercial enterprises, in transactional, legal and regulatory matters, particularly those related to digital financial services, contracting, and records management, including electronic signatures, records and payments. Whitaker also has experience with the practical application of laws governing electronic banking, letters of credit, payment systems and commercial and consumer financing.

“As the demand for legal and consulting services focused on online and mobile transactions continues to grow, the addition of David to our team will enable us to better meet the needs of clients who require legal, regulatory, operational and technical business solutions focused on digital transactions,” said Ann Ford, co-chair of the firm’s US Intellectual Property and Technology practice. “David’s vast experience in the financial and FinTech sectors will also significantly enhance our capabilities in that arena.”

“We are thrilled to welcome David to the firm, where our global platform will be a tremendous advantage to his clients,” added Brendan Head, co-managing partner of the Chicago office. “David’s experience leading consulting teams and his deep understanding of changes in the financial services industry and their potential implications for clients makes him a valuable addition to our team.”

Whitaker joins DLA Piper from Buckley Sandler LLP. He received his J.D. from the University of Illinois School of Law and his B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University.

Whitaker is the latest addition to DLA Piper’s IPT practice, which in addition to Tank has recently added partners John Beahn in Washington, DC, and partners Michael Garfinkel and Miles Cooley in Los Angeles.

The business and entertainment law firm Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, announced the promotion of Dallas attorney Michelle Snedden to equity partner and Dallas attorney Stephen Shellenberger and Nashville attorney Lauren Kilgore to non-equity partners.

“This firm is built upon on a broad foundation, which is evident by the diverse practices of these three attorneys,” said founding partner John Shackelford. “Their contributions have been key to this firm’s continued success, and we are pleased to recognize their work through these promotions.”

Snedden represents real estate owners and affordable housing developers in transactional matters involving low-income housing tax credits, historic tax credits, HOME Funds, tax-exempt bonds, and private and governmental financing sources. With experience involving HUD programs, she regularly represents FHA-approved lenders.

Shellenberger’s practice is focused on business and commercial litigation, as well as family law, wills, trusts and probate matters, personal injury and consumer protection matters. He previously worked with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and assisted the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas with the successful prosecution of drug and money laundering organizations in North and East Texas.

Kilgore is a Nashville-based litigator and entertainment attorney who represents a broad and diverse clientele of individuals and companies in commercial litigation. She also represents musicians, record labels and songwriters in recording, producing, distribution, publishing and incorporation matters.

Foley & Lardner LLP announced that the following of counsel and senior counsel have been elected to the partnership, effective February 1, 2018.

• Brett Belden, Intellectual Property, Milwaukee
• Alexis Bortniker, Business Law, Boston
• Pamela Brown, Business Law, Orlando
• Krista Cabrera, Litigation, San Diego
• Steven Cade, Business Law, Chicago
• Jean-Paul Ciardullo, Intellectual Property, Los Angeles
• Brooke Clarkson, Litigation, Washington, D.C.
• Maureen Easton, Business Law, Madison
• Casey Fleming, Business Law, Milwaukee
• Jonathan Friedman, Litigation, New York
• Ramy Hanna, Intellectual Property, New York
• Kimberly Klinsport, Litigation, Los Angeles
• Nicholas Lagerwall, Intellectual Property, Madison
• Jocelyn Lavallo, Business Law, New York
• Matthew Lee, Litigation, Madison
• Kevin Malaney, Intellectual Property, Milwaukee
• Brittany Nelson, Litigation, Washington, D.C.
• Kevin Shuler, Business Law, Tampa
• Tony Tootell, Litigation, Los Angeles

Munck Wilson Mandala elected intellectual property associate Neil G. Ferrari as a new partner, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Ferrari is a member of MWM’s technology/intellectual property law group and has a broad range of legal experience in patent matters.

“Neil is one of the hardest working attorneys in our firm and I am pleased to see his commitment lead to this next phase of his legal career with us,” said William Munck, MWM’s managing partner. “He works on some of our most critical matters and brings fresh perspectives and innovation to client service.”

“We are fortunate to work with some of the most innovative clients in technology and Neil has been a big part of our responsive and expert client service,” said Austin managing partner Michael Rodriguez. “Neil’s partnership is well deserved.”

In a release, the firm said Ferrari represents clients in various intellectual property matters, including domestic and international patent preparation and prosecution, patent infringement and litigation matters, inter partes reviews, licensing, and financing/acquisitions. Ferrari’s technical experience includes electrical circuitry, semiconductor devices, telecommunication systems, software applications, computer architecture, lighting systems, control systems, aircraft components, monetary systems and medical devices.

Additionally, the firm said, Ferrari counsels companies on the identification, protection, development, and monetization of their intellectual property. Ferrari previously worked for an international law firm based in Munich, Germany, as well as a boutique intellectual property law firm in Dallas before joining MWM.

Ferrari is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Dallas Bar Association, and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. He received his J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and he has B.S. in electrical engineering from Louisiana State University.

Munck Wilson Mandala is a technology-focused law firm with offices in Dallas, Austin and Marshall, Texas, with an emphasis on patent, trade secret, trademark and other intellectual property disputes.

Jeff Gifford has been appointed to lead Dykema’s Corporate Finance Practice Group, a team involved in corporate finance matters. Gifford takes over for Will Liebmann, who was selected to serve on the firm’s Executive Board.

Based in the firm’s San Antonio office, Gifford, who also previously served as Co-Leader of both the firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions subgroup and the Family Business Transition Team, focuses his practice on counseling clients on mergers and acquisitions, public and private securities transactions, and domestic and international commercial transactions. He is experienced in the financial and healthcare industries, the firm said in a release.

“Exceptional client service has been, and will continue to be our first priority,” said Gifford. “I look forward to leading one of the firm’s premier practice groups and continuing the firm’s commitment in delivering outstanding results at every level.”

Gifford received a J.D. from University of Michigan’s School of Law and a B.A. in International Relations from Brigham Young University.

Heather Palmer has joined Sidley Austin LLP in its Houston office as a partner in its Environmental practice. She joins Sidley from Bracewell LLP.

In a release, the firm said Palmer advises clients in the energy, petrochemical, power and utility sectors. She handles a variety of regulatory counseling and enforcement matters, including onshore and offshore oil and gas regulation, solid and hazardous waste, oil and gas waste, wastewater and stormwater permitting, wetlands, water rights, Superfund litigation and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

She also advises clients on environmental issues relating to shale play development, hydraulic fracturing and the permitting, construction and operation of liquefied natural gas import and export facilities in the U.S. On the transactional side, Palmer has experience identifying and managing sources of environmental risks, the firm said. This includes coordinating due diligence and advising clients on energy-related deals, M&A transactions, public offerings, financings, real estate transactions, bankruptcy and other matters where environmental issues become an important component.

“In the current regulatory environment, we are seeing an uptick in the number of challenges presented to our clients in energy-related transactions, particularly disputes over areas such as hydraulic fracturing and offshore oil and gas drilling,” said David Buente, co-leader of Sidley’s Environmental practice. “Heather’s substantial knowledge of the energy regulatory landscape, in addition to her experience working with federal and state energy and environmental agencies, will be beneficial in addressing various environmental concerns that may arise from transactions in the energy space.”

Laurie J. Rust has joined Littler as a shareholder in the firm’s Denver office. Rust, a labor and employment litigator, joins from Gordon & Rees.

“Laurie is a seasoned attorney whose client-centered approach will be an excellent addition to the firm,” said Alan McLaughlin, Denver office managing shareholder. “Her deep experience complements Littler’s singular employment law focus and we are excited to have her as part of the team in Denver.”

In a release, the firm said Rust represents employers in state and federal courts in matters involving the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Family Medical Leave Act, among others. She routinely defends companies against employment-related charges and claims before administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Colorado Civil Rights Division, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, and the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.

The firm said Rust has achieved a number of significant victories on behalf of her clients including dismissal of whistleblower retaliation claims, securing summary judgment on Title VII, Equal Pay Act and ADEA claims, and negotiating a favorable resolution of a Department of Labor wage and hour audit. During her first week at Littler, Rust secured summary judgment on NDAA and breach of contract claims.

The release continues:

In addition, Rust counsels employers on a wide range of issues, such as hiring, employee discipline and termination, accommodating disabilities and leaves of absences, wage and hour compliance, restrictive covenants, immigration compliance, recreational and medical marijuana, social media and trade secrets. She works with companies to draft employment agreements, employee manuals, severance agreements, and other employment policies and procedures. Rust also provides training on harassment and all aspects of employment law.

“I was attracted to Littler because of its reputation for delivering the highest quality legal services combined with its deep commitment to providing clients with new and innovative approaches to the law,” Rust said. “Littler is unmatched in the labor and employment space and I am excited to be part of such a growing and evolving law firm.”

Rust has spoken and published on a wide range of labor and employment topics and has been recognized in the industry as a Rising Star by Law & Politics. She earned her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School and her B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Christopher K. Veatch has joined Perkins Coie’s White Collar & Investigations practice group as a partner in the Chicago office. Veatch joins the firm from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), where he was most recently Chief of the National Security & Cybercrimes Section at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.

As Section Chief, Veatch led complex investigations of cyber, national security, fraud and financial crimes

Veatch joins the firm shortly after Perkins Coie’s recent hiring of two others from government positions: Adam Schuman in New York (former Special Counsel for Public Integrity in the New York State Governor’s Office) and Kevin Feldis in Anchorage (former First Assistant United States Attorney in Alaska).

“Perkins Coie is an industry leader with a deep national bench of white collar attorneys who provide strategic counsel to our clients in highly consequential matters,” said Markus Funk, Chair of Perkins Coie’s White Collar & Investigations practice. “Chris’s distinguished career with the DOJ was notable for his exemplary track record in investigating and prosecuting national security and cybercrime enforcement matters. His confidence and superb attention to detail are an asset in advising clients on the complex, sensitive and challenging problems they face in these highly regulated sectors, and the respect he enjoys among his peers is exceptional.”

Before and during law school, Veatch spent five years as a police officer. He earned his law degree (magna cum laude and Order of the Coif) from the Indiana University Mauer School of Law and joined the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a Staff Attorney in the Enforcement Division, where he investigated violations of the federal securities laws, including insider trading, market manipulation and offering and financial fraud. In 2005, he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and within five years was promoted to be a Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section. Less than a year later, he was chosen to be the Deputy Chief of the newly-created National Security Section (as it was then known), and for the past five and a half years, Chris served as the Section’s Chief.

In a release, the firm said:

During his time as a federal prosecutor, Veatch took a series of cases to trial, and successfully argued his victories and other matters on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Among the complex and sensitive matters he has investigated and prosecuted are those involving cybercrime, securities, bank and accounting fraud, international bribery and money laundering schemes, copyright infringement, theft of trade secrets and economic espionage, and export control and U.S. sanctions programs, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, Arms Export Control Act, International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Export Administration Regulations, Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, Iranian Transactions Regulations, and other Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions programs, as well as other national security matters, including those involving international and domestic terrorism.

“Chris is a perfect fit for the Chicago Office. He is a proven first-chair trial lawyer in complex cases and is well-known and well-liked by many of our current partners already,” said Chris Wilson, Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Chicago office. “Chris adds even more depth to our national White Collar and Investigations practice, and he will be an important part of growing our Chicago office going forward. Most importantly, Chris provides a vital resource to our clients seeking guidance in the increasing regulatory environment surrounding cyber and securities enforcement. I’m delighted to welcome him to the firm.”

Houston-based  Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing has added six litigators to its trial, the firm announced.

The new hires include:

• Matt Caldwell, with experience advising clients on regulatory and compliance matters, especially involving tax and accounting questions
• Monica Cooper,  a trial lawyer with civil and criminal experience
• Shahmeer Halepota, a commercial litigator with mediation, international arbitration, and state and federal trial experience
• Kyle A. Poelker, who handles all types of complex commercial litigation in state and federal court
• Paul Turkevich, a commercial litigator who handles a variety of business disputes
• Patrick Yarborough, a commercial litigator with experience representing clients in all aspects of litigation, including mediation, arbitration and trial

Read details about the new hires.

Willkie has announced the following attorney promotions, effective January 1, 2018.

Partners
Daniel Backer – Real Estate – New York
Mark Fine – Corporate – London
Bradley Friedman – Corporate – New York
Matthew Haddad – Corporate – New York
Geri Anne McEvoy – Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits – New York
Robert Rizzo – Corporate – New York
Heather Schneider – Intellectual Property – New York
Maximilian Schwab – Corporate – Frankfurt
Spencer Simon – Intellectual Property – New York
Axel Wahl – Corporate – Frankfurt

National Partner
Jennifer Tait – Corporate – London

Counsel
Ryan Brizek – Asset Management – New York
Mia Hayes – Communications & Media – Washington
Daniel Mencaroni – Asset Management – New York

Special European Counsel
Igor Kukhta – Corporate – Paris
David Lambert – Corporate – Paris

Employment and labor law Littler has expanded into Italy with the addition of a six-lawyer team in Milan led by Italian principals Carlo Majer and Edgardo Ratti.

Inn a release, the firm said this move marks the fourth European country Littler has entered in just over two years following expansion into Germany, France and the United Kingdom and brings its global footprint to more than 75 offices in 17 countries.

“Our strategy of combining forces with the best labor and employment law practitioners in key international markets has proven to be successful and we are excited to add Italy to our global platform,” said Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, co-managing directors of Littler, in a joint statement. “In the last few years, we have established a presence in Europe’s three largest economies. Expanding into the fourth largest European economy by adding this talented team was a natural next step in deepening our services to the global employer community.”

Majer and Ratti each have nearly two decades of experience practicing labor and employment law in Italy and advising global and domestic companies. They join Littler Global with a team of four attorneys based in the Milan office.

“Littler provides an unparalleled platform to counsel Italian companies, as well as clients doing business in Italy, on all of their labor and employment needs,” said Majer and Ratti, in a joint statement. “Our deep experience in Italian labor and employment matters, coupled with Littler’s global reach, exceptional reputation for counseling multinational employers and technological capabilities, will provide significant value to our collective clients.”

Majer, who was previously a partner with the Italian labor and employment law boutique Lexellent, counsels clients on labor relations matters, corporate reorganizations and restructurings, and employment-related litigation. He is recognized as a leading labor and employment lawyer in Italy by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, and is a member of the International Bar Association’s Employment and Industrial Relations Law Committee and the Italian Association of Employment Lawyers.

Ratti joins after a 20 year successful career started at labor and employment law boutique LabLaw, where he was a partner together with Majer. With extensive experience in labor law, Ratti advises clients on labor relations matters, restructurings and litigation.

“Adding an office in Milan led by two well-known and respected attorneys in the Italian market will expand our capabilities in Europe and further solidify our reputation as an international labor and employment powerhouse,” said Stephan Swinkels, a Littler shareholder who helps lead the development and integration of the firm’s global practice. Peter Susser, Littler’s Global Practice Leader and chair of the firm’s International Employment Law practice, added that “bringing Carlo and Edgardo’s team into Littler’s global platform will provide clients with seasoned Italian labor and employment counsel and further our ability to offer a localized approach in the many jurisdictions in which they do business.”

Eric T. Fingerhut has been appointed as the Office Managing Member of Dykema’s Washington, D.C., office. He succeeds Paul Laurenza, who served in the role for eight years.

“Dykema has been an active legal, legislative and policy counsellor in Washington, D.C., for four decades, spanning seven presidential administrations,” said Fingerhut. “I’m proud of the mark we’ve made in the District, and excited for the opportunity to lead our top-notch team of professionals as we help clients navigate a regulatory and legislative landscape that is evolving and unfolding with unprecedented speed.”

In a release, the firm said Fingerhut, who is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group and Immediate Past Leader of the Trademark Practice, has more than 25 years of experience counselling clients on all aspects of global brand identity and reputation management. He advises many of the world’s best-known brand names in automotive, retail, food, hospitality and technology industries on trademark, copyright, right of publicity, advertising, marketing, domain name and new media legal issues. Additionally, Fingerhut litigates infringement, dilution, cybersquatting and unfair competition cases in U.S. district and appellate courts, as well as domain name arbitration proceedings and oppositions and cancellations before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

An active member of the Washington, D.C., legal, service and arts communities, Fingerhut is a Past Chair of the D.C. Bar Council on Sections; a Board Member of HumanitiesDC (formerly known as the Humanities Council of Washington, DC); and a former Director of the Washington Area Bicyclists Association.

Fingerhut earned a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and a B.S. from Boston University.

DLA Piper announced that Joel Athey has joined the firm’s litigation practice as a partner in Los Angeles.

Athey, who previously served as the managing partner of Holland & Knight LLP’s Los Angeles office, focuses his practice on white collar criminal defense, US Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement, private securities litigation, internal corporate investigations, banking and regulatory investigations and litigations, consumer protection matters and complex civil litigation.

“As we continue to strategically grow our Los Angeles offices, including our local Litigation team, Joel’s practice will strengthen our capabilities in the areas of white collar criminal defense, securities and financial services litigation, among others,” said Stuart Liner, co-managing partner of the firm’s Los Angeles offices. “DLA Piper’s national and global platform is an ideal home for his litigation practice, and we believe Joel’s strong reputation and network of relationships in the legal community will be highly beneficial to our clients.”

In a release, the firm says Athey represents individuals and corporations in criminal investigations and prosecutions in federal and state courts, and works with clients in criminal grand jury investigations, post-indictment prosecutions, at trial, and sentencing. He represents companies conducting internal investigations of alleged wrongdoing and advises companies on compliance matters. He also represents companies and individuals in SEC and FTC investigations and enforcement actions.

In addition, he represents clients in a wide range of civil litigation matters, including defending legal professionals against fraud-based allegations and venture capitalists accused of misleading investors. He works with companies and banks in defending securities litigations. Athey has also represented officers and directors of failed financial institutions in criminal and regulatory investigations, and in post-takeover FDIC proceedings.

“Joel is a highly skilled and well-regarded litigator whose depth of experience in areas important to our clients makes him a valuable addition to the firm,” said Loren Brown, co-chair of DLA Piper’s global and US Litigation practices. “Particularly in Los Angeles, the demand for lawyers with experience in SEC enforcement and private securities litigation has grown substantially, and we are pleased that our clients will have the opportunity to be represented by an attorney of his skill and reputation.”

Athey received his J.D. from the Columbia University School of Law and his B.S. from Rutgers University.

Since merging with Los Angeles-based Liner LLP in October, DLA Piper has continued to expand its presence in the region, beginning with the addition of leading entertainment and IP litigator Douglas Emhoff, a partner in the firm’s Media, Sport and Entertainment sector who joined from Venable, where he was the chief architect of its substantial West Coast expansion.

Three lawyers in the family law boutique Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP have earned board certification in family ;aw by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. They are Chris Oldner, Holly Rampy Baird and R. Porter Corrigan II.

“We could not be more proud of Chris, Holly and Porter for receiving this well-deserved recognition,” says firm partner Keith Nelson.

Thirteen of the firm’s 17 attorneys are now board certified in family law, a distinction earned by less than 1 percent of Texas attorneys. In addition, Oldner is the second firm attorney certified in two practice areas, with his other certification being in criminal law.

A former state district court judge, Oldner joined the firm in 2017 after serving three full terms in the 416th District Court in Collin County, where he presided over criminal and civil cases, including family law bench and jury trials. He earned his law degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law and is a graduate of Baylor University.

A recent honoree on D Magazine’s 2018 Best Lawyers Under 40, Baird handles divorce and complex property division, modification actions, enforcement actions and child custody litigation. She has also earned spots on the Texas Rising Stars list of the Top 100 Up-and-Coming lawyers and the Top 50 Up-and-Coming Women lawyers.

A six-time Texas Rising Stars honoree, Corrigan has extensive experience in family law issues, such as divorce and child custody cases. A native of San Antonio, he is a graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law and The University of Texas at Austin.

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Sherina Maye Edwards has joined the firm’s Chicago office as a partner in its Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Practice Group.

“The combination of Quarles & Brady’s national, full-service platform and flexible, collaborative approach to servicing its clients makes it a great platform from which to service the energy community’s legal needs,” said Edwards. “I am excited to take the next step in my career with such a phenomenal firm to develop a dynamic and robust energy regulatory practice.”

In a release, the firm said Edwards focuses her practice on electric reliability, water, natural gas and critical infrastructure issues. “An energy professional with solid regulatory experience including analyzing, formulating, and implementing public policy at the state level, she brings a wealth of knowledge on issues affecting the energy and public utility industry including grid modernization, natural gas infrastructure, cybersecurity, reliability and supplier and workforce diversity,” the firm said.

Prior to joining the firm, Edwards served a five-year term on the Illinois Commerce Commission, making her the youngest commissioner ever appointed in the state of Illinois. In 2016, Edwards was appointed by President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx as Co-Chair of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Voluntary Information-Sharing System Working Group, which was created in accordance with the Pipelines Hazardous and Materials Safety Administration guidelines, where she provided recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on information-sharing matters and best practices for the protection of proprietary and security-sensitive information.

“Sherina’s knowledge and experience in the energy industry is are second to none,” said national practice group chair Thomas McElligott. “We are extremely pleased to have her join the Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Practice Group.”

Edwards founded both the Women’s Energy Summit and the Women’s Energy Network of Chicago and is nationally recognized for being a champion for diversity and inclusion within the utility and energy space. In addition to serving on a number of civic boards, she was recently appointed to the board of directors for Intren LLC, a national construction company that primarily services the electric and gas industries. She received her law degree from Howard University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Spelman College.

Baker McKenzie has elected 20 new partners in North America. The firm also elected five attorneys to Counsel, as well as three individuals to Director of Economics.

“These individuals have made significant contributions to our firm, demonstrating a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses and industries,” said Colin Murray, Baker McKenzie’s Managing Partner in North America. “We are very proud of their accomplishments, and I congratulate each of them on achieving this significant career milestone. As the new year begins, I look forward to working with them to advise our clients as they pursue growth and navigate a complex marketplace.”

The firm’s newly promoted individuals include:

Partners:
Adam Beckerink is a Partner in the Tax Practice, based in Chicago. Adam advises multinational corporations and high net-worth individuals on a range of tax issues, tax controversies and litigation, including multistate and federal tax planning and the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions. He represents clients on state tax matters before administrative appeal boards, tax tribunals and courts in Illinois and other US states. He received his bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah University, his J.D. from the University of Maryland and his LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center.

Christina Bullock is a Partner in the Corporate & Securities Practice, based in Chicago. Christina advises multinational companies on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, pre- and post-transaction corporate reorganizations and general corporate and commercial law transactions. She represents clients in the logistics, packaging, chemicals and healthcare industries, among others. She received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and her J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law.

Christopher Burkett is a Partner in the Employment & Compensation Practice, based in Toronto. Chris’s broad advocacy and investigations practice focuses on employment, civil, compliance and criminal law matters. He also regularly advises private and public corporations on regulatory compliance matters, particularly in the areas of anti-corruption and international human rights. Chris was a Fox Scholar at Middle Temple, Inn of Court, and received his bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University, his LL.B. from the University of Windsor, and his LL.M. from the London School of Economics and Political Science under a Baker McKenzie Graduate Legal Studies Scholarship.

Kerry Contini is a Partner in the International Commercial Practice, based in Washington, DC. Kerry focuses her practice on export controls, trade sanctions and antiboycott laws. She advises US and foreign companies on trade compliance programs, risk assessments, licensing, review of proposed transactions and enforcement matters across a range of industries, including the pharmaceuticals, medical devices, oil and gas and nuclear sectors. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California at San Diego, her master’s degree from the George Washington University, and her J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.

Paul DePasquale is a Partner in the Tax Practice, based in New York. Paul advises high net worth individuals and families on a range of matters, including cross-border investments, real estate investments, income tax and transfer tax planning, trust and estate planning and business succession, among others. He also advises multinational corporations and investment funds on US inbound and outbound international tax issues, as well as financial institutions on FATCA, CRS, withholding taxes and information reporting. He received his bachelor’s degree from College of William and Mary and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.

Matt Dushek is a Partner in the Intellectual Property Practice, based in Washington, DC. Matt focuses his practice on all areas of patent law, including litigation, counseling, prosecution and post-grant proceedings. He litigates patent cases across the US and before the Patent Trial & Appeal Board, and as part of his patent prosecution practice, he obtains patent protection for leading global corporations from the US Patent and Trademark Office. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from the University of St. Thomas.

Juan Carlos Gonzalez Novo is a Partner in the Banking Finance & Major Projects Practice, based in Chicago. Juan’s practice focuses on banking and finance matters, including global custody, cross-border financing, trade financing, project finance and major projects, particularly those related to infrastructure development. Juan received his law degree from the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) and his LL.M. from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

José Hoyos-Robles is a Partner in the International Commercial Practice, based in Mexico City. José’s practice focuses on foreign trade and customs matters, including tariff classification of goods, rules of origin, customs valuation, free trade agreements, regulatory matters, consumer protection and export controls. He also advises on programs aimed at promoting imports and exports in Mexico, such as IMMEX and PROSEC, and on the implementation of trade compliance programs, licensing and certifications in different industries, including the electric, electronic, food, cosmetic, pharmaceuticals and medical devices sectors. He received his J.D. and master’s degree in Business Law from Universidad Panamericana.

Tatyana Johnson is a Partner in the Tax Practice, based in New York. Tatyana focuses her practice on US federal income taxation of corporations, with an emphasis on international tax planning. She advises clients on international mergers, acquisitions, post-acquisition and pre-disposition restructuring, spin-offs, supply chain restructuring, and other tax-related matters, including outbound and inbound tax planning, income tax treaties, efficient repatriation and intangible property migration. She received her B.S.B.A. in Finance from Washington University, her J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law and her LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center.

Ben Kelly is a Partner in the Intellectual Property Practice, based in Dallas. Ben’s practice focuses on patent litigation, trade secret enforcement and associated business torts, representing clients in US state and federal district courts, at the US International Trade Commission, and before the American Arbitration Association. He has managed the enforcement and protection of a range of technologies, particularly electrical, communications and networking systems. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

Victor Morales-Chavez is a Partner in the Tax Practice, based in Mexico City. Victor’s practice focuses on corporate taxes, non-resident taxation, international tax treaties and general tax planning. He advises multinational companies on projects related to mergers and acquisition, corporate restructuring and due diligence. He received his accounting degree from the Instituto Technologico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente A.C. and degrees in tax from Guadalajara Public Accountants College and Universidad Panamericana.

Steve Park is a Partner in the Corporate & Securities Practice, based in Houston. Steve represents public and private clients in a range of transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investments, international restructurings, spin-offs and general corporate and governance matters. He advises clients from a variety of industries, including oil and gas, life sciences, technology, auto, manufacturing, food and beverage, media and broadcasting and financial services. He received his bachelor’s degree from Seoul National University and his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.

Jennifer Seale is a Partner in the Litigation & Government Enforcement Practice, based in Washington, DC. Jennifer focuses her practice on cybersecurity issues, including crisis management, data breach response, internal investigations, regulatory compliance and complex litigation. She also advises clients on administrative, civil, and criminal litigation matters across several industries, including financial services, hospitality, manufacturing, telecommunications and energy. She received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Ahmed Shafey is a Partner in the Litigation & Government Enforcement Practice, based in Toronto. Ahmed is a commercial litigator who advises on contractual disputes, professional liability actions, class actions, shareholder disputes, product liability actions, government procurement litigation, international commercial arbitrations and bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings. He also advises on civil fraud and asset recovery matters, as well as business crime investigations. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and his J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Catherine Koh Stillman is a Partner in the Litigation & Government Enforcement Practice, based in New York. Catherine’s practice encompasses all antitrust matters, including private litigations, government investigations, merger review, and antitrust compliance. She counsels companies across a variety of industries on managing antitrust risk in their daily business activities, including competitor collaborations, tying, bundling, discount practices, vertical distribution issues, and non-compete agreements. She is also a general commercial litigator with experience representing companies in complex commercial litigations in federal court. She received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University and her J.D. from the University of Michigan.

Carlos Vela Treviño is a Partner in the Intellectual Property Practice, based in Mexico City. Carlos focuses his practice in technology, media, privacy and telecommunications law. He represents some of the most innovative IT and consumer internet industry players on matters related to telecom regulation/licensing, technology contracts and procurement, monetization of e-commerce portals, e-marketing, consumer protection and copyright within the digital space. In the privacy field, Carlos has implemented privacy management compliance programs for more than 100 companies. He received his LL.B. from Universidad Panamericana and his LL.M. in Information and Communication Technology Law from the University of Oslo.

Jonathan Welbel is a Partner in the Tax Practice, based in Chicago. Jonathan advises multinational corporations on transfer pricing and other international tax issues with a focus on US federal tax controversy. He helps clients navigate the audits, appeals and litigation process, and he has extensive experience working with tax court practice and procedure. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University and his LL.M. in Taxation from Northwestern University School of Law.

Ora Wexler is a Partner in the Corporate & Securities Practice, based in Toronto. Ora’s practice focuses on capital markets transactions and securities regulatory matters, including private placements, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, capital market regulatory compliance matters and other securities issues. She received her bachelor’s degree in economics from Brandeis University and her J.D. from Queen’s University.

Richard White is a Partner in the International Commercial Practice, based in Dallas. Richard counsels clients on corporate transactions with an emphasis on cross-border business transactions, commercial contracts, and structuring international and domestic franchise transactions, among other corporate matters. He represents many of the leading hotel, lodging and hospitality franchise companies and negotiates complex franchise transactions in the US and around the world. He received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in accounting and J.D. from the University of Tennessee.

Brian Zurawski is a Partner in the Banking Finance & Major Projects Practice, based in Chicago. Brian advises on real estate and finance matters. He advises landlords and tenants in the negotiation of lease agreements and lease agreement amendments, as well as purchasers and sellers on the sale of office spaces, hotels, data centers and other properties. He received his B.B.A. from Loyola University Chicago and his J.D. from Cornell Law School.

Counsel:
Jane Chen Klinger is Counsel in the Litigation & Government Enforcement Practice, based in Washington, DC. Jane advises clients on a range of international corporate compliance matters, and has led multijurisdictional internal investigations and guided companies under investigation by US enforcement authorities and multilateral institutions. She has also conducted risk assessments and developed third party diligence programs, compliance policies and procedures, and anti-corruption training programs for multinational companies. She received her bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and her J.D. from George Washington University.

Bianca Lansdown is Counsel in in the Employment & Compensation Practice, based in San Francisco. Bianca advises multinational companies in the design, implementation and ongoing compliance of global executive and employee incentive programs, handling matters related to securities law compliance, tax obligations, data privacy, exchange controls and labor law compliance. She also advises companies on US and international tax considerations and related recharge arrangements. She received her bachelor’s degree from New York University, her J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law and her LL.M. in Corporate & Commercial Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Brook Mestre is Counsel in the Corporate & Securities Practice, based in Dallas. Brook represents publicly traded and privately held businesses in a range of corporate transactions, including advising purchasers and sellers in cross-border mergers and acquisitions transactions from the inception of a deal through any post-acquisition restructuring and integration matters that may arise. He also counsels clients in capital market transactions, including public offerings and private placements of equity and debt, as well as on day-to-day governance and other corporate matters. He received his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School.

Allan Pasalagua-Ayala is Counsel in the Tax Practice, based in Mexico City. Allan advises clients on transfer pricing matters, with an emphasis on economic analysis, including planning, compliance, valuations, APAs and audits in Mexico. He counsels companies from different industrial sectors on local transfer pricing matters, but has also been involved in global and regional documentation projects. He also has experience advising on business and intangible assets valuations. He received his bachelor’s degree from Universidad Iberoamericana.

Stephanie Russ is Counsel in the International Commercial Practice, based in Dallas. Stephanie counsels franchisors on the structuring and operation of their domestic and international franchise programs. She assists start-up, mid-market and large, publicly-traded franchisors with their franchise registration and disclosure matters, as well as the management of their franchising programs and their ongoing day-to-day franchise relationship matters with franchisees, acting as an all-around business adviser. She received her B.B.A. in finance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and her J.D. from Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law).

Director of Economics:
Joshua Nixt is a Director of Economics in the Tax Practice, based in New York. Josh advises multinational companies across a variety of industries on transfer pricing and tax-related engagements, including planning of intercompany transactions, preparing US and foreign documentation, valuation and audit defense. His practice focuses on intellectual property and other intangibles, and he has managed several analyses related to licensing, IP migration, and cost sharing. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Andrew O’Brien-Penney is a Director of Economics in the Tax Practice, based in Chicago. Andrew provides clients with economic analyses and valuations to assist them in planning and supporting business reorganizations, new transfer pricing policies, transitioning to principal company structures and implementing cost sharing arrangements. He also advises on audit and dispute resolution situations, supply chain restructuring, planning, advance pricing agreements and intellectual property migration opportunities. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Ivan Tsios is a Director of Economics and Valuation Services in the Tax Practice, based in Chicago. Ivan provides comprehensive economic and valuation services related to transfer pricing issues and other tax matters. Ivan assists clients with planning intercompany pricing, US and foreign documentation, negotiating advanced pricing agreements, restructuring intercompany arrangements, intellectual property transfers, and dispute resolution. He also prepares valuations of businesses, intangible property and damages in mergers, acquisitions and other transactions, corporate tax planning, corporate reorganizations, antitrust and competition, and debt and equity valuation. He received his bachelor’s degree from Dominican University and his M.B.A. from DePaul University.

Daniel R. Bernard and Viktoriya Kruglyak have joined Farrell Fritz in its Uniondale, NY, office as associates.

Bernard, a Yaphank, NY resident, concentrates in estate planning and administration. Prior to joining Farrell Fritz, he was an associate at Twomey Latham in Riverhead, NY. Bernard earned his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University; his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law – Newark; and his BBA from Temple University. He is admitted to the New York, New Jersey and Florida Bars, as well as the United States Tax Court.

Kruglyak, a Brooklyn, NY resident, concentrates in commercial litigation. Prior to joining Farrell Fritz, she was an associate at a regional law firm headquartered in Uniondale. She earned her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and her B.A. from Baruch College, The City University of New York. She is admitted to the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.

Akerman LLP has added intellectual property partner Caroline Mankey and commercial litigation partner Kanika Corley in the firm’s Los Angeles office.

They join from Sedgwick LLP, where Mankey chaired the Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Group.

In a release, the firm said the lawyers join Akerman’s Los Angeles team at a time when it has more than doubled in size since 2015 to 32 lawyers. In recent months, the office relocated to the CalEdison DTLA to accommodate continuing growth.

“Caroline and Kanika are highly skilled lawyers who bring important depth to our intellectual property and commercial litigation team in Los Angeles and nationwide,” said Lawrence Rochefort, chair of the Litigation Practice Group. “We look forward to making even greater contributions to our clients through their comprehensive knowledge of the entertainment, arts, fashion, retail, sports and technology sectors.”

“Caroline and Kanika add great value to Akerman’s national IP and litigation platforms, as we expand our Los Angeles presence to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said Sue Zabloudil, Los Angeles office managing partner. “In Los Angeles and nationwide, we remain focused on making Akerman a place where clients benefit from a diversity of ideas and experiences essential to advance their goals as well as our culture of collaborative innovation.”

Caroline Mankey
Mankey is a trial lawyer representing clients in intellectual property matters in the entertainment, arts, fashion, retail and technology sectors. She focuses her practice on copyright, trademark, trade secret, design patent, licensing and other contract rights, and rights of publicity disputes. Her entertainment clients include motion picture studios and production companies, actors, comedians, television personalities, and artists.

Mankey is recognized among the National Law Journal’s 2017 list of Intellectual Property Trailblazers and among the Daily Journal’s 2017 Top Intellectual Property Lawyers in California. She serves as chair of the Women Who Lead Board for the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel and as a board member of Female Executives in Media and Entertainment.

Kanika Corley
Corley has a business and entertainment litigation practice. Her clients include multimedia companies, musicians and other creatives, professional athletes, fashion brands, wine manufacturers, and hotels. She focuses her practice on commercial disputes as well as soft intellectual property litigation and prosecution for clients in the media, entertainment and sports sectors.

Corley was named to the National Bar Association’s Top 40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates list. In addition to her practice, she serves as an adjunct professor for the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law.

Mankey and Corley are the latest lateral partners to join the Los Angeles team. Other recent additions include consumer financial partner Kathleen “Kitty” Ryan, a former Deputy Assistant Director for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Regulations, and real estate transactional associate Christopher Muno, who represents operators, developers and investors in connection with the formation and structuring of real estate joint ventures and other investment vehicles.

Shareholder Steven D. Di Saia has joined Buchalter as a member of the Litigation and Products Liability Practice Groups in the Los Angeles office. Di Saia focuses his practice on the defense of mass and catastrophic injury claims, mass and complex tort litigation, and products liability litigation.

“As we kick off the New Year, Buchalter’s growth will continue to be at the forefront of our initiatives in 2018. Steven adds a wealth of experience to our growing Litigation and Products Liability Practices. We are delighted to welcome him to the Firm,” said Adam J. Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter.

In a release, the firm said his experience includes advising clients on matters relating to complex tort litigation concerning environmental liability, toxic exposure, injury, fraud, and unfair business practices. Di Saia represents clients in industries including pharmaceutical, construction, environmental, food and beverage, healthcare, electrical and electronics.

Di Saia earned his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.

“I am very excited to be joining Buchalter’s robust Litigation and Products Liability Practices. Buchalter possesses a multitude of Practices and valuable resources that will allow me to best serve my clients,” said Di Saia.