Barnes & Thornburg LLP has added corporate and transactional attorney John Dickey to the Dallas office as a partner in the Corporate Department.

Dickey focuses his practice on representing domestic and international businesses in private equity, corporate finance and capital markets-related matters, including sophisticated mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, reorganizations, capital raises, reorganizations and joint ventures.

Dickey also handles complex regulatory and corporate governance issues for financial services industry clients, private equity funds, nonprofits, and family offices.

“John is a highly skilled corporate and transactional attorney who brings more than three decades of experience to the firm,” said Mark Bayer, managing partner of the firm’s Dallas office. “His work with domestic and international businesses paired with his deep corporate governance knowledge complements our expanding corporate practice and adds value for our clients.”
Dickey earned his J.D. from St. Mary’s University and received his M.P.A. from Texas Christian University, where he served as a University Fellow. He also received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University.

Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg, Dickey was a partner in the Corporate and Transactional Practice at Polsinelli LLP. Early in his legal career, Dickey was associate general counsel with General Dynamics, where he had extensive responsibility for the company’s international business matters.

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Amy Rudd has joined DLA Piper’s Litigation practice as partner in the Austin office, the firm announced.

Rudd represents clients in a range of industries, including pharmaceutical products, financial services, healthcare and insurance, among others, in complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation matters. She has also counseled clients before regulatory boards around the world, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the International Trade Commission.

“Amy is an impressive trial lawyer with a proven track record in high stakes cases,” said Loren Brown, co-chair of DLA Piper’s global and US Litigation practices. “She immediately enhances our platform both nationally and in Texas, and we’re confident that our clients will value her counsel.”

Inn a release, the firm said Rudd also maintains an extensive pro bono practice. Her work includes the successful representation of the Texas NAACP and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus in a bench trial and appellate briefing against Texas’ voter ID law in 2016.

“Amy is a highly-skilled and well-respected litigator who has tried significant cases throughout the US and abroad,” said John Guaragna, co-managing partner of DLA Piper’s Austin office. “Amy’s breadth of experience across industries and jurisdictions will help our clients evaluate and resolve disputes in ways that best serve their needs.”

Rudd is the most recent addition to DLA Piper’s US Litigation practice. Since January, the practice has welcomed partners Ilana Eisenstein (Philadelphia), Christopher Oprison (Miami), David Sager (New Jersey), John Rah (Washington, DC), Raphael Larson (Washington, DC), Thiru Vignarajah (Baltimore), and Louis Ramos (Washington, DC).

Rudd received her J.D., with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law, and her Bachelor of Journalism, with honors, from the University of Texas at Austin.

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Board certified commercial litigation attorney Bruce W. Bowman Jr. has been promoted to the position of Vice Chairman of the Dallas-based trial and appellate law firm, Godwin Bowman & Martinez PC.

In addition, Sidney H. Scheinberg, Shareholder and Chair of the firm’s Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights section, has been named to the Godwin Bowman & Martinez Executive Committee, where he will be closely involved in the firm’s decision-making process. Both changes are effective as of Oct. 1, 2017.

“These promotions further strengthen our Firm’s leadership,” says Godwin Bowman & Martinez Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Donald E. Godwin. “Bruce Bowman has been part of our leadership team for many years, and having him as Vice Chair helps ensure strong continuing direction for our firm. Sid Scheinberg is one of our finest attorneys, as well as one of our most creative, and productive, rainmakers. Having him as part of our Executive Committee works to enhance the production of every attorney at Godwin Bowman & Martinez.”

In a release, the firm said:

Mr. Godwin will continue as Chairman and CEO of the Firm, Jenny Martinez will remain in the role of Senior Vice President, while maintaining her duties as Treasurer, and Shawn M. McCaskill will remain as Senior Vice President and Secretary of the Firm. In addition to his responsibilities as Vice Chairman, Mr. Bowman will continue to serve as Managing Shareholder and General Counsel of Godwin Bowman & Martinez as well as maintaining his position as Co-Chair of the Firm’s Commercial Litigation Section.

Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Mr. Bowman is a highly respected litigator who has successfully handled litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants for many years, primarily in business disputes. His work has included the recovery of assets from trusts in prolonged trust and bankruptcy litigation and defending against trade secret allegations involving oil field technology in state and federal courts. He also has successfully defended directors, lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals in many areas of business. In addition to trying hundreds of cases to verdict, he has handled numerous arbitrations, mediations and appeals before the Texas Supreme Court, federal appeals courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Reflecting the excellence of his practice, Mr. Bowman has been named among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, is a 12-time recipient of Texas Super Lawyers honors from Thomson Reuters, and has been rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating for legal skills and ethics. He also has achieved a 10.0 rating from AVVO, the company’s highest attorney rating.

Sidney H. Scheinberg brings more than a quarter century of experience to businesses in the areas of bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. He is the Chair of the Godwin Bowman & Martinez Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights section, representing clients in complex and critical cases. The primary focus of his practice is on bankruptcy and business litigation matters, with an emphasis on the representation of secured creditors, such as automobile finance companies and national banking associations. His clients have included such luminaries as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota Financial Services, Nissan and GM Financial.

A former radio broadcaster, Mr. Scheinberg is a frequent speaker at National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees’ and National Creditors Bar Association meetings. Honored by peers and the public alike, he has been AV-rated “Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, the organization’s highest peer rating for legal skills and ethics, selected among the Best Lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine, as well as the Top Lawyers in Houston by Houstonia Magazine, and has achieved a 10.0 “Superb” rating from AVVO, the highest attorney rating.

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Scott Thomas has joined Winston & Strawn LLP as a partner in the Dallas office.

A trial lawyer with experience in commercial litigation, securities litigation, and shareholder disputes in federal and state courts in Texas, New York, and California, Thomas joins Winston after leaving Fish & Richardson earlier this year.

“Scott stands out from his peers based on his trial experience, case savvy, and judgment,” said Tom Melsheimer, who leads the firm’s Dallas office as managing partner with Bryan Goolsby, and who worked with Scott while at Fish & Richardson. “He has been a critical member of our team for more than a decade and is another reason why the Winston team here in Dallas is second to none.”

In a release, the firm said:

“When we opened the Dallas office eight months ago, we had a vision of the kind of top-quality people we wanted and needed to attract in order to make it work, and work well,” said Bryan Goolsby, Winston’s Dallas managing partner. “Scott fits perfectly with those plans and allows us to continue growing in a manner that’s best for our clients.”

Scott has represented public and closely held companies, as well as individuals, in areas such as securities, fiduciary duty, fraud, minority shareholder claims, trade secrets, insurance coverage, and breach of contract.

He has obtained favorable results for his clients in trial, including a verdict for one of three individual minority shareholders of over $178 million, which was recognized as one of the top verdicts in the country in 2009, according to the National Law Journal. He was also recognized for his work in a highly publicized insider trading trial, which led to his prior firm’s litigation group being recognized as one of the “best” by Texas Lawyer in 2014. Recently, he has obtained summary judgments in favor of his clients as plaintiffs in significant indemnification cases in New York and California, leading to settlements right before damages trials.

Prior to his legal career, Scott worked at the international accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. He holds a B.B.A. in accounting and finance from Texas Christian University, an M.A. in taxation from Baylor University, and a J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Trial lawyer Talmage Boston has joined the business and entertainment law firm Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, as a partner in the Dallas office.

Boston has trial and appellate experience in dispute resolution in commercial transactions, and is counsel of record in 27 published opinions. He also is a former Chair of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas and chair of the Business Litigation Section of the Dallas Bar Association.

“Talmage is a superb addition to our team, and our clients will greatly benefit,” said founding partner John Shackelford. “Talmage has successfully tried jury cases and argued appeals in numerous state and federal courts across Texas. He is a person of impeccable character whose superior knowledge will complement our team of distinguished business litigators.”

In a release, the firm said Boston, whose practice includes arbitration and mediation, has jury trial experience in consumer protection, real estate, energy, business fraud, banking, construction, intellectual property, condemnation and contractual cases. He joined Shackelford after 20 years as a member of Winstead PC’s business litigation team.

“I’m enthusiastic about joining Shackelford’s robust practice where the lawyers view themselves as counselors as much as attorneys,” said Mr. Boston. “That perfectly fits my perspective of helping clients take control of their legal issues and plan for success.”

Boston has been a speaker on a variety of litigation ethics topics at law seminars in Texas and across the country. He has been board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Trial Law since 1988 and in Civil Appellate Law since 1991, and has been selected to the Thomson Reuters’ Texas Super Lawyers list each year since 2003 and to the Best Lawyers in America list since 2013.

A prolific writer, he is the author of the books Cross-Examining History: A Lawyer Gets Answers From the Experts About Our Presidents (with a foreword by Ken Burns), Raising the Bar: The Crucial Role of the Lawyer in Society (foreword by Former U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh), 1939: Baseball’s Tipping Point (foreword by John Grisham) and Baseball and the Baby Boomer (foreword by Frank Deford). He has also written 75 op-ed pieces and book reviews for the Dallas Morning News and the Dallas Business Journal.

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Patrick J. Trostle has joined has Thompson & Knight LLP as a partner in its New York office in the Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice Group.

“With 25 years of experience, Patrick will add immediate depth to our nationally recognized Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice. He will spearhead our distressed investing practice in New York City,” said David M. Bennett, the Firm’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice Leader. “Patrick’s leadership skills and experience will complement our existing New York presence and position us to better service our clients. We simply are delighted to have him on our team.”

Trostle focuses his practice on complex restructuring and Chapter 11 reorganizations, including litigation related to troubled or insolvent businesses.

In a release, the firm said:

He has extensive experience in cross-border restructurings and in the evaluation and acquisition of distressed debt, assets, and businesses. He has represented a number of the world’s largest hedge funds in a variety of matters, including disputes involving mortgage-backed securities, derivatives, and other structured products. He has been involved in a number of landmark bankruptcy cases, including as appellate counsel in multiple cases before the United States Supreme Court. Notably, Mr. Trostle served as a team leader in the representation of the court-appointed examiner in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy case, and as co-debtor’s counsel in the General Motors Chapter 11 case regarding the sale of its assets to a newly formed entity sponsored by the United States Treasury.

Recognized for his legal work, Mr. Trostle has been selected for inclusion in New York Metro Super Lawyers® by Thomson Reuters (2010-2017) and The Legal 500 U.S. by Legalease (2013). Mr. Trostle is the Former Vice Chairman of the Business Bankruptcy Trust Indenture Subcommittee of the American Bar Association and a member of the Advisory Board of the Commercial Law Centre for Harris Manchester College – University of Oxford. He was recently appointed Chair of the Advisory Board for the Institute of Transnational Commercial Law at Queen Mary University of London. He often speaks on issues related to insolvency, restructuring, and bankruptcy.

Mr. Trostle has received several awards for his pro bono representation of a United States charity operating in Rwanda, a project that created the largest grid-connected solar field in east Africa. The National Law Journal recognized his efforts on its “Pro Bono Hot List.” His work was also honored by American Lawyer with its Global Legal Award for Citizenship and by the Financial Times in its North American Innovative Lawyers report as a “standout” – the publication’s highest rating.

Mr. Trostle received a J.D. from Vermont Law School in 1992 and a B.A., with highest honors, from Trinity College in 1989. He also attended the University of Oxford, and he served as a law clerk for the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York.

Prior to joining Thompson & Knight, he was a partner at an international law firm in New York and served as Chair of its New York Restructuring and Bankruptcy Practice. Mr. Trostle is admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut.

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Blank Rome LLP announced that Linda Kornfeld, David Thomas and Julia Holt have joined the firm’s Los Angeles office in the Insurance Recovery group.

Kornfeld joins as partner and vice chair of the group, Thomas joins as partner, and Holt joins as of counsel. The team comes to Blank Rome from Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, where Kornfeld was the Los Angeles office’s managing partner. The move to Blank Rome also reunites Kornfeld with Jim Murray, Chair of Blank Rome’s Insurance Recovery practice, and a number of her colleagues who joined Blank Rome from Dickstein Shapiro in February 2016.

A release from the firm continues:

“We are thrilled to welcome Linda, David, and Julia to Blank Rome,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Chairman and Managing Partner. “With more than 25 years of experience, Linda is one of the top insurance recovery litigators—both on the West Coast and nationally. She and her team are highly regarded and respected in the industry, and have achieved unmatched results on behalf of their corporate policyholder clients. Our Insurance Recovery group and our Los Angeles office have experienced impressive growth over the past several years, and we’re confident that Linda, David, and Julia will be excellent additions to the team.”

“I have known Linda for 15 years, and am so happy that she, David, and Julia – who is also a Dickstein Shapiro alum – are joining us at such an exciting time,” said Jim Murray, Chair of Blank Rome’s Insurance Recovery practice. “In less than two years at Blank Rome, our insurance recovery team has had the opportunity to solidify our position as one of the leading practices in big law in terms of size, experience, and capabilities. Having Linda back on the team, along with her top-notch colleagues, enhances our national practice in unparalleled ways.”

“Joining Blank Rome is such an incredible opportunity for me and my team,” said Ms. Kornfeld. “Personally, I could not pass up the chance to rejoin my former colleagues from Dickstein Shapiro, for whom I have so much respect. David, Julia, and I are impressed with what Blank Rome’s insurance recovery team has accomplished in a short period of time, making it the go-to practice that it is today. I am excited to lead the charge of building the practice on the West Coast, while providing our clients with the benefit of this expanded national bench of leading insurance recovery lawyers. Equally as important, I am looking forward to continuing my career-long focus on women’s leadership and advancement efforts with my new colleagues throughout Blank Rome, who have a shared passion for and commitment to these important issues.”

Linda D. Kornfeld, Partner and Vice Chair, Insurance Recovery Practice Group
Ms. Kornfeld has dedicated her trial and appellate practice to representing companies in high-stakes insurance coverage litigation for over 25 years. She has focused extensively on claims involving property and weather-related business interruption issues, data breach and privacy issues, and professional liability, asbestos, and environmental liabilities. Her clients include telecommunications companies, universities, real estate developers, manufacturers, and nonprofit organizations. She also provides strategic counseling to senior executives and in-house counsel on how to mitigate risk and maximize their insurance recoveries.

Ms. Kornfeld is considered one of the nation’s leading insurance recovery litigators by Chambers USA, which describes her as “valued by clients as a ‘very thorough and prepared lawyer’ with a deep level of insurance expertise across a broad range of coverage areas. She is praised for the quality and practical applications of her advice, as well as her oral advocacy, which one client describes as ‘professional, economical, very direct and matter-of-fact.’”

Ms. Kornfeld is named one of California’s “Top 100 Women Lawyers” by the Daily Journal, a “Litigation Star” and one of the “Top 250 Women in Litigation” by Benchmark Litigation, and a 2016 “Woman Worth Watching” by Diversity Journal, a recognition highlighting women based on their trailblazing strategies that make a difference in their workplace, the marketplace, and the world at large. Focused throughout her career on women’s leadership and advancement in the legal industry and other professions, she also serves as a West Coast leader of the Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Alliance and frequently speaks and writes on women’s issues.

Admitted to practice in California, Ms. Kornfeld received her J.D., with honors, from George Washington University Law School, and her B.A. from the University of California at Los Angeles.

David A. Thomas, Partner
Mr. Thomas has an insurance recovery, complex commercial litigation, and consumer litigation practice that includes contract disputes, unfair competition and trade practices claims, and insurance recovery litigation. He has particular experience representing and counseling policyholders in both litigation and non-litigation matters relating to a broad array of commercial insurance lines, including cybersecurity and privacy, commercial general liability, umbrella, D&O, bankers professional liability, employment practices liability, and first-party property and business interruption. Mr. Thomas’ practice extends to representing and counseling consumers and individual policyholders harmed by fraudulent and unfair practices in the sale of life and health insurance products and insurance-related transactions.

Mr. Thomas serves as a member of the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee.

Admitted to practice in California, Mr. Thomas received his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his A.B., with departmental honors and distinction, from Stanford University.

Julia K. Holt, Of Counsel
Ms. Holt focuses her practice on representing insureds in complex insurance coverage and other disputes. Her experience includes both first-party and third-party insurance disputes involving claims for copyright infringement, misappropriation of likeness/right of publicity, trade disparagement, class action securities fraud, Department of Justice and grand jury investigations, actuarial malpractice, class action predatory lending, class action right-of-way/trespass, class action property and environmental damage, class action toxic tort, personal injury/class action mass tort, insurance broker-agent liability, and reinsurance. She also has significant experience in patent infringement, unfair competition, and antitrust litigation. Ms. Holt’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, technology corporations, healthcare corporations, entertainment studios, film and television production companies, and individual talent in the entertainment and sports industries.

Ms. Holt is actively involved in pro bono work and has completed numerous adoptions for foster children in Los Angeles County. In addition, she has represented foster parents in administrative hearings to obtain the state benefits to which they are entitled.

Admitted to practice in California, Ms. Holt received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her B.A. from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Commercial litigation attorney Hunter Polvi has joined Dallas trial law firm Sayles Werbner. Polvi joins the firm from Waco, Texas, with five years of experience in the areas of personal injury, products liability, wrongful death and business disputes.

“Hunter has a focus and determination that we want on our side,” says the firm’s co-founder Richard A. “Dick” Sayles. “He has valuable experience in federal and state court, and we are glad he has joined our team.”

In a news release, the firm said Polvi has represented more than 100 clients affected by the deadly 2013 West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion.

The release continues:

As lead counsel, he has handled partnership disputes involving a Texas coffee company and a medical device sales company, as well as tort and insurance matters involving casualty storm damage, car accidents and property conversion. Mr. Polvi also represented clients in cases of Deceptive Trade Practices Act violations for fraud and breach of warranty.

“Sayles Werbner is a law firm with a successful trial track record,” says Mr. Polvi. “I’m excited to join this talented group of attorneys and look forward to protecting the rights of those who have been wronged by the negligent actions of others.”

Mr. Polvi is a member of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. In addition to his legal background, he is a licensed private pilot, an Ironman triathlete and a former volunteer firefighter.

He graduated from Baylor Law School as valedictorian of his class and has an undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

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Jackson Walker partner Kent Sullivan was named the state Commissioner of Insurance by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday. Sullivan will leave the firm to accept the position, where he will oversee the Texas Department of Insurance, which regulates the insurance industry and protects Texas consumers.

Sullivan joined Jackson Walker in 2015 and has since served as co-chair of the firm’s appellate practice group. Recently, he was also appointed co-chair of the government and internal investigations group. He has represented clients in complex civil litigation, government relations, and investigations.

“Kent brought a new dimension to Jackson Walker’s litigation and appellate groups,” said firmwide managing partner Wade Cooper. “We wish him all the best in his new position and know that his deep experience will bring him much continued success in this substantial role.”

In the past, Sullivan was the Texas First Assistant Attorney General, a justice on the Texas Court of Appeals, and a district judge. In addition, he has more than 25 years of private practice experience.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the years spent practicing at Jackson Walker,” said Commissioner Sullivan. “It’s been exciting to be a part of such a fast growing and well-respected firm. I look forward to beginning the next chapter and serving the people of Texas.”

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Sidley Austin LLP announces that Anthony Gardner, former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, will join Sidley as senior counsel. He will be a member of both its International Trade and Privacy and Cybersecurity practices, and split his time between the firm’s London and Brussels offices.

In a release, the firm said former Ambassador Gardner has devoted more than 27 years of his career to U.S.-European affairs as a government official and lawyer. During his diplomatic assignment, he played a pivotal role in some of the most challenging issues in the U.S.-EU relationship, including the negotiations to conclude a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement, the Privacy Shield Agreement facilitating the transatlantic transfer of personal data by companies based in Europe and the Umbrella Agreement facilitating the transatlantic transfer of data between law enforcement authorities. He was also instrumental in U.S.-EU coordination of sanctions against Russia following its annexation of Crimea and the facilitation of U.S. participation in EU-funded research programs.

The release continues:

“Thanks to his deep personal and professional roots in Europe, Ambassador Gardner displayed a rare understanding of European affairs and improved U.S.-EU commercial and political ties at a critical time in the relationship,” said Antonio Tajani, president of the European Parliament. “During his tenure he made relations with the European Parliament a priority on important issues relating to trade, data privacy and the digital economy.”

“I am eager to continue my involvement in U.S.-EU relations, particularly in trade, competition and regulatory issues, especially relating to the digital economy and data privacy,” said Mr. Gardner. “I was drawn to Sidley because many of its partners are deeply involved in these issues, and I have had long-standing relationships with several of them. The breadth of the firm’s global reach and extensive resources make it a natural fit.”

Prior to his role as U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Mr. Gardner served as managing director of a London-based private equity firm. He also served as Director for European Affairs on the U.S. National Security Council, where he was responsible for U.S. relations with the European Union.

“Tony’s deep knowledge of Europe and the EU institutions made him one of our most effective ambassadors and a key resource in trying to conclude TTIP,” said Michael Froman, former U.S. Trade Representative in the Obama administration. “His role in helping to promote U.S.-EU cooperation in many areas and to resolve difficult issues as they arose was also widely appreciated in the Obama administration.”

“Tony’s arrival, fresh from his Brussels post and with his singularly informed view of the trade and regulatory issues that exist between the U.S. and Europe, could not have come at a better time for Sidley and our clients,” said George Petrow, Sidley’s managing partner for the European region. “We and our clients are fortunate that he chose to join us.”

National law firm Dykema announced the addition of Cynde H. Munzer to its Corporate Finance practice group as a member in the firm’s Chicago office. Munzer joins Dykema after practicing at Aronberg Goldgehn. Prior to that, she had spent more than two decades with Arnstein & Lehr.

In a release, the firm said Munzer has a corporate transactional practice and regularly serves as an extension of the in-house legal team of publicly-held corporations. She has also served as outside general counsel to middle market, emerging and smaller companies that do not have their own in-house counsel. Munzer handles a broad range of sophisticated matters including asset and stock acquisitions and dispositions, mergers, joint development agreements, master services agreements, license agreements, teaming agreements, real estate leases, distributorship agreements, employment contracts and independent contractor agreements.

The release continues:

Munzer is very active in the Chicago business and philanthropic communities as a strong advocate for the advancement of women’s business opportunities. She served as an Illinois Delegate for Vision 2020, a national bi-partisan initiative focused on gender equality in business leadership; previously served as President of the Chicago Chapter of the American Technion Society; and is a former board member of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Munzer is also very active in the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and is a recipient of its prestigious Women of Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the legal and philanthropic communities. She will co-chair the 2018 ADL Women of Achievement Dinner.

“We consider ourselves very fortunate to add a talented attorney and leader in Chicago’s women’s business community to our Chicago office,” said Mike Borders, Vice Chairman of Dykema and Office Managing Member of the firm’s Chicago office.

Munzer earned a J.D., with high honors, from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and a B.S. from The University of Illinois.

Veteran trial lawyer David Elrod has joined the business and entertainment law firm Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, as a partner in the Dallas office, marking a significant expansion of the firm’s existing litigation practice, the firm announces.

Also joining Shackelford are partner Worthy Walker, of counsel Barbara Wohlrabe and associate Hayley Ellison. The attorneys all have substantial experience in complex commercial and energy disputes in Texas and around the country.

“It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to bring upper-tier litigators such as David and his team into your firm. Their addition strengthens our litigation and trial capabilities regionally and throughout the country, while also adding a robust energy litigation section.”

Read the firm’s announcement.

The Dallas-based trial and appellate law firm Bailey Brauer PLLC has again earned a spot among an elite group of firms that corporate lawyers most fear facing in court.

According to a release from the firm, Bailey Brauer, founded in 2913, is among the youngest and smallest firms included on BTI Litigation Outlook 2018’s Honor Roll of the nation’s Most Feared Law Firms. This is the second time the firm has been recognized for its complex commercial litigation, class action and other litigation work. Selection is based upon interviews with general counsel and in-house litigation leaders nationwide who were asked which lawyers they would least like to face in litigation.

The release continues:

“To earn a place on the BTI list is an honor because it’s based on corporate counsel feedback,” said firm co-founder attorney Alex Brauer. “And what it tells me is that the businesses we represent appreciate how we handle their most important cases, and that is being noticed by those across the table as well.”

BTI Consulting Group, based in Massachusetts, is a national business research company that conducts independent research on how Fortune 1000 companies buy, manage and evaluate their professional service providers. A full list of its 2018 honorees is available at https://www.bticonsulting.com/litigation-outlook-fearsome-foursome.

“What BTI focuses on is client service,” said co-founder Clayton Bailey. “And from day one, serving clients has been at the very heart of what we do. To have that dedication recognized by BTI twice in the four years since we opened is validation that we are on target with providing Big Law quality representation in a much more nimble, responsive way.”

This represents the second year in a row that BTI has recognized Bailey Brauer, adding to honors the firm has collected from Benchmark Litigation. Most recently, Mr. Brauer and Mr. Bailey were named individually to the 2017 Texas Super Lawyers listing. Mr. Brauer also was named among the Best Lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine. Mr. Bailey was named among The Best Lawyers in America, The National Law Journal’s Elite Boutique Trailblazers list and to The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 civil plaintiff lawyers in Texas.

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Kelly Chen, a partner in the litigation section of Munck Wilson Mandala, has been selected by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association to receive the 2017 Best Lawyers Under 40 Award (BU40 Award).

The BU40 Award recognizes talented individuals in the Asian Pacific American legal community who are under the age of 40 and have achieved prominence and distinction in their respective careers. Honorees include professionals in the practice of law, academia, business, civic and charitable affairs, the judiciary, or politics, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Asian Pacific civic or community affairs.

Chen represents clients in intellectual property and commercial litigation and she has an impressive list of legal and business organizations she is involved with as a leader or participant. She most recently served on the board of directors for the Dallas Asian-American Bar Association and she is a recent graduate of Leadership Dallas, Dallas Regional Chamber’s leadership development program. Chen also serves as co-chair of NAPABA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Programming Subcommittee co-chair for the Intellectual Property Committee.

Chen has studied in Shanghai, China, and she speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese. Prior to her legal career, Chen worked as a certified public accountant for Deloitte as well as an international waste management company overseas. She received her J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law and she graduated with majors in accounting and business (with honors) from the University of Texas at Austin.

Chen will be honored during the 2017 NAPABA Convention in Washington, DC, on Nov. 3, 2017. NAPABA is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. To learn more about NAPABA, visit www.napaba.org.

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DLA Piper has been recognized as a “powerhouse” law firm for class actions and complex commercial litigation by BTI Consulting Group in its recently published BTI Litigation Outlook 2018 report.

The firm was also named a “standout” in IP litigation, securities and finance litigation, complex employment litigation, everyday employment litigation, product liability litigation and everyday commercial litigation. DLA Piper was one of eight firms to be recognized as a “BTI Awesome Opponent,” a category that includes firms clients said they least hope to see on the other side of the table.

The annual report draws on more than 4,800 interviews with corporate counsel and other leading legal decision makers conducted over the past 18 years to recognize law firms that are leading the litigation market by providing clients with faster turnaround times and more innovative approaches. Special analysis for this year’s report was based on feedback received between February and July 2017.

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DLA Piper announced the addition of Ilana Eisenstein to the firm’s Litigation practice as a partner in Philadelphia.

Eisenstein joins DLA Piper after three years as Assistant to the Solicitor General in the US Department of Justice, where she briefed and argued extensively before the US Supreme Court. She also advised the Solicitor General regarding federal appellate litigation on civil, criminal and administrative law matters.

“Ilana’s experience before the Supreme Court and other outstanding efforts with the Solicitor General provides a tremendous addition to the firm’s strategic commitment to provide appellate capabilities to our clients at the highest level; and, her superb trial, case management and leadership experience adds a wonderful breadth to our complex litigation, white collar and investigations practices,” said James Brogan, co-chair of DLA Piper’s US Litigation group.

Before joining the Office of the Solicitor General, Eisenstein served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Delaware for eight years. While there, she was the lead attorney on more than 100 cases and tried 11 jury trials to verdict. She was involved in a wide array of cases, including a three-year pharmaceutical pricing investigation, securities and financial fraud investigations, and cases involving bank and tax fraud.

“We are excited to add this talented trial and appellate lawyer to our office, which celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year and continues to grow,” said Joseph Kernen, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Philadelphia office. “Ilana has roots in the Philadelphia area, as she grew up here and has developed a strong reputation working in and around the region.”

Earlier in her career, Eisenstein clerked for Judge Edward R. Becker of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She received her J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard University.

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Sidley Austin LLP announces that Wim Nauwelaerts has joined the firm as a partner in its Brussels office. He will be a member of Sidley’s global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice.

In a release, the firm says Nauwelaerts has almost 20 years of experience in privacy and data protection matters.

The release continues:

He advises companies on all aspects of EU and international data protection and privacy compliance, including preparation for the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), data transfer strategies, data security and breach requirements, and compliance training. He also assists clients with contract negotiations and represents them before supervisory authorities. While Mr. Nauwelaerts counsels clients in a variety of sectors, he has particular experience with life sciences, technology and new media clients.

“We have seen tremendous growth in our European data protection practice, which will continue as companies prepare for, and thereafter comply with, the GDPR,” said Alan Raul, founder and co-leader of Sidley’s global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice. “Adding Wim to our outstanding team of privacy practitioners in Europe, led by John Casanova and William Long, is a logical next step in ensuring we continue to provide clients with the highest level of service in developing and implementing privacy, data protection and cybersecurity programs around the world.”

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The combination between global law firm Hogan Lovells and Boston-based law firm Collora is now effective. The new Hogan Lovells office in downtown Boston comprises 28 lawyers and 16 business services staff.

“Our new team of lawyers in Boston is renowned for advising in complex litigation and investigations, particularly in the life sciences and financial services sectors,” said Hogan Lovells CEO Steve Immelt. “Their addition strategically bolsters our services to clients, many of whom are already part of Boston’s dynamic and growing market.”

“We are thrilled to be a part of Hogan Lovells’ global team and collaborate with lawyers in the firm’s other offices,” said Bill Lovett, the former managing partner of Collora, who is now the Office Managing Partner of the Hogan Lovells Boston office.

“Our capability to offer global services in a wider array of practices is already extending our relationships with existing clients and establishing new opportunities both in and outside of the Boston area.”

Michael Best announces the expansion of the firm’s Salt Lake City office with the addition of six attorneys from the law firm of Kruse Landa Maycock & Ricks, LLC (KLMR).

James Kruse, Kevin Timken, and Lyndon Ricks join as partners in the Corporate & Transactional Practice Group, alongside Betsy Voter who joins as senior counsel. Ellen Maycock and Jennifer Falk also join as partners in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, and will continue to practice family law as well.

“Our Utah team is thrilled to welcome this group of exceptional attorneys to Michael Best who will continue to strengthen our corporate and broker dealer practice,” said Richard Ensor, Managing Partner of the Salt Lake City & Midvale offices. “The quality of the KLMR attorneys is well known throughout the Salt Lake Valley and Utah as a whole. The addition of this group is a notable assertion that our firm is committed to providing superior and impactful client service across a range of industries in our marketplace. ”

Michael Best’s hiring of Kruse, Maycock and Ricks, who are name partners of their previous firm, KLMR, comes on the heels of recent lateral Craig Stoehr, who in March of 2017 joined the firm’s Corporate & Transactional Practice Group. Other recent practice group growth this year includes three litigation partners in Chicago.

A release from the firm continues:

Kruse has more than 40 years of experience with corporate, securities law, and broker-dealer regulation. He concentrates his practice on advising clients through new equity financings, corporate acquisitions and reorganizations, representation of broker-dealers and investment advisers, and defense against disciplinary matters and enforcement actions from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and various state regulatory agencies. Kruse received his J.D. from George Washington University, where he was a member of the George Washington Law Review’s Comment Staff.

For more than 30 years, Ricks has advised clients on general corporate and commercial transactions, securities matters, domestic and international acquisitions and divestitures. His practice covers a wide span of industries as well, including automotive, electrical products, foreign exchange trading, equipment manufacturing, investment banking, software development and sales, health care, and real estate, among many others. Ricks earned his J.D., cum laude, from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, where he also served as Editor of the BYU Journal of Legal Studies.

One of the four founding partners at KLMR, Maycock brings more than four decades of commercial litigation and family law experience to her practice. Most of her time is spent on the latter, where she focuses on the long-term needs of families in transition during matters of marital estate mediation, complex custody issues, and divorce proceedings. Maycock received her J.D. from the University of Utah’s College of Law. During her time there, she also served as editor-in-chief of the Utah Law Review.

Timken focuses his practice advising public and private companies on various securities matters, equity financings, commercial transactions, and regulatory compliance. In addition, he also has extensive experience managing broker-dealer compliance, particularly regarding resales of restricted securities, and regulatory enforcement defense with the SEC and CFTC. Timken received his J.D. from the University of Utah College of Law, where he was Managing Editor of the Utah Law Review.

Falk divides her practice between family law and litigation matters. As an advocate of her family law clients, she represents them through complex divorces, division of property, alimony and custody matters. She also advises clients in both government and private sectors on complex labor and employment matters. Falk received her J.D. from the University of Utah’s College of Law and her Master of Philosophy from the University of Oxford’s Linacre College.

Voter focuses her practice on financial regulatory compliance and corporate securities law. Her experience includes advising clients on issues related to broker-dealer and investment compliance, enforcement actions and examinations in front of the SEC and FINRA. She served as in-house counsel to a broker-dealer prior to joining KLMR, thereby giving her a unique perspective on the issues related to that heavy regulation industry and insight into how to effectively advise and assist her broker-dealer clients. Voter received her J.D. from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney Law School.

“The decades of experience and leadership that this group brings to our firm and the diverse industry-sector expertise they represent, speaks to our recruitment platform in Utah and the western region,” said David Krutz, Managing Partner of Michael Best. “Culturally, they are a great fit and will help continue our growth and superior client service in Salt Lake City.”

“Our team is excited about this opportunity with Michael Best,” said Jim Kruse, a founding member of KLMR. “The motivation for this move was to provide us the capabilities to expand our regional clients by leveraging the national exposure and reach of the firm to deepen our relationships. I am impressed with Michael Best and look forward to what the future holds.”

Michael Best announced the addition of James Fieweger to the firm’s Litigation Practice Group as a partner in Chicago. His addition follows partners Michael Graham, Peter Huh, and Mircea Tipescu, all of whom have joined the office in the past few months.

Fieweger has more than 25 years of experience and focuses on matters involving commercial litigation, professional and product liability, corporate internal investigations, commercial disputes involving claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and mass tort cases for Fortune 100 corporations. He has represented clients across several industries, including healthcare providers, retail banks, and manufacturers of medical and industrial products, and has defended more than 50 long-term care facilities against breach of contract claims.

Earlier in his career, Fieweger served for six years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, where he managed a broad scope of government and white collar investigations, including international drug trafficking, money laundering, RICO violations, insider trading, wire fraud, and cases involving the False Claims Act.

“James brings a great track record of government experience and corporate investigations work,” said John Scheller, Chair of Michael Best’s Litigation Practice Group. “With more than two decades in the private and public sectors, he will be an outstanding addition and will enhance our litigation and investigations counsel for clients.”
Most recently before joining Michael Best, Fieweger was a founding partner of law firm Falkenberg Fieweger & Ives, where he focused on representing clients in commercial litigation as well as state and federal investigations.

“We’re delighted that Jim has joined us alongside some other recent and notable hires we’ve made here in Chicago,” said Kerryann Haase Minton, Michael Best’s Chicago Office Managing Partner. “He is an accomplished and respected attorney in the litigation and investigations space and we’re confident he’ll be a great fit for our culture of providing exceptional legal counsel for our clients.”

“I’m excited to be a part of such a motivated and successful team here in Chicago,” Fieweger said. “The firm’s credentials speak for themselves and I’m thrilled to be a part of the team in Chicago and to work with the other litigation partners across the firm’s national platform.”

Fieweger received his J.D., cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. He received an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level peer review rating an attorney can obtain for both legal abilities and ethical standards.

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