Hogan Lovells announced that Jason Hadges will join the firm’s Government Regulatory practice group as a partner in the Washington D.C. office, working in the firm’s Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Regulatory Practice.

“There are few attorneys with the substantial first-hand regulatory experience that Jason has gained throughout his career at DEA and FDA,” said Alice Valder Curran, Head of Hogan Lovells Government Regulatory Practice Group. “His deep knowledge and familiarity with the relevant laws, agency policies and precedents will offer our life sciences clients a particularly informed perspective on regulatory issues, especially with regard to enforcement actions.”

Hadges joins the firm after five years in the Office of Chief Counsel of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where he was a senior attorney in the Diversion and Regulatory Litigation Section. Before DEA, Hadges spent more than eight years at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as an Associate Chief Counsel in the Office of Chief Counsel, where he focused on criminal enforcement and counseling FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. During that period he also served as a Special Assistant US Attorney on a number of prosecutions. His legal career started as a criminal defense attorney in the US Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

“Jason’s experience, coupled with his keen analytical skills and practical, results-oriented approach, will be a significant addition to our enforcement and compliance capabilities, especially with regard to controlled substances, but also pharmaceutical products more broadly,” said Philip Katz, chair of the firm’s Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Practice. “DEA and FDA compliance is a large and growing part of our work, both anticipatorily and in response to agency inspections and enforcement actions. Jason joins and further bolsters the strong team we have in place, and allows us to do even more for our clients around the globe.”

“I am looking forward to joining and collaborating with the Hogan Lovells lawyers, who are well known for providing smart, creative, and practical advice to the complex legal issues faced by their pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients,” said Hadges. “Our shared goal is to continue expanding the firm’s ability to provide knowledgeable counsel and advocacy to help clients successfully operate businesses in highly regulated environments, and I’m excited to get started.”

Hadges earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from The American University, Washington College of Law and a B.A. from Duke University.

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Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, announced that Kalidou Gadio has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C., office as a partner and co-chair of its Africa and Middle East/North Africa (MENA) practice. Gadio joins from the African Development Bank, where he served as general counsel.

The African Development Bank is a multilateral development finance institution established to contribute to the economic development and social progress of African countries. One of only five such organizations in the world, the bank invests billions of dollars annually in the continent. As general counsel, Gadio advised the bank’s board of governors through two capital replenishment cycles, including the organization’s largest general capital increase of $100 billion. He joined the bank in 1989, serving in various leadership positions until being named chief legal officer in 2008.

At Manatt, Gadio will advise companies and entrepreneurs on entering and navigating emerging markets, identifying opportunities and mitigating risks. He will also counsel foreign governments and development institutions on initiatives such as legislative reforms, financial policies and institutional strengthening.

“Kalidou has a very unique background, combining practical project finance and corporate experience with a sophisticated understanding of international law,” said William T. Quicksilver, Manatt’s chief executive officer and managing partner. “Having worked with government leaders and executives in Africa and from around the globe, he is finely attuned to opportunities in cross-border finance and investment. His credentials will resonate with clients doing business internationally, especially in Africa and the Middle East, and he is a significant addition to the firm.”

Gadio’s practice will also focus on advising government and private-sector clients on international project finance and public-private partnerships, including joint ventures, project structures, legal due diligence, risk allocation, financing arrangements (bank and bond), and relevant security packages and considerations. Gadio will also advise private equity funds as they continue to invest in Africa. He will work closely with Africa and MENA practice co-chair Douglas Boggs.

“Technology and innovation are driving tremendous growth in Africa and the Middle East, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and energy,” said Boggs, who also serves as Manatt’s Washington, D.C., office administrative partner. “And private-sector investment is a critical partner in that growth. The opportunities for Western businesses and investors are significant, but require a thorough understanding of the political and financial realities on the ground, as well as developed relationships with players at the highest levels. Having worked with Kalidou for many years at the African Development Bank, I can confidently say he has both. We are thrilled to welcome Kalidou to Manatt.”

Gadio added, “Africa represents a new frontier for business and economic development. The continent is in the midst of an unprecedented transformation, with advances in the areas of policy, industry and infrastructure improving the quality of life for the people of Africa, which has been my life’s work. When I decided to return to private practice, it was important to me that it be at a nimble, forward-thinking firm that appreciated the big picture while executing the details flawlessly. In Manatt, I’ve found that, along with the entrepreneurial spirit and high-level experience in international project finance, technology and private equity that I was looking for. I’m energized by the possibilities and excited to begin working with clients.”

After earning undergraduate degrees from the University of Mohamed V and the Institut d’Etudes Judiciaires of Paris, France, Gadio received a post master degree from the Sorbonne, University of Paris II. He studied at the Paris Bar Training Center and earned his LL.M. from Harvard Law School.

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Valin L. Woodward has joined Langley & Banack, Inc. in its New Braunfels, Texas office. Woodward is a native of New Braunfels and an active member of the community.

The primary focus of Woodward’s practice is family law, including divorce, property divisions, child custody, child support, enforcement, modification, paternity, grandparent access, termination and adoptions, and pre- and post-marital agreements. She also assists clients with the preparation of wills, durable powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney and directives to physicians. Woodward has experience with the probate of wills and other heirship proceedings.

Woodward is a Fellow of the State Bar of Texas, and admitted to practice in United States District Court: Western, Southern, Eastern, and Northern Districts of Texas; U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit; and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Woodward holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin where she graduated cum laude, and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law, graduating with honors.

Langley & Banack, Inc. is one of San Antonio’s largest locally owned and operated law firms, the firm said in a news release. The New Braunfels office currently is led by Justin Morley.

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Timothy J. Muris has joined Sidley Austin LLP as senior counsel in the firm’s Antitrust/Competition practice.

Muris, a former chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has experience inantitrust enforcement as well as in key consumer protection issues, including advertising, consumer finance and privacy regulation, the firm said in a release.

The release continues:

During his lengthy tenure with the FTC, Muris held multiple high-level posts and was the only person ever to direct both of the FTC’s enforcement bureaus. It was under his leadership that the FTC established the National Do Not Call Registry and brought numerous high-profile cases against firms for misusing government practices to raise prices. He also led the agency’s efforts to bring lawsuits against physicians for price-fixing and in challenging fraudulent and deceptive advertising and health claims to protect consumers. In addition, Muris is responsible for spearheading the FTC’s efforts to implement increased antitrust scrutiny of intellectual property issues and hospital mergers.

Muris has also spent a significant amount of time in private practice representing clients before the FTC, the U.S. Department of Justice and the European Commission as well as other domestic and international agencies. He regularly advises clients on antitrust issues in high-stakes mergers and acquisitions, as well as on important consumer protection issues pertaining to advertising, consumer finance and privacy. He serves as a George Mason University foundation professor at the Antonin Scalia Law School, a post he’s held since 1988.

“Tim is recognized as being among the best antitrust lawyers in the U.S. and we are delighted he chose to join Sidley,” said Mark Hopson, managing partner of Sidley’s Washington, D.C. office. “He’s earned the respect of both the business and government communities for his vast knowledge of antitrust and consumer protection practices. Having Tim on our team puts us in an enviable position and adds to our already considerable capabilities in helping clients navigate these challenging issues.”

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Hogan Lovells has elected a new partner to its board with the appointment of Bruce Oakley as The Americas representative. Leopold von Gerlach has been re-elected as the representative for the Continental Europe region, and Ben Higson has been re-elected to the 45 and under seat. All begin or continue their roles with immediate effect.

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

Bruce Oakley is managing partner of the firm’s Houston office. He has more than 25 years’ experience as a trial lawyer in Houston.

The Board will now include:

Chair (and “At Large”): Nicholas Cheffings
CEO: Steve Immelt
AsiaPacific Middle East: Andrew McGinty
Continental Europe: Leopold von Gerlach
Washington, D.C. area: Cate Stetson
London: Ruth Grant
The Americas: Bruce Oakley
The Americas (except D.C.): Miguel Zaldivar
45 and under: Ben Higson
“At Large” representatives: Marie-Aimée de Dampierre, Craig Hoover, Phoebe Wilkinson

“I am honored to welcome Bruce Oakley to the Board and look forward to continuing to work with Leopold von Gerlach and Ben Higson,” said Hogan Lovells Chair Nicholas Cheffings. “The Board plays an important role in the governance of Hogan Lovells, in its relationship with our management team, and in listening to, and representing, the views of partners. The high level of participation in this election process is testament to that.”

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DLA Piper announced that healthcare and life sciences compliance lawyer John Rah has joined the firm’s Litigation practice as a partner in Washington, DC.

In a news release, the firm said Rah advises pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, healthcare providers and suppliers and managed healthcare organizations on corporate compliance program development and operations designed to mitigate the risk of fraud and abuse. He counsels clients on investigations and informal inquiries by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Rah’s work also includes conducting internal investigations for health care companies involving potential violations of relevant policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the anti-kickback, Food Drug and Cosmetics Act . He also has been involved in negotiating and implementing Corporate Integrity Agreements (CIAs), Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs), and state consent decrees, and regularly interacts with the OIG and other relevant agencies in connection with these integrity agreements, the firm said.

“John is one of the nation’s leading compliance lawyers,” said Loren Brown, co-chair of DLA Piper’s global and US Litigation practices. “In particular, John is in a league of his own when it comes to counseling major life sciences and healthcare companies through significant regulatory and enforcement challenges. We are confident that our clients will value his advice and counsel, and that he will enhance our global platform immediately.”

“As our healthcare provider clients look to navigate through the complexities of federal regulations, particularly given the evolving regulatory landscape, the insights John gained through his work with the OIG will be extremely valuable,” said Jeff Lehrer, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Washington, DC, office. “John’s skillset will also complement our growing white collar enforcement team in Washington and our growing Litigation practice.”

Rah, who previously was a partner at Morgan Lewis, is the latest addition to the firm’s Litigation practice in Washington, DC, which recently added Matthew Graves, Raphael Larson and Louis Ramos. Other additions to the practice elsewhere in the US include Eric Christofferson (Boston), George Karavetsos (Miami), David Sager (Short Hills, New Jersey), and Thiru Vignarajah (Baltimore).

Rah received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, and his B.A. from New York University.

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Legal Aid of Northwest Texas will present the 17th Annual Women’s Advocacy Awards on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at Arlington Hall at Lee Park, 3333 Turtle Creek Blvd. in Dallas.

The 6-9 p.m. event will include a cocktail reception, a raffle and a silent auction.

Honorees will include AT&T with the Business Leadership Award; Girls Embracing Mothers with the Nonprofit Leadership Award and Barry F. McNeil Louise Raggio Women’s Legal Advocate Award; and Jones Day with the Champion of Justice Award.

Tickets can be reserved on the LANWT’s website.

Winston & Strawn LLP has added three more partners to its litigation team in the firm’s recently opened Dallas office.

In a news release, the firm said Geoffrey Harper, Michael Bittner, and Chad Walker, who join the firm from Fish & Richardson, work in complex commercial, business, and intellectual property litigation matters.

“These lawyers are among the best at what they do and therefore a great fit,” said Tom Fitzgerald, chairman of Winston & Strawn. “We’re committed to building an office that is second to none in Dallas, and this is additional proof of that.”

“I know and have worked with these lawyers for years and their continued presence on our team is good for all of us and wonderful news for our clients,” said Tom Melsheimer, who, along with Bryan Goolsby, will serve as managing partner of Winston & Strawn’s Dallas office. “Litigation can be a battle and that means you want and need the best people around you. And these lawyers are the best.”

The firm’s release continues:

Mr. Harper is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who has first chaired more than 25 trials and arbitrations to verdict. Having litigated in 26 states and 4 countries, Mr. Harper is frequently sought by plaintiffs and defendants to handle litigation in state and federal courts around the globe. He has represented clients in multiple billion and trillion dollar class actions and has achieved numerous multi-million dollar verdicts for clients. Mr. Harper has been recognized on Texas Super Lawyers and Texas Rising Stars lists, and has had several of his verdicts cited as some of the top trial victories of the year. His practice emphasizes complex commercial litigation, including contractual disputes, class actions, securities litigation, intellectual property disputes, employment disputes, arbitrations, and general commercial litigation.

Mr. Bittner’s practice is focused primarily on intellectual property disputes with an emphasis on patent litigation. He is responsible for leading the largest joint defense group ever (over 400 defendants) in the Eastern District of Texas. Mr. Bittner was named a Texas Rising Star in Intellectual Property Litigation by Super Lawyers magazine in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Mr. Walker’s practice emphasizes patent litigation, qui tam/whistleblower litigation, business litigation, and complex litigation. He has participated in numerous trials, including six where he served as lead trial counsel. Mr. Walker also has technical experience as a co-op engineer in the Software Engineering Group for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, and a co-op engineer in the Systems Engineering Group. Mr. Walker was named a Texas Rising Star in Intellectual Property and Business Litigation for the years 2014-2016.

Winston & Strawn entered the Dallas market in February 2017 with an all-star team of 21 partners from eight different firms. Led by Managing Partners Bryan Goolsby and Tom Melsheimer, nearly 50 transactional lawyers and litigators now work in Winston & Strawn’s Dallas office.

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Barnes & Thornburg LLP has added Will Russ to its Dallas office as a partner in the Real Estate Department.

Russ advises investors, developers and operating companies with significant real estate assets. His practice focuses on M&A deals, secured financings, and projects across the energy value chain, including pipelines, gathering systems, refineries, traditional and renewable power plants. For his energy and infrastructure clients, Russ negotiates surface-use agreements, easements and rights-of-way, renewable power leases, and ground leases for commercial and industrial uses, the firm said in a release.

“Will has handled a variety of real estate transactions for leading energy companies in Texas and across the country,” said Mark Bayer, manager partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Dallas office. “He can lead complex projects from beginning to end, and he does so with the practical, business-oriented approach sought by our clients.”

Russ’ representation of traditional real estate clients includes acquisitions, dispositions and the formation of joint ventures and development programs in the industrial, multifamily, office, and retail sectors.

Russ joins from Vinson & Elkins and is reunited with former colleague Elizabeth Brandon. His arrival comes on the heels of another attorney with strong ties to the energy sector, Bill Jones, former general counsel to Texas Gov. Rick Perry. The Dallas office now has 14 attorneys since opening in 2015.

Russ earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his A.B. from Princeton University. He is admitted to practice in Texas.

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DLA Piper announced that Raphael Larson has joined the firm’s litigation practice group as a partner in Washington, DC.

Larson most recently served as associate director in the Division of Enforcement and Investigations with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), a not-for-profit corporation chartered by the US Congress as part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to oversee auditors of US public companies. While at the PCAOB, Larson led numerous enforcement investigations and litigations involving domestic and international accounting firms. He also regularly coordinated enforcement matters with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and other foreign and domestic regulatory bodies, the firm said in a release.

“Raphael will be a strong asset in Washington as we look to expand the firm’s growing accountant liability practice,” said Jeff Lehrer, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Washington, DC, office. “With his accounting knowledge and unparalleled experience over the past 12 years at the PCAOB, Raphael is well positioned to advise audit firms and auditors before regulatory bodies and in litigation matters.”

“Amid the shifting landscape in Washington, we believe the PCAOB is poised to remain active and likely will continue to pursue new matters aggressively,” said Jim Brogan, US co-chair of DLA Piper’s Litigation practice. “Raphael will be an important addition to our already talented team as we continue to provide important counsel to clients in the global accounting arena.”

Larson joins the firm’s litigation practice in Washington, DC, which recently added Matthew Graves, and Louis Ramos. The practice has also made a number of additions elsewhere in the country, including Eric Christofferson (Boston), George Karavetsos (Miami), David Sager (Short Hills, New Jersey), and Thiru Vignarajah (Baltimore).

Larson received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, and a B.S. with honors in accounting from Portland State University.

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Linda Hoseman has joined Chicago-based Neal Gerber Eisenberg as a partner in the firm’sEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice group.

Hoseman works with employee benefit matters, including designing and administering qualified retirement benefit plans and welfare benefit plans, the firm said in a release. She works with compliance issues and manages ERISA aspects and reviews of corporate, private equity, and other transactions.

“The addition of Linda to our practice group is great news for our firm and for our clients,” said Patricia S. Cain, chair of the firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation group. “I’m very confident that our clients will come to rely on Linda’s breadth of experience handling the complex employee benefit issues that arise in designing and administering retirement plans and health and welfare plans.”

“Linda is a wonderful addition and evidence of our commitment to adding depth with exceptional talent seeking an inclusive, collaborative and industrious culture,” Managing Partner Scott J. Fisher noted. “Her ability to design client-centered solutions while always keeping the client’s business imperatives foremost makes her a terrific asset.”

After graduating from Tulane University School of Law in 1989, Hoseman obtained an LLM in Taxation from NYU School of Law in 1994. She has also worked as an adjunct faculty instructor at John Marshall Law School. Most recently, she was a partner with Thompson Coburn LLP.

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Holland & Hart announces the expansion of its litigation and trial services with the addition of Philip Hymanson, who will be based in the firm’s Las Vegas office. Hymanson joins Holland & Hart’s Commercial Litigation team of more than 110 litigators and trial lawyers, the firm said in a release.

“Las Vegas and the Nevada market are key components of our strategic plan, and Phil’s addition is a terrific opportunity. We are known in Nevada and nationally for having excellent commercial litigators, and Phil enhances our capabilities and underscores that reputation,” said Liz Sharrer, Chair of Holland & Hart.

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Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm, announces the launch of Gardere Catalyst, a legal incubator initiative that provides early-stage, high-growth potential startups with strategic guidance and legal counsel.

The program includes participation from lawyers across multiple specialty areas, including intellectual property, labor and employment, tax and corporate, and provides startups access to seasoned legal counsel at a price that is scaled based on growth, the firm said in a news release.

The release continues:

“We believe that offering qualified emerging companies an opportunity to hire a premier, full-service law firm with experienced counsel is critical to help entrepreneurs attract the right investors, strategic partners and employees,” said Holland N. O’Neil, chair of the board of directors at Gardere. “We have purposefully tied our success to our clients’ success. We see ourselves as an extension of the client’s team, and we want everyone to be focused on the same goal. Having a program specifically built for emerging businesses was a strategic decision for the firm to grow trusted partnerships that drive innovation.”

Gardere Catalyst’s legal services include:
Formation of the company – serves as the foundation to raise capital, protect IP, build a staff and employ innovative long-term equity incentive programs
IP – filing trademarks/provisional patents and drafting licensing agreements, privacy policies and terms of use
Employment / Executive Compensation – such as offer letters, non-competition agreements and confidentiality protections, proprietary information and invention assignment agreement (PIIA) and equity plans
Tax – tax guidance
Financing – convertible notes, simple agreements for equity (SAFEs), and other seed-stage investments

The program was founded by the co-chairs of the venture capital (VC) and emerging business practice group, Adam Hull, Rick Jordan, Glenn Singleton, as well as Majorie Winters.

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After announcing the opening of a new office in February, Buchalter announces it has added four additional lawyers to its growing Sacramento office from LeClair Ryan. Robert McWhorter joins as a shareholder, Kevin Collins joins as of counsel, and Jacqueline Vu and Jarrett Osborne both join as associates. All join as members of the litigation practice group.

“Robert and his team are welcome additions to our new Sacramento office and I am confident they will make strong contributions to both the local office culture and the firm,” said Adam J. Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “As we continue to expand, I’m looking forward to further deepening our footprint in the Sacramento region and all of our office locations in the months to come.”

In a release, the firm said that McWhorter handles commercial, business and bankruptcy litigation matters on behalf of his financial institution clients, including those involving lender liability, insolvency, restructuring, receivership, and real estate. He has expertise handling Article 9 issues under the Uniform Commercial Code and Chapter 7, 9 and 11 bankruptcy proceedings, including California’s AB 506. His clients span a range of industries including real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and more. He earned his M.B.A. from the University of Michigan, his J.D. from Wayne State University School of Law, and his B.A. from the University of Chicago.

“The opportunity to join the newly established office of a firm like Buchalter is a unique opportunity that we could not pass up,” said McWhorter. “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to join during such an exciting time and bring along a great team as we continue to represent all types of clients – trustees, secured creditors, acquirers, and more – in their litigation matters.”

In his commercial litigation practice, Collins represents insurers, public agencies, financial companies, and automotive manufacturers in a variety of matters, including class actions, multi-district litigation, products liability cases and antitrust litigation. He formerly served as general counsel for one of the largest public entities in Sacramento County and has approximately 20 years of experience representing cities, counties, and special districts. He received his J.D., with high honors, from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Redlands.

Vu has a two-pronged practice. She represents banks in a variety of matters, including loan work-outs, debt restructurings, lender liability, and foreclosures of residential and commercial real estate, while simultaneously representing employers in all aspects of labor and employment law. This includes discrimination and harassment, whistleblowing, wage and hour, family and medical leave, disability accommodation matters, and more. She received her J.D. from the University of the Pacific and her B.A. from the University of California Santa Barbara.

Osborne focuses his practice on bankruptcy, construction, and labor and employment matters on behalf of public and private institutions. He received his J.D. from the Santa Clara University School of Law and his M.B.A. and B.A., magna cum laude, from Monmouth University.

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Hogan Lovells announced it will add high-profile M&A partners Richard Climan, Keith Flaum and Jane Ross, and IP and technology transactions partner John Brockland to its global corporate team. Climan and Flaum will join the global leadership teams within Hogan Lovells’ corporate practice.

Climan, Flaum, Ross and Brockland have worked together for nearly 20 years, the firm said in a news release. They have worked in the technology and life sciences sectors with companies such as Adobe, Ant Financial, Applied Materials, eBay, Facebook, Gilead Sciences, Intel, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Oracle, Qorvo and Synopsys.

The team advises major technology, life sciences and other companies on complex and significant transactions, including advising on multi-billion dollar acquisitions of publicly traded companies on a regular basis. While Climan, Flaum, and Ross lead the team’s M&A work, Brockland focuses on the development, transfer, and licensing of technology and intellectual property assets.

The release continues:

Recent work carried out by the team includes Facebook’s acquisition of WhatsApp for US$16bn; the successful defense of Illumina against Roche’s US$6.2bn hostile takeover attempt; more than 25 acquisitions for Adobe, eBay, Intel, Oracle, and Synopsys; and the US$2bn sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers to a buyout group led by Guggenheim Partners.

“We have a strategic focus on advising clients on transactions with a regulatory or industry specific component,” said Hogan Lovells CEO Steve Immelt. “We are excited to have this team of lawyers join us in Northern California, as they have represented market leading technology and life sciences companies on many of their most significant transactions. Their well-earned reputation, relationships, and market profile will expand our presence in one of the most active markets for corporate transactions and illustrates a focus on strengthening our M&A capabilities in key markets in the U.S. and globally.”

Climan, Flaum, Ross, and Brockland will join Hogan Lovells from Weil, Gotshal & Manges and will be based in the firm’s Menlo Park and San Francisco offices.

“This team’s reputation is world class, and with Hogan Lovells, they will join a strong global M&A team with a track record of success, as part of a sustained drive to enhance our corporate M&A capabilities in key markets throughout the world,” said David Gibbons, Global Head of the firm’s Corporate Practice Group. “As more and more companies across a wide range of market sectors put disruptive technology at the heart of their business strategy and operations, this group’s deep understanding of M&A and the technology and life sciences sectors will prove invaluable.”

In addition to the team’s client work, which ranks them among the premier M&A/Corporate practices in California, the group has a long history of involvement in the local legal community. Their M&A forums in Silicon Valley are well known, as are their presentations, lectures, and trainings at top law schools around the country.

About the lawyers:

Richard Climan: One of the most well-known M&A lawyers in the country, Climan has extensive experience advising on mergers, divestitures, leveraged buy-outs, and cross-border transactions, in addition to corporate governance and general corporate matters. He was listed as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America by The National Law Journal, was named one of the 10 most highly regarded Corporate Governance lawyers worldwide and one of the seven most highly regarded M&A lawyers in North America in 2016 by Who’s Who Legal, and is ranked in Band 1 for Northern California Corporate/M&A in Chambers USA. Climan earned his A.B. from Harvard College and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Keith Flaum: In addition to Flaum’s work representing public and private companies on wide range of transactional matters, including acquisitions of publicly traded companies and cross-border acquisition transactions and joint ventures, he also advises boards and special committees on fiduciary duties in the M&A context. In 2016, he was recognized as a “Trailblazer” in M&A by The National Law Journal and a “Life Science Star” by the LMG Life Sciences Guide. He is ranked Band 1 for Northern California Corporate/M&A in Chambers USA. Flaum earned his B.A. from UCLA and his J.D. from UC Davis School of Law.

Jane Ross: Ross represents buyers and sellers of public and private companies, particularly in the information technology and life sciences sectors. She has extensive experience handling cross-border transactions and complex cross-border joint ventures. In 2015, Ross was named “Best in M&A” by Euromoney’s Women in Business Law Awards. Ross is ranked Band 3 for California Corporate/M&A in Chambers USA. From McGill University, she earned her B. Com, an LL.B., and a B.C.L.

John Brockland: Brockland focuses on strategic and commercial transactions involving the development, transfer, and licensing of technology and intellectual property assets. He has represented companies in a variety of industries, such as software, semiconductor, internet, renewable energy, and healthcare. Brockland has been ranked as a leading lawyer for IT & Outsourcing by Chambers USA and Chambers Global. He is ranked Band 1 in California — IT & Outsourcing: Transactions. He earned his B.A. from Trinity University and his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.

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DLA Piper announced that Carey Gunn Venditti has joined the firm’s real estate practice as a partner in the Austin office.

Venditti advises investors, developers and owners of commercial, mixed-use, multifamily, office, retail, planned-community and condominium projects. She focuses her practice on the acquisition, disposition, financing and development of land and the purchase, sale, financing, leasing, operation and administration of income-producing properties, and has been involved in major projects representing both regional and national clients.

“Carey has an impressive real estate background and is well respected throughout the industry, particularly regarding mixed-use urban development and public-private partnerships,” said John Sullivan, chair of DLA Piper’s US Real Estate practice. “Texas continues to be an active market for our clients, and Carey will be a great addition to our Texas practice and our national and international real estate platform.”

“The Urban Land Institute recently named Austin as the top real estate market to watch, and Carey’s arrival reflects our commitment to this growing area and its diverse economy,” said John Gilluly, regional managing partner of DLA Piper’s Texas offices. “Adding a lawyer like Carey, who combines a strong drive and dedication with years of experience, will improve our ability to serve clients in Austin and throughout Texas.”

Venditti was recently selected to serve as the chair of the Austin District for the Urban Land Institute, an organization dedicated to providing leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.

Venditti is the latest addition to DLA Piper’s Austin office, following Caryn Smith, who joined the firm’s Tax practice earlier this month. Venditti joins the firm from Greenberg Traurig where she was a shareholder. She received her J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and her B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin.

 
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Dallas-based litigation boutique Bailey Brauer PLLC has been recognized by BTI Consulting Group as one of the law firms with the “best brand standing” in the country, based on a survey of corporate counsel and executives at the world’s largest organizations.

In a news release, the firm said Bailey Brauer is among the smallest and youngest firms to earn this prestigious recognition, which is an indicator of how likely it is a firm will be considered for new work. The three-lawyer firm has enjoyed noteworthy successes in complex commercial litigation and appellate matters since its opening in 2013.

Selection to the BTI Brand Elite 2017 list is based on in-depth interviews with more than 600 corporate counsel and executives at the world’s largest and most influential companies. Respondents are asked about the law firms they hire and why. Final selection is based on intangibles that differentiate the law firms.

Read the release.

Akerman LLP has added a team of real estate, land use and zoning partners headed by veteran lawyer John “Jack” George in the firm’s Chicago office, according to a release.

A former assistant attorney general and assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago, Jack George joins from Schuyler, Roche & Crisham P.C., where he served as president and a member of its board of directors. Akerman also added Kathleen “Kate” Duncan and Chris Leach from Schuyler and Meg George from Neal & Leroy LLC.

In the release, the firm said:

The distinguished team has handled some of the largest and most complex zoning projects in the Chicagoland area, including the redevelopment of the landmark Old Chicago Post Office and the premier Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, as well as the development of the $1 billion Wolf Point project along the Chicago River. Together, the four partners bolster Akerman’s core strength in the commercial real estate sector and they arrive at a time when the firm plans to more than double the size of its office in the region. Since its 2014 opening in Chicago, the office has grown nearly seven-times larger to more than 50 lawyers.

“Jack has been instrumental in shaping the Chicago skyline and he is one of the most highly respected land use and zoning lawyers in the market,” said Richard Bezold, chair of Akerman’s Real Estate Practice Group, which is ranked sixth by Law360 among the largest teams of real estate lawyers in the United States. “Jack, Kate, Chris and Meg are skilled at cutting through the regulatory thicket of land development and their ability to secure vital property deals for U.S. and multinational clients is unparalleled. They will be a tremendous resource for our clients in what continues to be a dynamic commercial real estate market.”

Jack George
Jack George brings more than 40 years of experience to his real estate, land use and zoning practice. He is a valued leader among his peers and clients because he develops relationships built on trust and a deep knowledge of real estate law. He has been instrumental in shaping the Chicago skyline, and has worked on notable development projects that have included complex elements such as zoning map amendments, planned development applications and condemnation matters. Jack George is a former assistant attorney general and assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago. He knows how to navigate clients through city and state laws, and has handled a broad range of litigation in state and federal courts, as well as proceedings before administrative tribunals and arbitrations.

Jack George has received high rankings by prominent legal guides for his unmatched knowledge of land use and zoning laws, and he is a leader across professional and community organizations, including his role as board member and general counsel of Little City Foundation; past president of the Celtic Lawyers Association; and advisory board member of Xavier University.

Meg George
Meg George has experience with real estate and municipal law matters including the acquisition, sale and development of real estate, land use and zoning, licensing, permitting, subdivision and other real estate matters. She has long represented the interest of numerous owners of shopping centers, convenience stores, hospitals, hotels, residential, commercial and mixed use buildings, office complexes, open space/conservation areas, schools, and libraries in the City of Chicago and suburban villages. Active in the community, George is a LEED accredited professional, whose dedication to building green communities led her to assist in drafting Chicago’s sustainability matrix for the city’s Sustainability Task Force.

Kate Duncan
For more than a decade, Kate Duncan has concentrated her practice in zoning, land use and real estate law on behalf of developers, institutions and homeowners. She brings to her clients the added benefit of close and trusted working relationships with city officials and staff, as well as an in-depth understanding of how the city interprets land use and zoning codes. Duncan has successfully represented clients obtaining planned developments, zoning amendments, special uses, variations, subdivisions, vacations, dedications and various municipal licenses.

In addition to private practice, Duncan is the former chair of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Council and serves as commissioner of the zoning board of Appeals for the Village of Barrington, Ill.

Chris Leach
Chris Leach has more than 20 years of experience representing property owners, developers, and business owners in zoning and land use matters, as well as real estate, liquor and business licensing. He has represented clients before municipal plan commissions, planning departments, zoning board of appeals, zoning committees, and community groups and organizations. He also has successfully represented clients in obtaining approvals of planned developments, zoning changes, special uses, variations, subdivisions, vacations and dedications.

Dallas-based litigation boutique Bailey Brauer PLLC has been recognized by BTI Consulting Group as one of the law firms with the “best brand standing” in the country, based on a survey of corporate counsel and executives at the world’s largest organizations.

Bailey Brauer is among the smallest and youngest firms to earn this prestigious recognition, which is an indicator of how likely it is a firm will be considered for new work, according to a news release from the firm. The three-lawyer firm has scored successes in complex commercial litigation and appellate matters since its opening in 2013.

“We started our careers at big firms. So when we launched Bailey Brauer, we maintained that same sophisticated, aggressive form of client representation you expect from a large firm. But as a small firm, we have the added benefit of being able to provide much more individualized service,” said firm co-founder Clayton Bailey.

Selection to the BTI Brand Elite 2017 list is based on in-depth interviews with more than 600 corporate counsel and executives at the world’s largest and most influential companies. Respondents are asked about the law firms they hire and why. Final selection is based on intangibles that differentiate the law firms.

“In the BTI interviews, the GCs are not asked directly about any firm and instead are encouraged to talk about who they turn to for legal help,” said co-founder Alex Brauer. “We built this firm on relationships, and this recognition demonstrates that we have the trust of our clients.”

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Julie Campanini has joined Magna Legal Services as a senior litigation consultant in its New York office.

The company provides a suite of in-house services in jury research, litigation graphics, language services, trial presentation and court reporting.

The company said Campanini more than 20 years of experience in a variety of complex matters in all areas of trial consulting and jury research. Her practice is focused on complex commercial litigation and includes intellectual property, antitrust, securities, fraud, contract, product liability, employment, and toxic tort.

She has been published on topics including the importance of witness preparation for depositions and trial; managing the media in high-profile and high-stakes litigation; and theme development in storytelling.

Prior to joining Magna, Campanini was the founder and principal of Trial Insights, LLC. Previously, she practiced with several other national firms, including Litigation Sciences, Inc. and FTI (Forensic Technologies).

“Julie’s tremendous expertise in jury consulting will greatly enhance our New York team’s capabilities,” said Dave Kurzman, Chief Operating Officer of Litigation Consulting. “We are proud to have her on board to continue to build on our award-winning staff.”

Campanini attended the University of Kansas for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, where she earned her M.A. in Litigation Sciences with an emphasis in Legal Communication.

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