Stradley Ronon announced today that patent attorney Paul K. Legaard, Ph.D., has joined the firm as a partner in its Malvern, Pennsylvania, office. He was most recently a partner at Pepper Hamilton.

In a release, the firm said Legaard, a registered patent attorney, handles all aspects of intellectual property with a focus on the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, biotechnology, chemical, biomedical device and scientific instrumentation industries. He has experience in patent procurement, prosecution, reissues, reexaminations and appeals before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He also works with clients on intellectual property due diligence matters such as inventorship and ownership analyses; portfolio analyses; and freedom-to-operate and validity searches, analyses and opinions for licensing and financing deals, the firm said.

The release continues:

“Paul’s deep patent experience, particularly in the pharmaceutical, biomedical and biotechnology industries, make him a terrific fit for our client base and our burgeoning IP group,” said Stradley Ronon Chairman William R. Sasso. “Given the critical importance to our clients of protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights, Paul’s in-depth knowledge of the patent process and the underlying sciences will allow us to strengthen and expand our scope of services.”

Legaard is Stradley Ronon’s third significant lateral hire in recent weeks. Prominent white-collar criminal defense and government investigations attorney Michael J. Engle joined the firm in December, followed earlier this month by leading financial services litigator Joe N. Nguyen.

“I was attracted to Stradley Ronon because of its entrepreneurial culture, impressive client base and strong reputation for providing pragmatic, value-driven service,” said Legaard. “The firm’s roster of talented attorneys across many practice groups and industries is a great complement to my practice and aligns well with my clients’ needs.”

Stradley Ronon’s intellectual property practice group has decades of experience protecting clients’ IP assets and handling the full scope of their IP matters, including all aspects of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets. The group’s attorneys regularly assist clients with drafting and prosecuting U.S. or international patent and trademark applications; filing copyright registration applications; conducting due diligence reviews and analyses; providing infringement and validity legal opinions; managing trade secret matters; IP trial level and appellate level litigation; IP alternative dispute resolution; portfolio strategy development and counseling; licensing; and protecting IP assets or avoiding the IP rights of others.

The Legal Intelligencer named the firm’s IP group a finalist in the publication’s first-ever “Best Law Firm Corporate Practices” awards, noting that the practice has “grown quickly and confidently.” Stradley Ronon’s IP client roster boasts a diverse range of successful companies, including Air Products, Martin Guitar, Pentech and Titan Spine.

“Paul is highly regarded within the IP bar for his experience with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and we are proud to welcome him to the firm,” said Stradley Ronon Intellectual Property Practice Group Chair Kevin R. Casey. “His addition furthers our strategic plan of growing our IP practice with high-quality lawyers who are dedicated to protecting and defending the IP rights of our clients.”

Legaard received his B.A. in biology and chemistry from Gustavus Adolphus College, his Ph.D. in molecular microbiology and immunology from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and his J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law.

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The Board of Directors of the Ethics Research Center (ERC), the research arm of ECI, announced the appointment of Larry D. Thompson as the Chairman of the ERC Board, effective immediately. Patricia Harned, Ethics & Compliance Initiative’s president and CEO, made the announcement.

“We are honored that Larry Thompson is going to be leading ERC,” Harned said. “His expertise in ethics and compliance will be an invaluable asset in leading the organization into the future.”

Thompson served as Deputy Attorney General from 2001-2003 in the George W. Bush Administration. During his tenure, President George W. Bush named him the leader of the government-wide Corporate Fraud Task Force. He was then appointed by U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft as the leader of the United States Justice Department’s National Security Coordination Council. Following a prestigious tenure in public service he joined PepsiCo as Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. From 2012-2014 he led the corporation’s worldwide legal department, global government affairs and public policy group and its global citizenship and sustainability team.

“I’m honored and pleased to participate in the leadership of this important organization. It will be exciting to work with the many top flight professionals and academics in the ethics and compliance field,” said Thompson.

Thompson has received numerous awards for his professional achievements, including the Edmund Jennings Randolph Award for outstanding contributions to the accomplishment of the Department of Justice’s mission and the Outstanding Litigator Award from the Federal Bar Association, among others.

Thompson is the John A. Sibley Chair of Corporate and Business Law at the University of Georgia School of Law. He received his BA degree from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO, a MA degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from the University of Michigan.

The U.S. law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP announced that Kenneth E. Yeadon has joined the firm as a partner in the Chicago office.

Previously an assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and a senior attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement, Yeadon will focus his practice on government investigations and securities litigation, internal investigations, compliance counseling, health care fraud, tax fraud and other complex business disputes., the firm said in a news release.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Ken to Hinshaw and our White Collar Defense and Internal Investigations team,” said Sergio Acosta, Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Government Practice Group. “He brings to the table a tremendous amount of experience in conducting high level investigations and prosecutions on behalf of government law enforcement and regulatory agencies.”

Yeadon has led investigations with the FBI, SEC, CFTC, IRS, FDA, and DOL, involving securities and commodities violations, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) health care fraud, tax fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, bribery, money laundering, and trade secret theft. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago, he served as a senior attorney in the Division of Enforcement for the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, where he conducted a series of high-profile investigations and enforcement actions involving investment advisers, broker dealers, officer and director liability, mutual funds, insider trading, and other complex financial fraud.

“I’m looking forward to entering private practice and helping corporate and individual clients navigate the intricacies of a SEC or a grand jury investigation,” said Yeadon. “Sophisticated business clients can benefit greatly from the advice of an investigator and litigator who understands and handles matters involving novel and complex issues. Building on my successful track record of leading complex government investigations and trials, I am looking forward to bringing my experience, knowledge, and common-sense approach to problem solving on behalf of Hinshaw’s clients.”

Yeadon is a graduate of DePaul University College of Law (J.D.) and Western Washington University (B.A.). He is admitted to practice in Illinois, the Illinois Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

A badly burned body found on the floor of a Chicago parking garage early Tuesday has been identified as Louis S. Cohen, of counsel with Foley & Lardner LLP, reports The Chicago Tribune.

Police were investigating the death of the 60-year-old real estate attorney, officials said.

Cohen joined Foley & Lardner in Chicago eight months ago, after working with DLA Piper for the previous 27 years, Foley says on its website.

Reporter Rosemary Regina Sobol writes that an autopsy Wednesday was pending and did not determine a cause and manner for Cohen’s death, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.

Read the Chicago Tribune article.

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George Karavetsos has joined DLA Piper in the firm’s litigation practice as a partner in the Miami office.

Karavetsos most recently served as the director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, where he helped develop FDA enforcement initiatives. He also oversaw more than 300 agents and administrative personnel in the investigation of criminal violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and related laws.

Prior to his role with the FDA, Karavetsos spent more than 12 years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Florida, rising to executive assistant US attorney, the third-highest position in the office. Karavetsos was responsible for prosecuting complex white collar and international narcotics and money laundering cases.

In a release, the firm said Karavetsos will focus on pharmaceutical, medical device, food, dietary supplement, tobacco and healthcare matters, advising the firm’s broad array of clients in these sectors.

The news release continues:

“George has a very unique combination of white collar and FDA regulatory experience,” said Loren Brown, co-chair of DLA Piper’s global and US Litigation practices. “We’re excited to add someone with George’s reputation and talents to our team, and he will immediately enhance our trial bench, white collar and investigations platform, and FDA regulatory practice.”

Earlier this month, Louis Ramos, formerly an assistant US attorney and assistant general counsel at Pfizer, joined DLA Piper’s Litigation practice in Washington, DC. Ramos, like Karavetsos, brings extensive expertise in the life sciences and healthcare areas.

“We look forward to involving George in several sectors that are important in this region and beyond,” said Joshua Kaye, DLA Piper’s managing partner of the Miami office. “His extensive experience trying healthcare fraud cases will prove invaluable to our clients and will help reinforce our Firm’s commitment to assisting clients in meeting their compliance goals through prevention, compliance and advocacy services.”

Karavetsos earned his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and his B.A. from the Virginia Military Institute.

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Lowenstein Sandler LLP announced that Jeffrey Cohen will join the firm as a partner in its bankruptcy practice, with a focus on troubled retailers and technology companies. Cohen joins Lowenstein from Cooley LLP, where he was a partner.

Cohen said, “I am excited to join Lowenstein Sandler’s team of incredibly talented bankruptcy and transactional lawyers. My new colleagues have made a name for themselves zealously representing creditors in distressed retail, including playing a key role in the Borders, Coldwater Creek, and Filene’s cases — and the firm’s technology and emerging company practices lead the pack in the New York market.”

In a news release, the firm said:

Cohen has extensive experience representing debtors and creditors’ committees in bankruptcy proceedings involving retailers such as Blockbuster Video, Golfsmith, Eastern Mountain Sports, Bob’s Stores, City Sports, Levitz Furniture, KB Toys, Filene’s Basement, Brookstone, and Pizzeria Uno, as well as individual creditors in complex Chapter 11 cases throughout the United States. Notably, in the tech sector, Jeff served as debtor’s counsel to Quirky and Wink and as creditors’ committee counsel in Atari, Beyond Oblivion, Fuhu and Hipcricket, in their Chapter 11 proceedings. Mr. Cohen is also a certified bankruptcy mediator and approved fee examiner by the U.S. Trustee for Region 3.

Kenneth A. Rosen, Chair of Lowenstein’s Bankruptcy, Financial Reorganization & Creditors’ Rights Department, said, “Jeff brings an enormous amount of talent in retail bankruptcies, both on the creditor and debtor sides. I have known him for years, and have long admired his legal work. His impressive handling of substantial cases will greatly add to our depth of experience in retail and tech matters.”

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Prominent Dallas lawyer Brian Loncar, known for his TV identity “The Strong Arm,” died last month due to an accidental cocaine overdose, officials said Thursday, according to a Dallas Morning News report.

Loncar’s cause of death was the “toxic effect of cocaine,” a spokeswoman for the Dallas County medical examiner. Hypertension and cardiovascular disease were also listed as secondary factors, she said.

“The personal injury lawyer, 56, was found dead in his new Rolls-Royce Wraith on Dec. 4, days after burying his youngest daughter, Grace Loncar, who had killed herself at age 16,” writes Dallas Morning News reporter Naomi Martin.

Read the Dallas News article.

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Veteran trial lawyer Jay Old has joined the commercial litigation firm Hicks Thomas LLP, where he will represent construction, insurance, petrochemical and healthcare companies, effective Jan. 1, the firm announced in a news release.

Old’s addition will also include the opening of offices in Austin and Beaumont, further extending the geographic reach of the Houston-based firm, now in its 20th year.

Five other lawyers from his firm will joined Hicks Thomas, including labor and employment attorney Jim Henges.

Old frequently speaks at continuing education programs for lawyers. He is also a former president of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel and chaired the Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

Read more about the new hire.

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National law firm Dykema has announced that its Executive Board elected six new members to the firm effective Jan. 1, 2017. Dykema’s new partners, and descriptions of their practices, are listed below.

Jennifer Boueri Chilson is a member of Dykema’s Business Litigation Practice Group and is based in the firm’s Detroit office. Her practice focuses on business, commercial, and contract litigation. Her primary emphasis is in the area of complex business and commercial disputes, privately-owned business disputes, shareholder disputes, business torts, recall and warranty cost-recovery matters, automotive supplier disputes, government investigations, construction lien disputes, financial services, commercial real estate, and lending litigation, in which she represents some of the nation’s largest financial institutions.

Chilson earned a J.D., cum laude, from the Wayne State University, and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

Robert Hugh Ellis is a member of Dykema’s Financial Services Litigation Practice Group and is based in the firm’s Detroit office. His practice focuses on business and commercial litigation in the areas of privately-held business disputes, insurance litigation, complex contract and management disputes, commercial real estate, business torts, trade secret claims, recall and warranty cost-recovery matters, automotive supplier disputes, as well as matters concerning bankruptcy litigation, insurance company insolvencies, and product liability defense.

Ellis earned a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and a B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Southern California.

Cale A. Johnson is a member of Dykema’s Business Litigation Practice Group and is based in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office. He focuses on all aspects of antitrust and competition law and has extensive experience representing corporations in government investigations, including civil merger defense and criminal investigations into allegations of price fixing, bid rigging, and market allocation. Johnson has also represented a number of U.S. and international Fortune 500 companies in high-profile civil litigation, including class action defense.

Johnson earned a J.D. and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

Rochelle E. Lento is a member of Dykema’s Real Estate Practice Group and is based in the firm’s Detroit office. Her practice focuses on affordable housing development, mixed-use and economic development representing nonprofit and for profit developers throughout the Midwest in complex transactions involving Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Federal and State Historic Tax Credits, federal HOME and other HUD Financing Tools, and New Market Tax Credits; and general real estate. Lento has also been active in the ABA Forum on Affordable Housing & Community Development Law.

Lento earned a J.D. from the University of Detroit, and a B.A., cum laude, from the State University of New York at Potsdam.

David A. Vanderhider is a member of Dykema’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group and is based in the firm’s San Antonio office. His practice focuses on business litigation and arbitrations related primarily to construction, real estate, products liability, energy, and other complex business disputes typically involving contracts and business management. In addition to representing manufacturers and distributors in products liability cases, Vanderhider also has extensive experience drafting and negotiating contracts, lien documents and lien releases for clients acting as an owner, general contractor, subcontractor, architect and engineer in both public and private construction projects.

Vanderhider earned a J.D., summa cum laude, from the St. Mary’s University School of Law, and a B.A. from Baylor University.

Harry W. Wolff III is a member of Dykema’s Taxation Practice Group and is based in the firm’s San Antonio office. He counsels clients on a full range of legal issues related to taxation, estate planning and probate law. Wolff has experience in the creation and implementation of sophisticated estate plans, the preparation and filing of transfer tax returns and filings and the formation, operation and governance of closely held businesses and nonprofit organizations. He also advises clients on general tax planning, reporting, and compliance matters.

Wolff earned an LL.M. from the Georgetown University Law Center, a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, and a B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Austin. He is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

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John C. Stellakis of Long Beach, NY will join Farrell Fritz in its Hauppauge office as a land use & municipal associate. He is experienced in commercial and residential real estate transactions and land use and zoning.

Prior to joining Farrell Fritz, Stellakis was an associate at Salamon, Gruber, Blaymore & Strenger, P.C. in Roslyn Heights. He handled litigation, real estate, corporate, and estate planning, probate & administration matters. Prior to that, he was an associate at Murphy, Bartol & O’Brien, LLP in Mineola.

He is certified on the New York State Part 36 list to serve as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), court evaluator and article 81 guardian.

He is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association. He is actively involved in the Volunteer Lawyers Project; Woodland Middle School Mentoring Program; and Villanova Law Alumni Association.

Stellakis earned his Juris Doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from Villanova University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

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Thiru Vignarajah will join DLA Piper as partner with the firm’s litigation practice in the Baltimore office. Vignarajah most recently served as deputy attorney general for the state of Maryland.

Vignarajah’s tenure as a prosecutor began in 2009 as assistant US attorney in the District of Maryland. Beginning in 2011, he served as division chief of the Major Investigations Unit of the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. In 2015, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh named Vignarajah deputy attorney general; in that office, he played a leading role in significant criminal, civil rights and juvenile justice matters.

“Given his high-profile litigation and trial experience, which includes appellate and US Supreme Court work, Thiru will be a strong addition to our firm, particularly with his knowledge of white-collar, privacy and environmental matters,” said James Brogan, co-chair of DLA Piper’s US Litigation group. “He has a strong work ethic and impressive legal credentials, which will make him an asset to our global client base.”

In his government service, Vignarajah served as first chair in a number of successful high-profile prosecutions. As deputy attorney general, Vignarajah also led or supervised counsel on several notable Supreme Court, federal and state matters, including Ross v. Blake and Exxon v. Maura Healey.

“Thiru is well-known and respected in the regional legal community and beyond, and his reputation will enhance the profile and capabilities of our Baltimore office,” said Brett Ingerman, DLA Piper’s office managing partner in Baltimore. “He’s a top-notch first-chair trial lawyer with a remarkable set of legal credentials.”

Vignarajah received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School, his M.A. in Medical Law and Ethics from King’s College London, and his B.A. from Yale University. He was president of the Harvard Law Review and served as law clerk to Judge Guido Calabresi and Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

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Former CBS Inc. vice president and general tax counsel Alvan L. Bobrow has joined Akerman LLP in the firm’s Tax Practice Group with. He joins Akerman’s New York office as a partner from Mayer Brown LLP, where he served as the leader of the national state and local tax group.

“Alvan’s experience with complex tax structures and strategies adds important depth to our transactional team,” said Peter Larsen, chair of Akerman’s Tax Practice Group. “His work across numerous jurisdictions will be valuable to our clients as they confront a multitude of corporate tax issues and deal-making decisions throughout the United States and internationally.”

“Akerman boasts one of the leading state and local tax practices in the country, known for structuring deals that are both creative and tax efficient,” said Bobrow. “I was drawn to Akerman for its track record and for its collaborative approach to meeting the needs of clients.”

In a news release, the firm said:

Bobrow provides counsel on state and local, federal and international taxation to clients in the financial services, real estate, manufacturing, e-commerce, entertainment and media sectors. He has extensive experience in New York State and New York City, multistate, civil and criminal tax matters. He assists international companies locating operations in the United States and advises international and U.S.-based businesses on treaty permanent establishment and constitutional nexus issues. His criminal defense practice focuses on the investigations of both individuals and businesses in matters relating to tax fraud, unreported income and tax shelter abuses.

Advising clients on business and legal issues in rapidly evolving sectors, Bobrow served as vice president and general tax counsel for CBS, where he is credited as the principal drafter behind the national multistate income apportionment rules for broadcasters. He has substantial experience working with senior government officials and legislative committees across the country to develop statutory provisions, regulations and administrative solutions to complex business challenges. Bobrow has served on the New York State and New York City Tax Commissioners’ Advisory Committees; the New York State Tax Department Financial Services Modernization Task Force; and the New York State Tax Department Telecommunications/E‐Commerce Advisory Panel.

Bobrow joins one of the premier tax teams in the United States, which earned distinction in 2016 as the “Tax Practice Group of the Year” by Law360. The Akerman team was recognized for achieving some of the greatest client successes in the industry and for creating a technology-driven innovation called the Akerman TaxAbility Matrix. The web-based product enables clients to quickly and cost-effectively understand vast and complex tax laws and regulations that impact their business.

Bobrow follows a wave of lateral partners joining Akerman’s New York office. Lateral Link revealed Akerman attracted the third most laterals in the market over the last year, expanding the New York team to more than 100 lawyers and business professionals. Recent additions include tax Partners Paul Collins from Schiff Hardin LLP, Sanford Davis from Withers Bergman LLP and Ira Stechel from Wormser, Kiely, Galef & Jacobs LLP; bankruptcy and reorganization Partner John Campo from Troutman Sanders LLP; real estate transactional Partner Thomas Diorio from Nixon Peabody LLP; and healthcare transactional Partners Martin Monaco and William Weiner from Duane Morris LLP, among others.

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Holland & Hart announced the addition of Kyle W. Parker and John C. Martin as partners, along with the opening of an office in Anchorage, Alaska. Three additional lawyers will join the firm, in addition to a policy expert.

In a news release, the 500-lawyer law firm said it has the largest environmental law practice in the country, as reported by Law360, and the addition of the Anchorage office will augment those strengths and create natural synergies with the firm’s offerings to clients in a myriad of industries.

“The practice alignment with Kyle and John and their team is very strong, as is the personal fit,” said Liz Sharrer, chair of Holland & Hart. “Kyle’s pioneering spirit as an Energy and Environment Trailblazer has been recognized by the National Law Journal. John was recently recognized by BTI Consulting as a Client Service All-Star. In addition, the team serves clients in burgeoning Alaska industries (and elsewhere) that align with our firm’s strengths. We have the utmost respect for the firm where Kyle and John and their team have previously served. Crowell & Moring is a world-class firm which has done an excellent job of combining service to the growing Alaska market with a Washington, D.C. connection.”

“John, Kyle, and the Anchorage team are highly regarded professionals in the environmental and energy fields,” said Angela B. Styles, chair of Crowell & Moring. “They remain friends of the firm, and we wish them the very best as they align their Alaska practice with the strengths of Holland & Hart.”

Joining the firm, effective January 17, are:

Kyle Parker (Anchorage, AK) has spent his entire legal career in Alaska counseling clients in the energy and natural resource industries with regard to securing approval for and the implementation of major resource development and energy projects at the state and federal level, from project permitting to negotiating complex agreements. Kyle also defends clients in environmental litigation, from response and cleanup actions, to civil and criminal enforcement actions.

John Martin (Washington, D.C.) is a Wyoming native who has practiced and worked in federal government agencies in Washington, D.C. John’s natural resources and environmental litigation practice focuses on complex, cutting edge Clean Water Act, wildlife, offshore oil and gas, and public lands issues on behalf of clients in extractive industries. John represents clients in administrative proceedings before the Interior Board of Land Appeals and the Environmental Protection Agency, and at all levels of court, including several U.S. Courts of Appeals.

Tali Birch Kindred (Anchorage, AK) focuses on environmental and natural resource permitting and litigation, natural resource project development, state and federal rulemakings, environmental compliance, and commercial litigation. Tali brings extensive industry and government experience having served as an Assistant District Attorney for the State of Alaska and in-house counsel at Shell Exploration & Production, Inc.

Jon Katchen (Anchorage, AK) focuses on natural resources project development, defense of governmental and citizen enforcement actions, financing associated with Alaska’s oil and gas production tax credits, and complex commercial litigation. Jon also counsels investors and resource development companies regarding economic development opportunities in Alaska.

Sarah Bordelon (Washington, D.C.) focuses on environmental permits for major resource and development projects. Sarah also litigates environmental and natural resource matters, participates in proposed state and federal rulemakings, advises clients on environmental compliance and enforcement matters, and conducts environmental due diligence on conventional and renewable energy projects.

Drue Pearce (Anchorage, AK and Washington, D.C.) joins the firm as a senior policy advisor. She provides strategic legislative and regulatory advice to a wide variety of natural resources, manufacturing, and energy clients as they navigate government relations, as well as legal and regulatory issues at the various state and federal agencies with jurisdiction over resource development projects. Drue brings a wealth of experience on energy, environment, economic security, and natural resources issues in North America, and specifically in Alaska and Canada.

“Holland & Hart is a natural resources powerhouse and has been doing business in Alaska for decades. We know their lawyers well and look forward to working with them. Alaska’s vast resources have never been more vital to the nation’s economic future, and the timing is perfect to join the country’s leading resources legal team at Holland & Hart,” said Kyle Parker.

The new Anchorage office will be located at 1029 W. Third Avenue, Suite 550, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.

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Former state District Judge Chris Oldner has joined the Dallas and Frisco, Texas offices of the family law boutique Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, as of counsel.

“Chris has a profound understanding of Family Law litigation that only comes from being on the bench for more than 16 years,” said firm Partner Keith Nelson. “Those insights will greatly enhance the work we are already doing on behalf of clients. We are excited to welcome him to the firm.”

Oldner was appointed in 2003 by then-Gov. Rick Perry to be the first judge of the newly created 416th District Court in Collin County, where he presided over both criminal and civil cases, including Family Law disputes. He served the 416th District for three full terms. He also served as the presiding judge of Collin County Court at Law 5 from 2000 to 2003.

“As I looked toward the next chapter of my career, I found I was drawn to Family Law, and specifically to this firm,” Oldner said. “I have always held a deep respect for the attorneys of Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson for their principled representation of their clients and their leadership among legal professionals.”

Oldner earned his law degree in 1993 from the Texas Tech University School of Law and is a 1989 graduate of Baylor University. He clerked for former state District Judge Alvin Khoury in Longview and worked as a prosecutor in the Smith County District Attorney’s Office before joining the Collin County District Attorney’s office as a chief felony prosecutor in 1995.

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Global strategic advisory and expert consulting firm Berkeley Research Group announced that Eric Miller has been appointed Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective Jan. 1, 2017.

“Eric is a valuable component of BRG’s leadership team,” said BRG Chairman and Principal Executive Officer David J. Teece. “His exceptional experience, insight and judgment are a great benefit to the firm as our business continues to grow rapidly throughout the world.”

Miller joined BRG in August 2015 as Senior Vice President–Strategic Initiatives and Risk Management. In that role, he supervised the legal and risk management aspects of international expansion activities, and coordinated BRG’s insurance programs and internal restructure, among other responsibilities. He has spent his entire career working at professional services firms, serving as FTI Consulting’s general counsel and chief risk officer from 2006 to 2015, at which time he returned briefly to DLA Piper (where he had spent his career until joining FTI) before joining BRG.

“A firm run by and for its professionals is an operating principle that resonates deeply with me,” said Miller. “My goal as BRG’s general counsel is to build on the solid foundation we have in place, address legal and risk management matters in a principled but pragmatic way and serve as a trusted advisor to our key stakeholders.”

Miller succeeds BRG’s founding general counsel, Marvin Tenenbaum, who is now Senior Vice President and Special Advisor to the Chairman.

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Stradley Ronon announced that high-profile financial services litigator Joe N. Nguyen has joined the firm as a partner in its Philadelphia office. Nguyen was most recently vice president and assistant general counsel at firm client Ocwen Financial Corporation, one of the country’s largest mortgage companies.

Nguyen has experience in consumer-related litigation matters and class-action defense, as well as extensive first-chair trial work. He managed the Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, office of Ocwen’s litigation group where he was lead in-house counsel for the company’s nationwide class action portfolio and was responsible for the day-to-day strategic management of significant borrower litigation, including class actions and high-exposure single borrower matters. He also advised executive leadership on legal issues and risk management, provided regulatory and compliance advice to internal business clients, and managed internal and government investigations.

In a news release, the firm said:

“Joe’s hiring enhances our financial services litigation practice group and helps to fulfill our strategic goal of adding accomplished lateral hires in the specific areas in which our clients seek counsel,” said Stradley Ronon Chairman William R. Sasso. “Stradley Ronon has long been known for its prowess in the financial services sector and Joe’s experience will help to bolster our strong reputation in this area.”

Prior to joining Ocwen, Nguyen was associate counsel at GMAC ResCap. He also worked at a large international law firm where his financial services litigation and trial practice included state and federal matters as well as arbitration proceedings before the American Arbitration Association and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Nguyen also spent time as a trial lawyer with the Office of the Philadelphia District Attorney.

“I have worked with several Stradley Ronon attorneys over the years and have always been impressed by the firm and its talented attorneys,” said Nguyen. “I am excited to join a group that is committed to providing clients with first-rate, practical legal counsel and delivering results that help their businesses.”

Nguyen is the second lateral hire for Stradley Ronon’s litigation department in the past month. Prominent white-collar defense and government investigations lawyer Michael J. Engle joined the firm in December.

“Joe’s significant financial services litigation experience is a terrific complement to our existing offerings in this area and we are confident our clients will benefit from his skillset,” said Stradley Ronon Litigation Department Chair Michael D. O’Mara.

Stradley Ronon’s litigation group, which was recently named by The Legal Intelligencer as the top litigation department for midsize firms, routinely handles high-risk, high-stakes litigation in a wide array of matters spanning state and federal courts, before governmental agencies, and in international and domestic arbitrations. The firm’s financial services litigation practice represents clients in matters involving nearly every type of consumer and commercial financial product, including litigation arising from the origination and servicing of residential mortgages.

Nguyen was named a 2016 Rising Star by HousingWire and has been recognized as a “Lawyer on the Fast Track” by The Legal Intelligencer and a Rising Star by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. He received his B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College and his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

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Hogan Lovells US LLP announced that Stacey Rosenberg will join the firm’s Finance practice as a partner in its Los Angeles office.

Rosenberg has spent the past 20 years working in Los Angeles, representing lenders, borrowers and equity sponsors in a wide variety of debt finance transactions. Her debt finance practice across industry sectors spans from senior secured credit facilities, first and second lien transactions, leveraged buy-outs and recapitalizations, secured bond transactions and workouts.

In a news release, the firm said:

In the media and entertainment industry, Rosenberg represents lenders and borrowers in connection with credit facilities, slate financings, film securitizations and joint ventures, including acting as counsel for a leading global co-producer and co-financier of major Hollywood films and films released in the Greater China market.

Rosenberg also counsels lenders in manufacturing, retail, health care services, technology and real estate on matters including senior secured facilities, second-lien revolving and term-loan facilities, acquisition financings, and DIP and exit financings.

“Stacey’s arrival brings additional opportunities to represent lenders and borrowers in major West Coast finance transactions,” said Richard Schaberg, head of the Hogan Lovells’ U.S. Financial Institutions practice. “Stacey is a well-known practitioner and has a strong reputation in Los Angeles, and she will be able to help the firm integrate its global finance offerings with the clients on the West Coast.”

“Stacey enhances our strong cross-border entertainment and our growing finance practices based in Southern California,” said Barry Dastin, Managing Partner of Hogan Lovells’ Los Angeles office. “She will augment our capabilities to provide strategic West Coast counsel to lenders, as well as borrowers, in key industry sectors and support the debt finance needs of our corporate and M&A practice group.”

Before joining Hogan Lovells, Rosenberg was a finance partner in the Los Angeles office of Latham & Watkins LLP which she joined from the finance group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. She earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and her B.S. in Business Administration (with emphasis in Finance) from the University of California, Berkley.

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Miller & Chevalier Chartered elected four new members on January 1. Lauren Briggerman and Andrew Herman practice in the areas of white collar defense and complex criminal and civil litigation; Nathan Lankford focuses on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and business and human rights matters; and Erin Sweeney concentrates on employee benefits and ERISA policy and litigation.

“We congratulate Lauren, Andrew, Nate, and Erin on joining the firm’s Membership,” said Anthony F. Shelley, Chair of Miller & Chevalier. “These exceptional lawyers have already made demonstrable impacts on the areas of law in which they practice. Each brings a strong track record of success representing clients in extremely sophisticated and high-impact matters, and we are confident they will continue to build on these achievements as new Members.”

The firm’s news release continues:

Lauren Briggerman focuses her practice on criminal and civil matters, including government and internal investigations, white collar criminal defense, global antitrust and competition, and complex commercial litigation. Briggerman maintains a unique expertise in global cartel investigations where she has successfully defended companies and executives in some of the most notable international investigations spanning the auto parts, air cargo, freight forwarding, and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, Briggerman has significant experience counselling clients through complex civil litigation. She served on the trial team defending two former executives of IndyMac Bank who were sued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for their alleged involvement in making negligent loans to homebuilders. Briggerman earned a B.A. from Northwestern University and a J.D., with honors, from The George Washington University Law School.

Andrew Herman advises clients in the areas of civil and criminal federal litigation with a focus on federal campaign and election laws, and congressional ethics and investigations. Herman has prevailed in the United States Supreme Court and represented clients before the United States Congress and Federal juries. He represents members of both the United States House of Representatives and Senate before their respective ethics committees, and advises campaign committees and politically active organizations on state and federal campaign finance laws, ethics rules, and disclosure issues. He has represented Fortune 500 corporations and national associations in complex federal regulatory and administrative matters before government agencies and in federal court. Herman earned a B.A., with high distinction, from the University of Michigan and a J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Nathan Lankford focuses his practice on matters involving the FCPA, business and human rights, and other areas of international corporate compliance. He has created tailored compliance programs for U.S. and international companies in several industries and advised companies on all areas of compliance program implementation. He has conducted internal investigations, compliance audits, third-party due diligence, and due diligence in the context of mergers and acquisitions. Lankford also served as the primary Associate on a monitorship team tasked by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with carrying out a three-year anti-corruption compliance review and assessment pursuant to FCPA settlement agreements. In these matters, he has worked on location in many of the world’s most challenging business environments – including countries in Central and East Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Americas – and has developed a solid understanding of risks faced by the oil and gas industry, health care industry, telecommunications industry, and the high tech sector. Lankford is also a founding member of Miller & Chevalier’s Business and Human Rights practice, and has advised clients on matters of trade policy and compliance with U.S. export controls. Lankford earned a B.A., cum laude, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center.

Erin Sweeney advises clients on all facets of healthcare reform, executive compensation and employee benefit plan administration, design, and qualification, including the application of Title I of ERISA to such plans. She counsels and represents parties in litigation regarding fiduciary obligations, including plan investments, fee disclosure, and prohibited transactions and exemptions. She also provides advice concerning health privacy (HIPAA), voluntary exit incentive programs, plan termination, downsizing, welfare and pension benefit claims, health insurance continuation (COBRA), withdrawal liability, post-retirement medical benefits, the employee benefits provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and employee benefits issues arising in corporate acquisition, financing, and restructuring transactions. In her prior role as Senior Benefit Law Specialist for the Office of Regulations and Interpretations at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Sweeney was a primary architect of the DOL’s default investment regulation proposal that impacts mutual funds, investment managers, employers, and plan trustees. Sweeney earned a B.A. and B.S., summa cum laude, from Ohio University; a J.D., cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law; and a M.A. in Law and International Affairs from American University’s School of International Service.

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Hogan Lovells has announced the promotion of 29 new partners globally, effective Jan. 1, 2017. They will join more than 800 partners in offices across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Each of Hogan Lovells’ five practice groups is represented in the 2017 promotion round:

• Eight in Corporate (including in Corporate, Real Estate, and Tax)
• Eight in Litigation & Arbitration (including in Investigations, White Collar and Fraud)
• Five in Government Regulatory (including in Competition, Privacy & Cybersecurity, Health and FDA/Medical Devices)
• Five in Finance (in Banking, International Debt Capital Markets and Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects)
• Three in Intellectual Property

The jurisdictional spread reflects the global nature of Hogan Lovells’ practice:

• 19 in the United States & Latin America: Denver, Mexico City, Miami, New York, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C.
• Nine in Europe: Dusseldorf, London, Munich, Paris
• One in Asia: Shanghai

In addition to the 29 new partners, 37 new appointments to the role of counsel have been made.

CEO Steve Immelt said:

“Supporting and growing our internal talent pipeline is a key priority for Hogan Lovells and integral to offering our clients the highest quality service. It gives me great pleasure to promote from within and recognise the hard work and dedication of these individuals, who represent the quality, breadth, and depth of Hogan Lovells around the world, which no other law firm can match. I congratulate all those who were promoted and wish them every success as they continue their career with us.”

New Partners:

• Justin Bernick – Government Regulatory (Antitrust, Competition and Economic Regulation), Washington, D.C.
• Adam Brown – Corporate (Transactional), Northern Virginia
• Roberta Chang – Corporate (Tax), Shanghai
• Bret Cohen – Government Regulatory (Privacy and Cybersecurity), Washington, D.C.
• David Crandall – Corporate (Transactional), Denver
• Tarek Eltumi* – Finance (Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects), London
• Richard Goss – Finance (Banking), London
• Lillian S. Hardy – Litigation and Arbitration (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Washington, D.C.
• Jennifer Agraz Henderson – Government Regulatory (FDA/Medical Devices), Washington, D.C.
• Theresa House – Litigation and Arbitration (Commercial Litigation), New York
• Peter Huber – Corporate (Transactional), Munich
• Thomas Kendra – Litigation and Arbitration (International Arbitration), Paris
• Alexander Klicznik – Intellectual Property, Media & Technology, Düsseldorf
• Wylie Levone – Finance (Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects), Washington, D.C.
• Frederick Liu – Litigation and Arbitration (Commercial Litigation), Washington, D.C.
• Miguel Ángel Mateo Simón – Finance (Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects), Mexico City
• Stacey McEvoy – Corporate (Transactional), Washington, D.C.
• Katia Merlini – Finance (International Debt Capital Markets), Paris
• Christopher Pickens – Litigation and Arbitration (Commercial Litigation), Northern Virginia
• Joseph Raffetto – Intellectual Property, Media & Technology,, Washington, D.C.
• Leslie Reese – Corporate (Transactional), Washington, D.C.
• Rafael Ribeiro – Litigation and Arbitration (Commercial Litigation), Miami
• Meghan Rissmiller – Government Regulatory (Antitrust, Competition and Economic Regulation), Washington, D.C.
• Christopher Schott – Government Regulatory (Health), Washington, D.C.
• Matthias Schweiger – Litigation and Arbitration (Commercial Litigation), Munich
• Jane Seager – Intellectual Property, Media & Technology,, Paris
• Nathan Searle – Litigation and Arbitration (International Arbitration), London
• Michael Szlamkowicz – Corporate (Transactional), New York
• William Yavinsky – Corporate (Transactional), Washington, D.C.

New Counsel:

• Jon Aurrecoechea – Litigation & Arbitration (Litigation), Madrid
• Meryl Bernstein – Intellectual Property, Media & Technology, Northern Virginia
• Darcy Bisset – Finance (Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects), Baltimore
• Briana Black – Litigation & Arbitration (Litigation), Washington, D.C.
• Craig Brook – Finance (Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects), Dubai
• Dorina Inès Bruns – Litigation & Arbitration (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Munich
• Fred Cristman – Finance (Banking), Washington, D.C.
• Riccardo Fruscalzo – Intellectual Property, Media & Technology, Milan
• Sylvie Gallage-Alwis – Litigation & Arbitration (Litigation), Paris
• Juan C Garcia – Litigation & Arbitration (International Arbitration), Miami
• Anthonia Ghalamkarizadeh – Intellectual Property, Media & Technology, Hamburg
• Paola La Gumina – Corporate (Commercial), Rome
• Victoria Hordern, Government Regulatory (Privacy and Cybersecurity), London
• Leonie Huisman, Corporate (Transactional), Amsterdam
• Elizabeth Jose – Litigation & Arbitration (Litigation), Washington, D.C.
• Louise Leung – Finance (Banking), Hong Kong
• Julia Marlow – Government Regulatory (ACER), London
• Susan R McAuliffe – Government Regulatory (Environmental), Washington, D.C.
• Ariane Mehrshahi – Finance (International Debt Capital Markets), Luxembourg
• Daniel Metroka – Litigation & Arbitration, (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Philadelphia
• Anna Mills – Litigation & Arbitration, (International Arbitration), London
• Leanne Moezi – Corporate (Transactional), London
• Patrice Navarro – Corporate (Commercial), Paris
• Nga Nguyen – Intellectual Property, Media & Technology, Hanoi
• Laura Oliver – Corporate (Real Estate), London
• Lindsey Owings – Finance (Banking), Denver
• Luis Ernesto Peon Barriga – Litigation & Arbitration, (International Arbitration), Mexico City
• Elzbieta Rablin-Schubert – Finance (Banking), Warsaw
• Alexander Stefan Rieger – Finance (Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects), Frankfurt
• Fabien Roy – Government Regulatory (FDA/Medical Devices), Brussels
• Matt Rozier – Intellectual Property, Media & Technology, Denver
• Abigail C. Smith – Corporate (Transactional), Washington, D.C.
• Thierry Somma – Corporate (Transactional), Luxembourg
• Jane Summerfield – Corporate (Commercial), London
• Jenna L. Watson – Corporate (Transactional), New York
• Mary Helen Wimberly – Litigation & Arbitration (Litigation), Washington, D.C.
• Kristin Zielinski Duggan – Government Regulatory (FDA/Medical Devices), Washington, D.C.

* Tarek’s appointment as a partner will take place at a later date following the satisfaction of certain regulatory conditions.

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National law firm Dykema announced the addition of Bryan J. Johnson to its Litigation Department as a member in the firm’s Chicago office. Prior to joining Dykema, Johnson practiced in the Chicago office of Cozen O’Connor (formerly Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson LLP).

The firm’s news release continues:

In his practice, Johnson helps businesses resolve disputes with a focus on complex commercial, professional liability, construction and employment litigation matters. In addition to his litigation work, Johnson also counsels corporate clients regarding a broad range of transactional matters, including business formation, contract negotiation, strategic organizational and operational considerations, and provides risk assessment and risk minimization advice.

“We are extremely happy to welcome Bryan to our Chicago office,” said Michael Borders, Vice Chairman of Dykema and Office Managing Member of the firm’s Chicago office. “His broad experience in litigation strengthens our deep bench in Chicago and across our platform.”

Bryan is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association, having previously served as Chair, Vice Chair, and Legislative Liaison to its Commercial Litigation Committee.

Johnson received his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law, and a B.S., cum laude, in Finance from Truman State University.

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