Hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group announces the appointment of Laura Mutterperl as Executive Vice President and General Counsel.

Mutterperl, with nearly a decade of experience in driving hotel strategy from a business and legal standpoint, will play a key role in advancing the company’s growth, the company says in a news release.

The release continues:

Home to Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels brands, Dream Hotel Group encompasses three business lines: Proprietary Brands, Hotel Management and Dining & Nightlife.

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Laura Mutterperl to our team,” said Jay Stein, Chief Executive Officer, Dream Hotel Group. “With her extensive experience in hospitality and invaluable background in legal counsel, Laura is an ideal fit for the role of Executive Vice President and General Counsel as we continue to drive brand growth.”

Mutterperl joins Dream Hotel Group from Starwood Hotels and Resorts, where she was Vice President and Associate General Counsel. At Starwood, Mutterperl served as a point person across strategic planning and implementation in business operations and hotel development. She also has extensive experience as lead counsel across the restaurant, retail and spa businesses. Based primarily in North America, she also handled matters in Asia and the Middle East and worked for a stint in Starwood’s Asia Pacific headquarters. Mutterperl joined Starwood from Kirkland & Ellis, where she advised clients across private and public transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, financings, joint ventures, public offerings, corporate governance and other corporate matters.

“I am honored to join Dream Hotel Group as the company enters an exciting new phase of growth and development,” said Laura Mutterperl, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Dream Hotel Group. “I’m looking forward to being part of the Dream team as we continue to expand the group’s new and existing lifestyle brands and operations.”

Laura Mutterperl graduated from Harvard College with honors and earned her JD from Harvard Law School. She joins Dream Hotel Group’s executive office in New York.

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DLA Piper announced today that Ron Holland, Ellen Bronchetti and Pankit Doshi have joined the firm’s Employment practice as partners in the San Francisco office.

The firm’s news release continues:

Holland, Bronchetti and Doshi represent employers in state and federal wage and hour, trade secret misappropriation, whistleblower, wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, statutory leave, retaliation and breach of contract claims, including complex class actions and representative action litigation across the country. They counsel employers to prevent employee-related problems before they become lawsuits, including conducting manager and employee training, strengthening workplace policies and procedures, and advising on hiring and termination issues. They also bring significant experience in preparing executive employment agreements, restrictive covenants and compliance audits.

Holland, Bronchetti and Doshi represent all types of employers, from startups to multinational corporations, in the airline, automotive, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail, technology, telecommunications and transportation industries.

Holland and Bronchetti, nationally recognized labor lawyers, also advise companies on labor arbitrations, corporate campaigns, union negotiations, organizing campaigns and unfair labor practice proceedings.

Doshi also serves as President-Elect of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, which represents the interests of over 55,000 lawyers and over 75 national, state, and local bar associations across the country.

“Ron, Ellen and Pankit are among the top practitioners in their field and bring years of experience that will further strengthen our Labor and Employment practice and provide key insight to clients from around the world” said Sang Kim, Northern California regional managing partner and member of the firm’s Global Board. “Further, this group understands the nuances and complexities of California, which continues to be at the forefront of employment law issues, including wage and hour, misclassification, pay equity, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and harassment and discrimination matters.”

“Ron, Ellen and Pankit are a terrific team and we’re excited to add this talented group. Ron and Ellen are among the top traditional labor lawyers in the country and they add a significant depth to our nationwide labor practice,” said Michael Sheehan, DLA Piper’s global co-chair of Employment and chair of the US Employment practice. “Their collective leadership and skills advising clients in both traditional markets and the gig economy, paired with DLA Piper’s global platform, will provide a tremendous value for our clients.”

Holland, Bronchetti and Doshi join from Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton’s San Francisco office. Holland received his J.D. from Fordham University and his B.S. from Cornell University. Bronchetti received her J.D. from Northeastern University and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Boston College. Doshi received his J.D. from Loyola Law School and his B.A., magna cum laude, from California State University, Los Angeles.

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Farrell Fritz announces the promotions of Kathryn (Katy) Carney Cole, David (Dave) M. Curry, Kristina M. Wesch and Aaron E. Zerykier to partner, and Robert (Rob) M. Harper to counsel, effective January 1, 2017.

Katy Cole, a Garden City, NY resident, is a commercial litigation attorney, who handles all aspects of commercial litigation, but who also has a niche practice in eDiscovery. She earned her J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from St. John’s University School of Law and her B.A. degree from Colgate University.

Dave Curry, a Lindenhurst, NY resident, is a real estate attorney. He earned his J.D. degree from St. John’s University School of Law; his M.A. degree from Towson University and his B.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton.

Kristina Wesch, a Garden City, NY resident, is a transactional attorney, focusing on restructuring and corporate matters. She earned her J.D. degree from St. John’s University School of Law and her B.A. degree from CUNY Queens College.

Aaron Zerykier, a Cedarhurst, NY resident, is a commercial litigation attorney, concentrating in business divorce matters, construction litigation and Electronic discovery. He earned his J.D. degree from Fordham University School of Law and his B.A. from Yeshiva University.

Rob Harper, a Garden City, NY resident, is an estate litigation attorney. He earned his J.D. degree from Hofstra University School of Law and his B.S. from Boston College Carroll School of Management.

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Williams & Connolly LLP announces the election of four attorneys to its partnership, effective Jan. 1, 2017.

“We are proud to welcome four tremendously talented attorneys into our partnership,” said partner and Executive Committee Chairman Dane Butswinkas. “They embody the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence, hard work and to providing clients with the absolute highest level of representation.”
The four new partners include:

Amy Mason Saharia – Saharia focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and appellate litigation. She has tried cases in federal and state courts and in arbitration proceedings. Her clients include global financial institutions, law firms, accounting firms, and other corporate and individual clients. Recent civil matters have involved claims of breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, theft of trade secrets, and professional malpractice, as well as claims under the securities laws. She also has represented clients in governmental and congressional investigations.

Jessica Bodger Rydstrom – Rydstrom litigates complex civil cases, with an emphasis on commercial and patent litigation and professional liability defense. She has tried cases at both the federal and state level and across a variety of industries. She is also a member of the firm’s Hiring Committee and Women’s Initiative.

Thomas S. Fletcher – Fletcher’s practice focuses on patent litigation and licensing disputes, primarily in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields. He has represented clients in Hatch-Waxman trials, in appellate proceedings in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and in inter partes review proceedings before the PTO. He has also represented clients in proceedings under the BPCIA.

Allison Jones Rushing – Rushing has experience in complex civil and criminal litigation in federal and state courts at the trial and appellate levels. A significant portion of her practice focuses on appellate matters, constitutional issues, and regulatory challenges. She has argued before the federal courts of appeals and state appellate courts, as well as arguing significant motions before federal district courts. Rushing has briefed multiple cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and the federal courts of appeals in a wide variety of substantive areas. Legal 500 has praised her for her “excellent writing advocacy skills,” and Super Lawyers has recognized her as one of its “Rising Stars.”

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Bruce M. Engel has joined Freeborn & Peters LLP in Chicago as a partner in the Insurance and Reinsurance Practice Group.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bruce to Freeborn and to our growing team serving the insurance and reinsurance marketplace,” said Joe McCullough, a partner in and the leader of Freeborn’s Insurance and Reinsurance Practice Group. “Bruce is a great addition to our firm and brings deep experience working on a wide range of complex insurance and reinsurance issues.”

In a news release, the firm said:

Most recently a partner at Tressler LLP in Chicago, Engel represents insurers and reinsurers worldwide, focusing on insurance and reinsurance coverage analysis, litigation and arbitration. In the area of reinsurance, Mr. Engel represents parties in multimillion-dollar arbitrations that involve all forms of reinsurance claims and underwriting disputes such as misrepresentation, allocation, late notice, coverage for expenses and application of follow the fortunes. His insurance coverage experience includes serving as lead counsel for insurers on a national basis in cases involving insurance coverage for environmental, lead paint, products, asbestos, silica and pharmaceuticals, as well as professional liability matters.

Mr. Engel earned his law degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Commercial litigator John Paul Nefflen has joined the business and entertainment law firm Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, as a partner in the Nashville office.

“John will be a tremendous asset to our Nashville office and clients. He has significant experience in complex business matters as well as disputes involving entertainment contracts and intellectual property,” said firm managing partner John Shackelford.

In a news release, the firm said:

Mr. Nefflen represents a diverse client base in federal and state courts and in alternative dispute resolution. His practice focuses on complex business litigation work for clients involved in manufacturing, banking and financial services, health care, construction, accounting, real estate, government and utilities.

Mr. Nefflen also represents recording artists and management and entertainment industry executives in contract and intellectual property disputes.

A 1997 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, Mr. Nefflen joins the firm from Burr & Forman LLP. He earned his undergraduate degree from Belmont University in 1994. He is a former member of the Belmont University Alumni Association Board of Directors, and is currently a member of the Friends of the Arts at Belmont, supporting Belmont’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. Mr. Nefflen has served on the Board of Directors for Safe Haven Family Shelter for three years, and he will begin serving as the Board President in January 2017.

Martin (Marty) G. Bunin has joined Farrell Fritz as a partner in the firm’s bankruptcy & restructuring practice group. He is resident in the firm’s New York City office and also lives in the city.

His experience includes the representation of committees in Chapter 11 cases, with an emphasis on unsecured creditors’ committees in cases filed by hospitals and other healthcare businesses, resort hotels, manufacturers, service businesses and owners of real estate. Additionally, he is a mediator in bankruptcy and bankruptcy-related disputes in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.

Prior to joining Farrell Fritz, Bunin was a bankruptcy partner at Alston & Bird.

He is admitted to practice in New York. He is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the American Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association.

Bunin is listed in The Best Lawyers in America in the Bankruptcy & Creditor-Debtor Rights area.

He earned his J.D. degree from New York University School of Law and his B.A. degree from Wesleyan University.

From the legal debate over bathrooms, to the battle over renaming a Houston law school, to a billion-dollar-plus jury award, Texas was home to some of the nation’s most intriguing legal news of 2016.

The staff of Androvett Legal Media & Marketing compiled a list of the year’s top Texas legal stories.

Those stories included the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in West Texas in February, the election defeat of Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, the on-again-off-again charges against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the fight for accreditation for the UNT Dallas College of Law, the Baylor sexual assault scandal, and more.

Read about the top 10 stories.

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For the fifth consecutive year, Texas Lawyer has named Androvett Legal Media and Marketing the best public relations firm for the legal community in 2016.

The company has offices in Dallas and Houston.

On its website, the company says it works  exclusively with law firms and the media.

“We help law firms better market their services through public relations and advertising while supporting their attorneys and clients in their interactions with the media. We also assist reporters and editors by providing important background information and arranging timely interviews with legal experts on a wide range of subjects,” it says.

Read about the award.

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Rusty Hardin & Associates, LLP, has added two lawyers to its team at the same time it is being recognized for both civil and criminal legal expertise and accomplishments among the nation’s Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report and The Best Lawyers in America, the firm said in a news release.

 “This is a great time for the hard-working team at our firm. We’ve added two terrific lawyers and we’ve been acknowledged by a national group for both our criminal and civil work,” said founding partner Rusty Hardin.

Attorney Chelsea Dal Corso joins Rusty Hardin & Associates from Bracewell, LLP, where she worked in the financial restructuring group, representing debtors and creditors in complex Chapter 11 proceedings. She clerked for Judge Marvin Isgur, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Texas. She earned her law degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

Lawyer Naomi Howard joins the firm from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, where she served as briefing attorney. She received her law degree at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. Ms. Howard also spent time in Japan where she taught English and is one of few women to have trained as a sushi chef.

The firm is listed in the 2017 top tier of Houston metropolitan law firms for white-collar criminal defense and in the second tier for commercial litigation. It is extraordinary for a firm of only 14 lawyers to be honored in two such different categories. The Best Law Firms selection is based on a rigorous process that includes client and lawyer evaluations and peer review from other attorneys in the same practice areas.

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Jarrod T. Smith has joined Dykema in its Corporate Finance Practice Group as a senior in the firm’s Lansing office. Prior to joining Dykema, Smith served as Assistant Attorney General, Finance Division for the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

In a news release, the firm said that Smith has more than 12 years of experience with public finance work dating back to when he joined the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s Finance Division upon graduating from law school. He progressed from Staff Attorney to Senior Attorney before eventually becoming Section Head in 2013. In that role, he served as counsel to the Michigan Department of Treasury, specifically for matters involving the Bureau of Bond Finance and the Michigan Finance Authority, and he served as counsel to the Michigan Strategic Fund and various other state agencies and authorities.

“We are extremely excited to have Jarrod join our Corporate Finance practice in Lansing,” said Jin-Kyu Koh, Director of Dykema’s Business Services Department. “He is well-regarded in the public finance community, and for good reason, and he strengthens the depth of the Firm’s bench of experienced bond lawyers.”

Smith, who is active in the National Association of Bond Lawyers, received a J.D., cum laude, and a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Applications, with a specialization in environmental economics, from Michigan State University.

Information security expert Edward H. Block has joined Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP as a senior attorney in its Austin office. Block joins the firm from the Texas Department of Information Resources, where he served as the chief information security officer (CISO) and the cybersecurity coordinator for the state of Texas.

With more than 20 years of experience in the cybersecurity arena, Block primarily focuses on the effects of emerging law on personal privacy at the state, federal and international levels. He has assisted and managed technical teams performing all aspects of information security work, and has developed information security policies, standards and guidelines that balance protection of information assets with legal and functional requirements.

In a news release, the firm said Block joins Gardere’s litigation practice and is a member of the firm’s internet, eCommerce and technology team, as well as its cybersecurity and privacy legal services team. Block will work closely with the firm’s government affairs team on cybersecurity law and regulation, as well as collaborate with the corporate practice group to evaluate parties’ security postures, policies and procedures in mergers and acquisitions to ensure an integrated approach to addressing security risk during the transition. In addition, Block will assist clients with establishing security, breach and disaster recovery polices and will counsel on cyber insurance issues, including evaluating policy compliance.

“Eddie’s unique background in information security will be an enormous asset to our clients in navigating their evolving cybersecurity needs and challenges,” says Kimberly A. Yelkin, executive partner in Gardere’s Austin office and chair of the government affairs team. “We are thrilled to welcome Eddie to the team.”

Prior to his time at the Texas Department of Information Resources, Block was a senior product security engineer at Polycom Inc. and was the information security officer for the Employees Retirement System of Texas. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Block earned his undergraduate degree at Loyola Marymount University and his juris doctorate at St. Mary’s University School of Law.

Zapproved Inc., a developer of cloud-based software for corporate legal departments,  announced that it has launched the “I Solve E-Discovery” (#ISolveEdiscovery) movement “to galvanize the community of in-house experts who are solving the complicated challenges of e-discovery.”

“Corporate e-discovery is going through a transformation as leading companies are taking more and more responsibility rather than outsourcing these critical tasks,” commented Brad Harris, VP of Product Strategy, Zapproved. “The ‘I Solve E-Discovery’ movement is a way for the corporate e-discovery community to join together to share ideas and find inspiration from peers across the country from Fortune 100s to organizations of any size that are advancing the practice of corporate e-discovery.”

In a news release, the company wrote:

To get involved, e-discovery professionals can visit the #ISolveEdiscovery website to engage, learn and share their expertise with the community. For example, they can read the manifesto, take #ISolveEdiscovery challenges to earn rewards, and spark excitement for others to join the movement.

E-discovery professionals can also nominate a peer for consideration by December 23, 2016, for recognition at the Corporate E-Discovery Hero Awards Celebration presented by Zapproved, preceding Legaltech New York. Nominees should be an e-discovery expert or in-house legal professional who has demonstrated excellence in:

• Technology, systems and metrics
• Team process and workflow
• Employee training and support
• Strategy best practices
• Overall influence and achievement

Loren Brown, co-chair of DLA Piper’s global and U.S. Litigation practices, has been named to The National Law Journal‘s 2016 list of Litigation Trailblazers. This annual list recognizes the top 50 legal professionals who have changed the way litigation is practiced.

In a news release, the firm said Brown was selected for his novel use of scientific (Daubert) and preemption defenses to dismiss all or very large parts of multiple pharmaceutical mass tort litigations involving many thousands of claims, which resulted in an avoidance of jury trials and ensured important therapies remain on the market for millions of patients.

The release continues:

His business litigation practice includes a range of commercial tort and contract, trade secret, intellectual property and securities class action matters. Brown also has significant experience in a range of internal investigation and compliance matters, particularly within the biopharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.

In addition, he regularly counsels clients on regulatory, risk management, due-diligence, product labeling, product recall, public disclosure, policy and crisis-management issues.

Gabriel Green has joined Buchalter as a shareholder in the Litigation Practice Group in Los Angeles, the firm announced in a news release.

Green’s practice focuses on intellectual property, franchise, real estate, and commercial litigation. He represents corporations and public personalities encountering infringement claims involving musical compositions, video game graphics, sculptural works, jewelry design and literary works. Green’s franchise litigation practice derives from his representation of nationally and internationally renowned franchisors with brands in a range of industries, the release states.

He joins Buchalter from Archer Norris where he was a shareholder.

“Gabe’s practice and expertise are an excellent addition to our growing litigation team, and exactly the type of talent we want here at the Firm,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “I’m so pleased to welcome Gabe, and we look forward his practice flourishing.”

Earlier this year, Green was recognized as a Top 10% Lawyer in the U.S. (Intellectual Property Law) by Lawyers of Distinction. He is a member of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers and previously an Editorial Board Member of Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine.

“My practice fits well within Buchalter’s full-service platform,” added Green. “I’m absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to be joining such an excellent group of litigators that provides my clients with a full range of business services and an exceptional experience.”

Green earned his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law and his B.A. at Pennsylvania State University.

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The firm joins the ranks of 517 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year.

“We are proud to be recognized for our long-standing and continued commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said George Marek, Quarles & Brady partner and chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. “As an LGBT attorney, I know the benefits of working in an organization that values diversity, and where I can bring my entire self to the table.” LGBT Employee Resource Group leader Michael Hearon noted, “With the support of the firm and our LGBT Employee Resource Group, we are elated to receive a perfect score from the HRC for the third consecutive year. We believe that we are leaders in diversity and inclusion and this recognition proves that we are achieving what we believe.”

The 2017 CEI rated 1,043 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community. Quarles & Brady’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria results in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.

For more information on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP partner Richard A. Tulli was recently elected chairman of the Texas Business Law Foundation, and partner Rick Jordan was appointed secretary-treasurer, the firm announced in a news release.

Tulli and Jordan will serve in their respective roles for a two-year term.

Tulli is a corporate and securities attorney who represents individuals, as well as private and public companies, in a variety of industries, including financial services, medical software, hospitality, telecommunications, and oil and gas. He has previously served as section chair of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, as well as chair of the section’s information, legal opinions and corporation laws committees. In addition, he serves as co-editor of the Texas Business & Commerce Code and the Texas Business Organization Code volumes published by O’Conner’s.

Jordan serves as co-chair of Gardere’s venture capital and emerging business section. His practice covers a broad spectrum of corporate and governance matters, with a focus on venture capital financings (representing investors and issuers) and mergers and acquisitions transactions. He also handles other complex corporate matters, such as joint ventures, restructurings and licensing deals.

The Texas Business Law Foundation is a nonprofit entity whose objective is to promote a favorable business climate in Texas through the development and maintenance of modern business laws. The organization’s members include businesses, law firms, law professors, as well as individual lawyers throughout Texas.

David Brunori has joined Quarles & Brady LLP’s Washington, D.C. office as a partner in its Business Law Practice Group, the firm announced in a news release.

Brunori specializes in tax and government issues. He is a nationally known state and local tax expert who regularly speaks before practitioners, revenue departments, and legislators. When he is not practicing law, he is a Research Professor at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at The George Washington University where he teaches courses in state and local public finance and fiscal federalism. He also teaches state and local tax law at the George Washington University Law School.

He has published numerous books and articles on state and local tax policy. His book State Tax Policy: a Political Perspective, won the 2001 Choice Award. A third edition of his Local Tax Policy: a Federalist Perspective was published in 2013 by the Urban Institute Press. His new book, State Tax Policy: a Primer will soon be published by Rowman & Littlefield.

He received his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, his masters in political science from The George Washington University, a bachelor of arts in history, with honors, from The George Washington University, and will receive an executive M.P.P.M. from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in 2018.

National trial law firm Edison, McDowell & Hetherington LLP announced the opening of its South Florida office. EMH now has offices in Texas, California and Florida.

Kristina “Tina” B. Pett and Wendy L. Furman, formerly of Pett Furman, PL in Boca Raton, are joining the firm as partners to launch the Florida office.

David McDowell, EMH’s managing partner, says, “We are thrilled to join forces with Tina and Wendy. We have worked with both for many years and have tremendous respect for them as lawyers and as people. Our clients requested that we have a physical presence in Florida, and we are excited to address that request with the caliber of lawyers found at Pett Furman.”

The firm’s release continues:

“We are responding to client demand. EMH is committed to providing outstanding legal work at competitive rates across the country. With offices in Texas and California, expansion to Florida is the logical next step,” says EMH founding partner Tom Hetherington.

EMH is a 43-lawyer trial firm that has handled complex commercial litigation in almost every state since the firm was founded in 2009.

Tina Pett and Wendy Furman, who have extensive experience in commercial and financial services litigation, say they are pleased to join a firm with a national reach.

“We now have a nationwide presence and EMH’s footprint will allow us to further serve our clients,” says Tina Pett.

Wendy Furman agrees, “Our clients know EMH and are pleased that we now have a platform that spans the country.”

The EMH Florida office is located at 2101 N.W. Corporate Boulevard, Suite 316, Boca Raton, FL 33431.

Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, announced the continued expansion of its second largest office, with the addition of New York partners John Campo and Sanford Davis. Campo joins Akerman from Troutman Sanders, bringing experience in complex bankruptcy and business restructuring within the real estate and financial services sectors. Davis joins from Withers Bergman LLP, bringing transactional tax experience.

“New York is a vital and dynamic market for Akerman and our clients,” said Steven Polivy, Akerman’s New York office managing partner and chair of the Economic Development & Incentives Practice. “We are pleased to continue to attract highly skilled professionals who enhance our core strengths across a diverse range of client sectors.”

In a release, the firm described the new partners:

John Campo
Campo is a partner in the Bankruptcy & Reorganization Practice Group. He represents debtors, trustees, creditors, equity holders, and asset purchasers in Chapter 11 and large, complex Chapter 7 cases, as well as out-of-court workouts. He has been involved in many large, complex bankruptcy proceedings and has served as an operating Chapter 11 trustee in cases in both the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. Notably he served as the Chapter 11 trustee in Maywood Capital Corp., a multi-debtor proceeding involving a $200 million real estate Ponzi scheme. Campo also has served as the lead lawyer in numerous reported circuit court, district court, and Bankruptcy Court decisions. His cases have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The American Lawyer. He also has appeared on CNBC’s “American Greed.”

Sanford Davis
Davis is a partner in the Tax Practice Group. He advises privately held and publicly traded companies, high net worth investors, and investment funds on a broad range of U.S. and international tax matters. His practice is both transactional and advisory, focusing on corporate, M&A, partnership, finance, joint venture and international taxation. He has extensive M&A experience on the buy and sell side, assisting private equity and portfolio companies, strategic players and closely-held businesses to achieve tax efficiencies, benefits and value-add. Davis’ cross-border experience is both in-bound and outbound, addressing corporate reorganization, Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA), tax nexus, sourcing, withholding, effective rate minimization and deferral, controlled foreign corporations (CFC) and passive foreign investment companies (PFIC), transfer pricing, foreign tax credit and treaty issues. In addition, he has represented clients in federal and state tax controversy matters, and obtained a landmark corporate tax victory at the federal appellate level Falconwood Corp. v. U.S., precluding application of the step-transaction doctrine in a multi-step, single day reorganization in the consolidated return context.

Campo and Davis join one of the fastest-growing law firms in New York. Lateral Link revealed Akerman had the third most lateral gains in the market over the last year, expanding the New York office to more than 100 lawyers and business professionals. Recent additions include the firm’s first OnRamp fellow and a former leader of the American Civil Liberties Union Sara Mandelbaum; litigation partner Joshua Bernstein from Pryor Cashman; real estate transactional partner Thomas Diorio from Nixon Peabody; healthcare transactional partners Martin Monaco and William Weiner from Duane Morris, and tax partner Ira Stechel from Wormser, Kiely Galef & Jacobs LLP, among others.