Nine practice groups and 23 individual attorneys with Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP have been recognized in the annual Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.

“We are thankful to our clients and peers for providing Chambers USA with the positive input that helped us achieve our recognition,” says Gardere Chair Holland N. O’Neil. “The Firm’s inclusion in these prestigious rankings is a testament to our attorneys’ hard work and the level of service we are committed to delivering our clients.”

The firm’s Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) and Leisure & Hospitality practices once again received national recognition in the publication. In addition, partner Joyce Mazero, co-chair of the firm’s global supply network, received the prestigious Band 1 national ranking in Franchising for the ninth consecutive year. In the publication, she is lauded by her clients for her business acumen, with one stating in the publication that “she has a practical business focus in what she does and I’ve seen that proven over and over.”

The following Gardere attorneys also received individual national Chambers recognition:

Marshall J. Doke Jr. – Government: Government Contracts
Douglas K. Eyberg – Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional)
Leonard H. (Len) MacPhee – Franchising
Cynthia Brotman (Cindy) Nelson – Leisure & Hospitality
Clifford J. Risman – Leisure & Hospitality
N. L. (Larry) Stevens III – Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional)

In the publication, Gardere clients stated that the firm provides “excellent, totally dedicated client service. It’s as good as it gets,” and noted, “Their level of knowledge and experience is high and that enables them to give practical and focused advice.”

The following firm practices were recognized among the best in Texas: Antitrust, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Corporate/M&A, Environment, Insurance, Labor & Employment and Real Estate.

Additionally, these Gardere attorneys received individual Chambers recognition for their work in Texas:

Val J. Albright – Tax: Litigation
Chris Converse – Corporate/M&A
Craig B. Florence –  Litigation: General Commercial
Ronald M. Gaswirth – Labor & Employment
Randy D. Gordon –  Antitrust
Kevin L. Kelley – Real Estate
Stephen A. McCartin –  Bankruptcy/Restructuring
Andres S. Medrano –  Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation (Electricity)
John P. Melko – Bankruptcy/Restructuring
Holland N. O’Neil – Bankruptcy/Restructuring
Alan J. Perkins – Corporate/M&A
Frances E. Phillips –  Environment
Clifford J. Risman –  Real Estate
Deirdre B. Ruckman – Bankruptcy/Restructuring
Rachel Powitzky Steely – Labor & Employment
Peter S. Vogel – Technology: Corporate & Commercial
Kimberly A. Yelkin –  Insurance Regulation

Chambers and Partners uses phone interviews with thousands of attorneys and clients to identify lawyers and law firms that demonstrate qualities most valued by clients, such as legal ability, professional conduct, client service, diligence and commitment.

Law firm Quarles & Brady LLP has announced that 46 attorneys from the firm’s offices have been ranked in the 2016 edition of the Chambers USA directory.

“We are very proud of the recognition earned in Chambers by our attorneys,” said Kimberly Leach Johnson, firm chair of Quarles & Brady. “I know this honor is the result of great dedication and insight. Our focus on excellence is demonstrated by the service provided and this recognition is proof positive of that focus.”

Quarles & Brady attorneys were ranked as follows:

• Jean C. Baker – Intellectual Property
• David A. Beyer – Franchising
• David L. Bourne – Banking & Finance
• Daniel E. Conley – Litigation: General Commercial
• John F. Dienelt – Franchising
• Joseph A. Drazek – Environment (including water rights)
• Robert H. Duffy – Labor & Employment
• Steven P. Emerick – Corporate/M&A
• Mary N. Fertl – Real Estate
• Michael J. Fischer – Labor & Employment
• Diane M. Haller – Real Estate
• Patricia M. Hutter – Corporate/M&A
• Michael A. Jaskolski – Intellectual Property
• David B. Kern – Labor & Employment
• Janine M. Landow-Esser – Environment: Mainly Transactional
• Paul L. Langer – Insurance: Dispute Resolution
• Scott L. Langlois – Real Estate
• Anthony C. Marino – Banking & Finance
• Don P. Martin – Litigation: General Commercial
• Adrianne C. Mazura – Labor & Employment
• Thomas P. McElligott – Natural Resources & Environment
• Robert F. Messerly – Real Estate
• Brian K. Moll – Corporate/M&A
• Roger N. Morris – Healthcare
• Ann M. Murphy – Banking & Finance
• David P. Olson – Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits & Compensation
• Michael J. Ostermeyer – Real Estate
• Nancy K. Peterson – Natural Resources & Environment
• Jeffrey S. Piell – Labor & Employment
• Pamela M. Ploor – Labor & Employment
• Joseph E. Puchner – Real Estate
• Stephanie J. Quincy – Labor & Employment
• Robert D. Rothacker – Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits & Compensation
• John A. Rothstein – Litigation: General Commercial
• James A. Ryan – Litigation: General Commercial
• Donald K. Schott – Litigation: General Commercial
• Sean M. Scullen – Labor & Employment
• Walter J. Skipper – Corporate/M&A
• Derek L. Sorenson – Real Estate
• Grant S. Sovern – Labor & Employment: Immigration
• Peter A. Tomasi – Natural Resources & Environment
• Margaret Utterback – Banking & Finance
• Arthur A. Vogel, Jr. – Natural Resources & Environment
• Kim Marie Wynn – Banking & Finance
• Ted Yi – Real Estate
• Michael D. Zeka – Real Estate

Foley & Lardner LLP announced that Dana Lach has returned to the firm’s Health Care Finance, Public Finance and Finance & Financial Institutions Practices in the Milwaukee office.

In a release, the firm said Lach has extensive experience counseling health care and other nonprofit organizations, including colleges and universities, in tax-exempt and taxable bond transactions, commercial loans, non-traditional financing products such as commercial paper programs and securitizations, and derivative transactions. Lach regularly serves as counsel to investment banks, purchasers and commercial banks in connection with tax-exempt and taxable financing transactions. Lach’s participation as borrower’s or underwriter’s counsel on more than 150 securities transactions has totaled in excess of $20 billion.

“Dana’s deep experience structuring complex securities transactions across many public sectors, particularly the health care industry, will play a key role as we work to sustain and grow our established public finance bench,” said Laura Bilas, chair of Foley’s Public Finance Practice.

Lach has worked on post-issuance compliance, including ongoing tax, covenant and disclosure compliance. She has helped develop policies and procedures for both tax and primary and secondary market disclosure requirements and has provided guidance on remedial actions for changes in use of bond financed facilities and information reporting for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 990, Schedule K.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dana back to Foley. Her immense knowledge in the health care, nonprofit and municipal financing arenas will contribute vastly to our existing and expanding client base,” said Linda Benfield, managing partner of Foley’s Milwaukee office.

Global finance firm Burford Capital focused on law announced it has expanded its New York team.

Among those joining Burford in its New York office are:

Justin Brass, Managing Director. Brass formerly was a Managing Director at Stone Lion Capital, a credit-focused hedge fund, and with a professional background spanning law and finance at firms including Paul, Weiss and Jefferies.

Christopher Catalano, Director. Catalano was Assistant General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase following a litigation career at Kirkland & Ellis, Wilson Sonsini and O’Melveny & Myers.

Sarah Lieber, Vice President. Lieber was Deputy General Counsel for CIFG Services following a career as a litigator at Jones Day.

“We are delighted to welcome Justin, Chris and Sarah to Burford, where they join our terrific team of more than 60 other people meeting client needs around the world. Burford has grown its team every year since we started this business in 2009, and this year is no exception, as we continue to field the industry’s largest group of highly experienced litigators and financial professionals to serve our clients,” saide Burford’s Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Bogart.

The law firm Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. announced that John L. Senica has joined the firm’s Chicago office as an attorney in the Business Services Practice Group.

The also announced expanding its Chicago office space on the 33rd floor of its current building at 200 West Madison St.

Senica has more than 30 years of experience in corporate law, working in finance, secured lending, private equity and venture capital. He represents clients in business, commercial lending and commercial real estate transactions. He works with closely held companies and commercial lenders and handles matters related to business planning, commercial finance and mergers and acquisitions, the firm said in a release.

Prior to joining Greensfelder, Senica was the founding member and Resident Director of the Chicago Office of Miller Canfield, where he also served as a Senior Principal. Previously, he practiced in business transactional law for more than a decade as an equity partner at an Am Law 50 national law firm.

“John is a great addition to our firm as he brings decades of experience in corporate law and helps to further broaden Greensfelder’s transactional practice in Chicago,” said David B. Goodman, Managing Officer of Greensfelder’s Chicago office. “John’s insights and experience from opening and growing Miller Canfield’s office in Chicago also will be invaluable as we continue to expand and build Greensfelder’s presence in the Chicago market.”

Senica said, “As a Chicago native, I have a strong affinity for Midwest people, values and culture, and I was particularly drawn to Greensfelder’s culture and rate structures that I believe are highly appealing to middle market businesses and banks in Chicago and across the nation. I also am impressed by the firm’s deep commitment to Illinois expansion, as well as the depth of talent at the firm across a wide range of practice areas including real estate, franchising, health care and energy.”

Senica joins Greensfelder as the firm moves its Chicago office to expanded space with about 52 percent more square footage than the space it previously occupied since the office first opened in November 2008.

Senica is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the LaSalle Street Council. He earned his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

Ernest Aliseda has joined Dykema in its Commercial Litigation Practice Group as a member in the firm’s McAllen, Texas office.

Prior to joining Dykema, Aliseda served as General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer for the Loya Insurance Group companies, where he handled general legal matters and managed and oversaw diverse litigation throughout the country. Aliseda is also a former State District Judge for both the 398th and 139th State District Courts in Hidalgo County.

In a release, the firm said Aliseda will advise and represent clients in commercial and general litigation matters, along with serving as a mediator and arbitrator in personal injury, commercial, employment, international and personal injury law cases.

“We are very pleased and fortunate to add an attorney of Ernie’s stature to our roster,” said Diann Bartek, Office Managing Member of Dykema’s McAllen office. “His reputation precedes him. There is no doubt that his strong background in commercial litigation and his experience as a judge will be extremely valuable to the firm and its clients.”

Aliseda is a governor-appointed Regent of the University of Texas System Board of Regents and a State Bar of Texas President-appointed member of the Board of the Texas Bar College. He received his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University.

He is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury trial law, along with being trained as a mediator, arbitrator, and litigation management professional. He is also a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he serves as a military judge.

Foley & Lardner LLP announced that Lou Cohen and Elgie Sims Jr. have joined the firm’s Business Law Department as of counsel in the Chicago office.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lou and Elgie. Together, they add unique transactional and public policy experience combined with a deep understanding of the Chicago market that will significantly enhance our offerings to clients,” said Myles Berman, managing partner of Foley’s Chicago office.

In a release, the firm said Cohen has led and handled high-profile real estate transactions for international and domestic lenders, developers, real estate investment trusts, public pension funds, pension fund advisors, insurance companies and governmental entities. He served as lead counsel for the owner and redeveloper of the Chicago Soho House Club, and represented the City of Atlanta in negotiations surrounding the development of the $1.4 billion stadium for the Atlanta Falcons. His practice is focused on commercial real estate development, including acquisitions and dispositions, venture structuring and formation, leasing, lending, restructuring and workouts.

“Lou is an accomplished and well-known real estate attorney in Chicago and the Midwest. His ability to manage complex real estate transactions will be a great service to our institutional and other major real estate clients,” said Fred Ridley, chair of Foley’s Real Estate Practice.

Sims, who is currently the Illinois state representative for the 34th District, will focus on government affairs and municipal finance as a member of the firm’s Government & Public Policy and Public Finance Practices. Sims has an extensive background representing clients and spearheading complex legislative initiatives before various branches of federal, state and local governments. Several of his legislative accomplishments include passage of Illinois’ film tax credit, which helped the film industry generate over $330 million in spending in 2015, and changes to Illinois’ nursing home reimbursement model. As state representative, he was the chief House sponsor of Senate Bill 1304, which established a clear policy and guidelines for police body-worn cameras and police reform initiatives. He currently serves as chairman of the Illinois House Judiciary Criminal Committee and a member of the Business and Occupational Licenses, Elementary & Secondary Education; Curriculum and Policies, Higher Education, Transportation, Regulation and Roads and Revenue and Finance Committees.

“As a lawyer and legislator, Elgie’s knowledge of the intricacies behind local and state government policies will benefit a broad range of our clients, from Fortune 500 businesses to health care companies to non-profit organizations. We look forward to adding his Midwest expertise to our established national bench,” said David Ralston, chair of Foley’s Government & Public Policy Practice.

Prior to joining Foley, Cohen was a partner at Locke Lord.

National law firm Dykema has announced the launch of its Cannabis Law practice, creating an integrated and specialized offering for clients navigating the myriad issues that arise from operating in the cannabis industry, according to a release from the firm.

The practice group spans the political, licensing, regulatory compliance, and business services space, and includes senior lawyers and lobbyists in states across the country. The practice will be led by Lance Boldrey, a member in the firm’s Lansing office, who focuses his practice on regulated industries.

“Dykema has a long history of representing businesses in heavily regulated industries,” the release says. “While the firm has been engaged in the development of the emerging cannabis sector for nearly a decade, serving as counsel to Michigan’s 2008 medical marijuana initiative, the formal group is now launching in response to increasingly sophisticated and complex client needs. While the rapid industry growth provides unparalleled business opportunities, the uncertain political environment imposes extraordinary legal complexity and uncertainty.”

“Dykema understands the complex nature and volatility of the laws and regulations in this area. Further, we have the experience and a proven track record of success advising those involved in the cannabis industry,” said Boldrey. “This booming industry has a host of brand-new legal minefields to navigate, and our team is providing counsel to support our clients’ business objectives.”

Among other cannabis-related matters, Dykema lawyers and lobbyists have:

• Served as counsel to the Coalition for Compassionate Care, the committee that drafted and won passage of the 2008 ballot initiative that created the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act
• Helped draft Michigan Public Act 512 and Public Act 514 of 2011, amendments to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act
• Represent the National Patients Rights Association advocating on behalf of medical marijuana patients
• Provided advice with regard to labeling regulations for edible cannabis products
• Counseled cannabis-related clients with regard to intellectual property laws, including trademarking names and logos for cannabis-related businesses
• Advocated on behalf of an entity seeking a medical marijuana dispensary license in Illinois
• Oversaw zoning and real estate matters for an Illinois-based dispensary company
• Represented a company with cannabinoid medications in pharmaceutical litigation
• Counseled various business clients with regard to employment matters and policies related to employee cannabis use
• Assisted various cannabis-related organizations with nonprofit and campaign finance compliance
• Advised investors in dispensaries and CBD oil companies
• Handled SEC-related issues for a California cannabusiness executive

“At the state level, more than half of the country allows some form of medical cannabis use, and four states have legalized recreational usage, with several more, including California, having recreational use initiatives on their ballot this November,” added Dykema attorney Doug Mains, who came to Dykema after serving the Michigan Legislature in a lead staff role on marijuana issues. “The Dykema team has been central to the development and passage of many key pro-cannabis regulations. We know the industry inside and out and can quickly advise clients on complex issues to ensure that legal challenges do not stand in the way of growth.”

“Dykema lawyers and lobbyists have represented our organization on a number of state and local issues,” said Robin Schneider, Legislative Liaison for the National Patients Rights Association, a medical cannabis advocacy organization. “Not only are they extremely knowledgeable about the legislative and political processes, but they have also worked closely with us to learn more about the cannabis industry and all of the issues that cannabis-related businesses face. Dykema’s lawyers and lobbyists have always been professional, passionate about their work, and proactive in keeping us informed.”

The members of Dykema’s group come from administrative law & regulation, business and financial services, food & beverage, government policy & practice, intellectual property, land use & zoning, labor & employment, leasing & property management, political compliance, elections & campaign finance, product safety, real estate, and taxation. Dykema lawyers in the CannabisLaw practice serve as members of the National Cannabis Industry Association, the National Cannabis Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan Marijuana Law Section.

Dykema publishes a Cannabis Law Blog.

Litigator Sean M. Whyte has joined Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP as a partner in the firm’s Dallas office. He joins the firm from Alston & Bird, where he has practiced since 2011.

In a release, the firm said Whyte’s litigation practice includes complex commercial litigation, consumer class actions and products liability. He has practiced before state and federal courts, with class-action experience that includes defending clients in cases involving Internet sales practices, consumer fraud and other federal statutes. He has also represented clients in regulatory and government investigative matters involving federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Trade Commission.

“Sean’s versatile expertise will further allow our litigation group to offer the best solutions for our clients,” says Gardere Chair Holland N. O’Neil. “Our litigation partners are among the most respected in their field, and we are honored to have Sean join our team.”

While at Alston & Bird, Whyte worked on litigation that resulted in a victory in the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in the first case to consider Texas’ Anti-SLAPP statute. He also helped win the first dismissal of a federal action under the Texas Health and Safety Code statute granting limited immunity to telecommunication providers related to 911 calls. He began his legal career at Jones Day in 2004 where he assisted on litigation resulting from Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Whyte received a juris doctor degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 2004, where he was an articles editor for the Texas Law Review. He completed course work for a doctorate degree in applied philosophy at Bowling Green State University and obtained a master’s degree from the same school in applied philosophy in 1996. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1994 at West Virginia University. Prior to law school, Whyte served as a senior lecturer and adjunct philosophy instructor at universities in Ohio and Michigan.

In addition to his legal practice, Whyte serves as the co-vice chair of the Law Day Committee for the Dallas Bar Association. In 2014, he was named to the Texas Rising Stars list for his work in business litigation, and he was awarded Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program in 2010.

“It is an honor to join Gardere’s well-known and respected litigation practice,” Whyte said. “I am proud to be joining this exceptional group of professionals.”

Theodore M. Sullivan has joined Quarles & Brady LLP‘s Washington, D.C. office as a partner in its Health & Life Sciences Practice Group.

Sullivan counsels and advises clients on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and matters related to over-the-counter drug regulation, drug exclusivity issues, food and dietary supplement labeling and advertising, and import detention of FDA-regulated products. He has worked closely with clients in guiding new drugs and medical devices through the FDA’s approval processes, and has assisted clients resolving conflicts with the agency regarding approved products.

He received his law degree, with honors, from Chicago-Kent College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from George Mason University.

Dr. Joseph Eng has joined Hogan Lovells’ New York office as counsel in its Intellectual Property Media & Technology Practice Group.

Eng will focus his practice at Hogan Lovells on patent litigation, patent prosecution, and transactional matters. He has represented clients in patent infringement lawsuits in federal district courts across the United States as well as before the International Trade Commission, in cases involving microelectronic devices, semiconductor processing, polymer coatings, optical fibers, medical devices, and respiratory protective devices. Eng’s litigation experience includes representing major pharmaceutical companies in Hatch-Waxman litigation.

Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Eng has worked on numerous patent prosecution matters in the fields of pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, peptide delivery systems, therapeutic uses of neurotoxins, consumer electronics, fuel cells, biofuels, petroleum refining, polymers, and automotive parts, the firm said in a release.

Eng’s experience in transactional matters includes licensing, conducting due diligence reviews, advising on asset purchase agreements, and preparing opinions of counsel regarding freedom to operate, patent invalidity, and non-infringement.

Eng holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Columbia University, a J.D. from Fordham University, and B.S. degrees in both chemistry and physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Eng previously worked as a post-doctoral fellow at Exxon’s Corporate Research Center and at Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies. He was also a Member of Technical Staff at Bell Labs, where he was in charge of developing a research program in semiconductor surface characterization.

ExamWorks Group, Inc., a leading provider of independent medical examinations, peer reviews, bill reviews, Medicare compliance services, case management services, record retrieval services, document management services and other related services, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., for $35.05 per share in cash, representing a total transaction value of approximately $2.2 billion, as detailed in a company press release.

The merger is subject to approval from ExamWorks shareholders and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016.

Latham & Watkins LLP represented Leonard Green in the transaction with a corporate deal team led by New York partners Howard Sobel, John Giouroukakis and Paul Kukish with associates Michael Young in Orange County and Eyal Orgad and Andrew Ritter in New York. Advice was also provided on finance matters by New York partner Joshua Tinkelman with associates Sonja Pollack and Jake Burne; on regulatory matters by Washington, D.C. partner Stuart Kurlander and counsel Nicole Liffrig Molife with associates Michael Dreyfus and Robert Canning; on benefits and compensation matters by New York partner Bradd Williamson, London partner Catherine Drinnan and New York counsel Rifka Singer with associates Anisha Mehta in New York and Lucy Boyle in London; on intellectual property matters by New York partner Jeffrey Tochner with associate Tiana Hertel; on tax matters by Chicago partner Joseph Kronsnoble with associate Sarah Smoler; and on environmental matters by New York counsel David Langer.

ExamWorks’ Board of Directors, on the recommendation of a special committee composed entirely of independent directors (the “Special Committee”), approved the merger agreement and recommend that the Company’s shareholders vote in favor of the transaction.  In accordance with the merger agreement’s “go shop” provision, the Company will conduct a market test for 25 business days concluding June 1, 2016.

Richard Perlman, ExamWorks’ Executive Chairman and James Price, Chief Executive Officer, said: “ExamWorks started a little over eight years ago from a concept and with the hard work and commitment of each and every one of our 3,600 employees, has grown to be the industry leader servicing over 6,000 clients on a global basis generating almost $1 billion of annual revenues.  We are immensely proud of this accomplishment, which delivers significant value to our shareholders.  We also want to thank our clients for their strong support and assure them of our continued commitment to providing unparalleled services.”

John Baumer, Senior Partner of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., said: “We are excited to partner with ExamWorks’ management team and organization.  We fully support the Company’s commitment to its clients and look forward to the next phase of the Company’s growth.”

Peter Graham, Chairman of the Special Committee, said: “The Company received an acquisition proposal from Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., and after extensive negotiations and careful consideration in conjunction with our advisors, the Special Committee of ExamWorks’ board has unanimously concluded that this transaction is in the best interest of our shareholders.”

The Company expects to release its Q1 2016 earnings press release on or before May 10, 2016.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Evercore Group L.L.C. are serving as financial advisors to ExamWorks.   Paul Hastings LLP is serving as legal advisor to ExamWorks.  Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal advisor to Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.  Fully committed debt financing is being provided by affiliates of BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., each of which is also serving as a financial advisor to Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.

Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm, has announced the continued expansion of its Tax Practice Group with the addition of veteran trusts and estates partner Paul Collins in New York. He joins the firm from Schiff Hardin.

“Paul brings many years of experience in trusts and estates planning, probate and fiduciary disputes,” said Jonathan Gopman, chair of Akerman’s Trusts & Estates Practice. “He will be a trusted resource for clients who need help navigating the delicate situations that often arise in family-related disputes and wealth preservation strategies.”

Collins has more than 30 years of experience in the planning and administration of trusts and estates, both domestic and international.

“His particular strength is in fiduciary litigation, such as contested probate and accounting matters, guardianships, disputes over inherited property, and the construction of wills and trusts,” the firm said in a release. “He has represented clients in the Surrogate’s Courts and other courts in New York, as well as Connecticut courts, and often seeks to resolve disputes through mediation or arbitration.”

Collins has represented various charitable organizations in establishing and then advising on their ongoing operations. He has also administered the estates of a number of authors and artists.

Collins joins one of the country’s leading tax teams, according to Law360, which recently named Akerman “Tax Practice Group of the Year” for achieving some of the greatest client successes in the industry. Akerman’s Tax Practice Group continues to see rapid growth in the New York market. Collins is the sixth partner to join the office since January, including labor and employment litigators Bran Noonan and Sarir Silver from Gordon & Rees; corporate lawyers Lorenzo Borgogni from Proskauer Rose and Jack Habert from Willkie Farr & Gallagher, and real estate transactions lawyer Dianne Greenberg Penchina from DGP Partners.

Dallas appellate lawyer and strategist Deborah Hankinson of Hankinson LLP has earned recognition on D Magazine’s 2016 listing of the Best Lawyers in Dallas. This is the 11th time the former Texas Supreme Court justice has been recognized in the annual list based on her expertise in appellate law, arbitration, mediation and trial consulting.

Earlier this year, Hankinson was one of just 48 attorneys nationwide selected to The National Law Journal’s inaugural ADR Champions listing, which honored the leaders and trailblazers in alternative dispute resolution. Last year, Ms. Hankinson was named a Texas Trial Legend by the Dallas Bar Association. She also has earned honors for her work from The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Texas Super Lawyers, Benchmark Appellate, Texas Lawyer, Dallas Business Journal, Martindale-Hubbell and Lawdragon.

She has been honored by such organizations as the Women’s Advocacy Project, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation, American Board of Trial Advocates, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and the State Bar of Texas.

Hankinson is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. She serves on the Board of Directors for the American Arbitration Association.

D Magazine’s 2016 listing of the city’s top attorneys was determined through peer nominations submitted by thousands of attorneys throughout North Texas. An independent panel of distinguished lawyers helped the magazine’s editors select the honorees. The complete listing is featured in the May 2016 edition of D Magazine and online at www.dmagazine.com.

Litigator and firm alumnus Leonard (Len) D. Venger will rejoin Buchalter Nemer as a senior advisor and chair of the Litigation Practice and Entertainment Industry Groups in Los Angeles, the firm has announced.

A former managing partner at Buchalter Nemer, Venger was lead trial attorney and handled numerous complex business and commercial litigation matters. For the past 13 years, he was executive vice president and head of Global Litigation at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc., where he was responsible for litigation matters relating to the company and its operating divisions around the world.

“Len was a very important part of the firm’s past and we’re thrilled to welcome him back,” said Adam J. Bass, president and chief executive officer of Buchalter Nemer. “As companies continue to face high-stakes litigation, Len’s experience and expert counsel will prove invaluable.”

As chair of the Litigation Practice Group, Venger will lead and oversee critical aspects of heavily litigated and high-stakes cases. In addition to managing case evaluation, strategy, staffing and overall handling of litigated matters, he will develop educational curriculum and master classes to ensure that firm expertise matriculates through counsel of all ages and experience. Venger will also take a leadership role in the firm’s Cybersecurity Practice Group and will serve on the Ethics and Risk Management Committee.

Venger earned his J.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law and his B.A. in economics from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Recommind, a leader in advanced analytics software, today announced that its alliance partner, Hire Counsel, has offered a unique fixed-price document review model to solve price uncertainty issues in eDiscovery. The new pricing model strengthens Recommind’s Alliance Partner Program, which is a global ecosystem of specialized services providers powered by Recommind’s award-winning Axcelerate eDiscovery and investigations platform.

By combining continuous machine learning, pervasive project management and relevancy predictions generated by Axcelerate, Hire Counsel has been able to deliver first pass review at a fixed price, ensuring superior results on budget, on time, Recommind said in a release. Given the successful implementation in its Detroit office, Hire Counsel will make the offering available in its review centers across the country, eliminating the risk of price overruns.

The release continues:

“Hire Counsel’s expert project management and review resources have enabled them to complete fixed-price Axcelerate document review projects with great success,” said Ellery Dyer, Vice President of Channel Development, Recommind. “Budget clarity and locked-in savings are compelling benefits of Hire Counsel‘s approach.”

“We are excited to offer this innovative pricing model to meet the needs of our clients in today’s new legal economy” said Kevin Clark, Executive Managing Director of Discovery Services, Hire Counsel. “In partnership with Recommind, we can empower corporate clients to dependably budget for eDiscovery costs.”

To learn more about this unique model, join Hire Counsel’s Kilian Connolly and Kevin Clark and Recommind’s Hal Marcus for a webinar titled People, TAR, & Predictability: Achieving Cost Certainty in Review. The webinar will take place Thursday, April 28, at 10 a.m. PT. A case study is also available for download here.

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Two partners at the Texas-based family law firm Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, have been selected to D Magazine’s 2016 list of The Best Lawyers in Dallas.

This marks Scott Downing’s third appearance on the Best Lawyers list and the ninth time Jeff Anderson has earned this distinction. Both are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and are Fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

In a release, the firm said:

In addition to his D Magazine honors, Mr. Downing has earned recognition four times among Texas Super Lawyers’ Top 100 Lawyers in Texas and selection to The Best Lawyers in America 10 times. He has built his distinguished reputation on numerous complex and contentious trials across the state. Mr. Downing’s reputation for being a fighter in the courtroom brings an unexpected benefit, the ability to settle cases outside of that arena.

Mr. Anderson has been recognized twice among the top 100 Lawyers in Dallas/Fort Worth by Texas Super Lawyers, has been selected as a Texas Monthly Super Lawyer every year since 2003 – the year it started – and eight times to The Best Lawyers in America listing.  He grew up in a family of litigators where he learned a balance of aggressive trial skills and family values as he represents his clients in divorce, custody and property division.

Ten Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP attorneys have received recognition in D Magazine’s 2016 Best Lawyers in Dallas list.

“The recognition in D Magazine of our partners, who specialize in numerous disciplines of law, demonstrates the quality of our lawyers across the firm,” says Gardere Chair Holland N. O’Neil. “We are honored to have this group of attorneys recognized among the best in the Dallas legal community, and we congratulate them on this achievement.”

Gardere attorneys named to the 2016 Best Lawyers in Dallas list, and their areas of practice, include:

Beverly B. Godbey – Insurance Law
Carrie B. Hoffman – Labor & Employment
Peter L. Loh – Business/Commercial Litigation
Joyce Mazero – Franchise Law
Michael H. Newman – Corporate Law: General
Alan J. Perkins – Corporate Law: Mergers & Acquisitions
Frances E. Phillips – Environmental Law
Larry Schoenbrun – Corporate Law: General
David H. Timmins – Insurance Law
Peter S. Vogel – Digital Information Law

The complete list of honorees will be featured in the publication’s May issue. Each year, D Magazine conducts a search for the best local legal professionals, inviting nearly 9,000 attorneys from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to vote for their peers. Finalists are selected by an independent panel of anonymous lawyers and D Magazine‘s editorial staff. The complete list can be found at www.dmagazine.com.

Attorney Michael Lyons, co-founder of the Dallas-based trial law firm Deans & Lyons, LLP, and firm partner Brian Lauten have earned selection to the 2016 D Magazine list of the Best Lawyers in Dallas.

“Brian and I take great pride in the work we do on behalf of our clients and appreciate earning the recognition of our peers,” says Mr. Lyons, who was named to the list for the fifth time.

In a release, the firm said:

Lyons has earned a reputation for using innovative trial strategies and a client-first approach in representing victims of catastrophic personal injuries, medical malpractice, product liability and wrongful death. He is equally respected for his work in complex business disputes, having successfully represented small businesses and large companies in “bet-the-company” litigation involving breach of contract, shareholder and royalty disputes, securities claims, business torts, and director and officer liability. Mr. Lyons is one of the few attorneys to earn recognition for both business and personal injury litigation in the listing of Dallas’ top attorneys.

This is Mr. Lauten’s second appearance on the list of Dallas’ best. He has extensive experience handling complex commercial litigation involving legal malpractice, professional liability, business and commercial torts, breach of fiduciary duty, contract disputes, and labor and employment matters. He is also a skilled appellate lawyer who has argued before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the various Texas courts of appeal. Mr. Lauten is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Board Certified in Civil Trial Law Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and Board Certified in Civil Pretrial Practice by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification.

Environmental lawyer Laura Whiting has joined Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP as a partner in the firm’s Dallas office.

Whiting joins Gardere’s environmental practice group where she will assist clients with all aspects of compliance and permitting for heavily regulated industry and real estate development. For all businesses, she anticipates more state, federal and citizen enforcement, incident investigations, regulatory advocacy, and product stewardship requirements, as well as the ongoing need to conduct thorough due diligence and cost-effective remediation and cost recovery, the firm said in a release.

The release continues:

She brings more than 27 years of experience in the chemical manufacturing, power generation, airline, and oil and gas industries. Ms. Whiting joins the Firm from Occidental Chemical Corp. where she served as senior counsel for the company’s environmental, health, safety, process safety, product stewardship, quality assurance and security functions.

Ms. Whiting began her legal career at Gardere before joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as an assistant regional counsel and enforcement attorney for Region 6. While at the EPA, she represented the government in multimedia, hazardous waste, federal facility and release reporting enforcement cases, regulatory development and policy matters. Prior to joining Occidental, she was a partner at Hunton & Williams LLP and also practiced environmental law at Winstead PC.

“We are excited that Laura is rejoining Gardere as a partner in our environmental practice group,” says Gardere Chair Holland N. O’Neil. “Laura’s extensive environmental background, including her experience in the chemicals industry, will further enhance our expertise in this practice area.”

Ms. Whiting currently serves on the board of directors with the Dixon Water Foundation, an organization dedicated to ensuring that present and future generations of Texans have the water resources they need. She is also a Texas state trustee for The Nature Conservancy and previously chaired the Environmental Health Commission for the City of Dallas, as well as the Dallas Nature Center, now Audubon’s Cedar Ridge Preserve.

“It is a great pleasure to rejoin the Firm where I started my career,” says Ms. Whiting. “Gardere’s environmental attorneys are among the most respected in their field, and I am honored to join this highly regarded group of professionals.”