Kennedy Law L.L.P. opened its second Texas office in Houston on Nov. 1, 2015.

The new office is at 363 North Sam Houston Parkway E, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77060. The Dallas office remains at 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 4950,  Dallas, TX 75202.

The firm also announced that Robin Foret has joined the firm as a partner in the Houston office. She has 23-years’ experience in the area of employment lawyer and is board certified in labor & employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

In addition, David Ritter has joined the Dallas office as a partner. He has 20-years’ experience representing corporate and individuals in the area of business bankruptcy and business litigation.

Culhane Meadows PLLC, one of the nation’s largest cloud-based law firms, announces expansion into Houston along with the addition of nine lateral partners to support further growth of its technology, corporate, finance, international, real estate, tax and general business law practices in Texas.

The new lateral partners are Jonathan K. Hustis, Ajay Mago, Brent R. Somers, Gordon P. Williams, Jr. (Chuck), and James L. Young (all based out of the Dallas office, with Mr. Mago also practicing out of the Chicago office), along with Alicia L. Goodrow, Michelle D. Nickel, and Cliff Simpson (opening the Houston office), and Kristen Geyer (Austin). Mr. Mago joins the firm directly from Duane Morris LLP, and the other eight partners moved over from Phillips & Reiter PLLC.

In a release, the firm said Culhane Meadows continues to attract experienced, entrepreneurial business attorneys from distinguished organizations who are drawn to the firm’s innovative business platform.

“My colleagues and I considered a number of ‘new generation’ law firms as we contemplated our options for a lateral move,” explains Alicia Goodrow. “Ultimately, Culhane Meadows made it an easy decision because all of us were immediately impressed by the genuinely collaborative environment, the cutting-edge technology platform, and the exceptional caliber of partners who are available to serve our clients.”

Started by a group of former Big Law attorneys, some of whom had worked together for more than 15 years, Culhane Meadows now has attorneys based in seven major U.S. business markets: Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, and Washington DC. Unlike traditional law firms, Culhane Meadows does not employ any associates, and every lawyer is a partner with substantial experience at large national and international law firms or in-house legal departments of respected companies. The firm also utilizes a platform that leverages modern technology and cloud-based commuting.

The release continues:

Jon Hustis identifies the firm’s use of strong technology to drive collaboration, collegiality, and efficiency as a key factor that sets the firm apart from other cloud-based legal service providers. “Culhane Meadows provides a truly collaborative partnership balanced with a business model that relies on innovation to eliminate wasteful overhead typical of many traditional firms,” Hustis explains. “The firm’s commitment to delighting clients with prompt and excellent service at a very efficient price-point, and the growing bench of experienced counsel with diverse backgrounds made it a very attractive fit.”

Brent Somers points to the warm welcome he and his colleagues have received as confirmation of their decision to join the firm, noting that “Culhane Meadows has fully delivered on its promise to provide a better way to practice law.” He adds: “Who knew the practice of law could be this gratifying and this much fun?”

Ajay Mago says his clients’ feedback says it all. “Having spent nearly decade at Jones Day and Mayer Brown, my clients recognize and appreciate Culhane Meadows as the legal industry’s response to their changing needs,” he explains. “Business clients are savvy and they are discovering how to benefit from sophisticated Big Firm expertise without the legacy overhead of expensive offices and legions of untrained associates who train on the client’s dime.”

“This has been our quickest and largest multi-attorney expansion,” says Grant Walsh, one of the founding partners. “It has been a whirlwind of excitement and hard work, but we feel incredibly honored that so many amazing and talented attorneys have decided to make Culhane Meadows their professional home.”

The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has announced the formation of its Social Justice Pro Bono Committee to extend the organization’s social justice mission by helping to expand and support pro bono programs among IADC member attorneys.

A 2,500-member, invitation-only organization, the IADC serves its members and their clients, as well as the civil justice system and the legal profession. The organization maintains a leadership role in many areas of legal reform and professional development.

“The mission of the Social Justice Pro Bono Committee is to ensure that the IADC and its members continue to serve as guardians, caretakers, and advocates of and for social justice and to serve as role models for others in our profession,” said IADC President Joseph E. O’Neil, also a shareholder at Lavin O’Neil Cedrone & DiSipio in Philadelphia. “Many of our IADC member attorneys already provide pro bono legal services or participate in corporate pro bono programs, but we wanted to make additional resources and support available to help some of our members engage in pro bono work for the first time and to encourage those already engaged to do more in these challenging times.

“The IADC is a strong proponent of making sure that all people are represented and have access to legal services as one of the keys to ensuring the integrity of our justice system,” O’Neil added.

Robert F. Redmond, Jr., Chair of the Social Justice Pro Bono Committee and a partner with McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond, Va., said, “The Committee will focus on concrete opportunities to provide representation to the poor and disadvantaged in litigation. Our members are courtroom advocates and we intend to tap into that skill to provide in-court representation where it is lacking.

“Our ultimate objective is to bring the skill sets of IADC members to the poor and disadvantaged in the United States and around the world,” Redmond added.

The IADC’s Social Justice Pro Bono Committee will present a CLE program at the IADC’s 2016 Midyear Meeting, Feb. 20-25 in Pebble Beach, Calif., at which speakers will share their experiences in representing individual pro bono clients.

About the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)

The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) is the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests. Founded in 1920, the IADC’s members hail from five continents, more than 40 countries, and all 50 U.S. states. The core purposes of the IADC are to enhance the development of skills, promote professionalism, and facilitate camaraderie among its members, their clients, as well as the broader civil justice community. For more information, visit www.iadclaw.org.

iCONECT, developers of XERA e-discovery software, announced its move to the newly renovated “London Street Railway Power Plant” building in London.

A spokesman said the move marks iCONECT’s continued growth and commitment to provide employees with a positive work environment while fostering the creativity and collaboration needed to develop the e-discovery industry’s easiest-to-use software.

“Originally built in 1894 on the east side of the Thames River, the industrial look of the newly renovated building harkens back to the time when London factories were booming – with a hip twist: the revamped building with its exposed brick archways and second story steel mezzanine channels the vibe and energy of a startup culture; and an open floor layout and ample space allows for collaborative work and relaxation that iCONECT’s current and duture staff of millennials and Gen Xers alike will appreciate,” the company said in a release.

“It’s important for our employees to have an environment that is cohesive, with positive energy where people can feed off each other. Having a space like this allows everyone to engage to produce a spectacular product and continue to thrive as one of the world’s top e-discovery review software products,” says Ian Campbell, iCONECT’s President and CEO.

Read more and see a video.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP has been ranked in the 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” The firm is recognized nationally in 15 categories, with National Tier 1 rankings in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, as well as Trusts and Estates Law. Additionally, 34 of the firm’s practice areas received Metropolitan rankings.

“U.S. News recognizes the country’s most prestigious law firms with its annual ‘Best Law Firms’ rankings, and we are honored to be included alongside other industry leaders and innovators,” says Gardere Chair Holland N. O’Neil. “The number of practices included on the list speaks volumes to the Firm’s results-driven culture and ongoing commitment to client service.”

Gardere earned National rankings for the following practice areas:

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Environmental Law
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Securities
Litigation – Tax
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Oil & Gas Law
Real Estate Law
Securities/Capital Markets Law
Tax Law
Technology Law
Trusts & Estates Law

Gardere also earned Metropolitan rankings for the following practice areas:

Administrative/Regulatory Law
Banking and Finance Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Compliance Law
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law – Management
Energy Law
Environmental Law
Family Law
Government Relations Practice
Information Technology Law
Insurance Law
Labor Law – Management
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Environmental
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Litigation – Securities
Litigation – Tax
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Oil & Gas Law
Patent Law
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Real Estate Law
Securities/Capital Markets Law
Tax Law
Technology Law
Trusts & Estates Law

U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes client and lawyer evaluations, peer reviews from leading attorneys in their fields and additional information provided by law firm submissions. To be eligible for a ranking in a particular practice area and metro region, a law firm must have at least one lawyer included on the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for that practice area and location.

, the firm said in a release. Among the group is Kent Adams, the new regional managing partner of both offices.

Accompanying Adams are Allison Edwards, Tracy Freeman, Michael Jacobellis and Kristie Johnson, who will be named partners on January 1, 2016; Of Counsel State Representative Sarah Davis and Ronald White; and Associates John Busch and Cedar Manganiello. Attorneys Russell Heald and Ross Jones, also to be named partners on January 1, 2016, are located in the Beaumont office.

“We couldn’t ask for a more respected, capable team to join our firm,” said Daniel J. McMahon, Wilson Elser’s chairman. “Our aligned practices, combined with their national reach and the synergies among our attorneys in Texas and throughout the country, significantly increase our client-service capabilities in a number of key service areas.”

Practices represented among the new Wilson Elser attorneys include Admiralty & Marine, Commercial Litigation, Construction, Energy, General Liability & Casualty, Insurance & Reinsurance Coverage, Insurance & Reinsurance Defense, Product Liability, Professional Liability, Toxic Tort, Transportation and a London Market group.

“This is an exciting time for us,” said Adams. “We have joined a firm with attorneys we deeply respect and a culture that enables us to leverage litigation acumen and trial skills across practices and around the country to provide our clients with unmatched full-service legal solutions. We have known Wilson Elser attorneys for years and are happy to now call them our colleagues.”

“The acquisition of this group is part of Wilson Elser’s firmwide strategic growth initiative,” said Stratton Horres, regional managing partner of the Dallas office and the partner in charge of lateral hiring. “Throughout 2015, we have bolstered our traditional insurance-related practices as well as our nontraditional business lines, such as domestic and cross-border commercial services and intellectual property, among others.”

“With offices in Dallas, Houston, Beaumont and a newly opened Austin office, and with a deep bench of skilled attorneys, Wilson Elser has a formidable presence throughout Texas to service clients across all practice areas,” added Horres.  “I look forward to working with Kent on implementing our shared vision for the firm of continued growth throughout the state of Texas and the southwest region.”

National law firm Dykema has announced the addition of Elizabeth Khalil to its Government Policy & Practice Group in the firm’s Chicago office. Khalil will also spend time in the Washington, D.C., office, as well as in the firm’s Michigan and Texas offices.

Prior to joining Dykema, she served as Acting Special Assistant to Mark Pearce, Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)’s Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection (DCP).

In her previous role, Khalil acted as a key advisor on a number of special projects and initiatives and served as a liaison within DCP, across the FDIC, and with external units. She also served as Senior Compliance Policy Analyst, where she represented the FDIC and DCP in interactions with federal and state regulators and a variety of other stakeholders, such as the financial services industry, consumer advocates, the public and the press. A significant part of her work related to community banking, including providing technical assistance and addressing issues of interest to community banks. She worked on projects with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, including serving as chair of the interagency working group that produced the first social media-focused compliance risk management guidance issued to the banking industry.

She has experience in compliance law, regulations and policies relating to both banking and non-banking entities, including the examination and enforcement processes. She focuses on emerging compliance issues, particularly those related to technology and new uses of consumer information, as well as consumer lending and deposit issues and rules issued pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act. Her work also focuses on issues involving mobile financial services and payment systems, including compliance issues relating to advertising, disclosures, and privacy and data security.

“Elizabeth’s insight and experience with government policy and financial matters will be an immediate asset to our clients since the nature of her practice is so extensive and cross-functional,” said Ed Weil, Director of Dykema’s Financial Industry Group. “I am delighted that she is joining the firm and am positive she will provide our clients with outstanding service.”

Prior to her time with the FDIC, Khalil was a Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells. She also previously served as a senior attorney in the Community and Consumer Law division of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. She is a frequent author and lecturer, and served as co-author and co-editor of the PLI Financial Institutions Answer Book. She received a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.S., cum laude, from Georgetown University.

The national trial and business law firm Rose•Walker LLP announced the addition of attorney Todd M. Starr as managing partner in the firm’s Pagosa Springs office.

The firm will conduct business in Colorado as Rose•Walker•Starr.

Starr is a trial lawyer who has tried cases in many states, including Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas and Arizona. For the past 15 years, he has held a variety of positions in county governments, including most recently the post of Archuleta County Attorney. In his role, Starr represented the county in numerous criminal and civil claims.

Starr resigned as county attorney on Sept. 21, but said he plans to continue representing the county on a contract basis.

“My background and skills position me rather uniquely to work with businesses and local governments during a time a great change in our area,” says Starr. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Todd has done an incredible job for Archuleta County,” says Michael Whiting, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. “This is a great opportunity for him professionally and for the community because it will reduce the overall cost of legal services to taxpayers.”

Starr previously served as Dolores County Attorney on a contract basis while in private practice. While leading the Cortez, Colorado-based Starr Law Firm, he represented a wide range of clients in commercial litigation, and was elected to two terms on the Executive Committee of the Colorado Bar Association. He earned his undergraduate degree in business from Graceland University and his law degree from the Creighton University School of Law. He also earned an LL.M degree in banking law from Boston University and worked in the banking industry for several years.

“We are very pleased that Todd has agreed to join our firm and offer his diverse litigation experience and knowledge of the governmental process to our clients,” says Rose•Walker founder Martin E. Rose.

The Texas trial and appellate law firm Godwin Lewis PC, with offices in Dallas and Houston, is changing the firm name to Godwin PC.

The name change reflects the departure of name partner and family law attorney Marilea Lewis, who is leaving to join the Dallas-based family law firm Orsinger, Nelson, Downing and Anderson, LLP.

“This was a natural evolution for Marilea and the best thing for her and her practice at this point in her career,” says Godwin PC Chairman and CEO Donald E. Godwin. “I think the world of Marilea and her work, and this is a very good opportunity for her to practice with an entire firm of lawyers who do family law work and do it very well.”

The newly renamed Godwin PC will continue its primary focus, built over the past 35 years, on business and commercial litigation and appeals. The firm is known for handling some of the biggest business litigation cases in Texas and elsewhere, including its successful representation of Halliburton in the landmark environmental litigation stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“I’ve so enjoyed working with Don and the other excellent attorneys here,” says Ms. Lewis. “But this was just a very good opportunity at the right time in my career. I appreciate everything Don and the others have done for me.”

Joining Ms. Lewis at Orsinger Nelson from Godwin PC is attorney Lon Loveless, who also practices family law.

Godwin PC is home to attorneys who have been named to multiple top-lawyers lists, including The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA and Texas Super Lawyers. The firm also is ranked by Chambers USA, and is named to the 2015 list of the Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers and U.S. News & World Report.

Founded in 1980, Godwin PC is a mid-sized trial and appellate firm with a national practice. With offices in Dallas and Houston, Godwin represents Fortune 500 and middle-market industry leaders in Mission Critical Litigation® throughout the United States.

James S. Brady, office managing member of Dykema’s Grand Rapids office, has been selected to receive Western Michigan University’s Distinguished Alumni Award for 2015. He will receive the award Friday, Oct. 30, at WMU’s Bernhard Center alongside fellow distinguished alumnus Thomas P. Englert, former CEO of Discount Tire Co. Inc.

Established in 1963, the Distinguished Alumni Awards program honors and celebrates alumni who bring distinction to their alma mater through professional accomplishments and who have achieved a high level of success in their careers. Alumni are nominated by their peers and selected by the WMU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Brady earned a B.S. in political science from WMU in 1966. In 1987, he was appointed to the WMU Board of Trustees, serving with distinction through one of the University’s greatest periods of growth. He also previously served as a member of the WMU Foundation Board of Directors, holding such positions as board chair and chair of the Committee on Directors.

Earlier this year, Brady received the Marion Hilligan Public Service Award from WMU’s Cooley Law School, which is given annually in recognition of “contributions by a lawyer in public service to area governmental bodies or community organizations, reflecting greater individual responsibility in promoting public health and welfare through law.”

In his practice, Brady focuses on business and commercial litigation, white collar investigations, criminal law, health care fraud and environmental and energy law. He is former United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

Outside of his practice, Brady’s involvement in the community and his reputation as a mentor are well-known. He serves as chair of Emmanuel Hospice, as a board member and former chair of St. Ann’s Skilled Nursing Home, and as a board member of Catholic Charities West Michigan. He also previously taught at WMU’s Cooley Law School.

Business advocacy group Chicago United has selected Everett S. Ward, a member of Quarles & Brady LLP’s Real Estate Practice Group, as one of 50 local business executives to be featured in its newest Business Leaders of Color (BLC) publication. Ward and his fellow honorees will be recognized during Chicago United’s 47th Anniversary Gala and Bridge Awards presentation on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Hilton Chicago.

The Chicago United Business Leaders of Color are recognized as individuals who have a proven track record of balanced decision-making and appreciation for multiple perspectives, have a range of experiences that reflect flexibility and the ability to transcend narrow experiences and issues, and have an ability to respect diverse points of view and varied ways to approach issues and topics. The BLC has been released every two years since 2003, highlighting exceptional corporate and civic leaders who currently serve, or are ready to contribute, as board directors for Fortune 1000 companies.

The 2015 honorees were selected from a pool of more than 125 exceptionally qualified candidates from a wide variety of product and service industries. Additional past BLC members include First Lady Michelle Obama; Valerie B. Jarrett, senior advisor to President Barack Obama; Don Thompson, CEO of McDonald’s Corp.; Amir Shahkarami, CEO of Exelon Nuclear Partners; Luis Sierra, president of BP Aromatics – the Americas, Europe and Middle East at BP; Adela Cepeda, owner and president of A.C. Advisory, Inc.; Sue Ling Gin, founder and CEO of Flying Food Group LLC; and Lou Nieto, board member, AutoZone & Ryder. Kwame Y. Raoul, Quarles & Brady attorney and Illinois State Senator, was an honoree in 2013.

Ward has extensive experience representing financial institutions, REITs, corporations, and other clients in real estate acquisition, disposition, and financing transactions throughout the United States. He is a Fellow of both the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL) and the American College of Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA). He also serves on the board and executive committee of the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation, is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of The Field Museum of Chicago.

About Chicago United
Chicago United is an advocacy organization that promotes multiracial leadership in business to advance parity in economic opportunity. Chicago United supports the business community’s need to maximize the use of corporate and entrepreneurial talent and brings together diverse senior business leaders to break through barriers and realize the benefits of diversity and inclusion. Chicago United is a premiere business membership organization creating an environment where racially diverse CEOs and executive-level managers can share common experiences to promote multiracial leadership in governance, management, and business partnerships. It delivers best practices for diversity practitioners and fosters relationships among leaders who share common values. For more information, please visit www.chicago-united.org.

About Quarles & Brady LLP
Quarles & Brady is a full-service AmLaw 200 firm with more than 475 attorneys offering an array of legal services to corporate and individual clients that range from small entrepreneurial businesses to Fortune 100 companies, with practice focuses in health care and life sciences, business law, labor and employment, real estate, data privacy and security, and complex litigation. The firm has offices in Chicago; Indianapolis; Madison; Milwaukee; Naples, Florida; Phoenix; Scottsdale; Tampa; Tucson; and Washington, D.C. Additional information can be found online at quarles.com, as well as on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Christopher M. Schultz has become Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Level 2 Legal Solutions, a leading e-discovery and legal services outsourcing firm. Schultz goes to Level 2 from the AmLaw 50 firm Perkins Coie, where he was the founder and co-chair of the firm’s e-discovery practice.

“I have partnered with Level 2 on the most complex and sensitive of cases over the years and have watched them position themselves right where I want to be  ̶  at the intersection of technology and unparalleled personal attention to clients’ needs,” said Schultz. “There is a new value model quickly emerging in the legal world, and the opportunities are tremendous for Level 2.”

Schultz joins Level 2 after more than 16 years with Perkins Coie. He formed and co-chaired the E-Discovery Services & Strategies legal practice at the firm in 2007 and quickly established himself as one of the first experts in the new world of e-discovery law. A faculty member for The Sedona Conference, the legal sector’s premier forum dedicated to the advancement of e-discovery law and policy, Schultz graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law where he was an editor of the Arizona Law Review.

“Schultz’s extensive relationships range from Fortune 50 corporations to technology startups, having provided advice and expertise on the legal and technical issues surrounding data retention, corporate compliance, document production and the full scope of e-discovery in litigation and investigations,” the company said in a release. “He has also served as a key discovery expert in a number of high-profile intellectual property and employment class-action matters.”

Read more about the move.

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP has announced two newly created section chair roles, as well as new leaders for several practice groups, as the firm begins its new fiscal year. All of the new appointees practice out of the firm’s Milwaukee office.

Jeff Peelen and Daniel G. Radler have assumed the newly created positions of section chair. In this role, they will serve as an extension of the managing partner, working directly with national practice group chairs and industry team leaders to help strengthen planning, execution, and operational practices of these strategic areas of the firm.

Jeff Peelen is a member of the firm’s Public Finance Practice Group. In his public finance practice, he represents multiple regional and national underwriters in tax-exempt debt and revenue financings across the country. His governmental affairs and political law compliance program has a national reputation, serving multiple Fortune 50 clients and other corporations who regularly interact with state and federal officials.

Daniel G. Radler is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, and advises clients on all aspects of intellectual property. He has particular practice strength in patent procurement, patent re-examinations, infringement and validity opinions, and licensing in a variety of disciplines, including materials handling equipment, heavy machinery, manufacturing and molding processes, fluid dynamics, and general mechanical and electro-mechanical devices.

In addition, three partners were named as national chairs of several high-profile practice groups.

Jack M. Cook has been named the national chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group. He focuses his practice on assisting businesses with a broad range of intellectual property issues, with an emphasis on patent prosecution, IP licensing, and IP litigation, and data security. He works with large national and international corporations, research institutions, and other IP owners to build IP strategies that align with business objectives.

Elizabeth A. Orelup has been named the national chair of the Business Law Practice Group. She represents lenders, borrowers, buyers, sellers, and other parties in commercial lending and leasing transactions, other commercial transactions, and distressed credit matters and bankruptcy. Orelup has comprehensive experience in representing private equity and strategic buyers in acquisition financing transactions and a variety of other commercial loan transactions. She also serves as chair of the firm’s Legal Opinions Committee.

Rebecca A. Speckhard has been named the national chair of the Public Finance Practice Group. She dedicates her practice to municipal and governmental finance, and serves as bond counsel to municipal and governmental issuers throughout Wisconsin, with particular experience in general obligation financings, public utility revenue bond financings, community development authority and redevelopment authority financings, and related tax incremental financing and development matters.

“Quarles & Brady is delighted that Jeff, Dan, Jack, Liz, and Rebecca have accepted these leadership positions,” said Fredrick G. Lautz, firm managing partner. “We are confident that they will continue to strongly lead these groups, and work together to continue providing the client focus for which the firm is known.”

About Quarles & Brady LLP

Quarles & Brady is a full-service AmLaw 200 firm with more than 475 attorneys offering an array of legal services to corporate and individual clients that range from small entrepreneurial businesses to Fortune 100 companies, with practice focuses in health care and life sciences, business law, labor and employment, real estate, data privacy and security, and complex litigation. The firm has offices in Chicago; Indianapolis; Madison; Milwaukee; Naples, Florida; Phoenix; Scottsdale; Tampa; Tucson; and Washington, D.C. Additional information can be found online at quarles.com, as well as on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

eTERA Consulting, an internationally recognized and award-winning leader in data and technology management, announces the launch of its new website at www.eteraconsulting.com.

The user-friendly website offers information about the company’s unmatched data and technology management services, as well as educational information on topics encompassing information governance, forensic preservation and collection, transparent processing and hosting, managed review and staffing, and eDiscovery managed services, eTERA said in a release.

“As we continue to deepen our footprint in the U.S. and Europe, the new website will be an important part of our expansion, allowing us to effectively communicate eTERA’s data and technology management expertise, while supporting the company’s continued commitment to train and educate clients, business partners and employees,” said Scott Holec, eTERA’s President. “The new website will be an important component of eTERA’s external communication efforts with all key stakeholders.”

“In redesigning our website, we wanted to create a responsive site that told the eTERA story, and offered visitors the ability to locate content of particular interest to them,” said eTERA’s Director of Marketing, Shelley Haley. “We also sought to create a unique branding area to highlight important company information including recent blog posts, upcoming webinars, industry events, and employment opportunities. This site is sure to act as a valuable resource to those in the legal profession, encouraging visitors to return time and time again.”

“eTERA’s new website features several new content rich areas that will be beneficial to our site visitors,” said Cassey Elder, eTERA’s Manager of Public Relations.

The new site features:

• An interactive and unique Case Map covering recent eDiscovery cases around the U.S.
• Industry articles and media placements
• Information about eTERA’s Speakers Bureau
• A detailed agenda of eTERA’s one-day complimentary eDiscovery Training Program
• Blog content and webinars indexed by topic and date
• E-newsletter sign-up page
• Mobile friendly interface

Farrell Fritz announced that John P. McEntee, Kathryn (Katy) Carney Cole and Jaclene (Jackie) D’Agostino have been selected to receive Long Island Business News’ “Leadership in Law” Awards. They will be honored at a dinner Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015 at Crest Hollow Country Club (Woodbury, NY).

John McEntee will receive the Partner Award. He earned his J.D. degree from St. John’s University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport.

Katy Carney Cole, a Garden City, NY resident, will receive the Counsel Award. She earned her J.D. degree from St. John’s University School of Law and her B.A. degree from Colgate University.

Jackie D’Agostino, also from Garden City, will receive the Associate Award. She earned her J.D. degree from St. John’s University School of Law and her B.A. degree from Barnard College.

Long Island Business News created the “Leadership in Law” Awards to recognize individuals whose leadership, both in the legal profession and in the community, has had a positive impact on Long Island.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP announces that administrative law attorney Marisol Saenz has joined the firm’s Government Affairs Practice in Austin, Texas.

Saenz joins Gardere from the Texas Department of Insurance, where she provided counsel to the commissioner of insurance and staff on compliance and regulatory matters, legislative and policy issues, and litigation. Her legal advice covered all phases of insurance regulation, including formation and licensing of regulated entities, major holding company transactions, examinations, financial solvency concerns and receiverships. Saenz also oversaw high-profile, complex federal civil and criminal litigation matters involving receivership estates as counsel to the insurance commissioner in his role as receiver.

Focusing her practice on counseling clients in insurance and other regulatory matters, Saenz provides representation before various state agencies and the Texas Legislature. In a release, the firm said she is proficient in analyzing matters under the Texas Insurance Code, Public Information Act, Open Meetings Act and Administrative Procedures Act, and is experienced in rulemaking and the legislative process.

“We are very excited to add Marisol’s insurance and overall administrative law expertise to the Firm’s Government Affairs team,” says Kimberly A. Yelkin, executive partner in Gardere’s Austin office. “Marisol’s proven track record of success will be an asset to our clients and will further advance our team’s influence in the Texas public policy process.”

Prior to working at the Texas Department of Insurance, Saenz served as a staff attorney for the Texas Water Development Board. She provided counsel regarding the financing of water projects across the state and planning for Texas’ future water needs, which required significant collaboration with federal, state, and local governmental entities and officials, in addition to members of the public and various parties of interest. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas in 1999 and her juris doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law in 2004. 

“I am thrilled to join the Gardere team,” says Saenz. “It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to expand upon my administrative law experience as part of the Firm’s highly recognized Government Affairs Practice.”

National law firm Maron Marvel Bradley & Anderson LLC announced a major expansion that nearly doubles the size of its legal and support staff and expands its presence in several major metropolitan markets across the United States.

Thirty-two attorneys have joined Maron Marvel, all of whom focus their practices on toxic tort litigation, products liability, environmental litigation, and related practice areas, along with more than 60 paralegals and support staff. In addition to nearly doubling the firm’s headcount, the additions will expand the Delaware-based law firm into three states: Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

In a release, the firm said the strategic expansion gives Maron Marvel Bradley & Anderson a significant presence along the Gulf Coast, with new offices in Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, and Jackson, Mississippi, as well as a new office in Red Bank, New Jersey. That expands Maron Marvel to a total of 67 attorneys and more than 110 support staff in 10 locations: the five new offices and the five existing offices in Wilmington, Delaware, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Jersey City, New Jersey, and Charleston, South Carolina.

“Our goal, from the very founding of our firm, has been to become the premier mass toxic tort firm in the country. This move helps get us there,” said James J. Maron, founding partner of Maron Marvel Bradley & Anderson. “This is a significant milestone in the evolution of our firm, and we look forward to combining the skills of our two legal teams to continue to meet our clients’ objectives, together.”

The new attorneys and staff formerly were with the national law firm of Forman Watkins Krutz & Tardy LLP. Thomas Tardy will be joining Maron Marvel, a move that he said is the result of more than a decade-long working relationship.

“For more than 10 years, our group has worked closely with Jim Maron and his team and have gained a healthy respect for them as attorneys and an appreciation for their business plan,” said Tardy. “Their vision and use of technology is aligned with ours, and we look forward to giving Maron Marvel a much larger presence in the Gulf and taking advantage of their multiple offices in the East.”

Most of the attorneys and staff joining Maron Marvel will continue to work from their existing offices and locations. The new arrangement went into effect on Oct. 1, 2015.

Tardy said the move was an amicable one.

“W.G. Watkins and Fred Krutz are two of my oldest friends,” Tardy said, of his former law partners. “We still have many long-standing relationships, and we value that history. It has been a pleasure to practice law with them.”

Maron said the expanded footprint and larger legal team offers great growth possibilities for the firm’s attorneys and staff and enhanced service for the firm’s clients.

“This is a historic day for our firm,” said Maron. “Our team is excited and energized by this growth, and we look forward to putting that energy to work on behalf of our clients nationwide.”

The new Maron Marvel Bradley & Anderson attorneys are:

Name Location
Thomas Tardy Jackson MS
Brannon Berry Jackson MS
Stefan Bourn Jackson MS
Sara Budslick Jackson MS
Julie Chaffin Jackson MS
Rebekah Clayton Jackson MS
Beau Cole Jackson MS
Marcy Croft Jackson MS
Richard Crump Jackson MS
Kay Dodge Jackson MS
Mary Margaret Gay Jackson MS
Laura Goodson Jackson MS
Samuel Habeeb Jackson MS
James House Jackson MS
Christi Jones Jackson MS
Sarah Beth Jones Jackson MS
Joanna Kuhn Jackson MS
Alexander Martin Jackson MS
John McCants Jackson MS
Chan McLeod Jackson MS
Donald Partridge Jackson MS
Clare Rush Jackson MS
Amanda Summerlin Jackson MS
Elizabeth Turley Jackson MS
Todd Ogden Dallas TX
John Parsons Dallas TX
John Robinson Dallas TX
Roger Nebel Houston TX
Ebony Morris New Orleans LA
Joseph Morton New Orleans LA
Michael Connery Philadelphia PA
Timothy Coughlan Red Bank NJ

About Maron Marvel Bradley & Anderson

Maron Marvel Bradley & Anderson LLC is a national law firm based in Wilmington, Delaware, with offices in Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. The firm focuses its practice on mass toxic tort, products liability, and pharmaceutical, medical device, environmental and complex commercial disputes and represents public and private entities of all sizes. To learn more, visit the firm’s website.

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Chicago partner Jodi Patt Pellettiere has been honored among the “40 Illinois Attorneys under 40 to Watch” by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company, Chicago Lawyer, and The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Law Bulletin Publishing Company conducts an annual survey to determine who Illinois attorneys believe are the “up and comers” of law in the state of Illinois. Attorneys cannot recommend themselves or attorneys from their own law firm or organization. “This is a great honor, and it is especially meaningful for the recognition to have come from my clients,” said Pellettiere.

Pellettiere is a partner in the firm’s Tax-Exempt Organizations Practice Group, where she dedicates her practice to advising both non-profits and for-profits on the corporate and tax issues impacting tax-exempt organizations. She advises public charities (including, for example, universities and hospitals) and private foundations, among others, on complex matters such as grantmaking (foreign and domestic), investments (including program-related investments), and private benefit, private inurement, and self-dealing issues, and she regularly represents clients applying for or maintaining tax-exempt status.

She received her law degree, cum laude, from Northwestern University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.

About Law Bulletin Publishing Company
Law Bulletin Publishing Company, founded in 1854, serves the Midwest’s legal, real estate, and financial communities. The company’s products and services keep users up-to-date with the latest news and developments, enhance efficiency, and help to increase business.

About Quarles & Brady LLP
Quarles & Brady is a full-service AmLaw 200 firm with more than 475 attorneys offering an array of legal services to corporate and individual clients that range from small entrepreneurial businesses to Fortune 100 companies, with practice focuses in health care and life sciences, business law, labor and employment, real estate, data privacy and security, and complex litigation. The firm has offices in Chicago; Indianapolis; Madison; Milwaukee; Naples, Florida; Phoenix; Scottsdale; Tampa; Tucson; and Washington, D.C.

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP has announced that 12 of its associate attorneys have been admitted as partners as a result of superb performance and the promise of furthering the future for the firm and its clients. The new partners are in the firm’s Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Phoenix, and Tampa offices.

The new partners are Daniel J. Ark, Nicole A. Bashor, Jonathan W. Hackbarth, Brian A. Hartstein, Ryan S. Lovitz, Patrick J. Murphy, Lauren G. Raines, Rowan P. Smith, Martha Jahn Snyder, Valerie P. Vidal, Cathleen T. Yu, and Marian M. Zapata-Rossa.

Firm Managing Partner Fred Lautz, who supervises the partnership across the firm’s 10 nationwide locations from its founding office in Milwaukee, said, “These new partners have exceptional legal skills and provide terrific, business-aware client service. We are confident they will help Quarles & Brady grow and thrive well into the future.”

“All new partners must be outstanding representatives of the legal industry,” added Firm Chair Kimberly Leach Johnson. “As associates, they have done a superior job and we are certain they will continue their outstanding work as partners.”

The attorneys’ new status as partners becomes effective on October 1.

About the Attorneys:

Daniel J. Ark (Milwaukee office) practices in the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group and specializes in patent prosecution and counseling. His background in materials science and engineering provides him with a broad technical base that is of particular value to clients having needs in the overlapping areas of materials, mechanical, electrical, or chemical arts.

Nicole A. Bashor (Chicago office) practices in the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. She helps clients obtain, enforce, and defend against patents involving primarily mechanical, software, chemical, and medical device technologies.

Jonathan W. Hackbarth (Milwaukee office) practices in the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group. He defends corporations, financial institutions, financial advisors, and individuals against securities lawsuits in state and federal courts across the country, as well as against securities investigations and regulatory actions brought by state and federal securities regulators.

Brian A. Hartstein (Chicago office) practices in the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group. He represents and counsels management on a wide range of labor and employment issues, with an emphasis in employment discrimination litigation.

Ryan S. Lovitz (Milwaukee office) practices in the firm’s Business Law Practice Group. He represents public companies in connection with securities law compliance, corporate governance matters, and offerings.

Patrick J. Murphy (Milwaukee office) practices in the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group. He represents policyholders in several industries in connection with various types of claims, including third-party environmental, asbestos, and “personal and advertising injury” claims under commercial general liability policies.

Lauren G. Raines (Tampa office) practices in the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Real Estate Practice Group. She focuses on commercial real estate finance and enforcement, , with substantial experience in commercial lending, complex real estate transactions, loan workouts, debt restructurings, and foreclosures.

Rowan P. Smith (Phoenix office) practices in the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group with a focus on patent prosecution and counseling. He represents clients in many technology areas with a focus on those involving computer science and electrical engineering.

Martha Jahn Snyder (Madison office) practices IP Litigation as part of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. She primarily represents plaintiffs and defendants in litigations revolving around patent and trademark infringement, and the theft of trade secrets. Martha also assists clients with obtaining protection of their intellectual property and managing their IP portfolios.

Valerie P. Vidal (Milwaukee office) practices in the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group. She defends and enforces the rights of corporations and financial institutions in matters involving complex contractual disputes, business torts, loan enforcement and lender liability claims.

Cathleen T. Yu (Phoenix office) practices in the firm’s Business Law Practice Group. Her practice includes the representation of clients in corporate finance, securities, mergers and acquisitions, and business transactions in industries including health care, aviation, education, financial services, manufacturing, and biotechnology

Marian M. Zapata-Rossa (Phoenix office) practices in the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group. Her practice includes employment litigation defense and advising employers on all aspects of the employer-employee relationship with a focus on providing clients with business-oriented solutions to identify and mitigate risk.

About Quarles & Brady LLP
Quarles & Brady is a full-service AmLaw 200 firm with more than 475 attorneys offering an array of legal services to corporate and individual clients that range from small entrepreneurial businesses to Fortune 100 companies, with practice focuses in health care and life sciences, business law, labor and employment, real estate, data privacy and security, and complex litigation. The firm has offices in Chicago; Indianapolis; Madison; Milwaukee; Naples, Florida; Phoenix; Scottsdale; Tampa; Tucson; and Washington, D.C.

Scott Sherman of Branscomb PC was recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2016 Trusts & Estates “Lawyer of the Year” in Corpus Christi, Texas. He and 12 of his Branscomb colleagues won recognition in the Best Lawyers peer review guide.

Other lawyers from the firm include:

Jeff Dickerson: Corporate Law

Jim Clancy: Commercial Litigation

Omar Leal: Trusts and Estates

Kenton McDonald: Tax Law; Litigation and Controversy – Tax

Jim Robichaux: Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation;
Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants

Scott Sherman: Trusts and Estates; Litigation – Trusts and Estates

Mike Stukenberg: Trusts and Estates

Scott Taylor: Energy Law

Craig Williams: Real Estate Law

Pat Autry: Litigation – Bankruptcy

Rhonda Jolley: Banking and Finance Law; Real Estate Law

Grady Jolley: Real Estate Law

Sandra White: Litigation – Labor and Employment