Duane Morris LLP has appointed David A. Sussman managing partner of its Newark, New Jersey, office. Sussman succeeds Greg Haworth, who served in that role since 2017, and will be maintaining his practice with the firm.

“As the firm continues on its exciting growth trajectory in the New York metro region, our Newark office is of strategic importance. We are excited that David will be continuing the strong momentum generated by Greg Haworth,” said Matthew A. Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Duane Morris. “David has established himself as a committed, engaged leader within our firm and we are looking forward to his fresh perspective as well as the contributions that he will make as our office leader in Newark.”

“We have a great office in Newark and offer full-service capabilities to our clients,” said Sussman. “I am excited to collaborate in new ways with my colleagues in Newark, and across Duane Morris, to accelerate the successes and growth that we’ve achieved here.”

Sussman practices in the area of corporate law with a focus on private equity and tax. Additionally, Sussman chairs the firm’s Private Investment Funds Group and serves as a team lead for the Duane Morris Private Equity Industry Group. He also is a member of the firm’s governing Partners Board.

Sussman’s private equity experience includes representing sponsors in connection with launching investment funds, including private equity, hedge, real estate and venture capital funds. He regularly advises funds in connection with their operations, including negotiating with investors and the acquisition and disposition of the funds’ investments.

Sussman also regularly advises private equity funds in connection with the U.S. federal income tax planning for their acquisitions and dispositions of portfolio investments. Specifically, he works with private equity funds on corporate and partnership tax planning, including sophisticated tax planning to minimize U.S. federal taxes for the fund’s investors when buying and selling private companies. He also works with nationally recognized real estate firms in connection with their real estate projects, including negotiating joint ventures with institutional investors and providing U.S. federal income tax advice for their operations and projects.

Sussman received an LL.M. in 2001 from New York University School of Law. He is a 1996 cum laude graduate of New England School of Law and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

About the Duane Morris Newark Office
Duane Morris’ Newark office is one of the firm’s two strategically located offices in New Jersey. The Newark office is part of an international network of the firm’s offices, and lawyers there provide a variety of services, including: business reorganization and financial restructuring; complex litigation, white-collar defense and alternative dispute resolution; corporate, securities, mergers and acquisitions; employment law; energy, environment and resources; financial services litigation; health law; insurance and reinsurance; intellectual property and IP litigation; international law and marine insurance; marine, aviation, transportation and logistics; real estate; and tax.

About Duane Morris
Duane Morris LLP provides innovative solutions to today’s multifaceted legal and business challenges through the collegial and collaborative culture of its more than 800 attorneys in offices across the United States and internationally. The firm represents a broad array of clients, spanning all major practices and industries. Duane Morris has been recognized by BTI Consulting as both a client service leader and a highly recommended law firm.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Giovanni Giarratana, an attorney in the firm’s Tampa office, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF).

“We congratulate Gio on his selection as a Fellow of the prestigious American Bar Foundation,” said Bradley Tampa Office Managing Partner Craig Mayfield. “Gio is a fantastic addition to ABF, and he joins an impressive list of other Bradley attorneys who also serve as Fellows.”

A member of Bradley’s Government Enforcements & Investigations Practice Group, Mr. Giarratana assists clients faced with civil and criminal investigations, enforcement actions, and compliance issues across various industries. He also has experience representing clients in complex litigation and issues related to securities fraud, shareholder disputes, employment discrimination, and patent infringement.

The ABF Fellows is a global honorary society that recognizes attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of their communities. Membership in the Fellows is limited to one percent (1%) of lawyers licensed to practice in each jurisdiction. Members are nominated by their peers and elected by the ABF board. The Fellows support the research of the ABF through annual contributions and sponsor seminars and events of direct relevance to the legal profession. The independent, nonprofit ABF seeks to advance the understanding and improvement of law through research projects on the most pressing issues facing the legal system in the United States and the world.

About Bradley
Bradley combines skilled legal counsel with exceptional client service and unwavering integrity to assist a diverse range of corporate and individual clients in achieving their business goals. With offices in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and the District of Columbia, the firm’s almost 600 lawyers represent regional, national and international clients in various industries, including banking and financial services, construction, energy, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, real estate, and technology, among many others.

Brouse McDowell, a business law firm in northern Ohio, is pleased to announce that as of January 1, 2022, Shelby Ranier, Kyle Shelton, and Brian Coulter were elected as Partners of the firm.
Coulter is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, with a focus on Real Estate & Construction. He has experience representing clients ranging from publicly traded corporations, to small multi-generational family-owned businesses, and start-ups. He has represented clients on a variety of issues including Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) disputes, adverse possession, zoning, ground lease disputes, construction contracts, tort liability, and mechanics liens, with experience in state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels. For his work Brian was honored on the Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” list for Commercial Litigation in 2021-2022. He also serves his community as President of the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals.
Ranier is a member of the firm’s Business Transactions & Corporate Counseling and Tax Practice Groups. Her practice focuses on corporate tax planning as she has experience creating tax models and calculations for various transactional scenarios, reviewing transactional documents, providing tax efficient pre- and post-acquisition structuring alternatives for various corporate transactions, corporate and partnership tax due diligence to identify areas of risk potential tax exposures that create deal value through suggested indemnifications, purchase price agreements, or escrow. Shelby was honored on the Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” list for Corporate Law in 2022.
Shelton is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group with experience in federal and state courts representing companies of various sizes at the trial and appellate levels. His practice is focused on counseling and representing clients in a variety of business disputes including real estate and title insurance, product and tort liability, commercial contracts, protection of business and intellectual property, and corporate governance of closely held corporations. Kyle was honored on the Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” list in 2021, in addition to being selected to serve the legal community as an Ohio State Bar Foundation Honorary Fellow in 2021.

Davis+Gilbert LLP has added prominent trusts and estates lawyer Herbert E. Nass as a partner in the Private Client Services practice. Nass will co-chair the practice alongside the current practice chair, Alan D. Kroll.

Author of “The 101 Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes” and “Wills of the Rich & Famous,” Nass joins from Herbert E. Nass & Associates, which he founded in 1990, after beginning his career with New York law firms Paul Weiss and Tenzer Greenblatt.

“Trusts and estates law has been busier than ever, and it often attracts other important business, such as litigation matters,” Kroll said. “We have been partnering so much that with Herb’s broad client base, it just made sense to combine so that we could more seamlessly continue to work closely together.”

Nass frequently represents individuals and estates of internationally renowned musicians, visual artists and authors, among a wide range of clients.

“Davis+Gilbert could not be more welcoming to me and my team,” Nass said. Having known and worked with them over the years has made the transition so much easier. “I look forward to leading the Private Client Services practice alongside Alan to build the business and cultivate the next generation of trusts and estates leaders,” Nass said.

Nass brings his entire team with him, including senior attorney Kira L. Polner, associate Justin D. Goldberg and paralegals Lindsay E. Blodgett, Molly J. Blodgett and Taylor H. Mitchell. Office manager Jed Q. Peterson will also join as an administrative assistant.

Click here to learn more about Davis+Gilbert’s Private Client Services.

About Davis+Gilbert
Davis+Gilbert helped guide the development of the marketing communications ecosystem over the past century. Today, we apply that same see-around-corners vision to real estate, financial services, hospitality, technology and other service sector clients across the country and around the world. And it’s not just about the law; with deep insights into industry issues, our legal strategies work in tandem with business realities to reduce risk and make a real competitive difference. We focus on Advertising + Marketing, Benefits + Compensation, Corporate + Transactions, Insolvency + Finance, Intellectual Property + Media, Labor + Employment, Litigation + Dispute Resolution, Privacy + Data Security, Private Client Services, and Real Estate. Davis+Gilbert is consistently ranked in Chambers USA and The Legal 500 United States. Learn more at dglaw.com.

– MG+M The Law Firm (MG+M) is pleased to announce that it has elevated six attorneys to partner, effective January 1, 2022. The new partners and their office locations are Natasha A. Corb (New Orleans), Haley L. Hansen (San Francisco and Chicago), Anna Hwang (New York), William B. Larson, Jr. (Wilmington, Delaware), Timothy J. Meyer (O’Fallon, Illinois) and Justin A. Reinhardt (O’Fallon, Illinois).

“We are tremendously proud of these very talented attorneys for their commitment to our firm and the exceptional level of service they provide to our clients,” said MG+M Chairperson and Partner John B. Manning. “Our firm is fortunate to have such a skilled group of attorneys across our offices and we congratulate them on their promotions.”

Corb concentrates her practice on complex and toxic tort litigation, environmental litigation, and products and premises liability. She vigorously defends MG+M’s clients in all aspects of defense, from inception of the case through trial, including fact and expert witness discovery, complex motion practice, and critical investigations and analyses involving medicine and science, such as epidemiology, toxicology, hydrology and public health. She is an active member of the firm’s Women’s Forum and a contributor to the firm’s Defense Litigation Insider blog. Corb received her JD from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University and her BS from the University of New Orleans.

Hansen’s practice is focused on civil litigation, including products liability, toxic tort and mobile home litigation. She has experience taking a case from inception, through discovery and resolution, and has extensive experience in the courtroom, taking many cases to trial before a jury. Hansen received her JD from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and her BA in both Political Science and Environmental Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara.

Hwang is a litigator and solicitor with extensive experience representing corporate entities in complex product and commercial litigation. She actively participates in all aspects of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, arbitration, deposition, settlement, trial preparation and appellate practice. She also represents premises owners and construction companies in labor law, construction defect, premises liability, insurance and negligence claims. Hwang received her JD from City University of New York School of Law and her BA from Temple University.

Larson is a problem solver, litigator and trial attorney with experience in national product liability litigation, Delaware general and commercial litigation and local government matters. He is in the firm’s Delaware-based litigation group and focuses on arbitrations and litigation handling construction, real estate, business, contract and estate matters. He is a former City of Wilmington Senior Assistant City Solicitor and serves as the City’s Ethics Commission Counsel. Larson received his JD and BA from Washington and Lee University.

Meyer concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation, focusing on the areas of toxic tort and personal injury. He prides himself on coordinating the defense of clients, ranging from multinational corporations to small businesses, at every stage of litigation, and achieving optimal outcomes. He has experience defending myriad occupational exposure claims, from asbestos to flavoring chemicals and more. He earned his JD from Saint Louis University School of Law, his BS from the University of Missouri – Columbia and his MBA from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Reinhardt represents companies, large and small, in civil litigation and business transactions. His practice is focused on trucking and transportation, premises liability, products liability and toxic torts. He has assisted businesses with formation and contract review, taken hundreds of depositions in jurisdictions across the country, prepared and argued numerous successful dispositive motions and appeals and tried several cases including achieving a defense verdict in a New York products liability case. Reinhardt completed his JD at Saint Louis University School of Law.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group and Cannabis Industry team have been recognized with The National Law Review’s 2021 “Go-To Thought Leader Awards.”

The fourth annual awards include 87 legal authors across a variety of practice areas. Recipients are selected by the editorial team from a pool of more than 14,000 legal news articles published by The National Law Review in 2021.

“We are proud of our talented attorneys and their dedication to creating thoughtful and timely content that is valuable to business clients, particularly during another challenging year navigating evolving issues,” said Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters.

Bradley’s Labor and Employment Practice Group was recognized in the category of COVID Vaccine Mandates for coverage regarding masking and vaccine requirements. The National Law Review noted, “Their ongoing reporting on COVID-19 employer vaccine mandates has been a significant asset for both employers and employees alike.” The firm’s attorneys listed as regular contributors on this topic include John W. Hargrove, Anne R. Yuengert, Anne Knox Averitt, John P. Rodgers, and J. William Manuel.

The firm’s Cannabis Industry team was selected in the category of Cannabis Industry Regulation for coverage of the medical cannabis industry in Alabama, including cultivation, processing, and dispensing, as well as the SAFE Banking Act as it pertains to cannabis. The Bradley attorneys recognized as recurring authors on this topic include Whitt Steineker, James W. Wright Jr., Shelby D. Lomax, J. Hunter Robinson, and Richard W.F. Swor.

The full list the 2021 National Law Review Thought Leadership Awards is available here.

About Bradley
Bradley combines skilled legal counsel with exceptional client service and unwavering integrity to assist a diverse range of corporate and individual clients in achieving their business goals. With offices in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and the District of Columbia, the firm’s almost 600 lawyers represent regional, national and international clients in various industries, including banking and financial services, construction, energy, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, real estate, and technology, among many others.

Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Fabio E. Marino, a leading intellectual property lead trial lawyer, has joined the Silicon Valley office as a partner in the Patent Prosecution and Litigation Group.

Marino tries high-stakes patent, trade secrets, and copyright cases across the United States, with an emphasis on computer-related technologies and arguing appeals at the Federal Circuit. He also has significant experience evaluating and negotiating third-party-funded litigation agreements in the patent litigation space.

“Patent litigation has grown considerably in recent years – both in scope and complexity – and we see tremendous opportunity within the third-party funding space,” said Intellectual Property Practice Group Leader Chris Humphrey. “Fabio’s experience and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to add depth and specialization within our IP practice.”

Marino joins from Polsinelli, where he served in various leadership positions, including Managing Partner of the firm’s Silicon Valley and San Francisco Offices, Vice Chair of the Intellectual Property Department, and Practice Chair of the IP and Technology Group. He has experience in a variety of technologies including, computer networks, telecommunications, software engineering, e-commerce, internet-related technologies, and artificial intelligence.

“Womble is keenly aware of the evolving needs of clients, as well as the shifting patent litigation landscape, particularly in the third-party funding space,” said Marino. “There is significant demand for these services and I am excited to be a part of the firm’s expansion strategy in this sector.”

The addition of Marino follows a string of strong hires within the firm’s Patent Prosecution and Litigation practice, including veteran intellectual property attorneys Samuel G. Campbell and Eric A. Stephenson.

Prior to his legal career, Marino worked as a software architect. He has taught the Intellectual Property Litigation class at Santa Clara University’s School of Law and coached both Santa Clara’s and the University of California-Berkeley teams in the Giles S. Rich Patent Moot Court Competition.

CHICAGO (January 7, 2022) – Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) is pleased to announce the election of four new partners to the firm’s partnership effective January 1, 2022: Andrea Stein Fuelleman of the Intellectual Property group, Eric M. McLimore of the Taxation group, David C. Presser of the Corporate & Securities group and Collette A. Woghiren of the Litigation group.

“This is a special moment for the firm. Each one of this diverse group of talented lawyers are highly regarded in their respective areas of law and deliver exceptional results for our clients. The promotions of Andrea, Eric, David and Collette reflect NGE’s ongoing commitment to excellence in a year defined by a global health crisis,” said Managing Partner Robert G. Gerber. “This dynamic group contributes to our inclusive, collaborative and industrious culture in meaningful ways and we know that they will continue to raise the bar as our partners and leaders in years to come. We are incredibly proud of each of them and thrilled to welcome them to our partnership.”

Fuelleman focuses her practice on brand protection and intellectual property enforcement matters. She counsels clients on developing and managing international anticounterfeiting programs and online enforcement programs and assisting clients with various trademark and copyright matters, including clearance, registration, prosecution, portfolio management and enforcement. She also works with clients to structure licensing agreements to commercialize their intellectual property. Fuelleman received her J.D. from University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (cum laude) and her B.A. from Ohio University.

McLimore advises corporations, partnerships and individuals on international, federal, state and local tax planning, transactional and controversy matters. He focuses on tax matters concerning income, employment, and sales and use tax issues and controversies arising from business formations and reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, and other business transactions. A certified public accountant, Eric represents clients in all phases of complex tax concerns. McLimore received his J.D. from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and his B.A. from Claremont McKenna College.

Presser’s practice focuses on private equity, venture capital and hedge fund formations. He advises fund sponsors on all stages of fund formation and compliance with securities law, regulations and contractual provisions. David also advises limited partners investing in private funds, including negotiating the terms of limited partnership agreements and side letters, co-investments and managed accounts. Additionally, David advises clients on forming various special purpose vehicles to invest with third-party investors in seed, early-stage and late-stage emerging companies. Presser received his J.D. from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (cum laude) and his B.A. from Northwestern University.

Woghiren represents clients in complex civil litigation matters impacting their businesses nationwide, including breach of contract, tort defense, business torts and products liability. She has served as co-first chair before state and federal courts and represents pro bono clients in all phases of litigation, ranging from employment law to civil rights actions. She is a three-time winner of the prestigious Excellence in Pro Bono Service award presented by The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and The Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Woghiren received her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, her M.A. from Georgia State University, and her B.A. from Florida State University.

About NGE
Neal Gerber Eisenberg is a leading law firm dedicated to handling sophisticated matters for entrepreneurs, public companies, and private businesses and their owners. More than one-third of the lawyers at Neal Gerber Eisenberg were recognized in 2021 in Best Lawyers, and the firm represents scores of the Fortune 100 and many of the best-known private companies. The firm also acts as the trusted advisers to nonprofits, startups, growth companies and entrepreneurs. The firm has built over thirty years of trusted partnerships with clients that span the globe, and we meet each unique client need with the same personalized service and collaboration that provide the most practical solutions for every matter.

Contacts
John Albrighton
Marketing and Business Development Director
p: (312) 269-8065
e: jalbrighton@nge.com

Washington, D.C. – Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that R. Andrew “Andy” Arculin has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C., office as a partner in the Financial Institutions Litigation and Regulatory Compliance (“FILARC”) practice group. At Blank Rome, Andy will advise clients on a wide range of state and federal consumer protection laws relating to mortgages and consumer credit. Andy joins Blank Rome from Venable LLP where he was chair of the firm’s financial services practice.

Prior to private practice, Andy served as senior counsel in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (“CFPB”) Office of Regulations where he helped establish and enforce a multitude of CFPB rules and regulations under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”), Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”), Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), and other federal statutes. He served as lead attorney for various CFPB rulemakings and played a key role at CFPB in educating both the public and industry leaders about CFPB rulemakings.

“Andy’s past experience at the CFPB, paired with his experience in private practice, positions him well to represent our clients on the many aspects of consumer finance law,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Managing Partner and CEO. “Andy is yet another remarkable attorney we have added to our firm over the past year, and he will be an invaluable resource to our clients, an excellent addition to our D.C. team, and strongly enhance our FILARC practice.”

Andy regularly advises financial institutions, non-bank lenders, consumer reporting agencies, and technology companies (and their vendors) on a range of matters spanning regulatory compliance, civil enforcement, and transactions. He often provides counsel as it relates to consumer credit statutes and regulations, including TILA, ECOA, RESPA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (“HMDA”), Unfair, Deceptive and Abusive Acts and Practices (“UDAAP”), and other federal and state statutes and regulations.

“Andy was one of the early members of the CFPB and we are thrilled to add a bureau alumnus to the team,” stated Wayne Streibich, Chair of Blank Rome’s FILARC practice. “With a focus on consumer lending, Andy’s work ranges from early stage company development to specific product counsel, M&A due diligence, and everything in between. His tenure at the CFPB and his experience working with innovative business loan platforms in the evolving FinTech market provides a unique asset to our practice and clients as we kick off the new year.”

“Blank Rome is a phenomenal fit for my practice, both in terms of culture and business opportunities. I am excited by the firm’s multiservice platform and look forward to working alongside others in the FILARC practice, as well as the firm’s talented litigators. Furthermore, the firm is growing strategically, and I cannot wait to assist in expanding the regulatory practice in D.C.,” Arculin said.

Andy often serves as a thought leader on topics such as consumer lending, FinTech, and mortgage banking. He is also an active member of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Andy received his J.D., cum laude, from the Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America, and his B.A. from the University of Virginia.

About Blank Rome

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 13 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.

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Global law firm Hogan Lovells announced that 27 of its people have been promoted to partner effective 1 January across a network of 47+ offices in 24+ countries, spanning the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Speaking on the promotions, Hogan Lovells’ CEO Miguel Zaldivar commented: “Nurturing and promoting the excellent talent that we have at Hogan Lovells is central to our strategy of providing the best service and putting clients at the center of everything we do. The promotions of these talented individuals reflect the quality, breadth and depth of Hogan Lovells around the world, particularly our strength in a number of key sectors and in advising at the intersection of business and government. I am particularly pleased that a total of 48% of our new partners and new counsel are women, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+. I congratulate all those who were promoted and wish them every success as they continue their career with the firm.”

Each of Hogan Lovells’ practice groups is represented in the 2022 partner promotions:

10 in Corporate & Finance (including in Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Restructuring and Insolvency, and Real Estate)
Seven in Global Regulatory & IPMT (including in Strategic Operations, Agreements & Regulation, Public Procurement and Education, Medical Device and Technology, Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, Antitrust, Competition and Economic Regulation, and Intellectual Property, Media & Technology)
10 in Litigation, Arbitration & Employment (including in Litigation, International Arbitration, Employment, and Investigations, White Collar and Fraud)
The additions to the partnership are a reflection of the firm’s global legal practice. The new partners include:
12 in the Americas, spread across our Washington, D.C., New York, Philadelphia, Denver and Mexico City offices
14 in Europe, the Middle East & Africa, spread across our Birmingham, London, Munich, Hamburg, Paris, Madrid and Brussels offices
One in Asia-Pacific, in Hong Kong
44% women, 11% racial and ethnic minority and 5% LGBTQ+
In addition to the 27 new partners, 71 of our lawyers have been promoted to counsel.

Hogan Lovells Fidelity, the joint office Hogan Lovells established in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone with Fujian Fidelity Law Firm in 2016, has also promoted one partner and one counsel as of 1 January 2022.

Our new partners are:

Tifarah R. Allen, Corporate & Finance (Capital Markets), Washington, D.C.
Christiane Alpers, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Strategic Operations, Agreements and Regulation), Hamburg
Laura Asbati, Corporate & Finance (Capital Markets), Paris
Jon Aurrekoetxea, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Madrid
David Baron, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Employment), New York
John D. Beck, Corporate & Finance (Business Restructuring and Insolvency), New York
Briana L. Black, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Washington, D.C.
Scott P. Campbell, Corporate & Finance (Real Estate), Denver
Graham Cutts, Corporate & Finance (Real Estate), London
Anthony Doolittle, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), London
Benjamin A. Fleming, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), New York
Anna-Katharina Friese, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology), Hamburg
Mary Carmen Fuertes Abascal, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Employment), Mexico City
Erin J. Howell, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), New York
Tobias Kahnert, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Munich
Angelina Leder, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Munich
David Palmer, Corporate & Finance (Capital Markets), London
Byron Phillips, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Hong Kong
Hannah Piper, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), London
Penny Powell, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Strategic Operations, Agreements and Regulation), London
Michael J. Scheimer, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Public Procurement and Education), Washington, D.C.
Tom Smith, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (International Arbitration), London
Matthew C. Sullivan, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), New York
Blake E. Wilson, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Medical Device and Technology), Philadelphia
May Lyn Yuen, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Antitrust, Competition and Economic Regulation), Brussels
Lowell M. Zeta, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology), Washington, D.C.
Astrid Zourli, Corporate & Finance (Business Restructuring and Insolvency), Paris
Our new counsel are:

Jasmeet K. Ahuja, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Philadelphia
James Alder, Corporate & Finance (Private Equity & Funds), London
David Bamberg, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology), Munich
Jillian C. Beck, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Houston
Fabian Bonke, Corporate & Finance (Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects), Frankfurt
Luc Bontoux, Corporate & Finance (Banking), Paris
Matthew R. Bowles, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Washington, D.C.
Susann Brackmann, Corporate & Finance (Business Restructuring & Insolvency), Hamburg
Cees Brouwer, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), London
Jim Clayton, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Washington, D.C.
Emanuela Cocco, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Environment and Natural Resources), Rome
Marine de Montecler, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Paris
Andreas Doser, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Financial Services), Frankfurt
Clare Douglas, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), London
Juan Arturo Dueñas R., Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (International Arbitration), Mexico City
Andreas Eggert, Corporate & Finance (Tax, Pensions & Benefits), Munich
Tom Eyre-Brook, Corporate & Finance (Tax, Pensions & Benefits), London
Pauline Faron, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Paris
Pierluigi Feliciani, Corporate & Finance (Private Equity & Funds), Rome
Ari Fridman, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Government Relations and Public Affairs), Washington, D.C.
Jesús García, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Employment), Madrid
Sebastian Gräler, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Düsseldorf
Julia Gurieva, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology), Moscow
Stacy M. Hadeka, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Public Procurement and Education), Washington, D.C.
Henrik Hanssen, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology), Hamburg
Sandra M. Harris, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Denver
Carol Hartopp Hall, Corporate & Finance (Business Restructuring & Insolvency), Singapore
Dominic Hoar, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology), London
J. Nicholas Hoover, Corporate & Finance (Capital Markets), Baltimore
Ashley M. Howlett, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Antitrust, Competition and Economic Regulation), Washington, D.C.
James A. Huang, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Health), Washington, D.C.
Vassi Iliadis, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Los Angeles
Paula Inglis, Corporate & Finance (Banking), Birmingham
Michael Jacobson, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (International Trade and Investment), Washington, D.C.
Sophia Jaeger, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Hamburg
Ulrike Janssen, Corporate & Finance (Real Estate), Munich
Kerstin Jonen, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology), Düsseldorf
Katherine Keeley, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Washington, D.C.
Katie Lannon, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Transportation), Washington, D.C.
Derrick Lau, Corporate & Finance (Banking), Hong Kong
Zack Launer, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Energy Regulatory), Washington, D.C
Charlotte Le Roux, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Strategic Operations, Agreements & Regulation), Paris
Victor Levy, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Antitrust, Competition and Economic Regulation), Paris
Emily M. Lyons, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Washington, D.C.
Elise Martin, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), London
Elizabeth McGuire, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology), Los Angeles
David R. Michaeli, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), New York
Cornelius Naumann, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Munich
Sebastian Oebels, Corporate & Finance (Capital Markets), Frankfurt
Elizabeth Pignatelli, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Boston
Aarti Rao, Corporate & Finance (Capital Markets), London
Anna Rogge, Corporate & Finance (Capital Markets), Frankfurt
Matthias Samol, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Munich
Siddharth Saxena, Corporate & Finance (Banking), Amsterdam
Benjamin Schulte, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), Munich
Benoît Serraf, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Luxembourg
Nathan Sherlock, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), London
Dan Shulak, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Washington, D.C.
Polly Sims, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology), Houston
Tej Singh, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology), Silicon Valley
Samson Suen, Corporate & Finance (Capital Markets), Hong Kong
Xin Tao, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Food and Beverage), Washington, D.C.
Helen Y. Trac, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology), San Francisco
Felipe Vázquez Acedo, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Madrid
Hubertus Weber, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Investigations, White Collar and Fraud), Frankfurt
Christopher Weigand, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Denver
Dan Whitehead, Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media & Technology (Privacy and Cybersecurity), London
James Wise, Litigation, Arbitration and Employment (Litigation), London
William Wu, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Hong Kong
Yu Xia, Corporate & Finance (Private Equity & Funds), Shanghai
Jessie J. Xie, Corporate & Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions), Beijing
The Hogan Lovells Fidelity promotions are:

Suyu Yuan, promoted to partner
Julia Peng, promoted to counsel

Chris Schwegmann Named Managing Partner at Dallas Trial Boutique

Veteran trial lawyer assumes new leadership role at Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann

DALLAS – Chris Schwegmann has been elected as the newest managing partner of the highly respected Dallas trial firm of Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann. In his new role, Mr. Schwegmann will manage the business and operational strategies for the firm, while continuing his practice in matters involving trademark and copyright infringement, false advertising, antitrust, and other business disputes.

“I’m honored by the encouragement and confidence I’ve received from my partners, our attorneys, and the staff to lead the firm,” says Mr. Schwegmann. “We’ve been blessed with lots of work, have added a number of outstanding associates in recent months, and are well-positioned to continue delivering results in the most complex and challenging cases in venues across the nation.”

Mr. Schwegmann succeeds Eric Pinker, who has served as managing partner since June of 2000.

“This is a great opportunity to transition leadership to the next generation,” says Mr. Pinker. “Chris is well-prepared for this role, having served as general counsel of the firm for several years. He is highly regarded by everyone here and I look forward to supporting Chris in every way possible as he leads the firm into the future.”

“Eric served selflessly and skillfully as managing partner for more than 20 years, guiding the firm’s growth from a handful of lawyers to a well-regarded litigation powerhouse with more than 40 trial lawyers,” says Mr. Schwegmann. “We all owe a great debt to his intelligence, business savvy, and most of all, patience. We appreciate that leadership, and what he offers the firm and our clients in returning to a full-time practice of law.”

Mr. Schwegmann represents companies in a wide range of industries including software, technology, manufacturing, cosmetics, and health care. He has been repeatedly honored by Texas Super Lawyers in the fields of business litigation and intellectual property and as one of D Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Dallas. Just this year, he was recognized by D Magazine as one of the Dallas 500, which profiles the region’s most influential business and civic leaders.

Mr. Schwegmann joined the firm in 2005 from Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City. He earned his law degree from New York University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University. Following law school, he served as a law clerk to The Honorable Sam A. Lindsay of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann is a nationally recognized commercial litigation firm whose philosophy is based on trial-tested experience, creativity, and an uncompromising will to win. For the past three years, the firm has been ranked among the top five commercial litigation firms in Texas by the highly respected Chambers USA Guide to the Legal Profession. The firm has also received numerous accolades by The Best Lawyers in America, Texas Super Lawyers, D Magazine, and Texas Lawyer, and was twice awarded “Defense Win of the Year” in the U.S. by the National Law Journal, the only firm to receive that recognition twice.

The lawyers at Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann try business disputes of all types, including breach of contract, intellectual property and trade secret, class action, financial services, securities, breach of fiduciary duty, employment, and professional malpractice cases. To learn more, visit www.lynnllp.com.

Turner Padget is pleased to announce the addition of Madison Bailey Barnhill, associate, to the Wealth & Estate Planning practice group in Columbia. Barnhill will support the Estate & Business Planning team with several complex legal disciplines including wills and trusts, estate and gift taxes, real estate transfers, charitable giving and elder law. She will also devise legal and business strategies that minimize organizational disruptions.

Prior to joining Turner Padget, Barnhill served as an associate at McCutchen McLean, where she focused on estate planning, probate administration and business law matters. She also worked for the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, handling unemployment insurance benefits appeals.

While in law school, Barnhill served as a graduate research assistance conducting studies on data privacy and cyber violations to analyze the legal analytics behind search terms. She was a peer-editor for the Journal of Legal Medicine and received a CALI Award in legal research and writing. During her last year in law school, Barnhill was a legal clerk at Finkel Law Firm. She is an avid volunteer in her community and a member of the Rotary Club and of The Basilica of St. Peters.

Barnhill earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and her law degree from Georgia State University College of Law.

Turner Padget exceeds expectations by taking your interests, your business and our relationships personally. Our depth of knowledge, technical strength and diverse experience makes us sharp, talented business thinkers able to see our clients’ needs holistically and get to the core of the problem quickly. As one of South Carolina’s largest law firms, Turner Padget has expanded into neighboring states with offices located in Augusta, Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville and Myrtle Beach, along with strategic alliances in Florida and North Carolina. http://www.turnerpadget.com/

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Wiggin and Dana is pleased to announce that it has elected seven new partners, effective January 1, 2022. In addition, during 2021, the firm welcomed five new lateral partners. The new partners reflect Wiggin and Dana’s continued strategic growth. The firm’s New York office – its second largest by headcount – grew by four partners. The firm also added partners in its Emerging Companies and Venture Capital, Health Care, and International Trade Compliance practices, and broadly across its corporate and litigation practices.

“Our newly elevated partners exemplify the excellent talent driving our firm’s sustained growth,” said Tim Diemand, Wiggin and Dana’s Managing Partner. “We are equally proud and excited to have attracted stellar lateral partners this year, adding breadth and depth to strategically important areas.”

The seven newly elected partners are:

Matthew C. Brown co-chairs the Manufacturing Industry Practice Group. He has extensive experience resolving manufacturing and supplier disputes through mediation and arbitration and has tried to verdict multimillion-dollar jury and courtside manufacturing claims. Matthew earned his J.D. magna cum laude at Quinnipiac University, where he was a dean’s scholar.
Nathan E. Denning leads large, complex litigation from pre-suit investigation through verdict, appeal or settlement in a wide range of practice areas. Before joining Wiggin, he was an attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore and clerked at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Nathan earned his J.D. cum laude at the University of Pennsylvania.
Robyn E. Gallagher has a broad-based complex litigation practice focusing on product liability, aviation and insurance. A former accountant, she brings a skilled hand to complex damages calculations. Robyn graduated first in her class at Western New England University School of Law and earned her M.S. in Accounting at the University of Connecticut. Robyn clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Alvin W. Thompson.
Daniel E. Goren is a member of the International Trade Compliance Group, where he advises companies across a wide range of industries on compliance with U.S. export controls and trade sanctions regulations. Dan earned his J.D. with high honors at the University of Connecticut and a M.S. from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Michael L. Kenny Jr. focuses on commercial, probate, construction and maritime litigation in federal, state and appellate courts, as well as domestic and international arbitration. Michael earned his J.D. at Fordham Law School and was a Fulbright Scholar in Sri Lanka.
David R. Roth focuses on complex civil litigation and appeals. Before joining the firm, he clerked for Judge Christopher F. Droney on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Dave earned his J.D. at Yale Law School and M.A in Classics at the University of Virginia.
Adam Silverman advises mature and emerging growth companies on commercial agreements, venture capital and debt financings, mergers and acquisitions, governance, and general corporate matters. Before joining the firm, Adam was an associate at Greenberg Traurig and received his J.D. cum laude at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Wiggin’s 2021 lateral partner additions were:

Jonathan A. Golub, chair of the Fund Formation and Investment Management Practice Group, helps emerging and established managers launch funds of all sizes and establish their related investment adviser and general partner entities. With more than 20 years of experience in the investment management industry, he worked at several prominent law and accounting firms with well-regarded financial services practices. Jonathan earned his J.D. at UCLA.
Jonathan Harris is a Partner in the Corporate and Litigation Departments and a member of the Life Sciences Practice Group. He advises established and emergent life science companies on all aspects of IP matters, including patent licenses and strategic alliances, litigation, IP diligence, freedom to operate, and prosecution. Jonathan was previously a partner in a highly regarded IP and antitrust boutique and earned his J.D. and M.B.A at the University of Connecticut.
Vanessa L. Maczko advises individuals and families on multigenerational asset transfers, such as closely held business interests, marketable securities, art collections, real estate, tangible personal property and insurance policies. She joined the firm from Proskauer Rose and previously was an associate at Weil, Gotshal and Manges. Vanessa earned her LL.M. at New York University and J.D. at Harvard Law School.
Dimitrios P. Tournas is a Partner in the Real Estate, Construction and Facilities Department focusing on commercial and residential real estate transactions, often involving high net worth individuals and family offices; corporate entity formation; and financing low-income housing and tax credit transactions. He rejoined the firm from Withers Bergman. Dimitrios earned his J.D. at the University of Connecticut.
Kristina Wesch is a Partner in the Health Care Department and co-chairs the Restructuring and Distressed Transactions Practice Group. She advises on health care transactions, bankruptcies, and out-of-court restructuring and reorganization matters. She previously led the health care transactions practice at Herrick Feinstein. Kristina earned her J.D. at St. John’s University.
About Wiggin

Wiggin and Dana is a national law firm with more than 150 attorneys. We are a true partnership of highly talented, creative and experienced lawyers dedicated to exceeding our clients’ expectations every day. With offices in Connecticut, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Palm Beach, we represent clients throughout the United States and globally on a wide range of sophisticated and complex matters. From defending the Fortune 500 in “bet-the-company” litigation to helping the next generation of inventors bring new technologies to market, to preserving the wealth that family businesses worked so hard to create, we pride ourselves in offering value-driven solutions and results.

George Fatheree has joined Sidley’s Real Estate practice as a partner in Greater Los Angeles. Prior to joining Sidley, Mr. Fatheree was a real estate partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP.
Mr. Fatheree advises investors, developers, lenders, and high-net-worth individuals in a wide array of large and complex commercial real estate transactions. He also counsels artists, museums, art collectors, and cultural institutions across an array of arts and culture transactions and issues. Mr. Fatheree has developed a strong track record advising real estate developers and investors as they launch their first funds and build their operating companies and investment platforms.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, Mr. Fatheree developed substantial business experience as a management consultant with McKinsey & Company and Booz Allen & Hamilton, and he co-founded govWorks.com, an Internet company, for which he was named one of Silicon Alley’s Top 25 Minority Entrepreneurs. He also served as the chief operating officer of the California Charter Schools Association, an education-reform nonprofit.
“George’s experience working on a wide range of real estate transactions across multiple industries will be a great addition to our established practice,” said Michael Gordon, global leader of Sidley’s Real Estate practice. “He is a trusted advisor to his clients and will now be able to provide additional services on the Sidley platform.”
“George is well known to many of us as a lawyer and as an active member of the LA community. We are excited to have him join Sidley,” said Dan Clivner, managing partner of Sidley’s Greater Los Angeles offices. “He is a rare talent who is recognized for outstanding work for his many clients and his leadership on a wide range of pro bono and diversity initiatives.”
Mr. Fatheree serves on the boards of Bet Tzedek, Destination Crenshaw, the Langston Bar Association, and Loyola Marymount University. He is also a member of the Real Estate Executive Council, the leading trade association for minority executives in the commercial real estate industry, and has also served on the executive committee for the LA County Real Property Section. Mr. Fatheree has dedicated thousands of hours to pro bono work, including securing reparations for survivors of the Holocaust; authoring a successful amicus curiae brief to California’s Supreme Court on behalf of public school students with diabetes; representing the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in its acquisition and development of a state-of-the-art performing arts academy; and helping students with special needs access educational services. He is currently leading the legal effort for the historic return of the Bruce’s Beach property in Southern California, which was wrongfully taken from the Bruce family in the 1920s.
“When the opportunity comes along to work with someone of George’s caliber, you close the deal,” said Peter Benudiz, partner and leader of the firm’s Global Hospitality group. “I’m excited to work with George and grow our practice in the region and around the world.”

Michael Best is pleased to announce the addition of 23 lawyers and 13 professionals from Forrest Firm in a strategic combination to expand the firm’s presence in North Carolina. In addition to Michael Best’s established Raleigh office, the firm will gain seven offices throughout the state, in Asheville, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, Greenville, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem.

Forrest Firm is a full-service business law firm with offices across North Carolina. Since its inception in 2011, the firm has proudly represented clients all over the globe in practice areas such as corporate transactions, intellectual property, litigation, labor and employment, venture capital, and more. With a deep bench of attorneys focusing on representing start-up companies, Forrest Firm will serve as a natural complement to Michael Best’s Venture Best team, which helps counsel high-growth businesses on their financial, organizational, and regulatory needs, as well as investment fund formation, private equity investments, venture capital and growth capital financing, and forming and growing start-ups.

“Combining with Forrest Firm is the ideal match for Michael Best, as they share our vision and goals, with a clients-first focus,” said David Krutz, Firm Managing Partner of Michael Best. “By adding 36 new attorneys and professionals, we will immediately become a market leader for providing legal services, market intelligence, and strategic advice to high-growth businesses and entrepreneurs across the state and across industries in the Southeast.”

“We were drawn to Michael Best because of their rich history of success, along with their focus on client service, innovation, growth, and community service” said James Forrest, Founder and CEO of Forrest Firm. “They are committed to many of the same things we have been committed to during the history of Forrest Firm, but on a much larger scale. We are thrilled with the combination and anticipate big things from the combined organization.”

Michael Best had 260 attorneys across 12 offices after launching its Raleigh office in 2017. Since then, the firm has grown in authority and credibility across an innovative client base, receiving recognition in Metropolitan Tier 3 ranking in Trademark Law in Raleigh. The Raleigh office added 6 attorneys in 2021; now, with the Forrest Firm team from all regions of the state joining Michael Best, the firm will have over 60 legal and technical professionals across the state and nearly 400 across the country.

“We’re impressed by Michael Best’s clear, intentional, and strategic vision for growing its presence in North Carolina, with a culture that reflects our state’s own spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Andy Jones, President of Forrest Firm. “Our deep client and community relationships throughout North Carolina will be a great accompaniment to Michael Best’s highly regarded breadth of expertise and level of service.”

The acquisition serves as another notable benchmark in Michael Best’s continued strategic expansion. Along with growth in both revenue and attorney numbers over the past few years, Michael Best has solidified its position as a leading national firm consisting of highly skilled, diverse professionals who prioritize client service.

Davis+Gilbert announced it has named corporate partner Curt Myers as its next chairman, effective January 1, 2022. Myers succeeds Ronald R. Urbach. In addition, Lewis Rubin, the firm’s Chief Operating Partner, will be stepping down from his position at the same time, with his responsibilities transitioned to several other partners. Urbach and Rubin have overseen the management of the firm since 2010.

“We are in a dynamic growth and expansion mode, and I welcome the challenges and opportunities that come with that,” Myers said. “Since joining Davis+Gilbert in 1995, I have seen it grow exponentially. I thank Ron and Lew for their masterful stewardship and guidance for over a decade. I plan to continue the focus of serving and expanding our client base, while evolving our service offerings and nurturing our firm culture.”

In addition to his new position, Myers will continue to co-chair the firm’s Corporate + Transactions group. Urbach will serve on the firm’s executive committee as chairman emeritus and will continue to co-chair the Advertising + Marketing group.

“Curt has distinguished himself both as a leader serving his clients’ business and legal interests as they grow and expand, and as an integral member of the executive committee for over 15 years”, Urbach said. “I am confident that he will do a tremendous job building on the firm’s success and leading it into this next chapter.”

Drawing on more than 30 years of deal experience, Myers’ practice focuses on counseling clients on business-critical purchases, sales and mergers, as well as debt and equity investment financing. He often acts as de facto general counsel, advising on large commercial contracts, executive employment agreements, equity incentive plans and general corporate matters.

About Davis+Gilbert
Davis+Gilbert helped guide the development of the marketing communications ecosystem over the past century. Today, we apply that same see-around-corners vision to real estate, financial services, hospitality, technology and other service sector clients across the country and around the world. And it’s not just about the law; with deep insights into industry issues, our legal strategies work in tandem with business realities to reduce risk and make a real competitive difference. We focus on Advertising + Marketing, Benefits + Compensation, Corporate + Transactions, Insolvency + Finance, Intellectual Property + Media, Labor + Employment, Litigation + Dispute Resolution, Privacy + Data Security, Private Client Services, and Real Estate. Davis+Gilbert is consistently ranked in Chambers USA and The Legal 500 United States. Learn more at dglaw.com.

DALLAS – Business law firm McGuire, Craddock & Strother is proud to announce the promotion of real estate associate Lauren Smyth to firm shareholder.

Ms. Smyth is a skilled lawyer with extensive experience in commercial real estate law. She is a trusted adviser to parties at all stages of the real estate life cycle, including acquisition, development, lease negotiations and disposition of large-scale commercial real estate, including mixed-use, retail and office properties.

“Our clients know they can rely on Lauren for valuable expertise and guidance that can make the difference in any project’s success,’’ said firm Shareholder and Managing Director Mark Chevallier. “Her knowledge and talents add great depth to this firm and our clients.”

McGuire, Craddock & Strother has a robust commercial real estate practice encompassing all major facets of the business and representing clients across the United States.

Ms. Smyth joined the firm in 2016 after nearly three years of practicing law at another firm. In 2021, she was recognized on D Magazine’s list of Best Lawyers Under 40. She is a graduate of Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law and earned her bachelor’s degree from SMU as well. Before law school, she worked for the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Ms. Smyth is active in legal and professional organizations, including the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and the Dallas Bar Association’s Real Property Law Section and Probate and Trusts & Estates Section.

About McGuire, Craddock & Strother, P.C.

McGuire, Craddock & Strother, P.C., is a Dallas-based commercial law firm built on a commitment to provide the highest level of service in a creative, efficient and cost-effective manner. Our attorneys are problem solvers who understand clients’ businesses, which is reflected in the many close, long-term relationships the firm maintains today. To learn more, please visit http://www.mcslaw.com.

Former Assistant US Attorney Reunites With Katten’s Distinguished Team of Former Prosecutors

(CHICAGO) Katten announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Stetler has rejoined its White Collar and Internal Investigations practice as a partner in Chicago, further elevating the firm’s widely recognized national practice where many of its partners once were federal prosecutors, giving them the skills and credibility to effectively guide companies and individuals through every phase of a criminal case.

“Chris has a stellar reputation as an investigator and trial attorney. His skill set fits well with our team’s top-tier white collar defense, internal investigation, and compliance practice,” said Katten partner Scott Resnik, chair of the firm’s White Collar and Internal Investigations department, which boasts a strong track record defending clients facing allegations in federal, state and regulatory settings.

“His extensive experience, which includes clerking for a federal judge and prosecuting high-profile federal criminal cases, gives Chris a unique perspective on how judges and the government make decisions, particularly when it comes to pursuing charges and resolving cases, a valuable asset for our clients.”

Stetler most recently served as Deputy Chief of the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, supervising a team of prosecutors in the General Crimes Section and working with federal agents in high-profile investigations.

Stetler spent more than a decade as an Assistant US Attorney, working alongside noted US Attorneys Patrick Fitzgerald, Zach Fardon and John R. Lausch Jr. in the handling of highly sensitive and widely publicized prosecutions involving public corruption throughout Illinois.

He has tried cases involving bank fraud, bribery, tax fraud, theft of trade secrets, and wire fraud.
As lead prosecutor, Stetler secured the convictions of well-known government officials, including:
• Former Illinois State Senator Martin Sandoval, who pleaded guilty to bribery and tax offenses.
• Former Cook County Commissioner Joseph Mario Moreno, who pleaded guilty to engaging in a series of public and personal corruption schemes.
• Former Illinois State Representative Luis Arroyo, who pleaded guilty to bribery.
• Former Illinois State Senator Terrance Link, who pleaded guilty to a tax offense.
• Former McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski, who pleaded guilty to extortion conspiracy and tax charges.

“Chris has repeatedly proven his considerable skills, having prosecuted powerful political figures in Illinois and persuading many others to cooperate with federal investigations,” said Chicago managing partner Gil Soffer, a former federal prosecutor and senior Department of Justice (DOJ) official. “Chris is an elite attorney of the highest integrity, and we are glad to have him back.”

Prior to joining the US Attorney’s Office in 2010, Stetler served as a law clerk for Judge Amy St. Eve, when she was seated on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Before that clerkship, he was an associate at Katten for five years, working on matters involving internal investigations, white-collar criminal defense and complex commercial litigation.

Stetler is the latest in a line of noteworthy partners to join Katten’s Chicago White Collar practice. He follows Daniel Collins, a former national co-chair of litigation at Faegre Drinker with a storied 10-year career as a federal prosecutor; and his partner at Faegre, Levi Giovanetto. Collins and Giovanetto joined Katten over the summer.

Katten is a full-service law firm with nearly 650 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm’s core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit katten.com.

Compliancy Group to host annual “Lessons and Examples” webinar in which healthcare breaches and fines are discussed. This webinar examines breaches and fines to determine why they occurred, and how they could have been prevented. Attendees are given actionable tips that they can implement within their business to improve their security and privacy practices.

“Healthcare breaches have continually escalated in both size and frequency. What many businesses fail to realize is that HIPAA compliant organizations are more secure and therefore less likely to be breached. It is also important to note that when a healthcare breach occurs, the organization is investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services to determine if the organization’s negligence caused the breach. When an organization is found negligent, they have violated HIPAA and are subject to costly fines, corrective action, and reputational damage.”
– Marc Haskelson, President and CEO, Compliancy Group.

2021 saw some of the largest breaches and fines in the history of enforcement efforts by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The largest healthcare breach in 2021 affected 3.5 million patients through a cyberattack that exposed long-standing vulnerabilities in the security of a nonprofit’s website. The largest fine issued also involved a nonprofit organization that was fined $200,000 for failing to provide several patients with timely access to their medical records. The lesson from these, security and compliance are equally important, and no organization is safe from breaches and fines unless they are compliant and secure.

The 2021 Breaches and Fines webinar will be held:

January 26, 2022 @ 2PM EST

Join the webinar to get exclusive tips on how to prevent breaches, HIPAA violations, and fines.

Sign up now!

Saxe Doernberger & Vita P.C. (SDV) Elevates K. Alexandra O’Neill to Partner

Trumbull, Connecticut (December 4, 2022) – Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C. is pleased to announce the elevation of K. Alexandra O’Neill to Partnership, effective January 1, 2022.

Alexandra is a graduate of Quinnipiac Law School and began her career with SDV in 2013 as a Summer Associate after completing an externship with the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. Her practice is devoted to policyholder representation in complex insurance litigation matters, and she has extensive experience in arbitration and mediation. Alexandra has been an invaluable member of the SDV team and has negotiated and secured insurance coverage for clients subject to federal and state government investigations.

In addition to being the firm’s Information and Technology Liaison, Alexandra is active within SDV’s mentorship program as a mentor to newer attorneys. Alexandra is also a member of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

“Alex has been with SDV for many years and, during that time, has grown into one of our most energetic and dependable attorneys. She has taken the lead on extremely complex coverage cases and has deftly handled disputes running the gamut from construction defect to life insurance with ease. We are thrilled to add someone as dedicated to our clients as Alex to our partnership ranks,” says Theresa Guertin, Managing Partner of SDV’s Northeast office.

SDV is among the elite law firms in the country representing policyholders in insurance coverage disputes and one of the even fewer national firms whose practice is focused exclusively in this area. Our clients span a broad range, from individuals to international corporations, and reach across all industries. No matter who or where you are, SDV is the right choice for policyholders.
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