Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson Family Law Attorney John Kappel Honored Among Best in Dallas

Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson Family Law Attorney John Kappel Honored Among Best in Dallas

D Magazine’s Best Lawyers Under 40 recognizes Kappel for Family Law expertise

DALLAS – D Magazine’s Best Lawyers Under 40 listing of top young attorneys in North Texas has recognized John Kappel of Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson.

“We are proud of John and his accomplishments in Family Law,” said the firm’s Managing Partner Scott Downing. “He excels in his practice, and we are glad that our peers recognize his talents.”

D Magazine’s annual listing is designed to highlight the best attorneys in Dallas under 40 in their specified practice areas. The editorial team compiled the 2022 listing starting with peer nominations and then an intensive review by a blue-ribbon panel to select the final group of attorneys. Close to 1,300 young attorneys in Texas are selected for this listing, and Mr. Kappel is among a handful honored for work in Family Law disputes.

Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Mr. Kappel’s practice focuses on Family Law, appellate matters and international Family Law, as well as probate and estate planning. An author and presenter on Family Law issues, Mr. Kappel is a member of the Dallas Bar Association Family Law and Appellate Sections, the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, and the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists.

For more information about Mr. Kappel, visit https://www.ondafamilylaw.com/attorney/john-j-kappel/

The firm’s experienced lawyers are frequently honored by D Magazine for their expertise in Family Law, including the publication’s annual Best Lawyers in Dallas edition and D CEO’s Dallas 500 listing of the top business leaders in North Texas.

Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson has served families for almost 30 years. With offices in Dallas, Frisco, Fort Worth and San Antonio, ONDA is one of Texas’ largest Family Law firms. Each partner is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, as well as a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists.




Hughes Hubbard Promotes Four to Partnership and Four to Counsel

Hughes Hubbard Promotes Four to Partnership and Four to Counsel

New York, January 4, 2022 – Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP is pleased to announce that it has elected four new partners and four new counsel, effective Jan. 1, 2022.

“We are proud of this extraordinary group of lawyers, each of whom demonstrates outstanding professional excellence and exceptional client service,” said Ted Mayer, chair of Hughes Hubbard. “We look forward to the continued success of our new partners and counsel as they grow with us in their future careers.”

The new partners are M. Shams Billah, Erin Diers and Amina Hassan in the New York Office, and Marie-Agnès Nicolas in the Paris Office.

The firm also elevated to counsel Jan Dunin-Wasowicz in the Paris Office, Tyler Grove in the Washington, D.C. Office, and Malik Havalic and Alexander Rahn in the New York Office.

New Partners

M. Shams Billah is a member of the firm’s Banking & Financial Services practice group in New York. He maintains a broad corporate finance practice and is one of the few practitioners in the field that equally represents both lenders and borrowers, providing full-service representation on the entire life cycle of a debt transaction, including thorough restructurings and bankruptcies. Shams has particular experience in acquisition finance and private credit transactions, and is an award-winning thought leader in the niche practice area of Islamic finance. In the past decade, Shams has advised on over $250 billion of transactions for lenders and corporate borrowers globally. He earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude. He received his B.A. in Economics (summa cum laude) from The George Washington University.

Erin Diers is a member of the firm’s Corporate Reorganization & Bankruptcy group in New York, where she focuses on bankruptcy, restructuring and commercial litigation. Erin’s diverse practice includes the representation of debtors and creditors in a wide range of matters, including in and out-of-court restructurings and bankruptcy-related litigation. Erin regularly advises clients on bankruptcy matters in connection with financings and capital markets offerings. She earned her J.D. from Columbia University in 2011 (Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar) and received her B.A. (magna cum laude) from American University in 2008.

Amina Hassan is a member of the firm’s Litigation department in New York and represents U.S. and foreign clients in a wide range of matters. She is one of the firm’s up-and-coming trial lawyers. Her practice focuses on complex litigation and investigations. She has successfully represented clients in, among other diverse matters, securities litigation, employment litigation, auditor defense, products liability litigation, and bankruptcy and SIPA litigation. She has experience litigating class actions, handling cross-border matters and representing clients before regulatory and administrative agencies. Born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, Amina received her B.A. from Lahore University of Management Sciences, graduating top of her class. Amina earned her J.D. from Columbia University in 2007, and was named Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar in 2005 and Charles Evan Hughes Fellow in 2007.

Marie-Agnès Nicolas is a member of the firm’s Anti-Corruption & Internal Investigations group and Litigation department in Paris. Her practice focuses on advising multinational companies on a range of cross-border anti-corruption and corporate compliance issues (including business & human rights), complex internal investigations, white collar criminal defense and commercial litigation matters. She has particular experience representing clients in connection with enforcement actions by the French prosecution services, anti-corruption controls by the French Anti-Corruption Agency, and inquiries by foreign regulators, including the U.S. DOJ and U.S. SEC. She is an accomplished scholar and frequently publishes articles and lectures on corporate compliance. Marie-Agnès earned M.As B.A. from Sciences Po Paris (Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris) and from Université Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne with Honors, in 2007 and 2008.

New Counsel

Jan Dunin-Wasowicz is a member of the firm’s Anti-Corruption & Internal Investigations, International Trade, and International Arbitration groups. He focuses his practice on cross-border compliance and regulatory enforcement, multi-jurisdictional internal and government investigations, economic sanctions and trade controls matters with an emphasis on EU aspects, as well as international arbitration in both commercial and investor-State contexts. Having received full legal training in both the common law and civil law systems, Jan is an attorney-at-law and an avocat à la Cour. He earned his J.D. from Columbia University in 2012 (Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar) and law degrees from the Université de Paris I – Panthéon-Sorbonne in 2012. He received his M.A. in Affaires publiques from Sciences Po Paris (Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris) in 2007.

Tyler Grove is a member of the firm’s International Trade group in Washington, D.C. He has experience in advising domestic and international clients on economic trade sanctions compliance and enforcement; advising companies in cross-border acquisitions on trade-related contractual provisions, due diligence and filings with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS); investigating and drafting complex voluntary disclosures submitted to the Commerce, State and Treasury Departments; conducting product classifications and de minimis analyses; and preparing Commodity Jurisdiction and Commodity Classification Automated Tracking System (CCATS) requests. Tyler earned his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School in 2011 and received his B.A. from Cornell University in 2007.

Malik Havalic is a member of the firm’s Litigation department in New York. Malik has worked on complex commercial disputes, with a focus on international commercial and investment arbitration. He has been engaged in AAA/ICDR, ICSID, ICC, JAMS and PCJ arbitrations, and represented both sovereign and investor parties in treaty arbitration. He has experience with the oil and gas, nuclear energy, aerospace and defense, life science, pharmaceuticals, financial services and technology, and news media industries, among others. He earned his J.D. from Columbia University in 2011 and received his B.A. from the University of Michigan in 2006 (Phi Beta Kappa).

Alexander Rahn is a member of the firm’s Corporate department in New York. His practice focuses on public and private mergers and acquisitions and corporate control contests, in which Alex advises strategic and financial investors as well as financial advisors. Alex earned his Master en Droit from Université Paris II – Panthéon Assas in 2012. In 2009, he received his LL.M from Cornell Law School and his J.S.D./Ph.D. from Humboldt University of Berlin (summa cum laude).

About Hughes Hubbard
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP is a New York-based international law firm with a relentless focus on delivering successful results to our clients in their most complex matters. With a combination of scale and agility, we provide clients innovative and effective solutions to their problems and adapt to changing market conditions. Known for our collaborative culture, as well as our diversity and pro bono achievements, Hughes Hubbard has a distinguished history dating back more than a century. For more information, visit hugheshubbard.com.




Duane Morris Welcomes Real Estate Partner Richard P. Marshall in Dallas

Richard P. “Rich” Marshall has joined Duane Morris LLP as a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group in its Dallas office. Prior to joining Duane Morris, Marshall was a partner at Conner & Winters LLP.

“We are focused on growing our footprint in Texas to deliver comprehensive legal services to our broad client base across the state,” said Duane Morris Chairman and CEO Matthew A. Taylor. “Rich is a terrific addition to our high-performing Real Estate Practice Group.”

“Rich’s success and broad experience in the Texas region will be attractive to clients and his firm colleagues,” said George J. Kroculick, co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. “In this current strong and busy real estate environment, Rich enhances our knowledge and capabilities base in Texas,” added Chester P. Lee, co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group.

“We welcome Rich to the firm. Duane Morris has attracted a diverse range of accomplished attorneys to Dallas over the past year, and we expect that to continue,” said Randy D. Gordon, managing partner of the Duane Morris Dallas office. “Beyond our terrific partners, we have a talented team of associates and staff who are dedicated to the success of both our clients and firm here in Texas.”

As an experienced transactional attorney, Marshall focuses a majority of his practice on real estate, banking and finance. He is licensed as an attorney and real estate broker in Texas and Oklahoma, with an active practice in both states. For more than 25 years, Marshall has represented financial institutions, real estate developers, property management companies, brokers, landlords, tenants and sophisticated real estate investors ranging from Fortune 100 companies to closely held family businesses. He regularly represents his clients in the following matters: acquisition, development and construction loans, permanent loans and mezzanine financings; loan restructurings and workouts; development, purchase, and sale of industrial, office, retail, residential and mixed-use projects; purchase, sale and leasing of farms, ranches and recreational land; and commercial leasing.

“My real estate-focused practice is broad and the Duane Morris platform will facilitate its growth with enhanced support,” said Marshall. “Additionally, the firm’s industry focus will provide additional resources that will be useful to my clients.”

Marshall is a graduate of Columbia University School of Law (J.D., 1995) and the University of Oklahoma (B.A., 1992).

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 most recommended law firm.




Tyler Lawyers Donate Electric Piano for Updated Hospital Chapel

Martin Walker PC provides gift to chapel at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler

TYLER, Texas – The Martin Walker law firm has donated an electric piano for use in the recently renovated chapel at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler.

The piano, a Yamaha CLP-675R Rosewood Clavinova Digital Piano, will be used by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and will provide music for masses at the chapel.

For video of Reid Martin discussing the donation and a photo of the piano, click here.

“We are excited to be able to provide this as a gift that will be something the sisters will benefit from, as will anyone using the chapel,” says firm co-founder Reid Martin. “We have longstanding ties – given the medical people in our families – to the hospital and to the sisters, so this was just a natural thing for us to do.”

The Yamaha CLP-675R is described as “a stunning instrument that will impress the most discerning and demanding pianists,” as well as one that provides “an immersive concert grand experience.”

“The chapel is such an important place,” says firm co-founder Jack Walker. “If you come to the hospital and you want to pray for someone here, this is where you come. To play a small part in that and to help provide the music, which is so important when people pray, is something very special to us.”

Previously, the firm donated a NordicTrack Grand Tour iFit Exercise Bike to the sisters, who live in a convent on the grounds of the hospital and who minister to the spiritual needs of the patients there.

Martin Walker PC is a Tyler-based law firm with significant trial expertise representing individuals statewide in high-stakes litigation, including medical malpractice, catastrophic injuries involving 18-wheeler accidents, oilfield injuries, wrongful death, and product liability. For more information visit: http://www.martinwalkerlaw.com/




Bradley Elevates 12 Attorneys to Partner

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that the firm has elevated the following 12 attorneys to partner, effective on January 1: Abigail B. Harris, Matthew A. Hinshaw, Stephanie M. Hoffmann, Kevin C. Michael, G. Benjamin Milam, Kathryn Harvey Moore, Gregory B. Pipes, Grant A. Premo, J. Hunter Robinson, Jonathan E. Schulz, Michael Casey Williams, and Benn C. Wilson.

“We are proud of this talented group of attorneys who have a proven record of excellence in their work and serving our clients,” said Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters. “Our firm is fortunate to have such an exceptional group of leaders, and we look forward to their continued contributions.”

Details about each newly elevated partner, grouped by office, are as follows:

Birmingham, Ala.

Ms. Harris is a litigator in the firm’s Construction Practice Group where she represents EPC contractors, general contractors, and subcontractors on projects locally, nationally, and abroad. She has experience with projects ranging from condominium towers and retail centers to water treatment plants and utility-scale solar farms. Ms. Harris advises clients on day-to-day contract administration issues and also defending multimillion-dollar claims and works with clients to navigate the considerable risks associated with each new construction project.

A member of Bradley’s State & Local Tax team and Economic Development Practice Group, Mr. Hinshaw focuses on economic development incentive package structuring and negotiation and represents clients in general corporate and tax matters and assists nonprofit entities with tax and governance issues. He helps clients form new companies, negotiate tax incentive packages, close deals, draft legislation, manage and grow operations, and manage their relationships with local and state government officials.

Mr. Pipes is a member of the firm’s Banking & Financial Service Practice Group and focuses his practice on helping financial services clients (including depository institutions, non-bank mortgage originators and servicers, investment firms, debt collectors, and other companies in the consumer finance space) navigate all aspects of the consumer regulatory compliance landscape. He helps clients ensure their operations are in compliance with applicable federal and state consumer finance laws and government agency guidelines and is also able to lead them through the regulatory supervision, examination and enforcement process.

Also a member of Bradley’s Banking & Financial Services Practice Group, Mr. Premo represents financial services institutions and other businesses across the country in a variety of commercial litigation and compliance matters. He has experience advising clients on lending, servicing and operations in the areas of student lending, farm credit, and residential and commercial mortgage lending. Mr. Premo litigates matters involving state law tort and contract claims and claims of violations of federal and state laws.

Mr. Wilson is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group and focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, primarily in the areas of patent and IP litigation. He has extensive experience representing clients in complex patent disputes before both federal district courts and the International Trade Commission. Mr. Wilson has also represented a technology company in appeals before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.

Charlotte, N.C.

Mr. Milam is a member of the firm’s Banking & Financial Services Practice Group and focuses his practice in the areas of policyholder insurance coverage, commercial auto liability, title remediation, and financial services litigation. He offers practical guidance to policyholders on insurance procurement and renewal, as well as claim submission and management. Mr. Milam assists with the resolution of insurance coverage disputes and also defends mortgage lenders and servicers on a variety of consumer claims.

A member of Bradley’s Litigation Group, Mr. Schulz represents clients ranging from individuals and family-run small businesses to public corporations. He advises clients on all aspects of the dispute resolution process and litigates claims relating to fraud, unfair and deceptive trade practices, breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, trademark infringement, product liability, and violation of non-competition covenants. Mr. Schulz also has experience in the franchise industry and has represented clients in both state and federal courts, including the North Carolina Business Court, as well as in AAA arbitration.

Jackson, Miss.

Mr. Williams is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and has developed a diverse state and federal court litigation practice. He has experience litigating claims involving products liability, mass torts, commercial contract disputes, real estate transactions, and employment matters. Mr. Williams has significant experience handling Section 1983 civil rights suits, with a particular emphasis on defending correctional healthcare providers. He also assists clients in the protection and use of their intellectual property rights and is actively involved with a variety of entrepreneur organizations, acting as an advisor and mentor to early-stage startups.

Nashville, Tenn.

Ms. Hoffmann is a member of Bradley’s Healthcare Practice Group where she serves clients on an array of regulatory, operational, and transactional matters. She regularly assists hospitals, healthcare systems, and other provider types with mergers and acquisitions, particularly in connection with the complex licensure and regulatory questions that arise during transactions. Ms. Hoffman also advises clients on Medicare and Medicaid certification, compliance, and payment matters, as well as out-of-network balance billing law and other issues affecting provider payment.

A member of the firm’s Commercial Lending team and Corporate & Securities Practice Group, Mr. Michael represents arrangers, agents, lenders and borrowers in connection with a variety of complex financing transactions, including term and revolving loan facilities, asset-based loan facilities, letter of credit facilities and subscription facilities. He handles the refinancing and restructuring of existing financing arrangements for a wide range of purposes and industries. Mr. Michael has substantial experience representing sponsors and developers in connection with the procurement, development, financing and construction of various domestic and cross-border projects, particularly public-private partnerships (P3) in respect of infrastructure assets including bridges, airports, and toll roads.

Ms. Moore is a member of Bradley’s Healthcare Practice Group and works with companies and providers on a variety of transactional, regulatory, and operational matters. She assists with healthcare transactions for numerous provider types and advises clients on compliance with state and federal laws such as the Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, and corporate practice of medicine doctrine.

A member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, Mr. Robinson focuses his practice on representing bank and non-bank financial institutions in class-action litigation involving alleged violations of Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). He also represents these institutions in disputes regarding loan repurchase demands, the validity or priority of mortgage liens, and the denial of title insurance claims. Mr. Robinson also dedicates a portion of his practice to providing legal services to cannabis companies.

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.




Akerman Expands Litigation Practice Group with Former Federal Public Defender Sowmya Bharathi in Fort Lauderdale

Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP is pleased to announce that it has expanded its Litigation Practice Group with former Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender Sowmya Bharathi as a partner in Fort Lauderdale. Bharathi brings first-chair trial experience to a team of more than 350 litigators nationally, with a focus on civil litigation and general commercial litigation.

“Sowmya is a talented, experienced trial lawyer who has handled highly complex cases,” said Litigation Practice Group Chair Lawrence Rochefort. “Her track record of success and lengthy commitment to public service is an indication of her integrity, character and exceptional judgment. She will bring extraordinary value to our clients and our national litigation team.

Sowmya Bharathi is a first-chair trial attorney with extensive and broad federal court experience. Before joining Akerman, Bharathi handled complex trial matters as a supervisor at the Federal Public Defender’s Office in the Southern District of Florida. There, she tried 24 federal cases to jury verdict, many of which involved cutting edge matters of statutory interpretation and constitutional issues, as well as myriad experts. Bharathi tried an intricate multi-week bank and wire fraud case, defending a former pharmaceutical CEO against allegations by the FDIC and shareholders of a fraud exceeding $140 million. She served as second chair on three potential death penalty cases, conducting nuanced and far-ranging investigations and presenting to the Attorney General’s Capital Section – work that contributed to obtaining agreed settlements in high-profile and emotionally-charged cases. She has more recently tried and litigated matters involving media disclosures and the First Amendment.

Through strategic planning and aggressive pretrial litigation, Bharathi has won several court-ordered dismissals of charges mid-trial, as well as government dismissals of six indicted cases pretrial. Dismissed matters included a national security case and a case that tied practical discovery issues into a novel Second Amendment argument. Bharathi has also written over 20 federal appeals, including an en banc matter, and has argued before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. She has secured wins in the Eleventh Circuit, including a case that she litigated starting from a bench trial through authoring the appellate briefing that triggered a reversal on the papers.

Bharathi’s range of experiences assisted her in securing clemency for individuals during both President Obama’s and President Trump’s terms.

Sowmya previously worked at a mid-sized AmLaw firm in Chicago, where she defended corporate clients against contractual disputes, employment discrimination claims, wrongful death cases, and overtime and wage disputes. Having established her reputation as a seasoned trial attorney, Sowmya is routinely called upon by the courts and national programs to speak and train on trial presentation and other federal court issues. Since 2018, she has served as a faculty member of a national training program focused on teaching lawyers across the country how to handle large scale electronic discovery cases.

About Akerman

Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward-thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth.

Akerman’s Litigation Practice Group has vast experience in a wide range of civil and criminal litigation, including class action defense, securities and corporate litigation, banking, white collar crime and government investigations, insurance, and real estate. The Litigation team is recognized nationally by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in several categories including Commercial Litigation, Appellate, and Real Estate Litigation.




Neal Gerber Eisenberg Adds Partner Frank Paolini to Private Wealth Group

Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) is pleased to announce the addition of Frank Paolini as a partner in the Private Wealth Services practice group. Paolini joins from Dentons, where he was partner in the Chicago Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation group.

Paolini advises high net worth individuals, family offices and businesses on multifaceted trust and estate planning, administration, litigation and dispute resolution. He has considerable experience developing tailor-made legal strategies for protecting and transferring wealth. He has also represented numerous fiduciaries of trusts and estates in disputes and litigation regarding the dispensation of assets, breaches of fiduciary duty, and other administrative challenges.

“Frank’s varied experience as an advisor enhances our ability to meet the diverse and increasingly complex needs of our private wealth clients,” said Bobby Gerber, Managing Partner of NGE. “I’m pleased to welcome Frank to the firm and look forward to working together.”

Prior to joining Dentons, Paolini was an associate at Plunkett Cooney in Detroit, where he was named one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Up & Coming Lawyers.

“Frank’s litigation and dispute resolution experience make him a valued addition and deepens the capabilities of our group,” said Larry Richman, chair of the firm’s Private Wealth Services practice group. “His skills will greatly benefit our high net worth clients.”

Paolini received his J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Michigan.




Miller & Chevalier Elects Gregory W. Bates and Lisandra Ortiz as Members

Washington, DC, January 3, 2022 – Miller & Chevalier Chartered announced today the elections of Gregory W. Bates and Lisandra Ortiz as Members of the firm, effective immediately.

“We are thrilled to welcome Greg and Lisandra into the firm’s Membership. This milestone in their careers couldn’t be more well deserved – both have excelled in their respective practices and have proven to be skilled lawyers who consistently earn clients’ trust,” said Kathryn Cameron Atkinson, Chair of Miller & Chevalier. “We look forward to their continued achievements with the firm.”

Mr. Bates focuses his practice on corporate compliance, with a proficiency in developing strategies for addressing corruption risk. He regularly advises clients on a range of white collar matters, internal investigations, risk mitigation, and monitoring and testing of compliance programs, including issues related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). He has held several key compliance positions within a Fortune 500 company, including as Compliance Director for the Latin American region while the Company was subject to the scrutiny of an independent monitor pursuant to an FCPA resolution, and has since served on two independent monitor teams. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Bates has lived or conducted compliance and investigations work in nearly every Latin American country, including Argentina, Brazil, Honduras, and Uruguay. He has also advised on matters in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Mr. Bates has been noted as “one to watch” in Corporate Governance and Compliance Law by The Best Lawyers in America and was named a 2022 “Rising Star” in Legal 500 Latin America in Compliance and Investigations.

“Greg’s in-house experience, compliance program expertise, and deep understanding of Latin America has made him a key contributor at Miller & Chevalier, and we’re proud to welcome him as a member,” said James Tillen, Chair of the firm’s International Department. “His ability to provide practical, implementable guidance, along with his work ethic and enthusiasm, will continue to be an asset to our clients.”

Mr. Bates received a B.A. magna cum laude from Wheaton College, an M.A. cum laude from the University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies, and a J.D. cum laude from the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law.

Ms. Ortiz concentrates her practice on federal tax controversy matters, both in litigation and before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in examinations and Appeals. She is a principal advisor on the resolution of cross-border taxation disputes, including through the competent authority process and the negotiation of advance pricing agreements. Ms. Ortiz’s experience includes counseling some of the world’s largest corporations on issues involving international taxation, transfer pricing, and insurance taxation. She recently represented a Fortune 100 company in a landmark multi-billion-dollar transfer pricing case before the U.S. Tax Court.

In recognition of her outstanding work, Ms. Ortiz has received numerous rankings in Legal 500, The Best Lawyers in America, and International Tax Review, including multiple “Rising Star” honors.

“Lisandra’s wide-ranging substantive tax expertise, combined with her impressive track record of effectively and successfully executing client matters throughout the litigation and administrative resolution processes, makes her an invaluable resource to our clients,” said Marc Gerson, Chair of the Tax Department. “Her election to Member is a well-deserved recognition of the significant contributions she has made to our tax practice and the tax bar.”

Ms. Ortiz received a B.B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Miami and a J.D. cum laude from the Georgetown University Law Center.

About Miller & Chevalier

Founded in 1920, Miller & Chevalier is a Washington, DC law firm with a global perspective and leading practices in Tax, Employee Benefits (including ERISA), International Law and Business, White Collar and Internal Investigations, Complex Litigation, and Government Affairs. In an era of big law, Miller & Chevalier is a top-ranked firm sharply focused on targeted areas that interact with the federal government. Over the past three years, the firm’s lawyers have represented more than 40 percent of the Fortune 100, one-quarter of the Fortune 500, and approximately 30 percent of the Global 100. Based in Washington, DC, a significant number of firm lawyers have held senior positions in the U.S. government and have written many of the regulations they currently help clients navigate. For more information on the firm, visit www.millerchevalier.com.

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CONTACT:
Matt Kasik, Media Relations, Greentarget, 847-772-1155




Miller & Chevalier Adds Daniel A. Solomon as Member in the International Department

Miller & Chevalier Adds Daniel A. Solomon as Member in the International Department

Washington, DC, January 3, 2022 – Miller & Chevalier Chartered is pleased to announce that Daniel (Dan) A. Solomon has joined the firm as a Member in the International Department. Solomon comes to the firm from Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC.

Solomon’s practice focuses on a wide range of anti-corruption and trade compliance matters, including U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement actions and investigations, internal and government investigations, economic sanctions, and export controls. He has significant, on-the-ground experience helping businesses navigate complex regulatory and compliance risks in China.

“Dan’s broad range of experience, coupled with his deep insight into China’s legal and business environments, makes him a fantastic addition to our practice,” said James Tillen, Chair of Miller & Chevalier’s International Department. “China is an active region for FCPA investigations, sanctions, forced labor, human rights, and trade issues; adding Dan’s experience will greatly strengthen our team’s ability to provide counsel in a jurisdiction that can be quite challenging to our clients.”

Solomon served as General Counsel of SAIC General Motors Corporation Limited in Shanghai, China, and was the Lead Counsel of Global Compliance and the Executive Director for Special Investigations and Anti-Corruption for the General Motors Company (GM). Before his time at GM, Solomon was the Assistant General Counsel for Trade, Compliance, and Policy at Monsanto Company. Stemming from his experience in-house, Solomon is well-versed in the nuances of the automotive and manufacturing industries.

“I’m confident our clients will appreciate Dan’s pragmatic, business-centric approach to legal advice and problem-solving, which aligns with ours,” said Kathryn Cameron Atkinson, Chair of Miller & Chevalier. “His many years spent in corporate legal departments has provided him invaluable insights into companies’ needs and challenges, and his time living and working in China lends the cultural fluency we prize in our international practice.”

“Miller & Chevalier boasts one of the longest-standing, preeminent anti-corruption practices in the legal profession, having handled some of the most high-profile FCPA investigations and monitorships over the last several years,” said Solomon. “I had the pleasure of working with the firm when I was in-house and experienced firsthand the high quality of service that Miller & Chevalier lawyers provide. I’m thrilled to be joining this team.”

Solomon earned a J.D. from Washington University School of Law and a B.A. from Michigan State University.

About Miller & Chevalier

Founded in 1920, Miller & Chevalier is a Washington, DC law firm with a global perspective and leading practices in Tax, Litigation, International Law, Employee Benefits (including ERISA), White Collar Defense and Internal Investigations, and Government Affairs. Miller & Chevalier is a top-ranked firm sharply focused on targeted areas that interact with the federal government. Over the past three years, the firm’s lawyers have represented more than 40 percent of the Fortune 100, one-quarter of the Fortune 500, and approximately 30 percent of the Global 100. Based in Washington, DC, a significant number of firm lawyers have held senior positions in the U.S. government and have written many of the regulations they currently help clients navigate. For more information on the firm, visit www.millerchevalier.com.

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CONTACT:
Matt Kasik, Media Relations, Greentarget, 312-253-7285




Venable Promotes 44 Associates to Counsel

Venable LLP announced today that it has promoted 44 attorneys to counsel effective January 1, 2022. The new counsels, from Venable’s Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tysons, and Washington, DC offices, represent a broad cross section from the firm’s four divisions—Business, Government, Intellectual Property, and Litigation.

Stu Ingis, chairman of Venable, said, “These attorneys continue to progress and advance in their careers by delivering excellent legal work and client service, developing professionally, and upholding the firm’s values. We are proud of all these lawyers and their many contributions to our clients and Venable.”

The following attorneys were promoted to counsel.

Baltimore Office
Nathaniel S. Berry – Commercial Litigation
Jessica Dillon – Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
Nicholas A. Mongelluzzo – Investigations and White Collar Defense
Jeffrey S. Nover – Real Estate Finance
Nick D. Rupkey – Real Estate
Harrison H. Taylor – Product Liability and Mass Torts
Ebony M. Thompson – Commercial Litigation

Chicago Office
Christina K. Brunka – Construction Law
Jonathan Freilich – Construction Law

Los Angeles Office
Audrey Cubizolles – Corporate
Sarah E. Diamond – Commercial Litigation
Jordan Ferguson – Real Estate
Michael C. Godino – Commercial Litigation
Chana E. Ickowitz – Labor and Employment
Nikki J. Kerman (née Hasselbarth) – Transactional Tax
Nicole N. King – Commercial Litigation

New York Office
Benjamin P. Argyle – Commercial Litigation
Hilary G. Atzrott Hamburg – Real Estate
Laura K. Fishwick – Intellectual Property Litigation
Allison B. Gotfried – Labor and Employment
Michael A. Guerra – Commercial Litigation
Sean M. McCarthy – Intellectual Property Litigation
Robert S. Pickens – Intellectual Property Litigation
Emily M. Tortora – Labor and Employment

San Francisco Office
Cameron C. Cole – Corporate
Amit Rana – Commercial Litigation

Tysons Office
Matthew J. Allman – Zoning and Land Use
Lindsay Ruffner Heitger – Real Estate

Washington, DC Office
Emma R. W. Blaser – eCommerce, Privacy and Cybersecurity
Robin L.S. Burroughs – Labor and Employment
Peter S. Frechette – Financial Services
Janice P. Gregerson – Labor and Employment
Rob Hartwell – eCommerce, Privacy and Cybersecurity
Andrew T. Hernacki – Commercial Litigation
Ryan S. Kasdin – Nonprofit Organizations
Christopher J. Kim – Intellectual Property Transactions
Judith Y. Kim – Nonprofit Organizations
Evan S. Krygowski – Intellectual Property Litigation
David D. Leege – Patent Prosecution and Counseling
John B. Mavretich – Environmental
Katie Wright Morrone – Commercial Litigation
Theodore B. Randles – Commercial Litigation
Scott Rissmiller – Corporate
Wenning Xu – Real Estate

# # #

Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including in California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients’ objectives in the United States and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit Venable.com.




Venable Elects 35 Attorneys to Firm Partnership

Venable LLP announced today that it has elected 35 attorneys to the firm partnership. The new partners, from Venable’s Baltimore, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tysons, and Washington, DC offices, are emerging leaders from a broad cross section of the firm’s practice groups, including Advertising and Marketing, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights, Commercial Litigation, Corporate, Estate Planning, Environmental, Intellectual Property, and Labor and Employment.

Stu Ingis, chairman of Venable, said, “The new partners were elected based on their exceptional legal abilities, contributions to the firm, commitment to client service, and demonstration of the firm’s values. Their promotion to the partnership recognizes both their accomplishments to date and the confidence of the partnership in their future contributions to the firm.”

The following attorneys joined Venable’s partnership effective January 1, 2022.

Baltimore Office
Heather Deans Foley – Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
JaMar S. Mancano – Commercial Litigation
Daniel R.H. Mendelsohn – Corporate
Heather L. Mitchell – Commercial Litigation
Michael F. Sheehan – Corporate
Gabriel M. Steele – Corporate
Christopher Vaughn – Corporate

Los Angeles Office
Jennifer L. Cappelletty – Corporate
Witt W. Chang – Commercial Litigation
Nicholas A. Jacobus – Transactional Tax
Ken D. Kronstadt – Commercial Litigation

New York Office
Josh Calabro – Intellectual Property Litigation
Konstantina (Tina) A. Calabro – Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
Shannon K. Clark – Intellectual Property Litigation
Zachary L. Garrett – Intellectual Property Litigation
Whitney Meier Howard – Intellectual Property Litigation
Andrew P. MacArthur – Intellectual Property Litigation
Adam G. Possidente – Commercial Litigation
Kristen S. Ruisi – Trademark Prosecution and Counseling
Jonathan M. Sharret – Intellectual Property Litigation
Benjamin E. Stockman – Labor and Employment
Xochitl S. Strohbehn – Commercial Litigation
Thomas J. Welling, Jr. – Commercial Litigation

San Francisco Office
Rebecca M. (Becca) Chappell – Transactional Tax
Emily A. Foehr – Estate Planning
William A. Hector – Intellectual Property Litigation
Maryam Naghavi – Corporate
Steven E. Swaney – Commercial Litigation

Tysons Office
Taylor S. Chapman – Commercial Litigation

Washington, DC Office
Paul Feinstein – Antitrust
Mary M. Gardner – Advertising and Marketing
Benjamin E. Horowitz – Commercial Litigation
Diana M. Krevor – Environmental
Shahin O. Rothermel – Advertising and Marketing
Daniel G. Straga – Corporate

# # #

Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including in California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients’ objectives in the United States and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit https://www.venable.com/.




Gentry Locke Elevates Two Lawyers to Partner

ROANOKE, Va. (January 3, 2022) – The Virginia law firm of Gentry Locke is pleased to announce the promotions of Andrew O. Gay and Kirk M. Sosebee to the partnership, effective January 1, 2022.

“Andrew and Kirk are talented attorneys who have demonstrated hard work and commitment to our clients,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Monica T. Monday. “We are pleased to welcome them to the partnership.”

Gay is a member of the firm’s Construction Law group, where he assists clients with construction contracts and resolving construction disputes. He also has experience resolving lien and bond claims, performance disputes, licensing investigations, workplace safety violations, design defects, construction defects, and delay claims. Before law school, Gay worked as a project manager for one of America’s largest, privately held real estate companies, managing commercial construction projects. After law school, Gay served as Associate General Counsel for one of Virginia’s largest general contractors. His hands-on experience in the construction industry helps him to better handle the challenges facing contractors and developers. Gay received his B.S. in Construction Management from Everglades University and his J.D. from Liberty University School of Law.

Sosebee practices in the firm’s Construction Litigation and Business Litigation groups. He represents owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals with issues relating to both road building and vertical construction projects, including construction contract negotiations and preparation, payment disputes with private parties and with VDOT, mechanic’s liens, construction defects, delay claims, and OSHA matters. He also represents clients in government contractor debarment proceedings and False Claims Act/whistleblower actions. Sosebee received his B.A. from Patrick Henry College and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

About Gentry Locke
With 70 lawyers practicing across a range of disciplines, Gentry Locke brings uncommon thinking and deep experience to the legal and business challenges of companies, institutions, organizations and individuals—a commitment the firm has met since 1923. Operating from offices in Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Richmond, Virginia, Gentry Locke serves clients in Virginia and across the United States. Meet the firm’s dynamic attorneys and learn more about its fierce drive to achieve success for its clients by exploring www.gentrylocke.com.

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Bradley Partner Todd Presnell Sworn in as Tennessee Chapter President of American Board of Trial Advocates

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Todd Presnell, a partner in the firm’s Nashville office, has been sworn in as president of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

“Todd is an exceptional trial lawyer and an advocate for his clients, and we know that his leadership will help advance ABOTA’s goals in the state of Tennessee,” said Bradley Nashville Office Managing Partner Lauren B. Jacques.

A member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, Mr. Presnell has an active trial practice, serves in discovery-counsel roles, and leads and advises on internal corporate investigations. He represents major corporations, small businesses, governmental entities, tax-exempt organizations, and individuals in litigation matters and has served as lead counsel in federal and state courts throughout the country. He has tried more than 25 cases to verdict and argued before the Tennessee Supreme Court and the Tennessee Court of Appeals, as well as the Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. Mr. Presnell also counsels and advises in-house legal departments on the attorney-client and other evidentiary privileges.

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.




Neal Gerber Eisenberg Adds Partner Frank Paolini to Private Wealth Group

CHICAGO (December 28, 2021) – Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) is pleased to announce the addition of Frank Paolini as a partner in the Private Wealth Services practice group. Paolini joins from Dentons, where he was partner in the Chicago Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation group.

Paolini advises high net worth individuals, family offices and businesses on multifaceted trust and estate planning, administration, litigation and dispute resolution. He has considerable experience developing tailor-made legal strategies for protecting and transferring wealth. He has also represented numerous fiduciaries of trusts and estates in disputes and litigation regarding the dispensation of assets, breaches of fiduciary duty, and other administrative challenges.

“Frank’s varied experience as an advisor enhances our ability to meet the diverse and increasingly complex needs of our private wealth clients,” said Bobby Gerber, Managing Partner of NGE. “I’m pleased to welcome Frank to the firm and look forward to working together.”

Prior to joining Dentons, Paolini was an associate at Plunkett Cooney in Detroit, where he was named one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Up & Coming Lawyers.

“Frank’s litigation and dispute resolution experience make him a valued addition and deepens the capabilities of our group,” said Larry Richman, chair of the firm’s Private Wealth Services practice group. “His skills will greatly benefit our high net worth clients.”

Paolini received his J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Michigan.

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




Kevin Lewis and Bart Biggers Lead Sidley’s Aviation Practice to National ESG Recognition

Sidley Austin partners Kevin Lewis and Bart Biggers led a team that won the Financial Times’ 2021 “Innovation in Sustainability and ESG” award for their work with aviation and airline industry clients to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of ambitious zero-carbon goals. Lewis and Biggers are co-leaders of Sidley’s Aviation practice. The award notes that in 2021 alone, the aviation team led an airline client through the largest purchase of sustainable fuel in history. They also assisted airlines with large investments in cutting-edge sustainability technology, including carbon-capture technology and short-haul electric aircraft, as well as a new generation of supersonic aircraft powered by sustainable fuel.




Neal Gerber Eisenberg Adds Partner Frank Paolini to Private Wealth Group

CHICAGO (December 28, 2021) – Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) is pleased to announce the addition of Frank Paolini as a partner in the Private Wealth Services practice group. Paolini joins from Dentons, where he was partner in the Chicago Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation group.

Paolini advises high net worth individuals, family offices and businesses on multifaceted trust and estate planning, administration, litigation and dispute resolution. He has considerable experience developing tailor-made legal strategies for protecting and transferring wealth. He has also represented numerous fiduciaries of trusts and estates in disputes and litigation regarding the dispensation of assets, breaches of fiduciary duty, and other administrative challenges.

“Frank’s varied experience as an advisor enhances our ability to meet the diverse and increasingly complex needs of our private wealth clients,” said Bobby Gerber, Managing Partner of NGE. “I’m pleased to welcome Frank to the firm and look forward to working together.”

Prior to joining Dentons, Paolini was an associate at Plunkett Cooney in Detroit, where he was named one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Up & Coming Lawyers.

“Frank’s litigation and dispute resolution experience make him a valued addition and deepens the capabilities of our group,” said Larry Richman, chair of the firm’s Private Wealth Services practice group. “His skills will greatly benefit our high net worth clients.”

Paolini received his J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Michigan.

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




Eversheds Sutherland Announces New US Partners and Counsel

Eversheds Sutherland is pleased to announce the election of 15 new partners and the promotion of 11 new counsel, effective January 1, 2022.

“Each of these attorneys has been a very significant contributor to the firm on many fronts, and we are grateful for the excellent service and valuable perspectives they provide to our clients,” said Eversheds Sutherland Co-CEO Mark D. Wasserman. “This outstanding group, which spans all of our practices and sectors as well as seven of our US offices, will be a large part of our continued growth and success as they embark on the next stage of their careers.”

The following attorneys have been elected partner:

Umar R. Bakhsh (Intellectual Property), resident in the Atlanta office, counsels clients on various aspects of intellectual property procurement and enforcement as well as licensing, purchases and other transactional matters. He is experienced in patent and trademark prosecution, litigation, privacy and cybersecurity matters, and providing evidence of use and freedom to operate opinions. His clients are leaders in the software, e-commerce, cybersecurity, consumer electronics, wireless communication, gaming and control system spaces.

Joshua L. Belcher (Energy), resident in the Houston office, has a national, multidisciplinary practice counseling clients in the utility, power and pipelines sectors. He guides clients through mergers and acquisitions, financings, project development and energy commodities transactions, with a focus on helping companies identify and manage complex environmental business risks in the context of the transaction and ongoing operational compliance. He has extensive experience in both the development and acquisition of utility-scale and customer-sited energy projects.

Kathleen Dempsey Boyle (Real Estate), resident in the Chicago office, counsels clients on all aspects of commercial real estate, development and redevelopment, acquisitions and dispositions, and on different types of leases, including drafting and negotiating ground leases, build-to-suit leases, and existing building leases. She represents developers, landlords and tenants regarding retail, mixed-use, office, warehouse and industrial projects.

Ronald D. Coenen Jr. (Insurance), resident in the Washington DC office, advises financial institutions, such as life insurance companies and fund complexes, on complying with regulatory requirements under the federal securities laws. He provides advice regarding various types of securities offerings and asset management vehicles, including variable and index-linked annuity contracts, mutual funds and ETFs.

Thomas F. Dugan (Real Estate), resident in the Washington DC office, represents clients in a broad range of commercial real estate transactions. He provides counsel to master and special servicers in the acquisition of servicing rights for structured finance transactions for agency, commercial mortgage-backed securities, single-asset single-borrower and whole business securitizations.

Dwaune L. Dupree (Capital Markets), resident in the Washington DC office, counsels investment funds and business development companies (BDCs) on a broad range of corporate, regulatory, compliance and corporate governance matters. He also advises clients on various capital markets transactions, and ensures compliance with federal securities laws and regulations promulgated by the SEC.

Kevin Finnegan (Insurance), resident in the New York office, counsels insurance and financial services clients on a broad range of transactions and issues, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, regulatory compliance and general corporate matters. He has helped clients structure and complete sales and purchases of insurance companies and other entities, acquisitions of blocks of insurance business using reinsurance, company formations and related capital raising, and a variety of other transactions, and advises clients on related regulatory issues.

Issa J. Hanna (Investment Services), resident in the New York office, assists broker-dealers, investment advisers, investment funds, insurance companies and distributors in navigating the regulatory requirements applicable to their businesses. His experience includes guiding clients through day-to-day compliance issues, representing them before federal and state regulators and self-regulatory organizations, developing agreements, policies and procedures and disclosures to effectuate various business initiatives, and counseling clients through regulatory issues arising out of transactional matters.

Ben Marzouk (Investment Services), resident in the Washington DC office, advises financial institutions on compliance with federal and state securities laws, including SEC and FINRA rules and regulations. His securities regulatory experience, which covers broker-dealers, investment advisers, and investment funds, also extends to anti-money laundering compliance and digital asset transactions.

Aaron C. Moody (Finance, M&A & Private Capital), resident in the Atlanta office, focuses his practice on critical business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, venture capital investments and private placements. He also provides general corporate representation and advice to clients and negotiates complex commercial arrangements.

Ian S. Shelton (Litigation), resident in the Austin office, has a national disputes and appellate practice with a focus on class action, energy, construction and complex commercial litigation. He is licensed in both Texas and California and advises corporate and individual clients in commercial and technology disputes, including business torts and intellectual property disputes.

Brandi A. Taylor (Litigation), resident in the San Diego office, counsels technology companies in product development with a focus on global data privacy compliance. She regularly advises clients building and integrating emerging technologies, including augmented and virtual reality, as well as video game developers and social media platforms. She also assists companies in preparing and implementing multijurisdictional privacy compliance programs.

Kyle E. Wamstad (Energy), resident in the Atlanta office, represents clients in various transactional and regulatory matters in the electric power, renewable energy, natural gas, crude oil and refined products sectors. His recent transactional experience includes purchase and sale, asset purchase, power purchase, procurement, interconnection, transportation/transmission service and asset management agreements.

Sean D. Wissman (Insurance), resident in the Washington DC office, represents clients on a wide variety of corporate transactions. Much of his practice has been focused on the insurance industry and he routinely represents insurance companies on mergers and acquisition, reinsurance, and other transactional matters.

Michael J. Woodson (Litigation), resident in the Austin office, advises clients on complex commercial litigation matters with an emphasis on enforcement and all aspects of labor and employment issues. He represents clients in various business disputes, including trade secret cases, non-compete issues, discrimination, harassment and retaliation, FLSA, FMLA, WARN, and other federal and state statutes. Additionally, Michael assists clients in all matters concerning traditional labor issues.

The following attorneys have been promoted to counsel:

Charles C. Capouet (Tax), resident in the Washington DC office, advises clients on the full range of state and local tax matters, including sales and use, excise, income and transfer taxes. He instructs clients on the taxation of cloud computing and digital goods. He counsels clients in tax controversy matters, including administrative protests before state tax authorities across the United States. He also counsels on tax compliance and policy matters.

Elizabeth S. Cha (Tax), resident in the Washington DC office, counsels clients on state and local tax matters, including sales and use taxes, telecommunications taxes and other taxes imposed on regulated entities. Liz represents clients in tax controversy and counsels clients on state tax planning, structuring and integration. She also counsels clients on unclaimed property matters, such as voluntary disclosure and audit management.

Andrea L. Gordon (Litigation), resident in the Washington DC office, advises clients on white collar, compliance, SEC and FINRA matters. She has extensive experience conducting internal investigations, evaluating and developing corporate compliance programs and representing both corporate and individual clients in regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings and complex commercial litigation. She also focuses on matters involving the FCPA and anti-money laundering.

Jeanne M. Waters (Capital Markets), resident in the New York office, counsels investment funds and business development companies (BDCs) on a variety of corporate, regulatory, compliance and corporate governance matters. She advises clients on compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940. She regularly counsels clients on a broad range of issues facing funds and their boards of directors, including corporate governance and compliance matters, disclosure issues and strategic planning. She also represents clients in various public and private offerings.

Hunter D. Raines (Finance, M&A & Private Capital), resident in the Atlanta office, advises clients on complex and transformative business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, divestures, joint ventures, private placements and venture capital investments. He also regularly provides general corporate advice to clients ranging from small startups to established enterprises, as well as corporate governance advice to individual shareholders and partners.

Sarah Razaq Sallis (Litigation), resident in the Washington DC office, was formerly an attorney in FINRA’s Department of Member Regulation and offers clients a decade of securities industry regulatory and enforcement experience. She advises broker-dealers, investment advisers, investment companies, financial institutions, public companies, and individuals in private litigation and arbitration matters, as well as examinations, internal investigations and prosecutions by FINRA, the SEC, the NYSE, the DOJ and state securities regulators. She uses her deep understanding of the federal securities rules and regulations to help clients successfully navigate complex securities enforcement matters.

Alexander F.L. Sand (Insurance), resident in the Austin office, advises clients across sectors on a broad range of cybersecurity and data privacy matters, with a focus on financial services and technology companies. He regularly advises clients on complex and evolving privacy and cybersecurity regulations, including CCPA/CPRA, GLBA, HIPAA, CDPA, CPA, FCRA, NY DFS cybersecurity regulations, NY SHIELD Act, MA data security regulations and state data broker requirements. He also advises clients responding to data breaches and related regulatory investigations.

Jim L. Silliman (Litigation), resident in the Houston office, represents clients in the energy, construction and offshore services industries in complex commercial and maritime litigation. He advises them on complex contract disputes, business tort claims, bankruptcy matters, and catastrophic offshore Jones Act claims in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels and in arbitration. He also serves clients in emergency and crisis response efforts, internal investigations and general business advice.

Laura Taylor (Tax), resident in the Washington DC office, focuses her practice on employee benefits and executive compensation matters. She regularly counsels clients on compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), as well as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), HIPAA and various other federal and state laws relevant to employee benefit plans and executive compensation.

John M. Zerwas, Jr. (Energy), resident in the Austin office, advises clients on regulatory and transactional matters involving energy and electric utility issues. He frequently represents electric utilities, retail electric providers, generation companies and power marketers before various state and federal regulatory agencies, including the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

John Allen Zumpetta (Insurance), resident in the Washington DC office, counsels clients on unclaimed property and insurance regulatory matters. His unclaimed property practice focuses on defending clients in multistate unclaimed property audits, assisting clients in voluntary disclosure programs, and advising clients on a wide range of unclaimed property compliance issues. With respect to insurance clients, he advises on regulatory compliance, insurance and reinsurance transactions and corporate governance matters.

About Eversheds Sutherland
As a global top 10 law practice, Eversheds Sutherland provides legal services to a global client base ranging from small and mid-sized businesses to the largest multinationals, acting for 70 of the Fortune 100, 61 of the FTSE 100 and 128 of the Fortune 200.
With more than 3,000 lawyers, Eversheds Sutherland operates in 74 offices in 35 jurisdictions across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. In addition, a network of more than 200 related law firms, including formalized alliances in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa, provide support around the globe.
Eversheds Sutherland provides the full range of legal services, including corporate and M&A; dispute resolution and litigation; energy and infrastructure; finance; human capital and labor law; intellectual property; real estate and construction; and tax.
Eversheds Sutherland is a global legal practice and comprises two separate legal entities: Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP (headquartered in the UK) and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP (headquartered in the US), and their respective controlled, managed, affiliated and member firms. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland is for description purposes only and does not imply that the member firms or their controlled, managed or affiliated entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. For more information, visit eversheds-sutherland.com.




Farrell Fritz Promotes Two Attorneys to Counsel

Farrell Fritz is pleased to announce the promotions of Philip A. Butler and Peter J. Sluka to counsel effective January 1, 2022.

Philip A. Butler, a Merrick, NY, resident, is a land use & municipal attorney in the firm’s Hauppauge office. He received his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and his B.A. from Hofstra University.

Peter J. Sluka, a Rockville Centre, NY, resident, is a commercial litigation attorney in the firm’s New York City office. He received his J.D., magna cum laude, from St. John’s University School of Law and his B.S. from Fordham University.




Chamberlain Hrdlicka Continues its Growth in Texas, Adds Eight New Attorneys

Eight attorneys joined the Houston and San Antonio offices of Chamberlain Hrdlicka in the recent months, adding to the Commercial Litigation; Labor & Employment; Appellate; Intellectual Property; Insurance Litigation; International Tax; Tax Controversy; Tax Planning & Business Transactions and Trusts & Estates practices. The firm has added a total of 12 new attorneys in Texas and 21 nationwide since January 2021, as it continues its growth in Texas and nationally.

Earlier this year, the Houston Business Journal named the firm among its 2021 Middle Market 50 in recognition of the firm’s growth. In the past two years, Chamberlain Hrdlicka has also expanded its services by adding Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Creditor Rights, Data Security & Privacy, Technology & IP Transactions, and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Audits & Investigations practices, adding 27 new attorneys in Texas.

“In the increasingly competitive legal job market, we are gratified to be able to continue adding talented attorneys to our team,” said Larry Campagna, managing shareholder for Chamberlain Hrdlicka. Thanks to our midsize, entrepreneurial structure, we provide our new attorneys with an accelerated opportunity to develop their practices under the mentorship of experienced attorneys. These exceptional new lawyers know that our clients expect the sophistication of a big law firm with the personal service that our mid-size firm allows.”

Amber Ali
Ali joined Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Commercial Litigation practice an associate, where she will focus on litigating and arbitrating contractual disputes between businesses. She brings several years of experience in litigating and resolving contractual disputes; and matters involving products liability, premises liability, and personal injury, having represented a wide variety of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and individuals. Prior to starting her legal practice, she interned for former Justice Evelyn Keyes of the Texas First Court of Appeals.

Ali received a bachelor’s degree in political science, cum laude, from the University of St. Thomas, where she was also in the Honors Program. She earned her law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Bar Association, the Houston Young Lawyers Association and the South Asian Bar Association.

Timothy Dean
Dean joined Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Tax Planning & Business Transactions practice as an associate, having previously worked as a summer associate with the firm. Prior to joining Chamberlain Hrdlicka, he also worked as a student extern at the Internal Revenue Service.

Dean graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He has received his law degree, cum laude and as a member of the Order of Coif, from Loyola Law School, where he also earned a master of laws degree in taxation. When at law school, he received the Gregory W. Goff Award for superior academic achievement in the Tax Law curriculum. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas.

Amy Jo “AJ” Foreman
Foreman joined the firm as an associate in the Commercial Litigation practice, where she focuses primarily on commercial litigation, labor & employment and appellate matters. Prior to joining Chamberlain Hrdlicka, Foreman clerked for The Honorable Juan F. Alanis in McAllen, Texas. Before embarking on her legal career, she worked in fundraising for several esteemed arts organizations, including NPR and the Smithsonian.

Foreman graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor of fine arts degree and received a master’s degree in arts management from American University. She earned her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center, where she was an active member of the mock trial team, winning awards for her advocacy at local and national competitions. While in law school, she defended many students in their Honor Board proceedings. She was also the chief notes & comments editor for Houston Journal of Health Law & Policy.

William McMichael
William McMichael joined Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Commercial Litigation practice as an associate. He is a trial lawyer who maintains a nationwide practice with an emphasis on complex insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, having successfully represented both insurance carriers and policyholders in state and federal courts in more than a dozen states across the nation. He also represents a variety of clients in a commercial litigation matters throughout the State of Texas.
McMichael graduated with a bachelor’s degree, with honors, in history from the University of Texas at Austin, and went on to graduate with Special Distinction from Baylor Law School. While at Baylor Law, McMichael served as a member of the Baylor Barrister Society and the Baylor National Mock Trial Team, earning recognition as the top trial advocate in his class. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas – Litigation and Insurance Sections, the Houston Bar Association, the Bar Association of the Fifth Circuit, and the Baylor Law Alumni Association. He is also a Life Member of the Texas Exes.

S. Ryan Reneau
Reneau joined Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s tax practice as senior counsel. He focuses his practice on international tax planning, corporate structure optimization, and transaction efficiency, with a holistic approach that balances immediate cash tax consequences, financial statement implications, and long-term positioning for the future. He has more than 10 years of experience counseling a broad range of publicly traded and privately owned clients as both an external advisor and in-house team member. Reneau is also a Certified Public Accountant and Charted Financial Analyst charter holder. Prior to joining Chamberlain Hrdlicka, he worked as a senior manager within the tax group of a multinational corporation leading the tax accounting and quantitative analysis functions. He has also worked with a Big Four accounting firm in the international tax services practice.

Renau has graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, summa cum laude, from Texas State University – San Marcos. He has earned his law degree at Baylor Law School, where he was a member of the Law Review, and a master of laws degree in Taxation from the New York University School of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas – Tax Section.

Damon Sima
Sima joined Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Intellectual Property practice as an associate, bringing experience in civil litigation in federal courts and Patent Trial and Appeal Board, where he represented plaintiffs and defendants in disputes involving patent litigation matters. He has also helped clients obtain patent licenses and evaluate the strength of infringement allegations. Prior to starting his legal career, Damon was a professor at Lamar University’s College of Engineering, where he taught courses at both undergraduate and graduate level. He also has years of experience in different industries as a design engineer and technical manager.

Sima has earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology; a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Khaje Nasir Technical University; as well as a master’s degree in industrial systems and engineering and a PhD in advanced manufacturing processes from Rutgers University. He received a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center, where he served as an article editor at Houston Business and Tax Law Journal. He has been published in numerous research publications and has received a considerable number of citations.

He is a member of the Houston Intellectual Property Lawyers Association; Atlas IP Inns of Court, Houston Chapter; Licensing Executive Society, Executive Committee Member (Houston Chapter); Intellectual Property Student Organization; the American Intellectual Property Law Association; Houston Young Lawyers Association; the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

Karen Tate
Tate joined Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Trusts & Estates practice as Senior Counsel. She focuses her practice primarily on estate, gift and income tax planning for high net worth individuals.

Tate graduated from the Texas A&M University. She received her law degree, magna cum laude, from the Texas Tech Law School. She has also earned a master of laws degree in taxation from the University of Houston Law Center.

Daizia Williams
Williams joined Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s tax practice as an associate. Prior to joining the firm, she worked as a law clerk to the Honorable Kathleen Kerrigan of the U.S. Tax Court in Washington, D.C. She has also worked as an intern for the Honorable Juan F. Vasquez of the U.S. Tax Court and as an extern for the Department of Justice Tax Division’s Appellate Section in Washington, D.C. While in law school, she’s also worked as an intern for a solo practitioner tax attorney.

Willliams graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She earned her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and the master of laws degree in Taxation, with honors, form Georgetown University Law Center. She is a member of the San Antonio Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas – Tax Section, and the American Bar Association – Tax Section.




Androvett Expands Strategic Communications, Integrated Marketing Capabilities with New Austin Office

AUSTIN, Texas – Androvett Legal Media & Marketing is expanding its services to law firms, professional services firms and other businesses with a new Austin, Texas office.

With established offices in Dallas and Houston, Androvett is a dynamic full-service agency providing public relations, marketing, advertising and digital expertise.

“The Texas business climate has become one of the key drivers of the national economy,” said Mike Androvett, firm founder, president and CEO. “It’s a great honor to help established businesses grow and new businesses thrive in this dynamic regional economy. Austin is a fast-growing and innovative city that we are incredibly fortunate and excited to now be a part of.”

In addition to traditional PR, litigation-related communications, crisis communications, and marketing, the firm offers a wide range of tools for an evolving world of digital, web and social media communications for law firms, attorneys, and other businesses.

“We don’t limit ourselves,” said Chief Operating Officer Scott Parks. “We take pride in our ability to adapt to the unique needs of our clients and build and execute strategic plans for any situation.”

Now in its 26th year, Androvett is an award-winning, full-service marketing and public relations agency with unparalleled experience serving the communications needs of businesses and organizations across the U.S.

For a complete listing of agency services, visit www.androvett.com. Visit Austin law firm marketing and Austin law firm public relations for more information on Androvett’s Austin, Texas services.

Media Contact
Mark Annick
800-559-4534
Mark@androvett.com