Washington, D.C., 30 August 2021 – Global law firm Hogan Lovells today added former Federal Energy Regulatory Chairman Neil Chatterjee to its Energy regulatory practice as a Senior Advisor in Washington, D.C.

Appointed and confirmed by the Senate as FERC Chairman in 2017, Chatterjee has championed several strategic initiatives during his time leading FERC. Those initiatives include improving FERC’s liquid natural gas application review and approval process, ensuring new technologies can compete freely in energy markets, securing the nation’s energy infrastructure from physical and cyber threats, along with a constant focus on improving the U.S. energy infrastructure. Prior to his tenure at FERC, Chatterjee served as an advisor to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), where he played an integral role in the passage of major energy, highway and agriculture legislation.

“I’m thrilled to join Hogan Lovells. Throughout my experience at FERC, I worked closely with the firm on many occasions and always came away impressed by not only the quality of their work but with the way its attorneys carried themselves,” Chatterjee said. “The dedication to producing best-in-class service from a first-rate team of energy lawyers that are backed by an extraordinarily deep bench of regulatory lawyers in the U.S. and around the globe is one of the many reasons I look forward to taking the next step in my career with Hogan Lovells.”

As a member of our Energy regulatory practice, Chatterjee’s broad knowledge and experience at the highest levels of energy policymaking at FERC and on Capitol Hill will provide our clients with a significant advantage in the increasingly complex and evolving energy market.

“I could not be more excited to have Neil join our team,” said Stefan Krantz, who serves on Hogan Lovells’ Global Regulatory & IPMT leadership team and heads the firm’s FERC practice. “While he was FERC Chairman and Commissioner, I always appreciated his candor and willingness to work with our clients to move the industry forward. Our clients will benefit greatly from his insight and experience at the highest levels of government.”

“The regulatory and economic environment for energy companies is rapidly changing and growing more complex by the day. Neil is the perfect addition to help clients navigate these changes and emerge stronger because of it,” said Amy Roma, leader of Hogan Lovells Energy regulatory practice.

In addition to his successful career as a policymaker, Chatterjee has also developed a reputation as a collaborative leader who encourages thoughtful discourse and supports innovation wherever possible. For example, in 2019, Chatterjee launched the EnVision Forum to bring together thought leaders and new voices in the energy world.

“As Hogan Lovells continues to invest in the D.C. market, it’s a testament to our strong reputation that we have added yet another government leader who is respected on both sides of the aisle to our bench” said Michele Farquhar, office managing partner for the Washington, D.C. office. “I look forward to having Neil join our D.C. office community, and know that his counsel and experience will be of great value to our people across practices and industries.”

Chatterjee is the latest of several senior government officials to join Hogan Lovells. At the partner level, recent additions include Timothy Bergreen, the former staff director of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence joined, former Chief Counsel and Acting Deputy Administrator at the Federal Aviation Administration Arjun Garg, and former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council Kelly Ann Shaw.

Redgrave LLP, the premier law firm focusing exclusively on eDiscovery and information law, is proud to announce that Erica B. Zolner has joined the Firm as a Partner in Chicago. Zolner comes to Redgrave with nearly 20 years of experience handling complex, “bet the company” business litigation and class action matters. She joins the Firm from Kirkland & Ellis, where she worked for 19 years, the last 12 years as a partner at the firm.

Zolner has extensive experience as lead counsel in jury and bench trials in federal and state courts and arbitration, and has delivered opening statements, handled direct examination and cross examination of witnesses, defended all aspects of expert witness hearings, and argued numerous trial motions. She counsels clients on the development and execution of defensible eDiscovery processes in connection with high-stakes commercial litigation, and is adept at handling all aspects of pre-trial litigation and discovery. Her depth of knowledge surrounding discovery strategy in litigation will continue to guide her client work at Redgrave.

“Erica is a fantastic litigator who has been at the forefront of multiple complex and contentious matters over recent years. She embodies the high-level talent we seek as we continue to grow our team in all areas of information law, and we are extremely excited to welcome her to the Redgrave team,” said Managing Partner Jonathan Redgrave. “On top of her impressive litigation work, Erica has an incredibly keen eye for discovery strategy within her cases and focuses on providing clients with key advice in the field of information law. We look forward to Erica’s valuable contributions to our litigation and investigation capabilities and the benefits her knowledge will bring to all of our client engagements.”

In addition to her significant litigation background, Zolner manages the development of efficient and effective eDiscovery and information governance solutions related to records retention and challenges posed by emerging technologies to address clients’ complex business needs.

“Redgrave is in a class of its own,” said Zolner. “When I’ve needed information law and eDiscovery expertise, there has been only one name on my list – Redgrave – and I’ve partnered with the firm on multiple matters over the last decade. My favorite part of my work is helping clients develop a plan to achieve the best and most successful litigation outcome possible. Given the predominant role that discovery plays in litigation, a careful and thoughtful discovery approach is the centerpiece of all litigation strategy. Joining Redgrave is joining the ‘A team’ and gives me a new opportunity to collaboratively work and strategize with the best in the business. I am thrilled to join the firm and look forward to working with an exceptionally talented and innovative group of professionals that share a passion for excellence.”

Zolner joins Redgrave following the addition of Martin Tully, who also came to the Firm as a Partner in Chicago, earlier this month.

Zolner received her J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Oklahoma State University.

ABOUT REDGRAVE LLP

Redgrave LLP is one of the largest legal practices focused exclusively on addressing the legal challenges that arise at the intersection of the law and technology, including eDiscovery, information governance, data privacy, and data security. The Firm provides practical, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to clients across a diverse array of industries. Redgrave also works collaboratively with Am Law 100 law firms in a wide range of roles, and Firm lawyers have appeared in state and federal courts throughout the United States.

Redgrave is the only law firm nationwide ranked as Band 1 in the field of eDiscovery and Information Governance in the 2021 edition of Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Chambers & Partners produces this annual internationally recognized guide to the legal profession in the U.S. market by conducting thousands of interviews with private practice attorneys and clients.

Redgrave has office locations in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Cleveland, Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Shonette Gaston has joined the firm as its Chief Operating Officer. With more than 25 years of senior-leadership experience overseeing business functions and operations at top law firms, Shonette provides governance and strategic guidance to firm leaders, attorneys, and professional administrative staff. She will be based in the firm’s New York office.

“We are so excited to welcome Shonette to the firm as our new COO and have the opportunity to work closely with her as a key member of our leadership team,” said Grant S. Palmer, Managing Partner and CEO. “As we celebrate Blank Rome’s 75th anniversary and move into a new era, we were looking for a forward-thinking leader to help us continue to implement our strategic plan and build upon our ongoing growth and success. Shonette’s proven leadership in client relations, diversity and inclusion, talent acquisition and retention, legal project management, and other critical business functions is in direct alignment with our goals for supporting our clients, colleagues, and communities. And equally important, Shonette is a perfect fit when it comes to our special culture that we value so deeply at Blank Rome, and we are all looking forward to welcoming her to the team.”

At Blank Rome, Shonette will oversee the daily administrative functions of all the firm’s offices and departments, including finance, human resources, talent and diversity, information services and technology, innovation, marketing and business development, operations, and practice management, as well as serve as a key strategic partner with the firm’s Executive Committee and Partner Board.

“Early on in my discussions with Grant and others, it was clear to me that Blank Rome is a wonderful firm on many levels,” said Shonette. “The firm’s leadership, growth, and strategic vision over the past several years have been very impressive, and its commitment to delivering exceptional and innovative service to its clients by drawing upon its unique culture of collaboration truly sets it apart. Even during a pandemic and challenging times, I was extremely impressed by the deep sense of teamwork, support, focus, and enthusiasm that I experienced from the firm’s attorneys and professionals, and I’m eager to begin working with my talented colleagues to build upon this momentum.”

Prior to joining Blank Rome, Shonette served as the COO of Robins Kaplan LLP. She previously worked at Covington & Burling LLP where she served as its Managing Director of Administration, U.S. Offices & Dubai, United Arab Emirates; McDermott Will & Emery LLP, serving as its Director, Controversies Business Unit & Washington Area Operations; and O’Melveny & Myers LLP, in the role of Director of Practice Group Management.

Shonette is a member of the Legal Industry Editorial Board, Law360; the Legal Executive Institute Practice Innovations Advisory Board, Thomson Reuters; and the Chief Operating Officer Boardroom, LawVision. She attended Northwestern University’s Kellogg Executive Education Program, received her MBA and undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and studied business data analytics at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

On August 26, 2021, a Buchalter team led by Shareholder Joshua M. Robbins and Special Counsel Thomas Rickeman, won a complete defense verdict for client, Hotel California by the Sea, LLC, ending a five-week jury trial involving what began as over $10 million in claims of whistleblower retaliation.

Hotel California by the Sea is an industry-leading behavioral health care provider that treats clients for substance use and mental health disorders. Licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services and accredited by the prestigious Joint Commission, Hotel California operates in multiple states across the country.

Filed in Orange County Superior Court, the case involved allegations by the company’s former clinical director, a licensed psychologist, that the company had terminated her in response to her allegedly raising complaints about compliance issues. As revealed during trial however, plaintiff had an extensive history of serious performance issues, concealed from the company that she had been forced out of her prior job after a human resources investigation, and was an independent contractor all negating her claims. After less than one hour of deliberations, the jury returned a unanimous verdict rejecting plaintiff’s claims in full.

“We are grateful for the jury’s resounding statement: this case should never have been brought,” said Robbins. “Hotel California by the Sea is committed to its work helping clients to overcome a debilitating disease, and proud of its record of ethical conduct. This result will allow it to return its focus of saving and rebuilding lives.”

The case is Neeble-Diamond v. Hotel California by the Sea, LLC, Orange County Superior Court, No. 30-2019-01058756-CU-WT-CJC.

London – Sidley Austin LLP is pleased to announce that Dan Graham, Paul Dunbar, and Emilie Stewart have joined the firm as partners in London. Mr. Graham and Mr. Dunbar have joined the global M&A and Private Equity practice and Ms. Stewart has joined the Global Finance group. They join from Vinson & Elkins LLP.

Mr. Graham’s practice focuses on advising private equity firms and other financial institutions on transactions, including leveraged buy-outs, venture and growth capital investments, joint-ventures and co-investments, opportunistic and distressed acquisitions, take-privates, and carve-outs across the investment lifespan through to exit. Mr. Graham has experience advising private equity funds across a significant range of asset classes and sectors. He has recently advised on transactions across energy transition, renewables, power, infrastructure, technology, services, industrials, and healthcare. Mr. Graham particularly specializes in advising sophisticated financial sponsors in complex international or cross-border transactions, and he regularly leads deals across a wide range of jurisdictions including the Americas, Africa, Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

Mr. Dunbar advises clients on a broad array of transactions, including private equity M&A, real estate private equity, distressed asset transactions, and non-performing loan acquisitions. He also has extensive experience on joint ventures and preferred equity investments. Mr. Dunbar works across many sectors, including financial services, real estate, renewable energy and the energy transition, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Ms. Stewart concentrates on cross-border financing transactions, including financings focused on real estate private equity and NPL transactions. Among the many private equity clients with whom she has worked, she frequently advises special situations sponsor clients on their alternative capital investments, with a particular focus on heavily structured investments across debt and equity products.

“These three talented lawyers are highly synergistic with Sidley’s global Private Equity practice, and they will have an immediate impact on our strong and growing Private Equity practice,” said Thomas Thesing, a member of Sidley’s Management and Executive Committees and managing partner of Sidley’s office in London. “Their commitment to client service has been clearly demonstrated by the long-standing relationships they have built with industry-leading private equity firms, many of whom are also Sidley clients.”

With 2,000 lawyers in 20 offices around the globe, Sidley is a premier legal adviser for clients across the spectrum of industries. Follow Sidley on Twitter @SidleyLaw.

Buchalter is pleased to welcome Andrew Struve as the newest Shareholder in its Orange County Office. Struve is a member of the Health Care and Litigation practice groups focusing his practice on complex healthcare litigation and unfair competition actions as well as regulatory compliance matters. He has particular expertise in provider and plan representation, private equity, insurance, and the defense of consumer suits.

An experienced litigator in the healthcare field, Struve has litigated both provider and health plan disputes, class and other representative actions, federal and state qui tam litigation, antitrust suits, RICO actions, managed care contracting suits, earnout disputes, partnership actions, bad faith claims, and payment disputes. He has also conducted numerous sensitive internal investigations and compliance audits, as well as responses to governmental and commercial billing/coding challenges.

“With his high-quality litigation experience in the health care sector, Andrew is an excellent addition,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our health care practice.” “He is a great fit for us culturally as we continue our strategic growth.”

In the managed care and insurance fields, Struve has litigated numerous fraud and other class actions in addition to individual unfair business practices suits, bad faith actions, and rescission litigations. He has represented clients in significant matters related to real estate, title insurance, intellectual property, false advertising, employment, misappropriation of trade secrets, product liability, professional liability, partnerships, indemnity, contribution, subrogation, and other areas of the law.

“I am thrilled to be joining Buchalter,” added Struve. “The Firm’s remarkable Health Care practice along with the impressive caliber of its attorneys provides a unique opportunity for me to further develop my practice and best serve my clients.”

In addition to leading litigation teams in healthcare disputes in federal and state courts across the United States, Struve serves as national governance, regulatory, and compliance counsel for a number of companies and many healthcare clients. He is also an Elected Member of the American Law Institute, and rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell.

Legal Guide Recognizes Ward, Smith & Hill Trial Lawyers Among Best in Nation

Best Lawyers 2022 honors intellectual property, patent, personal injury litigation work

LONGVIEW, Texas — National legal guide The Best Lawyers in America has recognized six Ward, Smith & Hill attorneys in its 2022 listing for their intellectual property, patent and personal injury litigation work.

Best Lawyers is the oldest and one of the most prestigious peer review legal guides in the nation, selecting honorees based on nominations and input from lawyers in the same practice areas and geographic regions. For a complete list of the 2022 Best Lawyers, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com.

Ward, Smith & Hill founder Johnny Ward has earned Best Lawyers honors since 2016 for his work in intellectual property litigation. Name partner Wesley Hill and Of Counsel T. John Ward also earned the same recognition, with Mr. Hill receiving additional honors for his work in patent law.

Name partner Bruce A. Smith earned placement for his representation of clients in personal injury litigation on both the plaintiff and defense sides.

Partner Charles “Chad” Everingham IV received honors for his intellectual property litigation and patent litigation work, and partner Claire Abernathy Henry also was recognized for patent litigation.

In addition, partner Andrea L. Fair made the Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” list for the second year for intellectual property litigation. That designation recognizes midcareer attorneys who have been in practice typically for five to nine years and who exemplify outstanding professional excellence in their practice. For the full list of Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch honorees, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com/.

Known for high-stakes intellectual property trials, the firm successfully served as local counsel on a team that secured a $502.8 million patent infringement win against Apple Inc. for infringing on VirnetX’s patents. The firm also helped secure a $62.7 million award for Solas OLED Ltd. against Samsung Display Company Ltd. over infringement of screen display patents in Samsung Galaxy phones.

Longview, Texas-based Ward, Smith & Hill, PLLC, has tried more than 350 cases to verdict, earning a national reputation in high-stakes disputes involving complex commercial litigation, intellectual property law, oil and gas matters, bad faith insurance claims, and serious personal injury claims. The firm frequently assists lawyers nationwide in complex cases before Texas juries. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.wsfirm.com.

Ms. Perry recognized consecutively for insurance law, insurance litigation

DALLAS – The Best Lawyers in America has recognized Perry Law P.C. founder Meloney Perry in the 2022 edition for her work in insurance law and insurance litigation. Best Lawyers is the oldest and one of the most prominent peer-review legal guides in the country that honors leading attorneys in their practice areas.

“We are a firm that builds relationships and works to find the right solutions for our clients,” said Ms. Perry. “When our peers recognize our hard work, it means a lot.”

Serving as a primary counsel for a national insurance firm, Ms. Perry has more than 25 years of experience defending insurance companies in insurance coverage disputes, bad-faith and class-action litigation. She also represents business owners involved in insurance and business disputes in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. Ms. Perry is a frequent speaker to attorney groups on insurance law and coverage issues.

Over the years, Mr. Perry has earned significant praise from her peers in the industry, including recognition from Best Lawyers and Texas Super Lawyers since 2019. Perry Law is recognized on the 2021 list of Best Law Firms by U.S. News-Best Lawyers.

An active member of the State Bar of Texas Insurance Law Section, Ms. Perry has served in different leadership positions, including the State Bar of Texas Council of Chairs Committee. She is also a fierce advocate for women’s issues.

Best Lawyers honorees are selected from nominees who are ranked by current Best Lawyers attorneys in their same practice areas who also provide specific feedback. The publication’s editorial team then reviews the votes and comments and ensures the lawyers are in good standing with the ethics committee of their state bars. For a complete list of the 2022 Best Lawyers, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com.

Perry Law P.C. is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Counsel as a women-owned law firm focused on insurance coverage and litigation. Our group of attorneys invests in lasting relationships, takes time to understand your business, and makes you the priority. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.mperrylaw.com.

12 partners recognized for work in Family Law, Appellate, Arbitration and Mediation

DALLAS – The publishers of the Best Lawyers in America have honored 12 attorneys from Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson (ONDA) in its 2022 edition.

One of the oldest and most prestigious national peer review guides of lawyers in the nation, the annual listing recognizes partners Richard Orsinger, Keith Nelson, Scott Downing, Jeff Anderson, and Brad M. LaMorgese for the representation of clients in their Family Law practice. Mr. Orsinger and Mr. LaMorgese are also honored for their work in Appellate cases, and Mr. Anderson for his Family Law Arbitration expertise.

Firm partners William M. Reppeto III, Amber Liddell Alwais, Paula A. Bennett, Lon M. Loveless, Paul Hewett, Holly Rampy Baird and R. Porter Corrigan also earned Best Lawyers recognition for their work in Family Law. Ms. Bennett received additional honors for her Family Law Mediation practice.

“Our clients come first, and I think that mindset shows in our work,” said Mr. LaMorgese. “We always appreciate that our peers recognize our hard work and commitment to our clients.”

Selections by Best Lawyers are based on a thorough vetting process that begins with peer evaluations from attorneys across the country, followed by a review from researchers with Best Lawyers. The complete 2022 Best Lawyers in America edition is available online at http://bestlawyers.com.

The firm also earned recent honors from U.S. News & World Report and The Best Lawyers in America in its annual Best Law Firms rankings and continued to solidify its national reputation with more Top 100 Texas Super Lawyers honorees than any other law firm for the third consecutive year. The firm was recognized as having the most Top 100 lawyers in a state with more than 100,000 practicing attorneys.

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.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that seven of the firm’s attorneys were appointed to new leadership roles with the American Bar Association (ABA) for the 2021-2022 bar year, which began Aug. 1.

The firm’s attorneys newly appointed by the ABA are Dylan C. Black, Tiffany J. deGruy, Erin Illman, Junaid Odubeko, Robert Emmett Poundstone IV, Anne Marie Seibel and Ethan T. Tidmore.

“We are proud of these attorneys and congratulate them on their ABA appointments,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters. “This is a testament to their leadership, and we look forward to seeing their future contributions to the legal profession.”

A partner in the firm’s Birmingham office, Mr. Black has been appointed a member of the Membership and Marketing Committee by the chair of the Section of Litigation. A member of Bradley’s Class Action and Complex Litigation Practice Group, he focuses his practice on complex civil litigation in state and federal courts, with particular emphasis on class actions, state and federal securities fraud cases, professional liability matters and insurance coverage litigation.

A partner in the firm’s Birmingham office, Ms. deGruy will continue serving as co-chair of the Woman Advocate Committee. She focuses her practice on trying high-stakes business litigation.

A partner in the firm’s Charlotte office, Ms. Illman has been appointed to the Cybersecurity Legal Task Force. She regularly advises clients on security breach notification laws, U.S. state and federal privacy and data security requirements, and global data protection laws. Ms. Illman is co-chair of Bradley’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice Group and leads the firm’s Fintech team.

A partner in the firm’s Nashville office, Mr. Odubeko is currently serving his second year as part of the Section of Litigation’s Diverse Leaders Academy (DLA). His practice focuses on advising and representing clients in complex commercial and business disputes and real estate litigation.

Managing partner of the firm’s Montgomery, Alabama office, Mr. Poundstone was elected the Alabama State delegate and will serve as a member of the Nominating Committee and chair of the Alabama State Delegation in the House. He frequently represents clients in litigation matters pending in federal and state trial and appellate courts.

A partner in the firm’s Birmingham office, Ms. Seibel has been elected vice-chair of the Section of Litigation. She focuses her practice on multi-forum or multi-plaintiff high-stakes litigation and has trial experience in a variety of venues, as diverse as New Hampshire and Alabama trial courts and multiple arbitration proceedings.

A partner in the firm’s Birmingham office, Mr. Tidmore will serve as co-chair of the Trial Evidence Committee. He concentrates his practice primarily on complex commercial litigation.

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 nearly 550 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.

Turner Padget is pleased to announce the addition of Christopher Siercks, associate, to the Litigation practice group in Columbia. Siercks joins the Insurance Industry Team to assist in handling matters in state and federal venues, at both the trial and appellate levels. He will also work to provide an effective defense in complex insurance litigation, lobbying the legislature on behalf of insurers and efficiently handling routine insurance coverage disputes.

Prior to attending law school, Sierck’s lifelong commitment to service led him to join the United States Marine Corps in 2012, where he served as a platoon sergeant. While at the University of South Carolina School of Law, Siercks served as vice president of the Student Bar Association and competed on the school’s mock trial team. He also worked as a law clerk at the United States Attorney’s Office, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate on Fort Jackson. Prior to joining Turner Padget, Siercks was as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Walton J. McLeod, IV.

He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from University of South Carolina’s School 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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SDV Southeast (“SDVSE”) Managing Partner, Gregory D. Podolak, started his career with SDV as a Summer Associate in the firm’s flagship Connecticut office. This year, Podolak commemorates his fifteenth year in practice. He has devoted his career to advocating on behalf of corporate policyholders and navigating issues involving all lines of insurance coverage. Podolak and the SDVSE team assist clients in all areas related to insurance coverage law, from coverage placement and drafting contracts to complex litigation, drawing from a wealth of experience strategizing risk transfer/financing.
“The last five years have given us plenty of reason to celebrate!” says Podolak. “We’re incredibly fortunate and proud to have developed a robust client base in the region with precisely the diverse range of commercially sophisticated clients that are the bedrock of our practice. As a result, we get to collaborate everyday with colleague clients who truly value the blend of complex and practical advice we bring to the table. They appreciate that it requires diverse perspectives, risk managers, general counsel, outside coverage counsel, and liability counsel to be able to find one cohesive vision for a successful outcome.” This unique approach contributed to SDVSE’s successful involvement with the FIU Bridge Collapse, one of its highest profile cases to date.
Offering significant value to relationships is the core of SDV’s success. To further illustrate, in 2020, 45% of the Engineering News Record’s (ENR) Top 20 contractors are SDV clients. In 2021, 65% of the ENR Southeast Top 20 contractors are also SDV clients. Strong relationships with like-minded individuals have helped SDV thrive and earn the respect of its clients and colleagues. The firm has stayed true to that model to this day.
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.
www.sdvlaw.com

Kerry Williams, shareholder in Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Houston office, was recently named Lawyer of the Year in the 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers in America.

Williams has more than 40 years of experience in aviation, construction & engineering, corporate, energy, environmental, international, and maritime law, including legal representation, litigation, contract negotiation and administration, engineering, project management, and marketing of large international oil & gas, engineering and construction projects. Prior to joining Chamberlain Hrdlicka, he served as vice president and general counsel to a large international, publicly listed oil and gas services engineering/construction company.

Well-known in the legal community, Williams is a Martindale-Hubble AV-rated attorney and has been named to Best Lawyers in America consecutively since 2010. He has also been named to Texas Super Lawyers and Houston’s Top Lawyers numerous times.

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University, followed by a master’s degree in aeronautical systems from the University of West Florida and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of California – Berkeley. Following his military career as a U.S. Naval Officer, including having served as a jet pilot during the Vietnam conflict, he worked in the offshore oil industry in the Middle East. Williams then attended and graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law with honors and has been admitted to the Bars of Texas, Maryland and Colorado and various Federal Courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

Very involved with Texas A&M University, Williams is a member of its Corps Development Council, Twelfth Man Foundation and Former Students Association. He is also an Alumni Board member for the University of Maryland School of Law. He belongs to the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, the American Bar Association – Construction Forum, and the Houston Bar Association’s Construction Bar as well as the Military and Veterans Committee. Additionally, Williams is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and frequently serves as an Angel Flight pilot, generously donating his time and his Piper Turbo Saratoga to provide free air transportation for passengers in need of medical treatment far from home.

Attorneys named to The Best Lawyers in America were recognized by their peers in the legal industry for their professional excellence in 145 practice areas. “Lawyer of the Year” honorees receive this award based on their extremely high overall feedback within specific practice areas and metropolitan regions. “Lawyer of the Year” recognitions were awarded in 133 practice areas across 183 metropolitan regions.

About Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected attorney ranking service in the world. For more than 30 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the attorneys best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers lists are published in leading local, regional, and national publications across the globe.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Birmingham partner Gary L. Howard will be recognized with the Defense Research Institute’s (DRI) Albert H. Parnell Outstanding Program Chair Award at the organization’s annual meeting in October.

“Gary is a tremendous leader and has made significant contributions to the DRI, and we are proud of him for this well-deserved recognition,” said Bradley Birmingham Office Managing Partner Dawn Helms Sharff.

The DRI’s Albert H. Parnell Outstanding Program Chair Award is an annual award honoring an individual who has created a dynamic educational program which has enhanced the DRI’s image. The individual has made significant contributions to the organization’s educational programming through effective planning and marketing while displaying dedication, leadership and creativity.

Mr. Howard is a member of Bradley’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group and serves as the Insurance team leader. He is an active member of the DRI and is a member of the organization’s Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee, serving as the Diversity Expo Chair in 2018 and as the Diversity for Success Seminar & Corporate Expo Program Chair in 2021. Mr. Howard was also a member of the DRI’s 2020-2021 Annual Meeting Steering Committee.

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 nearly 550 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.

The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has announced that Spencer H. Silverglate, a partner with Clarke Silverglate, P.A., in Miami, has been elected President of the IADC for the 2021-22 term. The IADC also elected new Board of Directors members and leaders for 2021-22.

The IADC is the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests.

In addition to Mr. Silverglate, the other new IADC board leaders, along with their law firm or company affiliations, are:

President-Elect
Mark R. Beebe
Adams and Reese LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana

Immediate Past President
Andrew S. Chamberlin
Ellis & Winters LLP
Greensboro, North Carolina

Vice President of Insurance
Thomas F. Lysaught
QBE North America
Chicago, Illinois

The new IADC board members (three-year terms), along with their law firm affiliations, are:

J. Dominic Campodonico
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP
San Francisco, California

Daniela Karollus-Bruner
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz
Vienna, Austria

Christopher A. Kenney
Kenney & Sams, P.C.
Boston, Massachusetts

A member since 2000, Mr. Silverglate was formally installed as President at the IADC’s 2021 Annual Meeting. Mr. Silverglate also previously served as Director (in 2015) of the IADC’s prestigious annual Trial Academy held at Stanford Law School.

“Thanks to the IADC, I have been able to develop lasting relationships with some of the very best civil defense lawyers across the globe,” said Mr. Silverglate. “As a result, my IADC network has been the biggest single contributor to my business development success. My primary goal during the coming year will be to enhance member engagement and business development opportunities. All members are invited to the table.”

Mr. Silverglate litigates complex business disputes and defends high-stakes personal injury and product liability claims, including mass and class actions. Co-founder of the Miami-based litigation firm Clarke Silverglate, P.A., Mr. Silverglate has been recognized as one of the top litigators in Florida and the United States.

Mr. Silverglate also serves on the American Arbitration Association’s National Roster of Commercial and Employment Arbitrators. In addition, he is a prime member of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys and serves on the boards of DRI and LCJ (Lawyers for Civil Justice). Mr. Silverglate also is a widely published author and frequent speaker.

Mr. Silverglate received his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law and his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida.

The IADC board oversees activities that benefit the organization’s members and their clients, as well as the civil justice system, the legal profession, and society in general. In addition to its core purpose involving professional development for members, the IADC takes a leadership role in many areas of legal reform. IADC members are among the world’s leading corporate and insurance lawyers at large and small law firms and senior counsel in corporate law departments, as well as corporate and insurance executives. Members represent the largest corporations around the world, including many of the companies listed in the FORTUNE 500.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Birmingham partner Brooke Vinson has been selected as one of M&A Advisor’s 2021 Emerging Leaders. The 12th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards celebrate the industry’s emerging leaders in M&A, finance and turnaround who have reached a significant level of success in the industry before the age of 40.

“We are proud of Brooke for being recognized as a M&A Advisor’s Emerging Leader,” said Bradley Birmingham Office Managing Partner Dawn Helms Sharff. “Brooke demonstrates a high level of leadership and service to Bradley and the M&A community, and we congratulate her on this honor.”

Ms. Vinson primarily counsels privately held companies and private equity funds and their operating companies in formation, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate finance transactions, including securities offerings, divestitures, joint ventures and general corporate and securities law issues. She focuses on advising public and private clients, from startups to large corporations, in the areas of business formation, investment and financing transactions, securities compliance and other corporate matters. Ms. Vinson is a member of the firm’s Recruiting Committee, and in addition to her corporate practice, she advises clients on franchise matters, including business structure and legal and regulatory compliance.

The M&A Advisor’s Emerging Leaders Award winners were chosen from a pool of prominent nominees for their notable accomplishments in business and in service to the community. An independent panel of judges reviewed submissions and selected this year’s winners, who will be formally recognized on October 20, 2021, at a gala during the 2021 Future of Dealmaking Summit. The complete list of 2021 honorees can be seen here.

TYLER, Texas – Trial lawyers Reid Martin, John F. (Jack) Walker III, and Marisa Schouten of the law firm Martin Walker PC, will each be recognized in the 2022 issue of The Best Lawyers in America, considered the oldest and one of the most respected legal guides in the U.S.

Mr. Walker and Ms. Schouten were chosen for their experience representing individuals in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Mr. Martin was honored for his work representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice lawsuits. Mr. Martin and Mr. Walker, who founded the firm in 2006, are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Ms. Schouten is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law.

“It’s been a challenging year for everyone,” said Mr. Martin. “But I believe that, as a firm, we’ve come together, doubled our efforts, and done some of our best work. Being recognized for that is really tremendous.”

Martin Walker PC has received numerous honors for its work over the years. In addition to Best Lawyers, Mr. Martin and Mr. Walker have each been included on Thomson Reuters’ annual list of Texas Super Lawyers and in the list of 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers. The firm was also inducted into the Verdicts Hall of Fame by Texas Lawyer magazine for winning a $43.32 million judgment against East Texas Medical Center in 2018, the largest medical malpractice verdict in the state for that year.

“We take this recognition very seriously,” said Mr. Walker. “For us, it’s a constant reminder to do more, to go a little further, and work harder for those we represent.”

Attorneys selected to The Best Lawyers in America are chosen by peers practicing in the same area and geographic region. The Best Lawyers research team then puts each nominee through a vigorous review process before making its final selections. For the full list, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com/.

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/

Bridgewater, NJ (August 20, 2021) – The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce that nineteen of the firm’s attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2022 Best Lawyers® lists. Fifteen attorneys have been included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© and five are included in the 2022 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list.

“We are proud of this group of attorneys for their accomplishments throughout the past year and we congratulate them on this honor,” said David C. Roberts, Chairman of the firm.

The Best Lawyers in America

The following Norris McLaughlin attorneys were included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America:

• Douglas R. Brown, Banking and Finance Law
• Martha N. Donovan, Environmental Law; Litigation – Environmental
• Victor S. Elgort, Trusts and Estates
• Hugh P. Finnegan, Real Estate Law
• Edward A. Hogan, Energy Law; Environmental Law; Litigation – Environmental; Natural Resources Law
• Barbara L. Hollenbach, Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
• Peter D. Hutcheon, Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law; Securities Regulation
• Joel N. Jacobson, Banking and Finance Law
• Steven A. Karg, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• James H. Laskey, Communications Law; Energy Law
• Kenneth D. Meskin, Trusts and Estates
• Richard B. Somach, Real Estate Law
• Edward G. Sponzilli, Commercial Litigation
• Ross J. Switkes, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Bruce J. Wisotsky, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation – Bankruptcy

Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch”

Additionally, five lawyers from the firm have been included in the 2022 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list, which includes attorneys who are earlier in their careers and have demonstrated outstanding professional excellence in private practice. The following Norris McLaughlin attorneys were included in the list:

• Eric Alvarez, Commercial Litigation
• Risa M. Chalfin, Commercial Litigation
• Nicholas J. Dimakos, Litigation – Trusts and Estates
• Nicholas A. Duston, Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Michael J. Locke, Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

The full methodology for The Best Lawyers in America and the Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

For the full list of Norris McLaughlin attorneys with links to their respective biographies, click here.

About Best Lawyers

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Almost 108,000 industry leading lawyers are eligible to vote (from around the world), and Best Lawyers has received over 13 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

Lawyers included in the Best Lawyers lists are divided by geographic region and practice area. They are reviewed by their peers and undergo an authentication process to ensure they are in current practice and in good standing.

Texas Lawyer magazine’s ‘Best of 2021’ honors firm for ninth consecutive year. DALLAS/HOUSTON – Readers of Texas Lawyer magazine have named Androvett the No. 1 communications firm in the Dallas and Houston legal markets in the magazine’s “Best of 2021” reader survey. This is the ninth consecutive year Androvett has earned “Best PR Firm” honors in the annual survey.  

“Powered by the dynamic regional economy, Texas has emerged as one of the strongest, fastest-growing and most innovative legal markets in the world. We’re proud to have helped law firms plant a flag in this market and leverage their existing assets, find their voice and reach their audiences,” said Mike Androvett, firm founder, president and CEO.  

Established in 1995, Androvett is a full-service agency providing public relations, marketing, advertising and digital expertise to the legal industry, professional services firms and others in the business community. In 2021, the firm opened a third Texas office to serve the growing Austin market. 

“We’ve seen the evolution of legal communications firsthand,” said Chief Operating Officer Scott Parks. “New tools are emerging on a daily basis, allowing firms to spread their messages to broad audiences, at the granular targeted level, and everywhere in between.” 

The complete “Best of 2021” awards will be published in September as part of a special edition of Texas Lawyer, the longest-running legal publication in the state. 

“Texas Lawyer has covered the legal industry for generations and has a savvy and knowledgeable audience. It’s a special honor that sophisticated readers place our firm at the top of the list,” said Mark Annick, Androvett’s vice president of news and public relations. 

In addition to traditional PR, litigation-related communications, crisis communications, and marketing, the firm offers a full pallet of tools for an evolving digital, web and social media communications landscape.  

“There are so many high-quality professional services firms and talented lawyers in the market that it’s critical for firms to differentiate themselves,” said Zack McKamie, Androvett’s vice president of marketing. “A strategic communications plan is key to achieving this. We’ve assembled a nimble team that can develop award-winning creative concepts and smart solutions to help our clients reach their goals.”  

Pat Rafferty, Androvett’s director of marketing and advertising, agreed: “Legal marketing has matured to the point that firms are really embracing creativity and opening up to new approaches to reaching their audience. We’re seeing firms get noticed by really stepping out and expressing their brand.” 

The pandemic shutdown has also changed the communications and marketing terrain, noted Bria Burk, Androvett’s director of digital marketing.  

“This has caused law firms to rethink their approach to marketing and in many cases go all-in on digital,” she said. “The push to remote work has really accelerated the legal industry’s embrace of digital channels and operations.”  

In addition to its string of No. 1 honors, Androvett was inducted into the Texas Lawyer Hall of Fame in 2016.  

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. Now in its 26^th year, Androvett has offices in Dallas, Houston and Austin. 

For a complete listing of agency services, visit www.androvett.com.  

Lansing – August 23, 2021 – Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of John W. Fraser to its Government Policy & Practice Group in the firm’s Lansing office. Fraser, who will serve as Michigan Team Leader of the firm’s Cannabis Group, joins Dykema after establishing and leading the cannabis practice at Grewal Law in Okemos, Mich.

In his practice, Fraser focuses on cannabis law, business law, general litigation, and appellate law. He primarily counsels cannabis entrepreneurs and investors, municipal governments, and other attorneys on matters of cannabis law. Fraser also has experience litigating cases in trial courts throughout the State of Michigan and has argued cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court.

In concurrence with his practice, Fraser serves as the Chairperson of the Cannabis Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He is also an adjunct professor of law at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School where he teaches a course on Medical Marijuana and the Law. He also regularly lectures and presents on cannabis law topics to attorneys and the community.

In his young career, Fraser has already been recognized by the Ingham County Bar Association as a Top 5 Lawyer Under 35 and by the State Bar of Michigan’s Marijuana Law Section as a Pioneer for his efforts in the published Michigan Court of Appeals opinion in People v. Manuel. He’s also been named a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers for each of the past two years.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have John join the Dykema team in a leadership role,” said Lance Boldrey, leader of Dykema’s Cannabis Law Practice. “He has a proven record of success in the cannabis space, and bringing him on board is a great help as we continue to expand this practice.”

Fraser earned a J.D., summa cum laude, from the Michigan State University College of Law and a B.S. in both Philosophy and Political Science, cum laude, along with a minor in English from Central Michigan University.