DALLAS – The publishers of D Magazine have recognized Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson attorney Bridget Moreno Lopez in the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers in Dallas for her work in tax law.

An expert in tax litigation and litigation management, Ms. Lopez has served as the firm’s managing partner of the Dallas office for the last eight years while also overseeing the New York and Boston offices. She is the youngest person appointed to the firm’s management committee. Prior to her appointment to managing partner, Ms. Lopez managed the litigation division for the Dallas office, handling thousands of lawsuits.

“I am inspired by the recognition from my peers,” said Ms. Lopez. “Linebarger is dedicated to our clients and their efforts to improve public service and local communities, and I’m grateful that we are recognized for our work to make North Texas a better place to live.”

A national firm, Linebarger represents governmental entities in 13 states with 49 offices, recovering revenue by collecting delinquent government receivables. The firm has a history of giving back to the communities its clients serve, and Ms. Lopez’s own volunteerism reflects that same commitment to helping others.

She has given her time to numerous organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including the H100 Latina Giving Circle and the Latino Cultural Center. Ms. Lopez is a former board member of the DFW International Airport and the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

Each year North Texas attorneys nominate D Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Dallas honorees. The magazine’s research staff and an independent panel of distinguished lawyers make the final selections after an extensive review. Those selected are featured in the magazine’s May issue and online at www.dmagazine.com.

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson is a national law firm with 49 offices across the country dedicated to representing governmental entities in collecting delinquent government receivables. For more than 46 years, Linebarger has provided customized collection programs for its public sector clients. For more information, visit https://www.lgbs.com/

We are pleased to announce that effective April 25, 2022, Greensfelder’s Southern Illinois office will be located in O’Fallon, Illinois near the intersection of Highways 50 and 64.

The address for the new office location is 821 W. Highway 50, Suite 303, O’Fallon IL, 62269. All attorney and staff phone numbers and other contact information will remain the same as in the previous office location.

The relocation of the office will allow attorneys and staff to continue top-notch service to clients across Southern Illinois. The close proximity to the interstate and other development in the area will provide the benefit of convenient access for many of our clients and other visitors from around the region. The office will provide room for growth as well as meeting space for client visits, in a new state-of-the-art building.

Trial Lawyers Ben Martin, Laura Baughman Named to D Magazine’s ‘Best’ List

Repeat honors for nationally respected pair for mass torts, multidistrict litigation

DALLAS – When asked by D Magazine researchers to identify the very best trial lawyers in North Texas for mass torts and multidistrict litigation – the ones they’d turn to for their most important lawsuits – peer lawyers in Texas recommended courtroom veterans Ben Martin and Laura Baughman.

The two founders of Dallas-based Martin Baughman law firm earned recognition on the 2022 Best Lawyers in Dallas list for their work on behalf of people injured by defective medical devices. They have represented patients harmed by IVC filters used to prevent blood clots, surgical staples, and transvaginal mesh, among other products involved in mass torts. The D Magazine honors are based on votes by peer lawyers and vetting by a blue-ribbon panel.

In addition to litigation involving medical device and pharmaceutical defects, Ms. Baughman and Mr. Martin have built a team of trial lawyers with specific expertise. They handle claims involving catastrophic vehicle accidents, oil field explosions, medical and hospital negligence, and a range of other causes of personal injury.

In 2019, Ms. Baughman and Mr. Martin secured the first verdict finding that the Cook IVC filter is defective and dangerous. In 2021, the firm won four verdicts – including record monetary damages – for victims of injuries and serious complications from defective Bard IVC filters. Following those verdicts, the team reached settlements on behalf of hundreds of plaintiffs who sued Bard.

Mr. Martin serves as co-lead counsel in national litigation involving the Cook and Argon IVC filters. In addition, he serves on the plaintiffs’ steering committees in the national Cook, Bard, and Cordis MDLs and the Argon Judicial Council Coordinated Proceedings (JCCP).

Ms. Baughman has held leadership positions in a range of litigation including consumer class actions, toxic torts, and pharmaceutical and medical device litigation on behalf of individuals and public entities. She was co-lead counsel in two of the largest cases involving Proposition 65, a California law that permits private citizens to enforce certain environmental regulations on behalf of individuals and public entities.

Martin Baughman attorneys have helped thousands of victims of accidents and injuries caused by catastrophic vehicular and trucking accidents, oil field explosions, medical and hospital negligence, medical device and pharmaceutical design defects, and personal injuries caused by negligence and gross negligence. For more information, visit https://www.martinbaughman.com.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (NCLW) has named MVA Member Kimberly Easter Zirkle its 2022 “Lawyer of the Year.”

According to NCLW, the state’s weekly legal industry trade publication, “Minority and underserved populations in Charlotte have a straighter path to justice and prosperity thanks to the efforts of Kimberly Zirkle,” who serves as co-chair of MVA’s Pro Bono and Public Service Committee in addition to her work as a financial services attorney.

The Lawyer of the Year recognition is part of the annual North Carolina Leaders in the Law awards. The awards honor influential members of the North Carolina legal industry who have gone above and beyond in their profession and their community.

“We are tremendously proud of Kimberly’s contributions to our firm and the Charlotte legal community, and we congratulate her on this much deserved recognition as the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s ‘Lawyer of the Year,’ ” said Thomas L. Mitchell, MVA’s managing partner and chair of the firm’s Management Committee. “Not only is Kimberly an outstanding financial services attorney, but she is a champion of giving back and an inspiration to all of us in her role as co-leader of our firm’s pro bono and public service initiatives.”

As co-chair of the firm’s Pro Bono and Public Service Committee, Zirkle has helped to drive the firm’s efforts to provide legal representation to individuals who could not otherwise afford hiring an attorney. Zirkle, who began embracing pro bono work during law school, regularly represents victims of domestic violence on a pro bono basis in custody, support and divorce proceedings.

At MVA, Zirkle has worked to include more firm attorneys and better integrate the Pro Bono and Public Service Committee within different practice groups of the firm, and has fostered client partnerships on pro bono matters. MVA’s participation in the Charlotte Pro Bono Triage under Zirkle’s leadership and her push to expand access to justice through innovative collaborations has led to a 60 percent increase in volunteers within the Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project.

In 2021, Zirkle and others at MVA worked with the Robinson Bradshaw law firm to form CLIMB (Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses), a collaborative effort that provides eligible entrepreneurs and small business owners full-service representation on non-litigation business law matters.

In her practice, Zirkle represents a variety of lenders, private equity portfolio companies, and private companies in corporate finance and acquisition transactions.

Zirkle is actively involved with the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance, serving within the organization’s Systemic Racism Legal Inventory (SRLI) Banking Working Group, which tackles issues within minority communities and access to capital and banking services.

Zirkle received her J.D. (with honors) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee.

About Moore & Van Allen
Moore & Van Allen PLLC (www.mvalaw.com), founded in 1945, has nearly 400 attorneys and professionals serving clients in over 75 areas of focus. The attorneys at Moore & Van Allen provide sophisticated legal services within nationally recognized Litigation, Corporate, Financial Services, Intellectual Property, Bankruptcy, and Commercial Real Estate law practices for international banks and financial services companies, domestic and global manufacturers, retailers, individuals, and healthcare and technology organizations. The firm is ranked in the prestigious “Am Law Global 200” list, and U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers have recognized Moore & Van Allen in their 2022 “Best Law Firms” rankings, both regionally and nationally.

The Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group to Participate in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 30, 2022

By Rebecca L. Palmer
“I want a divorce” are difficult words to say. Reaching this point can be especially difficult when the welfare of children comes into play, and even more so for parents with a special needs child. The issues of child custody, visitation, spousal support, and property division are significantly more complex to negotiate. As part of your divorce proceeding, you will want to make sure that you consider what the “day in the life” of caring for your child looks like and who will be the primary caregiver. You will also need to consider what support your child will require throughout their life, depending on their capacity for independent living and income.

The Dissolution of Marriage agreement is a critical component in determining the ongoing support of your child. In addition to spousal support, separation of assets, and custodial care provisions, specific attention needs to be given to the needs of the child’s current financial care obligations and the responsibility of care. It is imperative to have a conversation about the transition into adulthood, including guardianship, eligibility for government or private agency benefits, employment, recreation, social skills, independent living, and custodial care.
In a typical divorce, child support and custody end at 18 or when the child graduates from college. However, parents with a special needs child will have to plan for life-long caregiving. Under Florida law, the mental or physical incapacity must have begun before 18, when child support otherwise terminates. Investigating how your special needs child will receive financial and protective services as an adult is not exclusive to those parents going through a divorce. Still, the documentation of those agreements certainly is.
Educating yourself on what is needed to provide life-long support for your adult child is imperative; seek counsel from a family law professional and financial planner. They can help explain special needs planning and discuss the opportunities and agencies that can lend support. This may include setting up a Special Needs Trust, determining the right life insurance plan, assigning beneficiaries, and preparing a power of attorney. It is critical to find someone who has expertise in applying for Supplemental Security Income or Florida Medicaid benefits.
Many nonprofit and professional organizations support families with special needs children as they are going through a divorce. It is also essential to get help building a strong, inclusive, and supportive community as you move forward as a single parent. These organizations can introduce you to much-needed services and connect you with like-minded people who can share your experience first-hand and become a support system for you and your child.
One organization is Best Buddies, an international nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group has long supported the Best Buddies Orlando Chapter. In support of their mission and positive impact on our community, our firm will participate in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The walk will be at Old Town, 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746. Join us by visiting our Friendship Walk team page, where you can join the team, donate, and share your support on social media. https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/orlando/supporting/#RLPLaw

Rebecca L. Palmer, Esq. is a Family & Marital Law attorney practicing in Orlando, FL. She is the Managing Partner of the Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group, and she can be reached at rebecca@rlplawgroup.com

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome Michael J. Willner as a Member in the New York office. Willner joins the firm’s Real Estate, Finance, and Land Use Practice Group.

“Michael’s experience working with individuals and entities involved with managing real estate assets and his work with condominiums and co-ops add valuable depth to our team and enhance the capabilities we are able to provide to our clients,” said Dean M. Roberts, Chair of Norris McLaughlin’s New York Real Estate & Finance Law Practice Group.

Willner commented, “I am pleased to be a part of a reputable team with demonstrated leadership in the condominium and co-op industry in New York and New Jersey and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across a range of practice areas.”

About Michael J. Willner

Willner focuses his practice on condominium and cooperative law, commercial and residential real estate transactions, and related litigation. He has experience representing condominium and cooperative boards, individual unit owners, shareholders, purchasers and sellers, and landlords and tenants. Willner regularly reviews statutory and common law relating to varied issues including COVID-19 restrictions on use of facilities, unit-owner access to books and records, obligations to maintain, repair and replace common elements, and related landlord/tenant issues. He works strategically with clients to help them achieve their goals, drawing on his understanding of the myriad of laws, zoning issues, and transactional issues to develop a comprehensive approach in his representation.

Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Willner managed a practice of more than 35 condominium and co-ops in New York and New Jersey. He has experience appearing before New York Appellate, Supreme and Civil Courts, as well as mediation, arbitration, and ECB hearings. Willner earned his J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law and his B.A. from Binghamton University, the State University of New York.

DALLAS – D Magazine’s annual Best Lawyers in Dallas edition has recognized Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson partners Scott Downing, Jeff Anderson and Brad LaMorgese for their knowledge and expertise in Family Law.

Honorees are nominated by North Texas lawyers and then vetted by the magazine’s research staff with the help of an independent panel of distinguished lawyers. Those selected are featured in the magazine’s May issue and online at www.dmagazine.com.

“Our firm works hard for the folks who come to us for help,” said Mr. Downing, the firm’s managing partner. “We are proud that our peers recognize our work and look to us as experts in our field.”

Mr. Downing is a skilled trial attorney whose practice focuses on complex high-dollar property and custody cases. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he is often honored for his representation of individuals involved in family law disputes. A D Magazine honoree since 2004, he is regularly recognized by Best Lawyers in America and has been a Top 100 Super Lawyer in Texas for the last decade.

Mr. Anderson was first named to D Magazine’s Best Lawyers list in 2002. He has earned recognition over the years for his Family Law expertise and exceptional representation of his clients. Mr. Anderson is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is regularly recognized by Best Lawyers in America. He has made the Texas Super Lawyers’ Top 100 list for Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth over five consecutive years.

Mr. LaMorgese is often recognized for his knowledge and legal strategy involving Family Law appellate work. He is a frequent honoree of Best Lawyers in America and has made the Top 100 Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth Lawyers lists of Super Lawyers since 2013. A partner since 2006, Mr. LaMorgese is also Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His practice focuses on a range of matters including divorce, pre- and post-marital agreements and interstate and international custody disputes.

Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson (ONDA) has served families with Family Law disputes for more than 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. To learn more, visit https://www.ondafamilylaw.com/.

Miller & Chevalier, along with nine leading Latin American law firms, is pleased to announce the launch of the ComplianceLatam digital platform. The platform will serve as a unique meeting place for users to exchange ideas regarding best compliance practices and corporate governance structures and the development of strong organizational foundations across leading companies in the region.

Miller & Chevalier and the Latin American firms will collaborate on the platform, with leading voices on topics such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG), anti-corruption, antitrust, data protection and privacy, consumer protection, corporate and labor compliance, regulatory compliance, tax compliance, corporate governance, corporate culture, and human rights. It will also focus on compliance in the technology, fintech, and venture capital industries.

“We view this as a unique opportunity for law firms and in-house professionals across Latin America to share ideas and grow from others’ experiences. We look forward to participating and attending various events focusing on compliance challenges that companies in the region are facing and to consider jointly how best to navigate those challenges,” said Jeffrey Lehtman, Member at Miller & Chevalier.

“Our platform is oriented to deliver relevant content with regional scope to enable compliance officers, legal managers, company directors, and other key stakeholders to make better decisions. We seek to be a space for continuous, close, and collaborative consultation, which allows us to create joint value,” said Rodrigo Albagli, partner of Chilean law firm Albagli Zaliasnik, which is spearheading this initiative.

In addition to Miller & Chevalier, ComplianceLatam’s founding firms include: Albagli Zaliasnik (Chile), Basham, Ringe y Correa (Mexico), Estudio Beccar Varela (Argentina), BLP Legal (Central America), Bustamante Fabara Abogados (Ecuador), CPB Abogados (Peru), Demarest Advogados (Brazil), Ferrere Abogados (Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia), and Posse Herrera Ruiz Legal (Colombia).

About ComplianceLatam
Learn more about ComplianceLatam at www.compliancelatam.legal and on LinkedIn and YouTube.

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.

FORT WORTH – Personal injury partners Steven C. Laird and Seth McCloskey have both earned a place on the 2022 national list of Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers. The ranking by the legal media publication recognizes top attorneys who specialize in bringing justice to consumers.

Courthouse veterans Mr. Laird and Mr. McCloskey are two of only five trial lawyers in North Texas who are board certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

“It’s always a special honor to earn the respect of our peers in the legal industry,” said Mr. Laird. “I am thankful to Lawdragon for recognizing the important work we do for our clients.”

Mr. Laird is also board certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

“It really is an honor to be recognized by Lawdragon on a national list among other esteemed professionals,” said Mr. McCloskey. “The quality of work we are able to perform for our clients is what makes me most proud to be a part of this team.”

Mr. McCloskey is also board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the Texas Bar College.

Lawdragon is known for its carefully curated lists of the country’s leading lawyers and is considered by legal practitioners as one of the most respected legal ranking organizations in the country. The Lawdragon research team spends several months determining what attorneys are named each year.

About Laird & McCloskey
The Law Offices of Laird & McCloskey is a Fort Worth, Texas, law firm whose lawyers and staff members are committed to finding justice in every case. For more than 30 years, we have worked responsibly and diligently to represent individuals and families in personal injury cases where corporate and individual negligence have resulted in significant injuries and wrongful death. To learn more about the firm, visit http://texlawyers.com/.

Media Contact:
Alyssa Woulfe
800-559-4534
alyssa@androvett.com

Law Rocks, the nonprofit organization that produces a global tour of fundraising concerts starring legal professionals, will be returning to its U.S. hometown for the 11th Annual Law Rocks Los Angeles next week, April 29 and 30.
The concert raises funds for various local nonprofit organizations selected by the 11 bands; each band features musically talented members of the Southern California legal community. The 2022 lineup includes eight veteran bands, as well as two brand new to Law Rocks, with 23 law firms represented in all. The event will take place at the historic Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip.

DALLAS –Trial lawyer Alex Brauer, co-founder of litigation boutique Bailey Brauer PLLC, has been recognized among Dallas’ top business/commercial litigators by D Magazine for a seventh consecutive year.

With extensive experience and an exceptional track record, business owners and executives turn to Mr. Brauer when faced with their most challenging legal and business issues. This includes developing creative resolutions to disputes and presenting cases to judges and juries when acceptable resolutions can’t be achieved.

His focus on client service has earned the trust of business leaders throughout Texas and across the nation, as well as multiple professional honors, including Chambers USA Leading Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Texas Super Lawyers, BTI’s Most Feared Litigation Firms, and Texas Trailblazers.

Selection to the Best Lawyers in Dallas list is based on a blue-ribbon panel’s evaluation of nominees recommended by their peers. The complete list is featured in the May 2022 edition of D Magazine.

About Bailey Brauer PLLC
Bailey Brauer PLLC is nationally recognized for its trial and appellate work and provides battle-tested, sophisticated courtroom experience in high-stakes litigation matters. The firm focuses on complex commercial litigation, appeals, and class actions. Learn more about the firm at: http://baileybrauer.com.

Media Contact:
Rhonda Reddick
800-559-4534
rhonda@androvett.com

DALLAS – Three partners of Texas trial and appellate firm Johnston Tobey Baruch have been named to D Magazine’s 2022 Best Lawyers in Dallas list.

Managing partner Chad Baruch earned a spot for his appellate practice, an honor he has consistently received from D Magazine from 2011-2020. Mr. Baruch is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

“It’s a great feeling to be consistently recognized by other legal professionals who do outstanding work in our community,” said Mr. Baruch.

Both Randy Johnston and Robert Tobey are honored for their Professional Nonmedical Liability practices. This is the 12th time D Magazine has honored Mr. Johnston as a Best Lawyer and the 11th honor for Mr. Tobey.

Mr. Johnston is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has an impeccable reputation for legal ethics. He was also honored by D Magazine in its Best Lawyers Hall of Fame earlier this year and is a songwriter and published author.

“The honor of being named to this list is everything because it’s based on a lawyer’s reputation among peers,” Mr. Johnston said. “To be recognized by other professionals in this line of work is truly something special.”

A sought-after public speaker and former president of the Dallas Bar Association, Mr. Tobey is Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and serves as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I am thrilled to be included in the company of the professional and talented individuals on this list,” Mr. Tobey said.

The Best Lawyers in Dallas listing is compiled from peer nominations by North Texas attorneys. An independent panel of distinguished lawyers and the magazine’s editors carefully vet the nominations before selecting the final list of honorees.

About Johnston Tobey Baruch:

Johnston Tobey Baruch is a dynamic law practice based in Dallas. Its trial and appellate attorneys have a broad range of litigation, arbitration and appellate experience. They are pioneers in the handling of legal and accounting malpractice, investment fraud and business disputes. They also have an enviable track record with insurance bad faith matters, commercial litigation and fiduciary litigation, as well as civil, family and criminal appeals for many prominent Texas companies and individuals.

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

Damon Rowe, the former executive director of the Internal Revenue Service’s Office of Fraud Enforcement, has joined Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch & Ungerman LLP in Dallas. Mr. Rowe will focus his practice on white-collar defense, federal tax disputes and governmental regulatory litigation. He has expertise in many areas including cryptocurrency, financial crimes, civil and criminal tax, money laundering, fraud, internal investigations and the Bank Secrecy Act.

Mr. Rowe began his IRS career in 1998 as a special agent and held numerous leadership positions for the agency including as Special Agent in Charge for both the Los Angeles and Dallas field offices.

In leading the Office of Fraud Enforcement, he implemented strategies to evaluate emerging threats through an increased reliance on data science and analytics, while establishing revised metrics, streamlined processes and a revamped organizational structure for the office. Those strategic decisions resulted in a dramatic increase in multimillion-dollar fraud schemes referred for civil fraud penalties as well as referrals for criminal investigation and prosecution.

Prior to serving in this role, Mr. Rowe was executive director of the Office of International Operations for the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division. During his tenure, the office increased its global footprint to detect financial-related cybercrimes and international money laundering and provided investigative support to federal task forces combating domestic and international terrorism.

Mr. Rowe is currently an adjunct professor at the Texas A&M School of Law, where he teaches a course in international white-collar crime.

“After two decades of public service, I felt the time was right to return to my Texas roots,” says Mr. Rowe. “Meadows Collier is respected nationwide as a leader in managing complex tax litigation and successfully defending clients in cases involving innovative claims and significant financial exposure. This is the right fit for me and I’m excited about the opportunities.”

Mr. Rowe earned a Master of Laws degree in taxation from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University and his law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Houston.

Attorneys with Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch & Ungerman bring both dedication and experience to clients’ legal matters. With origins in tax planning and tax litigation practice, the firm also provides counsel to clients with a variety of other specialized legal needs, including business and estate planning, probate, real estate, securities, banking, and commercial litigation. The firm also has a longstanding concentration in the area of white-collar defense and government regulatory practice.

MG+M The Law Firm (MG+M) is pleased to welcome Jonathan Dunleavy to our Miami office and our Maritime Litigation Practice. With a career spanning nearly 25 years, Jonathan is an experienced litigator who has successfully tried cases in state and federal courts. Jonathan focuses his practice on admiralty and maritime law and advises clients in claims related to insurance defense, personal injury protection, products liability, subrogation and construction defect claims.

“We are excited to welcome Jonathan to MG+M and grateful for the decades of experience he brings to our firm,” says MG+M Chairperson and Partner John B. Manning. “Jonathan’s skills and background as a successful litigator will be of great benefit to our clients, especially those in the maritime industry.”

Jonathan speaks regularly on maritime law, including at the Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club Seminar, Tampa Bay Mariners Seminar and Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute Annual Seminar. He belongs to the Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club and serves on its seminar committee. He is also an active member of the Miami Dade County Bar Association. Since 2005, Jonathan has taught public speaking as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami.

Prior to joining MG+M, Jonathan served as a partner and shareholder at two Florida law firms. He received his JD from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a BS in environmental science and public relations from Michigan State University.

DALLAS – Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP entertainment and business litigation partners Lauren Kilgore and Christian Barker have been selected to Billboard magazine’s 2022 list of Top Music Lawyers.

Ms. Kilgore and Mr. Barker, who were both recently promoted at Shackelford to equity partner, were honored for their “Talent and Litigation” work. It was the third selection for Ms. Kilgore and the first for Mr. Barker.

Billboard’s annual Top Music Lawyers list recognizes the nation’s “savviest legal counselors” who are advising clients on a range of issues from “familiar contracts and a surging tide of catalog sales” to new ventures arising from the metaverse.

“We are going to see a future that’s ripe with tokenization of intellectual property, where every songwriter has the ability and know-how to be in tune with real-time ownership and valuation of their assets,” said Mr. Barker, who was recognized for his representation of breakout TikTok star Warren Zeiders in securing a “record-setting” contract with Warner Records.

Ms. Kilgore’s practice focuses on complex litigation and sophisticated entertainment and business issues involving license agreements, trademarks, copyrights, rights of publicity, general releases, distribution agreements, publishing agreements, recording agreements, artist development agreements, and management agreements. She also handles online media issues and crisis management for individuals and corporate clients.

Mr. Barker represents artists, songwriters, producers, independent record labels, independent music publishing companies, and boutique artist management companies nationwide. He also has experience in family law matters involving disputed intellectual property assets. He is a former president of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and serves on the Board of Advisors for DIME Collective, a Nashville-based digital media company specializing in podcast production and marketing.

The Top Music Lawyers for 2022 were selected by Billboard editors, based upon such factors as peer and colleague nominations, as well as the representation of clients with a notable music industry impact. Recognition covers six categories including Talent and Litigation, Major Music Groups, Streaming, Live, Music Publishing, and Performing Rights.

About Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP
Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, is a transactional, litigation, aviation and entertainment law firm with attorneys and offices in Dallas, Houston, Frisco, Fort Worth, and Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Learn more about the firm at http://www.shackelford.law.

Foley & Lardner LLP secured a victory on behalf of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors last week when Honorable Judge Michael Beckloff of the Los Angeles County Superior Court denied a County resident’s petition for a writ of mandate in an attempt to block the transfer of Bruce’s Beach back to the legal heirs of Charles and Willa Bruce.

Bruce’s Beach was a popular Black-owned resort in the City of Manhattan Beach that catered to Black beachgoers in the 1910s and 20s. In 1924, the City of Manhattan Beach condemned Bruce’s Beach in an act of racial discrimination, seeking to drive out Black patrons from Manhattan Beach. Recognizing this profound historical wrong, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 796 into law, enabling the County to take appropriate actions to return Bruce’s Beach to the legal heirs of the Bruce family.

A County resident petitioned for a writ of mandate to block the transfer of the property. The resident primarily argued that the transfer of the property violates Article XVI, Section 6 of the California Constitution, which prohibits the Legislature from giving public funds to private citizens. Foley partner and the County’s lead counsel Byron McLain argued that returning the property to the Bruce family is not an improper gift in violation of the California Constitution because this act serves a clear and direct public purpose of addressing and redressing government racial discrimination. As stated in Senate Bill 796, this transfer enables the County to “rectify the historic injustice that was done to the Bruce family by returning the land…from whom it was taken in an act motivated by racism.”

Judge Beckloff denied the Petitioner’s writ of mandate and held that the anticipated transfer is constitutional, which effectively grants the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors the power to right this historic wrong. The County’s effort to return Bruce’s Beach “works to strengthen government integrity, represents governmental accountability. . . [and] fosters trust and respect in government,” Beckloff wrote in his ruling. “Redressing past acts of discrimination as well as preventing such acts in the future benefits the whole of the community. The public purpose served by [the County’s efforts] is direct and substantial,” Beckloff found.

McLain commented, “The Superior Court’s decision to allow the County of Los Angeles to transfer the Bruce’s Beach property back to the Bruce family is a huge step in support of the County’s concerted call to action for government entities to recognize and dismantle the history of racial oppression, injustice, and inequity that has left an indelible stain on this nation, most especially, its communities of color.”

In addition to McLain, the Foley team representing the County included Anum Amin and former Foley attorney M. Kristina Fernandez Mabrie. Paralegal Autumn McIntosh and Vivian Hong also assisted in this matter.

SAN DIEGO – Barnes & Thornburg has announced today the addition of Andrew “Drew” Galvin as a partner in the firm’s San Diego office. Galvin joins the firm’s Litigation team from the U.S. Department of Justice, where he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California for nearly a decade.

Galvin is the fourth former Assistant U.S. Attorney to join the San Diego office since 2019. Galvin will leverage his experience to provide targeted counsel for clients in white collar criminal defense, complex business litigation, compliance, and internal investigations.

The firm’s White Collar, Compliance and Investigations practice now has nearly 30 former federal prosecutors who have experience with and relationships at over a dozen U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country.

“White collar criminal prosecutions are top of mind for the DOJ as it continues to ramp up its fraud enforcement efforts,” said Randy Brown, chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. “Drew’s previous experience as a federal prosecutor gives our clients an inside look into how the agency handles these investigations and the cases that will invariably be brought.”

During his time as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Galvin was the office’s Financial Fraud Coordinator and investigated and prosecuted complex white collar matters, including securities fraud, extortion, tax offenses, art forgery, investment fraud, money laundering, procurement fraud, public corruption, mortgage fraud, and embezzlement.

Notably, Galvin prosecuted the architect of a $400 million Ponzi scheme – the largest in the history of the Southern District of California. He also led a series of investigations in sophisticated securities fraud schemes involving market manipulation and insider trading, resulting in convictions of more than a dozen corporate executives, attorneys, stockbrokers, and stock promoters. Prior to serving as a federal prosecutor Galvin worked at a nationally prominent firm’s Los Angeles office, representing executives and companies confronting government investigations, as well as companies involved in high-stakes civil litigation.

“Drew made a name for himself at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Major Frauds and Public Corruption Section, and he will be able to hit the ground running advising on government investigations,” said Troy Zander, San Diego partner-in-charge. “He’s a well-respected leader who has deep roots in San Diego, and strong connections to the legal and business community in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. We are excited to welcome him to our litigation team and continue our growth trajectory in San Diego.”

Galvin earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, and his B.A. from Brigham Young University, magna cum laude.

With more than 700 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, New York, Ohio, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Texas, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Jackson partner W. Wayne Drinkwater has been inducted into The University of Mississippi School of Law Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes select alumni who have perpetuated the university’s good name through their accomplishments and contributions to their communities. A 1974 graduate of The University of Mississippi School of Law, Mr. Drinkwater was one of five recipients in the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2022, inducted on March 26, 2022.

“Wayne is nationally recognized as an exceptional attorney, mentor, and community advocate. He is absolutely deserving of this recognition for his achievements in the state and within our firm,” said Bradley Jackson Office Managing Partner Margaret Oertling Cupples.

Mr. Drinkwater has extensive experience in major business, commercial and constitutional litigation. He has tried some of Mississippi’s most significant cases and handled more than 70 appeals, arguing more than 30 of them in state and federal courts across the country. A former law clerk of former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger, Mr. Drinkwater is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. He also is an Advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. Drinkwater has been included in The Best Lawyers in America® for 25 years and has been listed in Chambers USA since 2003.

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.

Brown Rudnick announced today that Mark Grider has joined its Washington, D.C., office as a partner in the White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice and head of Brown Rudnick’s Crisis Management Litigation Government Response team. He will focus on representing clients in False Claims Act cases, consumer fraud litigation, crisis management litigation and federal criminal investigations, as well as advising them on corporate compliance matters.

Grider brings to the Firm extensive experience in criminal and regulatory enforcement after serving nearly 20 years in the federal government, including as a senior advisor in the White House and as a deputy assistant attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). After his tenure as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, where he tried cases, Grider became a senior counsel to the deputy attorney general, served as the DOJ special counsel on health care and co-chaired the DOJ’s Health Care Fraud Task Force. He also advised on operational and policy issues involving computer crime, intellectual property, computer forensic matters, among other areas.

Grider served in the Office of White House Counsel as senior associate counsel and special assistant to the president. In that role, he advised senior administration officials on broad oversight and regulatory matters involving the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, and federal agencies contributing special expertise on health care regulatory and litigation matters and science and technology oversight and policy issues.

“We’re very excited to welcome Mark to Brown Rudnick. His arrival enhances our already highly regarded White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance group, further expanding our federal government investigations capabilities,” said Steve Best, a former federal prosecutor and chair of Brown Rudnick’s White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice.

“It comes in response to client demand and the increasing number of investigations in traditionally regulated industries as well as disruptive technology companies,” Best added. “His deep experience in both the legislative and executive branches, as well as his strong relationships with key players in Washington, will be critically important to our clients.”

In his most recent government role, Grider served as the DOJ’s deputy assistant attorney general, overseeing criminal matters relating to the Antitrust, Civil, Tax, and Environment and Natural Resources Divisions, as well as the Consumer Protection Branch. Prior to joining Brown Rudnick, Grider was a partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, where he led its Crisis Management and Congressional Investigations practice.

Grider is the second lateral partner to join Brown Rudnick’s White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance group in 2022, signifying the Firm’s strategic investment in this core practice. Jeff Cottle, who arrived on Jan. 24, serves a global client base in London and Washington, D.C.

“Mark brings an impressive background and an inside perspective that will prove very valuable to our clients,” said Sunni Beville, managing director of Brown Rudnick’s Dispute Resolution & Restructuring Department. “He has excellent legal credentials, but more than that, he can translate policy into practical guidance for our clients in regulated industries. Mark makes a great addition to our growing and talented team.

As head of the Crisis Management Litigation Government Response team, Grider will counsel companies and individuals on strategic growth opportunities, as well as guide them through sensitive legal and business scenarios to proactively manage and avert crises, minimize legal exposure, and manage reputation. He will also focus on engaging in diversity, inclusion and equity efforts at Brown Rudnick, which has achieved Mansfield Certification two years in a row. The Mansfield Rule program is designed to increase diversity in law firm lateral hiring, partner promotions, marketing, and firm governance.

“I look forward to working with the Firm’s outstanding white collar and litigation teams, which are known for crafting comprehensive solutions for clients facing the most challenging problems,” Grider said. “Brown Rudnick is a true full-service platform that has established itself as a force in this space and beyond, and I am happy to bring my own knowledge and capabilities to this team.”

Grider received his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Truman State University. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

ArentFox Schiff is pleased to announce the expansion of its Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring practice with the addition of Partner Jeffrey R. Gleit in New York. Jeff represents debtors, hedge funds, private equity funds, financial institutions, independent directors, and trade creditors in restructuring distressed companies.

For more than two decades, Jeff has advised clients spanning a variety of industries, including financial services, energy, healthcare, automotive, retail, telecommunications, and manufacturing, with all aspects of distressed situations. Jeff’s experience boosts the firm’s distressed lending and recovery, indenture trustee and agency, creditors committee, and debtor capabilities. Jeff also regularly counsels boards of directors in distressed situations, contract counterparties, and parties to credit default swap agreements.

A recognized industry thought leader, Jeff frequently publishes and speaks on hot topics and trends in bankruptcy and restructuring. Prior to joining ArentFox Schiff, Jeff was the Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice group leader at Sullivan & Worcester LLP.

“Our Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring practice is strategically growing and adding depth, expertise, and capabilities to provide our clients greater breadth and bench strength and otherwise prepare for the likelihood of a challenged and distressed economy. Adding Jeff and Brett Goodman, who joined the group in October, will also enable us to better service the new work created by the needs of our newly combined firm. Jeff’s national reputation and recognized skills fit our team and the firm well.”
– Andrew I. Silfen, New York Co-Managing Partner and Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring Practice Leader

Jeff’s Experience
Jeff’s recent work includes representing secured lenders, private investment firms, and cross-border entities in Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 cases. Other notable work and recognitions include:

• Represented Newmark Group, Inc. in its acquisition of Knotel, Inc. as part of Knotel’s Chapter 11 case.
• Represented Purdue Pharma L.P. and its subsidiaries as special conflicts counsel in their Chapter 11 cases.
• Represented Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, in the Covia Holdings Corporation and Denbury Resources Chapter 11 cases.
• Represented the independent directors of iQor Holdings in connection with iQor’s prepackaged Chapter 11 case.