Farrell Fritz announced that the firm has been recognized as one of two New York Leading Firms in Chambers High Net Worth 2016, the first publication of its kind. The firm was ranked as a leading firm in the area of Private Wealth Disputes.

Estate Litigation partners Jack Barnosky and John Morken were recognized as Leading Individuals. They have been concentrating their practices in estate litigation formore than 30 years.

Chambers and Partners identifies and ranks the most outstanding law firms and lawyers throughout the world. The qualities that determine rankings include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence and commitment.

Barnosky, a Halesite, NY resident, earned his LL.M. in taxation from New York University School of Law, his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and his A.B. from Assumption College. Morken, a Centerport, NY resident, earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law and his B.A. from Swarthmore College.

Buchalter Nemer‘s Gary Wolensky, shareholder in the Orange County office, has been selected for inclusion in the 23rd edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants. He was also named the Best Lawyers’ 2017 Los Angeles Product Liability Litigation – Defendants “Lawyer of the Year.”.This is the eighth year in a row Wolensky has been recognized by the organization.

Wolensky focuses his practice on the defense of manufacturers and retailers in consumer class actions, product liability and commercial litigation, and regulatory matters particularly in the automobile, motorcycle, consumer goods, football sporting goods and fitness equipment, pharmaceutical, medical device, food and amusement park industries. Wolensky has also worked with many of the top researchers and consultants on head and spinal issues, and has extensive experience with concussion related litigation and regulatory issues representing helmet manufacturers. His medical background stems from attending first year medical resident courses mandated by a former client.

Selections for The Best Lawyers in America are based entirely on peer-review. Their survey process is designed to capture an accurate opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same region and practice area.

Nine attorneys from the family law firm Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, have been selected to the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, which recognizes the nation’s top attorneys.

Partners Richard R. Orsinger and Brad M. LaMorgese were each recognized on the 2017 listing for their work in both Family and Appellate Law. Orsinger, name partner and head of the firm’s San Antonio office, has been honored in Family Law every year since 1987 and in Appellate Law since 2007. This is the second selection in both areas for LaMorgese.

Six additional firm partners, including name partners Keith M. Nelson, R. Scott Downing and Jeffrey O. Anderson, earned recognition based upon their representation of clients in Family Law matters. Nelson has been selected each year since 2006 and Downing for 11 consecutive years. Anderson has been honored each year since 2009.

This is the second Family Law selection for William M. Reppeto III and third for Lon M. Loveless. This is the first selection for Paula A. Bennett.

Of Counsel Marilea Lewis earned her fifth consecutive selection as a mediator. The 2017 selection marks her first in Family Law.

To compile its annual listing of the leading attorneys in various areas of practice, Best Lawyers studies millions of peer evaluations submitted by lawyers nationwide. The complete 2017 edition is available online at http://bestlawyers.com.

The firm has 15 lawyers and offices in Dallas, San Antonio and Frisco, Texas.

Nine partners in Farrell Fritz have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2017.

The partners and the fields in which they are being recognized are: Charles M. Strain and Jeffrey P. Rust (Health Care Law); Domenique Camacho Moran (Employment Law – Management); Eric W. Penzer, Ilene Sherwyn Cooper and John R. Morken (Litigation – Trusts & Estates); Jason S. Samuels (Litigation – Construction); John (Jack) Barnosky (Litigation – Trusts & Estates and Trusts & Estates); and Robert E. Sandler (Real Estate Law).

In addition, Jack Barnosky has been named a “Lawyer of the Year.” This recognition is awarded to individual attorneys with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic location. Only one lawyer is recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year” for each practice area and location.

Strain, a Garden City resident, earned his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and his B.A. degree from Washington and Lee University. Mr. Rust, a Garden City resident, earned his J.D. degree from The University of Akron School of Law, his M.B.A. from The University of Akron College of Business and his B.S. degree from SUNY College at Geneseo. Ms. Moran, a Rockville Centre resident, earned her J.D. degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School and her B.A. degree from SUNY Stony Brook. Mr. Penzer, a Melville resident, earned his J.D. degree from Fordham University School of Law and his B.A. degree from SUNY Stony Brook. Ms. Cooper, a Huntington resident, earned her J.D. degree from Hofstra University School of Law and her B.A. degree from Cornell University. Mr. Morken, a Centerport resident, earned his J.D. degree from New York University School of Law and his B.A. degree from Swarthmore College. Mr. Samuels, a Roslyn Heights resident, earned his J.D. degree from Hofstra University School of Law and his B.A. degree from the SUNY Albany. Mr. Barnosky, a Halesite resident, earned his LL.M. degree from New York University School of Law, his J.D. degree from St. John’s University School of Law and his A.B. degree from Assumption College. Mr. Sandler, a Dix Hills resident, earned his J.D. degree from St. John’s University School of Law, his Master’s degree from Hunter College and his B.A. degree from American University.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP announces that 61 of the firm’s attorneys have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017 edition, including a Denver partner who earned a “Lawyer of the Year” distinction.

“More than two-thirds of our recognized attorneys have been included on the annual Best Lawyers list for five years or longer, which speaks highly to the Firm’s ongoing commitment to providing the best service for our clients,” says Gardere Chair Holland N. O’Neil. “We are honored to be acknowledged by our peers in these prestigious rankings.”

Denver Partner Leonard H. MacPhee has earned recognition as the Best Lawyers® Denver Franchise Law “Lawyer of the Year.” The “Lawyer of the Year” recognition is reserved for a single lawyer with the highest overall peer feedback in a specific practice specialty and geographic location. Mr. MacPhee, who serves as co-chair of the Firm’s global supply network industry team and practices in the commercial litigation practice area, focuses on global and national supply network, franchise and distribution matters.
Gardere attorneys named to the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America list include:

Austin:

• Edward D. Burbach – Administrative/Regulatory Law
• Mark Vane – Government Relations Practice
• Kimberly A. Yelkin – Insurance Law

Dallas:

• Val J. Albright – Tax Litigation and Controversy, Tax Law
• David G. Cabrales – Commercial Litigation
• Steven S. Camp – Banking and Finance Law
• Chris Converse – Corporate Law
• Scott L. Davis – Commercial Litigation
• Marshall J. Doke Jr. – Commercial Litigation
• Michael J. Donohue – Tax Litigation and Controversy, Tax Law
• Michael W. Dubner – Intellectual Property Litigation
• W. Robert Dyer Jr. – Real Estate Law
• T. Mark Edwards – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Craig B. Florence – Commercial Litigation
• Dwight M. Francis – Commercial Litigation
• Jeffrey M. Gaba – Environmental Law
• Kenneth R. Glaser – Intellectual Property Litigation, Patent Law
• Lawrence E. Glasgow – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Beverly B. Godbey – Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law
• Lawrence B. Goldstein – Corporate Law
• Stephen D. Good – Tax Law
• Randy D. Gordon – Antitrust Law
• Douglas A. Harrison – Family Law
• Jack W. Hawkins – Trusts and Estates
• Michael S. Haynes – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Marcus Helt – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Carrie B. Hoffman – Employment Law Management, Labor and Employment Litigation
• Kevin L. Kelley – Leisure and Hospitality Law, Real Estate Law
• Stephen A. McCartin – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bankruptcy Litigation
• Joyce G. Mazero – Franchise Law
• Cynthia Brotman Nelson – Leisure and Hospitality Law, Real Estate Law
• Keith V. Novick – Trusts and Estates
• Holland N. O’Neil – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bankruptcy Litigation
• Alan J. Perkins – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Frances E. Phillips – Environmental Law, Environmental Litigation
• Clifford J. Risman – Leisure and Hospitality Law, Real Estate Law
• Deirdre B. Ruckman – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bankruptcy Litigation
• Robert Sarfatis – Corporate Law
• Larry Schoenbrun – Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities/Capital Markets Law
• Paul V. Storm – Intellectual Property Litigation
• Andre M. Szuwalski – Intellectual Property Litigation
• David H. Timmins – Insurance Law
• Richard A. Tulli – Corporate Law
• Peter S. Vogel – Information Technology Law, Technology Law
• Richard L. Waggoner – Corporate Law

Denver:

• Leonard H. MacPhee – Franchise Law

Houston:

• Michael A. Abbott – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Eric A. Blumrosen – Corporate Law
• Geoffrey H. Bracken – Commercial Litigation, Oil and Gas Law
• Robert W. Bramlette – Real Estate Law
• Daniel L. Cohen – Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Allen B. Craig III – Corporate Law, Tax Law
• Jeffrey S. Davis – Commercial Litigation, Product Liability Litigation Defense
• Douglas K. Eyberg – Corporate Law, Energy Law
• James Howard – Tax Law
• John P. Melko – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bankruptcy Litigation
• Lawrence J. Pirtle – Trusts and Estates
• Frank M. Putman – Corporate Law
• N.L. Stevens III – Corporate Law
• Hoang Quan Vu – Banking and Finance Law
• T. Michael Wall – Commercial Litigation

Longtime East Texas lawyer Johnny Ward of Longview’s Ward, Smith & Hill, PLLC, once again has been named among the country’s top attorneys in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

This is the second consecutive year that Ward has earned selection to the annual compilation of the nation’s leading lawyers based on his expertise in intellectual property litigation. In as release, the firm said he is widely recognized for his work in patent infringement cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

The firm’s release continues:

Ward was selected to the 2017 edition after an independent nomination process followed by a review of his courtroom track record by other attorneys who handle the same types of cases and who previously have been named to Best Lawyers.

To learn more about Mr. Ward and his background, click here: .

In February, Mr. Ward helped win the largest verdict issued in the U.S. so far this year in a patent infringement case against Apple Inc. over certain features included in the company’s popular iPhones. Mr. Ward, who served as local counsel, selected the jury, examined key witnesses and presented a portion of the closing arguments in the record-setting case.

“I am proud to have been selected to Best Lawyers again based on the recommendations of other lawyers who handle the same type of work we have been handling at Ward, Smith & Hill for decades,” says Mr. Ward. “I am fortunate to work with some of the best lawyers anywhere in patent cases, and this honor reflects all of our efforts.”

In addition to the recent Best Lawyers honor, Mr. Ward also is regularly recognized as one of Texas’ leading lawyers in the annual Texas Super Lawyers list.

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP has announced that 168 attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017. The following Quarles & Brady attorneys distinguished for excellence were named in their respective practice areas designated by Best Lawyers:

Chicago, Ill.
• Adrianne C. Mazura—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• E. King Poor—Commercial Litigation, Appellate Practice
• Eric J. Fuglsang—Real Estate Law
• Janice E. Rodgers—Non-Profit / Charities Law
• Janine M. Landow-Esser—Environmental Law
• Jeffrey S. Piell —Arbitration, Mediation
• Kirk A. Hoopingarner—Trusts and Estates
• Kwame Y. Raoul—Education Law
• Michael S. Mostow*—Environmental Law
• Nicole M. Murray—Trademark Law
• Norah L. Jones—Non-Profit / Charities Law
• Paul L. Langer—Insurance Law
• Richard W. Young—Trademark Law
• Robert F. Messerly—Real Estate Law
• Robert L. Gamrath—Real Estate Law
• Theodore I. Yi—Real Estate Law

Indianapolis, Ind.
• Daniel M. Long—Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
• George E. Purdy—Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Joshua B. Fleming—Commercial Litigation
• Lucy R. Dollens—Appellate Practice
• Matthew S. Carr—Non-Profit / Charities Law

Madison, Wis.
• Anthony A. Tomaselli—Litigation – Intellectual Property
• Ave M. Bie—Administrative / Regulatory Law, Energy Law
• Bennett J. Berson—Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
• Bradley D. Jackson—Communications Law, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law
• Donald K. Schott—Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions, Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) Litigation – Securities
• Fred Gants—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Grant Sovern—Immigration Law
• Gregory T. Everts—Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
• John S. Robison—Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Kerry L. Moskol—Health Care Law
• Kevin A. Delorey—Real Estate Law
• Margaret E. M. Utterback—Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Law
• Mark T. Ehrmann—Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Venture Capital Law
• Patricia M. Hutter—Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Sarah E. Coyne—Health Care Law
• William J. Toman—Insurance Law

Milwaukee, Wis.
• Alyce C. Katayama—Health Care Law, Immigration Law
• Amalia L. Todryk—Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Trusts and Estates
• Amy A. Ciepluch—Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Andrew Beilfuss—Commercial Litigation
• Ann M. Murphy—Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Anthony C. Marino—Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Finance Law
• Arthur A. Vogel, Jr. —Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Natural Resources Law
• Bernard J. Kearney III—Real Estate Law
• Brian D. Winters—Energy Law
• Brian G. Lanser—Project Finance Law, Public Finance Law
• Carl R. Schwartz—Biotechnology Law, Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
• Catherine Faught Pollard—Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Daniel E. Conley—Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Health Care Law, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Securities
• Daniel M. Janssen—Franchise Law
• David B. Kern—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• David L. Bourne—Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law
• David P. Olson—Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• David R. Cross—Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Antitrust, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent
• Donald W. Layden, Jr.—Corporate Law
• Elizabeth A. Orelup—Corporate Law
• Elizabeth G. Nowakowski—Tax Law
• Elizabeth S. Blutstein—Public Finance Law
• Ely A. Leichtling—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Eric J. Van Vugt—Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
• Fredrick G. Lautz—Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law
• George E. Haas—Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
• George J. Marek—Environmental Law
• James D. Friedman—Banking and Finance Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Litigation – Banking and Finance
• James F. Daly—Trusts and Estates
• Jean C. Baker—Biotechnology Law, Patent Law
• Jeff Peelen—Government Relations Practice, Public Finance Law
• Jeffrey K. Spoerk—Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Jeffrey Morris—Commercial Litigation
• Jeffrey O. Davis—Insurance Law
• Jennifer L. Rathburn—Health Care Law
• Jennifer V. Powers—Public Finance Law
• John A. Rothstein—Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate, Litigation – Trusts and Estates
• John D. Franzini—Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
• John H. Lhost—Trusts and Estates
• John L. Barlament—Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• John T. Bannen—Trusts and Estates
• John T. Barry—Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law
• John W. Daniels, Jr. —Real Estate Law
• Joseph D. Masterson—Corporate Law
• Joseph E. Puchner—Real Estate Law
• Katherine Maloney Perhach—Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
• Kathleen A. Gray—Trusts and Estates
• Keith A. Bruett—Commercial Litigation
• Kenneth V. Hallett—Financial Services Regulation Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Kevin M. Long—Litigation – Construction, Litigation – Real Estate
• Kim Marie Wynn—Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Finance Law
• Lisa A. Lyons—Health Care Law
• Mark A. Kircher—Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Mary Neese Fertl—Real Estate Law
• Mary Pat Jacoby—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
• Matthew J. Flynn—Commercial Litigation
• Michael A. Jaskolski—Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
• Michael A. Levey—Health Care Law, Non-Profit / Charities Law
• Michael Aldana—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Michael D. Zeka—Real Estate Law
• Michael J. Gonring—Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Michael J. Ostermeyer—Real Estate Law
• Mike Fischer—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Nancy K. Peterson—Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Natural Resources Law
• Noleta L. Jansen—Trusts and Estates
• Pamela M. Ploor—Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Patricia A. Hintz—Tax Law
• Patrick J. Goebel—Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Patrick W. Schmidt—Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Paul J. Tilleman—Trusts and Estates
• Peter A. Tomasi—Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Rebecca A. Speckhard—Project Finance Law, Public Finance Law
• Robert D. Rothacker—Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Robert H. Duffy—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Scott L. Langlois—Real Estate Law
• Sean M. Scullen—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
• Thomas A. Simonis—Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Venture Capital Law, Tax Law
• Thomas J. Phillips—Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law
• Thomas P. McElligott—Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Natural Resources Law
• Walter J. Skipper—Corporate Law
• William H. Harbeck—Litigation – Environmental

Naples, Fla.
• Bradley G. Rigor—Trusts and Estates
• Kimberly Leach Johnson—Trusts and Estates
• Laura M. Holm—Corporate Law

Phoenix, Ariz.
• Brian Sirower—Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy
• C. Bradley Vynalek—Commercial Litigation
• Daniel L. Muchow—Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law
• Dawn R. Gabel—Tax Law
• Derek L. Sorenson—Real Estate Law
• Diane M. Haller—Real Estate Law
• Don P. Martin—Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Real Estate
• Edward Salanga—Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction
• Eric B. Johnson—Employment Law – Management
• Jacque N. Westling—Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law
• James A. Ryan—Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Tax Law
• Jeffrey B. Fugal—Tax Law
• Jeffrey H. Wolf—Franchise Law
• John A. Harris—Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy
• John Maston O’Neal—Commercial Litigation
• Jon E. Pettibone—Administrative / Regulatory Law, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
• Joseph A. Drazek—Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Natural Resources Law
• Lori L. Winkelman—Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Matthew Mehr—Banking and Finance Law
• Nicole Stanton—Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
• P. Robert Moya—Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Peter A. Terry—Banking and Finance Law
• Robert P. Harris—Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Roger N. Morris—Health Care Law
• Scott A. Klundt—Commercial Litigation
• Scott M. Berg—Banking and Finance Law
• Stanton E. Johnson—Real Estate Law
• Stephanie J. Quincy—Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Steven P. Emerick—Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Equipment Finance Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law
• W. Scott Jenkins, Jr.—Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Tampa, Fla.
• Christian C. Burden—Franchise Law
• David A. Beyer—Franchise Law
• Jennifer L. Griffin—Trusts and Estates
• Kelli A. Edson—Commercial Litigation
• Paul E. Parrish—Commercial Litigation, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Philip V. Martino—Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Rena Upshaw-Frazier*—Litigation – Real Estate
• Robert James Kline—Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates
• Samuel P. Queirolo—Real Estate Law

Tucson, Ariz.
• Craig H. Kaufman—Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation
• Deanna Conn—Litigation – Patent
• James F. Morrow—Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law
• Jeremy A. Lite —Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Luis A. Ochoa—Non-Profit / Charities Law
• Susan G. Boswell—Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy

Washington, D.C.
• John F. Dienelt—Franchise Law
• Scott McIntosh—Franchise Law

(*) Lawyers who are listed for the first time in Best Lawyers.

National law firm Dykema has announced that 115 of the its attorneys, in multiple practice areas and markets, have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2017 guide. Additionally, 14 of the firm’s practitioners have been named Best Lawyers 2017 “Lawyer of the Year,” a special distinction conferred upon a single lawyer within a practice area and metropolitan market.

The Best Lawyers in America is the pre-eminent national listing of outstanding attorneys, the firm said in a release. This annual guide is derived from exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 2017 guide recognizes Dykema attorneys in virtually all of the firm’s practice areas.

The Dykema attorneys named Best Lawyers 2017 “Lawyers of the Year,” the practice area for which they are being recognized and office location are:

• Richard J. Aaron – Energy Law, Lansing
• Maria B. Abrahamsen – Health Care Law, Ann Arbor
• J. Michael Bernard – Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Detroit
• Ann D. Fillingham – Corporate Law, Lansing
• Alan M. Greene – Land Use and Zoning Law, Bloomfield Hills
• Kathrin E. Kudner – Health Care Law, Ann Arbor
• Lori McAllister – Insurance Law, Lansing
• Mark A. Metz – Securities Regulation, Bloomfield Hills
• Melvin J. Muskovitz – Litigation – Labor and Employment, Ann Arbor
• William J. Perrone – Banking and Finance Law, Lansing
• Cameron H. Piggott – Real Estate Law, Detroit
• Carl Rashid, Jr. – Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Detroit
• Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr. – Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Bloomfield Hills
• Joshua A. Sutin – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, San Antonio

The Dykema attorneys listed in the 2017 Best Lawyers in America guide, identified by office location and the practice areas for which they have been recognized, are:

Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Maria B. Abrahamsen – Health Care Law
• Phyllis G. Adams – Health Care Law
• Marie R. Deveney – Trusts and Estates
• Kathrin E. Kudner – Health Care Law
• Melvin J. Muskovitz – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Roselyn (Roz) Parmenter – Health Care Law
• Ronald J. Santo – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
• Robert P. Tiplady – Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates
• Jill M. Wheaton – Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation

Austin, Texas

• Mary Schaerdel Dietz – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Construction, Litigation – Real Estate
• Keith A. Shuley – Environmental Law, Water Law
• Phillip M. Slinkard – Corporate Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

• Bowden V. Brown – Public Finance Law
• Brendan J. Cahill – Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Eric Thomas Carver – Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates
• Amy M. Christen – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Michael G. Cumming – Trusts and Estates
• James P. Feeney – Arbitration, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Adam M. Fishkind – Real Estate Law
• Fred J. Fresard – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Alan M. Greene – Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Litigation – Real Estate
• John P. Guenther – Patent Law, Trademark Law
• Dennis M. Haffey – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions, Litigation – Securities, Litigation – Trusts and Estates
• Kyle R. Hauberg – Project Finance Law, Real Estate Law
• Margaret Adams Hunter – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Howard B. Iwrey – Antitrust Law, Litigation – Antitrust
• Joanne R. Lax – Health Care Law
• Gerald T. Lievois – Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law
• D. Richard McDonald – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation
• Mark A. Metz – Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation
• James D. Obermanns – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr. – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Sheryl L. Toby – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy
• Stephen L. Tupper – Information Technology Law

Chicago, Illinois

• Ross J. Altman – Construction Law, Real Estate Law
• Richard M. Bendix, Jr. – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Michael C. Borders – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Terrence M. Burns – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Derek L. Cottier – Real Estate Law
• C. Elizabeth Darke – Real Estate Law
• Michael S. Kurtzon – Real Estate Law
• Robert C. Linton – Real Estate Law
• Andrew P. Scott – Land Use and Zoning Law
• Michael F. Sexton – Real Estate Law
• Ian M. Sherman – Insurance Law

Dallas, Texas

• Thomas B. Alleman – Insurance Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Mark E. Andrews – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• M. David Bryant, Jr. – Commercial Litigation
• William Frank Carroll – Arbitration, Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation, Mediation
• Bob H. Feroze – Real Estate Law
• William B. Finkelstein – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Brian R. Forbes – Real Estate Law
• R. Chris Harvey – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Christopher D. Kratovil – Appellate Practice
• Arlene Switzer Steinfield – Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Edwin J. Tomko – Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Detroit, Michigan

• J. Michael Bernard – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Robert A. Boonin – Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Michael P. Cooney – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Samuel C. Damren – Commercial Litigation, Mediation
• Sherrie L. Farrell – Commercial Litigation
• Grant P. Gilezan – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Steven E. Grob – Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law
• James F. Hermon – Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Kathryn J. Humphrey – Aviation Law, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Mark D. Jacobs – Environmental Law
• Peter M. Kellett – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Antitrust, Litigation – Securities, Mediation, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Joel D. Kellman – Litigation – Real Estate, Real Estate Law
• Jin-Kyu Koh – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Cameron H. Piggott – Litigation – Real Estate, Real Estate Law
• Carl Rashid, Jr. – Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Litigation – Real Estate, Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Real Estate Law, Tax Law
• Thomas M. Schehr – Commercial Litigation
• Thomas S. Vaughn – Corporate Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law

El Paso, Texas

• Kathleen Campbell Walker – Immigration Law
• Mark C. Walker – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Grand Rapids, Michigan

• James S. Brady – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, DUI/DWI Defense, Family Law, Litigation – First Amendment, Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• John A. Ferroli – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Stephen S. Muhich – Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Brian J. Page – Corporate Law, Litigation – Real Estate, Real Estate Law

Lansing, Michigan

• Richard J. Aaron – Administrative / Regulatory Law, Energy Law
• R. Lance Boldrey – Gaming Law, Native American Law
• Sandra M. Cotter – Administrative / Regulatory Law
• Ann D. Fillingham – Corporate Law, Public Finance Law
• Gary P. Gordon – Administrative / Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice
• James P. Kiefer – Corporate Law, Public Finance Law
• Lori McAllister – Arbitration, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Insurance
• William J. Perrone – Banking and Finance Law, Government Relations Practice
• W. Alan Wilk – Administrative / Regulatory Law, Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Governance Law
• Leonard C. Wolfe – Administrative / Regulatory Law, Gaming Law, Government Relations Practice

McAllen, Texas

• Diann M. Bartek – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy

Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Reed R. Heimbecher – Patent Law
• Timothy D. Kelly – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions, Litigation – Real Estate
• Brian Melendez – Commercial Litigation

San Antonio, Texas

• Kerry T. Benedict – Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law
• Ramon D. Bissmeyer – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Peter R. Broderick – Real Estate Law
• J. Daniel Harkins – Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
• C. David Kinder – Commercial Litigation
• Wilhelm E. Liebmann – Corporate Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law
• James M. McDonough – Real Estate Law
• Donna K. McElroy – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
• Robert W. Nelson – Tax Law
• J. Patrick Ryan – Corporate Law
• Thomas E. Sanders – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – ERISA
• Brett W. Schouest – Commercial Litigation
• James B. Smith, Jr. – Corporate Law
• Daniel R. Stern – Employment Law – Individuals, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Labor Law – Union, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• John B. Stewart – Real Estate Law
• Joshua A. Sutin – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• James M. Truss – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Real Estate
• Dan G. Webster III – Corporate Law
• David B. West – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Trusts and Estates
• Deborah D. Williamson – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• W. Roger Wilson – Energy Law
• Harry W. Wolff, Jr. – Trusts and Estates

Houston trial law boutique Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing P.C., or AZA, once again is being recognized as one of Texas’ top commercial litigation firms after earning a spot in the 2016 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.

In addition to being ranked as a top Texas firm, AZA partners Joseph Ahmad, Demetrios Anaipakos, John Zavitsanos and Todd Mensing received individual recognition from Chambers USA.

In the firm’s Chambers USA profile, AZA lawyers are described as, “Robust litigation specialists with a fast-growing reputation as a feared opponent for established national firms. Especially strong experience in representing clients in the technology and energy arenas.”

Published by London-based Chambers and Partners, Chambers USA is known worldwide for its thorough guides to the legal profession.

Read more about the announcement.

Lowenstein Sandler has been recognized for a fifth year by Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers as one of 50 Best Law Firms for Women as a leader in the industry for its best practices in retaining and promoting women lawyers.

In a news release, the firm said its support of flexible schedules and time away from the office, telecommuting privileges, generous leave policies and parenting perks, along with full-time work demands that take into account work-life balance are just a few of the perks that make Lowenstein Sandler a prominent place for women to work. “We are proud to be recognized for our continued commitment to the professional advancement of women in the legal industry” says Donatella Verrico, Chief Human Resources Officer.

Adds Chairman and Managing Partner Gary M. Wingens, “Lowenstein Sandler has long been committed to supporting women in the legal workplace dating back to our founder Alan Lowenstein, a social justice pioneer, who was deeply devoted to creating a positive environment for colleagues of all backgrounds and experiences. We’re honored to receive this recognition for the fifth time.”

Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP has been recognized with two honors recently: of the 50 best law firms for women  and one of the top Illinois law firms for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusiveness and equality.

For the eighth consecutive year, the firm has been included on Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers’ list of the 50 best law firms for women in recognition of the firm’s commitment to retaining and promoting women lawyers.

This annual list recognizes law firms that implement family friendly policies and promote career development initiatives that help retain women attorneys and advance them into the leadership pipeline.

The firm was praised for hiring consultants that helped the firm identify and eradicate gender bias in the workplace. The firm was also commended for launching coaching and business development initiatives for female partners, and offering a flexible work schedule that permitted a third of the firm’s women attorneys to work reduced hours in 2015.

“We’re very proud to once again be recognized by Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers for our commitment to women,” said Patricia S. Cain, partner and co-chair of the firm’s Women’s Network. “The firm works hard to support female attorneys in what can be a difficult profession. We firmly believe that doing so not only benefits our colleagues, but significantly benefits our clients as well.”

Neal Gerber Eisenberg’s Women’s Network looks to address the unique needs of women in the workplace through a variety of venues, including lunch-and-learn programs, networking and social events, a parent mentoring program, and a policy group focused on advocacy issues important to women’s professional success. The firm encourages women to attain leadership roles at the firm and consistently seeks innovative solutions to the unique issues impacting women in the workplace.

In June of this year, Leah A. Schleicher, partner in the Real Estate practice group, represented the firm in the inaugural Women in Law Hackathon, a Shark Tank-style pitch competition aimed at generating new and effective ideas to close the gender gap in law firms.

Neal Gerber Eisenberg and other firms included on the list will be honored at the Best Law Firms for Women Gala Awards Luncheon on September 21.

LGBT Award

The firm also has again been honored as one of the top Illinois law firms for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusiveness and equality by Equality Illinois. The firm has received this distinction each year since 2006.

“Neal Gerber Eisenberg is proud to once again be recognized by Equality Illinois as one of the top Illinois law firms for LGBT inclusiveness and equality,” said Scott J. Fisher, firm managing partner. “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I am proud that we continue to focus on maintaining a culture of equality and inclusion to support our LGBT attorneys and staff, and to promote creativity, opportunity and professional development throughout the firm to better serve our clients.”

Equality Illinois, the state’s oldest and largest organization advocating for LGBT equality, conducts an annual survey to identify the top Illinois law firms for providing a welcoming and fair work environment for LGBT employees, and engaging with the LGBT community.

The firm is a member of the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, regularly supports various law student organizations, including OUTLaw, is an annual sponsor of Equality Illinois’ Justice for All Gala as well as various Lambda Legal events, and participates in the National LGBT Bar Association’s Lavender Law Conference and LGBT Legal Expo.

Neal Gerber Eisenberg and other recognized firms were honored at the “Raising the Bar” breakfast on July 26, which featured U.S. District Court Judge Staci M. Yandle, the first openly LGBT judge in the Seventh Circuit and the first African-American District Judge in the Southern District of Illinois. The firm was also included in the Equality Illinois publication “Raising the Bar: Law Firms Leading the Way to LGBT Equality.” This publication highlights top firms, publicizes the survey findings, and includes recommendations for firms seeking to increase their workplace diversity and equality.

Quarles & Brady LLP has been named to list of the 2016 Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers Best Law Firms for Women. Working Mother recognizes firms for leading the industry in creating and using best practices in retaining and promoting women lawyers.

The full list of the 2016 Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers Best Law Firms for Women is posted here with highlights on representation of women and women of color in key leadership roles, and usage and promotion rates for reduced-hour lawyers, among other key points. Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers co-founded the Best Law Firms for Women initiative in 2007 to recognize firms that lead the industry in initiatives for women’s business development and career advancement, plus offer flexible work arrangements and generous paid parental leave, among other important benefits.

In a release, the firm said:

This year, women represent 30% of nonequity lawyers, the highest percentage in the past nine years while 20% of equity partners were women compared with a national average of 18%. The number of Best Law Firms reporting three or more women among the top ten rainmakers increased from 16% to 22% over the last year (at the 46 winning firms that responded).

For the first time this year, the proportion of female equity partner promotions is the same for firms with one-tiered tracks and two-tiered tracks. At single-tier firms, female equity partner promotions increased one percentage point, year over year, to 34%. At two-tiered firms, the promotion rate increased to 34% from 30% in 2015. The number of nonequity partner promotions going to women (36%) increased one percentage point, year over year.

Jennifer Owens, editorial director of Working Mother Media, says, “Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers’ Best Law Firms show how to make it work. Despite intense pressures, the success of the firms in creating workable solutions for working families shows their commitment and ingenuity to create a progressive future for their firms.”

Subha Barry, VP & General Manager, Working Mother Media, says, “As we celebrate the Best Law Firms for Women, there is still much work to be done, with only 18% of equity partners being female nationwide, reported by the National Association of Women Lawyers. With grit and client centeredness, women lawyers can continue to find growing success as rainmakers and a pathway to leadership positions.”

Deborah Epstein Henry, president of Flex-Time Lawyers LLC, adds, “In reflecting on the decade since we began the Best Law Firms for Women initiative, we are pleased to see firms competing to make their environments more hospitable for women to both work and thrive. The greater level of awareness and commitment to make change is what will enable women to propel to the next level.”

Buchalter Nemer was recently named as one of the 2016 Best Places to Work in Orange County. This county-wide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Orange County, benefiting the county’s economy, its workforce and businesses, the firm said in a release.

“We’ve experienced prolific growth in our Orange County office having quadrupled in size in the last decade—and this recognition is a testament to our strategic, smart lawyers who not only efficiently meet our client’s demands, but who also create a work environment that is collaborative, welcoming and enjoyable for all,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter Nemer. “I’m pleased to accept the honor on behalf of the firm and thank the Orange County Business Journal for their consideration.”

Buchalter Nemer entered a two-part selection process to be considered for the award, which included an evaluation of the firm’s workplace policies, practices and demographics and an employee survey, which was worth approximately 75 percent of the total evaluation. The awards program was created in 2009 and is a project of the Orange County Business Journal and Best Companies Group.

The ranking of the winning organizations was released in a special section of the Orange County Business Journal’s July 25 issue.

Fish & Richardson announced that three principals – including Natalie Arbaugh of Dallas – have been named to the Profiles in Diversity Journal (PDJ) 2016 list of the “Women Worth Watching.” According to the PDJ, the women selected for this honor “are forging ahead with global acclaim in strategies that are making a difference in their workplace, marketplace and around the world.”

In a release, the firm said Arbaugh is a commercial business and intellectual property (IP) litigator with a reputation for top-notch client service, creative problem solving, and courtroom excellence. She has tried nearly 30 cases as lead counsel or second chair including many high-profile business and IP disputes such as trademark and anti-counterfeiting litigation, trade secret, non-compete, and non-solicitation litigation.

She leads the firm’s EMPOWER Women’s Initiative, which provides expanded professional and business development opportunities, mentoring, training, and support to Fish’s female legal staff. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2001 and her B.A., with honors, in business administration from the University of Florida in 1995.

Also selected for this honor were Fish principals Linda Liu Kordziel of Washington, D.C., and Boston’s Cynthia Johnson Walden, Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Trademark and Copyright Group.

Profiles in Diversity Journal is dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the corporate, government, nonprofit, STEM, and higher education sectors.

Texas Lawyer’s annual listing of the top verdicts in Texas includes last year’s trial win by Dallas-based Rose•Walker for firm client ThermoTek Inc. as one of the state’s top contract verdicts.

In November of last year, Judge Sidney Fitzwater of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Dallas entered a judgment of $9.6 million for medical products manufacturer ThermoTek. The judgment followed a unanimous verdict in which jurors agreed with Rose•Walker’s argument that a competitor fraudulently obtained ThermoTek’s business information for a series of physical therapy machines.

“We’re always happy to walk out of court with a win on behalf of our clients,” says firm founder Marty Rose, who represented ThermoTek at trial along with firm partner Chris McDowell. “But to have our work recognized among other top trial wins is a special honor.”

Read the article.

Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing P.C. has been named best in class in patent litigation by Intellectual Asset Management Patent Survey in 2015 and again in 2016 and was named one of the 10 largest IP firms in Houston in 2016 by the Houston Business Journal.

In a release, the firm said AZA’s IP patent stable includes partners Demetrios Anaipakos, Amir Alavi and Steve Mitby; and Of Counsel David Warden, Brian E. Simmons and Scott W. Clark. Three on the team are board certified civil trial lawyers, and three on the team including associate Alisa Lipski are licensed as patent attorneys before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A number of our lawyers have formerly been chemists, engineers, electrical engineers and biochemists. AZA lawyer Ifti Ahmed, a former engineer, served as a law clerk to both Judge Alan D. Lourie of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and to Judge John Ward of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

Read the article.

Quarles & Brady LLP today announced that it has achieved Gold Standard Re-Certification by the Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) for the six consecutive year. This year’s list includes 31 firms.

“We are proud to have made this list for the sixth year in a row,” said Darlene Austin, director of diversity & employee relations & corporate social responsibility. “Our repeated certification is proof positive that Quarles & Brady is committed to inclusive leadership among all attorneys in our firm; this is part of our culture. We are honored to have been recognized as one of the six firms to have met all of WILEF’s criteria.”

In a release, the firm said Gold Standard Certification emphasizes the leadership roles achieved by women partners, rather than the policies or practices of the firm or the overall number or percentage of women in the partnership. Law firms with 300 or more practicing lawyers in the United States were eligible if they successfully demonstrated that women represented a meaningful percentage of their equity partners, of their highest leadership positions, of their governance and compensation committees, and of their most highly compensated partners. To be certified, firms had to meet at least four of the six criteria:

• Women account for at least 20 percent of U.S. equity partners or, alternatively, one-third of non-lateral attorneys that became U.S. equity partners within the previous 12 months.
• Women represent at least 15 percent of firm and U.S. branch office heads combined.
• Women make up at least 20 percent of the firm’s primary governance committee.
• Women represent 20 percent or more of the firm’s compensation committee.
• Women make up at least 25 percent of practice group leaders or department heads.
• Women represent at least 15 percent of the top half of U.S. equity partners in terms of compensation.

About WILEF

Founded in 1997 by Elizabeth Anne “Betiayn” Tursi, with the support of R.R. Donnelley and several successful senior women attorneys, and subsequently of law firm and corporate sponsors, WILEF is dedicated to assisting women in law to assume leadership roles within the NLJ 250 and Fortune 1000 legal departments and within their respective communities. WILEF presents cutting edge programming that provides an educational and networking forum for women in law.

Litigation associate Erin Nowell from the Dallas office of Simon Greenstone Panatier Bartlett, PC, has earned a spot on the 2016 National Bar Association “40 Under 40 Best Advocates” list, which recognizes the country’s leading young attorneys  for their legal accomplishments.

With approximately 65,000 members, the National Bar Association is the oldest and largest network of African-American attorneys and judges in the U.S., the firm said in an announcement. Award recipients are vetted by a panel of former association presidents and key individuals, in addition to a separate evaluation covering nominees’ advocacy, innovation, leadership and community involvement.

“Erin is very deserving of this recognition based on her immense passion for achieving justice for those who have been injured through no fault of their own,” says Jeffrey Simon, a founding shareholder of Simon Greenstone Panatier Bartlett. “We are not surprised she rose to the top of the hundreds of nominees for this award.”

A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Nowell devotes her practice to representing victim of serious injuries and wrongful death caused by toxic substances such as asbestos, benzene and silica, as well as dangerous pharmaceuticals and other defective products. She will be honored at the 40 Under 40 Awards Gala on July 18 during the group’s annual convention in St. Louis.

“I am honored to be in the company of such accomplished lawyers from across the nation,” says Nowell. “Hard work truly pays off, and I am fortunate to be at a firm where I am able to help my clients fight for justice each day.”

Quarles & Brady LLP lawyer J. Michael Hearon has been included in the National LGBT Bar Association’s 2016 class of the 40 under 40 Best LGBT Lawyers.

“I am very pleased to receive such an honorable distinction on behalf of the countless LGBT members that make up a significant part of the legal profession,” said Hearon. “This recognition truly reflects the global legal industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion across all spectrums.”

The LGBT Bar established this award to recognize outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender legal professionals under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their field and demonstrated a profound commitment to LGBT equality, the firm said in a release.

Hearon is a member of the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group where he focuses his practice on advising and defending financial institutions regarding lender liability and consumer protection issues.

Hearon received his law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law, his MBA from Georgetown University, and his Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Transylvania University.

Lauren Kilgore  of Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP has been named to the 2016 Best of the Bar list published by the Nashville Business Journal.

Kilgore is one of just five attorneys practicing media and entertainment law to be selected to the 1^4th annual listing of the leading attorneys in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. She also was nominated based on her work in litigation and dispute resolution.

“Having worked in the entertainment business before entering the law profession, Lauren offers a unique perspective on the industry that her clients have come to depend upon,” says firm managing partner John Shackelford. “This is a well-deserved honor.”

An associate at Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, Kilgore focuses her practice on entertainment, intellectual property, and commercial and business litigation. She represents recording artists, publishing companies, Internet companies and record labels in both transactional and litigation matters.

Kilgore has served as a Board Member of the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Nashville Bar since 2013, and she was selected last year to the inaugural class of the Nashville Bar Foundation’s Leadership Forum Program for up-and-coming local lawyers. She also was selected to the 2015 listing of Tennessee Rising Stars, which recognizes the top young attorneys in the state.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School, Kilgore served as Senior Technology Editor of the Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law and as the Moot Court Board’s Executive Justice for the National First Amendment Moot Court Competition. She earned her undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from Birmingham-Southern College. She resides in Cherokee Park with her husband, Sgt. Matthew Dixon, a 19-year veteran of the Metro Police Department, and their two daughters, Josephine and Arabella.

To determine its Best of the Bar selections, the Nashville Business Journal accepted public nominations for a two-month period, with finalists selected by peer vote. The final list featured 79 attorneys in 17 separate practice categories. The honorees were recognized at a June 2 reception at the City Winery. The complete list of winners can be found on online at http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville.

Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP is an aviation, general business and entertainment law firm representing aircraft owners, operators and servicers, financial institutions, recording artists, real estate owners and developers, automobile dealerships, record labels, and other businesses in legal matters across the country.