Eversheds Sutherland has added veteran trial lawyer Peter Meier as a partner in its Litigation Practice Group in Silicon Valley, continuing the firm’s expansion in California.

Meier, who brings over 25 years of litigation experience, joins Eversheds after a long tenure at Paul Hastings. He has served as lead counsel in complex real estate, environmental, construction, and commercial disputes, representing clients in federal and state courts, as well as arbitration and mediation proceedings.

The firm highlighted Meier’s role in managing high-profile cases, including guiding the developer of San Francisco’s Millennium Tower through litigation involving more than 400 claims and helping negotiate a global settlement. He has also worked on disputes involving large-scale infrastructure projects and energy systems.

Firm leaders said Meier’s addition supports Eversheds Sutherland’s strategic goal of strengthening its West Coast platform. His former colleague, Silicon Valley practice head Bradford Newman, said Meier’s hiring is part of a broader effort to attract top-tier legal talent.

Meier said he was drawn to the firm’s collaborative culture and growth trajectory in California.

Blank Rome LLP has announced that William “Will” S. Weltman has joined the firm’s Chicago office as a partner in its Business Litigation group, bringing expertise in complex litigation and private equity counseling.

Weltman, who specializes in contractual, trade secret, and technology disputes, also works with high-net-worth individuals and family offices in trust and estate litigation. His arrival marks a significant addition to Blank Rome’s growing Chicago office, which has expanded to over 30 attorneys since its 2019 opening.

Weltman joins Blank Rome from Reed Smith LLP, where he represented private equity clients across various industries, including food, consumer products, and hospitality. He will continue advising clients on international litigation, technology disputes, and cross-border matters, enhancing the firm’s capabilities in these areas.

Blank Rome’s Chicago office has grown rapidly, adding notable partners like Ferlillia V. Roberson, Allison N. Powers, and Emily L. Hussey, reflecting the firm’s commitment to delivering innovative legal solutions to clients across industries.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Will to the team,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Chair and Managing Partner. “His strategic approach to litigation and in-house perspective will be invaluable to our clients.”

Weltman is also dedicated to pro bono work, especially in civil rights and criminal justice reform.

He graduated as valedictorian from the John Marshall Law School and he served as Editor-In-Chief of The John Marshall Law Review. He earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University.

U.S. corporations faced heightened exposure to cybersecurity, data privacy, and employment litigation in 2025. Those risks expected to grow in 2026 amid shifting enforcement priorities and rising jury verdicts, according to a new survey released Tuesday by Norton Rose Fulbright.

The law firm’s 21st Annual Litigation Trends Survey, based on responses from more than 400 general counsel and in-house litigation leaders, found that 38% of organizations reported increased cybersecurity and data privacy exposure last year, the largest single area of rising risk. Employment and labor disputes followed, cited by 31% of respondents.

Overall dispute exposure remained elevated in 2025, consistent with levels seen the year before. Corporate counsel surveyed said they expect litigation pressure to intensify this year, particularly in technology, consumer markets, and retail. Respondents identified regulatory investigations, antitrust, and intellectual property disputes as key risks for technology companies. At the same time, employment matters were highlighted for retail businesses.

Regulatory proceedings declined in 2025, with 56% of organizations reporting involvement in at least one, down from 70% in 2024. The report attributes the decrease to reduced federal enforcement activity, though respondents described a more fragmented outlook ahead. More than 8 in 10 said state enforcement increased as priorities diverged from those of federal regulators.

Use of artificial intelligence in litigation continues to expand, according to the survey. Seventy-eight percent of respondents support AI use by outside counsel, up from 73% a year earlier, and more than 60% said their organizations use customized generative or agentic AI tools. At the same time, 59% said managing litigation risks related to AI remains a challenge.

Confidence in litigation preparedness declined, with 29% of respondents saying they feel “very prepared” to handle litigation over the next 12 months, down from 46% the prior year.

Concerns over extensive jury awards also grew: 77% cited increasing worry about verdicts exceeding $10 million. In comparison, 58% expressed concern over awards topping $100 million.

The survey found that 28% of respondents experienced class actions in 2025, up from 25% in 2024, with cybersecurity and data privacy class actions accounting for 40% of those cases. ESG-related class actions nearly doubled year over year. Average litigation spending among companies with at least $1 billion in revenue fell slightly to $4.1 million.

The full report is available at litigationtrends.com.

Philadelphia – Blank Rome LLP announced that the Honorable Mitchell S. Goldberg, the immediate past chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, will join the firm’s Business Litigation group effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Goldberg becomes the sixth retired judge to practice at the firm, joining former Judges Edward N. Cahn, James T. Giles, Judith J. Gische, Timothy K. Lewis, and Stephen M. Orlofsky. He is the third former chief judge of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to join Blank Rome.

Goldberg brings more than four decades of legal experience. His career includes service in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, private practice focused on complex commercial litigation, and work as an assistant U.S. attorney before his appointment to the federal bench in 2008. He later served as the district’s chief judge.

During his judicial tenure, Goldberg presided over matters across multiple industries and developed experience in pharmaceutical patent disputes and related antitrust litigation, including Hatch-Waxman cases, through extended service as a visiting judge in the District of Delaware.

At Blank Rome, Goldberg is expected to advise clients on complex litigation, appellate matters, and alternative dispute resolution, and to serve as a mentor within the firm. He will also support the firm’s Trial Academy, which provides training for senior litigation associates through mock trials overseen by retired judges.

Goldberg earned his law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he continues to serve as an adjunct professor.

Blank Rome LLP has added trial lawyer Graham Cronogue as a partner in its Business Litigation group in Washington, D.C.

Cronogue, who joins from Baker McKenzie, brings a decade of experience in high-stakes litigation and arbitration across industries including technology, aerospace, life sciences, energy, and government contracts. He has represented corporations and individuals in state and federal courts nationwide, as well as in global arbitration forums.

His practice includes appearances before U.S. regulatory bodies such as the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency. He has led arbitration hearings and trials, handled complex discovery issues, and secured recognition or opposition of foreign judgments.

Cronogue is also active in pro bono advocacy, recently recognized by the D.C. Bar Association and a human rights organization for his work, which includes defending refugee rights and supporting criminal justice reform.

He clerked for federal judges in Washington, D.C., and New Jersey, holds a law degree from Duke University, and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Frost Brown Todd (FBT) has added Simon Levy as a partner in its Business & Commercial Litigation practice, continuing the firm’s expansion in California. Levy, a trial attorney with extensive experience in securities and employment litigation, will be based in the firm’s San Francisco office.

Levy’s practice includes representing broker-dealer firms and individuals in securities industry disputes, including arbitrations involving claims such as fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and violations of securities laws.

He also defends employers in litigation and arbitration involving wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and wage-and-hour claims, including those under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).

Peter Cummins, chair of the Business & Commercial Litigation group, said Levy’s experience strengthens the firm’s ability to guide clients through complex disputes amid a challenging economic and regulatory environment.

Levy earned his undergraduate degree from New York University and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of San Francisco School of Law. He previously served on the editorial board of the USF Law Review and competed on its National Moot Court team.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.: Buchalter has named Jeffrey Wolf a shareholder in its Scottsdale office, strengthening its litigation and franchise law team as the firm celebrates 20 years in Arizona.

Wolf, a commercial litigator with more than three decades of experience, joins the firm’s Litigation and Franchise Law Practice groups. He has represented clients across the hospitality, restaurant, fitness, and health sectors in federal and state courts nationwide, and he also serves as outside general counsel to several businesses.

His addition comes as Buchalter marks 20 years since establishing its Scottsdale presence through the 2005 integration of attorneys from Brody, Levinson & Weiser. The office now includes 60 attorneys and staff, reflecting strategic growth in the Southwest region.

Earlier this year, Buchalter grew its team, bringing on real estate shareholder Matthew Levine and intellectual property shareholder Jonathan Talcott. Levine guides clients through complex commercial real estate deals, from negotiating office leases to finalizing sales. At the same time, Talcott, ranked in the 2025 IAM Patent 1000, takes on complex intellectual property disputes.

Buchalter plans to celebrate the Scottsdale office’s anniversary next month with a client reception.

Blank Rome LLP has added Kenneth J. Nunnenkamp as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office, where he will join the firm’s International Trade practice group. Nunnenkamp brings nearly four decades of experience in national security and international trade, including a strong focus on Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews, export controls, and sanctions compliance.

Previously with Morgan Lewis, where he led the firm’s CFIUS working group, Nunnenkamp has represented clients across various industries and countries in foreign investment reviews. He is ranked by Chambers and recognized by Foreign Investment Watch, where he also serves on the advisory board.

His work includes extensive representation before federal agencies, including the Departments of Justice, State, Commerce, Treasury, and Homeland Security, in matters involving trade enforcement, sanctions, and export regulations.

Nunnenkamp is a former U.S. Marine Corps JAG officer and maintains an active pro bono practice, particularly advocating for veterans seeking benefits and discharge upgrades.

He earned his LL.M. from George Mason University’s Scalia Law School, his J.D. from Catholic University of America, and a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Chris Stecher has joined Frost Brown Todd office as a partner in its Business & Commercial Litigation practice San Francisco. He has over 20 years of experience in securities, employment, and complex business litigation.

Stecher’s addition marks a continued expansion of Frost Brown Todd’s (FBT) presence in California. He previously practiced at Keesal, Young & Logan, where he represented brokerage firms and financial advisors in FINRA arbitrations, as well as employers in a range of employment disputes, including discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour cases.

At FBT, Stecher will manage litigation matters from pre-suit investigation through trial and appeal. His experience includes handling cases involving trade secrets, breach of contract, and trademark infringement, as well as arguing before the California Courts of Appeal and briefing before the Ninth Circuit.

He also advises clients on employment issues such as compensation, non-compete laws, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Stecher currently serves as President-Elect of the Federal Bar Association’s Northern District of California Chapter and is on the board of California ChangeLawyers.

FBT is a national law firm with over 600 attorneys across multiple states, including offices in California, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

NAPLES, Fla. — Saxe Doernberger and Vita, P.C. has appointed Stephanie A. Giagnorio as managing partner of its Southeast office in Florida, effective Oct. 1.

Giagnorio is an experienced insurance coverage attorney who represents policyholders in claim recovery and litigation nationwide. She handles disputes across a wide range of insurance lines in both state and federal courts. She has prevailed in cases at the trial and appellate levels.

In addition to litigation, Giagnorio advises clients on risk management strategies to enhance insurance coverage and streamline their insurance programs. She is also active in the legal community, serving as a writer and speaker on emerging issues in insurance law.

Giagnorio earned her J.D. magna cum laude from Ave Maria School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Benedictine University. She is admitted to practice in Florida and several U.S. District Courts.

She has been recognized as a “Top Lawyer — Insurance Law” by Naples Illustrated from 2020 to 2025 and named a Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2025.

SDV, founded in 1996, focuses exclusively on representing policyholders in insurance coverage disputes and serves clients across the U.S. and internationally.

TRUMBULL, Conn. — Saxe Doernberger and Vita, P.C. has appointed Kerianne Kane Luckett as managing partner of its Connecticut office, effective Oct. 1.

Luckett, a litigator focused on insurance disputes in the construction sector, brings years of experience representing policyholders in complex cases. In addition to litigation, she advises clients on policy reviews, risk-transfer structures, and insurance coverage placement.

Before her promotion, Luckett chaired the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is admitted to practice law in five states and several federal courts, including the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First, Second, and Third Circuits.

Luckett earned her law degree magna cum laude from Quinnipiac University and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Rhode Island. She has been named a Connecticut Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2022 to 2024.

Founded in 1996, SDV is a national firm representing policyholders in insurance coverage disputes, serving clients across industries from individuals to Fortune 500 companies.

September 16, 2025, Womble Bond Dickinson has added David D. DiBari as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office, strengthening its white-collar and cross-border investigations practice. He joins the firm’s Business Litigation group with over 35 years of experience advising multinational corporations and financial institutions on white-collar defense, financial crime compliance, and international regulatory issues.

His practice focuses on economic sanctions, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption enforcement, and export controls. The firm said his appointment aligns with its strategic priority to expand its regulatory and enforcement capabilities, especially amid heightened federal scrutiny.

Before joining Womble, DiBari held leadership roles at an international law firm, including Global Co-Head of the Risk Team and Head of Regulatory Investigations and Financial Crime for the Americas. He also served as managing partner of that firm’s Washington, D.C., office.

DiBari has led internal investigations and advised clients on enforcement actions by the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control. He has also counseled corporate boards on crisis response and enterprise risk.

He holds a J.D., cum laude, from Albany Law School and a B.A., cum laude, from Colgate University.

Blank Rome LLP has announced the addition of Francesco Di Pietro as a partner in its Business Litigation group at the firm’s New York office. Di Pietro joins the firm from Moses & Singer LLP, bringing nearly three decades of experience in commercial and corporate litigation, with a focus on cross-border and international matters.

Di Pietro has represented clients in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration forums, with a focus on disputes involving corporate shareholders, directors, and officers; corporate dissolution; and contract, real estate, intellectual property, and business tort issues. His practice frequently addresses legal matters involving both European and U.S. jurisdictions.

He also advises clients in industries aligned with the firm’s core strengths, including luxury goods, financial services, real estate, transportation, and the food and beverage sector. Beyond litigation, Di Pietro drafts and negotiates business agreements and serves as outside general counsel for several companies with U.S. operations.

Blank Rome leadership cited Di Pietro’s diverse litigation experience and strategic mindset as a valuable addition to the national litigation team. Di Pietro noted the firm’s collaborative culture and broad cross-practice capabilities as factors in his decision to join.

A graduate of Università degli Studi di Bologna, Di Pietro earned an LL.M. from The George Washington University Law School. He has been an active member of the International Bar Association for over 20 years. He is also a member of the Ferrari Club of America and the Core Club in New York.

Learn how the firm strengthened its team with a new IP litigation partner in Chicago.

Buchalter celebrates its one year since the firm opened its second Southeast location and has named Amanda Hyland as managing shareholder of its Atlanta office.

Hyland, a seasoned intellectual property litigator, also serves as administrative chair of Buchalter’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. She succeeds Seth Trimble, who launched the Atlanta office in August 2024 and now transitions to a national leadership role as regional chair of the IP practice.

Buchalter has expanded its Atlanta presence to 20 attorneys and professional staff over the past year. The Atlanta office follows the firm’s Southeast debut in Nashville in 2023 and precedes the January 2025 opening of a Chicago office.

Hyland has represented clients in more than 100 cases across the U.S. and dozens before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Her work includes litigation over cybersquatting, trademark ownership, trade dress, and copyright issues. Chambers and Partners, World Trademark Review, and Best Lawyers in America have recognized her.

Since the anniversary, Buchalter has added two attorneys in Atlanta. Mark Carter joined in early 2025, focusing on construction law and contract negotiation. Brian Goldberg followed in March, bringing experience in business disputes, real estate litigation, and bankruptcy proceedings.

For more insights: Should you avoid or win the real estate litigation.

Buchalter now has nearly 600 attorneys and operates in ten states, including offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington.

AN DIEGO (August 25, 2025) — Perkins Coie has announced that Josh Patashnik, the former Deputy Solicitor General of California, has joined the firm’s Litigation practice as a partner in its San Diego office. Patashnik will focus on appellate cases, legal strategy, and related issues.

Patashnik brings extensive experience, having argued cases in numerous state and federal courts, including the California Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His work also spans the U.S. Supreme Court, where he has represented clients at both the certiorari and merits stages, as well as in matters involving emergency relief and injunctions.

“Josh’s legal expertise, particularly in California state and Ninth Circuit cases, will be invaluable for our clients,” said Julia Markley, co-chair of Perkins Coie’s Litigation practice. “His deep experience as a former Deputy Solicitor General will be an asset in navigating the complex litigation landscape.”

Patashnik’s practice will cover a wide range of areas, including constitutional law, federal preemption, antitrust, environmental law, and healthcare regulation. He will assist clients with navigating federal and state statutes and responding to investigations by state agencies.

Patashnik previously clerked for Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and Justice Anthony Kennedy of the U.S. Supreme Court. He holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.

Perkins Coie’s Litigation practice continues to grow, with Patashnik becoming the latest addition as part of the firm’s ongoing expansion. He is the 12th new partner to join this year, following the recent hire of former U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath.

SAN DIEGO — Tara McGrath, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, joins Perkins Coie as a partner in the firm’s Litigation practice, focusing on White Collar & Investigations. She will be based in the firm’s San Diego office.

McGrath brings extensive experience from her tenure leading one of the nation’s busiest federal districts, where she supervised over 330 attorneys and staff in prosecuting more than 5,000 cases. In 2024, her office secured over $41 million in settlements and recoveries.

At Perkins Coie, McGrath will represent clients in white-collar investigations, civil litigation, cybersecurity matters, and crisis management. Her background includes prosecuting cases involving public corruption, healthcare fraud, and procurement fraud. She has served in senior legal roles with the U.S. Department of Defense and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

During her tenure as U.S. Attorney, McGrath also served on national committees focused on domestic terrorism, national security, immigration, and environmental justice.

McGrath, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, earned her law degree from the University of Michigan and her undergraduate degree from Boston College. She is the tenth partner to join Perkins Coie in 2025, as the firm continues its expansion in litigation and other practice areas.

Perkins Coie is a leading global law firm, dedicated to helping the world’s most innovative companies solve the legal and business challenges of tomorrow. Learn about our work and values here.

Detroit – July 2, 2025 – Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced that its litigation team obtained a preliminary injunction in federal court. On behalf of Shepler’s Inc. and Mackinac Island Ferry Company, firm secures the injunction. The ruling effectively blocks the City of Mackinac Island from enforcing a newly adopted ordinance that sought to impose new regulatory controls on ferry operations.

The injunction, issued by Judge Robert J. Jonker of the U.S. The District Court for the Western District of Michigan prevents the enforcement of Ordinance No. 629. The ordinance was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025. It aimed to grant the City broad authority over ferry fares and services. This included regulating parking and luggage fees. This was despite the existence of an ongoing franchise agreement between the parties.

Judge Jonker’s opinion highlighted the strong likelihood that Dykema’s clients would succeed on the merits of their claims. He noted that neither party has the unilateral authority to determine when competition has ceased under the existing agreement. The judge also emphasized that maintaining the status quo was in the best interest of both the public and the parties involved, particularly during the Island’s busy summer season.

“This case touches on key issues of municipal authority and contract law,” said Mark Magyar, who led the Dykema team. “We’re happy that the Court recognized the importance of preserving the long-standing agreement between the parties as these issues are addressed.”

The injunction allows ferry operations to continue under the existing terms. It ensures continuity for residents, businesses, and the millions of tourists who visit Mackinac Island annually.

In addition to Magyar, Rick Aaron and Steve Liedel were part of the Dykema litigation team.
The case is ongoing.

About Dykema

Dykema provides national legal services to businesses across a wide range of complex issues. With 13 U.S. offices, Dykema’s attorneys work closely with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies to deliver exceptional service and outstanding results.

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Blank Rome LLP is excited to announce that partner David M. Clem and associate Megan A. Altobelli have joined the firm’s renowned Business Litigation group and Financial Services industry team. Specializing in complex commercial litigation, David and Megan primarily represent financial institutions in high-stakes trials and arbitrations.

“We’re pleased to welcome David and Megan to our growing Dallas office and national Business Litigation group,” said Grant S. Palmer, Chair and Managing Partner of Blank Rome. “David brings extensive trial experience and a solid reputation in the financial services industry. His courtroom expertise, deep industry knowledge, and client-first approach will be invaluable as we expand our Dallas office and strengthen our firm’s national presence. We’re confident their contributions will benefit both our clients and our team.”

David and Megan expertly guide clients through every stage of litigation, from pre-suit evaluation to trial and post-judgment enforcement. They’ve secured favorable outcomes in cases involving high-pressure timelines, intricate legal issues, class actions, multi-district litigation, and complex disputes with numerous parties and witnesses.

David represents a wide range of financial services clients, including commercial and retail banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, FinTech companies, and investment funds. He has extensive experience handling disputes in both state and federal courts, covering a range of topics, including syndicated loans, bank operations, securities fraud, lender liability, regulatory compliance, and creditors’ rights. He also has a track record of success in resolving disputes related to contracts, torts, trade secrets, and various issues under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), including deposit and payment claims.

Megan brings her litigation expertise to state and federal courts, bankruptcy courts, and arbitration panels. She represents clients in matters involving breach of contract, fraud, non-compete agreements, premises liability, and product liability.

In addition to financial services, David and Megan represent clients in various industries, including oil and gas, real estate, and franchising, providing comprehensive litigation support to businesses nationwide.

“We’re excited to have David and Megan join our Business Litigation group and strengthen our litigation capabilities both in Texas and nationwide,” said Evan H. Lechtman, partner and co-chair of the Business Litigation group.

“They’re known for building long-term client relationships, leveraging clear strategies to tackle complex legal issues, assess risks, and explore litigation options. We look forward to their contributions, particularly within our Banking & Commercial Finance Litigation team, as their advocacy skills and client service excellence will be a great asset to our firm.”

David added, “Blank Rome is a fantastic law firm with talented, collegial attorneys who are committed to delivering top-tier client service. I’m excited about the firm’s values, national reach, and regulatory expertise, and I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to provide outstanding litigation support to our clients in Dallas and beyond.”

David is also active with the Southwest Association of Bank Counsel. He will be a speaker at its 2025 Annual Legal Conference in October.

Read Also: Addition of David Akere to the CWL firm as a partner in Dallas.

“Brad Pitt and his Make It Right Foundation, who were sued in 2018 over shoddy homes they built in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, settled their lawsuit for $20.5 million. The preliminary settlement, which still needs to be approved by a judge, will be funded by Global Green, an environmental non,” reports Jessica Bennett in Page Six.

“Has agreed to cover the settlement which will rectify the defects on the homes. According to The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate, the program’s 107 homeowners will be eligible to receive $25,000 each as reimbursement for previous repairs. I am incredibly grateful for Global Green’s willingness to step up and provide.”

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“Capital One’s infamous 2019 data breach exposed the personal information of more than 100 million people and resulted in a class-action lawsuit that’s been tentatively settled to the tune of $190 million. Plaintiffs in the case claim a hacker never would have been able to break into Capital One’s cloud computing,” reports Dan Avery in CNET.

“Which were hosted on Amazon Web Services, if the company had taken adequate cybersecurity measures. In their complaint, they allege Capital One “knew of the particular security vulnerabilities that permitted the data breach, but still failed” to protect customers, putting millions at risk for fraud and identity theft. Neither Capitol One.”

Read the article.