Jackson Walker Adds Attorneys in Houston, Austin and Fort Worth
Jackson Walker has added Elizabeth Carol Freeman and Michelle Rosenblatt as partners in the Houston and Austin offices, respectively. In addition, the firm added Jason C. Rodgers as senior counsel in the Fort Worth office.
Freeman has more than 20 years’ experience in bankruptcy practice with out-of-court workouts and complex bankruptcy and reorganization matters. Prior to joining Jackson Walker, She was the permanent law clerk to the Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
“Liz’s significant experience with chapter bankruptcy proceedings and workouts, her strong work ethic, and her strategic and savvy approach to legal issues are just some of the reasons why she is a very valuable member of our team,” said Houston partner Bruce J. Ruzinsky, who heads the Bankruptcy practice group.
Freeman is Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and received her J.D. from Baylor Law School. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Bar Association, the American Bankruptcy Institute, and American Inns of Court.
Rosenblatt, who concentrates on U.S. and international tax, estate, and wealth preservation planning, joined the Wealth Planning practice.
“Michelle is recognized as an expert in tax, estate, and wealth preservation and speaks often on such topics in the U.S. and overseas. Adding Michelle to the group enhances JW’s ability to serve high net-worth individuals and family offices seeking comprehensive wealth preservation services across domestic and international borders,” said Sam K. Hildebrand, Austin partner and head of the Wealth Planning practice group. “We are fortunate to welcome her as a partner in Austin and look forward to working with her to develop creative solutions for our clients.”
Outside the office, Rosenblatt teaches the course Financial Methods for Lawyers at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. She received her J.D. from Pepperdine School of Law and has been admitted into the Texas and California Bar Associations. Michelle is actively involved in the Austin Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, and the Texas Bar CLE.
A former member of the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Jason Rodgers helps clients navigate and defend SEC and other government agency investigations, and assists companies addressing whistle-blower issues. He also has a background in complex commercial litigation, with experience in civil disputes over securities fraud, mortgage-backed securities, private equity partnership disputes, and public contracts.
“Jason is a brilliant attorney, deeply skilled in SEC enforcement practices, and, most importantly, is a high-character person. He is a perfect fit for Jackson Walker and exactly the type of person we were looking to help us build our white collar practice,” said Jay Dewald, chair of the White Collar Defense & Government Enforcement practice. “I am very pleased to welcome a former SEC enforcement attorney of his caliber. His understanding of the Commission’s priorities, personnel, practices, and regulations will benefit our clients greatly—both those facing such investigations and those seeking to avoid them.”
Rodgers received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, where he served as associate editor of the Texas Law Review. Following his graduation from law school, he clerked for the Honorable Jacques L. Wiener Jr., United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
