WB Mills, PLLC, has added Rob S. Ghio as Of Counsel, to the Dallas-based IP law firm.

With his addition to the firm, WB Mills expands its trademark, copyright and business litigation practice to include employment and immigration law.

In a release, the firm said Ghio has 23 years of experience representing businesses and employees with matters involving discrimination, trade secrets, noncompetition agreements, severance agreements, unfair labor practices, wage and hour claims, and immigration. He also counsels employers on employment and immigration compliance issues and with day-to-day advice on hiring, discipline, management and termination of employees, as well as provides in-house training on matters such as litigation avoidance and management practices.

Ghio has represented multinational corporations, Fortune 500 companies and high-ranking executives. He previously practiced at large national law firms in Dallas and was a partner and head of the labor and employment practice at the Dallas office of one national firm.

“We are very pleased to add Rob as Of Counsel for our firm. We often receive requests from our clients for help with complex employment-related matters and by adding Rob, we are better able to address this need,” said Wendy B. Mills, Attorney and Manager of WB Mills, PLLC. “Rob is known not only for his prowess in the courtroom, but also for providing each client, whether it is a small sole proprietorship or a larger corporation, with personal attention to the client’s concerns.  This approach matches the approach that WB Mills, PLLC fosters and as such, Rob will be an extraordinary asset in further serving our clients.”

A 1993 graduate of Stanford Law School, where Ghio served as Editor of the Stanford Law Review and Articles Editor for the Stanford Law and Policy Review. He is a frequent speaker and writer on immigration and employment topics and has published work in the National Law Journal, Texas Lawyer and the Dallas Business Journal. Ghio received his bachelor’s degree in History at California State University, Stanislaus, where he graduated summa cum laude.

Dallas-based trial law boutique Deans & Lyons, LLP announced the promotion of trial attorney Christopher J. Simmons to partner in the Dallas office.

In a release, the firm said Simmons has represented plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial litigation throughout Texas and across the nation. His experience includes securing favorable verdicts and settlements in a wide array of cases ranging from breach of contract, fraud, deceptive trade practices, and breach of fiduciary duties to products liability, catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death cases. He also has represented clients in various employment matters, including enforcement of non-competition/non-solicitation agreements, as well as discrimination and employment claims before both federal and state regulatory commissions.

In addition to his litigation experience, Simmons has advised clients on corporate governance matters, contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, business strategies, and entity formation. He also has conducted corporate investigations.

“Chris is an extremely talented, accomplished and focused young lawyer who has earned the trust of his clients and respect from fellow attorneys,” says firm co-founder Michael Lyons. “His promotion to Partner is well-deserved.”

Simmons earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in 2008 and his undergraduate degree, with honors, from Texas A&M University in 2004.

He has been recognized on The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 list for 2015 and has been selected to the Texas Rising Stars list of the state’s top young lawyers for the past two years. Mr. Simmons is an active member of the Dallas Bar Association and Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, receiving the group’s Outstanding Committee Chair Award in 2013.

Deans & Lyons, LLP has offices in Dallas and Houston.

Dykema has announced that Paul M. Laurenza, Office Managing Member of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the firm’s Automotive Industry Group, has been elected Chairman of the Connected Vehicle Trade Association (CVTA). Laurenza, who heads Dykema’s motor vehicle and consumer product safety federal regulatory practices, previously held the position of Vice Chair for the CVTA, and has served on its board of directors since 2007.

Headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., the CVTA is a non-profit business league established to facilitate the interaction and advance the interests of the entities involved in the vehicle communication environment. The organization enables the collaboration of companies, organizations, and governmental bodies engaged in developing bidirectional vehicle communications.

Laurenza has advised clients on connected vehicle legal and policy issues for more than a decade and is a frequent speaker and author on emerging intelligent vehicle technologies. He has represented clients in the transportation, consumer product, food and drug, and industrial sector for more than 30 years.

He earned a J.D. from Washington University, an M.A. from Brown University, and a B.S., cum laude, from the University of New Hampshire.

The trial law firm Gardner Haas PLLC has added experienced commercial litigator Jeremy Camp as a partner.

Camp joins Gardner Haas from Dallas’ Brewer Attorneys & Counselors, formerly Bickel & Brewer, where Gardner Haas’ co-founders Michael Gardner and Eric Haas previously practiced. Camp’s litigation and arbitration practice focuses on a variety of complex commercial matters, including merger and acquisition-related disputes, business torts, hospitality law and environmental litigation.

“Jeremy has extensive litigation and arbitration experience and his forward-thinking philosophy aligns with ours,” says Gardner. “He’s an extremely talented lawyer and we are excited he is joining our team.”

Camp has tried several notable cases before judges and juries, including obtaining a take-nothing judgment in federal court for his client, 3M Co., in a dispute concerning the sale of an $854 million business.

“I have great respect for Michael and Eric and share their vision of solving clients’ problems through exceptional work at a value that the big firms can’t match,” says Camp. “I look forward to adding to the depth of Gardner Haas.”

Camp received his law degree, magna cum laude, from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2009. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006.

Quarles & Brady LLP partners David Funkhouser, Christopher Townsend, and Bradley Vynalek each have received the 2016 Client Choice award from Lexology and the International Law Office (ILO), the firm announced.

Established in 2005, the Client Choice awards recognize partners around the world that stand apart for their excellent client service. Uniquely, these awards survey in-house senior corporate counsel only, inquiring about quality of legal advice, value delivered, commercial awareness, and effective communication. Following one-on-one interviews with clients, this year’s winners were chosen from a pool of more than 2,500 nominations. Only one attorney in each market is recognized for any particular practice area.

From the firm’s news release:

Funkhouser practices in the firm’s Phoenix office and is a member of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group. His litigation practice has an emphasis in real property disputes, construction disputes, consumer lending, contract disputes, probate, trust and estate litigation, and other commercial torts. He also routinely represents financial institutions in all aspects of litigation. Funkhouser received his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. Client Choice recognized Funkhouser in the Litigation category.

Townsend practices in the firm’s Chicago office and is member of the Energy Practice Group. He leads a team of energy lawyers who help clients reduce costs, develop projects, and manage risks in the ever-changing energy markets, assisting with strategic counseling, regulatory, litigation, transactional, and government relations matters. On a local, state, national, and international level, he helps clients address risks and opportunities associated with the on-going restructuring of the electricity and natural gas industries. Townsend received his law degree, with honors, from the University of Iowa College of Law and his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Augustana College. This is the second consecutive year Client Choice has recognized Townsend in the Energy & Natural Resources category.

Vynalek practices in the firm’s Phoenix office and is a member of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group. He serves as a counselor and advisor on strategy, exposure, and enterprise opportunity for clients ranging from local startups to Fortune 500 companies. Vynalek works very closely with law departments to create and manage budgets and create optimal teams for a variety of legal services in the banking, high-tech, Internet, software, manufacturing, e-commerce, health care, higher education, and tech transfer industries. He also serves as a member of the firm’s executive committee. Vynalek received his law degree from The University of Arizona – James E. Rogers College of Law and his bachelor’s degree, with honors, from Stanford University. He was recognized by Client Choice in the General Corporate category.

More information about ILO and Lexology

A $22 million lawsuit against Beaumont, Texas attorney Wayne Reaud, along with several others, have been dismissed. The plaintiff was an electrician who claimed the defendants committed acts that cost him a business contract with the Beaumont Independent School District, reports SETexasRecord.com.

The plaintiff, Calvin Gary Walker, proprietor of Walker’s Electric, had alleged that the defendants worked to end his professional relationship with BISD, insinuating the respondents wrongfully made light of his 2011 federal indictment for fraud. Walker’s claims against the Beaumont attorney and his newspaper were based on two articles published in The Examiner.

Reaud argued that defamation claims based on the articles were frivolous.

Read the article.

Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm, has  announced Eric Gordon has assumed the role of Labor & Employment Practice Group Chair.

“Eric is an excellent labor and employment lawyer with a tremendous capacity for leadership and client service,” said Akerman Chairman and CEO Andrew Smulian. “The very personal attention Eric devotes to his colleagues and client relationships reflect the values of our firm. We look forward to the continued growth and success of Akerman‘s Labor and Employment Practice Group under his able direction.”

In a release, the firm said Gordon will work to grow the national practice group while overseeing the delivery of labor and employment services to Akerman clients. He also will continue to practice law, representing employers in labor and employment matters and in many key sectors such as telecommunications, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and financial services. He is a past president of the Human Resource Association of Palm Beach County and will serve as president of the South Palm Beach County Bar Association in 2017-2018. Prior to leading Akerman’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, Gordon served as the office managing partner of Akerman’s Palm Beach County offices.

Gordon succeeds James Bramnick, who will continue representing management in labor and employment matters. He also will work in the labor and employment practice through his role as a chair of Lex Mundi’s Global Labor and Employment Practice Group, the world’s largest law firm network.

David A. Lurker has joined Buchalter Nemer in Orange County as a shareholder in its Real Estate Practice Group, the firm announced. Lurker, who joins from Voss Cook & Thel, LLP, has more than 30 years of experience guiding real estate clients in deal structuring through various economic and industry cycles in the real estate market.

“David’s knowledge of the recent history of the real estate sector will be an excellent asset for our clients as they navigate the transaction environment in 2016 and beyond,” said Adam J. Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter Nemer. “He’s a welcome addition to our strong real estate practice and our growing roster of seasoned experts in this industry.”

Lurker represents owners, developers, investors, contractors, landlords, tenants, property managers and lenders in transactions that involve purchases and sales, development, leasing, and construction of all types of projects. These projects include retail, office, industrial, residential, multifamily, senior housing, churches and nonprofit ventures.

Read the firm’s announcement.

Dallas-based Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal, LLP, has bolstered its corporate transaction and counseling services with the addition of former Fortune 500 general counsel David W. Black.

“Of the roughly 1 million attorneys in the United States today, there are only a handful in private practice after serving as GC at two Fortune 500 companies,” says Carrington Coleman Managing Partner Bruce Collins. “David possesses a profound and virtually unmatched understanding of the challenges facing corporate leaders of emerging, middle market and global companies.”

Black is the former general counsel for both BearingPoint (formerly KPMG Consulting) and Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), and most recently served as counsel for a private equity firm. He joins Carrington Coleman as a partner and will work with the firm’s corporate team on matters relating to a diverse range of business issues, including:

• Corporate governance
• Corporate finance and securities transactions
• Corporate compliance
• Mergers & acquisitions
• Venture capital and private equity
• Commercial banking and lending
• Retail and wholesale operations
• Information technology
• Business process outsourcing
• Managed software services
• Software licensing
• Marketing, branding and endorsement agreements
• Commercial real estate
• Hospital health care providers

In his prior role as general counsel, Black was responsible for global business operations including building a corporate legal department, handling compliance matters arising from investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice, and day-to-day corporate operational concerns. In addition to leading more than 150 acquisitions, he also directed KPMG’s $2.3 billion initial public offering in 2001, the second-largest in NASDAQ history at the time.

Carrington Coleman is a 46-year-old Dallas-based law firm focused on litigation and transactional services in the real estate, oil and gas, securities, construction, information technology, professional services and health care industries, among others. The firm also represents public entities and provides counsel in the areas of corporate transactions, corporate governance, banking, bankruptcy/restructuring, intellectual property, employment, and estate planning.

Akerman LLP announced the expansion of its national Corporate Practice Group with Chicago partners Paul Quinn and Mason “Max” Drake. They work in middle market M&A, private equity and investment funds.

Drake arrives from Greenberg Traurig, Quinn from Paul Hastings. The lawyers join Akerman less than a week after the firm announced it is more than doubling its physical footprint in Chicago. The office has grown fivefold from eight to 44 lawyers since opening just two years ago in February 2014, the firm said.

“Max and Paul are accomplished lawyers who bolster Akerman’s national strengths in middle-market mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, as well as investment fund formation,” said Mary Carroll, chair of the Corporate Practice Group. “Their arrival in Chicago extends the firm’s growing presence in a market of rising importance to our clients across several industry sectors, particularly financial services.”

Quinn represents private equity funds and their portfolio companies in leveraged acquisitions and dispositions. In addition, he advises private companies and portfolio companies in connection with general corporate governance and management teams with respect to employment and compensation arrangements. Quinn also counsels distressed-focused private equity funds in connection with acquisitions through Section 363 asset sales processes, reorganizations in bankruptcy, and out-of-court restructurings, as well as private equity and venture capital funds in minority growth equity investments.

Quinn is a former certified public accountant and has worked with clients in the healthcare, financial services, technologies and manufacturing sectors. Quinn is co-resident in Akerman’s Chicago and Fort Lauderdale office.

Drake concentrates his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, and investment fund formation. He also advises clients in connection with secured debt and structured finance transactions and employment and compensation arrangements. Drake counsels business entities and their owners through all stages of development, from startup, to growth financing, to ultimate sale. He also represents minority investors and management teams and individuals in related transactions. Drake is co-resident in Akerman’s Chicago and New York offices.

Wilson Elser announces that corporate attorney William Tolin Gay has joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as a partner.

Gay brings to Wilson Elser 30 years of experience representing domestic and international clients in their business matters. His current transaction-focused practice encompasses all aspects of corporate law, including entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, licensing agreements and technology transfers. He also has extensive experience working with domestic and foreign clients in securities, real estate, intellectual property and franchising, the firm says in a release.

“Bill is a welcome addition to the firm’s growing corporate law practice,” said David Eisen, regional managing partner of the Los Angeles office. “Over the past 12 months the firm has acquired a number of laterals in offices across the country focused on domestic and cross-border matters including transactions, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, joint ventures, and others.”

Fluent in Japanese language and law, having practiced in Tokyo for many years, Gay represents U.S. companies in their Japanese operations and Japanese companies in their U.S. operations. He also partners with immigration lawyers on obtaining immigrant investor visas primarily for Chinese clients.

Gay has earned an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell and was selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America, including earning its highest honor, “Lawyer of the Year,” in the Corporate Law category in Orange County, CA (2009, 2013, 2015).

Gay is an active member of the State Bar of California and is currently serving a three-year term on the International Law Section’s Executive Committee. In addition to holding this and other state bar positions over the years, Gay has assumed leadership roles with the Orange County Bar Association.

Gay earned his graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Washington, including his J.D. and LL.M degrees from the School of Law (1982 and 1984, respectively); his M.B.A. degree from the Michael G. Foster School of Business (1983); and his B.A. degree in economics and East Asian studies (1978). He is a California Real Estate Broker certified by the California Department of Real Estate.

Dallas-based technology law firm, Munck Wilson Mandala LLP  announces the addition of Shain Khoshbin as a partner in the firm’s Litigation Group.

Khoshbin focuses his practice on business disputes and commercial litigation, the firm said in a release. He has represented companies, partnerships, and entrepreneurs across the country on both sides of the docket. Khoshbin has worked with matters including hospitality management/franchising; intellectual property and unfair competition; and breaches of trust, fiduciary duties and complex contractual relationships.

“We are thrilled to have Shain return to the firm. He is a well-respected advocate who, over the course of his career, has built an impressive practice and has become a ‘go-to attorney’ for clients needing seasoned complex litigation counsel,” said William A. Munck, managing partner of Munck Wilson Mandala. “Shain adds substantial experience to our talented group of commercial litigators and trial attorneys. This is a very exciting time for our firm.”

“I have known Shain for over 20 years, and he excels at complex commercial litigation, “ said  Jamil Alibhai, Chairman of the firm’s Litigation Section. “He is a strong addition to Munck Wilson Mandala’s trial team.”

Khoshbin has been honored by Texas Super Lawyers for business litigation every year since 2007. He has been featured in the Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel and Business editions annually since 2008 and honored among the Super Lawyers Top 100 attorneys in Dallas/Fort Worth for 2011 and 2012. He is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, Life Member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Lifetime Charter Member of Rue Ratings’ “Best Attorneys of America.”

Patent litigators Mark C. Howland and Samuel E. Joyner have joined the Dallas-based law firm Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal, LLP, marking an expansion of the firm’s existing intellectual property practice.

Howland and Joyner join the firm’s Dallas office as partners, working in Carrington Coleman’s existing copyright/trademark licensing, protection, and management services. The firm also advises clients on data privacy and cybersecurity matters in its Dallas and Longview offices, the firm said in a release.

Howland formerly was a partner in the intellectual property practice at Jones Day. Joyner is a former name partner at the Dallas technology litigation boutique Ross Joyner PLLC.

“Our clients rely on us to provide complete representation in matters most important to their businesses,” says Carrington Coleman Managing Partner Bruce Collins. “The addition of Mark and Sam will allow us to offer that same level of expertise to technology companies facing complex, high-stakes patent litigation.”

Read more about the new hires.

Miller & Chevalier Chartered announced that the firm elected two new members. Michael J. Satin and Addy R. Schmitt practice in the areas of white collar defense and complex civil litigation.

“We are pleased to welcome Michael and Addy to the firm’s Membership,” said Anthony F. Shelley, Chair of Miller & Chevalier. “Both lawyers have made significant contributions to the success of the firm and to the Litigation department specifically. Their experience supports our strategic growth as they help to resolve matters on behalf of our global clients.”

The firm’s release continues:

Michael J. Satin’s practice focuses on white collar defense and complex civil litigation. He is an experienced trial lawyer who has been lead counsel in dozens of jury trials. He has also argued before the D.C. Circuit and the D.C. Court of Appeals. In addition to his trial and appellate work, Mr. Satin has conducted internal investigations into alleged violations of U.S. laws and regulations, including the False Claims Act (FCA) and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). As a result of his core practice areas, Mr. Satin has particular experience advising clients in the complexities arising for clients who face potential parallel civil and criminal proceedings. Prior to joining Miller & Chevalier, Mr. Satin worked at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS), where he represented indigent defendants charged with serious criminal offenses. As the training director during his final three years at PDS, he designed and implemented a yearly ten-week training program for incoming attorneys. He continues to teach trial advocacy to practitioners and students. Satin holds a J.D., cum laude, from Cornell Law School and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Brown University.

Addy R. Schmitt practices in the areas of criminal and civil litigation. Before joining Miller & Chevalier, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where she represented federal executive agencies and employees at all stages of litigation in matters pending before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Schmitt also served as counsel and career law clerk to the Hon. Emmet G. Sullivan on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and as a staff assistant in the office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), as well as a lobbyist for a large national non-profit organization. Schmitt teaches Criminal Trial Advocacy as an Adjunct Professor at American University Washington College of Law and is an active member of the local legal community, including serving on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s Committee on Grievances and chairing the Superior Court of the District of Columbia’s Magistrate Judge Advisory Merit Selection Panel. Schmitt holds a J.D., summa cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law and a B.A. from Georgetown University.

“Michael and Addy’s successful efforts on behalf of our clients make them wonderful additions to the firm’s Membership,” said Mark Rochon, Chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. “These two talented lawyers have specific experience in the various types of criminal and civil litigation matters that often entangle our clients.”

William (Bill) Regan has joined Hogan Lovells’ New York office as partner in the Litigation and Arbitration practice group.

Regan represents banks, issuers, and senior executives in securities class actions and banking litigation matters. He also advises clients on regulatory matters, including investigations and enforcement proceedings brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

“Bill brings skills, energy, and experience that will contribute to the growth of our financial institutions and securities litigation offerings,” said Dennis Tracey, Head of Litigation for the Americas. “The addition of Bill to our practice is part of an ongoing growth trend in the demands of our global client base for strong U.S. securities and financial services expertise.”

“New York is a key jurisdiction for our clients in the securities sector, and the addition of Bill highlights our investment in strong talent” said Oliver Armas, Managing Partner of the firm’s New York office. “He will help us serve non-U.S. firms that trade on U.S. exchanges which require local counsel in New York as well as their own jurisdictions.”

Regan earned his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School, and his B.A. from Hofstra University.

Hall Estill of Oklahoma is expanding its oil and gas practice with the addition of Leah Rudnicki to the firm’s Oklahoma City office.

“Leah’s distinctive background as in-house counsel, leader of an oil and gas company and extensive litigation experience will further enhance our expanding oil and gas practice,” Michael D. Cooke, Hall Estill’s managing partner, said. “She will provide our clients valuable strategic business advice along with superb litigation counsel.”

Rudnicki, who was most recently a partner at Reed Smith in Houston, is an Oklahoma native who graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2001.

“I have a long history with Hall Estill beginning in 1997 with a summer job while completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma, and I’m grateful to be back,” Rudnicki said. “Hall Estill has a solid vision and robust strategy for the future, and I look forward to serving our clients on issues that are important to their business.”

Less than 10 years after law school, Leah was president of a private independent oil and gas operator with operations assets in Oklahoma and Texas. Under her management, the business grew from 17 operated wells in Oklahoma to nearly 300 operated wells in Oklahoma and Texas and from two to more than 30 employees.

In a release, Hall Estill said that, as a litigator in private practice, Rudnicki has represented, counseled and advised a diverse range of clients, from small independent businesses to Fortune 500 companies in various disputes in front of state courts, federal multi-district panels, arbitration panels, and local and federal administrative agencies. Most recently, her practice has focused on general advice, litigation, and dispute resolution for oil and gas clients, including, landowner/joint venture disputes, drilling in city limits, alleged breach of joint operating agreements and lease agreements, issues related to horizontal drilling, fracking and disposal wells (water pollution/earthquakes), and royalty/JIB accounting disputes.

Rudnicki previously worked as in-house litigation counsel for a Fortune 500 oil and gas services company. In this position, she advised the company’s corporate litigation department and health, safety, environment, and security departments on a wide range of issues, including responding to potential new regulations affecting the oil and gas service industry. She was instrumental in updating, implementing, and communicating internal policies, preparing a strategy for effectively managing a national toxic tort docket and assessing successor liability claims.

Buchalter Nemer has created a new Japan Practice Group to provide legal, corporate and transactional advice to businesses and individuals conducting business in Japan as well as Japanese businesses conducting business in the United States. The establishment of the practice coincides with the arrival of Sabina A. Helton and Steven M. Nakasone in the firm’s Los Angeles office. They formerly were with Parker Milliken. Helton will serve as the Group’s Chair.

“Sabina and Steve have provided advice on Japanese legal protocols and business acumen for over three decades and have a deep understanding of Japanese culture and practices,” said Adam J. Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter Nemer. “I’m thrilled to welcome these long-time colleagues to the firm and to see how their expertise enhances our existing client relationships along with forming new ones.”

Helton specializes in commercial litigation, transactional and corporate matters. In her litigation work, she has represented every level of company from start-up to Fortune 100 in a wide range of matters including breach of contract, products liability, employment and others. Her transactional work includes negotiating and drafting various business agreements, including joint venture, manufacturing, sales, purchase, independent contractor, non-disclosure and employment.

In addition to her practice, Helton is the incoming President of the Japanese American Bar Association. Helton served as President Elect in 2015 and has been a Governor since 2003. She is also Co-Chair of the United States Merchant Marine Academy Southern California Parents’ Association.

She earned her J.D. at Hastings College of Law and her Bachelors of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.

Nakasone focuses his practice on general corporate and business transactions. With more than 30 years of experience, Nakasone handles transactions involving product distribution, branding, licensing, advertising and promotion. He works in a number of industries including automotive, chemical products, computer hardware and software, robotics, pharmaceuticals, food and restaurants, real estate, machinery and apparel and character merchandise.

Nakasone previously managed the Tokyo office of a major, international law firm. Prior to entering private practice, Nakasone served as the Director of Business and Legal Affairs for The Walt Disney Company Japan.

He earned his J.D. cum laude at Loyola University School of Law and his B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

“Our attorneys in this group have extensive experience both living and working in Japan, which helps us provide practical and effective advice while enjoying a highly-respected reputation in the Japanese markets,” Helton said. “The credentials of some of our members –– will be an immense value-add for clients across a number of industries. I look forward to leading this dynamic group in the years to come.”

In a scathing ruling issued Friday, a state judge in Lubbock declared that prominent Dallas trial lawyer Bill Brewer committed misconduct when he used so-called push polling to improperly influence potential jurors in a West Texas wrongful death and products liability case, reports The Dallas Morning News.

“State District Judge Ruben Reyes described Brewer’s conduct as ‘unprofessional’ and ‘unethical’ — findings that Brewer adamantly denies — and ordered the hard-charging trial lawyer to pay more than $133,000 in sanctions and take 10 hours of legal ethics courses,” according to the report.

Brewer and his law firm conducted a push poll with questions and statements “designed to influence or alter the opinion or attitude of the person being polled,” the judge ruled.

Read the article.

Bradley D. Coburn has joined Dykema’s Intellectual Property Department as a member of the firm’s Austin office, the firm announced. Prior to joining Dykema, Coburn practiced at Denko Coburn Lauff LLP and Fish and Richardson PC.

Coburn litigates intellectual property cases involving patent infringement, trademark infringement, copyright infringement, theft of trade secrets and unfair competition. He also counsels clients on IP licensing, trademark protection and prosecution, and employment issues related to protecting intellectual property.

“Bradley’s addition bolsters the firm’s presence and enhances its bench strength in Texas,” said Allan Gabriel, Director of Dykema’s Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Litigation Department. “There is no doubt that his experience and proficiency in IP law will benefit our clients a great deal.”

Coburn received a J.D. from the University of Texas Law School and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. After law school, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable James. R. Nowlin at the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. He has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer and is a former president of the Austin chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

Trial lawyer Robin L. Harrison, who has a 30-year track record of representing both plaintiffs and defendants in business disputes, has joined the Houston-based commercial litigation firm Hicks Thomas LLP as a partner.

A longtime Houston lawyer, Harrison focuses his practice on the trial and resolution of business disputes, including cases involving claims of fraud and misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, trade secret misappropriation and professional negligence. He previously was a name partner at Campbell Harrison & Dagley LLP.

On the plaintiff side, Harrison has won multimillion-dollar jury verdicts and settlements against major corporations and national accounting firms. He achieved prominence representing the class of thousands of former Enron employees who lost their retirement savings when the company collapsed. His defense work includes take-nothing verdicts for a Fortune 500 data processing company in trade secrets and employment cases and a significant defense judgment for an interstate pipeline company in a natural gas contract dispute.

Read more details.