Houston-based Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing has added nine attorneys.

The nine hires include Masood Anjom, associate; Jack Burleigh, of counsel; Cameron Byrd, associate; Nathan Campbell, associate; Scott W. Clark, of counsel; Hilary S. Greene, associate; Foster C. Johnson, associate; and Doug Salisbury, associate.

AZA is a trial firm working with high-stakes litigation for multinational companies, also representing individuals and mid-sized businesses with serious legal issues. The firm also manages company investigations, helping company boards, in-house counsel, and audit committees identify problems and ensure compliance before litigation ensues.

Read more about the new hires.

Hogan Lovells announces that Regina (Gina) Rodriguez has joined the Litigation and Arbitration Practice Group as a partner in the firm’s Denver office.

Rodriguez is a trial lawyer with experience across a range of industries as lead trial counsel in complex litigation and tort cases. Rodriguez has extensive experience representing drug and device manufacturers in complex litigation, including product liability, false claims act and commercial matters.

Before moving to private practice, Rodriguez was Chief of the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, and before that served in the Assistant Attorney General’s Office in the United States Department of Justice.

In 2015, Rodriguez was named to the Colorado Diversity Council’s “Most Powerful and Influential Women” list and as a “Top Litigator” by Law Week Colorado. She was named the “Latina Lawyer of the Year” by the Hispanic National Bar Association and was given the Distinguished Alumni Award for Achievement in Private Practice by the University of Colorado School of Law.

“Gina is well known and highly regarded for her skills as a lawyer and as a leader. We are thrilled that she is joining us,” said Cole Finegan, Regional Managing Partner for the Americas and Denver office Managing Partner. “With a proven ability to handle complex and leverage-heavy matters, Gina is an ideal match to bolster our litigation offerings in Denver.”

In addition to her legal practice, Rodriguez is active in the community. She has been involved with the Girl Scouts of Colorado, the Colorado Law Alumni Board, the Denver Ballet Guild, and Latinas First Foundation. Rodriguez also gives her time to a myriad of legal associations, including the International Association of Defense Counsel and the American Board of Trial Advocates, as well as national and local bar associations such as the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, and Colorado Women’s Bar Association.

“Gina has an impeccable reputation as a trial lawyer and is well-known by the bench and bar in Colorado,” said Dennis Tracey, Head of Litigation for the Americas. “Her practice and experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries nicely complement the firm’s core strengths.”

“I am very excited to join the team at Hogan Lovells,” said Rodriguez. “It has a true global scale with deep practices, and it will provide a unique package that I can offer my clients.”

She earned her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School and her B.S. from the University of Iowa.

The national trial and business law firm Rose•Walker LLP has added attorney Faith Eaton in the firm’s Dallas office.

Eaton’s practice will involve all aspects of commercial litigation, including business litigation, aviation and health care.

“We’re very happy that Faith is joining us,” says firm founder Martin Rose. “She’s the type of person who fits well with our notion of not just representing a client, but helping them solve their problems. And like the rest of us, she’s ready to go to court if that’s what it takes to get the job done.”

A graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law, Eaton also holds an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Previously, Eaton worked as a probation officer for the Oklahoma County Juvenile Bureau, where she was responsible for managing a high case load, maintaining regular contact with wards of the juvenile division and their families, and providing progress reports to courts when needed.

During law school, she worked as a legal clerk for a San Antonio law firm and the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

“This is an exciting opportunity to work with excellent lawyers on behalf of substantial and important clients,” Eaton says.

Rose•Walker LLP is a national trial and business law firm focusing on complex civil litigation and corporate legal matters. The firm has offices in Texas and Colorado.

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is leaving Houston-based Bracewell Giuliani to join New York-based Greenberg Traurig as global chair of their cybersecurity and crisis management practice.

Bracewell & Giuliani LLP will be known as just Bracewell after Giuliani’s departure, reports the Houston Business Journal.

In a statement, the firm said Giuliani is leaving by amicable agreement, effective Jan. 19. In a separate statement, Greenberg Traurig LLP announced Giuliani has joined its New York office as global chair of the firm’s cybersecurity and crisis management practice and senior adviser.

Read the article.

Schiff Hardin LLP announces that Domenick Pugliese has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Financial Markets and Products Group. With more than 25 years of experience, Pugliese focuses on the investment management business. He advises investment companies, investment advisers, and independent directors of investment companies. He joins the firm from Paul Hastings LLP, where he was a partner.

A former deputy general counsel for the Alliance Mutual Funds and in-house counsel to the Prudential Mutual Funds, Pugliese has broad experience regarding all aspects of Investment Company Act and Investment Advisers Act regulation. Dom focuses his practice on representing mutual funds and independent trustees and directors of mutual funds, as well as variable annuity trusts. He works with funds and fund boards of all types of investment companies, including mutual funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, and business development companies.

“With his experience both in-house and in private practice, Dom is a great addition to our firm as we grow our financial markets offerings,” said Marci A. Eisenstein, Schiff Hardin’s Managing Partner. “Clients participating in the U.S. securities and futures markets will value Dom’s insight as they maneuver increasingly complex legal and regulatory challenges.”

Paul E. Dengel, leader of the firm’s Financial Markets and Products Group, said, “Beyond investment management, Dom has invaluable experience in mergers and acquisitions of investment companies, and in fund structuring and creation. His versatile background is a strong addition to our group.”

In addition to his practice, Pugliese is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, particularly those relating to the roles and responsibilities of independent trustees. He also serves on the advisory board of the Investment Company Institute’s Independent Director Counsel Roundtable.

“As the SEC continues to impose new duties and responsibilities on mutual fund independent directors, clients need adept counsel more than ever,” said Pugliese. “My practice is dedicated to advising these clients. By joining Schiff Hardin, I am joining colleagues whose experience both complements and expands my practice.”

He graduated from the George Washington University Law School, earning his J.D. with honors and serving as a member of the George Washington University Law Review. He earned his B.S. from the State University of New York Binghamton.

National law firm Wilson Elser announced the opening of a New Orleans office, the firm’s 30th U.S. office and the fourth opened in the past 12 months.

Lisa Africk, formerly of Burleson LLP, has joined Am Law 200 firm Wilson Elser as regional managing partner of the new office, accompanied by Katherine May, a former Burleson associate.

“The opening of a New Orleans office is part of Wilson Elser’s strategic growth plan and a move to bolster all of our business lines,” said Daniel J. McMahon, Wilson Elser chairman. “We are committed to providing our clients with excellent lawyering and outstanding client service by staffing our offices with the most accomplished attorneys proximate to our clients nationwide.”

“A New Orleans office solidifies Wilson Elser’s foothold in the Gulf Coast Region, with recently enhanced offices in Dallas and Houston and new offices in Austin and Beaumont, Texas,” added McMahon. “With more than 60 services, the firm is well positioned to represent the thriving industry sectors indigenous to this region.”

Over the past five years, Wilson Elser has opened nine offices – Hartford, Connecticut; Louisville, Kentucky; Denver, Colorado; West Palm Beach, Florida; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Livonia, Michigan; Edwardsville, Illinois; and most recently, Austin and Beaumont, Texas.

“We are fortunate to have Lisa lead the firm’s expansion into Louisiana,” said Stratton Horres, regional managing partner of the Dallas office and the partner in charge of national lateral hiring. “With roots in New Orleans dating from her attendance at Tulane and a formidable reputation as a skilled attorney, she possesses the acumen of an effective leader and litigator.”

A practicing attorney for nearly two decades, Africk focuses on maritime, energy, construction litigation and employment. She has been named for inclusion in Louisiana Super Lawyers since 2013.

Africk is an active member of the New Orleans Bar Association board and is a member of the Louisiana Bar and Federal Bar associations, and the Tulane Law School American Inn of Court. She is committed to mentoring junior attorneys and law school students and has been involved in such programs with Tulane Law School and Louisiana State University Law School. Africk is an active community leader and dedicates time to pro bono work.

Africk graduated cum laude with her B.A. and J.D. degrees from Newcomb College of Tulane University (1984) and Tulane Law School (1999), respectively. She earned her M.S.W. degree from Tulane School of Social Work (1999).

The Texas-based trial and appellate law firm GODWIN PC has named Houston appellate attorney and firm President R. Alan York as Managing Shareholder and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 6, 2016.

“Alan’s appointment as Managing Shareholder is another indicator of the importance of our Houston office to the Firm,” says GODWIN PC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Donald E. Godwin. “As President, Alan has bolstered the Firm’s reputation for strong leadership, and, as Managing Shareholder, his leadership skills will benefit GODWIN PC even further.”

York succeeds Godwin as Managing Shareholder. Godwin will continue in his roles as Chairman and CEO.

Rounding out the firm’s Executive Committee, Bruce W. Bowman Jr. will continue in his dual role as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, while Jenny L. Martinez will maintain her position as Executive Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer.

In addition to his roles as Managing Shareholder, President and COO, York will continue to serve as Chair of the GODWIN PC Appellate Practice Section. Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, York provides trial support and error preservation, as well as appellate briefing and argument, on significant civil cases.

York has earned selection to The Best Lawyers in America for the past two years. He also has been honored as one of Houston’s Top 100 lawyers three different times on the annual Texas Super Lawyers list published by Thomson Reuters’ legal division, where he has been listed since 2003. York has also been recognized seven times among Texas Magazine‘s Top Lawyers in Houston, in addition to similar recent honors from Houstonia magazine. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest ranking for ethics and legal ability. York also serves as a trustee for the Houston Grand Opera and serves on the National Leadership Council of Lambda Legal.

According to a release, GODWIN PC, founded in 1980, is a mid-sized trial and appellate firm with a national practice. With offices in Dallas and Houston, GODWIN PC represents Fortune 500 and middle-market industry leaders in Mission Critical Litigation® throughout the United States. The firm is known for handling some of the biggest business litigation cases in Texas and elsewhere, including its successful representation of Halliburton in the landmark environmental litigation stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the release says.

Latham & Watkins LLP announces that Jonathan Lippman has joined the firm’s New York office as of counsel in the Litigation & Trial Department.

Lippman retired as Chief Judge of the State of New York and Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals last month after a four-decade career, including service in both trial and appellate courts, in the New York State Court system. He will provide strategic counsel to clients, including advice on New York law and appellate matters, investigations and monitorships. Lippman will also continue his efforts to champion access to justice for all, including those most in need, the firm said in a release.

During his tenure on the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court, Chief Judge Lippman authored major decisions addressing constitutional, statutory and common law issues shaping the law of New York, the contours of state government and the lives of all New Yorkers.  As the state’s Chief Judge, he championed a broad range of novel pro bono efforts and took an active leadership role in identifying permanent funding streams for civil legal services.

Read the announcement.

Beck Redden LLP has announced that Patrice B. Childress has been elected to the partnership of the firm.

Childress joined Beck Redden as an associate in 2007. She is a 2001 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a 2007 graduate of Marquette University Law School. Her practice includes energy, legal, business, and real estate sectors, among others.

She is a former editorial board member of the Houston Bar Association’s Houston Lawyer and recently completed terms on the board of directors of the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers, Inc. Additionally, she is a member of the American Bar Association, the Texas Bar Foundation, the Houston Young Lawyers Association, and is a Fellow of the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation.

Childress is also active in Beck Redden’s pro bono initiatives and regularly lends her time and talents to active service on behalf of organizations and causes that are important to her in the Houston community.

Schiff Hardin LLP announces that Marcy L. Rosen has joined the firm’s Ann Arbor, Michigan, office as an associate in the Tax Group. Rosen advises individuals and businesses on tax planning and controversies at the local, state, and federal levels.

Before joining Schiff Hardin, Rosen was a senior attorney in the Detroit office of an international law firm where she focused on state and local tax controversies and commercial litigation. In addition to her law practice, she serves as Co-Chair of the Federal Bar Association for the Eastern District of Michigan’s Diversity Committee, Regional Board Member of the Anti-Defamation League, and as an active member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Pro Bono Initiative.

“Schiff Hardin is a nationally renowned firm with a sophisticated tax practice,” said Rosen. “With this in mind, I knew the firm was the right choice to take my practice to the next level.”

She earned her J.D. (2004) from the University of Michigan Law School. She earned a B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan (2001).

iCONECT, developers of XERA e-discovery software, has announced that personal injury and whistleblower law firm Waters Kraus & Paul has selected XERA to help manage the firm’s e-discovery.

“After seeing XERA in action, we were very impressed with its dynamic search capabilities, as well as its ability to accurately locate documents with natural search queries using conceptual analytics technology,” said Vicki Via, MA, CEDS, Litigation Support, at Waters, Kraus & Paul.

In a release, iCONECT said the latest version of iCONECT-XERA includes a number of new features including the ability of legal teams to visualize data sets using conceptual clusters, intuitively displaying concepts from similar documents in a way that better illustrates the full spectrum of concepts, along with the number of documents associated with each concept, the ability to organize homepage tiles in groups making it easy for users to find information, and customization that allows firms and legal service providers the ability to create corporate branded portals, specific to the firm and/or project.

Read more about the announcement.

Misty Martin, a partner in the Chicago office of Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd., has been included in the 2015 edition of 40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch, published by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Martin and 39 peers were selected from more than 1,200 nominations to receive the distinction.

“I have had the privilege of working with Misty for several years. She not only possesses strong legal skills but also shows sound judgment,” said Jeffrey Singer, Segal McCambridge founding partner and co-chairman. “Conscientious, dedicated to client service and possessed with people skills, Misty reveals the qualities of a top notch attorney who actually serves and protects the client’s interests.”

Now in its 16th year of publication, 40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch honorees are nominated and carefully chosen by their peers and members of the legal field in recognition of their practice excellence and commitment to the profession, the firm said in a release. Out of the 65,000+ attorneys licensed to practice in the state of Illinois, just 640 lawyers have been named to the 40 Under Forty list. Ms. Martin was selected because of her dedicated involvement with her clients in catastrophic personal injury or bet-the-company products liability cases over more than 10 years in practice.

Martin focuses her practice in litigation and business counseling. She represents corporation, insurance companies and individuals in general and complex litigation throughout the United States. She was a member of the team that obtained a landmark civil rights settlement of $22.5 million from the City of Chicago, the largest amount paid to a single plaintiff in the city’s history. Martin also handles pro bono employment and disability discrimination cases in the northern district of Illinois.

Robert C. Creighton has been named managing partner of Farrell Fritz, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Current managing partner Charles M. Strain will continue as a partner serving on the firm’s management committee.

In announcing the transition in a news release, Strain said: “I have had the privilege of serving as the firm’s managing partner for the past 15 years. It is time to give one of my colleagues the opportunity to take on this responsibility. Bob Creighton is a superb lawyer, and equally important, he is thoughtful relating to his colleagues, respectful of the firm’s ethos and genuinely interested in the well-being of everyone at the firm. With his firm-first attitude, I am certain that Bob will be a terrific leader going forward and will add his own very positive imprint on Farrell Fritz over the next number of years. I look forward to supporting Bob in his new role and becoming a more active lawyer again.”

The release continues:

During Strain’s years as managing partner, which included a deep recession, the firm has grown and thrived. “Charlie’s strong leadership has been a key driver of our success,” Bob stated. “During his service as managing partner, he has quietly demonstrated enormous compassion and kindness that has reflected the firm’s culture time and time again. He is a great role model and mentor to me and many within Farrell Fritz. I look forward to continuing to work with him as we grow the firm, while remaining true to the firm’s culture and character.”

Creighton said the hallmarks of Farrell Fritz – commitment to clients, to the firm’s employees and to the community – will continue to guide the Firm’s management. He emphasized that Farrell Fritz will continue to grow organically by providing opportunity for advancement from within the firm and will continue to pursue strategic growth opportunities through lateral additions.

Kennedy Law L.L.P. opened its second Texas office in Houston on Nov. 1, 2015.

The new office is at 363 North Sam Houston Parkway E, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77060. The Dallas office remains at 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 4950,  Dallas, TX 75202.

The firm also announced that Robin Foret has joined the firm as a partner in the Houston office. She has 23-years’ experience in the area of employment lawyer and is board certified in labor & employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

In addition, David Ritter has joined the Dallas office as a partner. He has 20-years’ experience representing corporate and individuals in the area of business bankruptcy and business litigation.

Culhane Meadows PLLC, one of the nation’s largest cloud-based law firms, announces expansion into Houston along with the addition of nine lateral partners to support further growth of its technology, corporate, finance, international, real estate, tax and general business law practices in Texas.

The new lateral partners are Jonathan K. Hustis, Ajay Mago, Brent R. Somers, Gordon P. Williams, Jr. (Chuck), and James L. Young (all based out of the Dallas office, with Mr. Mago also practicing out of the Chicago office), along with Alicia L. Goodrow, Michelle D. Nickel, and Cliff Simpson (opening the Houston office), and Kristen Geyer (Austin). Mr. Mago joins the firm directly from Duane Morris LLP, and the other eight partners moved over from Phillips & Reiter PLLC.

In a release, the firm said Culhane Meadows continues to attract experienced, entrepreneurial business attorneys from distinguished organizations who are drawn to the firm’s innovative business platform.

“My colleagues and I considered a number of ‘new generation’ law firms as we contemplated our options for a lateral move,” explains Alicia Goodrow. “Ultimately, Culhane Meadows made it an easy decision because all of us were immediately impressed by the genuinely collaborative environment, the cutting-edge technology platform, and the exceptional caliber of partners who are available to serve our clients.”

Started by a group of former Big Law attorneys, some of whom had worked together for more than 15 years, Culhane Meadows now has attorneys based in seven major U.S. business markets: Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, and Washington DC. Unlike traditional law firms, Culhane Meadows does not employ any associates, and every lawyer is a partner with substantial experience at large national and international law firms or in-house legal departments of respected companies. The firm also utilizes a platform that leverages modern technology and cloud-based commuting.

The release continues:

Jon Hustis identifies the firm’s use of strong technology to drive collaboration, collegiality, and efficiency as a key factor that sets the firm apart from other cloud-based legal service providers. “Culhane Meadows provides a truly collaborative partnership balanced with a business model that relies on innovation to eliminate wasteful overhead typical of many traditional firms,” Hustis explains. “The firm’s commitment to delighting clients with prompt and excellent service at a very efficient price-point, and the growing bench of experienced counsel with diverse backgrounds made it a very attractive fit.”

Brent Somers points to the warm welcome he and his colleagues have received as confirmation of their decision to join the firm, noting that “Culhane Meadows has fully delivered on its promise to provide a better way to practice law.” He adds: “Who knew the practice of law could be this gratifying and this much fun?”

Ajay Mago says his clients’ feedback says it all. “Having spent nearly decade at Jones Day and Mayer Brown, my clients recognize and appreciate Culhane Meadows as the legal industry’s response to their changing needs,” he explains. “Business clients are savvy and they are discovering how to benefit from sophisticated Big Firm expertise without the legacy overhead of expensive offices and legions of untrained associates who train on the client’s dime.”

“This has been our quickest and largest multi-attorney expansion,” says Grant Walsh, one of the founding partners. “It has been a whirlwind of excitement and hard work, but we feel incredibly honored that so many amazing and talented attorneys have decided to make Culhane Meadows their professional home.”

Texas-based family law boutique Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP announces the addition of former state district judge Marilea Lewis and Lon Loveless. Both attorneys are well-known for their work in family law, the firm said in a release.

“Marilea and Lon are among the very best family law attorneys in Texas and their experience will only enhance the expertise that our clients expect from our firm,” says partner Keith Nelson. “It is rare that you have the opportunity to simultaneously add two such accomplished attorneys, and we are excited to be working together.”

“Having tried a number of cases before Marilea when she was sitting as a district judge, I know firsthand the legal acumen she brings to our firm,” says partner Scott Downing.

Both attorneys join the firm from the civil litigation powerhouse Godwin Lewis PC, where Lewis was a name shareholder and head of the family law practice and Loveless was a shareholder.

“I have known and admired the Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson leadership team for many years. The opportunity to join such an established, respected boutique that focuses solely in my practice area was simply too good to pass up,” says Lewis.

Lewis served two terms as judge of the 330th Family District Court in Dallas from 2002 to 2010 after serving as the court’s associate judge from 1992 to 2002. She also served as the Associate Judge of Dallas’ 305th District Court from 1986 to 1992. In addition to her family law practice, she is a certified general and family practice mediator.

Loveless’ practice is devoted to all areas of family law litigation, including divorce, complex property division, and issues of child custody, visitation and support.

“The attorneys at Orsinger Nelson represent the very best in the practice of family law,” says Loveless. “I am very excited to start the next chapter of my career here.”

“I am excited and proud to welcome two lawyers who are at the top of their game with such distinguished reputations. They will be great additions to our firm,” says partner Jeff Anderson.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP has been ranked in the 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” The firm is recognized nationally in 15 categories, with National Tier 1 rankings in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, as well as Trusts and Estates Law. Additionally, 34 of the firm’s practice areas received Metropolitan rankings.

“U.S. News recognizes the country’s most prestigious law firms with its annual ‘Best Law Firms’ rankings, and we are honored to be included alongside other industry leaders and innovators,” says Gardere Chair Holland N. O’Neil. “The number of practices included on the list speaks volumes to the Firm’s results-driven culture and ongoing commitment to client service.”

Gardere earned National rankings for the following practice areas:

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Environmental Law
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Securities
Litigation – Tax
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Oil & Gas Law
Real Estate Law
Securities/Capital Markets Law
Tax Law
Technology Law
Trusts & Estates Law

Gardere also earned Metropolitan rankings for the following practice areas:

Administrative/Regulatory Law
Banking and Finance Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Compliance Law
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law – Management
Energy Law
Environmental Law
Family Law
Government Relations Practice
Information Technology Law
Insurance Law
Labor Law – Management
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Environmental
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Litigation – Securities
Litigation – Tax
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Oil & Gas Law
Patent Law
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Real Estate Law
Securities/Capital Markets Law
Tax Law
Technology Law
Trusts & Estates Law

U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes client and lawyer evaluations, peer reviews from leading attorneys in their fields and additional information provided by law firm submissions. To be eligible for a ranking in a particular practice area and metro region, a law firm must have at least one lawyer included on the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for that practice area and location.

Akerman LLP has announced the launch of a national Fraud & Recovery Practice Group, resulting in what it calls one of the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary legal teams devoted exclusively to fraud and recovery to be established by a national law firm.

In a release, the firm said the new team leverages the combined strengths of lawyers from the firm’s litigation, healthcare, bankruptcy, and data law practices, including a formidable group of trial and appellate lawyers with substantial experience litigating fraud cases in state and federal courts throughout the United States.

“Together the group provides comprehensive fraud management services for large insurance companies and self-insured retailers, including detection, investigation, and litigation of complex schemes and unfair and deceptive practices.” the release says. “The team also handles corporate theft, and recovery after data breach, with a focus on financial losses, and has particular experience in all aspects of liquidating Ponzi schemes.”

The group is led by co-chairs David I. Spector, who has reshaped case law in affirmative fraud investigation and litigation, and Michael I. Goldberg, who is qualified as an expert witness on Ponzi schemes and has liquidated some of the largest recoveries in U.S. history.

Read the complete announcement.

, the firm said in a release. Among the group is Kent Adams, the new regional managing partner of both offices.

Accompanying Adams are Allison Edwards, Tracy Freeman, Michael Jacobellis and Kristie Johnson, who will be named partners on January 1, 2016; Of Counsel State Representative Sarah Davis and Ronald White; and Associates John Busch and Cedar Manganiello. Attorneys Russell Heald and Ross Jones, also to be named partners on January 1, 2016, are located in the Beaumont office.

“We couldn’t ask for a more respected, capable team to join our firm,” said Daniel J. McMahon, Wilson Elser’s chairman. “Our aligned practices, combined with their national reach and the synergies among our attorneys in Texas and throughout the country, significantly increase our client-service capabilities in a number of key service areas.”

Practices represented among the new Wilson Elser attorneys include Admiralty & Marine, Commercial Litigation, Construction, Energy, General Liability & Casualty, Insurance & Reinsurance Coverage, Insurance & Reinsurance Defense, Product Liability, Professional Liability, Toxic Tort, Transportation and a London Market group.

“This is an exciting time for us,” said Adams. “We have joined a firm with attorneys we deeply respect and a culture that enables us to leverage litigation acumen and trial skills across practices and around the country to provide our clients with unmatched full-service legal solutions. We have known Wilson Elser attorneys for years and are happy to now call them our colleagues.”

“The acquisition of this group is part of Wilson Elser’s firmwide strategic growth initiative,” said Stratton Horres, regional managing partner of the Dallas office and the partner in charge of lateral hiring. “Throughout 2015, we have bolstered our traditional insurance-related practices as well as our nontraditional business lines, such as domestic and cross-border commercial services and intellectual property, among others.”

“With offices in Dallas, Houston, Beaumont and a newly opened Austin office, and with a deep bench of skilled attorneys, Wilson Elser has a formidable presence throughout Texas to service clients across all practice areas,” added Horres.  “I look forward to working with Kent on implementing our shared vision for the firm of continued growth throughout the state of Texas and the southwest region.”

U.S. News & World Report has recognized DLA Piper  as the 2016 Law Firm of the Year in Franchise Law in the newest edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” The firm also received a tier-one ranking in franchise law.

“Law Firm of the Year” designations are based on law firms’ overall performance in a given practice area and represent a significant showing in the 2016 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” research, which incorporates client and peer feedback into evaluations of more than 50,000 lawyers in an annual survey.

DLA Piper has received several honors regarding franchise law this year. Chambers Global recognized the firm as the only tier-one franchise law firm, Franchise Times magazine selected 10 lawyers from the firm’s Franchise and Distribution practice as 2015 Legal Eagles and Best Lawyers honored 13 DLA Piper attorneys as 2016 Best Lawyers in America in the franchise law category.

DLA Piper is a global law firm located in more than 30 countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.