Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP  announces that 36 of the firm’s Texas attorneys have been recognized on the 2016 Texas Super Lawyers list. In addition, Denver partner Leonard M. MacPhee was named to the 2016 Colorado Super Lawyers list.

“Super Lawyers works diligently to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of reputable attorneys,” says Gardere Chair Holland N. O’Neil. “We applaud our 37 attorneys who have worked hard to be recognized as go-to lawyers in their respective areas.”

For the third consecutive year partner Geoffrey H. Bracken earned additional honors as one of the Top 100 Attorneys in Houston. Bracken’s litigation practice focuses on commercial, construction, copyright infringement, wrongful death and personal injury disputes, particularly disputes related to oil and gas exploration, as well as production.

Gardere attorneys named to the 2016 Texas and Colorado Super Lawyers lists, and their areas of practice, include: 

Austin:

• Mark Vane – Government Relations
• Kimberly A. Yelkin – Government Relations

 Dallas:

• Marshall J. Doke Jr. – Government Contracts
• Craig B. Florence – Business Litigation
• Ronald M. Gaswirth – Employment and Labor
• Kenneth R. Glaser – Intellectual Property
• Lawrence B. Goldstein – Mergers and Acquisitions
• Douglas A. Harrison – Family Law
• Carrie B. Hoffman – Employment and Labor
• Kevin L. Kelley – Real Estate
• Joyce Mazero – Franchise/Dealership
• Stephen A. McCartin – Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights
• Todd Murray – Securities Litigation
• Cynthia Brotman Nelson – Real Estate
• Keith V. Novick – Estate and Probate
• Holland N. O’Neil – Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights
• Alan J. Perkins – Mergers and Acquisitions
• Clifford J. Risman – Real Estate
• Deirdre B. Ruckman – Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights
• Robert Sarfatis – Mergers and Acquisitions
• Larry L. Schoenbrun – Mergers and Acquisitions
• Kay Lyn Schwartz – Intellectual Property
• Paul V. Storm – Intellectual Property Litigation
• David H. Timmins – Insurance Coverage
• Richard A. Tulli – Securities and Corporate Finance
• Peter S. Vogel – Intellectual Property Litigation
• Richard L. Waggoner – Mergers and Acquisitions

Denver:

• Leonard H. MacPhee – Franchise/Dealership

Houston:

• Eric A. Blumrosen – Mergers and Acquisitions
• Geoffrey H. Bracken – Business Litigation
• Daniel L. Cohen – Mergers and Acquisitions
• Jeffrey S. Davis – Civil Litigation: Defense
• Craig D. Dillard – Business Litigation
• Douglas K. Eyberg – Mergers and Acquisitions
• John P. Melko – Creditor Debtor Rights
• Lawrence J. Pirtle – Estate Planning and Probate
• Rachel Powitzky Steely – Employee Litigation: Defense

Super Lawyers, a division of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers in more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. Each year, no more than 5 percent of attorneys are designated for this honor in each participating state. The Texas Super Lawyers list will be included in the October 2016 issues of Texas Monthly and the Texas edition of Super Lawyersmagazine. The Colorado Super Lawyers list was featured in the Colorado edition of Super Lawyers magazine published earlier this year.

Freeborn & Peters LLP announced the formation of its Environmental Law & Toxic Torts Practice Group.

Headed by Philip Comella, the group focuses on emerging – and long-standing – issues in environmental law and toxic torts, with concentrations in the areas of waste disposal and treatment, recycling, PCBs, enforcement and defense, and environmental clean-ups, the firm said in a release. Comella, who began his career working in-house for a major waste-management company and then spent 22 years at a large law firm, recently joined the firm in May as a partner.

The firm’s release continues:

“As more awareness is brought to the impact that industry has on the environment, we are seeing increased litigation and regulatory scrutiny in this area,” said Michael A. Moynihan, Co-Managing Partner. “We believe our clients will benefit greatly from the depth of experience of this new group, including the vast knowledge that Phil Comella brings to the firm.”

Freeborn’s Environmental Law & Toxic Torts Practice Group consists of a diverse group of environmental law practitioners whose skills range from the traditional areas – such as Superfund, hazardous and solid waste, PCBs, and Brownfields – to emerging areas – such as naturally occurring radioactive materials, landfill gas, vapor intrusion and electronic waste. The attorneys also possess hard-to-find experience in the zoning and permitting of waste disposal and treatment facilities, the nuances of landfill gas projects, PCB clean-ups, and the intricacies of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

“I am pleased to call the talented attorneys at Freeborn my colleagues,” Mr. Comella said. “Our team strives to approach environmental matters as business issues to be resolved as opposed to ends in themselves. We believe that taking a real-world, practical approach to solving environmental problems is the best way to serve the interests of our clients.”

Other attorneys who serve as members of the new Environmental Law & Toxic Torts Practice Group include, Robert M. Baratta Jr., Gerald P. Callaghan, Ryan G. Rudich, Randall G. Vickery and Ann M. Zwick.

Wilson Elser announced this week that its Albany office, formerly known for its lobbying/government relations practice, will refocus its business on the firm’s core services – commercial and civil litigation and corporate transactions – and will launch a government affairs advisory services practice.

Newly appointed regional managing partner Peter Lauricella, an Albany-based attorney for 20 years, who has been with Wilson Elser since 2005, will lead the office.

“Albany has always been a full-service office, but the stature of our former lobbying practice and the fact that we are located in the New York State capital often overshadowed our other practice areas,” said Lauricella. “With a deeper focus on litigation and corporate transactions, our practices are more closely aligned with the firm’s core services offered by our other 29 U.S. offices. By adding an advisory practice, we expand our capabilities and are able to advise clients in a way we couldn’t until now.”

The firm’s release continues:

Wilson Elser attorneys in Albany represent clients in high-stakes lawsuits and commercial transactional matters related to a variety of practice areas including:

• Complex commercial litigation, with an emphasis on contracts, noncompete agreements, trade secrets, unfair competition, corporate dissolution, shareholder derivative actions, intellectual property, construction, real estate, creditors’ rights and employment matters
• Professional liability matters, involving the defense of accountants, engineers, architects, directors, officers, attorneys, and financial and insurance brokers
• Premises liability, toxic tort and Labor Law actions.

For the newly formed advisory practice, attorneys in Albany, White Plains and the New York City offices will leverage their collective experience and reputations in government affairs and municipal law to help clients pursue their interests on legislative and regulatory fronts. They also will continue to represent clients before New York’s municipal and state agencies and legislative bodies providing regulatory and lobbying compliance advice, and represent clients in government investigations brought by the office of the New York State Attorney General and other state and federal agencies.

“Our experience in the government affairs and municipal law sectors has provided us with a deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory process that we can now parlay into a government affairs advisory services practice,” explained Lauricella.  “We see potential for new growth opportunities because for the first time in more than 20 years, we can work with numerous lobbying firms and serve clients in a consulting role that advances our offerings beyond our core legal business. This was a key factor in our decision not to reinstitute a traditional lobbying team at this time.”

“There is no one better suited to lead the office into its next chapter,” said Daniel J. McMahon, Wilson Elser’s chairman. “Peter is well respected by his colleagues in Albany and across the firm, and is highly regarded by his clients and the general business community.”

Lauricella joined the firm and founded its Commercial Litigation and Government Investigations practices in 2005; in 2014 he was selected to lead all facets of the Litigation practice. Although based in Albany, Lauricella represents clients across New York state and in federal district courts outside of the state.

A native of Upstate New York, Lauricella has practiced in Albany since graduating cum laude from Albany Law School with his J.D. degree. He also holds a B.A. degree magna cum laude from the University of Albany.

In 2000, Lauricella was selected to participate in the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce “Capital Leadership” program (now named the Tech Valley Leadership program) and received the 2016 Capital District YMCA President’s Award for his board participation and decade-long service to the organization.  In 2010, he was honored by The Business Review as a “40 Under 40” rising business leader and has been selected for inclusion in the Upstate New York edition of Super Lawyers in the Business Litigation category the past four years.

Frank L. Branson

In an article on its website, the Law Offices of Frank L. Branson tallied some of the firm’s recent victories, including a $10.9 million verdict for the families of two north Texas grandmothers who died as a result of injuries from the crash of a the Choctaw Casino chartered bus.

In that case, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma refused to take responsibility for its role in ensuring the safety of its guests and offered only $50,000 to settle the case, the firm says on its website. At trial, testimony established a critical finding that the Choctaw Casino had retained the right to control the charter bus and its driver.

In another case, the firm won $4.45 million in actual damages and another $598,500 in exemplary damages for a physician who was forced out of a partnership in two medical imaging center businesses.

The firm has been honored by Best Law Firms in America Metropolitan Tier I, Texas Super Lawyers, and more.

Read the article.

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that American Lawyer has included the firm in this year’s rankings of the National Report.

The report consists of 94 law firms ranked by third, fourth, and fifth-year associates, who rated their workplace on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. The associates rated their firms based on the following criteria:

• Compensation and benefits
• Training and guidance
• Relations with partners and other associates
• The interest and satisfaction level of the work
• The firm’s policy on billable hours and management’s openness about firm strategies
• Partnership chances

Last year, the firm was ranked No. 48th, but this year the firm jumped 20 spots to No. 28.

“We are proud to see our associate program ranked so highly in this national report,” said Firm Chair Kimberly Leach Johnson. “We take seriously our goal of helping these very promising associates become great lawyers, and work to do that through mentorship, open communication and meaningful opportunities.”

Buchalter announced that Eric M. Kennedy has joined as chair of the firm’s Automotive Industry Group in Los Angeles. Kennedy was previously a partner at Payne & Fears.

“Eric brings an impressive resume, having represented Fortune 500 companies across a wide array of industries, with a particularly strong focus in the automotive sector” said Adam J. Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “We expect Eric to fit in seamlessly from a cultural standpoint, and his practice aligns well with our overall strategic plan. We look forward to seeing his practice grow and offering the support he needs along the way.”

In a release, the firm said:

Kennedy has experience in state and federal courts across the country, with a focus on commercial litigation including class-action matters and disputes over contracts, false advertising, fiduciary relationships, fraud, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. He has represented a number of companies across a variety of industries, most notably automobile design and manufacturing, petroleum, technology, and computer manufacturing and distribution.

“The automotive industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation. With more and more companies designing and producing extremely intelligent vehicles incorporating unprecedented advances, it seems that every day brings something new and exciting in connectivity, autonomy, mobility, and efficiency,” Kennedy said. “With innovation, however, often comes increased regulatory scrutiny. I am confident that joining Buchalter– a full-service firm with a true entrepreneurial spirit – will strengthen my efforts to help my client base navigate this new environment.”

Outside of his practice, Kennedy serves on the Board of Directors for The Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (LACLJ), The Triunfo YMCA, and Law Rocks. He is also an active volunteer, frequently donating his time as an AYSO coach and BSA leader.

Kennedy earned his J.D. from the University of Southern California and his B.S. in Psychology from Brigham Young University.

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

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

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

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

Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Peter F. Asaad has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, concentrating on immigration in its Labor & Employment Practice Group.

Asaad focuses on representing corporate clients and individuals on all business-related and employment-based visa matters. He represents U.S. companies and multinational corporations in helping manage their employees’ employment eligibility needs and develop effective streamlined immigration and compliance programs. He also specializes in the needs of immigrant entrepreneurs, start-ups, and foreign investors in creating U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates as well as new U.S. businesses. He has additional expertise in advising individuals with employment and family-based immigration, asylum, deportation, and other immigration matters.

He received his law degree, cum laude, from the American University, Washington College of Law and his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from the University of Rochester.

Barnes & Thornburg has added partner Fred Schwartz to its Chicago office as a member of the Labor & Employment Department. Schwartz joins from Littler Mendelson, where he was a founding member of the Chicago office and once served as managing shareholder.

Schwartz is the seventh partner and 12th attorney overall to join the firm’s Chicago office this year, the firm announced.

Schwartz concentrates his practice on labor and management relations and regularly handles proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board, including representation elections and unfair labor practice charges, as well as collective bargaining and arbitrations. On the other side of the coin, he regularly counsels employers that wish to maintain a union free workplace, and is engaged to perform workplace audits and training for members of management.

Schwartz counts among his clients many leading manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, healthcare providers, and construction and transportation companies, for whom he conducts management and union avoidance training and provides compliance counsel.

“When it comes to the most complex matters facing employers, Fred is among the best and is a relentless advocate on behalf of his clients,” said Mark Rust, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office. “He joins the firm’s deep bench of labor and employment practitioners and is the latest example of our significant growth trajectory in Chicago.”

He received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School and his B.S. from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He is admitted to practice in the state of Illinois and before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth, Sixth and Seventh Circuits, and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Illinois and the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Austin:

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

Dallas:

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

Denver:

• Leonard H. MacPhee – Franchise Law

Houston:

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

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

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

The firm’s release continues:

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

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

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

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

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

An increase in revenue for law firms in the first half of this year came largely from higher lawyer billing rates rather than greater demand for services, The New York Times reports, citing Citi Private Bank’s quarterly report on the legal industry.

Reporter Elizabeth Olson wrote that “the 4.1 percent average revenue increase was surprisingly strong, considering the continuing consolidation among law firms and the sharper scrutiny that corporations are giving the customary high levels of legal billing. It compares with the 3.3 percent growth for the first half of 2015, according to the report by Dan DiPietro, the chairman of Citi Private Bank’s law firm group, and Lauren Harsha, an analyst with the group.”

The Citi report attributed much of the growth to an average billing rate increase of 3.2 percent. “The results so far are similar to four out of the last five years, when law firms experienced modest growth in demand, revenues and single-digit profit growth,” DiPietro said.

Read the article.

DLA Piper announced that Andrea Chambers, who has more than 20 years of experience working with energy-sector clients, has joined the firm’s Finance practice as a partner in Washington, DC.

Chambers has extensive experience on matters before the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC) and has advised clients regarding wholesale electric energy markets, natural gas pipelines, electric transmission facilities, storage infrastructure, and ratemaking and tariffs.

“Andrea is highly regarded within the FERC community and is well known for her ability to provide strong regulatory advice,” said Joseph Tato, global co-chair of DLA Piper’s Energy sector. “Her knowledge of FERC regulatory and administrative matters will benefit clients as they continue to grapple with regulatory compliance in an evolving energy sector.”

The firm’s release continues:

Chambers follows other recent additions to the firm’s Finance practice, including Timothy Moran, Vanessa Richelle Wilson and Gregory Smith, who are based in the Washington office. The partners focus on project development and financing matters, as well as energy and M&A, in the United States and internationally. They are part of a strategic initiative by DLA Piper, together with recently hired New York-based partners Charles Carroll and Philip Corsello, to expand its offerings as one of the top global law firms in those sectors.

“We’ve brought in some strong talent covering a variety of areas to our Finance team in Washington and across the firm this year,” said Mary Gately, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Washington, DC, office. “Andrea adds to that with her strong experience with interstate pipeline projects and geothermal and wind developers, as well as her success in litigation before FERC and appellate courts nationwide.”

Chambers is a member of the Energy Bar Association, the Women’s Energy Network and the Women’s Council of Energy and the Environment, and has received the FERC Certificate for Outstanding Performance. She earned her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law, and her B.A. from Georgetown University.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ann Arbor, Michigan

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

Austin, Texas

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

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

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

Chicago, Illinois

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

Dallas, Texas

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

Detroit, Michigan

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

El Paso, Texas

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

Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

Lansing, Michigan

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

McAllen, Texas

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

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

San Antonio, Texas

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

The Best Lawyers in America has named 13 attorneys from Beaumont, Texas-based Provost Umphrey Law Firm, L.L.P., among the country’s best, including firm partner D’Juana Parks, who was named the city’s top lawyer for plaintiffs’ personal injury cases.

Provost Umphrey has represented people in cases involving serious personal injuries, wrongful death and unfair business practices for more than 40 years, the firm said in a release. Their clients include victims of toxic exposure, dangerous pharmaceutical drugs, defective products, unsafe workplaces, runaway 18-wheeler accidents, unfair payment schemes and many others.

In addition to Parks, Provost Umphrey partners Bryan O. Blevins Jr., Edward Fisher, Joe J. Fisher II, James E. Payne and David P. Wilson were named among the country’s best in their respective practice areas.

The firm’s release continues:

Firm attorneys Aaryn K. Giblin and Colin D. Moore earned selection based on their work in plaintiffs’ product liability litigation. Fellow firm attorney Christopher T. Kirchmer was named to the exclusive guide for his representation of plaintiffs in mass tort litigation, class actions, and personal injury and product liability litigation. Matthew C. Matheny earned high marks for his work on behalf of plaintiffs in mass tort litigation, class actions and personal injury litigation. Darren L. Brown was recognized for his work for plaintiffs in personal injury and product liability litigation. J. Keith Hyde earned a spot based on his work for plaintiffs in personal injury cases.

Firm founder Walter Umphrey also was named to Best Lawyers, marking the 25^th year he has earned the prestigious honor. The 2017 Provost Umphrey honorees, including every equity partner in the firm, represent a combined 60 years of Best Lawyers recognition for excellence and success.

Best Lawyers is widely recognized as one of the leading guides to the U.S. legal profession by ranking the nation’s leading lawyers in various practice areas based on exhaustive peer-review surveys submitted by tens of thousands of the top attorneys from across the country. 

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP has received the highest composite score of all reporting firms in the 2015 Law Firm Diversity Report Card, issued by the Austin Minority Bar Associations and the Travis County Women Lawyers Association, the firm has announced. For the third consecutive year, the firm also earned an “A” grade for its exceptional diversity recruitment, hiring and retention efforts.

“Diversity in the workplace, generally, results in a stronger organization,” says firm Chair Holland N. O’Neil. “A stronger organization just makes good business sense. We applaud all the firms who received high marks on the report card. This is an important barometer to Gardere, and we intend to strive to do even better in future years.”

The firm’s release continues:

The report card is issued annually by the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin, the Austin Black Lawyers Association, the Austin Asian American Bar Association, the South Asian Bar Association of Austin and the Austin LGBT Bar Association. For the first time, the bar associations have partnered with the Travis County Women Lawyers Association to include data on the hiring, retention and promotion of women at major law firms in the Austin area.

This year, the Diversity Report Card Committee requested information from 28 of the largest law firms in Austin, of which 24 submitted responses. These 24 firms were then evaluated and provided a grade based on their percentage of minority attorneys and partners. The committee also factored in data on attorneys who are openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. In addition, grading is weighted in favor of law firms that have larger numbers of minority partners to reflect the importance in developing, promoting and retaining those attorneys. Only 11 of the 24 firms that responded received an “A” grade on the report card. The committee issued a separate report on the number of women associates, non-equity partners and partners at each of the 24 firms.

Gardere was proud to sponsor the DRCC’s 2015 Law Firm Report Card Reception on Tuesday, Aug. 9 in the firm’s Austin office. More information about the Austin Law Firm Diversity Report Card and access to the full results can be viewed at: http://www.hispanicbaraustin.com/hbaa-committees/law-firm-diversity.html.

National law firm Wilson Elser announces that John Benford has joined the firm’s Orlando office as of counsel. For more than 20 years, Benford has been practicing in Orlando-area offices of prominent national law firms, and most recently as the solo practitioner of Benford Law Firm, P.A.

Benford, a litigator, concentrates his practice in the area of commercial and business disputes, handling, among other matters, business torts, unfair competition, shareholder disputes, securities litigation, commercial real estate disputes, professional liability, breach of contract and insurance coverage.

Inn a release, the firm said Benford has practiced throughout the state of Florida, representing businesses of all sizes from a broad range of industries including the real estate, technology, manufacturing and aerospace sectors.

Benford has earned the AV® Preeminent™ rating by Martindale-Hubbell, 2003−2016. He has been selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, 2011−2016 and has been named to Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, 2015−2016.

Benford is co-chair of the Orange County Bar Association Professionalism and Ethics Committee. He has received various awards for his pro bono service for helping members of Central Florida’s indigent community.

Benford graduated cum laude with a B.A. degree from Washington and Lee University (1987), cum laude with a M.B.A degree from the University of Miami (1991), and cum laude with his J.D. degree from University of Miami School of Law (1994). While in law school, he was a member of the University of Miami Business Law Review and received Book Awards for his Torts and Legal Writing.

Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Chicago partner Everett S. Ward has been appointed by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to serve as a public member of the Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board.

“I’m extremely honored to have been appointed by Governor Rauner and to have the opportunity to represent consumer interests,” said Ward. “I’m looking forward to working with the board in any capacity that I can.”

The READ Board consists of three public members who represent consumer interests, six real estate brokers or managing brokers, and an Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (DFPR) real estate coordinator. Prior to appointment, all board members must have held residency in Illinois for six years.

“We are so proud of Everett,” said Chicago Office Managing Partner Paul L. Langer. “He is a great fit for the READ Board and we are grateful that he is representing Quarles & Brady.” Ward is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, where he represents corporate, commercial, and not-for-profit clients in the acquisition, disposition, financing, and leasing of commercial, industrial, and residential real property. He is AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer®, and was named a 2015 Business Leader of Color by Chicago United.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his law degree from Harvard Law School.