Jared C. Sherman has joined Farrell Fritz in its Uniondale office as a corporate associate.

Sherman is a New York City resident. Prior to joining Farrell Fritz, he was an associate at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, both in New York, NY.

He earned his J.D., cum laude, from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, and his B.A. from State University of New York, University at Albany. He is admitted to the New York bar.

Steven Einhorn has joined Brown Rudnick LLP’s New York office as a partner in its Tax Practice Group. He was previously at Proskauer Rose LLP in its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice.

In a release, the firm said Einhorn represents both employers and senior executives in the negotiations and drafting of employment agreements, equity compensation arrangements, severance agreements, nonqualified deferred compensation agreements and other compensation arrangements. In addition, Einhorn counsels clients on the design, implementation and ongoing concerns of employee benefit plans.

Einhorn reunites with Partner Rachel Wolkinson, who joined the firm in February, also from Proskauer. Einhorn will be the fifth partner in the firm’s Tax Practice Group.

Einhorn received his LL.M. from New York University of Law and his J.D. cum laude from Baylor University School of Law.

Mitchell M. Brand and Harris J. Diamond have joined Blank Rome LLP as partners in the Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy group in the firm’s New York office. They focus their practices on asset-based lending; leveraged cash flow lending; second lien, mezzanine, and unitranche financings; as well restructuring, workout, and bankruptcy matters. They join from Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP and previously were with Otterbourg P.C. where Brand practiced for 33 years.

“We are thrilled to continue our Firm’s 2019 strategic growth with the addition of Mitch and Harris,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s managing partner and CEO. “They bring a diverse financial and restructuring background that further bolsters our leading financial services practice. Currently with more than 150 attorneys, our New York office has experienced sustained growth over the past several years. With the relocation of our office to 1271 Avenue of the Americas scheduled for later this month, we are well positioned to continue to welcome accomplished attorneys like Mitch and Harris in the market, with an eye toward continued expansion.”

Brand earned his B.S., summa cum laude, from Union College, and his J.D. from Emory University School of Law where he was the editor-in-chief of the Annual Survey of Bankruptcy Law. Diamond received his B.A., cum laude, from the University at Albany and his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law.

Adam I. Cohen has joined Redgrave LLP as a partner in New York.

In a release, the firm said Cohen is certified as an Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), a Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), and an Ethical Hacker (CEH). He works with cybersecurity, digital forensics and eDiscovery, data privacy, information governance, and records management.

“We are thrilled to have Adam on our team at Redgrave,” said Victoria Redgrave, chair, Executive Committee. “Our clients can expect valuable guidance from Adam, who will be advising companies on information security program compliance and investigating cybersecurity compromises that threaten privacy or intellectual property value.”

Jonathan Redgrave, managing partner, added, “Adam is a recognized leader whose exceptional background combines his work as a cybersecurity advisor, where he consulted on critical technology issues, along with many years spent as a top litigator. A great addition to our firm, Adam will cover the full spectrum of disciplines that intertwine governance, compliance, security, and privacy.”

Cohen said, “I am excited about joining Redgrave and contributing to the successes of the firm’s clients in meeting challenges where law and technology intersect and where Redgrave has always focused. My hybrid background in technology and law is perfectly suited to this focus and these challenges.”

Cohen received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University.

Sara George will join Sidley Austin LLP in London as a partner in its Securities and Derivatives Enforcement and Regulatory practice. George was previously a partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP and prior to that, served as a prosecutor for the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

In a release, the firm said George has experience in international regulatory and criminal investigations, particularly in the financial services sector. She advises clients on a variety of matters, including accusations of involvement in regulatory contraventions, market abuse, insider trading, money laundering, fraud, corruption and bribery. The firm said she is recognized for having brought landmark cases, including the first criminal prosecution by the FSA against a director for misleading the market, and the first Listing Rule contravention.

As a criminal barrister, George advocated before the Financial Services Tribunal, the Regulatory Decisions Committee of the Financial Conduct Authority, and the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal. She also has led numerous criminal and regulatory investigations involving the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Department of Justice.

“Sara is well-known and respected for her vast experience and involvement in high-profile criminal and regulatory investigations,” said Tom Thesing, managing partner of Sidley’s London office and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. “She symbolizes the premier talent we’ve come to attract in the pursuit of our strategic plan. Sara’s arrival will strengthen our leading global Regulatory and Enforcement client offerings as part of our expanding Disputes team here in London.”

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that the partners W. Wayne Drinkwater and Anne Marie Seibel have been named 2019 BTI Client Service All-Stars in the litigation practice area.

Bradley is one of only 72 firms with two or more All-Stars for 2019, “suggesting these law firms are more focused on cultivating a culture of client service excellence than other firms,” according to BTI.

“We congratulate Wayne and Anne Marie on their achievement in client service as members of the BTI Client Service All-Stars class of 2019,” said Bradley chairman of the board and managing partner Jonathan M. Skeeters.

Both members of Bradley’s Litigation Practice Group, Drinkwater and Seibel are among 335 attorneys from 152 law firms listed as 2019 All-Stars. This marks the 18th consecutive year that BTI Consulting Group has published its All-Stars list based on independent research with C-level executives to identify attorneys whom corporate counsel say “represent the epitome of client service” and “have an unquenchable thirst to understand their clients better than all other attorneys.” Attributes of the client service All-Stars are superior client focus, unmatched client experience, understanding of the client’s business like no other, unparalleled legal skills, and innovative thought leadership. During interviews, corporate counsel recommended top attorneys by name and in an unprompted manner. Attorneys and firms cannot self-nominate, self-refer, nor pay to be included in the report.

Based in Bradley’s Jackson, Miss., office, Drinkwater has experience in major business, commercial and constitutional litigation and has tried some of Mississippi’s most significant cases, the firm said in a release. He also has handled more than 70 appeals, arguing more than 30 of them in state and federal courts across the United States. A former law clerk of former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger, Drinkwater is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. He also is an Advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Drinkwater is included in The Best Lawyers in America® in four litigation fields and is recognized as a Star Individual for Commercial Litigation by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.

Based in Bradley’s Birmingham office, Seibel is involved with multi-forum and multi-plaintiff high-stakes litigation. Her experience includes trials in state and federal courts, AAA arbitrations, and the Tribal Court of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Seibel recently served as lead trial counsel in New Hampshire, securing a trial judgment that was upheld this year after Seibel argued the appeal. Seibel currently serves as a co-chair of the Membership and Marketing Committee of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Litigation. Her prior leadership roles with the Section of Litigation have included co-chair of the Regional Meeting Committee, liaison to the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, and co-chair of the Woman Advocate Committee. In addition, Seibel is a founder of Bradley’s Women’s Initiative and is co-chair of the firm’s Inclusion and Diversity Committee.

Freeborn & Peters LLP announced that Matthew J. O’Hara and Jeffrey A. Rossman, partners in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, have been named 2019 BTI Client Service All-Stars in the area of litigation. Freeborn is among only 72 firms with two or more BTI All-Stars this year.

“The firm is extremely proud of Matt’s and Jeff’s achievement in being recognized for this prestigious honor. It is an affirmation of their commitment to delivering outstanding client service,” said Freeborn co-managing partner Joseph L. Fogel. “Matt and Jeff embody Freeborn’s commitment to the highest standards of client service.”

For 18 years, BTI Consulting Group has published its All-Stars list based on independent research with corporate counsel who recommended top attorneys by name and in an unprompted manner. According to BTI, the All-Stars “represent the epitome of client service” and “have an unquenchable thirst to understand their clients better than all other attorneys.” Attorneys and firms cannot self-nominate, self-refer, nor pay to be included in the report. The 2019 All-Stars include 336 attorneys from 152 law firms across the United States.

As co-leader of Freeborn’s Complex Litigation Group, O’Hara concentrates his litigation practice in complex commercial matters in federal and state courts, the firm said in a release. He has tried cases involving antitrust, the federal securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty, trade secrets, trademark infringement, breach of contract, contract reformation, unjust enrichment, license agreements, executive employment, the Uniform Commercial Code, fraud, and criminal defense. He also litigates cases involving private shareholder and partnership disputes, legal malpractice, fraudulent transfers, defamation, and other commercial matters. He has represented clients in investigative proceedings before the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. He also is experienced in briefing and arguing state and federal appeals.

The firm said Rossman has trial and appellate experience and has tried and argued cases in federal and state courts across the country. In addition, he counsels clients on litigation, tax and regulatory matters, including acting as national counsel for several large eCommerce companies in which he advises and helps direct and implement national strategy. Rossman also has litigation experience involving state and local tax matters, as well as experience in financial services litigation, including securities class and derivative actions, which include cases alleging accounting irregularities, illegal trading and breaches of fiduciary duty.

Robin O has joined Harrity & Harrity, LLP as an associate, the firm announced in a release.

O is a patent lawyer who focuses on electrical and computer technologies, including telecommunications, computer hardware and software, telematics, data analytics, networking devices, medical devices, and business methods.

“Robin has the unique experience of having worked both in law firms and in-house,” said Harrity & Harrity managing partner John Harrity. “Having been involved in software and business method related inventions for much of his career, I am certain that our clients will benefit from Robin’s experience.”

Prior to joining Harrity & Harrity, O practiced in-house at Allstate Insurance Company. He started his legal career as a patent agent at Miller, Matthias & Hull. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his J.D. from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Chamberlain Hrdlicka announced that it has elevated four new shareholders. Atlanta-based attorneys Erica Opitz and Chris Steele, Houston-based attorney Justice David Medina and Philadelphia-based attorney Kevin Sweeney were named shareholders.

“Each of these attorneys have contributed significantly to the success of our firm through their hard work and dedication to providing great client service,” said Wayne Risoli, the firm’s managing shareholder. “The number of attorneys joining our shareholder ranks this year is a testament to our continued growth and commitment to achieving excellent results for our clients. We are confident that their leadership will bring continued success to Chamberlain Hrdlicka.”

Erica Opitz
Opitz focuses her practice on corporate, securities and finance and often serves as outside general counsel to her clients. She counsels start-ups and corporate clients on a variety of financial transactions including mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, capital raises, real estate transactions and loans. Opitz earned her undergraduate degree from Binghamton University and her law degree from Mercer University School of Law.

Christopher Steele
Steele’s practice focuses on trusts and estates, where he handles estate and asset protection planning as well as the administration of complex trusts and estates. He has experience in counseling clients on issues relating to complex wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, grantor trusts, life insurance planning and complex gifting techniques. He earned his undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, his law degree from Mercer University School of Law and a Master of Laws degree in taxation from the University of Florida.

Justice David M. Medina
Medina works with clients in multiple industries on various trials, business transactions and appeals. Justice Medina previously served on the Texas Supreme Court and authored over 90 Supreme Court Opinions. He earned his undergraduate degree from Texas State University, his law degree from South Texas College of Law and his Master of Laws degree in global energy, international arbitration and environmental law from the University of Texas.

Kevin Sweeney
Sweeney works with clients involved in civil and criminal tax controversy and litigation matters. He focuses on high-stakes IRS audits, civil tax litigation, white-collar criminal defense matters and corporate investigations for high and ultra-high net worth individuals, business owners and public and private companies worldwide. He earned his undergraduate degree from Loyola University and his law degree from New York Law School.

Bloomberg Law is reporting that a Washington, D.C., attorney is in criminal contempt of court for refusing to answer questions about where his client’s assets could be found, the District of Columbia Circuit affirmed March 26.

The court found that Matthew LeFande disregarded oral and written orders to answer questions on the witness stand by the magistrate judge in the underlying case. That underlying litigation began when LeFande’s client sold a property through a real estate settlement company, and the company mistakenly transferred almost $300,000 back to her instead of to her mortgage lender.

At a status conference, the magistrate judge ordered LeFande to answer questions, but he refused, asserting attorney-client and Fifth Amendment privileges, writes Bloomberg’s Martina Barash.

Read the Bloomberg Law article.

Lauren G. Raines has joined Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP’s Tampa office as a partner in the Banking and Financial Services and Real Estate practice groups, the firm announced in a release.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Lauren to our Tampa office,” said Bradley Tampa office managing partner R. Craig Mayfield. “By combining her transactional practice in commercial lending with her track record and experience in litigation, Lauren is well positioned to help our clients maximize opportunities for business success in diverse financial and real estate matters. She is a great addition to our firm.”

The firm said Raines handles commercial lending transactional matters as well as financial services litigation. Her litigation work has involved commercial and consumer mortgage foreclosure trials for banks and mortgage servicers across Florida. She also has experience handling lender liability claims, usury actions, lien priority claims, fraudulent transfer claims, and violations of federal and Florida consumer protection statutes. In her commercial lending transactional practice, Raines handles construction loans; loans secured by retail centers, industrial facilities and multi-family housing; and asset-based loans. She also handles loan assumptions, defeasances, loan workouts, debt restructurings and forbearances, and she regularly advises clients on Florida documentary stamp tax issues related to complex lending transactions.

Prior to joining Bradley, Raines was a partner with Quarles & Brady LLP.

Raines received her J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law – Yeshiva University and her Master of Laws from New York University School of Law. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (with honors) from the University of Florida.

James (Jim) M. Davis has joined Perkins Coie’s Insurance Recovery practice as a partner in Chicago, the firm announced in a release.

“Insurance recovery litigation remains a challenging area requiring experience and skill, especially given the continuous evolution of risks and exposures facing businesses, regardless of industry,” said Robert Jacobs, chair of Perkins Coie’s Insurance Recovery practice. “Jim has years of experience and a record of success concerning a wide range of insurance issues and will deepen our bench of seasoned attorneys assisting policyholders in enforcing their rights to insurance coverage.”

The firm said Davis advises insurance policyholders on coverage matters, including a variety of product liability disputes, recalls and product contamination. He also works on liability cases related to cyber issues and directors’ and officers’ issues, and employment matters. Jim also represents manufacturing and service industry clients in matters related to unfair competition, indemnity, breach of contract and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Davis earned his J.D. from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he was awarded the Order of the Coif. He received his B.A. from the University of Washington. He joins the firm from Reed Smith, where he previously had served as the deputy practice group leader of the Insurance Recovery group.

“Illinois and the greater Chicago market are major hubs for insurance coverage litigation in the United States,” said Rick Sevcik, managing partner of Perkins Coie’s Chicago office. “Jim’s experience, reputation, and leadership will be assets to the firm, the Chicago office and our client relationships. In addition to his excellent local reputation in the Midwest, he will be able to leverage a strong national network, including in Seattle.”

REIT tax lawyer Cristina Arumi is rejoining Hogan Lovells, the firm announced in a release.

She will be head of the firm’s U.S. REIT tax practice and will work alongside David Bonser, who heads up the REIT practice. Arumi joins from Ernst & Young, where she worked in the REIT and pass-through group from the national tax office.

“Cristina is a superstar – she is highly regarded by clients and colleagues for her lightning-sharp tax acumen, creative solutions, and strong client relationship skills,” said Prentiss Feagles, a Hogan Lovells partner who has led the REIT Tax practice. “These qualities, together with her strong leadership skills, make Cristina perfect to work with David Bonser and others in building one of the strongest REIT practices in the United States.”

Before departing for Ernst & Young in 2013, Arumi spent 17 years with Hogan Lovells, focusing her practice on the tax aspects of capital markets and M&A transactions, including REITs, real estate funds and joint ventures as well as the tax aspects of foreign investment in U.S. real estate. As a principal in Ernst & Young’s national tax department’s pass-throughs and real estate group, Arumi led real estate transactions working extensively with REITs, including many clients of Hogan Lovells, sovereign wealth funds and other major investors in U.S. real estate, the firm said.

“Hogan Lovells’ REIT practice is one of the best in the country, and I am excited to rejoin the team,” Arumi said. “I’ve maintained strong relationships with many of my friends and colleagues at Hogan Lovells, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with David and the other partners to build on the continued success of the REIT practice.”

Arumi received her B.A. from the University of North Carolina, her J.D. from Duke University School of Law, and her LL.M in tax from the Georgetown University Law Center.

Barnes & Thornburg has added Mark Keenan as a partner in the firm’s Labor and Employment Department in the Atlanta office.

In a release, the firm said Keenan advises management on complex workforce issues, with an emphasis on union avoidance campaigns and matters before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). His experience spans several industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and construction.

“Mark helps clients minimize the inherent risks of managing a workforce and provides comprehensive legal counsel in connection with discrimination matters, NLRB enforcement, and wage and hour issues,” said Kenneth J. Yerkes, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Labor and Employment Department. “Additionally, he has a proven track-record of engaging clients in union avoidance activities prior to the formation of an actual campaign.”

Keenan’s practice also encompasses non-compete and trade secrets litigation; issues related to the National Labor Relations Act; matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; ERISA litigation; and arbitration cases. He has guided employers through collective bargaining negotiations; traditional labor cases before federal courts of appeal; and the implementation of employee retention strategies, the release said.

Keenan is the latest addition to the firm’s Atlanta office, which also just added commercial and IP litigator Christina Baugh. Previously, Keenan was a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP.

“Over his 30-year career, Mark has earned the reputation as one of the top labor attorneys in the country,” said John T.L. Koenig, Atlanta managing partner and member of the Labor and Employment Department. “We’re excited to have him aboard and look forward to his contributions as we continue to grow our presence in the Southeast.”

Keenan earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law, and his B.B.A from the University of Iowa.

Jackson Walker has added Jennifer Caughey as a partner in its Houston office. A civil litigator and former justice on the Texas First Court of Appeals, Caughey will co-chair the appellate section of Jackson Walker’s Trial & Appellate Litigation practice.

“We are honored to have Justice Caughey join the firm. She represents everything we look for in our attorneys—smart, energetic, and determined to get to the bottom of every case,” managing partner Wade Cooper said. “Her significant experience and capabilities are a natural fit for Jackson Walker.”

Houston litigation partner Chip Babcock said: “Justice Caughey was a highly respected judge on the Houston Court of Appeals and our clients will benefit tremendously from her insight gained from that experience now that she has reentered private practice.”

Litigation chair Ross Forbes Jr., added: “We are fortunate to have such an outstanding team of trial and appellate attorneys who offer a wealth of experience for our clients. Jennifer joins an ever-growing list of Jackson Walker attorneys who have served on the bench, including judges David Folsom and Len Wade.”

While serving on the First Court of Appeals, Caughey authored more than 125 opinions (half signed, half per curiam) and participated in approximately 450 decisions. She wrote decisions in cases involving high-profile commercial disputes; statutory, contractual, and common law claims; and constitutional challenges.

At Jackson Walker, Justice Caughey will focus on appellate matters and complex litigation, the firm said in a release.

“Serving on the First Court of Appeals was an extraordinary honor, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity,” Caughey said. “Now, I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my career and join the strong team of attorneys at Jackson Walker.”

Jutice Caughey earned her law degree from Harvard Law School, where she was an executive editor of the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy. She received her bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. After law school, Caughey clerked for the Timothy M. Tymkovich, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and for Justice Robert J. Cordy of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

The Pettit Law Firm announced that former Texas Court of Appeals Justice Craig Stoddart has joined the commercial and real estate litigation boutique as senior counsel.

Stoddart served on the 5th District Court of Appeals in Dallas from 2014-2018. He presided over 1,300 cases and authored more than 400 opinions, many involving complex commercial cases.

He also represented the state of Texas in more than 140 appellate prosecutions before joining the Court of Appeals.

“Justice Stoddart’s unique combination of trial court success and appellate expertise will greatly benefit our clients,” said firm founding partner Julie Pettit. “He provides our trial team with a pragmatic appellate perspective as we prepare for the courtroom, and he has the experience and expertise to assist our clients on appeal. We are honored to have such a knowledgeable and well-respected lawyer become a part of our firm.”

“I am extremely excited to join the team of talented attorneys at The Pettit Law Firm,” said Stoddart. “It is unusual to find a boutique firm that is so client-focused and achieves such impressive trial results. I look forward to serving our clients in trial and appellate work here.”

Before his judicial career, Stoddart served as appellate prosecutor for the Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney’s Office for 22 years. He has argued before appellate courts across the state, including the state’s highest criminal court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

He earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law and is a graduate of the University of North Texas.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Kim Bessiere Martin, a partner in the firm’s Huntsville office, has been named Litigation Practice group leader. Leigh Anne Hodge and Michael R. Pennington, both partners in Bradley’s Birmingham office, will serve as assistant practice group leaders.

“We are thrilled to introduce Kim as the new leader of our highly acclaimed Litigation Practice Group,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters. “We are also pleased that Leigh Anne and Mike will be assisting in leading the expansive efforts of that team. They all bring years of experience as top litigators and are committed to continuing Bradley’s track record of success for our clients in courtrooms nationwide.”

In a release, the firm said the Litigation Practice Group is Bradley’s largest practice and includes nearly half of the firm’s more than 500 attorneys who represent clients in litigation and arbitration in every U.S. state and federal district court across the country, as well as internationally.

Martin previously served as co-chair of Bradley’s Life Sciences Litigation team and focuses her practice on general litigation with an emphasis on medical device and pharmaceutical products liability litigation, as well as white collar matters and False Claims Act litigation. She has experience representing media clients on First Amendment issues and defamation claims. Her trial experience includes defense of personal injury, products liability, commercial litigation, First Amendment, and labor and employment claims. She has tried cases in state and federal court.

Martin has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® and was named by Best Lawyers as the Commercial Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” in Huntsville for 2013. Also ranked as a Super Lawyer for Personal Injury – Products: Defense, Ms. Martin was named to Mid-South Super Lawyers’ list of “Top 50 Women” for 2018.

Hodge represents clients in the healthcare industry in regional and national engagements. She regularly represents and counsels clients in product liability litigation, medical malpractice litigation, peer review and staff privileges matters, ERISA litigation, Medicare Advantage plan litigation, managed care litigation, insurance disputes, and insurance fraud cases. She has tried cases in federal and state courts and has experience in arbitration venues.

Hodge has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Product Liability Litigation Defense, Healthcare Law, ERISA Litigation, Employee Benefits, and Insurance Law. In addition, she has been included in Benchmark Litigation in its Alabama litigation section and is listed in Mid-South Super Lawyers for Personal Injury-Products: Defense.

In addition to his new role, Pennington also leads the firm’s Class Actions team, which he helped establish more than 25 years ago. His practice includes class actions of every type, defense of insurers in sales practice, high-stakes litigation, and complex commercial litigation. He has defended class actions in state and federal courts. His practice also includes a variety of other financial services, insurance, and general commercial litigation in Alabama and throughout the country.

Pennington has spoken on class action litigation and other litigation topics for the American Council of Life Insurers and ALFA Corporation, as well as at numerous seminars across the country. He chairs the DRI’s Class Action Task Force and serves on the steering committees for DRI’s annual Class Actions Seminar and the American Law Firm Association’s biannual Insurance Roundtable. Pennington has consistently been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for his work in defending commercial litigation, mass tort litigation, and bet-the-company litigation. He also has been recognized in the Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation and Super Lawyers listings of top U.S. lawyers.

Laurence S. Kirsch has joined Sidley Austin LLP in Washington, D.C., as a partner in its Environmental practice. He joins Sidley from Goodwin Procter LLP, where he chaired the firm’s Energy and Environment practice.

In a release, the firm said Kirsch, a litigator, focuses his practice on environmental matters involving contaminated sites, sediments, hazardous waste, toxic substances regulation, vapor intrusion, natural resource damages, environmental cost allocation proceedings, and environmental issues in bankruptcy proceedings. He has experience with federal statutes, particularly the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and related state laws. He also advises clients on the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Toxic Substances Control Act.

On the transactional side, Kirsch regularly counsels businesses on the environmental implications of real estate and corporate organizations and transactions. He has also been involved with environmental due diligence and structuring and negotiating deal terms to allow M&A and lending transactions to proceed notwithstanding environmental complications, the firm said.
Mr. Kirsch will add to the firm’s depth of environmental litigation expertise and its ability to serve clients in multidisciplinary matters across a broad geographic region.

“Larry is a pre-eminent environmental practitioner, particularly highly regarded for his work on large and complex Superfund sites, including contaminated sediment sites and their allocation proceedings,” said David Buente, a Sidley partner and co-leader of the firm’s Environmental practice. “He is known for having won some important Superfund decisions that many thought unwinnable. Our clients will value Larry’s deep knowledge of federal and state agencies in today’s evolving regulatory landscape. Sidley is, and always has been, a destination for top talent and we’re pleased Larry is joining our team.”

Drew Whiting has joined Michael Best’s Corporate Practice Group as senior counsel in Chicago. Whiting was previously a member of Stahl Cowen Crowley Addis LLC.

in a release, the firm said Whiting will focus his practice advising growth stage companies, venture capital firms, angel investors, investment syndicates, private equity funds and closely-held private and family businesses in matters related to financing, employment, advisory and licensing transactions. He also counsels on the negotiation of investment deal terms, vendor and customer agreements, joint venture agreements, business succession planning, management buyouts, asset sales, business unit divestitures and acquisitions.

“Additions like Drew are instrumental in continuing to service the Chicago business community,” said Kerryann Haase Minton, managing partner of Michael Best’s Chicago Office. “We are fortunate that Drew brings him a wealth of subject matter knowledge and experience in the venture capital and private equity sectors to the firm as we continue to manage bigger and significantly more complex investment deals in the near future.”

Whiting earned his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

Foley & Lardner LLP announced that Clyde Tinnen has joined the firm’s Business Law Department and Transactions Practice Group as a partner in the Milwaukee office.

In a release, the firm said Tinnen advises a range of public and private corporations across a variety of industries on transactional matters, particularly those related to financing and deal-making. He has structured and negotiated domestic and cross-border financing transactions, including public and private offerings, joint ventures, secured and unsecured credit facilities, acquisition financings, capital leases, leveraged buyouts, and private equity funds. Tinnen also advises clients on issues related to corporate governance and securities law disclosure matters. His clients range from startups to Fortune 100 companies in the energy, retail, telecommunications and hospitality sectors, among others.

“Clyde brings more than a decade of experience which, coupled with his robust public and private transactional knowledge, further strengthens our already deep bench of corporate transactional attorneys,” said Jessica S. Lochmann, vice chair of Foley’s Transactions Practice Group. “Clyde’s proven ability to effectuate success for clients across a variety of industries enhances our practice’s commitment and ability to serve as trusted counsel to every client with corporate finance, securities, M&A, or other transactional legal and business needs.”

Tinnen joined Foley from Withers Bergman LLP, where he was a partner on the corporate team. Before beginning his legal career, Tinnen was a senior financial analyst at two public corporations. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Wisconsin African-American Lawyers Association, the Chicago Black Partners Alliance, and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Tinnen also volunteers with the Waukesha Teen Court Program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Clyde to our growing Milwaukee office,” said Linda E. Benfield, managing partner of Foley’s Milwaukee office. “He is a tremendous lawyer, and he will be a great fit for our entrepreneurial culture and commitment to client service. We are looking forward to introducing him to our clients locally, and nationally.”

Tinnen was named one of Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Lawyers in 2015 and 2018. He was also a 2015 Fellow for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity.