James A. Paretti Jr. has joined Littler as a shareholder in the Washington, D.C., office. Previously, Paretti was the Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel to Acting Chair Victoria A. Lipnic at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

In a release, the firm said Paretti, who has nearly two decades of labor and employment public policy experience, will be a member of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute (WPI). Paretti’s arrival coincides with a spate of cases brought by EEOC, which has filed 16 new discrimination or harassment lawsuits in August alone, the firm said.

“Jim’s legal, practical and institutional insight and first-hand experience with the EEOC will be invaluable to clients and move WPI to the next level,” said Michael Lotito and Maury Baskin, co-chairs of WPI, in a joint statement. “At WPI, we’re focused on defining and shaping workplace policy not just for our current clients with interests on Capitol Hill and before federal agencies, but also for future generations who will enter the workforce.”

Paretti joined Lipnic’s staff following her appointment in 2010 and most recently advised on legal, enforcement and policy matters before the EEOC. As manager and primary representative of the Office of the Chair, Paretti oversaw the agency’s operations, participated in negotiations with other Commissioners and internal constituencies, and served as a liaison to regulated stakeholders and legislators.

Prior to joining the EEOC, Paretti served as Workforce Policy Counsel to the Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce. In this role, he developed policy, provided legal counsel and helped advance the membership’s agenda relating to labor and employment law, healthcare and pensions. Paretti’s congressional experience also includes serving as Legislative Director (1994) and Special Counsel and Director of Communications (2002-2003) for U.S. Representative Marge S. Roukema (R-NJ).

“Jim is a key influencer in Washington with a wealth of first-hand experience addressing the equal employment opportunity issues facing the 21st century workplace,” said Alison N. Davis, Littler’s office managing shareholder in Washington, D.C. “His reputation in the Beltway as a savvy policymaker precedes him, and he’ll play an instrumental role in expanding the firm’s influence across a range of employment and labor law matters.”

In private law practice, Paretti represented a range of employers in federal and state employment and labor litigation, and has litigated matters in state and federal court, and before national and state administrative agencies. He is experienced in labor relations, collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitration, union organization campaigns, and proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board, the firm said.

He received his J.D., cum laude, from the New York University School of Law, where he was an editor of the NYU Law Review. He received his A.B. from Harvard College.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP announced that Walter Wu, M.D., has joined the firm’s Patent Group in Palo Alto, California, as a partner.

The firm said Wu specializes in patent prosecution and portfolio strategy for emerging companies in the life sciences, and patent due diligence for life science investors. His clients and target companies are active in the digital health, medical diagnostics, bioinformatics, ophthalmic, wound care and ENT fields. His transactional experience includes Alcon’s licensing of the Google Smart Lens technology and Auris Surgical Robotic’s acquisition of Hansen Medical. He has developed patent strategies for inter partes reviews and litigation matters involving surgical robots and prosthetic limbs, and is an expert on clinical, marketing and biostatistical issues relating to biotech and pharmaceutical patent litigation, including trial experience in Pfizer Inc. v. Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. involving Lipitor.

He joins Dorsey from Cooley LLP where he was a partner.

Wu received a B.S. degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He received his medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine, where he was a UC Regents Scholar. During medical school, he completed policy fellowships at the National Governors Association and the Food and Drug Administration. He is a licensed physician and was board-certified in internal medicine from 2000 to 2010. Before attending law school, he was a chief resident and clinical instructor at the UCLA School of Medicine. He received his J.D. degree from the UCLA School of Law.

“Walter is one of the most respected medical device patent law experts in Northern California and will be a great addition to the multi-office Dorsey teams serving client needs, both IP and transactional, in the life science fields,” noted Dorsey managing partner Ken Cutler. “The Health Care industry is a key focus sector for Dorsey around the globe. We serve clients in all aspects of that industry, from providers to payers to makers of medical devices and the investors who finance them.”

“I am extremely pleased to be joining Dorsey and its great Firm-wide team of patent and transactional lawyers serving life science clients,” said Wu. “I look forward to serving Dorsey’s exceptional client base and to introducing clients I serve to my new colleagues.”

Luke W. Meier has joined Blank Rome LLP as a partner in the Government Contracts group in the Washington, D.C., office. Meier’s practice will focus on business with the federal government, including investigating and defending allegations of fraud typically brought under the False Claims Act (FCA), the firm said.

Meier joins Blank Rome from Covington & Burling LLP where he was special counsel in the firm’s Government Contracts practice group.

“Luke’s previous involvement working for a major defense contractor as an on-site consultant at the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic Preparedness, combined with his impressive private practice experience, will bring a unique perspective to our government contracts team,” said Alan J. Hoffman, the firm’s chairman and managing partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Luke to Blank Rome.”

The firm said Meier has managed the response to numerous audits by the Defense Contract Audit Agency or an agency Office of Inspector General, and has successfully defended several government contractors from allegations of fraudulent mischarging. His litigation background includes complex commercial disputes and numerous bid protests before the Government Accountability Office and U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

“Luke’s background in government contracts law and litigation will be an excellent complement to our nationally recognized team,” said David M. Nadler, chair of Blank Rome’s Government Contracts group. “His experience will have a powerful impact on the strength of our practice and our ability to provide strategic counsel to our clients.”

“I’m delighted to be joining the talented attorneys at Blank Rome,” said Meier. “The firm’s lawyers are not only incredibly skilled in their respective practice areas, but they are also great people. I look forward to working with a government contracts group poised for growth and contributing to the future success of this team.”

Luke earned his B.A. in Philosophy from Brown University and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He also serves as the co-chair of the University of Michigan Law School Alumni Club in D.C.

Attorney Michael Lyons, co-founder of the Texas-based trial firm Deans & Lyons, has earned selection to the 2019 listing of The Best Lawyers in America for his commercial litigation work.

“Throughout my career, my singular focus has been on achieving the best result possible for my clients,” said Lyons. “Being supported by my peers for Best Lawyers in America confirms that commitment.”

Lyons is a member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums. He also has earned recognition as a Lifetime Achievement member of America’s Top 100 Attorneys for Texas and in 2017 was named among America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators for North Texas.

In addition to his selection to the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America guide, Lyons has earned recognition on the Texas Super Lawyers list. In addition, he has been recognized multiple times on D Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Dallas list for both personal injury and business litigation.

Clayton Bailey and Alex Brauer, co-founders of the Dallas-based litigation boutique Bailey Brauer PLLC, have been selected for recognition in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Bailey is being recognized for his appellate work, and Brauer is included among the leading commercial litigation attorneys in the country. Bailey Brauer and its lawyers have earned multiple honors from BTI Consulting Group, the National Law Journal, Texas Super Lawyers and D Magazine in addition to The Best Lawyers in America.

“As a firm, we have always focused on providing clients with comprehensive legal solutions,” said Brauer. “Earning recognition for both our appellate and litigation expertise is a sign that we have been successful at representing clients in all phases of trial work and appeals.”

Bailey, one of The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Texas Civil Plaintiff Lawyers, has trial and appellate experience in complex tort and other commercial cases in federal and state appeals courts. In 2017, he was the only Texas-based lawyer selected to the National Law Journal’s Elite Boutique Trailblazers honoring legal innovators who are changing the boutique law landscape.

Brauer, recognized as a leading commercial litigator by various publications, represents companies and high net worth individuals involved in high-stakes business litigation. His practice spans various industries and he has successfully represented clients in both state and federal courts across the country.

The profession’s oldest U.S. peer-review guide, The Best Lawyers in America is also among the most respected. Selection is based on confidential evaluations by attorneys in the same practice area and from the same geographic region. For the full listing, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com/.

Eleven attorneys from the Dallas, Nashville and Austin offices of the business and entertainment law firm Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, have been selected to the 2019 listing of The Best Lawyers in America.

“The strength of this firm is evidenced through the selection of these lawyers,” said founding partner John Shackelford. “Not only are our attorneys among the very best, but they also represent clients across a broad legal spectrum.”

The recognized attorneys represent a range of practices, including commercial litigation, family law, appellate, banking and finance, health care law, corporate law, construction law and litigation, project finance, and bankruptcy and reorganization.

The firm’s growing family law practice was particularly well represented, with three partners – Kathryn Pruitt, Josh Northam and Keeli Rule – earning recognition in that category.

Pruitt recently joined the firm’s Dallas office. Her family law practice focuses on representing clients in amicable and high-conflict divorce as well as custody litigation matters. She has been Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2009.

Also selected to the 2019 listing of The Best Lawyers in America are Shackelford partners:

· Jay Bowen, Nashville – Commercial Litigation

· Talmage Boston, Dallas – Appellate, Commercial Litigation, Banking and Finance

· David Elrod, Dallas – Corporate Law

· Martha Hardwick Hofmeister, Dallas – Commercial Litigation

· Bill Hopkins, Austin – Health Care Law

· Mark McQuality, Dallas – Construction Law and Construction Litigation

· Keith Mullen, Dallas – Project Finance Law

· Frances Smith, Dallas – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law

The oldest and one of the most respected guides to the U.S. legal profession, The Best Lawyers in America listing of the nation’s top lawyers is based on confidential peer-review surveys submitted by attorneys who practice in the same legal fields and within the same geographic regions.

Joan Loughnane, former Acting Deputy United States Attorney at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, will join Sidley Austin LLP’s Litigation Group in New York as a partner in its White Collar: Government Litigation & Investigations practice.

The firm said Loughnane will focus her practice on counseling and representing clients in connection with government investigations, enforcement actions, and prosecutions.

Loughnane is a litigator and counselor who joins Sidley following a 15-year career as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, where she served in a variety of leadership positions. In addition to her time as Acting Deputy United States Attorney—the second highest position in the office, in which she oversaw more than 200 Assistant U.S. Attorneys in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions—Loughnane also served at various times as Chief Counsel to United States Attorneys Preet Bharara and Geoffrey Berman, Acting Chief of the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division (during which time she was the office’s Project Safe Childhood coordinator), and Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit.

In these roles, Loughnane helped supervise many of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s most significant and high-profile cases in recent years in areas ranging from cybercrime to securities fraud to terrorism, the firm said in a release.

Prior to her supervisory and executive roles, Loughnane investigated and tried cases in a variety of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s trial units, including the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force and the Violent Crimes Unit. During that time, she served as lead counsel on multiple federal trials, and briefed and argued numerous cases in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Loughnane was chosen in 2018 to receive the New York City Bar Association’s Henry L. Stimson Medal, awarded annually to outstanding Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Loughnane received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and her J.D. from Stanford Law School and began her legal career as a law clerk for United States District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.

“We are delighted that Joan will be joining Sidley. Her record of accomplishment is a testament to her intelligence, judgment, and legal acumen. From her leadership at the very top of one of the most important United States Attorney’s Offices in the country, Joan has a deep understanding of how the Department of Justice makes its most significant decisions and brings a high-level insider’s perspective on, and familiarity with, the federal criminal and civil enforcement landscape in and around New York and the country at large,” said Sam Gandhi, managing partner of Sidley’s New York office. “She will strengthen our already deep bench of former prosecutors, particularly in the critical and burgeoning area of cybersecurity, where Joan brings impressive experience from her time as acting head of the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit and from her involvement in some of the most significant hacking cases in recent history.”

“A number of us have known Joan for years, dating back to our time together in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we are very excited to welcome her to Sidley and to be able to work with her again,” said Timothy Treanor, co-leader of Sidley’s White Collar: Government Litigation & Investigations practice. “We all know Joan to be a terrific lawyer and a wonderful friend and colleague. Joan will be the fourth former prosecutor to join Sidley’s New York office from the SDNY in the last ten years, and she adds yet another valuable facet to our top-tier global enforcement and litigation practice.”

Amy M. Stewart, founding partner of Stewart Bradbury PLLC, was recently appointed as 2018-19 Division V. Director for the ABA’s Section of Litigation.

In her new role, she will oversee the work of the substantive litigation subcommittees, including Business Torts and Unfair Competition, Commercial Litigation, Employment and Labor Law, Products Liability, Mass Torts, bankruptcy, Securities Litigation.

Additionally, Stewart is the Co-Chair of the 2018 ABA Section of Litigation’s Professional Success Summit set for Houston Nov. 14-16, 2018. The Professional Success Summit is focused on providing successful litigation, trial, and business development strategies for racially diverse minority litigators.

R. Bruce Steinert Jr. has joined Perkins Coie’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity practice as a partner in the San Francisco office.

Steinert’s practice focuses on counseling private equity sponsor clients on leveraged buyout debt financing and related matters, including dividend recapitalizations, asset-based lending facilities, cross-border transactions, venture debt and ESOP financing transactions, among other areas. His clients also include debt investment funds, publicly traded companies and privately held venture, founder and private equity sponsor portfolio companies in a variety of industries.

“Bruce’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to roll up his sleeves and dig deep into client challenges makes him fantastic fit for our team,” said Barbara Schussman, Perkins Coie’s San Francisco Office Managing Partner. “His strong Bay Area roots will bolster our private equity and debt finance footprint in the market and provide a strong building block for the office in the foreseeable future.”

Steinert represents clients in various industries and sectors, including life sciences and medical technology, transportation and automotive, healthcare, banking and financial services, and retail and entertainment industries, the firm said in a release.

“Bruce’s unique acquisition finance experience is a perfect complement to the extensive M&A and private equity work we’re doing,” said Jeff Beuche, Chair of Perkins Coie’s Mergers & Acquisitions group. “His track record of success, deal sheet and reputation all make him an impressive and valuable addition to our team. Bruce will help us better serve our clients in the Bay Area and beyond.”

Steinert received his J.D. from Rutgers Law School and his B.A., with honors, from Rutgers University. Prior to joining Perkins Coie, Steinert was a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig and a partner at Kirkland Ellis.

Mark A. Kornfeld has joined Quarles & Brady LLP’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group as a partner in its Tampa office.

In a release, the firm said Kornfeld is a commercial litigator with nearly 25 years of success in securities litigation, regulatory enforcement actions and complex commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation both domestically and internationally.

“I am honored to join such a talented group at Quarles & Brady and am thrilled to be joining the Tampa office,” said Kornfeld. “The firm’s rich history, diverse national platform and commitment to delivering first-class client service create the perfect synergy both for my Florida-based financial and real estate development clients and my relationships across industries.”

For nearly a decade, Kornfeld was involved in the court-appointed representation of the Securities Investor Protection Act Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC where he helped led the recovery of billions of dollars for the Fund of Customer Property distributed to thousands of victims.

Kornfeld regularly publishes on and is sought for commentary on key issues impacting the investment management and financial services industries. He was recognized in The Legal 500 United States in 2015 – 2016 and New York Metro “Super Lawyer” from 2011 – 2017. He received his Bachelor of Arts at Vassar College and his Doctor of Law at Brooklyn Law School where he graduated magna cum laude.

The American Bar Association House of Delegates has approved a new dues structure that will result in a majority of members paying less in dues, with reductions of about $20 to more than $300.

The new dues structure will be put in place starting in September of 2019, reports the ABA Journal.

Under the new structure, there will be five price points for the basic level of dues-paying membership, ranging from $75 for new bar admittees, paralegals and lawyers through their first four years of practice, to $450 for lawyers in practice for at least 20 years.

Read the ABA Journal article.

Peter V. Hogan and Dennis E. Raglin have joined Buchalter as shareholders in the Los Angeles office.

Hogan, a member of the Corporate Practice Group, represents middle market and emerging growth companies in initial public offerings, second offerings, mergers and acquisitions, angel and venture capital financing, 1934 Act reporting obligations, as well as the interests of broker-dealers.

As a member of the Litigation Practice Group, Dennis Raglin has more than 20 years of experience as a litigator and concentrates his practice on products liability, including medical device and pharmaceuticals, and in general and complex litigation. He also counsels and defends clients in California’s Proposition 65 right-to-know chemical warnings law, as well as state and national chemical compliance laws and regulations generally.

“I am so pleased to welcome Peter and Dennis, said President and Chief Executive Officer Adam J. Bass. “They are both accomplished attorneys who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our transactional and litigation practices.”

In a release, the firm said Hogan’s clients include private early stage, middle market, and publicly traded companies from the entertainment, digital media, manufacturing, restaurant, technology industries, software, payment processing and esports. He also advises companies on corporate governance, executive employment and shareholder matters. Hogan received his J.D., from Boston College School of Law. He also earned his M.B.A. and B.A. from Boston College.

“I am thrilled to join Buchalter’s full-service Corporate Practice Group. The firm’s impressive platform allows me to offer unparalleled service to my clients and grow my practice,” said Peter Hogan.

The firm said Raglin’s clients span a range of industries, including representing clients who manufacture and distribute products that include implantable and prescription medical devices, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, biologics, baby and toddler formula, nutritional supplements and food products, durable medical equipment, heavy equipment, automobiles, personal care goods and cosmetics, pet care products, household goods, sporting goods and water gear. He earned his J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from the University of California, Riverside.

“My practice fits perfectly with Buchalter’s talented and growing litigation practice and I am excited to be joining the firm. I look forward to integrating my clients and introducing them to the firm’s impressive capabilities,” added Raglin.

Roetzel & Andress LPA announced that four senior labor and employment law attorneys have joined the firm in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio.

Joining Roetzel’s Cleveland office are Nancy A. Noall as a shareholder and Morris L. Hawk and Deirdre G. Henry, both as of counsel. Doug R. Unver joins the firm’s Columbus office as of counsel. All four previously were attorneys at Weston Hurd LLP, where Noall and Henry served in leadership roles.

“This is an exciting time of growth for our Roetzel teams in Cleveland and Columbus and we are thrilled to welcome Nancy, Morris, Deirdre and Douglas to the firm,” Roetzel Chairman Robert E. Blackham said. “Each brings veteran skills, leadership and valuable insights to help manage our clients’ needs across the entire spectrum of labor, employment and human resources issues.”

Douglas E. Spiker, shareholder-in-charge of Roetzel’s Cleveland office and manager of the firm’s Employment Services Practice Group, said, “The additions of Nancy, Morris, and Deirdre represent a significant expansion for our Cleveland office. They join our team of accomplished attorneys, many of whom have previous government and business experience that has helped them earn national rankings in a number of key legal practice areas.”

Noall served as chair of the Labor Law practice at Weston Hurd. She focuses her practice on the provision of general employment advice, particularly on the ADA, Title VII, FMLA, and FLSA. She also with traditional labor issues, including union avoidance, union negotiation, labor arbitrations, and NLRB charges. She has counseled numerous employers on these issues, including Cooper Tire & Rubber Company based in Findlay, Ohio. In a release, the firm said she manages all phases of the employment relationship for her clients, which include sole proprietorships and global manufacturing companies. In addition to counseling clients on employment law issues, Ms. Noall has litigated cases ranging from employment discrimination to wrongful discharge in multiple states throughout the country and has arbitrated grievances under union contracts in Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, New Jersey, and Ohio.

Noall received her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University and her Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) from John Carroll University.

Hawk represents privately owned and publicly held corporations in all aspects of the employment relationship, including traditional labor law and workers’ compensation. He counsels employers on day-to-day employment law issues and represents them in litigation before administrative agencies and in federal and state court. Hawk also advises employers on employee benefits issues, including drafting executive compensation agreements and assisting in compliance issues related to qualified plans. In addition to his labor and employment practice, Hawk represents businesses in commercial and construction litigation and represents two national retailers in premises liability matters in Ohio.

Hawk received his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts (summa cum laude) from Ohio University.

Formerly chair of the Workers’ Compensation practice at Weston Hurd, Henry represents employers in workers’ compensation cases and cases involving violations of a specific safety requirement (VSSR). She also represents clients in matters involving employment, medical and legal malpractice, and employer intentional tort claims. Henry previously served as an Ohio Assistant Attorney General, defending the Industrial Commission and the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation.

Henry received her J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law and her Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University.

Unver concentrates his practice on workers’ compensation matters. Previously, he represented public universities and agencies in workers’ compensation matters while serving as a Senior Ohio Assistant Attorney General in the office’s Workers’ Compensation Defense Unit and Workers’ Compensation Section.

Unver received his J.D. from Capital University and his Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University.

Lilya Tessler has joined Sidley Austin LLP as partner and New York head of Blockchain and FinTech in the Securities & Derivatives Enforcement and Regulatory group. Tessler joins Sidley from McDermott, Will & Emery, where she served as co-head of the firm’s Blockchain and FinTech group.

In a release, the firm said Tessler focuses her practice on representing digital asset trading platforms, blockchain technology companies, financial services firms, and leaders of cryptocurrency funds. Tessler advises technology companies on SEC registered and exempt blockchain token offerings, and counsels financial institutions on digital asset trading, securities issues, private placement agent and custody rule requirements, cross-border regulatory matters, money services requirements and FINRA and SEC regulatory inquiries.

“Lilya’s experience is perfectly aligned with exciting, evolving developments within the FinTech industry, and she offers clients a comprehensive approach to formulating and executing strategies to address where technology and finance meet,” said Sam Gandhi, managing partner of Sidley’s New York office. “Lilya’s capabilities and deep understanding of FinTech and related matters will further strengthen Sidley’s multidisciplinary approach to our work with clients –particularly those in the fast-developing areas of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.”

Tessler is a certified public accountant and FINRA dispute resolution arbitrator.

A Cleveland lawyer who has already paid a $300,000 settlement to his former paralegal for insulting her has now been suspended from the practice of law for six months.

WKYC reports that the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct accused Howard Evan Skolnick, a lawyer since 1993, of violating professional conduct rules by “verbally harassing” the woman for more than two years. The board recommended a a six-month suspension to be held in abeyance.

But the Ohio Supreme Court issued a one-year suspension, with six months stayed on the condition that he engage in no further misconduct.

Reporter Phil Trexler wrote” “Court records show he called her “stupid, dumb, fat and `whorey’.” He also lodged insults against the woman’s husband and her mother. Records show Skolnick also sexually harassed the woman and a female co-worker by making a request for a sexual favor while inside a car.”

Read the WKYC article.

Akerman LLP announced that it has added to its domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions practices with partners Peter Eccles from Foley & Lardner in New York and Karyn Koiffman from Baker McKenzie in Washington, D.C. and New York. Prior to that, Koiffman was at Kirkland & Ellis.

“Peter and Karyn are consummate corporate lawyers with decades of combined experience handling highly complex transactions,” said Jonathan Awner, co-chair of the Corporate Practice Group. “With them, we continue to expand our robust New York presence while adding significant bench strength to our national team of M&A and private equity lawyers, who represent clients in all facets of their transactions across markets sectors and jurisdictions.”

“Despite the upcoming presidential elections and political uncertainty, we at Akerman are bullish on Brazil and believe opportunities abound for clients to take advantage of competitive asset valuations to drive international deal flow,” said Brazil trade and transactional partner Felipe Berer. “Peter and Karyn are great additions to our Brazil team and will strengthen our ability to advise corporate and individual investors, private equity and venture capital funds involved in cross-border transactions and financings in Brazil, the U.S. and beyond.”

In a release, the firm said:

Eccles focuses his practice on M&A, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital transactions and other corporate and commercial arrangements, with an emphasis on cross-border transactions in Latin America, particularly Brazil. In addition to advising private equity, venture capital, strategic and family office investors on investments in Latin America, Eccles has advised leading companies in the region in the energy, shipping, oil and gas, food and agriculture, real estate, auto, retail, banking, media, technology and telecom industries on novel financings, including the first ever Rule 144A capital markets transactions involving Brazilian issuers.

Koiffman represents private equity funds, private companies and public corporations in domestic and cross-border middle market deals. Her practice focuses on acquisitions and divestitures, including leveraged buyout transactions, follow-on acquisitions, mergers, and stock and asset transactions. Related to her M&A practice, Koiffman also handles joint venture arrangements, minority investments, recapitalizations, financing agreements, related equity arrangements, as well as expansions and other commercial transactions. She also counsels clients on general corporate and contractual related matters. Koiffman leverages her prior experience of 14 years in transactional practices at international law firms in the United States, as well as four years of practice in the São Paulo office of a Brazilian law firm, in all client matters.

In addition to Eccles and Koiffman, Akerman’s national Corporate Practice Group most recently welcomed four additional M&A and private equity partners in New York, including Michael O’Brien from Vedder Price, Ted Rosen from Fox Rothschild and Corporate Finance, Lending Practice Co-Chair Robert Stein from Kirkland & Ellis, and Robert Winner from Seyfarth Shaw in Chicago. Together with today’s lateral partners, they bolster Akerman’s middle market focus toward domestic and international client ventures across dynamic sectors.

Perkins Coie announced that Andrew Moriarty has joined the firm’s Labor & Employment group as a partner in the Seattle office. He joins from Amazon, where he was senior corporate counsel. Moriarty was previously with Perkins Coie from 1998 to 2013.

The firm said Moriarty focuses on a wide range of labor and employment matters, including contractor classification, labor relations, class action claims, litigation, and claims brought before various state and federal agencies. He also has credentials dealing with the labor and employment law nuances associated with third-party vendor relationships, discrimination and contract actions, and contractor misclassification cases in Washington and California.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew back to the firm,” said James Williams, Perkins Coie’s Seattle Office Managing Partner. “He is a highly regarded attorney with excellent technical skills and a great aptitude for mentoring junior lawyers. He will be a valuable addition to our team in the Pacific Northwest.”

Upon his re-entry into private practice, Moriarty will counsel clients across a variety of industries including tech, telecom, transportation, food and beverage, education and aerospace, the firm said.

“Andrew’s in-house experience provides him an exceptional understanding of our clients’ needs and the employment challenges they face day-to-day,” said Ann Marie Painter, Chair of Perkins Coie’s Labor & Employment group. “He is a passionate attorney with the desire to dig deep into the issues, and he will serve as a vigorous advocate in the courtroom.”

Moriarty earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Boston University.

Akerman LLP announced the addition of partner Lori Nugent to the firm’s national Consumer Financial Services Practice Group. Joining from Greenberg Traurig, she will serve as co-chair of Akerman’s Privacy, Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies Team and will reside in Akerman’s Dallas office.

“Data breach incidents in the United States and abroad are happening at a record pace and the financial services sector has been disproportionately affected,” said William Heller, chair of the Consumer Financial Services Practice Group. “Lori is a renowned veteran in the data security and cyber liability space with an impressive track record as lead counsel in highly complex matters. She is a strong addition to our compliance, enforcement and litigation practice, reflecting our commitment to helping clients address their most pressing business challenges.”

With a practice focused on cybersecurity and privacy, Nugent has served as lead counsel responding to and defending more than 1,000 data breaches, ransomware situations, and privacy-related matters in a wide variety of market sectors—including financial institutions, healthcare, retail, energy and utilities, public entities, hospitality, high tech, and higher education.

In a release, the firm said Nugent served as lead incident response and defense counsel in a high-profile data security breach that led to a $6.5 billion class action. Even though the breach was the largest in its industry, the client achieved a settlement for considerably less than six figures, and investigations by a myriad of state and federal regulators were resolved without any fine or penalty.

Southern California-based law firm Buchalter announced the promotion of Oren Bitan and Paul J. Fraidenburgh to shareholder.

“These two individuals are dedicated members of the Buchalter community as well as a tremendous representation of the firm – we are proud to share the news of Oren and Paul’s well-deserved recognition. The high-level degree of specialized expertise both attorneys possess will continue to add great value to our clients and the Firm,” said Adam J. Bass, president and chief executive officer.

Based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, Oren Bitan handles matters in the business, real estate, banking, receivership law, consumer product, and commercial litigation industries. Representative clients include banks and financial institutions, state and federal receivers, private investors and investment funds, private equity groups, real property developers, apparel manufacturers, breweries, consumer products companies, and corporate entities large and small.

Bitan earned his J.D. cum laude at Loyola Law School, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and a Sayre Macneil Scholar. He received his B.S. in Business Administration at the University of Southern California.

Paul J. Fraidenburgh focuses his practice on representing transportation industry clients in complex litigation and regulatory affairs. Working primarily in the firm’s Orange County office, he has represented clients in the transportation and technology industries. In 2018, Fraidenburgh was named a “Top 40 Under 40” lawyer by the Daily Journal, as one of only 20 lawyers selected from Southern California.

Fraidenburgh earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and his B.A., magna cum laude, in History from University of the Pacific.

Health care lawyer and former hospital general counsel Paul Leslie has rejoined Dallas-based Estes Thorne & Carr PLLC as a partner focused on health care regulatory compliance and litigation.

In a release, the firm said Leslie has more than 30 years of experience representing entities in health care-related regulatory, operational and transactional matters, and commercial and business litigation, as well as advising clients on efficient and effective management of in-house legal departments and functions.

He previously practiced at Estes Thorne & Carr and rejoins the firm from Parkland Health & Hospital System where he served as executive vice president and general counsel for eight years. He also has experience as an associate general counsel at another Fortune 500 health care company.

“We have known and worked with Paul for years and are excited to welcome him back as a colleague. His industry experience and understanding of the regulatory landscape are invaluable to our clients in the health care industry,” said managing partner Jessica Thorne.

The firm said Leslie has expertise in developing and implementing cost-effective strategies for health care operators. In addition to his experience with transactions and regulatory compliance, he has worked with board governance, enterprise risk management, contract negotiations and dispute resolution, commercial and whistleblower litigation, false claims investigations, real estate transactions and insurance contract coverage litigation.

“I have known and worked with the Estes Thorne & Carr attorneys for the better part of the last decade and always have been impressed by their legal prowess and their ability to develop strong relationships with their clients,” he said. “Once I had the opportunity to rejoin the firm, I knew this was the right place for me.”

A graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law, Leslie earned the Magna Stella Award for Outstanding General Counsel from General Counsel Forum in the government/non-profit category in 2016. He is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest excellence in legal ability and ethical standards.