Blank Rome LLP announced that Linda Kornfeld, David Thomas and Julia Holt have joined the firm’s Los Angeles office in the Insurance Recovery group.

Kornfeld joins as partner and vice chair of the group, Thomas joins as partner, and Holt joins as of counsel. The team comes to Blank Rome from Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, where Kornfeld was the Los Angeles office’s managing partner. The move to Blank Rome also reunites Kornfeld with Jim Murray, Chair of Blank Rome’s Insurance Recovery practice, and a number of her colleagues who joined Blank Rome from Dickstein Shapiro in February 2016.

A release from the firm continues:

“We are thrilled to welcome Linda, David, and Julia to Blank Rome,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Chairman and Managing Partner. “With more than 25 years of experience, Linda is one of the top insurance recovery litigators—both on the West Coast and nationally. She and her team are highly regarded and respected in the industry, and have achieved unmatched results on behalf of their corporate policyholder clients. Our Insurance Recovery group and our Los Angeles office have experienced impressive growth over the past several years, and we’re confident that Linda, David, and Julia will be excellent additions to the team.”

“I have known Linda for 15 years, and am so happy that she, David, and Julia – who is also a Dickstein Shapiro alum – are joining us at such an exciting time,” said Jim Murray, Chair of Blank Rome’s Insurance Recovery practice. “In less than two years at Blank Rome, our insurance recovery team has had the opportunity to solidify our position as one of the leading practices in big law in terms of size, experience, and capabilities. Having Linda back on the team, along with her top-notch colleagues, enhances our national practice in unparalleled ways.”

“Joining Blank Rome is such an incredible opportunity for me and my team,” said Ms. Kornfeld. “Personally, I could not pass up the chance to rejoin my former colleagues from Dickstein Shapiro, for whom I have so much respect. David, Julia, and I are impressed with what Blank Rome’s insurance recovery team has accomplished in a short period of time, making it the go-to practice that it is today. I am excited to lead the charge of building the practice on the West Coast, while providing our clients with the benefit of this expanded national bench of leading insurance recovery lawyers. Equally as important, I am looking forward to continuing my career-long focus on women’s leadership and advancement efforts with my new colleagues throughout Blank Rome, who have a shared passion for and commitment to these important issues.”

Linda D. Kornfeld, Partner and Vice Chair, Insurance Recovery Practice Group
Ms. Kornfeld has dedicated her trial and appellate practice to representing companies in high-stakes insurance coverage litigation for over 25 years. She has focused extensively on claims involving property and weather-related business interruption issues, data breach and privacy issues, and professional liability, asbestos, and environmental liabilities. Her clients include telecommunications companies, universities, real estate developers, manufacturers, and nonprofit organizations. She also provides strategic counseling to senior executives and in-house counsel on how to mitigate risk and maximize their insurance recoveries.

Ms. Kornfeld is considered one of the nation’s leading insurance recovery litigators by Chambers USA, which describes her as “valued by clients as a ‘very thorough and prepared lawyer’ with a deep level of insurance expertise across a broad range of coverage areas. She is praised for the quality and practical applications of her advice, as well as her oral advocacy, which one client describes as ‘professional, economical, very direct and matter-of-fact.’”

Ms. Kornfeld is named one of California’s “Top 100 Women Lawyers” by the Daily Journal, a “Litigation Star” and one of the “Top 250 Women in Litigation” by Benchmark Litigation, and a 2016 “Woman Worth Watching” by Diversity Journal, a recognition highlighting women based on their trailblazing strategies that make a difference in their workplace, the marketplace, and the world at large. Focused throughout her career on women’s leadership and advancement in the legal industry and other professions, she also serves as a West Coast leader of the Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Alliance and frequently speaks and writes on women’s issues.

Admitted to practice in California, Ms. Kornfeld received her J.D., with honors, from George Washington University Law School, and her B.A. from the University of California at Los Angeles.

David A. Thomas, Partner
Mr. Thomas has an insurance recovery, complex commercial litigation, and consumer litigation practice that includes contract disputes, unfair competition and trade practices claims, and insurance recovery litigation. He has particular experience representing and counseling policyholders in both litigation and non-litigation matters relating to a broad array of commercial insurance lines, including cybersecurity and privacy, commercial general liability, umbrella, D&O, bankers professional liability, employment practices liability, and first-party property and business interruption. Mr. Thomas’ practice extends to representing and counseling consumers and individual policyholders harmed by fraudulent and unfair practices in the sale of life and health insurance products and insurance-related transactions.

Mr. Thomas serves as a member of the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee.

Admitted to practice in California, Mr. Thomas received his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his A.B., with departmental honors and distinction, from Stanford University.

Julia K. Holt, Of Counsel
Ms. Holt focuses her practice on representing insureds in complex insurance coverage and other disputes. Her experience includes both first-party and third-party insurance disputes involving claims for copyright infringement, misappropriation of likeness/right of publicity, trade disparagement, class action securities fraud, Department of Justice and grand jury investigations, actuarial malpractice, class action predatory lending, class action right-of-way/trespass, class action property and environmental damage, class action toxic tort, personal injury/class action mass tort, insurance broker-agent liability, and reinsurance. She also has significant experience in patent infringement, unfair competition, and antitrust litigation. Ms. Holt’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, technology corporations, healthcare corporations, entertainment studios, film and television production companies, and individual talent in the entertainment and sports industries.

Ms. Holt is actively involved in pro bono work and has completed numerous adoptions for foster children in Los Angeles County. In addition, she has represented foster parents in administrative hearings to obtain the state benefits to which they are entitled.

Admitted to practice in California, Ms. Holt received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her B.A. from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Texas trial attorney Clyde M. Siebman has earned selection as the Dallas/Fort Worth Lawyer of the Year for patent trials in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. His selection is based on nominations from attorneys throughout the D/FW area, including the Eastern District cities of Plano and Sherman.

Siebman is the founder of Siebman, Burg, Phillips & Smith, LLP, which maintains offices in Plano, Sherman and the other Eastern District cities of Marshall and Tyler. He is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and has appeared as counsel in more than 400 federal court cases during his career.

In addition to his patent litigation expertise, Siebman also is recognized in Best Lawyers for his extensive work in commercial litigation, copyright law, and trademark law. He was named D/FW’s top patent litigator after earning the highest overall ranking from other local trial attorneys who handle patent cases.

Read about the award.

Jim Fortosis, a member of Grant Thornton LLP’s Risk, Regulatory and Legal Affairs team, has received a First Chair Award for excellence in legal counsel.

First Chair, an organization designed to bring together a community of accomplished attorneys in private practice with those that are in-house counsel, hosts the First Chair Awards annually and asks private practice attorneys to nominate their in-house peers for a variety of honors such as top general counsel, top litigation counsel and more.

Fortosis, who serves as senior counsel, is a recipient of the 2017 Rising Stars award and was recognized for his efforts in managing litigation and regulatory matters involving Grant Thornton and counseling firm professionals on legal, compliance and risk management issues.

“For a firm like Grant Thornton to succeed, we must have a legal team that can effectively navigate an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment,” said Ken Cunningham, chief legal officer of Grant Thornton LLP. “This recognition is yet another testament to his keen ability to manage and swiftly resolve legal issues while also being a consistent source of valued legal counsel for our firm.”

With more than nine years of legal practice, Fortosis was an associate at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago prior to joining Grant Thornton. He received his juris doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Wheaton College.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

Commercial litigation attorney Hunter Polvi has joined Dallas trial law firm Sayles Werbner. Polvi joins the firm from Waco, Texas, with five years of experience in the areas of personal injury, products liability, wrongful death and business disputes.

“Hunter has a focus and determination that we want on our side,” says the firm’s co-founder Richard A. “Dick” Sayles. “He has valuable experience in federal and state court, and we are glad he has joined our team.”

In a news release, the firm said Polvi has represented more than 100 clients affected by the deadly 2013 West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion.

The release continues:

As lead counsel, he has handled partnership disputes involving a Texas coffee company and a medical device sales company, as well as tort and insurance matters involving casualty storm damage, car accidents and property conversion. Mr. Polvi also represented clients in cases of Deceptive Trade Practices Act violations for fraud and breach of warranty.

“Sayles Werbner is a law firm with a successful trial track record,” says Mr. Polvi. “I’m excited to join this talented group of attorneys and look forward to protecting the rights of those who have been wronged by the negligent actions of others.”

Mr. Polvi is a member of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. In addition to his legal background, he is a licensed private pilot, an Ironman triathlete and a former volunteer firefighter.

He graduated from Baylor Law School as valedictorian of his class and has an undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

Buchalter announces that Willmore (Bill) F. Holbrow III has joined the firm as a shareholder and member of the Intellectual Property and Litigation Practice Groups in Los Angeles.

Holbrow’s practice focuses on intellectual property litigation with an emphasis on patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters. He works with clients in a variety of industries including those involving medical devices, apparel, chemical compounds, software, furniture, internet-based applications, LED technology, locks, wheel designs, and electronics.

“Strengthening our intellectual property litigation capabilities has been a focus of ours for quite some time,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter.” “I am so pleased to welcome Bill as we continue to strategically expand, and we are excited that his practice further enhances the legal services we offer our national and international business community clients.”

Prior to his experience in private practice, Holbrow served as an engineer in the Air Force and a first-chair trial attorney in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps handling numerous felony level cases. He attended Loyola Law School and Suffolk University Law School, where he earned his JD, and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

“My intellectual property practice fits perfectly within Buchalter’s extremely talented Intellectual Property and Litigation teams,” said Holbrow. “Additionally, I am eager to introduce my clients to the benefits of the firm’s full-service platform.”

Join Our LinkedIn Group

Michael Best announces that Jonathan L. Gold has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He will focus his practice on complex financial restructuring matters, as well as creditors’ rights litigation.

“Jon is a talented attorney, and we jumped at the opportunity to bring him on board,” said Ann Ustad Smith, Chair of the Banking & Financial Services Practice Group. “His more than 20 years of experience in creditors’ rights and complex financial restructuring matters will strengthen our Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy and Workout team.”

Gold joins the firm from LeClairRyan, where he was a member of the firm’s bankruptcy practice group. In addition to creditors’ rights and restructurings, he also has experience with bankruptcy litigation and state court litigation in the Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia courts. His clients include official committees of unsecured creditors, secured lenders, purchasers of bankruptcy estate assets and bankruptcy trustees in the automotive, real estate, construction and retail industries, among others.

“Jon has deep ties within the local business community and is a highly regarded litigator in the region, which will certainly bolster the office’s business development efforts,” said Kevin M. Barner, D.C. Office Managing Partner.

Gold earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Baltimore School of Law where he was an Associate Executive Editor at the Law Review, and his B.S. from the University of Maryland-College Park, College of Business and Management.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

Jackson Walker partner Kent Sullivan was named the state Commissioner of Insurance by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday. Sullivan will leave the firm to accept the position, where he will oversee the Texas Department of Insurance, which regulates the insurance industry and protects Texas consumers.

Sullivan joined Jackson Walker in 2015 and has since served as co-chair of the firm’s appellate practice group. Recently, he was also appointed co-chair of the government and internal investigations group. He has represented clients in complex civil litigation, government relations, and investigations.

“Kent brought a new dimension to Jackson Walker’s litigation and appellate groups,” said firmwide managing partner Wade Cooper. “We wish him all the best in his new position and know that his deep experience will bring him much continued success in this substantial role.”

In the past, Sullivan was the Texas First Assistant Attorney General, a justice on the Texas Court of Appeals, and a district judge. In addition, he has more than 25 years of private practice experience.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the years spent practicing at Jackson Walker,” said Commissioner Sullivan. “It’s been exciting to be a part of such a fast growing and well-respected firm. I look forward to beginning the next chapter and serving the people of Texas.”

Join Our LinkedIn Group

Lisa Sotto, chair of Hunton & Williams’ global privacy and cybersecurity practice and managing partner of the firm’s New York office, has been selected as an arbitrator in connection with the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework Binding Arbitration Program.

The Program, developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and European Commission, provides the terms under which Privacy Shield organizations are obligated to arbitrate claims, pursuant to the Recourse, Enforcement and Liability Principle. The binding arbitration option applies to certain “residual” claims as to data covered by the EU-US Privacy Shield. The purpose of this option is to provide a prompt, independent and fair mechanism, at the option of individuals, for resolution of claimed violations of the Principles not resolved by any of the other Privacy Shield mechanisms, if any.

In a release, the firm said Sotto has received widespread recognition for her work in the areas of privacy and cybersecurity. She chairs the US Department of Homeland Security’s Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee. She is regularly sought after by media outlets and industry publications for her professional insights and appears regularly on national television and radio news programs.

Sidley Austin LLP announces that Anthony Gardner, former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, will join Sidley as senior counsel. He will be a member of both its International Trade and Privacy and Cybersecurity practices, and split his time between the firm’s London and Brussels offices.

In a release, the firm said former Ambassador Gardner has devoted more than 27 years of his career to U.S.-European affairs as a government official and lawyer. During his diplomatic assignment, he played a pivotal role in some of the most challenging issues in the U.S.-EU relationship, including the negotiations to conclude a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement, the Privacy Shield Agreement facilitating the transatlantic transfer of personal data by companies based in Europe and the Umbrella Agreement facilitating the transatlantic transfer of data between law enforcement authorities. He was also instrumental in U.S.-EU coordination of sanctions against Russia following its annexation of Crimea and the facilitation of U.S. participation in EU-funded research programs.

The release continues:

“Thanks to his deep personal and professional roots in Europe, Ambassador Gardner displayed a rare understanding of European affairs and improved U.S.-EU commercial and political ties at a critical time in the relationship,” said Antonio Tajani, president of the European Parliament. “During his tenure he made relations with the European Parliament a priority on important issues relating to trade, data privacy and the digital economy.”

“I am eager to continue my involvement in U.S.-EU relations, particularly in trade, competition and regulatory issues, especially relating to the digital economy and data privacy,” said Mr. Gardner. “I was drawn to Sidley because many of its partners are deeply involved in these issues, and I have had long-standing relationships with several of them. The breadth of the firm’s global reach and extensive resources make it a natural fit.”

Prior to his role as U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Mr. Gardner served as managing director of a London-based private equity firm. He also served as Director for European Affairs on the U.S. National Security Council, where he was responsible for U.S. relations with the European Union.

“Tony’s deep knowledge of Europe and the EU institutions made him one of our most effective ambassadors and a key resource in trying to conclude TTIP,” said Michael Froman, former U.S. Trade Representative in the Obama administration. “His role in helping to promote U.S.-EU cooperation in many areas and to resolve difficult issues as they arose was also widely appreciated in the Obama administration.”

“Tony’s arrival, fresh from his Brussels post and with his singularly informed view of the trade and regulatory issues that exist between the U.S. and Europe, could not have come at a better time for Sidley and our clients,” said George Petrow, Sidley’s managing partner for the European region. “We and our clients are fortunate that he chose to join us.”

National law firm Dykema announced the addition of Cynde H. Munzer to its Corporate Finance practice group as a member in the firm’s Chicago office. Munzer joins Dykema after practicing at Aronberg Goldgehn. Prior to that, she had spent more than two decades with Arnstein & Lehr.

In a release, the firm said Munzer has a corporate transactional practice and regularly serves as an extension of the in-house legal team of publicly-held corporations. She has also served as outside general counsel to middle market, emerging and smaller companies that do not have their own in-house counsel. Munzer handles a broad range of sophisticated matters including asset and stock acquisitions and dispositions, mergers, joint development agreements, master services agreements, license agreements, teaming agreements, real estate leases, distributorship agreements, employment contracts and independent contractor agreements.

The release continues:

Munzer is very active in the Chicago business and philanthropic communities as a strong advocate for the advancement of women’s business opportunities. She served as an Illinois Delegate for Vision 2020, a national bi-partisan initiative focused on gender equality in business leadership; previously served as President of the Chicago Chapter of the American Technion Society; and is a former board member of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Munzer is also very active in the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and is a recipient of its prestigious Women of Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the legal and philanthropic communities. She will co-chair the 2018 ADL Women of Achievement Dinner.

“We consider ourselves very fortunate to add a talented attorney and leader in Chicago’s women’s business community to our Chicago office,” said Mike Borders, Vice Chairman of Dykema and Office Managing Member of the firm’s Chicago office.

Munzer earned a J.D., with high honors, from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and a B.S. from The University of Illinois.

A combined total of 31 Farrell Fritz attorneys have been selected to the 2017 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New York Metro Rising Stars lists.

The firm reported that 21 attorneys for being selected to the 2017 New York Metro Super Lawyers list. The attorneys and the practice areas for which they have been recognized are: Peter A. Mahler, John P. McEntee and James M. Wicks (Business Litigation); Peter L. Curry and Peter B. Zlotnick (Real Estate); Jed C. Albert, Eric M. Kramer and Patricia C. Marcin (Estate & Probate); John (Jack) J. Barnosky, Ilene S. Cooper, John R. Morken and Eric W. Penzer (Estate & Trust Litigation); Ted A. Berkowitz, Marty G. Bunin and Patrick T. Collins (Bankruptcy: Business); Charlotte A. Biblow (Environmental); Heather P. Harrison (Employment Litigation: Defense); Domenique Camacho Moran (Employment & Labor); Jason S. Samuels (Construction Litigation); Louis Vlahos (Tax); and Joel R. Weiss (Criminal Defense: White Collar).

The firm also named 10 attorneys who were selected to the 2017 New York Metro Rising Stars list. The attorneys and the practice areas for which they have been recognized are: Kathryn Carney Cole, Joshua M. Herman, Franklin C. McRoberts, Adam M. Rafsky and Aaron E. Zerykier (Business Litigation); Jaclene D’Agostino and Robert M. Harper (Estate & Trust Litigation); Veronique A. Urban (Bankruptcy: Business) and Jacklyn A. Zitelli (Real Estate).

Michael A.H. Schoenberg (Business Litigation) was selected to the list while he was counsel at Farrell Fritz.

2017 marks the tenth year on the Super Lawyers list for Ilene Sherwyn Cooper, John McEntee, John Morken and James Wicks. Marty Bunin, Joshua Herman and Jacklyn Zitelli were selected for inclusion for the first time this year. This is the fourth consecutive year James M. Wicks was selected to the New York – Metro Super Lawyers Top 100 list. The Top 100 group of lawyers received the highest point totals in the New York Metro nomination, research and blue ribbon process.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

“Incompetent,” “unethical” and “bizarre” were some of the words lawyers and ethics experts used to characterize a loud, public conversation Trump lawyer Ty Cobb had in a restaurant about the Russia investigation.

Bloomberg Law reported that when Cobb joined President Trump’s legal team in July, he was “intended to be traffic cop, enforcer of discipline” on the case. Then on Sunday a New York Times reporter revealed “he had overheard Cobb and Trump attorney John Dowd ‘casually and loudly’ discussing the investigation and Cobb’s dispute with White House counsel Don McGahn while eating at a popular Washington, D.C. steakhouse. ”

Bloomberg interviewed several ethics experts, one who said, “the failure to take precautions to protect client confidences violates lawyer ethics rules and can lead to discipline.”

Read the Bloomberg article.

Veteran trial lawyer David Elrod has joined the business and entertainment law firm Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, as a partner in the Dallas office, marking a significant expansion of the firm’s existing litigation practice, the firm announces.

Also joining Shackelford are partner Worthy Walker, of counsel Barbara Wohlrabe and associate Hayley Ellison. The attorneys all have substantial experience in complex commercial and energy disputes in Texas and around the country.

“It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to bring upper-tier litigators such as David and his team into your firm. Their addition strengthens our litigation and trial capabilities regionally and throughout the country, while also adding a robust energy litigation section.”

Read the firm’s announcement.

Kelly Chen, a partner in the litigation section of Munck Wilson Mandala, has been selected by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association to receive the 2017 Best Lawyers Under 40 Award (BU40 Award).

The BU40 Award recognizes talented individuals in the Asian Pacific American legal community who are under the age of 40 and have achieved prominence and distinction in their respective careers. Honorees include professionals in the practice of law, academia, business, civic and charitable affairs, the judiciary, or politics, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Asian Pacific civic or community affairs.

Chen represents clients in intellectual property and commercial litigation and she has an impressive list of legal and business organizations she is involved with as a leader or participant. She most recently served on the board of directors for the Dallas Asian-American Bar Association and she is a recent graduate of Leadership Dallas, Dallas Regional Chamber’s leadership development program. Chen also serves as co-chair of NAPABA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Programming Subcommittee co-chair for the Intellectual Property Committee.

Chen has studied in Shanghai, China, and she speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese. Prior to her legal career, Chen worked as a certified public accountant for Deloitte as well as an international waste management company overseas. She received her J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law and she graduated with majors in accounting and business (with honors) from the University of Texas at Austin.

Chen will be honored during the 2017 NAPABA Convention in Washington, DC, on Nov. 3, 2017. NAPABA is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. To learn more about NAPABA, visit www.napaba.org.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

DLA Piper announced the addition of Ilana Eisenstein to the firm’s Litigation practice as a partner in Philadelphia.

Eisenstein joins DLA Piper after three years as Assistant to the Solicitor General in the US Department of Justice, where she briefed and argued extensively before the US Supreme Court. She also advised the Solicitor General regarding federal appellate litigation on civil, criminal and administrative law matters.

“Ilana’s experience before the Supreme Court and other outstanding efforts with the Solicitor General provides a tremendous addition to the firm’s strategic commitment to provide appellate capabilities to our clients at the highest level; and, her superb trial, case management and leadership experience adds a wonderful breadth to our complex litigation, white collar and investigations practices,” said James Brogan, co-chair of DLA Piper’s US Litigation group.

Before joining the Office of the Solicitor General, Eisenstein served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Delaware for eight years. While there, she was the lead attorney on more than 100 cases and tried 11 jury trials to verdict. She was involved in a wide array of cases, including a three-year pharmaceutical pricing investigation, securities and financial fraud investigations, and cases involving bank and tax fraud.

“We are excited to add this talented trial and appellate lawyer to our office, which celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year and continues to grow,” said Joseph Kernen, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Philadelphia office. “Ilana has roots in the Philadelphia area, as she grew up here and has developed a strong reputation working in and around the region.”

Earlier in her career, Eisenstein clerked for Judge Edward R. Becker of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She received her J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard University.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

Blank Rome LLP announces that Martin Teckler has joined the firm as a partner in the Finance group in the Washington, D.C., office. He joins the firm from Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.

As former deputy general counsel for the U.S. Small Business Administration and senior counsel for the SBA’s Business Lending, Small Business Investment Company, and Development Company programs, Teckler routinely prepared security transactions and interacted with sources of lending and venture capital for small businesses.

In a release, the firm says:

In his private practice, Teckler primarily represents lenders who participate in government-guaranteed loan programs—particularly SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, among other agencies—that make assistance available to small and mid-sized businesses. Furthermore, Teckler represents private equity funds, which are often licensed as Small Business Investment Companies (“SBICs”) and regulated by the SBA, that make investments in the middle-market and small businesses. His experience also includes the formation and licensing of multiple SBICs, including the structuring of fund entities, representation of principal groups before the SBA, resolution of investor issues, obtaining leverage from the SBA, and resolving regulatory matters on behalf of licensed SBICs. Teckler has also structured multiple venture capital and private equity investments by SBICs and other funds in a manner that complies with applicable SBA regulations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Martin to the firm,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Chairman and Managing Partner. “Martin’s previous role as deputy GC for the SBA for more than a decade brings substantive, first-hand knowledge of what it takes to close an SBA-related transaction to Blank Rome. His insider experience at the SBA will be an excellent addition to the team’s capabilities, and we look forward to offering his knowledge of funding sources and related programs to our clients.”

“Martin’s experience with the SBA and other federal agencies, combined with his private practice experience, provides him with a unique perspective,” said Lawrence F. Flick II, Partner and Chair of Blank Rome’s financial services industry team. “Focused on achieving successful outcomes for his clients, Martin is a top-notch negotiator, blending his government experience with knowledge of the law to consider all possible outcomes and deliver unique solutions for his clients.”

In addition to his work with small to mid-size businesses and lenders, Teckler also has experience in government contacts, mergers and acquisitions—particularly with businesses that are acquiring or investing in other businesses—securities, and securitization and secondary market work in securities generated out of loan programs where originators sell portions of loans in secondary market transactions or securitization transactions.

“I am very excited to join Blank Rome, as the Firm’s client base is very compatible with my existing clients.” said Mr. Teckler. “Additionally, I look forward to tapping into Blank Rome’s vast resources and legal talent within the mergers & acquisitions group and financial services industry team, allowing me to better serve my existing clients while simultaneously enhancing Blank Rome’s current service offerings.”

Teckler is a frequent speaker on SBICs, Certified Development Company, and Small Business Lending Fund matters. He participates in, and has presented before, the Small Business Investor Alliance and the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders. Mr. Teckler earned his J.D. from George Washington University Law School and his B.A. from Boston University.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

Michael Best announces the expansion of the firm’s Salt Lake City office with the addition of six attorneys from the law firm of Kruse Landa Maycock & Ricks, LLC (KLMR).

James Kruse, Kevin Timken, and Lyndon Ricks join as partners in the Corporate & Transactional Practice Group, alongside Betsy Voter who joins as senior counsel. Ellen Maycock and Jennifer Falk also join as partners in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, and will continue to practice family law as well.

“Our Utah team is thrilled to welcome this group of exceptional attorneys to Michael Best who will continue to strengthen our corporate and broker dealer practice,” said Richard Ensor, Managing Partner of the Salt Lake City & Midvale offices. “The quality of the KLMR attorneys is well known throughout the Salt Lake Valley and Utah as a whole. The addition of this group is a notable assertion that our firm is committed to providing superior and impactful client service across a range of industries in our marketplace. ”

Michael Best’s hiring of Kruse, Maycock and Ricks, who are name partners of their previous firm, KLMR, comes on the heels of recent lateral Craig Stoehr, who in March of 2017 joined the firm’s Corporate & Transactional Practice Group. Other recent practice group growth this year includes three litigation partners in Chicago.

A release from the firm continues:

Kruse has more than 40 years of experience with corporate, securities law, and broker-dealer regulation. He concentrates his practice on advising clients through new equity financings, corporate acquisitions and reorganizations, representation of broker-dealers and investment advisers, and defense against disciplinary matters and enforcement actions from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and various state regulatory agencies. Kruse received his J.D. from George Washington University, where he was a member of the George Washington Law Review’s Comment Staff.

For more than 30 years, Ricks has advised clients on general corporate and commercial transactions, securities matters, domestic and international acquisitions and divestitures. His practice covers a wide span of industries as well, including automotive, electrical products, foreign exchange trading, equipment manufacturing, investment banking, software development and sales, health care, and real estate, among many others. Ricks earned his J.D., cum laude, from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, where he also served as Editor of the BYU Journal of Legal Studies.

One of the four founding partners at KLMR, Maycock brings more than four decades of commercial litigation and family law experience to her practice. Most of her time is spent on the latter, where she focuses on the long-term needs of families in transition during matters of marital estate mediation, complex custody issues, and divorce proceedings. Maycock received her J.D. from the University of Utah’s College of Law. During her time there, she also served as editor-in-chief of the Utah Law Review.

Timken focuses his practice advising public and private companies on various securities matters, equity financings, commercial transactions, and regulatory compliance. In addition, he also has extensive experience managing broker-dealer compliance, particularly regarding resales of restricted securities, and regulatory enforcement defense with the SEC and CFTC. Timken received his J.D. from the University of Utah College of Law, where he was Managing Editor of the Utah Law Review.

Falk divides her practice between family law and litigation matters. As an advocate of her family law clients, she represents them through complex divorces, division of property, alimony and custody matters. She also advises clients in both government and private sectors on complex labor and employment matters. Falk received her J.D. from the University of Utah’s College of Law and her Master of Philosophy from the University of Oxford’s Linacre College.

Voter focuses her practice on financial regulatory compliance and corporate securities law. Her experience includes advising clients on issues related to broker-dealer and investment compliance, enforcement actions and examinations in front of the SEC and FINRA. She served as in-house counsel to a broker-dealer prior to joining KLMR, thereby giving her a unique perspective on the issues related to that heavy regulation industry and insight into how to effectively advise and assist her broker-dealer clients. Voter received her J.D. from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney Law School.

“The decades of experience and leadership that this group brings to our firm and the diverse industry-sector expertise they represent, speaks to our recruitment platform in Utah and the western region,” said David Krutz, Managing Partner of Michael Best. “Culturally, they are a great fit and will help continue our growth and superior client service in Salt Lake City.”

“Our team is excited about this opportunity with Michael Best,” said Jim Kruse, a founding member of KLMR. “The motivation for this move was to provide us the capabilities to expand our regional clients by leveraging the national exposure and reach of the firm to deepen our relationships. I am impressed with Michael Best and look forward to what the future holds.”

Attorneys at Gruber Hail Johansen Shank have been recognized multiple times with the publication of the latest Best Lawyers in America and Texas Super Lawyers listings. The publications use comprehensive surveys, peer evaluations, blue-ribbon committees and independent research to select the honorees each year.

Name partners G. Michael Gruber, Brian N. Hail, Mark L. Johansen and Mark A. Shank again are recognized among the top five percent of attorneys in the state on the Texas Super Lawyers list, along with partners Tricia R. DeLeon, Orrin L. Harrison III, Michael J. Lang, and Anthony J. Magee.

In addition, Shank is named among the Top 100 attorneys in Texas, and joined by Gruber among the Top 100 attorneys in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Read the article.

The Los Angeles Times reports that UC Berkeley’s chief counsel was killed Sunday in a hit-and-run crash while bicycling in Sonoma County, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the driver of a BMW apparently lost control as he entered a curve on California 116, striking and killing Christopher Patti.

“Witnesses told officers that Patti was stopped on the shoulder. The 59-year-old Berkeley resident was sitting on his bicycle and looking at his phone, according to the CHP in Santa Rosa,” according to reporter Veronica Rocha.

Patti had represented the campus in legal matters since 2010 and worked with community organizations as well as federal, state and local government agencies, Rocha writes.

Read the LA Times article.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

Michael Best announced the addition of James Fieweger to the firm’s Litigation Practice Group as a partner in Chicago. His addition follows partners Michael Graham, Peter Huh, and Mircea Tipescu, all of whom have joined the office in the past few months.

Fieweger has more than 25 years of experience and focuses on matters involving commercial litigation, professional and product liability, corporate internal investigations, commercial disputes involving claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and mass tort cases for Fortune 100 corporations. He has represented clients across several industries, including healthcare providers, retail banks, and manufacturers of medical and industrial products, and has defended more than 50 long-term care facilities against breach of contract claims.

Earlier in his career, Fieweger served for six years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, where he managed a broad scope of government and white collar investigations, including international drug trafficking, money laundering, RICO violations, insider trading, wire fraud, and cases involving the False Claims Act.

“James brings a great track record of government experience and corporate investigations work,” said John Scheller, Chair of Michael Best’s Litigation Practice Group. “With more than two decades in the private and public sectors, he will be an outstanding addition and will enhance our litigation and investigations counsel for clients.”
Most recently before joining Michael Best, Fieweger was a founding partner of law firm Falkenberg Fieweger & Ives, where he focused on representing clients in commercial litigation as well as state and federal investigations.

“We’re delighted that Jim has joined us alongside some other recent and notable hires we’ve made here in Chicago,” said Kerryann Haase Minton, Michael Best’s Chicago Office Managing Partner. “He is an accomplished and respected attorney in the litigation and investigations space and we’re confident he’ll be a great fit for our culture of providing exceptional legal counsel for our clients.”

“I’m excited to be a part of such a motivated and successful team here in Chicago,” Fieweger said. “The firm’s credentials speak for themselves and I’m thrilled to be a part of the team in Chicago and to work with the other litigation partners across the firm’s national platform.”

Fieweger received his J.D., cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. He received an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level peer review rating an attorney can obtain for both legal abilities and ethical standards.

Join Our LinkedIn Group