Hofstra Law has selected Katy Cole to receive an “Outstanding Woman in Law” award, announced Farrell Fritz. She will be honored at a reception on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Carlyle on the Green in Farmingdale.

Cole, a Garden City, NY resident, is a partner in the firm’s commercial litigation practice group. In addition to a broad commercial practice, she has a niche focus on e-discovery matters, the firm said in a news release. She writes for the firm’s All About eDiscovery blog.

She earned her Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, from St. John’s University School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University.

This event celebrates women who have made a meaningful and inspiring contribution to the legal community.

DLA Piper announced that Mary Dollarhide has joined the firm’s employment practice as a partner in the San Diego office.

Dollarhide has represented companies with a focus on wage and hour class actions and other employment matters for nearly 30 years, the firm said in a news release. She has experience defending clients in single-plaintiff cases involving sex or sexual orientation discrimination, executive misconduct, religious harassment, disability claims, breach of contract, theft of proprietary information and other related matters.

The release continues:

“We’ve recruited some wonderfully talented partners to our Employment practice in California over the past 5 years. Mary represents the capstone to these efforts. . She is remarkably talented, has had a distinguished career and now steps into an exciting opportunity joining DLA,“ said Michael Sheehan, DLA Piper’s global co-chair of Employment and chair of the US Employment practice. “California presents dynamic and unique challenges for employers. Mary’s breadth of experience working in multiple state and federal courts with an intimate knowledge of California labor laws will be valuable to our clients.”

Dollarhide’s addition builds upon the firm’s strategic growth in California this year. In January, Ron Holland, Ellen Bronchetti and Pankit Doshi joined the firm’s Employment practice in the San Francisco office. Also in January, Michael Brown joined the firm’s Corporate practice in San Diego.

“Mary is a marquee trial attorney and a proven leader with the skills to help our clients navigate complex, large-exposure and brand-threatening employment litigation,” said Troy Zander, managing partner of DLA Piper’s San Diego offices. “She has built a strong reputation in Southern California, and her arrival shows our commitment to attracting the state’s top talent while bolstering our bench of resourceful litigators.”

Dollarhide is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and was selected by the Southern District of California to serve a three-year term as a Lawyer Representative for the court. She is the co-author of the legal treatise, “Reductions in Force in Employment Law,” published by the Bureau of National Affairs.

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Dollaride spent her career at Paul Hastings LLP, most recently leading the Employment practice in San Diego. She received her J.D. from USC Gould School of Law, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Southern California Law Review, and her B.A., with honors, from Occidental College.

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Benjamin Kozinn has joined Lowenstein Sandler LLP as a partner in the Investment Management Group. Kozinn joined Lowenstein Sandler from Claren Road Asset Management, LLC, a global credit-focused hedge fund formerly majority-owned by The Carlyle Group, where he served as General Counsel. Kozinn previously served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Director of Hedge Fund consulting in Deutsche Bank’s prime brokerage business.

Robert G. Minion, Chair of Lowenstein Sandler’s Investment Management Group, said, “Ben’s experience, business savvy, and in-depth knowledge of the issues facing funds, fund managers, and investors will be of immeasurable benefit to our clients. We are thrilled to have him as part of our team.”

In a release, the firm said:

Kozinn said, “I was drawn to Lowenstein Sandler because of the strength of its investment management practice and its ability to help funds navigate the increasingly complex terms and choices they face in today’s market. I am grateful to be part of such a strong team as we help steer our clients through an evolving market.”

“Ben brings value to every stage of the fund life cycle,” said Peter Greene, Vice-Chair of the Investment Management Group. “His experience on both the buy-side and sell-side will provide our clients with an edge in a rapidly evolving environment. Funds and investment managers need lawyers who have been on the frontlines and can provide proactive counsel to help avoid risks and turn challenges into prospects for growth.”

Kozinn is based in the firm’s New York office.

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Donna Petrone, counsel with ExxonMobile Corp., will be presented the 2017 Leon Jaworski Award by the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary.

The presentation will be at an event Wednesday, March 8, 7-9 a.m. CST at Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, TX 77027. Tickets may be purchased here.

Petrone was nominated by Catholic Charities for her work. She has been involved in ExxonMobil’s pro bono program for years, earning the Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award for her work 2014. She has participated in and sponsored numerous pro bono activities including Citizenship and DACA clinics, Pro Se Divorce Clinics, Saturday Morning Clinics, and Veterans clinics.  She has also handled Kids in Need of Defense cases (KIND).

In a release, the auxiliary reported:

In 1983, the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to develop an award program to honor lawyers for long-time community service. The first award was made in 1988. The award is named for Leon Jaworski (1905-1982) whose life and achievements reflected a deep commitment to public service.

Through the award program, the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary seeks to inform and educate the public about the dedication of lawyers to the laws that govern us all and about the commitment of members of the bar to the improvement of the community as a whole.

Houston has been fortunate in having countless lawyers who have contributed unselfishly to civic and charitable endeavors. In recognizing the efforts of an outstanding lawyer each year, the Auxiliary honors all lawyers who help make the legal profession an abiding source of community good.

This award is to be given to a member in good standing of the Houston Bar Association who is civically minded, professionally capable, socially and culturally concerned, family oriented, morally and spiritually aware and who has demonstrated these qualities over a significant number of years.

Past award recipients include Lynne Liberato, Carol S. Vance, Kelly Frels, Charles C. Foster, Charles C. Foster, Rufus P. Cormier, Jr. and Bill Kroger.

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Gardere labor and employment attorneys Cristina Portela Solomon and Rachel Powitzky Steely, and litigation attorneys Mary Elizondo Frazier and Mike Seely, have been elected to membership in the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation. Fellows of the Foundation are selected for their professional achievements and demonstrated commitment to the justice system throughout the state of Texas.

Selection as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation is restricted to members of the State Bar of Texas. Each year, only one-third of 1 percent of State Bar members are invited to become Fellows. Once nominees are selected, they must be approved by the Texas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees. Membership has grown from an initial 255 charter members in 1965 to more than 9,000 Fellows throughout Texas today.

Founded in 1965 by lawyers determined to assist the public and improve the profession of law, the Texas Bar Foundation has maintained its mission of using the financial contributions of its membership to build a strong justice system for all Texans. To date, the Texas Bar Foundation has distributed more than $17 million throughout Texas to assist nonprofit organizations with a wide range of justice-related programs and services. More information about the Texas Bar Foundation can be accessed at www.txbf.org.

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Gardere labor and employment attorneys Cristina Portela Solomon and Rachel Powitzky Steely, and litigation attorneys Mary Elizondo Frazier and Mike Seely, have been elected to membership in the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation. Fellows of the Foundation are selected for their professional achievements and demonstrated commitment to the justice system throughout the state of Texas.

Selection as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation is restricted to members of the State Bar of Texas. Each year, only one-third of 1 percent of State Bar members are invited to become Fellows. Once nominees are selected, they must be approved by the Texas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees. Membership has grown from an initial 255 charter members in 1965 to more than 9,000 Fellows throughout Texas today.

Founded in 1965 by lawyers determined to assist the public and improve the profession of law, the Texas Bar Foundation has maintained its mission of using the financial contributions of its membership to build a strong justice system for all Texans. To date, the Texas Bar Foundation has distributed more than $17 million throughout Texas to assist nonprofit organizations with a wide range of justice-related programs and services. More information about the Texas Bar Foundation can be accessed here.

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Farrell Fritz announces that Jed Albert has been named a 2017 “Top Legal Eagle” in Estates & Trusts by Long Island Pulse Magazine. He will be honored at a reception on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences in North Hills.

Albert, a Melville, NY resident, represents individuals and fiduciaries with respect to complex estate planning, charitable giving, business succession planning and trust and estate administration. He earned his J.D. degree from Rutgers School of Law and his B.A. degree from Queens College.

Pulse Magazine’s “Legal Eagles” has been recognizing Long Island’s top attorneys for 10 years.

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The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Jennifer Sucher has joined the firm’s Chicago office in its Bankruptcy, Restructuring, and Creditor’s Rights Practice Group.

Sucher’s practice focuses on secured lending and leasing transactions, restructuring, bankruptcy and creditor’s rights. She has advised clients on a wide variety of issues involving healthcare finance, cash flow and asset based lending, franchise finance and commercial real estate. She spent 19 years working in-house as Executive Counsel at GE Capital and as Legal Operational Risk Manager at Heller Financial.

She received her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago.

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Arent Fox LLP announces the addition of commercial litigator John S. Purcell as a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office. Purcell joins the firm’s Complex Litigation practice and focuses on class actions, intellectual property, media, and commercial litigation. His intellectual property practice includes litigation involving copyright, patent, trademark, idea theft, and unfair competition. He also has experience in construction, real estate, and environmental nuisance matters.

“We are thrilled to welcome John to the firm,” said Los Angeles Managing Partner Aaron H. Jacoby. “He will add to our deep bench of litigators who counsel clients strategically and efficiently, with an eye on ensuring we meet their business objectives. John’s diverse skillset and valuable courtroom experience is a great addition to our national litigation team.”

Previously a senior partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, Mr. Purcell has experience in federal and state courts on behalf of large commercial clients in the consumer electronics, telecommunications, and technology industries.

In a news release, the firm said the addition of Purcell is the most recent step in Arent Fox’s West Coast expansion, which prioritizes the growth of core practice areas that the firm boasts national and international capabilities in. The firm’s California offices recently added commercial litigator Brian P. Maschler in San Francisco and corporate finance attorney Samuel J. Miller in Los Angeles.

Purcell is a member of the California Bar. He earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois, and his law degree from New York University School of Law, where he served as the Associate Editor of the NYU Review of Law and Social Change.

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Buchalter announces the opening of its new Sacramento office with the addition of seven lawyers. James (Jim) K. Dyer joined the firm as managing shareholder of the new office from Downey Brand LLP, where he was a partner. The firm also signed Gwenn O’Hara and her team, including Valerie Collanton, Meghan Cox, and Ann Springgate, from the California Power Law Group where O’Hara was the founding partner.

“The decision to open an office in Sacramento was an easy one as the city’s real estate, technology, government, financial services, environmental, and energy industries are all thriving. However, we insisted on waiting until we found the right fit culturally for Buchalter, and I am thrilled to welcome Jim, Gwenn and their teams to the firm,” said Adam J. Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “We look forward to further increasing our presence in Sacramento and the Central Valley in the near future.”

In a news release, the firm said Dyer’s role at Buchalter will focus on establishing the firm’s presence in the state capital, spearheading the new Financial Regulatory and Compliance Group and offering valuable insight as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors.

The news release continues:

He has more than 25 years of experience as a corporate and financial institutions lawyer with a background in public accounting and in his practice, he assists clients – private and public enterprises and financial institutions – on a range of corporate matters including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. He regularly serves as outside general counsel to a number of these organizations in the California Central Valley, advising them as they develop new products, services or enter new markets. Jim earned his J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law, and his B.A. from California State University, Sacramento.

“Buchalter is very well-established in the California market, and I’m excited for the opportunity to deepen that footprint and lead the new team as we counsel Sacramento and other Central Valley businesses on some of the most pressing corporate, finance, and real estate matters,” said Jim. “In addition to the leadership opportunity, I was drawn to Buchalter because of its entrepreneurial-like culture. It is unique in today’s law firm market.”

Gwenn’s role at Buchalter will include chairing the new Energy & Natural Resources Group firm-wide. She represents public and private entities, assisting with large infrastructure projects, and the development, negotiation, and administration of traditional energy, gas and renewable portfolios. Gwenn represents a major grid operator with contract and regulatory matters and advises on the management of a portfolio of energy contracts that reached $46 billion. She advises on complex transmission and interconnection issues, utility rate cases, and represents clients at the CPUC, CEC, CARB, and FERC. Her public finance work has involved representing cities, counties, and state agencies in public finance transactions as bond or underwriter’s counsel. Gwenn received her B.A. and J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Buchalter’s expansion into Sacramento and the Central Valley,” said Gwenn. “The firm’s strong regional footprint will allow us to expand the Energy and Natural Resources practice state-wide while providing our existing clients with a full range of business services and an exceptional experience.”

Buchalter also announced that both Anna Crivelli and Weston Rockers joined as associates formerly with Downey Brand. Anna focuses her practice on representing financial institutions in a variety of corporate, regulatory, and compliance matters. She also represents general business clients on a variety of corporate and real estate matters. She earned her J.D. from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law and her B.A. from California Polytechnic State.

Weston’s practice focuses primarily on representing lending institutions, landlords, tenants, and developers on issues related to commercial leasing, purchase and sale, acquisition and development, and project finance. Weston also has experience counseling clients on entity formation, business and asset purchase and sale transactions. He earned his J.D. and M.B.A from Pepperdine University and his B.S. from the University of Kansas.

Valerie specializes in complex litigation and has represented a broad range of clients before state and federal courts. She represents her clients on a variety of matters, including those involving energy, antitrust, trade secrets, intellectual property, labor and employment issues, and more. Valerie received a B.A. Degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University and her J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Meghan focuses on energy matters including power purchase agreement negotiation, generator interconnection matters and regulatory issues. Prior to joining California Power Law Group, she worked at a national law firm specializing in public finance and, before entering law school, served as a budget analyst at the California State Treasurer’s Office. Meghan earned her B.A. in history from California State University, Sacramento, and her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Ann has significant legal experience in the public and private sectors, specializing in contracts, transactional finance, corporate law, policy development, and regulatory compliance. She has advised public and private entities on asset-based and project financings, stock and asset purchases, mergers and acquisitions, and secured and unsecured credit facilities. Ann received her B.A. from University of California, Davis, her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and an LL.M. from the University of Cambridge. Ann will split her time between the Sacramento and San Francisco offices.

Dylan Wiseman, Buchalter’s Recruiting Chair for Northern California, was instrumental in the opening of the firm’s Sacramento office. “I am excited to see the opening of our Sacramento office come to fruition and I look forward to working with such a talented team of attorneys,” said Dylan. He will also serve as chair of the Litigation Practice Group in Sacramento. The new office is located at 500 Capitol Mall, Suite 1900.

DLA Piper announced the addition of David Sager to the firm’s litigation practice as a partner in the Short Hills, New Jersey, office.

Sager, who has more than 25 years of experience as a litigator, represents clients in the US and abroad in deal-related litigation, class action defense, real estate, franchise and distribution, securities and intellectual property matters, the firm said in a news release.

“David has developed a strong reputation as a top-notch litigator,” said James Brogan, co-chair of DLA Piper’s US Litigation practice. “His significant international experience will complement our global platform, and we’re certain that his understanding of franchise issues across so many industries will be immediately valuable to our clients.”

“We’re excited to welcome David to the firm, and we look forward to expanding our litigation capabilities here in New Jersey,” said Andrew Gilbert, co-managing partner of the firm’s Short Hills office. “With a host of regulatory changes expected in Washington, our clients will need experienced litigators like David in the years to come.”

Sager most recently chaired both the Commercial and Business Litigation Practice and the Franchise and Distribution Practice at Lowenstein Sandler. He is the latest addition to DLA Piper’s Litigation practice, which in recent months has also welcomed George Karavetsos (Miami), Thiru Vignarajah (Baltimore), Matthew Graves (Washington, DC) and Louis Ramos (Washington, DC).

Sager earned his J.D. from Duke University School of Law, and his B.A. from the University of Michigan.

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Quarles & Brady LLP toay announced that BTI Consulting Group has named partners Rowan P. Smith and Anthony A. Tomaselli to the 2017 BTI Client Service All-Stars list.

Smith and Tomaselli were recognized exclusively by corporate counsel for their leadership in outstanding client service. BTI, a strategic research provider that examines client experience through independent research, named 319 individual attorneys from 160 law firms to the 2017 list, the firm said in a news release.

The release continues:

Smith is a partner in the firm’s Phoenix office and focuses his practice on technology and intellectual property law, including patent prosecution, copyright and trademark registration, licensing, and technology-related transactions. He also counsels clients on non-patent matters, such as the registration and protection of copyrights, the filing and prosecution of trademark applications, and the protection of trade secrets

Based in the firm’s Madison office, Tomaselli is an intellectual property litigator, focusing on intellectual property matters, including patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, licensing, and restrictive covenant disputes. In the past three years, Tomaselli has litigated cases that have resulted in verdicts for his clients totaling nearly one billion dollars. Tomaselli was previously the National Chair of the firm’s IP Litigation Team for over ten years. He also served on the firm’s client development committee, recruiting committee and associate review committee.

Robert A. Wade, who has counseled healthcare institutions for more than 25 years, has joined Barnes & Thornburg LLP’s South Bend office as a partner in the Healthcare Department.

Wade represents large health systems, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, physician groups, physicians and other medical providers on a variety of legal issues.

“We are excited to have Bob join Barnes & Thornburg, as he brings a tremendous wealth of experience,” said Laura Seng, chair of the firm’s healthcare department. “The healthcare industry has undergone numerous changes in recent years and will continue to evolve. Bob’s addition to our healthcare team will provide clients with important counsel on critical issues they face.”

Wade has experience with matters involving the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, and Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, the firm said in a news release. Additionally, he counsels clients in developing, monitoring and documenting effective healthcare compliance programs. He also represents healthcare clients being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of Inspector General. Currently, he serves as Compliance Expert to the Board of Commissioners of Halifax Health, a hospital system in Daytona Beach, Florida, advising on all aspects of their Corporate Integrity Agreement.

The release continues:

Wade joins the firm’s national healthcare group that advises all types of providers on complex regulatory issues related to Medicare and Medicaid compliance, adherence to state and federal licensure regulations, and the impact of the Affordable Care Act, among other issues.

He is a frequent speaker at national and regional healthcare legal, compliance and regulatory conferences. He has been recognized on The Best Lawyers in America and Indiana Super Lawyers lists for his work in healthcare law since 2009. He serves on the editorial advisory boards for Strategies for Health Care Compliance and for the Report on Medicare Compliance.

Wade earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he served as the managing editor for The Ohio State University Law Journal and was a member of the Order of the Coif and Omicron Delta Kappa. He received his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Bowling Green State University.

Employment and labor law firm Littler has added Gary Clayton as a shareholder in its Dallas office. Clayton joins from ADP, LLC, a global provider of cloud-based human resources management solutions, where he served as senior director of privacy programs. Clayton has experience in privacy, data protection, data governance and cybersecurity.

“Employers are facing daunting challenges in an era of rapid technological developments impacting the workplace and continued data breaches that often originate with employees,” said Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, Littler’s co-managing directors. “With extensive experience advising with some of the world’s largest companies, Gary will further strengthen our ability to counsel clients navigating employee privacy and data protection issues in a technology-driven workplace.”

In a news release, the firm said that Clayton, as a member of Littler’s Workplace Privacy and Data Security practice, will work closely with practice co-chairs Philip Gordon and Rod Fliegel to counsel clients on compliance with U.S. and international privacy and data protection laws and regulations. Drawing on his vast experience building, implementing and assessing privacy programs, procedures and training, Clayton will also counsel clients on establishing privacy policies and strategies that reduce the risk of data breaches and exposure to litigation and government enforcement actions.

The release continues:

During his time at ADP, Clayton developed and managed global privacy programs for the company with an emphasis on employment-related data and served as regional privacy officer for Latin America. Prior to joining ADP, Clayton founded a consulting firm that advised several Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and intelligence organizations in the development and implementation of privacy governance and training.

Clayton has advised companies in the airline, automotive, energy, financial services, retail, technology and travel industries, among others, and has provided professional privacy services to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Office of National Risk Assessment and the Federal Trade Commission. Clayton has also testified before Congress, state legislatures, government agencies and international organizations on privacy, data breaches, risk prevention and workplace monitoring.

“Cybersecurity and data privacy continue to be among the most pressing issues facing companies. I’m excited to join Littler, a firm that combines a strong record of innovation with a well-deserved reputation as the foremost authority in advising on issues related to workplace privacy,” Clayton said. “I look forward to working with Phil, Rod and the many other talented lawyers at Littler who have a deep understanding of the key issues impacting employers that want to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by technology and big data, while ensuring compliance with the complex array of laws governing this space.”

Clayton has tried more than 30 cases to verdict or judgment in federal and state courts. He has also published numerous articles, reports and books on data privacy and compliance, and is a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals, a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and a fellow of the Ponemon Institute’s Responsible Information Management Council. Clayton received his J.D. from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University and his B.A. from Louisiana State University.

Law firm Sayles Werbner  announced the promotion of associate Sawyer Neely to shareholder.

“Sawyer has amassed an impressive record of success for his clients and has proven himself to be a formidable presence in the courtroom. His promotion is well-deserved,” said firm founder Richard A. “Dick” Sayles.

In a release, the firm said Neely represents both plaintiffs and defendants in personal and business disputes throughout Texas in matters involving direct and derivative shareholder claims, securities claims, trade secret and copyright battles, catastrophic personal injury, and various complex business and tort cases.

Neely also acts as local counsel for a number of out-of-state companies and lawyers with Texas litigation, and he is retained to conduct internal investigations regarding, among other issues, workplace safety, environmental compliance, discrimination, and harassment.

A 1999 graduate of Vanderbilt University and a 2003 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Neely has been recognized six times on the annual Texas Rising Stars listing of the state’s top young attorneys. While in law school, Neely assisted victims of domestic violence in the District of Columbia Superior Court through Georgetown’s Domestic Violence Clinic. He is also active in the Dallas legal community and his children’s school.

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Lowenstein Sandler LLP announced that Leiv Blad has joined the firm as a partner and co-chair of the firm’s antitrust practice in Washington, D.C. Blad joins with Zarema Jaramillo, who becomes senior counsel in the firm’s antitrust practice. Both join from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius.

In a news release the firm said, Blad has spent nearly two decades representing domestic and international companies in complex antitrust investigations and litigation, including matters involving price fixing and monopolization, including defending clients in the pharmaceutical and financial services industries, both of which have been the subject of government scrutiny for pricing practices.

Jaramillo has antitrust experience, providing counseling and representing clients in investigations related to mergers and acquisitions and complex antitrust class actions. She represents clients from the financial services, technology, life sciences, and telecommunications and other sectors before the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, and foreign competition agencies. Jaramillo also advises clients in government investigations and civil litigation involving violations of U.S. Securities Law and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The release continues:

Said Mr. Blad, “Lowenstein’s sophisticated and accomplished team in D.C. impressed me, as did the firm’s entrepreneurial culture and client focus. I was particularly struck by the fact that every attorney I met throughout the firm could articulate with great clarity the strategy of his or her practice group and of the firm. I don’t know of another firm with that kind of strategic focus. I am grateful to be part of such a strong team as we help steer our clients through an evolving antitrust environment.”

“Leiv is a leader among his peers with a strong reputation in the antitrust arena. Zarema brings important additional strengths to the team,” said Jeffrey Blumenfeld, Co-Chair of Lowenstein’s antitrust practice. “Leiv’s extensive experience navigating the D.C. landscape will be invaluable to our clients. As we continue to grow our Washington office, Leiv and Zarema add to our already significant capabilities in core sectors including life sciences and financial services.”

Gary Klein of Klein Landau provided legal search services to the firm on this placement.

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National law firm Dykema announced that Sandra Cotter, director of the firm’s Regulated Industries Department and Leader of its Government Policy & Practice group, was elected to the Michigan Chamber Foundation Board of Directors. The charitable arm of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Chamber Foundation sponsors public policy studies on key business climate issues and also sponsors the Young Entrepreneurs Academy to guide middle and high school students with business start-up opportunities.

In a release, the firm said Cotter, who is based in Dykema’s Lansing office, focuses her practice on insurance regulation and legislation, campaign finance and election law, liquor licensing and regulation, public policy litigation and legislation, and general corporate work for nonprofit corporations. She has frequent contact with Michigan’s executive office, state legislators and various agencies, including the Department of Insurance and Financial Services and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. She is also a registered lobbyist in the state.

Cotter has been an active member of the Nonprofit Council for Charitable Trusts since its inception in 2004. She has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® each year since 2013 and named a Top Lawyer by dBusiness Magazine each year since 2010.

Cotter received a B.S. from Michigan State University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan.

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Jackson Walker announces the election of 10 attorneys to the firm’s partnership. The new partners in each city are:

• Austin – Kimberly Gdula, Ben Rhem, Cassie Ross
• Dallas – Chris Bankler, Steven Dimitt, Jordan Smith
• Fort Worth – Carrie Miller
• Houston – Courtney Carlson, Amanda Shaw-Castro
• San Antonio – Ann Leafstedt

Chris Bankler, Dallas, Litigation – Chris Bankler’s practice focuses primarily on dispute resolution for businesses and financial institutions. He represents clients in a variety of litigation matters, including general business disputes, fraud claims, breach of fiduciary duty cases, and breach of contract claims. Chris has served as counsel on over 100 cases in state and federal courts as well as FINRA and AAA arbitrations. His distinguished understanding of financial matters has made him a go-to counselor for national banks, community banks, credit unions, and investment and private equity firms. He also represents officers and directors of public and private companies in high-stakes corporate defense cases.

Courtney Carlson, Houston, Litigation – Courtney Carlson represents clients in a wide range of business and commercial litigation matters with particular emphasis on the energy and financial industries. While she practices in both state and federal courts, she focuses on litigation within the state of Texas and receives regular requests to give CLE presentations focused on procedure and related state court issues. Courtney is also involved in environmental litigation matters. She has participated in litigation related to site cleanup and remediation projects and advises clients on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Steven Dimitt, Dallas, Litigation – Steven Dimitt handles both litigation and transactional matters for land use, construction, and business clients.  Recently, Steven has focused his practice on representing religious institutions against municipalities regarding violations of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person’s Act (RLUIPA). Highlights of his practice include the successful representation of a church in a federal court lawsuit, which resulted in the church obtaining the necessary zoning approvals that the local municipality had previously refused to provide.

Kimberly Gdula, Austin, Litigation – Civil litigator Kimberly Gdula represents a wide range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and trusts. In commercial litigation, she represents clients in several areas, including contract actions, fiduciary litigation, real estate litigation, insurance defense, partnership disputes, and antitrust suits. She also defends health care providers and insurance companies in contract disputes and malpractice claims.

Ann Leafstedt, San Antonio, Corporate & Securities – Ann Leafstedt works with family offices and businesses to create and implement strategic plans to achieve their goals. Ann guides clients in entity formation, acquisitions, entity governance, drafting contracts, and other corporate matters. She works with businesses to provide solutions for day-to-day issues and to execute complex corporate transactions. Ann’s experience includes succession planning for family offices, negotiating financing transactions, and representing clients in business combinations. She works with multi-disciplinary teams of tax, real estate, IP, and other specialists to help clients navigate all aspects of deals. Ann represents clients in a variety of industries, including energy, construction, heavy equipment, and ranching. She also regularly advises nonprofit organizations on a pro bono basis.

Carrie Bowers Miller, Fort Worth, Finance – Carrie Miller represents a diverse range of clients, including financial institutions, real estate developers, and mining companies in a wide range of business transactions. She helps clients create efficient strategies to achieve their business goals. Her real estate work involves the negotiation, structuring, and documentation of financing, as well as all phases of development, from acquisition to disposition. Her financial experience includes negotiating single-asset and portfolio transactions, multi-state transactions, loan participations, and multi-creditor facilities.

Ben Rhem, Austin, Environmental & Legislative – Ben Rhem practices energy and environmental law. He advises power generation, oil and gas and mining companies in state and federal compliance matters. Ben regularly works with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency. He also helps clients with regulatory issues related to FERC, PHMSA, the Railroad Commission of Texas, and MSHA. Ben has assisted in the development and financing of over two dozen wind and solar energy projects, as well as numerous natural gas-fired power plants. He was selected to the Super Lawyers – Rising Stars list by Thomson Reuters in 2016.

Cassie Ross, Austin, Real Estate – Cassie Ross is a real estate attorney who represents purchasers, sellers, borrowers, developers, landlords, and tenants in a variety of real estate transactions. She advises clients in the acquisition, disposition, financing, development, management, and leasing of retail, industrial, office, single-family residential, multi-family, and mixed-use projects.  Her experience also includes the representation of clients in the acquisition, disposition, financing, and development of unimproved land. Cassie was selected to the Super Lawyers – Rising Stars list by Thomson Reuters from 2012 – 2016, and was named to the Legal Rising Stars in Real Estate Law list by S.A. Scene magazine from 2012 – 2014. 

Amanda Shaw-Castro, Houston, Energy – Amanda Shaw-Castro’s practice is focused on energy and commercial finance transactions and multi-state real estate portfolio transactions. Amanda routinely helps both borrowers and lenders negotiate, structure, and document complex commercial finance transactions. Amanda assists lenders with all aspects of energy based loans, including revolving line of credit and letter of credit facilities. Amanda’s real estate practice includes representing multinational private and public companies in the acquisition of large multi-state portfolios ranging in value from 250 million to 8.1 billion dollars. 

Jordan Smith, Dallas, Energy – Jordan Smith’s practice is focused on energy, natural resources, real estate, and general corporate transactions. In oil and gas, Jordan negotiates agreements related to upstream exploration and production and advises clients on title issues, water rights, horizontal drilling under special field rules, and lease development obligations. Highlights of his career include the representation of private investment funds in negotiating joint venture investments with operators to develop and produce oil and gas assets around the United States. Jordan is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. He was selected to the Rising Stars list by S.A. Scenemagazine in 2013 and 2015, and was selected to the “Best S.A. Lawyers” in Energy and Oil and Gas Law list by S.A. Scene magazine in 2015.

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Yerra Solutions has selected Béatrix de Russé for the IP Hall of Fame.

A paper in Yerra’s People in IP series details how de Russé was able to transform a struggling IP department into a key driver of revenue for her company, elevating her to the executive committee of the major international corporation and qualifying her for the IP Hall of Fame.

The paper begins with de Russé writing:

Most IP people that I know just seem to fall into IP along the way. Well, I am no exception. Having graduated with Masters in English and Law, I accepted my first position as an attorney with Thomson CSF where I was in charge of drafting standard contracts for training foreign students to become qualified professionals in their countries’ factories.

Read the article.

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Hogan Lovells announces that Gregory C. Hill will join the firm’s corporate practice as a partner in the Houston office.

Hill focuses on representing clients on transactional matters including mergers and acquisitions, capital investment and fund formation. He works with private equity funds, as well as private and public companies on acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, joint ventures, and fund raising activities. Hill also has experience representing companies in agricultural, financial services, technology, and waste/recycling and renewable sectors, the firm said in a release.

The release continues:

“Texas is a prominent market for energy, cross-border and other significant transactions. Greg’s practice is a natural complement to the firm’s capabilities, both in the region and globally,” said David Gibbons, Hogan Lovells’ Global Corporate Practice leader, “He is a well-established and respected corporate lawyer in Houston, who will be able to utilize the firm’s platform to enhance the value and services we provide for clients.”

In addition to his transactional practice, Hill represents boards, audit committees and special committees on matters related to conflict of interest transactions and internal investigations. He has an in-depth knowledge of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and general financial fraud issues.

“Greg’s versatile experience in complex transactions and governance matters will contribute significantly to the development and growth of our footprint in Houston,” said Bruce Oakley, Managing Partner of the firm’s Houston office. “His arrival exemplifies the strategic investment the firm is making in the market. We have tripled our headcount since 2014 and look forward to Greg playing a leading role in the continued expansion of our transactional practice as we move to our office space in the new 609 Main building.”

Prior to joining Hogan Lovells Hill was a partner in Locke Lord’s Houston office where he chaired the firm’s corporate governance practice. He earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law and his B.A. in Political Science, cum laude, from Texas Christian University.

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