Farrell Fritz announced that Christopher M. Opisso has joined the firm in its Uniondale office as a corporate & finance associate.

Opisso was an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP (New York, NY) from 2013 – 2016, where he began as a summer associate in 2012. Christopher was a legal secondee at Global Infrastructure Partners in 2015; a law clerk at the New York City Department of Education (summer 2011); and, from 2007 – 2009, a Latin teacher at the Delbarton School (Morristown, NJ).

Opisso , a New York, NY resident, earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from St. John’s University School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the St. John’s Law Review. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University, where he was an editorial board member of the Brown Classical Journal.

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that 22 of its associate attorneys have been promoted to partners. The new partners are in the firm’s Chicago, Indianapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. offices.

The new partners are Sarah R. Anchors, Joel A. Austin, Cristina M. Choi, Vanessa A. Davis, Simone Colgan Dunlap, Krystal Aspey Fleischmann, Stephen J. Gardner, Nikia L. Gray, Jonathan G. Howard, Darrell S. Husband, Maria Frenn Kallmeyer, Jessica Lin Lewis, Anne M. O’Brien, Andrea M. Palmer, Isaac J. Roang, Michael A. Rogers, Matthew J. Splitek, Andrea S. Tazioli, Robert G. Vaught, Stuart V. Warren, Hillary J. Wucherer, and Katrene Zelenovskiy.

Firm Managing Partner Fred Lautz, who supervises the partnership across the firm’s 10 nationwide locations from Milwaukee said, “Throughout their tenure with the Firm, these attorneys have demonstrated excellent lawyering skills, have been terrific business and legal advisors to our clients, have provided services at levels which surpass client expectations, and have generally shown commitment and engagement to the Firm and our clients which reflects our values and culture. We are confident they will contribute valuably to the continued growth and success of Quarles & Brady.”

“We congratulate these men and women and are proud to have them represent Quarles & Brady as partners,” added Firm Chair Kimberly Leach Johnson. “We look forward to their continued contributions in serving our clients at the highest levels.”

The attorneys’ new status as partners becomes effective on October 1.

• Sarah R. Anchors — Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team
• Joel A. Austin — Intellectual Property Team
• Cristina M. Choi — Business Law Team
• Vanessa A. Davis — Product Liability Team
• Simone Colgan Dunlap — Health Law Team
• Krystal Aspey Fleischmann — Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team
• Stephen J. Gardner — Intellectual Property Team
• Nikia L. Gray — Intellectual Property Team
• Jonathan G. Howard — Business Law Team
• Darrell S. Husband — Real Estate Practice Group
• Maria Frenn Kallmeyer — Labor & Employment Team
• Jessica Lin Lewis — Intellectual Property Team
• Anne M. O’Brien — Health Law Team
• Andrea M. Palmer — Bankruptcy, Restructuring, and Creditor’s Rights Team
• Isaac J. Roang — Real Estate Team
• Michael A. Rogers — Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team
• Matthew J. Splitek — Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team
• Andrea S. Tazioli — Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team
• Robert G. Vaught — Labor & Employment Team
• Stuart V. Warren — Real Estate Team
• Hillary J. Wucherer — Intellectual Property Team
• Katrene Zelenovskiy — Business Law Team

Farrell Fritz announced that Jennifer Gebbie has recently been appointed to The Child Center of NY’s board. She will serve a three-year term.

Gebbie, a Wantagh, NY resident, is a real estate associate. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law and her B.S. from Pennsylvania State University.

The Child Center of NY seeks to strengthen children and families through skills, opportunities and emotional support to build healthy, successful lives. The Center’s main program areas include early childhood education, behavioral health, prevention & family support and youth development.

Fort Worth lawyer Steve Laird has once again been recognized by his peers and independent researchers, who have named him to the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Texas and Best Lawyers in America.

On his website, Laird has published articles with headlines such as “Study Shows Incredible Benefits of Collision Avoidance Systems,” “Texting and Driving Accidents on the Rise,” “Speed Limiter Delay Raises Danger on Highways,” “Questions Created by Catastrophic Injury, Wrongful Death,” “New Highway Law Allows Too-Low Insurance, Hides Safety Scores” and “Tractor-Trailer Cameras Benefit Safety.”

His firm, the Law Offices of Steven C. Laird, P.C., is located at 1119 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76104.

Read more.

Foley & Lardner LLP announced  that Kim Ashby has joined the firm’s Construction Litigation Practice as partner in the Orlando office. Ashby work in complex construction law includes a focus on appellate work.

In a release, the firm said Ashby represents developers, contractors and governmental entities on a range of complex litigation matters, including lenders and special servicers in commercial mortgage-backed securities foreclosures and workouts. She has experience in construction lien disputes, defect litigation, workouts & restructurings, construction contract formation and tax exemption issues.

The release continues:

“Kim has substantial experience successfully litigating matters in the construction industry, which aligns perfectly with our recognized national practice. Her experience and in-depth understanding of the industry will be a valuable asset as we continue to handle and attract some of the most complex construction cases,” said Jeff Blease, chair of Foley’s Construction Litigation Practice.

In addition, Ashby has represented public- and private-sector appellants across an array of appeals, including judgments for lender liability, review of non-compete clauses, review of construction conditional payment bond issues and the first conditional payment bond case.

“Kim’s arrival will further expand our existing construction practice in Florida and adds significant bench strength to our appellate practice,” said Michael Okaty, managing partner of Foley’s Orlando office.

Prior to joining Foley, Ashby was a partner at Akerman.

Buchalter announces that its Scottsdale office is growing with three new additions. Laurent Badoux joined as a Shareholder in the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group. He was formerly the Chair of the Phoenix Labor & Employment Practice at Greenberg Traurig LLP. Douglas John and Shaun Kuter also joined as members of the Tax & Estate Planning Practice Group. John was previously a Senior Partner at Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg & Arnold LLP, where Kuter was previously an Associate. Both Badoux and John are also licensed in Nevada, where they both have active practices.

“Laurent, Doug and Shaun are welcome additions to our growing Scottsdale office,” said Adam J. Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “Their complimentary practices to our existing labor and employment and tax and real estate capabilities make our services incomparable in this region, and Laurent, Douglas and Shaun’s expertise is another value-add to our clients.”

The firm’s release continues:

Badoux’s practice spans a national and international scale as he handles a variety of labor and employment litigation matters, including labor relations, harassment claims, wage and hour audits, breach of fiduciary duties and more. He represents clients across a number of industries and in addition to handling litigation matters, Badoux assists clients on a proactive basis by conducting audits, providing preventive employee and managerial training and drafting sound employee handbooks and policies.

“I have known many of Buchalter’s attorneys in Scottsdale for years and hold them in high regard. My labor and employment practice meshes perfectly with Buchalter’s current offerings,” said Badoux. I am eager to continue representing my clients at Buchalter.”

Badoux earned his J.D. from the Emory University School of Law and his B.A. in English composition and French literature, cum laude, from the University of Arizona.

John focuses his practice on state and local taxation matters, with an emphasis on property tax counseling and litigation. He regularly advises his clients – including individuals, small businesses and Fortune 500 corporations – as they navigate Arizona’s and Nevada’s complex state and local tax systems.

John earned his J.D. from the University of Arizona, his M.A. in economics from the University of Arizona and his B.A. in history from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Kuter focuses his practice on state and local tax matters, including proactively advising clients on potential tax pitfalls and representing them in litigation in administrative tribunals, Superior Court and appellate appearances. Kuter also has significant experience with tax controversy matters, and formerly worked at the Arizona Department of Revenue’s Office of General Counsel, where he handled transaction privilege tax, use tax and luxury tax issues.

Kuter earned his J.D. from Temple University and his B.S. in political science and government from Arizona State University.

Farrell Fritz had a combined total of 30 attorneys selected to the 2016 New York Metro Super Lawyers and New York Metro Rising Stars lists.

The firm’s 20 attorneys selected to the 2016 New York Metro Super Lawyers list and the practice areas for which they have been recognized are: Peter A. Mahler, John P. McEntee, James M. Wicks and Peter B. Zlotnick (Business Litigation); Peter L. Curry (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 and Patrick T. Collins (Bankruptcy: Business); Charlotte A. Biblow (Environmental); Heather P. Harrison (Employee 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 saw 10 attorneysselected to the 2016 New York Metro Rising Stars list. The attorneys and the practice areas for which they have been recognized are: Kathryn Carney Cole, Matthew D. Donovan, Franklin C. McRoberts, Adam M. Rafsky, Michael A.H. Schoenberg and Aaron E. Zerykier (Business Litigation); Brian P. Corrigan, Jaclene D’Agostino and Robert M. Harper (Estate & Trust Litigation); and Veronique A. Urban (Bankruptcy: Business).

Brian Corrigan recently joined the firm and was selected to the list while he was at his predecessor firm, Holland & Knight LLP.

Beth A. Scharpf (Estate & Probate) was selected to the list while she was an associate at Farrell Fritz. She is now an attorney at Wiggin and Dana in New York, NY.

This year marks Jack Barnosky’s tenth year on the Super Lawyers list. Jed C. Albert, Heather P. Harrison, Jason S. Samuels and Adam M. Rafsky 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.

Six attorneys from the Texas trial law firm Deans & Lyons, LLP, have earned selection to the 2016 Texas Super Lawyers listing.

“From the start, our firm has focused on providing clients with innovative and aggressive representation. We are appreciative to receive the recognition of our peers, as it demonstrates that others respect what we are doing for our clients,” says firm co-founder Michael Lyons. “I have tremendous respect for the work of these outstanding lawyers, and I am so proud to work alongside them.”

Lyons was selected to the Super Lawyers list for a fourth consecutive time based upon his work on catastrophic personal injury cases and high exposure commercial litigation. Firm co-founder Gregory Deans also earned his fourth consecutive appearance on the list for his work in civil litigation and mass torts. Both attorneys are based in Dallas.

Houston partner Jeff Nobles and of counsel Thomas Sartwelle both were selected to Super Lawyers for the 14^th consecutive year for their work in appellate cases and civil litigation, respectively.

Dallas partners Brian Lauten and Katherine Stepp both earned their third consecutive Super Lawyers selections for their work in commercial litigation and civil litigation, respectively.

To develop the list of Texas’ top attorneys, researchers with Thomson Reuters conduct a statewide survey asking lawyers to nominate their top legal peers. A blue-ribbon panel of attorneys then assists the Super Lawyers staff with final selections. No more than 5 percent of Texas attorneys are chosen each year.

The Texas Super Lawyers list is featured in the October 2016 issues of Texas Monthly and Super Lawyers magazines and is available at www.superlawyers.com.

Earlier this year, Dallas partners Robert Bogdanowicz III, Courtney Bowline and Christopher Simmons and associate Kathleen Kilanowski were selected to the companion 2016 Texas Rising Stars listing, which honors the state’s top young lawyers.

Deans & Lyons, LLP, has offices in Dallas and Houston.

Ten attorneys from the family law boutique Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, have been selected to the 2016 Texas Super Lawyers listing, including five lawyers among the Top 100 in the state. No other Family Law firm in Texas has as many attorneys named to the Top 100.

Name partners Richard Orsinger, Keith Nelson, Scott Downing and Jeffrey Anderson have earned a place on the list of the top family law attorneys every year since Texas Super Lawyers was established in 2003.

Dallas partner Brad LaMorgese was named to the listing for the 13^th time. This is the fourth listing for associate Hunter Lewis of Dallas and partner Amber Liddell Alwais of San Antonio, with Dallas partners William Reppeto and Lon Loveless each earning their third selections. Marilea Lewis, of counsel in Dallas, was honored for a fifth year.

In addition, several firm lawyers earned special recognition in the exclusive listing, including:

Top 100 attorneys in Texas:

• Richard Orsinger (14 years)
• Scott Downing (5)
• Jeffrey Anderson (1)
• Brad LaMorgese (4)
• Marilea Lewis (2)

Top 50 women attorneys in Texas

• Marilea Lewis (3)

Top 100 attorneys in Dallas-Fort Worth

• Scott Downing (6)
• Jeff Anderson (3)
• Brad LaMorgese (4)
• Marilea Lewis (3)

Top 50 attorneys in Central/West Texas

• Richard Orsinger (13)

Super Lawyers selections are based on peer nominations and evaluations, as well as independent editorial research. No more than 5 percent of Texas attorneys are chosen each year. The full 2016 listing appears in the October editions of Texas Monthly and the Super Lawyers Texas issue, available online at http://www.superlawyers.com.

Fifteen-lawyeer Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson has offices in Dallas, San Antonio and Frisco, Texas.

David I. Spector and Andrew M. Smulian

Akerman LLP, a top-100 U.S. law firm, announced the firm’s succession plan for its top leadership post. David I. Spector, a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and co-chair of Akerman’s Fraud & Recovery Practice Group, was elected by a partnership vote on Sept. 9 to succeed Andrew M. Smulian as the firm’s ninth chairman and CEO. Spector will serve a 3-year term that begins Feb. 1, 2018 when Smulian concludes a decade-long tenure as chairman and CEO.

Akerman’s Executive Committee issued the following statement: “Andrew is one of the great law firm leaders of our time. He has guided Akerman through transformative growth while strengthening our commitment to be a client-driven, entrepreneurial and forward-thinking enterprise. His bold leadership has placed Akerman at the vanguard of our industry and positioned our firm to address the important challenges impacting our clients and our profession today and in the future.”

“The vision and growth strategy articulated nearly a decade ago are being realized,” said Smulian. “This is the right time to plan for succession and David is the right leader for Akerman’s future. He is an exceptional trial lawyer and has practiced at the leading edge of innovation and business transformation. He has changed the legal landscape for his clients and I am confident that he will be just as successful as our next chairman and CEO.”

Spector is a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and one of seven members of the Executive Committee. He also is the founding co-chair of one of the largest legal teams in the United States dedicated to the eradication of fraud. He previously served on Akerman’s Strategic Planning Committee and is a leader in many of the firm’s client-driven initiatives.

“I am honored by the confidence of my partners and Andrew to serve as Akerman’s next chairman and CEO,” said Spector. “Andrew is a visionary and his dynamic, forward-thinking leadership continues to guide our firm in a rapidly changing industry. I look forward to collaborating with him throughout the transition and in the years ahead.”

A news release from the firm continues:

Smulian has guided the strategic growth and management of Akerman since 2008. He is the second longest serving chairman in the firm’s 96-year history. Smulian has led Akerman’s unprecedented expansion and record financial performance through a strong commitment to client-driven growth. During his tenure, the firm has expanded from 12 to 24 offices, serving clients across the United States and Latin America, and in more than 35 countries. Headcount has reached an all-time high of more than 650 lawyers and business professionals, attracting 200 lawyers since 2008 and bolstering its core strengths in middle market M&A and complex disputes, and its many areas of practice in the financial services, real estate and other dynamic client sectors.

A commitment to collaborative innovation and transformative business practices are hallmarks of Smulian’s ongoing leadership. He has overseen the creation of the legal industry’s first law firm R&D co-venture with clients, which earned Akerman distinction as one of the top forward-thinking law firms in North America by the Financial Times. Smulian also has led the creation of one of the most diverse and inclusive law firms, ranked no. 3 among the top U.S. law firms for Hispanic lawyers by Law360; no. 19 among the top U.S. law firms for female partners by The American Lawyer; and distinguished as a leader in LGBT workplace equality with a 100 percent rating on the Corporate Equality Index. In addition, Smulian has advanced one of the most ambitious philanthropic and pro bono efforts for abused and neglected children in the family court system, which placed Akerman among the Financial Times‘ eight most innovative law firms in social responsibility. Following his tenure, Smulian will continue to play a leadership role in many of the firm’s initiatives.

Spector joined Akerman in 2009 and has built a national trial practice devoted to the investigation and litigation of complex fraud schemes, and unfair and deceptive practices, on behalf of the largest U.S. insurance companies and self-insured retailers. His work has carved a groundbreaking path in plaintiff-side fraud investigation and litigation, and developed case law that helps corporations recover financial losses caused by fraudulent acts. Spector has handled a series of cases involving issues of first impression that have had a significant implication in the eradication of fraud. Among them, Spector was lead counsel in matters resulting in trial verdicts or summary judgments relating to unlawful ownership structure of healthcare providers, medical legal referral services and statutory obligations of medical directors.

He also has significant experience in defending law firms from claims of legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duties — one of which resulted in the successful striking of his opponents’ pleadings in a case valued at more than $1 billion. Outside the courtroom, Spector regularly acts as a trusted advisor to some of the nation’s largest insurers and retailers in their efforts to identify fraud and establish pre-suit strategies.

The partnership vote last Friday paved the way to an orderly transition process beginning in 2017. Spector will assume his new responsibilities on February 1, 2018.

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

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

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

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

Austin:

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

 Dallas:

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

Denver:

• Leonard H. MacPhee – Franchise/Dealership

Houston:

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

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

DLA Piper announced  that Larissa Park has joined the firm’s growing Intellectual Property and Technology practice as a partner in the Boston office.

Park has worked with a wide array of clients, from startups to publicly traded companies, with a focus on semiconductor devices and processing, Internet-based technologies, and financial and business methods. She has written and prosecuted a range of patent applications relating to nanotechnology, silicon processing for displays and solar applications, light-emitting diodes, battery systems, optical systems, cellular networks, computer databases, options trading, solid state devices, and wireless positioning systems.

“With an impressive background managing intellectual property matters, Larissa will be a terrific addition to our team,” said John Allcock, global co-chair and US co-chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice. “She has counseled companies of all sizes, and her deep knowledge of the technology sector will enhance offerings to our clients and strengthen our presence in Boston’s developing market and beyond.”

Park also has litigated patents in US district courts and the Federal Circuit, and has counseled on dozens of petitions for Inter Partes Review before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Her addition follows the arrival of patent prosecutor Mike McGurk and patent litigator Michael Strapp as partners in the firm’s Boston office in the past year.

“Larissa’s extensive work with technology companies will complement the talent we’ve added recently,” said John Rattigan, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Boston office. “She has a great reputation in the Northeast and across the country and will bolster our Corporate practice in addition to our IPT and patent prosecution team.”

Park joins DLA Piper from Wilmer Hale in Boston, where she served as counsel in the firm’s IP practice group. She is involved in a number of local organizations and events serving entrepreneurs, including the MassChallenge, the Harvard Business School Business Plan Competition, and the Harvard Business School’s Rock Center for Entrepreneurship.

Park received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and her B.A. in Physics from Cornell University.

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Kentucky lawyer Alex R. White has filed a class action complaint in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Lawyer.com LLC and World Media Group LLC, alleging violation of New York and other state consumer protection statutes, reports Legal NewsLine.

Reporter Jenie Mallari-Torres writes that the complaint claims White and his class suffered damages to the reputations of their business and professional careers when users posted unflattering reviews on the defendants’ website. Some the lawyers and judges had grades of “D” or “F”.

“White alleges the defendants enriched themselves at the expense of lawyers who have not authorized the disclosure of their personal and professional information, bombarded attorneys with unsolicited emails from ‘potential clients. as part of its efforts to sell premium memberships on its website which cost hundreds of dollars a month and promoted attorneys and law firms based solely on how much money was paid,” according to the report.

Read the article.

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

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

In a release, the firm said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP has added David P. Milligan as partner. Milligan joins the firm from Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Milligan’s corporate experience includes mergers & acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, divestitures, debt financings and equity financings for a client list that includes private equity groups, commercial lending institutions, hedge funds, and a variety of public and privately held companies. He has been recognized as a “leading lawyer” in IFLR1000 for both his banking and private equity work.

“We’re very pleased to expand our group with the addition of an attorney of David’s caliber,” said David S. Stone, chair of the firm’s Corporate & Securities practice. “We are confident that his extensive experience with complex finance transactions will be of great benefit to our clients.”

“I am thrilled to have David join us,” added Managing Partner Scott J. Fisher. “We are committed to delivering cutting-edge counsel with a sound appreciation for our client’s business realities, and David’s skill set – combining his strong business credentials with his excellent legal experience – is a perfect fit.”

Prior to beginning his legal career, Milligan obtained his M.B.A. and worked as a management consultant and in various business roles at Dow Chemical and Compaq Computer Corporation.

Milligan earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School in 2005, where he was awarded the Order of the Coif. He previously received a B.S. in chemical engineering, with honors, from the Florida Institute of Technology, and an M.B.A. from the University of Houston.

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

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

The firm’s release continues:

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

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

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

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

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