April 28, 2025
FORT WORTH, TX—Varghese Summersett has received the Richard L. Knight Rotary Minority Business Award — a prestigious honor presented by the Rotary Club of Fort Worth to recognize minority-owned businesses that exemplify core values and best practices. Varghese Summersett was ultimately named the recipient of the 2025 award, which was presented by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.
April 17, 2025
BOCA RATON, FL—In a hard-fought case with disputed liability, an all-woman trial team at Berman Law Group achieved a massive legal victory, securing a $7.3 million jury verdict for the family of a 19-year-old killed in a tragic car wreck. Attorneys Emily Walters and Courtney Clyne led the team to success before Judge Valerie Manno Schurr in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.
The case centered around a devastating accident on March 4, 2020, when James Donaldson III, a freshman at Tennessee State University and former Miami Central football star, was driving with three friends on State Road 7. The defendant’s vehicle, traveling in the opposite direction, made an abrupt left turn directly into James’s path, violating his right of way. The crash caused James’s car to flip and burst into flames. While his friends survived, James tragically lost his life at just 19 years old.
The defense argued that James’s excessive speed was a contributing factor and claimed the defendant could not see his headlights approaching. Despite these assertions, Berman Law Group presented a compelling case that placed the primary fault on the defendant. “Fighting for justice for James’s mother, Emma Arnett, and their entire family was our major motivation throughout this trial,” said Emily Walters, a former criminal prosecutor who took on her first civil trial in this case. “The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, and knowing we could help bring some form of justice to this grieving family gave me the drive to push forward.”
April 10, 2025
ORLANDO, FL—The JD Law Firm announced its recognition as a recipient of the FLCAJ Readers’ Choice Award. Florida Community Association Journal magazine announced the 2025 Readers’ Choice Award winners in its March issue, profiling select award recipients. The JD Law Firm received the “Gold Level” Readers’ Choice Award for 2025 in the Legal Services Category.
March 26, 2025
SCOTTSDALE, AZ—Sheston Law Group, PLLC announced that Attorney Isabella Porter has joined the firm. With more than 10 years of experience, Porter brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the extensive regulations that govern healthcare practices. Porter will continue to advise healthcare clients regarding compliance issues, audit and survey preparation, regulatory and administrative matters, licensing board representations, and risk management programs, in addition to litigation involving healthcare claims.
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May 7, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—Sidley announced that Brian Fahrney has begun his tenure as the firm’s Executive Committee Chair, and that he will continue serving on Sidley’s Management Committee. Mr. Fahrney succeeds Michael Schmidtberger, who had served as Chair of the committee since January 2018, and will remain a partner in the firm’s market-leading Investment Funds practice.
May 7, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—Littler welcomes back Richard Kienzler, who returns to the firm as a shareholder in the Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets Practice Group. Kienzler, who was previously a shareholder with Littler, rejoins the firm’s Chicago office after serving as general counsel for RHM Staffing Solutions.
May 7, 2025
SARASOTA, FL—Richard S. Loudermilk has rejoined Shumaker as Senior Counsel, bringing with him nearly 30 years of experience navigating all phases of the asset recovery process. Rich was previously a partner in Shumaker’s Litigation group from 2009 to 2011, after which he left to open his own practice focused primarily on creditors’ rights and asset recovery. His return enhances the capabilities of Shumaker’s Litigation and Disputes Service Line, further strengthening the firm’s ability to guide clients through complex financial and regulatory challenges.
May 7, 2025
ST. PETERSBURG, FL—Shumaker Partner David Delrahim has been appointed to the Pinellas County Law Library Board of Trustees by Chief Judge Shawn Crane, with the appointment officially signed on May 1, 2025. In this appointment, David will serve as a trustee for Pinellas County’s only public law library. The law library plays a critical role in supporting the legal community and pro se litigants and ensures continued access to vital legal resources for practitioners, judges, and the public.
May 7, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP (SSRGA) announces the expansion of its Matrimonial and Family Practice with the addition of Eric I. Wrubel, Alexis L. Cirel, Jennifer Sundt and Rose H. Vacanti Gilroy. All four attorneys will join the firm’s existing Matrimonial and Family Law group, catapulting its already prestigious practice to new heights by adding complex financial matters of ultra-high net worth clients and introducing nuanced and cutting-edge representation to the LGBTQ+ community.
May 7, 2025
Miami, FL—JAMS announces that Myriam Lehr, Retired Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit, has joined JAMS. Ms. Lehr joins JAMS after serving 27 years as a judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
May 7, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Davis Malm announces that shareholder Allison Ahern Fillo presented on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) webinar, “How Immigration Changes Could Affect Your Clients (Even If You’re Not an Immigration Lawyer),” on May 6. During the program, Allison and her fellow panelists presented an overview of the recent changes in immigration law, covering new policies on topics ranging from asylum to courthouse arrests and new barriers to entry at airports. The program discussed how these changes may have wider effects on businesses and their employees.
May 6, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that five of its attorneys have been named to the 2024 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll by the D.C. Courts for contributing 50 hours or more of pro bono service in the past calendar year. Recognized for their commitment to public service, the honorees include Katherine Henry, David Long Jr., John Parker Sweeney, and Timothy Willman, who all received High Honors, along with Erin K. Sullivan.
May 6, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—Winston & Strawn announced today the launch of its Secondaries and Liquidity Solutions Group, a multidisciplinary team that expands on the firm’s longstanding work delivering strategic counsel across the full spectrum of private equity secondaries market activity, including GP-led continuation fund and other sponsor-side fund restructuring transactions, and traditional LP secondaries.
May 6, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Life Sciences & Medical Technology Group hosted a roundtable discussion with the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC) in the firm’s Boston office April 23. The half-day event brought together forward-thinking executives from the medical technology community to engage in an open, collaborative conversation and covered strategic approaches for navigating the fast-moving commercial and policy landscape that is shaping the medtech industry.
May 6, 2025
PROVIDENCE, RI—Partridge Snow & Hahn (PSH) announces that attorney Sean M. Fontes will present, “Employment Law in Rhode Island’s Top Industries: Healthcare, Construction, & Manufacturing in a Shifting Federal Landscape,” on a Rhode Island Bar Association webinar on Thursday, May 8. Registration is available here. The program will cover key developments in labor and employment law, including talent recruitment strategies, workforce development rules, and evolving policies on remote work and workplace safety.
May 6, 2025
TAMPA, FL— Chloe A. Denney has joined Shumaker as an Associate in the firm’s Corporate, Tax and Transactions Service Line, where she advises clients on a range of corporate and tax matters. She brings a strong academic foundation and a passion for solving complex legal challenges to her growing practice.
May 5, 2025
TOLEDO, OH— Jeff M. Smith has joined Shumaker as a Partner in the firm’s Litigation and Disputes Service Line, bringing a wealth of experience across trial, appellate, and dispositive motion practice. He represents clients in complex civil litigation spanning industries such as health care, banking, construction, food manufacturing, real estate, and agribusiness.
May 5, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—Honigman LLP announced today that Kenneth (Ken) Goldstein is joining the firm as a partner in the Private Client Practice Group and Corporate Department in its Chicago office. Goldstein joins the firm from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. He focuses his practice on wealth preservation, advising individuals and business owners on nearly every aspect of their estate and tax planning needs.
May 5, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—Venable LLP announced the addition of Charles “Cully” H. Wahtola, III as partner in the firm’s Construction Law Group in Chicago. With more than 25 years of experience, Mr. Wahtola brings a wealth of knowledge and skill, enhancing the firm’s capabilities in handling complex construction matters. Mr. Wahtola focuses his practice on the litigation, arbitration, and mediation of high-stakes design and construction disputes.
May 5, 2025
TAMPA, FL—Burr announced that Francis Morency has joined the firm’s Tampa office as an associate. Francis’s practice focuses on creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, and commercial litigation matters across a variety of industries.
May 5, 2025
HOUSTON, TX—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Charles L. Sharman has been named one of the recipients of the Houston Bar Association’s (HBA) 2025 President’s Award, which recognizes outstanding service to the organization. Honorees will be recognized at the HBA Annual Dinner on May 15. Mr. Sharman was selected for the award by outgoing HBA President David Harrell in recognition of his role as the 2024-2025 co-chair of the HBA Historical Committee. His contributions included working on the HBA Living History Project, which captures the stories and perspectives of seasoned members of Houston’s legal community.
May 2, 2025
MINNEAPOLIS, MN—Meagher + Geer announced that Alexander Tibor has been made Partner at the firm. Zander’s practice focuses on helping clients navigate large loss claims under liability and property insurance programs.
May 2, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, AL—Starnes Davis Florie LLP announced that Stephanie Tunnell has joined the firm as an associate. Stephanie focuses her practice on civil litigation, with a concentration in commercial litigation.
May 2, 2025
SEATTLE, WA—Dickinson Wright announced that it has combined with Ashbaugh Beal and opened a full-service office in Seattle with an elite group of eleven attorneys. This new office marks a pivotal milestone as it becomes Dickinson Wright’s inaugural location in the Northwest, bringing together a distinguished group of attorneys who specialize in a diverse range of areas, including construction, corporate, real estate, and litigation. Leading this impressive team are Members Joe Campos, Robert Marconi, Richard Skalbania, Aaron Thomson, Christopher Ferrell, and Brittany Rivers. Emily Douglas and Matthew Runkel will join as Of Counsel, while Khalid Aziz, Emily Krueger, and Kristen Moran will contribute as Associates. Additionally, the firm welcomes three dedicated paralegals and five support staff, all committed to providing top-notch service.
May 2, 2025
NASHVILLE, TN—Walker Entwistle joins Thompson Burton, PLLC, as partner, and Christina Willow joins as paralegal, announced managing partner Walt Burton. Entwistle is a transactional attorney focusing on commercial lending, representing financial institutions in a wide range of bilateral and syndicated loan transactions. Highly respected by clients, community leaders, and legal professionals alike, Christina Willow contributes over 25 years of legal expertise. As a paralegal at Thompson Burton, she specializes in commercial lending, real estate, and corporate transactions.
May 1, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ—Quarles & Brady LLP announced today that Monika Calamita, a highly respected attorney who focuses on all stages of public finance and real estate finance, has joined the firm’s Phoenix office as a partner in its Real Estate Practice Group. With public finance projects, Calamita advises on new money and refunding financings, multistate and multicampus financings, direct loan financing, publicly and privately offered financings, government financings and lease transaction financings.
May 1, 2025
MILWAUKEE, WI—Quarles & Brady LLP announced today that Dawn David, who brings extensive experience leading clients through high-stakes, complex intellectual property (IP) litigation, has joined the firm’s Milwaukee office as a partner in its Intellectual Property Practice Group. With more than a decade of experience, Ms. David handles matters involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks, trade dress, copyrights and false advertising.
May 1, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Sidley announced that Barbara Stettner has joined the firm’s Securities Enforcement and Regulatory practice in Washington, D.C. Ms. Stettner joins from A&O Shearman, where she served as U.S. Head of Financial Services Regulatory. Ms. Stettner advises U.S. and foreign financial institutions on regulatory and compliance obligations under state and federal securities laws.
May 1, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Sidley announced that Chris Jackson has joined the firm’s Global Finance group as a partner in Sidley’s office in New York. He was previously a partner at A&O Shearman. Luke Maiman also joins as counsel. Mr. Jackson represents fund managers, underwriters, issuers, investors, lenders, and borrowers in various debt fund finance products.
May 1, 2025
PARSIPPANY, NJ—Day Pitney LLP announced today the appointment of two new leaders to its business unit leadership team, effective May 1. Rachel A. Gonzalez (Partner, New Jersey) has been appointed the Business Unit Leader of the firm’s Employment and Labor Business Unit, succeeding Heather Weine Brochin. Gonzalez represents management in traditional labor law, employment counseling, and litigation. David M. Waizer (Partner, New Jersey) has been appointed the Business Unit Leader of the firm’s Private Equity and Finance Business Unit, succeeding Namita Tripathi Shah. In his legal practice, Waizer represents venture capital funds, strategic investors, and emerging growth companies at all stages of the business lifecycle.
May 1, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—Juan Dawson has joined Stites & Harbison, PLLC’s Atlanta office as an attorney in the firm’s Torts & Insurance Practice Group. He brings experience dealing with complex regulatory matters representing clients in federal and state administrative proceedings, strengthening the firm’s capabilities in the Southeast and nationally.
May 1, 2025
IRVINE, CA—JAMS shared its 2024 global caseload statistics. In this third annual report, now known formally as the JAMS Resolution Report 2024, information has been captured regarding the number and types of international matters handled in 2024. Last year, 21,390 new cases came into JAMS, representing a 10% gain from 2023. Of these new cases, 266 were international—a 5% increase over the prior year—involving parties from countries and regions around the globe, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, India, Japan, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S.
May 1, 2025
MEMPHIS, TN—Baker Donelson has elected 16 new shareholders across the Firm. The newly elected shareholders and their primary areas of practice and office locations are: W. Preston Battle IV (Financial Services Litigation and Compliance; Memphis, Tennessee), Jason B. Bloom (Complex Litigation and Class Actions; Fort Lauderdale, Florida), Chelsea N. Hayes (Labor & Employment; Johnson City, Tennessee), Emily Olivier Kesler (Government Enforcement and Investigations; New Orleans, Louisiana), Stephen F. McStravick (Real Estate/Finance; Knoxville, Tennessee), Will Middleton (Corporate; Charleston, South Carolina / Raleigh, North Carolina), Jerrick D. Murrell (Health Care Litigation; Memphis, Tennessee), Vivien F. Peaden (Corporate; Atlanta, Georgia), Craig Penny (Health Law; Chattanooga, Tennessee), Brian C. Pike (Office of General Counsel; Nashville, Tennessee), Kenny L. Saffles (Commercial Litigation; Nashville, Tennessee), Ida Sassani (Logistics, Energy and Manufacturing Litigation; Atlanta, Georgia), P. Lee Smith (Corporate; Washington, D.C.), Iain Stauffer (Health Law; Raleigh, North Carolina), Hunter Threet (Corporate; Nashville, Tennessee), and Chad M. Wilgenbusch (Financial Services Transactions; Memphis, Tennessee).
April 30, 2025
SAN DIEGO, CA—Greenberg Traurig, LLP continues its expansion in San Diego with the addition of two Litigation Practice shareholders, S. Todd Neal and Zagros S. Bassirian. Neal will focus on commercial litigation and defense of government actions. Bassirian’s practice focuses on general business litigation, including alleged trade secret misappropriation, partnership disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, and defamation claims, among other matters, often in collaboration with Neal.
April 30, 2025
SAN DIEGO, CA—Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that it has significantly expanded its California presence with the addition of five partners to its Intellectual Property Department. John Schnurer, Louise Lu, Kevin Patariu, and Miguel Bombach join the firm’s IP Litigation Practice Group and Innovative Technology Sector in San Diego. Tom Anderton joins the firm’s Chemical, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Practice Group and Health Care & Life Sciences Sector in San Francisco.
April 30, 2025
HOUSTON, TX—Attorney Megan Williams has joined the Houston trial firm Bissinger, Oshman, Williams & Strasburger (BOWS) as Counsel. Her extensive counseling and transactional work has included mergers, acquisitions, formation of business entities, reorganizations, sales of businesses, real estate lease and loan transactions, as well as intellectual property, environmental, and employment matters.
April 30, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, AL—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Birmingham partner Anne Marie Seibel has been named chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and will be responsible for overall strategic planning for the practice. Ms. Seibel concentrates her practice on litigating and advising clients on the moving parts in multi-forum or multi-plaintiff, high-stakes litigation.
April 30, 2025
MINNETONKA, MN—Kyle J. Edwards joins Heimerl & Lammers’ Family Law team with experience clerking for the Honorable Jenese Larmouth in the Minnesota Judicial Branch, where he drafted district court orders and conducted legal research. His practice focuses on family law, domestic abuse, and harassment cases.
April 30, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Sherin and Lodgen LLP announces that Noel Y. Cho-Carr has joined the firm’s Litigation Department as an associate. Cho-Carr represents clients in complex civil and business litigation matters, with a focus on real estate and commercial disputes.
April 30, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Luca Cerciello, Giuseppina De Marco, Marco Pensato and Benedetta Venturato have been promoted to Managing Associate, while Alessandro Buscemi, Giada Caravello, Maria Carmela Falcone, Mario Pelli Cattaneo, Federica Scialpi and Luigi Seminara have been promoted to Of Counsel of the Firm.
April 30, 2025
ORLANDO, FL—Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, P.A. has expanded its Real Estate Practice with the addition of Cindy Campbell as of counsel in the Orlando office. Campbell joins the firm from Seyfarth Shaw, LLP. With over a decade of legal experience, Campbell focuses her practice on advising tenants in commercial real estate leasing transactions, helping public and private entities expand their retail and industrial footprints across the United States.
April 29, 2025
RICHMOND, VA—Cozen O’Connor today announced litigator and former chief deputy attorney general of Virginia Charles “Chuck” Slemp has joined its nationally recognized State Attorneys General Group. Slemp, who was responsible for overseeing Virginia’s consumer protection, debt collection, criminal, outside counsel, and appellate matters, while also representing the state’s AG in a range of capacities, joins Cozen O’Connor as a member and will work out of its Richmond office.
April 29, 2025
ORLANDO, FL—Ball Janik LLP welcomed attorneys James D’Cruz and Brian Ankeny to its Orlando office as the firm continues to expand its practices in Central Florida. D’Cruz and Ankeny will focus on construction defect matters. D’Cruz focuses on construction defect claims and is well-versed in investigations, handling disputes, and advanced negotiation strategies. Ankeny focuses on construction defect claims and has a background in litigation involving expert and written discovery, depositions, motions, mediation, and trial preparation.
April 29, 2025
FRESNO, CA—Littler has expanded its Arbitration Practice Group with the return of Laura E. Devane as a shareholder in California. Devane, who was previously a shareholder with Littler, rejoins the firm from Whitney, Thompson & Jeffcoach LLP and brings extensive experience in employment arbitration. Her arrival marks the tenth shareholder to join Littler this year.
April 29, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ— Rafi Law Group, Univision Arizona, and Los Altos Ranch Market came together on Friday, April 25th, to celebrate Día del Niño and the finale of a month-long food drive supporting St. Vincent de Paul. The child-focused event included bounce houses, art activities, face painting, games, giveaways and a $50,000 check presentation from Rafi Law Group to help support children and families in need.
April 29, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Casner & Edwards attorney Drew S. Douglas-Steele co-chaired the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE) 26th Annual Nonprofit Law Conference 2025 on April 9. Douglas-Steele and Casner partner Peter A. Caro also presented the session, “Real Property Law Considerations for Nonprofits.” The program covered relevant real property considerations for nonprofit organizations, including the Massachusetts charitable property tax exemption, the Dover Amendment, and choice of entity considerations.
April 29, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ—Attorney Neil Udulutch launched Desert Winds Law in 2024 with the goal of providing clients with more personalized legal representation. Prior to founding his own firm, Udulutch worked at a large Arizona personal injury law firm, where he managed approximately 250 cases each year. Desert Winds Law, located in the Desert Ridge area, serves clients in North Phoenix and across Arizona. The firm focuses on cases involving auto and motorcycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, and wrongful death claims.
April 29, 2025
RALEIGH, NC—Eversheds Sutherland announced that Amber Allen has joined the US Investment Services & Products Practice Group as counsel. She will expand the team’s capabilities that advise asset managers on a wide range of regulatory issues and matters, including in the areas of artificial intelligence, privacy and cybersecurity, and adviser compliance programs.
April 28, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA—Barnes & Thornburg announced today that Ryan J. Barncastle has been named co-chair of the firm’s Private Equity practice group. Based in Los Angeles, Barncastle joined the firm in 2018, is a member of the firm’s Management Committee and will now co-lead the Private Equity practice alongside Anthony Arnold. With nearly two decades of experience, Barncastle advises private equity firms, portfolio companies, family offices and investor groups in a wide array of transactions across numerous industry verticals.
April 28, 2025
BALTIMORE, MD—Baker Donelson has added Shareholder Amanda Copsey as a member of its nationally recognized Health Law Group in its Baltimore office. Ms. Copsey joins the Firm after nearly two decades of service at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG).
April 28, 2025
TUCSON, AZ—Womble Bond Dickinson has appointed veteran real estate partner Mark Patton to serve as the firm’s Tucson Office Managing Partner, effective April 1, 2025. Patton has built a distinguished career advising businesses on high-stakes real estate and corporate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, joint ventures, and private placements. His extensive experience in multifamily real estate and corporate restructuring, combined with his background as a former CPA, provides clients with a sharp legal and financial perspective.
April 28, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Morgan, Brown & Joy announces its relocation to new office space at 28 State Street, Boston, in April 2025. The firm occupies the entire 16th floor of the building, supporting continued growth, enhancing collaboration, and providing an upgraded work environment for attorneys and staff.
April 28, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Michelman & Robinson, LLP (M&R) announced the continued growth of its New York office with the addition of two accomplished attorneys: Robyn Sandak, who joins as Of Counsel, and Dmitriy Gelfand, who comes on board as an Associate. Sandak joins the firm’s Corporate, M&A, Securities & Real Estate Practice Group. Dmitriy Gelfand joins M&R’s Class Action & Complex Litigation Practice Group, where he will represent clients in high-stakes commercial disputes across state and federal courts.
April 28, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Venable LLP announced that Jennifer Daskal has joined the firm as a partner in its Washington, DC office. With more than two decades of legal, policy, and public service experience, including as the Deputy Homeland Security advisor at the White House and acting general counsel at the Department of Homeland Security, Ms. Daskal will enhance Venable’s renowned Cybersecurity team and advise clients on complex matters at the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, global privacy law, and national security.
April 28, 2025
TAMPA, FL—Brian Soares has joined Carlton Fields’ Business Transactions Practice as a shareholder in the firm’s Tampa office. He was most recently special counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Corporation Finance, Office of Mergers and Acquisitions. Soares counsels public and private companies and their boards with respect to federal securities laws, corporate governance, and capital raising. His practice focuses on SEC reporting and compliance, securities regulation, shareholder activism and engagement, corporate governance, and capital markets transactions.
April 28, 2025
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Shutts & Bowen LLP announced that Thomasina F. Moore has joined the firm’s Tallahassee office as a partner in the Appellate Practice Group. Board certified in both Appellate Practice and Juvenile Law by The Florida Bar, Moore brings decades of litigation experience representing private and government clients in appellate, labor and employment, governmental and constitutional matter.
April 28, 2025
CENTURY CITY, CA—JAMS announced that Steven J. Kaplan, Esq., has joined its panel. Mr. Kaplan joins JAMS following a distinguished career in private practice handling cases in all areas of labor, employment and employee benefits law.
April 25, 2025
PORTLAND, OR—Foster Garvey announced that Kelly M. Woodward has joined the firm as Counsel in its Labor, Employment & Immigration practice. Based in Portland and also admitted to practice in Washington, Kelly brings extensive experience advising public agencies, managing complex labor relations programs, engaging in collective bargaining negotiations and guiding employment policy across large-scale government operations.
April 25, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Senior Associate Darshana Indira served on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) 2025 Employment Law Conference Steering Committee. The conference was held April 3, 2025 and tackled pressing legal issues in the workplace, including the future of non-competes and DEI initiatives, employee misclassification in the gig economy, navigating the state and federal landscapes of employee leaves and accommodations, and understanding immigration compliance and employee protections.
April 24, 2025
HOUSTON, TX—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP welcomed Amy Moss as a partner in the firm’s Corporate & Securities Practice Group in Houston. The addition of Ms. Moss closely follows the addition of four corporate and bankruptcy attorneys who joined the office from Chamberlain Hrdlicka last month. With over two decades of corporate law experience, Ms. Moss represents public and private companies in a broad range of national and international corporate, finance, real estate and commercial transactions.
April 16, 2025
NEW YORK, NY— Sidley announced that Bonnie Neuman, Melissa Hinkle, Nick Brandfon, and Molly Lovedale have joined Sidley’s Real Estate practice as partners. In addition, Andrea Weitzman joins as counsel. The group joins from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP along with a team of nine associates. Ms. Neuman was a member of Cadwalader’s Management Committee, co-chair of its Finance Group, and head of the firm’s Real Estate Finance practice. Bonnie joins Sidley’s office in New York and will co-lead the firm’s Real Estate group. Ms. Hinkle, Mr. Brandfon, and Ms. Weitzman also join Sidley’s office in New York. Ms. Lovedale will be part of the Washington, D.C. team.
April 24, 2025
WEST PALM BEACH, FL—Alan Burger of McDonald Hopkins led a team that secured a major pro bono victory for a 77-year-old woman at risk of losing her home. The case, referred by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, involved a complex property dispute tied to a family divorce. Burger and his team logged more than 400 hours of work, ultimately ensuring that the woman received the majority of the home’s proceeds and retained financial stability. The firm’s efforts were recognized by the Legal Aid Society, which selected McDonald Hopkins to receive the “And Justice For All” award at its annual gala. The award honors those who demonstrate exceptional dedication to providing equal access to justice.
April 24, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA—Building on its 2024 expansion, Barnes & Thornburg has recently welcomed five new partners in three offices across the firm, boosting the Corporate, Litigation, and Labor and Employment Practice Groups as part of its focused growth strategy. Joining are corporate partners Keith Melman in Los Angeles and Mark Kromkowski in Chicago, securities and regulatory enforcement litigation partner Paul W. Kisslinger in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta-based labor and employment partners Tiffany Downs and Matthew D. Grabell.
April 24, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP has relocated its Washington, D.C., office into new space in the 1900 K Street building. The firm now occupies the entire eighth floor at 1900 K Street NW, Suite 800, totaling 28,251 square feet. The D.C. office move follows on the heels of Bradley’s new office space in Atlanta and Nashville, which were a response to the firm’s successful growth strategy across its footprint.
April 24, 2025
MINNETONKA, MN—Heimerl & Lammers welcomes Alexis Bernhardt to the Family Law team. She brings experience from her time as a judicial law clerk for Referee Jason T. Hutchison in Hennepin County Family Court and from her previous role clerking in private practice. Alexis focuses on family law, offering a balanced perspective shaped by both courtroom experience and client advocacy.
April 23, 2025
NEW HAVEN, CT—Littler has added Elisabeth Ambrozaitis as senior counsel in its New Haven office. Ambrozaitis joins from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is the second attorney to join the New Haven office this month, following Special Counsel Sean M. Fisher. Ambrozaitis represents and counsels management on a variety of traditional labor matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, labor arbitration, contract administration, and unfair labor practice charges, among others.
April 23, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Davis Malm announces that shareholder Allison Ahern Fillo presented on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) webinar, “Not Selected in the Lottery? Visa Options Beyond the H-1B Cap,” on April 17. During the program, Allison and her fellow panelist presented creative visa options for professionals not selected in the H-1B CAP, sharing practical experience with the Early Career STEM Research Initiative J-1 program and how to mitigate risks involved with using “Day 1 CPT,” as well as other available visa options, such as O-1, L-1, and TN. The program gave attendees insight on “go to” strategies for each option and how to leverage new and existing immigration policies. Allison is an immigration attorney who assists U.S. businesses and non-citizens with obtaining immigration and naturalization benefits.
April 23, 2025
ST LOUIS, MO—Stinson LLP welcomed Robert Reeser as a partner in its Intellectual Property & Technology Division. Based in the firm’s St. Louis office, Reeser focuses his practice on working with emerging and established innovators to turn technology into protected opportunities by identifying and pursuing untapped market space.
April 23, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—Cozen O’Connor today welcomed employment litigator and appellate lawyer Matthew Barszcz to its nationally recognized Labor & Employment Department. Barszcz, who advises and represents clients facing employment discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and wage and hour claims in both state and federal courts, joins Cozen O’Connor as a member and will work out of its Chicago office. Barszcz comes to the firm from Dinsmore & Shohl LLP and handles high profile union and non-union workforce disputes for clients ranging from privately held entities to Fortune 500 enterprises with global operations.
April 23, 2025
NASHVILLE, TN—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Katherine Barnes Cohn has joined the firm’s Nashville office as counsel in the Environmental Law Practice Group. Ms. Barnes Cohn has a wide range of environmental law experience, with a particular focus in water law and solid and hazardous waste law, and she also works with clients on administrative, property and contract law, including brownfield agreements.
April 23, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Fenwick announced today that Noah Solowiejczyk, who most recently served as the Co-Chief of the Illicit Finance & Money Laundering Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, has joined the firm’s white collar defense & investigations practice as a partner in New York. With over a decade of experience at SDNY, Solowiejczyk brings a rare blend of insight, credibility, and courtroom experience to support clients facing government investigations, regulatory scrutiny, and complex civil litigation.
April 22, 2025
NASHVILLE, TN—Bass, Berry & Sims announced the addition of six new attorneys in its Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, offices. In Nashville, the firm added Emmy M. Anderson, Molly Buchanan, Blake E. Creekmur, and Jordan T. Redler; in Memphis, associates Brian Garrott and Katy Presson joined. With these latest additions, Bass, Berry & Sims has welcomed 10 lateral attorneys since the start of 2025. Emmy M. Anderson (Associate, Nashville) represents clients in complex business litigation and government investigations. Molly Buchanan (Senior Corporate Attorney, Nashville) counsels private equity and venture capital clients. Blake E. Creekmur (Associate, Nashville) advises owners, contractors and subcontractors, and design professionals. Brian Garrott (Associate, Memphis) represents clients in complex commercial litigation and compliance and government investigations. Katy Presson (Associate, Memphis) advises clients on compliance with SEC regulations. Jordan T. Redler (Associate, Nashville) counsels investment funds through all stages of the fund’s life cycle.
April 22, 2025
NEW ORLEANS, LA—McGlinchey Stafford announced that three of its New Orleans-based attorneys have been recognized by the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Young Lawyers Division (YLD) for their exceptional contributions to the profession on April 11. Andrew Albritton, who has practiced with the firm since 2021, was named among the Top 40 Young Lawyers in Louisiana. Andrew has a diverse practice representing national financial institutions, restaurant franchisees, hospitality providers, local non-profits, and charter schools in employment law and litigation. Associate Gillian Miculek McCarroll was named the 2025 Hon. Michelle Pitard Wynne Professionalism Award recipient. Gillian litigates claims involving products liability, transportation, asbestos, mass torts, and toxic chemicals in mediation, bench, and jury trials. Sean Sullivan, who was named Member in January, has also been recognized as one of the Top 40 Young Lawyers in Louisiana. Sean has built a diverse and specialized legal practice with 15 years of experience in insurance coverage and defense.
April 22, 2025
EDWARDSVILLE, IL—The Gori Law Firm welcomes Collinsville-based attorney Steve Giacoletto as its new Of Counsel attorney. Giacoletto has been the principal of Giacoletto Law Firm since 1996. He specializes in working with victims of automobile accidents, slips and falls, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, municipal law and civil appeals.
April 22, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Casner & Edwards partner Molly Wilson Chung was a featured guest on the Dishing on Divorce podcast. During the episode, titled “Prenups, Postnups and the Power of Preparation,” Chung, along with podcast hosts Deanna Coyle and Mandy Pullen Barr, explored the purpose behind prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, dispelled common myths, and discussed how these tools can foster transparency and long-term relationship success. Chung also explained who should consider a prenuptial agreement, why timing matters, and how approaching marriage with thoughtful planning can reduce conflict. Chung focuses her practice on family law and divorce litigation.
April 21, 2025
HOUSTON, TX—Chamberlain Hrdlicka today announced its trial team secured a favorable jury verdict in the 270th Judicial District Court (Judge Dedra Davis presiding) for firm client Tepeyak Group, LLC, against Pennington Companies Inc (Penn Co) and their subsidiary Coast to Coast Motors, LLC (Coast to Coast).
In May 2019, Tepeyak Group, LLC, the seller of commercial real estate in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Harris County, sold the property to Penn Co for $2.5 million. At the time of the sale, there were various code violations issued to Tepeyak – some created by Tepeyak, which were resolved without cost, and other major construction code violations created by Coast to Coast without written permission from their landlord, Tepeyak, and without obtaining permits from Harris County. Despite being aware of code violations, Penn Co proceeded with the sale.
Harris County sued Penn Co after the sale for violations of floodplain management, and Penn Co ultimately voluntarily agreed to build a detention pond and convey a right-of-way rather than tear down structures to cure code violations caused by Tepeyak’s tenant, Coast to Coast. In May 2021, Penn Co filed a lawsuit against Tepeyak after Tepeyak declined to pay for damages caused by Coast to Coast.
Trial began on March 26, during which the jury heard that Penn Co and Coast to Coast completed significant illegal construction in a flood plain without permits or written permission, including pouring concrete, building a fence, turning a large patio into a large commercial building and forcing employees to work in a building with serious fire code violations for months. Following several delays, the jury charge and closing arguments were finally presented on April 16. Penn Co sued Tepeyak for real estate fraud, common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, and fraud by non-disclosure. They asked for $1.5 million in economic damages, $600,000 in attorneys’ fees and additional punitive damages. Tepeyak countersued Penn Co for tortious interference and breach of contract and sued Penn Co’s subsidiary, Coast to Coast, for statutory fraud and breach of their lease agreement. Tepeyak asked for indemnification and attorneys’ fees.
The jury unanimously rejected all of Plaintiff’s claims and instead found that Penn Co and Coast to Coast had committed statutory fraud against Tepeyak and Coast to Coast breached their lease agreement with Tepeyak. Tepeyak was awarded $20,000 in damages for breach of contract and all of their attorneys’ fees.
Shareholder R. Kyle Hawes and senior counsel Michael Feibus represented Tepeyak, along with associate Elizabeth Pollard. Hawes and Feibus, who served as co-lead counsel, guided the case from start to finish and shaped the litigation strategy at every stage. Feibus delivered both the opening and closing statements and examined multiple witnesses. Pollard successfully argued several pretrial and trial motions, drafted the jury charge, directed her first witness, and completed her first jury trial.
April 21, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PA—Intellectual property law firm Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP announced that Kevin Scanlon has joined the firm as a scientific advisor. Scanlon supports the firm’s patent procurement team members full-time as they guide clients in the electrical, computer, and electronics spaces.
April 21, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK—Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. announced the addition of a six-member team, furthering the firm’s recent growth in the Southwest and establishing a new presence in Oklahoma. This expansion enhances the firm’s capabilities in financial institution and securities litigation, complex litigation, regulatory and enforcement matters, as well as compliance consulting. The new office will be managed by experienced financial institution and securities litigator Tara A. LaClair. The Oklahoma City team also brings expertise in healthcare law, tribal and Indian law matters, class action defense, and insurance defense. The team, which consists of LaClair, Jennifer N. Lamirand, Bruce W. Day, and three support staff, will bolster the firm’s already strong Financial Institutions and Litigation practice teams
April 21, 2025
MEMPHIS, TN—Baker Donelson has added 26 new attorneys, including a New Jersey-based health care transactional team, a litigation team, and several real estate attorneys in a move that marks a significant expansion of the Firm’s nationally recognized Health Law Group and its geographic reach, launching new offices in Princeton and Metropark (Iselin). The addition also includes attorneys who are nationally recognized commercial litigators, significantly extending the scope of Baker Donelson’s national commercial litigation practice. Of the 26 new attorneys, 17 are joining as shareholders, two as of counsel, and seven as associates. Also joining are two paralegals and six support staff. All of these professionals are joining from the leading health law firm of Epstein Becker Green.
April 16, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ—Stinson LLP welcomed Partner Jeffrey Harris and Attorney Jennifer Putnam Ooms to its Phoenix office. Both are joining the firm’s Business Litigation Practice Division. Harris brings extensive experience in complex civil and commercial litigation. Putnam Ooms has significant experience in business litigation disputes, real estate and the complex litigation space.
April 18, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rikka announced that CEO, Managing Member and Founder Charlyn Ho recently completed the Veteran Institute Procurement (VIP) START Program, a comprehensive training and certification program that helps veteran-owned businesses strengthen their ability to win government contracts and do business with both military and civilian agencies.
April 18, 2025
AUSTIN, TX—Dykema today announced that Jason Paul Blair has joined the firm as a Member in the Trademark Practice Group resident in the firm’s Austin office. He comes to Dykema after more than three years of practicing at Smith Gambrell & Russell, LLP in Austin. Prior to moving into private practice, Blair served as a Trademark Examining Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for more than 13 years, where he oversaw the implementation of agency rules related to sound marks and motion marks.
April 18, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Boston law firm Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorney Brendan S. Cox served as a visiting faculty member for a Direct Examination Workshop conducted by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, February 18-19. Topics included effective direct examination techniques for client and non-client witnesses, handling objections, and client-centered, advocacy based storytelling through witness examination. Cox is an experienced litigator and criminal defense attorney.
April 17, 2025
NEW ORLEANS, LA—Adams & Reese announces a comprehensive rebrand and website refresh. The redesign marks a significant milestone for the firm, capping off a quarter century of substantial growth and reinforcing its commitment to building collaborative partnerships with clients. Adams & Reese also developed a new corporate tagline – “Where You Want to Be” – that speaks to the firm’s commitment to being a destination for clients, lateral attorneys, law graduates, and all legal professionals.
April 17, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has announced that Derek Smith, a partner at Venable LLP in Chicago, has accepted an invitation to join the IADC, the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests. Mr. Smith is an experienced litigator with more than 25 years of experience representing clients in all types of matters and disputes, particularly litigation involving complex personal injury and/or environmental contamination claims
April 17, 2025
MINNEAPOLIS, MN—Maslon LLP announced the addition of attorney Annika Misurya to the firm’s Litigation Group. Misurya represents clients in complex civil litigation, white-collar criminal defense, tort and product liability defense, and general commercial litigation. She brings significant courtroom experience, including key roles in six trials over the last two years in both civil and criminal cases.
April 17, 2025
BOCA RATON, FL—Veteran estate planning attorney Chioma Deere has joined the South Florida office of Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP (SSRGA) as senior counsel. Deere focuses her practice on wills and trusts, probate administration, Medicaid planning, and nursing home protection. She operated her own firm, Deere Law Firm, for nearly four years before joining SSRGA.
April 16, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—Litigation firm Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers LLP announced that partner Mark Goodman and senior attorney Gail Pursel have been inducted as Fellows of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers by the organization’s board of governors. Goodman enters as a member of the class of 2025 with Pursel’s induction coming a year after being named to the class of 2024. Goodman started his career handling workers’ compensation cases at Swift Currie in 1984 and has established himself as an influential advocate and a pillar of Georgia’s legal community, particularly in the workers’ compensation practice. Gail S. Pursel brings more than 25 years of experience to Swift Currie as a senior attorney representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation claims.
April 16, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—Thompson Coburn announced the additions of seasoned litigators Adam Toosley in Chicago and Laura Ellis Kugler in Dallas. Toosley focuses on Business Litigation while Kugler joins the firm’s Mass Tort Litigation and Product Liability team.
April 16, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—GSH Attorneys has announced that Chandler Stutzman has joined the firm as an Associate in the Northside office. Chandler Stutzman represents developers, builders, purchasers, sellers and lenders in all phases of residential real estate transactions, from land acquisition and development to closing homebuyer sales and refinancings.
April 16, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has announced that Christopher Campbell, a partner and chair of the Product Liability and Mass Torts practice group at DLA Piper in Atlanta, Georgia, has accepted an invitation to join the IADC. Mr. Campbell focuses his practice on a diverse range of mass tort, class action and other complex commercial matters, serving as lead strategic, coordinating and trial counsel for clients in the life sciences, food and beverage, automotive, insurance and other sectors.
April 16, 2025
CHARLESTON, SC—Kathryn “Katie” N. Tanner has joined Shumaker as an Associate, bringing with her a broad range of experience in civil litigation and a strong commitment to client advocacy. Katie is an experienced litigator who has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide variety of civil matters in state and federal courts.
April 16, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, AL—Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC welcomed litigator Phillip J. Pullen back to the firm as a lateral associate in the Birmingham office. His practice will focus on product liability, medical malpractice, serious personal injury and commercial litigation.
April 16, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Faegre Drinker announced today that Tom Pack has joined the firm’s product liability and mass torts practice as a partner in the San Francisco office. Pack represents life science companies in complex litigation in California, Minnesota and across the United States, from pre-suit claim management through trials and appeals in individual and consolidated matters, with a particular focus on product liability disputes.
April 16, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Carol McClarnon has joined Carlton Fields’ Financial Services Regulatory Practice as a shareholder in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. She was most recently a partner at Eversheds Sutherland. McClarnon has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, focusing on compliance with Title I of ERISA and its fiduciary duty and prohibited transaction provisions.
April 15, 2025
WEST PALM BEACH, FL—Jones Foster announces the expansion of its Complex Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group with the addition of Peter J. Sitaras, who joins the firm as an associate in its West Palm Beach office. Mr. Sitaras will focus his practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation and civil litigation. His previous experience includes litigating class actions, federal appeals, and real estate and business disputes.
April 15, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Venable LLP announced the addition of intellectual property (IP) attorney Rebecca Horton to its San Francisco office as a partner. Ms. Horton specializes in helping clients protect their IP and brands. A skilled litigator with extensive experience, she advises clients across a diverse array of industries, including technology, financial services, and consumer goods and retail, on the protection and enforcement of their IP rights.
April 15, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Mintz celebrated its 25th anniversary in New York with an event in its Manhattan office on April 10th, attended by hundreds of clients, colleagues, and industry leaders. Launched in 2000 with just seven attorneys, Mintz’s New York office was among the first expansions of a Boston-founded firm into the city. Over the past 25 years, it has grown to nearly 140 attorneys offering a full suite of legal services, including high-stakes litigation and investigations, complex corporate transactions, and regulatory advisory.
April 15, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—Litigation firm Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers LLP announced the addition of six new attorneys in the first quarter of 2025, including five in the firm’s Atlanta office and one in Birmingham. In Atlanta, Max Yarus and E. Chris Blessy join the coverage & commercial litigation practice group, Dan McCann and Alicia Harry join the litigation practice group and William Anthony joins the workers’ compensation practice group. Hannah Kennedy joins the coverage & commercial litigation practice group in Birmingham.
April 15, 2025
CENTURY CITY, CA—Sidley announced that Deepak Nanda has joined the firm’s M&A and PE group as a partner in Sidley’s office in Century City. Mr. Nanda joins from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where he was a partner in the M&A and Private Equity practice groups. Mr. Nanda focuses on transactional and securities matters, including cross-border mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, privatization transactions, leveraged recapitalizations, and buyouts; venture capital and private equity fund formation and portfolio company investment; public and private offerings of equity and debt securities; public corporation securities laws and reporting compliance; and structured finance transactions.
April 15, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that a 12-person intellectual property team – led by prominent IP attorneys Daniel E. Sineway, Daniel L. Huynh, Ashley Klein, and Adam J. Thompson – has joined the firm’s Atlanta office. In addition to these four new partners, the team includes one senior attorney, four associates, and three paralegals who were all part of a nationally recognized IP practice under the leadership and co-leadership of Mr. Sineway and Mr. Huynh, respectively. A registered patent attorney, Mr. Sineway works with startups, early-stage entrepreneurial companies, and mid-market and large companies to craft and develop innovative IP strategies. Mr. Huynh works with companies in a variety of technology sectors, including wireless communications, e-commerce, and financial payment systems. With a concentration on trademark matters and IP litigation, Ms. Klein regularly handles disputes involving trademark infringement claims and Uniform Domain Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) claims. Mr. Thompson delivers strategic solutions that support his clients’ business objectives, providing strategic guidance on protecting IP rights, launching new products, expanding into new markets, and defending against IP challenges. Rounding out the team of IP attorneys are senior attorney Micah Hensley and associates Anna Baker, Danny Begasse, Eliza del Carmen and Haley Phillips, who provide business-focused IP strategies to early-stage startups and mid-market and large companies across a variety of industries, including artificial intelligence, communications, fintech, cybersecurity, gaming, medical devices, robotics, and consumer products.
April 15, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ—Stinson LLP welcomed Partner Jeffrey Harris and Attorney Jennifer Putnam Ooms to its Phoenix office. Both are joining the firm’s Business Litigation Practice Division. Harris brings extensive experience in complex civil and commercial litigation. Putnam Ooms has significant experience in business litigation disputes, real estate and the complex litigation space.
April 15, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Hogan Lovells announced today that James “Jim” Davidson has joined as a capital markets partner in the firm’s preeminent and nationally recognized REIT practice, based in the Washington, D.C. and Houston offices. Davidson, who joins from Hunton Andrews Kurth, advises clients on REIT transactions, corporate governance, and securities market regulation, and represents clients in both U.S. and international capital markets matters.
April 14, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA—Buchalter announced that Ashwin J. Ram has joined the firm as a shareholder in its White Collar and Investigations and Litigation groups in Los Angeles. Ram brings with him a team of experienced attorneys— David Chao, Sonja Arndt-Johnson, and Evan Goldstick—which will enhance Buchalter’s capabilities in white collar defense, investigations, and high-stakes disputes. Ram has nearly two decades of experience as a seasoned trial lawyer and legal strategist representing both corporate and individual clients in complex criminal, civil, and regulatory matters
April 14, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Frost Brown Todd (FBT) has added employment defense litigator Brandon Rainey as Partner to its Labor and Employment practice in San Francisco. As an employment litigation defense lawyer, Rainey’s practice consists of defending discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and whistleblower claims from start to finish.
April 14, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA—Signature Resolution announces that Ambassador David L. Carden (Ret.) has joined its panel of neutrals. Ambassador Carden brings over 45 years of distinguished legal, diplomatic, and dispute resolution experience to his new role. Before joining the firm, Ambassador Carden built a distinguished legal career specializing in the defense of claims alleging fraud in the sale and trading of securities, commodities, and currencies. He also is experienced in cases involving environmental damage and mass tort.
April 14, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—Burr & Forman announced that Zach McCormack has joined the firm as an associate in the Labor & Employment practice group. Zach’s practice concentrates on representing employers and high-level executives in litigation matters involving allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and breaches of employment contracts.
April 14, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA—Stinson LLP announced its West Coast expansion with its first California office. The new Los Angeles office in Century City becomes the firm’s 14th office and extends its national footprint. Joining Stinson in California are Corporate Partner Michael Wippler and Litigation Partner Jeffrey Huron. Huron focuses his legal practice on complex business disputes and excels in high-stakes business and real estate litigation. Wippler provides business, real estate, and corporate counsel across multiple industries, including manufacturing, construction, automotive and energy.
April 14, 2025
NASHVILLE, TN—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Nashville partner Brooks R. Smith has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL). Mr. Smith focuses his practice on all aspects of real estate transactions, including borrower-side financings, joint ventures, and development projects on a national basis.
April 14, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, AL—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that firm partner Tripp Haston has been appointed to serve as the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) representative on the Executive Committee of the Lawyers for Civil Justice (LCJ) Board of Directors. Mr. Haston will serve as LCJ’s president in 2028, and his board term runs through 2029. Based in the firm’s Birmingham office, Mr. Haston is chair of Bradley’s Life Sciences Litigation team and represents a broad spectrum of clients on regional, national and international engagements.
April 14, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Sidley announced that Demetrius Warrick has joined the firm’s M&A and PE practice as a partner in Sidley’s office in New York. Mr. Warrick joins from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Mr. Warrick focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities, and general corporate law.
April 14, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Honigman LLP announced today that Daniel Wendt is joining the firm as a partner in the Government Relations and Regulatory Practice Group and Regulatory Department in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Wendt joins the firm from Miller & Chevalier, where he was a member. Wendt brings more than two decades of experience to Honigman, with his practice primarily focusing on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other financial laws, United States trade laws, corporate investigations, and compliance program design and implementation.
April 14, 2025
TAMPA, FL—Catherine Liyun Zhang and Frederick Ou have joined Carlton Fields’ national Health Care Practice. Zhang most recently led the business and corporate department at Massachusetts boutique Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti LLP, where Ou was an associate. Zhang, who joins as a shareholder, represents corporations on complex matters. Ou, who joins as of counsel, focuses on corporate law and business transactions.
April 14, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Littler has added Gregory Keating as a shareholder in its Boston office. Keating was previously with Littler from 2004 to 2015, where he was shareholder, chaired the whistleblowing and retaliation practice, and served two terms on the firm’s Board of Directors. He rejoins Littler from Epstein Becker and brings deep experience guiding employers through high stakes investigations, as well as complex whistleblowing matters. Keating brings more than two decades of experience representing and advising clients on a variety of employment matters, particularly in the areas of whistleblowing, investigations and compliance.
April 14, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Fenwick has welcomed the addition of three new intellectual property partners—Drs. Matthew Pavao, Heidi Erlacher, and Chen Chen—and announced the opening of a new office in Boston, expanding its footprint in one of the world’s most active regions for life sciences and technology innovation. Alongside this launch, the firm also welcomes more than 20 additional new professionals, 14 of which join the new office in Boston. The firm has served as counsel to hundreds of clients in the Boston community, from venture capital firms like MRL Ventures to notable life sciences and technology leaders like Devoted Health, Morphic, and Stoke Therapeutics. This new team adds additional technical fluency and industry insight to the Fenwick platform, and enhances the firm’s ability to respond to the pace and complexity of today’s life sciences challenges—especially in a region where deep science and entrepreneurial energy often converge.
April 14, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Ligris & Associates, P.C., has welcomed Attorneys Anthony Troiano and Georgia Zisimopoulos of Anthony Troiano, III, P.C., a Boston law firm specializing in residential real estate conveyancing and related practice areas. Founded in 1996 by Troiano, the firm has provided exceptional services to buyers, sellers, lenders, and borrowers in all of their real estate transactions.
April 11, 2025
DALLAS, TX—Christine Arnold, a former global vice president of human resources for Copart, Inc., a global leader in online vehicle auctions, has sued the Dallas-based Fortune 500 company alleging gender discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment. Rogge Dunn of Rogge Dunn Group represents Ms. Arnold.
April 11, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ—Holland & Hart LLP announced the addition of partner Janet Howe and associate Benjamin Longbottom. Their experience handling complex environmental litigation and regulatory issues strengthens the firm’s capabilities in environmental disputes, compliance, and permitting challenges. Howe brings sophisticated experience representing clients in environmental litigation involving Clean Water Act permits, CERCLA/Superfund matters, National Environmental Policy Act disputes, federal and state mining permit disputes, water rights adjudications, and environmental compliance matters.
April 11, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA—Signature Resolution announced the addition of Justin F. Marquez to its panel of neutrals. With over 15 years of experience litigating complex class actions and employment disputes, Marquez has built a reputation as a strategic and results-driven attorney, securing landmark victories in wage and hour, consumer protection, and data breach cases.
April 10, 2025
SCOTTSDALE, AZ—Buchalter announced that Matthew Levine has joined the Firm as a Shareholder in the Scottsdale, Arizona office. He joins as a member of the Firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. Levine focuses his practice on complex commercial real estate transactions, as well as general business matters. He has wide-ranging experience guiding clients through all phases of real estate transactions—from initial acquisition and development to leasing, financing, and disposition.
April 10, 2025
JACKSONVILLE, FL—Smith Hulsey & Busey has hired attorney Taylor Hainley as an associate in the firm, effective March 17. Hainley will focus her practice on real estate law, advising developers, investors, lenders and business users in the acquisition, development, financing, sale and leasing throughout the Southeast.
April 10, 2025
CHARLOTTE, NC—Wagner Hicks PLLC announced that Jonathon D. Townsend has been promoted to the firm’s partnership, effective immediately. Townsend, previously counsel, practices as a member of the firm’s Class Action Litigation, Complex Commercial Litigation, and Shareholder Disputes & Derivative Litigation teams.
April 10, 2025
WEST PALM BEACH, FL—Jones Foster announces the expansion of its Complex Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group with the addition of Michael B. Habib, who joins the firm as an associate in its West Palm Beach office. Mr. Habib’s practice will focus on representing businesses and individuals in a wide range of complex commercial litigation matters.
April 10, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—Chicago-based law firm Ginsberg Jacobs today announced it has hired Nicole Prefontaine and Christopher Wilkes as associates in the firm’s growing Litigation Department. Wilkes brings a strong background in breach of contract cases, mortgage foreclosures and Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) litigation. Prefontaine offers expertise across a range of disputes including trademark conflicts, trade secrets, cybersecurity and data breaches.
April 10, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ—Taft, which recently combined with Sherman & Howard, welcomed Roxann Lucas to the firm’s Public Finance and Economic Development group in its Phoenix office. Focusing her practice on public and commercial finance, Lucas represents clients in many tax-exempt and taxable transactions.
April 10, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP has moved its Atlanta office into its permanent, renovated space in Promenade Tower. The firm now occupies floors 19-21 at 1230 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2100, in Midtown Atlanta, totaling 61,470 square feet, as it continues its expansion in the region. Bradley’s Atlanta office launched in May 2023 with more than 20 attorneys from leading national law firms. Today, the office has expanded to 58 attorneys, representing clients in a wide range of industries, including real estate, healthcare, litigation, corporate M&A, franchise, securities, labor and employment, and financial services.
April 10, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Morgan, Brown & Joy attorney Lucie Gulino presented at the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) Employment Law Conference on April 3, 2025. Gulino spoke on the panel, “Five Years of Change: Transforming Labor & Employment Laws,” which provided a high-level overview of some of the major changes to the labor and employment law landscape over the prior five years both in the Commonwealth and at the federal level. Along with fellow panelists, Gulino covered topics related to the “gig economy,” non-competes, religious exemptions, the Reuter decision, the CROWN Act, and more. As a litigator and counselor, Gulino focuses on defending clients in claims related to discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.
April 9, 2025
WORCESTER, MA—Seder & Chandler, LLP announces the addition of James L. O’Connor to the firm as a partner. An versatile, experienced attorney, O’Connor’s practice spans complex civil litigation, appellate, bankruptcy, and business law matters. His expertise and dedication to advocacy make him a trusted legal advisor for individuals and businesses alike. In his litigation practice, O’Connor focuses on family business breakups, contract disputes, torts, land disputes, and landlord/tenant matters.
April 9, 2025
MORRISTOWN, NJ—Ogletree Deakins welcomed Michael Nacchio back to the firm’s Morristown office as a shareholder. Michael returns to Ogletree Deakins after serving as Senior Labor and Employment Counsel at Mondelez International since 2023. Michael has 15 years of legal experience, handling a diverse array of labor and employment matters for both private and public sector employers.
April 9, 2025
CHARLOTTE, NC—Holtzman Vogel Baran Torchinsky and Josefiak PLLC (“Holtzman Vogel”) today announced its expansion into Nashville, Tennessee with the addition of Brandon Smith as partner. Smith, the former Chief of Staff for Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, will lead the new office and join the firm’s national government and corporate investigations and political law practices. Smith brings an extensive background in government and regulatory affairs, having previously served in senior state-level posts across the South and Midwest.
April 9, 2025
CHARLOTTE, NC—Matthew T. DeSafey has joined Shumaker as an Associate in its Litigation and Disputes Service Line, where he will be a key member of the Professional Liability team. A tenacious advocate, Matthew focuses his practice on defending health care providers in medical malpractice lawsuits across North Carolina’s state and federal courts. He is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for clients while safeguarding their professional reputations in the face of complex legal challenges.
April 9, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—JAMS announced that Hon. Stephen Kaus (Ret.) has joined its panel. Judge Kaus joins JAMS with over 50 years of legal experience, including serving for over a decade on the Alameda Superior Court. While on the bench, Judge Kaus managed a direct calendar department with hundreds of cases, overseeing complex multiparty and two-party disputes while conducting numerous trials and settlement conferences. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he served for 20 years in private practice as a partner at Cooper, White & Cooper LLP, where he represented media, cable TV and telecom clients in employment, contract and franchising disputes.
April 8, 2025
SAN DIEGO, CA—Buchalter announced that Kristin Reyna DeHart has joined the Firm as a Shareholder in its San Diego office. Reyna DeHart is a member of the Litigation practice group, specializing in Environmental, Toxic Tort, and Product Liability matters. Reyna-DeHart represents a wide range of clients, including corporations, manufacturers, government contractors, product suppliers, industrial operations, property owners and managers, homeowners’ associations, construction companies, and environmental abatement companies.
April 8, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA—Kabat Chapman & Ozmer LLP (KCO) announced the addition of Chiemela Okwandu to the firm’s Los Angeles office. Chiemela joins as a senior associate in the Firm’s Financial Services Litigation practice. Okwandu was previously an attorney in an Am Law 50 firm’s consumer financial services group, where she defended lenders and servicers in litigation cares related to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Homeowner Bill of Rights (HBOR) and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).
April 8, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Withers and Australasian accounting, advisory and audit firm Bentleys have created a new association to collaborate on leading advice for clients around the world. The association will see Withers and Bentleys collaborating to offer clients legal and accounting advice on their business, personal and charitable affairs. The agreement is non-exclusive but will see the two businesses working together on client matters and marketing initiatives. The association agreement was initiated through a longstanding relationship between Withers partner Marsha Laine Dungog and Bentleys director David Laanemaa, who have seen an increase in demand for cross-border services. The Bentleys Network offers tax advisory and accounting services, including wealth management and estate planning, corporate governance and management consultancy.
April 8, 2025
CHARLOTTE, NC—In a pair of legal battles between competitors in the cold-chain packaging industry, Shumaker’s intellectual property team secured a preliminary injunction on behalf of patent owner Yukon Packaging, LLC (Yukon) against Jones Sustainable Packaging, a member of the Jones Family of Companies (Jones). The same week, Yukon secured dismissal of substantially all of the claims brought against it by Jones’s predecessor-in-interest, Eco Fiber, Inc. (EFI).
The preliminary injunction ruling by the Honorable Kenneth Bell of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina held that Yukon is likely to succeed in its assertion of patent infringement against Jones and that Yukon is likely to suffer irreparable harm absent an injunction. Likewise, the Dismissal ruling by the Honorable Frank Whitney of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina held that the Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction over the patent claims brought by EFI and that EFI had failed to state a claim for patent false marking, false advertising, and unfair competition, dismissing the claims with prejudice.
Yukon, which specializes in the production of cold packs used to ship vaccines, medicines, and perishable goods, plays a vital role in meeting the rising demand for temperature-sensitive packaging solutions. With an aging population and increasing global demand, Charlotte has emerged as a crucial hub for this growing sector.
Both cases center on Yukon’s patented three-piece insulated container, used for shipping pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive items. These containers incorporate compostable and biodegradable materials, including recycled pre-consumer cotton waste from clothing production. Yukon’s family of patents covers the apparatus, method, and design of these innovative shipping solutions. Following EFI’s initial legal challenge last year, three additional patents were issued to Yukon on January 14, 2025.
April 8, 2025
DALLAS, TX—Lyons & Simmons, LLP has announced that attorney Jackson C. Smith has joined the trial firm as an associate, further enhancing the firm’s resources in representing plaintiffs in catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases.
April 8, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—Eversheds Sutherland announced that David S. Phillips has rejoined the firm’s Corporate Practice Group as a partner in the Atlanta office. A highly sought after transactional and corporate governance attorney with significant in-house experience, Mr. Phillips will support clients in their complex business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments, capital formation, joint ventures, debt and equity restructurings and securities offerings.
April 8, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Casner & Edwards announces that Hannah K. DelCervo has joined the firm as an associate in the firm’s Family Law Group. DelCervo focuses her practice on matters of asset division, alimony and support awards, child custody, parenting plans, modification, contempt actions, and prenuptial agreements.
April 8, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Morgan, Brown & Joy partner Alexandra L. Pichette co-chaired the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program, “Responding to Legal Challenges with Regard to DEIB Initiatives in the Workplace,” on March 18, 2025. Pichette and fellow faculty explored the significant impacts that the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decisions in the Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. cases have had on affirmative action in college admission programs, and discussed the legal issues surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts in workplaces.
April 8, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Andrew (A.J.) Tibbetts, an Intellectual Property & Technology shareholder in global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Boston office, presented at the AI Global Leadership Summit April 3. Tibbetts leverages prior experience as a software engineer to provide business-oriented intellectual property strategies for software, AI, and electronics-based technologies.
April 7, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Boutique executive compensation and employee benefits law firm Cohen & Buckmann P.C. has hired Texas-based attorney Austin Light as a senior associate, effective March 31. Light brings 10 years of experience in compensation and benefits, estate planning and tax strategy, enhancing the firm’s ability to provide tailored legal advice to employers, executives and high-net-worth individuals.
April 7, 2025
NEW HAVEN, CT—Littler welcomes Sean M. Fisher as special counsel in its New Haven office. Fisher joins from Brenner, Saltzman & Wallman LLP, where he served as legal director and firm counsel. Fisher is among a string of new hires the firm has welcomed since January. Fisher is experienced in all aspects of civil litigation before federal courts, Connecticut state courts, state and federal agencies and arbitration panels.
April 7, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP announced that Gregory H. Jaske has joined as a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Law Practice. Jaske brings 12 years of legal experience providing sophisticated and comprehensive counsel to real estate developers, owners, family offices and other institutional investors across a broad range of real estate transactions in New York City and nationally. His practice includes extensive experience negotiating and structuring commercial real estate joint ventures and other partnerships as well as acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, ground leasing, and borrower side financings.
April 7, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, AL—Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that John R. “Rance” Sapen has joined the firm as chief operating officer (COO). He succeeds Joe Wood, who is retiring after serving in the role for nearly 15 years. As COO, Mr. Sapen oversees the firm’s operational aspects, including administration, human resources, finance, and technology, among others. Mr. Sapen joins Bradley from Butler Snow LLP, where he served as chief financial officer for 14 years before being named COO in 2018.
April 7, 2025
BOSTON, MA—Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that Adrienne Walker has joined the firm’s Boston office as a partner in its Bankruptcy & Business Reorganizations Practice Group and Health Care & Life Sciences Sector. Joining Foley from Troutman Pepper Locke, Walker brings more than 25 years of experience in business restructuring, commercial finance, workouts, and bankruptcy litigation.
April 7, 2025
ATLANTA, GA—Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete announced the appointment of Darrick McDuffie, a partner in the firm’s Atlanta, Georgia office, as co-chair of the Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition Practice Group. He will serve alongside Jackie Johnson, a partner based in Texas. With more than two decades of legal experience, Darrick is a respected advocate for businesses navigating complex workplace legal issues. His practice focuses on workplace investigations involving discrimination and harassment claims.
April 7, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) has announced that Glenn G. Lammi, executive director and vice president of legal studies for the Washington Legal Foundation (WLF) in Washington, D.C., has accepted an invitation to join the IADC. As vice president of WLF’s publishing and programs division, Mr. Lammi monitors legal policy developments in federal and state courts, regulatory agencies, and legislatures; manages all aspects of WLF’s educational publications and its WLF Legal Pulse blog; and designs and moderates WLF’s programming.
April 7, 2025
CHICAGO, IL—Honigman LLP announced today that Mike Tirman is joining the firm as a partner in the Real Estate Transactions Practice Group and Real Estate Department in the Chicago office. He joins the firm from Ice Miller, where he was partner. Tirman represents clients across the country in the acquisition, development, and financing of real estate. He is trusted counsel and a tactful negotiator as his clients navigate various loans and purchase agreements, joint venture and fund agreements, development agreements, structuring matters, and more.
April 7, 2025
SARASOTA, FL—Alexis Schad has joined Shumaker’s Financial Services Business Litigation team. A dynamic and creative litigator, Alexis brings a passion for securing the best possible outcomes for her clients. As financial institutions face increasing regulatory scrutiny, market volatility, and complex litigation challenges, Shumaker continues to expand its team to meet the growing needs of its clients. Alexis’s trial experience and strategic litigation skills will further enhance the firm’s ability to navigate these evolving issues and protect clients’ interests.
April 7, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Cole Schotz announced that it has formally opened a Washington, D.C. office with the arrival of former Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Phil Selden. The office launch follows the recent additions of member Jeffrey Saltman and associate Alexa Reed, who joined the firm in March and will work alongside Mr. Selden in D.C. Mr. Selden joins as a member of the firm’s White Collar Criminal Defense & Government Investigations and Litigation departments.
April 7, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Littler has added Amanda S. McGinn as a shareholder in its Washington, D.C., office. McGinn joins from Akin Gump following the recent arrival of Daniel Nash, Stacey Eisenstein and Nathan Oleson, and brings experience representing clients in the sports industry in labor and employment matters. McGinn represents clients in high-stakes labor and employment matters, within the sports industry and across various other sectors.
April 7, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Ogletree Deakins welcomed Ryan Sears to the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as a shareholder. Ryan joins Ogletree Deakins from Morgan Lewis, where he was a member of the firm’s U.S. Labor/Management Relations practice group. Ryan brings more than a decade of experience in traditional labor matters and will be a key member of Ogletree Deakins’ Traditional Labor Practice Group.
April 7, 2025
HOUSTON, TX—Cozen O’Connor today welcomed prominent litigator and former Texas state district court judge Jeff K. Work to its fast-growing Global Insurance Department. Work, who focuses his practice on corporate-level civil and commercial litigation, including product liability cases, joins Cozen O’Connor as a member and will work out of its Houston office. He represents clients in state and federal courtrooms throughout Texas, and surrounding states. His cases have involved mass tort dockets, employment matters, insurance coverage issues, products liability, construction, oil & gas. and commercial litigation.
