Tag: Awards

January 2025 Legal News: Law Firm News and Mergers, Industry Awards and Recognition, DEI and Women in Law

Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! A new year means new law firm news. Please read below for the latest in law firm news and industry expansion, legal industry awards and recognition, and DEI and women in the legal field.

Law Firm News and Mergers

Jackson Lewis P.C. announced the elevation of 20 attorneys to principal status, including:

“We are proud to announce the elevation of our 2025 class of new principals,” said Firm Chair Kevin Lauri. “These individuals have demonstrated exceptional talent, steadfast dedication and a deep commitment to both our clients and the core values that define Jackson Lewis. This is a well-deserved achievement, and we are excited to see the continued leadership and impact each of the principals will bring to the firm in the years ahead.”

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP welcomed its largest first-year class, including 49 associates and two staff attorneys. The class includes:

Atlanta

  • Kaylee M. Roberts – Litigation Practice Group (Emory University School of Law)
  • Joseph A. Shafritz – Healthcare Practice Group (Georgia State University College of Law)
  • Ashley E. Strain – Litigation Practice Group (Emory University School of Law)

Birmingham

  • Bidushi Adhikari – Litigation Practice Group and Construction Practice Group (Boston University School of Law)
  • Julianne L. Bayer – Litigation Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
  • Katelyn Carson – Construction Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
  • John Darby – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (The George Washington University School of Law)
  • Edward Gaal – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (Cumberland School of Law at Samford University)
  • Joshua S. Lewis – Banking & Financial Services Practice Group (Cumberland School of Law at Samford University)
  • Matthew J. Lloyd – Litigation Practice Group (Washington & Lee University School of Law)
  • Marlee Tomlinson Martin – Real Estate Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
  • Daniel S. McCray – Litigation Practice Group (University of Virginia School of Law)
  • Ashlyn E. Payne –Banking & Financial Services Practice Group (Cumberland School of Law at Samford University)
  • Brianna Rhymes – Government Enforcement & Investigations Practice Group (Southern University Law Center)
  • Zachary B. Stewart – Construction Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
  • Charlotte Udipi – Healthcare Practice Group (Washington University School of Law)
  • Macy Walters – Litigation Practice Group (University of Mississippi School of Law)

Charlotte

  • Tamara Boles – Litigation Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
  • Steven Hix – Litigation Practice Group (University of South Carolina School of Law)
  • Noah Matthews – Construction Practice Group and Litigation Practice Group (University of Miami School of Law)

Dallas

  • Lexie Alexander – Litigation Practice Group and Government Enforcement & Investigations Practice Group (Emory University School of Law)
  • Stephen McCluskey – Litigation Practice Group (University of Texas School of Law)
  • Taylor E. Scott – Litigation Practice Group (Southern University Law Center)

Houston

  • Jonathan Adams – Litigation Practice Group (University of Texas School of Law)
  • Tim Almohamad – Construction Practice Group (University of Texas School of Law)
  • John “Carter” Byrum – Litigation Practice Group (University of Texas School of Law)

Huntsville

  • AJ Brien – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
  • Trevor G. Porter – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)

Jackson

  • Marshall Jones Jr. – Real Estate Practice Group (Mississippi College of Law)
  • Shelby Parks – Litigation Practice Group (Mississippi College of Law)
  • Emily C. Stanfield – Litigation Practice Group (Mississippi College of Law)
  • Preston Garner Vance – Construction Practice Group and Litigation Practice Group (University of Mississippi School of Law)

Nashville

  • Stephanie Goldfeld – Labor & Employment Practice Group and Litigation Practice Group (University of Tennessee College of Law)
  • Dawn Jackson – Litigation Practice Group (University of Mississippi School of Law)
  • Zachary June – Litigation Practice Group (Duke University School of Law)
  • Nora Klein – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (Belmont University College of Law)
  • Cole S. Manion – Construction Practice Group (University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law)
  • Amanda Norman – Litigation Practice Group (George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School)
  • Carter Oakley – Real Estate Practice Group (University of Tennessee College of Law)
  • Monica Peacock – Economic Development & Renewable Energy Practice Group (Duke University School of Law)
  • Elizabeth T. Petras – Litigation Practice Group (Emory University School of Law)
  • Madison G. Porth – Litigation Practice Group (Vanderbilt University Law School)
  • Lily Rucker – Labor & Employment Practice Group (Vanderbilt University Law School)
  • Marlee Sacks – Litigation Practice Group (Emory University School of Law)
  • Jon Michael Sockwell – Litigation Practice Group and Banking & Financial Services Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
  • Jaden R. Taylor – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (George Washington University Law School)

Tampa

  • Justin A. Clark – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (University of Florida Levin College of Law)
  • Lucie Hunter Fisher – Litigation Practice Group (Washington & Lee University School of Law)
  • Mary Rosado – Construction Practice Group and Litigation Practice Group (University of Florida Levin College of Law)

Washington, D.C.

  • Elizabeth A. Brown – Construction Practice Group and Government Contracts Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
  • Winni Zhang – Construction Practice Group (Washington & Lee University School of Law)

“Each year, one of our firm’s overarching goals continues to be strategic growth and this includes adding talented young attorneys across a variety of practices. This group is no exception as we welcome this historically large class of attorneys across our footprint,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jon Skeeters. “We look forward to working with this accomplished group and are pleased to welcome them to the firm.”

David Vallas joined Honigman LLP’s Chicago office as a partner in the business litigation practice group and litigation department.

Mr. Vallas focuses his over two decades of experience on real estate and commercial matters, representing lenders, developers and REITs in cases involving creditor disputes, commercial foreclosures and municipal compliance.

“With the commercial real estate market expected to bounce back in 2025, businesses will need an experienced litigator who can handle the myriad of complex legal challenges that may arise,” said J. Michael Huget, Chair of Honigman’s Litigation Department. “David consistently delivers solutions that align not only with his client’s strategic objectives, but the evolving demands of today’s dynamic market. We’re thrilled to bring him on board.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Proskauer Rose LLP announced that Brian Schwartz, partner in the firm’s private funds group, was named to the 2025 Rising Stars list by Venture Capital Journal. The list features limited partners, founders, investors and advisors who are under the age of 40 and have made their mark on the industry.

Mr. Schwartz represents private fund sponsors in different fund strategies, including venture capital, growth equity and buyout funds. His practice focuses on structuring, organizing, marketing and negotiating Private investment funds through all aspects of the fundraising process.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP announced that Boca Raton partner Rusty Melges was selected for the Urban Land Institute’s 2025 Leadership Institute Cohort. He will join 35 other professionals to learn tools and insights to tackle the most urgent real estate and land use challenges in South Florida.

Mr. Melges focuses his practice on representing clients in real estate transactions involving the acquisition, financing, repositioning, development and leasing of office, commercial and mixed-use projects. In addition, he also regularly represents financial institutions in the mergers and acquisiton area as well as third-party risk management and corporate governance.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC announced that members Bill Zimmern and Rob Rust were added as leadership of the firm’s corporate team. They join members Billy Moore and Joe Fernandez.

Mr. Zimmern assists his clients with securities and general corporate matters, who come from a range of industries including information technology, financial services, healthcare, industrial and business services, real estate and retail. In addition, he provides advice on merger and acquisition transactions that is practical and business oriented.

Mr. Rust represents clients in transactional matters including commercial contract work, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures. His scope of representation encompasses complex domestic matters and significant cross-border transactions.

DEI and Women in Law

Womble Bond Dickinson LLP achieved a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the tenth consecutive year. The tool highlights US company promotion of LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies nationally and abroad.

The CEI looks at criteria under four pillars; business entity non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, inclusive culture support and corporate social responsibility.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to continuous improvement, within our own Womble community and in the community at large,” said Christine Xiao, co-chair of the firm’s LGBTQ+ affinity group, WBDPride.

Kimberly Smith, partner and global chair of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP’s corporate department, was featured by by Mergers & Acquisitions as one of the 2025 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A for the fifth consecutive year.

The list features women for their ability to foster innovation, dealmaking achievements, and impact within the larger landscape of mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Ms. Smith leads complex M&A for family offices and PE funds, as well as handling leveraged buyouts, joint ventures and acquisitions. As the corporate department global chair, Ms. Smith leads over 150 lawyers in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. She oversees strategic areas such as M&A, capital markets, private equity and health care transactions.

Venable LLP announced that partner Elizabeth Manno was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) for a three-year term. The organization’s goal is to provide resources to advance women in the legal profession, as well as advocate for the equality of women.

Ms. Manno served as co-chair of the NAWL’s Research Committee from 2019 to 2025 and the chair of NAWL’s Denver conference in 2019. She was awarded with NAWL’s Virginia S. Mueller Outstanding Member Award in 2019.

“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to NAWL’s Board of Directors. Her extensive experience and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to promote our mission to advance women in the legal profession and advocate for the equality of women under the law,” said NAWL’s executive director, Karen Richardson. “We look forward to her insights and contributions as we work together to achieve our strategic goals.”

Ms. Manno focuses her practice on technology disputes such as licensing, patent infringement and other IP litigation. She represents clients from a wide range of technological fields including GPS, semiconductors, wireless devices, media streaming and artificial intelligence.

Copyright ©2025 National Law Forum, LLC
For more Law Firm News, visit the NLR Law Office Management section

November 2024 Legal News: Law Firm News and Mergers, Industry Awards and Recognition, DEI and Women in Law

Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! As the country enters inches towards the end of the year, legal industry news continues in large strides. Please read below for the latest in law firm news and industry expansion, legal industry awards and recognition, and DEI and women in the legal field.

Law Firm News and Mergers

Polsinelli PC announced the addition of Rachel Adams to the firm’s health care practice as a shareholder in the firm’s Chicago office. She brings more than a decade of helping guide health systems through regulatory requirements.

Ms. Adams focuses her practice on general corporate matters and complex transactions in the healthcare industry such as Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute and state corporate practice of medicine laws. She is a member of the American Health Law Association, regularly presenting on health care transaction topics.

“I am very excited to join Polsinelli and its nationally known health care practice. I was drawn to Polsinelli’s dedication to the health care industry and its breadth of expertise in supporting health care clients,” said Ms. Adams. “I look forward to collaborating with the Polsinelli team to provide well-rounded, practical advice to help clients achieve their business objectives.”

John Goldfinch joined Proskauer Rose LLP as a partner in the firm’s global finance practice. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in structured finance, focusing on collateralized loan obligations (CLO).

Mr. Goldfinch advises managers on all aspects of the life cycle of a CLO issuance. This includes new issue deals, platform structuring and set up and reissues and refinancings. In addition, he advises on restructurings and other asset workouts.

“I am delighted to join Proskauer and build on my work in the structured finance space as part of the Firm’s broader Global Finance strategy. As demand in the sector inexorably grows, clients who look to innovate and differentiate themselves need a firm with deep experience across the full spectrum of asset management practice areas, including CLOs,” said Mr. Goldfinch. “Proskauer is a global leader in fund formation, private credit and global finance. This is an exciting and compelling opportunity to join a firm whose strategy and focus in these areas is unmatched. I am very much looking forward to contributing to and strengthening their platform as we support clients continued success.”

Kramer Levin announced plans to combine with preeminent global firm Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF). The combined firm will be known as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, HSF Kramer in the U.S.

The firm will strengthen and balance in transactional practices and litigation. It will better allow them to better serve their elite client base with more than 2,700 lawyers, including 600+ partners, working across 25 offices.

The move is driven by a shared commitment to servicing clients and puting them at the center of everything the firms do.

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Katten announced that private wealth partners Kevin T. Keen and Nicholas J. Heuer were honored in the Future Leaders Awards 2024 by Citywealth.

Mr. Keen was namedas the Outstanding Individual of the Year, while Mr. Heuer was recognized with a silver award in the Private Investment/Family Office Individual of the Year category.

The awards program aims to support future leaders excelling in their work while making important contributions to society. Mr. Keen and Mr. Heuer were chosen by online voting and a judges’ panel.

Kyle Konwinski, a litigation attorney at Varnum LLP, was voted chair-elect of the Environmental Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He will continue as Chair of the Litigation and Administrative Law Committee within the section as well.

Mr. Konwinski will support leadership initiatives, such as educating the Bar’s members on environmental law and promoting the understanding and appreciation of the state’s laws, as well as organizing events for section members and the community.

Recognized by Top Lawyers, Mr. Konwinski focuses his practice on representing clients in compliance and litigation including under the state Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Kate Cole, co-head of intellectual property at Moore & Van Allen, was recognized in IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2025 alongside intellectual property counsel Sam Merritt.

The IAM Strategy 300 recognizes leaders in development and implementation of strategies that maximize intellectual property portfolios, as well for their skill sets and insights into patent matters by market sources.

DEI and Women in Law

Jackson Lewis P.C. announced that Kirsten A. Milton will succeed Nadine C. Abrahams as the Chicago office managing principal. Alison B. Crane will assume the role of office litigation manager, with Neil H. Dishman being reappointed as office business development liaison.

Ms. Milton focuses her practice on representing management in labor and employment issues. She defends employers in litigation under state wage-and-hour laws, as well as the Fair Labor Standards Act. In addition, she has experience with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“I am honored to take the reins in Chicago,” said Ms. Milton. “Nadine’s tenure saw the office through a global pandemic and a transition to a hybrid work environment, all while achieving continued growth. Her contributions have been instrumental to our presence in the region, and we plan to build upon the solid foundation she has laid. I am eager to work with our team to continue strengthening our standing as an industry leader in employment law.”

Winston & Strawn LLP announced that Kathi Vidal is rejoining the firm’s litigation department as a partner in the Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. offices. She is returning after stepping down as the Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

During her stint, Ms. Vidal made progress in reshaping the USPTO to benefit citizens, serving as an advisor to the presidential administration on intellectual property regarding artificial intelligence innovation and technological standards.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the American public by working alongside my incredible colleagues across government and leading the thousands of talented and dedicated employees at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,” said Ms. Vidal. “I made the decision to rejoin Winston because of its incredible team and culture which is well-positioned to handle the issues of the future. I look forward to supporting the firm’s clients with the same passion and advocacy I brought to government service.”

Ms. Vidal has gained recognition as one of the country’s leading patent litigators. She will focus her practice assisting clients in maintaining a leading edge in critical innovations, such as next-generation semiconductors.

Copyright ©2024 National Law Forum, LLC
For more Law Firm News, visit the NLR Law Office Management section

SEC Report Details Record-Shattering Year for Whistleblower Program

On November 15, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Whistleblower Program released its Annual Report to Congress for the 2021 fiscal year. The report details a record-shattering fiscal year for the agency’s highly successful whistleblower program. During the 2021 fiscal year, the SEC Whistleblower Program received a record 12,200 whistleblower tips and issued a record $564 million in whistleblower awards to a record 108 individuals. Over the course of the year, the whistleblower program issued more awards than in all previous years combined.

“The SEC’s Dodd-Frank Act whistleblower program has revolutionized the detection and enforcement of securities law violations,” said whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn. “Congress needs to pay attention to this highly effective anti-corruption program and enact similar laws to fight money laundering committed by the Big Banks, antitrust violations committed by Big Tech, and the widespread consumer frauds often impacting low income and middle class families who are taken advantage of by illegal lending practices, redlining, and credit card frauds.”

“The report documents that whistleblowing works, and works remarkably well, both in the United States and worldwide,” continued Kohn. “The successful efforts of the SEC to use whistleblower-information to police Wall Street frauds is a milestone in the fight against corruption. Every American benefits from this program.”

In the report, Acting Chief of the Office of the Whistleblower Emily Pasquinelli states “[t]he success of the Commission’s whistleblower program in landmark FY 2021 demonstrates that it is a vital component of the Commission’s enforcement efforts. We hope the awards made this year continue to encourage whistleblowers to report specific, timely, and credible information to the Commission, which will enhance the agency’s ability to detect wrongdoing and protect investors and the marketplace.”

Read the SEC Whistleblower Program’s full report.

Geoff Schweller also contributed to this article.

Copyright Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, LLP 2021. All Rights Reserved.
For more on SEC Whistleblower Rewards, visit the NLR White Collar Crime & Consumer Rights section.

Congratulations to the Legal Sales and Service Organization Winners of 2019 Sales and Service Awards

Last week the Legal Sales and Service Organization announced the 2019 winners Sales & Service Award Winners.  The awards were presented by John Hellerman at the 16th Annual RainDance conference.  Winners were recognized in three categories:

  • Sales & Service Sales Team of the Year
  • Sales & Service Executive of the Year (small firm)
  • Sales & Service Executive of the Year (large firm)

The panel of judges included Erica Glass, Director of Global Corporate Communications and Wolters Kluwer, Chris Hummel, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Banner Witcoff and Samantha McKenna, LinkedIn Sales Navigator.  The judges looked to recognize sales, business development, and marketing professionals who spearheaded initiatives that contributed to revenue growth in law firms in 2018.

LSSO Award Barnes Thornburg

Barnes & Thornburg was named the Sales & Service Team of the Year, recognized for their “Marketing Blitz 1.0.”  In this initiative, the four-person team of Gretchen Helms, Business Development Manager, Karen Smith, Director of Communications, Susan Haag, Director of Marketing Services and Gwen Ragno, Digital Marketing Manager hit the road, visiting each of the firm’s offices to provide attorneys with training.  Topics included new approaches to business development and showcased the capabilities of the department.  The initiative was such a success, Marketing Blitz 2.0 is in the works.

 

LSSO Executive of YearBrandi Hobbs, the Director of Client Service & Strategy at Poyner Spruill was named the Sales & Service Executive of the Year in the small firm category. Poyner Spruill is a 93-attorney firm based in North Carolina, and Hobbs spearheaded a program to set strategic marketing and business development choices by focusing on “Clients as Advocates.”  Throughout the year, Hobbs developed new approaches to training and increasing efficiency in the firm, with a focus on client service and learning client’s businesses to deepen relationships.

 

LSSO Executive of the Year McGuire WoodsChristian Berger, Senior Advisor of Strategic Business Development at McGuire Woods was named the Sales & Service Executive of the Year for a large firm.  Over the past year, Berger has originated or co-originated more than 75 new client relationships and participated in more than 160 first pitch meetings.  Additionally, Berger has worked with attorneys to coach them on their own Business Development efforts, and Joe Cave, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer says his impact on the firm is “nothing short of remarkable.”

Congratulations to all on their accomplishments!

Read more on the Business of Law on our Law Office Management Page.