Tag: Law Firm Awards

July 2021 Legal Industry News: Attorney Hiring, Law Firm Awards & Innovation

Happy July! We’re back with another edition of our legal industry news roundup. Read on for the latest law firm hiring, pro bono, and legal innovation news.

Law Firm Hiring & Moves

Much Shelist Law announced new management committee members and practice leaders for their firm.

Sheryl Jaffee Halpern, the chair of Much’s Labor and Employment group, joined the Management Committee. In her labor and employment practice, Ms. Halpern provides guidance to employers, devising practical solutions for complicated legal and business problems.

“The Much culture allows each individual to grow and develop, and I look forward to fostering our people-first philosophy as a member of our senior leadership team,” said Ms. Halpern. “I’m proud to be part of a firm that understands the power of diverse viewpoints when it comes to building a creative and collaborative workplace.”

Courtney E. Mayster, the chair of Much’s Real Estate group, joined the management committee. Ms. Mayster a commercial real estate attorney guides lenders, property owners, and investors through complex projects.

“Client relationships are at the heart of our firm,” said Ms. Mayster. “As a member of the Management Committee, I’m excited to lead Much’s efforts to enhance the client experience and ensure we continue bringing our clients smart, practical advice and innovative ideas.”

Mitchell Roth, Steve Blonder, Greg Mann, Michael Shaw, and Glenn Taxman were all re-elected to Much’s Management Committee.

Much also named six attorneys as vice chairs of their respective practice groups:

Mayer Brown named John Nadolenco as managing partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office. Mr. Nadolenco joined Mayer Brown in 1995 and whose civil litigation and trial practice focuses on high-stakes cases and class action defense.

“It’s a tremendous honor to assume the responsibility of leading the Los Angeles office, which is a key strategic geography of the firm’s West Coast footprint,” said Mr. Nadolenco.

“John is an exceptionally talented litigator who has held a number of key leadership roles at Mayer Brown, and is highly regarded in the Los Angeles business community and throughout the firm,” said Jon Van Gorp,  the chair of Mayer Brown.

Kennedy’s Global Law firm added Judith A. Selby as a partner in their New York office. Ms. Selby brings a wealth of knowledge and almost 30 years’ experience in the insurance litigation field, with a concentration in cyber and data privacy, and adds to Kennedys’ growing US niche in cyber incident response and data privacy compliance.

“I’m delighted to join Kennedys’ global Cyber and Privacy practice. Increasingly, cyber and privacy issues are international and have no borders. My clients will benefit from the firm’s deep bench and global resources as they confront today’s most challenging cyber, privacy, and technology-related issues,” said Ms. Selby.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Judy join Kennedys. Given her reputation in the US and globally, she will be a critical addition to our growing Cyber and Data Privacy practice in the US and globally throughout Kennedys,” said Meg Catalano, Kennedy’s U.S. Managing Partner.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP added Ted Hunter as a real estate partner in its New York office. Mr. Hunter advises on investment, funding and joint ventures, with work ranging from acquisitions, dispositions and leases to financings, workouts and development transactions.

“A respected figure across the commercial real estate sector, particularly in New York and New Jersey, Ted excels at navigating complex real estate deals by finding common ground between his clients and other involved parties,” said Donna L. Wilson, Manatt’s CEO and Managing Partner.

“Manatt’s holistic approach to the real estate industry—which includes both comprehensive legal and advisory offerings—and the firm’s long-standing focus on servicing clients in this space make it the ultimate one-stop shop for my clients,” said Mr. Hunter.

Pro Bono & Recognition

The Public Interest Law Initiative’s (PILI) Pro Bono Recognition List recognized Barnes & Thornburg’s pro bono efforts, alongside 47 other law firms.

“We are deeply grateful for the recognition that PILI has bestowed on us for the sixth year in a row. We have worked diligently in the Chicago office to increase and enhance our pro bono activities. This recognition is a testament to our firm’s long-standing tradition of providing pro bono services to those in need,” said Kevin Driscoll, pro bono administrator for Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office.

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is one of more than 160 law firms participating in the Mansfield Rule 5.0 certification process. The Mansfield certification process ensures firms are considering at least 30 percent women, racially and ethnically diverse disabled and LGBTQ lawyers for promotions and leadership roles.

“Mansfield certification is the gold standard for law firms that are committed to increasing diversity among their lawyers and professional ranks, and in leadership roles,” said Steptoe & Johnson CEO Christopher L. Slaughter.

“Our clients have made diversity and inclusion a crucial part of their business and they expect the same from their legal counsel.  As a firm, we have made great strides in our diversity and inclusion efforts and obtaining Mansfield certification is the next step in that journey,” said Michael E. Flowers, the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Steptoe & Johnson.

Foley & Lardner partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to spread the message of diversity and inclusion, and help kids meet their potential. Through the partnership with Foley, the Boys and Girls club will work to advance their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives which offer culturally relevant programs and resources for children.

“We look forward to expanding our work with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the kids they serve. The work Boys & Girls Clubs of America does every day is part of the change needed to provide equitable opportunity to all,” says Jay O. Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Foley & Lardner.

Foley also engages in pro bono work for Boys & Girls Clubs of America on legal matters helping local clubs to offer more programs to a broader range of children.

Law Firm Awards & Innovation

The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer Magazine recognized Susan A. Capra, a partner at Clifford Law Offices, as one of the 50 Salute! Woman in Law in 2021.

The Law Bulletin/Chicago Lawyer selection committee, Ms. Capra’s peers, and a Women’s Advisory Board selected Ms. Capra for the award from a pool of over 400 nominees. The committee selected the awardees  “for their work to mentor and promote other women in the profession, their success in the legal community and being a shining example of leadership.”

Ms. Capra, who is also a registered nurse, focuses her practice on hospital and medical negligence litigation.

“I am honored to be among those recognized for this honor in a profession to which I have dedicated my life,” she said.

The Legal 500 United States included 90 Katten Muchin Rosenman law firm attorneys on its 2021 guide. Katten received recognition as leader in 21 practice areas.

Katten ranked highly in the following areas:

  • M&A: Middle-Market (Sub-$500 Million)

  • Structured Finance: Derivatives and Structured Products

  • Structured Finance: Securitization.

Katten attorneys also made The Legal 500’s “Leading Lawyers” list, including:

Additionally, the Legal 500 selected Associate Brett J. Seifarth as a “Rising Star” for making major contributions to his practice.

The Legal 500 analyzes the strengths of law firms across the world, basing its rankings on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide and a team of researchers.

FFor the 10th year in a row, DLA Piper ranked among the best law firms for women by Working Mother. Specifically, DLA Piper ranked highly for hiring and retaining women, providing flexible working arrangements and promoting the advancement of women in law.

“It is our responsibility as a firm to ensure that our leadership pipeline is made up of a diverse group of lawyers who are well equipped to face the challenges of helping lead a global law firm, and programs like DLA Piper’s Leadership Alliance for Women (LAW) are a crucial factor in our ability to meet that goal. These initiatives and policies promote a more inclusive firm culture, allowing us to better serve our clients across all industries,” said Jackie Park, co-US managing partner of DLA Piper.

LAW focuses on helping women attorneys through networking, leadership skill development, and business development opportunities.

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For more articles on the legal industry, visit the NLRLaw Office Management section.

Legal Industry News February 2021: Law Firm Awards, Legal and Professional Services Moves and Recognition

Hello, legal and professional services industry fans. We’re closing out February with the latest legal and consulting industry news, focusing on firm hires and advancements, awards and unique recognitions, and innovations from law firms in these unusual times.  Please read on:

Law and Professional Services Firm Moves 

Mayer Brown appointed Amol Bargaje as the firm’s first global chief innovation officer. Bargaje joined Mayer Brown in 2018 as the global director of IT Practice & Client Solutions. He also served as one of the co-leaders of the firm’s client-centered global innovation initiative, embrio.

“Amol’s extensive experience working on process improvement, agile development and client-centered technology will help us accelerate the pace of innovation while further promoting a culture of innovation within the firm,” said Jeremy Clay, Mayer Brown’s managing partner.

Before joining Mayer Brown, Bargaje held senior leadership roles in innovation and technology in the legal and software industry.

Covington has elected Phyllis Jones and Lisa Peets to the firm’s eight-member Management Committee which includes three women including two women of color. Jones and  Peets replace Catherine Dargan of the firm’s Washington, DC office and Louise Nash of the firm’s London office, who each served two terms on the firm’s Management Committee. Dargan will now serve as chair of Covington’s Corporate Practice, and Nash will lead the firm’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) strategy group.

Doug Gibson, Covington’s chair stresses that gender and ethnic diversity of the firm’s Management Committee is “critical because we see diversity and inclusion as an essential element of our culture and community.”

Gowling WLG recently announced Andrew Bratt as the next leader of the firm’s Employment, Labour and Equalities (ELE) Group in Canada, assuming the role from Bettina Burgess of the firm’s Waterloo Region office.

Per Burgess, “As the outgoing leader, I am delighted that Andrew will be the person to take over the helm, particularly as our clients continue to endure the myriad challenges caused by the pandemic. Andrew brings to our team and to our clients, years of substantive expertise, experience and understanding of our clients’ businesses.  He has been instrumental in expertly assisting our practice group and our clients through the rapidly changing issues of 2020, and I know that he will continue to do so through his term as practice group leader.”

BKD CPAs & Advisors named East Region Managing Partner Rob Pruitt as the company’s first chief practice officer effective June 1, 2021. Pruitt will join the National Office executive leadership team and will be a member of the Management Committee.

“Rob has done a tremendous job leading the East Region, and we’re grateful for his work in helping the region flourish. Thanks to Rob’s track record of trusted leadership and his experience as a national tax director, MP and regional MP, he has the right blend of expertise and firm understanding to lay the groundwork for this new role,” said CEO-elect Tom Watson.

In his new role, Pruitt will focus on internal firm growth initiatives and will provide executive leadership, sponsorship, coordination and guidance of national industry partners and practices.

Law Firm Honors and Recognition

World Trademark Review recognized Morgan Lewis in the 2021 edition of WTR 1000 in the areas of enforcement and litigation and prosecution and strategy.  The WTR recognized Morgan Lewis across the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia, highlighting 13 Morgan Lewis attorneys for their depth of expertise, market presence and positive reviews from clients and peers.  Calling Morgan Lewis’s trademark practice “well-developed, rigorous and fully comprehensive in a way that is uncommon among full-service outfits.”  Since its inception in 2011, Morgan Lewis has consistently been honored by the WTR 1000.  You can see the full list of attorneys recognized here.

Bradley announced Ale Dalton and Kya Henley were selected as 2021 LCLD (Leadership Council on Legal Diversity) Pathfinders. Robert Ford,  a partner in Bradley’s Houston office, is a Fellow in the program, and Dalton and Henley are associates in the firm’s Nashville and Washington office.

The LCLD Fellows and Pathfinder Program is a legal talent development program, designed to augment diversity in leadership at law firms and corporate legal departments.  Established in 2009, the LCLD has over 350 members and programming designed to nurture talent and help a new and more diverse generation of attorneys attain leadership positions.  Participants are connected with resources and training, focusing on leadership skills and professional development, and provided with opportunities to develop and strengthen their professional networks.

Stephanie Resnick, Managing Partner of Fox Rothschild’s Philadelphia Office will receive the AJC’s 2021 Judge Learned Hand Award from the American Jewish Committee.  The award recognizes an attorney whose accomplishments, humanitarian efforts and dedication embody the Honorable Learned Hand, who spent more than five decades on the bench and set a high standard defending civil liberties.  Resnick, with decades of leadership and legal industry achievements, is being honored for her lifelong contributions to the Philadelphia community.

Throughout her legal career, Resnick has worked to ensure justice is accessible to all, the judiciary is independent and to advance women in the legal profession.  Resnick has served as a Chair of the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association, where she helped vet federal court judicial nominees and one Supreme Court Justice.  She has also served on the Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Federal Courts Committee, and Chair of its Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention.  She also worked on Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter’s Advisory Task Force on Ethics and and Campaign Finance Reform, and she was appointed to the Philadelphia Court of Common Please Gender Fairness Task Force.  Resnick has also worked with Fox Rothschild to champion diversity and inclusion within the firm, and has taken on several leadership roles.

Resnick has achieved Lifetime Achievement awards from Corporate Counsel and InsideCounsel, the Legal Intelligencer and was named as a recipient of the “Women of Distinction Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal. Resnick also received the Sandra Day O’Connor Award presented by the Philadelphia Bar Association, in recognition of her professional excellence and support of other women attorneys.

Law Firm Innovation and Research

Levenfeld Pearlstein released their 2021 Illinois Community Associations Legal Update Booklet which includes a plain English guide on the most recent legislative updates to the Illinois’ Condominium Property and Common Interest Community Association Act. The 80+ page guide includes the contributions of partners Howard Dakoff, Patricia O’Connor, and Adam Kahn and Molly Mackey of the firm.

Norton Rose Fulbright issued its 16th annual Litigation Trends Survey, highlighting the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on legal departments across the country.

Norton Rose Fulbright polled nearly 200 corporate counsel on disputes-related issues and concerns, with 31 percent of corporations reporting an increase in litigation as a result of COVID-19. The pandemic resulted in an increase in workloads for nearly 70 percent of respondents, with 45 percent of respondents expecting a further increase in the number of pandemic-related disputes for the next year.

“It is clear that the pandemic has led to a buildup of cases that is taxing our respondents’ legal departments. On larger matters, in-house legal teams are being asked to assume additional responsibility to lower the amount of spend on outside counsel. There is more pressure than ever for in-house teams to do more with less, and fewer than 20 percent of our respondents expect to add lawyers to their staff,” said Richard Krumholz, Norton Rose Fulbright’s Global Head of Litigation and Disputes.

Additionally, approximately half of respondents said that disputes around discrimination and social justice have lead them to consider strengthening their diverse recruitment policies and educating employees on the legal implications of discrimination.

The full survey can be read here.

Seyfarth has issued a 2020-21 edition of their 50 State Non-Compete Desktop Reference which surveys the most frequently asked questions related to restrictive covenants and trade secrets in all 50 states. The guide is an invaluable resource for in-house counsel, business owners, or HR professionals, providing a starting point to answer questions about trade secret/non-compete issues and restrictive covenants.

The guide was edited and coauthored by partner Katherine Perrelli of the firm’s Boston office along with Robert Milligan of the firm’s Los Angeles office and Michael Wexler, of the firm’s Chicago office who co-chair Seyfarth’s national Trade Secrets, Computer Fraud, and Non-Compete group.

News Updates from the National Law Review

The National Law Review is on track to see well over 1.75 million visits in February 2021 after continuing to show impressive traffic growth in January 2020 with over 2.5 million unique page views.

On February 16, 2021 Operations and Projects Manager Eilene Spear presented a webinar focusing on SEO concepts and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic with Guy Alvarez of Good2bSocial and authored the first installment of an eight-part series on Good2bSocial’s Digital Marketing Academy Certification program addressing Inbound Marketing and Client Journey Mapping for Law Firms

Jennifer Schaller, Managing Director of the National Law Review, will be featured on Berbay Marketing’s Law Firm Marketing Catalyst Podcast along with Sharon Berman and Megan Braverman, discussing moving to a fully remote workforce and the unique challenges that come with managing a remote team.  The podcast will be released in the next few weeks and will be available across all podcasting platforms.

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ARTICLE BY Eilene Spear,  Rachel Popa and Jennifer Schaller of The National Law Review / The National Law Forum LLC
For more, visit the National Law Review Law Office Management section.