Tag: law firm expansion

August 2024 Legal Industry News Updates: Law Firm Hiring and Expansion, Industry Awards and Recognition, DEI and Women in Law

Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal industry news roundup for August 2024. We hope you are enjoying your summer! Please read below for the latest in law firm hiring and expansion news, key industry awards and recognition and a feature on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and women in law.

Law Firm Hiring and Expansion

Barnes & Thornburg expanded its downtown Chicago office, marking the city’s largest law firm lease transaction to date in 2024. The firm’s office, located in the Irvine Company’s trophy tower at One North Wacker, will grow by 30 percent under this expansion. Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office currently has more than 135 attorneys and is one of the 25 largest law offices in Chicago.

“Our One North Wacker office has long served as a crucial hub for collaboration and innovation among our attorneys, business professionals, clients, and community partners,” said Michael A. Carrillo, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office. “This new, expanded space will help us foster even more in-person connection, bringing our legal capabilities and service to the next level.”

“Chicago businesses are facing increasingly complex legal and regulatory hurdles,” added Andrew J. Detherage, firm managing partner. “Not only will this new lease extend our commitment to innovation and collaboration and help our attorneys provide the robust and sophisticated counsel needed to tackle such challenges, it will also deepen our footprint in a market critical to the firm’s long-term growth strategy.”

Jackson Lewis welcomed William “Billy” Jackson and Eric B. Moody as principals in its Norfolk and Tampa offices, respectively.

Mr. Jackson earned his J.D. from Stanford Law School and his B.A. from Brigham Young University. His practice is focused on white-collar criminal defense and conducting internal investigations for companies facing allegations of misconduct.

“We are thrilled to welcome Billy to the Norfolk team,” said Norfolk office managing principal and litigation manager Kristin H. Vaquera. “His deep understanding of government investigations and enforcement actions will be a tremendous asset to our clients, helping them navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance.”

Mr. Moody received his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law and his B.S. from the University of South Florida. He represents clients in labor and employment litigation issues and in actions brought under federal and state consumer protection statutes.

Benjamin D. Sharkey, the managing principal at Jackson Lewis’s Tampa office, welcomed Mr. Moody to the team: “His impressive track record in handling high-stakes litigation—from discrimination and retaliation claims to wage and hour disputes—will significantly strengthen our ability to deliver strategic, results-driven solutions. We are excited to have Eric join us and look forward to the exceptional contributions he will make to our team.”

Bradley appointed three new office managing partners, in addition to three new practice group leaders. The new office managing partners are:

The new practice group leaders are:

“These new leadership appointments are part of the firm’s continued commitment to identifying and nurturing talent that will ensure Bradley’s future success and help us meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Bradley chairman of the board and managing partner Jonathan M. Skeeters.

Sandra K. Newman and Rebecca Eberhardt joined Venable LLP as the firm’s first private wealth planning practitioners in its Chicago office. Ms. Newman and Ms. Eberhardt focus their practices on wealth, estate and gift tax planning, philanthropic planning, trusts and estates.

“We are thrilled to get two of the best private wealth practice attorneys in Chicago to join our office,” said Kenneth Roberts, managing partner at Venable Chicago. “We continue to attract top-tier talent, and their addition is a big win for Venable and the needs of our clients.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Bracewell announced that partners K. Brock Bailey and Aaron P. Roffwarg were named to Lawdragon’s 2024 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers list.

Lawdragon provides free online editorial features and news, as well as guides to top US lawyers in different practice areas based on their work from the past year. This year’s list includes various geographic markets.

Mr. Bailey is the managing partner of Bracewell’s Dallas office, as well as a member of the firm’s management committee. He represents developers, borrowers, owners and lenders in the development and acquisition of large commercial and industrial projects.

Mr. Roffwarg is the chair of Bracewell’s Real Estate practice in the firm’s Houston office, who counsels clients on property and construction project transactions, including complex midstream oil and gas projects, pipelines and terminals.

Anthony (Tony) Oncidi, co-chair of Proskauer’s Labor & Employment Department, was named a 2024 Top Labor & Employment Lawyer in California by the Daily Journal.

Mr. Oncidi is a partner in Proskauer’s Los Angeles office who heads the West Coast Labor & Employment group. His experience in high-end employment law with nation-wide employers has established him as a trusted advisor and litigator in non-compete covenants and whistleblower claims.

The Daily Journal is a nationwide corporation which provides attorneys with up-to-date information and news that they require for their practice, including webinars, legal notices, quizzes and resources.

Moore & Van Allen announced that their Patent practice group was ranked in top categories in 2024 Patent Bots Patent Quality Rankings, including as a Top 10 firm in networking, multiplexing, cable and security.

Patent Bots offers patent-specific machine-learning tools and interfaces, with the rankings being made from evaluations over the year of issued patents.

Moore & Van Allen’s team offers a wide range of patent services, such as prosecution and validity options. They also assist clients with due diligence review, litigation, research and development agreements and management and development of patent portfolios.

DEI and Women in Law

Corporate Counsel recognized Amber Rogers, hiring partner of Hunton Andrews Kurth’s Dallas office and a member of the firm’s executive committee, with a 2024 Women, Influence & Power in Law Award.

Corporate Counsel will celebrate Ms. Rogers’ Collaborative Leadership award, designated for women leaders and allies demonstrating commitment to advancing and empowering women in law, on September 24 at the Women, Influence & Power in Law Conference in Chicago.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly awarded CMBG3 Law the 2024 Empowering Women award, bestowed on law firms exhibiting strong commitment and support for women attorneys in Massachusetts.

As a majority women-owned law firm since its inception, CMBG3 Law continues its dedication to empowering women attorneys. Over half of the firm’s professionals are women and women comprise over 80% of the firm’s Senior Leadership Team.

Erin Toomey, partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, was acclaimed as one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly‘s Influential Women of Law. The Influential Women of Law awards honor women attorneys for excellence in work, commitment to community and service to the profession.

Ms. Toomey is a partner in the firm’s Government Procurement and Government Solutions Practices, where she helps businesses minimize their risk and maximize their recovery in government contracting.

Daniel Attaway, partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, took part in the Moments to Movements Hackathon. The Hackathon, hosted by Diversity Lab, is a “shark-tank style pitch competition” that meets to solve some of the most challenging DEI issues facing the legal industry.

Mr. Attaway practices life sciences and pharmaceutical law, representing clients in patent litigation and trade secrets. He also serves on the firm’s diversity committee and is co-chair of the firm’s IP content committee.

Copyright ©2024 National Law Forum, LLC

by: The National Law Review of The National Law Review / The National Law Forum LLC – NLR

For more news on Legal Industry News Updates, visit the NLR Law Office Management section.

June 2024 Legal Industry News Updates: Law Firm Hiring and Expansion, Industry Awards and Recognition

Welcome back to another edition of our legal industry news roundup, and happy summer from the whole team at the National Law Review! Please read below for the latest in law firm hiring and expansion news and key industry awards and recognition.

Law Firm Hiring and Expansion

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings’ Atlanta office continues to grow with the addition of partners Jeff S. Luechtefeld, John Nail and Sean R. Gannon, senior attorney Gabriella Cole and associate Jessica R. Stephan as members of the firm’s Tax Practice Group. The firm’s Atlanta office has more than doubled in size since it was established in May 2023.

Mr. Luechtefeld earned his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, his J.D. from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law and his B.S. in Finance from Missouri State University. Mr. Nail earned his J.D. (cum laude) at Wake Forest University School of Law and his B.S. from the College of Charleston. Mr. Gannon earned his LL.M. in Taxation at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, his J.D. from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School and his B.A. from Michigan State University. The new partners represent Fortune 500 companies, closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals in IRS examinations, appeals and litigation, as well as other tax issues.

Ms. Cole received her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, her M.B.A. from the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business and her B.S. (magna cum laude) from Kennesaw State University. Her practice focuses on tax controversy law and representing corporations and individuals against the IRS and state departments throughout the audit, administrative appeals and litigation processes.

Ms. Stephan received her J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a B.B.A. (summa cum laude) in Finance from Mississippi State University. She advises partnerships, corporations and individuals in federal and state tax disputes.

Bradley Atlanta office managing partner Sidney S. Welch welcomed the new members of the Tax Practice Group: “We are delighted that this group of highly accomplished tax controversy attorneys is joining the firm. Their significant litigation experience and deep understanding of the IRS allows them to offer strategic solutions for our clients. The addition of these attorneys also strengthens and enhances Bradley’s federal tax controversy capabilities, as well as being synergistic with the firm’s government enforcement and investigations work. The Atlanta office is continuing our growth strategy with tremendous legal talent, and we look forward to their collaboration.”

ArentFox Schiff announced the addition of 17 members to the firm’s Technology, Life Sciences, Intellectual Property and Complex Litigation services in the Boston office. With these new additions, the firm’s Boston office has grown by more than 40% in 2024.

New additions to the IP team include partners Joseph M. Maraia, Dr. Daniel W. Clarke, Christopher Carroll, Laura L. Carroll, Brooke A. Penrose, Paul A. Pysher and Howard J. Susser; counsel Shawn P. Foley, Bruce D. Jobse and Joseph P. Quinn; and six associates and patent agents. Litigation partner Shepard Davidson has also joined ArentFox Schiff and will continue to focus his practice on complex business torts and contract claims. Among these new firm members are a former patent examiner, a master electrician and a molecular microbiology Ph.D., all of whom offer unique insights to clients in specialized and technical industries.

“ArentFox Schiff has long had a preeminent IP practice, and one of our strategic goals was to further expand this in Boston with a focus on life sciences, patent, litigation, trademark, and general IP services,” said chairman Anthony V. Lupo. “Adding this talented team helps us accomplish that goal. This group’s clients also fit strategically into our industry approach to the business of law, and based on our prior success with laterals and groups, we anticipate a number of opportunities to significantly grow revenue.”

“Thanks to its many leading universities, research institutions, and cutting-edge companies, the Boston area continues to be a hub for innovation that demands top-tier IP services,” added Boston managing partner David M. Barbash. “Adding this highly respected group of attorneys will offer immense benefits to our clients in New England and across the country as they grow their businesses.”

Varnum formed a Health Care Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force focused on the use of AI technologies and machine learning in the health care industry. The Health Care AI Task Force consists of attorneys with particular expertise in health care law, data privacy and AI technologies, and is led by four partners who regularly advise health care clients on regulatory compliance and counsel large corporations on innovative technologies and privacy regulations.

The goal of the task force is to help health care organizations protect sensitive patient data and maintain high clinical standards through advising on AI integration, promoting privacy and data security, assisting in policy development and fostering risk management.

Sarah Wixson, who co-chairs Varnum’s Health Care Practice Team, noted the increasing importance of AI for health practitioners.

“As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for health care providers to stay ahead of the curve by understanding and adhering to the legal frameworks that govern these technologies,” Ms. Wixson said. “Our task force is committed to helping our clients navigate this complex landscape.”

“Our goal is to provide our clients with the guidance they need to adopt AI technologies,” said data privacy attorney Jeff Stefan. “We are helping clients leverage the power of these revolutionary advancements and avoid their equally significant risks.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP expanded their New York office with the addition of financial services partner Mike Katz. With significant experience in crypto, payments, emerging company and venture capital, Mr. Katz will expand Manatt’s blockchain capabilities.

Mr. Katz is a strategic adviser to emerging growth companies and investors and a counsel to tech companies and venture funds. He provides advice to startups and venture capital funds to navigate overlapping corporate and regulatory issues. He earned his J.D. from Columbia Law School and his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.

“As I have seen firsthand, Manatt’s interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial approach to client service is extremely effective, and I am excited to join this team to help with leading the expansion of the Firm’s blockchain capabilities and support our clients across all aspects of financial services and venture capital,” said Mr. Katz. “Innovation-focused companies and investors are at the forefront of my practice every day, and Manatt is the perfect platform for me to bring experience to bear for clients across the Firm. I look forward to leveraging my varied in-house, corporate and regulatory skills to further enhance the Firm’s reputation as the go-to adviser for companies at the frontlines of innovation.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

The 2024 Chambers USA Guide recognized Greenberg Traurig’s Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice in Band 1 for Nationwide Privacy & Data Security: Highly Regarded for the fourth year in a row. The guide’s “Privacy & Data Security: Privacy” category also recognized shareholders Liz Harding and David A. Zetoony, co-chair of the U.S. Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice.

Chambers and Partners selects attorneys and practices for the guide based on thousands of interviews with practicing lawyers and clients on a global scale. Chambers USA provides legal data and analytics to inform buyers of legal services of the top lawyers and law firms in the United States. Overall, the 2024 Chambers USA Guide recognized 273 Greenberg Traurig attorneys.

Claire Weglarz, partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, was elected to the Board of Directors of Trial Attorneys of America, a group of private practice attorneys and corporate counsel focused on the defense of products liability litigation. Membership in Trial Attorneys of America is by invitation only and is based on the recommendation of a member.

Ms. Weglarz is a member of Womble Bond Dickinson’s Product Liability Litigation team in the firm’s Los Angeles office. She represents energy, chemicals, manufacturing, automotive and consumer goods industry clients, and is involved in high-risk litigation on cases involving product liability, premises liability, environmental claims and toxic exposures to chemicals.

Chambers USA and The Legal 500 US recognized Andrea (Andie) S. Kramer in their 2024 nationwide rankings of leading tax lawyers. Specifically, Chambers USA included Ms. Kramer as a top tax and derivatives lawyer, and she was one of only four lawyers named to The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for Tax, Financial Products in the United States for 2024.

Ms. Kramer is a solo practitioner providing integrated legal counsel on regulatory, governance, commercial and tax matters to her clients.

“Each year, Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 conduct unbiased research on lawyers around the world—and their independence encourages us all to be better,” said Ms. Kramer. “It has been a strong, productive, and interesting 18 months for ASKramer Law—and our clients and colleagues have gone the extra mile with these ranking agencies to underscore our commitment to legal excellence and great service.”

BTI Consulting Group’s 2024 report recognized Jackson Lewis P.C. attorneys Stephanie Adler-Paindiris, Ross M. Gardner and Alessandro “Alex” G. Villanella as Client Service All-Stars. Attorneys are named as Client Service All-Stars for their client service excellence and commitment to fulfilling their clients’ needs. The BTI Client Service All-Stars list is based on feedback gathered from over 350 in-depth, confidential and unsolicited interviews.

Ms. Adler-Paindiris is a principal in the firm’s Orlando office, a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and co-leader of the firm’s Litigation group. She defends class and collective actions on behalf of employers and counsels clients on workplace challenges. Mr. Gardner is a principal in the firm’s Omaha office who represents management throughout traditional labor law and related litigation. Mr. Villanella is a principal in the firm’s Long Island office, whose practice focuses on collective bargaining, labor arbitration, contract administration and representation and unfair labor practice proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board.

“Stephanie, Ross and Alex are true champions of problem-solving for our clients,” said firm chair Kevin Lauri. “They understand exactly what clients need and effortlessly craft solutions that tackle immediate issues and safeguard against future challenges. They uphold the firm’s client service standards to the highest degree, and the entire firm congratulates them on this accomplishment.”

Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. partner Allan M. Siegel was awarded the 2024 Trial Lawyer of the Year Award by the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He received this honor at the association’s Annual Awards Dinner at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Siegel graduated magna cum laude in from The George Washington University and earned his J.D. from The George Washington University’s National Law Center. His practice is centered on personal injury cases related to automobile and commercial vehicle negligence, premises liability and medical malpractice. He is board-certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, an honor held by only 3% of attorneys in the United States.

Copyright ©2024 National Law Forum, LLC
For more news on Law Firm Expansions and Legal Awards, visit the NLR Law Office Management section.

July 2022 Legal Industry News and Highlights: Law Firm Hiring, Industry Recognition, and the Latest in Diversity and Inclusion

Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s latest in legal industry news – read on below for updates on law firm hiring and expansion, industry awards and recognition, and diversity and inclusion initiatives! We hope you are staying safe, happy, and healthy.

Law Firm Hiring and Expansion

Womble Bond Dickinson has announced its upcoming merger with Cooper, White & Cooper LLP, a multi-practice law firm based in San Francisco. Effective on September 1, 2002, the expansion will strengthen Womble’s presence in the Bay Area, with more than two dozen legal professionals operating out of the San Francisco area.

“California is home to some of the world’s key business and technology hubs, with San Francisco chief among them,” said Betty Temple, CEO and Chair of Womble Bond Dickinson (US). “The state – and indeed the entire West Coast – is strategically important to Womble, and we are thrilled to anchor our presence in the market through a firm that is well-known for its robust litigation and transactional skills. We look forward to continuing the growth of our services and footprint on the West Coast and in other key markets to provide greater value to our clients.”

“We have been impressed by Womble’s transatlantic platform and stellar reputation for advising companies on complex, high-stakes issues,” said Jed Solomon, a partner at Cooper, White & Cooper. “Combined with our cultural compatibility and shared commitment to exceptional client service, this was an ideal opportunity to expand our services to our collective client base.”

James W. Cox, MS, an experienced biologist and risk assessor, has joined Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. and The Acta Group as Senior Scientist. Mr. Cox, who has formerly served as an Acting Lead Biologist in Risk Assessment in the EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics and as a Biologist at the Department of Defense, has reviewed hundreds of biological agents, nanomaterials, industrial chemicals, and more to determine risks to human health and the environment. At the firm, he will continue to provide regulatory process guidance for products subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and other notable regulatory programs.

“James’s contributions to our practice areas come at a crucial time, given the considerable uptick in the need for risk assessment skills,” said Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner of Bergeson & Campbell and President of Acta. “We are so pleased James has joined our team and look forward to introducing him to our clients.”

Varnum LLP has expanded its office in Birmingham, Michigan. With growing client demand and ongoing hiring, the firm has nearly doubled the size of its operations in the area in the last three years, featuring noteworthy practices in the fields of banking, finance, corporate law, M&A, intellectual property, and more.

“Since opening our doors in Birmingham three years ago, we have been thrilled with the reception from clients, legal talent and the community alike,” said Firm Chair Ron DeWaard. “Our newly expanded office will allow us to continue our growth trajectory with first-class space for clients and talent.”

Industry Awards and Recognition

Nick Welle, Partner at Foley and Lardner LLP, has received a 2022 Philanthropic 5 Award from the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Created by the organization’s Emerging Leaders Council, the award recognizes five notable leaders in the community, particularly ones that have made significant contributions of mentoring, volunteer work, or leadership to nonprofit organizations in the area.

Mr. Welle is the Chair of the firm’s Health Benefits Practice Group, as well as the co-chair of the Pro Bono Committee based in Milwaukee. Both at the firm and through community volunteer work, Mr. Welle has managed projects such as camp clean-ups, backpack drives, and clothing fundraisers in the area, dedicating hundreds of hours to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. Additionally, he assists in running the Milwaukee Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program, which aids high school students from diverse backgrounds in researching potential legal professions.

At the 40 at 50 Judicial Pro Bono Recognition Breakfast, Barnes & Thornburg LLP was honored by the Judicial Conference of the District of Columbia Circuit’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services for its ongoing commitment to pro bono legal services. More than 40 percent of the firm’s Washington D.C.-based attorneys performed more than 50 hours pro bono work in the last year, and as such, the firm was made eligible for the recognition.

In addition, the organization recognized Barnes & Thornburg for being one of only six firms in which at least 40 percent of its partners in the Washington D.C. office reached the 50-hour marker.

Tycko & Zavareei LLP’s Sabita J. Soneji has been nominated to the Public Justice Board of Directors for a term that will last three years. Working against unchecked corporate power, ongoing pollution, unjust employers, punitive credit card companies, and more, Public Justice engages in impactful legislation to take on notable systemic threats to justice in the United States. Ms. Soneji, a Partner at Tycko & Zavareei, has nearly 20 years of experience in litigation and legal policy, fighting consumer fraud at both the federal and state level.

“I’m genuinely honored to be nominated to serve on the Board of an organization that tirelessly works to promote justice, diversity, and fairness,” said Ms. Soneji. “I’m even more excited to get to do that work with such an incredible group of devoted attorneys.”

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Brittainy Joyner, attorney at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, has been accepted into the 2022 cohort for the Nonprofit Leadership Center’s Advancing Racial Equity on Nonprofit Boards (ARENB) Fellowship. Broken into six separate sessions, the ARENB program helps to advance the racial and ethnic diversity of nonprofit boards throughout the Tampa Bay area, ensuring these organizations are prepared and committed to fostering more inclusive cultures and environments. Ms. Joyner, a member of Shumaker’s Litigation and Disputes Service Line, focuses her practice on litigation and disputes for homeowners associations, as well as arbitration, mediation, and negotiation.

“We are proud that Brittainy got accepted into Advancing Racial Equity on Nonprofit Board Fellowship,” said Maria Del Carmen Ramos, Shumaker Partner and Diversity and Inclusion Committee Co-Chair. “At Shumaker, we understand the importance of promoting racial equity. We are happy to see our attorneys, like Brittainy, being committed to doing something about it. We know Brittainy will be a valued fellow.”

In celebration of 2022’s Pride Month, New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Dr. Eric Cervini joined Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP attorneys for a virtual conversation about the history of LGBTQ+ politics in the United States, as well as the continued battle for LGBTQ+ rights. The event was moderated by firm Partner J Matthew W. Haws, who is a member of the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago and the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association.

With more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed this year across the country, Mr. Cervini acknowledged the community’s ongoing struggle. However, he noted “As I remind people, we have been through much worse. We have survived the inquisition, the Lavender Scare, the AIDS crisis, and Anita Bryant […] We can certainly get through this. But we need to be studying up, how we were successful and how we failed in the past and then also be recruiting new allies, just as Frank Kameny recruited the ACLU, we need to be recruiting new allies today.”

Darrell S. Gay, partner at ArentFox Schiff LLP, has been named one of Crain New York Businesses’ 2022 Notable Diverse Leaders in Law. Selected for his contributions to local counseling, pro bono work, and community service and philanthropy, as well as his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Mr. Gay is an experienced attorney, focusing his practice on the field of labor and employment. He assists in guiding clients through employee relations issues, as well as internal investigations and traditional labor matters.

In addition, Mr. Gay is a longtime leader in the private bar and the business community. He served for three years as the Commissioner for the New York State Civil Service Commission, and additionally played a central role in founding and leading the firm’s Center for Racial Equality.

Article By Chandler Ford of The National Law Review / The National Law Forum LLC

For more business of law legal news, click here to visit the National Law Review.
Copyright ©2022 National Law Forum, LLC