Tag: Law Firm Moves

January 2022 Legal News Roundup: Law Firm Moves, Hiring & Recognition

Happy 2022 to all of our readers! We hope you all had a safe and healthy New Year. Read on for more legal industry updates.

Recent Law Firm Moves and Hiring

Van Ness Feldman law firm elected three new partners in their Seattle office:

“Clara, Steven, and Chris have distinguished themselves not only through their professional accomplishments, but by their relationships with clients and colleagues. They reinforce the firm’s collaborative culture,” said Van Ness Feldman Seattle Managing Partner Tadas Kisielius.

Stubbs, Alderton & Markiles (SA&M)  have expanded their firm with the additions of Apparel and Fashion lawyer Mark Brutzkus and litigator Nick Rozansky to their office in Southern California.

Mr. Brutzkus represents consumer product companies in various e-commerce and sourcing issues, and has advised apparel, textile and consumer product clients during various stages of the corporate process.

“SA&M is an excellent platform for me to expand my consumer product practice, particularly because the Firm has unparalleled experience working with venture-backed emerging growth, middle-market public, large technology, and entertainment and digital media companies, as well as investors, venture capital funds, investment bankers, and underwriters. More and more of my clients are asking for ancillary practice areas and specialized attorneys who can help with long term, holistic goals,” said Mr. Brutzkus.

Mr. Rozansky advises corporate clients on various issues including litigation matters, risk avoidance, IP protection, and more. When necessary, Mr. Rozansky handles more high-stakes cases such as infringement issues, contract cases and shareholder disputes.

“This move provides my clients with much needed corporate and M&A expertise, and greatly expands my litigation capacity by joining three renowned litigation partners and several extremely capable litigation associates,” said Mr. Rozansky.

“Mark and Nick share the values that make up our unique and coveted culture at Stubbs Alderton, and we look forward to Mark and Nick making immediate and lasting contributions to our Firm,” said Scott Alderton, SA&M’s Managing Partner.

Gilbert LLP elected Heather Frazier to the firm’s partnership, effective January 1, 2022. Ms. Frazier focuses on insurance recovery in mass-tort proceedings, complex alternative dispute resolution, and other matters. Ms. Frazier has been with Gilbert since 2015.

“I am thrilled to join the partnership at Gilbert alongside the most innovative and dynamic lawyers I have had the fortune to know. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the firm’s growth and unique culture in this new role and assisting our clients in resolving the unresolvable,” said Ms. Frazier.

“In her time with us, Heather has established herself not only as an excellent lawyer, but also as an outstanding Gilbert citizen. She has been a true asset to all of us, serving our clients and our community with talent, dedication and tenacity.  We look forward to a long, exciting and mutually satisfying relationship with our newest partner,” said firm founder Scott Gilbert.

Bernstein Shur law firm announced the election of four attorneys to shareholder:

“This is an outstanding group of lawyers. They’ve each shown impressive dedication not only to their clients but also to our local communities and the legal profession. I’m confident they will continue to use their deep knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality legal counsel to help our clients meet their business goals,” said Bernstein Shur CEO Joan Fortin.

Legal Industry Recognition and Awards

Polsinelli’s intellectual property department recently ranked in three of Patexia Inc.’s reports: ANDA Litigation Intelligence Report, IPR Intelligence Report and CAFC Intelligence Report.

The firm received multiple awards, including ranking among the Best Performing and Most Active Law Firms in several categories in Patexia Inc.’s 2021 ANDA Litigation Intelligence Report. Polsinelli also ranked among the Best Performing and Most Active Law Firms, which evaluated 243 law firms and 1,471 attorneys on activity and performance within the Hatch-Waxman/ANDA space.

“Our team continues to work hard and provide excellent client service, which is on display as we continue to rank highly in Patexia’s various reports,” said our Intellectual Property Department Chair Pat Woolley. “As one of the nation’s largest IP practices, our commitment to focusing on our clients’ businesses and service needs has again enabled us to earn recognition as one of the best performing firms.”

Dinsmore earned a diversity award from Crain’s Cleveland Business in its issue recognizing seven “notable businesses championing diversity and inclusion.” Dinsmore recently earned Mansfield Rule 4.0 Certification Plus for the 2021 iteration of the diverse leadership hiring initiative.

The firm also launched a  Pre-Law Minority Program to help students of color at four Kentucky universities, as well as creating a fellowship with Procter & Gamble and the Ohio Innocence Project at Cincinnati Law for a recent diverse law school graduate to gain experience in civil rights litigation and policy.

Everyone has a customer in the business world, and the customer population is becoming more diverse,” partner Richik Sarkar told Crain’s. “Look around your company. If everyone seems the same, especially in leadership, you’ll have a problem serving your customer, and if you don’t take steps to understand your customers, you’ll face failure sooner rather than later.”

Six Wiggin and Dana attorneys are included on the Best Lawyers in America® 2022 Family Law Edition.

They include the following partners:

And one associate is included on the Best Lawyers 2022 “Ones to Watch” list:

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and the Supreme Court of New Jersey appointed Stark & Stark Shareholder Bhaveen Jani to the Supreme Court of New Jersey to the Supreme Court Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law.

“I am honored to have just been appointed to an important Supreme Court Committee where I will be able to protect the people in New Jersey and the legal profession from the unauthorized practice of law,” said Bhaveen. “Great responsibility comes with being an attorney, especially for our clients and the community, and this committee will work to protect those we serve.”

Mr. Jani’s three year term began January 1, 2022, and will end on December 31, 2024. Mr. Jani is part of a number of professional organizations in New Jersey, which qualified him for the position. These organizations include the New Jersey State Bar Association, the South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey Association for Justice, the American Association for Justice, the Hunterdon County Bar Association and the Mercer County Bar Association.

The committee performs three major functions, including supplying advisory opinions, inquiry into complaints and investigation of the unauthorized practice of law.

Shumaker attorney Melanie Griffin was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Ms. Griffin has advised businesses in a variety of commercial law issues and also has substantial employment law and trust and estate experience as well. Ms. Griffin has been recognized by many organizations over the years for her outstanding leadership efforts.

“I’m so pleased for Melanie to have this opportunity to service the citizens of the state of Florida,” said Ron Christaldi, Shumaker’s Tampa Managing Partner and President of Shumaker Advisors Florida. “With her depth of experience and her understanding of the business community, she will be an excellent leader of this important state agency.”

Shelli Erffmeyer and Renee Stallions, employees at Varnum LLP, were recently named Unsung Legal Heroes by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. The publication’s award recognizes non-attorney legal professionals who frequently surpass expectations and go above and beyond in their roles. Ms. Erffmeyer, a legal assistant supporting Varnum’s Litigation practice group, has been noted for her outstanding initiative and dedication, especially through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Stallions, a senior systems applications analyst in the firm’s Information Technology Department, has been noted for her considerable flexibility and work ethic, ensuring Varnum’s technology continues to operate efficiently across all offices.

“Both Shelli and Renee are very deserving of this recognition. Their exemplary service and commitment to the firm was especially appreciated this past year throughout the challenges of the pandemic,” said Scott Hill, Varnum Executive Partner. “As we congratulate Shelli and Renee, we are once again reminded of the vital role of our support staff. Their contributions are critical to the success of our firm.”

Much Shelist, P.C. has announced its new membership in the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA). The LFAA, which seeks racial equality and systemic change in the law, helps to coordinate allied law firms in order to enact change that benefits underserved and oppressed communities. Previously, Much has assisted the LFAA in filing an amicus brief before the Supreme Court, which argues that the Court should consider the retroactive application of Ramos v. Louisiana (which holds that non-unanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional).

“We’re proud to join the nearly 300 Alliance firms working together to address systemic racism in the law,” said Steve Blonder, chair of the firm’s social responsibility initiative, Much Community. “It’s our privilege and our responsibility to continue working for the rights of marginalized people.”

Copyright ©2022 National Law Forum, LLC

Article By Hanna Taylor,  Rachel Popa and Chandler Ford of The National Law Review / The National Law Forum LLC

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

Legal Industry News for May 2021: Law Firm Moves, Philanthropy & AAPI Heritage Month

Spring is in the air and we’re back with the first installment of our legal industry column for May. Read on for the latest news on law firm promotions, legal industry philanthropy, research and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

Law Firm Moves & Promotions

Carlton Fields named Shareholder Jason J. Quintero as the Tampa office managing shareholder. Mr. Quintero succeeds Tampa Shareholder Lori Baggett in the role.

“Jason will be instrumental in continuing the strategic growth and direction of the office, as well as continuing to develop Carlton Fields’ strong relationships within our vibrant city. He brings a positive and dynamic approach to this role and I am confident that he will build on the remarkable contributions of his predecessors,” said Gary L. Sasso, President and CEO of Carlton Fields.

Mr. Quintero practiced at Carlton Fields for 16 years, and held leadership roles in the firm and The Florida Bar. He practices in the Construction Practice Group at Carlton Fields, which represents a variety of clients in the construction industry.

“Carlton Fields is a wonderful firm and I’m honored to serve in this new role. The firm is client-focused and actively engaged in the community. I look forward to working with Tampa’s business and community leaders, who genuinely care about our area’s growth, health, prosperity, and success,” Mr. Quintero said. “Our firm’s opportunistic mindset and commitment to excellence, diversity, and collaboration will serve as the driving factors of our success as an invested market leader in the Tampa Bay region, and as we emerge into a post-COVID world.”

Brittain A. Rogers joined Akin Gump in New York as a partner in its corporate practice.  Mr. Rogers represents clients in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financing and corporate matters.

“Britt’s ability to lead complex M&A and financing transactions as well as his deep ties to the investment management industry are a perfect complement to our leading corporate practice,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “His past credit-side work will also resonate loudly with our special situations and financial restructuring clients, and I am delighted to welcome him to Akin Gump.”

Mr. Rogers previously served as a managing director of Fortress Investment Group, where he served as lead internal counsel for more than $15 billion in completed M&A and financing transactions.

“Akin Gump enjoys a strong reputation for traditional M&A work and for its leading private equity practice as well as for its deep roots across the investment funds world,” Mr. Rogers said. “I was drawn to the firm because of the opportunities I saw to contribute to the growth of its corporate team by working with its investor client base. This is an exciting move, and I am very happy to be here.”

Joseph G. Tirone joined Baker Donelson as a leader of the firm’s Energy Transactions Team and as the chair of the Power and Renewable Energy Team.

Mr. Tirone has nearly 30 years of experience in energy project and infrastructure development, and advises clients in the power and renewable energy, oil and gas, biofuels, and transportation sectors. Before joining Baker Donelson, Mr. Tirone was a leader of the energy team for a transatlantic law firm.

“Joe has established himself as a leading energy transactions attorney. His emphasis on energy project and infrastructure development and finance is a tremendous addition to our Firm’s offering as we position our clients to take advantage of the anticipated surge of infrastructure opportunities,” said James E. Edwards Jr., managing shareholder of Baker Donelson’s Baltimore office.

The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) named Venable’s Director of Career Development Traci Mundy Jenkins as the 2021-2022 President at the association’s business meeting on April 30th. Ms. Jenkins spent one year as NALP’s president elect.

Ms. Jenkins will serve as chief volunteer and as the leader of the NALP board of directors.  She will work with other officers to prepare the association’s annual budget, and will oversee the development of short and long term plans.

During her 18 years at NALP, Ms. Jenkins served as vice chair of the Annual Education Conference, vice chair of strategic planning for the Lawyer Professional Development Section, and as an elected member of the Nominating Committee, among other roles.

Ms. Jenkins’ legal recruiting and development experience includes serving as the president of the Washington Area Legal Recruitment Administrators Association (WALRAA), as well as being a founder and managing partner of a recruiting and consulting company and as assistant dean at the American University Washington College of Law.

Law Firm Philanthropy and AAPI Heritage Month:

The St. Louis Journal named Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) a 2021 Innovation in Philanthropy Award winner for its partnership with Concordance Academy of Leadership, which provides reentry services to individuals released from incarceration. BCLP hires law school graduates for two-year assignments in the program, where they split their time between the Concordance fellowship and with their work for the firm.

“Many people who come out of prison face arrest for outstanding warrants, traffic violations or child support cases that occurred before they went in,” said BCLP Partner Bob Newmark, who served as St. Louis office managing partner when the Concordance collaboration began and helped grow the partnership. “They were never resolved once they were incarcerated, so we try to get them a clean slate.”

BCLP fellows helped clear more than 500 warrants, attended more than 500 court appearances and commuted more than $12,000 in fines for Concordance program participants since 2016. BCLP’s partnership with Concordance helped reduce re-incarceration rates in St. Louis by 44 percent over the past five years.

Proskauer launched a new partnership with the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) and its “Learn and Earn” youth-focused programming, which empowers Asian American, immigrant, and low-income communities in New York City through helping provide equitable access to resources and opportunities. CPC is the nation’s largest Asian American social services organization, and supports 60,000 individuals and families.

Their “Learn and Earn” program helps high school juniors and seniors be actively engaged in college preparedness, career exploration, community service, leadership development and more. Proskauer associates Bowon Koh, Scott Tan and Annie Zhang recently participated in a panel discussion moderated by Pro Bono Partner Bill Silverman with over 75 students on public service, careers in law and social justice. Proskauer plans to continue their workshops with CPC into the summer of this year.

DLA Piper  joined more than 45 law firms and a number of Fortune 100 general counsel to form the Alliance for Asian American Justice. The Alliance will support Asian American communities through pro bono legal services such as providing victims of anti-Asian hate crimes with counsel, as well as supplying community support.

“The Alliance for Asian American Justice aims to support and stand up for marginalized, low-income and under-represented Asian Americans who have historically been denied due process and access to crucial legal remedies,” said Cathryn Le Regulski, chair of DLA Piper’s Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders resource group.

DLA Piper will also provide financial support to the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) to help them take on anti-Asian cases and provide community based programs.

Legal Industry Research & Technology

The law firm market stabilized as it emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Thomson Reuters Peer Monitor Economic Index (PMI) for the first quarter of 2021.

Rate growth remained high while demand fell and law firms cut costs to increase profitability. Office related costs dropped by 37 percent, while lawyer headcount remained stable. Litigation continues to lag, but could increase as courts begin to address case backlogs.

While the Thomson Reuters PMI slipped by seven points to 62, there were indications that the market is returning to pre-pandemic levels. The PMI showed an increase in mergers and acquisitions activity which led to a surge in corporate work. Demand was down by 1 percent compared with the first quarter of 2020.

However, the report concludes that the relatively small decrease in demand is a positive sign that the legal market is continuing the recovery it began in the third quarter of last year.

“While some of the data remains mixed, most signs point to a large law market that is moving towards more normal levels of activity,” said Mike Abbott, vice president, Market Insights and Thought Leadership for Thomson Reuters. “Strategies employed over the last year − such as expanding flexible working arrangements, supporting higher rates and reducing costs − have generally put firms in a good position as the trends show a continued recovery through the first quarter.”

As of Dec 31, 2020, women held 23.7 percent of the board seats among the largest publicly-traded companies on the Russell 3000 Index, according to data from the 50/50 Women on Boards (50/50WOB) Gender Diversity Index.

For the first time, 25 states with 20 or more headquartered companies now have 20 percent or more women directors on their boards. Additionally, 50/50WOB found that within the past six months, 425 companies added 469 women to their boards, and 77 percent did so by expanding their boards.

50/50WOB also found that out of 1,021 women who joined a board in 2020, 23 percent identified as a woman of color, two percent identified as white and 75 percent did not identify.

“The sustained increase and progress for women is positive, but there is work to be done to achieve gender balance and diversity on corporate boards,” said Stephanie Sonnabend, Co-Founder and Chair of 50/50WOB. “In addition to women holding 50 percent of all the corporate board seats, we call for women of color to hold at least 20 percent of all the corporate board seats.”

Wilson Sonsini launched a new digital hub for its Emerging Companies Practice, providing founders, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists with access to a wide range of free legal resources and insights. The digital hub’s launch coincides with a growth in venture capital valuations, fundraising and deal volume.“Helping entrepreneurs thrive is at the heart of everything we do at Wilson Sonsini,” said Raj S. Judge, partner at Wilson Sonsini and co-lead of the Emerging Companies Practice. “Whether it’s leveraging proprietary technology for efficiency in our practice, providing free resources like those found in our Knowledge Bank, or widening access to the global network of banks and VCs we’ve built over the past six decades, Wilson Sonsini aims to arm early-stage start-ups with the very best counsel so that they succeed and win.”

The newly launched site centers around a knowledge bank where Wilson Sonsini Emerging Companies Practice legal experts answer more than 200 of the most common questions from  entrepreneurs and start-ups, including those on IP protection, tax, governance, formation and financing.

Copyright ©2021 National Law Forum, LLC

ARTICLE BY Rachel Popa and Hanna Taylor of The National Law Review / The National Law Forum LLC
For more articles on the legal industry, visit the NLRLitigation / Trial Practice section.