Tag: legal industry awards

December 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 the final month of the year, the legal industry does not appear to be slowing down. 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

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. announced that they are opening the firm’s 58th office in Baltimore. The office will be shared with Shawe Rosenthal, which will help strengthen both firms’ presence in the city.

The new office, which will open its doors on January 2, 2025, will be led by Parker Thoeni. An experience team of attorneys will be joining him, including shareholders Courtney Amelung, Paul Burgin, Chad Horton, Darryl McCallum, Mike McGuire, Fiona Ong, Mark Swerdlin and Veronica Yu Welsh, of counsel Gary Simpler, Eric Hemmendinger, Stephen Shawe and Elizabeth Torphy-Donzella, and associates Evan Conder, Jordan Dunham and Jamie Salazer.

von Briesen & Roper, s.c. announced the addition of Erik M. Gustafson as an associate in the Litigation & Risk Management Practice Group in the firm’s Milwaukee office.

Mr. Gustafson will focus his practice on insurance coverage and analysis, first-party property coverage and bad faith counseling and claims. He received a J.D., magna cum laude, and a Certificate in Litigation Practice from Marquette University and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Creighton University.

Jake Oresick joined Tucker Arensberg, P.C. as a Senior Counsel attorney. He brings with him extensive experience in labor and employment, real estate, construction, insurance, commerical litigation and environmental law.

Mr. Oresick’s practice focuses on representing individuals, insurers and businesses in matters such as trade secrets, construction defects, breach of contract and insurance bad faith. His client-focused approach has shown a proven track-record of resolving complex disputes.

“We are excited to welcome Jake to the firm,” said Irving Firman, Managing Shareholder. “His legal skills and dedication will enhance our firm’s ability to provide exceptional litigation services.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that four of their attorneys were named to Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite for 2024. The list recognizes lawyers from across 15 different fields.

Laura Hester, Stephen Opler, Sidney Welch and Scott Zweigel were recognized as among  the best in their respective fields. They were chosen based on nominations by members of the state bar who live in Georgia.

Ward and Smith, P.A. attorneys Grant Osborne, Will Oden and Ken Gray are now recognized by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as specialists in Employment Law. They are among the first twelve ever recognized in the state.

Ronald A. Christaldi, a partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP and President/CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, was awarded the 2024 H.L. Culbreath Jr. Profile in Leadership Award by the Tampa Bay Chamber. It is the region’s most esteemed recognition for those whose leadership has impacted the community.

Mr. Christaldi has previously been named by Florida Trend Magazine as one of the top 100 lawyers in Florida and by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the nation.

“Ron embodies the spirit of this award through his selfless contributions and unwavering commitment to making Tampa Bay a better place for all,” said former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who currently serves as Executive Vice President and Principal U.S. Cities Practice for Shumaker Advisors Florida. “His leadership continues to inspire and create a lasting impact across our region.”

DEI and Women in Law

Barnes & Thornburg LLP announced that Dallas partner Ashley Deweese was named a 2024 Connect CRE Lawyers in Real Estate Award honoree for the Texas region. The award recognizes distinguished real estate attorneys.

Ms. Deweese focuses her practice on commercial real estate in the office, multifamily, hospitality, industrial, healthcare and retail arenas. She has broad experience in representing developers, borrowers, buyers and sellers in the development of property, as well as in dispositions and acquisitions.

Bracewell LLP partner Catherine D. Little was named by Hart Energy’s Oil & Gas Investor Magazine as one of its 2025 Influential Women in Energy. The platform recognizes women who have excelled in the oil and gas industry.

Ms. Little was recognized for her track record of helping clients excel during energy transition initiatives and regulatory requirements, as well as counseling clients on oil and gas pipeline compliance and enforcement matters.

She regularly manages large-scale confidential audits and investigations to assist clients in identifying legal risks, as well as preparing defenses to favorably resolve criminal investigation matters.

Moore & Van Allen announced that Wealth & Estate Planning Member Caitlin Horne was appointed to serve a two-year term as Chair of the Board of Directors for InReach, a nonprofit that provides services to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Ms. Horne has served as a board member and volunteered with InReach for the past four years. She has held leadership positions as Chair of the Personnel Committee, as well as the Nominating Committee.

Copyright ©2024 National Law Forum, LLC
For more law firm news, visit the NLR Law Office Management section

October 2024 Legal News: Law Firm News and Industry Expansion, Industry Awards and Recognition, and DEI

Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! As October comes to an end, legal industry news continues to be a hot topic. Please read below for the latest in law firm news and industry expansion, legal industry awards and recognition, and DEI in the legal field.

Law Firm News and Industry Expansion

Caleb Griscom joined Varnum‘s Birmingham office’s Corporate Practice Team as counsel. Mr. Griscom brings his experience in corporate transactional matters, including mergers & acquisitions, equity and asset purchases, sale-leasebacks and cross-border transactions.

“We are thrilled to have Caleb join our team,” said Seth Ashby, leader of Varnum’s Corporate Practice Team. “His private equity and transactional experience will be a tremendous asset to our clients and growing practice.”

Mr. Griscom earned his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School and his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the United States Naval Academy. Prior to practicing law, Mr. Griscom served as a Logistics Officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Dino Wu has joined Barnes & Thornburg’s New York office as a partner in its Corporate Department. Mr. Wu represents sell-side and buy-side clients, such as hedge funds, mutual funds, corporations, banks and swap dealers in negotiating trading agreements for derivatives and other financial products. He advises clients on a wide range of agreements, including those involving derivatives, futures and options, crypto and other digital assets.

“Dino’s depth of experience with numerous financial products and trading agreements – not to mention his extensive background handling a wide spectrum of regulatory and compliance issues – make him a fantastic addition to our team,” said Jahan Sharifi, Corporate Department chair. “Our financial services and asset management clients will benefit immensely from his insightful and innovative approach as they navigate complex transactions.”

Nima Mohebbi joined Sidley as a partner in the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Disputes practice in Greater Los Angeles. Mr. Mohebbi specializes in bet-the-company litigation with a focus on the entertainment/sports/media space and the evolving intersection between entertainment content development and technology, including in gaming, blockchain and digital assets, and artificial intelligence.

“We are thrilled that Nima is joining Sidley. He has significant trial experience and a number of high-profile wins for his client. He joins several other recent Sidley lateral hires who have national litigation practices and extensive trial experience,” said Angela Zambrano, global co-leader of Sidley’s Litigation practice and Executive committee member. “His proficiency in disputes related to the digital economy, including artificial intelligence, data, digital assets, and online platforms will be helpful in serving the needs of our clients in the technology, entertainment, fintech, sports, and digital media sectors.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Christopher C. Puri, counsel in the firm’s Nashville office, received the Elizabeth Jacobs Distinguished Service Award from AgeWell Middle Tennessee at the 32nd Annual Sage Awards Ceremony & Fundraiser.

AgeWell serves to aid collaborative solutions for the elderly, with the Distinguished Service Award recognizing volunteers who have given their time, talents and abilities to further the organization’s mission. Mr. Puri, a member of Bradley’s health care practice group, served as a member of AgeWell’s board for nine years, including as president and vice president. He helped guide the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and positioned AgeWell as a leading advocate and thought leader.

Mr. Puri’s nationally recognized practice advises senior housing providers and long-term care, handling the full array of legal issues. He has helped develop policy at the state and national levels.

Eighteen Bracewell LLP lawyers were honored by Lawdragon in its 2025 500 Leading Dealmakers in America guide. The list spotlights the leading lawyers around the country who ““create multi-billion-dollar mergers and other deals that change the course of industries and practices.”

The Bracewell lawyers included in the list are:

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) announced that bankruptcy, corporate and financial services team members were recognized for advisory roles in the acquisition of Noble House Home Furnishings by GigaCloud Technology, which won The M&A Advisor’s Cross Border Deal of the Year Award in the $50-100 million category.

GigaCloud, a global B2B ecommerce solutions provider, was represented by the following MVA attorneys:

The honorees were recognized at the 15th Annual International M&A Awards, which was held as part The M&A Advisor’s 2024 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit. They were selected by a panel of industry expert independent judges.

“The International M&A Awards celebrate the power of global collaboration and the pursuit of valuable opportunities,” said The M&A Advisor Founder and CEO Roger Aguinaldo. “In a world shaped by geopolitics and fueled by technological innovation, these awards honor the remarkable achievements of experts who transcend borders to unlock exceptional value.”

DEI

Womble Bond Dickinson LLP {WBD) launched their second Art & Diversity exhibition following the success of the first. The new series is titled “In Between World—Exploring Cultural Hybridity” and features 31 works of art by four Houston artists.

Carolina Borja, Tiffany Lee, Kaima Marie and Michel Muylle bring their unique perspectives on topics such as climate change and preservation to resilience and hope in a celebration of diversity and heritage.

“We believe that art offers a unique opportunity to connect with our clients on a personal level and foster meaningful conversations. Our presence at this exhibition demonstrates our commitment to engaging with the community and showcasing our firm’s dedication to creativity and culture,” said Jeffrey Whittle, managing partner of the firm’s Houston office.

The program was established by WBD in 2023 to give diverse artists in Houston a platform to show their work and engage with the local community.

“Art awakens us to feel things that matter, and it is a lens that helps us see these important topics through other people’s eyes. We are proud to participate in the Art & Diversity program, and we hope the exhibit inspires visitors to our Houston office.” said Lisa Moyles, DEI partner and chair of the firm’s DEI Steering Committee.

Katten Partner and Litigation Department Co-Chair David Crichlow was honored in Crain’s New York Business 2024 Notable Black Leaders list. Crain’s 2024 list honored 100 individuals who “are celebrated for their success and advancement, spanning industries from law and finance to nonprofits and the arts.”

Mr. Crichlow’s was celebrated for his work on an arbitration matter between two global gas companies, resulting in the largest recovery of his career. He is also noted for his work as a board member of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

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

October 2024 Legal News: Law Firm News and Industry Expansion, 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 cooler months settle in, legal industry news continues to be a hot topic. 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 Industry Expansion 

Ward and Smith announced the addition of five attorneys to enhance the firm’s ability to serve clients.

Jacob Britt joined the Raleigh office, focusing on intellectual property and privacy and data security issues. He will help clients manage compliance with laws and advise on data breach responses. Also joining the Raleigh office is Marley Peterson, who will assist clients with assist clients with state and federal government relations.

John “Jack” Presson will work with individuals and families on a range of matters in the firm’s Wilmington office, including custody disputes and divorce. Emily Sullivan also joined the office with a focus on development transactions, real estate development and landlord-tenant matters.

Based in the New Bern office, Anna Washa will help businesses and individuals with estate planning needs, such as drafting trust agreements and wills.

Vivi R. Besteman joined Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Gefsky as an associate attorney, the firm announced. Her experience allows her to provide comprehensive legal support and advise educational institutions, as well as handle complex real estate transactions.

Ms. Besteman will provide guidance on contract drafting, leasing matters, property acquisitions and business entity formation.

Shumaker announced that Christopher A. Staine rejoined the firm as a partner after serving at a development company as in-house counsel and realizing that the best way to serve his clients was through the resources and skills that the firm offers.

“I’ve seen firsthand that the real estate experience at Shumaker is second to none,” Mr. Staine stated. “My time away gave me a unique perspective on both sides of the legal practice—working as in-house counsel deepened my understanding of the client’s needs, but being back at Shumaker allows me to truly make the most of my experience, with the support of an exceptional team.”

Mr. Staine is a board-certified construction lawyer who has represented partnerships and companies involved in all stages of the construction process. He also heavily focuses on commercial and residential real estate matters such as transactions and development.

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

 Benchmark Litigation honored eight of Proskauer‘s Litigation practice areas and 31 of its lawyers in its 2025 U.S. guide, the definitive guide to the world’s leading litigation firms and lawyers. Proskauer’s Antitrust, Bankruptcy, Labor & Employment and Product Liability practices received a tier one ranking and four practices were named tier two.

Proskauer partners Elise Bloom, Sandra Crawshaw-Sparks and Margaret Dale were also named to Benchmark Litigation’s “Top 250 Women in Litigation” list earlier this year, while partners Susan Gutierrez, Rachel Philion, Lee Popkin and Jeff Warshafsky were featured in the “40 & Under” list.

Modern Healthcare recognized Barnes & Thornburg’s healthcare department and industry practice as a top 25 largest healthcare law firm. The firm ranked No. 25 in the 2024 Modern Healthcare survey of the largest healthcare law firms in the U.S.  based on the number of healthcare attorneys employed at the end of 2023. It is the first time the firm has achieved this rank.

The American Health Law Association also featured Barnes & Thornburg in its 2024 Top Honors list. The AHLA recognizes law firms, organizations, health plans, businesses and government agencies that consistently and enthusiastically encourage and sustain their membership affiliation with AHLA.

Womble Bond Dickinson partner Joe Whitley, was presented with a resolution from the American Bar Association during the ABA Criminal Justice Section’s 10th Annual Southeastern White Collar Crime Institute. The resolution recognizes Mr. Whitley’s contributions to the section and the legal profession.

Presented by the Chair of the Criminal Justice Section of the American Bar Association, the resolution states that “the ABA Criminal Justice Section expresses its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Joe Whitley for his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the Section and the broader legal community for founding the Southeastern White Collar Crime Institute.”

Mr. Whitley’s practice focuses on corporate defense and client representation in criminal and civil enforcement matters brought by federal agencies and state Attorneys General.

DEI and Women in Law 

Law firms across the country achieved 2023–24 Mansfield Certifications from Diversity Lab for ensuring that all qualified talent at participating law firms have a fair and equal opportunity to be considered for advancement into leadership roles. Diversity Lab designs, tests, and measures the outcomes of science-based and data-driven talent practices that allow for fair and equal access to advancement opportunities.

Diversity Lab recognizes firms by their continued commitment to diversity. Firms named as “Trendsetters” this year have remained certified for 2-4 years, such as Varnum. “Early Adopters”, which include Jackson Lewis, K&L Gates, Greenberg Traurig, have achieved certification for 5-6 years. Firm’s designated “Trailblazers”, including Arent Fox Schiff, McDermott Will & Emery, and Miller Canfield, have achieved ongoing certification for 7-8 years

Katten announced that three partners were named by Business Journals to the 2024 Women of Influence lists. The program recognizes women from a wide range of industries who have made a personal and professional impact.

Wendy Cohen, New York managing partner from the Financial Markets and Funds practice, was featured by New York Business Journal. Jennifer Wolfe, private credit partner and Chicago managing partner, was included by the Chicago Business Journal. Private credit partner Shana Ramirez was recognized by L.A. Business First. The partners were selected from a field of nominees submitted for consideration.

Kimberly (Kim) Dudek was announced as the successor to Donald (Don) Kunz as the chair of the Corporate Department at Honigman. She was previously the vice chair of the department.

Kim couldn’t be more deserving of this role,” said Mr. Kunz. “In her successful tenure at Honigman, she’s emerged as a strong leader and earned the trust of her peers and clients—both as a result of her impressive legal acumen and her longstanding engagement in the growth of the Corporate Department.”

Ms. Dudek focuses on representing private borrowers and private equity sponsors in connection with working capital facilities and acquisition financings. She also counsels privately held companies across a wide variety of business sectors.

“Over the years, I’ve grown my career at Honigman and found a true home among my colleagues, who have empowered me to pursue my unique career path and encouraged me to explore my interest in the inner workings of the firm,” Ms. Dudek said. “I’m grateful to Don, my peers, and valued clients of many years for the opportunity to help write the next chapter of Honigman’s Corporate Department.”

Copyright ©2024 National Law Forum, LLC
For more Legal News, 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

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June 2022 Legal Industry News and Highlights: Law Firm Hiring, Industry Recognition, and New Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

Happy Summertime from the National Law Review! We hope you are staying safe, healthy, and cool. Read on below for the latest news in the legal industry, including law firm hirings and expansion, legal industry awards and recognition, and diversity, equity, and justice efforts in the field.

Law Firm Hiring and Expansion

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP has added Brett R. Valentyn as Senior Counsel to the firm’s Corporate and Transactional Practice Group. Mr. Valentyn, a well-practiced mergers, acquisitions, and corporate attorney, has a wide array of experience in areas such as private equity, corporate governance, and transactional and contractual matters. He has advised clients across industries in buy-side and sell-side transactions for both small-cap and large-cap companies.

“Brett’s successful history in advising clients on transactional matters has him well-positioned to flourish,” said Jason Rogers, Chair of the Corporate & Transactional Practice Group. “Brett’s impressive background in transactional law will only strengthen our already deep bench of talented and business-minded private equity and M&A attorneys. I’m confident Brett will make a wonderful addition to our Corporate & Transactional Practice Group.”

Corporate attorney Eric D. Statman has joined the Toxic Torts practice group at Goldberg Segalla. A 20-year veteran of complex commercial litigation, Mr. Statman is poised to continue his environmental, product liability, and mass tort practice out of the firm’s Manhattan office.

Previously, Mr. Statman has aided clients across a variety of industries, resolving major disputes with minimum impact to corporations through mediation or litigation, as well as negotiating a large number of group settlements. Notably, he has represented asbestos defendants as local and national counsel, helping to develop strategies to minimize exposure.

Michael J. Ligorano has rejoined Norris McLaughlin’s Real Estate, Finance, and Land Use Group and Immigration Practice Group after nine years as the Diocese of Metuchen’s General Counsel. Ligorano is an established New Jersey land use and immigration practitioner with experience evaluating undeveloped land, as well as acquiring, developing, and financing municipal projects around the state. In addition to city planning, Ligorano has served as a legal resource for multinational businesses who wish to enter the United States, assisting in the navigation of the US immigration process. He is the former supervising attorney for the Diocese of Metuchen Catholic Charities Immigration Program, and a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

“Michael has a deep understanding of our firm and of the local landscape. He is not only one of the state’s foremost land use and commercial real estate attorneys, but as an experienced immigration counsel will help make ours arguably the best immigration practice in the region,” said David C. Roberts, Chair of Norris McLaughlin. “We are pleased to have Michael at the firm and look forward to his leadership and cross-practice collaboration.”

Five partners and eight associates have joined the Chicago office of the MG+M The Law Firm. The Asbestos Litigation Practice welcomes Partners Timothy Krippner, Michael Cantieri, Christopher Triska, William Irwin, and Daniel Powell, as well as Associates Alex Blair, Elizabeth Grande, Aerial Henderson, Dragana Kovacevic, Cindy Medina-Cervantes, Emily Sample, and Andrea Walsh. The new members bring with them decades of combined high-stakes complex commercial and liability defense experience.

“MG+M enthusiastically welcomes this exceptional team of professionals to our firm,” commented MG+M Chairperson and Partner John B. Manning. “We have collaborated with this group of lawyers for years and look forward to their enhancement of our brand as a go-to firm for high-stakes litigation matters in Illinois, the Midwest and nationally.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

The Environmental Practice Group at Greenberg Traurig, LLP has been recognized in the Legal 500 United States 2022 Guide. 31 attorneys across 12 offices in the US were included in the list, highlighting the firm’s expertise in areas such as environmental regulation, environmental litigation, energy regulation, mass torts, and Native American law.

Of particular note, shareholder David B. Weinstein was recognized in the U.S. Guide as a Leading Lawyer in the category of Dispute Resolution > Product Liability, Mass Tort, and Class Action – Defense: Toxic Tort. Likewise, shareholder Troy A. Eid was recognized as a Leading Lawyer for Industry Focus > Native American Law.

Canadian law firm Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP was recognized six times at the 2022 Benchmark Canada Awards, including three separate “Firm of the Year” Awards. Specifically, the firm was named the Competition Litigation Firm of the Year for the first time, the White Collar Crime/Enforcement Firm of the Year for the third consecutive year, and the Arbitration Firm of the Year for the fifth consecutive year.

In addition, Blakes was granted the Impact Case of the Year award for work on Sherman Estate v. Donovan, led by partner Iris Fischer. Partners Michael Barrack and Melanie Baird also received the Hall of Fame Award and the IP Litigator of the Year award, respectively.

Thomson Reuters has named six Stubbs Alderton & Markiles attorneys as “Rising Stars” on the Southern California Super Lawyers list. The members of the firm that have been selected are listed here:

Attorneys selected for the Super Lawyers list demonstrate a high degree of personal and professional achievement, as well as a significant level of peer recognition. The list selects only 2.5 percent of under-40 lawyers in the Southern California area for the “Rising Stars” designation, making decisions based on peer nomination, independent research, and peer evaluation.

Two Womble Bond Dickinson (US) attorneys have been ranked in the 2022 edition of Chambers USA. Cristin Cowles, Ph.D., an experienced patent prosecution and patent lifecycle management attorney, has been ranked in Intellectual Property. Jed Nosal, a practiced state regulatory oversight, enforcement, and compliance attorney, has been ranked in Energy & Natural Resources.

Additionally, the firm’s Massachusetts-based Energy & Natural Resources practice has been recognized by Chambers USA as an industry leader. In total, 60 Womble Bond Dickinson attorneys and 22 state-level practice areas have been recognized in the 2022 edition of Chambers USA.

Diversity, Equity, and Justice Efforts

Chris Slaughter, CEO of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, affirmed the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by taking the Leaders at the Front Initiative Pledge with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Nationally recognized for its strengths in energy law, business, labor and employment, and litigation, Steptoe & Johnson has a longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with efforts such as the D Cubed Program, the Standing Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and ongoing diversity recruitment and retention efforts.

The Leaders at the Front Initiative is a movement intended to forefront the conversation about diversity and inclusion for major organizations and law firms. It requires an organization to act on their pledge by creating an action plan that turns their words into measurable actions, with the end goal of helping a new diverse generation of attorneys obtain positions of leadership and in return create a national legal industry that is diverse and inclusive.

Three Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP attorneys have been recognized by the Virginia Access to Justice Commission for their outstanding pro bono services. Lee-Ann C. Brown, an associate at the firm, has been named the 2020-2021 Pro Bono Service Champion, an honor reserved for top Virginia attorneys reporting the highest number of pro bono hours. Douglas L. Patin and Henry C. Su have likewise been named 2020-2021 Pro Bono Service Honor Roll members for contributing over 40 hours of pro bono service.

The Virginia Access to Justice Commission was established in 2013 by the state’s Supreme Court to promote equal access to justice, with a particular emphasis on the civil needs of Virginia residents. The bar’s participation in pro bono service has since become a priority for the Commission, connecting judges, lawyers, and legal aid and social services to assist in making the courts more accessible for all.

“These attorneys have made tremendous strides in providing pro bono service and working to promote access to justice in the Virginia community, and we are proud of their significant contributions,” said Bradley Pro Bono Counsel Tiffany M. Graves.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has announced the establishment of the HuntonAK Pathfinders Scholarship Program, a 10-week, paid Summer Clerkship for outstanding first-generation 2L law students. Stemming from the winning submission at the firm’s annual “Hackathon,” a brain-storming competition for enhancing diversity and inclusion in the legal industry, the scholarship seeks to attract students to the private practice of law while providing valuable work and mentorship experiences at the firm.

“Hunton Andrews Kurth is committed to making our profession more accessible to talented law students who have already demonstrated great determination by climbing the first rung of the educational mobility ladder,” said managing partner Wally Martinez. “This scholarship, strictly for first-generation students, is one of the first of its kind and we are honored to help lead the way with this effort.”

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

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