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JLNS Law Firm News
CHICAGO (May 8, 2008) — Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is pleased to announce the formation of a national Consumer Class Action Practice to protect its clients from the potential for increased liability brought by lawsuits of this type. The Practice will focus on defending the full range of consumer class actions, from consumer fraud through alleged violations of federal or state statutory schemes. Stuart M. Richter, a partner in Katten's Los Angeles office, will chair the group. Other group leaders will include partners Stewart T. Kusper in the Chicago office, Bruce M. Sabados in New York and Ugo Colella in Washington.
Katten's Consumer Class Action Practice provides candid assessments of its clients' prospects for success as well as the potential for liability in any class action lawsuit. Its attorneys have defended numerous consumer class action lawsuits at all levels of state and federal courts, including the appellate courts. They excel at obtaining early case resolution and apply their extensive experience to achieve success in all phases of consumer class action defense, including motions to dismiss, motions to enforce arbitration clauses, oppositions to class certification, motions to decertify, motions for summary judgment, trials and appeals. In addition, Katten has implemented a system that tracks new class action filings nationally, enabling it to monitor developments and evaluate trends that may impact clients.
"The formation of this practice group will enable us to pool our resources and expertise across our various offices so that we can efficiently and effectively represent our clients in these types of cases, which are becoming more prevalent and present significant exposure and risk." said Mr. Richter. "In addition to defending class action claims, our attorneys have the experience and skill and tools necessary to counsel clients on avoiding becoming the next target of the plaintiff's bar."
Katten's national presence allows it to draw on the experience of attorneys in offices across the country to provide a cost-effective defense wherever clients may be sued, including when multiple class actions are filed against a single client in different jurisdictions. In addition, attorneys in the Consumer Class Action Practice routinely draw on the knowledge and experience of practitioners in the firm's other practice areas to formulate comprehensive defense strategies that meet clients' legal and business needs and objectives.
Given the significant cost and other challenges associated with electronic evidence preservation and production, clients defending against consumer class actions will also benefit from the knowledge of the litigators in Katten's Electronic Discovery and Evidence Practice. The firm also has many attorneys, including former Assistant United States Attorneys, skilled in the representation and defense of clients who face regulatory inquiries, which often result from the filing of major class action cases.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (www.kattenlaw.com) is a full-service law firm with offices in the nation's largest centers of business, government, finance and technology and an affiliated entity in London. With over 650 attorneys in more than 40 areas of practice, Katten provides timely and cost-effective counsel to clients in numerous industries. Katten provides advice for a wide range of public and private companies — from entrepreneurial, emerging-growth, and middle market firms to global Fortune 100 corporations — as well as government entities, institutions of higher learning, museums and a host of other charitable and cultural organizations.
Title and Kim are among 75 California attorneys honored by Daily Journals
LOS ANGELES (May 12, 2008) — Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is pleased to announce that two of its Los Angeles-based attorneys, Gail Migdal Title, chair of the national Entertainment and Media Litigation Practice and co-managing partner of its Los Angeles office, and Helen B. Kim, a partner in the Securities Litigation Practice, have been named among California's Top Women Litigators by the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals. The full list of honorees will be published in a special supplement to the May 14 issues of both publications.
The Daily Journals selected 75 of California's Top Women Litigators based on a number of criteria, including each nominee's major litigation victories in the last year, demonstrated leadership within their firm, involvement in the legal community, endorsements from their peers, and overall career accomplishments.
"The caliber of female legal skill resident in our L.A. office is second-to-none and we are pleased that Gail and Helen, two of our finest litigators, have been recognized in this manner," said Vincent A.F. Sergi, Katten's national managing partner. "We have always been committed to providing our clients with a diverse pool of top legal talent and this honor reinforces the fine job that our L.A. office continues to do in this regard."
Gail Migdal Title
This is the third consecutive year in which Ms. Title has been named as a Top Women Litigator. She is well known in the entertainment industry for successfully protecting her clients' interests regardless of the obstacles. Ms. Title's practice includes all aspects of the entertainment industry, from motion picture and television development, finance, and production, to distribution in all media worldwide. Her representation covers a broad range of legal and business issues that arise in the entertainment and technology industries, including copyright, trademark, unfair competition, contract, and business torts.
In the last year, Ms. Title has obtained outright dismissals of several intellectual property and contract cases brought against her clients, many of them high-profile players in the entertainment industry, based on her motions for summary judgment.
Ms. Title is also recognized as a leader in the Los Angeles legal community. She serves on the executive committee of the Public Counsel Law Center, the largest pro bono organization in the world. She also acts as co-chair of the organization's William O. Douglas dinner, which raises the bulk of the money to support the Law Center. In addition, Ms. Title sits on the executive committee of the Constitutional Rights Foundation.
Ms. Title is a lawyer representative to the 9th Circuit Judicial Conference and Vice-Chair of the Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel for the Central District of California. She is an Advisor on Intellectual Property to the ALI-ABA Continuing Professional Education Board's Program Committee.
Helen B. Kim
Ms. Kim concentrates her practice on securities and complex business-related litigation, representing public and private companies, and their directors, officers and principal shareholders, in a wide range of matters, including the defense of securities class actions, derivative suits and regulatory investigations.
In the past year, Ms. Kim has represented former officers of Refco Inc., once the largest non-bank commodities broker in the United States, in connection with the high profile securities class action litigation that resulted from Refco's collapse. Ms. Kim has obtained dismissal of her client from two ongoing class actions and won preliminary approval from the Court for a settlement that would extricate her client from a third. She also took the lead in successful litigation that required two insurance companies to advance defense costs and fees for the benefit of her clients and numerous other parties.
Ms. Kim serves as co-editor of the ABA Litigation Section's Securities Litigation Journal and has participated in numerous panel presentations sponsored by the American Bar Association, ALI-ABA and other organizations. She is currently President of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and Second Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. She also serves on the Judicial Appointments Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, as well as Vice President of Administration for the Korean American Coalition-Los Angeles, a not-for-profit community advocacy organization. Ms. Kim also serves on the Board of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (www.kattenlaw.com) is a full-service law firm with offices in the nation's largest centers of business, government, finance and technology and an affiliated entity in London. With over 650 attorneys in more than 40 areas of practice, Katten provides timely and cost-effective counsel to clients in numerous industries. Katten provides advice for a wide range of public and private companies — from entrepreneurial, emerging-growth, and middle market firms to global Fortune 100 corporations — as well as government entities, institutions of higher learning, museums and a host of other charitable and cultural organizations.
Firm continues to lead in the promotion of diversity within legal community
CHICAGO (May 13, 2008) — Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is pleased to announce that Angela M. Liu, Maxwell Li and Christopher Mendoza have been selected as the 2008 recipients of the Katten Muchin Rosenman Minority Scholarships. Ms. Liu, a second-year student at the University of North Carolina School of Law, Mr. Li, a second-year student at Columbia Law School, and Mr. Mendoza, a second-year student at Cornell Law School, will each receive a $15,000 scholarship and participate in the firm's 2008 Summer Associate Program, which begins this month.
Each year, Katten awards its Minority Scholarships to qualified students who will be participating in its Summer Associate Program. Minority Scholarship recipients are selected based on superior academic achievement, extracurricular, civic and charitable activities, writing skills and leadership potential, as well as other qualities that reflect the potential for outstanding future contributions to Katten and the legal profession.
"The three students selected for this year's Minority Scholarships have all demonstrated exceptional academic performance and outstanding leadership through extracurricular activities within their universities and the community," said Leslie D. Minier, Katten's Chief Diversity Officer and a partner in the firm's Corporate Practice. "We are pleased to continue the Minority Scholarship Program, along with our other diversity initiatives, as part of Katten's commitment to building a firm composed of the most talented individuals the legal profession has to offer."
Ms. Liu is a May 2009 J.D. candidate and a member of the North Carolina Journal of International Law and Commercial Regulation. She is also secretary of the American Constitution Society and the events coordinator for Women in Law. Ms. Liu serves as a teaching assistant and was honored last year as a Sonneschein Scholar, one of 50 first-year law students recognized nationwide for academic performance, leadership and commitment to public service. Ms. Liu earned her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004 with highest honors and with distinction.
Mr. Li is a candidate to receive his J.D. in May 2009. As an undergraduate at Haverford College, he served as vice president of the Asian Student Association and as a member of the Honor Council, overseeing the academic integrity of all Haverford students. He graduated in 2006 with dual B.A.'s in economics and East Asian studies. Mr. Li was previously a summer associate in UBS Investment Bank's Legal and Compliance Department. He is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese.
Mr. Mendoza is a May 2009 J.D. candidate who participates in the Latin American Law Student Association and the Langfan Moot Court Competition. He is an associate of the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy. As an undergraduate at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., he received several academic honors, including the Political Science Citizen-Scholar Award. Mr. Mendoza received his B.A. in political science, magna cum laude, in May 2006. During the summer of 2007, he served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Virginia A. Phillips, U.S. District Court Judge for the Central District of California.
Katten is dedicated to the achievement and promotion of diversity within both the firm and the broader legal community. The firm's national Diversity Committee works to accelerate the process of building diversity at every level within the firm. Katten actively supports and promotes diversity within its workplace through various programs, including the Women's Leadership Forum, which fosters career development and advancement and provides support, mentoring and training programs for the firm's female attorneys, and its Minority Associates Committee, dedicated to the recruitment, retention and promotion of minority associates at the firm. Katten was also a lead signatory to the Chicago Bar Association's Alliance for Women "Call to Action" and is actively involved in the Chicago Committee for Minorities in Large Law Firms. These initiatives, along with the Minority Scholarship Program, enable the firm to better attract, retain, nurture and advance its attorneys at every level.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (www.kattenlaw.com) is a full-service law firm with offices in the nation's largest centers of business, government, finance and technology and an affiliated entity in London. With over 650 attorneys in more than 40 areas of practice, Katten provides timely and cost-effective counsel to clients in numerous industries. Katten provides advice for a wide range of public and private companies — from entrepreneurial, emerging-growth, and middle market firms to global Fortune 100 corporations — as well as government entities, institutions of higher learning, museums and a host of other charitable and cultural organizations.
CHICAGO (May 7, 2008) — JAMS Neutral John W. "Jack" Cooley will be honored by the Association for Conflict Resolution's Chicago Chapter at its annual meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 13, at Northwestern University's School of Continuing Studies in Chicago, Illinois.
Judge Cooley is a leading figure in Chicago's ADR community. He is a full-time mediator and arbitrator at JAMS where he resolves disputes in a wide range of practice areas, including: commercial; construction; employment; healthcare; intellectual property, international; professional liability; and securities. He has served as a Special Master and as an arbitrator and mediator in a wide variety of complex, multi-million dollar commercial disputes, both domestic and international.
"We congratulate Judge Cooley on this well deserved honor," said Kimberly Taylor, JAMS Vice President — East/Central and Associate General Counsel. "Judge Cooley has over 30 years of experience as a mediator, arbitrator, trainer and designer of dispute resolution systems. He has mentored and educated many people about the benefits and best practices of ADR."
"I am very appreciative of this honor," Judge Cooley said. "ACR-Chicago provides a valuable service to the dispute resolution and legal community, and I am happy to have been involved with this fine organization for so many years."
Judge Cooley is a nationally recognized author and teacher of alternative dispute resolution and appellate advocacy. He has written six books on dispute resolution and more than 100 articles on ADR, litigation, and various judicial topics. He is the past Chair of the Mediation Committee of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution. He taught for more than 25 years, collectively, at Loyola and Northwestern University Law Schools.
Before developing a dispute resolution practice, Judge Cooley was a commercial litigation partner at Stone, McGuire, and Benjamin; a U.S. Magistrate for the Northern District of Illinois; a Senior Staff Attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit; and an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois.
Judge Cooley is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and earned his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School.
About ACR — Chicago Chapter
The Association for Conflict Resolution Chicago Area Chapter brings together the local dispute resolution community and provides a forum for ADR professionals to explore and learn about all areas of dispute resolution. Its membership is composed of mediators, arbitrators, advocates, consultants and academics.
About JAMS, The Resolution Experts
Founded in 1979, JAMS, The Resolution Experts, is the nation's largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services. With Resolution Centers nationwide, JAMS and its more than 200 full-time, exclusive neutrals are responsible for resolving thousands of the nation's most important cases. JAMS may be reached at 800-352-5267 or at www.jamsadr.com.
SAN FRANCISCO (May 14, 2008) — Catherine A. Yanni, Esq., a mediator and special master with JAMS, the nation's largest private provider of ADR services, has been honored as one of five "Women of Achievement" by Legal Momentum, the oldest legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls. The honor was announced at Legal Momentum's 3rd Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner, which highlighted the accomplishments of five leading citizens in the San Francisco Bay Area, on May 13 at the Golden Gate Club.
The exclusive "Women of Achievement" honor is given to those who have risen to positions of leadership and success in business, law and public service, and who serve as role models for young women.
"Cathy is a tremendous mediator. This award highlights her significant work and achievements in the fields of ADR and law," said Chris Poole, JAMS President and CEO. "She has a history of making positive contributions, both professionally and in the community. We honor and applaud her accomplishments."
"I am very thankful for this wonderful award from Legal Momentum," said Ms. Yanni, who is one of a select group of top neutrals at JAMS who serve as owners. "It is truly an honor to be highlighted among such a distinguished group." Other awardees include: Katherine August-Dewilde, President and Chief Operating Officer of First Republic Bank; Anne W. Halsted, Vice Chair of the SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission; Katherine Lutton, Head of Fish & Richardson's Global Litigation Practice; and Laura Stein, Senior Vice President-General Counsel of The Clorox Company.
For the past decade, Ms. Yanni has been a full-time specialist in ADR. Repeatedly recognized as one of California's leading neutrals by the Daily Journal, she has been involved in over 2,000 matters involving issues such as the American with Disabilities Act, employment claims, class action lawsuits involving securities, consumer product claims, mass torts, intellectual property claims and environmental claims. She continues to act as a special master and discovery referee in those types of cases as well.
Well-known for her ability to maintain an atmosphere of decorum in what could be very contentious situations, Ms. Yanni has earned the trust and respect of both attorneys and their clients. Among the many resolutions she has been responsible for are: the Dow Corning Silicone Gel Breast Implant Settlement Fund; the distribution of the 700 million dollar settlement in litigation involving Zyprexa; and federal multi-district litigation and state court cases involving Baycol, a cholesterol lowering drug. Ms. Yanni has also acted as a special master and designed and implemented the distribution of settlement funds for over 1 billion dollars in claims.
Ms. Yanni is very active in pro-bono activities. At the San Mateo County Superior Court, she was a member of the original alternative dispute resolution committee that created and continues to execute that court's ADR program. She continues to work for the Federal District Court's pro-bono program and the California State of Appeals pro-bono program. She does pro bono cases for San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. She is a principal benefactor of the JAMS Foundation, which is the non-profit foundation of JAMS that provides grants for conflict resolution initiatives with national and international impact.
She also lectures about and teaches ADR as part of the JAMS Institute, and at Stanford University, the University of San Francisco, UC Hastings School of the Law, and UC Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law.
Ms. Yanni began her legal career at Low, Ball, and Lynch, where she became a litigation partner in 1989. In 1994, she was appointed a discovery referee for the San Mateo County Superior Court. She earned her J.D. in 1981 from Golden State University School of Law, where she served as Editor of the Law Review. She earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College in 1975 and attended Dartmouth College.
About Legal Momentum
Founded in 1970, Legal Momentum is the oldest legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls. Over the past 38 years, Legal Momentum has made historic contributions through its litigation and public policy strategies to secure equality and justice for women. The nonprofit organization advocates nationally on four broad areas of social concern: freedom from violence against women, equal work and equal pay, the health of women and girls, and strong families and strong communities. More information is available at www.legalmomentum.org.
About JAMS, The Resolution Experts
Founded in 1979, JAMS, The Resolution Experts, is the nation's largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services. With Resolution Centers nationwide, JAMS and its more than 200 full-time, exclusive neutrals are responsible for resolving thousands of the nation's most important cases. JAMS may be reached at 800-352-5267 or on the web at www.jamsadr.com.
ANAHEIM, CALIF. (May 9, 2008) — JAMS Neutral Gerald A. "Jerry" Kurland, Esq. received the prestigious 2008 West Coast Casualty Jerrold S. Oliver Award of Excellence, which was presented to him at the 15th Annual West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California on May 8th.
Named after the late Judge Jerrold S. Oliver, a JAMS mediator and arbitrator, and a "founding father" in using ADR to resolve construction claims, this award recognizes an individual who is outstanding or has contributed to the betterment of the construction community with the same spirit of commitment, loyalty and trust as that displayed by Judge Oliver. The award is affectionately known as the "Ollie Award." The organization puts out a call for nominees from 1,900 members of the construction community.
"We are thrilled that Jerry has won the 'Ollie Award,'" said Chris Poole, JAMS President and CEO. "As one of our most respected neutrals in the field of construction, Jerry is known for his experience, talent, and great personal skills. He is certainly deserving of this award, and we congratulate him."
"The Ollie Award is a wonderful honor and I am extremely proud to receive it," said Mr. Kurland. "The "Ollie" is very special to me because Judge Oliver was a friend and mentor, and a very big part of my success in ADR. I will forever be grateful to him."
Since becoming one of the first attorney-mediators affiliated with JAMS in Southern California, Mr. Kurland has settled hundreds of complex, multi-party, multi-issue construction actions involving commercial, mixed-use, high-rise, university and sports facilities, public works, single family home and condominium projects. He has served as a mediation training facilitator and speaker on various dispute resolution topics.
Mr. Kurland has been consistently recognized for his skills as a mediator and arbitrator. Mr. Kurland is frequently named on the annual list of "Top California Neutrals" by The Daily Journal. That same publication selected him as one of California's "20 Most Sought-After Neutrals" in 2002. His primary location is the JAMS Santa Monica Resolution Center.
JAMS Neutrals Bruce A. Edwards, Esq. and Ross W. Feinberg, Esq. are former recipients of the "Ollie Award." The West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar is one of the "must attend" annual events in the construction community. JAMS was proud to sponsor the event again this year.
About JAMS, The Resolution Experts
Founded in 1979, JAMS, The Resolution Experts, is the nation's largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services. With Resolution Centers nationwide, JAMS and its more than 200 full-time, exclusive mediators and arbitrators are responsible for resolving thousands of the nation's most important cases. JAMS may be reached at 800-352-5267 or on the web at www.jamsadr.com.
CHICAGO (May 12, 2008) — Wildman Harrold is pleased to announce that litigator Carole E. Handler has joined the firm as a partner in Los Angeles.
Handler, who has just been named one of the Top Women Litigators for the sixth year in a row, comes to the firm from Foley & Lardner LLP, where she was Vice-Chair of its IP litigation group. Her work focuses primarily on copyright in new media, as well as antitrust as it relates to IP rights. Handler has represented clients in landmark cases, including Marvel Comics in its efforts to reclaim the motion picture rights to "Spider-Man." In addition, she has been lead counsel in precedent-setting cases involving the application of copyright law to new technologies, the scope of public performance rights in new media, and constitutional and antitrust matters involving motion picture licensing and distribution.
A respected leader in litigation and IP law, Handler has worked on a number of cases involving key issues for the entertainment industry as it grapples with the implications of new technology. This includes protecting the rights to copyrighted characters in online gaming, and establishing the motion picture industry's exclusive rights to control the distribution and performance of copyrighted works in new media. She also has handled cases involving electronic publishing and other significant copyright matters related to social networking sites. In addition to advising media and entertainment companies, Handler has extensive experience in a wide-array of industries including energy, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
"Carole is highly regarded as a winning litigator who works diligently for her clients in protecting their valuable copyright and other IP assets in the face of rapidly-evolving technologies," said John Letchinger, chair of Wildman Harrold's Intellectual Property Department. "She remains at the forefront of law, with important decisions that have shaped the business of media and entertainment. We are delighted to welcome her to our team."
"Wildman Harrold is seen as a rising star by the entertainment and new media industries in terms of its work on next-generation IP issues, and was a natural choice for where I want to take my practice," said Handler. "The firm's outstanding reputation and nationally-recognized litigators makes this an excellent opportunity for me."
Handler's move to Wildman Harrold follows recent key additions to the firm's national IP practice that have positioned it as a leading counsel to the technology, media and entertainment industries. This past March, media and technology attorney Alan L. Friel joined the firm, and former Paramount in-house counsel, Nancy Derwin-Weiss joined the practice in 2007. Handler, Friel and Derwin-Weiss have teamed with Chicago-based partners Justine Gottshall, Jamie Rubin, Tom Smedinghoff and Bill Cook, whose work focuses on the convergence of new media, privacy and data security.
Handler holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an A.B., with honors, from Harvard College.
About Wildman Harrold
Wildman Harrold is a 200-attorney business law firm based in Chicago representing Fortune 500 companies and private businesses in Litigation, Business Transactions and Intellectual Property. The national litigation practice is recognized as one of the best in the country and was selected by Corporate Counsel magazine as a "Go-To" Law Firm. The transaction department provides legal counsel on all corporate matters with a highly-specialized practice for private equity funds. The Intellectual Property practice addresses the full-range of IP issues, including a premier team of Privacy and Data Security attorneys, for which the firm was recognized by Computerworld magazine as one of the country's "Best Privacy Advisors" in 2007.
CHICAGO (May 14, 2008) Wildman Harrold is pleased to have represented client BioProcess Technologies, Ltd. (BPT), a privately-owned Rhode Island company that develops wastewater filtration products, in a strategic alliance with CLARCOR, Inc. (NYSE: CLC), a diversified marketer and manufacturer of mobile, industrial and environmental filtration products and consumer and industrial packaging products sold in domestic and international markets.
The multi-million dollar transaction will allow BPT through a newly created entity called BioProcessH2O to further leverage the patented water filtration technologies it has developed with expanded manufacturing capacity, additional working capital, and new marketing and sales programs.
"We're very happy to have assisted our client BPT with this transaction," said Jeffrey P. Gray, Wildman Harrold partner and lead counsel to BPT. "The strategic alliance with CLARCOR will allow BPT to exploit its leading filtration technology to a far greater extent."
Wildman Harrold's work on the transaction included a recapitalization of BPT, which involved negotiations with both internal and external shareholders. BPT also is restructuring a loan by Slater Technology Fund, Inc., a Rhode-Island state initiative that provides funding to new and developing technology-based companies in the state.
Along with Gray, the Wildman Harrold team working on the matter included partners Joseph E. Bender and Thomas J. Ring, as well as associates Christopher J. Douglass and Mary-Katherine Price.
CLARCOR (www.clarcor.com) is based in Franklin, Tennessee, and is a diversified marketer and manufacturer of mobile, industrial and environmental filtration products and consumer and industrial packaging products sold in domestic and international markets.
BioProcess Technologies is a privately-owned company based in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Further information can be found at www.bioprocessh2o.com.
About Wildman Harrold
Wildman Harrold is a 200-attorney business law firm based in Chicago representing Fortune 500 companies and private businesses in Litigation, Business Transactions and Intellectual Property. The national litigation practice is recognized as one of the best in the country and was selected by Corporate Counsel magazine as a "Go-To" Law Firm. The transaction department provides legal counsel on all corporate matters with a highly-specialized practice for private equity funds. The Intellectual Property practice addresses the full-range of IP issues and includes a premier team of Privacy and Data Security attorneys.
NEW YORK (May 8, 2008) — The New York office of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP (K&L Gates) welcomes Gary A. Walpert and Andrew L. Reibman as partners in the firm's intellectual property practice.
Walpert, who joins K&L Gates from Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, focuses his practice on licensing and other transactional arrangements, counseling in technology and computer law, and patent and trademark prosecution and litigation. He has handled licensing matters in a broad array of fields — including hardware, software, oil, and biotechnology — and is highly experienced in the prosecution of patent applications for complex computer hardware and software applications, telecommunications, financial/business methodologies, and material science, as well as validity, infringement and enforceability opinions. In addition to his involvement in major technology patent litigation, Walpert has also litigated copyright actions relating to software products and jewelry design.
With a strong technical background in computer hardware, software and networking, Reibman focuses on clients in both the financial services industry and the betting and gaming sector. He has prosecuted a large number of patents in many areas, including patents related to lottery games, gaming equipment, and Internet gaming. In addition to assisting clients with patent portfolio management and the intellectual property creation process, Reibman has served on litigation and transactional teams in a variety of intellectual property matters. Reibman joins K&L Gates from Kenyon & Kenyon LLP.
"K&L Gates is delighted to add these two talented lawyers to our New York office," said Woody Collins, Administrative Partner of K&L Gates' New York office. "Their collective intellectual property experience in sectors ranging from computer technology and telecommunications to medical equipment and environmental science will help allow us to expand our services to the firm's current and future clients both in New York and well beyond." K&L Gates Chairman and Global Managing Partner Peter J. Kalis said: "With the arrival of Gary and Andrew, K&L Gates takes a major step forward in the establishment of a top-tier intellectual property practice in our New York office and promotes the development of our leading firmwide intellectual property practice."
K&L Gates comprises approximately 1,500 lawyers in 25 offices located in North America, Europe and Asia, and represents capital markets participants, entrepreneurs, growth and middle market companies, leading FORTUNE 100 and FTSE 100 global corporations and public sector entities. For more information, visit www.klgates.com.
K&L Gates comprises multiple affiliated partnerships: a limited liability partnership with the full name Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP qualified in Delaware and maintaining offices throughout the U.S., in Berlin, in Beijing (Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP Beijing Representative Office), and in Shanghai (Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP Shanghai Representative Office); a limited liability partnership (also named Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP) incorporated in England and maintaining our London and Paris offices; a Taiwan general partnership (Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis) which practices from our Taipei office; and a Hong Kong general partnership (Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis, Solicitors) which practices from our Hong Kong office. K&L Gates maintains appropriate registrations in the jurisdictions in which its offices are located. A list of the partners in each entity is available for inspection at any K&L Gates office.
WASHINGTON (May 14, 2008) — The Washington office of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP (K&L Gates) welcomes Patrick G. Heck as a partner in the firm's public policy and law practice.
Heck joins K&L Gates from the United States Senate, where he served as Chief Tax Counsel to the Committee on Finance. Previously, Heck served as assistant counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee's Oversight Subcommittee, and was a senior manager in Ernst & Young LLP's national tax department, as well as a tax law specialist and trial attorney with the Internal Revenue Service. As the senior tax policy advisor to Chairman Max Baucus and other Democratic members of the Senate Finance Committee from 2000 through 2007, Heck was responsible for developing and promoting tax law changes related to the Internal Revenue Code, including in the areas of corporate and international tax reforms, tax law simplification, Federal excise taxes, and compliance issues. Among the major legislative accomplishments to which Heck contributed were the transportation and energy tax incentives acts, the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act, the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act, the Pension Protection Act, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001, as well as tax relief programs aimed at populations such as working families and victims of terrorism and natural disasters. He also has worked extensively on oversight of the Internal Revenue Service and on Congressional investigations.
David T. Case, Administrative Partner of K&L Gates' Washington, D.C. office, said: "We are delighted to add someone of Pat's caliber to our Washington policy practice. Having worked on virtually every tax bill passed by Congress in the past twenty years, Pat has extraordinary experience in the formulation of tax policy, including service with the Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, the Internal Revenue Service, and the private sector. At a time when tax policy decisions are increasingly important for businesses, tax-exempt organizations and governments, Pat further strengthens K&L Gates' tax policy practice." "There is virtually no consequential policy issue extant in Washington today whose resolution does not depend upon an underlying choice of tax policy," said K&L Gates Chairman and Global Managing Partner Peter J. Kalis. "With the government in transition over the next year — regardless the outcome of the presidential election — there will be an abundance of opportunities to add value to our clients' enterprises through informed counseling and legislative advocacy on U.S. tax policy. With Pat's arrival, K&L Gates takes a significant step forward in being able to serve our clients in this important area of the practice."
K&L Gates comprises approximately 1,500 lawyers in 25 offices located in North America, Europe and Asia, and represents capital markets participants, entrepreneurs, growth and middle market companies, leading FORTUNE 100 and FTSE 100 global corporations and public sector entities. For more information, visit www.klgates.com
K&L Gates comprises multiple affiliated partnerships: a limited liability partnership with the full name Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP qualified in Delaware and maintaining offices throughout the U.S., in Berlin, in Beijing (Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP Beijing Representative Office), and in Shanghai (Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP Shanghai Representative Office); a limited liability partnership (also named Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP) incorporated in England and maintaining our London and Paris offices; a Taiwan general partnership (Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis) which practices from our Taipei office; and a Hong Kong general partnership (Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis, Solicitors) which practices from our Hong Kong office. K&L Gates maintains appropriate registrations in the jurisdictions in which its offices are located. A list of the partners in each entity is available for inspection at any K&L Gates office.
HOUSTON (May 7, 2008) — A private equity lawyer who has served as the general counsel for two public companies and their private equity firm sponsor has joined Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.'s corporate practice.
Edward Rhyne brings decades of experience handling corporate work, ranging from mergers and acquisitions to private equity, securities work and fund formations. He joins Fulbright as a partner from Haynes and Boone, LLP
"We are expanding our corporate practice to continue offering our clients the comprehensive, timely legal advice they have come to rely on from us in a constantly changing business environment," said Steven B. Pfeiffer, the Chair of Fulbright's Executive Committee. "Ed offers a nice mix of corporate experience and is a solid addition to our corporate team."
Rhyne brings substantial experience with corporate securities, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters. He focuses on private equity, and has represented clients in domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, securities transactions and the acquisition of a major league baseball team.
As the in-house general counsel for two public companies that were sponsored by a private equity firm, Rhyne implemented and was responsible for corporate capital financing transactions, security offerings, an extensive mergers and acquisitions program, loan and regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and public reporting.
"Ed's impressive track record and depth of experience includes advising directors, forming corporate policies and working with the SEC," said Michael Conlon, the co-head of Fulbright's Corporate Practice. "He complements our corporate team, which provides a broad array of corporate legal services to a diverse international client base, ranging from start-up ventures to large multinational companies."
Offering an acute awareness of changing market conditions, Fulbright's corporate lawyers regularly advise private equity sponsors and other investors in connection with the formation of investment vehicles, including leveraged buy-out and venture capital funds. The firm's lawyers are involved in the structuring and negotiation of funds' investments and work with clients to establish clear exit strategies, whether by private sale, initial public offering, merger or acquisition. Fulbright lawyers also assist in the establishment of debt and equity financing to fund investments and general options.
"Fulbright's lawyers work closely across offices and practice areas, taking a team approach to serving clients," said Rhyne. "Fulbright's culture, rich history, impressive corporate practice and global platform made it the right fit for me."
For more than four decades, Fulbright's lawyers have represented multinational clients in employee benefits, executive compensation and ERISA matters. Fulbright's corporate practice has ranked six times among the top 20 in the nation, according to Corporate Board Member magazine, and is listed among the top 10 firms for "Best in Dealing with General Corporate Governance Issues" by Director's & Boards: 2007 Top Corporate Governance Law Firms.
In addition to his legal work, Rhyne developed and continues to periodically conduct a seven week mergers and acquisitions school for non-legal professionals. He received his LLM in taxation from New York University, J.D. from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law and a B.S. in accounting from the University of Alabama.
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Founded in 1919, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. is a leading full-service international law firm, with nearly 1,000 lawyers in 16 locations in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Denver, Dubai, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Munich, New York, Riyadh, San Antonio, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Fulbright provides a full range of legal services to clients worldwide.
The 2007 BTI survey of FORTUNE 1000 general counsel chose Fulbright as "The BTI Client Service 30" A-Team and Corporate Board Member magazine named Fulbright among the top 20 corporate law firms in the U.S. in their survey of board members of public companies. For more information, please visit: www.fulbright.com
NEW YORK and WASHINGTON (May 13, 2008) — Two lawyers with substantial experience handling matters involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including authorizations for LNG import projects, and a third with substantial project finance experience, have joined Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.'s recognized global energy practice.
Partners Lisa Tonery and Erik Swenson have joined Fulbright from King & Spalding L.L.P., while Mark Tibberts arrives from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Tonery and Tibberts will be based in Fulbright's New York office; Swenson will practice from Washington, D.C. All three routinely serve as lead counsel on energy infrastructure development matters.
"We have been adding experienced lawyers across the firm to assist our clients across all segments of the energy industry," said Steven B. Pfeiffer, the Chair of Fulbright's Executive Committee. "Our energy lawyers handle a broad range of international and domestic matters impacting the energy industry worldwide. The additional FERC, LNG and project finance and development experience this group brings will further enhance our ability to serve our clients."
In addition to energy transactions, the 220 lawyers in Fulbright's energy group regularly assist clients with dispute resolution, regulatory matters, intellectual property and environmental issues. The firm has served the energy industry for more than 70 years.
"Lisa, Erik and Mark add domestic strength to our energy team's substantial international LNG and project finance experience," said Michael Irvin, the head of Fulbright's worldwide energy practice. "They also bring a strong background in the electric industry, complementing our established practice. As we assist clients through regulatory issues, the FERC experience this group brings will be a real asset."
Tonery is a regulatory lawyer who represents independent developers of FERC-jurisdictional LNG import terminal projects, interstate natural gas pipelines and natural gas storage projects. She has also represented independent power producers and power marketers. Tonery has represented clients in the natural gas, oil and electric industries in proceedings before FERC, state commissions and federal courts.
"Erik and I have joined an impressive team at Fulbright, where providing the very best service possible to the firm's clients is the priority," Tonery said.
Swenson has more than 20 years experience practicing energy law. He represents energy project participants, including developers, equity investors and lenders. He also represents energy traders with respect to regulatory matters and industrial and commercial companies with regard to energy matters. His work includes guiding clients developing LNG import terminals and gas storage projects, assisting major energy companies with acquisitions and dispositions of substantial generating facility portfolios and representing a power marketer in FERC proceedings involving an allegation of gaming.
"Fulbright offered the right opportunity to further grow our domestic practice as Lisa and I searched for a team we both felt comfortable being a part of," Swenson said. "Fulbright's rich history and experience within the energy industry was a draw and we are happy to now be sitting at the table with a group of energy lawyers we have long respected."
Also new to the team is Tibberts, who has spent more than 18 years working with energy industry clients, focusing on the finance, development and sale and acquisition of energy infrastructure projects, such as power plants and gas pipeline and storage facilities. He has negotiated a wide variety of transactions ranging from bank financings to private placements, mergers and acquisitions and Rule 144A offerings. Additionally, Tibberts has handled a wide variety of project documentation, including construction contracts, power sales and fuel supply agreements and hedges and operation and maintenance contracts.
"This talented group is an important enhancement as we work to best serve our clients and build out our energy finance practice in New York," said William Bush, the head of Fulbright's New York office. "New York is the epicenter for financial markets and definitely at the heart of where some of the domestic energy deals are happening. To augment the legal services we provide to the global energy industry, it is important for us to expand our team on the ground."
Similarly, the head of Fulbright's D.C. office said having additional lawyers with FERC experience in D.C. is key at a time when government investigations are regularly initiated.
"Having Lisa and Erik positioned to work with our clients as they attempt to transcend an increasingly complicated regulatory environment is important as we go forward," said Joseph T. Small, Jr., the head of Fulbright's Washington, D.C. office. "Our goal is always to offer our clients the best and most comprehensive service possible. The talented team we have assembled is prepared to do just that."
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Founded in 1919, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. is a leading full-service international law firm, with nearly 1,000 lawyers in 16 locations in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Denver, Dubai, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Munich, New York, Riyadh, San Antonio, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Fulbright provides a full range of legal services to clients worldwide.
The 2007 BTI survey of FORTUNE 1000 general counsel chose Fulbright as "The BTI Client Service 30" A-Team and Corporate Board Member magazine named Fulbright among the top 20 corporate law firms in the U.S. in their survey of board members of public companies. For more information, please visit: www.fulbright.com
DALLAS (May 13, 2008) — A pair of Mexican nationals imprisoned for life in a 1996 Texas Panhandle murder have been freed after a six-year Haynes and Boone, LLP pro bono effort won an appeals court mandate for new trials.
Lamb County grand jurors refused to reindict Alberto Sifuentes and Jesus Ramirez in the killing of a Littlefield, TX convenience store clerk in light of a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruling earlier this year reversing and vacating their convictions.
After five hours of hearing evidence, the grand jury took only ten minutes to no-bill Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez.
Armed with certified copies of a judge's dismissal of all charges against the defendants, the Haynes and Boone pro bono defense team — Barry McNeil, Ron Breaux and Sarah Teachout — secured their release from the Lamb County jail. The two men were met by joyous family members who had gathered from across the country in anticipation.
"This is a great day for these two unfortunate men," said Mr. McNeil, who led the Haynes and Boone fight for Mr. Sifuentes, 35, and Mr. Ramirez, 59. "It's sad they were prosecuted in the first place.
"There was no physical evidence whatsoever linking Alberto and Jesus to the crime, and the prosecutor's case hinged on false testimony by a so-called eye witness who was not at the crime scene when she supposedly saw the killers," Mr. McNeil said. "How tragic it is that Alberto and Jesus have been deprived of their freedom for more than a decade. Our state and our country cannot afford mistakes like this. Each one is a horrible tragedy for both the victim's family and the wrongly accused."
Haynes and Boone's pro bono team spent 7,493 hours working on the men's cases. Firm time devoted to the case equates to about $2.35 million. The firm also spent more than $400,000 on private investigative services, exhibit preparation and other expenses for the cases.
Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez were convicted in the Aug. 6, 1996 murder of Evangelina "Angie" Cruz, night attendant at the Jolly Roger convenience store just off Texas Highway 84 in Littlefield, northwest of Lubbock. The Haynes and Boone team argued during a 2005 habeas corpus hearing that Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez were convicted based on false testimony by a questionable eyewitness.
The night Ms. Cruz was shot nine times and killed, Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez were stopped by authorities while returning home to Muleshoe from a Lubbock bar. No evidence was discovered linking them to the crime, nor did they match the description Ms. Cruz gave of her assailants. They were allowed to leave.
Sifuentes and Ramirez only became the prime suspects the following day when an acquaintance inquired about a Crime Stoppers reward. After that, a bungled photo lineup and testimony from a mistaken eyewitness resulted in the convictions, the Haynes and Boone trial lawyers contended.
After the habeas hearing, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Texas Attorney General's Office attorneys and the original trial judge all concurred that Mr. Sifuentes and Mr. Ramirez were both unconstitutionally convicted.
In August 2007, trial Judge Felix Klein of the 154th District Court in Lamb County concluded in his "findings of fact" that the defendants were denied their constitutional rights when the trial juries were never informed:
-about the existence of a known alibi witness, Pauline Robles, who would have testified the defendants were at a Lubbock nightclub at the time of the murder;
-that evidence implicated two brothers who matched the victim's description of her attackers;
-and that critical evidence that could have led the jury to doubt the defendants' guilt was never investigated.
Haynes and Boone is primarily a corporate law firm, but has a long history of providing legal services to Mexican individuals and companies seeking opportunities in the United States. In Mexico City, where the firm operates one of the largest offices of any U.S.-based law firm, partners donated a total of 994 pro bono hours last year to causes including a foundation that supports Archdioceses of the City of Mexico, and recovery of a baby in a cross-border kidnapping.
The firm took on the Texas murder case at the behest of the Mexican government, which had flagged the Sifuentes and Ramirez convictions as part of its capital murder legal defense initiative on behalf of Mexican citizens wrongly convicted by U.S. courts.
Haynes and Boone is an international corporate law firm with offices in Texas, New York, Washington, D.C., Mexico City and Moscow, providing a full spectrum of legal services. With almost 500 attorneys, Haynes and Boone is ranked among the largest law firms in the nation by The National Law Journal. The firm has been recognized as one of the "Best Corporate Law Firms in America" (Corporate Board Member Magazine, 2001-2007), and as a Top 100 law firm for both diversity (MultiCultural Law Magazine, 2008) and women (Women 3.0, 2008).
Sedgwick Alumni Join Forces to Give Back to Their Alma Mater
NEW YORK (May 12, 2008) — Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold LLP announced it has used attorney fees awarded for the successful representation of pro bono clients to create the Sedgwick Public Interest Scholarship at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law of Yeshiva University in New York. The scholarship will award a $4,000 stipend to a Cardozo student every year for the next five years who pursues a summer internship at a nonprofit organization or a government agency. The recipient must also be a member of a group that is underrepresented in the legal community, committed to promoting diversity in the legal profession, or committed to providing legal services to such communities.
Alisha Williams, a member of Cardozo's Class of 2009, was notified on May 10 that she will be the first student to receive the award. Williams serves on the National Advisory Board of the Student Hurricane Network, and during her school breaks works along the Gulf Coast providing pro bono assistance to victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She is also an active member of the Black Law Students Association. She will be interning this summer at the Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP), which was founded in 2002 on the principle that gender self-determination is inextricably intertwined with racial, social and economic justice. The organization strives to protect those who wish to determine their own gender identity from violence and harassment.
"The lack of diversity is a problem for the entire legal community. It is up to all of us to address this imbalance and do what we can to change it," said Eric Kraus, New York partner and member of Sedgwick's Pro Bono committee. "We hope this scholarship will serve to promote diversity within the legal community and support more law students in their work with underrepresented communities."
Kraus was the driving force behind the scholarship. After he came up with the idea of using pro bono attorney fees to create a scholarship, Caryn Silverman, a Sedgwick partner and 1993 Cardozo graduate, suggested establishing the scholarship at Cardozo School of Law. Ten Sedgwick attorneys, including Silverman, have attended Cardozo, whose commitment to students interested in pursuing careers in the public sector is manifested in its robust Center for Public Service Law.
The international litigation and business law firm of Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold LLP provides its clients vigorous defense strategies and long-term litigation avoidance counseling. With more than 400 attorneys in offices in Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, Newark, Orange County (California), Paris, San Francisco and Zurich, and an associated office in Bermuda, Sedgwick's collective experience spans the globe and virtually every industry. For more information about Sedgwick, its attorneys, and its services, visit the firm's Web site at www.sdma.com.
INDIANAPOLIS (May 9, 2008) — Baker & Daniels LLP was ranked 15th in the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's third annual "Best Places to Work in Indiana" program and named one of five recipients of a "Family Friendly Award" by the Indiana Youth Institute. Rankings were announced May 7 at an awards dinner in Indianapolis attended by 800 Hoosier businesspeople.
Baker & Daniels was among the "Best Places to Work in Indiana" for the second straight year. Honorees were determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. Baker & Daniels was chosen in the category for large-sized companies with 250 or more employees.
The Indiana Youth Institute bestowed an additional honor upon five winners ranked among the "Best Places to Work in Indiana" with the "Family Friendly Award" for workplace policies that provide employees with more time and resources to raise their children. Baker & Daniels offers a variety of programs, including flexible work schedules, job sharing, reduced hours arrangements, telecommuting, pre-tax dependent care accounts, generous allowance for paid sick days and personal days, paid half-day for holiday shopping and on-site services for dry cleaning, shoe repairs and other needs. The firm also supports national events like "Take Your Daughter/Son to Work Day" and sponsors a biennial picnic for employees and their families at local attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo.
All companies that participate in the Best Places to Work program received an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses based on employees surveys. The report can be used in developing or enhancing employee retention and recruitment programs.
Honorees in the Best Places to Work program are featured in the May/June issue of the Indiana Chamber's BizVoice® magazine, a statewide publication and accessible online at www.bizvoicemagazine.com. The Best Companies Group has overseen similar programs in 18 other states. Modern Think LLC, a workplace excellence consulting firm, handled the selection process.
Founded in 1863, Baker & Daniels LLP is one of Indiana's largest law firms. With more than 370 lawyers and legal professionals, Baker & Daniels serves clients in regional, national and international transaction, regulatory and litigation matters from offices in Indiana, Washington, D.C. and China. For more information about Baker & Daniels, visit www.bakerdaniels.com.
SEATTLE (May 8, 2008) — Barbara C. Sherland, attorney in the Seattle office of Stoel Rives LLP, has been elected to serve a five-year term as Washington state chair of the American College of Trust and Estate Council. She is also serving as chair of the Puget Sound Blood Center and will begin serving as president of the Estate Planning Council of Seattle in May. Sherland is a principal of Stoel Rives and practices in the areas of estate planning and administration and tax-exempt organizations. Her practice includes family wealth transfer, closely-held business planning, fiduciary representation, prenuptial planning, charitable giving and representation of non-profit organizations. Barbara was named one of Seattle's Top 100 Lawyers by Seattle Magazine (2001-present) and was chosen by Washington Law & Politics as one of Washington's Super Lawyers (1999-present). She was also included in The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, 1994-present).
About Stoel Rives LLP: Stoel Rives is a business law firm providing counseling and litigation services throughout the western United States. The firm's 350 attorneys provide client-focused services to a wide range of clients from eight offices in five western states. Stoel Rives is regarded as a regional leader in energy, natural resources, environment, litigation, corporate and intellectual property law. For more information about Stoel Rives and its offices in Oregon, Washington, California, Utah and Idaho, visit www.stoel.com.
CINCINNATI (May 14, 2008) — Dinsmore & Shohl LLP and Allen Freeman announced today that they have formed a new company, D&S Consulting LLC. Utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach, D&S Consulting offers cutting edge government relation services working with clients to identify opportunities for growth and strategies for addressing marketplace challenges.
"Our integrated services bring together government relations, communications and technical professionals in partnership with the legal services offered by Dinsmore & Shohl," said Allen Freeman, President and co-owner. "We provide our clients with a critical edge by developing new strategies and capitalizing on emerging opportunities."
D&S Consulting enters the market with a wealth of experience across the political spectrum, offering clients a wide range of strategic services. Allen Freeman has an impressive background with over a decade of public policy and lobbying success with a specialization in transportation and public funding options. George Vincent, the managing partner of Dinsmore & Shohl and treasurer for D&S Consulting, is the recent past-chair of the Hamilton County Republican Party and a current board member of the Cincinnati Museum Center and Cincinnati Art Museum.
"At D&S Consulting, we focus on all facets of public policy development from advocacy to creating strategies to help governments and those doing business with them to be effective," said Freeman. "We deal with public policy from the public side and from the decision-makers side to achieve client goals."
Professionals in each market add to the depth of the D&S team and routinely work together on projects. For instance, the D&S team often calls on Steve Pence, the former lieutenant governor of Kentucky, and Jill Bentz, an experienced healthcare attorney working out of the Charleston, West Virginia office, to add their government and private sector experience.
D&S Consulting also relies on the advice of its senior policy advisors who have significant experience in their industries, such as Tim Miller, a longtime appropriations advisor in Washington, DC, to provide an in-depth understanding of complex issues.
Headquartered in Cincinnati, D&S Consulting also operates out of Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky; Charleston, Morgantown and Wheeling, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. D&S Consulting is affiliated with Dinsmore & Shohl, a full service law firm with more than 350 attorneys practicing in nine offices in four states.
DALLAS (May 13, 2008) — Kirk D. Rasmussen, a regulatory, legislative and administrative attorney, has joined Texas law firm Winstead PC as an income shareholder. He will be located in the firm's Dallas office, working with the Public & Regulatory Practice Group in the Business & Transactions Department. Rasmussen comes to Winstead from Hunton & Williams, LLP, where he represented a broad range of energy and utility clients before numerous state and federal agencies and commissions.
Rasmussen brings significant experience representing the largest utility and electric generating entities in Texas in complex regulatory proceedings. His practice additionally includes advising clients on legislation and regulations regarding the energy and utility industry. He recently represented the U.S. Department of Energy in connection with licensing its Yucca Mountain Project—the geologic nuclear waste repository.
According to Dallas Managing Shareholder Jeff Hage, "Kirk brings an impressive and broad range of public and regulatory law knowledge and experience to our Dallas office. We are pleased that he has joined the Winstead team."
Rasmussen is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Dallas Bar Association. He received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law, received his M.A. in Environmental Science from Duke University, and his B.S. in Conservation Biology from Brigham Young University. At Duke University he was the executive editor of Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law and a contributing editor to Duke Environmental Law & Policy Forum.
Rasmussen recently served as the chairman of the White Buffalo District Friends of Scouting Campaign for the Boy Scouts of America.
Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. Winstead attorneys and consultants serve as the trusted advisors to mid-market and large businesses, providing a core range of legal services that are critical to their operation and success. From its well-known reputation in real estate and financial services to its corporate and high-stakes litigation practice, Winstead has the power to perform for your business. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and Washington, D.C. For detailed information about Winstead, visit www.winstead.com.
HOUSTON (May 13, 2008) — Ross D. Margraves, Jr., an attorney and former managing shareholder of Winstead PC's Houston Office, was appointed to a three-year term on the Board of Visitors at the Galveston campus of Texas A&M University by the Texas A&M Board of Regents. The Board of Regents oversees the Texas A&M University System's nine universities, seven state agencies and health science center.
Margraves graduated from Texas A&M University in 1963 and has been a devoted supporter of his alma matter and its many causes. He is a member of the Texas Aggie Bar Association and director of the Texas A&M 12 Man Foundation. As a member of the Board of Visitors at the Galveston campus of Texas A&M, Margraves will be focused on fund raising and policy matters.
For more than 40 years, Margraves has been an influential leader in the Houston business community. In his legal practice, he advises clients on corporate and government relations law matters. His other roles include serving on various boards of many Texas based companies and organizations, both public and private. He has worked with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for over 25 years, currently serving as director and as immediate past chairman of the show's Legal Advisory Committee. Other leadership roles include serving as director for Whitney National Bank, the Texas Business Hall of Fame Foundation, and the 100 Club of Houston.
Margraves is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Bar Association, and the Texas Bar Foundation. He serves as a member of the Winstead's Recruiting Committee. Margraves received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.
Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. Winstead attorneys and consultants serve as the trusted advisors to mid-market and large businesses, providing a core range of legal services that are critical to their operation and success. From its well-known reputation in real estate and financial services to its corporate and high-stakes litigation practice, Winstead has the power to perform for your business. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and Washington, D.C. For detailed information about Winstead, visit www.winstead.com.
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