Legal Industry News April 2024 Highlights: Law Firm Recruitment News, Industry Awards & Recognition, DEI and Women in Law

Welcome back to another edition of National Law Reviews’ legal industry news roundup. We hope the spring season has found you happy, safe and healthy! Please read below for the latest law firm recruitment and expansion news, key industry awards and recognition, and a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and women in law.

Recruitment and expansion of law firms

von Briesen & Roper, sc expanded its Milwaukee office with the addition of two new attorneys, Steven R. Beckham and Alexandra N. Don.

Steven R. Beckham is an associate in the Litigation and Risk Management Practice Group at von Briesen & Roper, sc. Mr. Beckham earned his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Missouri. He is an expert in commercial and business litigation, insurance coverage and liability defense and is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar and the Milwaukee Bar Association.

Alexandra N. Don is a shareholder in the Real Estate Section of von Briesen & Roper, sc. Ms. Don focuses his practice on transactional real estate, real estate lending and finance, development and business law. He earned his doctorate from Marquette University and a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University, in addition to its Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) program, which is administered through the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC ) Milwaukee.

Barnes & Thornburg announced the addition of Rebecca J. Bernhard to the firm’s Minneapolis office as a partner in the Labor and Employment Department.

Ms. Bernhard earned her JD, magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, from the University of Minnesota Law School and her BSS from San Francisco State University. He has more than two decades of experience helping clients resolve traditional labor and employment issues, as well as issues related to immigration and global mobility. He also advises clients on their business immigration needs, including visa information and Form I-9 compliance.

Kenneth J. Yerkes, Chairman of Barnes & Thornburgs Labor and Employment Department, welcomed Ms. Bernhard and said: With extensive experience acting as a dedicated advocate for her clients, Rebecca is a skilled problem solver who knows how to help organizations navigate the many labor and employment issues arising from significant change. Our clients will benefit from his broad vision and depth of experience as they continue to navigate this ongoing period of workforce transformation.

We are delighted to welcome Rebecca to the team, added Connie A. Lahn, Managing Partner of the firm’s Minneapolis office. His experience helping companies promote a culture of performance will certainly be valuable not only to our clients, but also to our colleagues here in Minneapolis and across the United States.

Mike Piazza joined the Dallas office of Lathrop GPM LLP as a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group. Mr. Piazza is nationally recognized for his authority in white collar defense, securities and complex commercial litigation, enterprise business disputes and accounting liability.

Mr. Piazza earned his J.D., magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, from the University of Minnesota School of Law and his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Carleton College. He is a member of the Litigation Counsel of America and a member of the Association of Securities and Exchange Commission Alumni (ASECA).

“The addition of a partner like Mike, who brings a wealth of experience to the firm, is essential to our clients and the firm’s strategic growth initiatives,” said Charlie Maier, Practice Group Chair of Lathrop GPM Litigation and Dispute Resolution. “Mike’s professional experience and proven ability to handle complex cases is an asset to Lathrop GPM and the clients we serve. We welcome him to the partnership and the Dallas office.”

I am excited to be a partner at Lathrop GPM, working with a team that has a wealth of experience combined with a clear and consistent passion for the law and the clients we serve, said Mr. piazza The growing scope of government regulation affecting many aspects of business activity has created a situation in which more law-abiding companies and individuals find themselves subject to regulatory and law enforcement investigations initiated by regulators and prosecutors aggressive This can be overwhelming and frightening for customers. I strive to provide them with the best possible representation while helping them manage the pressure of dealing with an ongoing government investigation or lawsuit.

Ropes & Gray LLP added Amy Kossak as a partner in its government enforcement group, based in the firm’s Washington, DC office. With experience gained during her time in the Fraud Section of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Ms. Kossak further strengthens Ropes & Gray’s government enforcement and white collar capabilities, particularly in False Claims Act matters.

Ms. Kossak holds his J.D., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center and his AB, cum laude with highest honors, in economics from Harvard University. She served for a decade in the DOJ’s Civil Division, most recently as senior counsel in the Fraud Section.

Welcoming Ms. Kossak to the firm, President Julie Jones said, “We welcome Amy to the firm. She has been a formidable leader on issues for the DOJ spanning the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare and insurance industries. His strong understanding of the FCA, his extensive knowledge of our clients’ industries and his deep government experience are valuable to our clients.

Awards and recognition of the legal industry

Influence magazine recognized Jordyn S. Ferguson, of counsel at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, as a 30 Under 30 Rising Star in Florida Politics in its Spring 2024 issue. Influence magazine spotlights emerging young leaders making an impact in Florida in politics, business and beyond.

Ms. Ferguson helps Shumaker’s advisors to state clients plan and execute lobbying strategies, build relationships and advance their initiatives. She joined the Shumaker Advisors team as an intern in 2021 after interning with a Florida Senate campaign. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and his master’s degree in politics and applied American politics from Florida State University (FSU).

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as a rising star in Florida Politics by Influence magazine,” said Ms. Ferguson. “I would be remiss if I did not recognize the hard work and dedication of all those who have supported me on this journey. I remain committed to championing the issues that matter most to Floridians and striving to make a positive difference in our communities.”

Christopher A. Bowles, a partner in the Nashville office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, was elected to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL). Admission to ACREL is by invitation only after a rigorous selection process and is reserved for recognized commercial real estate attorneys focused on serving clients, peers and the profession.

Mr. Bowles is the co-chairman of Bradleys’ solar energy team. She advises clients on energy and infrastructure projects, including real estate, tax and regulatory aspects of development and financing. He also serves on the board of the Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association and previously served as Nashville’s first Director of Environment and Sustainability for Mayor Karl Deans’ administration.

Lawdragon recognized five GLS Capital investment professionals, including principals Jeffery Lula and Joel Merkin and co-founders and managing directors Adam Gill, Jamison Lynch and David Spiegel, as 2024 Global 100 Leaders in Litigation Finance.

The 2024 Lawdragon 100 Global Leaders in Litigation Finance were selected through journalistic research and peer and client review. This recognition is reserved for the leaders of the financial litigation legal profession.

GLS Capital is proud to have five of our investment professionals included in Lawdragons 2024 Global 100 Leaders in Litigation Finance, and for the well-deserved addition of Jeff Lula and Joel Merkin to the list, recognizing their exceptional work and success in financing of litigation, he said. Mr Gill

Women’s History Month about women in law

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP announced leadership updates to its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee and Women of Womble (WOW). The DEI Committee is dedicated to advancing the company’s comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. WOW is the network of women law firms dedicated to supporting their advancement and retention through mentorship and collaboration.

Lisa Moyles is appointed as the new Chair of the Womble Bond Dickinsons DEI Committee, while Tara Cho is now the Vice Chair of the DEI Committee. Ms. Moyles is an IP partner in WBD’s Raleigh, NC office. Ms. Cho is the chair of the company’s privacy and cybersecurity team and leads the company’s support groups for LGBTQIA+ and Asia/Pacific Islander team members.

Amy Clayton was named WOW Chair. Ms. Clayton is a real estate partner in the Greenville, SC office. His practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions, commercial financing, commercial leasing, commercial property tax appeals, business formations, and general real estate and corporate law.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are extremely important to our company, and with Lisa, Tara and Amy taking on these new roles, we have three great leaders helping us work towards these goals, said President and CEO by WBD, Betty Temple.

Roy Prather, a member of Beveridge & Diamond PCs’ management committee and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) committee, has accepted an invitation to join the International Association of Defense Lawyers (IADC). IADC is an invitation-only global legal organization for lawyers in the corporate and insurance sectors.

Mr. Prather focuses his practice on complex commercial and environmental litigation and environmental justice. I am honored to join the IADC and look forward to being part of a group that strives to promote excellence in legal practice and diversity in the profession, he said.

Hopkins & Carley announced that managing shareholder Jennifer C. Johnson has been appointed by GlobeSt. as a Woman of Influence 2024 in the Lawyer Lawyer category of the CRE. The GlobeSt. The Women of Influence Awards recognize professional women in the commercial real estate industry who have personally impacted the market through their valuable contributions to the field. Ms. Johnson is a finalist for consideration as a GlobeSt. Woman of the year 2024 for the CRE Lawyer category.

Ms. Johnson is a member of the real estate practice group at Hopkins & Carleys. He advises clients, including Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 global companies, on leasing and representing landlords and tenants in leases worldwide.