Deal Lawyer Christina Marshall Returns to Haynes and Boone

Christina Marshall, a former corporate partner at Haynes and Boone, LLP, is returning to the firm following a stint as executive vice president and general counsel at Chalak Mitra Group of Companies, a Dallas-based group of investment companies focused in the hospitality and sports industries.

Marshall will serve as a partner in Haynes and Boone’s Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group, where she will focus on advising companies in connection with middle market mergers and acquisitions and other corporate strategic transactions.

“We are excited to have Christina return to Haynes and Boone and help us expand our middle market corporate strategic acquisitions practice,” said M&A Partner Jennifer Wisinski. “Having worked in-house, Christina has a keen understanding of what clients expect from their lawyers. She is also a proven mentor who can help us train and develop our younger lawyers as she leads deal teams through the acquisition process.”

Marshall handled legal and business issues at Chalak Mitra Group of Companies, including the purchase and sale of assets, management of the group’s litigation docket, and oversight of several departments including human resources and risk management. She later served as a principal at Dallas law firm Keating Marshall PLLC, where she advised clients on M&A matters and other business transactions, including joint ventures, securities law issues, and debt and equity offerings.

“I have missed Haynes and Boone since I left and am very excited to return. I have many close colleagues and a deep appreciation for the firm’s client-first and teamwork culture,” Marshall said. “I look forward to furthering Haynes and Boone’s commitment to partnering with clients to provide the tailored, practical and comprehensive business solutions that I know companies covet.”

Litigator Marlén Cortez Morris Joins Barnes & Thornburg in Chicago

Barnes & Thornburg has added Marlén Cortez Morris as a partner in the Litigation Department. Cortez Morris, who was previously at Cheng Cohen LLC, is the ninth partner to join the firm’s Chicago office in 2018.

The firm said Cortez Morris represents and advises clients on franchise, labor and employment, and commercial litigation matters in courts and alternative dispute resolution venues, and before government agencies across the country. She litigates complex matters from inception through appeal. Her deep litigation experience includes the enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights, as well as the defense of claims for breach of contract, business torts, violations of franchise registration and relationship laws, state consumer protection violations, and vicarious and joint employment liability.

On the labor and employment side, she defends franchisors and employers against wage and hour class and collective actions and claims for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation arising under federal, state and local laws. In addition, she has enforced non-competes, litigated unemployment compensation benefits claims up to appeal, and represented management in traditional labor disputes. Cortez Morris also works with complex compliance strategies and best practices for litigation prevention.

“Marlén is a great addition to our team,” said William McErlean, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Litigation Department. “From successfully representing franchisors in litigation, arbitration, and regulatory matters to advising franchisors on unique employment issues in that industry, Marlén’s diverse experience will be invaluable to clients who become embroiled in these complex issues.”

Cortez Morris is a member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising and Section of Labor and Employment Law, the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, the Hispanic National Bar Association, and the International Franchise Association (IFA). She serves on the IFA’s Diversity Institute Board, frequently speaks and writes on employment and franchise law topics, and is an editor of the ABA’s Franchise Law Journal.

Mark Rust, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office, added: “The genuine care that Marlén exhibits toward her clients and the sterling reputation she has earned in the local legal community make her a terrific addition to our growing office. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”

Cortez Morris earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law, where she was an associate editor of the University of Illinois Law Review and received the Rickert Award for Excellence in Advocacy, and her B.S., with honors, magna cum laude, from the University of Tampa.

Five Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson Partners Among Texas’ Top 100 Attorneys

The publishers of Texas Super Lawyers have selected five partners with the family law boutiqueOrsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, among the state’s Top 100 attorneys.

Partners Richard Orsinger, Keith Nelson, Scott Downing, Brad LaMorgese and Lon Loveless were selected to the Top 100 list from the nearly 90,000 eligible attorneys in Texas. The Top 100 recognizes the state’s elite attorneys, regardless of their primary area of practice. No other family law firm in the state has so many attorneys named to the Top 100 for 2018, the firm said in a release.

A total of 11 lawyers were selected among the state’s leading family law attorneys, with several earning additional 2018 accolades.

Six firm attorneys were selected among the Top 100 attorneys in Dallas-Fort Worth: Nelson, Downing, LaMorgese and Loveless, along with partner Jeffrey Anderson and of counsel Marilea Lewis. Lewis also was named to the list of the Top 50 female attorneys in Texas. Orsinger was selected among the Top 50 attorneys in Central/West Texas.

Orsinger, Nelson and Downing have been selected among the state’s top Family Law attorneys every year since 2003. The 2018 recognition is LaMorgese’s 15th time to make the list.

Partners Amber Liddell Alwais and Paul Hewett each earned their sixth selection, while William Reppeto and Loveless were honored for a fifth year. Lewis was selected for a seventh year and associate Hunter Lewis earned recognition for a sixth year.

Super Lawyers selections are based on a combination of peer nominations, evaluations and independent editorial research. No more than 5 percent of Texas attorneys are chosen each year. The full 2018 listing appears in the October editions of Texas Monthly and Texas Super Lawyers, and is available online at http://www.superlawyers.com.

Weisbart Springer Hayes Partner Julie Springer Earns ABOTA Membership

Julie A. Springer, a founding partner of the Austin-based commercial litigation firm Weisbart Springer Hayes, LLP, has been accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

ABOTA dedicates itself to the preservation and promotion of the Seventh Amendment, which guarantees the right to civil jury trials. Members in this prestigious invitation-only group must have tried a minimum of 10 civil jury trials to conclusion. More than 7,600 lawyers and judges are involved in ABOTA chapters in all 50 states.

“ABOTA is one of the nation’s most effective organizations in championing the ethics, professionalism and principles of the legal profession, and I’m honored to be part of this select group,” Springer said.

In her practice, Springer represents clients in all types of employment and business-related disputes in federal and state courts and before regulatory agencies throughout Texas and the United States. Springer’s litigation experience includes claims of discrimination, harassment and other traditional employment claims; defense of national wage and hour collective and class actions under federal and state law; and business disputes involving breach of contract, breach of non- competition and non-solicitation agreements, and misappropriation of trade secret claims.

In addition, Springer has experience in issues involving higher education, such as Title IX litigation, as well as other issues affecting colleges and universities throughout the country. Springer also regularly counsels corporate and individual clients on all facets of the employer-employee relationship, including the negotiation of executive compensation and separation agreements.

A graduate of Baylor Law School who also earned her undergraduate degree from Baylor University, Springer is one of the few lawyers in Texas who is Board Certified in both Labor & Employment Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She has earned recognition on the Texas Super Lawyers list each year since 2011, and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Blank Rome Signs New Chief Innovation & Value Officer Linda Novosel

Linda Novosel has joined Blank Rome LLP as its first Chief Innovation & Value Officer. Novosel joined Blank Rome from Steptoe & Johnson LLP where she served as the firm’s Chief Client Value Officer. Novosel is based in the firm’s Philadelphia office.

“We are delighted to welcome Linda to Blank Rome,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Chairman and Managing Partner. “We are committed to partnering with our clients to develop and deliver innovative and efficient services, and are confident that Linda’s proven experience in strategic pricing and legal project management will further enhance our efforts in these critical areas.”

The firm said that, in this new role at Blank Rome, Novosel will develop solutions to drive efficiency and enhance client service through the implementation of collaborative systems and processes to support litigation, transactional, and regulatory compliance matters and projects. With more than 25 years of experience in the legal industry, Novosel has held senior management positions at several AmLaw 100 firms where she was responsible for pricing, practice management, process improvement, and legal project management. “I am honored to join Blank Rome as its first Chief Innovation & Value Officer,” said Novosel. “As the firm continues to grow impressively—geographically as well as through its expanding practice capabilities and client reach—it is critical that we continually adapt our legal services delivery to align with our clients’ ever-changing needs. I look forward to collaborating with Blank Rome’s leadership team, attorneys, administrative departments, and professionals to build upon the firm’s impressive accomplishments, support our clients, and advance our long-term strategic goals.”

“Our main goal is to maximize the value we offer to our clients. We continue to make significant investments in strategic pricing and LPM, as they are areas of critical importance to our clients and firm,” added Patrick O. Cavanaugh, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Blank Rome. “Under her direction, we will continue to improve the efficiencies and cost-effectiveness of our client service efforts. I look forward to collaborating with Linda on advancing these objectives as well as overseeing their successful implementation.”

Novosel received her J.D., cum laude, from Widener University School of Law where she served as an editor of the Widener Journal of Public Law and was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. She earned her B.A. in International Relations from Bucknell University.

Perkins Coie Adds Healthcare Practitioners to White Collar & Investigations Practice

Richard (Rick) A. Hosley and Chandra K. Westergaard have joined Perkins Coie’s White Collar & Investigations practice as partner and senior counsel, respectively. Both Denver-based attorneys come from firm client DaVita, a FORTUNE 200 healthcare company.

“Rick and Chandra are true white collar all-stars with substantial white collar pedigrees,” said Markus Funk, Denver- based Firmwide Chair of Perkins Coie’s White Collar & Investigations practice. “Their industry-leading, in-house, government and private practice experience will make them sought-after advisors and counselors and will significantly contribute to our group’s regional and national strength.”

During his tenure at DaVita, Hosley served as Associate General Counsel and Vice President in Charge of Litigation and managed a legal team of more than 20 professionals responsible for legal matters across the global enterprise, including complex commercial litigation, government investigations and enforcement actions, internal compliance investigations, shareholder derivative suits and securities class actions, among others. In 2017, Hosley was named “People’s Choice” for “Best In-House Counsel” by Law Week Colorado.

Prior to his time at DaVita, Hosley served as a United States Marine Corps Officer and Judge Advocate, operating in various positions including Chief Trial Counsel and Senior Defense Counsel at Marine Corps installations in Japan. Hosley also served a combat tour in Iraq as the Battalion Judge Advocate for 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. During his deployment, Hosley participated in combat operations in the Al Anbar Province, worked with tribal leaders and local officials to reestablish government functions in Western Iraq, and served as a polling site observer during the 2005 Iraq Constitutional Referendum, the firm said in a release.

After his active-duty service in the Marine Corps, Hosley worked in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Districts of Montana and Colorado and served as Chief of the Major Crimes Section for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Denver. As a federal prosecutor, he tried more than 20 U.S. District Court trials and drafted and argued appeals to U.S. Courts of Appeals. As Chief of Major Crimes for Colorado, he led a team of federal prosecutors and agents and supervised hundreds of federal investigations. He received the DOJ’s Director’s Award for Superior Performance in 2013. Following his DOJ service and prior to joining DaVita, Hosley gained private practice experience as a white collar and litigation partner at Hogan Lovells.

The firm said Hosley’s practice at Perkins Coie has an emphasis on healthcare and focuses on government civil and criminal investigations, False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute enforcement actions and qui tam litigation, privileged internal compliance investigations, including allegations of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, shareholder derivative suits and securities class actions, and complex commercial litigation and trials. Hosleyreceived his J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law and his B.A. from Drake University.

As Assistant General Counsel and Head of Investigations for DaVita, Westergaard supervised and managed a team of attorneys and legal professionals and was responsible for some of the company’s most important legal matters, including internal healthcare compliance investigations, DOJ and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services investigations and enforcement actions, and False Claims Act qui tam litigation. Prior to her time with DaVita, Westergaard was a member of Crowell & Moring’s healthcare group, where she represented healthcare providers and managed healthcare organizations on a wide range of fraud and abuse, compliance and regulatory matters, including investigations and enforcement actions.

Westergaard’s practice at Perkins Coie focuses on healthcare regulatory and compliance guidance, government civil and criminal investigations, False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute enforcement actions and qui tam litigation, privileged internal compliance investigations, including allegations of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, and civil litigation. She received her J.D. from Duke University School of Law and a double B.A., cum laude, from McDaniel College.

“The addition of Rick and Chandra to the Denver office provides us a national bench strength and reputation in the healthcare regulatory market,” said Sonny Allison, Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Denver office. “They are an exceptionally talented team, which will allow us to attract significant work on a regional and national level and put us into solid contention for highly sought-after healthcare investigation matters.”

The two join former federal prosecutor Markus Funk, retired Colorado Chief Justice Mike Bender, counsel Chelsea Curfman, and various associates that make up Denver’s White Collar Defense & Investigations practice, the firm said.

FisherBroyles Adds New IP Partners

FisherBroyles, LLP announced the additions of Greg Fettig, Kevin Jablonski and Michael W. Russell as partners and registered patent attorneys in the firm’s Intellectual Property (IP) Practice Group. The attorneys are based in the Denver, Seattle and Washington, D.C., offices, respectively.

Since April, the firm has added four new IP partners in Washington and one each in Atlanta; Denver; Los Angeles; Palo Alto, Calif.; Salt Lake City; and Seattle.

“Steady growth this year has significantly increased the depth and scope of our IP services for clients as well as our overall bench strength,” said T.J. DoVale, managing partner of the FisherBroyles Intellectual Property Practice Group. “Greg, Kevin and Michael bring diverse law firm and in-house experiences, as well as valuable technical backgrounds, to what has quickly become one of the top IP law groups in the nation.”

Fettig said, “This is an exciting time to be joining FisherBroyles and I look forward to working with our team of dedicated partners serving the firm’s expanding roster of IP clients.”

Jablonski added, “I believe my practice is perfectly suited to the unique model FisherBroyles offers for delivering optimal client service across diverse practice areas.”

Russell said, “I am thrilled to join the FisherBroyles bench of former ‘Big Law’ attorneys and help continue to grow the firm’s stellar reputation as a leader in intellectual property, including patent law.”

The firm said Fettig has more than 17 years of legal experience working as both an in-house patent agent and outside patent counsel in patent preparation and prosecution. His experience involves computer systems, computer software applications, directed energy weapon systems, optical systems, lidar systems, signal processing, communication networks, data storage systems and devices, semiconductor devices and fabrication processes, integrated circuit devices and fabrication processes, production printing systems and print controllers, cable television systems and networks, aerospace, and mechanical devices. Fettig also has experience in other IP areas, including Inter Partes reviews, non-infringement opinions, patentability searches, freedom-to-operate opinions, trademarks, and IP due diligence.

Prior to joining FisherBroyles, Fettig worked at law firms in Boulder, Colo. Most recently, he was a named partner at Duft Bornsen & Fettig LLP. Before his law career, he worked as an electrical engineer for Motorola and General Dynamics in the defense sector. He also is a U.S. Air Force veteran and has provided pro bono legal work to veterans.

Fettig received his J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Jablonski focuses on patent portfolio development and patent prosecution. His practice also includes IP licensing, copyrights and trademarks. He has experience in technology areas such as semiconductor design, analog and digital circuits, LTE Wireless, computer networking, digital communication systems, computer-related business methods, interactive software solutions, aircraft manufacturing systems, IoT systems, and computer architecture solutions. In addition, Jablonski has a technical focus in the audio arts and sciences, as well as audio-related technologies. Jablonski most recently was a shareholder at Lane Powell PC in Seattle. In addition, he is involved in numerous professional groups and formerly served as president of the Washington State Patent Law Association and as a board member of the Audio Engineering Society Pacific Northwest Chapter.

Jablonski received his J.D. from the Seattle University School of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Gonzaga University.

Russell has more than a decade of experience in patent preparation and prosecution, patentability and risk assessment evaluations, portfolio management, and client counseling. He has prepared and prosecuted numerous applications across a wide range of technical disciplines, including semiconductor device processing, catalysis, filtration, optics, sensors, and paper products.

Previously, Russell was a patent examiner with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. He also formerly practiced at the law firms Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser; Crowell & Moring LLP; Buchanan Ingersoll; and Pennie & Edmonds. Prior to practicing law, Mr. Russell was a process development engineer at ATMI, Inc. in Danbury, Conn. He was awarded a J. William Fulbright Fellowship at the National University of Rosario in Rosario, Argentina, and a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. In addition, Russell is listed as a co-inventor on 11 U.S. patents.

Russell received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. He also holds a doctorate and a Master of Science, both in materials engineering from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Michael Best Adds Former White House Deputy Counsel in Washington, D. C.

Stefan Passantino, former White House Deputy Counsel in charge of compliance and ethics oversight, has joined Michael Best’s Government Relations, Public Policy & Compliance Practice Group in Washington, D.C. Passantino is the newest addition to join Michael Best’s team of former White House staff, including former Chief of Staff Reince Priebus.

In a release, the firm said Passantino joins Michael Best after serving as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Counsel since January 2017. An Atlanta native, Passantino’s work in the political law and compliance arena dates to the early 2000s. Passantino previously chaired the Political Law group at McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP, which then merged with the global law firm Dentons U.S., LLP, where he counseled corporations, advocacy and lobbying groups, candidates and campaigns on matters of election law, state and federal lobbying rules, and ethics regulations compliance.

“I’ve known Stefan to be an exceptional attorney with an inherent ability to understand the complexities of regulatory and compliance matters better than most seasoned veterans in Washington,” said Reince Priebus, President of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Chief Strategist for Michael Best Strategies LLC. “His addition will be a statement to our industry and underscore our strategic vision in the Beltway and nationally. Michael Best is taking important steps to make its mark on Washington, D.C., as a new power player in town.” At Michael Best, Passantino will focus his practice on serving corporations and businesses in the areas of campaign finance, public policy, and compliance counseling concerning the rules and regulations related to corporate involvement in political activities, the firm said.

“Stefan is a great addition to our firm having served at the highest level of the Executive Branch, and his extensive experience will greatly benefit our clients,” said David Krutz, Firm Managing Partner of Michael Best. “A Chambers rated lawyer, Stefan is widely respected for his temperament and ability to provide sound counsel concerning campaign and ethics compliance — and he will strengthen our already strong presence inside the Beltway.”

“Our strategic initiatives to expand our business presence and bring on valuable, top-level, talent are bolstered by the addition of Stefan. He will be a key asset in our efforts to provide the broadest and highest-level counsel to our clients,” said Kevin Barner, managing partner of Michael Best’s Washington, D.C., office.

The addition of Stefan Passantino comes on the heels of Michael Best announcing the relocation of its Washington, D.C., office to 1000 Maine Ave., “The Wharf,” where it is scheduled to occupy the space in early 2019.

Passantino earned his J.D. from the Emory University School of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Emory Law Journal and received his B.A. in Political Science from Drew University.

Former Biglaw Attorney Goes on Anti-Asian Racist Social Media Rant

A Facebook post by a former Jones Day lawyer included a racially charged rant, apparently set off by the movie Crazy Rich Asians.

Above the Law tells the story of Christina Ignatius, who railed “against Asians that ‘took over Orange County’ — propagating the trope of Asians as bad drivers and ridiculing her perception of a generically Asian accent — and calls dealing with Asians ‘one annoying thing after another.’”

“If you went to UCI like I did you probably went to school with a lot of rice rockets,” Ignatius wrote. “Asians flooded that school if they were smart and could get in. They went there to become doctors. They were raised by Tiger Moms who told them ‘to become docta,’ and then if they weren’t smart enough to become a doctor, ‘to marry docta.'”

Some of her Caucasian male lawyer friends “who married Asian women were completely poached for dollars and earning potential,” she added.

Read Above the Law’s article.

R Delacy Peters Joins Segal McCambridge in Chicago Office

R Delacy Peters has joined Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd. in a full time of counsel position in the firm’s Chicago office.

“Delacy brings a wealth of experience working with clients whose needs mirror those of our current clients, in addition to specialized knowledge and experience in areas that will help the firm continue the diversification of its litigation practice. In addition to his well-honed litigation skills, Delacy has the knowledge, background and capacity to counsel and assist clients in transactional matters as well,” stated Managing Shareholder Mark Crane. “Delacy’s career-long focus in complex business matters and his successful practice in the food and beverage space will be great assets to our clients as the firm continues with its plans for growth.”

In a release, the firm said Peters has almost 30 years of experience defending and counseling clients in complex commercial matters. One of the primary focuses of his practice is Food and Beverage Law, including food safety litigation, regulatory compliance requirements, employment and real estate issues. He has represented global food and beverage companies, as well as food processors, manufacturers, suppliers, growers and producers, retailers, restaurants, warehouse clubs, wholesalers and distributors. Mr. Peters will co-chair the firm’s Food and Beverage Law Practice Group.

“Segal McCambridge is a firm I’ve been acquainted with since the start of my career. I’ve long admired the manner in which their attorneys practice, and I’m looking forward to joining them as the firm continues to grow,” Peters stated. “The firm offers tremendous opportunities for expansion of a national practice which will be a great asset in servicing my existing clients and in growing my practice further.”

The firm said Peters has represented clients in complex litigation matters involving antitrust and trade regulation, fraud and deceptive practices, insurance coverage, securities law violations, professional liability claims, products liability, catastrophic injury, commercial contract disputes, franchise and dealership law, toxic tort and environmental law, entertainment law, intellectual property and class action defense. Peters has also represented municipal clients in litigation and in public finance matters.

Peters obtained his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law and completed studies at IIT Chicago Kent College of Law in furtherance of an LLM in Financial Services Law. He received his B.S. from the University of Baltimore.

Buchalter Adds Two Lawyers to New Seattle Office

After announcing the opening of a new office earlier this year, Buchalter announced that Tonie L. Bitseff and James E. Brown II have joined its growing Seattle office. Bitseff will be a member of the firm-wide Labor and Employment Practice, and Brown a member of both Buchalter’s Intellectual Property and Energy & Natural Resources Practices. “Tonie and James are welcome additions to our Seattle office. I am confident they will each make significant contributions to the local office culture and firm,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Adam J. Bass. “I look forward to expanding our footprint in the Puget Sound region.”

Bitseff advises clients on health benefits, pension plans, and other forms of compensation and employee benefits. Her clients seek guidance on welfare plans, defined benefit plans, benefit outsourcing, vendor management, contract negotiations, dependent and domestic partner coverage and rights, ERISA fiduciary liability, ERISA claims procedures, appeals, escalations, and government audits.

Focusing his practice on energy regulatory matters, compliance, contracts and complex litigation, Brown’s experience includes providing strategic legal analysis and advice on a number of issues, including distributed generation and renewable energy, smart grid technology, mergers and acquisitions of utility companies, government rulemakings, easements, construction of environmental structures, privacy and data security (including GDPR), and first amendment rights on public property.

“I am thrilled to welcome Tonie and James to Buchalter and the Seattle office. Their impressive experience and unique backgrounds enable us to offer additional legal services to our clients in the Pacific Northwest,” said Seattle Managing Shareholder Jeffrey Frank.

Earning her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 1996, Bitseff also received her LL.M. in Taxation and Compensation from the University Of Washington School Of Law. She earned her B.A. in Speech Communications from the University of Washington.

Brown earned his J.D. from Villanova University School of Law and his B.A. in Banking and Finance from Morehouse College.

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax Joins Morrison & Foerster

Justin Fairfax has joined Morrison & Foerster in the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. offices, as a partner in its Commercial Litigation, Trials, and Investigations + White Collar Defense groups.

Fairfax will separately perform his duties as Virginia lieutenant governor, which is a part-time role under Virginia law. Fairfax is a former federal prosecutor who served as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Eastern District of Virginia and has prior experience at national and international law firms.

The firm said in a release that Fairfax gained national prominence after he was elected lieutenant governor of Virginia in November 2017, making him only the second African- American to be elected to statewide office in Virginia. In his role as lieutenant governor, he presides over the Senate of Virginia and serves on various boards and commissions. Fairfax is one of the youngest individuals in the country to hold the position of lieutenant governor.

“Justin is a rising star whose addition highlights the firm’s strategy of hiring experienced lawyers who understand government and the private sector,” said Brad Wine, co-chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. “His impressive background strengthens our national and regional commercial litigation, enforcement, and investigations capabilities. Justin will help us continue to meet our clients’ needs as we further expand our presence in Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia.”

While serving as an AUSA, Fairfax was part of the office’s major crimes and narcotics unit, where he prosecuted a wide range of federal felony offenses, including embezzlement, fraud, and human trafficking. In private practice, he litigated a variety of commercial and white-collar cases in federal and Virginia state courts. He worked on matters relating to securities litigation, Foreign Agents Registration Act investigations, and wire fraud prosecutions, among others. Fairfax has served as a law clerk to the recently retired Judge Gerald Bruce Lee of the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia.

“Justin brings to Morrison & Foerster strong familiarity with the government, a keen understanding of clients’ needs, and impressive experience litigating complex matters,” said Charlie Katz, managing partner of the firm’s Northern Virginia office. “His experience in the Eastern District and Virginia State courts further expands the litigation practice of our Northern Virginia office and will be critical to clients facing commercial disputes, investigations, and other high- stakes matters.”

“Morrison & Foerster offers the ideal destination to restart my private practice and work on important domestic and international matters,” added Fairfax. “The firm has an outstanding reputation for its litigation work, and a national and global footprint in many of the industries where I plan to focus my practice. In this regard, I have maintained and will continue to maintain, close contact with relevant ethics officials to ensure that my joining, and work with, the firm will not present any conflicts of interest with my role as Lt. Governor or with the Commonwealth of Virginia. I’m excited to enter this next phase of my legal career and to continue the tremendous work I’ve had the privilege of doing as Lt. Governor on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

In July, the firm announced that John E. Smith, former director of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, had joined as a co-head of its National Security Practice, and Lisa Phelan, former chief of the National Criminal Enforcement and Washington Criminal I Sections of the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice, had joined as a partner in its Global Antitrust Law Practice. Other senior U.S. government officials who have joined Morrison & Foerster in recent years to further build regulatory, compliance, and investigations practices include John Carlin, Bob Litt and David Newman to grow the firm’s Global Risk & Crisis Management Group and National Security Practice; Chuck Duross and James Koukios to expand the firm’s FCPA and Anti-Corruption Practice; and Michael Birnbaum, Carrie Cohen and Joshua Hill to further enhance the firm’s Securities Litigation, Enforcement and White-Collar Defense Practice Group.

Ken Starr’s Next Role Will Be With The Lanier Law Firm

Bloomberg Law is reporting that Kenneth W. Starr, the former independent counsel, appeals court judge, and U.S. solicitor general, is going to be practicing law again.

Starr, the former Baylor University president, will join the Houston trial firm The Lanier Law Firm, which is involved in some of the country’s biggest civil disputes, including over hip replacements and talcum powder, writes Elizabeth Olson.

“Starr already has been working with the Lanier firm’s appellate litigation team on multi-million-dollar hip implant litigation against Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary DePuy Orthopaedics Inc.,” according to the report.

Read the Bloomberg Law article.

Deborah Hankinson Named Dallas Arbitration Lawyer of the Year

Texas lawyer Deborah Hankinson has been selected Arbitration Lawyer of the Year for Dallas in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. The former Texas Supreme Court justice specializes in conflict resolution, including arbitrations and mediations.

In 2016, Hankinson was selected to The National Law Journal’s inaugural ADR Champions list recognizing trailblazers from across the nation. She also has been recognized by Chambers USA, the Benchmark Appellate guide, Texas Super Lawyers, The National Law Journal, Texas Lawyer, Dallas Business Journal, D Magazine, the Dallas Bar Association and Lawdragon.

Hankinson serves on the Board of Directors of the American Arbitration Association. She is a Fellow of the College of Commercial Arbitrators and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.

Perkins Coie Adds Trademark Litigator in Palo Alto

Britt Anderson has joined Perkins Coie’s Trademark, Copyright, Media & Brand Protection practice as a partner in the Palo Alto office. This is the firm’s latest lateral partner addition in Palo Alto, following the arrival of recent laterals including Matt Oshinsky, Adrian Rich and Wendy Moore, the firm said in a release.

A California native, Anderson has been practicing intellectual property law for nearly two decades. His client representation includes trademark and copyright issues, domain name, advertising, and related commercial and litigation matters before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and various federal and state courts. Additionally, he has experience in the enforcement and defense of their trademark and IP rights and foreign civil infringement matters in non-U.S. jurisdictions.

“Our trademark efforts are a natural result of our existing corporate and IP work being managed by our patent litigators and emerging company lawyers in the Bay Area,” said Lowell Ness, Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Palo Alto office. “Britt is highly qualified, and we’re thrilled to add him as a strong resource to our team and the clients we serve.”

Prior to his career in law, Anderson worked at an international logistics company where he helped launch its international division, opened its first European offices and handled contract negotiations, among other responsibilities.

“The technology focus of Britt’s practice is a natural fit for Perkins Coie’s Bay Area client base,” said James Vana, Firmwide Chair of Perkins Coie’s Trademark, Copyright, Media & Brand Protection practice. “Britt offers the right expertise, practice focus and interests to establish and grow a strong California trademark practice for the firm.”

Anderson earned his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he also served as Managing Editor of the Santa Clara Law Review. He received his M.B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Anderson was previously a partner at K&L Gates.

Robert Gross Partners with Michael Best Strategies

Michael Best Strategies has partnered with Robert Gross, who will also serve as senior counsel for Michael Best & Friedrich LLP.

As a senior advisor at Michael Best Strategies LLC, Gross will provide a national perspective on corporate governance for both public and privately-owned companies. He has experience in mining, energy, environment, higher education areas, and the banking and financial services industries, the firm said in a release.

Gross has served as a bank president and CEO, general counsel, and corporate secretary. He also served six years as a state government cabinet-level executive director. Gross was appointed by the George W. Bush administration to serve in Baghdad as a senior advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

“Robert adds an unmatched depth and dimension to our team,” said Rob Marchant, President of Strategies. “He brings an unparalled understanding and knowledge of corporate finance and governance, which will greatly benefit our clients across the country.”

“I’m so pleased to join the Michael Best team,” said Gross. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to blend my experience and relationships in business, law, and government to help the businesses we serve.”

“Robert offers unique skills in a specialty trade that requires both legal and business management expertise,” commented Jeff Hartley, Michael Best Strategies partner based in Utah. “Growth in a startup company, mergers and acquisitions, succession in family-owned businesses, and many other reasons may create a need for a board of directors to evolve the structure of its governance. A board of directors with a healthy governance model is good for the board, good for management and good for shareholders. With Bob’s experience as an attorney, a bank president, the director of a large state government agency and as the current president of Robert C. Gross Associates, Robert is in a position to add tremendous value as a member of the Michael Best Strategies team.”

Michael Best Adds Litigation Attorney in Chicago

Sarah K. Lash has joined Michael Best’s Chicago office as senior counsel in the Litigation Practice Group.

The firm said Lash represents clients in the banking and financial services industry, ranging from local credit unions to national banking institutions. Her experience includes appearing in both state and federal court in bankruptcy matters, residential and commercial mortgage foreclosure cases, title claims, breach of contract actions, consumer compliance, and replevin/detinue matters.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah to our team,” said John Scheller, Litigation Practice Group Chair. “Sarah isan outstanding addition and will enhance the scope of our litigation counsel for our banking and financial services clients.”

In addition, Lash focuses her practice on SBA related litigation and compliance issues. Lash regularly publishes articles regarding SBA related compliance and regulatory issues and is a regular at the annual NAGGL conferences.

Prior to joining Michael Best, Lash was a partner at a Midwest-based firm, where she managed a team of attorneys in its New York and Chicago offices. Lash earned her J.D. from The John Marshall Law School in 2009 and received her B.A. and B.S., cum laude, from Ball State University in 2006.

Sayles Werbner Attorneys Once Again Named to Best Lawyers in America

Trial law firm Sayles Werbner is home to seven attorneys selected once again to the annual Best Lawyers in America listing.

Co-founders Richard A. “Dick” Sayles and Mark S. Werbner are included in the list, having earned recognition for more than a decade. Both men are on the 2019 list for their commercial litigation work and bet-the-company prowess; Werbner also is recognized for his white-collar criminal defense work.

Board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law, Sayles’ record includes 150 cases tried to verdict, more than a dozen multimillion-dollar jury verdicts and significant defense wins, the firm said.

Werbner, who is board certified in Civil Trial Law and Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, also has tried more than 150 jury cases. The 2019 edition of Best Lawyers in America includes the following Sayles Werbner shareholders:

· Shawn C. Long: Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants

· Darren P. Nicholson: Litigation – Intellectual Property

· Robert L. Sayles: Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

· William S. Snyder: Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Securities

· Mark E. Torian: White-Collar Criminal Defense

The Best Lawyers in America guide is compiled annually from independent nominations. Prior nominees who handle similar cases review the nominations. Editors make the final selections, recognizing the top attorneys in the country based on their practice areas.

Seyfarth Expands Construction Practice with P3 Lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP announced the arrival of partner Charles E. “Chuck” Wall to the Public-Private Partnerships (P3) group and Construction practice in Washington, D.C. Wall joins from Troutman Sanders LLP, where he was a partner in Richmond, Virginia.

The firm said Wall’s P3 practice focuses on advising project stakeholders in the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of large-scale public infrastructure development projects. These projects, many of which involve long-term concessions with construction valued in the billions, include airports, highways, bridges, tunnels, transit, water/wastewater systems and other facilities.

“Chuck is a recognized leader in the P3 field and has successfully guided some of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in the U.S.,” said Bennett Greenberg, co-chair of Seyfarth’s Construction practice. “The number and size of P3 projects is increasing substantially each year, in both the transportation and social infrastructure sectors. Chuck significantly expands our team’s reach and P3 capabilities.”

In addition to his P3 and infrastructure development practices, Wall advises clients on a broad range of construction and corporate matters, including design-build and other construction-related contracts, joint venture agreements and teaming arrangements.

“Chuck is an exceptional talent and a tremendous addition to the D.C. office,” said Robert Bodansky, managing partner of Seyfarth’s Washington, D.C. office. “He strengthens our already robust Construction practice and greatly enhances our P3 transactional capabilities.”

Wall is a frequent speaker on P3 topics and serves in leadership roles within numerous industry organizations. He received his J.D. from the University of Richmond, where he was a member of the University of Richmond Law Review, and earned his B.B.A. from the College of William and Mary.

Insurance Attorney Meloney Perry Selected to Best Lawyers in America for 2019

Dallas insurance coverage and litigation attorney Meloney Perry, founder of Perry Law P.C. has been named to the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in recognition of her work in insurance law.

Perry has more than 20 years of experience defending insurance companies in coverage disputes, bad faith and class-action litigation. She serves as the primary regional counsel for a major national insurance firm. She also represents business owners across the country in insurance and business disputes in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado.

“I’m honored to be included among such a talented group of lawyers,” said Perry. “Our team works very hard for our clients, and being recognized by our peers is confirmation of this hard work.”

Perry was recently named Vice Chair of the Council of Chairs Committee for the State Bar of Texas after holding a position as the 2017-18 Chair of the Insurance Law Section. She is an author and presenter, frequently conducting seminars that focus on insurance coverage issues and the law.

This is the first selection to the respected peer-review listing for Perry. Recognizing the top 4 percent of practicing attorneys in the country based on their practice areas, The Best Lawyers in America is compiled through a process of independent nominations, followed by a review by prior nominees who handle similar cases. Editors make the final selections.