Updated December 15, 2022
In the Spotlight
Wickwire Holm (Canada: Nova Scotia) announced their merger with two other well-known, respected, and long-established local firms –Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP and Burchells LLP – becoming Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP as of January 1, 2023.
In the News
Adams and Reese (Louisiana) announced Clarence Wilbon has been elected Chair of the Adams and Reese Executive Committee (EC), effective January 1, 2023. Wilbon will become the first African American in the law firm’s 71-year history to be elected to chair its Executive Committee. He is a Litigation Partner, resident in the Memphis office. Wilbon has practiced at Adams and Reese since 2014 and was elected to the EC in 2021.
Clark Wilson (Canada: British Columbia) announced that Virginia Richards has joined the firm as a partner in the Family Law group. With over a decade of experience in family law litigation, Virginia advises clients on cohabitation and marriage agreements, separation and divorce agreements, property division, spousal support, child support, guardianship and parenting time, relocation and mobility, as well as the division of business interests. Robin Dean has joined the firm as a partner in the Indigenous Law group. Robin has several years of indigenous law litigation experience with particular expertise in Indigenous rights, title and governance issues, judicial reviews of government action, and dispute resolution.
CNPLaw (Singapore) announced that the firm has been recognized as one of Singapore’s Best Law Firms as endorsed by clients and peers in the legal industry in The Straits Times Singapore’s Best Law Firms survey 2023. The firm was named among the most-recommended firms in 14 practice areas: Arbitration, Mediation & Dispute resolution, Banking and Finance, Company & Commercial, Conveyancing, Family, Inheritance & Succession, Private Wealth Management, Insolvency & Restructuring, Intellectual Property, Investment Funds, Manpower & Employment, Mergers & Acquisitions, Negligence & Liability (Professional), Real Estate (Commercial Property, Construction, Funds), and Technology and Telecommunication. The firm attained the highest recommendations (5 stars) in the areas of Mergers & Acquisitions, Company & Commercial, Investment Funds, Manpower & Employment, Inheritance & Succession, Private Wealth Management and Technology, Media, Telecommunication (TMT). The firm also announced that their corporate practice has been ranked (tier 3) in the Asian Legal Business (“ALB”) Asia M&A Rankings 2022 under the category of Singapore Domestic. This award is a reflection of the dynamic teamwork amongst the lawyers in the corporate practice and a testament to our continued commitment to excellence.
C. R. & F. Rojas Abogados (Bolivia) announced it has been recognized by Leaders League once again. The firm has been listed as one of the best firms for Finance, Procurement, Employment and Tax Law.
Fraser Trebilcock (Michigan) announced a strategic alliance agreement with Racine & Associates. As both firms have a strong presence in the Detroit region, this announcement enhances their participation in the continued resurgence of Detroit and will strengthen their opportunities in the Midwest. This arrangement allows Fraser Trebilcock to use its knowledge and expertise in the areas of pension law, gaming, legislative and governmental affairs, and real estate, among others, to enhance the firm’s presence in the Detroit region’s business market. The firm also announced the hiring of attorneys Andrew J. Moore and Katelyn L. Wierenga who will work primarily in the firm’s Lansing office. Andrew joins the firm in the litigation practice group focusing on general litigation matters, insurance defense, estate and trust administration, real estate transactions, family law, and criminal defense. His experience covers a range of practice areas, from out of court matters such as assisting clients in estate planning and business and tax matters to representing clients at trial in insurance, divorce, and criminal defense proceedings. Katelyn joins Fraser Trebilcock with nearly a decade of experience representing large, self-insured corporations and insurance companies and effectively handling cases and adjusting litigation strategies through major changes in the law. Before the firm, Katelyn was practicing law in California at a private firm specializing in insurance defense claims and related litigation matters.
GOLAW (Ukraine) announced that Managing Partner and Vice President of the Ukrainian National Bar Association (UNBA) Dr. Valentyn Gvozdiy was presented the Special Professional Award for the UNBA while at the 2022 International Bar Association Annual Conference in Miami. This award recognizes the extraordinary leadership and dedication to the protection of human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine.
Graf von Westphalen (Germany) announced the firm received two awards for management excellence: Christof Kleinmann and Dr Robert Theissen were named Law Firm Managers of the Year. The firm’s two Managing Partners were recognised in the ballroom of the Senckenberg Research Institute in Frankfurt as “outstanding leadership figures”. The jury also found GvW to be the most convincing entry in the “Business Development” category with its strategic BD initiative relating to the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG). The firm is again nominated as Law Firm of the Year Germany at The Lawyer Awards.
Hall & Wilcox (Australia: Melbourne) announced the firm has appointed Emma Woolley as its new Chair of Partners. Emma becomes the first female Chair in the firm’s 105-year history. Emma replaces previous Chair Mark Dunphy who has been appointed Chair of SCG Legal for 2023. The firm advised Visit Victoria, the tourism and events company for the state of Victoria, on its $15 million partnership agreement with Netball Australia. The Hall & Wilcox team comprised of Partner Martin Ross and Special Counsel Mark Lebbon from the firm’s Sports & Entertainment team. Eugene Chen, Partner and Head of the firm’s China Practice has been recognized in the 2022 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards – Legal and Professional category. Since establishing the firm’s China Practice 10 years ago, Eugene has grown this to become one of the largest China business focused legal practices in Australia. Partners Frank Hinoporos and Andrew O’Bryan, Consultant Keith James and the firm’s broader Victorian Tax team have been recognized in Doyle’s Guide 2022 for Tax Law (Victoria). Hall & Wilcox led an important pro bono law reform project to change outdated and offensive terminology in legislation related to disabilities. Special Counsel Barbara Casado brought together a group of Hall & Wilcox lawyers to draft a brief that Economic Justice Australia could use in advocacy to change this terminology in the Social Security Act and Social Security Guide, and to have it expunged from legislation, policy documents, guidelines and information resources.
Hall & Wilcox has also appointed a new Partner Sevan Gore, expanding the firm’s national corporate practice and its Western Australian commercial practice. The firm recently acted for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Australian Football League (AFL) and a number of Australian sporting organizations in relation to the preparation of submissions to the Australian Government’s review of Australian media laws. Partners Ranny Fan and Mark Inston led a cross-practice team who advised Aqualand Australia on a $600 million funding package, believed to be one of the largest property development project finance arrangements ever provided by a non-bank financier in Australia. Hall & Wilcox teams and individuals have been recognized for their expertise in insurance law (defendant), in particular, for Workers Compensation Law, Compulsory Third Party & Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Law, Public & Product Liability Law and Dust Diseases. In addition, several of the firm’s partners have been recognized as 5-Star Personal Injury Lawyers 2022 by Australasian Lawyer. Hall & Wilcox has launched its ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan, which sets out how the firm will work towards Reconciliation – an Australia where First Nations people experience equality and dignity under the law and where a First Nations Voice to Parliament is enshrined in the Australian Constitution.
Ireland Stapleton (Colorado) announced the firm has been recognized in the 2023 edition of “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®. The firm has been ranked in the Metropolitan Tier 1 for its work in Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Employment Law – Management, and Real Estate Law, and ranked in the Metropolitan Tier 2 for its work in Administrative/Regulatory Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Employment Law – Individuals, Environmental Law, and Litigation – Insurance. The firm also announced that litigation attorney Zach Fitzgerald has joined the Firm. In his practice, Fitzgerald focuses on commercial litigation and appeals. He has assisted clients with matters involving contracts, torts, professional licensing and discipline, regulatory issues, agriculture, oil and gas leasing, employment, non-compete agreements, internal business disputes, fraud, landlord-tenant relationships, liquor licensing, construction, real estate, insurance coverage, and appeals. Attorney Jennifer Kinkade has been selected to the board of the Young Lawyers Division of the Colorado Lawyers Committee. Kinkade will serve as Co-Chair of the Fundraising and Events Committee, where she will be responsible for planning events and coordinating fundraising efforts to help support the organization’s mission. The Colorado Lawyers Committee is a nonpartisan consortium of almost 80 Colorado law firms, attorneys, and community advocates dedicated to creating and increasing opportunities for disadvantaged communities through advocacy, negotiation, and litigation. The Young Lawyers Division offers young lawyers and law students an opportunity to make a difference in the community and to participate in leadership roles within the organization.
Larkin Hoffman (Minnesota) announced that Heidi J. Bassett has joined their business litigation team. Heidi is a zealous advocate and trusted advisor to her clients. She has a wealth of experience handling cases involving unfair competition, disputes arising out of closely held businesses, real estate litigation and trusts and estates disputes. Heidi is adept at balancing her clients’ legal needs and objectives with financial realities. She is an experienced trial attorney and has represented clients in more than 200 appeals.
Lydian (Belgium) announced commercial dispute resolution lawyers Marijn De Ruysscher and Jo Willems have been ranked by The Legal 500 (Legalease) in the Arbitration Powerlist: Benelux 2022. This list showcases the leading arbitration practitioners working today in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
McGuireWoods (Virginia) announced 47 lawyers were selected by their professional peers for inclusion in Virginia Business magazine’s 2022 Legal Elite, published in the December issue. The firm’s lawyers were honored in 17 Legal Elite categories.
Parsons Behle & Latimer (Utah) announced attorney Julianne P. Blanch has been named a Leading Litigator in America by Lawdragon 500. Lawdragon 500’s editorial team selected Julianne through submissions; journalistic research of the lawyers behind the biggest cases; and editorial vetting from a board of her peers.
Rifkin Weiner Livingston (Maryland) announced that Celeste Burce was named to The Daily Record’s 2022 Business & Employment Law Power List. The 25 women and men on the list are among the finest practitioners and most influential figures in law in Maryland.
Robinson+Cole (Connecticut) announced it received 43 first-tier metropolitan rankings, including 30 in the city of Hartford, in the 2023 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” Law firms included in the publication are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Robinson+Cole also received four national rankings: Tier 1 ranking for Land Use & Zoning Law, Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law and Real Estate Law, and a Tier 3 ranking in Labor Law – Management. Managing Partner Rhonda J. Tobin is one of five women selected for recognition as “Managing Partner of the Year” as part of Corporate Counsel’s 2022 Women, Influence and Power in Law (WIPL) Awards. Prior to becoming the first woman to lead the 177-year-old firm as Managing Partner, Tobin served on Robinson+Cole’s Managing Committee for 12 years and as a chair of the firm’s Litigation Section for 13 years. Since assuming the Managing Partner role, Tobin has continued executing on the firm’s Strategic Plan while ensuring loyalty to the firm’s core values of collaboration, civility and inclusion. Public Finance Group lawyer and Partner in Charge of the firm’s Hartford office Keisha S. Palmer was recognized by The Bond Buyer as a “Trailblazing Woman in Public Finance” during the publication’s annual Deal of the Year Awards Gala held in New York City on December 6, 2022. Palmer was also featured in a special supplement published in the December 7, 2022 edition of The Bond Buyer. Supported by the Northeast Women in Public Finance (NEWPF), the Trailblazing Women in Public Finance award honors an elite group of women recognized for their accomplishments and commitment to the industry as well as helping to define a new generation of leaders. Palmer was among just four other women selected from the private sector to receive the national award.
Robinson+Cole also announced for the third consecutive year, the firm has achieved Mansfield Rule Certification after completing a year-long process that began in July 2021. Robinson+Cole is one of only 165 law firms to receive Mansfield Rule 5.0 certification. The certification is developed and facilitated by Diversity Lab in an effort to increase the representation of diverse lawyers in leadership positions by broadening the pool of women, lawyers of color, lawyers with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ lawyers who are considered for significant governance roles, partner promotions, lateral partner and senior associate hiring and inclusion in business development initiatives.
Skau Reipurth (Denmark) announced attorney Nikolaj Byriel-Øvall is among this year’s winners of the Young in Real Estate Talent List 2022. The prize is awarded once a year by Estate Media, which is one of Denmark’s strongest media houses in the real estate industry. “Young in Real Estate – This Year’s Talent List” is an award of 35 talents under the age of 35 who excel and make a difference in the real estate industry.
Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher (Hawaii) announced that Director Andy Lautenbach’s article, “Peril Rising” was recently published in the US News and Best Lawyers/Best Law Firms issue.
Turner Padget (South Carolina) announced W. Taylor Stanley was accepted as a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC). The IADC is the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests. Founded in 1920, the IADC’s members hail from six continents, more than 45 countries and territories, and all 50 U.S. states. The core purposes of the IADC are to enhance the development of skills, promote professionalism and diversity, and facilitate camaraderie among its members, their clients, as well as the broader civil justice community.
WeirFoulds (Canada: Ontario) announced Partners Robert Eberschlag and Janet Bobechko have been recognized in the Lexpert Special Edition: Mining and Lexpert Special Edition: Energy. Partner Ben Kates has been named to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP). CAMAP is a national, charitable organization that was incorporated in 2017 to support the practitioners involved in the provision of MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) related care, to educate about MAiD practice, and help set the highest standards of care regarding the determination of eligibility and the provision of MAiD itself.
Wynn Williams (New Zealand) announced Partners Charlene Sell and Hayley Buckley join a select group of female lawyers recognized by NZ Lawyer in its Elite Women List for 2022. Selected for their outstanding professional abilities and the high regard in which they are held by their peers, the women are also recognized for carving a new path for the younger generations.
Zunic Law (Serbia) announced attorneys have been identified as Global Leaders by Who’s Who Legal. Partner Nemanja Žuni? was recognized for Information Technology, and Attorney at Law Jelena Djukanovic was recognized for Data Privacy & Protection. Partner Tijana Zunic Maric was recognized in both practice areas. The firm is also the most awarded firm in Serbia for Who’s Who Legal’s Data category.