http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_dc.php Judged Law Firm en-us (C) 2006 Judged. All rights reserved. contact@judged.com(Judged) contact@judged.com Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:27:33 -0500 Law Firms http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_dc.php 60 http://www.judged.com/images/xml_rss_feed.gif http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_dc.php Address : 1225 I Street, NWSuite 250, Phone : 202-289-2060, City : Washington http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=592 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=592&page=1 Address : 927 15th Street N.W.9th Floor, Phone : 202-296-0666, City : Washington http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=100189 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=100189&page=2 Address : 1155 21st Street, NW, Phone : 202-659-8201, City : Washington http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2541 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2541&page=3 Address : 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Phone : 202-737-0500, City : Washington The firm King & Spaulding, based out of Atlanta, has opened an office in Silicon Valley, with the initial staffing coming from a chunk of Perkins Coie's office there. At least 8 attorneys have jumped ship to King & Spaulding. The firm King & Spaulding, based out of Atlanta, has opened an office in Silicon Valley, with the initial staffing coming from a chunk of Perkins Coie's office there. At least 8 attorneys have jumped ship to King & Spaulding. Ten King & Spalding attorneys have been named to the Texas Super Lawyers list published by Law & Politics and Texas Monthly Magazine. Super Lawyers are the top attorneys in their respective practice areas as selected by their peers, and are verified by the attorney-led research staff at Law & Politics. Of the ten King & Spalding attorneys selected this year, two were also included in a list of the top 100 lawyers in the Houston metro area. The King & Spalding attorneys appearing in this year's Texas Super Lawyers list are: * R. Doak Bishop - International * Randolph C. Coley - Mergers & Acquisitions * Kenneth S. Culotta - International * Mark K. Glasser - Business Litigation * R. Bruce Hurley - Civil Litigation Defense * Robert E. Meadows - General Litigation * Jesse R. Pierce - Business Litigation * Tracie J. Renfroe - Environmental Reagan * W. Simpson - Appellate * Carlos Treistman - Mergers & Acquisitions In addition to their selection to the overall list of Texas Super Lawyers, both Bishop and Glasser were listed among the Houston region's top 100 lawyers. The Super Lawyers selection process began with a survey that was sent to over 60,000 attorneys in Texas. Attorneys were asked to vote for the best lawyers they had personally observed in action. Each lawyer was given a score based on the number of votes received and the source of those votes (votes of lawyers from other firms carry more weight than those from lawyers in the same firm). The Super Lawyers research team evaluated the credentials of the nominees and ensured that each lawyer is in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. A blue-ribbon review panel consisting of top Texas lawyers was assembled in each area of practice. These lawyers also reviewed and scored the list of nominees in their practice areas. The top point-getters were selected as Super Lawyers, the top 5 percent of licensed attorneys in the state. Ten King & Spalding attorneys have been named to the Texas Super Lawyers list published by Law & Politics and Texas Monthly Magazine. Super Lawyers are the top attorneys in their respective practice areas as selected by their peers, and are verified by the attorney-led research staff at Law & Politics. Of the ten King & Spalding attorneys selected this year, two were also included in a list of the top 100 lawyers in the Houston metro area. The King & Spalding attorneys appearing in this year's Texas Super Lawyers list are: * R. Doak Bishop - International * Randolph C. Coley - Mergers & Acquisitions * Kenneth S. Culotta - International * Mark K. Glasser - Business Litigation * R. Bruce Hurley - Civil Litigation Defense * Robert E. Meadows - General Litigation * Jesse R. Pierce - Business Litigation * Tracie J. Renfroe - Environmental Reagan * W. Simpson - Appellate * Carlos Treistman - Mergers & Acquisitions In addition to their selection to the overall list of Texas Super Lawyers, both Bishop and Glasser were listed among the Houston region's top 100 lawyers. The Super Lawyers selection process began with a survey that was sent to over 60,000 attorneys in Texas. Attorneys were asked to vote for the best lawyers they had personally observed in action. Each lawyer was given a score based on the number of votes received and the source of those votes (votes of lawyers from other firms carry more weight than those from lawyers in the same firm). The Super Lawyers research team evaluated the credentials of the nominees and ensured that each lawyer is in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. A blue-ribbon review panel consisting of top Texas lawyers was assembled in each area of practice. These lawyers also reviewed and scored the list of nominees in their practice areas. The top point-getters were selected as Super Lawyers, the top 5 percent of licensed attorneys in the state. Eight King & Spalding attorneys have been named to the 2007 New York Super Lawyers list. Super Lawyers are the top attorneys in their respective practice areas, selected by their peers and verified by the attorney-led research staff at Law & Politics. The eight King & Spalding attorneys appearing in this year's New York Super Lawyers list are: * E. William Bates - Mergers & Acquisitions * Richard A. Cirillo - Business Litigation * H. Slayton Dabney - Bankruptcy & Creditor/ Debtor Rights * Ethan Horwitz - Intellectual Property Litigation * Edward G. Kehoe - Business Litigation * Clark W. Lackert - Intellectual Property * Michael J. Malone - Securities Litigation * Robert F. Perry - Intellectual Property Litigation The Super Lawyers selection process began with a survey that was sent to nearly 90,000 attorneys in the New York metro area. Attorneys were asked to vote for the best lawyers they had personally observed in action. Each lawyer was given a score based on the number of votes received and the source of those votes (votes of lawyers from other firms carry more weight than those from lawyers in the same firm). The Super Lawyers research team evaluated the credentials of the nominees and ensured that each lawyer is in good standing with the State Bar of New York. A blue-ribbon review panel consisting of top New York lawyers reviewed and scored the list of nominees in each area of practice. The top point-getters were selected as Super Lawyers, the top 5 percent of licensed attorneys in the state. Eight King & Spalding attorneys have been named to the 2007 New York Super Lawyers list. Super Lawyers are the top attorneys in their respective practice areas, selected by their peers and verified by the attorney-led research staff at Law & Politics. The eight King & Spalding attorneys appearing in this year's New York Super Lawyers list are: * E. William Bates - Mergers & Acquisitions * Richard A. Cirillo - Business Litigation * H. Slayton Dabney - Bankruptcy & Creditor/ Debtor Rights * Ethan Horwitz - Intellectual Property Litigation * Edward G. Kehoe - Business Litigation * Clark W. Lackert - Intellectual Property * Michael J. Malone - Securities Litigation * Robert F. Perry - Intellectual Property Litigation The Super Lawyers selection process began with a survey that was sent to nearly 90,000 attorneys in the New York metro area. Attorneys were asked to vote for the best lawyers they had personally observed in action. Each lawyer was given a score based on the number of votes received and the source of those votes (votes of lawyers from other firms carry more weight than those from lawyers in the same firm). The Super Lawyers research team evaluated the credentials of the nominees and ensured that each lawyer is in good standing with the State Bar of New York. A blue-ribbon review panel consisting of top New York lawyers reviewed and scored the list of nominees in each area of practice. The top point-getters were selected as Super Lawyers, the top 5 percent of licensed attorneys in the state. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1278 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1278&page=4 Address : 805 15th Street, NW, Phone : 202-842-2600, City : Washington http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=262 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=262&page=5 Address : 1920 N Street, NWSuite 800, Phone : 202-331-8800, City : Washington Christopher Rassi has joined the Washington office of the law firm Thompson Hine LLP. Mr. Rassi, an associate in the International Trade & Customs practice group, was formerly a member of the Commercial & Public Finance practice group in the firm's Cleveland office. Mr. Rassi recently returned from a leave of absence during which he served as Associate Legal Officer in the Chambers of and the Office of the President of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania. During his time in Tanzania, Mr. Rassi served as legal adviser for a pair of ongoing trials related to the genocide that has taken place in Rwanda. Prior to joining Thompson Hine, Mr. Rassi served as law clerk to the Honorable Yvonne Mokgoro, Constitutional Court of South Africa. In 2003, he was a Frederick K. Cox International Law Center Post-Graduate Fellow, clerking for Her Excellency Judge Weinberg de Roca, Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda in The Hague, The Netherlands. On rejoining the firm, Mr. Rassi said, "I am pleased to be returning to Thompson Hine and working with the International Trade group. I know that the knowledge I gained and the experiences I had in Tanzania will be an asset to the practice of law at Thompson Hine. It was an honor to have served." Julia McCalmon, International Trade & Customs practice group leader, commented, "We are excited to have Chris join us in Washington. The learning experiences he had will be a true asset to our practice." Chuck Freed, Washington office partner-in-charge, added, "We are pleased to have Chris join our growing D.C. office." Mr. Rassi is admitted to practice in the state of Ohio. He is not yet admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, but his practice is supervised by principals of the firm. Mr. Rassi earned his J.D., cum laude, in 2003 from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he served as the executive symposium and topic development editor for the Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law. In 2003, he earned his M.B.A. from the Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management. In 2000, he earned his B.A. and M.A., magna cum laude, from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Rassi is an International Visiting Fellow at his alma mater. Christopher Rassi has joined the Washington office of the law firm Thompson Hine LLP. Mr. Rassi, an associate in the International Trade & Customs practice group, was formerly a member of the Commercial & Public Finance practice group in the firm's Cleveland office. Mr. Rassi recently returned from a leave of absence during which he served as Associate Legal Officer in the Chambers of and the Office of the President of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania. During his time in Tanzania, Mr. Rassi served as legal adviser for a pair of ongoing trials related to the genocide that has taken place in Rwanda. Prior to joining Thompson Hine, Mr. Rassi served as law clerk to the Honorable Yvonne Mokgoro, Constitutional Court of South Africa. In 2003, he was a Frederick K. Cox International Law Center Post-Graduate Fellow, clerking for Her Excellency Judge Weinberg de Roca, Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda in The Hague, The Netherlands. On rejoining the firm, Mr. Rassi said, "I am pleased to be returning to Thompson Hine and working with the International Trade group. I know that the knowledge I gained and the experiences I had in Tanzania will be an asset to the practice of law at Thompson Hine. It was an honor to have served." Julia McCalmon, International Trade & Customs practice group leader, commented, "We are excited to have Chris join us in Washington. The learning experiences he had will be a true asset to our practice." Chuck Freed, Washington office partner-in-charge, added, "We are pleased to have Chris join our growing D.C. office." Mr. Rassi is admitted to practice in the state of Ohio. He is not yet admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, but his practice is supervised by principals of the firm. Mr. Rassi earned his J.D., cum laude, in 2003 from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he served as the executive symposium and topic development editor for the Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law. In 2003, he earned his M.B.A. from the Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management. In 2000, he earned his B.A. and M.A., magna cum laude, from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Rassi is an International Visiting Fellow at his alma mater. Caroline Rogers has joined the Atlanta office of the law firm Thompson Hine LLP as an associate in the firm's Life Sciences practice group. Prior to joining Thompson Hine, Ms. Rogers was an associate with the law firm Epstein, Becker & Green in Washington, D.C. Ms. Rogers focuses her practice on the laws and regulations pertaining to the development, promotion and distribution of food, drugs, devices and other FDAregulated products. Her practice also includes providing counsel on internal and government investigations, compliance programs, HIPAA privacy regulations, federal antitrust issues and mergers and acquisitions as they relate to both the life sciences and health care industries. Ms. Rogers received her J.D. from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law and her B.A. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently completing a Master of Public Health degree at Mercer University School of Medicine. She is a member of the Georgia Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Caroline Rogers has joined the Atlanta office of the law firm Thompson Hine LLP as an associate in the firm's Life Sciences practice group. Prior to joining Thompson Hine, Ms. Rogers was an associate with the law firm Epstein, Becker & Green in Washington, D.C. Ms. Rogers focuses her practice on the laws and regulations pertaining to the development, promotion and distribution of food, drugs, devices and other FDAregulated products. Her practice also includes providing counsel on internal and government investigations, compliance programs, HIPAA privacy regulations, federal antitrust issues and mergers and acquisitions as they relate to both the life sciences and health care industries. Ms. Rogers received her J.D. from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law and her B.A. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently completing a Master of Public Health degree at Mercer University School of Medicine. She is a member of the Georgia Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Mariana Belisario has joined the law firm of Thompson Hine LLP as foreign legal consultant to the firm's International Trade & Customs practice group for the 2007-2008 year. Ms. Belisario, a native of Brazil, joins the firm as part of the International Trade group's continued expansion of its international capabilities. An experienced practitioner, Ms. Belisario has represented multinational corporate clients in corporate, tax, real estate and construction matters. Prior to earning her LL.M. in the United States, she practiced for five years with the Brazilian law firm Ferreira Pinto Santiago & Tôrres Advogados, which has since split into two firms. After her year-long consultancy with Thompson Hine, Ms. Belisario will rejoin Santiago, Tôrres e Saldanha, a Brazilian law firm focused mainly on business law, in consultation as well as in litigation. Their lawyers advise clients on corporate business transactions, banking, tax, finance, construction, real estate, environment and intellectual property matters. On joining the firm, Ms. Belisario said, "I was first introduced to Thompson Hine while still studying for my LL.M. at Georgetown. I was impressed with the firm's strong trade practice and I'm excited for the opportunity to bring another international perspective to the group." Julia McCalmon, International Trade & Customs practice group leader, commented, "We have always benefited and continue to benefit from the perspectives and relationships that our foreign legal consultants bring. I look forward to working with Mariana as she grows her knowledge of the U.S. legal environment and international trade practice." Chuck Freed, Washington office partner-in-charge, added, "We are pleased to have Mariana join our growing D.C. office." Ms. Belisario earned her LL.M. with a concentration in international trade from Georgetown University Law Center in 2007. She received a specialization degree in economics and corporation law from Fundacao Getulio Vargas in 2004 and a bachelor of laws with a concentration in corporation law from Faculdade de Direito Milton Campos in 2001. Ms. Belisario was admitted to the Brazilian bar in 2002 and is a member of the Brazilian Bar Association and ABCI Institute-Brazilian International Trade Scholars, Inc. Although she is not admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, her practice is supervised by principals of Thompson Hine. Return to top About the International Trade & Customs Practice Group Thompson Hine's International Trade & Customs practice group advises multinational corporations on a broad range of U.S. laws and international trade agreements affecting the import and export of goods, technology and services. Focused on servicing the needs of multinational clients, our trade group continues to expand and grow. Our growth allows us to offer our clients experience in strategic trade planning; defending enforcement actions, investigations and audits of trade-related issues; bringing and defending actions in unfair trade proceedings; and counseling on trade compliance, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, anti-boycott and market access issues. Mariana Belisario has joined the law firm of Thompson Hine LLP as foreign legal consultant to the firm's International Trade & Customs practice group for the 2007-2008 year. Ms. Belisario, a native of Brazil, joins the firm as part of the International Trade group's continued expansion of its international capabilities. An experienced practitioner, Ms. Belisario has represented multinational corporate clients in corporate, tax, real estate and construction matters. Prior to earning her LL.M. in the United States, she practiced for five years with the Brazilian law firm Ferreira Pinto Santiago & Tôrres Advogados, which has since split into two firms. After her year-long consultancy with Thompson Hine, Ms. Belisario will rejoin Santiago, Tôrres e Saldanha, a Brazilian law firm focused mainly on business law, in consultation as well as in litigation. Their lawyers advise clients on corporate business transactions, banking, tax, finance, construction, real estate, environment and intellectual property matters. On joining the firm, Ms. Belisario said, "I was first introduced to Thompson Hine while still studying for my LL.M. at Georgetown. I was impressed with the firm's strong trade practice and I'm excited for the opportunity to bring another international perspective to the group." Julia McCalmon, International Trade & Customs practice group leader, commented, "We have always benefited and continue to benefit from the perspectives and relationships that our foreign legal consultants bring. I look forward to working with Mariana as she grows her knowledge of the U.S. legal environment and international trade practice." Chuck Freed, Washington office partner-in-charge, added, "We are pleased to have Mariana join our growing D.C. office." Ms. Belisario earned her LL.M. with a concentration in international trade from Georgetown University Law Center in 2007. She received a specialization degree in economics and corporation law from Fundacao Getulio Vargas in 2004 and a bachelor of laws with a concentration in corporation law from Faculdade de Direito Milton Campos in 2001. Ms. Belisario was admitted to the Brazilian bar in 2002 and is a member of the Brazilian Bar Association and ABCI Institute-Brazilian International Trade Scholars, Inc. Although she is not admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, her practice is supervised by principals of Thompson Hine. Return to top About the International Trade & Customs Practice Group Thompson Hine's International Trade & Customs practice group advises multinational corporations on a broad range of U.S. laws and international trade agreements affecting the import and export of goods, technology and services. Focused on servicing the needs of multinational clients, our trade group continues to expand and grow. Our growth allows us to offer our clients experience in strategic trade planning; defending enforcement actions, investigations and audits of trade-related issues; bringing and defending actions in unfair trade proceedings; and counseling on trade compliance, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, anti-boycott and market access issues. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2374 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2374&page=6 Address : 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Phone : 202-383-0100, City : Washington Quadrennial Defense Review Monday; Sutherland Partner, Jeffrey Bialos, Available for Comment The Department of Defense will issue on Monday the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), an every four year study of the U.S. military capabilities necessary to ensure our security. The QDR sets priorities for the people, equipment, investments and technology needed to develop and maintain the necessary military capabilities to meet a wide range of threats. These include irregular threats such as terrorist networks and civil wars; conventional threats such as traditional military conflicts with near-peer competitors and regional conflicts; catastrophic threats from weapons of mass destruction; and disruptive threats from new technologies. Jeffrey Bialos is the Executive Director of the Program on Transatlantic Security and Industry at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies and a partner in the law firm of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan. He is available to comment on the QDR and its implications for U.S. national security, including U.S. force size and structure, force planning, the management of the Department of Defense and the defense acquisition system, and the defense industry. Bialos is able to address the QDR in context of previous QDRs, our ongoing military transformation, and our relationships with Allies. Bialos has broad ranging legal and governmental experience on aerospace, defense and homeland security matters, including mergers, acquisitions, procurement, export controls and international business practices. He served as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Industrial Affairs under President Clinton and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the Secretary of Defense. Nelson Mullins is adding four attorneys to its Washington, D.C. office-Timothy Fitzgibbon, Robert Hoegle, Thomas Bardo and Mary Diemer. "This group of attorneys brings significant litigation experience to our Firm. They also bring deep knowledge of the Federal administrative process, having represented clients before a wide range of agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and other regulatory agencies," said George Wolfe, managing partner in the Firm's Washington, D.C. office. "Their addition to the Washington office significantly enhances our ability to represent our clients in Washington." The Nelson Mullins Washington, D.C. office opened in 2004 to draw on the Firm's governmental experience and to provide federal government relations assistance to clients. Today the office has 11 attorneys and three policy advisors. "Our attorneys provide a unique service because we understand how government works and how it can impact our clients," Wolfe said. "Our team has worked in the Washington community and has developed a knowledge of the policies, processes and personnel involved that enables us to serve our clients well in their dealings with the federal government. Tim, Bob, Tom and Mary bring unique talents and relationships to Nelson Mullins. We welcome them to both the Firm and this office." & Brennan LLP is a national law firm known for solving challenging business problems and resolving unique legal issues for many of the nation's largest companies. Founded in 1924, the firm has grown to more than 425 lawyers with offices in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, New York, Tallahassee and Washington, DC. For further information about the firm, please visit www.sablaw.com. Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP announces changes to the firm's management structure with the appointment of three new Partners-in-Charge, who will serve as managing partners of the Atlanta, Houston, New York and Washington, D.C. offices. In Atlanta, Eric R. Fenichel has been selected Partner-in-Charge. As a member of the Corporate Practice Group, his practice encompasses a broad array of financing transactions, including structured finance and securitization, derivatives and structured products, commodity financing arrangements and general corporate finance. Don E. Wood and Rachel Giesber Clingman will serve as Co-Partners-in-Charge of the firm's expanding Houston office. Mr. Wood is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group, where his practice focus includes representing community, regional, national and international financial services institutions - including banks, thrifts, trust companies, credit card issuers, service organizations, insurance underwriters and agencies, title companies and small loan companies. Ms. Clingman, who joined Sutherland earlier this month, heads the firm's national Business Litigation Practice Group, which includes energy and environmental litigation. She is an experienced trial lawyer, who has handled numerous jury trials and appeals across the country. In addition to energy and commercial litigation, her trial experience includes aviation claims, shareholder disputes and international litigation arising from alleged acts of terrorism in the Middle East. In Washington, D.C., Richard G. Murphy is now Partner-in-Charge. A member of the Litigation Practice Group, Mr. Murphy has represented organizations in various industries, including banking, factoring, telecommunications and nuclear energy in court and in various forms of alternative dispute resolution. As the senior litigator in the firm's Business Restructuring and Bankruptcy Group, his particular emphasis is on disputes involving creditors' rights and bankruptcy-related issues. Rick replaces W. Mark Smith, who served as Partner-in-Charge for seven years. William H. Bradley remains Partner-in-Charge of the New York office. Mr. Bradley, a member of the Corporate Practice Group, has extensive experience in timber taxation and finance. He has also handled complex tax controversies at all administrative levels within the Internal Revenue Service and has litigated tax issues in the Tax Court, the United States District Court, the Court of Federal Claims and in the Eleventh and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeals. Firm Managing Partner Mark D. Wasserman wishes to thank the outgoing Partners-in-Charge and offers his congratulations to the newly appointed management team. "I'm confident that our Partners-in-Charge will bring the firm continued success through their dedicated leadership, just as their predecessors did." Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP announces changes to the firm's management structure with the appointment of three new Partners-in-Charge, who will serve as managing partners of the Atlanta, Houston, New York and Washington, D.C. offices. In Atlanta, Eric R. Fenichel has been selected Partner-in-Charge. As a member of the Corporate Practice Group, his practice encompasses a broad array of financing transactions, including structured finance and securitization, derivatives and structured products, commodity financing arrangements and general corporate finance. Don E. Wood and Rachel Giesber Clingman will serve as Co-Partners-in-Charge of the firm's expanding Houston office. Mr. Wood is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group, where his practice focus includes representing community, regional, national and international financial services institutions - including banks, thrifts, trust companies, credit card issuers, service organizations, insurance underwriters and agencies, title companies and small loan companies. Ms. Clingman, who joined Sutherland earlier this month, heads the firm's national Business Litigation Practice Group, which includes energy and environmental litigation. She is an experienced trial lawyer, who has handled numerous jury trials and appeals across the country. In addition to energy and commercial litigation, her trial experience includes aviation claims, shareholder disputes and international litigation arising from alleged acts of terrorism in the Middle East. In Washington, D.C., Richard G. Murphy is now Partner-in-Charge. A member of the Litigation Practice Group, Mr. Murphy has represented organizations in various industries, including banking, factoring, telecommunications and nuclear energy in court and in various forms of alternative dispute resolution. As the senior litigator in the firm's Business Restructuring and Bankruptcy Group, his particular emphasis is on disputes involving creditors' rights and bankruptcy-related issues. Rick replaces W. Mark Smith, who served as Partner-in-Charge for seven years. William H. Bradley remains Partner-in-Charge of the New York office. Mr. Bradley, a member of the Corporate Practice Group, has extensive experience in timber taxation and finance. He has also handled complex tax controversies at all administrative levels within the Internal Revenue Service and has litigated tax issues in the Tax Court, the United States District Court, the Court of Federal Claims and in the Eleventh and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeals. Firm Managing Partner Mark D. Wasserman wishes to thank the outgoing Partners-in-Charge and offers his congratulations to the newly appointed management team. "I'm confident that our Partners-in-Charge will bring the firm continued success through their dedicated leadership, just as their predecessors did." The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Boumediene v. Bush and Al Odah v. United States. These cases address whether the parameters of the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which bars Guantanamo detainees from pursuing habeas corpus petitions, violates the Suspension Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and also whether the detainees are entitled to pursue habeas claims in federal court. In conjunction with Stephen J. Schulhofer of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP filed an amicus brief on behalf of specialists in Israeli law in support of the petitioners, Boumediene and Al Odah. The brief outlines the practices and laws that Israel uses in its detention practices, which have been examined at length by the Israeli government and court system. According to the brief, "despite Israel's unremitting terrorist threat, the country's courts have discerned no practical obstacle to exercising jurisdiction and guaranteeing the rule of law, regardless of the petitioner's nationality or location. Israel affords all detainees prompt, independent judicial review of their detention, protected by procedural safeguards and aided by access to counsel." The Sutherland brief references Israel's experience and success with this system in urging the Supreme Court to ensure that all detainees be afforded prompt, independent judicial review. The brief argues that the judgments of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit should be reversed. Sutherland attorneys involved in the preparation and filing of the brief were Charles T. Lester, Jr., John A. Chandler, Avi Stadler, Drew D. Dropkin, Joshua A. Mayes, Kathleen Hanlon Sinclair and Benjamin C. Morgan. The Supreme Court will hear both cases this fall. The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Boumediene v. Bush and Al Odah v. United States. These cases address whether the parameters of the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which bars Guantanamo detainees from pursuing habeas corpus petitions, violates the Suspension Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and also whether the detainees are entitled to pursue habeas claims in federal court. In conjunction with Stephen J. Schulhofer of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP filed an amicus brief on behalf of specialists in Israeli law in support of the petitioners, Boumediene and Al Odah. The brief outlines the practices and laws that Israel uses in its detention practices, which have been examined at length by the Israeli government and court system. According to the brief, "despite Israel's unremitting terrorist threat, the country's courts have discerned no practical obstacle to exercising jurisdiction and guaranteeing the rule of law, regardless of the petitioner's nationality or location. Israel affords all detainees prompt, independent judicial review of their detention, protected by procedural safeguards and aided by access to counsel." The Sutherland brief references Israel's experience and success with this system in urging the Supreme Court to ensure that all detainees be afforded prompt, independent judicial review. The brief argues that the judgments of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit should be reversed. Sutherland attorneys involved in the preparation and filing of the brief were Charles T. Lester, Jr., John A. Chandler, Avi Stadler, Drew D. Dropkin, Joshua A. Mayes, Kathleen Hanlon Sinclair and Benjamin C. Morgan. The Supreme Court will hear both cases this fall. Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP announced today the addition of a top litigation partner for its expanding Houston office. Effective immediately, Rachel Giesber Clingman, formerly of Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, joins Sutherland's Litigation Practice. She will serve as Co-Partner-in-Charge of the Houston office and will head a national business litigation group, which includes energy and environmental litigation. Ms. Clingman is an experienced trial lawyer, who has handled numerous jury trials and appeals across the country. She has received nationwide recognition for her client work in complex commercial litigation, including BTI Consulting Group's prestigious 2007 Client Service Award. Ms. Clingman is recognized as one of the five top Women in Energy by EnergyLaw360. She previously served as President of the Women's Energy Network in Houston and on the Advisory Board of the 2005 and 2006 World Oil Women's Global Leadership Conference in Energy and Technology. In addition to energy and commercial litigation, her first-chair trial experience includes aviation claims, shareholder disputes, and international litigation arising from alleged acts of terrorism in the Middle East. "Sutherland is enjoying successful and steady growth-particularly in our Houston office, where we continue to build our practices and attract top practitioners," said Sutherland's Managing Partner Mark D. Wasserman. "With Rachel, we're adding even more firepower to our growth in Texas and nationally." Sutherland's lawyers address issues of significance in virtually every area of practice. Developing a strong corporate and national litigation team, with particular experience in the energy area, is a critical aspect of Sutherland's plan for Texas. "Texas is the energy hub. Our energy and national litigation clients want Texas trial lawyers who understand the energy industry and who will advocate successfully for them in Texas courts and throughout the country," said John A. Chandler, chair of Sutherland's Litigation Practice Group. "Rachel brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm for the service of clients, and her industry experience will allow us to better serve our energy clients throughout the firm," added Mr. Chandler. Ms. Clingman lists Sutherland's dedication to partnering with its clients and commitment to developing a major presence in Houston and the Southwest as key to her decision to join the firm. "I was introduced to Sutherland by a mutual client, who praised the firm for its client-centered approach and communication. The firm has an excellent national reputation, client support and a strong vision for Texas," said Ms. Clingman. In the past year, Sutherland's Houston office also has added top talent to its banking, real estate, immigration, environmental and energy practices. Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP announced today the addition of a top litigation partner for its expanding Houston office. Effective immediately, Rachel Giesber Clingman, formerly of Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, joins Sutherland's Litigation Practice. She will serve as Co-Partner-in-Charge of the Houston office and will head a national business litigation group, which includes energy and environmental litigation. Ms. Clingman is an experienced trial lawyer, who has handled numerous jury trials and appeals across the country. She has received nationwide recognition for her client work in complex commercial litigation, including BTI Consulting Group's prestigious 2007 Client Service Award. Ms. Clingman is recognized as one of the five top Women in Energy by EnergyLaw360. She previously served as President of the Women's Energy Network in Houston and on the Advisory Board of the 2005 and 2006 World Oil Women's Global Leadership Conference in Energy and Technology. In addition to energy and commercial litigation, her first-chair trial experience includes aviation claims, shareholder disputes, and international litigation arising from alleged acts of terrorism in the Middle East. "Sutherland is enjoying successful and steady growth-particularly in our Houston office, where we continue to build our practices and attract top practitioners," said Sutherland's Managing Partner Mark D. Wasserman. "With Rachel, we're adding even more firepower to our growth in Texas and nationally." Sutherland's lawyers address issues of significance in virtually every area of practice. Developing a strong corporate and national litigation team, with particular experience in the energy area, is a critical aspect of Sutherland's plan for Texas. "Texas is the energy hub. Our energy and national litigation clients want Texas trial lawyers who understand the energy industry and who will advocate successfully for them in Texas courts and throughout the country," said John A. Chandler, chair of Sutherland's Litigation Practice Group. "Rachel brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm for the service of clients, and her industry experience will allow us to better serve our energy clients throughout the firm," added Mr. Chandler. Ms. Clingman lists Sutherland's dedication to partnering with its clients and commitment to developing a major presence in Houston and the Southwest as key to her decision to join the firm. "I was introduced to Sutherland by a mutual client, who praised the firm for its client-centered approach and communication. The firm has an excellent national reputation, client support and a strong vision for Texas," said Ms. Clingman. In the past year, Sutherland's Houston office also has added top talent to its banking, real estate, immigration, environmental and energy practices. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2314 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2314&page=7 Address : 1775 I Street, NW, Phone : 202-721-4600, City : Washington http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1137 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1137&page=8 Address : 1200 17th Street, NW5th Floor, Phone : 202-467-6300, City : Washington Addleshaw Goddard is one of the top suppliers of legal services to the Euro100 according to a survey published by Chambers Client Report, which ranks the firm 8th in a international league table of 150 law firms. The firm received 7 mentions in the survey, and was described as \'the standard bearer for the national firms\' by the publication, which provides in-depth client research covering industry sectors and specialist practice areas across Europe. Chambers Client Report is widely read by heads of legal, banks, accountancy firms and lawyers across the UK. Commenting on the latest achievement by Addleshaw Goddard Senior Partner, Paul Lee said: \"\"Our strategy is to focus on FTSE350 and comparable organisations, institutions, successful businesses and private individuals, and to be perceived as a credible alternative to Magic Circle firms in high value work. We are on track to meet our objectives and this latest survey shows that many European corporates are choosing us to work alongside them on more business critical projects than ever before.\"\" \"\"Our focus is on offering clients a combination of talent and consistent quality both in and outside the City. This approach is proving to be an attractive proposition for PLCs, as well as private companies and institutions and will continue to underpin our growth.\"\" Addleshaw Goddard announced a rise in fee income to more than £161.2m million for the 2005/06 financial year, representing an impressive increase of 16 per cent on the same period last year. Profit Per Equity Partner is also up more than 16 per cent, reaching £427,000 for the first time. The firm\'s FTSE 100 client portfolio includes many well known global brands including 3i, Associated British Foods, BT, British Airways, Diageo and United Utilities. It acts for more than 80 FTSE 350 clients and in 2004 was ranked 1st overall (excluding the category of international capability) in a client satisfaction survey by Legal Week magazine covering the services provided by the top 30 law firms in the country to the UK\'s 1,000 largest companies. Addleshaw Goddard is one of the top suppliers of legal services to the Euro100 according to a survey published by Chambers Client Report, which ranks the firm 8th in a international league table of 150 law firms. The firm received 7 mentions in the survey, and was described as \'the standard bearer for the national firms\' by the publication, which provides in-depth client research covering industry sectors and specialist practice areas across Europe. Chambers Client Report is widely read by heads of legal, banks, accountancy firms and lawyers across the UK. Commenting on the latest achievement by Addleshaw Goddard Senior Partner, Paul Lee said: \"\"Our strategy is to focus on FTSE350 and comparable organisations, institutions, successful businesses and private individuals, and to be perceived as a credible alternative to Magic Circle firms in high value work. We are on track to meet our objectives and this latest survey shows that many European corporates are choosing us to work alongside them on more business critical projects than ever before.\"\" \"\"Our focus is on offering clients a combination of talent and consistent quality both in and outside the City. This approach is proving to be an attractive proposition for PLCs, as well as private companies and institutions and will continue to underpin our growth.\"\" Addleshaw Goddard announced a rise in fee income to more than £161.2m million for the 2005/06 financial year, representing an impressive increase of 16 per cent on the same period last year. Profit Per Equity Partner is also up more than 16 per cent, reaching £427,000 for the first time. The firm\'s FTSE 100 client portfolio includes many well known global brands including 3i, Associated British Foods, BT, British Airways, Diageo and United Utilities. It acts for more than 80 FTSE 350 clients and in 2004 was ranked 1st overall (excluding the category of international capability) in a client satisfaction survey by Legal Week magazine covering the services provided by the top 30 law firms in the country to the UK\'s 1,000 largest companies. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=10 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=10&page=9 Address : 1501 K Street, NW, Phone : 202-736-8000, City : Washington Is that true?? I heard a rumour that Sidley has decided to raise the salaries for associates?? Can anyone working with that firm let me know?? Public Finance? Does anyone know anything about their public finance group in NYC? 100 million in liability opt-outs Sidley Austin is expected to pay $30 million to settle a class action next month filed by more than 200 investors who lost money on illegal tax shelters that the law firm approved. But the nation's seventh-largest firm isn't out of the woods yet. Investors in about 55 cases have opted out of the class action settlement, which includes claims against KPMG LLP, the accounting firm that sold the shelters. The shelters are now the subject of a federal criminal investigation. Lawyers representing those opt-outs say KPMG and Sidley Austin could end up paying hundreds of millions of dollars in separate settlements with their clients. "The settlement is wholly insufficient and is a drop in the bucket on average for the individual claimants," said Michael Avenatti, a lawyer at Santa Monica, Calif.-based Greene, Broillet & Wheeler who represents three investors. He said liability costs associated with the opt-out cases could exceed $500 million against KPMG and Sidley Austin, which has agreed to pay a 20 percent share of the recent settlement. "Sidley would be responsible for $100 million." Sidley Austin Chairman Thomas Cole, a partner in Chicago, did not return calls seeking comment. Since last year, federal prosecutors have indicted 19 individuals, including several former KPMG partners and Raymond J. Ruble, a former Sidley Austin partner in the firm's Chicago office, of defrauding the Internal Revenue Service by selling and approving the illegal tax shelters, called Flip, Opis, Blips and SOS. U.S. v. Jeffrey Stein, No. 05cr00888 (S.D.N.Y.). Prosecutors say the shelters allowed investors to seek more than $11 billion in fake tax losses and shortchanged the government by $2.5 billion in taxes. The government's investigation began after a U.S. Senate subcommittee staff report in 2003 raised questions about the shelters. In August, KPMG agreed to pay $456 million in a deferred-prosecution agreement as part of the criminal probe, which is set for trial this fall. While KPMG faces the highest total in the civil cases, the fact that Sidley Austin prepared the opinion letters stating that the tax shelters would survive Internal Revenue Service scrutiny could go against the firm at trial. "It's just as strong," said Edmundo Ramirez, a partner at McAllen, Texas-based Ellis, Koeneke & Ramirez, of Sidley's liability in the civil suits. Ramirez, who has settled about a half-dozen cases for investors in the KPMG tax shelters, said, "Their principal witness is under indictment, Mr. Ruble, the gentleman who churned out the 600-plus opinions. So it would be very difficult to defend a case." OPT-OUT CASES In November, an original settlement worth $195 million fell apart after more than 60 of 284 potential investors opted out, according to court papers. Marvin Simon v. KPMG LLP, No. 05-03189 (D.N.J.). Under the revised settlement, which was reached in March, investors would receive an average payout of between $700,000 to $750,000, primarily based on 65 percent of the fees they paid both firms to participate in the tax shelters, according to lawyers in the cases. In late April, investors in 55 cases opted out of the revised settlement. Given that number, the revised settlement, if approved, would total less than $155 million, of which Sidley is expected to pay about 20 percent, or about $30 million. No exact figures were given in court documents. "They basically worked out a provision that the settlement would be reduced based on the number of opt-outs and the transaction costs involved with those opted out," said Steven Toll, managing partner at Washington-based Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, who represents investors in the settlement. A hearing on the revised settlement is scheduled for Friday. Brad Friedman, one of the lawyers at Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman who drafted the settlement on behalf of the plaintiffs, did not return calls. Calls were not returned by Kevin Clark, a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher who represents KPMG in the settlement, or Ronald Meyer, a partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson who represents Sidley Austin. Still, having so many opt-outs could prove costly to Sidley Austin and KPMG. "If you take them through the litigation process, it would not surprise me at all if they pay larger recovery than the class action," Ramirez said. The investors who opted out intend to pursue their claims individually in separate courts across the nation. One lawyer, who requested anonymity, said his four investors who opted out of the settlement are seeking more than $33 million in their individual case against KPMG and Sidley Austin. Toll said the revised settlement includes only investors' transaction costs, which leaves open the possibility of seeking much higher damages related to investment or tax losses. Carter Phillips received the inaugural Lewis F. Powell Award for Business Advocacy given by the National Chamber Litigation Center (NCLC), the public policy law firm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its 30th anniversary gala reception and dinner on Monday, September 10th. Phillips, head of Sidley's Appellate Practice and a long-time supporter of the Litigation Center, was the night's honoree. The Honorable Paul D. Clement, Solicitor General of the United States, was the keynote speaker. The Lewis F. Powell Award for Business Advocacy, which will periodically be bestowed on an individual or corporation that best exemplifies a commitment to improving the litigation environment for the business community, is named in honor of Justice Powell, who played a critical role in the formation of the National Chamber Litigation Center. "I am humbled by this recognition," said Phillips. "The Chamber is such a responsible voice for the business community and the idea of receiving an award in the name of a Justice for whom I have the highest regard and respect is an honor that touches me deeply." Robin Conrad, Executive Vice President of the National Chamber Litigation Center said, "As a long-time friend of the business community and a champion of a wide array of important business issues, Carter is a perfect choice for this award. It is a great honor for us to present him with the first Lewis F. Powell Award for Business Advocacy." NCLC plays a major role in shaping public policy on issues of national concern to American business while achieving long-range improvements in the legal system. Over its 30 year history, NCLC has initiated landmark cases on issues as diverse as striker replacement, corporate free speech, and overreaching environmental and corporate governance regulations and is particularly renowned for its work reining in abusive class actions and excessive punitive damages. Since joining Sidley, Phillips has argued 45 cases before the Supreme Court, for a career total of 54 appearances, as well as numerous cases in the courts of appeals. He served as a law clerk to both Judge Robert Sprecher on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and Chief Justice Warren E. Burger on the United States Supreme Court. Prior to joining Sidley, Mr. Phillips served as Assistant to the Solicitor General for three years, during which time he argued nine cases on behalf of the federal government in the United States Supreme Court. In 2006, Phillips was named one of the "Top 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America" as chosen by The National Law Journal. The NLJ also named him a runner-up for its 2006 "Lawyer of the Year", saying that in 2006 he "became the 'go-to' attorney for corporations seeking Supreme Court relief, further elevating his stature within the small, but highly skilled, Supreme Court bar." Carter Phillips received the inaugural Lewis F. Powell Award for Business Advocacy given by the National Chamber Litigation Center (NCLC), the public policy law firm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its 30th anniversary gala reception and dinner on Monday, September 10th. Phillips, head of Sidley's Appellate Practice and a long-time supporter of the Litigation Center, was the night's honoree. The Honorable Paul D. Clement, Solicitor General of the United States, was the keynote speaker. The Lewis F. Powell Award for Business Advocacy, which will periodically be bestowed on an individual or corporation that best exemplifies a commitment to improving the litigation environment for the business community, is named in honor of Justice Powell, who played a critical role in the formation of the National Chamber Litigation Center. "I am humbled by this recognition," said Phillips. "The Chamber is such a responsible voice for the business community and the idea of receiving an award in the name of a Justice for whom I have the highest regard and respect is an honor that touches me deeply." Robin Conrad, Executive Vice President of the National Chamber Litigation Center said, "As a long-time friend of the business community and a champion of a wide array of important business issues, Carter is a perfect choice for this award. It is a great honor for us to present him with the first Lewis F. Powell Award for Business Advocacy." NCLC plays a major role in shaping public policy on issues of national concern to American business while achieving long-range improvements in the legal system. Over its 30 year history, NCLC has initiated landmark cases on issues as diverse as striker replacement, corporate free speech, and overreaching environmental and corporate governance regulations and is particularly renowned for its work reining in abusive class actions and excessive punitive damages. Since joining Sidley, Phillips has argued 45 cases before the Supreme Court, for a career total of 54 appearances, as well as numerous cases in the courts of appeals. He served as a law clerk to both Judge Robert Sprecher on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and Chief Justice Warren E. Burger on the United States Supreme Court. Prior to joining Sidley, Mr. Phillips served as Assistant to the Solicitor General for three years, during which time he argued nine cases on behalf of the federal government in the United States Supreme Court. In 2006, Phillips was named one of the "Top 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America" as chosen by The National Law Journal. The NLJ also named him a runner-up for its 2006 "Lawyer of the Year", saying that in 2006 he "became the 'go-to' attorney for corporations seeking Supreme Court relief, further elevating his stature within the small, but highly skilled, Supreme Court bar." Sidley Austin LLP has been named to the 2007 Working Mother & Flex-Time Lawyers Best Law Firms for Women. The firm is among a total of 50 law firms selected by Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers, a national consulting firm advising lawyers and legal employers on work-life balance and the retention and advancement of women. This is the inaugural year that Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers have joined forces to compile the "Best Law Firms for Women" list. The 50 winning firms were selected based on their responses to an application measuring six areas of importance: workforce profile, benefits and compensation, parental leave, child care, flexibility and retention and advancement of women. Sidley's inclusion on the list was based on its long-standing commitment to the recruitment, retention and promotion of women. The firm's formal initiative to provide a work environment that fosters the establishment and development of women's legal careers began in 1998, and its Committee on Retention and Promotion of Women was established to ensure sustained diversity efforts. In 2005, Sidley became the second law firm to win the Catalyst Award, from the leading research and advisory organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for women and business. "A better place to work for women means a better place for all our colleagues," commented Thomas A. Cole, Chairman of Sidley's Executive Committee. "We are certainly gratified to be recognized as a Best Law Firm for Women, because we truly believe we are." Currently, Sidley has more than 600 women lawyers and 125 women partners. Many have taken advantage of the firmwide reduced hours policy, which enables lawyers, at both the associate and partner levels, to work a flexible schedule. "There is no set formula for balancing work and family and no single definition of success for the working mother," said Laurin Blumenthal Kleiman, firmwide co-chair of Sidley's Committee on Retention and Promotion of Women. "Thanks to a supportive climate and strong mentors, Sidley women - particularly those with families - are empowered to build a career that works best for them." Sidley Austin LLP has been named to the 2007 Working Mother & Flex-Time Lawyers Best Law Firms for Women. The firm is among a total of 50 law firms selected by Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers, a national consulting firm advising lawyers and legal employers on work-life balance and the retention and advancement of women. This is the inaugural year that Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers have joined forces to compile the "Best Law Firms for Women" list. The 50 winning firms were selected based on their responses to an application measuring six areas of importance: workforce profile, benefits and compensation, parental leave, child care, flexibility and retention and advancement of women. Sidley's inclusion on the list was based on its long-standing commitment to the recruitment, retention and promotion of women. The firm's formal initiative to provide a work environment that fosters the establishment and development of women's legal careers began in 1998, and its Committee on Retention and Promotion of Women was established to ensure sustained diversity efforts. In 2005, Sidley became the second law firm to win the Catalyst Award, from the leading research and advisory organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for women and business. "A better place to work for women means a better place for all our colleagues," commented Thomas A. Cole, Chairman of Sidley's Executive Committee. "We are certainly gratified to be recognized as a Best Law Firm for Women, because we truly believe we are." Currently, Sidley has more than 600 women lawyers and 125 women partners. Many have taken advantage of the firmwide reduced hours policy, which enables lawyers, at both the associate and partner levels, to work a flexible schedule. "There is no set formula for balancing work and family and no single definition of success for the working mother," said Laurin Blumenthal Kleiman, firmwide co-chair of Sidley's Committee on Retention and Promotion of Women. "Thanks to a supportive climate and strong mentors, Sidley women - particularly those with families - are empowered to build a career that works best for them." Sidley Austin LLP announced today that the firm has received the 2007 ABA Pro Bono Publico Award for its ongoing commitment to providing pro bono legal services. The ABA specifically cited Sidley's firmwide Capital Litigation Project in which Sidley lawyers across the country represent prisoners on death row in Alabama to ensure that each client receives full and fair representation. The Pro Bono Publico Award program seeks to honor legal professionals who have enhanced the human dignity of others by improving or delivering volunteer legal services to our nation's poor and disadvantaged. The award will be given at the ABA's Annual Meeting in San Francisco on August 13, 2007. "We believe strongly in the importance of pro bono work," said Thomas A. Cole, Chair of Sidley's Executive Committee. "We are deeply honored to receive this award and are fortunate to be able to contribute time and skills to such essential pro bono projects." "The commitment that Sidley has made to death penalty representation is unprecedented," said Robin Maher, director of the ABA's Death Penalty Representation Project. "I'm not aware of any other law firm that has committed this amount of resources, people and funding to this number of cases at one time." In 2005, Sidley established its Capital Litigation Project, through which the firm represents indigent death row inmates in their post-conviction proceedings. Working with the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal services organization in Alabama, the firm currently offers its services to 19 men incarcerated on Alabama's death row on a pro bono basis. More than 120 Sidley partners, counsel and associates, along with legal assistants and project assistants, have volunteered over 29,000 hours to these cases since the inception of the project. "It is a privilege to partner with the Equal Justice Initiative on the Capital Litigation Project and we are grateful to the ABA for its recognition," said John N. Gallo, a Sidley partner who spearheaded the Capital Litigation Project. "We hope that awards like this draw attention to the need for pro bono legal representation for the poor, including prisoners on death row." Sidley's pro bono policy strongly encourages all lawyers to devote time to pro bono legal matters. Other Sidley pro bono activities include the presentation of cases before the United States Supreme Court, in addition to hundreds of individual cases in areas related to child custody, landlord/tenant, public benefits, criminal law, civil rights, public education, immigration and asylum. In 2006, Sidley lawyers worked more than 75,000 hours on pro bono matters. With more than 413,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest volunteer professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law in a democratic society. Sidley Austin LLP announced today that the firm has received the 2007 ABA Pro Bono Publico Award for its ongoing commitment to providing pro bono legal services. The ABA specifically cited Sidley's firmwide Capital Litigation Project in which Sidley lawyers across the country represent prisoners on death row in Alabama to ensure that each client receives full and fair representation. The Pro Bono Publico Award program seeks to honor legal professionals who have enhanced the human dignity of others by improving or delivering volunteer legal services to our nation's poor and disadvantaged. The award will be given at the ABA's Annual Meeting in San Francisco on August 13, 2007. "We believe strongly in the importance of pro bono work," said Thomas A. Cole, Chair of Sidley's Executive Committee. "We are deeply honored to receive this award and are fortunate to be able to contribute time and skills to such essential pro bono projects." "The commitment that Sidley has made to death penalty representation is unprecedented," said Robin Maher, director of the ABA's Death Penalty Representation Project. "I'm not aware of any other law firm that has committed this amount of resources, people and funding to this number of cases at one time." In 2005, Sidley established its Capital Litigation Project, through which the firm represents indigent death row inmates in their post-conviction proceedings. Working with the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal services organization in Alabama, the firm currently offers its services to 19 men incarcerated on Alabama's death row on a pro bono basis. More than 120 Sidley partners, counsel and associates, along with legal assistants and project assistants, have volunteered over 29,000 hours to these cases since the inception of the project. "It is a privilege to partner with the Equal Justice Initiative on the Capital Litigation Project and we are grateful to the ABA for its recognition," said John N. Gallo, a Sidley partner who spearheaded the Capital Litigation Project. "We hope that awards like this draw attention to the need for pro bono legal representation for the poor, including prisoners on death row." Sidley's pro bono policy strongly encourages all lawyers to devote time to pro bono legal matters. Other Sidley pro bono activities include the presentation of cases before the United States Supreme Court, in addition to hundreds of individual cases in areas related to child custody, landlord/tenant, public benefits, criminal law, civil rights, public education, immigration and asylum. In 2006, Sidley lawyers worked more than 75,000 hours on pro bono matters. With more than 413,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest volunteer professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law in a democratic society. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2192 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2192&page=10 Address : 2001 K Street, NW, Phone : , City : Washington Ross, Dixon & Bell, LLP is pleased to announce that Gary Dixon and John Gerstein have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2008 in the fields of Insurance Law and Commercial Litigation, respectively. Both Mr. Dixon and Mr. Gerstein have been with the firm since its founding in 1983. Mr. Dixon is a recognized expert in matters pertaining to directors and officers liability insurance and other forms of professional liability coverage. Over the course of his career, he has represented insurers in hundreds of matters pertaining to professional liability insurance, including many of their highest profile and most significant matters. He counsels insurance clients regularly with respect to claims and underwriting matters. Mr. Dixon's expertise spans numerous areas of exposure faced by insureds under professional liability policies, including securities class action litigation, corporate governance, employment practices liability, and other commercial disputes. Mr. Dixon has litigated cases on behalf of insurers and their insureds in trial and appellate courts throughout the country. He has lectured and written articles about D&O liability insurance issues and exposures faced by directors and officers. Mr. Gerstein has a diverse litigation practice in the areas of professional liability, insurance, toxic torts, antitrust, telecommunications, product liability, intellectual property, securities, commercial fraud, and breach of contract, among others. His clients in these areas range from major U.S. corporations to individuals in litigation throughout the United States. Mr. Gerstein also regularly represents law firms and accounting firms throughout the country in major litigation. Many of his cases involve large dollar figures in controversy and are on the forefront of emerging legal issues. Most recently, Mr. Gerstein successfully led the representation of more than a dozen insurance companies in Congoleum Corporation v. ACE American Insurance Co., et al., leading to an outcome that absolved the insurance companies from a purported $500 million in liability asserted against them under Congoleum's prepackaged asbestos bankruptcy. Mr. Gerstein is known for his creative and aggressive litigation style and has enjoyed an extraordinary record of success in litigated matters. To date, Mr. Gerstein has been fortunate not to lose any case that he has tried, nor any appeal that he has argued. Ross, Dixon & Bell, LLP is pleased to announce that Gary Dixon and John Gerstein have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2008 in the fields of Insurance Law and Commercial Litigation, respectively. Both Mr. Dixon and Mr. Gerstein have been with the firm since its founding in 1983. Mr. Dixon is a recognized expert in matters pertaining to directors and officers liability insurance and other forms of professional liability coverage. Over the course of his career, he has represented insurers in hundreds of matters pertaining to professional liability insurance, including many of their highest profile and most significant matters. He counsels insurance clients regularly with respect to claims and underwriting matters. Mr. Dixon's expertise spans numerous areas of exposure faced by insureds under professional liability policies, including securities class action litigation, corporate governance, employment practices liability, and other commercial disputes. Mr. Dixon has litigated cases on behalf of insurers and their insureds in trial and appellate courts throughout the country. He has lectured and written articles about D&O liability insurance issues and exposures faced by directors and officers. Mr. Gerstein has a diverse litigation practice in the areas of professional liability, insurance, toxic torts, antitrust, telecommunications, product liability, intellectual property, securities, commercial fraud, and breach of contract, among others. His clients in these areas range from major U.S. corporations to individuals in litigation throughout the United States. Mr. Gerstein also regularly represents law firms and accounting firms throughout the country in major litigation. Many of his cases involve large dollar figures in controversy and are on the forefront of emerging legal issues. Most recently, Mr. Gerstein successfully led the representation of more than a dozen insurance companies in Congoleum Corporation v. ACE American Insurance Co., et al., leading to an outcome that absolved the insurance companies from a purported $500 million in liability asserted against them under Congoleum's prepackaged asbestos bankruptcy. Mr. Gerstein is known for his creative and aggressive litigation style and has enjoyed an extraordinary record of success in litigated matters. To date, Mr. Gerstein has been fortunate not to lose any case that he has tried, nor any appeal that he has argued. RDB attorney Merril Hirsh received recognition at this year's Financial Planning Association National Conference for his representation of the FPA in its successful litigation against the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Hirsh's recognition was mentioned in "FPA President, CEO 'Explore Possibilities' Through Talk Show Format," an article appearing in the Conference's publication, Daily Pulse. The article stated that Mr. Hirsh "was instrumental in engineering FPA's court victory over the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the SEC's controversial Broker-Dealer Rule." He was publicly thanked in a VIP session that included representatives and high-ranking members of the FPA from around the world. Mr. Hirsh also presented an overview of the case for conference participants. RDB attorney Merril Hirsh received recognition at this year's Financial Planning Association National Conference for his representation of the FPA in its successful litigation against the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Hirsh's recognition was mentioned in "FPA President, CEO 'Explore Possibilities' Through Talk Show Format," an article appearing in the Conference's publication, Daily Pulse. The article stated that Mr. Hirsh "was instrumental in engineering FPA's court victory over the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the SEC's controversial Broker-Dealer Rule." He was publicly thanked in a VIP session that included representatives and high-ranking members of the FPA from around the world. Mr. Hirsh also presented an overview of the case for conference participants. RDB attorneys, along with the ACLU, filed a complaint seeking injunctive relief this week in federal court in Santa Ana against Orange County and certain of its supervisory employees on behalf of a Muslim woman who was forced to remove her religious headcovering when booked into the Orange County jail on a misdemeanor charge. Several male jail employees, detainees and men from our client's mosque who came to court to assist our client saw her without her headcovering, which is a serious breach of her faith and resulted in intense distress and humiliation to our client. Although the jail's rationale was that the headscarf posed a safety concern, other female detainees were allowed to wear items of clothing (such as fishnet stockings) that would appear to pose the same concern. Further, the federal prison system has a written policy allowing female inmates in the federal system to wear religious headcoverings. Becki Kieffer, one of the RDB attorneys working on the case, was featured on KFI-AM radio in a discussion about the case. RDB attorneys, along with the ACLU, filed a complaint seeking injunctive relief this week in federal court in Santa Ana against Orange County and certain of its supervisory employees on behalf of a Muslim woman who was forced to remove her religious headcovering when booked into the Orange County jail on a misdemeanor charge. Several male jail employees, detainees and men from our client's mosque who came to court to assist our client saw her without her headcovering, which is a serious breach of her faith and resulted in intense distress and humiliation to our client. Although the jail's rationale was that the headscarf posed a safety concern, other female detainees were allowed to wear items of clothing (such as fishnet stockings) that would appear to pose the same concern. Further, the federal prison system has a written policy allowing female inmates in the federal system to wear religious headcoverings. Becki Kieffer, one of the RDB attorneys working on the case, was featured on KFI-AM radio in a discussion about the case. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2054 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2054&page=11 Address : 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Phone : 202-662-0200, City : Washington BG Group former general counsel, Stefan Ricketts, joined Fulbright and Jaworski's energy practice in London, with plans to move to Fulbright's Hong Kong office later on this year. BG Group former general counsel, Stefan Ricketts, joined Fulbright and Jaworski's energy practice in London, with plans to move to Fulbright's Hong Kong office later on this year. Fulbright & Jaworski have expanded their Middle East practice by hiring one new partner and relocating another to Fulbright's Dubai office. Fulbright & Jaworski have expanded their Middle East practice by hiring one new partner and relocating another to Fulbright's Dubai office. Sixteen Fulbright attorneys were named in the New York Super Lawyers. Those attorneys are: Judith Archer Business Litigation Henry Burnett Business Litigation Douglas Catalano Employment & Labor Douglas Danzig Real Estate Daniel Gantt Intellectual Property Litigation Paul Jacobs Business/Corporate Kathryn Keneally Criminal Defense: White Collar Philip Michaels Estate Planning & Probate Joel Moser Bonds/Government Finance Daniel Murdock Securities Litigation Mark Mutterperl Intellectual Property James Neale Intellectual Property Litigation Warren Nimetz Business/Corporate Robert Owen Business Litigation James Tussing Transportation/Maritime Joseph Zammit Business Litigation Law & Politics magazine identified the top 5 percent of attorneys in the New Yorkmetro area based on an independent survey of nearly 90,000 attorneys. The list was published by the magazine and in a supplement in The New York Times, reaching more than 1 million readers. Sixteen Fulbright attorneys were named in the New York Super Lawyers. Those attorneys are: Judith Archer Business Litigation Henry Burnett Business Litigation Douglas Catalano Employment & Labor Douglas Danzig Real Estate Daniel Gantt Intellectual Property Litigation Paul Jacobs Business/Corporate Kathryn Keneally Criminal Defense: White Collar Philip Michaels Estate Planning & Probate Joel Moser Bonds/Government Finance Daniel Murdock Securities Litigation Mark Mutterperl Intellectual Property James Neale Intellectual Property Litigation Warren Nimetz Business/Corporate Robert Owen Business Litigation James Tussing Transportation/Maritime Joseph Zammit Business Litigation Law & Politics magazine identified the top 5 percent of attorneys in the New Yorkmetro area based on an independent survey of nearly 90,000 attorneys. The list was published by the magazine and in a supplement in The New York Times, reaching more than 1 million readers. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=826 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=826&page=12 Address : 1301 K Street, NWSuite 1100, Phone : 202-414-9200, City : Washington Reed Smith Boosts Munich Office with Hire Of Telecommunication, Media & Technology Partner International law firm Reed Smith is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Stephan Rippert as a partner in the Munich office. He will join the firm on January 9th 2006, and will spearhead the growth of the telecommunication, media and technology practice in Munich. Dr Rippert, who joins the firm from Haarmann Hemmelrath, specialises in advising clients in the telecommunications, media and technology sector, comprising a major global financial services media provider, a leading medical products company, a major US entertainment company and a well known French software company. He focuses on both transactional and litigious work including intellectual property, outsourcing, private equity, e-commerce and licensing issues. Dr Rippert also has extensive knowledge and experience of the New York legal market, he is admitted to the New York bar and has previously held Senior Counsel position at Viacom International in New York. Dr Stefan Kugler, Partner, Reed Smith commented: "We are delighted that Dr Rippert will be joining the Munich office. He has strong US and European connections and these will substantially facilitate the development of the Munich operation and indeed the Global TMT capability." Dr Stephan Rippert added: "Joining Reed Smith is an attractive proposition, the firm has a clear commitment to the evolution of its German operation and its strong US and UK presence offers an appealing platform for growth. I am delighted to be joining Reed Smith at such an exciting time" Reed Smith Announces Sean Halpin Award Recipient - Oakland Partner James M. Wood Recognized for Years of Pro Bono Work; Four Reed Smith Partners Honorable Mention Winners Reed Smith LLP, a top-25 international law firm, named James M. Wood as winner of its annual Sean Halpin Award for outstanding pro bono accomplishments. Mr. Wood is a senior partner in the Product Liability group in the firm's Oakland, CA office. The annual recognition was established by the firm to honor Sean Halpin, an outstanding young partner in its Philadelphia office who died July 10, 2004. A recipient is selected annually by the Reed Smith Pro Bono Committee from nominees who have made significant pro bono or other community service contributions during the previous year. All employees of the firm are eligible for the award. Recognition includes a $10,000 donation from Reed Smith to a nonprofit organization designated by the winner. Mr. Wood selected the AIDS Legal Referral Panel of San Francisco (ALRP) as this year's nonprofit beneficiary. "Jim has been involved in many pro bono causes since joining Reed Smith, but it has been his commitment to people with HIV/AIDS and their needs -- both legal and otherwise -- that makes him a pro bono champion," said Ira Lefton, the firm's Pro Bono Committee Chair. "Jim is the quintessential example of a partner who never hesitates to put one more iron in the fire when a pro bono opportunity arises. He is being honored not just for his efforts but for his ability to inspire the efforts of other attorneys and staff members." For many years, Mr. Wood has been active with the San Francisco-based AIDS Legal Referral Panel and has represented people with HIV/AIDS in a wide variety of legal actions, including those involving breaches of confidentiality and improper disclosure of HIV status. In 2005, Jim initiated a partnership with the Panel which will make Reed Smith the Panel's principal law firm on issues related to client confidentiality. Mr. Wood has most recently been working on a California class action on behalf of school-age children with diabetes. In September, Reed Smith filed a civil action against two school districts and the California Department of Education seeking an order requiring schools to provide basic health services to children with diabetes which are required for them to attend school safely. He has been a leader of that 20-lawyer litigation team, and he has personally logged more than 300 hours on this effort. The case is progressing and it is hopeful there will be a resolution without the need for litigation. "To receive an award in the name of Sean Halpin is a great honor for me," Mr. Wood said. "I see this award, above all, as recognition of Sean's deep commitment to social justice. I hope it inspires us to continue working together to keep his commitment alive. I am also very grateful that this prize honors and benefits those at the ALRP who do not accept injustice, but take action to do something about it." "This recognition of Jim's efforts will provide much needed visibility and support for our organization's work," said Bill Hirsh, Executive Director of ALRP. "And we're delighted to have additional funds to help in bolstering the organization's work in the year ahead. We heartily congratulate Jim on this well-deserved honor." Halpin Award 2005 Honorable Mention Winners The Committee recognized four other members of the firm as Honorable Mention winners for their outstanding pro bono activities in 2005: Pittsburgh and Philadelphia partner Efrem M. Grail for his efforts on behalf of incarcerated individuals in the Gulf Coast region in the wake of Hurricane Katrina; Falls Church partner Bill Thomas and Richmond partner Lane Kneedler for their work securing the commutation Robin Lovitt's death penalty sentence to life in prison in Virginia; and Pittsburgh Of Counsel Kim Watterson's successful challenge to a student's expulsion from public high school for writing rap music at home and posting it on the Internet. Mr. Halpin's Legacy Sean Halpin joined Reed Smith in September 1993 and progressed through the ranks before being elected a partner in the Philadelphia office. He practiced in the areas of commercial litigation and arbitration, both in the United States and internationally, and had jury trial, arbitration, and appellate experience in a broad range of commercial and general litigation areas. An ardent pro bono advocate, Mr. Halpin was a recipient of the VIP Award given by the Philadelphia Bar Association in recognition of exceptional efforts by an attorney on behalf of the indigent and disadvantaged. Large law firm Reed Smith has snagged the top China guy from Greenberg Traurig, Jinshu "John" Zhang, to increase Reed Smith's now significant China presence. Large law firm Reed Smith has snagged the top China guy from Greenberg Traurig, Jinshu "John" Zhang, to increase Reed Smith's now significant China presence. One of the leading environmental lawyers in New Jersey, Steven Picco, has led a small defection from the giant firm Reed Smith to the smaller firm Saul Ewing. One of the leading environmental lawyers in New Jersey, Steven Picco, has led a small defection from the giant firm Reed Smith to the smaller firm Saul Ewing. "A provocative ad that features a young girl in a cage is at the center of a legal challenge to the UK ban on political advertising-which, if successful, could dramatically alter the European advertising landscape. Currently, many European countries have laws that prohibit political advertising on the airwaves, in an effort to avoid creating unfair advantages for political groups with greater resources. However, nonprofit groups, prevented by such laws from airing advocacy ads, claim such bans violate their free-speech guarantees. The most recent-and perhaps most graphic-challenge to the ban comes from Animal Defenders International (ADI), a group that has sought to advertise on television its "My Mate's a Primate" campaign highlighting the use of performing primates in the entertainment industry. ADI's latest commercial depicts an obviously frightened young girl in a cage, juxtaposed to a chimpanzee in a cage, accompanied by a voice-over pointing out that a chimpanzee has the average mental capacity of a human four-year-old. Though the commercial can be viewed online, ADI was unable to receive permission from British broadcast authorities to have the commercial aired on TV. ADI, which has offices in London and San Francisco, was told that its advertisement would be banned out-of-hand under the UK's Communications Act 2003's provision prohibiting political advertising on television, because of the group's campaign activities. "This is a ban on our right to free speech," stated Jan Creamer, chief executive of ADI. She noted that it is legal for companies to use animals in their commercials to sell products, "but not for us to point out how animals like these are outsourced, how they are kept and trained, before they go near a film set." ADI is asking the UK's High Court to declare the ban on political advertising as incompatible with the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The UK court has indicated it will reserve judgment on the case until fall. If the UK court rules against ADI, the group said it plans appeal to the European Court. ADI's case is considered to be a test case for how issue advertising will be treated under the Human Rights Convention. The European Court has ruled before, in a Swiss case, in favor of allowing advocacy groups to advertise on television, according to ADI. The group is hoping to use this case as precedent. Why This Matters: The lack of ability to air political advertising is a key distinction between the U.S. and European markets. If nonprofit groups, companies, lobbyists and others win the right to air issue ads in Europe, it is expected to open up a major new source of advertising revenue. "A provocative ad that features a young girl in a cage is at the center of a legal challenge to the UK ban on political advertising-which, if successful, could dramatically alter the European advertising landscape. Currently, many European countries have laws that prohibit political advertising on the airwaves, in an effort to avoid creating unfair advantages for political groups with greater resources. However, nonprofit groups, prevented by such laws from airing advocacy ads, claim such bans violate their free-speech guarantees. The most recent-and perhaps most graphic-challenge to the ban comes from Animal Defenders International (ADI), a group that has sought to advertise on television its "My Mate's a Primate" campaign highlighting the use of performing primates in the entertainment industry. ADI's latest commercial depicts an obviously frightened young girl in a cage, juxtaposed to a chimpanzee in a cage, accompanied by a voice-over pointing out that a chimpanzee has the average mental capacity of a human four-year-old. Though the commercial can be viewed online, ADI was unable to receive permission from British broadcast authorities to have the commercial aired on TV. ADI, which has offices in London and San Francisco, was told that its advertisement would be banned out-of-hand under the UK's Communications Act 2003's provision prohibiting political advertising on television, because of the group's campaign activities. "This is a ban on our right to free speech," stated Jan Creamer, chief executive of ADI. She noted that it is legal for companies to use animals in their commercials to sell products, "but not for us to point out how animals like these are outsourced, how they are kept and trained, before they go near a film set." ADI is asking the UK's High Court to declare the ban on political advertising as incompatible with the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The UK court has indicated it will reserve judgment on the case until fall. If the UK court rules against ADI, the group said it plans appeal to the European Court. ADI's case is considered to be a test case for how issue advertising will be treated under the Human Rights Convention. The European Court has ruled before, in a Swiss case, in favor of allowing advocacy groups to advertise on television, according to ADI. The group is hoping to use this case as precedent. Why This Matters: The lack of ability to air political advertising is a key distinction between the U.S. and European markets. If nonprofit groups, companies, lobbyists and others win the right to air issue ads in Europe, it is expected to open up a major new source of advertising revenue. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1972 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1972&page=13 Address : 655 15th Street, NWSuite 900, Phone : 202-626-5800, City : Washington Miller & Chevalier Chartered today announced that the firm has been named a 2007 Best Law Firm for Women by Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC. Miller & Chevalier was selected for its women-friendly policies and women-focused mentoring, leadership and networking programs designed to retain and promote top legal talent. "We are pleased to be recognized as one of the nation's most progressive law firms in terms of our commitment to encouraging and supporting the professional advancement of women attorneys," said Marianna Dyson, Chair of Miller & Chevalier. "We are focused on recruiting and retaining top attorneys, and we recognize the value of offering a work environment that is respectful of individuals' priorities inside and outside the office and encourages attorneys to excel in their legal practice. The policies and programs that exist at Miller & Chevalier are reflective of the important changes that are occurring in the business world and are an acknowledgement of the benefits of applying forward thinking to the retention and promotion of women attorneys." Dating back to its origins 87 years ago, Miller & Chevalier has a tradition of performing high-end, complex legal work within its specialty areas, including tax, employee benefits and ERISA, international, litigation, and government affairs. This focus allows the firm's attorneys to aspire to be the very best within their respective areas of law which, according to firm members, fosters a particularly satisfying and increasingly unique place to work. In addition, because of the firm's size, attorneys are provided with great mentoring opportunities and assume a high degree of responsibility early on in their careers. In addition to providing challenging and rewarding legal work, Miller & Chevalier is committed to enhancing diversity within its workforce. The firm believes that a diverse law firm environment can work to everyone's benefit -- fostering a more creative work culture, producing more effective results for the client and enhancing the lawyer-client relationship. The firm also has a recognized pro bono program, and attorneys are encouraged to take an active role in giving back to the community. Miller & Chevalier was founded in 1920, and the first woman attorney joined the firm in 1931. The firm's current leadership features women in key positions, including Chair of the Firm, Executive Committee member, Firm Counsel and Pro Bono Counsel. Women attorneys, including associates, are involved in all levels of firm leadership. In addition, the firm's Executive Director and four other senior director positions are held by women. The firm has a Women Attorneys Group, which meets regularly to share ideas and provide mentoring to women associates. The 2007 Best Law Firms for Women list was developed in a partnership between Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC in an effort to recognize and celebrate the achievements of law firms that successfully retain and promote outstanding legal talent. The winning firms were distinguished for excellence in six areas of importance: workplace profile, benefits and compensation, parental leave, child care, flexibility, and retention and advancement of women. "Since its founding, Working Mother magazine has been the champion of progressive, women-friendly changes in the workplace," said Carol Evans, CEO, Working Mother Media. "I commend Miller & Chevalier for taking the lead for women lawyers." Miller & Chevalier Chartered today announced that the firm has been named a 2007 Best Law Firm for Women by Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC. Miller & Chevalier was selected for its women-friendly policies and women-focused mentoring, leadership and networking programs designed to retain and promote top legal talent. "We are pleased to be recognized as one of the nation's most progressive law firms in terms of our commitment to encouraging and supporting the professional advancement of women attorneys," said Marianna Dyson, Chair of Miller & Chevalier. "We are focused on recruiting and retaining top attorneys, and we recognize the value of offering a work environment that is respectful of individuals' priorities inside and outside the office and encourages attorneys to excel in their legal practice. The policies and programs that exist at Miller & Chevalier are reflective of the important changes that are occurring in the business world and are an acknowledgement of the benefits of applying forward thinking to the retention and promotion of women attorneys." Dating back to its origins 87 years ago, Miller & Chevalier has a tradition of performing high-end, complex legal work within its specialty areas, including tax, employee benefits and ERISA, international, litigation, and government affairs. This focus allows the firm's attorneys to aspire to be the very best within their respective areas of law which, according to firm members, fosters a particularly satisfying and increasingly unique place to work. In addition, because of the firm's size, attorneys are provided with great mentoring opportunities and assume a high degree of responsibility early on in their careers. In addition to providing challenging and rewarding legal work, Miller & Chevalier is committed to enhancing diversity within its workforce. The firm believes that a diverse law firm environment can work to everyone's benefit -- fostering a more creative work culture, producing more effective results for the client and enhancing the lawyer-client relationship. The firm also has a recognized pro bono program, and attorneys are encouraged to take an active role in giving back to the community. Miller & Chevalier was founded in 1920, and the first woman attorney joined the firm in 1931. The firm's current leadership features women in key positions, including Chair of the Firm, Executive Committee member, Firm Counsel and Pro Bono Counsel. Women attorneys, including associates, are involved in all levels of firm leadership. In addition, the firm's Executive Director and four other senior director positions are held by women. The firm has a Women Attorneys Group, which meets regularly to share ideas and provide mentoring to women associates. The 2007 Best Law Firms for Women list was developed in a partnership between Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC in an effort to recognize and celebrate the achievements of law firms that successfully retain and promote outstanding legal talent. The winning firms were distinguished for excellence in six areas of importance: workplace profile, benefits and compensation, parental leave, child care, flexibility, and retention and advancement of women. "Since its founding, Working Mother magazine has been the champion of progressive, women-friendly changes in the workplace," said Carol Evans, CEO, Working Mother Media. "I commend Miller & Chevalier for taking the lead for women lawyers." Miller & Chevalier Chartered today announced that Larry E. Christensen has joined the firm's International Practice as a Member. He joins the firm after serving as the Vice President of Export Controls for JPMorgan Chase Vastera. Christensen has been active in the export controls area since 1979. He spent eleven years (1986-1997) at the Commerce Department, serving in the Office of Chief Counsel of Export Administration and as Director of the Office of Regulatory Policy. He headed the complete redrafting of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) in 1995-6, the first such rewrite since 1949. In addition, during his tenure at Commerce, he was primarily responsible for the regulatory and interagency issues surrounding the State Department scope of jurisdiction under the ITAR and authored the deemed export rule and coordinated the policy support for the rule prior to its publication. "Larry brings a valuable combination of government, corporate and private practice experience that will greatly enhance the existing capabilities that we offer our clients," said John Davis, Chair of Miller & Chevalier's International Department. "His experience in export controls and economic sanctions adds substantial depth in the compliance area to the firm's 25-year export controls practice. We're thrilled to have him join our growing international team." Miller & Chevalier has a broad-based international practice that offers a unique platform for my practice," said Christensen. "As demand for sophisticated ITAR counsel continues to grow in the wake of increased compliance and enforcement activity, my background and experience will complement the diversity and depth of Miller & Chevalier's well known international capabilities in areas including FCPA and international corruption, and global compliance and risk management." The arrival of Christensen is the latest step in Miller & Chevalier's ongoing strategy to strengthen its international practice and continue to provide critical experience across the spectrum of trade and investment policy issues, the related areas of international regulation under U.S. laws and international agreements, and corporate compliance. The announcement follows the addition of William Clements, who is Of Counsel to the firm, and, like Christensen, has significant experience in the export controls and economic sanctions area. He served as Corporate Counsel, International Trade Regulation, for the General Electric Company, and prior to that, he served as Director for Nonproliferation and Export Controls at the National Security Council and as Director of the Office of Technology and Policy Analysis, Bureau of Export Administration, at the US Department of Commerce. From 2004 - 2006, Clements was a member of the State Department's Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG). About Larry Christensen Larry Christensen has worked in export controls and trade sanctions for more than 25 years and has been counseling clients on International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) since 1979. He has trained and supervised consultants and managed services employees that have performed more than 10,000 jurisdiction self-determinations, over 80,000 classifications and more than 100 export compliance assessments over the past three years. He is the author of the EAR provisions regarding publicly available treatment, including the provisions regarding the scope of the academic exclusion from the scope of the EAR. In addition, he led the U.S. delegation to COCOM in connection with the drafting of the General Technology Note. Mr. Christensen represented the Commerce Department in connection with negotiations with certain of the national laboratories related to compliance with the deemed export rule in its early phases and with the rule that preceded the deemed export rule. At JPMorgan Chase Vastera, Christensen participated in the consulting practice and managed service offerings of the company. He trained on virtually all U.S. export control topics and certain elements of foreign export controls. Mr. Christensen has counseled firms in the development of compliance strategies, process assessments and audits. He has also assisted firms facing governmental administrative audits and criminal investigations. He has advised corporations on the most challenging substantive areas of exports, such as commodity jurisdiction, the outer limits of U.S. re-export embargoes and encryption. He has also trained and shaped compliance strategies for the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the related OECD treaty on bribery of foreign officials, and the U.S. Anti-boycott rules. Mr. Christensen is familiar with the export laws of many countries. He was on the team that trained the Government of Singapore before it implemented its export control laws. A frequent international lecturer, Christensen has testified before the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives regarding export control legislative developments. He earned a B.A. from the University of South Dakota and a J.D. from Duke Law School. Miller & Chevalier Chartered today announced that Larry E. Christensen has joined the firm's International Practice as a Member. He joins the firm after serving as the Vice President of Export Controls for JPMorgan Chase Vastera. Christensen has been active in the export controls area since 1979. He spent eleven years (1986-1997) at the Commerce Department, serving in the Office of Chief Counsel of Export Administration and as Director of the Office of Regulatory Policy. He headed the complete redrafting of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) in 1995-6, the first such rewrite since 1949. In addition, during his tenure at Commerce, he was primarily responsible for the regulatory and interagency issues surrounding the State Department scope of jurisdiction under the ITAR and authored the deemed export rule and coordinated the policy support for the rule prior to its publication. "Larry brings a valuable combination of government, corporate and private practice experience that will greatly enhance the existing capabilities that we offer our clients," said John Davis, Chair of Miller & Chevalier's International Department. "His experience in export controls and economic sanctions adds substantial depth in the compliance area to the firm's 25-year export controls practice. We're thrilled to have him join our growing international team." Miller & Chevalier has a broad-based international practice that offers a unique platform for my practice," said Christensen. "As demand for sophisticated ITAR counsel continues to grow in the wake of increased compliance and enforcement activity, my background and experience will complement the diversity and depth of Miller & Chevalier's well known international capabilities in areas including FCPA and international corruption, and global compliance and risk management." The arrival of Christensen is the latest step in Miller & Chevalier's ongoing strategy to strengthen its international practice and continue to provide critical experience across the spectrum of trade and investment policy issues, the related areas of international regulation under U.S. laws and international agreements, and corporate compliance. The announcement follows the addition of William Clements, who is Of Counsel to the firm, and, like Christensen, has significant experience in the export controls and economic sanctions area. He served as Corporate Counsel, International Trade Regulation, for the General Electric Company, and prior to that, he served as Director for Nonproliferation and Export Controls at the National Security Council and as Director of the Office of Technology and Policy Analysis, Bureau of Export Administration, at the US Department of Commerce. From 2004 - 2006, Clements was a member of the State Department's Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG). About Larry Christensen Larry Christensen has worked in export controls and trade sanctions for more than 25 years and has been counseling clients on International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) since 1979. He has trained and supervised consultants and managed services employees that have performed more than 10,000 jurisdiction self-determinations, over 80,000 classifications and more than 100 export compliance assessments over the past three years. He is the author of the EAR provisions regarding publicly available treatment, including the provisions regarding the scope of the academic exclusion from the scope of the EAR. In addition, he led the U.S. delegation to COCOM in connection with the drafting of the General Technology Note. Mr. Christensen represented the Commerce Department in connection with negotiations with certain of the national laboratories related to compliance with the deemed export rule in its early phases and with the rule that preceded the deemed export rule. At JPMorgan Chase Vastera, Christensen participated in the consulting practice and managed service offerings of the company. He trained on virtually all U.S. export control topics and certain elements of foreign export controls. Mr. Christensen has counseled firms in the development of compliance strategies, process assessments and audits. He has also assisted firms facing governmental administrative audits and criminal investigations. He has advised corporations on the most challenging substantive areas of exports, such as commodity jurisdiction, the outer limits of U.S. re-export embargoes and encryption. He has also trained and shaped compliance strategies for the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the related OECD treaty on bribery of foreign officials, and the U.S. Anti-boycott rules. Mr. Christensen is familiar with the export laws of many countries. He was on the team that trained the Government of Singapore before it implemented its export control laws. A frequent international lecturer, Christensen has testified before the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives regarding export control legislative developments. He earned a B.A. from the University of South Dakota and a J.D. from Duke Law School. Miller & Chevalier Chartered today announced that Donald T. Rocen will join the firm's Tax Department upon his retirement from the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). Rocen currently serves as Deputy Chief Counsel for Operations of the IRS Chief Counsel's Office. "Don's arrival at Miller & Chevalier in September is very significant and an important step in our continuing strategy to expand and enhance at a very high level our national and international tax practices," said Lawrence B. Gibbs, former IRS Commissioner and Member of Miller & Chevalier's Tax Department. "He brings a unique understanding of the operations of and many of the technical tax issues considered by the IRS National and Field Offices, and this insight will be of tremendous benefit to our clients." "The IRS has become very organized in the way in which the agency approaches controversy activity, and Don is 'plugged in' to the processes, policies and the implementation of new procedures at both the National and Field Office levels," added Gibbs. "Given the remarkable amount of change in the Chief Counsel's office during his tenure -- change and restructuring that he has played a key role in developing and implementing -- Don will be in an excellent position to advise clients as they navigate compliance and tax controversy matters in this new corporate regulatory environment." "We're thrilled to welcome Don to the firm," said Kevin Kenworthy, Chair of Miller & Chevalier's Tax Department. "His impressive background and credentials are illustrative of our focus on expanding our Tax Department with leading practitioners in areas critical to our clients' business needs, including high-stakes tax controversies." As Deputy Chief Counsel for Operations of the Chief Counsel's Office, Rocen has directed approximately 1,000 attorneys who provided legal services to the IRS operating divisions and other specialized areas while overseeing the Office of Chief Counsel's nationwide tax litigation, tax and non-tax legal services, and managerial support programs. Miller & Chevalier Chartered today announced that Donald T. Rocen will join the firm's Tax Department upon his retirement from the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). Rocen currently serves as Deputy Chief Counsel for Operations of the IRS Chief Counsel's Office. "Don's arrival at Miller & Chevalier in September is very significant and an important step in our continuing strategy to expand and enhance at a very high level our national and international tax practices," said Lawrence B. Gibbs, former IRS Commissioner and Member of Miller & Chevalier's Tax Department. "He brings a unique understanding of the operations of and many of the technical tax issues considered by the IRS National and Field Offices, and this insight will be of tremendous benefit to our clients." "The IRS has become very organized in the way in which the agency approaches controversy activity, and Don is 'plugged in' to the processes, policies and the implementation of new procedures at both the National and Field Office levels," added Gibbs. "Given the remarkable amount of change in the Chief Counsel's office during his tenure -- change and restructuring that he has played a key role in developing and implementing -- Don will be in an excellent position to advise clients as they navigate compliance and tax controversy matters in this new corporate regulatory environment." "We're thrilled to welcome Don to the firm," said Kevin Kenworthy, Chair of Miller & Chevalier's Tax Department. "His impressive background and credentials are illustrative of our focus on expanding our Tax Department with leading practitioners in areas critical to our clients' business needs, including high-stakes tax controversies." As Deputy Chief Counsel for Operations of the Chief Counsel's Office, Rocen has directed approximately 1,000 attorneys who provided legal services to the IRS operating divisions and other specialized areas while overseeing the Office of Chief Counsel's nationwide tax litigation, tax and non-tax legal services, and managerial support programs. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1650 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1650&page=14 Address : 1200 19th Street, NE, Phone : 202-861-3900, City : Washington piper rudnick salary news!! DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary has increased its associate salaries in Philadelphia to among the highest in the city. First-year associates will now make $125,000 per year in Philadelphia, which will be retroactively applied to Jan. 1, according to DLA Piper's co-managing partner for the United States, Jeffrey F. Liss. The firm also decided to take the suggestion of many of its associates and switch to a lock-step program, Liss said. The $10,000 increase in Philadelphia is not uniform throughout each associate level. Second-year associates will make $130,000, third-year associates will make $135,000, and fourth-years will reach $140,000, Philadelphia managing partner William F. Kiniry said. Each associate level after the fourth-year comes with a $10,000 increase over the previous year, reaching a base salary of $210,000 for an 11th-year associate, he said. Liss said that the firm's bonuses for 2005 were 30 percent higher than what it gave out the previous year. He said they combined the bonuses given by DLA Piper and Gray Cary before their merger and added an increase over that number. Kiniry said there were a couple associates above the first-year level that received bonuses in excess of $60,000. The firm joins Dechert, Morgan Lewis & Bockius and Woodcock Washburn as the Philadelphia firms who start at $125,000. Drinker Biddle & Reath will now start at $125,000 effective Feb. 1, firm managing partner Andrew C. Kassner said. Previously the firm had started at $115,000 with a guaranteed bonus of $10,000 at the end of the first year. "We do compete for a lot of the same people," DLA Piper's Kiniry said of Morgan Lewis and Dechert. DLA Piper is the only local firm to raise starting salaries so far this year. "Somebody, I guess, has to be first," Kiniry said. "As a firm, we annually look at the issue of salaries." Liss said the firm raises salaries for two reasons. First, he said the associates work hard and they want to reward them. Second, he said, "there's a market out there and we want to be competitive." As reported in The Legal's sister publication, The Recorder, the firm raised the salaries by $10,000 two weeks ago in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, San Diego, Baltimore, Chicago, New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Some of those offices are now offering starting salaries at $135,000. "When you get to the salary issue, you do have to address individual regional markets, even if associates do national work," Kiniry said. While DLA Piper was the first locally to make a jump in starting salaries, Drinker Biddle has made some changes for its higher-level associates. "We have performed a review of our associate compensation system," Kassner said. "We are making adjustments effective Feb. 1." Kassner said the firm would be making class-by-class adjustments at the top-based salary in order to ensure Drinker Biddle is at "the top of our mid-Atlantic market." Associates are not guaranteed the top-based salary for that level, Kassner said, because the system is merit-driven. He said that the top-based salary, however, is completely separate from the bonus programs the firm offers. Kassner said most Philadelphia firms are not going to move beyond the $125,000 mark because places like New York have yet to do so. "It is a function that most firms have determined that $125,000 is an appropriate level based on what we are seeing in other markets," Kassner said of Philadelphia firms. Ward Bower, a consultant with Altman Weil, said salary increases are not generally determined based on the type of work a firm does. "They don't usually draw a distinction among associate levels between practice areas," he said. Bower said supply and demand is driving the market right now. "There's a war for talent out there," he said. "All they have to sell in the marketplace for legal services is what they have to buy in the marketplace for talent." Bower said work demand and competition are increasing with the consolidation of the marketplace, and the number of attorneys coming out of law school remains static. "We're going to see this into the future," Bower said about salary increases. Many firms remain undecided as to whether they will take the next step and increase salaries. Buchanan Ingersoll chief executive officer Thomas L. VanKirk said the firm would make a decision on associate salaries within the next few weeks. It currently offers a starting salary of $115,000. He said the firm generally waits until mid-February to review the market and then make any adjustments retroactive to Jan. 1. "We obviously had a great year last year so bonuses will be an important part of associate compensation," he said. VanKirk said the bonus programs are most important for the firm's mid-level associates who are "the most valuable." He said there is definitely pressure to raise salaries in several markets in the country where Buchanan Ingersoll has offices. Those areas include Philadelphia, Alexandria, Va., Miami and Washington, D.C., he said. VanKirk said salary increases are dependant upon the market and economy. Between 2002 and 2004 there were no increases, he said, which is something that has changed during the last year. "It's very, very cyclical," he said. Reed Smith's Philadelphia managing partner Robert A. Nicholas said the firm is currently looking into its compensation plan. "We don't just react to what other firms do," he said. "It's too early to know the answer for us." Reed Smith's current starting salary is $115,000. Cozen O'Connor managing partner John J. Cunningham said his firm is still monitoring the marketplace as well. The firm's current starting salary is at $110,000. Fox Rothschild chairman Abraham C. Reich said whether or not they raise their starting salary of $110,000 remains to be seen. "We're always thinking about it," he said. Wolf Block Schorr & Solis-Cohen chairman Mark Alderman said his firm has not yet decided whether it will increase its starting salary of $115,000. The firm adjusts associate salaries as of March 1, he said. One legal industry analyst said that if anyone would be making increases in the coming months, it would most likely be Morgan Lewis and Dechert. Some of their competition in other major markets have announced salary increases in recent weeks. That same analyst said that if those two firms do choose to move to $135,000, other local firms may decide to remain where they are, and that they no longer view Morgan Lewis and Dechert as competitors. Some firms have already decided that this is not a year for them to increase salaries. Saul Ewing executive partner Jennifer Peterson said the firm has chosen to keep its starting salary at $115,000. "If everybody else decides to jump off a cliff, we may have to too," she joked. Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young managing partner Jeffrey Lutsky said the firm looked at the marketplace as part of its 2006 budget and decided to keep its starting salary at $115,000 as well. He said Stradley Ronon would never make a decision based on what one other firm decided to do, but he does look at the decisions of a larger group of firms. As reported by several other American Lawyer Media publications across the country, associate salaries are also on the rise in Miami, Atlanta and California. DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP has announced that Jay Tannon has joined the firm's Washington D.C. office as a partner in the Corporate and Securities practice group. Tannon will co-chair the firm's U.S. Private Equity practice, sharing that role with Tony Rickert, who is also a Corporate and Securities partner based in Washington. Tannon joins DLA Piper from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP where he served as co-chair of that firm's private equity and China practices. Tannon focuses his practice on private equity investments and mergers and acquisitions, in both domestic and international transactions, and has counseled U.S., Canadian, Asian and European businesses, both public and private, on acquisitions, joint ventures, direct investments, capital formation, and other commercial arrangements. Tannon has served as lead outside counsel on significant projects for such companies as Onex Corporation and UPS. "One of our top strategic goals since our merger has been to enhance our private equity capabilities and, although we made significant progress in 2005, this area remains a top lateral recruiting priority," said Jay Rains, partner and co-chair of DLA Piper's Corporate and Securities practice. "Jay Tannon has a national practice that will help us accelerate our growth in this important area.\"\" "Jay is an experienced, respected lawyer and we look forward to working with him as we continue to grow the firm's private equity practice," added Rickert. "In addition to the work he has done for U.S.-based private equity clients, his significant cross-border experience is a perfect fit for our global footprint and international deal flow, which has been one of the fastest-growing segments of our private equity practice this year." "Many of the private equity firms with which I work actively pursue transactions across the country and across international borders," said Tannon. "DLA Piper's global reach and capacity will enable me to serve clients wherever they conduct business." The Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative recently reappointed Tannon as a member of the Advisory Committee on Services. The Governor of Virginia also appointed Tannon to represent the Commonwealth on the Southern Technology Council and to assist with the Venture South initiative. Additionally, Tannon helped the China Council for Promotion of International Trade and the CPR Institute of Dispute Resolution create the U.S.- China Business Mediation Center operating in Beijing and New York. Tannon has also led or participated in trade missions to a number of nations, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the Czech Republic. Tannon is often a speaker on the subject of cross-border acquisitions and direct investments. Within the past six months, he has addressed business audiences in Beijing, Montreal and Washington. He also has published several articles on international business, including 2006 articles directed to European acquirers of U.S. companies and the rise of private equity in China. "We are pleased to welcome Jay to our growing corporate practice in D.C.," said Ann Ford, managing partner of DLA Piper's Washington D.C. office. "He has extensive contacts with leading private equity firms and public companies, and we know he will help us expand our relationships with the firm\'s current and future clients, including those based in the mid-Atlantic." Tannon earned a B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of North Carolina and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. About DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary has 3,100 lawyers and 59 offices in 22 countries throughout the U.S., U.K., Continental Eu