http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_nv.php Judged Law Firm en-us (C) 2006 Judged. All rights reserved. contact@judged.com(Judged) contact@judged.com Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:41:30 -0500 Law Firms http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_nv.php 60 http://www.judged.com/images/xml_rss_feed.gif http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_nv.php Address : 5441 Kietzke Lane2nd Floor, Phone : 775-327-3000, City : Reno http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=985 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=985&page=47 Address : 50 West Liberty Street, Phone : 775-788-8666, City : Reno Why Are all of the Senior Partners Leaving It seems like a race to not be the last rat on this sinking, self-important ship. More than half of Lionel Sawyer & Collins' shareholders have been named to The Best Lawyers in America for 2008. Best Lawyers, one of the preeminent legal referral guides in the U.S., has released its 2008 listings of the nation's legal "top guns." Lionel Sawyer & Collins has the distinction of having the greatest number of attorneys listed of all Nevada-based law firms included in Best Lawyers, and is also ranked #1 in Nevada for Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. The Firm is pleased to have such an extraordinarily high percentage of their attorneys recognized in the prestigious guide. Samuel S. Lionel (Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law; listed in Best Lawyers for more than 20 years) and 24 other Lionel Sawyer & Collins shareholders are listed. Those 24 other attorneys include: In Las Vegas: Richard H. Bryan (Government Relations Law); Robert D. Faiss (Gaming Law); Cam Ferenbach (Commercial Litigation); David N. Frederick (Appellate Law; Commercial Litigation); Lynn S. Fulstone (Health Care Law); Mark H. Goldstein (Real Estate Law), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 10 years; Paul R. Hejmanowski (Commercial Litigation), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 20 years; Todd E. Kennedy (Commercial Litigation); Malani L. Kotchka (Labor and Employment Law); Paul E. Larsen (Franchise Law); Gregory E. Smith (Labor & Employment Law); Todd M. Touton (Construction Law); Ellen Whittemore (Gaming Law and Information Technology Law); and Jeffrey P. Zucker (Real Estate Law), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 20 years. (Gregory E. Smith and Malani L. Kotchka recently joined Lionel Sawyer & Collins' Employment and Labor Law Practice Group. They were formerly partners/shareholders in the Las Vegas law firm of Smith & Kotchka.) In Reno: Dan C. Bowen (Commercial Litigation), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 10 years; Colleen A. Dolan (Real Estate Law), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 10 years; Gary W. Duhon (Real Estate Law); Shawn M. Elicegui (Administrative Law); Craig E. Etem (Real Estate Law); Richard W. Horton (Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law; Commercial Litigation), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 20 years; Dan R. Reaser (Energy Law; Gaming Law); Jennifer A. Smith (Creditor-Debtor Rights Law); Harvey Whittemore (Energy Law and Government Relations Law); and Allen J. Wilt (Commercial Litigation). More than half of Lionel Sawyer & Collins' shareholders have been named to The Best Lawyers in America for 2008. Best Lawyers, one of the preeminent legal referral guides in the U.S., has released its 2008 listings of the nation's legal "top guns." Lionel Sawyer & Collins has the distinction of having the greatest number of attorneys listed of all Nevada-based law firms included in Best Lawyers, and is also ranked #1 in Nevada for Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. The Firm is pleased to have such an extraordinarily high percentage of their attorneys recognized in the prestigious guide. Samuel S. Lionel (Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law; listed in Best Lawyers for more than 20 years) and 24 other Lionel Sawyer & Collins shareholders are listed. Those 24 other attorneys include: In Las Vegas: Richard H. Bryan (Government Relations Law); Robert D. Faiss (Gaming Law); Cam Ferenbach (Commercial Litigation); David N. Frederick (Appellate Law; Commercial Litigation); Lynn S. Fulstone (Health Care Law); Mark H. Goldstein (Real Estate Law), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 10 years; Paul R. Hejmanowski (Commercial Litigation), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 20 years; Todd E. Kennedy (Commercial Litigation); Malani L. Kotchka (Labor and Employment Law); Paul E. Larsen (Franchise Law); Gregory E. Smith (Labor & Employment Law); Todd M. Touton (Construction Law); Ellen Whittemore (Gaming Law and Information Technology Law); and Jeffrey P. Zucker (Real Estate Law), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 20 years. (Gregory E. Smith and Malani L. Kotchka recently joined Lionel Sawyer & Collins' Employment and Labor Law Practice Group. They were formerly partners/shareholders in the Las Vegas law firm of Smith & Kotchka.) In Reno: Dan C. Bowen (Commercial Litigation), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 10 years; Colleen A. Dolan (Real Estate Law), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 10 years; Gary W. Duhon (Real Estate Law); Shawn M. Elicegui (Administrative Law); Craig E. Etem (Real Estate Law); Richard W. Horton (Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law; Commercial Litigation), listed in Best Lawyers for more than 20 years; Dan R. Reaser (Energy Law; Gaming Law); Jennifer A. Smith (Creditor-Debtor Rights Law); Harvey Whittemore (Energy Law and Government Relations Law); and Allen J. Wilt (Commercial Litigation). Lionel Sawyer & Collins is pleased to announce that Gregory E. Smith and Malani L. Kotchka, partners/shareholders in the Las Vegas law firm of Smith & Kotchka, will join the Firm's Employment and Labor Law Practice Group on September 4, 2007. The addition of Smith and Kotchka expands the team of Lionel Sawyer & Collins attorneys who maintain a comprehensive and robust labor and employment law practice, counseling employers on all aspects of the employment relationship and representing employers before state and federal administrative agencies and the courts. Gregory E. Smith has 33 years of experience in labor and employment law. A partner/shareholder with Smith & Kotchka since 1982, Smith was a field attorney with the NLRB from 1974-1977 and was in-house labor counsel for the Nevada Resort Association from 1979-1981. Smith has extensive experience in advising and representing management in traditional labor law matters, including unfair labor practice proceedings, union organizing campaigns, contract negotiations, arbitrations, and state and federal court injunction proceedings involving union strikes and picketing. In addition to his traditional labor law experience, Smith has litigated extensively in federal and state courts, as well as before administrative agencies, in the areas of wrongful discharge, employment discrimination, and wage and hour disputes. Smith was selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and in Nevada Super Lawyers for Labor and Employment Law. Malani L. Kotchka, also a partner/shareholder with Smith & Kotchka since 1982, has represented employers for 30 years in all aspects of labor and employment law. Kotchka was previously an associate at Lionel Sawyer & Collins, where she litigated before the NLRB and other federal and state administrative agencies, in federal and state courts, and represented management in union organizing campaigns, union contract negotiations, arbitrations and strike injunctions. At Smith & Kotchka, Kotchka has represented both public and private sector employers. During her legal career, Kotchka has represented employers before the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Department of Labor, the Nevada Employee-Management Relations Board, the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Kotchka has also developed a strong practice in employment advice and safety and industrial insurance compensation matters before Nevada hearing officers, appeals officers, regulatory agencies, the OSHA Review Board and courts, where she represents only employers. She was selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and in Nevada Super Lawyers for Labor and Employment Law. Smith and Kotchka join a team that includes Laura Thalacker, Of Counsel at Lionel Sawyer & Collins and a driving force in the Firm's Employment and Labor Law Practice Group. As a litigator and employment law practitioner in Nevada since 1994, Thalacker's practice with Lionel Sawyer & Collins has focused exclusively on representing employers in employment and labor law matters. Thalacker provides day-to-day compliance advice and training to employers on a wide range of workplace matters, drafts employment policies, handbooks, and contracts, and litigates employment and labor disputes before federal and state administrative agencies and courts. Lionel Sawyer & Collins represents a variety of large and small businesses in employment and labor matters before all Nevada, federal and state courts and various administrative agencies. Since 2003 Chambers USA has consistently rated the firm as one of the top labor and employment firms in Nevada. Lionel Sawyer & Collins is pleased to announce that Gregory E. Smith and Malani L. Kotchka, partners/shareholders in the Las Vegas law firm of Smith & Kotchka, will join the Firm's Employment and Labor Law Practice Group on September 4, 2007. The addition of Smith and Kotchka expands the team of Lionel Sawyer & Collins attorneys who maintain a comprehensive and robust labor and employment law practice, counseling employers on all aspects of the employment relationship and representing employers before state and federal administrative agencies and the courts. Gregory E. Smith has 33 years of experience in labor and employment law. A partner/shareholder with Smith & Kotchka since 1982, Smith was a field attorney with the NLRB from 1974-1977 and was in-house labor counsel for the Nevada Resort Association from 1979-1981. Smith has extensive experience in advising and representing management in traditional labor law matters, including unfair labor practice proceedings, union organizing campaigns, contract negotiations, arbitrations, and state and federal court injunction proceedings involving union strikes and picketing. In addition to his traditional labor law experience, Smith has litigated extensively in federal and state courts, as well as before administrative agencies, in the areas of wrongful discharge, employment discrimination, and wage and hour disputes. Smith was selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and in Nevada Super Lawyers for Labor and Employment Law. Malani L. Kotchka, also a partner/shareholder with Smith & Kotchka since 1982, has represented employers for 30 years in all aspects of labor and employment law. Kotchka was previously an associate at Lionel Sawyer & Collins, where she litigated before the NLRB and other federal and state administrative agencies, in federal and state courts, and represented management in union organizing campaigns, union contract negotiations, arbitrations and strike injunctions. At Smith & Kotchka, Kotchka has represented both public and private sector employers. During her legal career, Kotchka has represented employers before the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Department of Labor, the Nevada Employee-Management Relations Board, the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Kotchka has also developed a strong practice in employment advice and safety and industrial insurance compensation matters before Nevada hearing officers, appeals officers, regulatory agencies, the OSHA Review Board and courts, where she represents only employers. She was selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and in Nevada Super Lawyers for Labor and Employment Law. Smith and Kotchka join a team that includes Laura Thalacker, Of Counsel at Lionel Sawyer & Collins and a driving force in the Firm's Employment and Labor Law Practice Group. As a litigator and employment law practitioner in Nevada since 1994, Thalacker's practice with Lionel Sawyer & Collins has focused exclusively on representing employers in employment and labor law matters. Thalacker provides day-to-day compliance advice and training to employers on a wide range of workplace matters, drafts employment policies, handbooks, and contracts, and litigates employment and labor disputes before federal and state administrative agencies and courts. Lionel Sawyer & Collins represents a variety of large and small businesses in employment and labor matters before all Nevada, federal and state courts and various administrative agencies. Since 2003 Chambers USA has consistently rated the firm as one of the top labor and employment firms in Nevada. Bob Faiss, Chair of the Firm's Gaming and Regulatory Law Department, is the subject of "King of the Strip," the cover article for Mountain States Super Lawyers magazine's inaugural issue (July 2007). The article details how Bob became one of the world's top gaming attorneys Bob Faiss, Chair of the Firm's Gaming and Regulatory Law Department, is the subject of "King of the Strip," the cover article for Mountain States Super Lawyers magazine's inaugural issue (July 2007). The article details how Bob became one of the world's top gaming attorneys http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1445 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1445&page=42 Address : 1100 East Bridger AvenueP.O. Drawer 2070, Phone : 702-366-0622, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2377 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2377&page=27 Address : 10001 Park Run Drive, Phone : 702-382-0711, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1524 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1524&page=20 Address : 7408 West Sahara Avenue, Phone : 702-368-7767, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2380 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2380&page=5 Address : 5250 South Virginia StreetSuite 220, Phone : 775-852-3900, City : Reno State Sen. Mark Amodei, a partner with the statewide law firm of Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario, announced today that he has accepted the position of president of the Nevada Mining Association (NMA) effective Oct. 1, 2007. He replaces Russ Fields, who will retire at the end of the year following 10 years of service with the leading trade association for mining in the state of Nevada Sen. Amodei will remain in his current position at the firm until the end of August. "We are extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside Mark for the past several years," said Michael J. Bonner, managing partner of Kummer Kaempfer. "Not only is Mark a talented attorney and respected state legislator, he is a trusted colleague whom we're very privileged to call our friend. His leadership, dedication and passion are evident each day in the work he performs on issues that are important to our clients, our community and the state of Nevada. On behalf of the entire firm, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mark and wish him great success in his new role with the Nevada Mining Association." Sen. Amodei joined Kummer Kaempfer in April 2004 and spearheaded the opening of Kummer Kaempfer's Reno office. He was instrumental in the firm's overall expansion in Northern Nevada, which now has 35 attorneys and staff in both Reno and Carson City practicing in the areas of land use and real estate development, government and legislative affairs, business transactions and litigation. Kummer Kaempfer is a prominent force in Nevada, serving local, regional, national and international clients in the real estate development, hospitality, gaming, manufacturing, service, high-technology, and energy and utilities industries. Founded in 1994, Kummer Kaempfer is one of Nevada's largest law firms, specializing in complex corporate transactions, federal and state securities matters, commercial litigation, zoning and land use and regulatory law State Sen. Mark Amodei, a partner with the statewide law firm of Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario, announced today that he has accepted the position of president of the Nevada Mining Association (NMA) effective Oct. 1, 2007. He replaces Russ Fields, who will retire at the end of the year following 10 years of service with the leading trade association for mining in the state of Nevada Sen. Amodei will remain in his current position at the firm until the end of August. "We are extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside Mark for the past several years," said Michael J. Bonner, managing partner of Kummer Kaempfer. "Not only is Mark a talented attorney and respected state legislator, he is a trusted colleague whom we're very privileged to call our friend. His leadership, dedication and passion are evident each day in the work he performs on issues that are important to our clients, our community and the state of Nevada. On behalf of the entire firm, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mark and wish him great success in his new role with the Nevada Mining Association." Sen. Amodei joined Kummer Kaempfer in April 2004 and spearheaded the opening of Kummer Kaempfer's Reno office. He was instrumental in the firm's overall expansion in Northern Nevada, which now has 35 attorneys and staff in both Reno and Carson City practicing in the areas of land use and real estate development, government and legislative affairs, business transactions and litigation. Kummer Kaempfer is a prominent force in Nevada, serving local, regional, national and international clients in the real estate development, hospitality, gaming, manufacturing, service, high-technology, and energy and utilities industries. Founded in 1994, Kummer Kaempfer is one of Nevada's largest law firms, specializing in complex corporate transactions, federal and state securities matters, commercial litigation, zoning and land use and regulatory law The statewide law firm of Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario (Kummer Kaempfer) is pleased to announce Steven Pacitti is returning to the firm's Las Vegas office after serving as general counsel for Xyience Incorporated, a multi-million dollar energy drink and supplement corporation. Pacitti rejoins Kummer Kaempfer as an "Of Counsel" attorney in the Transactional Department on July 16. Pacitti is licensed to practice law in Nevada, New York and New Mexico and is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. He received his law degree from the University of Toledo and his LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida. Pacitti graduated from St. Bonaventure University in New York with a B.B.A. concentrating in accounting. His practice will focus on business entities and transactions, tax planning and controversy, intellectual property, sports and entertainment and real estate. "We are very pleased to welcome Steve back," said Michael J. Bonner, managing partner of Kummer Kaempfer. "He has gained invaluable experience serving as the chief legal counsel for a growing, innovative company, and this additional knowledge will serve our clients well as he returns to his passion of private practice." During his prior tenure with Kummer Kaempfer, Mr. Pacitti supervised or participated in transactions for many of the firm's clients. In 2006, after spending two years with Kummer Kaempfer, Pacitti accepted the top legal position at Xyience Incorporated, serving that company during a period of unprecedented expansion in the supplement and beverage industries. Prior to working at Kummer Kaempfer in 2004, Pacitti served as in-house counsel to a full spectrum sports and entertainment companies as well as a national hotel management company. Pacitti also has substantial private practice and in-house counsel experience. He has received the United States Small Business Administration Regional Director's Award and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce's Minority Business Advocate of the Year Award. The statewide law firm of Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario (Kummer Kaempfer) is pleased to announce Steven Pacitti is returning to the firm's Las Vegas office after serving as general counsel for Xyience Incorporated, a multi-million dollar energy drink and supplement corporation. Pacitti rejoins Kummer Kaempfer as an "Of Counsel" attorney in the Transactional Department on July 16. Pacitti is licensed to practice law in Nevada, New York and New Mexico and is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. He received his law degree from the University of Toledo and his LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida. Pacitti graduated from St. Bonaventure University in New York with a B.B.A. concentrating in accounting. His practice will focus on business entities and transactions, tax planning and controversy, intellectual property, sports and entertainment and real estate. "We are very pleased to welcome Steve back," said Michael J. Bonner, managing partner of Kummer Kaempfer. "He has gained invaluable experience serving as the chief legal counsel for a growing, innovative company, and this additional knowledge will serve our clients well as he returns to his passion of private practice." During his prior tenure with Kummer Kaempfer, Mr. Pacitti supervised or participated in transactions for many of the firm's clients. In 2006, after spending two years with Kummer Kaempfer, Pacitti accepted the top legal position at Xyience Incorporated, serving that company during a period of unprecedented expansion in the supplement and beverage industries. Prior to working at Kummer Kaempfer in 2004, Pacitti served as in-house counsel to a full spectrum sports and entertainment companies as well as a national hotel management company. Pacitti also has substantial private practice and in-house counsel experience. He has received the United States Small Business Administration Regional Director's Award and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce's Minority Business Advocate of the Year Award. America's Leading Lawyers for Business has named Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario (Kummer Kaempfer) attorneys Michael Bonner, Mark Ferrario, Mark Fiorentino, Christopher Kaempfer, Neal Klegerman and Thomas Kummer among the best lawyers in their fields. Kummer Kaempfer was also ranked as a leading firm in the practice areas of corporate and commercial law, general commercial litigation and real estate zoning and land use law The firm's attorneys have received high-ranking recognition by Chambers USA - America's Leading Business Lawyers since its inception in 2003. . Michael Bonner, managing partner of the firm, and Neal Klegerman, of counsel, were named leading lawyers for corporate and commercial law. Partners Mark Ferrario and Thomas Kummer were recognized as leading lawyers in general commercial litigation. And partners Mark Fiorentino and Christopher Kaempfer were named leading lawyers for real estate, zoning and land use law. "We are honored to be recognized again this year by our clients, peers and colleagues in the legal profession for providing excellent counsel and expertise," Bonner said. "We're also proud to represent Nevada and be listed alongside the biggest law firms in the country. Kummer Kaempfer's inclusion in Chambers USA is due to our shared commitment to excellence as every member of our firm strives to be the best in his or her practice area." Published annually, Chambers and Partners (www.chambersandpartners.com) are the publishers of the world-famous guides to law firms and lawyers, including Chambers Europe Chambers UK, Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Chambers Asia and Chambers Student. Every year, researchers carry out thousands of in-depth interviews with clients and attorneys in order to assess the reputations and expertise of business lawyers in 175 countries around the world. For the current U.S. directory, more than 14,000 interviews were conducted covering the entire country. They were carried out by a team of 40 full-time researchers over a period of six months. The 2007 edition of Chambers USA was released this month. Rankings are based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client. Editorial comment is also derived from the research, with quotations used when they sum up the prevailing opinion of the market. The top firms and top attorneys are ranked and their merits are usually described in the words of clients who were interviewed by the publication. According to Chambers, it is the weight of client interviews that gives the guides their highly valued reliability. Research into the strengths and reputations of U.S. attorneys is carried out in the same way as the research for the Chambers "Global" and "UK" guides. The methodology has been approved by the British Market Research Bureau, which audits the research annually. In-depth interviews with clients and attorneys are done over the telephone, each one lasting about half an hour. America's Leading Lawyers for Business has named Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario (Kummer Kaempfer) attorneys Michael Bonner, Mark Ferrario, Mark Fiorentino, Christopher Kaempfer, Neal Klegerman and Thomas Kummer among the best lawyers in their fields. Kummer Kaempfer was also ranked as a leading firm in the practice areas of corporate and commercial law, general commercial litigation and real estate zoning and land use law The firm's attorneys have received high-ranking recognition by Chambers USA - America's Leading Business Lawyers since its inception in 2003. . Michael Bonner, managing partner of the firm, and Neal Klegerman, of counsel, were named leading lawyers for corporate and commercial law. Partners Mark Ferrario and Thomas Kummer were recognized as leading lawyers in general commercial litigation. And partners Mark Fiorentino and Christopher Kaempfer were named leading lawyers for real estate, zoning and land use law. "We are honored to be recognized again this year by our clients, peers and colleagues in the legal profession for providing excellent counsel and expertise," Bonner said. "We're also proud to represent Nevada and be listed alongside the biggest law firms in the country. Kummer Kaempfer's inclusion in Chambers USA is due to our shared commitment to excellence as every member of our firm strives to be the best in his or her practice area." Published annually, Chambers and Partners (www.chambersandpartners.com) are the publishers of the world-famous guides to law firms and lawyers, including Chambers Europe Chambers UK, Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Chambers Asia and Chambers Student. Every year, researchers carry out thousands of in-depth interviews with clients and attorneys in order to assess the reputations and expertise of business lawyers in 175 countries around the world. For the current U.S. directory, more than 14,000 interviews were conducted covering the entire country. They were carried out by a team of 40 full-time researchers over a period of six months. The 2007 edition of Chambers USA was released this month. Rankings are based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client. Editorial comment is also derived from the research, with quotations used when they sum up the prevailing opinion of the market. The top firms and top attorneys are ranked and their merits are usually described in the words of clients who were interviewed by the publication. According to Chambers, it is the weight of client interviews that gives the guides their highly valued reliability. Research into the strengths and reputations of U.S. attorneys is carried out in the same way as the research for the Chambers "Global" and "UK" guides. The methodology has been approved by the British Market Research Bureau, which audits the research annually. In-depth interviews with clients and attorneys are done over the telephone, each one lasting about half an hour. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1336 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1336&page=49 Address : One East Liberty Street6th Floor, Phone : 775-324-7800, City : Reno http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=35 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=35&page=50 Address : 4435 South Eastern Avenue, Phone : 702-341-5200, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2581 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2581&page=8 Address : 820 South Valley View Boulevard, Phone : 702-435-4175, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2347 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2347&page=9 Address : 3773 Howard Hughes Parkway3rd Floor South, Phone : 702-862-3300, City : Las Vegas Jones Vargas, one of Nevada's oldest and most prestigious law firms, announced today that 15 attorneys with the firm were chosen by their peers as The Best Lawyers in America 2007. Two attorneys, Kirk Lenhard and Janet Chubb have received this honor for 10 years and real estate lawyer Michael Buckley has received it for 20 years. Edward Garcia received recognition in two different practice areas; Government Relations Law and Land Use & Zoning Law. Following is a complete list of attorneys from Jones Vargas who were named The Best Lawyers in America 2007: Michael G. Alonso - Government Relations Law Joseph W. Brown - Government Relations Law Michael E. Buckley - Real Estate Law Janet L. Chubb - Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law Douglas M. Cohen - Personal Injury Litigation Edward M. Garcia - Government Relations Law and Land Use & Zoning Law Gary R. Goodheart - Commercial Litigation Jodi R. Goodheart - Real Estate Law Paul A. Lemcke - Family Law Kirk B. Lenhard - Commercial Litigation Ann Morgan - Labor and Employment Law Albert F. Pagni - Alternative Dispute Resolution Tony F. Sanchez - Government Relations Law John P. Sande III - Government Relations Law James L. Wadhams - Government Relations Law Founded in 1981 and first published in 1983, Best Lawyers is the oldest lawyer-rating publication in the United States. Every year lawyers are asked to vote on other listed lawyers in their area. Over 50% of Best Lawyers' 24,000 voters nationwide complete and return their ballots. Each voting lawyer is asked the same question, "If you could not handle a case yourself, to whom would you refer it?". "We are extremely proud to have 15 lawyers within the firm receive this honor," said Gary Goodheart, Managing Partner of Jones Vargas. "We are well aware of our partners' strengths, but to have their capabilities recognized by their peers in this publication is quite a mark of distinction." Jones Vargas represents local, national, and international clients in business, litigation, government relations, gaming, corporate, municipal finance, real estate, bankruptcy, estate and probate, tax, zoning, health care and domestic matters. In certain areas of practice, such as complex financing transactions and multi-state or multi-district litigation, Jones Vargas is one of the most experienced firms in Nevada. The law firm offers a full range of services to all clients, from handling everyday matters and preventive counseling to dealing with difficult, complex transactions and litigation. Jones Vargas, one of Nevada's oldest and most prestigious law firms, announced today that 15 attorneys with the firm were chosen by their peers as The Best Lawyers in America 2007. Two attorneys, Kirk Lenhard and Janet Chubb have received this honor for 10 years and real estate lawyer Michael Buckley has received it for 20 years. Edward Garcia received recognition in two different practice areas; Government Relations Law and Land Use & Zoning Law. Following is a complete list of attorneys from Jones Vargas who were named The Best Lawyers in America 2007: Michael G. Alonso - Government Relations Law Joseph W. Brown - Government Relations Law Michael E. Buckley - Real Estate Law Janet L. Chubb - Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law Douglas M. Cohen - Personal Injury Litigation Edward M. Garcia - Government Relations Law and Land Use & Zoning Law Gary R. Goodheart - Commercial Litigation Jodi R. Goodheart - Real Estate Law Paul A. Lemcke - Family Law Kirk B. Lenhard - Commercial Litigation Ann Morgan - Labor and Employment Law Albert F. Pagni - Alternative Dispute Resolution Tony F. Sanchez - Government Relations Law John P. Sande III - Government Relations Law James L. Wadhams - Government Relations Law Founded in 1981 and first published in 1983, Best Lawyers is the oldest lawyer-rating publication in the United States. Every year lawyers are asked to vote on other listed lawyers in their area. Over 50% of Best Lawyers' 24,000 voters nationwide complete and return their ballots. Each voting lawyer is asked the same question, "If you could not handle a case yourself, to whom would you refer it?". "We are extremely proud to have 15 lawyers within the firm receive this honor," said Gary Goodheart, Managing Partner of Jones Vargas. "We are well aware of our partners' strengths, but to have their capabilities recognized by their peers in this publication is quite a mark of distinction." Jones Vargas represents local, national, and international clients in business, litigation, government relations, gaming, corporate, municipal finance, real estate, bankruptcy, estate and probate, tax, zoning, health care and domestic matters. In certain areas of practice, such as complex financing transactions and multi-state or multi-district litigation, Jones Vargas is one of the most experienced firms in Nevada. The law firm offers a full range of services to all clients, from handling everyday matters and preventive counseling to dealing with difficult, complex transactions and litigation. With five months before the 2007 Legislature is scheduled to convene in Carson City, some of Nevada's biggest law firms are gearing up to represent their clients' interests before the lawmakers. While lobbyists from the law firms Lionel Sawyer & Collins and Jones Vargas have dominated the political lobbying landscape in recent sessions, Phoenix-based Snell & Wilmer recently hired one of the Silver State's top independent lobbyists to stake a claim to its share of the lobbying action. Sam McMullen has been involved in the Nevada political scene for four decades. In early September, Snell & Wilmer hired him to launch a lobbying and government-issues practice for its Nevada operations. ""I actually have a pretty damn successful track record,"" said McMullen, who last missed a legislative session in 1975. ""I'm sure they looked at me and thought, if they're going to get into the game this is the way to do it."" McMullen brings experience from 17 sessions, along with a list of 15 to 20 clients, including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, HCA Sunrise, Bank of America and the Retail Association of Nevada. Founder of the McMullen Strategic Group in 1990, he brought his entire team with him to the new law firm. McMullen will also be hiring additional help to monitor the 120-day session. When the new session begins, McMullen says he will travel to Carson City with a team of five professionals, not including clerks and secretaries. ""This isn't the first law firm that has talked to me,"" said McMullen, who termed the move ""an easy marriage. But this was the one that made a real clear case to me that they'd use my services correctly, and that I'd continue to be full service for clients."" While Lionel Sawyer & Collins declined to disclose how many lobbyists the firm will have in Carson City in 2007, Jones Vargas is expected to have its regular team of five lobbyists to service its clients in the capital city. In the past these have included Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nevada Development Authority, Sierra Pacific Resources and Harrah's Entertainment. SETTING THE AGENDA While there will be many issues on the table for the 74th session of the Nevada Legislature, the outcome of the Nov. 7 general elections will shape the lawmakers' agenda. The arrival of a new governor in Carson City will also affect the Legislature. Although outgoing Gov. Kenny Guinn was an outsider to the legislative process, both Republican Jim Gibbons and Democrat Dina Titus would come to the governor's mansion with long experience in Carson City as legislators. Gibbons served three terms in the Assembly before being elected five times to Congress. In the early 1990s, he authored the amendment to the state Constitution that requires a two-thirds majority to implement any new tax or increase current taxes. Titus, who is still the minority leader in the state Senate, has already sent 14 bill draft requests for the 2007 Legislature, covering a range of issues, including rural economic development and eminent domain. One of the biggest changes will be the retirement of Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins (D-Henderson). Barring unforeseen political upsets, current Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley (D-Las Vegas), will be the new speaker. Perkins, a veteran of the Henderson Police Department, geared towards homeland security issues in the last two sessions, while Tony Sanchez, a partner with Jones Vargas in the government affairs division, says he expects Buckley to be more consumer oriented. She currently chairs the Commerce & Labor Committee. While lobbyists from the three top lobbying firms agree that while the usual issues -- health care, transportation funding, education, affordable housing, energy, eminent domain -- will vie for legislative attention, nothing has emerged as the key issue facing the Legislature. According to Sanchez, renewed interest in the payday-loan and mortgage industries might be ""hot-button issues,"" especially if the housing market continues to cool or foreclosures rise in the five months before the session. As of Sept. 25, 707 bill draft requests had been submitted, about half the number that will emerge following the election. Legislators, state agencies or municipalities can all submit draft requests but lobbyists often consult with the requesters on behalf of clients, to help shape draft legislation for the upcoming session. ""As we look at the BDRs, we'll look and see if there's anything that catches our eye,"" said former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan, a government-relations expert and shareholder at Lionel Sawyer & Collins. Although the Nevada Legislature meets for 120 days in odd-numbered years, many lobbying clients retain the firms' services over the 20 months following the Legislature and leading up to the next session. Many negotiate two-year contracts that pay an incremental fee for a continuation of service that could include representation, analysis of the issues and preparation -- strategic planning and positioning on the issue -- for the session. ""I think we have the largest government-affairs practice in the state,"" said Sanchez of his firm Jones Vargas. ""We represent folks whose respective business is politics, and politics is business. So it's all interrelated, from that standpoint. With five months before the 2007 Legislature is scheduled to convene in Carson City, some of Nevada's biggest law firms are gearing up to represent their clients' interests before the lawmakers. While lobbyists from the law firms Lionel Sawyer & Collins and Jones Vargas have dominated the political lobbying landscape in recent sessions, Phoenix-based Snell & Wilmer recently hired one of the Silver State's top independent lobbyists to stake a claim to its share of the lobbying action. Sam McMullen has been involved in the Nevada political scene for four decades. In early September, Snell & Wilmer hired him to launch a lobbying and government-issues practice for its Nevada operations. ""I actually have a pretty damn successful track record,"" said McMullen, who last missed a legislative session in 1975. ""I'm sure they looked at me and thought, if they're going to get into the game this is the way to do it."" McMullen brings experience from 17 sessions, along with a list of 15 to 20 clients, including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, HCA Sunrise, Bank of America and the Retail Association of Nevada. Founder of the McMullen Strategic Group in 1990, he brought his entire team with him to the new law firm. McMullen will also be hiring additional help to monitor the 120-day session. When the new session begins, McMullen says he will travel to Carson City with a team of five professionals, not including clerks and secretaries. ""This isn't the first law firm that has talked to me,"" said McMullen, who termed the move ""an easy marriage. But this was the one that made a real clear case to me that they'd use my services correctly, and that I'd continue to be full service for clients."" While Lionel Sawyer & Collins declined to disclose how many lobbyists the firm will have in Carson City in 2007, Jones Vargas is expected to have its regular team of five lobbyists to service its clients in the capital city. In the past these have included Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nevada Development Authority, Sierra Pacific Resources and Harrah's Entertainment. SETTING THE AGENDA While there will be many issues on the table for the 74th session of the Nevada Legislature, the outcome of the Nov. 7 general elections will shape the lawmakers' agenda. The arrival of a new governor in Carson City will also affect the Legislature. Although outgoing Gov. Kenny Guinn was an outsider to the legislative process, both Republican Jim Gibbons and Democrat Dina Titus would come to the governor's mansion with long experience in Carson City as legislators. Gibbons served three terms in the Assembly before being elected five times to Congress. In the early 1990s, he authored the amendment to the state Constitution that requires a two-thirds majority to implement any new tax or increase current taxes. Titus, who is still the minority leader in the state Senate, has already sent 14 bill draft requests for the 2007 Legislature, covering a range of issues, including rural economic development and eminent domain. One of the biggest changes will be the retirement of Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins (D-Henderson). Barring unforeseen political upsets, current Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley (D-Las Vegas), will be the new speaker. Perkins, a veteran of the Henderson Police Department, geared towards homeland security issues in the last two sessions, while Tony Sanchez, a partner with Jones Vargas in the government affairs division, says he expects Buckley to be more consumer oriented. She currently chairs the Commerce & Labor Committee. While lobbyists from the three top lobbying firms agree that while the usual issues -- health care, transportation funding, education, affordable housing, energy, eminent domain -- will vie for legislative attention, nothing has emerged as the key issue facing the Legislature. According to Sanchez, renewed interest in the payday-loan and mortgage industries might be ""hot-button issues,"" especially if the housing market continues to cool or foreclosures rise in the five months before the session. As of Sept. 25, 707 bill draft requests had been submitted, about half the number that will emerge following the election. Legislators, state agencies or municipalities can all submit draft requests but lobbyists often consult with the requesters on behalf of clients, to help shape draft legislation for the upcoming session. ""As we look at the BDRs, we'll look and see if there's anything that catches our eye,"" said former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan, a government-relations expert and shareholder at Lionel Sawyer & Collins. Although the Nevada Legislature meets for 120 days in odd-numbered years, many lobbying clients retain the firms' services over the 20 months following the Legislature and leading up to the next session. Many negotiate two-year contracts that pay an incremental fee for a continuation of service that could include representation, analysis of the issues and preparation -- strategic planning and positioning on the issue -- for the session. ""I think we have the largest government-affairs practice in the state,"" said Sanchez of his firm Jones Vargas. ""We represent folks whose respective business is politics, and politics is business. So it's all interrelated, from that standpoint. The Law Firm of Jones Vargas welcomes Robert Bruce to their team. Mr. Bruce's experience involves the negotiation and closing of a wide variety of business transactions for clients in the gaming, real estate, banking and energy industries, as well as providing counsel to clients on commercial law and corporate governance issues. Mr. Bruce started his practice as an energy and real estate attorney for the Houston firm of Vinson & Elkins. He has since served as in-house counsel for Station Casinos, Inc. and FPL Group, Inc. Mr. Bruce received a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as managing editor of The Daily Texan, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He was licensed by the State Bar of Texas in 1991 and by the State Bar of Nevaada in 1995, and is a member of the Corporate Counsel Section of the State Bar of Texas and the Business Law Section and Gaming Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada. The Law Firm of Jones Vargas welcomes Robert Bruce to their team. Mr. Bruce's experience involves the negotiation and closing of a wide variety of business transactions for clients in the gaming, real estate, banking and energy industries, as well as providing counsel to clients on commercial law and corporate governance issues. Mr. Bruce started his practice as an energy and real estate attorney for the Houston firm of Vinson & Elkins. He has since served as in-house counsel for Station Casinos, Inc. and FPL Group, Inc. Mr. Bruce received a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as managing editor of The Daily Texan, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He was licensed by the State Bar of Texas in 1991 and by the State Bar of Nevaada in 1995, and is a member of the Corporate Counsel Section of the State Bar of Texas and the Business Law Section and Gaming Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1203 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1203&page=10 Address : 300 South Fourth Street, Phone : 702-382-6440, City : Las Vegas The Firm is proud to announce that shareholders Timothy Earl and Todd Neal have been named one of the top twenty-five attorneys in their respective practice areas by the San Diego Daily Transcript. The Transcript conducts a peer voting process to identify the preeminent practicing attorneys in San Diego County. The Transcript will announce the Finalists in its July, 2007 edition. The Firm is proud to announce that shareholders Timothy Earl and Todd Neal have been named one of the top twenty-five attorneys in their respective practice areas by the San Diego Daily Transcript. The Transcript conducts a peer voting process to identify the preeminent practicing attorneys in San Diego County. The Transcript will announce the Finalists in its July, 2007 edition. A highly respected foreign manufacturer of prosthetic devices and related appliances sold globally retained the firm to terminate its extremely unfavorable exclusive distribution agreements with its U.S. and Canadian distributor. The distributor demanded that the manufacturer pay it more than $1,000,000 to terminate the contracts. After litigating the dispute vigorously for two years, the parties agreed to a settlement in which the distribution agreements were terminated and the manufacturer purchased the distributor's remaining inventory. This settlement enabled the foreign manufacturer new freedom to penetrate the North American market. A highly respected foreign manufacturer of prosthetic devices and related appliances sold globally retained the firm to terminate its extremely unfavorable exclusive distribution agreements with its U.S. and Canadian distributor. The distributor demanded that the manufacturer pay it more than $1,000,000 to terminate the contracts. After litigating the dispute vigorously for two years, the parties agreed to a settlement in which the distribution agreements were terminated and the manufacturer purchased the distributor's remaining inventory. This settlement enabled the foreign manufacturer new freedom to penetrate the North American market. A Swiss manufacturer of diagnostic and medical products retained the firm as local counsel to defend it against a lawsuit brought by a disgruntled minority shareholder as part of a ten year, two continent dispute over control and allocation of profits. After the client filed and served a counterclaim, the parties entered into protracted negotiations which resulted in a settlement in which the client purchased the shares of the minority shareholder for a fraction of his initial demand. A Swiss manufacturer of diagnostic and medical products retained the firm as local counsel to defend it against a lawsuit brought by a disgruntled minority shareholder as part of a ten year, two continent dispute over control and allocation of profits. After the client filed and served a counterclaim, the parties entered into protracted negotiations which resulted in a settlement in which the client purchased the shares of the minority shareholder for a fraction of his initial demand. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2304 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2304&page=11 Address : 1120 Town Center DriveSuite 260, Phone : 702-257-1997, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1436 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1436&page=12 Address : 300 South Fourth StreetSuite 1200, Phone : 702-382-2101, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2121 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2121&page=13 Address : 3960 Howard Hughes Parkway9th Floor, Phone : 702-796-5555, City : Las Vegas Gerald M. Gordon, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law; Jeffrey A. Silver, Administrative Law; William M. Noall, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law; Thomas H. Fell, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law; and Brigid M. Higgins, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law are listed in the Mountain States Super Lawyers 2007 Edition. To be included in the Super Lawyers in Nevada listing, an attorney must be selected through a peer review survey of attorneys throughout Nevada. It is a high honor to be included in the listing. Gerald M. Gordon, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law; Jeffrey A. Silver, Administrative Law; William M. Noall, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law; Thomas H. Fell, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law; and Brigid M. Higgins, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law are listed in the Mountain States Super Lawyers 2007 Edition. To be included in the Super Lawyers in Nevada listing, an attorney must be selected through a peer review survey of attorneys throughout Nevada. It is a high honor to be included in the listing. Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW) is an association of independent law firms located in over 100 major commercial centers throughout the world. As a member in LAW Gordon & Silver can service the needs of our clients that are expanding their operations into new domestic and foreign markets because of the increasing globalization of the business world. Members of LAW are among the most prominent law firms in their respective jurisdictions, with both commercial and litigation practices that are geared to middle-market clients. The association with the LAW organization will be a great benefit to all of our clients. Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW) is an association of independent law firms located in over 100 major commercial centers throughout the world. As a member in LAW Gordon & Silver can service the needs of our clients that are expanding their operations into new domestic and foreign markets because of the increasing globalization of the business world. Members of LAW are among the most prominent law firms in their respective jurisdictions, with both commercial and litigation practices that are geared to middle-market clients. The association with the LAW organization will be a great benefit to all of our clients. The selection was made by the Access to Justice section of the Nevada State Bar. The award was presented at a ceremony at the UNR campus in Reno, Nevada. The award recognized the contribution of the lawyers at Gordon & Silver, Ltd. who regularly accept pro-bono cases referred to the firm. This important public service provides free legal assistance to citizens of Clark County who can least afford the services of an attorney. Thomas H. Fell, a shareholder with Gordon & Silver, Ltd. is the chair of the firm's pro-bono section. The selection was made by the Access to Justice section of the Nevada State Bar. The award was presented at a ceremony at the UNR campus in Reno, Nevada. The award recognized the contribution of the lawyers at Gordon & Silver, Ltd. who regularly accept pro-bono cases referred to the firm. This important public service provides free legal assistance to citizens of Clark County who can least afford the services of an attorney. Thomas H. Fell, a shareholder with Gordon & Silver, Ltd. is the chair of the firm's pro-bono section. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=924 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=924&page=14 Address : 3800 Howard Hughes ParkwaySuite 1000, Phone : 702-784-5200, City : Las Vegas Company directors and in-house legal counsel voted Snell & Wilmer the number one law firm to do business with in Phoenix for the sixth consecutive year. The annual Legal Industry Research Study is conducted by Corporate Board Member magazine, a national publication that covers corporate governance and boardroom issues . "This honor from Corporate Board Member magazine for the sixth consecutive year speaks volumes regarding the work we are doing in Phoenix," said John Bouma, chairman of Snell & Wilmer. "Snell & Wilmer strives to address our clients' needs with practical solutions built upon high-quality, ethical legal advice and guidance. To be recognized by leaders in the Phoenix business community is a strong indication that businesses in the area continue to value the legal services we provide." Corporate Board Member magazine based its findings on a poll of directors serving on boards of publicly traded companies listed with the New York and American Stock Exchanges and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The magazine's July/August issue ranks law firms in 25 major metropolitan areas, including Phoenix, and identifies the top 20 national law firms. "Doing well in our survey has become a singular badge of honor, for the very reason that it doesn't come from the law firms' peers," said William S. Rukeyser, editorial director of Corporate Board Member. "It's an accolade from their customers-the directors, executives, and general counsel who hire them, pay their bills, and thrive or suffer from their advice." Company directors and in-house legal counsel voted Snell & Wilmer the number one law firm to do business with in Phoenix for the sixth consecutive year. The annual Legal Industry Research Study is conducted by Corporate Board Member magazine, a national publication that covers corporate governance and boardroom issues . "This honor from Corporate Board Member magazine for the sixth consecutive year speaks volumes regarding the work we are doing in Phoenix," said John Bouma, chairman of Snell & Wilmer. "Snell & Wilmer strives to address our clients' needs with practical solutions built upon high-quality, ethical legal advice and guidance. To be recognized by leaders in the Phoenix business community is a strong indication that businesses in the area continue to value the legal services we provide." Corporate Board Member magazine based its findings on a poll of directors serving on boards of publicly traded companies listed with the New York and American Stock Exchanges and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The magazine's July/August issue ranks law firms in 25 major metropolitan areas, including Phoenix, and identifies the top 20 national law firms. "Doing well in our survey has become a singular badge of honor, for the very reason that it doesn't come from the law firms' peers," said William S. Rukeyser, editorial director of Corporate Board Member. "It's an accolade from their customers-the directors, executives, and general counsel who hire them, pay their bills, and thrive or suffer from their advice." Eight attorneys from the Orange County office of Snell & Wilmer have been honored in the listing of "Rising Stars" by Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine. The following are the eight attorneys: Tiffanny Brosnan, a partner in the labor and employment department, represents companies dealing with all aspects of employment law. She drafts policies, conducts training sessions, counsels companies making employmentrelated decisions, and represents companies in litigation. Brosnan is also on the board of the Constitutional Rights Foundation-OC and on the Leadership Council for United Way's Success By 6 initiative. Brosnan is a resident of Newport Beach, Calif. Gregory Carpenter is a partner in Snell & Wilmer's commercial finance and real estate practice group. He is a member of the Orange County and American Bar Associations, and has been admitted to the supreme courts of California, Virginia and Louisiana. Carpenter resides in Mission Viejo, Calif. Samantha Feld is an associate with Snell & Wilmer. A product liability attorney, Feld is an active member of the Orange County Bar Association and is currently on its Mentoring, Education and Law Day Committees. Feld is a resident of Irvine, Calif. Elizabeth McNulty is a partner at Snell & Wilmer and has been recognized on the Rising Stars listing for four consecutive years. A product liability attorney, McNulty is a member of the Southern California Defense Counsel, Defense Research Institute and Robert Banyard Inns of Court. She resides in Costa Mesa, Calif. Partner Michael Reynolds concentrates in bankruptcy, corporate reorganizations and creditors' rights and remedies. He has been recognized among the state's top 20 attorneys under the age of 40 by the Los Angeles Daily Journal and has been named a Rising Star for the fifth year. Reynolds resides in Silverado, Calif Partner Jorge A. Martinez concentrates his practice in product liability defense and complex commercial litigation. A resident of Aliso Viejo, Calif., Martinez is also actively involved with the Defense Research Institute, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and is on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association. Ketan Vakil is an intellectual property attorney with a practice focused on intellectual property matters such as technology patents, trademarks and licensing issues. Vakil, a partner at Snell & Wilmer, was recognized in 2007 for leading the successful defense of a trademark opposition involving childrens' products. He is a resident of Irvine, Calif. Elizabeth Weldon is an associate with Snell & Wilmer and is licensed to practice in both California and Arizona. Her practice concentrates on commercial litigation, with an emphasis in franchising and intellectual property. A resident of Long Beach, Calif., Weldon was recently elected as President of the Friends of READ/Orange County. Selected by a panel of top attorneys throughout Southern California, the "Rising Stars" designation was developed to recognize the legal profession's 40-and-under attorneys who are making an impact in the field. Eight attorneys from the Orange County office of Snell & Wilmer have been honored in the listing of "Rising Stars" by Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine. The following are the eight attorneys: Tiffanny Brosnan, a partner in the labor and employment department, represents companies dealing with all aspects of employment law. She drafts policies, conducts training sessions, counsels companies making employmentrelated decisions, and represents companies in litigation. Brosnan is also on the board of the Constitutional Rights Foundation-OC and on the Leadership Council for United Way's Success By 6 initiative. Brosnan is a resident of Newport Beach, Calif. Gregory Carpenter is a partner in Snell & Wilmer's commercial finance and real estate practice group. He is a member of the Orange County and American Bar Associations, and has been admitted to the supreme courts of California, Virginia and Louisiana. Carpenter resides in Mission Viejo, Calif. Samantha Feld is an associate with Snell & Wilmer. A product liability attorney, Feld is an active member of the Orange County Bar Association and is currently on its Mentoring, Education and Law Day Committees. Feld is a resident of Irvine, Calif. Elizabeth McNulty is a partner at Snell & Wilmer and has been recognized on the Rising Stars listing for four consecutive years. A product liability attorney, McNulty is a member of the Southern California Defense Counsel, Defense Research Institute and Robert Banyard Inns of Court. She resides in Costa Mesa, Calif. Partner Michael Reynolds concentrates in bankruptcy, corporate reorganizations and creditors' rights and remedies. He has been recognized among the state's top 20 attorneys under the age of 40 by the Los Angeles Daily Journal and has been named a Rising Star for the fifth year. Reynolds resides in Silverado, Calif Partner Jorge A. Martinez concentrates his practice in product liability defense and complex commercial litigation. A resident of Aliso Viejo, Calif., Martinez is also actively involved with the Defense Research Institute, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and is on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association. Ketan Vakil is an intellectual property attorney with a practice focused on intellectual property matters such as technology patents, trademarks and licensing issues. Vakil, a partner at Snell & Wilmer, was recognized in 2007 for leading the successful defense of a trademark opposition involving childrens' products. He is a resident of Irvine, Calif. Elizabeth Weldon is an associate with Snell & Wilmer and is licensed to practice in both California and Arizona. Her practice concentrates on commercial litigation, with an emphasis in franchising and intellectual property. A resident of Long Beach, Calif., Weldon was recently elected as President of the Friends of READ/Orange County. Selected by a panel of top attorneys throughout Southern California, the "Rising Stars" designation was developed to recognize the legal profession's 40-and-under attorneys who are making an impact in the field. Snell & Wilmer attorneys were named Southwest Super Lawyers by Law & Politics Magazine. Law & Politics performs the polling, research and selection of Super Lawyers in a process designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers is a comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys, representing a wide range of practice areas, firm sizes and geographic locations. Only 5 percent of the lawyers in each state or region are named Super Lawyers. Collectively, the Snell & Wilmer attorneys listed represent virtually every area of business and legal practice, including antitrust, business litigation, bankruptcy, banking, corporate, construction, employee benefits, health care, intellectual property, labor and employment, natural resources, real estate, securities tax, and trusts and estates. Snell & Wilmer attorneys were named Southwest Super Lawyers by Law & Politics Magazine. Law & Politics performs the polling, research and selection of Super Lawyers in a process designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers is a comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys, representing a wide range of practice areas, firm sizes and geographic locations. Only 5 percent of the lawyers in each state or region are named Super Lawyers. Collectively, the Snell & Wilmer attorneys listed represent virtually every area of business and legal practice, including antitrust, business litigation, bankruptcy, banking, corporate, construction, employee benefits, health care, intellectual property, labor and employment, natural resources, real estate, securities tax, and trusts and estates. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2221 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2221&page=15 Address : 313 Flint Street, Phone : 775-337-1190, City : Reno http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=51 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=51&page=48 Address : 9950 West Cheyenne Avenue, Phone : 702-384-4012, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1966 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1966&page=18 Address : 7881 West Charleston BoulevardSuite 155, Phone : 702-873-1622, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=655 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=655&page=19 Address : 228 South Fourth Street, Phone : 702-240-2499, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=462 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=462&page=21 Address : 2300 West Sahara AvenueSuite 1000, Phone : 702-873-4100, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1584 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1584&page=22 Address : 3773 Howard Hughes Parkway3rd Floor South, Phone : 702-862-3300, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2449 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2449&page=23 Address : 1875 Plumas StreetSuite 1, Phone : 775-823-2900, City : Reno http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=145 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=145&page=44 Address : 333 South Sixth StreetSuite 230, Phone : 702-384-4048, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=807 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=807&page=26 Address : 3320 West Sahara AvenueSuite 380, Phone : 702-362-7800, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1310 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1310&page=28 Address : 601 South Tenth StreetSuite 102, Phone : 702-233-4444, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=712 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=712&page=29 Address : 2300 West Sahara Avenue, Phone : 702-562-3301, City : Las Vegas The Court of Appeal has opined that two owners of separate fire insurance policies covering the same residence cannot each collect the full value of the home under their respective insurance policies when the home is destroyed. In the case of Ann Burns v. California Fair Plan, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court case no. BC323595, the holder of a life estate on a residence, and a trust holding the remainder interest, each purchased fire insurance policies on the dwelling from different carriers. When the home was destroyed by fire, the life tenant and the trust brought this action, both seeking to obtain the full value of the residence under their respective policies of insurance - which amounts (when combined) would have exceeded the value of the home itself. Invoking the "other insurance" provision contained in each policy, the insurers moved for Summary Judgment on the basis that they had fulfilled their contractual obligations by paying the life tenant and the trust the full value of the home on a pro-rata basis according to the value of their insureds' respective interests in the destroyed home. The trial court agreed and granted Summary Judgment in favor of the carriers. On appeal, the Appellate Court confirmed the trial court's decision by opining that multiple insureds cannot collectively recover more than the full value of the property destroyed. This important Decision has been brought to you by Firm Partner Timothy Lake. Mr. Lake is Chair of the Firm's Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Practice Group, which represents various insurance carriers on a broad range of coverage issues and related matters. If you would like to speak with Mr. Lake about how he can help you with claim reduction, please contact him at (818) 205-9955. For a complete copy of the Appellate Court's Decision in this case, please click on the link below. The Court of Appeal has opined that two owners of separate fire insurance policies covering the same residence cannot each collect the full value of the home under their respective insurance policies when the home is destroyed. In the case of Ann Burns v. California Fair Plan, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court case no. BC323595, the holder of a life estate on a residence, and a trust holding the remainder interest, each purchased fire insurance policies on the dwelling from different carriers. When the home was destroyed by fire, the life tenant and the trust brought this action, both seeking to obtain the full value of the residence under their respective policies of insurance - which amounts (when combined) would have exceeded the value of the home itself. Invoking the "other insurance" provision contained in each policy, the insurers moved for Summary Judgment on the basis that they had fulfilled their contractual obligations by paying the life tenant and the trust the full value of the home on a pro-rata basis according to the value of their insureds' respective interests in the destroyed home. The trial court agreed and granted Summary Judgment in favor of the carriers. On appeal, the Appellate Court confirmed the trial court's decision by opining that multiple insureds cannot collectively recover more than the full value of the property destroyed. This important Decision has been brought to you by Firm Partner Timothy Lake. Mr. Lake is Chair of the Firm's Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Practice Group, which represents various insurance carriers on a broad range of coverage issues and related matters. If you would like to speak with Mr. Lake about how he can help you with claim reduction, please contact him at (818) 205-9955. For a complete copy of the Appellate Court's Decision in this case, please click on the link below. Congratulations to Associate Soojin Kang of the Firm's Sherman Oaks office for her designation as a civil litigation "rising star" by the Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star Edition. Although less than 3% of all lawyers in Southern California earn this recognition, Ms. Kang has now received this honor four years in a row! Ms. Kang is a member of the Firm's Employment Practice and Insurance Claims Practice Groups, specializing in the defense of employers against employee claims and insurance carriers accused of bad-faith claims handling practices. Way to go Soojin! Congratulations to Associate Soojin Kang of the Firm's Sherman Oaks office for her designation as a civil litigation "rising star" by the Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star Edition. Although less than 3% of all lawyers in Southern California earn this recognition, Ms. Kang has now received this honor four years in a row! Ms. Kang is a member of the Firm's Employment Practice and Insurance Claims Practice Groups, specializing in the defense of employers against employee claims and insurance carriers accused of bad-faith claims handling practices. Way to go Soojin! The U.S. Department of Labor Administrative Review Board recently rendered a favorable decision on behalf of a Firm large business transportation company client which had been accused of wrongful termination by a former employee. In this case, an employee claimed he had been wrongfully terminated from his position under the employee protection provisions of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982. The employee alleged the Firm's transportation company client violated the STAA by terminating his employment for engaging in the "protected activity" of voicing safety concerns and filing a complaint with OSHA re same. [Upon investigation, OSHA determined no safety violations had occurred]. After hearing argument on the employee's Complaint, an Administrative Law Judge at the DOL agreed with Firm Partner Byron Ames and issued a Recommended Decision and Order concluding that the employee was not terminated as a result of the protected acts, and that the employer did not violate the STAA. This Decision was later affirmed by the Administrative Review Board. Byron Ames is a Partner in the Firm's Las Vegas office, and focuses his practice on all phases of general litigation and transactional work. If you would like to speak with Mr. Ames about employment claims and/or workforce exposure reduction, The U.S. Department of Labor Administrative Review Board recently rendered a favorable decision on behalf of a Firm large business transportation company client which had been accused of wrongful termination by a former employee. In this case, an employee claimed he had been wrongfully terminated from his position under the employee protection provisions of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982. The employee alleged the Firm's transportation company client violated the STAA by terminating his employment for engaging in the "protected activity" of voicing safety concerns and filing a complaint with OSHA re same. [Upon investigation, OSHA determined no safety violations had occurred]. After hearing argument on the employee's Complaint, an Administrative Law Judge at the DOL agreed with Firm Partner Byron Ames and issued a Recommended Decision and Order concluding that the employee was not terminated as a result of the protected acts, and that the employer did not violate the STAA. This Decision was later affirmed by the Administrative Review Board. Byron Ames is a Partner in the Firm's Las Vegas office, and focuses his practice on all phases of general litigation and transactional work. If you would like to speak with Mr. Ames about employment claims and/or workforce exposure reduction, http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2341 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2341&page=30 Address : 1120 Town Center DriveSuite 200, Phone : 702-304-1803, City : Las Vegas Dan Shinoff, Jack Sleeth and Paul Carelli successfully defended an appeal of a trial court ruling denying Plaintiff's petition for writ of mandate. The Plaintiff sought a declaration that the Board of Trustees of a school district violated the Brown Act by meeting in closed session and deciding not to renew her term as an Assistant Superintendent. The Court held that the closed session matter was not based on complaints or charges against the Assistant Superintendent under Government Code section 54957(b)(2). Instead, the school board's decision to reelect or nonreelect necessarily involved the evaluation of performance, which Government Code section 54957 permits in closed session. The Plaintiff's petition for writ of mandate was denied by the trial court and affirmed by the Appellate court. Dan Shinoff, Jack Sleeth and Paul Carelli successfully defended an appeal of a trial court ruling denying Plaintiff's petition for writ of mandate. The Plaintiff sought a declaration that the Board of Trustees of a school district violated the Brown Act by meeting in closed session and deciding not to renew her term as an Assistant Superintendent. The Court held that the closed session matter was not based on complaints or charges against the Assistant Superintendent under Government Code section 54957(b)(2). Instead, the school board's decision to reelect or nonreelect necessarily involved the evaluation of performance, which Government Code section 54957 permits in closed session. The Plaintiff's petition for writ of mandate was denied by the trial court and affirmed by the Appellate court. In a precedent setting decision, the California Supreme Court upheld the stricter time limitations for alleged victims of childhood sexual abuse to file suit against public entities. The reversal of the local Court of Appeal, obtained by attorneys Dan Shinoff, Jack Sleeth, Bill Pate, Jeff Morris and Paul Carelli, all partners with the firm Stutz Artiano Shinoff & Holtz, protects public entities from the so-called "revival" statutes. As the name suggests, the Legislature (under Gray Davis) passed the revival statutes to revive really old claims, which normally would have expired under statutes of limitation. Revival statutes have been the vehicle for the highly publicized clergy abuse claims against the Catholic Diocese. This decision virtually eliminates the ability to bring similar cases against government entities. In a precedent setting decision, the California Supreme Court upheld the stricter time limitations for alleged victims of childhood sexual abuse to file suit against public entities. The reversal of the local Court of Appeal, obtained by attorneys Dan Shinoff, Jack Sleeth, Bill Pate, Jeff Morris and Paul Carelli, all partners with the firm Stutz Artiano Shinoff & Holtz, protects public entities from the so-called "revival" statutes. As the name suggests, the Legislature (under Gray Davis) passed the revival statutes to revive really old claims, which normally would have expired under statutes of limitation. Revival statutes have been the vehicle for the highly publicized clergy abuse claims against the Catholic Diocese. This decision virtually eliminates the ability to bring similar cases against government entities. Jim Holtz and Ljubisa Kostic settled a case for their client for 2% of the demand. After purchasing a business for 3.5 million dollars, the Plaintiff sought rescission and return of the purchase price. The Plaintiff claimed a number of non-disclosures of the condition of a surgical center, including mold and water damage from a leaky roof. In deposition, Holtz extracted key information from the roofing contractors that they removed the roofing materials, failed to cover the roof with a tarp and were hit with a big rainstorm , which caused virtually all of the water damage claimed. Jim Holtz and Ljubisa Kostic settled a case for their client for 2% of the demand. After purchasing a business for 3.5 million dollars, the Plaintiff sought rescission and return of the purchase price. The Plaintiff claimed a number of non-disclosures of the condition of a surgical center, including mold and water damage from a leaky roof. In deposition, Holtz extracted key information from the roofing contractors that they removed the roofing materials, failed to cover the roof with a tarp and were hit with a big rainstorm , which caused virtually all of the water damage claimed. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2297 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2297&page=31 Address : 4270 South Decatur BoulevardSuite B-11, Phone : 702-968-8087, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1364 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1364&page=32 Address : 400 South Fourth Street3rd Floor, Phone : 702-791-0308, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2100 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2100&page=33 Address : 465 South Meadows ParkwaySuites 20-403, Phone : 775-327-4226, City : Reno http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=730 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=730&page=43 Address : 300 South Fourth StreetSuite 500, Phone : 702-382-3574, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1853 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1853&page=35 Address : 723 South Seventh Street, Phone : 702-380-2800, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=531 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=531&page=36 Address : 3960 Howard Hughes ParkwaySuite 500, Phone : 702-990-3587, City : Las Vegas Schiff Hardin LLP partner Barbara K. Heffernan has been voted a Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer, as reported in a special advertising supplement the New York Times on Sunday, March 25, 2007 and the March 2007 edition of Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers Magazine, as well as on line at www.superlawyers.com. Ms. Heffernan was selected through an extensive process of balloting, blue ribbon panel review and independent research. Only 5% of Washington, D.C. area attorneys have been selected for 2007 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers. Schiff Hardin LLP partner Barbara K. Heffernan has been voted a Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer, as reported in a special advertising supplement the New York Times on Sunday, March 25, 2007 and the March 2007 edition of Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers Magazine, as well as on line at www.superlawyers.com. Ms. Heffernan was selected through an extensive process of balloting, blue ribbon panel review and independent research. Only 5% of Washington, D.C. area attorneys have been selected for 2007 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers. Schiff Hardin/Atlanta's team of Walter Bush and Chris Freeman, along with Schiff Hardin/San Francisco's Bruce Wagman, obtained a complete victory today in a case receiving nationwide attention - to halt the illegal means used to euthanize dogs and cats in the State of Georgia. Schiff Hardin brought the case on behalf of two plaintiffs - a former state representative who introduced Georgia's Humane Euthanasia Act (the law at issue) in 1990, and a woman whose dog had been illegally gassed in one of the chambers, against the Georgia Department of Agriculture. (Chesley Morton v. GA Dept. of Agriculture - 34512-0001) Chesley Morton, the former state representative, testified that he introduced the law with the intention of providing the most humane death possible for dogs and cats who must be killed in Georgia shelters. Because of the tragedy of companion overpopulation and society's inability to address the problem, the Humane Euthanasia Act mandates injection with barbiturates as the exclusive means of euthanasia, with very limited exceptions. Despite this clear mandate, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals provided Schiff Hardin's team with extensive evidence that the Georgia Department of Agriculture had not only failed to ever enforce the law, but that the Department had approved and encouraged the use of gas chambers, which produce a horrible and prolonged death. The legal team (working with PETA counsel) developed a case which included affidavits of former animal control officers who described in horrible detail the experience that thousands of dogs and cats go through every year in Georgia shelters. Walter Bush handled the entire hearing in front of Fulton County Superior Court Judge Cynthia Wright today, presenting extensive evidence and cross-examining the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, the head of the Animal Protection Section, and a shelter director who regularly violated the law - but who had been told she could do so by the Department of Agriculture. After an extensive hearing and argument, Judge Wright issued an injunction for plaintiffs. In the words of Bruce Wagman, "This is a day all Schiff Hardin attorneys and staff can be proud to be members of the big firm that does big things for the innocent animals with whom we share this planet. Schiff Hardin/Atlanta's team of Walter Bush and Chris Freeman, along with Schiff Hardin/San Francisco's Bruce Wagman, obtained a complete victory today in a case receiving nationwide attention - to halt the illegal means used to euthanize dogs and cats in the State of Georgia. Schiff Hardin brought the case on behalf of two plaintiffs - a former state representative who introduced Georgia's Humane Euthanasia Act (the law at issue) in 1990, and a woman whose dog had been illegally gassed in one of the chambers, against the Georgia Department of Agriculture. (Chesley Morton v. GA Dept. of Agriculture - 34512-0001) Chesley Morton, the former state representative, testified that he introduced the law with the intention of providing the most humane death possible for dogs and cats who must be killed in Georgia shelters. Because of the tragedy of companion overpopulation and society's inability to address the problem, the Humane Euthanasia Act mandates injection with barbiturates as the exclusive means of euthanasia, with very limited exceptions. Despite this clear mandate, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals provided Schiff Hardin's team with extensive evidence that the Georgia Department of Agriculture had not only failed to ever enforce the law, but that the Department had approved and encouraged the use of gas chambers, which produce a horrible and prolonged death. The legal team (working with PETA counsel) developed a case which included affidavits of former animal control officers who described in horrible detail the experience that thousands of dogs and cats go through every year in Georgia shelters. Walter Bush handled the entire hearing in front of Fulton County Superior Court Judge Cynthia Wright today, presenting extensive evidence and cross-examining the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, the head of the Animal Protection Section, and a shelter director who regularly violated the law - but who had been told she could do so by the Department of Agriculture. After an extensive hearing and argument, Judge Wright issued an injunction for plaintiffs. In the words of Bruce Wagman, "This is a day all Schiff Hardin attorneys and staff can be proud to be members of the big firm that does big things for the innocent animals with whom we share this planet. Schiff Hardin LLP has added Jonathan Friedland as a partner in its Bankruptcy, Workouts, and Creditors' Rights' Group in the Chicago office, effective March 1, 2007. He joins the firm from Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago, where he was a partner. Earlier in his career, Mr. Friedland was an associate at Schiff Hardin. Mr. Friedland focuses his practice on restructuring troubled companies. He has extensive experience in guiding companies through a variety of transactional and litigation settings, with an emphasis on out-of-court workouts, chapter 11 proceedings, and representing parties in buy/sell transactions. His litigation experience includes a wide array of business disputes, including, preference, fraudulent conveyance, equitable subordination, substantive consolidation, and chapter 11 plan confirmation issues. Mr. Friedland's practice also includes providing general legal counsel to healthy companies and their principals. Mr. Friedland, who is Martindale-Hubbell A/V rated, has been repeatedly selected as an "Illinois Super Lawyer" by Law & Politics Magazine. He is a popular speaker and writer on issues related to general corporate and insolvency-specific issues. Mr. Friedland was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the American Bankruptcy Institute, one of the youngest ever elected. Mr. Friedland's breadth of experience complements Schiff Hardin's broad-based Bankruptcy, Workouts and Creditors' Rights practice. More particularly, Mr. Friedland's return strengthens the group's ability to service middle-market debtor clients, an area that has grown in recent years with a number of debtor-side representations nationwide. Moreover, his creditor-side experience will allow the Group to better service the firm's existing clients. Schiff Hardin LLP has added Jonathan Friedland as a partner in its Bankruptcy, Workouts, and Creditors' Rights' Group in the Chicago office, effective March 1, 2007. He joins the firm from Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago, where he was a partner. Earlier in his career, Mr. Friedland was an associate at Schiff Hardin. Mr. Friedland focuses his practice on restructuring troubled companies. He has extensive experience in guiding companies through a variety of transactional and litigation settings, with an emphasis on out-of-court workouts, chapter 11 proceedings, and representing parties in buy/sell transactions. His litigation experience includes a wide array of business disputes, including, preference, fraudulent conveyance, equitable subordination, substantive consolidation, and chapter 11 plan confirmation issues. Mr. Friedland's practice also includes providing general legal counsel to healthy companies and their principals. Mr. Friedland, who is Martindale-Hubbell A/V rated, has been repeatedly selected as an "Illinois Super Lawyer" by Law & Politics Magazine. He is a popular speaker and writer on issues related to general corporate and insolvency-specific issues. Mr. Friedland was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the American Bankruptcy Institute, one of the youngest ever elected. Mr. Friedland's breadth of experience complements Schiff Hardin's broad-based Bankruptcy, Workouts and Creditors' Rights practice. More particularly, Mr. Friedland's return strengthens the group's ability to service middle-market debtor clients, an area that has grown in recent years with a number of debtor-side representations nationwide. Moreover, his creditor-side experience will allow the Group to better service the firm's existing clients. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1698 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1698&page=37 Address : 528 South Eight StreetSuite A, Phone : 702-382-1500, City : Las Vegas Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin partner, Joseph A. Starr, will moderate a panel discussion at the 2007 Professional Liability Underwriting Society - Employment Practices Liability Symposium held May 7-8 in Los Angeles. As an experienced litigator specializing in the defense of professional liability claims, Mr. Starr was chosen to be among the top professionals to moderate a panel discussion entitled: "The Impact of the Electronic Revolution on EPLI." The Professional Liability Underwriting Society is a non-profit organization with membership open to persons interested in the promotion and development of the professional liability industry. Membership consists of 6,000 individuals representing over 1,000 companies. Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin partner, Joseph A. Starr, will moderate a panel discussion at the 2007 Professional Liability Underwriting Society - Employment Practices Liability Symposium held May 7-8 in Los Angeles. As an experienced litigator specializing in the defense of professional liability claims, Mr. Starr was chosen to be among the top professionals to moderate a panel discussion entitled: "The Impact of the Electronic Revolution on EPLI." The Professional Liability Underwriting Society is a non-profit organization with membership open to persons interested in the promotion and development of the professional liability industry. Membership consists of 6,000 individuals representing over 1,000 companies. Joseph A. Starr, a principal at Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, and an employment law specialist, and Jason M. Shinn, an associate with LNCS&G, recently co-authored an article that appeared in the Fall 2006 edition of the State Bar of Michigan's Labor and Employment Lawnotes. The article, titled "Employees Beware: The CFAA Provides Employers with a Cause of Action Against Employees Who Destroy Company Digital Data," describes how the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) may apply to employment litigation. The article goes on to explain the need for employers to develop written policies and "the types of files and information that must be returned to the employer upon termination of the relationship and an exit program to enforce this case.,,, Proactive planning is essential for an employer to obtain the necessary evidence to prove suspected wrongdoing." Joseph A. Starr is a principal with Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, P.C., specializing in the defense of Professional Liability (Employment Practices, Attorneys, Architects & Engineers, Accountants, Directors & Officers, Insurance Agents / Brokers and Real Estate Brokers) claims, commercial litigation and insurance coverage disputes. Mr. Starr regularly counsels businesses with regard to workplace violence, unemployment claims, OSHA investigations, EEOC/Michigan Department of Civil Rights charges and Department of Labor wage and hour disputes. Mr. Starr is rated an "A-V" attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys. Joseph A. Starr was also a featured speaker at the State Bar of Michigan Labor and Employment Law Section's annual meeting, held during the State Bar's annual meeting in September 2006. Mr. Starr addressed "Employment Practices Liability Insurance: What Every Employment Lawyer Should Know." Mr. Starr also served as a panelist at the Professional Liability Underwriting Society - Employment Practices & Fiduciary Liability Symposium in April 2006. Mr. Starr spoke on the topic entitled: "Avoiding Potential Conflicts of Interest between Insureds and Defense Counsel." Mr. Starr is an active member of the legal community. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute and the Professional Liability Underwriters Society. Jason M. Shinn is an associate with Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, P.C., and concentrates his practice on issues involving business torts, real estate and construction litigation, professional liability defense, employment practices defense and trade secret litigation. Mr. Shinn also has extensive experience addressing issues concerning electronic data that arise in all litigation, including forensic examinations of hard drives, email, and minimizing spoliation risks of electronic data. Mr. Shinn lectures extensively on electronic discovery, including presenting at the 2004 Ohio Judicial Conference, which was attended by more than a hundred judges. Additional lecture topics include trade secret protection and employment discrimination, hiring procedures, and sexual harassment. Joseph A. Starr, a principal at Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, and an employment law specialist, and Jason M. Shinn, an associate with LNCS&G, recently co-authored an article that appeared in the Fall 2006 edition of the State Bar of Michigan's Labor and Employment Lawnotes. The article, titled "Employees Beware: The CFAA Provides Employers with a Cause of Action Against Employees Who Destroy Company Digital Data," describes how the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) may apply to employment litigation. The article goes on to explain the need for employers to develop written policies and "the types of files and information that must be returned to the employer upon termination of the relationship and an exit program to enforce this case.,,, Proactive planning is essential for an employer to obtain the necessary evidence to prove suspected wrongdoing." Joseph A. Starr is a principal with Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, P.C., specializing in the defense of Professional Liability (Employment Practices, Attorneys, Architects & Engineers, Accountants, Directors & Officers, Insurance Agents / Brokers and Real Estate Brokers) claims, commercial litigation and insurance coverage disputes. Mr. Starr regularly counsels businesses with regard to workplace violence, unemployment claims, OSHA investigations, EEOC/Michigan Department of Civil Rights charges and Department of Labor wage and hour disputes. Mr. Starr is rated an "A-V" attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys. Joseph A. Starr was also a featured speaker at the State Bar of Michigan Labor and Employment Law Section's annual meeting, held during the State Bar's annual meeting in September 2006. Mr. Starr addressed "Employment Practices Liability Insurance: What Every Employment Lawyer Should Know." Mr. Starr also served as a panelist at the Professional Liability Underwriting Society - Employment Practices & Fiduciary Liability Symposium in April 2006. Mr. Starr spoke on the topic entitled: "Avoiding Potential Conflicts of Interest between Insureds and Defense Counsel." Mr. Starr is an active member of the legal community. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute and the Professional Liability Underwriters Society. Jason M. Shinn is an associate with Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, P.C., and concentrates his practice on issues involving business torts, real estate and construction litigation, professional liability defense, employment practices defense and trade secret litigation. Mr. Shinn also has extensive experience addressing issues concerning electronic data that arise in all litigation, including forensic examinations of hard drives, email, and minimizing spoliation risks of electronic data. Mr. Shinn lectures extensively on electronic discovery, including presenting at the 2004 Ohio Judicial Conference, which was attended by more than a hundred judges. Additional lecture topics include trade secret protection and employment discrimination, hiring procedures, and sexual harassment. Howard A. Lax, a partner at Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, recently authored and article that was featured in the American Bar Association's (ABA) publication RPPT eReport. The article, titled "Identity Theft," appeared in the October edition of the ABA's online publication that provides information for real property, probate and trust law section members. According to the article, "Identity theft is America's fastest-growing crime. Last year alone, more than 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft, a crime that cost them roughly $5 billion.. there is a market for stolen identities, and so few of the individuals who steal and sell identities are ever caught." The article is available utilizing the following link: www.abanet.org/rppt/publications/ereport/2006/1/lax.shtml. Mr. Lax has written several articles and participated in numerous seminars, including "Michigan Residential Real Estate Documents" and "Preparation and Handling of Michigan Real Estate Closings" for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), and "Federal Regulation of Mortgage Transactions" for the Florida Bar Association's Advanced Mortgage Law Seminar. Howard Lax is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and its Business Law Section as well as the Real Property Law Section, where he is a member of the Section's governing council and where he contributes resources for real estate attorneys. He also serves on the Condominiums, PUDs and Cooperatives Committee, the Mortgages and Related Financing Devices Committee, the Security Interests Committee, the Residential Transactions Committee, and the On-line Publications Committee. Mr. Lax writes and publishes The Mortgage News, a bimonthly mortgage banking compliance newsletter with more than 1,100 subscribers. Howard A. Lax, a partner at Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer & Garin, recently authored and article that was featured in the American Bar Association's (ABA) publication RPPT eReport. The article, titled "Identity Theft," appeared in the October edition of the ABA's online publication that provides information for real property, probate and trust law section members. According to the article, "Identity theft is America's fastest-growing crime. Last year alone, more than 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft, a crime that cost them roughly $5 billion.. there is a market for stolen identities, and so few of the individuals who steal and sell identities are ever caught." The article is available utilizing the following link: www.abanet.org/rppt/publications/ereport/2006/1/lax.shtml. Mr. Lax has written several articles and participated in numerous seminars, including "Michigan Residential Real Estate Documents" and "Preparation and Handling of Michigan Real Estate Closings" for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), and "Federal Regulation of Mortgage Transactions" for the Florida Bar Association's Advanced Mortgage Law Seminar. Howard Lax is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and its Business Law Section as well as the Real Property Law Section, where he is a member of the Section's governing council and where he contributes resources for real estate attorneys. He also serves on the Condominiums, PUDs and Cooperatives Committee, the Mortgages and Related Financing Devices Committee, the Security Interests Committee, the Residential Transactions Committee, and the On-line Publications Committee. Mr. Lax writes and publishes The Mortgage News, a bimonthly mortgage banking compliance newsletter with more than 1,100 subscribers. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1449 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1449&page=38 Address : 7670 West Lake Mead BoulevardSuite 225, Phone : 702-258-6665, City : Las Vegas http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=264 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=264&page=39 Address : 3900 Paradise RoadSuite 201, Phone : 702-949-1100, City : Las Vegas McCormick Barstow partner Timothy J. Buchanan achieved a published appellate victory on July 31 by convincing the First Appellate District (San Francisco) to reverse an order on an important arbitration issue. McCormick Barstow partner Timothy J. Buchanan achieved a published appellate victory on July 31 by convincing the First Appellate District (San Francisco) to reverse an order on an important arbitration issue. The publishers of Law and Politics and San Francisco magazines have named McCormick Barstow attorneys Lawrence E. Wayte, Lowell T. Carruth, Mario L. Beltramo, Jr., Michael G. Woods, James P. Wagoner, Gordon M. Park, Marshall C. Whitney and Kenneth C. Cochrane 2007 Northern California Super Lawyers. Their selections were based on feedback from nearly 52,000 attorneys in Northern California. Candidates were evaluated on peer recognition, professional achievement, civic service and pro bono activities. As Super Lawyers, our attorneys join the top percent of licensed active attorneys in the state. In addition to having eight of its attorneys named Super Lawyers, McCormick Barstow has more Martindale-Hubbell AV®-Peer Review Rated attorneys than any other law firm in the Central Valley. Our firm also has the second highest percentage of attorneys in the state inducted into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates when compared to other firms of like size. As with the Super Lawyers distinction, each of these accomplishments is based on the evaluation by our peers throughout the state. The publishers of Law and Politics and San Francisco magazines have named McCormick Barstow attorneys Lawrence E. Wayte, Lowell T. Carruth, Mario L. Beltramo, Jr., Michael G. Woods, James P. Wagoner, Gordon M. Park, Marshall C. Whitney and Kenneth C. Cochrane 2007 Northern California Super Lawyers. Their selections were based on feedback from nearly 52,000 attorneys in Northern California. Candidates were evaluated on peer recognition, professional achievement, civic service and pro bono activities. As Super Lawyers, our attorneys join the top percent of licensed active attorneys in the state. In addition to having eight of its attorneys named Super Lawyers, McCormick Barstow has more Martindale-Hubbell AV®-Peer Review Rated attorneys than any other law firm in the Central Valley. Our firm also has the second highest percentage of attorneys in the state inducted into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates when compared to other firms of like size. As with the Super Lawyers distinction, each of these accomplishments is based on the evaluation by our peers throughout the state. "McCormick Barstow attorney, Dan Wainwright, concluded a three-week jury trial today when he received a defense verdict in a medical malpractice case. In this case, Mr. Wainwright represented a local physician who was accused of failing to diagnose that the Plaintiff had suffered or was about to suffer a debilitating stroke. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before returning a verdict on behalf of Mr. Wainwright and his client. This three-week trial was held in Fresno Superior Court, with the Hon. Mark Snauffer presiding. Mr. Wainwright is a partner in McCormick Barstow's Fresno office, and is a member of its Litigation Practice Group. McCormick Barstow is a full-service law firm with offices in California, Nevada and Ohio. For more information about Mr. Wainwright and McCormick Barstow, visit us on the web at www.mccormickbarstow.com." "McCormick Barstow attorney, Dan Wainwright, concluded a three-week jury trial today when he received a defense verdict in a medical malpractice case. In this case, Mr. Wainwright represented a local physician who was accused of failing to diagnose that the Plaintiff had suffered or was about to suffer a debilitating stroke. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before returning a verdict on behalf of Mr. Wainwright and his client. This three-week trial was held in Fresno Superior Court, with the Hon. Mark Snauffer presiding. Mr. Wainwright is a partner in McCormick Barstow's Fresno office, and is a member of its Litigation Practice Group. McCormick Barstow is a full-service law firm with offices in California, Nevada and Ohio. For more information about Mr. Wainwright and McCormick Barstow, visit us on the web at www.mccormickbarstow.com." http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1575 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1575&page=40 Address : 800 South Meadows ParkwaySuite 700, Phone : 775-824-0104, City : Reno Klarquist Sparkman, LLP attorneys helped our client Microsoft Corporation successfully prevail on summary judgment of non-infringement two years ago in the District of Oregon. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court's ruling in a decision published May 29, 2007. A copy of the Federal Circuit's decision can be found here. The original case was filed in the District of Oregon in February 2004 by Motionless Keyboard Corporation, Inc. ("MKC"). MKC alleged that two of Microsoft's Sidewinder joysticks infringed one patent and that Microsoft's Strategic Commander game controller infringed a second patent. Microsoft, along with co-defendants Saitek Industries, Ltd. and Nokia, Inc., moved for Summary Judgment of Non-Infringement, which the District Court granted in May 2005. MKC subsequently appealed the case to the Federal Circuit, where it was argued and affirmed. Klarquist Sparkman, LLP attorneys J. Christopher Carraway and Jared S. Goff represented Microsoft in both the District of Oregon and in the Federal Circuit appeal. Klarquist Sparkman, LLP attorneys helped our client Microsoft Corporation successfully prevail on summary judgment of non-infringement two years ago in the District of Oregon. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court's ruling in a decision published May 29, 2007. A copy of the Federal Circuit's decision can be found here. The original case was filed in the District of Oregon in February 2004 by Motionless Keyboard Corporation, Inc. ("MKC"). MKC alleged that two of Microsoft's Sidewinder joysticks infringed one patent and that Microsoft's Strategic Commander game controller infringed a second patent. Microsoft, along with co-defendants Saitek Industries, Ltd. and Nokia, Inc., moved for Summary Judgment of Non-Infringement, which the District Court granted in May 2005. MKC subsequently appealed the case to the Federal Circuit, where it was argued and affirmed. Klarquist Sparkman, LLP attorneys J. Christopher Carraway and Jared S. Goff represented Microsoft in both the District of Oregon and in the Federal Circuit appeal. Klarquist Sparkman, LLP helped its clients International Game Technology and IGT win summary judgment of patent invalidity in a lawsuit filed by Aristocrat Technologies, et. al. ("Aristocrat"). On June 13, 2007, the Honorable Martin J. Jenkins of the Northern District of California found U.S. Patent Nos. 7,056,215 and 7,108,603 invalid under 35 U.S.C. § 371, § 133 and § 102(b). The District Court ruled that IGT proved by "clear and convincing evidence" that the two patents in suit are invalid, because the '215 patent improperly issued from an abandoned patent application that was not lawfully revived, and the '603 patent was barred by the prior published '215 patent application. Aristocrat's two asserted patents related to electronic gaming machine technology. IGT designs and manufactures electronic gaming machines for sale in the United States with its principal place of business in Reno, Nevada. For more information on IGT, please visit their website at www.IGT.com. IGT was represented by Klarquist Sparkman, LLP attorneys Patrick M. Bible, Lane M. Chitwood, Kristin L. Cleveland, Stephanie S. Irvine, Jeffrey S. Love, Samir N. Pandya, Adam R. Wichman, and Garth A. Winn. Additionally, IGT was represented by Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP attorneys Gabriel M. Ramsey and Eric L. Wesenberg. Klarquist Sparkman, LLP helped its clients International Game Technology and IGT win summary judgment of patent invalidity in a lawsuit filed by Aristocrat Technologies, et. al. ("Aristocrat"). On June 13, 2007, the Honorable Martin J. Jenkins of the Northern District of California found U.S. Patent Nos. 7,056,215 and 7,108,603 invalid under 35 U.S.C. § 371, § 133 and § 102(b). The District Court ruled that IGT proved by "clear and convincing evidence" that the two patents in suit are invalid, because the '215 patent improperly issued from an abandoned patent application that was not lawfully revived, and the '603 patent was barred by the prior published '215 patent application. Aristocrat's two asserted patents related to electronic gaming machine technology. IGT designs and manufactures electronic gaming machines for sale in the United States with its principal place of business in Reno, Nevada. For more information on IGT, please visit their website at www.IGT.com. IGT was represented by Klarquist Sparkman, LLP attorneys Patrick M. Bible, Lane M. Chitwood, Kristin L. Cleveland, Stephanie S. Irvine, Jeffrey S. Love, Samir N. Pandya, Adam R. Wichman, and Garth A. Winn. Additionally, IGT was represented by Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP attorneys Gabriel M. Ramsey and Eric L. Wesenberg. The United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") began an experimental, pre-grant, patent review program called the Community Patent Review Pilot ("CPRP") developed in conjunction with New York Law School. As part of its 2007-2012 Strategic Plan to improve patent quality, the USPTO will use the pilot to evaluate the effectiveness of an Internet-based collaborative analysis of prior art by members of the public. Patent applicants can participate by submitting up to fifteen patent applications to the program. The public can participate by reviewing or challenging a patent application submitted for peer review. Please see here and below for more information on this program. The United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") began an experimental, pre-grant, patent review program called the Community Patent Review Pilot ("CPRP") developed in conjunction with New York Law School. As part of its 2007-2012 Strategic Plan to improve patent quality, the USPTO will use the pilot to evaluate the effectiveness of an Internet-based collaborative analysis of prior art by members of the public. Patent applicants can participate by submitting up to fifteen patent applications to the program. The public can participate by reviewing or challenging a patent application submitted for peer review. Please see here and below for more information on this program. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1289 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1289&page=45 Address : P.O. Box 2311, Phone : 775-688-3000, City : Reno http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2592 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2592&page=46