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Morgenstein & Jubelirer LLP

SCHIFF HARDIN LLP'S MARCELINE O'CONNOR JOHNSON RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM THE CHICAGO CHAPTER OF THE LEGAL MARKETING ASSOCIATION
Schiff Hardin LLP Manager of Marketing and Communications, Marceline (Marcie) O'Connor Johnson was presented with the first-ever "Lifetime Achievement Award" bestowed by the Chicago Chapter of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA). This honor was presented at the February 15 "Your Honor Awards" reception, an annual gala spotlighting the achievements of Midwestern law firm marketing professionals and marketing departments.

Marcie is one of the true pioneers in law firm marketing, and her 24 years of experience make her one of the most knowledgeable professionals in this field. Prior to joining Schiff Hardin LLP in 1994, Marcie served in marketing director positions at three other prominent Chicago-area law firms.

She truly has played an exemplary and invaluable role in LMA's formation, growth and ongoing success, as well as the legal marketing profession generally. She has served the national LMA as First Membership Chair, Treasurer, President, Board Member, and on various other advisory and nominating committees. She also was the first President of the LMA Chicago Chapter. Marcie's active service on the American Bar Association Advertising Commission also has impacted advancement of the profession.

Her prior recognitions also include being named to Marketing The Law Firm's "Top Marketing Departments" lists for the two years this honor has been awarded, as well as earlier "Your Honor Awards" from the LMA.

She has served on editorial boards for various legal, professional and marketing publications (i.e.,Marketing for Lawyers) and authored or co-authored articles on law firm marketing for LMA’s Strategies magazine and other periodicals.

Marcie also has been active in making presentations at numerous American Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association forums and continuing legal education programs on various law firm marketing topics. In addition, she has lectured at Chicago-Kent Law School regarding marketing for lawyers, as part of an LMA Chicago outreach program to law schools and lawyers. Her teaching activities to advance the profession further include numerous lectures and presentations at LMA membership training seminars.

02-16-2007

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Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein P.C.

LONG ISLAND LEGAL BRIEFS
Important step' toward new rules for picking judges

Seeking to come into line with a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling, New York has begun appointing commissions to assess the qualifications of judicial candidates.

The Appeals Court upheld a decision by U.S. District Court Judge John Gleeson that local majority party leaders effectively pick State Supreme Court judges. Currently, the only way to get on the ballot for Supreme Court judge is to be nominated by a political party's judicial nominating convention; it's not possible to petition onto the ballot, as it is for other judicial positions in the state.

According to Gleeson's decision, the state must revise its nominating system by this year's elections to provide an alternate way onto the ballot, so that independent and non-party candidates will stand a chance. The most likely solution will be to hold primary elections.

The chief administrative judge of the State of New York established commissions in each of the state's 12 judicial districts to see that those seeking to become judges are well qualified, ethical and committed to fair administration of justice.

"It's the first time there's been an attempt by the state to make sure that all the judicial candidates on the ballot have been found well qualified by an independent commission, not a political party," said A. Thomas Levin of the Garden City law form Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, a former president of the New York State Bar Association.

Levin has been appointed to the qualification commission for the 10th Judicial District, which covers Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Nothing in the commissions' rules would prohibit someone found unqualified from running, but those who were found qualified could say so, giving them a clear advantage.

"What we need is for the public to be assured that all candidates on the ballot are well-qualified candidates, not just someone who was picked by the party bosses for some reason," Levin said.

The future of judicial selection in New York depends now on Albany. If the Legislature does nothing, under Gleeson's ruling there will be open primaries in which anyone could run. But the Legislature could create other solutions, such as allowing both conventions and petitions onto the ballot, or allowing ballot access to convention candidates who hit a certain threshold, even if they don't win outright.

The judicial commissions will have 15 members serving staggered three-year terms. Since the commissions are just beginning, members will be evenly divided between those serving one, two and three years. Levin has yet to learn how long his appointment will run.

Members, who serve pro bono, receive their appointments from a variety of sources, including top state judges, the president of the State Bar Association and local bar associations. Levin was appointed by State Bar Association President Mark Alcott.

Judicial selection is emerging as an important issue, Levin said, with pending litigation challenging other parts of the state's system. The state bar favors merit appointments, Alcott said, with screening commissions presenting the executive of a jurisdiction - a mayor or county executive - a list of potential nominees, who would be appointed and then approved by the legislative branch.

That is how the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, is staffed. Such a change would require amending the state's constitution, which takes three years.

"In the interim, this is an important step," Alcott said.

"The elective system pretty much restricts you," Levin said. "If you want to be a judge, you have to be a politician first. "

It's very rare for judges to come from a strictly academic or legal practice background. Appointment, unlike elections, would encourage that, Levin said.

"Both systems produce great judges, both produce clunkers," he added, "but in the long run, you get a better bench with appointments. "

State Bar Association names 'Oustanding Lawyer of the Year'

(From The Daily Record, LIBN's sister paper in Rochester:)

Laurie Giordano, a partner with Rochester law form Wolford & Leclair LLP, was recently named "Outstanding Lawyer of the Year" by the New York State Bar Association.

Giordano, 36, said she always wanted to be an attorney. "I find the stories fascinating," she said. "To me, in litigation, every case and every situation is a story, so it's always a different story. "

The award is given annually in recognition of an attorney who has been admitted to practice for less than 10 years and who provides outstanding service to both the legal profession and the community.

02-16-2007

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McCarter & English, Attorneys At Law

Gilligan Honored By NEWIRE - New England Women in Real Estate
Leigh Gilligan, an environmental and redevelopment partner in McCarter & English's Boston office, has been chosen to receive New England Women in Real Estate's 2007 Professional Service Award. This distinction honors a member who is a significant contributor and emerging leader in their field with consistent years of superior service and notable accomplishments and success.

02-16-2007

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McCarter & English, Attorneys At Law

Keliher Named Legal Professional of the Year by CoreNet Global
CoreNet Global, a global association of corporate real estate professionals, named Cynthia Keliher, a real estate partner in McCarter & English's Boston office, as the New England Chapter's Legal Professional of the Year. The award recognizes ability to deliver when promised while exceeding expectations; providing value; applying innovative approaches; treating clients, competitors and other providers with respect; and adding to the market's perception of the legal profession.

02-16-2007

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Healy & Baillie, L.L.P.

Blank Rome Names Diversity Manager
Blank Rome LLP announced today that it has named Elvera M. A. Pollard as the Firm’s Diversity Manager. Based in Washington D.C., Ms. Pollard will assist the Firm’s Chief Diversity Officer with managing and implementing Blank Rome’s diversity program, as well as oversee recruiting and retention efforts.

In her new role, Ms. Pollard will help to lead and implement recruiting and training initiatives that reflect the Firm’s commitment to diversity and continue to foster an environment of inclusion.

“Elvera’s expertise in recruiting and retention coupled with her passion for diversity make her an ideal fit for this role,” said Judge Nathaniel R. Jones, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “Diversity remains a core value of the Firm and I look forward to working closely with Elvera to integrate diversity as a key business function to the Firm.”

In her previous position as Attorney Relations Administrator, Ms. Pollard was responsible for recruiting and lateral hiring, new hire orientations, the summer program, and presentations and receptions, including diversity related events.

Prior to joining Blank Rome in December 2005, Elvera was a recruitment administrator responsible for recruiting and retention of minority attorneys at Wilmer Hale, LLP’s Washington office. At Wilmer Hale she received awards and honors for her deep and personal commitment to diversity in the workplace.

Blank Rome is committed to excellence in all fields of endeavor, and recognizes that a diversity of ideas, backgrounds, and experiences is essential to fulfilling this commitment. The Firm strives to recruit, hire, promote, and retain highly talented individuals representing a diversity of races, genders, ethnic groups, religions, sexual orientation and national origin. Blank Rome’s Chief Diversity Officer leads and manages all aspects of the Firm’s diversity program, and drives the Firm’s ongoing efforts to integrate diversity into all business and civic activities.

02-16-2007

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Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

Debbeler Named to TACR’s Board
Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP partner J. Michael Debbeler has been named to the TriState Association for Corporate Renewal (TACR) Board.

TACR is a network of top professionals specializing in all aspects of corporate renewal. The organization provides access, awareness and knowledge of various disciplines of corporate renewal to the business community and is committed to high standards, professional development, educational opportunities, networking and educating the public.

Debbeler’s practice focuses in the areas of bankruptcy, loan workouts and creditors' rights. He also serves as a member of the Firm's Executive Committee and as Chair of the Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Practice Group.

In addition to his work with TACR, Debbeler serves on the Executive Committee of the Midwest Regional Bankruptcy Seminar and is on the Bench Bar Conference Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Ohio. Debbeler earned his B.A. in History from the University of Kentucky and J.D. at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

02-16-2007

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Farella Braun + Martel LLP

Farella Braun + Martel Appoints Mary E. McCutcheon Chair of New Construction and Insurance Coverage Department
Farella Braun + Martel announces that Partner Mary E. McCutcheon was appointed chair of the firm's new Construction and Insurance Coverage Department.

"Mary's experience heading up the insurance coverage group paired with her exceptional impact and accomplishments as a lawyer make her a wonderful choice as the new department chair," said Steve Lowenthal, firm chair.

McCutcheon represents corporations, public entities and individuals in a variety of insurance issues, including securities fraud and insurer rescission actions, intellectual property, civil rights, employment, and aviation matters. Her skills range from products liability, bad-faith, environmental and construction litigation to resolving liability claims involving coverage disputes through mediation. Specifically, McCutcheon represents those involved in significant earthquake or fire property and business interruption insurance claims in maximizing the coverage available under their property claims; advises clients on how to transfer risk and handle claims under both traditional and self-insurance programs; and counsels on the issues involving the placement of directors and officers liability insurance. Her diverse client roster includes local and national companies in the transportation, high tech, pharmaceutical, construction and communications industries, such as Chiron, CNF Transportation Dolby, HPL Technologies, Herbalife International, Levi Strauss & Co., McKesson Corporation and Visa USA.

McCutcheon was named among the top 35 insurance lawyers in California by Chambers USA in 2006. She is president and on the board of directors for the National Center for Youth Law and a past chair of the Bar Association of San Francisco's Committee on Attorney Fee Disputes. McCutcheon earned her J.D. from Yale Law School (1981) and an A.B., with distinction, from Stanford University (1977).

Farella Braun + Martel's Construction Counseling & Dispute Resolution Group represents public and private owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and design professionals on all stages of the construction process throughout the United States and overseas on projects ranging from power plants, hospitals, water and waste treatment facilities, dams, airports and jails to university housing, laboratories and classrooms, commercial, mixed-use and multi-family residential developments.

Farella Braun + Martel's Insurance Coverage Group represents policyholders in coverage disputes arising out of a wide variety of exposures, such as construction delay and defects claims, products liability litigation, securities fraud and other corporate directors' and officers' liabilities, errors and omissions claims, intellectual property disputes, employment litigation, environmental liabilities and disasters like earthquakes and fires. They advises private businesses and public entities regarding risk management programs, including evaluation of current or proposed insurance programs, captive insurance programs, owner-controlled insurance programs, environmental remediation protection and other risk management and risk transfer devices.

02-16-2007

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