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Bryan Cave LLP

Firm Helps Sickle Cell Patients Get Care
Sickle cell disease? Someone else’s problem, right? Recent pro bono action, however, has put Bryan Cave LLP at the heart of the struggle to secure care for some of Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens.

A Bryan Cave group that included Bart Wall, Guy Black, Kathy Reardon and Ellen Bonacorsi teamed up with St. Louis doctor Michael DeBaun to push for greatly expanded access to treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) in Missouri.

“Until I started working on this project, I didn’t realize how devastating this disease can be for the afflicted individuals and their families,” Reardon said. “Worse yet, people are often not aware they are carriers of the sickle cell trait until they have a child born with the disease, and then it’s too late. There is no cure, and management of the painful complications of the disease is difficult and costly. Unfortunately, SCD disproportionately affects medically underserved populations, adding to the challenge of getting help for people with this disease.”

That’s why getting Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt to enhance Medicaid program payments to providers who care for children and adults with sickle cell disease, and to expand counseling and outreach programs for individuals who may be carriers of the sickle cell trait, was an ambitious plan. In fact, the ultimate goal was to create a model that could be used to encourage other states to adopt Medicaid State Plan amendments to enhance sickle cell disease-related services.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. It can occur in people of any race or ethnicity, but occurs most commonly in people of African or Mediterranean descent. Sickle cell disease causes acute pain episodes as sickle-shaped red blood cells inhibit the adequate flow of oxygen in the bloodstream. Children and those who live to adulthood with the disease often suffer debilitating strokes or silent strokes, and life threatening or fatal damage to organs. There is currently no cure for sickle cell disease, but early aggressive treatment – preferably during the infant months – can help mitigate some symptoms and effects of the disease. Because treating patients with SCD generally does not bring in much money, relatively few medical specialists are willing to take on SCD patients or develop enough knowledge of the disease to provide good, cost effective patient care.

It was Dr. DeBaun who worked with Sen. Jim Talent to draft the Federal Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003. Attached to the American Jobs Creation Act, it allowed states to provide outreach and education programs, increased reimbursement levels for physician and other medical services through state Medicaid program enhancements and provided federal grant money for demonstration projects. But no states took the necessary action to improve Medicaid payments or take advantage of the federal matching funds for such improved payments made available by the act.

That’s when DeBaun contacted Bryan Cave, asking for help to push for a Missouri State Medicaid Plan amendment that would implement the federal legislation introduced and championed by Sen. Talent. After much research and background work, and with the help of Ed Martin, Gov. Blunt’s chief of staff and former Bryan Cave attorney, the pro bono effort got the governor’s ear. In his State of the State Address on Jan. 24, the governor announced his decision to include sickle cell disease as one of only a few chronic diseases which will become part of the Missouri Chronic Care Improvement Program (CCIP) through the revamped Medicaid program, HealthNet. Just prior to the governor’s address, Martin wrote, “We are proud to have a chance to do this and value very much the leadership of Dr. DeBaun and those at your firm.”

It is anticipated that the coordinated disease management, enhanced payments for physician services and education and outreach components of the CCIP for sickle cell will result in fewer patient hospitalizations and, ultimately, provide cost savings to the state.

“More importantly,” Reardon said, “it’s hoped that the program will help alleviate the suffering and human cost associated with this tragic disease.

02-06-2007

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Bryan Cave LLP

New Partner Expands Firm's Environmental Capabilities
Gregory D. Trimarche has joined the international law firm Bryan Cave LLP as a partner in the firm’s Irvine office. Trimarche joins Bryan Cave from the Orange County office of an international law firm where he served as a partner focused on environmental work. He will join Bryan Cave’s Environmental Practice Group.

“Gregory will be an important addition to Bryan Cave’s Environmental Group as we continue to strengthen the firm’s expertise in that area of law,” said Don Lents, chairman of Bryan Cave. “Gregory will be a tremendous asset to our expanded presence in Southern California and enhance the firm’s relationships with clients in that region.”

Trimarche is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading Brownfield professionals. He has written numerous articles on Brownfield topics and is co-author of Brownfields: A Practical Guide to the Cleanup, Transfer, and Redevelopment of Contaminated Properties, one of the first respected critiques on the Brownfield industry. He is currently a member of both the CAL-EPA Brownfield Task Force Committee and the Education Committee of the Urban Land Institute (Orange County District Council).

In addition to environmental work, Trimarche also advises clients on matters concerning commercial real estate and commercial litigation. His experience includes performing environmental due diligence for real estate investors, developers and lenders and generating environmental risk management plans for Brownfield projects.

Trimarche received his J.D. in 1989 from the Kansas School of Law and his B.A. in 1986 from the University of Kansas.

Bryan Cave LLP has a diversified international practice. The firm represents a wide variety of business, financial, institutional and individual clients, including publicly held multinational corporations, large and mid-sized privately held companies, partnerships and emerging companies. Aided by extensive investments in technology, Bryan Cave’s nearly 800 lawyers in 13 offices across the United States, United Kingdom, the Middle East and Asia efficiently serve clients’ needs in the world’s leading business and financial markets.

02-06-2007

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Brown & Brown

BROWN RUDNICK ENTERS INTO EXCLUSIVE REFERRAL RELATIONSHIP WITH INDIAN LAW FIRM POOVAYYA & CO.
Brown Rudnick, a premier international law firm, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive referral relationship with Indian-based law firm Poovayya & Co. Under the agreement, the two firms will cross-market their services, focusing on the following key practice areas: Technology & Outsourcing, Corporate Finance, M&A, Bankruptcy & Corporate Restructuring, Distressed Debt, International Arbitration & Litigation, Private Equity and Real Estate. The alliance of these two firms will provide clients with seamless cross-border services, combining local knowledge with global experience, particularly among the US, UK and India. The relationship will be managed by Rahoul Roy, Brown Rudnick’s India practice leader, and Sajan Poovayya, Founder and Managing Partner of Poovayya & Co. Brown Rudnick CEO Joseph F. Ryan stated, “Today, India is a key player operating in the global market in business sectors ranging from services to manufacturing and research and development. The country’s growing economy continues to attract investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. Forming this relationship with Poovayya & Co. will better position us to provide seamless legal services to clients looking to do business in or with India.”

According to Rahoul Roy, “Based in Bangalore, Poovayya & Co. is a dynamic Indian law firm with a strong profile and reputation. The firm’s Founder and Managing Partner, Sajan Poovayya, is a highly respected member of the Indian legal community known both for his legal acumen and practical business advice. I look forward to working with him.

Sajan Poovayya said of the referral relationship: “We are delighted to work with such a toptier law firm as Brown Rudnick. The firm brings a robust international practice combined with an entrepreneurial business approach that complements that of Poovayya & Co.

02-06-2007

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Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

A. H. "Nick" Gaede, Jr. Named Fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation
Bradley Arant Rose & White LLP partner A. H. “Nick” Gaede, Jr. has been elected a Fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation and was inducted at the Annual Fellows Dinner on February 2, 2007, at The Capital City Club in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1995, the foundation established a Fellows program to honor bar members who have made a significant contribution to their profession and their community. No more than one percent of bar members may be members of the Fellows. The Alabama Law Foundation is a charitable, tax-exempt organization affiliated with the Alabama State Bar that provides ways for lawyers to better the world around them. Other Bradley Arant Fellows of the Alabama Law Foundation include: Phillip H. Butler, Thomas N. Carruthers, Brittin T. Coleman, James W. Gewin, Thad G. Long and Hobart McWhorter.

02-06-2007

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Baker Botts LLP

David Cohen Brings National Mass Tort Litigation Experience to Baker Botts L.L.P.
David M. Cohen, a litigator experienced in defending national mass tort actions, joined Baker Botts L.L.P. as a partner in the firm's New York office effective February 1, 2007.

Cohen's practice focuses on developing scientific evidence in defending national mass tort litigation. He has held significant national science counsel positions in major U.S. litigations involving claims brought against the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and dietary supplement industries. His practice will fit squarely into the existing national mass tort and pharmaceutical litigation practices at Baker Botts.

“David's unique experience in mass tort litigation strengthens our ability to continue to provide clients the best representation possible in these critically important litigations,” said Walt Smith, Managing Partner of Baker Botts. “The addition of David to our litigation team reflects our commitment to providing our clients access to the legal resources required to defend these cases successfully."

Lee Charles, Partner in Charge of the firm’s New York office, said: “David Cohen is an exceptional lawyer with a loyal following of clients. He brings added depth and dimension to our national products liability practice and expands our litigation capabilities in the New York office.”

Cohen clerked for U.S. District Court Judge D. Brook Bartlett in the Western District of Missouri at Kansas City before entering private practice. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Fordham University School of Law. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Union College (with honors) and spent one year at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He was previously a partner at Bingham McCutchen, LLP in New York.

02-06-2007

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Department of Fair Employment and Housing

Arnold & Porter LLP Expands Its Government Contracts Group
Arnold & Porter LLP announced today the addition of a prominent group of six lawyers to its government contracts practice. The group will expand Arnold & Porter’s depth, breadth and visibility in litigation, investigations, transactional and capital markets work. The expansion will simultaneously strengthen client relationships in the areas of defense and aerospace; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; and national and homeland security. This key group, combined with Arnold & Porter’s existing government contracts team, will create one of the top practices in the government contracts field in the United States.

David Metzger, Mark Colley, Craig Holman and Paul Pompeo join Arnold & Porter as partners. Kristen Ittig and Kara Daniels will join as counsel. Mr. Metzger will reside in the Northern Virginia office, and the others will reside in the Washington, D.C. office.

“We are excited to welcome this highly regarded team, whose expertise is closely aligned with our own government contracts practice,” said Arnold & Porter Chair Thomas Milch. “With the addition of this deep group of talented lawyers, we will have one of the country’s premier government contracts groups in place to meet client needs.”

“The government contracts field is becoming ever wider in scope, and now includes homeland security, information technology, data security, electronic surveillance and international procurement issues,” said Jeffrey Smith, head of Arnold & Porter’s Government Contracts and Public Policy Group. “Combined with our existing strengths, this team will enhance our firm’s expertise in this increasingly complex arena.”

Background on the individual lawyers:

David Metzger has served as a past president of the Boards of Contract Appeals Bar Association (BCABA). He is a recipient of a lifetime achievement award from BCABA and serves as Chairman of BCABA’s Executive Policy Forum. He has extensive experience on Capitol Hill and served for four years as Director for Innovation and Procurement Policy at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mr. Metzger’s law practice concentrates on all aspects of federal government contracting law, including litigation, bid protests, claims and contract administration issues. He has a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Mark Colley is a litigator focused on government contracting issues. He has prosecuted and defended numerous federal and state bid protests before the Government Accountability Office, U.S. Court of Federal Claims and other tribunals involving a wide array of military and civilian agency procurements, including classified acquisitions, major weapons systems, sophisticated technology, engineering and other professional services. He has substantial experience defending Federal False Claims Act actions, including qui tam proceedings. He received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and served as a law clerk to John W. Kern of the D.C. Court of Appeals.

Craig Holman practices in the areas of government contracts and commercial litigation. He litigates claims, default terminations, appeals, protests, and commercial disputes for government contractors and also provides a wide array of government contracts legal counseling. He has litigated cases before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Fourth Circuit, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the Government Accountability Office, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, and various other federal and state courts and forums. In September 2006, the Washington Business Journal named Craig Holman as a leading Washington lawyer in the “Young Guns” category. He has a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.

Paul Pompeo provides counsel in all phases of government contracting, with particular experience in accounting, cost and pricing issues. He represents clients in compliance counseling, protests, claims, appeals and ADR, as well as transactions. Mr. Pompeo is Co-Chair of the Accounting, Cost and Pricing Committee of the ABA's Public Contract section and successfully represented the contractor in a precedent-setting cost accounting case: Gould, Inc. Mr. Pompeo served as Vice President and General Counsel of the Government Systems and Services Division of Johnson Controls, Inc. He has a J.D. from Catholic University of America and an LL.M in Procurement Law from George Washington University.

Kristen Ittig focuses on all aspects of federal government contracts law, including litigation, compliance, bid protests, claims and contract administration issues. She has experience handling security clearance litigation matters before the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals, as well as before the Department of Justice’s Access Review Committee. She has a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School.

Kara Daniels provides a wide variety of government contracts law services. She handles bid protests, claims and related litigation. She also counsels clients on diverse government contracts issues including cost and pricing and intellectual property matters. She has a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.

Arnold & Porter’s Government Contracts practice has served the firm's clients in public procurement markets at the international, federal, state and local level since the firm's founding in 1946. The firm’s lawyers were active participants in many of the most significant and visible government contracts developments that occurred over the last half century. Since the tragic occurrences of September 11, 2001, Arnold & Porter has been heavily engaged in assisting clients who produce goods and services in bio-defense, many of which are now essential to national defense. In recent years the firm also has assisted clients from many industry sectors in responding to homeland security challenges and opportunities, including procurement, indemnification, heightened attention to issues of foreign ownership, control and influence in government contractors and congressional oversight of procurement practices.

The Government Contracts group is headed by Mr. Smith, who served as General Counsel of the Senate Armed Services Committee and as the General Counsel of the CIA. Arnold & Porter’s team includes leading government contracts lawyers Ronald Schechter, Steven Diamond, Drew Harker and Jeffrey Handwerker. The group works closely with Ronald Lee and John Barker, whose expertise focuses on national security law and homeland security aspects

02-06-2007

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Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP

Weil Gotshal Partner John Neuwirth Named “10 Under 40”
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP partner John Neuwirth is profiled by Securities Law 360 as one of “10 Under 40.” Mr. Neuwirth is recognized for his work in the securities litigation, class action, regulatory and corporate governance areas.

The article, “10 Under 40: Weil Gotshal’s John Neuwirth,” appeared in the February 6, 2007 issue of Securities Law 360.

02-06-2007

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