Law Firm News

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Law Firm News

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Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A.

GUNSTER YOAKLEY ATTORNEY APPOINTED TO BOARD OF UF’S CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION
David G. Bates, a shareholder at Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A. in West Palm Beach, and co-chair of the firm's Technology Practice Group and Emerging Company Practice Group, has been appointed to the Board of Advisors of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) at the University of Florida. Founded in 2000, CEI educates and promotes entrepreneurship to the university’s students by offering the hands-on tools and experiences necessary to creatively pursue new professional opportunities and innovations.

Bates concentrates his practice in the areas of buying and selling businesses; business law; Internet and technology; and venture capital. He has authored a number of articles on these topics for many national and regional business and legal publications. Bates received his master’s degree in business administration and juris doctorate from Tulane University. He received his bachelor’s of science in business administration from the University of Florida.

06-13-2007

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Foley Hoag LLP

Ara Beth Gershengorn Joins Foley Hoag as Associate in the Business Crimes & Government Investigations Practice
Foley Hoag LLP announced today the addition of Ara Beth Gershengorn as an Associate in the Business Crimes & Government Investigations Practice in the firm's Boston office.

Ara joins Foley Hoag most recently from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia, where she served as Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division Unit. In her role she conducted criminal investigations in cases involving government fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, pharmaceutical off-label marketing, and illegal narcotics trafficking. She successfully prosecuted jury trials involving tax evasion, money laundering, and illegal firearms possession. In addition, she edited and drafted briefs in criminal appeals and presented oral arguments in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Prior to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Ara served as an attorney in the Appellate Branch of the Civil Division for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, where she briefed and argued cases in federal courts of appeals across the country. She was awarded the John Marshall Award for outstanding legal achievement for trial of litigation in July 2004.

Ara has successfully prosecuted several notable jury trials, some of which include United States v. Farnsworth, No. 04-707 (E.D. Pa.) involving a defendant charged with tax evasion; United States v. Venord, No. 05-226 (E.D. Pa.) in which the defendant was charged with money laundering; and United States v. Townsend, No. 05-051 (E.D. Pa.) involving a defendant charged with illegal possession of a firearm.

Ara earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School and her A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard University.

Foley Hoag's Business Crimes and Government Investigation Practice Group provides comprehensive legal advice to businesses and executives subject to government civil and criminal investigations or who are themselves the victims of criminal wrongdoing. Foley Hoag also has extensive experience conducting confidential internal investigations, assisting businesses in developing and implementing compliance programs, and representing corporations, officers and directors, and other individuals in criminal, civil, and regulatory investigations and complex civil litigation.

06-13-2007

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Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC

Womble Carlyle Selected for 2007 Pro Bono Publico Award by Louisiana State Bar Association
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC today announced that the firm has been selected for the 2007 Pro Bono Publico Award given by the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) for the firm's outstanding commitment to Hurricane Katrina victims in their time of need. The firm received one of six pro bono awards given by the LSBA General Assembly during the association's 66th Annual Meeting in Sandestin, Florida on Thursday, June 7.

LSBA honored Womble Carlyle with this award due to its recent pro bono project the firm developed with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) to offer free legal assistance to New Orleans residents whose property had been damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. Womble Carlyle worked with low-income New Orleans homeowners who had been living in their family homes but had not taken the formal, legal steps necessary to pass clear title from one generation of owners to another. Soon after the storm, these homeowners discovered that they were not eligible for a range of benefits without clear title to their homes.

The objective of Womble Carlyle's project was to provide the legal assistance necessary to establish title for these victim’s homes and therefore enable eligibility for the federal, state and insurance assistance they required to rebuild their property.

Beginning in the summer of 2006, Womble Carlyle and SLLS began to work with Katrina victims to complete and file the legal work necessary to give these victims clear title. The firm interviewed hundreds of potential clients, and was able to begin helping almost 200 people over the summer. In total, more than 30 Womble Carlyle attorneys and staff members traveled to New Orleans each week from July 10 through August 31, 2006 to provide direct aid to the victims. Lawyers and administrative professionals throughout the firm’s home offices provided drafting and research assistance.

Womble Carlyle worked under the supervision of SLLS to provide a variety of legal services for the project, including interviewing homeowners, helping them obtain relevant legal documents for their property, advising homeowners regarding their options, preparing pleadings and affidavits for probate, and filing petitions successions and obtaining judgments of possession. To date, the firm has provided nearly 4000 hours of pro bono assistance to these Katrina clients.

"Many lawyers and law firms have done significant work in the Katrina-affected areas, and LSBA’s decision to single out and recognize us for our work there is a true honor," said Womble Carlyle's Pro Bono Director, Tripp Greason. "This signature project quickly became one of the most rewarding initiatives our lawyers had ever undertaken. The legal needs of those in the storm-affected areas are vast and we are grateful for the opportunity that SLLS provided us to help meet some of the legal needs of our clients in New Orleans. We will never forget their gratitude."

This specific LSBA Pro Bono Award is given to any law firm located in Louisiana or that has provided pro bono legal services to the citizens of Louisiana. The hours of pro bono services committed, as established by Rule 6.1 of Louisiana's Rules of Professional Conduct, are strongly considered by the awards committee when reviewing the law firm's application. Though primary consideration is given to pro bono work completed during the immediate past calendar year, the committee may also consider a law firm's history of pro bono services. Nominations are submitted and voted on by the Access to Justice Committee, and the LSBA Board of Governors determine which nominees are selected.

"Womble Carlyle's recent commitment to the hurricane victims in our state who suffered so much loss and tragedy is truly a testament to the value that the firm places on helping others in times of need," said Louisiana State Bar Association Immediate Past-President, Marta-Ann Schnabel. "Womble Carlyle is truly deserving of this award."

The LSBA is a statewide organization with nearly 20,000 members. It ensures access to and aids in the administration of justice, assists the Supreme Court in the regulation of the practice of law, and upholds the honor of the courts and the profession. The Association also promotes the professional competence of attorneys, works to increase public understanding of and respect for the law, and encourages collegiality among its members.

06-13-2007

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Roetzel & Andress A Legal Professional Association

Roetzel & Andress Attorney Terence F. Brennan Appointed to Florida Bar Committee
Terence F. Brennan, Partner with Roetzel & Andress, L.P.A., has been appointed to serve on the Media & Communications Law Committee of The Florida Bar. His term will run from July 1, 2007 through July 30, 2008.

Over the years, Mr. Brennan has been involved with The Bar’s Computer Law Committee, sharing his experience with other attorneys involved in transactional and intellectual property issues involving technology-related companies. As a member of the Media & Communications Law Committee, he will participate in the mission of the committee, which is to provide members of The Florida Bar with a forum for sharing information about the law applicable to free speech and communications. The committee explores topical legal issues pertaining to all aspects of communications methods. In addition, the Media & Communications Law Committee works to promote better understanding between The Florida Bar and the news media.

Mr. Brennan concentrates his practice on corporate, investment, business and intellectual property matters.

06-13-2007

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Pepper Hamilton, L.L.P.

Godes and Preis, Business Litigators, Join Pepper Hamilton's Orange County Office
Pepper Hamilton LLP announced that it has expanded its Orange County, California, office and its commercial litigation group with the addition of James N. Godes and Joseph M. Preis. Mr. Godes and Mr. Preis focus their practices on complex commercial litigation, health care litigation, trademark and intellectual property litigation, and employment law.

“Jim and Joe’s practices are great fits for the Orange County office and for Pepper,” said Sharon R. Klein, the partner in charge of the firm’s Orange County office. “Jim has 20 years of experience in litigation matters, and he is a natural leader and excellent attorney. He and Joe bring a diverse book of business to the firm, and we’re pleased they have chosen to join us.”

Mr. Godes and Mr. Preis joined Pepper from Theodora Oringher Miller & Richman PC in Costa Mesa. Mr. Godes had been a senior attorney there since 2006, and he previously was a partner and Litigation Office Chair in the San Diego office of Foley & Lardner LLP. Mr. Preis had practiced at Theodora Oringher since 2002.

“We are just thrilled to join Pepper,” said Mr. Preis. “The firm’s Orange County office has huge growth potential, and our practice cannot help but thrive, thanks to the support and capabilities of our Pepper colleagues.”

“Joe and I look forward to helping expand the firm’s reach throughout California and the rest of the Western United States,” added Mr. Godes.

Mr. Godes, a partner, focuses his practice on business, employment and health care litigation in state and federal courts. He represents international, national and local clients of all sizes in a variety of industries, including sports, health care, retail and food service. His work also includes cases involving non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements, theft and misuse of trade secrets and other proprietary information, executive compensation arrangements and defamation. In addition, he counsels clients on employment matters and serves as outside general counsel for companies.

Mr. Godes is a frequent media commentator on sports-related legal issues for national and local media outlets, including USA Today, Sporting News Radio, Sports Business Daily, the San Diego Union-Tribune and XTRA Sports Radio. He speaks frequently and has written many articles on sports, health, long-term care, employment and litigation-related subjects for the San Diego Union-Tribune, California Law Business, the San Diego Daily Transcript and the San Diego Business Journal.

Active in the community, Mr. Godes is a member of the board of directors of the Junior Seau Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of San Diego’s children. He is an active supporter of and outside general counsel for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, which provides reconstructive plastic surgery and related services to children and young adults with physical deformities. He also is chairperson of the American Diabetes Association’s “Step Out to Fight Diabetes” walk in San Diego, to be held in October 2007. Mr. Godes has been honored by the State Bar of California for his pro bono work.

Before entering private practice, Mr. Godes was a staff investigator for and testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Health and Long-Term Care, and he has since testified before the California Legislature on issues relating to long-term care.

Mr. Godes is a graduate of the University of the Pacific (B.A. 1984) and the University of Southern California Law Center (J.D. 1987).

Mr. Preis, a senior associate, is a former Marine and entrepreneur. He concentrates his practice in complex business litigation, employment litigation, and intellectual property and Internet litigation. His commercial litigation practice includes issues involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, bad faith, shareholder derivative actions and unfair business practices. He also provides business advisory services, counseling clients on risk management. His clients include aerospace companies, advertising companies, computer software companies, food service companies, venture capital firms, and companies engaged in alternative energy production and research.

Mr. Preis served in the United States Marine Corps from 1990 until his honorable discharge in 1994. He served with the First Battalion, Ninth Marines (the “Walking Dead”) in operations in the Philippines, the Persian Gulf and Somalia. In response to the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, Mr. Preis re-enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and was mobilized from January to October 2004. He left military service in 2005.

Mr. Preis is a member of the board of directors of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum in San Diego, and he co-founded and is the current vice president of the Soldiers of the Sea Band of Brothers, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between Southern California’s business and military communities. He is a trustee of the November 10th Association in Newport Beach, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the Military Order of the Carabao in Washington, D.C. Mr. Preis is a member of the Viking Charities of Orange County, which focuses on improving the lives of the county’s children, and he has been honored by the Marine Corps for his volunteer work on behalf of the Marines.

He is a graduate of Whittier Law School (J.D. 2000).

06-13-2007

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Pepper Hamilton, L.L.P.

Barry M. Abelson Receives Lifetime Venture Award from MAC Alliance
Barry M. Abelson, a senior partner with Pepper Hamilton LLP, recently received the Blair Thompson Lifetime Venture Award from the Mid-Atlantic Capital (MAC) Alliance at its 20th annual awards luncheon in June. The award is given in recognition of “a direct, major and successful role in furthering the region’s venture interests” by promoting or strengthening the venture capital base and enhancing the venture process.

The awards luncheon took place at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing on June 7, 2007.

Mr. Abelson has long been a champion of the MAC Alliance (formerly the Greater Philadelphia Venture Group) and has been dedicated to furthering its growth and making it a dynamic and vital organization for the business community. He has served on its board of directors, and he co-chaired its 2005 Mid-Atlantic Venture Conference. He has spoken at numerous conferences in order to advance the visibility of the Philadelphia venture community, and he has served as a mentor for countless entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, in an effort to grow and strengthen the region’s VC base.

“I’m honored to receive the Blair Thompson Award,” said Mr. Abelson. “There are so many opportunities in the mid-Atlantic region and so many emerging companies in the Philadelphia area that have tremendous investment potential. I’m proud to have had a part in making this region a preeminent area for venture investments.”

Mr. Abelson is a partner in Pepper Hamilton’s corporate and securities practice group. He served as chairman of Pepper’s Executive Committee, the firm’s governing body, from 1995 until earlier this year. He concentrates his practice in securities, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity and venture capital transactions. He regularly counsels boards of directors, independent board committees and senior management of companies on governance, disclosure and transactional matters.

Active in the community, Mr. Abelson serves on the boards of the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, which provides comprehensive mental health services to Philadelphia’s neediest children and their families, and Operation Warm, which distributes coats to needy children nationally. He also is a member of the board of directors of the Institute of Law and Economics at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Mid-Atlantic Capital Alliance (www.macalliance.com) connects people, ideas and capital at all stages of company growth and investment – from venture to buyout. It serves as an advocate for promoting the mid-Atlantic region as a hub for entrepreneurship, corporate growth and investment. It is a collaboration among funds, investors, entrepreneurs and companies for the advantage and benefit of all.

06-13-2007

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Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP

Nutter sponsors Merrimack Valley's Venture Forum (MVVF) on Exit Strategies
Nutter is a sponsor of the MVVF's June 13 event "Exit Strategy: Planning Ahead for a Liquidity Event." The event will cover exit strategies from the perspective of the entrepreneur/owner, the investor and business advisors. Steve Gould, a member of the firm's Business Department and an active member of the forum, will provide introductory remarks.

06-13-2007

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