Law Firm News

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Law Firm News

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Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.

Akin Gump Receives Perfect Score On Human Rights Campaign 2008 Corporate Equality Index
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 2008 Corporate Equality Index. The firm is one of only 30 law firms and 195 companies nationwide to receive a 100 percent rating.

“We are proud to be recognized for our success in fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce,” said R. Bruce McLean, Akin Gump’s chairman. “We are very pleased that the legal community as a whole is increasing its efforts to improve workplace equality.”

The Corporate Equality Index rates employers on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees, consumers and investors. Each year, HRC invites the largest and most successful public and private companies in the United States to participate in the rating process.

The Index, which this year rated 519 businesses, measures the extent to which employers protect their GLBT employees. Ratings are based on factors such as non-discrimination policies, diversity training, and benefits for domestic partners and transgender employees. Akin Gump’s score was based on a variety of factors, including the firm’s inclusive health care and family leave benefits to employees with same-sex partners, diversity training and GLBT employee groups.

“I am proud to practice at a law firm that has been an industry leader in GLBT equality issues,” said David Carlin, co-chair of the Washington office’s diversity committee and a member of the firmwide diversity committee.

Akin Gump attorneys have long been active in GAYLAW, the D.C. bar association for GLBT attorneys. An Akin Gump partner served on GAYLAW’s board of directors, and the firm has been a long-standing sponsor of GAYLAW's programming, particularly its annual awards reception and its programs for GLBT summer associates. The firm has supported the efforts of and provided pro bono assistance to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. Akin Gump has also supported Lambda Legal. The firm is a regular participant in Lavender Law, a nationwide annual convention of GLBT law students and attorneys, and has sponsored GLBT-focused recruiting events at various law schools.

09-19-2007

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Robinson & Cole LLP

Robinson & Cole Counsel to Serve on Board of Directors for National Nonprofit Organization
Amy Span Wergeles, Counsel in the Business Section, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Boundless Playgrounds, Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to helping communities create barrier-free playgrounds where children, with and without disabilities, can develop essential skills for life as they learn together through play.

09-19-2007

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Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

Three Attorneys Join Fulbright’s International Corporate, Tax Practices
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.’s corporate practice has expanded with the addition of three attorneys, including a new partner with considerable finance experience and another partner and senior counsel who handle employee benefit and tax issues.

Partner Courtney Marcus joins from Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP while Partner Barry Cowan and Senior Counsel Randy Fickel join Fulbright’s Dallas office from Winstead PC.

“Our global corporate practice continues to grow, not only by attorney numbers, but also by the depth of services we offer our clients,” said Mike Conlon, co-head of the firm’s corporate practice. “The experience Courtney, Barry and Randy bring to the firm shows our continued commitment to offer our international corporate clients comprehensive and timely legal advice in a constantly changing business environment.”

Marcus comes to Fulbright with substantial experience representing private equity sponsors and public and private corporate borrowers. She also represents financial institutions and other investors in connection with a wide variety of debt financing transactions, including leveraged acquisition and recapitalization transactions, bridge and mezzanine financing, cash flow and asset-based lending, debtor-in-possession financing and loan restructurings and workouts.

Cowan has represented clients in a broad spectrum of employee benefit issues and has extensive experience representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation on voluntary compliance, plan reporting, plan termination, and government investigation matters. He also represents clients in complex ERISA litigation matters, including fiduciary breach issues.

Fickel has extensive experience representing both publicly-traded and privately-owned companies in the design, implementation and administration of employee benefit plans and executive compensation matters. He also has represented clients in negotiations with the Internal Revenue Service for correction of operational errors in the administration of their qualified retirement plans. Additionally, he has handled tax issues for nonprofit corporations and tax-exempt organizations from incorporation through obtaining tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.

“Courtney, Barry and Randy enhance the capabilities of our already strong international corporate team,” said Ken Stewart, partner-in-charge of the Dallas office. “We are pleased to have such impressive corporate and tax attorneys join us as we continue to expand our practice to strategically and effectively serve the needs of our expanding, global client base.”

Leveraging an acute awareness of changing market conditions, Fulbright’s corporate attorneys regularly advise private equity sponsors and other investors in connection with the formation of investment vehicles, including leveraged buy-out and venture capital funds. The firm’s lawyers are involved in the structuring and negotiation of funds’ investments and work with clients to establish clear exit strategies, whether by private sale, initial public offering, merger or acquisition. Fulbright lawyers also assist in the establishment of debt and equity financing to fund investments and general operations.

"With offices in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as 10 domestic offices, Fulbright provides an impressive platform to assist private equity and corporate clients expanding into and operating in the international markets," Marcus said. "Fulbright provides its clients access to professionals who can advise on matters ranging from accessing the debt and equity capital markets to ensuring proper corporate governance."

For more than four decades, Fulbright’s attorneys have represented multinational clients when it comes to employee benefits, executive compensation and ERISA matters. The firm’s international tax practice is known widely for its work when it comes to tax controversy resolution, from audit to appeals to competent authority relief, including litigation when an acceptable settlement is not forthcoming from taxing authorities.

“Fulbright’s corporate clients turn to the firm on a daily basis to address the challenges and tax implications associated with offering a variety of employee benefit plans,” said Cowan. “There are changing dynamics within all industries and new legislative issues that may impact a number of plans simultaneously, thus making invaluable the broad experience offered by Fulbright’s attorneys. It is an honor to be part of a team that is considered a leader in representing global corporations.”

Cowan was listed in Best Lawyers in America this year and has been named a Texas “Super Lawyer” by Texas Monthly each year since 2003. Cowan received his J.D. from South Texas College of Law and a B.A., with honors, in finance and a B.A., with honors, in management information systems from Texas Tech University.

Marcus has been recognized as a leader in Banking & Finance in Chambers USA in 2005, 2006 and 2007. She received a J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law and a B.A. in economics at Vanderbilt University.

Fickel was named a “Texas Rising Star” in Texas Monthly magazine in 2004 and 2005. He received a J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law and a B.B.A. in accounting and one in finance at Texas A&M University.

Fulbright has been named as one of the top 20 corporate law firms in the nation for six years in a row based on a survey of directors of public companies conducted by Corporate Board Member magazine.

09-19-2007

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Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

Fulbright Partner Named as Alumni Fellow by Washburn University
Michael Manning, a partner at Fulbright’s Washington, D.C. location, was recently named as an Alumni Fellow by Washburn University for having distinguished himself throughout his career. Manning, who received his J.D. from Washburn in 1969, is one of seven Washburn University graduates who will be honored as Alumni Fellows at a luncheon on Oct. 19 at the University. Sponsored by the Washburn University deans and the Alumni Association, the Alumni Fellows program recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in their career fields.

Manning joined Fulbright in 1973, becoming partner in 1976. During his career, he has represented various corporate and individual energy clients in commercial transactions and regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior and various U.S. Federal District Courts and United States Circuit Courts of Appeals. His clientele includes oil and gas companies, interstate and intrastate pipeline companies, gas gathering companies, local distribution companies, and electric utilities. In addition, Manning has represented clients before the U.S. Congress with regard to certain legislative matters.

Before joining Fulbright, Manning served as the attorney advisor to the Honorable A.B. Brook, Jr., vice chairman of the Federal Power Commission (now the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission).

09-19-2007

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Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

IP Litigator Newest Partner in Fulbright’s Minneapolis Office
New Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Intellectual Property Partner Douglas Williams brings a unique combination of experience to the firm’s global practice: He thrives in the space between technology and the law.

"Doug has the unique experience of being a registered patent lawyer who has tried many cases to verdict," said Steven B. Pfeiffer, Chair of Fulbright’s Executive Committee. "That combination will serve our patent and pharmaceutical clients well as we expand in those areas."

Williams joins Fulbright’s Minneapolis office from Merchant & Gould. He has a talent for handling patent cases and a technical background in physics and chemistry. Williams is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers – a distinction limited to one percent of the practicing bar in Minnesota and only a handful of registered patent attorneys nationwide.

"With more than three decades of cutting-edge IP trial work under his belt, Doug has a perspective and patent know-how found in few lawyers," said Ronn Kreps, the head of Fulbright’s Minneapolis office.

Williams has a record of trying patent cases involving semiconductors, software, business methods, bio tech, chemicals and other technical devices and disciplines. His patent cases have involved a wide variety of technologies in 18 U.S. jurisdictions. He also has tried cases for plaintiffs’ involving a variety of technologies from mechanical to chemical.

The global platform offered by Fulbright combined with the firm’s solid reputation in the IP arena drew Williams to make the switch from one of the largest and best-known IP boutiques in the Midwest.

"Fulbright’s approach to IP matters is unique. The firm offers clients an experienced lawyer or litigator, and also a team of highly-skilled technologists who understand the rapidly changing technological environment in which our clients are working," Williams said. "I’m excited to be working among such an impressive group of international lawyers at a firm that has an office in Minneapolis and a deep appreciation for the importance of the work going on in the region I call home."

Williams is licensed to practice law in Iowa, Texas and Minnesota, and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He received his law degree from Drake University and his B.S. from the University of Iowa.

"Doug is a distinguished trial attorney and a great addition to our intellectual property team," said Paul Krieger, who heads Fulbright’s global IP practice. "Doug’s 30 years of trial work spans a variety of technical disciplines and further deepens our IP team as we help our clients protect and achieve their intellectual property goals."

09-19-2007

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Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

Six from Fulbright Listed in Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers
Fulbright has left a big footprint in the just announced, third annual Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America guide. Six are listed as Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers, and 12 others were finalists for the honor, which involves a rigorous selection process.

The basic criteria simply to be considered for the elite group of 500 are formidable. Among the requirements are 20+ years in practice, a record of handling the biggest transactions or cases within a geographic region or practice area, a list of impressive nominations with recent examples of practice achievements, strong evaluations and a spotless record with the bar.

Once past those hurdles, nominees are vetted by Lawdragon.com among their practice peers, both locally and nationwide. Extra points are awarded for endorsements from judges and corporate counsel. The difficulty of making the list is also increased by the fact that the 500 slots cover 80 practice areas, which also include positions such as corporate counsel, judges, and law school professors and deans. It all means the very top lawyers in their particular fields compete against one another for a limited number of slots on the list.

Making the list or even being one of the finalists for it is an impressive feat. This may be why, for the first time, Lawdragon.com published the additional list of finalists. The web site emphasized “the overwhelming response we received through the nomination process, as well as the incredible quality of attorneys selected as finalists.”

09-19-2007

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Foley & Lardner

Anne E. Ross to Succeed Michael G. Laskis as Managing Partner of Foley’s Madison Office
Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that Anne E. Ross succeeds Michael G. Laskis as managing partner of the firm's Madison office. Laskis steps down after serving as office managing partner for 11 years and will continue as a member of the firm's Commercial Transactions & Business Counseling Practice.

“We are extremely grateful to Mike for his years of service and commitment to the firm as managing partner of the Madison office,” said Ralf Boer, the firm's chairman and CEO. “Anne has stood out as an exceptional leader in her business law practice at the firm for the last 25 years and has been equally influential throughout the community. We are confident she will successfully lead the firm's Madison office.”

Laskis led the office through a period of rapid growthasthe office nearly doubled in size during his tenure. He helped strengthen the office's core practice areas including estate planning, business transactions, private equity, real estate, patents and trademarks, utilities and environmental law, public affairs and commercial litigation. He encouraged both attorneys and staff to take leadership positions with charitable and community organizations such as Downtown Madison Inc., the Madison Community Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club.

“I am grateful to have helped lead such a dedicated group of people during my time as managing partner of the firm's Madison office,” said Laskis. “I am pleased to hand the reins over to Anne. I know she will do a great job.”

Ross serves as legal counsel to public and private companies in a wide range of technology and financial services industries. She has had extensive experience handling mergers and acquisitions, distribution and licensing arrangements, private debt and equity financings and strategic partnerships. She also represents venture capital, “angel,” and for-profit and nonprofit institutional investors in fund formation, portfolio investments and “exit” transactions.

“I am excited to begin my new role as managing partner of the firm's Madison office. I believe we are headed into a period of dynamic growth in the Dane County business community. All of the key elements are in place – a great engine of research and innovation driven by the faculty at the University of Wisconsin, a network of talented private equity investors with proven ability to achieve success in this market, and a growing pool of management talent,” said Ross. “Foley is uniquely positioned as a national law firm with a full service office in Madison to provide the full range of legal services required for these enterprises to grow and succeed.”

Ross has served on the boards of directors of a number of nonprofit organizations and public commissions, including the Madison YWCA, the Urban League of Greater Madison, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Accelerate Madison, the Benedictine Life Foundation and the Henry Vilas Zoo Commission. In May 2007, the Madison YWCA named Ross a “Woman of Distinction” in recognition of her community service, professional achievement, integrity, leadership and dedication to the lives of others and the quality of life for all.

Foley was recently recognized by Corporate Report Wisconsin magazine with a Best of Wisconsin Business Award, which named Foley the state's Best Law Firm for the last three years (2005–2007). In addition, In Business magazine named Foley the preferred local law firm in its 2005 Executive Consumer Choice Awards for outstanding client service.

On a national level, Foley recently was named to the BTI Power Elite list, a ranking of the top 20 law firms with the strongest market positions based upon the quality of their client relationships. In 2006, Foley was named to the BTI Client Service 30 list, which recognizes law firms named for their exceptional client service by corporate counsel at Fortune 1000 corporations, and also was selected as a 2006 BTI “Market Mover” and a BTI “Market Trailblazer.”

09-19-2007

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