Featured Stories
Ryan Shuman Joins Dorsey Finance & Restructuring Group in Southern California and Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Sept. 22 -- Dorsey and Whitney, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Ryan Shuman Joins Dorsey Finance & Restructuring Group in Southern California and Minnesota
September 21, 2026
Attorney Ryan Shuman has joined Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Southern California as Of Counsel in the Finance & Restructuring group, the international law firm announced today. Ryan joins the Firm in California while he prepares to relocate to Minneapolis.
Ryan's practice focuses on commercial finance and real estate finance, with particular emphasis on capital markets transactions,
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MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Sept. 22 -- Dorsey and Whitney, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Ryan Shuman Joins Dorsey Finance & Restructuring Group in Southern California and Minnesota
September 21, 2026
Attorney Ryan Shuman has joined Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Southern California as Of Counsel in the Finance & Restructuring group, the international law firm announced today. Ryan joins the Firm in California while he prepares to relocate to Minneapolis.
Ryan's practice focuses on commercial finance and real estate finance, with particular emphasis on capital markets transactions,loan origination, workouts, restructurings, and related corporate counseling. He represents a range of lenders including life insurance companies, banks, and specialty debt funds on loan originations, mezzanine debt financing, loan purchases and sales, post-closing modifications, and other servicing matters. Ryan advises clients on acquisition financings, mortgage and mezzanine financings, preferred equity investments, joint ventures, construction financing, bridge loans, and troubled-asset matters. He also represents non-profit organizations in connection with leasing matters.
Ryan comes to Dorsey from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. He received his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and his B.A. from the University of San Diego.
"Ryan has built a strong reputation for guiding clients through sophisticated commercial real estate finance transactions across the capital stack," said Kenneth Logsdon, Finance & Restructuring Practice Group Co-Leader. "His deep experience in high-value financing matters further enhances the capabilities of our Finance & Restructuring and Real Estate Finance teams. We are delighted to welcome him to the Firm."
"Dorsey's leading Finance & Restructuring practice and strong national presence were particularly attractive to me," said Ryan. "The Firm's platform provides significant opportunities to support my clients' objectives, and I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to help clients navigate complex business and financing challenges."
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Original text here: https://www.dorsey.com/newsresources/news/press-releases/2026/09/ryan-shuman-joins-dorsey
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Only 1 in 5 Australian Organisations Have a Detailed Understanding of AI Cyber Risks: HSF Kramer Cyber Risk Survey 2026
NEW YORK, Sept. 22 (TNSrpt) -- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Only 1 in 5 Australian organisations have a detailed understanding of AI cyber risks: HSF Kramer Cyber Risk Survey 2026
21 Sep 2026
Just 20 percent of Australian organisations have a detailed understanding of AI risks in the cyberthreat landscape, according to a survey from leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer).
In turn, the survey found that addressing AI-related cyber security risks is now one of the top three cyber investment priorities for Australian
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 22 (TNSrpt) -- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Only 1 in 5 Australian organisations have a detailed understanding of AI cyber risks: HSF Kramer Cyber Risk Survey 2026
21 Sep 2026
Just 20 percent of Australian organisations have a detailed understanding of AI risks in the cyberthreat landscape, according to a survey from leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer).
In turn, the survey found that addressing AI-related cyber security risks is now one of the top three cyber investment priorities for Australianorganisations.
Now in its fourth year, HSF Kramer's Cyber Risk Survey captures the views and experiences of legal leaders (general counsel or equivalent) regarding cyber readiness and resilience in organisations across corporate Australia. The respondents work across all sectors of the economy, including consumer services, financial services, resources, health and energy.
Cameron Whittfield, partner at HSF Kramer, said the gap between awareness of AI-driven cyber risks and proportionate readiness measures is a defining challenge.
"As AI adoption accelerates, including with the rapid advancement of frontier AI models, legal leaders are increasingly being asked to navigate a new generation of cyber threats. The challenge is no longer awareness, it is ensuring organisations have the governance, controls, and response capabilities needed to keep pace with a rapidly evolving threat environment," he said.
People remain a persistent vulnerability
As AI lowers the barrier to realistic phishing and deepfake-enabled impersonation, people-related risk - which also encompasses insider threats, key person dependencies, and cultural factors - is the third-most cited cyber concern among respondents.
Despite this level of concern, people-related risk doesn't feature in the top three investment priorities or top three pain points in cyber resilience programs identified in the HSF Kramer survey, suggesting that organisations may be underestimating the action required to address what remains a significant exposure point.
With social engineering attacks an increasingly significant cyber challenge, Whittfield said the need for people to be cyber literate and aware has never been as acute.
"As AI lowers the barrier to realistic phishing and deepfake-enabled impersonation, the human element is becoming more, not less, critical to organisational resilience," Whittfield said.
"Organisations that treat people risk as a standing investment priority, including through effective training, and understand that the drivers of this risk are distributed across the organisation, will be materially better positioned to withstand the threats that are already at their door. The most mature organisations will also factor the human element into their Board cyber risk reporting."
Board cyber maturity on the rise, but practical preparedness still lagging
Almost 70% of respondents rated their Board's cyber maturity as 'high' or 'very high', up from 55% in 2025, while 90% of respondents believe their Board has a clear understanding of cyber risk, up from 68% the previous year.
According to the report, HSF Kramer has observed a number of Boards reflecting on their approach to cyber governance in the wake of the Star Decision, interrogating whether their existing frameworks meet evolving expectations of director oversight.
While this has driven a renewed focus on the nature and quality of Board reporting on cyber, practical preparedness continues to lag: just 50% of respondent boards participated in a cyber simulation over the last 12 months.
Carolyn Pugsley, partner at HSF Kramer, said translating cyber awareness into tested readiness remains a key opportunity for organisations.
"Equally, as the complexity and velocity of cyber incidents increase, there is a growing need for structured decision-making frameworks at a Board level to enable directors to make informed, timely decisions during a crisis rather than relying on ad hoc processes under pressure."
'Fourth-party' risk a growing challenge
Supply chain risk was again the number-one cited concern by respondents, and for good reason: 62% of respondents reported their organisation had been impacted by a third-party cyber incident in the past 12 months.
However, respondents are facing several challenges as they look to manage this risk. 70 percent of respondents identified 'fourth-party' risk, or lack of visibility into their suppliers' own supply chains, as their top challenge in managing third-party risk, while 62% also identified lack of transparency and over-reliance on supplier questionnaires.
Almost 40% of respondents stated they had challenges securing appropriate contractual rights, 30% noted resourcing constraints limiting use of existing contractual rights, and 26% reported difficulty transitioning away from suppliers.
"These challenges reinforce a structural problem: organisations remain heavily dependent on counterparties whose cooperation cannot be guaranteed in a crisis, and whose own supply chains remain largely opaque," Whittfield said.
"Until that information asymmetry is addressed, third-party risk will remain as much a governance challenge as a technical one."
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REPORT: https://www.hsfkramer.com/dam/jcr:452961b9-1c55-45da-b2ff-62ce301f48b2/HSF%20Kramer%20Cyber%20Risk%20Survey%20Report%202026.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.hsfkramer.com/news/2026-09/one-in-five-australian-organisations-ai-cyber-risks-hsf-kramer-cyber-risk-survey-2026
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
McGuireWoods' John Woolard Named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly's 2026 Up & Coming Lawyers
RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 22 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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McGuireWoods' John Woolard Named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly's 2026 Up & Coming Lawyers
September 21, 2026
Virginia Lawyers Weekly selected McGuireWoods associate John Woolard for its 2026 Up & Coming Lawyers list, which honors attorneys within their first 10 years of practice whose significant accomplishments establish them as future leaders. The winners will be honored at a reception on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at Independence Golf Club in Richmond.
A member of the firm's Commercial Litigation
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 22 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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McGuireWoods' John Woolard Named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly's 2026 Up & Coming Lawyers
September 21, 2026
Virginia Lawyers Weekly selected McGuireWoods associate John Woolard for its 2026 Up & Coming Lawyers list, which honors attorneys within their first 10 years of practice whose significant accomplishments establish them as future leaders. The winners will be honored at a reception on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at Independence Golf Club in Richmond.
A member of the firm's Commercial LitigationDepartment, Woolard represents corporations, trustees, and financial institutions in shareholder litigation, fiduciary disputes, contract cases, and appellate matters.
He has experience at every level of the Virginia and federal court systems.
Woolard is actively involved in leadership with the Virginia Bar Association, where he serves on the executive board for the VBA's Young Lawyers Division and on the Appellate Practice Section council. He frequently publishes thought leadership and speaks on topics including fiduciary litigation and appellate practice.
"I am honored to be recognized by Virginia Lawyers Weekly alongside talented attorneys across Virginia," Woolard said. "I am grateful for the mentorship and support of McGuireWoods colleagues who challenge me to grow as an advocate every day."
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Original text here: https://www.mcguirewoods.com/news/press-releases/2026/9/mcguirewoods-john-woolard-named-to-virginia-lawyers-weeklys-2026-up-coming-lawyers/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Mayer Brown Strengthens Public Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs Practice With Andrew Hartlage in Washington DC
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 22 -- Mayer Brown, a law firm, issued the following news:
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21 September 2026
Mayer Brown strengthens Public Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs practice with Andrew Hartlage in Washington DC
WASHINGTON DC - Mayer Brown announced today that Andrew Hartlage has joined the firm as a partner in its Public Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs practice in Washington DC. Prior to joining Mayer Brown, Andrew served as senior special counsel in the Legal Division of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and most recently was detailed to the staff of
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 22 -- Mayer Brown, a law firm, issued the following news:
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21 September 2026
Mayer Brown strengthens Public Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs practice with Andrew Hartlage in Washington DC
WASHINGTON DC - Mayer Brown announced today that Andrew Hartlage has joined the firm as a partner in its Public Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs practice in Washington DC. Prior to joining Mayer Brown, Andrew served as senior special counsel in the Legal Division of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and most recently was detailed to the staff ofthe House Financial Services Committee.
"Andrew will further expand our historically-strong capabilities to advise financial services firms on their most important Washington-related matters," said Howard Waltzman, co-leader of the firm's Public Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs practice. "He has built a remarkable record of experience addressing the full spectrum of regulatory issues facing banking organizations as well as advising public policymakers at the highest levels of government."
Andrew brings more than 13 years of experience in financial services policy. He was the Federal Reserve's primary expert on a wide range of banking regulatory and supervisory matters and regularly advised Federal Reserve governors and senior staff on complex policy issues including capital regulation, activities permissibility, mergers and acquisitions, resolution planning, and insurance supervision. During his tenure at the Federal Reserve, he also built relationships with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the US Department of Treasury. Most recently, he served on detail to the staff of the House Financial Services Committee, where he advised members of Congress and staff on important financial services legislation and hearings.
"I am excited to join Mayer Brown's leading financial services platform and collaborate with others across the firm's market-leading Public Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs and Financial Services practices," said Andrew. "The firm has an outstanding reputation for helping clients address their most important policy considerations, and I look forward to supporting clients as they respond to an evolving financial services landscape."
"Andrew's technical banking law expertise combined with his first-hand experience in public policy makes him uniquely capable to advise financial services clients on complex regulatory and legislative matters," said Andrew Olmem, managing partner of Mayer Brown's Washington DC office. "His experience from the Federal Reserve and Capitol Hill will be a tremendous asset to our clients. We are delighted to welcome him to the firm."
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Original text here: https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/news/2026/09/mayer-brown-strengthens-public-policy-regulatory-and-government-affairs-practice-with-andrew-hartlage-in-washington-dc
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Leading Insurance Recovery Litigator Joins Latham's Washington, D.C. Office
NEW YORK, Sept. 22 -- Latham and Watkins, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Leading Insurance Recovery Litigator Joins Latham's Washington, D.C. Office
September 21, 2026
Greg Van Houten brings significant policyholder-side insurance recovery experience to the firm's top-tier Complex Commercial Litigation Practice.
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Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Greg Van Houten has joined the Washington, D.C. office as a partner in the Complex Commercial Litigation Practice. Van Houten represents corporate policyholders in complex, high-stakes insurance coverage disputes,
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 22 -- Latham and Watkins, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Leading Insurance Recovery Litigator Joins Latham's Washington, D.C. Office
September 21, 2026
Greg Van Houten brings significant policyholder-side insurance recovery experience to the firm's top-tier Complex Commercial Litigation Practice.
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Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Greg Van Houten has joined the Washington, D.C. office as a partner in the Complex Commercial Litigation Practice. Van Houten represents corporate policyholders in complex, high-stakes insurance coverage disputes,restructurings that involve insurance, and insurance policy negotiations. He also provides insurance-related advice and counsel to clients on transactional matters, including M&A transactions and liability divestitures.
"We are thrilled to welcome Greg to the firm," said Mandy Reeves, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in Washington, D.C. "Greg is widely recognized for advising Fortune 500 policyholders on their most significant insurance recovery matters. His arrival adds further depth to our market-leading platform and reinforces our ability to help clients navigate complex litigation and high-stakes business challenges."
Van Houten's practice spans insurance recovery matters involving directors and officers, errors and omissions, builders' risk, pollution liability, commercial general liability, representations and warranties, cyber, and Bermuda form policies. He also advises clients on insurance program strategy, including optimizing policy wording during renewals, navigating complex insurance issues in M&A transactions, and structuring liability divestitures.
"Greg has a proven track record of securing full policy limits and maximizing recoveries for policyholders," said John Wilson, Chair of Latham's Insurance Counseling & Recovery Practice. "He directly addresses growing client demand for sophisticated insurance-related counsel, further strengthening our market-leading platform for clients facing their most complex coverage challenges."
Steve Feldman, Global Chair of Latham's Complex Commercial Litigation Practice, added, "Greg's practice aligns seamlessly with a strategic growth priority for our group. His deep experience litigating high-stakes coverage disputes, combined with his ability to advise clients on insurance matters in transactional and restructuring contexts, makes him an ideal complement to our commercial litigation capabilities. We are excited to have him on our team."
"The firm's depth across litigation, transactional, and restructuring practices creates significant opportunities to serve clients holistically," said Van Houten. "Latham's insurance practice has shaped the law for decades while helping policyholders protect against business risk. I am eager to be part of that effort and help clients leverage their insurance assets at every stage."
Van Houten joins Latham from Haynes Boone. He received his JD, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center and his BA, cum laude, from the University of Rochester.
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Original text here: https://www.lw.com/en/news/2026/09/leading-insurance-recovery-litigator-joins-latham-dc-office
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Hughes Hubbard: Jeremy Paner Discusses Sanctions Risks for Companies Providing Services to IRGC-Linked Entities With Fox News
NEW YORK, Sept. 22 -- Hughes Hubbard and Reed, a law firm, issued the following news:
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September 21, 2026
Jeremy Paner Discusses Sanctions Risks for Companies Providing Services to IRGC-Linked Entities with Fox News
Analyzes a Chinese tech company's risk exposure arising from apparent services to the Persian Gulf Straits Authority.
Highlights
* A Chinese certificate authority's issuance of digital security credentials to Iran's sanctioned Persian Gulf Straits Authority raises U.S. sanctions concerns.
* Even routine or automated services provided to sanctioned Iranian entities creates
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 22 -- Hughes Hubbard and Reed, a law firm, issued the following news:
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September 21, 2026
Jeremy Paner Discusses Sanctions Risks for Companies Providing Services to IRGC-Linked Entities with Fox News
Analyzes a Chinese tech company's risk exposure arising from apparent services to the Persian Gulf Straits Authority.
Highlights
* A Chinese certificate authority's issuance of digital security credentials to Iran's sanctioned Persian Gulf Straits Authority raises U.S. sanctions concerns.
* Even routine or automated services provided to sanctioned Iranian entities createssanctions risk exposure for non-Iranian companies.
* Ongoing remediation and enhancements to sanctions compliance programs remain critical when identifying potential exposure to IRGC-linked entities.
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Jeremy Paner spoke with Fox News about the U.S. sanctions risk exposure for companies providing services involving Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Discussing the scope of U.S. sanctions designation authorities, Paner emphasized that even routine, automated services can expose non-Iranian companies to sanctions risk.
"The U.S. has incredibly broad authority to impose sanctions on non-Iranian companies that provide any sorts of services to sanctioned Iranian companies," Paner said. "Many times, that authority will be abbreviated or explained as being providers of material support to sanctioned Iranian companies. But in fact, any level of services whatsoever could be the basis for the United States imposing sanctions against the company for providing services to Iran."
Paner also explained why the issuance of digital security credentials to a sanctioned Iranian entity could create sanctions exposure, regardless of whether the service was provided through an automated process.
"Restoration of the certificate is unequivocally sanctionable," he said. "Restoring the certificate is/was a service provided to the PGSA, which can be the basis for imposing sanctions pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended. That authority does not in any way require that the service be 'knowingly' provided to the PGSA [Persian Gulf Straits Authority]."
Paner highlighted the discovery of the potentially sanctionable services as a chance for the company to remediate its Iran exposure and compliance protocols.
"OFAC would expect TrustAsia to use the discovery as an opportunity to enhance its compliance program before it is too late," he said. "Iran's attempt to extort the world in the movement of oil through the Strait of Hormuz is of the utmost importance to OFAC, which is the agency that implements and enforces U.S. economic sanctions."
Paner also addressed the broader risks associated with doing business with IRGC-linked entities.
"There's always reputational risk involved in any company that decides to do business with the IRGC," Paner said. "If I were advising TrustAsia, I would at minimum immediately identify all other IRGC companies receiving services."
Read the article (https://www.foxnews.com/world/china-firm-gave-iran-lifeline-collect-hormuz-tolls-before-pulling-plug-amid-us-warning).
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Featured Lawyers
Jeremy P. Paner
Partner
Locations
Washington, D.C.
jeremy.paner@hugheshubbard.com
202/721-4614
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Original text here: https://www.hugheshubbard.com/news-insights/insights/jeremy-paner-discusses-sanctions-risks-for-companies-providing-services-to-irgc-linked-entities-with-fox-news
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Edward Downer, Leading London Restructuring Adviser, Joins Ropes & Gray as European Restructuring Demand Surges
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 22 -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Edward Downer, Leading London Restructuring Adviser, Joins Ropes & Gray as European Restructuring Demand Surges
September 22, 2026
Ropes & Gray announced today that Edward Downer, a highly regarded restructuring lawyer, has joined the firm as a partner in London. Edward is best known for his work advising clients through complex cross-border matters.
"Our clients need us to move seamlessly across borders, and we have been building the global capabilities to do exactly that -- Edward is the latest
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 22 -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Edward Downer, Leading London Restructuring Adviser, Joins Ropes & Gray as European Restructuring Demand Surges
September 22, 2026
Ropes & Gray announced today that Edward Downer, a highly regarded restructuring lawyer, has joined the firm as a partner in London. Edward is best known for his work advising clients through complex cross-border matters.
"Our clients need us to move seamlessly across borders, and we have been building the global capabilities to do exactly that -- Edward is the latestexample of the exceptional talent joining us in Europe. His addition deepens our ability to deliver a truly integrated transatlantic restructuring capability for our clients," said Julie Jones, Chair of Ropes & Gray."
The hire comes amid accelerating European corporate restructuring activity, as tightening credit conditions and a growing volume of cross-border liability management exercises increase demand for advisers who can operate seamlessly across jurisdictions.
"Edward has a rare ability to see the whole board in a restructuring - the cross-border angles, the commercial endgame - and to move decisively for clients. His addition is a statement of our ambitions for the practice in London and across Europe," said Rachel Strickland, global chair of Ropes & Gray's business restructuring practice.
"Ropes & Gray's U.S. restructuring strength and London finance platform create the kind of integrated offering our clients need, and that few firms can match. I'm looking forward to helping the team build something truly distinctive here," added Edward Downer.
Edward principally advises clients across complex cross-border restructurings, liability management transactions, and insolvency proceedings.
Clients have described Edward as "a great commercial strategist when it comes to insolvency and restructuring matters." He is recognised by Chambers UK 2026 as "Up and Coming" in Restructuring/Insolvency and by The Legal 500 UK 2026 as a Next Generation Partner in Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency.
Edward joins Ropes & Gray from another international law firm, where he served as a partner in its restructuring and insolvency practice.
His hire is the latest in a series of senior additions to Ropes & Gray's European platform in 2026, reflecting the firm's continued investment across London, Milan, and Paris.
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Original text here: https://www.ropesgray.com/en/news-and-events/news/2026/09/edward-downer-joins-ropes-gray-as-european-restructuring-demand-surges
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
