Law/Legal
Law/Legal
Here's a look at documents from law firms and legal groups
Featured Stories
McGlinchey Announces Firm Wind-Down
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Jan. 7 -- McGlinchey Stafford, a law firm, issued the following news release on Jan. 6, 2025:* * *
McGlinchey Announces Firm Wind-Down
On Monday, January 5, 2026, after assessing several strategic alternatives, McGlinchey's equity members voted to begin an orderly wind-down of operations.
This decision was based on a combination of market factors and internal circumstances. Outside consultants and counsel have been retained to guide the firm through all wind-down activities, including transitioning client service and supporting employees.
"As we begin McGlinchey's ... Show Full Article NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Jan. 7 -- McGlinchey Stafford, a law firm, issued the following news release on Jan. 6, 2025: * * * McGlinchey Announces Firm Wind-Down On Monday, January 5, 2026, after assessing several strategic alternatives, McGlinchey's equity members voted to begin an orderly wind-down of operations. This decision was based on a combination of market factors and internal circumstances. Outside consultants and counsel have been retained to guide the firm through all wind-down activities, including transitioning client service and supporting employees. "As we begin McGlinchey's52nd year of operation, my colleagues and I are saddened to announce its final chapter," said Michael Ferachi, Managing Member. "McGlinchey's attorneys and legal professionals have focused for 51 years on solving our clients' legal problems, and that will remain our focus as we wind down our business. We are committed to comporting ourselves with dignity and grace during this process. I am immensely proud of the culture we have built, the excellent service we have offered, and the team that we have assembled. I truly believe no one does it better."
In recent years, McGlinchey has earned numerous accolades across its 18 offices. The firm achieved Midsize Mansfield Certification three times; its two Louisiana offices were repeatedly named among the "Best Places to Work"; and the firm earned numerous national recognitions for its inclusive workplace culture supporting underrepresented populations in the legal industry. In 2023, more than 50 new attorneys began practicing with the firm. In October 2025, 60% of McGlinchey's Policy Committee and 93% of its Office Managing Members were Gen X and Millennial leaders. The firm also reconfigured its governance structure and compensation system, developing pipelines to leadership and instilling transparency into its processes.
"For the past five years, we have been guided by our principles of Culture; Change; Empowerment; Growth; and Gratitude," Michael said. "These principles will continue to guide our decisions as we go forward. We are especially grateful to the clients who have entrusted us to manage their affairs and to the employees who have dedicated their energy to our efforts.
There was no single triggering event or one definitive action that brought us to this point. This is not because of any specific attorney's departure, or any individual financial decision or leadership action that led us to this point. This is the result of a combination of market factors, such as lagging collections, compounded with various internal factors over several years."
A number of McGlinchey attorneys have recently announced plans to join other firms. The firm wishes them well in their continued practice.
"Our team comprises exceptional legal minds and some of the most skilled legal talent in the market, and while we are sad to bid them farewell, we know they will all thrive wherever they choose to land. McGlinchey will continue to provide seamless, cohesive service and client transition support throughout this process. Leadership is committed to working together, under the guidance of our consultants and counsel, to ensure that our people have a smooth transition and that all matters are handled with care."
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Original text here: https://www.mcglinchey.com/insights/mcglinchey-announces-firm-wind-down/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Issues Commentary: DOL Opinion Letter Offers Reminders on Exempt Classification Decisions
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 6, 2026:* * *
DOL Opinion Letter Offers Reminders on Exempt Classification Decisions
By Justin D. Brown and Yuri Choy
On January 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued Opinion Letter FLSA2026 1, addressing whether an employer may classify an employee as non exempt even when the employee satisfies the educational and job duties requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) learned professional exemption.
The opinion letter arose from a request involving a Licensed Clinical ... Show Full Article SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 6, 2026: * * * DOL Opinion Letter Offers Reminders on Exempt Classification Decisions By Justin D. Brown and Yuri Choy On January 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued Opinion Letter FLSA2026 1, addressing whether an employer may classify an employee as non exempt even when the employee satisfies the educational and job duties requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) learned professional exemption. The opinion letter arose from a request involving a Licensed ClinicalSocial Worker (LCSW) employed by a healthcare organization. The employee performed core job duties that included clinical assessments and psychosocial evaluations; treatment planning and documentation; participation in interdisciplinary care teams; crisis intervention and discharge planning; and consistent application of professional discretion and clinical judgment. The employee had been classified as exempt since obtaining her professional license, but following an internal restructuring that eliminated supervisory responsibilities, they were reclassified as non-exempt. The employee sought clarification as to whether the position continued to meet the criteria for the FLSA's learned professional exemption and, if so, whether the employer could nevertheless pay them on an hourly basis and classify them as non exempt.
Relevant Legal Authority
The FLSA generally requires covered employers to pay employees at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked, as well as overtime compensation at a rate of no less than one and one half times the employee's regular rate of pay for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek. See 29 U.S.C. Sec.Sec. 206(a), 207(a).
Section 13(a) of the FLSA provides exemptions from the statute's minimum wage and overtime requirements for certain employees, including those employed in a bona fide administrative, executive, professional capacity under Section 13(a)(1), as well as a computer professional under Section 13(a)(17). These exemptions are commonly referred to as the "white collar" exemptions. The regulations defining and delineating these exemptions, including both compensation and duties, are set forth in 29 C.F.R. Part 541.
Of particular relevance to the DOL's analysis for this opinion letter was the learned professional exemption, which requires that the employee's primary duty consist of "work requiring advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning" which is "customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction." 29 C.F.R. Sec. 541.301(a). This exemption differs from the executive exemption, which requires the employee customarily and regularly direct the work of two or more other employees, 29 C.F.R. Sec. 541.100(a)(3), and the administrative exemption, which requires the performance of office or non-manual work directly related to the management or general business operations of the employer or the employer's customers, 29 C.F.R. Sec. 541.200(a)(2).
Analysis of Exemption and Default Nature of Non-Exempt Classification
The DOL was unable to conclusively answer the first part of the employee's inquiry--whether her position met the learned professional exemption. To qualify, the employee was required to satisfy the exemption's work requiring advanced knowledge, primary duties, and compensation requirements. Based on the licensing requirements applicable in the employee's state, which mandated that LCSWs hold at least a master's degree, the DOL assumed that the advanced knowledge and academic requirements were met. The DOL further concluded that, based on the description of the employee's core job duties, the primary duty was consistent with learned professional work. However, because the employee did not provide sufficient information regarding their compensation, the DOL was unable to determine whether the salary threshold was satisfied. As a result, the DOL could not make a definitive determination as to whether the position qualified for the learned professional exemption.
The DOL did, however, directly answer the second part of the inquiry. It concluded that even if the employee satisfied all criteria for the learned professional exemption, the employer could nevertheless lawfully classify them as non-exempt and pay them on an hourly basis. The DOL explained that the FLSA prohibits the misclassification of a non-exempt employee as exempt, but it does not prohibit employers from treating otherwise exempt employees as non-exempt. Stated differently, non-exempt classification is the default classification and employers may elect not to apply an exemption as a matter of lawful business judgment. Accordingly, even where all exemption criteria are met, the burden remains on the employer to assert and defend the exemption, and the employer may choose not to do so.
Employer Takeaways
This opinion letter was a clear reminder of three points when analyzing exemption classifications: (1) employers must look to the salary basis, salary threshold, and primary duty tests to confirm proper exempt classification, (2) it is the employer's burden to prove an exemption, and (3) employers are always free to default to a non-exempt classification for any employee.
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Authors
Justin D. Brown
Shareholder
San Jose
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Yuri Choy
Associate
San Jose
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/dol-opinion-letter-offers-reminders-exempt-classification-decisions
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Issues Commentary: DOL Opinion Letter Confirms Bonuses Under Predetermined Pay Plans Must Be Included in Regular Rate
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 6, 2026:* * *
DOL Opinion Letter Confirms Bonuses Under Predetermined Pay Plans Must Be Included in Regular Rate
On January 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division issued Opinion Letter FLSA2026-2, addressing whether certain "Safety, Job Duties, and Performance" bonuses may be excluded from an employee's regular rate of pay when calculating an employee's overtime premium under Section 7(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The short answer: they cannot, at least under ... Show Full Article SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 6, 2026: * * * DOL Opinion Letter Confirms Bonuses Under Predetermined Pay Plans Must Be Included in Regular Rate On January 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division issued Opinion Letter FLSA2026-2, addressing whether certain "Safety, Job Duties, and Performance" bonuses may be excluded from an employee's regular rate of pay when calculating an employee's overtime premium under Section 7(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The short answer: they cannot, at least underthe circumstances analyzed in the opinion letter.
The opinion letter involves a pay plan for waste-management drivers that included a base hourly rate plus incentive bonuses tied to safety, job performance, and completion of duties. These bonuses were formula-driven and could add up to $9.50 per hour when specific criteria were met. Once those criteria were satisfied, the amount of the bonus was quantifiable under the plan and automatically earned by the employee.
The DOL confirms in this opinion letter that Section 7(e)(3) of the FLSA allows exclusion only of truly discretionary bonuses--those determined at the employer's sole discretion, at or near the end of the measurement period, and not promised in advance. Here, the employer previously set the terms and formula for earning the bonus, creating a predetermined plan that employees could reasonably expect. According to the DOL, this structure means the employer "abandoned" its discretion over both the fact and the amount of payment.
As the FLSA's regulations explain, "If the employer promises in advance to pay a bonus, he has abandoned his discretion with regard to it." 29 C.F.R. Sec. 778.211(b). Even if there is some judgment involved in applying the criteria--such as deciding whether a vehicle was returned in "clean" condition--that does not render the bonus discretionary. Eligibility and amount are based on terms set before the work was performed, not the employer's sole discretion.
The opinion letter also provides an example of how to calculate overtime to include these types of bonuses. If an employee works 50 hours in a week at a base rate of $12 per hour and earns $9.50 per hour in bonuses for all hours worked, the total straight-time compensation is $1,075 (($12 per hour x 50 hours) + ($9.50 bonus per hour x 50 hours)). The regular rate is then $21.50 per hour ($1,075 / 50 hours). The overtime premium is one-half of that regular rate--$10.75--for each of the 10 overtime hours, adding $107.50 in additional pay (10 hours x $10.75) for that workweek. This example underscores the importance of properly including non-discretionary bonuses in the regular rate to avoid underpayment.
In short, this opinion letter reinforces a longstanding principle: if a bonus is promised in advance and triggered by conditions set by the employer, it must be included in the regular rate for overtime purposes. Employers should review their bonus programs to ensure compliance, particularly where bonuses are tied to safety, job duties, or similar metrics.
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Authors
Nicole S. LeFave
Shareholder
Austin
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Brian Rho
Associate
Seattle
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/dol-opinion-letter-confirms-bonuses-under-predetermined-pay-plans-must-be
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Kilpatrick Welcomed Six Attorneys to Our Winston-Salem Office in 2025
ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 7 -- Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton, a law firm, issued the following news release:* * *
Kilpatrick Welcomed Six Attorneys to Our Winston-Salem Office in 2025
WINSTON-SALEM (January 6) - Kilpatrick welcomed six attorneys who joined the Firm's Winston-Salem office in 2025.
Click below to learn more about these outstanding attorneys:
Nicholas Acevedo joins as associate. He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation matters, including representing plaintiffs and defendants, in high-stakes business disputes.
Tamara Allen is a registered patent attorney. She ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 7 -- Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton, a law firm, issued the following news release: * * * Kilpatrick Welcomed Six Attorneys to Our Winston-Salem Office in 2025 WINSTON-SALEM (January 6) - Kilpatrick welcomed six attorneys who joined the Firm's Winston-Salem office in 2025. Click below to learn more about these outstanding attorneys: Nicholas Acevedo joins as associate. He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation matters, including representing plaintiffs and defendants, in high-stakes business disputes. Tamara Allen is a registered patent attorney. Shefocuses her practice on patent prosecution and counseling in the fields of chemistry and life sciences.
Elisabeth Briand joins as associate and focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation matters. She has experience representing sophisticated financial institutions in complex litigation.
Vincent Cahill joins as associate and focuses his practice on investment management. He has experience in restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust litigation while maintaining an active pro bono practice.
Peyton Mitchell joins as associate. She focuses her practice on environmental and product regulation matters.
James Traester joins as associate. He focuses his practice on investment management.
About Kilpatrick
Kilpatrick is trusted counsel to the world's most innovative companies. To serve our ground-breaking clients, we strive to be at the forefront of client service and on the cutting edge of law and technology. With recognized strength in the technology sector and a full range of service offerings, we deliver practical, business-centric solutions built upon strong and enduring connections.
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Original text here: https://ktslaw.com/en/insights/news/news%20release/2026/1/kilpatrick%20welcomed%20six%20attorneys%20to%20our%20winstonsalem%20office%20in%202025
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
K&L Gates Names More Than 25 New Partners Across Firm
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7 -- K&L Gates, a law firm, issued the following news release:* * *
K&L Gates Names More Than 25 New Partners Across Firm
The partners of global law firm K&L Gates LLP have voted to elect the following individuals from across the firm's global platform as new partners with the firm, effective January 1. The group comprises 26 individuals from all nine of the firm's practice areas and represents 17 offices, including Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Newark, Paris, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, ... Show Full Article PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7 -- K&L Gates, a law firm, issued the following news release: * * * K&L Gates Names More Than 25 New Partners Across Firm The partners of global law firm K&L Gates LLP have voted to elect the following individuals from across the firm's global platform as new partners with the firm, effective January 1. The group comprises 26 individuals from all nine of the firm's practice areas and represents 17 offices, including Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Newark, Paris, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh, Research Triangle Park,Seattle, Singapore, Sydney, and Washington, DC.
K&L Gates Global Managing Partner Stacy Ackermann stated: "We are proud to welcome such an accomplished group to our partnership. Their skill, integrity, and unwavering commitment to client service strengthen our global platform and the collaborative culture that defines K&L Gates. We congratulate each of them and look forward to the positive impact they will make for our clients and communities in the years ahead."
The lawyers joining the firm's partnership are:
Lauren Ammons (Nashville) represents clients in public and private securities offerings, including initial public offerings, follow-on offerings, high-yield and investment grade debt offerings, and de-SPAC transactions. She regularly counsels public companies regarding Exchange Act reporting and disclosure, proxy solicitation, shareholder activism, stock exchange rules, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, Section 16 reporting, and corporate governance.
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Samantha Beatty (Pittsburgh) advises on ERISA and tax compliance issues with regard to the design, drafting, and administration of tax-qualified and non-qualified employee benefits plans. She also focuses on public company executive compensation governance and disclosure issues (principally in connection with proxy statements), pension de-risking transactions, and benefits matters in mergers and acquisitions.
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Christopher Bozydaj (New York) focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and financings, and general corporate governance matters. He has represented clients in a broad range of industries, including life sciences, digital advertising, industrial goods, electronic chemicals, and renewable energy.
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Brian Bozzo (Pittsburgh) counsels clients on preserving and enforcing intellectual property rights for emerging technologies, including cryptocurrencies, the internet-of-things, quantum computing, and the emerging commercial space industry, and is intimately familiar with the flowdown of intellectual property rights earned under government contracts.
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Karla Cure (Washington, DC) focuses her practice on US customs laws, trade remedies, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), export controls, economic sanctions, and related areas of national security and international trade laws.
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Kaitlyn DeYoung (Kansas City) advises developers, sponsors, and financing parties throughout the full lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects, including site control, permitting, financing, construction, operation, and the purchase and/or sale of both development and operating projects. Her experience spans a broad spectrum of energy technologies, including renewable energy, conventional power, and emerging technologies.
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Neil Eddington (Los Angeles) handles a broad range of employment-related cases. He is most often called upon to leverage his experience litigating and advising on wage and hour issues. He oversees single plaintiff and collective actions (class action and PAGA claims) alleging wage and hour violations, including regular rate of pay, overtime and meal and rest break issues, to name a few.
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Jonathan Edel (Charlotte) focuses his practice on restructuring and insolvency matters, including bankruptcies (whether under Chapter 7, 11, or 15), assignments for the benefit of creditors, distressed sales and acquisitions, and other out-of-court arrangements. His clients span the spectrum of interested parties in restructuring cases, including debtors and creditors, affiliates of and investors in debtors and potential debtors, and defendants in related litigation.
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Cecilia Ehresman (Charleston) represents employers of all sizes across numerous industries in complex employment and trade secret misappropriation litigation, wage and hour class and collective actions, high-stakes governmental investigations, and with employment diligence in corporate transactions. Her experience spans federal and state courts and regulatory agencies across the nation, and she routinely handles employment-related matters and issues outside of the United States.
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Harsharan Gill (Sydney) is a banking and finance lawyer who regularly advises global financial institutions, private debt funds, investors, sponsors, and borrowers on a range of finance transactions, whether in the domestic or cross-border market. With significant experience in syndications, private credit and restructures, Harsharan advises clients across a variety of industries on corporate and acquisition finance, funds finance, resource and renewable financing, real estate finance and derivatives.
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Thibaut Gribelin (Paris) assists policyholders under a broad range of insurance policies such as fraud, cyber risks, product recall and liability, property damage, business interruption, and professional liability. More recently, he has started acting on behalf of crypto-assets holders claiming coverage against insurers covering blockchain-related risks.
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Adam Husik (Newark) has a proven track record in successfully managing, litigating, and resolving complex cases and large dockets, including multi-district and other consolidated litigation. He is particularly well-versed in the e-discovery space, leveraging his technical experience to optimize the discovery process and skillfully gather critical evidence.
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Nicholas Kitko (Charlotte) focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, joint ventures and general corporate matters. He regularly represents both strategic and financial buyers and sellers of businesses, debt and growth equity investors, and other participants in a variety of transactions across a number of industries, including business services, manufacturing and distribution, environmental services, telecommunications, healthcare, life sciences, technology and media.
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Geoffrey Locher (Pittsburgh) focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financing, asset and corporate finance, and general corporate governance. He represents clients in multiple industries of varying sizes, ranging from start-ups to large public companies.
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McNair Nichols (Research Triangle Park) serves as counsel for broker-dealers, investment advisers, registered investment companies, cryptocurrency exchanges and issuers, banks, publicly-traded companies, hospitals, and other entities and individuals in connection with investigations and enforcement inquiries from the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Department of Justice, US Attorneys' Offices, and a wide range of state regulatory authorities.
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Lucas Nicolet-Serra (Singapore) advises clients across the life sciences, digital health, and fintech sectors. His practice focuses on complex cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and technology-driven innovation, with a particular emphasis on AI, data privacy, digital assets, and medical technology. He is qualified in France and England & Wales. He is also registered to practice in Singapore on corporate and commercial matters only.
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Christopher Phillips-Hart (Boston) focuses on advising both established and emerging sponsors of private funds with respect to legal and regulatory issues associated with private fund formation and ongoing operational matters related to private funds. He has advised both institutional and boutique sponsors on fundraises in the United States, Europe, and globally.
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Jessica Pingleton (Portland) advises clients on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, from early-stage growth investments to large multi-party acquisitions. Representing buyers, sellers, and investors across diverse industries, she advises companies on all aspects of the merger and acquisition lifecycle, helping clients navigate complex legal and commercial issues while staying focused on business objectives. She also regularly advises corporate clients on commercial contracting and licensing, contract management, regulatory compliance, commercial leasing, and commercial real estate purchase and sale transactions.
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Wesley Prichard (Pittsburgh) has diversified experience across all phases of litigation and includes the areas of industrial incidents, emerging chemicals such as ethylene oxide, deal litigation, mass torts, environmental claims, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, closely held businesses, and construction disputes.
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Jarel Rosser (New York) focuses his practice on commercial real estate finance and loan servicing. He regularly represents national, international, and regional lenders and servicers in connection with various structured finance transactions, including CMBS and balance sheet mortgage loans, private bank lending, mezzanine debt, and other credit facilities secured by all commercial asset classes.
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Christian Scarlett (Seattle) represents clients on a range of commercial real estate transactions including financings, acquisitions, joint ventures, and development projects across diverse asset classes such as hospitality, office, multifamily, retail, industrial, data centers, and agribusiness. He has extensive experience on both the lending side, handling loan originations, intercreditor and co-lending structures, and secondary market transactions, and the ownership side, particularly representing hospitality owners, operators, and investors in negotiating their acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and management agreements.
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Jenny Sneed (Raleigh) advises both public and private companies on transactional and corporate governance matters, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, securities and general corporate law matters.
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Elle Stuart (Washington, DC) advises clients on statutes and regulations related to the US maritime sector, including cabotage laws, US Customs and Border Protection rulemakings, and Federal Maritime Commission regulations. She also advocates before the US Congress and various federal agencies for a wide variety of maritime industry companies and organizations, including ship owners and operators, equipment providers, and trade associations that support the domestic maritime industry.
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Derek Sutton (Raleigh) has particular experience defending companies in class action and multidistrict litigation, as well as in enforcement actions brought by the US Department of Justice Antitrust Division, Federal Trade Commission, and state attorneys general.
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Zachary Timm (Los Angeles) focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation, complex commercial disputes, and appeals. He has represented public and private companies in high-stakes litigation involving claims for trade secrets misappropriation, tortious interference, privacy, consumer protection, breach of contract, false advertising, unfair competition, and fraud.
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Brett White (Raleigh) has more than 10 years of experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications and is skilled in novel artificial intelligence architectures and their innovative uses, including large language models (LLMs) and generative models. He also assists in patent-related diligence matters for mergers, acquisitions, and asset purchases.
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K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm. The firm represents leading multinational corporations, growth and middle-market companies, capital markets participants and entrepreneurs in every major industry group as well as public sector entities, educational institutions, philanthropic organizations and individuals.
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Original text here: https://www.klgates.com/KL-Gates-Names-More-Than-25-New-Partners-Across-Firm-1-6-2026
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Hausfeld Announces 13 Senior Promotions Globally
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 -- Hausfeld, a law firm, issued the following news:* * *
Hausfeld announces 13 senior promotions globally
Hausfeld is pleased to announce that five attorneys have been promoted to Partner, and eight attorneys have been promoted to Counsel across the United States and Europe for 2026.
Partner promotions
Ashley M. Crooks, Daniel P. Weick, Stella Gartagani, Karl-Christoph von Steuben, and Christoph Schubert have been invited to join the partnership.
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In New York, Ashley M. Crooks has a practice focus in cybersecurity and data privacy litigation. She has a broad range ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 -- Hausfeld, a law firm, issued the following news: * * * Hausfeld announces 13 senior promotions globally Hausfeld is pleased to announce that five attorneys have been promoted to Partner, and eight attorneys have been promoted to Counsel across the United States and Europe for 2026. Partner promotions Ashley M. Crooks, Daniel P. Weick, Stella Gartagani, Karl-Christoph von Steuben, and Christoph Schubert have been invited to join the partnership. * * * In New York, Ashley M. Crooks has a practice focus in cybersecurity and data privacy litigation. She has a broad rangeof experience in complex litigation, representing clients in a variety of high-stakes commercial, mass tort, and data privacy matters in state and federal courts across the country. As a key member of Hausfeld's pioneering cybersecurity practice, Ashley has been personally appointed to plaintiffs' leadership in numerous data privacy and technology-related class actions. She has experience in all stages of litigation and is committed to advancing the law on issues related to technology, privacy, and data security.
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In New York, Daniel P. Weick specializes in federal antitrust litigation, with experience representing clients at every stage of the litigation process from case inception through trial, appeal, and judgment enforcement. He has also represented complainants and third parties in a wide range of government investigations. Dan's practice has encompassed an array of price-fixing, restraint of trade, monopolization, and merger issues across a diverse set of technology, life sciences, industrial, and consumer markets.
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In London, Stella Gartagani is a dual-qualified competition litigator (England and Greece) advising on EU and UK competition law, with particular expertise in abuse of dominance, cartels, and collective actions. She has acted in cases before the High Court, CAT, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and at European level, the General Court and Court of Justice. Since joining Hausfeld in 2011, Stella has acted for claimants in some of the most high-profile damages claims, including Air Cargo, PU Foam, Carbon & Graphite, Occupant Safety Systems and Google Shopping, as well as the FX collective proceedings brought by Mr. Evans and the Nikki Stopford collective action against Google for abuse of dominance in search.
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In Berlin, Karl-Christoph von Steuben advises clients in complex civil and competition litigation in Germany and internationally. He specializes in large-scale plaintiff litigation, including both cartel claims and digital antitrust matters. Karl-Christoph represents major individual claimants and litigates in collective enforcement proceedings. He has played a key role in the Truck Cartel litigation and in high-profile proceedings against major technology companies in abuse of dominance cases. His experience spans all phases of litigation, from early case assessment to trial and settlement negotiations.
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In Dusseldorf, Christoph Schubert advises companies on the efficient resolution of complex commercial disputes. He develops tailored conflict-resolution strategies that address not only the legal issues but also the tactical and economic dimensions of the dispute, including guidance on litigation-funding to mitigate or eliminate financial risks. Christoph has special experience in structuring and financing complex collective actions including project automation using legal tech and AI. Besides this, he has many years of experience in litigation and out-of-court dispute resolution, particularly in connection with insolvency proceedings, directors' and officers' liability, and D&O insurance law. He is also a trained business mediator.
Counsel promotions
In Washington, D.C., Theodore F. DiSalvo's practice focuses on complex litigation and trial work, with an emphasis on antitrust and whistleblower (qui tam) matters. He represents plaintiffs in high-stakes disputes against dominant market actors, including Big Tech companies, government contractors, and other corporate wrongdoers. Ted has significant experience in antitrust class actions, consumer protection, and whistleblower litigation across the technology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and transportation sectors. A former NCAA and professional athlete, he also represents athletes and is committed to protecting their interests. Ted co-chairs the firm's Technology Committee and serves on the firm's Disability Working Group and Lateral Associate Hiring Committee.
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In Washington, D.C., Ian J. Engdahl litigates high-stakes antitrust, data-privacy, consumer-protection, and environmental cases. As a core member of the firm's Technology and Data Breach practice group, he has represented consumers in some of the nation's largest data-breach class actions and was recently appointed to the Plaintiffs' Executive Committee for the Set Forth Data Breach case. His antitrust work includes actions against global banks, Big Tech, and pharmaceutical companies. Earlier this year, Ian was a key member of the trial team that secured a $110 million patent-infringement verdict against Apple. Ian also represents Maine in climate litigation and is a national voice on data-privacy and AI-safety issues. Ian co-chairs the firm's Technology Committee and Summer Associate Committee.
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In Washington, D.C., Farhad Mirzadeh represents clients in high-stakes antitrust, commercial, and sports and entertainment litigation. He has appeared in courts against leading technology and media companies, helping to secure substantial settlements and jury verdicts for classes harmed by unlawful conduct. Farhad is known for his practical approach, creative strategy, and ability to distill complex claims into clear, persuasive arguments. Farhad currently plays an active role in complex litigation involving sports leagues, airlines, drug manufacturers, and major television broadcasters.
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In London, Jonathan Amior is an experienced litigator focused on commercial and competition disputes. He represents claimants and defendants in matters involving breach of contract, post-acquisition disputes, professional negligence, civil fraud and unfair prejudice. Jonathan has developed specialist expertise in claimant group litigation, including collective proceedings against global tech companies and securities actions for institutional investors, complemented by his deep experience in litigation funding matters. Jonathan has acted in the High Court, Competition Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal on behalf of a diverse range of UK consumer and business groups, international corporates, high net worth individuals and public-sector organisations.
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In London, Kio Gwilliam specializes in competition litigation and is currently part of the legal teams acting for clients in large scale abuse of dominance disputes against Big Tech, most notably in Kent v Apple - the first case brought under the UK's collective action regime to reach a successful conclusion at trial - and Coll v Google. Kio was also part of the legal team acting for over 100 claimants in the Air Cargo litigation against British Airways in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
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In London, Emma Poland is a senior member of the legal team advising Dr Kent in the collective action brought against Apple, in which the Competition Appeal Tribunal found Apple has breached UK and EU competition law by abusing its dominance in relation to the App Store and awarded approximately pound sterling1.5 billion in damages to over 30 million UK consumers. She also advises the Class Representative in Elizabeth Coll v Google, alleging exclusionary and exploitative practices in respect of Google's Play Store with trial listed for October 2026.
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In Berlin, Asja Zorn advises on German and European competition law and litigation. She handles follow-on and standalone cartel damages and abuse of dominance actions, with a particular focus on private enforcement in digital and platform markets. Asja represents clients in complex, high-value disputes, frequently involving multi-party claims and cross border coordination. In addition to her legal practice, she publishes on competition law, contributing analysis to the development of private enforcement and antitrust doctrine.
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In Hamburg, Lara Boras specializes in advising companies on commercial law disputes, with a focus on disputes related to data protection law. Her particular expertise lies in litigation, a field in which she has accumulated extensive experience over the course of several years. This experience includes advising companies on complex national and international disputes. Her work is centered on the enforcement of claims for damages in cases of violations of the GDPR against Big Tech. She is currently engaged in the representation of clients in legal proceedings seeking redress from Google and Meta.
Other promotions
We are also pleased to announce a further one Of Counsel, three Senior Associate, two Senior Attorney, one Senior Staff Attorney, one Senior Paralegal, and three global operations team promotions.
Global Co-Chair Brian Ratner commented:
"I am proud to recognize our newly promoted partners and counsel, along with all colleagues promoted across the firm this year. These promotions reflect not only outstanding performance and contribution, but also the confidence the firm places in these individuals to help shape our future -- through leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to advance complex and high-stakes matters for our clients with clarity and purpose, reflective of the values Hausfeld prides itself on. Their perspectives and experience strengthen our platform globally and position the firm for continued growth and success. This group represents the depth of talent across Hausfeld and the next generation of leaders driving our practice forward."
Global Co-Chair Anthony Maton added:
"I congratulate our new partners on achieving such a significant milestone in their careers. Their combined talent, determination and dedication in bringing complex and novel litigation has been the bedrock for their promotion. They, together with all our case and business support teams, play a pivotal part in Hausfeld's continuing success. Investing in the growth of our teams is an essential element of that success. We also congratulate everyone who was promoted across all of our jurisdictions. Each brings their own strength and vision, as well as a commitment to excellence which is the centre of what Hausfeld does. I wish everyone the best of luck in their continuing careers."
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Further information
1. The promotions are valid from 1 January 2026 unless otherwise stated.
2. Additional promotions are: In the US: Sean Zehmer has been promoted to Of Counsel; Carlos A. Gutierrez and Adel Khamidullin have been promoted to Senior Attorney; Sydney J. Delin Kolker has been promoted to Senior Staff Attorney; Kenya McCune has been promoted to Senior Paralegal; Claire Harders has been promoted to Marketing & BD Specialist; and Lisa Wilson has been promoted to Project Specialist. In the UK: Hannah McEwen, Emelyne Peticca, and Pierre Welch have been promoted to Senior Associate; and Lauren Russell has been promoted to Operations & HR Advisor.
3. Hausfeld has 170+ lawyers globally, including 55 partners. We are a gender diverse firm with over 46% female lawyers and 36% female partners, and have an excellent track record of promoting women worldwide.
4. The firm has a broad range of complex litigation expertise, often with an international dimension. Hausfeld's extensive experience with alternative and innovative fee models offers clients a diverse range of engagement options and maximum flexibility in terms of managing their cost exposure.
5. Our collective achievements over the past year have been reflected in the launch of impactful cases, successful settlements, and judgments across the different jurisdictions, and our successes have been highlighted in various legal industry US, UK, German and Dutch directory rankings and US, UK, German, and Dutch awards. These accomplishments underscore the strength of our team and the positive impact we continue to make in the legal landscape globally.
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Original text here: https://www.hausfeld.com/en-us/news/hausfeld-announces-13-senior-promotions-globally
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
12 Ballard Spahr Attorneys Elected to Firm Partnership
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ballard Spahr, a law firm, issued the following news release:* * *
12 Ballard Spahr Attorneys Elected to Firm Partnership
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Twelve attorneys have been elected to Ballard Spahr's partnership effective January 1, firm Chair Peter Michaud announced today. The new partners are based in six of the firm's 18 officesPhiladelphia, Baltimore, Minneapolis, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.and their practices span Ballard Spahr's legal departments.
"Our new partners personify the Ballard Spahr hallmarks of excellence in legal service, ... Show Full Article PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ballard Spahr, a law firm, issued the following news release: * * * 12 Ballard Spahr Attorneys Elected to Firm Partnership * Twelve attorneys have been elected to Ballard Spahr's partnership effective January 1, firm Chair Peter Michaud announced today. The new partners are based in six of the firm's 18 officesPhiladelphia, Baltimore, Minneapolis, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.and their practices span Ballard Spahr's legal departments. "Our new partners personify the Ballard Spahr hallmarks of excellence in legal service,unparalleled dedication to clients, and commitment to community," Peter said. "Their election to our partnership is well deserved, and we are proud to welcome them."
The new Ballard Spahr partners are:
* Jacob Dachs, Finance, Baltimore : Jacob represents lenders, owners, developers, and investors in a wide range of commercial real estate transactions, including financing, acquisitions and dispositions, and leasing. He also has experience serving as counsel for borrowers and lenders in the negotiation of commercial loans, including revolving and syndicated credit facilities and other complex credit products.
* Lauren Engelmyer, Litigation, Philadelphia and New York : Lauren defends clients in government investigations, securities class actions, and other complex business litigation. Her experience includes representing financial institutions in investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC, and in complex civil matters. Lauren has successfully represented clients in jury trials in federal court and in arbitrations.
* Jennifer L. Feden, Real Estate, Philadelphia : Jennifer regularly supports publicly traded and large privately held companies in managing their portfolios of fixed operating assets and navigating M&A transactions involving real estate. Jennifer also represents investors, developers, and lenders across all stages of complex real estate transactions, with a particular focus on commercial leasing work across the retail, office, and industrial sectors.
* Catherine M. LaGrange, Finance, Minneapolis: Katie advises clients on financial services matters, with particular experience in secured transactions and acquisition financing. She represents private equity firms, senior and mezzanine lenders, family offices, and borrowers through all phases of leveraged financings. Katie's work includes asset-based lending, agricultural finance, project finance, syndicated loans, and mezzanine and structured financings.
* Peter Lam, Finance, New York : Peter has significant experience with affordable housing developments financed with tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits, especially at the bond-issuance phase. He has counseled issuers on more than $10 billion in tax-exempt bonds that involved complex pooled financing transactions with parity bond indentures, private placement, and volume cap recycling. In addition, Peter has significant experience with bond transactions for solid waste facilities, prepay gas and electricity issuers and participants, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit borrowers such as hospitals, universities, and secondary schools.
* Rebecca A. Leaf, Litigation, Baltimore and New York : Rebecca represents public and private employers in a wide range of traditional labor matters. She routinely serves as lead negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations and provides strategic counseling to clients on union representation matters, grievance and arbitration proceedings, and hearings before government agencies.
* Daniel J. Nunez, Finance, Washington, D.C.: Daniel represents lenders, issuers, underwriters, nonprofit organizations, and trustees on the structuring, issuing, purchasing, and securitization of a wide range of tax-exempt and taxable financings, including for public projects, including multifamily housing, 501(c)(3) transactions, education, health care, and water facilities throughout the country.
* William P. Reiley, Litigation, New Jersey : Will is a consumer financial services litigator for banks, mortgage and auto lenders, and retailers. He defends banks in trial, arbitration, and class actions involving credit reporting, account opening disputes, autodialer-related claims, debt collection, mortgage servicing, lending disclosures, and deposit fraud.
* Lisa Ashley Seeman, Real Estate, Minneapolis : Lisa leads the Leasing Team and Western Real Estate Lawyers Team in the firm's Real Estate Transactions and Investments Group. Her practice focuses on commercial real estate and finance matters. She represents lenders and borrowers in real estate, equipment finance, and lines of credit loan transactions; buyers and sellers in commercial land acquisitions and dispositions; landlords and tenants in office, warehouse, industrial, restaurant, skyway, and retail leases; and non-traditional lenders and investment funds.
* J. Matt Thornton, Litigation, Minneapolis : Matt litigates individual and class action claims in high-stakes privacy, cybersecurity, and product liability cases. His practice focuses primarily on defending clients against alleged violations of privacy and wiretapping statutes, including the California Invasion of Privacy Act and Federal Wiretap Act.
* Elizabeth P. Weissert, Litigation, Philadelphia : Liz practices complex commercial litigation with a focus on federal antitrust cases. She has defended clients in matters involving price-fixing, wage-fixing, no-poach agreements, information-sharing, and group boycotts. She also provides antitrust advice and counseling. Liz is a member of Ballard Spahr's Education and Life Sciences Industry Groups.
* Lesley Frieder Wolf, Litigation, Philadelphia and Delaware : Lesley is an experienced trial attorney in the commercial and white collar spaces and is known for her work on complex commercial and fraud matters and investigations involving allegations of both corporate and individual misconduct. She leads litigation efforts for public and private entities across a wide array of sectors, including health care, education, finance, manufacturing, and government enforcement.
For media inquiries, please contact Will Ashenmacher at 612.371.5792.
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Original text here: https://www.ballardspahr.com/insights/news/2026/01/12-ballard-spahr-attorneys-elected-to-firm-partnership