Law/Legal
Here's a look at documents from law firms and legal groups
Featured Stories
Patent Lawyer Recognizes Troutman Pepper Locke as a Top 10 Patent Firm in 2026 Law Firm Rankings
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 18 -- Troutman Pepper, a law firm, issued the following news:
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The Patent Lawyer Recognizes Troutman Pepper Locke as a Top 10 Patent Firm in 2026 Law Firm Rankings
NEW YORK - The Patent Lawyer has recognized Troutman Pepper Locke as a Top 10 Patent Firm in 2026 for North America, in the Northeast region. The publication's rankings are derived from a comprehensive, research-driven methodology that incorporates months of industry research and feedback from its readers, clients, and esteemed connections around the world.
The 2026 guide highlights the most well-respected
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 18 -- Troutman Pepper, a law firm, issued the following news:
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The Patent Lawyer Recognizes Troutman Pepper Locke as a Top 10 Patent Firm in 2026 Law Firm Rankings
NEW YORK - The Patent Lawyer has recognized Troutman Pepper Locke as a Top 10 Patent Firm in 2026 for North America, in the Northeast region. The publication's rankings are derived from a comprehensive, research-driven methodology that incorporates months of industry research and feedback from its readers, clients, and esteemed connections around the world.
The 2026 guide highlights the most well-respectedlaw firms from the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean, with each respective list presented in alphabetical order to avoid bias.
Troutman Pepper Locke's Intellectual Property Practice develops and implements global protection and commercialization strategies for clients with intellectual property assets in virtually all industry areas. The firm's forward-thinking, proactive strategies help clients mitigate risk while maximizing protection and value. With resources around the world, including an office in London, its team of attorneys, patent agents, and other professionals offer comprehensive advice on the development, acquisition, management, and monetization of intellectual property.
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About Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
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Original text here: https://www.troutman.com/insights/the-patent-lawyer-recognizes-troutman-pepper-locke-as-a-top-10-patent-firm-in-2026-law-firm-rankings/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler: Policy Week in Review - April 17, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO, California, April 18 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Policy Week in Review - April 17, 2026
Congressional and Administrative News
At a Glance
The Policy Week in Review, prepared by Littler's Workplace Policy Institute (WPI), sets forth WPI's updates on federal legislation, regulations, and congressional activity affecting the workplace.
By Shannon Meade, Jim Paretti, Alex MacDonald, and Maury Baskin
White House Announces NLRB Nominations
On April 13, the White House announced the nomination of James Macy from the U.S. Department of Labor to be a
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, April 18 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Policy Week in Review - April 17, 2026
Congressional and Administrative News
At a Glance
The Policy Week in Review, prepared by Littler's Workplace Policy Institute (WPI), sets forth WPI's updates on federal legislation, regulations, and congressional activity affecting the workplace.
By Shannon Meade, Jim Paretti, Alex MacDonald, and Maury Baskin
White House Announces NLRB Nominations
On April 13, the White House announced the nomination of James Macy from the U.S. Department of Labor to be amember of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a term expiring on August 27, 2030, to fill the Republican seat vacated by former Chair Marvin Kaplan. Additionally, the White House renominated current Democratic NLRB member David Prouty, whose term expires in August, for a five-year term expiring on August 27, 2031. If the nominees are confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the NLRB will maintain its quorum and increase its majority to three Republican Board members until December 16, 2027, when Chair James Murphy's term expires.
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House Passes Measure Extending TPS for Haiti
On April 16, the House passed a resolution that extends temporary legal protections for Haitian migrants for three years via a procedural vote on a discharge petition filed by Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), co-chair of the House Haiti Caucus. (A discharge petition, typically used by the minority party, requires 218 signatures to bypass committee consideration and circumvent House leadership to force a vote on the House floor.) The measure, passed by a vote of 224-204, with the support of 10 Republicans, now moves to the Senate for consideration where its fate is uncertain. Since February 2025, the administration's immigration policy has been to end TPS for Haitians.
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OSHA Updates National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Heat-Related Hazards
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its National Emphasis Program (NEP) to direct agency resources, including inspections and outreach, on industries and workplaces where heat hazards are more prevalent and most likely to occur. The revised NEP is effective immediately and will be in place for five years. For additional Littler insights, read here.
House Workforce Protections Subcommittee Holds Hearing on AI's Economic Impact on Workers and Employers
On April 15, Chair Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) of the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee held the sixth hearing in a series examining artificial intelligence, titled "Building an AI-Ready America: Understanding AI's Economic Impact on Workers and Employers." For a recap of the hearing, read here.
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House Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee Holds Hearing on EBSA
On April 16, Chair Rick Allen (R-GA) of the House Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the policies and priorities of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), which is responsible for regulating employer-provided benefit plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). For a recap of the hearing and the testimony of Assistant Secretary Daniel Aronowitz, read here.
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Authors
Shannon Meade
Executive Director, Workplace Policy Institute
Washington, D.C.
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James A. Paretti
Shareholder
Washington, D.C.
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Alexander T. MacDonald
Shareholder
Washington, D.C.
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Maury Baskin
Shareholder
Washington, D.C.
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/policy-week-review-april-17-2026
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Fisher Phillips Issues Commentary: FP Visa Bulletin for May - Final Action Dates and an Employer's Immigration Action Plan
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 18 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following insight on April 17, 2026:
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The FP Visa Bulletin for May: Final Action Dates and an Employer's Immigration Action Plan
Each month, federal immigration authorities publish a list of dates informing immigrant visa applicants when they should expect to be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to government officials. This Insight reviews May's release to help employers determine whether and when you should provide corresponding notifications to any of your foreign-national employees to assist their
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 18 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following insight on April 17, 2026:
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The FP Visa Bulletin for May: Final Action Dates and an Employer's Immigration Action Plan
Each month, federal immigration authorities publish a list of dates informing immigrant visa applicants when they should expect to be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to government officials. This Insight reviews May's release to help employers determine whether and when you should provide corresponding notifications to any of your foreign-national employees to assist theirefforts. You'll also find a specific action plan so you can adapt your immigration strategy given this month's information. Read on to ensure you follow compliant processes that address your critical workforce needs in a timely manner.
May Dates: An Overview
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will follow the State Department's Final Action Dates published in the May Visa Bulletin to determine whether candidates are eligible to submit an Adjustment of Status application on Form I-485 for that month. This is a change from the last visa bulletins and will impact filing eligibility considerably. Dates appearing in this chart must be compared with an employee's Immigration Priority Date shown on their EB-1/2/3 I-140 approval notice with their current employer to determine eligibility.
Movement in Employment-Based Preference Classes for May
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin shows that EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Final Action Dates remain unchanged from April for most countries, with the only notable movement being a three-week advancement in the China EB-5 Unreserved category. However, USCIS has confirmed it will use the Final Action Dates chart and not the Dates for Filing chart for all employment-based adjustment of status filings in May. This is a significant shift that narrows filing eligibility and makes April 30 a critical deadline for applicants who are current under Chart B but not under Chart A.
Employers with foreign nationals who are currently eligible to file Adjustment of Status applications should re-evaluate filing prior to month end as there is retrogression in all categories but EB-1 and EB-2 in ROW, Mexico, and the Philippines.
EB-1
* EB-1 remains current for All Chargeability Areas, Mexico, and Philippines
* EB-1 China retrogresses with a priority date of April 1, 2023
* EB-1 Indian retrogresses with a priority date of April 1, 2023
EB-2
* EB-2 remains current for All Chargeability Areas, Mexico, and Philippines
* EB-2 China retrogresses with a priority date of September 1, 2021
* EB-2 India retrogresses with a priority date of July 15, 2014
EB-3
* EB-3 All Chargeability Areas and Mexico retrogresses with a priority date of June 1, 2024
* EB-3 China retrogresses with a priority date of June 15, 2021
* EB-3 India retrogresses with a priority date of November 15, 2013
* EB-3 Philippines retrogresses with a priority date of August 1, 2023
Final Action Dates
The recently announced Final Action Dates for EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 appear in the table below. Please note this table can always change, so check here for the most accurate and updated information before acting on these dates.
Employment-based ... All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed ... CHINA-mainland born ... INDIA ... MEXICO ... PHILIPPINES
1st ... C ... 01APR23 ... 01APR23 ... C ... C
2nd ... C ... 01SEP21 ... 15JUL14 ... C ... C
3rd ... 01JUN24 ... 15JUN21 ... 15NOV13 ... 01JUN24 ... 01AUG23
Other Workers ... 01FEB22 ... 01FEB19 ... 15NOV13 ... 01FEB22 ... 01NOV21
4th ... 15JUL22 ... 15JUL22 ... 15JUL22 ... 15JUL22 ... 15JUL22
Certain Religious Workers ... 15JUL22 ... 15JUL22 ... 15JUL22 ... 15JUL22 ... 15JUL22
5th Unreserved(including C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU) ... C ... 22SEP16 ... 01MAY22 ... C ... C
5th Set Aside: Rural (20%, including NR, RR) ... C ... C ... C ... C ... C
5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%, including NH, RH) ... C ... C ... C ... C ... C
5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%, including RI) ... C ... C ... C ... C ... C
What Should You Do? Your Action Plan
For May, USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart. This means an Adjustment of Status may be filed for anyone with a priority date that is current on the Final Action Date chart (and not the Date of Filing chart as has been relied upon in recent months). If you have any employees whose priority date is current in April but retrogresses in May you should file their adjustment of status prior to April 30 or they may have to wait several months until they have an opportunity to file again
Furthermore, if you have employees who have priority dates that will be current in May, you should reach out to your immigration attorney to prepare and submit their Adjustment of Status Application in May.
Conclusion
We will continue to monitor developments from immigration officials and provide similar guidance monthly. Make sure you are subscribed to Fisher Phillips' Insight System to get the most up-to-date information - including next month's FP Visa Bulletin. If you have any questions, please contact your Fisher Phillips attorney, the author of this Insight, or any attorney in our Immigration Practice Group.
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Related People
Sophia Cromwell
Associate
scromwell@fisherphillips.com
440.740.2130
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Original text here: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/insights/insights/the-fp-visa-bulletin-for-may-2026
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Best Lawyers in Singapore 2027 Recognizes 5 Jones Day Lawyers Across 5 Practice Areas
CLEVELAND, Ohio, April 18 -- Jones Day, a law firm, issued the following news:
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The Best Lawyers in Singapore(TM) 2027 recognizes 5 Jones Day lawyers across 5 practice areas
The 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Singapore(TM) has recognized five lawyers from Jones Day's Singapore Office across five distinct areas of practice, underscoring the Firm's deep-rooted presence and continued excellence in the region. For over 25 years, Jones Day's Singapore Office has served as a strategic hub for clients conducting business throughout South and Southeast Asia, providing sophisticated legal counsel
... Show Full Article
CLEVELAND, Ohio, April 18 -- Jones Day, a law firm, issued the following news:
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The Best Lawyers in Singapore(TM) 2027 recognizes 5 Jones Day lawyers across 5 practice areas
The 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Singapore(TM) has recognized five lawyers from Jones Day's Singapore Office across five distinct areas of practice, underscoring the Firm's deep-rooted presence and continued excellence in the region. For over 25 years, Jones Day's Singapore Office has served as a strategic hub for clients conducting business throughout South and Southeast Asia, providing sophisticated legal counselon complex cross-border matters. This recognition reflects the Firm's long-standing commitment to delivering exceptional service in the region.
Best Lawyers(R) compiles its listings through a months-long peer review process across specific practice areas and geographic regions, seeking candid assessments of their collegues' professional abilities and reputations.
The following is a complete list of Jones Day lawyers recognized by The Best Lawyers in Singapore(TM):
* Elizabeth Cole - Mergers & Acquisitions
* Parveet Singh Gandoak - Private Equity
* Paul Greening - Energy Law
* Sushma Jobanputra - Insolvency & Reorganization
* Zack Oswald - Private Funds
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Jones Day is a global law firm with 2,500 lawyers in 40 offices across five continents. The Firm is distinguished by: a singular tradition of client service; the mutual commitment to, and the seamless collaboration of, a true partnership; formidable legal talent across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions; and shared professional values that focus on client needs.
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Elizabeth Cole
Of Counsel
Singapore + 65.6538.3939
ecole@jonesday.com
Practice: M&A
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Parveet Singh Gandoak
Partner
Singapore + 65.6233.5523
pgandoak@jonesday.com
Practice: M&A
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Paul Greening
Partner
Singapore + 65.6233.5502
pgreening@jonesday.com
Practice: Energy
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Sushma Jobanputra
Partner-in-Charge Singapore
Singapore + 65.6233.5989
sjobanputra@jonesday.com
Practice: Financial Markets
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Zack Oswald
Partner
Singapore + 65.6233.5526
zoswald@jonesday.com
Practice: Private Equity
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Original text here: https://www.jonesday.com/en/news/2026/04/the-best-lawyers-in-singapore-2027-recognizes-5-jones-day-lawyers-across-5-practice-areas
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Alfonso Chan to Speak With USPTO Regional Director at the University of New Mexico Innovation Awards and Events
NEW YORK, April 18 -- Cahill Gordon and Reindel, a law firm, issued the following news on April 17, 2026:
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Alfonso Chan to Speak with USPTO Regional Director at the University of New Mexico Innovation Awards and Events
Cahill partner Alfonso Garcia Chan will participate in the University of New Mexico (UNM) Innovation Awards on April 28, 2026, which celebrates UNM students and staff who have received issued patents or registered copyrights and trademarks between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026.
Ahead of the event, Alfonso, together with Hope Shimabuku, Regional Director of the U.S.
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, April 18 -- Cahill Gordon and Reindel, a law firm, issued the following news on April 17, 2026:
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Alfonso Chan to Speak with USPTO Regional Director at the University of New Mexico Innovation Awards and Events
Cahill partner Alfonso Garcia Chan will participate in the University of New Mexico (UNM) Innovation Awards on April 28, 2026, which celebrates UNM students and staff who have received issued patents or registered copyrights and trademarks between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026.
Ahead of the event, Alfonso, together with Hope Shimabuku, Regional Director of the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office, will deliver presentations to students, faculty, and researchers at UNM and across the greater New Mexico region.
UNM is recognized as one of the leading patent-producing institutions among U.S. universities, and Cahill is proud to support the 2026 UNM Innovation Awards. This initiative reflects Cahill's commitment to cultivating talent in the field of intellectual property and innovation, as well as advancing higher education.
Learn more about the event and register here (https://innovations.unm.edu/event/2026-innovation-awards/).
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Original text here: https://www.cahill.com/news/events/2026-04-28-alfonso-chan-to-speak-with-uspto-regional-director-at-the-university-of-new-mexico-innovation-awards-and-events
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Alan Yanovich Authors Law360 Article on the Significance of Australia-EU's Free Trade Deal
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- Akin Gump, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Alan Yanovich Authors Law360 Article on the Significance of Australia-EU's Free Trade Deal
Law360 has published an article by Akin international trade partner Alan Yanovich, titled "Assessing The Significance Of Australia-EU's Free Trade Deal".
The article considers the free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union (EU), concluded on March 24 2026, and explores its potential implications as a springboard for a more ambitious initiative between the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- Akin Gump, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Alan Yanovich Authors Law360 Article on the Significance of Australia-EU's Free Trade Deal
Law360 has published an article by Akin international trade partner Alan Yanovich, titled "Assessing The Significance Of Australia-EU's Free Trade Deal".
The article considers the free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union (EU), concluded on March 24 2026, and explores its potential implications as a springboard for a more ambitious initiative between the EU and the Comprehensive and ProgressiveAgreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The piece examines the broader implications for global trade policy and international economic cooperation including the potential impact of closer CPTPP-EU alignment on supply chains, regulatory frameworks and geopolitical stability. Alan notes that "A combined EU-CTIPP trade bloc would represent 32% of global GDP, 37% of global trade in goods and services, and encompass over 1 billion consumers."
Read the full article here (https://www.law360.com/articles/2464030).
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People Mentioned in This News
Alan Yanovich
Partner
ayanovich@akingump.com
+41 22.888.2034
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Original text here: https://www.akingump.com/en/insights/media-mentions/alan-yanovich-authors-law360-article-on-the-significance-of-australia-eus-free-trade-deal
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
23 Bradley Partners Recognized in Legal 500's 2026 U.S. City Elite Series
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, April 18 -- Bradley, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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23 Bradley Partners Recognized in Legal 500's 2026 U.S. City Elite Series
Bradley is pleased to announce that 23 of the firm's attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Legal 500 U.S. City Elite lists for Atlanta, the Southeast, and North Carolina.
The four Bradley partners recognized in the 2026 Atlanta Elite list, and their areas of recognition, are:
* William Holley - Commercial Disputes
* Daniel Huynh - Intellectual Property
* Ashley Klein - Intellectual Property
* Stephen Opler - Corporate
... Show Full Article
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, April 18 -- Bradley, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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23 Bradley Partners Recognized in Legal 500's 2026 U.S. City Elite Series
Bradley is pleased to announce that 23 of the firm's attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Legal 500 U.S. City Elite lists for Atlanta, the Southeast, and North Carolina.
The four Bradley partners recognized in the 2026 Atlanta Elite list, and their areas of recognition, are:
* William Holley - Commercial Disputes
* Daniel Huynh - Intellectual Property
* Ashley Klein - Intellectual Property
* Stephen Opler - CorporateM&A
The firm was also ranked in the Atlanta Elite list in the area of Corporate M&A.
The 14 Bradley partners recognized in the 2026 Southeast Elite list, and their areas of recognition, are:
* Alexander Ash - Corporate M&A
* Bill Athanas - White Collar Crime
* Justin Burney - Corporate M&A
* Frank Caprio - Intellectual Property
* Mike Denniston - Intellectual Property
* Jake Gipson - Intellectual Property
* Stephen Hall - Intellectual Property
* Will Manuel - Commercial Disputes
* Stuart Maxey - Corporate M&A
* Alex Purvis - Commercial Disputes
* Brad Robertson - White Collar Crime
* Jack Selden - White Collar Crime
* Paul Sykes - Intellectual Property
* Stephen Wilson - Corporate M&A
The firm was also ranked in the Southeast Elite list in the areas of Corporate M&A, Intellectual Property, and White Collar Crime.
The five Bradley partners recognized in the 2026 North Carolina Elite list, and their areas of recognition, are:
* Bailey King - Commercial Disputes and Intellectual Property
* Chris Lam - Commercial Disputes
* Rob Marcus - Commercial Disputes
* Samantha Skains-Menchaca - Intellectual Property
* Henry Ward - Intellectual Property
The new Legal 500 U.S. Elite series highlights top lawyers at regional firms in key markets across the U.S., including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York, and D.C., allowing clients to discover the best-of-the-best lawyers who are carrying out high-quality, market-leading work within specific practices in their respective city or region.
The Legal 500 U.S. Elite honorees are determined by the Legal 500 research team, beginning with a list of prospective candidates reviewed by the publication's editors. All shortlisted lawyers are invited to make a submission and participate in an in-depth interview with the researchers, covering recent representative matters and market trends to demonstrate their innovative practice and strategic counsel. The research team also solicits extensive peer feedback regarding other lawyers operating in their respective areas of practice to compile the final lists.
The Legal 500 has been analyzing the capabilities of law firms across the world for more than 30 years, relying on a comprehensive research program to assess the strengths of law firms in more than 150 jurisdictions. The rankings are based on a series of criteria, feedback from clients, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.
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Meet the Team
Alexander Ash
Partner
205.521.8319
aash@bradley.com
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William C. Athanas
Partner
205.521.8996
bathanas@bradley.com
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L. Justin Burney
Partner
256.517.5103
jburney@bradley.com
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Frank M. Caprio
Partner
256.517.5142
fcaprio@bradley.com
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Michael S. Denniston
Partner
205.521.8244
mdenniston@bradley.com
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Jake M. Gipson
Partner
205.521.8678
jgipson@bradley.com
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Stephen H. Hall
Partner
256.517.5140
shall@bradley.com
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William J. Holley, II
Partner
404.868.2002
bholley@bradley.com
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Daniel L. Huynh
Partner
404.868.2802
dhuynh@bradley.com
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C. Bailey King Jr.
Partner
704.338.6027
bking@bradley.com
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Ashley Klein
Partner
404.868.2728
aklein@bradley.com
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Christopher C. Lam
Partner
704.338.6059
clam@bradley.com
J. William Manuel
Partner
601.592.9915
wmanuel@bradley.com
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Robert R. Marcus
Partner
704.338.6020
rmarcus@bradley.com
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Stuart M. Maxey
Partner
205.521.8602
smaxey@bradley.com
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Stephen A. Opler
Partner
404.868.2055
sopler@bradley.com
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Alex Purvis
Partner
601.592.9923
apurvis@bradley.com
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Brad Robertson
Partner
205.521.8188
brobertson@bradley.com
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Jack W. Selden
Partner
205.521.8472
jselden@bradley.com
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Samantha N. Skains-Menchaca
Partner
704.338.6019
smenchaca@bradley.com
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Paul M. Sykes
Partner
205.521.8766
psykes@bradley.com
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Henry B. III
Henry B. Ward III
Partner
704.338.6024
hward@bradley.com
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Stephen M. Wilson
Partner
601.592.9957
swilson@bradley.com
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Original text here: https://www.bradley.com/insights/news/2026/04/23-bradley-partners-recognized-in-legal-500s-2026-us-city-elite-series
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
