Law/Legal
Here's a look at documents from law firms and legal groups
Featured Stories
Ogilvy Unveils 'Brand Devotion' For a New Era of Customer Relationships
NEW YORK, March 18 -- Ogilvy, an advertising, marketing and public relations agency, issued the following news on March 17, 2026:
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Ogilvy Unveils 'Brand Devotion' for a New Era of Customer Relationships
Consumers don't want to belong to a brand; they want brands to belong in their world. Recognizing this profound shift away from transactional loyalty towards self-fulfillment, Ogilvy today launched 'Brand Devotion.' The proprietary, next-gen strategic offering is designed to address the very core of modern consumer-brand relationships, enabling brands to forge deeper, more authentic connections
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 18 -- Ogilvy, an advertising, marketing and public relations agency, issued the following news on March 17, 2026:
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Ogilvy Unveils 'Brand Devotion' for a New Era of Customer Relationships
Consumers don't want to belong to a brand; they want brands to belong in their world. Recognizing this profound shift away from transactional loyalty towards self-fulfillment, Ogilvy today launched 'Brand Devotion.' The proprietary, next-gen strategic offering is designed to address the very core of modern consumer-brand relationships, enabling brands to forge deeper, more authentic connectionsthat drive progress and value by meaningfully showing up in consumers' curated lives.
Between declining trust in institutions and media and the commoditization of AI-driven personalization, many brands are struggling to achieve and maintain relevance and advocacy.
Today's consumers are "unbound": Faced with endless choices, they're increasingly skeptical and cynical of traditional brand loyalties. A reality that's underpinned by global Ogilvy research revealing that only 53% of U.S. consumers believe their favorite brands consistently align with their values, and even fewer feel brands help them grow (45%), connect with others (40%), or fit into their cultural world (43%). They're seeking brands that help them be loyal to themselves, that mirror their personal evolution, values, and communities - highlighting significant white space for brands willing to lean into Brand Devotion.
"A fundamental power shift has happened in the brand-customer relationship," said Leanne Cordes, SVP, Strategic Services at the Lacek Group, an Ogilvy company specializing in Loyalty and leading the Brand Devotion offering in North America. "It's now up to brands to earn a place in and meaningfully belong in consumers' lives. Traditional loyalty isn't enough - brands must move beyond transactional incentives to foster true, emotional commitment. It's about brands demonstrating their value, not just asserting it."
Ogilvy's brand audits further reveal a widespread challenge within the loyalty landscape:
* Emotional Disconnect: 2 in 3 brands today are functionally adequate but emotionally disengaged, achieving merely a "C" grade (60-70/100). These brands offer transactions but fail to build the deeper "immunity" required to withstand competitor pressures or inspire true advocacy.
* Purpose-Washing Pitfall: While 89% of consumers want to buy from brands that share their values, only a small fraction of brands successfully move beyond "purpose-washing" to create a felt sense of shared identity.
* Outdated Loyalty Mechanics: Many brands are still building loyalty programs for the consumer they had 10 years ago. When consumer sentiment shifts - such as the pivot from Gen X's preference for status to Gen Z's demand for radical transparency - legacy approaches fail to adapt quickly enough.
Brand Devotion is defined as the strategic imperative for brands to actively enable and participate in the consumer's self-fulfillment journey, forging a mutual relationship that drives progress and value for both. This innovative approach is built upon a robust framework encompassing "The Four Bonds," which establish the foundation for relationships, and "The Four Dimensions," which sustain them:
* Principle: When a brand aligns with the consumer's values and lives its own.
* Community: When a brand makes consumers feel like they belong and connect like-minded individuals.
* Potential: When a brand genuinely improves the consumer's life and helps them achieve their aspirations.
* Culture: When a brand fits seamlessly into the consumer's world and reflects their lifestyle.
Ogilvy brings Brand Devotion to life through a unique integration of specialized expertise, including 30+ years loyalty leadership having designed and managing many of the world's most recognized and loved programs, behavioral science to engineer intrinsic motivation and social management to seamlessly integrate brands into consumers' authentic networks.
To help brands implement this transformative approach, Ogilvy's Brand Devotion guides marketing from diagnosis to a practical, actionable plan for transforming consumer relationships. This proprietary platform and process includes:
* A Loyalty Scorecard, powered by our proprietary AI Brand Devotion Score, for a data-driven diagnosis of current brand-consumer relationship health. This assessment is informed by a custom-built Agent Team and Agent Manager that continuously evaluates brand standing across the consumer ecosystem.
* A Prioritized Opportunity Map identifying key areas for investment.
* Creative Idea Territories to close existing loyalty gaps and deepen connections.
* A Strategic Roadmap with short-, mid-, and long-term actions to build genuine, lasting customer devotion and grow the business.
Ogilvy invites brand leaders to discover how Brand Devotion can redefine their customer relationships and drive enduring success.
To learn more about Brand Devotion, register for the next Ogilvy On Live session, where experts from Ogilvy and The Lacek Group explore what's driving the Unbound Consumer. You can also reach out to branddevotion@ogilvy.com for more information.
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About Ogilvy
Ogilvy inspires brands and people to impact the world. We have been producing iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas for clients since David Ogilvy founded the company in 1948. We continue that legacy today through our network of 131 offices in 93 countries, where our teams of creative, strategic, and production experts work together to deliver results for clients across Brand & Advertising, Experience, Public Relations, Health, and Consulting. Ogilvy is a WPP company (NASDAQ: WPPGY). For more information, visit Ogilvy.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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About The Lacek Group
For more than 30 years, The Lacek Group has been perfecting the art and algorithms of brand devotion. We help world-class brands identify their highest-potential customers, engage them across channels throughout their lifecycles, personalize each relationship for optimal long-term results, and measure the true effectiveness of those efforts. Learn more about The Lacek Group: www.lacek.com.
Interested in bigger, bolder ideas? Sign up for our newsletter for more insights on how brands can make an impact on the world.
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Chloe Evans is Communications Director for Ogilvy.
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Original text here: https://www.ogilvy.com/ideas/ogilvy-unveils-brand-devotion-new-era-customer-relationships
[Category: BizAdvertising]
My Data is 'Already Out There': HSF Kramer Survey Finds Cyber Data Breach Fatigue Rife Amongst Australians, Public Split on Paying Ransoms
NEW YORK, March 18 (TNSxrep) -- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, a law firm, issued the following news:
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My data is 'already out there': HSF Kramer survey finds cyber data breach fatigue rife amongst Australians, public split on paying ransoms
Australians appear to have developed an increasingly cavalier attitude to cyber safety after a string of high-profile data breaches, with a new survey finding only half (52%) have immediately taken, or would take, the recommended actions to keep themselves safe after a breach.
A national survey of 1,000 Australians conducted for law firm Herbert
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 18 (TNSxrep) -- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, a law firm, issued the following news:
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My data is 'already out there': HSF Kramer survey finds cyber data breach fatigue rife amongst Australians, public split on paying ransoms
Australians appear to have developed an increasingly cavalier attitude to cyber safety after a string of high-profile data breaches, with a new survey finding only half (52%) have immediately taken, or would take, the recommended actions to keep themselves safe after a breach.
A national survey of 1,000 Australians conducted for law firm HerbertSmith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) found a sense of acceptance or resignation is also setting in, with almost half (43%) of all people saying that while they're worried about breaches, they accept the chance of their personal data falling into the wrong hands as a 'risk of modern life'.
One in ten (8%) went even further and said they felt fatigued or resigned because breaches seem 'unavoidable'.
With the majority of Australians (55%) experiencing at least one data breach over the last year, Cameron Whittfield, partner and APAC Cyber Security Head at HSF Kramer, said the findings should raise concerns for both business and government alike, particularly in the way breach response is managed.
"It seems many Australians now feel that a data breach is a foregone conclusion and that there's nothing they can do about it," he said.
"This approach is fundamentally misguided: it's like knowing someone has taken your keys and making no effort to change locks. Digital crime is not going anywhere, and it requires a collective effort to combat."
Generational divide means one-size-fits-all approach no longer enough
The survey also found a significant generational divide in approaches to data safety, with just 36% of people aged 18-24 immediately taking the remedial steps recommended after a breach, compared to almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents aged 65 and above.
Younger (digitally native) Australians were more likely to feel that their data was 'already out there' or are otherwise complacent about the risks, believing that any remedial action they take following a breach wouldn't make a difference (17%), compared to just 3% of those aged 65 and above who felt similar.
Whittfield, whose team advises companies impacted by cyber incidents, said the results are an important reminder that organisations and their advisers cannot get complacent.
"The generational divide makes it clear a 'one-size-fits-all' approach just won't cut it anymore. If a large proportion of Australians are unlikely to exercise recommended precautions, we may need to change our support model and offer more tailored support," he said.
Noting it's also common for technology providers to exclude responsibility for the security of their services, pushing it down the supply chain, Whittfield said the industry must also change its attitudes about who is responsible for keeping people secure after a breach.
"We need to ensure responsibility is best allocated to those most equipped or motivated to manage the risk - and this will often not be the consumer," he said.
Australians split on ransom payments to keep data safe
The survey also found Australians are split on whether organisations should pay ransom demands following a data extortion attack: a small majority (52%) believe ransoms should never be paid, while one in 10 (9%) believe a ransom should always be paid in order to keep data safe. A further 39% are on the fence, believing the decision to pay should depend on the data accessed.
Whittfield said the split opinion shows that payment of an extortion demand may not have the reputational harm we once thought. Based on experience, Whittfield believes many consumers will likely ask why an extortion demand has not been paid.
"In some respect, the general understanding of ransom demands comes from Hollywood fantasy or high-profile kidnapping. But in the cyber context, a payment for a data breach is typically for a promise not to release stolen data. This commitment is inherently unreliable. When an attacker has your data, there's no guarantee they won't keep a copy after receiving payment; in fact, they usually do," Whittfield explained.
"There have also been cases of cyber criminals reneging on their promise, and leaking stolen data after receiving payment or putting the information up for sale on the dark web. Companies paying ransoms are placing their trust in criminals."
Whittfield said it's important to distinguish between incidents that are simply about data theft, and those that impact on the operation of a business, as this is an important factor in making a payment decision.
"The potential for an attack to impact or cripple our critical infrastructure is our worst nightmare," he said.
The Australian Government advises organisations against paying ransoms, and in 2025 introduced mandatory reporting on cyber ransom payments. However, Whittfield believes the survey results may create a growing pressure point for organisations, particularly when not paying a ransom demand may cause material harm to an individual or create an operational incident with impacts on both individuals and the wider economy.
"With almost half of consumers believing a payment should at least be considered as something that could protect them, organisations may face questions no matter what they decide," he said.
"On the one hand, paying a ransom may help a company avoid a catastrophic operational impact, but on the other, paying a ransom sustains an attacker's business model, rewards criminal behaviour, and creates the incentive to do it again."
Urgent rethink needed on support for victims
With thinking on ransom payments mixed, Whittfield said a key issue is organisations have only a handful of tools at their disposal to keep affected individuals safe once data has been compromised.
An organisation can pursue an injunction through the courts, which aims to stop third parties from accessing and disseminating the stolen records. The other tools available, including referring people to support services such as IDCARE, providing credit monitoring services, or providing document repeat services. These rely on affected individuals taking action to make use of the suggested services.
However, with the survey finding young Australians aren't taking these recommended actions and putting themselves further at risk, Whittfield said the cyber community may be coming to a crossroads.
"Effective support that meets consumer needs will require a combination of organisational support mechanisms and third-party assistance services, as well as a level of personal accountability," he said.
"Australians should be able to trust that the organisations they give their data to will keep it safe. As well as focusing on preventing data breaches, as a community we need to think about better tools to support the ultimate victims of breaches, which don't rely on the individual to call upon the support."
Key national insights at a glance
* More than half (55%) of Australians have been notified of a data breach at least once in the past 12 months
* 52% immediately took all the actions a company advised after a data breach, while 16% took only the steps they felt were necessary and ignored advice they thought wasn't needed. Almost a quarter (22%) took no action at all
* 43% are very concerned about data breaches and feel they need to be constantly vigilant, while 43% are worried but accept the risk of breaches as a risk of modern life
* Just 6% are not worried about breaches because they trust that organisations are protecting their data
* 9% think ransoms should always be paid, 39% think the decision to pay should depend on the data accessed, and 52% believe ransoms should never be paid.
* Australians want organisations to prioritise providing clear, practical instructions on what they should do (56%), notifying affected individuals quickly (54%), and improving security practices and reducing unnecessary data collection (50%) following a breach
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Original text here: https://www.hsfkramer.com/news/2026-03/hsf-kramer-survey-cyber-data-breach-fatigue-australians-cyber-ransom-extortion-demands
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Michael Minton & Austin Alderman Publish "From Sunset to Reset: The Future of Opportunity Zones, Effective January 1, 2027"
ORLANDO, Florida, March 18 -- Dean Mead, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Michael Minton & Austin Alderman Publish "From Sunset to Reset: The Future of Opportunity Zones, Effective January 1, 2027"
In their article, "From Sunset to Reset: The Future of Opportunity Zones, Effective January 1, 2027, " attorney Michael Minton and Austin Alderman review the "Opportunity Zone 2.0" program, which permanently extends some benefits established under the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program, which was originally created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
The authors review
... Show Full Article
ORLANDO, Florida, March 18 -- Dean Mead, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Michael Minton & Austin Alderman Publish "From Sunset to Reset: The Future of Opportunity Zones, Effective January 1, 2027"
In their article, "From Sunset to Reset: The Future of Opportunity Zones, Effective January 1, 2027, " attorney Michael Minton and Austin Alderman review the "Opportunity Zone 2.0" program, which permanently extends some benefits established under the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program, which was originally created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
The authors reviewthe new program, defining the program benefits, including new incentives for rural investment and how eligible areas will be defined. Visit the following link to review the article: https://www.deanmead.com/from-sunset-to-reset-the-future-of-opportunity-zones-effective-january-1-2027/.
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Original text here: https://www.deanmead.com/michael-minton-austin-alderman-publish-from-sunset-to-reset-the-future-of-opportunity-zones-effective-january-1-2027/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Reed Smith expands footprint with new Boston office
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, March 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Reed Smith, a law firm, posted the following news release:
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Reed Smith expands footprint with new Boston office
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BOSTON - Global law firm Reed Smith today announced the opening of a Boston office, the firm's 34th global office and its 21st in the United States. The launch of the Boston office follows Reed Smith's recent openings in Atlanta, Denver, and Riyadh and aligns with the firm's strategic plan to accelerate growth in its private equity, M&A, finance, and fund formation practices.
The Boston office integrates transactional,
... Show Full Article
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, March 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Reed Smith, a law firm, posted the following news release:
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Reed Smith expands footprint with new Boston office
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BOSTON - Global law firm Reed Smith today announced the opening of a Boston office, the firm's 34th global office and its 21st in the United States. The launch of the Boston office follows Reed Smith's recent openings in Atlanta, Denver, and Riyadh and aligns with the firm's strategic plan to accelerate growth in its private equity, M&A, finance, and fund formation practices.
The Boston office integrates transactional,regulatory, litigation, and advisory services to better support private equity and growth equity sponsors, financial institutions, and fund managers. The office will launch with 12 lawyers, including six partners, a senior strategic advisor, and five associates. The firm expects to announce additional partners in the coming weeks.
"Our Boston opening is a direct response to our clients, who want us closer to their business and in the places where they are investing and growing," said Casey Ryan, Reed Smith's Global Managing Partner. "Boston is a premier market for private equity, finance, banking, and life sciences, and our expansion reflects our commitment to these practices and industries."
The firm's opening includes top talent from Boston mainstays, including White & Case, Goodwin, McDermott Will & Schulte, Morrison Foerster, Kirkland & Ellis, and K&L Gates.
"By continuing to invest in top-tier lawyers, we bring the strength and resources to help clients achieve their most important business objectives, today and over the long term," added Ryan. "As a firm, we are firing on all cylinders. Boston marks our fourth new office in the past 14 months, following Atlanta, Denver, and Riyadh, underscoring the exceptional growth and momentum we are seeing with clients around the globe."
Reed Smith's opening team includes Omar Hemady and Claudette Druehl, who join from White & Case and focus on fund formation, private equity, and private credit matters. Matthew Hacker, who joins from Goodwin Procter, advises on private equity and M&A transactions, particularly in the health care and technology sectors. Kevin J. Sullivan, former co-chair of Weil's private equity practice, joins the firm as a senior strategic advisor to the private equity practice.
Ian Hohmeister, from Morrison Foerster, handles complex financings for banks and private credit providers, serving the fintech, digital assets, technology, and life science ecosystems. Grant Butler, from K&L Gates, focuses on financial services regulation and financial industry mergers and acquisitions.
Jim Nicholas, previously with McDermott Will & Schulte, focuses on transactional support and employment litigation for life sciences, technology, and private equity clients.
"Our Boston opening builds on our record-setting 2025, during which we welcomed more than 180 new lawyers across our global platform, including 55 new partners. This continued growth of top-tier talent reflects the strength of our client base and our commitment to being a best-in-class global firm," said Julie Hardin, Reed Smith's Managing Partner - Americas.
"Expanding to Boston strengthens our corporate and finance footprint in a critical market and directly responds to client demand for enhanced capabilities in the region," added Hardin. "Our Boston team brings together decades of experience, with deep roots in the region and a keen understanding of the New England business community. We have received a strong response from clients and have big plans for the office; this is just the beginning of our expansion into the Boston market."
"We are excited to join Reed Smith and to lead the firm's expansion into Boston. In addition to the firm's large-cap capabilities, Reed Smith knows how to provide elite service for the middle-market's most complex and heavily regulated deals, which is important to my fund clients," said new partner Omar Hemady.
"The firm's strength in private equity, digital assets, banking and financial services, and life sciences expands the services I can offer my clients," added new partner Ian Hohmeister. "We've all been impressed by the firm's growth strategy and collaborative culture, which truly set Reed Smith apart."
Kevin J. Sullivan, a seasoned strategic leader with decades of experience advising top private equity clients, expects to play a significant role in expanding the firm's practice: "I have admired Reed Smith's investment in private equity and rapid ascent up the league tables. The firm is building something special, and I can't wait to be a part of it."
"After more than 25 years advising leading private equity sponsors across leveraged buyouts, growth equity, carve-outs, and cross-border M&A, I know what it takes to serve this market at the highest level. Reed Smith's established private equity practice and commitment to delivering value to its clients uniquely position the firm to become a leader in this market."
"We are thrilled to welcome this talented team to Reed Smith and to continue growing our top-tier corporate and private equity practices," said Matt Mohn, co-chair of Reed Smith's Global Corporate Group and chair of its U.S. Corporate Group. "These lawyers add to our deep bench of private equity, fund formation, and finance partners and significantly expand our depth for sponsors, lenders, fund managers, and portfolio companies. They also provide us with day-to-day 'boots on the ground' in an important market."
"Our clients are increasingly turning to us for sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional transactional support, and this team enhances our ability to meet that demand," Mohn added. "Their experience in the Boston market aligns with where our clients are deploying capital and growing their businesses, positioning our firm to support complex transactions across the full lifecycle in a more comprehensive way. This is an important step in accelerating the growth of our corporate platform and delivering even greater support to our clients."
The new Boston office reinforces Reed Smith's commitment to expanding in key markets and continuing its momentum as one of the world's leading global law firms.
The firm's founding Boston lawyers include:
Grant Butler advises banks, bank holding companies, fintechs, and other financial services institutions on a wide range of financial services regulatory and transactional matters. His practice focuses on bank regulation and financial institution mergers and acquisitions. Butler and the financial services regulatory and transactional team are joined by former K&L Gates associate Anastassia Korin.
Claudette Druehl advises financial institutions, broker-dealers, investment advisers, fintechs, and investors on regulatory and compliance matters. Her practice focuses on SEC and FINRA registration, regulatory compliance programs, regulatory examinations, and day-to-day compliance advice.
Matthew Hacker advises private equity sponsors and strategic buyers on mergers and acquisitions and other complex investment transactions. His practice spans a broad range of industries, including health care and technology. Hacker and the private equity team are joined by former Kirkland & Ellis senior associate Austin McCarthy.
Omar Hemady advises private fund sponsors and investment managers on fund formation and sponsor-side transactions, with a focus on private credit and alternative investment strategies. He brings significant in-house and private practice experience structuring complex investment vehicles, including continuation funds. Hemady and the fund formation team are joined by former White & Case associate Aric Jain and will also be joined by international legal advisor Maud Fillon.
Ian Hohmeister advises banks and private credit providers on complex financing transactions, with a focus on technology-driven and fintech-related structures. He regularly works on sophisticated domestic and cross-border financings. Hohmeister and the finance team are joined by former Morrison Foerster associate Matthew Baker.
James (Jim) Nicholas advises life sciences, technology, and private equity clients on employment litigation and transactional support. He is experienced in high-stakes employment disputes and employment issues arising in corporate transactions.
Kevin J. Sullivan counsels public and private companies, private equity sponsors, and financial institutions on private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and restructurings. He joins the firm as a senior strategic advisor to the private equity practice and expects to leverage his decades of experience to support the practice's continued growth.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
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Original text here: https://www.reedsmith.com/news/reed-smith-expands-footprint-with-new-boston-office/
Taft Scales AI for Litigators with Firmwide Adoption of AltaClaro's DepoSim
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Taft Scales AI for Litigators with Firmwide Adoption of AltaClaro's DepoSim
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Taft, one of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, today announced the firmwide rollout of AI-powered deposition simulator DepoSim across its Commercial Litigation group. Following the completion of its beta pilot project in February, Taft is among the first group of Am Law 100 law firms to deploy DepoSim firmwide.
Developed by AltaClaro, the global leader in simulation-based training for legal
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Taft Scales AI for Litigators with Firmwide Adoption of AltaClaro's DepoSim
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Taft, one of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, today announced the firmwide rollout of AI-powered deposition simulator DepoSim across its Commercial Litigation group. Following the completion of its beta pilot project in February, Taft is among the first group of Am Law 100 law firms to deploy DepoSim firmwide.
Developed by AltaClaro, the global leader in simulation-based training for legalprofessionals, in partnership with Verbit, a global leader in verbal intelligence, DepoSim provides attorneys with live, hands-on practice conducting oral depositions in realistic, simulated litigation scenarios.
Home to more than 350 attorneys who are in the state and federal courts every day, Taft's Commercial Litigation group is uniquely positioned to benefit from this new AI tool.
"We've seen firsthand how practical and useful DepoSim is in providing our attorneys with valuable, life-like reps, whether you're about to take your first deposition or your 100th," said Lynn Rowe Larsen, National Co-chair of Taft's Commercial Litigation Group. "In the litigation space, it's one of the most realistic AI tools we've tested, and it generates very actionable feedback to improve your approach to depositions."
"We're investing in AI tools that deliver the greatest value to our attorneys and clients, and DepoSim has proven to do exactly that, being immediately accessible and highly impactful for one of our firm's largest practices in Commercial Litigation," said Lyndsay Capeder, Taft's Chief Client and Innovation Officer. "Looking ahead, DepoSim will ultimately be available to all the firm's litigators, regardless of their specific practice group."
"We're excited to see an innovative firm like Taft, one of our pilot group firms and a longtime client of AltaClaro, move quickly to adopt DepoSim," said Abdi Shayesteh, founder and CEO of AltaClaro. "Working with such a large practice across the country shows the scale and power of DepoSim to truly enhance how attorneys prepare for depositions."
Taft's Commercial Litigation team delivers strategic and efficient representation for companies of all sizes facing a broad spectrum of commercial disputes, ranging from routine matters to high-stakes "bet the company" litigation. This includes representing clients in all phases of litigation in federal and state courts, before regulatory agencies and arbitration panels, and in alternative dispute resolution in a full range of matters. Learn more here.
About Taft
Founded in 1885 with a 140-year legacy rooted in the historic Taft family, today Taft is one of the nation's fastest growing law firms. As a modern law firm with a non-headquarters operating model and more than 1,200 attorneys, Taft is fully committed to delivering the highest level of service to today's organizations and individuals. The legal performance of Taft attorneys is recognized nationally, with inclusion in the Am Law 100, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers(r), Super Lawyers, and more. Learn more at Taftlaw.com.
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Original text here: https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/taft-scales-ai-for-litigators-with-firmwide-adoption-of-altaclaros-deposim/
Daley Accepted into LaunchNKY
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Daley Accepted into LaunchNKY
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Taft Cincinnati attorney Jesse K. Daley was recently accepted into LaunchNKY, a 12-month, three-level leadership program focused on developing and furthering the skills to be a civic-minded, regionally-grounded leader for the Northern Kentucky community.
LaunchNKY Center for Civic Leadership at Northern Kentucky University is a public-private partnership with NKU, the NKY Chamber of Commerce, and the OneNKY Alliance. Program participants attend monthly
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Daley Accepted into LaunchNKY
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Taft Cincinnati attorney Jesse K. Daley was recently accepted into LaunchNKY, a 12-month, three-level leadership program focused on developing and furthering the skills to be a civic-minded, regionally-grounded leader for the Northern Kentucky community.
LaunchNKY Center for Civic Leadership at Northern Kentucky University is a public-private partnership with NKU, the NKY Chamber of Commerce, and the OneNKY Alliance. Program participants attend monthlysessions led by NKU faculty and regional leaders, with the goal of fostering strong leadership skills to better serve the community and its needs.
An alumna of Northern Kentucky University, Daley is a strong proponent of the NKY community. In her practice, Daley represents employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling, and complex litigation.
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Original text here: https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/daley-accepted-into-launchnky/
Taft Expands Colorado Springs Office with Addition of 7 Attorneys
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Taft Expands Colorado Springs Office with Addition of 7 Attorneys
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Taft, one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms, announced the addition of seven lawyers to its Colorado Springs office. Led by partners Steve B. Smith and Jill Chalmers, the group joins Taft from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) and brings deep experience in sports law, intellectual property, employment law, and litigation.
The additions represent the latest step in Taft's continued expansion across the Mountain
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Taft Expands Colorado Springs Office with Addition of 7 Attorneys
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Taft, one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms, announced the addition of seven lawyers to its Colorado Springs office. Led by partners Steve B. Smith and Jill Chalmers, the group joins Taft from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) and brings deep experience in sports law, intellectual property, employment law, and litigation.
The additions represent the latest step in Taft's continued expansion across the MountainWest and its investment in the Colorado market following the firm's 2025 combination with Sherman & Howard. Since that time, Taft's Colorado platform has grown by 30%, reflecting the firm's continued focus on strategic growth and attracting top talent across key practices.
"Joining Taft represents a major step forward for our entire team," said Smith, speaking on behalf of the group. "The firm offers an exceptional nationwide platform, with offices across the country and a multitude of resources. This move creates real momentum that allows us not just to continue the work we're known for, but to expand it in new and meaningful ways."
New partner Jill Chalmers added: "Taft gives us the opportunity to grow, to branch into emerging areas, and to elevate the services we can offer our clients. I made the decision to join Taft because I wanted to be part of a firm that truly values my work in intellectual property and understands its importance in full-service practice. I view IP protection as paramount, and moving to a firm that shares that belief, and genuinely supports the growth of the practice, was essential for me."
Following the recent arrival of a prominent five-member IP team in February, this is the second major lateral group to join Taft in as many months that features IP.
Partners joining the firm:
* Steve B. Smith is a nationally recognized sports law attorney who has spent more than three decades representing clients across the Olympic movement, naming rights agreements, sponsorship and licensing agreements, television and media contracts, and stadium operations. He previously led the sports and entertainment practice at BCLP and served as managing partner of its Colorado Springs office.
* Jill Chalmers is a highly regarded intellectual property attorney who works closely with clients on matters, including brand selection and trademark clearance, registration, portfolio management, and global brand protection. She previously co-led the trademark practice at BCLP.
Of Counsel joining the firm:
* Martha Kohlstrand focuses her practice on class actions and commercial litigation, particularly matters arising under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). In addition to litigation matters, Martha advises companies on TCPA and data privacy compliance. She also represents clients in sports arbitrations and special education law matters.
* Deborah Menkins focuses her practice on education and employment law, advising clients on a wide range of matters from ADA/Section 504 and wrongful discharge issues to wage and hour disputes and immigrant visas for prospective employees.
* Brent Rychener is a litigator who handles complex disputes with a particular focus on sports, anti-doping, and education-related litigation. He is widely recognized for his work in critical matters involving elite athletes, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and educational institutions.
Associates joining the firm:
* Julie Bellville focuses her practice on technology and IP disputes, assisting clients with matters such as trademark and copyright registration, enforcement and counseling, social media and internet-related issues, and licensing and transactional work.
* Annalisa Kolb focuses her practice on complex litigation and dispute resolution, with a robust sports law practice representing NBGs and international sports federations. She also advises clients on consumer privacy and data security matters.
"Bringing this talented group on board significantly enhances our presence in Colorado Springs and strengthens Taft's rapidly expanding platform across Colorado and the Mountain West," said Lyle Wallace, partner-in-charge of Taft's Colorado and Nevada offices. "Taft has built tremendous momentum in the region, and the addition of this team reflects our continued commitment to strategic growth and attracting top talent. These attorneys are widely recognized for their legal ability and integrity and are held in incredibly high regard not only within Colorado's legal community, but nationally and globally. We are thrilled to welcome them to Taft."
Taft's continued growth in Colorado Springs underscores the firm's long-term strategic plan and proven record of success. Over the past 18 years, Taft has completed nine mergers in key markets, each followed by notable expansion in local attorney ranks. This approach, combining targeted geographic mergers with strategic lateral hires, has fueled sustained growth across virtually every market. After completing three mergers in 2025, Taft stands among the nation's fastest-growing law firms with more than 1,250 attorneys across 25 offices and projected revenues exceeding $1 billion.
Recent mergers:
* Atlanta and Washington, D.C.: Effective Dec. 31, 2025, Taft completed its merger with Morris, Manning & Martin. The merger expands Taft's presence in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, establishing a foothold in Atlanta and deepening its reach in Washington, D.C.
* Florida: Effective June 30, 2025, the firm completed its merger with Mrachek Law, an 18-attorney litigation boutique in Florida with offices in West Palm Beach and Stuart, marking Taft's entrance into the Southeast. Complementing this move, Taft also launched an office in Naples in June, expanding its Private Client practice.
* Mountain West: Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Taft combined with Sherman & Howard, Denver's oldest and third-largest firm, adding offices in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Since the announcement of the merger, the firm's Mountain West offices have welcomed 54 attorneys, significantly expanding its corporate, labor and employment, fintech, IP, litigation, and private client capabilities.
About Taft
Founded in 1885, Taft is one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms, with a 140-year legacy rooted in the historic Taft family. With more than 1,250 attorneys and a modern, non-headquarter operating model, Taft is committed to delivering exceptional legal service to today's organizations and individuals. The firm is recognized nationally in the Am Law 100, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers(r), and Super Lawyers. Learn more at Taftlaw.com.
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Original text here: https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/taft-expands-colorado-springs-office-with-addition-of-7-attorneys/
