Law/Legal
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Thompson Hine Announces Election of Seven Accomplished Attorneys to 2026 Partnership Class
CLEVELAND, Ohio, Dec. 17 -- Thompson Hine, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Thompson Hine Announces Election of Seven Accomplished Attorneys to 2026 Partnership Class
Thompson Hine LLP has elected seven new partners, effective January 1, 2026. The partners represent a range of practices, including Business Litigation, Construction, Corporate Transactions & Securities, International Trade, Product Liability Litigation, Tax and Transportation, and reflect the firm's continued focus on high-impact client service across key industries and markets.
"Our new partners, drawn from
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CLEVELAND, Ohio, Dec. 17 -- Thompson Hine, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Thompson Hine Announces Election of Seven Accomplished Attorneys to 2026 Partnership Class
Thompson Hine LLP has elected seven new partners, effective January 1, 2026. The partners represent a range of practices, including Business Litigation, Construction, Corporate Transactions & Securities, International Trade, Product Liability Litigation, Tax and Transportation, and reflect the firm's continued focus on high-impact client service across key industries and markets.
"Our new partners, drawn fromoffices across the country and a broad mix of practices, reflect our focus on national growth and delivering exceptional, business-focused outcomes for clients," said Managing Partner Tony White. "They are talented lawyers and collaborative leaders who embody our innovative approach to service and will help drive the firm's momentum in the years ahead. We are proud to welcome these attorneys to our partnership."
The new partners are:
Kerem Bilge, a member of the International Trade and Transportation practices in Washington, D.C., advises clients on trade remedies and import compliance. He regularly represents U.S. and foreign clients in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, administrative reviews, and related litigation before U.S. agencies and courts. He advises clients on U.S. import compliance and enforcement risk management, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection audits and investigations, penalty mitigation, and prior disclosures. He also counsels automotive OEMs on compliance with federal and state automotive safety regulations, including Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and TREAD reporting, as well as certification, homologation, importation and enforcement matters before the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He also assists clients with transportation-related matters, including logistics and supply chain contracts. Bilge earned LL.M. degrees from Georgetown University Law Center (with a certificate in WTO and International Trade Studies) and an LL.B. from Koc University. He is a native Turkish speaker.
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William E. Burnett, a member of the Construction practice in Atlanta, advises owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers across all stages of industrial, energy, manufacturing, and other commercial projects nationwide. He supports clients with front-end contracting, contract administration, risk management, and claims resolution services. He prepares and negotiates sophisticated agreements including prime contracts, subcontracts, design agreements, EPC agreements, and joint venture agreements. Burnett also represents clients in mediation, arbitration, and litigation involving complex multi-party construction disputes. A former construction accounting professional with nearly a decade of industry experience before becoming an attorney, he earned his J.D. and B.B.A. from Georgia State University. He is recognized in Chambers USA for Construction Law in Georgia (2024-2025) and The Best Lawyers in America 2026 for Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Burnett also serves as chair of the Atlanta Bar Association Construction Section and is an elected member-at-large of the Atlanta Bar Association board of directors.
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Kyle Hutnick, a member of the Business Litigation practice in Cleveland, focuses on complex business disputes and commercial real estate litigation, including matters arising from transformative regional development projects. His practice covers real estate development and management controversies, zoning and land use, disputes involving representations and warranties insurance, financial services disputes, and other commercial and contract issues, with additional experience in appellate practice, IP disputes and civil rights cases. Hutnick earned his J.D. from Cleveland State University College of Law and his B.A. from John Carroll University. He is included in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 for Litigation - Real Estate.
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Alexis J. Kim, a member of the Tax practice in Cleveland, advises businesses, nonprofits and individuals on transactional federal income tax matters, Ohio tax controversies, and exempt organization issues. Her work spans corporate and partnership tax, regulated investment company taxation and restructuring, Section 1202 qualified small business stock, New Markets Tax Credits, and renewable energy transactions involving the Section 48 and Section 48E investment tax credits, including the transfer of investment tax credits as authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act. Kim earned her LL.M. from NYU School of Law; her J.D., magna cum laude, from Cleveland State University College of Law; and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Baldwin-Wallace College. She was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 for Tax Law.
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Benjamin M. Russell, a member of the Corporate Transactions & Securities practice in New York, concentrates on capital markets and SEC matters, corporate governance, and general corporate and securities counseling. He advises issuers on public and private securities offerings and compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC/FINRA rules, as well as on Nasdaq and NYSE listing matters. Russell has extensive experience representing issuers and underwriters in offerings with aggregate proceeds totaling in the billions. He also assists clients with mergers, acquisitions, and other business combinations. He earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law and his B.B.A. and B.A. from the University of Oklahoma.
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Kim Sim Sandell, a member of the Product Liability Litigation practice in Los Angeles, counsels clients on complex business and commercial matters involving regulatory compliance issues and consumer protection defense. She focuses her practice on advising clients on compliance with state and federal regulations affecting consumer goods and consumer protection laws, including advertising laws, labeling requirements, claims substantiation, and consumer privacy. She has extensive experience in helping clients navigate California's complex and evolving regulatory landscape, including California Proposition 65 compliance and defense. Sandell defends clients against consumer claims and government enforcement actions, regularly representing them in federal and state courts and before administrative bodies, including the National Advertising Division, California Air Resources Board, and California Department of Public Health. Sandell earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and her B.A., with honors, from the University of Southern California.
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Michael Steele, a member of the Product Liability Litigation practice in Atlanta, represents clients in matters involving product liability and toxic tort claims as well as commercial disputes in state and federal courts throughout the country. He also counsels clients on risk mitigation issues, including issues relating to product warnings. Steele serves on the Atlanta Bar Association Litigation Section board of directors and was selected to the Super Lawyers Georgia Rising Stars list in 2024 and 2025. He earned his J.D. from Duke University School of Law and his B.S., with distinction, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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Original text here: https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/thompson-hine-announces-election-of-seven-accomplished-attorneys-to-2026-partnership-class/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Ropes & Gray Senior Attorney Irina Sivachenko to Moderate WWCDA Global Enforcement & Compliance Series Panel
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Dec. 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Ropes & Gray Senior Attorney Irina Sivachenko to Moderate WWCDA Global Enforcement & Compliance Series Panel
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Litigation & enforcement senior attorney Irina Sivachenko will moderate "Current White Collar Enforcement Trends in Europe," part of the Women's White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA) Global Enforcement & Compliance Series, on December 17, 2025. This virtual program will examine evolving enforcement dynamics across Europe as U.S. FCPA priorities shift, offering
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Dec. 17 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Ropes & Gray Senior Attorney Irina Sivachenko to Moderate WWCDA Global Enforcement & Compliance Series Panel
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Litigation & enforcement senior attorney Irina Sivachenko will moderate "Current White Collar Enforcement Trends in Europe," part of the Women's White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA) Global Enforcement & Compliance Series, on December 17, 2025. This virtual program will examine evolving enforcement dynamics across Europe as U.S. FCPA priorities shift, offeringpractical insight for cross-border compliance and investigations teams.
The discussion will feature Olga Dimitrescu, Head of Industry Engagement at the UK sanctions regulator OFSI; Debbie Price, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service's Proceeds of Crime Division; and practitioner perspectives from Margot Vandebeek (Belgium), Margot Seve (France), and Marleen Velthuis (Netherlands).
Registration information for the session is available through the WWCDA event page.
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Original text here: https://www.ropesgray.com/en/news-and-events/events/2025/12/ropes-gray-senior-attorney-irina-sivachenko-to-moderate-wwcda-global-enforcement-compliance-panel
Littler Issues Commentary: Much Ado About OSHA Interpretation Letters
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Dec. 17 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Much Ado About OSHA Interpretation Letters
By Peter Vassalo and Colleen Koehler
There has been much ado about compliance assistance from the United States Department of Labor (DOL) this year. With these expanded opportunities, employers should consider seeking guidance on application of OSHA standards to their unique work environments.
The DOL's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a news release on December 10, 2025, calling attention to seven letters
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Dec. 17 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Much Ado About OSHA Interpretation Letters
By Peter Vassalo and Colleen Koehler
There has been much ado about compliance assistance from the United States Department of Labor (DOL) this year. With these expanded opportunities, employers should consider seeking guidance on application of OSHA standards to their unique work environments.
The DOL's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a news release on December 10, 2025, calling attention to seven lettersof interpretation--addressing topics from Covid-19 to confined space--intended "to ensure the consistent and transparent application of federal workplace safety and health standards."
This news release follows the DOL's announcement on June 2, 2025, of a newly launched opinion letter program under Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling (confirmed March 12, 2025) that "expands the department's longstanding commitment to providing meaningful compliance assistance" and involves five key enforcement agencies, including OSHA. Different agencies issue different forms of compliance guidance with varying legal significance. From OSHA, we can expect "letters of interpretation" (LOI), which give a requester OSHA's take on how its standards would apply to worksite-specific conditions.
The seven interpretation letters referenced in OSHA's recent news release were published between January 3 and June 17, 2025, and conclude with a disclaimer: "OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirements but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances." While LOIs are intended solely to provide guidance to employers, an employer's reliance on an OSHA LOI can help ensure that in the event of an inspection, OSHA will be consistent in applying its standards to an individual workplace condition. In other words, if OSHA issues a citation for an approach that was "blessed" in an interpretation letter, the interpretation letter may provide grounds to have the citation vacated. Most importantly, an interpretation letter from OSHA can take the guess work out of planning for compliance, especially with performance-based standards under which employers must identify the specific equipment or methods of achieving a prescribed objective.
Regardless of whether the 2025 OSHA interpretation letters apply to one's business, the DOL's emphasis on providing regulatory guidance is welcome news for employers. OSHA interpretation letters can be helpful in planning for compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and when evaluating or challenging an OSHA citation. Past interpretation letters are available on a new landing page. There's no need to observe from a distance, however. OSHA's general policy is to publish all LOIs in response to questions from the regulated community.
Given the DOL's embrace of interpretation letters, employers should consider taking a proactive approach on thorny compliance issues by requesting OSHA's interpretation of potentially applicable safety standards. To alleviate concern that requesting an interpretation letter could trigger an inspection, businesses can retain counsel who can submit a request without disclosing the business's identity. Therefore, employers interested in anonymously soliciting an interpretation letter from OSHA should consult with employment counsel.
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Authors
Peter Vassalo
Senior Counsel
Washington, D.C.
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Colleen Koehler
Associate
Columbus
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/much-ado-about-osha-interpretation-letters
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Issues Commentary: Illinois Expands Employee Privacy Rights
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Dec. 17 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Illinois Expands Employee Privacy Rights
By Tasneem Zaman and Jorge Lopez
On December 12, 2025, Illinois took a significant step to strengthen employee protections related to work authorization by enacting Senate Bill 2339. Given the increase in federal immigration enforcement, the state of Illinois adopted this measure to redefine employer obligations and safeguard workers from unfair employment actions based on potentially inaccurate or misused data. This bill took effect immediately
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Dec. 17 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Illinois Expands Employee Privacy Rights
By Tasneem Zaman and Jorge Lopez
On December 12, 2025, Illinois took a significant step to strengthen employee protections related to work authorization by enacting Senate Bill 2339. Given the increase in federal immigration enforcement, the state of Illinois adopted this measure to redefine employer obligations and safeguard workers from unfair employment actions based on potentially inaccurate or misused data. This bill took effect immediatelyand applies to both public and private employers statewide.
Specifically, SB 2339 amends the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act by explicitly barring employers from imposing stricter employment authorization or re-verification standards than those required under federal law. It also prohibits employers from taking adverse actions--such as suspension or termination--based solely on federal agency notifications (like "no-match" letters) or third-party reports indicating discrepancies in employee identification documents.
Pursuant to new provisions, employers must now notify the affected employee in writing within five business days. When possible, this notice should be delivered in person and by hand; if not feasible, it must be sent via both mail and email. The notice must clearly outline the nature of the discrepancy, the timeframe for the employee to respond or challenge it, and the next steps in the process.
SB 2339 also enhances enforcement mechanisms by empowering labor unions and nonprofit organizations to initiate civil lawsuits as "interested parties." Additionally, individual employees, job applicants, or their representatives may file lawsuits directly in Illinois courts.
Penalties for violations range from $100 to $1,000 per violation, with remedies including reinstatement, back pay, and up to $10,000 in damages for job loss. Repeat offenses can result in fines of $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, along with attorney's fees and other damages. No penalties will be imposed if an employer acted in good faith after consulting with the Illinois Department of Labor or the Department of Homeland Security, or if an honest administrative mistake did not impact an employee's pay or job status.
Considering this new legislation, employers are encouraged to update their verification and notification procedures and stay informed through future guidance to ensure compliance.
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Authors
Tasneem Zaman
Senior Counsel
Washington, D.C.
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Jorge R. Lopez
Shareholder
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/illinois-expands-employee-privacy-rights
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Issues Commentary: Determining Work Authorization for Employees on TPS and Humanitarian Parole - Updated December 16, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Dec. 17 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Determining Work Authorization for Employees on TPS and Humanitarian Parole - Updated December 16, 2025
By Jorge Lopez and Tasneem Zaman
The Trump administration has enacted significant policy changes impacting individuals authorized to work under various immigration programs, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, and the CHNV programs. We created a chart intended to assist employers in determining the work authorization status of employees who have presented
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Dec. 17 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Determining Work Authorization for Employees on TPS and Humanitarian Parole - Updated December 16, 2025
By Jorge Lopez and Tasneem Zaman
The Trump administration has enacted significant policy changes impacting individuals authorized to work under various immigration programs, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, and the CHNV programs. We created a chart intended to assist employers in determining the work authorization status of employees who have presentedan Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under one of these programs.
This chart has been updated to note developments concerning Ethiopia.
Several federal lawsuits are currently pending across the United States, challenging the government's decision to terminate these programs. As a result, the information provided here is subject to change based on the outcomes of these legal proceedings.
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Authors
Jorge R. Lopez
Shareholder
Miami
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Tasneem Zaman
Senior Counsel
Washington, D.C.
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/determining-work-authorization-employees-tps-and-humanitarian-parole-updated-2
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Promotes Six Lawyers to Counsel and Special Counsel in U.S.
NEW YORK, Dec. 17 -- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, a law firm, issued the following news on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer promotes six lawyers to counsel and special counsel in US
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer announced today the promotion of six lawyers to counsel and special counsel in the US.
Paul Schoeman, Executive Partner, US, said, "Each of these lawyers have demonstrated exceptional skill, rigor, and dedication to our clients and their practice areas, and these promotions reflect the high standard of excellence that defines HSF Kramer. Congratulations to
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Dec. 17 -- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, a law firm, issued the following news on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer promotes six lawyers to counsel and special counsel in US
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer announced today the promotion of six lawyers to counsel and special counsel in the US.
Paul Schoeman, Executive Partner, US, said, "Each of these lawyers have demonstrated exceptional skill, rigor, and dedication to our clients and their practice areas, and these promotions reflect the high standard of excellence that defines HSF Kramer. Congratulations toall of them."
The promotions come into effect from January 1, 2026.
Elevated to Counsel:
* Eugene C. Travers, Land Use
* Adam B. Taubman, Land Use
* Jeffrey H. Price, Intellectual Property
Elevated to Special Counsel:
* Clayton A. Campos, Private Equity
* Christopher Henry, Special Situations
* Eva Tanna, Private Equity
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Original text here: https://www.hsfkramer.com/news/2025-12/hsf-kramer-promotes-six-lawyers-to-counsel-and-special-counsel-in-us
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Fisher Phillips Elects 27 Attorneys to 2026 Partnership Class
ATLANTA, Georgia, Dec. 17 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Fisher Phillips Elects 27 Attorneys to 2026 Partnership Class
Fisher Phillips, an international labor and employment law firm representing employers, is proud to announce the election of 27 attorneys to its partnership. This year's class represents a diverse cross-section of the firm's expansive employment practice and industry offerings for employers around the world.
The new partners focus their practices on critical areas of workplace law including AI, Data and Analytics, Consumer Privacy, Global Mobility,
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Dec. 17 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Fisher Phillips Elects 27 Attorneys to 2026 Partnership Class
Fisher Phillips, an international labor and employment law firm representing employers, is proud to announce the election of 27 attorneys to its partnership. This year's class represents a diverse cross-section of the firm's expansive employment practice and industry offerings for employers around the world.
The new partners focus their practices on critical areas of workplace law including AI, Data and Analytics, Consumer Privacy, Global Mobility,Immigration, International Employment, Labor Relations, Litigation and Class/Collective Actions, Privacy and Cyber, Wage and Hour, Workplace Investigations, Workplace Safety and Catastrophe Management.
Together, this partnership class supports employers operating amid shifting employer-employee dynamics across industries worldwide, including Automotive Dealerships, Construction, Education, Higher Education, Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, PEO Advocacy and Protection, Staffing, Sports, and Transportation and Supply Chain.
"Our newest partners step into this role at a moment of transformation for employers around the world," said John Polson, Chairman and Managing Partner of Fisher Phillips. "The workplace is moving faster, becoming more complex, and crossing borders in new ways. This partnership class strengthens our outstanding legal capabilities, technological fluency, and global perspectives needed to help our clients anticipate risk, adapt quickly, and navigate the future with confidence."
The following lawyers will be partners effective January 1, 2026:
* Erin Gibson Allen (Pittsburgh)
* Mitchell Anderson (Charlotte)
* Keia James Atkinson (San Diego)
* Areen Babajanian (Los Angeles)
* Marianna Bertikian (Los Angeles)
* Michael Bonner (Fort Lauderdale)
* Benjamin Carney (San Diego)
* Deepa Desai (Boston)
* Darcey Groden (San Diego)
* Lori Guner (Phoenix)
* Kelsey Javier (Irvine)
* Jinyoung (Julia) Lee (Denver)
* Amber Peters (Charlotte)
* Ashley Pham (Irvine)
* Lindsay Reimer (Houston)
* Hillary Ross (Denver)
* Sharon Suh (Charlotte)
* Bingxi (Ceci) Sun (Los Angeles)
* Drew Tate (Los Angeles)
* Talar Tavlian (Los Angeles)
* Jessica Taylor (San Francisco)
* Lee Thomas (Charlotte)
* Harrison Thorne (Los Angeles)
* William Wahrer (Portland, ME)
* Eryne Walvekar (Seattle)
* Alex West (Charlotte)
* Harrison Zator (Irvine)
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About Fisher Phillips (www.fisherphillips.com)
With over 700 attorneys across the United States, Mexico and Japan, and a vast network of attorneys in jurisdictions around the globe, Fisher Phillips advises and advocates for employers on an international scale. Through our technology-driven approach, we partner with companies to achieve their business objectives, anticipate potential disruption, and provide the legal guidance to navigate and resolve the workplace matters critical to their success.
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Original text here: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/news-insights/fisher-phillips-elects-27-attorneys-to-2026-partnership-class.html
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
