Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! As the country enters the new year, it is important to look back at big news from the previous one. Please read below for the latest in law firm news and industry expansion, legal industry awards and recognition, and DEI and women in the legal field.

Law Firm News and Mergers

Bracewell LLP announced that Barron F. Wallace and Robert R. Collins III have been elected to serve three-year terms on the firm’s management committee.

Mr. Wallace, a resident in the firm’s Houston office, focuses his practice on traditional and highly structured project finance conduit transactions involving cities, school districts, state agencies, higher education, housing and other areas. In addition, he serves as Chairman of the Houston Parks Board and is a member of the board of directors of the Discovery Green-Downtown Park Corporation and the Houston Social Justice Fund.

Mr. Collins is a partner in Bracewell’s public finance practice in the Dallas office who focuses his practice on tax-exempt financings. He has successfully represented special districts and cities in expedited declaratory judgment actions, as well as serving as counsel in financing transactions for water  and school districts, economic development corporations and venue projects.

“Rob and Barron are exceptional leaders whose commitment and vision have consistently driven the success of our firm,” said Bracewell Managing Partner Gregory M. Bopp. “I look forward to working with them as members of our firm-wide management committee.”

Michael G. Nicolella was promoted to shareholder at Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Gefsky.

With nearly 20 years of experience as a business advisor and attorney, Mr. Nicolella specializes in securities law, mergers and acquisitions, entertainment law and and general counsel services for businesses and nonprofit organizations. He serves a diverse client base including healthcare providers, investor groups, entertainment organizations and nonprofits across various industries.

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP (WOH) and Nolan Heller Kauffman LLP announced that the firms would be combining on Jan. 1, 2025 to enhance both firms’ abilities to serve clients in business law, commercial real estate, commercial litigation and other mutual practices. The combined firm will employ 196 professionals, including 113 attorneys.

“As we approach WOH’s 50th anniversary, adding the NHK team is a reflection of our continued commitment to thoughtful, organic growth that aligns with our culture and reputation,” said Robert Schofield, Managing Partner at WOH. “NHK’s exceptional track record in the areas of banking, creditors’ rights and bankruptcy perfectly complements WOH’s vision of assembling top-tier professionals committed to excellence in the service of our clients. This collaboration not only enhances our ability to provide outstanding legal services but also fosters professional development within our firm.” 

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Varnum LLP business professionals Dianne Freeman and Sandy Fox were announced as two of the 28 honorees of the “Unsung Legal Heroes” Class of 2024 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. The list recognizes dedicated and talented legal support professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Ms. Fox, a paralegal in the firm’s Novi office, has over 20 years of experience in family law. She is the primary paralegal for three attorneys,  honing skills that have made her an exceptional asset.

Ms. Freeman is an estate planning assistant in the firm’s Grand Rapids office. Being with the firm since 1980, her work duties include recording deeds, preparing digital notebooks and coordinating conferences.

“We are thrilled to honor the achievements of these team members who show unwavering dedication to their teams and our clients,” said Scott Hill, Varnum’s Executive Partner. “This recognition highlights the essential role our support staff plays in the success of our firm, and we deeply value their contributions.”

Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP announced that partner Greg Akselrud and senior counsel Cathleen Green were named in Variety’s “Dealmakers Impact Report” for 2024. The 2024 list is the fourth consecutive year that Mr. Akselrud has been included.

The annual report highlights negotiators who have pioneered significant deals that have shaped the entertainment industry in the past year.

David Delrahim, a partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, was chosen as a member of the Leadership St. Pete® (LSP) 2025 Class. The program aims to promote community stewardship by engaging members on issues facing St. Petersburg.

“We are thrilled that David has joined the 2025 Leadership St. Pete Class,” said Mindi Richter, St. Petersburg Managing Partner and LSP 2023 Class graduate. “With his keen eye for business and problem solving, as well as his history of community involvement in St. Pete, David will be a valuable addition to the program.”

Mr. Delrahim focuses his practice on complexities of business, real estate and bankruptcy litigation, representing clients from construction, manufacturing, medical services, real estate development and hospitality.

DEI and Women in Law

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP intellectual property associate Katie O'Brien Leadership Council on Legal Diversity's (LCLD) 2024 Atlas Award following her completion of the organization’s  Pathfinder program. It is awarded to participants who have demonstrated the highest levels of engagement throughout the program.

"These programs present a tremendous opportunity for our attorneys to develop new relationships with industry leaders, expand their leadership skills and continue the upward trajectory in their career paths," said Katten Chief Diversity Partner Leslie Minier. "This group of high-achieving attorneys is not only committed to delivering industry-leading client service but also is deeply engaged in the firm's DEI efforts."

Lauren Aguilar, an associate at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, was named to The National Black Lawyers’ (NBL) Top 40 Under 40 list. The list recognizes 40 African American attorneys from each state who have an outstanding reputation. Nominations were submitted by current NBL members.

Ms. Aguilar has established herself as a trusted advisor to clients by working closely with implementing agencies on issues and disputes involving water, natural gas, electric and wastewater utilities. 

Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Janet Lindeman has rejoined the firm as a a partner in the real estate practice group in the firm’s Chicago office.

Ms. Lindeman advises clients on complex matters across the country, including disposition, acquisition, development, leasing, financing and mergers. Her clients include Fortune 500 companies and national commercial real estate developers, as well as real estate investment trusts and institutional real estate property owners and developers.

“With new business and legal challenges emerging in the commercial real estate industry, our clients want savvy and experienced representation that can help them navigate through complex legal issues,” said Diane Haller, Real Estate Practice Group national chair. “Janet fits this bill, and we are thrilled she has returned to Quarles to provide the client-focused counsel for which we are known.”