Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! A new year means new law firm news. 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

Jackson Lewis P.C. announced the elevation of 20 attorneys to principal status, including:

• Zachary A. Ahonen (Indianapolis)
• Lara P. Besser (San Diego)
• Sean Bothamley (Silicon Valley)
• Brandon U. Campbell (Miami)
• Keely J. Collins (Atlanta)
• Bernard G. Dennis, III (D.C. Region)
• Jessica L. Draper (Hartford)
• Kelli M. Dreger (Orange County)
• Sayaka Karitani (Los Angeles)
• Jonathan R. King (Cleveland)
• Andrew D. Kinghorn (St. Louis)
• Jina Lee (Orange County)
• Karen Luh (Los Angeles)
• M. Christopher Moon (Salt Lake City)
• Jason A. Ross (Washington D.C. Region)
• Carlos J. Saavedra-Gutiérrez (San Juan)
• Nicholas A. Simpson (Chicago)
• Andrew L. Smith (Los Angeles)
• Frank S. Stern (Greenville)
• Lauren H. Whiting (Austin) 

“We are proud to announce the elevation of our 2025 class of new principals,” said Firm Chair Kevin Lauri. “These individuals have demonstrated exceptional talent, steadfast dedication and a deep commitment to both our clients and the core values that define Jackson Lewis. This is a well-deserved achievement, and we are excited to see the continued leadership and impact each of the principals will bring to the firm in the years ahead."

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP welcomed its largest first-year class, including 49 associates and two staff attorneys. The class includes:

Atlanta

• Kaylee M. Roberts – Litigation Practice Group (Emory University School of Law)
• Joseph A. Shafritz – Healthcare Practice Group (Georgia State University College of Law)
• Ashley E. Strain – Litigation Practice Group (Emory University School of Law) 

Birmingham

• Bidushi Adhikari – Litigation Practice Group and Construction Practice Group (Boston University School of Law)
• Julianne L. Bayer – Litigation Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
• Katelyn Carson – Construction Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
• John Darby – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (The George Washington University School of Law)
• Edward Gaal – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (Cumberland School of Law at Samford University)
• Joshua S. Lewis – Banking & Financial Services Practice Group (Cumberland School of Law at Samford University)
• Matthew J. Lloyd – Litigation Practice Group (Washington & Lee University School of Law)
• Marlee Tomlinson Martin – Real Estate Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
• Daniel S. McCray – Litigation Practice Group (University of Virginia School of Law)
• Ashlyn E. Payne –Banking & Financial Services Practice Group (Cumberland School of Law at Samford University)
• Brianna Rhymes – Government Enforcement & Investigations Practice Group (Southern University Law Center)
• Zachary B. Stewart – Construction Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
• Charlotte Udipi – Healthcare Practice Group (Washington University School of Law)
• Macy Walters – Litigation Practice Group (University of Mississippi School of Law)

Charlotte

• Tamara Boles – Litigation Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
• Steven Hix – Litigation Practice Group (University of South Carolina School of Law)
• Noah Matthews – Construction Practice Group and Litigation Practice Group (University of Miami School of Law)

Dallas

• Lexie Alexander – Litigation Practice Group and Government Enforcement & Investigations Practice Group (Emory University School of Law)
• Stephen McCluskey – Litigation Practice Group (University of Texas School of Law)
• Taylor E. Scott – Litigation Practice Group (Southern University Law Center)

Houston

• Jonathan Adams – Litigation Practice Group (University of Texas School of Law)
• Tim Almohamad – Construction Practice Group (University of Texas School of Law)
• John “Carter” Byrum – Litigation Practice Group (University of Texas School of Law)

Huntsville

• AJ Brien – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
• Trevor G. Porter – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)

Jackson

• Marshall Jones Jr. – Real Estate Practice Group (Mississippi College of Law)
• Shelby Parks – Litigation Practice Group (Mississippi College of Law)
• Emily C. Stanfield – Litigation Practice Group (Mississippi College of Law)
• Preston Garner Vance – Construction Practice Group and Litigation Practice Group (University of Mississippi School of Law)

Nashville

• Stephanie Goldfeld – Labor & Employment Practice Group and Litigation Practice Group (University of Tennessee College of Law)
• Dawn Jackson – Litigation Practice Group (University of Mississippi School of Law)
• Zachary June – Litigation Practice Group (Duke University School of Law)
• Nora Klein – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (Belmont University College of Law)
• Cole S. Manion – Construction Practice Group (University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law)
• Amanda Norman – Litigation Practice Group (George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School)
• Carter Oakley – Real Estate Practice Group (University of Tennessee College of Law)
• Monica Peacock – Economic Development & Renewable Energy Practice Group (Duke University School of Law)
• Elizabeth T. Petras – Litigation Practice Group (Emory University School of Law)
• Madison G. Porth – Litigation Practice Group (Vanderbilt University Law School)
• Lily Rucker – Labor & Employment Practice Group (Vanderbilt University Law School)
• Marlee Sacks – Litigation Practice Group (Emory University School of Law)
• Jon Michael Sockwell – Litigation Practice Group and Banking & Financial Services Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
• Jaden R. Taylor – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (George Washington University Law School)

Tampa

• Justin A. Clark – Corporate & Securities Practice Group (University of Florida Levin College of Law)
• Lucie Hunter Fisher – Litigation Practice Group (Washington & Lee University School of Law)
• Mary Rosado – Construction Practice Group and Litigation Practice Group (University of Florida Levin College of Law)

Washington, D.C.

• Elizabeth A. Brown – Construction Practice Group and Government Contracts Practice Group (University of Alabama School of Law)
• Winni Zhang – Construction Practice Group (Washington & Lee University School of Law)

“Each year, one of our firm’s overarching goals continues to be strategic growth and this includes adding talented young attorneys across a variety of practices. This group is no exception as we welcome this historically large class of attorneys across our footprint,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jon Skeeters. “We look forward to working with this accomplished group and are pleased to welcome them to the firm.”

David Vallas joined Honigman LLP’s Chicago office as a partner in the business litigation practice group and litigation department.

Mr. Vallas focuses his over two decades of experience on real estate and commercial matters, representing lenders, developers and REITs in cases involving creditor disputes, commercial foreclosures and municipal compliance. 

“With the commercial real estate market expected to bounce back in 2025, businesses will need an experienced litigator who can handle the myriad of complex legal challenges that may arise,” said J. Michael Huget, Chair of Honigman’s Litigation Department. “David consistently delivers solutions that align not only with his client’s strategic objectives, but the evolving demands of today’s dynamic market. We’re thrilled to bring him on board.”

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Proskauer Rose LLP announced that Brian Schwartz, partner in the firm’s private funds group, was named to the 2025 Rising Stars list by Venture Capital Journal. The list features limited partners, founders, investors and advisors who are under the age of 40 and have made their mark on the industry.

Mr. Schwartz represents private fund sponsors in different fund strategies, including venture capital, growth equity and buyout funds. His practice focuses on structuring, organizing, marketing and negotiating Private investment funds through all aspects of the fundraising process.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP announced that Boca Raton partner Rusty Melges was selected for the Urban Land Institute’s 2025 Leadership Institute Cohort. He will join 35 other professionals to learn tools and insights to tackle the most urgent real estate and land use challenges in South Florida.

Mr. Melges focuses his practice on representing clients in real estate transactions involving the acquisition, financing, repositioning, development and leasing of office, commercial and mixed-use projects. In addition, he also regularly represents financial institutions in the mergers and acquisiton area as well as third-party risk management and corporate governance.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC announced that members Bill Zimmern and Rob Rust were added as leadership of the firm’s corporate team. They join members Billy Moore and Joe Fernandez.

Mr. Zimmern assists his clients with securities and general corporate matters, who come from a range of industries including information technology, financial services, healthcare, industrial and business services, real estate and retail. In addition, he provides advice on merger and acquisition transactions that is practical and business oriented.

Mr. Rust represents clients in transactional matters including commercial contract work, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures. His scope of representation encompasses complex domestic matters and significant cross-border transactions. 

DEI and Women in Law

Womble Bond Dickinson LLP achieved a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the tenth consecutive year. The tool highlights US company promotion of LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies nationally and abroad.

The CEI looks at criteria under four pillars; business entity non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, inclusive culture support and corporate social responsibility.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to continuous improvement, within our own Womble community and in the community at large,” said Christine Xiao, co-chair of the firm’s LGBTQ+ affinity group, WBDPride.

Kimberly Smith, partner and global chair of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP’s corporate department, was featured by by Mergers & Acquisitions as one of the 2025 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A for the fifth consecutive year.

The list features women for their ability to foster innovation, dealmaking achievements, and impact within the larger landscape of mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Ms. Smith leads complex M&A for family offices and PE funds, as well as handling leveraged buyouts, joint ventures and acquisitions. As the corporate department global chair, Ms. Smith leads over 150 lawyers in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. She oversees strategic areas such as M&A, capital markets, private equity and health care transactions.

Venable LLP announced that partner Elizabeth Manno was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) for a three-year term. The organization’s goal is to provide resources to advance women in the legal profession, as well as advocate for the equality of women.

Ms. Manno served as co-chair of the NAWL’s Research Committee from 2019 to 2025 and the chair of NAWL’s Denver conference in 2019. She was awarded with NAWL’s Virginia S. Mueller Outstanding Member Award in 2019.

“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to NAWL's Board of Directors. Her extensive experience and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to promote our mission to advance women in the legal profession and advocate for the equality of women under the law,” said NAWL’s executive director, Karen Richardson. “We look forward to her insights and contributions as we work together to achieve our strategic goals."

Ms. Manno focuses her practice on technology disputes such as licensing, patent infringement and other IP litigation. She represents clients from a wide range of technological fields including GPS, semiconductors, wireless devices, media streaming and artificial intelligence.