Happy July! We’re back with another edition of our legal industry news roundup. Read on for the latest law firm hiring, pro bono, and legal innovation news.

Law Firm Hiring & Moves

Much Shelist Law announced new management committee members and practice leaders for their firm.

Sheryl Jaffee Halpern, the chair of Much’s Labor and Employment group, joined the Management Committee. In her labor and employment practice, Ms. Halpern provides guidance to employers, devising practical solutions for complicated legal and business problems.

"The Much culture allows each individual to grow and develop, and I look forward to fostering our people-first philosophy as a member of our senior leadership team," said Ms. Halpern. "I'm proud to be part of a firm that understands the power of diverse viewpoints when it comes to building a creative and collaborative workplace."

Courtney E. Mayster, the chair of Much’s Real Estate group, joined the management committee. Ms. Mayster a commercial real estate attorney guides lenders, property owners, and investors through complex projects.

"Client relationships are at the heart of our firm," said Ms. Mayster. "As a member of the Management Committee, I'm excited to lead Much's efforts to enhance the client experience and ensure we continue bringing our clients smart, practical advice and innovative ideas."

Mitchell Roth, Steve Blonder, Greg Mann, Michael Shaw, and Glenn Taxman were all re-elected to Much’s Management Committee.

Much also named six attorneys as vice chairs of their respective practice groups:

• Evan Brown- Intellectual Property

• Luke Harriman- Wealth Transfer & Succession

• Harold Hilborn- Healthcare

• Camille Khodadad- Labor and Employment

• Jason Rosenthal- Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Michael Zalay- Business & Finance

Mayer Brown named John Nadolenco as managing partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office. Mr. Nadolenco joined Mayer Brown in 1995 and whose civil litigation and trial practice focuses on high-stakes cases and class action defense.

“It’s a tremendous honor to assume the responsibility of leading the Los Angeles office, which is a key strategic geography of the firm’s West Coast footprint,” said Mr. Nadolenco.

“John is an exceptionally talented litigator who has held a number of key leadership roles at Mayer Brown, and is highly regarded in the Los Angeles business community and throughout the firm,” said Jon Van Gorp,  the chair of Mayer Brown.

Kennedy’s Global Law firm added Judith A. Selby as a partner in their New York office. Ms. Selby brings a wealth of knowledge and almost 30 years’ experience in the insurance litigation field, with a concentration in cyber and data privacy, and adds to Kennedys’ growing US niche in cyber incident response and data privacy compliance.

“I’m delighted to join Kennedys’ global Cyber and Privacy practice. Increasingly, cyber and privacy issues are international and have no borders. My clients will benefit from the firm’s deep bench and global resources as they confront today’s most challenging cyber, privacy, and technology-related issues,” said Ms. Selby.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Judy join Kennedys. Given her reputation in the US and globally, she will be a critical addition to our growing Cyber and Data Privacy practice in the US and globally throughout Kennedys,” said Meg Catalano, Kennedy’s U.S. Managing Partner.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP added Ted Hunter as a real estate partner in its New York office. Mr. Hunter advises on investment, funding and joint ventures, with work ranging from acquisitions, dispositions and leases to financings, workouts and development transactions.

“A respected figure across the commercial real estate sector, particularly in New York and New Jersey, Ted excels at navigating complex real estate deals by finding common ground between his clients and other involved parties,” said Donna L. Wilson, Manatt’s CEO and Managing Partner.

“Manatt’s holistic approach to the real estate industry—which includes both comprehensive legal and advisory offerings—and the firm’s long-standing focus on servicing clients in this space make it the ultimate one-stop shop for my clients,” said Mr. Hunter.

Pro Bono & Recognition

The Public Interest Law Initiative’s (PILI) Pro Bono Recognition List recognized Barnes & Thornburg’s pro bono efforts, alongside 47 other law firms.

“We are deeply grateful for the recognition that PILI has bestowed on us for the sixth year in a row. We have worked diligently in the Chicago office to increase and enhance our pro bono activities. This recognition is a testament to our firm’s long-standing tradition of providing pro bono services to those in need,” said Kevin Driscoll, pro bono administrator for Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office.

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is one of more than 160 law firms participating in the Mansfield Rule 5.0 certification process. The Mansfield certification process ensures firms are considering at least 30 percent women, racially and ethnically diverse disabled and LGBTQ lawyers for promotions and leadership roles.

“Mansfield certification is the gold standard for law firms that are committed to increasing diversity among their lawyers and professional ranks, and in leadership roles,” said Steptoe & Johnson CEO Christopher L. Slaughter.

“Our clients have made diversity and inclusion a crucial part of their business and they expect the same from their legal counsel.  As a firm, we have made great strides in our diversity and inclusion efforts and obtaining Mansfield certification is the next step in that journey,” said Michael E. Flowers, the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Steptoe & Johnson.

Foley & Lardner partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to spread the message of diversity and inclusion, and help kids meet their potential. Through the partnership with Foley, the Boys and Girls club will work to advance their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives which offer culturally relevant programs and resources for children.

“We look forward to expanding our work with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the kids they serve. The work Boys & Girls Clubs of America does every day is part of the change needed to provide equitable opportunity to all,” says Jay O. Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Foley & Lardner.

Foley also engages in pro bono work for Boys & Girls Clubs of America on legal matters helping local clubs to offer more programs to a broader range of children.

Law Firm Awards & Innovation

The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer Magazine recognized Susan A. Capra, a partner at Clifford Law Offices, as one of the 50 Salute! Woman in Law in 2021.

The Law Bulletin/Chicago Lawyer selection committee, Ms. Capra’s peers, and a Women’s Advisory Board selected Ms. Capra for the award from a pool of over 400 nominees. The committee selected the awardees  “for their work to mentor and promote other women in the profession, their success in the legal community and being a shining example of leadership.”

Ms. Capra, who is also a registered nurse, focuses her practice on hospital and medical negligence litigation.

“I am honored to be among those recognized for this honor in a profession to which I have dedicated my life,” she said.

The Legal 500 United States included 90 Katten Muchin Rosenman law firm attorneys on its 2021 guide. Katten received recognition as leader in 21 practice areas.

Katten ranked highly in the following areas:

• M&A: Middle-Market (Sub-$500 Million)

• Structured Finance: Derivatives and Structured Products

• Structured Finance: Securitization.

Katten attorneys also made The Legal 500's "Leading Lawyers" list, including:

• Securities Litigation: Defense: Partner Michael J. Diver, and Bruce G. Vanyo, chair of Katten's Securities Litigation practice

• Transport Aviation and Air Travel – Finance category: Aviation Finance practice chair Timothy J. Lynes

Additionally, the Legal 500 selected Associate Brett J. Seifarth as a "Rising Star" for making major contributions to his practice.

The Legal 500 analyzes the strengths of law firms across the world, basing its rankings on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide and a team of researchers.

FFor the 10th year in a row, DLA Piper ranked among the best law firms for women by Working Mother. Specifically, DLA Piper ranked highly for hiring and retaining women, providing flexible working arrangements and promoting the advancement of women in law.

"It is our responsibility as a firm to ensure that our leadership pipeline is made up of a diverse group of lawyers who are well equipped to face the challenges of helping lead a global law firm, and programs like DLA Piper's Leadership Alliance for Women (LAW) are a crucial factor in our ability to meet that goal. These initiatives and policies promote a more inclusive firm culture, allowing us to better serve our clients across all industries,” said Jackie Park, co-US managing partner of DLA Piper.

LAW focuses on helping women attorneys through networking, leadership skill development, and business development opportunities.

Rachel Popa contributed to this article.