Thank you for reading the National Law Review’s legal news roundup, highlighting the latest law firm news! As the country enters inches towards the end of the year, legal industry news continues in large strides. 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

Polsinelli PC announced the addition of Rachel Adams to the firm’s health care practice as a shareholder in the firm’s Chicago office. She brings more than a decade of helping guide health systems through regulatory requirements.

Ms. Adams focuses her practice on general corporate matters and complex transactions in the healthcare industry such as Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute and state corporate practice of medicine laws. She is a member of the American Health Law Association, regularly presenting on health care transaction topics.

“I am very excited to join Polsinelli and its nationally known health care practice. I was drawn to Polsinelli’s dedication to the health care industry and its breadth of expertise in supporting health care clients,” said Ms. Adams. “I look forward to collaborating with the Polsinelli team to provide well-rounded, practical advice to help clients achieve their business objectives.”

John Goldfinch joined Proskauer Rose LLP as a partner in the firm’s global finance practice. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in structured finance, focusing on collateralized loan obligations (CLO).

Mr. Goldfinch advises managers on all aspects of the life cycle of a CLO issuance. This includes new issue deals, platform structuring and set up and reissues and refinancings. In addition, he advises on restructurings and other asset workouts.

“I am delighted to join Proskauer and build on my work in the structured finance space as part of the Firm’s broader Global Finance strategy. As demand in the sector inexorably grows, clients who look to innovate and differentiate themselves need a firm with deep experience across the full spectrum of asset management practice areas, including CLOs,” said Mr. Goldfinch. “Proskauer is a global leader in fund formation, private credit and global finance. This is an exciting and compelling opportunity to join a firm whose strategy and focus in these areas is unmatched. I am very much looking forward to contributing to and strengthening their platform as we support clients continued success.”

Kramer Levin announced plans to combine with preeminent global firm Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF). The combined firm will be known as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, HSF Kramer in the U.S.

The firm will strengthen and balance in transactional practices and litigation. It will better allow them to better serve their elite client base with more than 2,700 lawyers, including 600+ partners, working across 25 offices.

The move is driven by a shared commitment to servicing clients and puting them at the center of everything the firms do. 

Legal Industry Awards and Recognition

Katten announced that private wealth partners Kevin T. Keen and Nicholas J. Heuer were honored in the Future Leaders Awards 2024 by Citywealth. 

Mr. Keen was namedas the Outstanding Individual of the Year, while Mr. Heuer was recognized with a silver award in the Private Investment/Family Office Individual of the Year category.

The awards program aims to support future leaders excelling in their work while making important contributions to society. Mr. Keen and Mr. Heuer were chosen by online voting and a judges' panel.

Kyle Konwinski, a litigation attorney at Varnum LLP, was voted chair-elect of the Environmental Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He will continue as Chair of the Litigation and Administrative Law Committee within the section as well.

Mr. Konwinski will support leadership initiatives, such as educating the Bar’s members on environmental law and promoting the understanding and appreciation of the state’s laws, as well as organizing events for section members and the community.

Recognized by Top Lawyers, Mr. Konwinski focuses his practice on representing clients in compliance and litigation including under the state Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Kate Cole, co-head of intellectual property at Moore & Van Allen, was recognized in IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2025 alongside intellectual property counsel Sam Merritt.

The IAM Strategy 300 recognizes leaders in development and implementation of strategies that maximize intellectual property portfolios, as well for their skill sets and insights into patent matters by market sources.

DEI and Women in Law

Jackson Lewis P.C. announced that Kirsten A. Milton will succeed Nadine C. Abrahams as the Chicago office managing principal. Alison B. Crane will assume the role of office litigation manager, with Neil H. Dishman being reappointed as office business development liaison.

Ms. Milton focuses her practice on representing management in labor and employment issues. She defends employers in litigation under state wage-and-hour laws, as well as the Fair Labor Standards Act. In addition, she has experience with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“I am honored to take the reins in Chicago,” said Ms. Milton. “Nadine’s tenure saw the office through a global pandemic and a transition to a hybrid work environment, all while achieving continued growth. Her contributions have been instrumental to our presence in the region, and we plan to build upon the solid foundation she has laid. I am eager to work with our team to continue strengthening our standing as an industry leader in employment law.”

Winston & Strawn LLP announced that Kathi Vidal is rejoining the firm’s litigation department as a partner in the Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. offices. She is returning after stepping down as the Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

During her stint, Ms. Vidal made progress in reshaping the USPTO to benefit citizens, serving as an advisor to the presidential administration on intellectual property regarding artificial intelligence innovation and technological standards.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the American public by working alongside my incredible colleagues across government and leading the thousands of talented and dedicated employees at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,” said Ms. Vidal. “I made the decision to rejoin Winston because of its incredible team and culture which is well-positioned to handle the issues of the future. I look forward to supporting the firm’s clients with the same passion and advocacy I brought to government service.”

Ms. Vidal has gained recognition as one of the country’s leading patent litigators. She will focus her practice assisting clients in maintaining a leading edge in critical innovations, such as next-generation semiconductors.