Happy Halloween! We’re back with the second edition of the October 2021 Legal Roundup News Column. Read on for the latest news in law firm hiring, pro bono work, and law firm innovation.

Law Firm Additions, Growth and Recognition 

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP announced the addition of Wes Scott as a partner to its Nashville office. Mr. Scott  works with capital markets and the securities industry and specializes in corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions law.

“Wes’s securities experience and knowledge of the banking and financial services industry will make him a great asset to Nelson Mullins,” said Neil Grayson, head of the firm’s financial institutions, corporate and regulatory group.

“I’m excited to be joining such a deep and talented team of attorneys. Nelson Mullins' financial institutions and securities practices are nationally renowned and are flourishing.  I fully anticipate that the Nelson Mullins’ platform will be extremely beneficial not only for my practice but, more importantly, for my clients’ businesses,” said Mr. Scott.

von Briesen & Roper s.c. expanded their Milwaukee office with the addition of four new attorneys:

• Brandon J. Conway is an associate who focuses his practice on commercial litigation, toxic torts and shareholder disputes.

• Jordyn A. Janikowski is an associate who concentrates on general business, mergers, and succession planning.

• Christina M. Luccesi is an attorney who specializes in taxable and tax-exempt bond issuances and refinancing issues.

• Audrey R. Merkel is an associate who represents counties and local governments on contracting, employment and COVID-19 issues.

Susan Lee joined Goodwin’s Life Sciences practice as a partner in their Washington, DC office.  Ms. Lee advises biologics and technology companies on FDA regulatory and compliance matters, and is ranked by Legal 500 US as a Next Generation Partner for life sciences and healthcare. 

“Susan’s broad experience in FDA regulatory strategy, commercialization, and issues related to corporate transactions will be invaluable to our clients at all stages of the product and corporate lifecycle. We are thrilled to welcome Susan to Goodwin,” said Mitch Bloom.

Ice Miller LLP n has opened a new office in Philadelphia,  housing the firm’s Intellectual Property practice, which represents pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients in all aspects of patent law. 

“We are excited to expand not only our office space, but also the capabilities of our Philadelphia Office. The move signifies the growth of our IP practice, as well as the growth of the firm. I cannot wait to welcome more IP practitioners and attorneys in other practice areas to join our office to better serve our clients in the greater Philadelphia region and elsewhere,” said Philadelphia Office Managing Partner Weihong Hsing, Ph.D.

Rosenburg Martin Greenberg LLP announced Caroline L. Hecker is the new managing partner of the firm. She is the third managing partner of the firm, and the first woman and non-founding member to assume the role. Ms. Heckler started at the firm in 2007, and became a partner in 2013. Currently, Ms. Hecker leads the Land Use and Zoning team and the firm’s Associate Marketing Committee, which helps to establish business development awareness in its attorneys.

“Caroline is an extremely talented lawyer who possesses the leadership skills necessary to ensure Rosenberg Martin Greenberg’s continued success moving forward. Caroline is highly regarded by her colleagues, the firm’s clients, and other professionals. It is an honor to pass the baton to someone with the reputation for excellence and fairness that Caroline has earned through her exceptional work on behalf of the firm, our clients and the Greater Baltimore community,” said Barry Greenberg, the firm’s current managing partner.

Bethany Biesenthal, a partner in Jones Day’s Chicago office, is now a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL). Ms. Biesenthal has experience in White Collar Defense and Business & Tort litigation. Fellowship in the College is by invitation only to diverse experienced trial lawyers whose careers exemplify the highest moral conduct, professionalism and civility, and attorneys must have a minimum of 15 years’ trial experience.

"Bethany is a natural talent. She has been a top-notch addition to our ranks since joining us from the United States' Attorney's Office and her induction is a wonderful recognition of her overall outstanding skills as an advisor and a trial lawyer,” said Tina Tabacchi, a partner of Jones Day.

Innovation in the Law 

Blakes Law firm is the first Canadian law firm to partner with the Mindful Business Charter (MBC) to help alleviate unnecessary stressors in the workplace and to cultivate effective team work by incorporating openness, respect, improved communication, a considerate delegation of tasks and respect for working hours.

“The Charter is simple — be more mindful, more aware, of the impact we have on each other and give each other the permission to talk about it, to be brave, and to ask for what we need to enable us to function at our best and to thrive,” said Richard Martin, on behalf of the MBC Initiative.

“Innovation comes in many shapes. At Blakes, this focus on smart collaboration reinforces our long-standing commitment to fostering the health and productivity of our teams. Enhancing the way we work together will benefit our Firm, our people and our clients,” said Blakes Managing Partner Bryson Stokes.

Lawmatics announced their new Client Portal, which allows users to share documents, signature requests, calendar events and other contact based tasks. Some of the new features available on the portal include automation tagging, e-signature deadline expiration and more.

Legal Industry Serving the Greater Good 

Faegre Drinker is the recipient of the Inaugural Law Firm Founders’ Award from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM). The ILCM is a nonprofit organization that provides pro bono or low cost legal services to those in need of immigration legal assistance, and works to educate organizations about immigration and human rights. 

Faegre Drinker’s attorneys are recognized by the ILCM for their pro bono efforts and for their assistance in creating the pro bono program.

Evan J. Lide of Stark and Stark recently accepted a position on the Board of Directors of Lambertville Helping Hands, which provides Hurricane Ida disaster relief. Mr. Lide has experience in the areas of accidents and personal injury law. 

“I have seen first-hand the devastation that Hurricane Ida has brought to my town of Lambertville, especially to my neighbors at the Village Apartments. More than half of the residents in town have suffered some amount of flood damage, and the recovery is far from over. Lambertville Helping Hands helped direct the volunteer effort in town, and I am pleased to have been asked to join the Board to help ensure these funds get to the people who need them most,” said Mr. Lide

Frost Brown Todd (FBT) awarded their annual Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships to five students for demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts. The FBT Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships award five $2,000 scholarships to help build a diverse legal pipeline and to give support to underrepresented students.

The five students  selected are:

• Neila Angelica Rosales Huesca- University of Colorado School of Law

• Jamaal Lockings- University of Texas School of Law at Austin

• Isabella Parlette- University of Texas School of Law at Austin

• Caroline Toler- West Virginia University (WVU) School of Law

• Itunuoluwa Williams- University of Mississippi 

“We are excited to offer this FBT scholarship to students who are currently law students or intend to attend law school in the future. In the past 11 years, we have handed out this scholarship, we have been inspired by the commitment the recipients have to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive community. We look forward to watching their successes in the future and are proud FBT could provide support in that journey,” said Committee Chair Justin Fowles.

Rachel Popa also contributed to this article.