At RelFest Chicago, Relativity announced KPMG, Latham & Watkins, Ashurst, Perkins Coie and Troutman Pepper Locke have joined the Advanced Access program for claiR, its conversational AI for lawyers. KPMG is the first alliance partner, while the firms will help shape claiR ahead of its planned 2027 launch. Relativity also highlighted Assist, MCP integrations and its Gavel acquisition.

Bradley partner Robert Maddox has been elected to the American College of Mortgage Attorneys Board of Regents for a three-year term. An ACMA Fellow since 2020, Maddox chairs Bradley’s nationally ranked Banking & Financial Services Practice Group and represents clients before federal and state regulators, including the DOJ, OCC, FRB, HUD, SEC, and CFPB.

Shumaker Partner Steven M. Berman, Financial Institutions & Insurance Industry Sector Co-Chair, served as a panelist at ABI’s 2026 Southwest Bankruptcy Conference. He discussed post-confirmation litigation, including jurisdiction, retained claims, trust governance, fiduciary duties, trustee exposure, and compensation. Steve’s participation reflects his leadership in bankruptcy and insolvency.

Norris McLaughlin, P.A. welcomes Gabrielle D. Kohlhagen, Esq. as an associate in its New Jersey Litigation Practice Group. She handles complex commercial disputes in New York and New Jersey courts, managing matters from motions and depositions through trials and post-trial work. She also has experience with federal financial-crime investigations and health care regulatory matters.

Womble Bond Dickinson and ACC RTAC-ACC hosted a luncheon on AI liability and accountability at The Umstead Hotel in Raleigh. More than 100 legal professionals discussed AI-related legal, regulatory, and practical risks, including discoverability, privilege, governance, and accountability. Panelists also shared risk mitigation, responsible AI governance, litigation trends, and real-world challenges

Jackson Lewis P.C. announced that O’Neill & Borges LLC has joined L&E Global as its exclusive member firm for Puerto Rico, expanding its Americas presence. Founded in 1962, the San Juan-based firm has over 60 years of experience advising clients in labor, employment, corporate, litigation and regulatory matters across key industries.

Ward and Smith, P.A. announced that litigator Jenna Fruechtenicht Butler has been appointed by the North Carolina General Assembly as a Special Superior Court Judge for the Second Judicial Division. Beginning this fall through 2034, Butler brings nearly 30 years of experience in complex civil, commercial, fraud, securities, trust and estates litigation.

Greenberg Traurig’s Data Privacy & Cybersecurity team was recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Shareholders Ian C. Ballon, Timothy A. Butler, and David A. Zetoony received individual honors across technology, privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, fintech, advertising, and trade secrets law.

Seven Varnum attorneys were named 2026 Top Lawyers by Naples Illustrated, recognized for excellence in real estate, trusts and estates, tax, and insurance law. The annual list, compiled with Professional Research Services, is based on peer nominations from Collier and Lee County attorneys and evaluates nominees by survey results, license status, and standing with The Florida Bar.

New York Law Journal featured Financial Markets and Regulation Associate Alexander C. Kim in a practice profile highlighting his regulatory, transactional and enforcement work for digital asset, blockchain, prediction market and financial services clients. He also co-chairs the firm's AAPI affinity group and maintains an active pro bono practice, including immigration assistance work.

Bradley has launched a Retail, Digital Commerce & Consumer Brands team to serve retailers, brands, and digital commerce companies. Led by partners Erin Jane Illman and Alexis M. Buese, the team combines expertise in cybersecurity, privacy, commercial litigation, contracts, and regulatory matters.

Los Angeles partners Jason Karlov and Amanda Taber have been included in this year’s Top Sports Lawyers list from The Hollywood Reporter.
The publication noted their efforts in supporting the Super Bowl LX halftime show.

Three Bracewell LLP partners have been recognized in the inaugural Lawdragon 500 Leading Special Situations Lawyers guide for their expertise in complex litigation, distressed real estate and financial transactions across the United States:

von Briesen & Roper, s.c. is proud to announce that 103 attorneys are included in the 33rd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Among the accolades von Briesen received: five attorneys were named "Lawyer of the Year", five lawyers are listed for the first time and 17 attorneys are listed as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Littler has appointed Jenny Schwendemann as its first Senior Associate General Counsel, Pro Bono, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to pro bono service, access to justice and community impact. Schwendemann will help lead Littler’s nationally recognized pro bono program, strengthen its integration into firm culture and expand collaboration with corporate clients on meaningful pro bono initiatives.

Katten Trademark/Copyright/Privacy Co-Chair Floyd Mandell has been named a finalist for Best Mentor at The American Lawyer Industry Awards. He has mentored generations of attorneys, including future judges and law professors, while maintaining a successful practice representing leading companies in copyright, trademark, trade secret, advertising and defamation matters.

Ward and Smith attorney Sean Foerster has been named a 2026 “Legal Elite” in South Carolina in the Eminent Domain category for the Midland Region. Based in the firm’s Columbia office, Sean focuses on litigation involving creditors’ rights, eminent domain and real estate disputes, representing utilities, banks, lenders, servicers, title companies and property owners.

Greenville Business Magazine named 24 Womble Bond Dickinson attorneys to its 2026 South Carolina Legal Elite, recognizing the state’s top lawyers through peer voting. The honorees represent a broad range of practices, including business litigation, construction, corporate transactions, intellectual property, real estate, environmental, employment and estate planning across the state.

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. proudly announces that Jessica Cooper has joined the firm as a principal in the Real Estate practice group. She brings with her common-sense counsel, extensive experience and deep insights that have facilitated the efficient and expeditious consummation of countless commercial real estate transactions.

Dylan Carp, Scott Lacunza, and Kathy Le were spotlighted by the Western Growers Association for securing a significant appellate victory affirming a 99% reduction in nearly $56 million in requested PAGA penalties. The case offers employers valuable guidance on reducing PAGA exposure through proportionality, good-faith compliance, and prompt corrective action.

Chambers USA recognized nine Shumaker attorneys and three practice groups in its 2026 rankings. Based on confidential client and peer interviews, the rankings honor excellence in legal ability, client service, and strategic counsel. The recognition reinforces Shumaker’s reputation as a trusted advisor delivering exceptional results across key practice areas.

Lahoud Law Group, P.C. proudly congratulates its Managing Partner, Attorney Raymond Lahoud, on his selection to the 2026 Lehigh Valley Business “LVB300.” He was selected in the Corporate and Business Law category. The recognition of marks a significant milestone for the firm.

Shumaker was named a 2026 BTI Client Service Standout, earning recognition from corporate counsel for delivering exceptional client service. Based solely on unprompted client feedback, the BTI Client Service A-Team is a leading benchmark for legal service excellence, placing Shumaker among an elite group of firms recognized for outstanding client relationships.

Bracewell LLP’s patents and trademark practices have been recognized in Managing Intellectual Property’s 2027 IP Stars directory. Seven of the firm’s intellectual property lawyers earned individual rankings this year. Bracewell also secured two Texas practice rankings for patent prosecution and trademarks.

Womble Bond Dickinson, led by Francisco Balduzzi, represented Expro Ltd. in the U.S. aspects of its $215 million acquisition of Norway-based Enhanced Drilling. The deal strengthens Expro’s well lifecycle and offshore drilling capabilities and supports expansion of Enhanced Drilling’s technology into deepwater markets, including the Gulf of America, West Africa, Brazil, and Australia.