POPULARITY
In the first episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast as the newly combined Troutman Pepper Locke, host Chris Willis is joined by Partners Tom Yoxall and Michael Lacy to discuss the strategic merger between Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord, which became effective on January 1. The episode explores the enhanced capabilities and expanded geographic reach of the combined firm, particularly in the consumer financial services and broader financial services sectors. Tune in to learn about the synergies, cultural alignment, and future goals of this financial services powerhouse.
This Day in Legal History: First Year with No LynchingsOn December 30, 1952, the Tuskegee Institute released a landmark report marking the first recorded year without a lynching of African Americans in the United States since the institute began keeping records in 1881. The grim practice of lynching—extrajudicial killings often carried out by mobs to enforce racial subjugation—had claimed thousands of lives, becoming a chilling emblem of racial terror, particularly in the Southern United States. Tuskegee's data captured the scope of this violence, documenting nearly 4,000 lynchings of Black individuals over the prior seven decades.The significance of 1952 as a year without reported lynchings underscored the impact of growing civil rights activism, the waning influence of vigilante groups, and increasing legal accountability. This milestone also reflected shifts in public attitudes and the effectiveness of organizations like the NAACP, which tirelessly campaigned against lynching and for federal anti-lynching legislation. Despite this progress, racial violence and discrimination persisted in other forms, underscoring that the end of lynching did not mean the end of systemic racism."Strange Fruit," a haunting protest song famously recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939, had kept the horrors of lynching at the forefront of public consciousness. Its stark imagery of "black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze" served as a chilling reminder of the atrocities endured by Black Americans. While the 1952 milestone was a cause for solemn reflection, it was also a call to sustain the fight for racial justice and equality in a nation still grappling with deep-seated prejudices.Rupert Murdoch and other senior leaders of Fox Corporation will face claims from investors alleging personal responsibility for financial harm stemming from false election conspiracy theories aired by Fox News. Delaware Chancery Court's Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster denied Fox's motion to dismiss the lawsuit, stating that the plaintiffs had sufficiently argued that Murdoch could likely be held liable for knowingly permitting defamatory content to be broadcast. The lawsuit follows Fox's record-breaking settlement with Dominion Voting Systems and comes as Smartmatic pursues a separate $2 billion defamation suit. The investors claim that the leadership's actions and decisions led to significant economic fallout, asserting that corporate governance failures allowed reputational and financial damage to occur. While the court's decision enables the case to proceed, it does not guarantee success for the plaintiffs, leaving the ultimate outcome of the claims to trial.Fox, Murdoch, Execs Must Face Election Defamation Payout SuitA federal appeals court upheld a $5 million verdict against Donald Trump in a case brought by E. Jean Carroll, a former magazine columnist, who accused him of sexual assault and defamation. The decision, issued by a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, stems from a 2023 jury verdict that found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and defaming her in a 2022 Truth Social post. While jurors did not find Trump guilty of rape, they awarded Carroll $2.02 million for sexual assault and $2.98 million for defamation.Carroll has also secured an $83.3 million defamation verdict from a separate jury in January 2024, which Trump is appealing. These legal battles persist despite Trump's return to the presidency following his 2024 election victory. Trump's defense argued that the trial judge improperly allowed testimony from two other women alleging past misconduct and included the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape as evidence. Both trials were overseen by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan. This case continues to highlight the lack of immunity for sitting presidents in civil litigation unrelated to their official duties, following a precedent set during Bill Clinton's presidency.Trump loses appeal of E. Jean Carroll $5 million defamation verdict | ReutersThe oil and gas industry is facing increasing legal and legislative pressure over its role in climate change. States like New York and Vermont have enacted “climate Superfund” laws, with New York's targeting $75 billion from major polluters over 25 years to fund climate mitigation efforts. Meanwhile, multiple states and cities have filed lawsuits alleging misinformation campaigns by fossil fuel companies about climate change and plastic pollution. These efforts, while separate, are creating a coordinated front against the industry and building evidence to attribute emissions to specific companies.Experts suggest that legislative efforts like climate Superfund laws and lawsuits may bolster each other by generating an evidentiary record for liability. However, there are concerns about overstepping legal boundaries, as courts may reject overlapping claims for damages under federal laws like the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Fossil fuel companies argue that climate-specific laws conflict with existing federal laws such as the Clean Air Act and may face challenges in implementation.The American Petroleum Institute and energy companies have expressed resistance to these legal actions, with a preference for fighting rather than settling claims. While states hope to hold polluters accountable, the success of these strategies remains uncertain as courts, lawmakers, and the industry test the boundaries of new legal frameworks.Climate Liability Laws, Litigation Add to Oil Industry HeadacheThe legal industry is set for another wave of consolidation in 2025, with several major law firm mergers scheduled for January 1. Among these, Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders will merge with Locke Lord to create Troutman Pepper Locke, a firm with 1,600 attorneys and projected annual revenues exceeding $1.5 billion. Similarly, Womble Bond Dickinson is merging with Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, combining to form a 1,300-lawyer firm with $742 million in revenues. Taft Stettinius & Hollister is joining with Sherman & Howard, projecting revenues of $810 million for the merged entity.Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr will combine with Lane Powell, forming a 750-lawyer firm operating in 18 U.S. offices. These moves follow 41 law firm mergers in the first nine months of 2024, with industry analysts predicting continued activity next year. Firms are responding to client demand for broader services and geographic reach, as businesses increasingly consolidate their legal needs with fewer providers. Smaller and midsize firms are pursuing mergers to access new markets and clients, while the most profitable firms focus on lateral hires and internal growth. Rising costs, including attorney salaries and investment in generative AI technologies, are also pressuring firms to consolidate. Transatlantic mergers are gaining momentum as well, with U.K.-based firms like Allen & Overy and Herbert Smith Freehills expanding into the U.S. market through deals with Shearman & Sterling and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, respectively. These global mergers highlight the evolving competitive landscape in the legal sector.Law firms' quest for market share drives New Year's merger wave | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
This Day in Legal History: Non-aligned MovementOn September 6, 1961, the first official Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) conference concluded in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Leaders from 25 countries, including India's Jawaharlal Nehru, Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Yugoslavia's Josip Broz Tito, gathered to affirm their commitment to remaining independent of the two major Cold War blocs—the United States and the Soviet Union. The conference marked a significant moment in international diplomacy, as it provided a platform for newly independent nations to advocate for peaceful coexistence, self-determination, and resistance to colonialism.The Non-Aligned Movement had its origins in the 1955 Bandung Conference in Indonesia, where Asian and African leaders first came together to discuss mutual interests. By 1961, the movement solidified its principles, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. At the Belgrade conference, these ideals were codified in what became known as the "Ten Principles of Bandung," which called for disarmament and the end of imperialism.The closing of this inaugural summit was a milestone in the broader process of decolonization and the emergence of a new voice in global geopolitics. It established NAM as a key player in advocating for a multipolar world order, allowing smaller nations to navigate the pressures of Cold War rivalries without being drawn into the conflict. The legacy of the 1961 conference endures, with NAM continuing to influence international relations today, with a membership that has since grown to over 100 countries.Donald Trump's legal team plans to appeal a $5 million jury verdict that found him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The appeal will be heard by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, with a panel of three judges appointed by Democratic presidents. This appeal challenges a civil verdict from May 2023, which stems from Carroll's accusation that Trump assaulted her in a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s. Trump also contested his 2022 post on Truth Social, where he called Carroll's claim a hoax. The original jury awarded Carroll $2.02 million for sexual assault and $2.98 million for defamation. A separate January verdict ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million for further defaming Carroll in 2019. Trump disputes the trial's fairness, claiming that evidence of two additional women's testimonies and a controversial “Access Hollywood” video were wrongly admitted. Trump also argues that the court ignored political motives behind Carroll's lawsuit. This appeal runs alongside various other legal challenges Trump is currently facing.Donald Trump to appeal first court loss to E. Jean Carroll | ReuterPartners at Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord have approved a merger, forming a new firm called Troutman Pepper Locke, set to launch on January 1, 2025. The combined firm will have over 1,600 lawyers across 35 offices in the U.S. and Europe, with a reported $1.5 billion in combined revenue. This merger strengthens Troutman's presence in Texas and boosts Locke Lord's attorney headcount, which had been declining. Key leaders from both firms will continue in leadership roles. The merger enhances their complementary practice areas in energy, financial services, and pharmaceuticals, though some partner departures have raised concerns about potential client conflicts.Troutman Pepper, Locke Lord Partners Approve Big Law Merger (2)President Joe Biden is set to issue an executive order directing federal agencies to prioritize companies that collaborate with unions and provide strong wages and benefits when distributing funds from key infrastructure and green energy laws. The move applies to laws like the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act and sets job quality standards for federal spending. The order builds on previous policies requiring federal contractors to pay at least $15 per hour and use Project Labor Agreements, now making such labor standards mandatory for private employers seeking federal grants. Companies with union-friendly practices, apprenticeship programs, and benefits like child care and paid leave will be favored in federal funding decisions. Additionally, the directive pushes agencies to incentivize higher wages for manufacturing grants, expanding beyond traditional Davis-Bacon Act wage requirements for construction jobs. A task force will be created to oversee policy implementation.Biden Looks to Tie Infrastructure Cash to Pro-Union PoliciesXockets Inc. has filed a lawsuit accusing Nvidia and Microsoft of stealing its patented semiconductor technology, which offloads AI computing tasks to a data processing unit (DPU). Xockets claims this technology significantly contributed to Nvidia's rise as a leading AI chipmaker. The lawsuit, filed in Texas, also accuses Nvidia and Microsoft of violating antitrust laws by avoiding direct patent licensing talks through a third-party intermediary, RPX Corp. Xockets alleges this formed a "buyers' cartel" to avoid paying fair value for its intellectual property. Nvidia's market value surged to $3 trillion, and Xockets is seeking damages potentially in the billions. The company also seeks an injunction against Nvidia's AI products and Microsoft's use of them. Nvidia and Microsoft have declined to comment.Nvidia, Microsoft Accused of AI Patent Theft, Buyers' Cartel (2)Nvidia, Microsoft hit with patent lawsuit over AI computing technology | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Tchaikovsky.This week's closing theme is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic 1812 Overture, which premiered on this day, September 6, in 1882, in Moscow. Tchaikovsky, one of Russia's most beloved composers, is known for his deeply emotional and powerful compositions, and the 1812 Overture is no exception. Written to commemorate Russia's defense against Napoleon's invading army in 1812, the piece tells a dramatic story through music, blending themes of struggle, victory, and national pride.Famous for its booming cannon fire and triumphant melodies, the 1812 Overture incorporates elements of Russian folk tunes and even the French national anthem, symbolizing the clash between the two nations. The work culminates in a grand, celebratory finale, where the Russian national anthem resounds, signaling ultimate victory.Though Tchaikovsky himself expressed mixed feelings about the piece, considering it more of a celebratory commission than a personal masterpiece, the 1812 Overture has become a symbol of musical grandeur. Often performed during patriotic events, it remains one of the most widely recognized pieces in classical music. Its thrilling combination of orchestral power and theatricality makes it the perfect conclusion to this week.Without further ado, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Op. 49. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mark Silverman discuss:Building client relationships from the start of your career.Bringing your full, authentic self to your client relationships. Being forward with those you've served when asking for referrals. The art of bringing in new work from current clients. Key Takeaways:Even when you're crazy busy, it is key to reach out to a client or post on LinkedIn or send a text to connect with those in your network. Everybody wins in referrals when there is a transferral of trust. Be honest about where you can add value and where, perhaps, you aren't the best fit for your clients.Find what works for you and stay consistent with it. You are running a business and want to maintain that forward momentum. "The worst thing you can do, and what will tank your relationship and career quickly, is to sell something that you have no business doing." — Mark Silverman Read more from Steve at Above the Law: AboveTheLaw.com/tag/Steve-Fretzin/ Thank you to our Sponsors!Ready to go from good to GOAT? Attend PIMCOM the inaugural personal injury mastermind conference Sept 15-17, 2024. Use promo code BeThatLawyer to get $200.00 off at https://www.pimcon.org/Get Staffed Up: https://getstaffedup.com/bethatlawyer/Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/bethatlawyer/ Episode References: Matt Campobasso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrc1921/Sales Free Selling Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Free-Selling-Death-Sales-Methodology/dp/B0D9HWPX6W About Mark Silverman: Mark serves as Locke Lord's CMBS Special Servicer Team Leader. When borrowers and guarantors fail to meet their obligations, financial institutions, commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) special servicers and other companies look to Mark to enforce those commitments, in or out of the courtroom. Mark frames and resolves issues involving creditors' rights, loan workouts, bankruptcy and loan enforcement. He advises large, midsized, and small banks; financial institutions; and financial technology companies across the country, as well as the nation's largest CMBS special servicers. Connect with Mark Silverman: Website: https://www.lockelord.com/professionals/s/silverman-mark-aLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksilverman3/ : Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
This Day in Legal History: Beatles Sign 10 Year Partnership AgreementOn this day in legal history, April 19, 1967, The Beatles, comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, entered into a significant legal agreement that aimed to bind them together as a group for another decade. The partnership deed they signed not only reflected their intent to continue collaborating but also legally formalized the business side of their operations amid their skyrocketing fame.However, the unity that this agreement sought to solidify began to unravel just a few years later. Despite their intentions in 1967, The Beatles faced increasing personal and creative differences which led to their disbandment in 1970, a full seven years short of the agreement's term. The disintegration of their partnership led to one of the most famous legal cases in music history.Paul McCartney took the lead in legally challenging the partnership. In December 1970, he filed a suit against the other members to dissolve The Beatles' contractual partnership. McCartney's move was a response to managerial disputes, particularly concerning Allen Klein, whom John, George, and Ringo favored to manage their business affairs, a decision Paul vehemently opposed.The legal battle that ensued was fraught with emotional and financial tension, highlighting the complexities of music rights, personal relationships, and business interests intertwined within the band. McCartney sought the appointment of a receiver to manage the group's finances, effectively protecting his earnings from decisions made by Klein, whom he distrusted.The court ultimately ruled in McCartney's favor in 1971, leading to the official legal dissolution of The Beatles' partnership. This case not only marked the end of one of the most successful musical collaborations in history but also set a precedent in how legal disputes within bands were viewed and handled in the future.The dissolution of The Beatles not only reshaped their personal and professional lives but also impacted the music industry, emphasizing the importance of legal agreements in artistic collaborations. While their music continues to influence generations, the legal battles they endured serve as a cautionary tale about the potential complexities of combining creative endeavors with business interests.Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders and Locke Lord, two prominent law firms, are currently in discussions about a potential merger that would significantly elevate their market position. If successful, the merger would create a powerhouse legal firm with over 1,600 lawyers and revenues surpassing $1.5 billion, positioning it among the top 30 largest firms by revenue. This strategic alignment is driven by complementary strengths in corporate, litigation, and real estate practices, with both firms having a robust presence in these areas.The merger would also expand Troutman Pepper's geographic footprint into Texas, a key market due to its burgeoning energy sector, where Locke Lord already has established offices in Houston, Dallas, and Austin. This move reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the legal industry, where smaller firms merge to compete more effectively against larger rivals, enhancing their scope, talent pool, and profitability.This discussion is part of an ongoing wave of mergers in the legal sector, highlighting a competitive push among firms outside the Am Law 200 to scale up operations and extend their market influence. Both firms have a history of mergers, with Troutman Pepper emerging from a 2020 merger and Locke Lord from several mergers, the most recent in 2015. These consolidations have historically aided in growth and market presence, as seen in their revenue and lawyer count increases over the years. The potential merger aims to leverage these synergies to create a more formidable competitor in the legal market.Troutman Pepper, Locke Lord Discuss a New $1.5 Billion Firm (2)The legal battle between Jones Day and Soverain Software, which began over two decades ago, continues to unravel in the courts. Initially, Jones Day helped Soverain secure a $40 million settlement from Amazon in a patent infringement suit in 2005. However, tensions arose when Soverain only paid Jones Day $22 million of the fees before their relationship deteriorated in 2010 during a lawsuit against Newegg, where Soverain won significantly less than the $34 million it sought.The dispute escalated when Jones Day claimed that Soverain had not paid all the fees owed, leading to a $1.5 million arbitration award in favor of Jones Day in 2015. Jones Day accuses Soverain of creating a complex scheme to avoid payment, including fraudulent transfers of funds involving Soverain's founder and former chief legal officer.Soverain, known for its aggressive patent litigation over online shopping cart technology, faced a major setback when key patents were invalidated in 2013, diminishing its revenue potential. Despite this, Jones Day alleges that Soverain and its executives engaged in financial maneuvers to siphon funds, complicating the firm's efforts to collect its fees.Currently, the legal wrangling involves attempts by Jones Day to enforce the arbitration award, while Soverain challenges the validity of the claim, arguing it was filed too late. The saga highlights ongoing issues in the legal industry related to client relationships, fee disputes, and the challenges of enforcing legal payments.Jones Day's Messy Split From Client Fuels Long-Running Fee FightIn a significant legal development, lawyers have completed the selection of 12 jurors for the landmark criminal trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump in New York. This trial, notable for being the first in which a former president stands as a defendant, involves allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. The selection process was marked by challenges, including the dismissal of potential jurors who felt they could not remain impartial, reflecting Trump's polarizing influence.The trial has already seen its share of drama, with the early dismissal of jurors—one due to intimidation concerns after her personal information was inadvertently revealed, and another for failing to disclose previous legal issues. These incidents underscore the heightened tensions surrounding the trial. The jury's task is complicated by the intense public and media scrutiny, as well as Trump's frequent critiques of the legal process and those involved, which has led to concerns about juror safety and the integrity of the trial process.Justice Juan Merchan, overseeing the trial, has implemented measures to protect jurors' anonymity and limit media coverage of certain details to prevent potential harassment. As the trial moves forward, with opening statements expected soon, the world watches closely. This case not only holds significant legal ramifications for Trump, who faces multiple criminal cases, but also carries substantial political implications, especially with Trump's ongoing presidential campaign. The outcome could influence public perception and the political landscape significantly.Lawyers select 12 jurors to serve in Trump hush-money case | ReutersMore than one-third of U.S. law school deans have expressed opposition to a new proposal by the American Bar Association (ABA) aimed at enforcing greater uniformity across law school courses. The proposal has sparked concerns about the ABA's increasing control over academic freedom and the curriculum design within law schools. Seventy-six deans from ABA-accredited schools, including prominent institutions like New York University, Georgetown, and the University of Michigan, have publicly criticized the initiative.Proponents of the proposal argue that establishing more uniform required classes and specific learning goals for each course would ensure that students possess a consistent foundational knowledge, which would support their overall education and benefit faculty teaching advanced courses. This group includes influential figures such as former ABA legal education administrator Barry Currier and several law professors actively involved in student outcomes and assessment.The ABA has outlined that the revised standards would clarify expectations and requirements, moving away from the current broad standards. This adjustment is intended to help law schools more clearly understand and meet accreditation requirements, with the proposal necessitating that law schools regularly review and revise their academic programs every five years.Critics, however, argue that the proposal infringes on the academic freedom of professors and imposes significant administrative burdens on schools. They contend that it unnecessarily dictates specific learning outcomes and course alignments that could stifle educational innovation and diversity in teaching methods.The proposed changes also include new requirements for first-year classes, such as early assessments to provide students with feedback before final exams and mandated academic support for students who underperform. With the comment period now closed, the ABA's legal education council is expected to consider the feedback and make a decision on the proposal at its next meeting on May 17. The ongoing debate highlights a broader tension between regulatory oversight and academic independence in legal education.Law deans balk at course uniformity proposed by American Bar Association | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria, is one of the most prolific and influential composers of the Classical era. His father, Leopold Mozart, a noted violinist and composer in his own right, was instrumental in nurturing his son's prodigious talent. Mozart showed early signs of genius, mastering keyboard and violin by the age of five and composing by the age of five and a half. His extensive tours of Europe as a child wunderkind brought him into contact with a wide array of musical styles and influential composers, which shaped his own unique compositional voice.Mozart's works encompass all genres of his time, including symphonies, operas, solo concertos, chamber music, and choral music, showcasing his remarkable versatility and creativity. His music is celebrated for its melodic beauty, formal elegance, and rich harmonic and instrumental textures. Despite his profound musical output, Mozart's life was marked by financial instability and he died prematurely at the age of 35 on December 5, 1791, in Vienna, leaving behind an enduring legacy.One of Mozart's lighter, yet deeply admired works is the "Serenade in G Major," also known as "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" (A Little Night Music). Composed in 1787, the same year as his opera "Don Giovanni," this piece exemplifies Mozart's ability to infuse charm and sophistication into his compositions. The second movement, "Romance," is particularly notable for its lyrical and tender qualities. It begins with a gentle, soothing melody that exudes calmness and reflective poise, then transitions into a minor mode that adds a touch of drama before returning to the tranquil themes of the opening. This movement, like the rest of the serenade, is a wonderful example of Mozart's genius in creating music that is both accessible and complex, embodying the elegance and grace of the Classical style. Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Carolyn Blessing is a Partner at Locke Lord LLP, a premier full-service law firm. In her practice, she focuses on IP pharmaceutical matters and Hatch-Waxman litigation. With experience in the FDA regulatory, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, Carolyn represents pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in all aspects of federal IP litigation, including pre-litigation, fact and expert discovery, claim construction, motion practice, pre- and post-trial, and appellate phases. Carolyn serves on Locke Lord's women's initiative committee and served as the hiring partner for the Chicago office. Before joining Locke Lord, Carolyn was a lead associate for a family of four complex patent litigations at Kenyon & Kenyon LLP, involving both patent infringement and Hatch-Waxman litigation. She also assisted with all aspects of patent prosecution and counseling for biotechnology companies. Carolyn is the National Board Co-chair of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law, a non-profit membership association supporting women in law firms and companies. She has been involved in numerous leadership positions at the organization and serves as a board member and Co-chair of the Professional Development Committee for Chicago Women in Intellectual Property. Dedicated to promoting women in the legal profession, Carolyn demonstrates how women's initiatives maximize impact. Mehtap Cevher Conti is a Partner at Hogan Lovells' Corporate and Finance Practice, where she focuses on asset finance in the aviation and transportation industries. She has experience working with clients on secured debt, revolving credit facilities, leveraged and operating leases, and portfolio acquisitions. Mehtap also handles asset-backed structured financing for commercial and investment banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, aircraft operating lessors, and airlines. Having managed financial transactions involving multiple global jurisdictions, she advises clients on the purchasing and lease financing of corporate aircraft and helicopters. Before joining Hogan Lovells, Mehtap worked in private practice, where she focused on global transportation finance. She has been recognized in The Legal 500 US for asset finance and leasing and by Chambers & Partners for transportation and aviation finance. Mehtap serves in leadership positions in multiple organizations and non-profit associations, including those promoting the advancement and retention of women in the legal profession. As the National Board Co-chair of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law, she promotes women's initiatives for maximum impact in the legal industry. In this episode… As the legal profession continues to tackle the twin challenges of women lawyers leaving the law more frequently than men and a disproportionately low percentage of women in leadership positions, internal and external women's initiatives have become a welcome source of information and support. What are the top things women's initiatives can do to have a positive impact on the retention and advancement of women in the profession? As fierce advocates for women in law, associates Carolyn Blessing and Mehtap Cevher Conti note three core pillars of effective women's initiatives: programming, networking, and credentialing. These associations should foster authentic relationships with women and help them build their careers. Initiative leaders can also recruit and recommend other women for leadership roles, instilling confidence and community. By providing networking opportunities and mentorship in both internal and external women's initiatives, you can strengthen your firm and provide alternative perspectives. On today's episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman hosts Carolyn Blessing and Mehtap Cevher Conti, private practice attorneys and Co-chairs of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law, who talk about enhancing value and driving change through women's initiatives. Together, they describe the Coalition's goals, how women's initiatives promote diversity and leadership, and how to enhance the effectiveness of these organizations.
In this episode, we talk with Allison O'Neil, Partner and Co-Chair of the White Collar and Internal Investigations Practice at Locke Lord, where she is also a member of the Firm's Executive Committee. We talk with Allison about how she helps companies and individuals navigate regulatory and internal investigations, litigation and enforcement matters, compliance issues, and crisis management situations. For more corporate governance podcasts, check out Feedspot's list of the Top 15 Corporate Governance Podcasts (which includes Women Governance Trailblazers (listed as Women Governance Gurus)) - https://blog.feedspot.com/corporate_governance_podcasts/
Episode Two of Season Four complements the Employment Law issue of The Houston Lawyer magazine and highlights some of the major changes Texas employment lawyers have seen this year. As Heraclitus said, "there is nothing permanent except change." Segment One: Presidential Goals Plus Employment LawGuest: Diana Gomez, President, Houston Bar Association & Shareholder at Chamberlain Hrdlicka HBA President Diana Gomez. who is the first Latina HBA President, discusses her goals for the bar year and how they are going. Then, she turns to her area of legal expertise and discusses the potential impact of the Hamilton v. Dallas County on employment discrimination cases filed in the Fifth Circuit. Segment Two: The Religious Accommodation Claim in Groff v. DeJoy: Arguing to Change the Standard Guest: Christopher Tutunjian, Associate, Baker Botts LLPBaker Botts Associate Christopher Tutunjian argued the Groff v. DeJoy case in the Third Circuit, and he was second chair at the U.S. Supreme Court. His firm represented the plaintiff, and they were arguing to change a long-established legal standard. Chris discusses the facts and legal issue in the case as well as the outcomes in the district court, Third Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Court. Segment Three: The CROWN Act: What Is It and How Does It ImpactTexas Employers? Guest: Akilah Craig, Associate, Locke LordAkilah Craig, Associate at Locke Lord, tells listeners about the new Texas Crown Act and addresses why it was enacted, the interplay between state and federal law with regard to the issues addressed by the Act, and how important it is for employers to review policies to ensure compliance. Segment Four: Affirmative Action: Does the Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College Decision Affect Employers? Guest: E. Phileda Tennant, Counsel, Vinson & ElkinsPhileda Tenant, Counsel at Vinson & Elkins, addresses whether the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions has any impact on employer DEI initiatives. For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.
In this episode of Emphasis Added, Season 5 host Jake Guarino and Season 2 host Adri Langemeier moderate the Hispanic National Bar Association's "Power in Numbers" panel at the HNBA Region XII Annual Summit. Panelists Justice Amparro Guerra (Texas First Court of Appeals), Commissioner Leslie Briones (Harris County, Precinct 4), Alicia Castro (Partner at Locke Lord), and Maria Amelia Calaf (Partner at Botkin Chiarello Calaf) reflect on the impact, influence, and inclusion of the Latinx community on the legal profession. "Power in Numbers" refers to the panel's call to enhance Latinx representation in the legal field. The decorated panelists discuss how they have navigated challenges, leveraged resources, and created windows where doors were otherwise closed to them. Season 5, Episode 1 Contents:00:00 — Introduction 06:00 — Impact12:00 — Mentors vs. Sponsors12:00 — Staying and Succeeding in Law22:00 — Path to Government Service35:00 — Influence37:00 — Community Outreach43:00 — Getting Involved in Legal Community52:00 — From Imposter to Incomparable01:03:00 — Activating Personal PowerFor more Emphasis Added content, follow us on Instagram and check out our video content on YouTube!
In Episode #19 of Alternative Litigation Strategies, Kevin speaks with Ken Suh from Locke Lord on the surge in BIPA litigation since the Black Horse Carriers and White Castle IL Supreme Court decisions, potential ramifications given the statutory penalties, whether these penalties are mandatory or discretionary, the impact on future individual and class-wide settlements, and guidance to remain BIPA compliant and avoid potential litigation.
Kevin Twining, a partner in Locke Lord, LLP's Dallas office and co-chair of the firm's public finance group, joins us to discuss financing for large infrastructure projects. Sometimes that means accessing the public markets, sometimes it means financing through private banks. Kevin gives us a look behind the curtain to see how public entities acquire the funds for the projects that eminent domain practitioners work on. If you will be in Austin for the ALI-CLE Eminent Domain Conference, please join us for a karaoke night at The Highball (1120 S Lamar Blvd) on Thursday, February 2 from 8:00 – 11:00 pm. Registration is open for CLE International's Texas Eminent Domain Conference in Austin, TX at the Austin Country Club, April 13-14, 2023. Register here. Please share your thoughts on the show or this episode with me. I'm on Twitter @J_Clint. If you have thoughts about future show guests or ideas for episodes, please let me know.
In this episode, Rita Nielsen, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP, Office Administrator at Locke Lord LLP and ALA Chicago's CLM Director, talks about what ALA's Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® program is, the benefits it offers and what the process is to achieve it. Nielsen also offers suggestions on how best to study for the exam, including joining chapter study groups. Tune in if you're looking to start your CLM journey! For more on the CLM, visit alanet.org/clm. Speaker Bio: Rita Nielsen, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP, is the Office Administrator for Locke Lord's Chicago office. Nielsen has been a member of ALA since 1997. She is an active member who has volunteered in numerous local activities, including holding ALA Chicago Board positions as the Professional Development Director, HR advisor and her current role as CLM Director. At the national level, Nielsen has served on the Certification Committee, the Annual Conference Committee, the Association Nominating Committee, has chaired Region 3's Nominating Committee and has served as co-host of HR Roundtable sessions at annual conferences.
Conversations of Significance is presented by 4wordwomen.org. Today's show features Vicky Gunning, veteran leader, mentor and lawyer from Locke Lord. This is an invaluable conversation about the unique relationship that you have with Jesus. Consider are you entirely His? Is your interior life and exterior life aligned with Jesus? Vicky discussing the ability to surrender and provide an action plan that includes "pause and pray."
Conversations of Significance is presented by 4wordwomen.org. Today's show features Vicky Gunning, veteran leader, mentor and lawyer from Locke Lord. This is an invaluable conversation about the unique relationship that you have with Jesus. Consider are you entirely His? Is your interior life and exterior life aligned with Jesus? Vicky discussing the ability to surrender and provide an action plan that includes "pause and pray."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
Marlene Gebauer is a self-described “knowledge heroine.” After a successful stint as a practicing lawyer, Marlene became a law librarian, where she then transitioned into legal information management. She focuses on research, outreach and education, procurement, licensing, and management. Today she is the director of knowledge management at Locke Lord, where she drives adoption of innovative legal service technologies. In her spare time, she is co-host of the award-winning The Geek In Review podcast with a friend of our podcast, Greg Lambert. In today's conversation, we talked about how an art kid ended up as a lawyer and legal industry innovator, how she went from being quiet to being co-host of a podcast, and what she has learned from more than 160 episodes of The Geek In Review.
In this episode of the Legal Marketing 2.0 Podcast, Guy is joined by Gina Carriuolo to discuss the importance of remembering the basics and making time for team coordination. Gina is the Chief Marketing Officer at Robinson and Cole, an Am Law 200 firm. Robinson and Cole is also a Mansfield Rule certified firm, established over 175 years ago with 230 attorneys and is a deeply rooted culture of collaboration, civility, and inclusion. Gina has over 30 years of legal marketing experience, having served as the director of marketing of Locke Lord and its predecessor firms for 14 years. She now leads the firm's overall business development, marketing and communication strategies.
Guest: Dick Glovsky - Locke Lord Interviewers: Marc Zwetchkenbaum - Marc Z Legal Staffing & Mark Furman - Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers The post “What Most Business Owners Don't Know About The Vaccine Mandate” with Dick Glovsky of Locke Lord appeared first on Radio Entrepreneurs.
In this podcast, Mike interviews Clint Schumacher — author, podcaster, and former biglaw hiring partner — on resilience in the legal profession, imposter syndrome in law school, what hiring partners look for in applicants, and more. Clint spent the first part of his legal career at Locke Lord, where he went on to be a hiring partner, then transitioned to Dawson & Sodd, a boutique firm with a focus on eminent domain. In addition to his legal practice, Clint hosts a podcast, The Eminent Domain Podcast, and recently published a book about resilience and overcoming adversity, Second Wind. You can listen and subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts. You can read a full transcript of this episode here.
Traditionally, the path to appellate practice often came through a judicial clerkship. But, in recent years, lawyers have worked to forge alternative routes. Mia Lorick, a partner at Locke Lord in Houston, is one of those lawyers. With a background in fine arts, Mia paved her own way into both trial and appellate practice by actively seeking out advocacy opportunities. In this week's episode, Mia shares her journey and offers tips for other lawyers and law students looking to establish themselves as appellate advocates. Mia also discusses her mission to increase diversity and inclusiveness in legal practice, some initiatives she launched to serve that goal, and her creation of the Suited for Success Scholarship, which helps law students obtain business dress clothes to help kick start their careers.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterFacebookLinkedInYouTube
Crystal Brown visits Lobby Land. Crystal is a public policy advisor at Locke Lord. In 2021, Capitol Inside ranked her 58th in the state in its list of Hired Guns. In 2017, she was ranked No. 6 on Capitol Inside's Rising Stars list. Hear how Crystal transitioned from a House staffer to a lobbyist, what it's like to work for members from different parties, and the value of being diligent no matter what. She also educates us on the finer aspects of reality TV, and rum and Coke. We hope you are enjoying the pod. Help us grow by subscribing with your favorite podcast app, give us a review and rate us. We love to hear from our listeners, so please email us with your feedback. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
In advance of the American Bar Association’s World Forum on Women in the Law, DLA Piper’s Kim Askew, Locke Lord’s Paulette Brown, and Zuber Law’s Eileen Letts discuss the ABA’s recent report, Left Out and Left Behind: The Hurdles, Hassles and Heartaches of Achieving Long-term Legal Careers for Women of Color. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The legal structure surrounding M&A continues to evolve as we climb out of the COVID crisis and begin to focus on 2021 and beyond. That means changes in contract language, structure and even deal terms. Michael Wilson, a partner at Locke Lord, discusses what to expect — and how to prepare.
We interview Jonathan Young, Partner at Locke Lord. Jonathan talks about why attorneys need to bring their best to every interaction, and why associates eyeing partnerships should aim to work broadly within the firm.
Locke Lord partner Jennifer Kenedy, Chuhak & Tecson partner Lindsey Paige Markus and McDermott Will & Emery partners Rachel Cowen and Christina Martini talk with Rich and Sam about receiving the 2020 Crain’s Notable Women in Law recognition and issues currently facing women in the legal profession.
University of Louisville Professor of Law Samuel Marcosson joins Rich and Tina to discuss the latest news on the Breonna Taylor settlement and grand jury. Minchella & Associates, Ltd. Founder and Partner Erica Crohn Minchella discusses Illinois’ eviction moratorium and relief available to landlords and tenants in the wake of COVID. Locke Lord partner Jennifer Kenedy, […]
The panel and guest, David Szabo, Co-Chair of the Health Care practice, a Partner in the Corporate and Transactional Department, and a member of the Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice Group with Locke Lord, LLP continued the discussion from Part 1 by shifting the focus to the complexities of price transparency. Not only with what data is needed to provide meaningful information about the price patient's can expect to pay but to how widely this information should be expected to be shared without crossing a line to reveal contract details that companies may feel are proprietary. There has been a push by this administration to increase transparency of contract prices as well. This has been responded to in a patchwork of approaches. Ultimately, the panelists and guest agreed that the importance and impact of price transparency on patients is different in situations whether the patient is experiencing a chronic illness or an acute episode. When a patient is in the middle of an emergency shopping around for price goes out the window. Price transparency for chronic or scheduled elective procedures may be where work around meaningful price transparency will progress more quickly. The panelists and guest then moved to discuss data privacy and patient consent. As patients begin to adopt 3rd party health apps and consent for their physicians to share their data with these 3rd party applications, data privacy no longer falls under HIPAA. Physicians may play a role in encouraging patients to carefully read privacy policies for these apps, however, physicians ultimately don't have any control over what the patient chooses to do with their data. The discussion talked about the philosophy driving these rules is the fervent belief that the more data patients have, the better decisions they will make which remains to be seen. Data in these apps could be used by pharmaceutical companies to better track efficacy data in the real world. Will FTC have a bigger role in enforcement/protection of health data shared with 3rd party apps? Szabo felt that congress would need to grant more powers to FTC for them to get into the role of mandating a minimum amount of protections versus their current role which is to investigate after a breach or misuse of data has already occurred.What should payers, health IT vendors, and providers be doing? Szabo recommends that everyone get ready. Have an interoperability policy that addresses your obligations and lays out a framework for the rules and exceptions. Ken added that stakeholders should take this time to consider how their policies and long term health IT strategies will make healthcare better rather than meet the minimum regulations requirements.
DWNA: Locke Lord partners analyze intercreditor waterfall protocols by Debtwire Radio
Massachusetts: Jay Myers with Locke Lord joined us right after the Massachusetts’s primary election on September 7. We discuss the popularity of Governor Charlie Baker and how his opponent will try to counter that in general. We also talk about some shake ups down ballot in the primary and trends Mr. Myers sees in the state legislative races. He highlights major legislative accomplishments from this past session and we discuss what is left on the table for January. He also graciously gives us some advice on how to approach passing a bill in the Commonwealth.
In this episode of the State Bar of Texas Podcast from the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Frank Stevenson as he steps down from his role as immediate past president of the State Bar of Texas. They discuss what makes the State Bar of Texas a particularly strong bar association and what Frank’s plans are as he leaves bar leadership. They also talk about the Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator, one of Frank’s projects that seeks to close the access to justice gap and meet the needs of both lawyers and clients. Frank Stevenson is a partner at Locke Lord and is a past president of the State Bar of Texas.
In the last thirty years, the importance of marketing has grown significantly in the practice of law. For most lawyers in private practice, an ability to generate work is now a prerequisite for becoming a partner. At the same time, the tools for building your reputation and cultivating business relationships have grown. Selling legal services still requires you to develop a practice niche and building a network of clients who know, like and trust you. But social media has changed the way lawyers communicate with their networks. On today’s show, Betsy Munnell talks about how to incorporate social media into your legal marketing. Betsy has decades of experience representing lending institutions, private equity funds and businesses in structuring sophisticated debt and equity financings. More importantly she is an accomplished rainmaker who has spent the last 9 years coaching lawyers on how to be successful in building a law practice. Betsy began her career as an associate at the Boston law firm Choate Hall and Stewart and then spent the bulk of her time practicing with the law firm Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge (which has since become Locke Lord). She was among the core group of “rainmakers” responsible for the growth of the Firm’s nationally recognized media and communications finance practice. She was also one of the chief architects of her firm’s diversity program. In 2009, Betsy left the partnership to pursue her interest in coaching. She works with attorneys at all stages of their careers and has extensive experience coaching female law students at Harvard, Boston College and Boston University on transitioning into large firm practice. At Harvard, Betsy directs an intensive individual coaching program for a small group of women headed for large firm summer jobs who are selected from the Board of the Women’s Law Association. Betsy also serves on the Board of the American Bar Association’s Legal Career Central. Betsy is a strong advocate for intensive training in business and financial skills and business generation for lawyers, particularly for associates who may otherwise advance to junior partnership under-equipped to manage critical relationships or generate revenue. She co-founded and teaches, with Matt Rubins, a former private equity fund manager, a one of a kind, case study driven business education program for law firm lawyers. She is an avid participant in social media and someone who is extremely generous in promoting the work of other professionals through social media (including myself!) As part of every coaching engagement, Betsy teaches her clients how to use online platforms --including LinkedIn and Twitter--to build network and brand and to develop lasting professional relationships. But she has an interesting approach that may appeal to those of you who are more leery of interacting and posting on social media. Additional Resources Twitter for the Reluctant Lawyer Winning Social Media Networking Strategies to Land a Job or Gain New Clients (a webinar) The Time for LinkedIn Has Come. Really What do Blogging and Vegas Have in Common
Derrick Carson Derrick Carson joins us in Episode 8 to discuss Hurricane Harvey, the flooding in Houston and southeast Texas, and a discussion of how the government’s decision to flood certain properties to stave off greater damage could result in inverse condemnation claims for those people impacted. Derrick resides in Kingwood, one of the most impacted neighborhoods, and gives a first hand account of helping his neighbors clean up following the disaster and sharing his home with a family that lost theirs. We discuss whether and how an inverse condemnation claim might be one avenue to try to address the damage. Among the legal authorities discussed are: Tarrant Regional Water District v. Gragg, Kerr v. Harris County Flood Control District, St. Bernard Parish Government v. U.S., and Ideker Farms v. U.S. Derrick Carson can be found here: http://www.lockelord.com/dcarson Jeff Mead and I will be speaking on eminent domain, coming projects, and lease provisions at the Tarrant County Bar Association at noon, Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at the City Club, 301 Commerce Street. I hope you can join us if you are in Tarrant County. Please share your thoughts on the show or this episode with me. I’m on Twitter @J_Clint. My webpage bio is here: http://www.lockelord.com/professionals/s/schumacher-j-clint The post Podcast Episode 8 – When the Government Decides to Flood Your Property, Is There a Claim? With Derrick Carson of Locke Lord LLP, Houston, Texas appeared first on Eminent Domain Podcast.
Welcome to The Finding Your Forte Show with Host Reggie Hammond and Guest Paulette Brown, Immediate Past President of the American Bar Association and Partner in the employment and labor practice of the law firm, Locke Lord. Episode Title/Description: "Getting past you to your impact" Learn about her recent path to affirming her purpose and life Long's work to drive implicit bias out of the judicial system. Meet Paulette Brown: Paulette Brown is a member of the labor & employment practice group of Locke Lord LLP and is the Immediate Past President of the American Bar Association. Throughout her career, she has held a number of positions, including in-house counsel to a number of Fortune 500 companies and as a Municipal Court Judge. For the past 30 years, Paulette has engaged in the private practice of law, focusing on all facets of labor and employment and commercial litigation. She has defended employers in cases involving discrimination on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual harassment, disability, race and national origin. To learn more visit Paulette at www.lockelord.com/pbrown The opinions expressed during this radio/podcast broadcast are for inspiration, information and edutainment purposes. This show is a production of Up2Me Radio (formerly known as Atlanta Life Radio) and to learn more about us visit us at www.up2meradio.com
Fordham Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal
For the next two weeks, the Fordham IPLJ Podcast will feature the Fordham IPLJ Symposium, divided into the opening presentation and three panels on various intellectual property topics. In this episode, listen to the Copy-Right v. Copy-Left Panelists discuss where IP law should be to promote innovation--whether that means less restriction or strong IP protections to secure the initial innovation in the first place. Moderator: Professor N. Cameron Russell. Panelists: Lauren Emerson, Senior Associate at Baker Botts LLP; Joseph Farco, Associate at Locke Lord and Co-Chair of the New York Intellectual Property Law Association’s Copyright Law & Practice Committee; Mary Rasenberger, Executive Director of the Authors Guild; James Vasile, Director of New America's Open Internet Tools Project.
Brian Casey, a partner at Locke Lord explains why with each new platform, channel and medium, insurers' exposure to marketing and community liability grows.