News

Michael Best & Friedrich entrusts networking responsibility to AT&T

Leading midwest law firm Michael Best & Friedrich LLP signed a one-year networking contract with AT&T, a leading provider of IP-based communications services. Though the full terms of the contract were not immediately revealed, it was later learned that AT&T will integrate six Michael Best & Friedrich locations in Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha, and Manitowoc, WI; Chicago, IL; and Lehigh Valley, PA, through AT&T Business Network (ABN). This is an offer that unifies multiple communication needs into a single contract with a single bill and provides discounts across all services. Founded in 1848, Milwaukee-based Michael Best & Friedrich is one of the oldest and largest full-service law firms in the midwest with 250 attorneys.

Ogletree Deakins on an expansion spree

Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Steward is geared up for expansions. The firm recently acquired two mid-sized law firms—Pittsburgh-based six-attorney law firm Polito & Smock and four-attorney Simon Moran in Philadelphia. Thomas A. Smock, Polito & Smock's managing shareholder, said that the firm began negotiating with Ogletree Deakins in September. The move by Polito stems from the small firm's need to serve its clients in the cities that Ogletree Deakins has offices in. The new firm will concentrate in union representation campaigns, labor negotiations, employment discrimination litigation, and other workplace-related issues. In another move, Ogletree Deakins acquired Simon Moran. The firm, which will retain the name Ogletree Deakins, will have Barry Simon and Christopher J. Moran serving as shareholders in the new setup.

Anderson Walker hires two associates

Anderson, Walker & Reichert LLP has announced the appointment of two new associates—Larry K. Moore and Kim Stroup. Moore, who will focus his practice on general litigation, received his law degree in 2006 from Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law. Stroup has expertise in estate planning, corporate, and real estate law and has been in private practice work involving wills and trusts, real estate, bankruptcy, and corporations since 1988. Established in 1855, Anderson, Walker & Reichert focuses on areas including insurance, tax, estate and trusts, real estate, environmental, bankruptcy, and employment, law.

Philadelphia firms in merger talks

Cozen O'Connor and Wolf Block Schorr & Solis-Cohen are in talks about a possible combination of the two firms. The move, if successful, would be the largest merger of Philadelphia law firms and would result in a Philadelphia office of 390 lawyers. The combined entity would account for a gross revenue of $365 million. Established in 1968, Cozen O'Connor has 23 offices worldwide and serves business, insurance, and private clients, among others. Wolf Block was formed in 1903 and has 11 offices with lawyers specializing in commercial litigation, real estate and trusts, and estates.

New HR law firm for Waukesha, WI

Simandl & Murray will be the moniker for the new Waukesha law firm initiated by two former partners from the Milwaukee office of Gardner Carton & Douglas LLP. Robert J. Simandl and John E. Murray's firm will focus on HR solutions for employers and will be the only law firm in Waukesha County to focus solely on HR law. The firm aims to minimize legal exposure from most employment problems and provide cost effective and professional legal service.

Dwyer & Collora promotes top litigator

Jody Newman has been appointed as new managaing partner for Dwyer & Collora, LLP. Newman has been with the law firm from the beginning of her career and was named partner in 1993. A specialist in trial, appellate, and ADR techniques, she heads the firm's employment law practice along with managing a multifaceted civil litigation practice. Boston-based Dwyer & Collora's lawyers represent clients in complex civil and criminal litigation with a focus on white collar criminal cases, employment and business disputes, and health care matters.

Correale to head Ice Miller's entertainment practice

A.J. Correale has been named senior counsel and chair of law firm Ice Miller LLP's sports and entertainment practice. Correale has 18 years of legal and business experience including working as in-house counsel for top companies in the entertainment industry. Most recently he served with Realm Systems, Inc. as the company's president and COO. Ice Miller has offices in Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, and Naperville, IL; and Washington, DC. It serves clients in a number of pratice areas.

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