News

Former Republican congressman leaves Harris Beach, citing personal reasons

In a surprising development, former Republican Congressman John LaFalce has left Rochester-based Harris Beach, PLLC, due to personal commitments that, reportedly, clashed with the interests of the firm's clients. Soon after leaving Congress, LaFalce, who also served as Honorary Chairman of Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County, stated that his opinions differed from those of the firm regarding certain issues—primarily matters related to casino gambling. The firm stated that it has a mutual understanding with LaFalce about the issue and that it was a joint decision that LaFalce should discontinue his services in the firm's Buffalo office. LaFalce joined Harris Beach in June of 2003, after serving in the House of Representatives from 1974 to 2002. LaFalce, a Town of Tonawanda Democratic Committee member and former Ranking Minority Member of the House Financial Services Committee, has actively expressed concerns regarding consumer protection and financial services for several years.

Wolf Greenfield enters into tie-up with Contact Networks

In order to support its business development, client servicing, and marketing initiatives, Massachusetts-based Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks has entered into a strategic tie-up with Contact Networks, a provider of Enterprise Relationship Management (ERM) solutions. The firm's implementation of ContactNet software will strengthen its relationship network through which it generates new business based on current and former clients' and colleagues' referrals. The new technology tool identifies and ranks important relationships, and it features quick installation, ease-of-use, and a flexible platform catering to the needs and requirements of Wolf Greenfield. Wolf Greenfield specializes in intellectual property; it provides clients with senior-level strategic counsel and protects and expands the intellectual property rights of innovative products and services. Law firms across the U.S. are increasingly using relationship technology tools, which have become vital components to the growth of business.

Ulmer & Berne re-inducts associates

Cleveland-based Ulmer & Berne, LLP, has re-inducted Jess E. Gamiere and E. Beth Farrell at the firm's Cleveland and Cincinnati offices, respectively. Gamiere, who has joined the firm's business litigation group, previously served as a judicial law clerk to a judge in the Northern District of Ohio's United States District Court, while Farrell, who has joined the firm's business and real estate groups, previously served as Senior Counsel to Duke Energy (formerly Cinergy Corporation) in Cincinnati, OH. Recently, Ulmer & Berne has expanded its staff by hiring six new associates to work in its Cleveland and Cincinnati offices. A full-service law firm, Ulmer & Berne, LLP, is one of Ohio's largest law firms and employs 185 attorneys in its offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Chicago.

SEC promotes special counsel to deputy secretary position

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has promoted Special Counsel Florence Harmon to Deputy Secretary. Harmon, who served as Senior Special Counsel in the commission's market regulation division, will advise on practices and procedures, review SEC documents, and prepare and maintain records of SEC actions. Harmon will be based in the organization's Washington, DC, office and replaces Margaret McFarland, who left the commission last year. Prior to joining the SEC, Harmon was a partner in the securities litigation department of Fowler White Boggs Banker.

McNees, Wallace & Nurick nominates new managing attorney

Harrisburg-based McNees, Wallace & Nurick has appointed former Chairman of the Energy, Communications, and Utility Law Group David Kleppinger as Managing Attorney. Kleppinger and two senior members will head the firm's new management committee. Kleppinger will primarily focus on overseeing a superior team of professionals in order to promote maximum value to clients. In addition to maintaining his practice, Kleppinger has served as the chairman of the firm's professional personnel committee, contingent fee portfolio committee, and practice group leaders committee. He primarily represents large commercial and industrial utility consumers and has worked on numerous industry restructuring initiatives. McNees Wallace tends to focus on providing services to middle-market clients in a particular geographic area; this area has recently expanded, as the firm has opened new offices in Lancaster, State College, and Columbus.

Epstein, Becker & Green inducts members to its labor and employment practice

General practice firm Epstein, Becker & Green, PC, has inducted prominent labor and employment attorney James S. Frank as a member of its labor and employment practice in New York. Frank has primarily been hired to represent employers as a chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations. His practice involves representing management dealing with workforce issues (including collective bargaining, arbitration, and strike management, as well as employment discrimination and employee benefits litigation), handling federal and state contract compliance matters, and dealing with employment health and safety matters. Moreover, Frank's focus on healthcare-related labor and employment services complements the firm's existing practices.

Stites & Harbison adds 20 lawyers

Stites & Harbison has announced the additions of 20 new associates in its offices throughout the Southeastern United States. Amy M. Lovell and LaTasha V. McAlpine have joined the Atlanta, GA, office; Neal F. Bailen has been chosen for the Jeffersonville, IN, office; Jennifer E. Drust, Laura M. Bennett, Laura Leigh Mays, John W. Pollom, and Walter S. Robertson, II, have been inducted to the Lexington, KY, office; Michael E. Kleinert, Claire A. Mosher, Amanda S. Nall, Jeremy J. Nelson, Christina I. Ryan, Brandon W. Smith, Emily A. Whelan, Cassie J. Wiemken, and Robert C. Yang have been selected for the Louisville, KY, office; and Miranda Rae Christy, Rebecca K. McKelvey, and Lauren Paxton Roberts have been hired to work in the Nashville, TN, office. Stites & Harbison, a business and litigation firm serving corporate and institutional clients, traces its origins back to 1832.

Crowell & Moring raids King Pagano Harrison

Strengthening its practice in the New York market, Crowell & Moring has acquired boutique law firm King Pagano Harrison. The move, which has added 20 lawyers to Crowell, will bolster the firm's healthcare and labor litigation practices. 10 of the new attorneys will be working in Crowell & Moring's Washington, DC, office, while the remaining 10 are slated to practice in the firm's newest New York branch. The firm has also recently hired three intellectual property partners from intellectual property boutique firm Morgan & Finnegan. An international, 300-lawyer law firm, Crowell & Moring specializes in antitrust, intellectual property, litigation, and government contracts matters and has offices in Washington, DC, London, Brussels, California, and New York.

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