JD Journal » Chicago

Stickney Police Officer Sued over Date Note

jim — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:26:57 +0000

A police officer from suburban Chicago is being sued by a local woman, who claims that the officer issued her a speeding ticket for $132 that he then used to track her down and ask her for a date. She then says that the least he could do is buy her dinner after charging her such a high amount on the ticket.

The officer is from Stickney and the woman is Evangelina Paredes. Paredes said that Chris Collins violated her privacy by searching through motor vehicle records to find her address. Officer Collins then left Paredes a handwritten note on the windshield of her car outside of her apartment only two days after she received the ticket from Collins.

The lawsuit includes an attached copy of the note from Collins, which was filed in the United States District Court in Chicago last week. The letter opens with a shot at self-deprecating humor, ‘It’s Chris… that ugly bald Stickney cop who gave you that ticket.’

‘I know this may seem crazy and you’re probably right, but truth is I have not stopped thinking about you since,’ the letter says. ‘I don’t expect a girl as attractive as you to… even go for a guy like me, but I’m taking a shot anyways.’

The note then says that Collins would understand completely if Paredes decided not to get in touch with him.

‘But hey,’ the letter says, ‘I did cost you $132 – least I can do is buy you dinner.’

Collins is 27 and he said that he has yet to hire an attorney so he could not comment on the letter or the lawsuit.

Paredes, according to the lawsuit, was pulled over by Officer Collins back on October 22, 2011 in Stickney. Stickney is a village located southwest of Chicago. The note was then found stuck to her vehicle in its parking lot next to the apartment complex where she lives.

‘The letter caused plaintiff to suffer great fear and anxiety,’ the lawsuit states. ‘Plaintiff could not believe that a police officer would use his access to her personal information to find her home and stalk her.’

The lawsuit seeks damages that are not specified and accuses Collins of using, ‘his authority and position as a police officer not to protect the public, but to attempt to manipulate the plaintiff into going out on a date with him.’

The police chief of Stickney’s Police Department, Joseph Kretch, is also named in the lawsuit along with the village of Stickney.

Kretch and Stickney Mayor Daniel O’Reilly did not offer comments regarding the lawsuit or the claim of invasion of privacy against Collins.

Sidley Austin Retirement Letter

jim — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:47:30 +0000

Every so often, a resignation or retirement letter will appear in the legal industry. The majority of interesting letters usually come from associates, but every now and then, one of those letters will come from a partner. A new letter was released to the media last week from a partner retiring from a major firm and here is a tease: “I have realized that I cannot simultaneously meet the demands of career and family. Without criticizing those who have chosen lucre over progeny let me just say that I am leaving the practice of law.”

The retirement memo was submitted to everyone working in the Chicago office of the law firm Sidley Austin on Friday, December 30.

The letter was written by David B. Johnson, who worked at Sidley Austin as a litigation partner. Johnson’s biography was removed from the firm’s website but it used to read as follows:

“DAVID B. JOHNSON is a partner in the Litigation Group of the Chicago office. He has a broad-based litigation practice with an emphasis on consumer and securities class action defense. He has also handled numerous business and commercial contract disputes regarding such issues as employer-employee relations, first refusal and preemptive rights and franchise relationships.”

In 1983, Johnson earned his J.D. degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. In 1978, Johnson earned his B.A. from Marquette University. Johnson was a member of the Illinois bar from 1983 and was admitted in the Seventh Circuit and the Central and Northern Districts of Illinois.

The full retirement memo from Johnson is pasted below:

SIDLEY AUSTIN — DEPARTURE MEMO OF PARTNER DAVID JOHNSON

I have realized that I cannot simultaneously meet the demands of career and family. Without criticizing those who have chosen lucre over progeny, let me just say that I am leaving the practice of law.

My epiphany may have come a bit late as my youngest child — I believe his name is Erik — is 24. But as I always said after missing a filing deadline, better late than never.

I have made friendships at Sidley that I will treasure well into the first quarter of 2012. But a career based on the perception of untapped potential, rather than on actual production, has a limited shelf life. I frankly would have expected management to have caught on years ago. I trust that my longevity will serve as a beacon of hope for underperforming lawyers of all ages. No need to name names: you know who you are.

Farewell and best wishes,
David

This Is ‘Wut’ Happens When You Post Nasty Pics of Your Baby on Facebook: ‘Po Po’ Come Get You

rebneely — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:21:35 +0000

Michael Jackson’s 2002 baby dangling incident comes to mind.

Then the word LOSER.

A South Side Chicago father, Andre Curry, aged 21, who allegedly posted a Facebook photo of his 22-month-old daughter bound and gagged with blue painters tape “feels awful” about it but was only joking around, a relative said in recent days.

Curry is facing up to seven years in prison if convicted of felony aggravated domestic battery. Cook County Circuit Judge Laura Sullivan ordered him held on $100,000 bond and forbade him from having contact with his daughter or any other children. He was also barred from using the Internet while the charge is pending.

According to the Chicago Tribune article, a woman answered the phone at the family home, but would not give her name, but identified herself as Curry’s grandmother, said he loves his daughter and would never do anything to harm her. “He’s so playful, always laughing,” the woman was quoted as saying. Everyone who knows him saw the photo and laughed, too … He was only joking.”

She also said he knows what he did was a mistake and he “feels awful,” especially now that the photo has gone viral on the Internet.

I’ll bet.

Curry, who has no criminal background, but apparently suffers from a severe lack of brains and/or common sense, Curry, told police that when playing with his daughter earlier in the month he used blue painters tape to tie her ankles and wrists and gag her mouth. He then took a picture of her and posted it on Facebook, according to Assistant State’s Attorney Erin Antonietti.

Even more disturbing are the words he wrote on top of the picture: “This is wut (sic) happens wen (sic) my baby hits me back,” according to prosecutors and police reports. A winking emoticon followed the message.

Chicago police said they began investigating Dec. 14, after the photo was brought to their attention. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, which was brought into investigate the incident, said it had no prior contact with the family.

Anand Sundaran is Curry’s attorney. He said the child was never harmed or in danger. He said DCFS had already intervened, placed the girl with her mother and granted Curry supervised visitation. However, DCFS would not confirm those details.

“Unfortunately due to the Internet, this case has been blown out of proportion,” Sundaran was quoted as saying. Sundaran was unable to get Curry released on electronic monitoring, more commonly known as house arrest. What a shame.

Curry works at an Applebee’s, and is a 2007 graduate of Chicago Vocational Career Academy.

The goal of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. The organization’s mission, per information at its website, is to protect children who are reported to be abused or neglected and to increase their families’ capacity to safely care for them, provide for the well-being of children in the organization’s care, and provide appropriate, permanent families as quickly as possible for those children who cannot safely return home, support early intervention and child abuse prevention activities, and work in partnerships with communities to fulfill this mission.

Baker & McKenzie Announces Appointment of New Chief Operating Officer to Australia Offices

rebneely — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:42:51 +0000

Baker & McKenzie announced it has welcomed James Odell to its Australia offices as national Chief Operating Officer (COO). Odell transfers from Singapore; there he served COO of the firm’s South East Asia operations.

Before joining Baker & McKenzie, Odell was a member of Linklaters’ global Strategy & Planning team based in London and Hong Kong. He began his career as an aeronautical engineer with the UK Ministry of Defence, and possesses nearly two decades of experience in Asia.

Baker & McKenzie Managing Partner, Chris Freeland, was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Australia’s increasing connectedness with global markets, particularly in Asia Pacific, means the need for seamless legal advice, delivered efficiently across borders, has never been greater. In addition to a balance of strategic and operational experience, James brings a drive for efficiency born from his experience as an engineer. We are very pleased to have James on board to further strengthen the value of our offering.”

On his appointment, Odell highlighted Baker & McKenzie’s unparalleled global platform combined with a deep understanding of local markets, and was quoted as saying: “This has positioned us very well to advise investors looking to extend and protect interests in new markets. It’s exciting to be in Australia as it emerges as a key player on the world stage at a firm which has invested in its global offering for so many decades.”

Chris Freeland is National Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie’s Australian offices and a member of its Asia Pacific Regional Council. Chris has had many years’ experience as a lawyer, strategy consultant and professional services manager in leading global and domestic organizations. He has lived and worked in New York, Beijing, Melbourne and Sydney.

Baker & McKenzie’s Australian lawyers have advised on many of the headline Australian transactions of the last four decades. These include the capital raising and listing for International Ferro Metals Limited, the first Australian company admitted to the FTSE 250; the A$4 billion KKR joint venture with the Seven Network; the groundbreaking A$1.85 billion Sims Group merger with the US company Metal Management Inc; and the A$1.2 billion acquisition of Schweppes Australia by Asahi Breweries.

The firm is a trusted advisor to leading Australian and multi-national corporations, State and Federal governments, Australian, international and multilateral institutions.

Baker & McKenzie continues to bring the experience of its global classroom to our clients in Australia through every transaction and every piece of advice. The firm actively ensures that it has harnessed the best legal solution as tested through its global platform. The firm’s ability to accomplish this is enabled by leadership in legal thinking, and by bringing experience across legal and regulatory boundaries to clients in their home markets.

Baker & McKenzie is an international law firm, founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. The firm employs over 3,800 lawyers in 70 offices in 42 different countries.

As a transnational operation, no single nationality dominates the firm, and over 80 percent of its lawyers practice outside the United States. The lawyers come from 60 countries and speak more than 75 languages, with English in common.

The Chicago Police Turn Up the Taser Gun to Eleven

chelsei — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:22:22 +0000

The University of Florida student who coined the phrase ”Don’t tase me, bro”, Andrew Meyer, was only tased one time, but, his screams were heard all around the world all thanks to Youtube. As far as most people know, he has not sued over the incident.

How many times do you think the average person has to be tased before he takes off running full force to the closest law firm? Two times? Four times?

What about eleven times? At that point, it would be shocking if the poor guy could even remember his name, but less the fact the he could have a cause of action.

Well, it’s a very good thing that Josue Tapia’s wife was there watching when he allegedly got tased 11 times, because his poor brain was completely fried. After a very long time, he finally remember how to spell the most important word in the whole English language: L-A-W-S-U-I-T.

Here is the background story courtesy of Fox News Chicago:

”When Chicago Police officers arrested the wrong man last year because he had the same name as a wanted man, they Tasered him him several times and beat him without cause, according to a federal lawsuit filed on Thursday.
Josue Tapia claims Chicago Police officer pulled over the vehicle he was driving on May 15, 2010 near West 45th Street and South Hermitage Avenue, according to a suit filed in U.S Distract Court in Chicago.
The officers ran his name through a computer and found an outstanding warrant for ”J. Tapia” the suit said. Even though ”J. Tapia” was 30 pounds heavier, six inches shorter and 12 years older, the officers arrested Tapia, then searched him and his vehicle.
The officers struck and kicked Tapia, and Tasered him 11 times although he did not resist, the suit alleges. ”

Really? 11 times? The Chicago Police Department tased the wrong guy 11 times? These police officers are just a little trigger happy. Now Tapia is suing in federal court, and his lawyers, Blake Horwitz and Dennis Giovannini, say that the excessive use of the taser by the police was tantamount to torture. This is a comment recorded by WTSP 10 News:

”It was a case of just Tasering over and over and over and over again, in a horrific way,” attorney Blake Horwitz said. ‘It literally fried him. It fried his mind. He has a great difficulty remembering what transpired while the electricity was passing through his brain.”

As mentioned earlier, it is such a blessing that Tapia’s wife was there to witness the entire thing, because Tapia can’t remember a thing that happened to him. Oh, and a side note to Tapia’s lawyers, its probably not the best move to go around telling everyone that your client has ”great difficulty” remembering what went down, it’s really not going to help your case.

Baker & McKenzie Enters Turkey Market Via Exclusive Relationship with Turkish Law Firm

rebneely — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:37 +0000

Leading global law firm Baker & McKenzie has announced it has entered into an exclusive relationship with leading Turkish law firm Esin Attorney Partnership (Esin Avukatlık Ortaklığı).

The move follows ever increasing client interest and activity in Turkey, which is one of the world’s fastest growing economies. The relationship will also serve to strengthen the firm’s global reach and client offerings.

Eduardo Leite, Chairman of Baker & McKenzie’s Executive Committee was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s site: “Istanbul is an increasingly important hub for global business. By entering into an exclusive arrangement with one of Istanbul’s leading law firms we are underlining our commitment to being able to serve our clients in those markets in which they are growing their businesses, while strengthening our ability to help Turkish clients take advantage of the opportunities beyond their borders.”

By working in an exclusive consultancy arrangement with Esin Attorney Partnership, clients of Baker & McKenzie will have access to the full-service, international and foreign law advice of the world’s leading global law firm and the Turkish law counsel of one of the leading law firms in Turkey.

Founded in 1997 by Ismail Esin, Esin has forty lawyers. It was named Legal Adviser of the Year in Turkey at the European M&A Awards 2010 by the Financial Times and MergerMarket and ranked in Tier 1 for M&A in legal directory The Legal 500. Its practices include Corporate and M&A, Real Estate, Dispute Resolution and Competition law.

Koen Vanhaerents, European Chairman and member of the Firm’s Executive Committee was quoted as saying: “It has become increasingly clear that Turkey is rapidly growing in importance for our clients. This exclusive relationship with Esin Attorney Partnership, provides our clients with access to the very best legal services in Turkey.”

This move follows Baker & McKenzie’s continuing expansion. In May of this year, the firm opened an office in Qatar, in October 2010, in Luxembourg in and in 2009, in Abu Dhabi.

According to the October 27th article at amlawdaily.com, “Baker Moves Into Turkish Market by Teaming With Istanbul Firm”, several other prominent law firms have opened offices in Turkey, including Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, White & Case, and Chadbourne & Parke.

Also according to the article, Bloomberg reported the Turkish economy grew 8.8 percent in the second quarter of 2011; that is over four times the rate of the euro zone. Bloomberg also reported the Turkish deal market is far outpacing that of the emerging markets.

Founded in 1949 in Chicago, Baker & McKenzie has over 3,800 lawyers in almost 70 offices in 41 different countries. The firm has more leading lawyers in more countries in the Chambers Global Directory than any other global Top 20 law firm. Additionally, Chambers lists 19 of the firm’s practices in its global rankings of the world’s leading practices.

Winston & Strawn Adds Prominent Litigation Attorney to London Office

rebneely — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:13:15 +0000

Winston & Strawn LLP announced yesterday that Michael Madden has joined the firm as head of its commercial litigation practice in London.

The addition of Madden follows a succession of high profile appointments for Winston, both in London and globally. As part of its continuing strategy for expanding globally, prominent IP litigators, Richard Price and Gareth Morgan, joined the firm’s London office. In addition, other major hires include former managing partner/CEO of Howrey LLP, Robert Ruyak, and former head of the President’s national Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, Robb Adkins, to the firm’s Washington, D.C. and West Coast offices.

Madden is the former managing partner of Ashurst’s dispute resolution department. Not only does he have a strong track record in commercial litigation and arbitration, administrative law and judicial review, he has significant experience as the lead partner in disputes involving corporate acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures in various industries. He has also advised on disputes relating to international and domestic contracts, finance transactions, tax, defamation, professional negligence, insolvency issues and real estate.

Among Madden’s range of significant cases is a favorable decision before the House of Lords concerning directors’ duties which is a leading case on the use of “poison pill” and other takeover disputes. He has successfully handled many other major cases in the Court of Appeal and the High Court, including leading cases on injunctions, the exercise of public authority powers and on casino licensing.

Madden’s corporate clients represent a variety of sectors, including banks, private equity, financial services, retail, gaming and leisure, real estate and technology. He is consistently recommended for his strong client focus. He has been described, per the press release, in the leading directories as “someone you would always want on your side” and a “tough” litigator.

While serving as managing partner of the Ashurst dispute team, Madden oversaw the development of litigation and arbitration teams to service global clients, including the establishment of such practices in Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, and with clients and lawyers in Beijing and other centres in China.

Winston’s managing partner, Thomas Fitzgerald was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “We are delighted that Michael has chosen Winston to further develop his highly regarded disputes resolution practice. Michael’s experience and stature within the sector will immediately enhance our dispute resolution capabilities and undoubtedly attract the kind of talent we seek in growing our presence throughout Europe.”

Madden was quoted as saying: “Winston’s globally acclaimed disputes resolution team has an outstanding reputation and a premier list of clients. I am pleased to be joining the Winston London office at a time of growth and welcome the exciting new challenge of developing not only a London-based disputes resolution team but a truly global offering.”

Thomas Benz, managing partner of Winston’s London office was quoted as saying: “We are delighted that Michael is joining our London team, his strong management experience in developing a cohesive and highly successful disputes team and his track record of managing significant client relationships will be integral to broadening the scope of this practice area both here and globally.”

Founded in Chicago in 1853, Winston & Strawn LLP is an international law firm with over 900 attorneys in 13 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Baker & McKenzie Adds Ricardo S. Martinez to Latin American Finance and Transactional Practice

rebneely — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 +0000

In recent days, the law firm of Baker & McKenzie announced that Ricardo S. Martinez joined the firm as a partner in the Latin American finance and transactional practice in New York.

The addition of Martinez follows a series of lateral partners that have joined Baker & McKenzie’s New York office during the past year. These include international financial services partner Lloyd Winans, Marc Litt, a former Assistant US Attorney from the Southern District of New York as well as the lead prosecutor in the Bernard Madoff fraud scheme, and Niamh Curry, a corporate partner specializing in alternative investment fund matters.

Martinez served as a former in-house counsel with Citigroup, and has over thirteen years of experience in matters regarding complex, cross-border finance matters. He has represented large commercial banks, multilateral institutions and borrowers in many sophisticated finance matters, including acquisition finance, working capital facilities, and major infrastructure and energy project financings. In addition, he has been active in the trade finance area, and has a wide range of experience in letters of credit, pre-export credit facilities and trade receivable financings.

David P. Hackett, Chair of the firm’s Banking & Finance Practice in North America was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “We are continuing to see a tremendous amount of interest and investment in Latin America, and I know Rick’s impressive track record in that area and in-house experience will be valued by our clients. We’re delighted he has joined Baker & McKenzie.”

Martinez is fluent in Spanish and possesses broad experience in the Americas. He has closed transactions involving every major Latin American country during his career.

Martinez’s recent representative matters include representing three multilaterals and one development financial institution, in connection with a $155 million project financing of a toll road project in the Dominican Republic, as well as representing a major international bank in connection with a series of secured loans totaling over $1 billion to Latin American financial institutions. In addition, Martinez created and managed a major international bank’s Pre-Export Finance Product for Latin America. This included evaluating select regulatory and compliance issues and franchise risks associated with such product. He also represented a major bank as Lender in a series of term loans totaling approximately $2 billion to a subsidiary of a major multinational retailer, as Borrower and related to the acquisition of a Chilean supermarket chain.

James C. Colihan, Managing Partner of the firm’s New York Office, was quoted as saying: “Rick is a great addition to our growing New York office, and I know our domestic and foreign banking clients will value his insights, particularly in matters involving Latin America or the energy and mining industries.”

International law firm Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949. Currently, the firm has over 3,800 lawyers in over 69 offices in 41 different countries.

Law Firm Kirkland Ellis Commits $2.75 Million to Stanford Law School to Fund Scholars’ Program and Annual Forum

rebneely — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:03:04 +0000

Stanford Law School recently announced law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP has committed $2.75 million over five years to the law school. The funds, which were made possible through the firm’s foundation and through individual partners’ contributions, will fund a scholars program, honoring the law school’s top first-year students, as well as a yearly forum on important legal issues for students, alumni, and the Bay Area business and law community.

Stanford Law School Dean Larry Kramer was quoted as saying in a press release at Kirkland Ellis’s website: “This generous support from Kirkland & Ellis will enable Stanford Law School to continue to transform legal education and prepare the next generation of leaders through innovative, interdisciplinary and international programs, new and expanded forms of clinical education, and a renewed commitment to public service.”

The newly established Kirkland & Ellis Scholars Program will recognize first year law students who have performed at the very highest level. Each year, six first-year students will be designated Kirkland & Ellis Scholars, based on overall scholastic achievement across a variety of courses. Now, students may win awards in individual courses. These awards, known as “book prizes,” will help determine who among the first-year class deserve recognition with the highest honor, the Kirkland & Ellis Scholar designation. The award is unique at the law school.

Kramer was quoted as saying of the program: “The Kirkland & Ellis Scholar designation symbolizes the highest standard of achievement. It is an honor that students will covet and it will benefit them in their pursuit of career and public service goals.”

The Kirkland & Ellis Law Forum offer panel discussions and symposia on emerging legal issues of interest to the business community. Stanford Law School faculty, Kirkland & Ellis attorneys and other legal and business thought leaders from academia, private practice, government, and the public sphere will participate in the discussions.

Jeffrey C. Hammes, Chairman of Kirkland’s Global Management Executive Committee was quoted as saying: “We’re very pleased to support Stanford Law School and excited about these new programs. The opportunity to recognize student excellence and to provide a forum for sharing thought leadership on emerging matters that may challenge and reshape the business and law community fit well with Kirkland & Ellis’s culture and mission.”

Established in 1893, Stanford Law School is one of the nation’s leading institutions for legal scholarship and education, and has worked to establish a new model for legal education that focuses on rigorous interdisciplinary training, hands-on experience, global perspective and focus on public service. The Law School employs more than 50 faculty and hosts over 500 students who are working towards their Juris Doctor (J.D.) or other graduate legal degrees.

Global law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP has over 1,500 attorneys, representing clients in a broad range of matters, including complex litigation, dispute resolution and arbitration, and corporate mergers and acquisitions. The firm has offices in Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, Shanghai and Washington, D.C.

Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson LLP Opens Office in San Francisco

rebneely — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:29:29 +0000

The Chicago-based law firm of Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson LLP has opened an office in San Francisco.

Seven partners will lead the office. The group includes nationally recognized lawyers in insurance and labor and employment law; they join from San Francisco based firms Sedgwick LLP and Long & Levit LLP.

The attorneys include Julia Molander, who joins from Sedgwick. She focuses her practice on insurance counseling and litigation, and will serve as managing partner of the new office.

Attorneys joining from Long & Levit include Howard Garfield , who focuses on insurance, employment and professional liability, Irene Yesowitch, whose practice is concentrated in insurance counseling and litigation, and professional liability, Jason Geller, who focuses on labor and employment litigation, and Karen Uno, who focuses on insurance counseling and litigation.

Dan Crawford, the Executive Vice-President and General Counsel of the California-based business insurance brokerage firm of Edgewood Partners Insurance Center, will also join as a partner. His practice focuses on insurance and employment litigation.

Fulton Smith III will also join MBT as partner. He joins from the San Francisco-based Barber Law Group, and specializes in insurance coverage and litigation.

Bruce Meckler, co-chair of MBT was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “We have always had a distinct presence in San Francisco and throughout California. We are opening the San Francisco office in response to this demand for our expertise in insurance, labor and employment, litigation and legal audit matters, as well as in all of our practice areas.”

With the addition of the San Francisco office, the firm now employs more than 100 attorneys, making it one of the top 35 largest law firms in Chicago. As well, the firm has one of the five largest labor and employment law practices in Chicago.

Baker & Daniels Adds Two Partners to Chicago Office

rebneely — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:04:01 +0000

Baker & Daniels LLP has added two partners to its Chicago office, J. Patrick Fitzsimmons and Brenda J. Robinson.

Fitzsimmons focuses his transactional practice on health care, medical device, biotech and life sciences, and represents a wide variety of clients, public and private.

Robinson’s practice is focused on intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, e-business and technology. She is also a member of the firm’s sports and entertainment practice.

Prior to joining Baker & Daniels, Fitzsimmons practiced law with a variety of boutique life sciences and health care focused law firms.

Robinson has counseled clients in the areas of sports and entertainment, and music and film.

A full service law firm, Baker & Daniels LLP employs over 370 attorneys and legal professionals.

Several Howrey Partners Moving on to Three More Firms

aostler — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:22:10 +0000

Since Howrey dissolved last week, its partners have been going to many different firms. This Thursday, March 17, three more firms hired several former Howrey partners.

Morgan Lewis is getting Jason White, former IP litigation partner at Howrey, as well as commercial litigation partner, Romeo Quinto, Jr. They will be joining 11 former Howrey lawyers that left to Morgan Lewis in February, including David Clough, in the firms Chicago office. Quinto and White will also be joined by David Patariu, Mansi Shah, and Scott Sherwin, who were also formerly Howrey associates. In all, 19 former Howrey lawyers have now gone to Morgan Lewis. Clough also brought in two others with him to the firm: Scott Schutte, commercial litigator from Howrey and former head of class action practice Kenneth Kliebard.

Yet another four associates formerly from Howrey joined Morgan Lewis in Chicago: Kate Berezutskaya, Christopher Cabral, Gregory Fouts, Jayesh Hines-Shah, and Tedd Warden.

Scott Mendeloff and Gabriel Aizenberg, formerly litigation partners at Howrey, were hired by Greenberg Traurig in Chicago. They had been part of Howrey since June 2008 after leaving Sidley Austin.

Another firm that got in on the action was Arnold & Porter, which hired another former Howrey litigation partner, Paul Alexander, in its Palo Alto office.

Rahm Emanuel Elected Mayor of Chicago

joshua — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:19:24 +0000

It wasn’t a smooth road. The court stripped his name off the ballot for failing to meet the residency requirements but a quick appeal put him back at the head of the pack. He was a large favorite going into today’s balloting, but even then it was far from certain that he could take the over 50% of the vote required to avoid a runoff election. In the end, Governor-Elect Emanuel carried 55% of the vote while his closest rival, Gery Chico, brought in 24%.

Emanuel will take office at a time when Chicago’s budget is stretched precariously thin and will have to make deep across the board cuts. He’s also going to have to deal with a city council and other city bureaucracies eager for more power after 20+ years of heavy handed leadership from former mayor Richard M Daley.

This is Emanuel’s first stint in an executive position, after serving in both the Clinton and Obama White Houses and as a congressman representing Chicago. He’s known as a savy dealmaker, skills that he will draw heavily on while Mayor.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:32:56 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Monday, November 22nd. Here’s a quick look back at Friday’s news.

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., promoted four attorneys to shareholder…

Ulmer & Berne LLP was recognized for strategic growth…

McDonald Hopkins added a lateral from Jenner Block…

Goodwin Procter Chairman Regina Pisa received the ACCESS First One Award…

Cleary Gottlieb announced plans to open an office in Brazil…

Sidley Austin added a partner in its Palo Alto office…

McDonald Hopkins Adds Lateral from Jenner & Block

joshua — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:44:57 +0000

McDonald Hopkins LLC, a business advisory and advocacy law firm, has bolstered its Chicago office with the addition of Edward G. Quinlisk, who was formerly a partner at Jenner & Block. Quinlisk focuses in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, securities, private equity, and corporate counseling.

“We are delighted to have Ed Quinlisk join our Chicago office where he will provide valuable business insights to our national client base,” said Richard N. Kessler, managing member of the McDonald Hopkins Chicago office, which relocated to the 300 North LaSalle building earlier this year to accommodate the firm’s continuing growth.

In the securities area, Quinlisk has worked on a variety of transactions, such as private placements, public stock offerings, registered split-offs, shelf registrations, Rule 144A placements, tender offers and going-private transactions. He is the co-author of the “Corporate Communications” chapter of the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education publication, “Securities Law.” Quinlisk’s corporate experience also includes representing companies in complex business transactions, advising clients concerning private equity investments, corporate and securities matters, and corporate governance issues.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:25:59 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, October 28th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Baker & McKenzie was slapped with a $103 million malpractice verdict by a Mississippi jury…

Four attorneys at Milberg LLP were selected for the 2010 Top Attorneys List by legal media company Lawdragon…

Sidley Austin’s Michelle Illene Ruiz, a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, was honored at The Anti-Defamation League’s 3^rd Annual Rising Star Awards Luncheon…

Renowned mediation attorney Kenneth R. Feinberg headlined the ILR Summit…

DLA Piper announced that Stéphane Lemarchand will join its Intellectual Property and Technology practice in Paris as a partner in the beginning of November…

Anti-Defamation League Honors Sidley Austin Chicago Partner

joshua — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:00:53 +0000

Sidley Austin’s Michelle Illene Ruiz, a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, was honored at The Anti-Defamation League’s 3^rd Annual Rising Star Awards Luncheon Tuesday. Ruiz was one of five women recognized “as the next generation of women defining the future.”

“Michele has a deep commitment to Chicago and has been dedicated to the community throughout her career,” said Thomas A. Cole, chair of Sidley’s Executive Committee. “Her leadership and tireless commitment to her profession and the community is evidenced through the wide range of Chicago organizations to which she contributes her time and talent.”

In addition to her legal practice, Ruiz is actively involved in many organizations throughout Chicago. She served as co-chair for three years of the Alliance of Latinos and Jews, a bridge-building organization with a long history in the Chicago area. She also has given back to her law school, the University of Chicago Law School, in many ways, including co-chairing their Annual Fund campaign in 2006-2007 and serving as a mentor in their Women’s Mentoring Program.

At Sidley, Ruiz represents hedge fund clients in structuring private offerings and compliance matters. She assists hedge funds and other end-users to navigate the complex world of derivatives, particularly in light of the recent sweeping U.S. financial reform.

Sidley Austin is one of the world’s largest full-service law firms, with approximately 1,600 lawyers practicing in 17 U.S. and international cities, including Beijing, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:15:22 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, October 27th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Four litigators from medical malpractice firm Duffy & Duffy were named top attorneys by Super Lawyers magazine…

Seven partners at national litigation firm Milberg were named by Super Lawyers as top lawyers in the New York metro area…

Eighty-one lawyers from Thompson Hine LLP were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2011…

Veteran federal tax attorneys, Daniel A. Dumezich and Gary S. Colton, Jr., joined Winston & Strawn LLP’s office in Chicago office as partners….

Milberg LLP was named to the National Law Journal’s 2010 Plaintiffs’ Hot List…

Veteran Federal Tax Attorneys Join Winston & Strawn as Partners

joshua — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:56:44 +0000

Veteran federal tax attorneys, Daniel A. Dumezich and Gary S. Colton, Jr., have joined Winston & Strawn LLP’s office in Chicago office as partners. Both join from Mayer Brown.

For more than twenty years, Dumezich has represented numerous individuals and companies, including international financial institutions and public accounting firms, in complex tax controversies before the Internal Revenue Service and various state taxing authorities. He will head Winston & Strawn’s highly-regarded Federal Tax Controversy Practice.

Colton is also experienced in all aspects of tax controversy work, ranging from IRS examinations through administrative appeals and litigation.

Most recently, Dumezich has represented taxpayers in matters under IRS Examination or in IRS Appeals exceeding $4 billion in proposed adjustments or settlements.

Colton has extensive experience with all aspects of tax-advantaged transactions, discovery disputes, and privilege issues. He has helped garner favorable outcomes over the years for such important entities as United Parcel Service of America and Comcast Corporation.

In the press release at the firm’s website, managing partner Thomas Fitzgerald was quoted as saying: “We are very pleased that Dan and Gary have joined Winston & Strawn/ Our historically strong tax controversy practice has always been noted for its administrative audits and appeals work, and the depth of our tax litigation capabilities will be significantly enhanced by the proven talent, energy and focus of these highly-regarded attorneys.”

Winston & Strawn LLP is an international commercial law firm with 14 offices in America, Asia and Europe.

Schiff Hardin Adds Three Laterals from Foley & Lardner

joshua — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:31:49 +0000

Schiff Hardin has added two partners and an associate to its environmental group from Foley & Lardner. Joining the firm’s Chicago office are partners Russell B. Selman and Bradley S. Rochlen and associate J. Michael Showalter.

The trio focuses their practice in the energy sector, Schiff Hardin said in a press release.

“Schiff Hardin has long recognized that environmental issues often drive critical decision-making and business strategy,” said Gabriel M. Rodriguez, leader of Schiff Hardin’s Environmental group. “Our attorneys are some of the best in the country, and the addition of Russ, Brad and Mike further enhances our top-notch, nationally recognized practice.”

Selman’s nationally-recognized practice focuses on representing corporate, real estate and power generation companies in environmental disputes. Prior to entering private practice he was acting assistant enforcement counsel for the EPA in Washington D.C.

Rochlen is a litigator who represents corporate, real estate and power generation companies, including public utilities, in complex environmental disputes. He assists clients in prosecuting and defending hazardous waste control (Superfund) cases, RCRA cases and private cost recovery cases at some of the largest contaminated sites in the country.

Schiff Hardin LLP is a general practice law firm with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Lake Forest, New York, San Francisco, and Washington.

Loeb & Loeb Attorneys Honored by ‘Best Lawyers’

joshua — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:06:15 +0000

Three Loeb & Loeb attorneys have been named as 2011 Lawyers of the Year by Best Lawyers, one of the oldest peer-review publications in the legal industry.

According to a firm press release, Leah Bishop, Seth Gelblum and Robert Sullivan were honored by Best Lawyers. Bishop was named Los Angeles Non-Profit/Charities Lawyer of the Year; Gelblum was named New York Entertainment Lawyer of the Year and Sullivan was named Nashville Entertainment Lawyer of the Year.

Best Lawyers compiles its peer-review lists by conducting confidential surveys with thousands of lawyers across the country. Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is honored as the ‘Lawyer of the Year.’

Loeb & Loeb has more than 300 attorneys with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Nashville and Washington D.C. The firm also has a representative office in Beijing.

Schiff Hardin Adds Three Attorneys to Environmental Group

joshua — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:17:08 +0000

Schiff Hardin LLP has added three attorneys to the firm’s Environmental Group, with related practices specifically in the energy sector.

All three attorneys join from Foley & Lardner LLP’s Chicago office. Russell B. Selman and Bradley S. Rochlen join as partners, and J. Michael Showalter joins as an associate.

Russell (Russ) B. Selman’s nationally recognized practice focuses on representing corporate, real estate and power generation companies in environmental disputes. Clients choose Mr. Selman to handle their most complex and potentially expensive environmental matters. His work is known for a high degree of factual and technical understanding that he uses to gain very real advantages for his clients.

Bradley (Brad) S. Rochlen is a litigator who represents corporate, real estate and power generation companies, including public utilities, in complex environmental disputes. Mr. Rochlen assists clients in prosecuting and defending hazardous waste control (Superfund) cases, RCRA cases and private cost recovery cases at some of the largest contaminated sites in the country. He also has significant experience in Clean Water Act cases and toxic tort disputes.

J. Michael (Mike) Showalter is a litigator whose practice is focused on resolving complex environmental disputes. His past clients span diverse industries including manufacturing, mining, power generation and transmission, the financial and insurance sectors, and process outsourcing. While much of his current work focuses on disputes arising under federal statutes including CERCLA, RCRA, and the Clean Water Act, Mr. Showalter has significant experience representing parties involved in class action, toxic tort and regulatory litigation.

In a press release, Gabriel M. Rodriguez, leader of Schiff Hardin’s Environmental group was quoted as saying: “Schiff Hardin has long recognized that environmental issues often drive critical decision-making and business strategy. Our attorneys are some of the best in the country, and the addition of Russ, Brad and Mike further enhances our top-notch, nationally recognized practice.”

Schiff Hardin LLP is a national law firm with nearly 400 attorneys practicing out of seven offices nationwide — Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Lake Forest, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC. It is a general practice firm serving corporate clients in a number of practices within the United States, and around the world.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:53:17 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Monday, October 4th. Here’s a quick look back at Friday’s stories.

Chicago Based SmithAmundsen opened an office in St. Louis…

Sidley Austin enlisted a former assistant U.S. Attorney as practice head…

The newly formed Stewart Dugger & Dean will launch in early 2011…

Former law firm partner Eric Wisler was charged with bribing State Senator Wayne Bryant…

President Obama announced the nomination of Jimmie V. Reyna to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Federal Circuit….

Chicago Based SmithAmundsen Opens Office in St. Louis

joshua — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:56:52 +0000

The 128-lawyer firm headquartered in Chicago, SmithAmundsen LLC, announced today the opening of a
new office in St. Louis, Missouri.

Brad Goss and Marvin Lindmark, well known members of the St. Louis legal community, will lead the office.

Glen Amundsen, the firm’s Chairman and CEO, was quoted in the press release at the firm’s website as saying: “As part of our commitment to serve our clients in the Midwest, SmithAmundsen is pleased to open an office in St. Louis. 2010 has been a banner year for the firm with considerable expansion of both the scope of services we are able to offer our clients and the geographic footprint of the firm’s operations. The opening of our office in Missouri with these two great lawyers is another important step in implementing our strategic vision to be the first and best choice of our business clients in the Midwest. It is a privilege to welcome Brad and Marvin to SmithAmundsen.”

SmithAmundsen-St. Louis will serve the firm’s clientele with a mixture of both litigation and corporate/business services. The firm already serves the business community with legal professionals operating from its offices in Chicago, Rockford, St. Charles, and Woodstock, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Larry Schechtman, SmithAmundsen’s Managing Partner, was quoted as saying: “This expansion enables us to better serve our clients in the St. Louis region and surrounding areas of Missouri and Illinois and acquire new opportunities. We look forward to becoming a part of the St. Louis community and offering clients the added convenience and service of a St. Louis location.”

One of Chicago’s premier firms, SmithAmundsen LLC has grown to 128 attorneys with offices in Chicago, Rockford, St. Charles, and Woodstock, Illinois, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and St. Louis, Missouri. SmithAmundsen professionals offer competencies in a broad range of practice areas involving most aspects of contract, property and tort law.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:20:36 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, September 2nd. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Ogletree Deakins added two shareholders to its Orange County Office, and four to its Immigration Practice Group in Denver…

The nationally recognized health law firm, The Health Law Partners, opened an office in Atlanta…

SmithAmundsen added three to its financial services practice…

Squire Sanders added three to its environmental practice…

SmithAmundsen Adds Three to Financial Services Practice

joshua — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:52:42 +0000

SmithAmundsen LLC has added two partners, Patrick M. Jones and Karen A. White, and one associate, Sandra A. Franco to its financial services practice in Chicago.

According to today’s press release at the firm’s site, Glen Amundsen, Chairman and CEO of SmithAmundsen was quoted as saying: “We have looked for ways to expand the scope of financial services we offer clients by looking for the right opportunities to add expertise and depth to the firm. Our announcement today is one more step towards furthering the strategic objective of helping serve our business clients.”

Mr. Jones has extensive experience in corporate restructuring, creditors’ rights, and insolvency-related commercial litigation. Prior to joining SmithAmundsen, Mr. Jones was a partner with Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP where he acted as national bankruptcy counsel for Farmers Insurance Group.

Ms. White focuses her practice in creditors’ rights in the area of commercial litigation, banking, bankruptcy, and real estate law. Prior to joining SmithAmundsen, Ms. White was a co-founder and shareholder of Burke & White, PC.

Ms. Franco practice focuses on commercial litigation, banking law, and real estate law.

SmithAmundsen is a 130 lawyer firm headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Rockford, St. Charles, and Woodstock, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The firm’s attorneys share a proficiency in a broad range of practice areas. As one of Chicago’s premier firms, SmithAmundsen’s success is built upon a foundation of integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:17:15 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Friday, August 13th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Baker McKenzie reported its revenues were flat but profits were up…

Ventricelli joined Capstone Advisory Group LLC as Managing Director…

The stay was lifted in California same-sex marriage ban…

Brinks Hofer laid off 18 workers this week…

Law Firm Best, Best, & Krieger was subpoenaed by the Attorney General’s office during its investigation of overpaid employees in the city of Bell…

A top compliance officer from BAE Systems joined Covington & Burling as a partner…

Revenue Flat, But Profits Up at Baker & McKenzie

joshua — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:15:36 +0000

Baker & McKenzie sung a familiar tune when it reported its financial results for fiscal year 2010 to AM Law Daily. Profits per equity partner at the 3,570-lawyer strong firm shot up 13 percent to $1.125 million, which is despite only a small 0.4 percent bump in revenue to $2.1 billion.

Like many firms dealing with the recession and its aftermath, Baker & McKenzie made cuts in expenditures to help prop partners’ profits. Among the moves was delaying some capital expenditures, AM Law Daily reports.

John Conroy, chairman of the firm’s executive committee, told the publication emerging markets in Asia and Latin America performed well for Baker & McKenzie. Specifically, the firm had to beef up staff in Brazil because of demand and the Asia Pacific region provided 26 percent of the firm’s total revenue.

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949. The firm has 67 offices in 39 different countries.

Brinks Hofer Lays Off Staff

joshua — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:46:52 +0000

Brinks Hofer, a boutique intellectual property firm, laid off 18 workers this week largely as the result of a still-sluggish economy.

According to legal tabloid Above The Law, which broke the news Wednesday, most of the layoffs occurred at the firm’s Chicago office. Brinks Hofer President Gary Ropski told ATL the layoffs equate to less than 5 percent of the firm’s 400-strong workforce.

“We want to make sure the firm is well-positioned for 2011, with the right resources in the right places,” Ropski said.

In addition to Chicago, Brinks Hofer has offices, in Morrisville, N.C., Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, Ann Arbor and Washington D.C.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:27:07 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, July 29th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton blocked several key provisions of Arizona’s controversial immigration law…

Squire Sanders & Dempsey will close its Tallahassee office…

Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell promoted partner Jennifer Kenedy to managing partner of its Chicago office…

BuckleySandler hired four in its Washington D.C. office…

Winstead PC hired two shareholders in its Washington D.C. Office…

Locke Lord Names Chicago Managing Partner

joshua — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:19:30 +0000

Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell has promoted partner Jennifer Kenedy to managing partner of its Chicago office. Kenedy replaces former managing partner Larry Gray, who died of a heart attack on July 19.

Kenedy, a nearly 20-year veteran of the firm who also co-chair’s Locke Lord’s board of director’s, is the first woman to lead Locke Lord’s 123-attorney strong Chicago office. She will remain a fulltime practicing trial lawyer in her new role, according to National Law Journal. Kenedy’s practice focuses on commercial litigation, including trade secret misappropriation and other intellectual property litigation, employment and distributorship contractual disputes,

“This is a sad time for all of us at Locke Lord as we lost a valued friend and Partner who was an integral part of our Firm,” said Jerry Clements, Chair of Locke Lord. “No one will be able to replace Larry, but I know Jennifer, who was very close to him, will work tirelessly to carry on his business initiatives and emulate his compassionate style.

Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP is a full-service, national law firm with offices in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Sacramento, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Reed Smith Partner Commits Suicide

joshua — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:41:28 +0000

Stewart Dolin, a partner at Reed Smith’s Chicago office, was struck by a train and killed in an incident the Cook County medical examiner’s office has ruled a suicide.

Dolin served as head of Reed Smith’s U.S. corporate and securities group since 2007, but earlier this month the firm promoted another partner to co-head the group. Mike LoVallo, head of Reed Smith’s Chicago office, told the Chicago Tribune the promotion of Paul J. Jaskot of Philadelphia to co-head was the result of the group having grown in size.

According to the Tribune account, 57-year-old Dolin was struck by a Chicago Transit Authority train Thursday and died of multiple injuries. LoVallo offered this statement on the firm’s behalf.

“Stu Dolin was a close personal friend, valued colleague and a great leader in our firm,” LoVallo. “His energy and spirit benefited everyone around him. Stu’s death is a proof and loss to all of us personally and to Reed Smith.”

Dolin’s bio has been removed from the firm’s Web site, but the Tribune reports Dolin graduated from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and began practicing in 1977. He enlisted in 1989 with Sachnoff & Weaver, which merged with Reed Smith in 2007.

Neal Gerber Partners Spin Off New Firm

eric — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:19:48 +0000

Chicago Breaking Business: Five partners have left Neal Gerber & Eisenberg to start their own boutique law firm. The new practice will focus exclusively on counseling trade associations, charitable groups and other non-profits. The official launch is tomorrow.

The new firm is led by Jed Mandel, who chaired Neal Gerber’s non-profit consulting practice group.

Clients’ bottom line was cited as one motive for the split. Mandel also stated that a smaller firm dedicated to one area of practice would be more efficient in handling clients’ needs.

Chicago Firm Victim of nearly $1M Embezzlement

joshua — Sat, 15 May 2010 03:21:22 +0000

Cook County prosecutors have charged office manager Joan Sanchez with embezzling more than $880,000 from Chicago law firm Kelly, Olson, Michod, Dehann & Richter LLC. The embezzlement apparently occured over a seven-year period from 2002 to 2009, during which time Sanchez alledgely wrote hundreds of checks from the firm to herself and falsified an unknown number of spending reports to cover her tracks.

The scheme may have gone unnoticed indefinitely, but everything unraveled last year while Sanchez was on vacation. The firm bounced a $40 check written from an account that their falsified records showed to have sufficient funds.

Sanchez is now being held on $100,000 bail.

Morning Roundup

sara — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:43:13 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, March 31, and here’s a look back at yesterday’s news…

The illustrious history of the recess appointment is explained after President Obama makes 15 of them…

The law offices of Derek K. Yu go paperless in March…

Lovells plans to close it’s Chicago office later in the year…

McKool Smith wins more than100 top verdicts for the second year in a row….

Willie Shepherd, formerly of Kamlet Shepherd and Reichert LLP, lied about diversity statistics at his firm and receives a $127.50 fine…

Ogletree Deakins opens a new office in Minneapolis….

Carter G. Phillips of Sidley Austin is named one of the decade’s most influential lawyers by The National Law Journal…

Gross revenue and profits per partner drop at Foley & Lardner…

A former Arnold & Porter partner who pleaded guilty to tax evasion and conspiracy charges is sentenced…

Three former and current female employees of Bank of America and it’s Merrill Lynch division sue the bank claiming the company engages in gender biased and discriminatory practices …

Pope Benedict XVI invokes the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act…