JD Journal » Sidley Austin

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

Gibson Dunn Launches New FDA Practice

rebneely — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:19 +0000

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has announced that Stephen Payne has joined its Washington, D.C. office as a partner.

Payne will help lead Gibson Dunn’s FDA and Health Care compliance and enforcement practice, focusing on pharmaceutical and medical device clients. With Payne’s arrival, the FDA portion of the practice is new to the firm. Payne’s own practice will focus on the representation of pharmaceutical and medical device clients. Payne joins from Sidley Austin, where he was also a partner.

Daniel Nelson, Co-Partner in Charge of the Washington, D.C. office, was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “We are delighted to welcome Steve to the firm. His addition will bring a new dimension to the firm’s enforcement practice and will enhance our ability to serve our clients in the pharmaceutical, medical device and health care sectors.”

Andrew Tulumello, Co-Partner in Charge of the Washington, D.C. office was quoted as saying: “Steve is a dynamic and talented lawyer. He has an extensive track record of efficiently obtaining government declinations for clients, and his experience dealing with the FDA and state and federal health care regulators and enforcers on complex regulatory issues will be a great asset to our life sciences practice.”

Payne was quoted as saying: “I am excited to join the firm. Gibson Dunn’s preeminent litigation platform is the ideal foundation on which to build an enforcement-focused practice in the FDA and health care space.”

Payne concentrates his practice on FDA and health care compliance, enforcement, and litigation for pharmaceutical and medical device clients. He has extensive FDA and health care regulatory and compliance counseling experience in the areas of good manufacturing practice regulations, product recalls, product promotion, and fraud and abuse. He has handled criminal and civil investigations conducted by the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, civil False Claims Act qui tam suits, investigations and litigation conducted by state Attorneys General, and other inquiries and litigation relating to health care fraud and abuse and the enforcement of FDA regulations. In addition, Payne has also led internal investigations and compliance audits concerning good manufacturing practice regulations and pharmaceutical promotional practices, including potential off-label promotion and anti-kickback issues.

Payne practiced with Sidley Austin since 2000. Before working in private practice, he served as Senior Trial Counsel for the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps at Fort Benning, Georgia and as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of Georgia. In 1996, he graduated from Yale Law School. There, he was a John M. Olin Fellow in Law and Economics and a prize finalist in the mock trial competition.

Founded in 1890, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is a global law firm with nearly 1,000 attorneys and over 2,000 staff located in 17 offices around the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In 2010, American Lawyer named Gibson Dunn the “Top Litigation Department” of the year. Among the firm’s most well-known attorneys and alumni are former United States Solicitors General Theodore Olson and Ken Starr, Eugene Scalia, and Miguel Estrada.

SEC Veteran Brigagliano Joins Sidley Austin

rebneely — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:22:29 +0000

The law firm of Sidley Austin announced recently that Securities and Exchange Commission veteran James A. Brigagliano will join the firm as a partner in the securities and futures regulatory practice.

Prior to joining Sidley Austin, Brigagliano served as the Deputy Director of the Division of Trading and Markets at the SEC. There, he served in a variety of senior policymaking and management roles. His work included driving a variety of major SEC rulemaking initiatives, most notably the Dodd-Frank Act.

He was also instrumental in the development of the SEC’s response to the 2008 financial crisis, and worked in tandem with the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to minimize damage to U.S. markets. In addition, Brigagliano has worked hand in hand with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the largest independent regulator for securities firms conducting business in the U.S., and provided information on a regular basis to Congressional staffs regarding regulatory developments.

Thomas A. Cole, Chair of the firm’s Executive Committee was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Jamie Brigagliano is one of the country’s most respected securities lawyers. Jamie understands the complex structure of global markets and the exchanges and he will add tremendous value to representing our clients in securities regulatory and enforcement matters, be they broker-dealers, hedge funds, mutual funds, investment banks or public companies.”

Brigagliano has over twenty years’ experience at the SEC. He first joined the SEC’s Office of the General Counsel in 1986; in this role he briefed and argued cases in federal district and appellate courts, as well, he supervised a team of litigators from 1991 to 1998. Subsequently, he joined what is now known as the Division of Trading and Markets. In 2006, he was promoted to Associate Director in 2006. In this role, he oversaw a variety of regulatory programs and enforcement liaison functions. In 2009, he was named Deputy Director. As Director, he oversaw the regulation of broker-dealers, securities markets and trading practices; as well, he advised on enforcement matters and testified before Congress. Also in 2009, he served as Co-Acting Director of the Division.

Dennis C. Hensley, global coordinator of Sidley’s securities and futures regulatory practice was quoted as saying in the press release: “Jamie has demonstrated sound judgment, a strategic perspective and exceptional analytical skills throughout his notable career. His insight and experience in a wide range of regulatory areas will enable him to provide clients with valuable strategic advice as they adjust their businesses and control systems to meet the changing regulatory environment. Jamie will bring even greater value to the deep and broad securities regulatory experience that already exists at Sidley.”

Brigagliano was quoted as saying: “It is an honor to be joining a global law firm known for the integrity and excellence of its lawyers. I look forward to assisting clients in navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape and joining former colleagues from the SEC.”

Mr. Brigagliano was the recipient of numerous awards while at the SEC. among those he earned were the Chairman’s Award for Excellence and the Law and Policy Award in 2011, which was given to the Dodd-Frank Implementation Team. In 2004, he received the Jay Manning Award, and in both 2001 and 2005 he received the Capital Markets Award. Brigagliano has spoken frequently at conferences attended by thousands of both attorneys and business professionals.

A full service law firm, Sidley Austin has over 1,600 lawyers practicing in 17 U.S. and international cities.

Holiday Roundup

joshua — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:15:55 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Monday, December 27, and here’s a look back at the pre-Christmas news…

Boies Schiller bucked the market rate for bonuses…

and Sidley Austin expanded its international arbitration practice in Switzerland…

Clifford Chance Expands New York Office

joshua — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:48:35 +0000

Clifford Chance has added Meghan O’Reilly as counsel in the firm’s New York office. O’Reilly previously practiced at Chapman and Cutler and Sidley Austin.

According to a firm press release, O’Reilly’s practice incorporates all types of commercial lending with a particular focus on subscription loans to private equity funds, also referred to as capital call facilities, which total more than $13 billion during the last six years.

“Meghan’s practice and relationships are great additions to our corporate finance team,” said Evan Cohen, head of the Finance and Restructuring Group for the Americas.

O’Reilly brings experience in both domestic and international finance work, with particular expertise in subscription/capital call facilities and other asset backed finance, including real estate loans. Her clients have included all types of lenders, including her current representation of WestLB AG, a leading global provider of subscription/capital call facilities and other fund level debt financings.

She adds her practice to Clifford Chance’s existing WestLB funds lending team headed by partners Robert Lee and Nicola Wherity in London.

“Her subscription lending experience adds to our finance capabilities and provides an important complement to our number one ranked fund formation group,” added Roger Singer, co-head of the private funds practice in New York.

Clifford Chance ha approximately 3,200 legal advisers and 30 offices in 21 countries.

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…

Sidley Austin Adds Partner in Palo Alto Office

joshua — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:06:18 +0000

Pamela J. Martinson has joined Sidley Austin LLP as a partner in its Palo Alto office.

Ms. Martinson will focus her practice in the area of finance and lending.

In a press release, Tom DeFilipps, Managing Partner of Sidley’s Palo Alto office was quoted as saying: “Pam is a seasoned finance lawyer with tremendous experience in banking and commercial lending. Pam will help expand our finance capabilities on the West Coast, in particular in Palo Alto, where her practice complements our established support of venture capital and investment banking clients.”

Ms. Martinson represents major institutional and other lenders, as well as borrowers and equity sponsors. She has significant experience in complex financings of all kinds, including syndicated and single-bank lending transactions, leasing, securitizations and structured finance. She also regularly handles the debt aspects of sponsor-led acquisition transactions, as well as the financing of corporate headquarters and other significant real property, international trade finance, and lending to technology and growth companies.

Sidley established its Palo Alto office in late 2009 with veteran lawyers who understand the process of innovation. The Palo Alto office focuses on corporate, technology transactions and IP litigation matters for emerging and established companies, including companies in the information technology, digital media, life sciences and clean tech industries.

Sidley Austin LLP 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 — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:26:26 +0000

Good morning everybody! Today is Thursday, November 18th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

Lisa Murkowski won her bid to be returned to Washington as Alaska’s Senator…

Boies Schiller let three female associates go late last week…

Sidley Austin’s Matthew Sheridan was promoted to practice Co-Head…

Mintz Levin Co-Chairs will be the featured speakers at MIT Conference…

McGuire Woods finalized an agreement to combine operations with the Houston-based firm of Nickens Keeton Lawless Farrell & Flack LLP…

Hogan Lovells added two partners to its firm, one in Philadelphia, and one in Washington, D.C….

Sidley Austin’s Sheridan Promoted to Practice Co-Head

joshua — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:02:34 +0000

Sidley Austin corporate finance partner Matthew Sheridan is relocating from Hong Kong to the firm’s Singapore office, effective Jan. 1, where he will assume responsibilities as co-head of the firm’s Asia International Corporate Finance group. Sheridan will share those responsibilities with Tim Li, who will remain in Hong Kong.

Thomas W. Albrecht, the firm’s Managing Partner for the Asia Pacific region, commented on the move in a press release: “Matt and Tim have built a top-tier corporate finance reputation and a deep and talented bench in Hong Kong. We have experienced increased client demand in South East Asia and we expect that trend to continue, so now is the time to expand our geographic capabilities utilizing that deep bench.”

Sheridan, who has lived and worked in Asia since 1994, including in Singapore from 1995-2002, represents underwriters and issuers, including corporate enterprises, financial institutions, governments and governmental entities in connection with corporate financings through global offerings of debt and equity securities, as well as mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructurings.

“I am excited to take up this new challenge, which represents a natural progression in our Asian practice,” Sheridan said.

Sidley has had an established presence in the Asia Pacific region for more than 25 years, having opened its first office in the region in Singapore in 1982.

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 — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:20:59 +0000

Good morning everybody! Today is Thursday, October 21st. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

The Children’s Law Center, Washington D.C.’s largest provider of free legal services, launched a new six-week campaign, dubbed the Lawyers for Children Campaign….

Winston & Strawn expanded its transactional capabilities in China with a three-person team from Cadwalader…

BigLaw Lends A Hand in New Children’s Law Center Campaign

joshua — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:06:21 +0000

The Children’s Law Center, Washington D.C.’s largest provider of free legal services, has launched a new six-week campaign, dubbed the Lawyers for Children Campaign, that’s designed to expose area lawyers and their colleagues to opportunities to improve the lives of D.C.’s children.

In conjunction with the campaign, an 18-member advisory board was selected that’s made up of attorneys from law firms, law schools and corporations throughout the D.C. area. Among the organizations represented are Arnold & Porter, Blank Rome, Bryan Cave, Clifford Chance, Covington & Burling, Crowell & Moring, Fish & Richardson, Hunton & Williams, Jones Day, Latham & Watkins, McDermott Will & Emery, McKenna Long & Aldridge, Patton Boggs, Sidley Austin, Skadden, Williams & Connolly, American University and the Podesta Group.

Evelyn Becker, pro bono director at Children’s Law Center, said the groups “enthusiasm to launching the campaign and introducing their colleagues to Children’s Law Center has been tremendous.”

The campaign will run from October 18 through Thanksgiving. A Campaign Kickoff Happy Hour will be held Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Children’s Law Center offices.

Carmen McLean, CLC Board Member and Chair of CLC’s Advisory Board, and attorney at Jones Day, commented on the campaign in a press release.

“At Jones Day, we just took on our 20th pro bono case through Children’s Law Center and we know how important this work is,” McLean said. “We are excited to spread the word about CLC’s new Lawyers for Children campaign.”

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….

Sidley Austin Enlists Former Assistant U.S. Attorney as Practice Head

joshua — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:41:34 +0000

Sidley Austin LLP said Friday that David L. Anderson, First Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of California, is joining the firm as a partner in its San Francisco office. Anderson will lead Sidley’s white collar practice in Northern California and will also focus on the firm’s securities litigation and trial practices.

As First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Anderson had responsibility for criminal, civil and tax matters on behalf of the United States in the Northern District of California. He personally tried two of the most high-profile criminal securities fraud cases in the District in the past decade, United States v. Gregory L. Reyes, and United States v. Charles W. McCall.

Before joining the United States Attorney’s Office in 2008, Anderson built a successful white collar practice and served as managing partner of an international law firm’s San Francisco office, where he focused on board-level representations of individuals, audit committees and public companies in criminal, SEC and internal investigations.

Sidley Austin Adds Two Partners to San Francisco Office

joshua — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:52:14 +0000

Sidley Austin announced Wednesday that it’s expanding its San Francisco office with the addition of two partners to its hedge fund practice. Set to join the firm later this month are Mark Whatley and David Tang.

According to a firm press release, the pair has extensive experience representing hedge funds and other investment clients. They will focus on fund formation and maintenance, and investment adviser formation, regulation and compliance.

“We are extremely pleased to have such talented lawyers as Mark and David joining us,” said Sharon Flanagan, managing partner of Sidley’s San Francisco office. “Their practices are an excellent fit and have strong synergies with our growing practices in San Francisco and Palo Alto.”

Whatley concentrates his practice on securities regulation and transactional and business counseling matters, with a particular focus on investment management and broker-dealer regulation. Tang focuses his practice on securities regulation, private investment fund formation, mergers and acquisitions and public and private debt and equity offerings.

Sidley’s investment funds, advisers and derivatives practice consists of more than 120 lawyers in Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Singapore and Tokyo.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:35:45 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Tuesday, September 21st. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Brooks Kushman Diversity Officer Phyllis Golden Morey was honored among “2010 Women In Law”…

Fish & Richardson was chosen as an elite “National Tier 1″ IP law firm by U.S. News & World Report…

Fourteen attorneys in the Texas offices of McKool Smith were recognized in the 2010 Texas Super Lawyers…

Highly regarded litigator and advisor Elizabeth P. Papez joined Winston & Strawn…

Mintz Levin earned high marks in the U.S. News Law Firm rankings…

Sidley Austin bolstered its international trade practice…

McKool Smith was recognized in the 2010 “Best Law Firms” rankings…

Sidley Austin Bolsters International Trade Practice

joshua — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:16:42 +0000

Sidley Austin said Monday it has added Stuart Harbinson to its Geneva office as a senior international trade advisor in its international trade and World Trade Organization practice. In the role, Harbinson will advise clients on WTO and other general trade policy matters, as well as the WTO’s dispute settlement procedures.

Harbinson previously served in several high-level positions in the United Nations, WTO and the Hong Kong government. While a senior official at the WTO, Harbinson served as special adviser to Director-General Pascal Lamy. Prior to that he served as chief of staff to Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi.

“Stuart is a savvy and highly regarded former WTO official and diplomat with vast experience and connections in Geneva and throughout the international trade policy community,” said Scott Andersen, co-managing partner of Sidley’s Geneva office. “We are pleased to welcome Stuart to the firm and build on the recent additions of Marc Palay and Sybilla Fries to expand the international trade and arbitration capabilities we offer our clients in Geneva.”

Sidley’s International Trade practice includes both lawyers and non-lawyer professionals based in Washington, D.C., Geneva and Brussels. The Geneva office was established in 2002.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:07:51 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Friday, September 17th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote was ranked among the top firms in Pittsburgh by U.S. News & World Report…

The Latin Builders Association (LBA) named international law firm Greenberg Traurig its 2010 “Law Firm of the Year”…

Sidley Austin topped all law firms in the inaugural U.S. News “Best Law Firms Survey”…

DLA Piper added two attorneys to its San Francisco office…

Sidley Austin named former Clifford Chance partner co-head of its capital markets group in London…

U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers released the 2010 Best Law Firms Rankings…

Sidley Austin Comes Out Strong in U.S. News Rankings

joshua — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:07:13 +0000

Sidley Austin topped all law firms in the inaugural U.S. News “Best Law Firms Survey” released Thursday with 20 first-tier national rankings out of the 39 practice areas that were ranked.

Sidley outperformed more than 10,000 U.S. law firms that were evaluated. In addition to its strong national performance, Sidley also received 26 first-tier ratings in the survey’s regional rankings.

“I want to congratulate Sidley Austin on its extraordinary performance in the U.S.News – Best Lawyers ‘Best Law Firms’ rankings for 2010,” said Steven Naifeh, president and founder of Best Lawyers, which conducted the survey along with U.S. News. “With twenty first-tier rankings, Sidley Austin received more first-tier national rankings than any other firm in the United States.”

The practice areas that received first-tier national ratings included Antitrust, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization, Biotechnology, Communications, Corporate, Derivatives and Futures, Energy, General Commercial Litigation, Insurance, Intellectual Property, International Arbitration, Mergers & Acquisitions, Mutual Funds, Private Funds/Hedge Funds, Railroad, Securities/Capital Markets, Securitization and Structured Finance, Tax and Transportation Law.

“We are elated by the results of the survey,” said Thomas A. Cole, chair of Sidley’s Executive Committee. “To be recognized by a prestigous U.S. news publication with the most first-tier national rankings and as one of the best law firms to work for is a great honor. We will continue to build on our 144 years of commitment to client service, quality and collegiality that distinguishes and defines our firm.”

Sidley Austin Gets New Practice Co-Head

joshua — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:43:17 +0000

Sidley Austin has named former Clifford Chance partner Stephen Roith co-head of its capital markets group in London. In the role, Roith will focus on capital markets and structured finance transactions.

Thomas A. Cole, chair of Sidley Austin’s executive committee, said Roith will support the growth of the firm’s European capital markets practice and of its English law capital markets practice in its Asia Pacific offices.

Roith has experience in developed and emerging markets capital markets and is active in a broad range of international securities and finance transactions, which includes secured and unsecured Eurobond issues, subordinated and high yield debt, tax and regulatory capital motivated structured finance.

Sidley’s global securities practice has more than 125 lawyers in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia with a primary focus in the area of capital markets.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:35:44 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Friday, September 3rd. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Dinsmore & Shohl added two new partners in its Columbus, Ohio office…

Grant & Eisenhofer added three attorneys to its antitrust practice…

Sidley Austin’s Thomas Cole was honored by the National Association of Corporate Directors…

Steptoe & Johnson opened an office, and acquired the energy practice group from Culbertson, Weiss, Schetroma and Schug…

Sidley Austin’s Cole Honored by NACD

joshua — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:34:05 +0000

Thomas A. Cole, chair of Sidley Austin’s executive committee and a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, has been named to the 2010 Directorship 100 list of the most influential people in corporate governance and the boardroom. The annual list, provided by the National Association of Corporate Directors, is selected by an Editorial Advisory Council, as well as a comprehensive survey of NACD members.

Cole and the other inductees will be honored at the annual Directorship 100 recognition dinner on Nov. 8 in New York.

Cole maintains a substantial practice in public company mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. He has been involved in dozens of transactions valued at more than $1 billion, according to a Sidley Austin press release.

Cole said the award “reflects the strength and depth of Sidley’s corporate governance and compliance practice team.”

Sidley Austin LLP is one of the world’s largest full-service law firms, with approximately 1,600 lawyers practicing in 17 U.S. and international cities.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:05:37 +0000

Good morning everybody! Today is Friday, August 27th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Many associates at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe received pay raises…

Sidley Austin added to its international trade and Latin America practices….

Former pitcher Roger Clemens will be arraigned Monday in on charges he lied to Congress about his use of performance-enhancing drugs…

Sidley Austin Makes Pair of Personnel Moves

joshua — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:07:27 +0000

Sidley Austin has added to its international trade and Latin America practices. In New York, Alyssa A. Grikscheit has joined the firm as a partner in the Latin America and investment funds, advisers and derivatives practice. While in Geneva, Sybilla C. Fries joins as counsel in the international trade and World Trade Organization practice.

Grikscheit will focus her practice on cross-border transactions and alternative investment funds. She has significant experience representing clients in Latin American, emerging market and other cross-border transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and fund formation.

Sidley’s investment funds, advisers and derivatives practice consists of more than 120 lawyers in Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Singapore and Tokyo.

Fries joins the firm from the European Union Permanent Delegation to the WTO, where she has served as Legal Counsel since 2006. At the Delegation, Fries provided in-house legal advice on European and international law, with a specific focus on international trade law and dispute settlement at the WTO.

Sidley’s International Trade practice includes approximately 70 professionals based in Washington, D.C., Geneva and Brussels.

Former FDA Official Senger Joins Sidley Austin

joshua — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:47:59 +0000

Sidley Austin announced that Jeffrey M. Senger, former acting chief counsel and deputy chief counsel of the Food and Drug Administration, has joined the firm as a partner in its global food, drug and medical device regulatory practice. He will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and will focus on an array of enforcement, compliance and regulatory matters, the firm said in a press release.

Senger also spent 17 years at the Department of Justice and previously served as senior counsel in the Office of the Associate Attorney General, where he assisted in overseeing the work of more than 2,000 lawyers.

“Jeff brings a wealth of insight to Sidley’s FDA practices from his experience at both FDA and the Department of Justice,” said Coleen Klasmeier, global coordinator of the firm’s food, drug and medical device regulatory practice. “He is one of only a handful of highly seasoned lawyers who understand the increasingly complex interrelationships between those two executive agencies.”

Senger called Sidley “the go-to firm for life science companies dealing with challenging legal and regulatory issues.

Sidley’s food and drug practice represents major pharmaceutical, biological, medical device and food clients all over the world.

Sidley Austin is one of the world’s largest full-service law firms with approximately 1,700 lawyers practicing in 17 U.S. and international cities.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:51:37 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Tuesday, July 20th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Prominent litigator Caryn Jacobs joined Winston & Strawn as partner…

Crowell & Moring added a former federal prosecutor as partner…

DLA Piper opened an office in New Jersey and added two partners…

Sidley Austin added three partners to its L.A. office…

Shearman & Sterling’s Project Development & Finance Group ranked in Top 10…

Sidley Austin Adds Three Partners to L.A. Office

joshua — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:22:03 +0000

Sidley Austin bolstered its labor and employment practice in Los Angeles with the addition of three new partners. Joining the firm are Douglas R. Hart, Jennifer B. Zargarof and Geoffrey D. DeBoskey. The trio will focus on employment litigation, counseling and traditional labor work with an emphasis on wage and hour and employment discrimination class action litigation.

Anne E. Rea, a member of Sidley’s management committee responsible for West Coast offices, commented on the move in a press release.

“This enhancement of Sidley’s practice in Los Angeles is a strategic response to the substantial expansion and development of complex employment class action litigation, both in California and around the country,” Rea said.

Hart has practiced for more than 25 years and is considered one of the leading wage and hour class action litigators in the country.

Zargarof advocates for employers in a broad range of disputes, with a focus on class actions and other multi-plaintiff litigation. She defends companies in wage and hour, discrimination, wrongful termination and other employment-related matters at the trial and appellate levels.

DeBoskey handles all facets of labor and employment law, with a focus on defending complex wage and hour class action cases.

Sidley Austin is one of the world’s largest full-service law firms. Its Los Angeles office opened in 1980 and has approximately 140 lawyers.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:15:26 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, July 7th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Latham & Watkins announced its launch of an Asian litigation practice centered in Hong Kong…

Detroit-based firm Dykema hired Robin Radomski as its Chief Marketing Officer…

Saul Ewing added a four-person team focused on the gaming industry…

Sidley Austin named a new managing Partner in San Francisco…

Thompson Hine LLP received national recognition for leadership in promoting diversity…

Skadden was found to be first in M&A Advisements for first half of year…

A global study found tracking procedures lacking in lawyer-to-lawyer referrals…

Weil Gotshal received two international Legal Alliance Awards…

Fisher & Phillips opened an office in Washington, D.C….

The Bureau of Labor Statistics showed legal sector lost 3,900 jobs in June…

Clifford Chance named a new London practice head…

Sidley Austin Names New Managing Partner in San Francisco

joshua — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:32:59 +0000

Sidley Austin LLP announced that Sharon R. Flanagan, a partner in the firm’s corporate practice, has been appointed managing partner of the firm’s San Francisco office. Flanagan succeeds Paul Pringle, a capital markets partner, who served as the office’s Managing Partner since 2003.

Flanagan’s corporate practice includes mergers & acquisitions, securities offerings and corporate governance matters. She has worked on major transactions for clients such as eBay, Genentech and KKR Financial.

Many of Flanagan’s recent deals have been cross-border transactions involving companies in Asia and the E.U. Flanagan had been the hiring partner for the Sidley Austin’s San Francisco office since 2004.

“Sharon played a central role in the strategic planning and implementation of the opening of Sidley’s Palo Alto office in late 2009,” said Anne E. Rea, the member of Sidley’s Management Committee responsible for its West Coast offices. “As Managing Partner of the San Francisco office, Sharon will continue Sidley’s expansion in Northern California.

Sidley Austin LLP is one of the world’s largest full-service law firms, with approximately 1,700 lawyers practicing in 17 U.S. and international cities.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:57:01 +0000

Good morning! Today is Tuesday, June 29th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

The Elena Kagan hearings began…

Haynes and Boone added three attorneys to its NY real estate practice…

Gary Feulner returned to Chadbourne & Parke as Special Counsel…

Sidley Austin announced it’s teaming with MetLife in support of Sidley’s Prelaw Scholars Initiative…

The National Law Journal named its 2010 list of “Washington’s Most Influential Women Lawyers…

Sidley Austin Partners With MetLife in Scholarship Initiative

joshua — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:59:59 +0000

Sidley Austin announced it is teaming with MetLife in support of Sidley’s Prelaw Scholars Initiative and offer a legal internship to a Sidley Prelaw Scholar who has completed first year law school studies.

The Sidley Prelaw Scholars Initiative, now in its fifth year, seeks to enlarge the pool of diverse students able to attend law school and enter the profession by providing financial support and mentoring during the law school application process to diverse undergraduate students.

The intern will spend a ten week legal internship in the New York office of MetLife’s Law Department as part of its 2010 Summer Law Clerk program and have the opportunity to gain work experience while networking with lawyers and business professionals.

Sidley Prelaw Scholars, chosen from college juniors and seniors who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need, receive a $2,500 scholarship to cover tuition, an additional stipend to reimburse the cost of a commercial LSAT preparation course, as well as application fees for as many as seven accredited law schools.

This year, applications were received from students attending more than fifty colleges and universities nationwide. Other critical components of the initiative include: coaching on how to complete a successful law school application and pre-law school seminar instruction on the structure of the American legal system, as well as an introduction to the substance of the required common law first-year courses.

Sidley Austin LLP is one of the world’s largest full-service law firms, with approximately 1700 lawyers practicing in 17 U.S. and international cities.

Sidley’s Flagg Honored For Public Education Work

joshua — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:48:56 +0000

Sidley Austin’s Ronald Flagg, a partner and chair of the firm’s committee on pro bono and public interest law, was awarded the 2010 Vincent E. Reed Award from the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.

The award was presented to Flagg at the Wiley A. Branton Awards Luncheon for his commitment to public education issues in Washington D.C..

In a press release from Sidley Austin, Flagg called education “the single most important civil rights issue facing our country.”

Flagg joined the Washington Lawyers’ Committee in 2003 after being active with the organization for many years. He currently is president-elect of the D.C. Bar and will take over full presidential duties on Thursday.

Flagg’s practice focuses on complex commercial administration litigation for regulated industries and professional firms.

Said Carter G. Phillips, managing partner of Sidley’s Washington D.C. office: “Ron’s numerous contributions and commitment to community service, whether it is on behalf of public education and the children of Washington, D.C., the elderly in our community or war veterans, are truly inspiring and a model for every lawyer in our firm.”

Sidley Austin Names Albrecht New Asia Pacific Boss

joshua — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:40:37 +0000

Sidley Austin announced that Thomas W. Albrecht, a member of the firm’s management and executive committees, is relocating from its Chicago office to its Hong Kong office to assume responsibilities of managing partner for the Asia Pacific region.

Albrecht will be working closely with two other members of Sidley’s executive committee presently in the region – Tomoo Nishikawa, the managing partner of the Tokyo office, and Constance Choy, a corporate finance partner in the Hong Kong office.

William O. Fifield, who has served as Sidley’s managing partner for the Greater China region since 2005, will continue in that capacity until the end of 2010, when he will return to the United States.

Thomas A. Cole, chair of Sidley’s executive committee, said the appointment of Albrecht “underscores our long-standing commitment to the region.”

Albrecht, a finance lawyer at Sidley for more than 30 years, has helped in the expansion of the firm’s non-U.S. offices for the past 15 years, according to Charles W. Douglas, chair of Sidley’s management committee.

“We are tapping that experience for the further development of our operations in the Asia Pacific region, recognizing the increasing importance to our clients of that fast growing part of the world,” Douglas said.

Sidley has six offices and nearly 120 professionals in the Asia Pacific region. Albrecht said increased client demand has led the firm to begin planning for more offices.

International Legal Alliance Honors Sidley Austin

joshua — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:30:54 +0000

Sidley Austin’s international arbitration practice was named the best in the U.S. at the International Legal Alliance Summit & Awards held earlier this month. In addition to the gold medal awarded that practice, Sidley Austin received the silver medal for having the nation’s second-best real estate and environment practice.

The Legal Alliance Summit & Awards recognize the best independent law firms from throughout the world in a variety of candidates. Winners were selected by a 98-person panel consisting entirely of general counsel’s with extensive experience in the concerned markets and countries.

Charles W. Douglas, chair of Sidley’s management committee, called the awards “significant honors and a great reflection of the strong work Sidley is doing in these practice areas throughout the world.”

Sidley’s international arbitration practice is headed by partners Stanimir Alexandrov and Ing Loong Yang, both of whom were recently appointed to the position. The practice is based in the firm’s Washington D.C., London, Brussels, Geneva, Hong Kong and Singapore offices.

Sidley Austin is one of the world’s largest full-service law firms with approximately 1,700 lawyers practicing in 17 U.S. and international cities.