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Sheppard Mullin Appoints First Female Office Managing Partner, Liisa Thomas, in Chicago

by Multicultural Law News June 3, 2022

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP has appointed Liisa M. Thomas as managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office. Thomas is the first woman to lead this local office. She succeeds Larry Eppley, who has served as founding managing partner since the Chicago office opened in 2012. Eppley will continue to lead the firm’s nationwide Hospitality industry team.

“Liisa is a talented, exceptional attorney who is known as a leader in pioneering initiatives to achieve client goals and successes,” said Sheppard Mullin chair Luca Salvi. “Her deep understanding of Chicago and the local business community, coupled with her commitment to her colleagues and to client service, will further strengthen the momentum of Larry’s outstanding work as office managing partner.”

“I am honored to lead the Chicago office,” said Thomas. “It is an exciting time here. We’re celebrating 10 successful years this summer, and we’ve outgrown our physical office space and are preparing for a new location in River North later this year. I’m energized to deepen and expand our client relationships, continue to focus on building an inclusive environment and raise the profile of Sheppard Mullin in the Chicago market.”

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chicago’s managing partner for the last decade and lead our office through numerous milestones,” said Eppley. “Since day one, Chicago established a unique, tight-knit and collaborative culture, and I’m really proud of how we’ve maintained and nurtured our office rapport as we’ve grown. Liisa will be a great ambassador for the office, and I am delighted to congratulate Liisa on her appointment.”

Thomas joined Sheppard Mullin in 2016 as partner and co-leader of the firm’s global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice. She is recognized by privacy professionals and clients alike as a pioneer within the industry, having practiced in this area since its inception. Recognizing a lack of on-the-job training for privacy professionals, Thomas recently spearheaded the creation of Sheppard Mullin’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Fellowship Program, designed to mentor the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.

She is also the author of two well-regarded treatises (Thomas on Data Breach and Thomas on Big Data), and teaches privacy and security law classes at Northwestern University where she is the recipient of the Edward Avery Harriman Law School Lectureship. She is consistently recognized as a privacy and cybersecurity leader by Chambers, Cybersecurity Docket, Legal 500, Best Lawyers in America and Crain’s Chicago Business. She was recently named to Legal 500’s Hall of Fame for Cyber Law. Earlier this year, Thomas was awarded Sheppard Mullin’s Diversity & Inclusion Award for her commitment to D&I programs and initiatives within the firm and the legal profession.

Sheppard Mullin’s Chicago office, which has consistently been recognized as an Illinois “Best Places to Work,” includes more than 80 attorneys and staff and serves national and local clients across a broad range of disciplines, including bankruptcy, commercial litigation, corporate/M&A, energy, healthcare, hospitality, labor and employment, intellectual property, privacy and cybersecurity, real estate and tax.

Maron Marvel Appoints Catherine Pyune McEldowney to Lead its Firm

by Tom Smith June 3, 2022

Maron Marvel announces its Shareholder Catherine Pyune McEldowney has been appointed Managing Shareholder, President, and Executive Committee Chair of the nationally recognized mass tort litigation firm. This is a milestone for Maron Marvel and the legal community as Cathie is the first woman and Korean American attorney to lead the law firm. According to NALP 2021 Diversity Report, less than 5% of all attorneys practicing law in the United States are Asian Pacific American women, with even a smaller percentage in leadership roles.

Paul A. Bradley, who previously served as Maron Marvel’s Managing Shareholder for over 15 years, is now the firm’s General Counsel, an inaugural position for the firm. Paul’s proven track record and knowledge of the business of law will be invaluable in his new role. President and Chair of the firm’s Executive Committee were previously held by the firm’s founder Jim Maron. Since 1996, the firm has grown to over 100 attorneys in 12 offices located throughout the country.

In 2003, Cathie joined the firm to help Jim Maron execute his vision to be the best toxic tort defense firm in the country. Since then, Maron Marvel has combined technology and litigation to elevate the firm’s national risk management team and other key practice groups to climb higher, smarter, and faster. “Maron Marvel’s national risk management model is rooted in tech-based solutions, cost containment, virtual teaming, and consistent results. It’s unique to the Maron Marvel brand and is the future of mass tort risk management,” said Cathie.

A trailblazer in her own right, Cathie has been practicing for over 30 years and does not want Maron Marvel to emulate the traditional law firm model. She explains, “Our Next-Gen leadership team is ready to be a catalyst for positive growth and success by empowering our attorneys and staff to be their authentic selves, continue to work smart and hard, and share the firm’s passion for excellence and client service.”

McEldowney also plans to bolster the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. “The only thing that separates women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups in our profession is opportunity. Jim Maron gave me that opportunity 19 years ago. I’m honored to carry the torch he lit 25 years ago,” states Cathie.

While Maron Marvel will continue to be governed by its Executive Committee, which Cathie will also lead, it added an Operating Committee to manage the firm’s daily administrative and operational affairs. Joining Cathie on the firm’s new Operating Committee is Shareholder Scott Henry. He assumes the new role of Vice President of Management and oversees the firm’s daily operations in addition to maintaining his active practice. Henry led a team of lawyers who joined Maron Marvel in 2017, starting the firm’s Midwest practice. Nancy Michener will continue to serve as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, which she has held for six years.

From the beginning, Maron Marvel attorneys had a passion for superior work product, a distinctive culture rooted in mass tort litigation, and an obsession with exceptional client service. These core values have remained at the heart of the firm’s brand and endure today. Through an authentic and consistent voice, Maron Marvel builds its relationships with like-minded people and clients who appreciate and respect the firm’s approach. The firm has 12 offices in 10 key jurisdictions with 100 litigation and trial attorneys.

Winston & Strawn Names Kelly Hunsaker Office Managing Partner of Firm’s Silicon Valley Office

by Multicultural Law News June 3, 2022

Winston & Strawn LLP has elevated intellectual property Partner Kelly Hunsaker to Office Managing Partner of the firm’s Silicon Valley office. Kelly replaces former Winston Partner Kathi Vidal, who was recently sworn in as Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and as Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Kelly maintains a national patent and IP litigation and trial practice. Her patent litigation work covers a wide range of technologies and industries, especially in high-tech fields involving computer software and hardware, consumer electronics, cloud computing, and networking technologies. Kelly has also handled cases in other areas of commercial and IP litigation, including trademark, trade secret, copyright, and technology-licensing disputes. She counsels clients on patent and IP strategy, pre-suit investigations and due diligence, and proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and International Trade Commission.

“I am honored to assume the leadership role of an office that provides legal and business solutions to today’s most cutting-edge technology companies,” said Kelly. “Our Silicon Valley team offers critical services to a wide range of clients whose innovations truly power the global economy.”

“Kelly is the right person to lead our firm’s Silicon Valley office,” said Winston Chairman Tom Fitzgerald. “Her in-depth knowledge of patent and other IP issues and her record of advocacy on behalf of companies at the vanguard of technology and law have prepared her well for stepping into this highly visible role.”

Kelly is the Silicon Valley chair of Winston’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, and she is part of the firm’s Disruptive Technologies and Waco Watch groups. She received her J.D. from UC Hastings Law and her B.B.A. from the University of Texas.

Jonice Gray Tucker, a Leading Financial Services Attorney, Joins Paul Hastings

by Multicultural Law News June 3, 2022

Paul Hastings announced the arrival of Jonice Gray Tucker to bring deep expertise representing financial services clients in matters that include government investigations, supervisory matters, litigation, and regulatory compliance. Gray Tucker brings synergies with Paul Hastings’ client roster, including virtually every major investment bank in the world, as well as dozens of leading fintech companies.

Gray Tucker is one of the country’s leading financial services attorneys, the immediate past Chair of the American Bar Association’s Banking Law Committee, and a frequent industry speaker. Recognized by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer in Consumer Financial Services (Enforcement & Investigations), Gray Tucker represents clients in high-stakes legal proceedings, including enforcement and supervisory matters initiated by the full gamut of federal and state regulators. She routinely provides strategic advice to senior corporate leaders, including Boards, as they navigate complex, and often unexpected business and legal challenges. Gray Tucker’s practice also includes handling internal investigations, defending civil litigation and providing advice on compliance with consumer protection laws. She has particular expertise with laws governing fair and responsible lending. Gray Tucker has an extensive track record of positive resolutions for clients in matters involving controversy.

“Jonice is a superb lawyer who will excel across all aspects of regulatory and enforcement matters for our financial services clients,” said Seth Zachary, chair of Paul Hastings. “She supports our mission to invest in areas that are strategically important across a rapidly evolving market environment.”

“Paul Hastings has a highly collaborative and client-focused culture that enables tremendous growth potential and excellence in execution.” said Jonice Gray Tucker.

Aimee Bryant Joins Fiduciary Trust as VP and Trust Counsel

by Multicultural Law News June 3, 2022

Fiduciary Trust Company (“Fiduciary”), a Boston-based private wealth management firm, is pleased to announce the hiring of Aimee Fukuchi Bryant, JD, as Vice President and Trust Counsel. As a member of Fiduciary’s Trust & Estates Legal Team, Bryant will work with Fiduciary’s investment officers to assist clients with estate planning, wealth transfer and charitable giving strategies, as well as on Fiduciary’s estate settlement and family trust administration matters. She will report to Suma V. Nair, Chief Fiduciary Officer.

“Aimee’s extensive estate planning and trust experience will further expand our team’s capabilities,” said Nair. “We are thrilled to have her join and apply her skills to benefit our clients.”

Prior to joining Fiduciary, Bryant was a partner in the Private Client Group at Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, where she began her legal career. She is active in the professional community, serves on the MCLE’s Estate Planning Curriculum Advisory Committee, and is a co-chair of the Estate Planning Committee of the Boston Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section. She is also a former chairperson for the Boston Chapter of the International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy, and an incoming chairperson for Wondermore, a literacy-focused nonprofit that serves underserved schoolchildren in the Boston area.

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