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CHICAGO – DLA Piper, an international law firm, will be recognized with one of five 2008 Pro Bono Publico Awards from the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service. DLA Piper will receive its award on Monday, Aug. 11, at the Pro Bono Publico Awards Assembly Luncheon at noon at the New York Hilton, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, in New York City, during the ABA Annual Meeting. ABA President William H. Neukom will present the 2008 awards. “DLA Piper is a leader among law firms,” said Neukom. “With 90 percent of its lawyers doing pro bono work, the firm’s impact on encouraging public service is extraordinary. Through this volunteer work, the firm is a leading example of the tens of thousands of lawyers in this country who deliver on the promise of equal justice for all.” The Pro Bono Publico Awards honor individuals or organizations in the legal community that enhance the human dignity of others by improving or delivering volunteer legal services to the poor or disadvantaged. DLA Piper, an international law firm with more than 3,700 lawyers in 25 countries, was ranks near the top in pro bono participation according to the American Lawyer AmLaw 200 survey. According to that survey, 90 percent of DLA Piper’s US lawyers put in more than 20 hours of pro bono service. In 2007, lawyers at the firm did an average of 80 hours each of pro bono work. In addition, DLA Piper has developed innovative strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, foundations and corporate clients to develop solutions to challenging social problems. These projects include Access to Education, The Fight Against Hunger and Serving Those Who Serve Our Country. The largest of these pro bono projects to date is Chicago’s Project in Juvenile Justice for which the firm has donated more than 23,000 lawyer hours during the past three years to represent young people in conflict with the law. This project grew out of the firm’s desire to enhance the impact of its pro bono work by concentrating significant resources in a particular area of law. Under this project, DLA Piper lawyers have represented scores of children in legal proceedings and undertaken a major policy initiative aimed at helping court-involved children return to school. More information on the Pro Bono Publico Awards and the 2008 recipients is available at http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/probono/nav_awards.shtml.
Sparks Guard Kiesha Brown and DLA Piper lawyers provide pre-game inspiration to low income and at-risk youth
(Los Angeles) – DLA Piper announced today that it has donated 283 tickets to tonight's Los Angeles Sparks WNBA game against San Antonio to the Academy of Business Leadership (ABL), a dynamic and innovative social entrepreneurial venture that is at the forefront of providing business and leadership education to underserved youth in Southern California. The donation is a part of the greater commitment that DLA Piper has made to provide pro bono support to the ABL, an organization committed to improving the futures of minority and at-risk youth throughout the region. DLA Piper will also be providing office space to ABL volunteers throughout the summer, lending legal support and counsel on various ABL initiatives and having several of its lawyers mentor participants in ABL programs through speaking and workshop engagements. “DLA Piper is always looking to collaborate with organizations, like the Academy of Business Leadership, that reflect our values as a firm,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Partner of DLA Piper’s Los Angeles offices. “The ABL recognizes raw talent and leadership wherever it might be found, the importance of nurturing that talent, and the difference that inspiration and mentorship can make in a person’s life. Since those are some of the attributes we look for in our own lawyers, given the right tools today, these kids could be whatever they want to be-- even the new DLA Piper associates of tomorrow.” Tonight’s ticket donation will be enjoyed by 126 students, 111 parents and 48 ABL staff members. Prior to the game, the group will get a chance to watch a practice session and meet some of the players. DLA Piper lawyers also in attendance, as well as Sparks player Kiesha Brown, will then address the students directly to provide inspirational remarks and advice for the future. “The ABL does a tremendous job of showing minority and low-income students that regardless of background or circumstances, there can be a bright and rewarding future ahead,” said DLA Piper’s Karol Denniston, head of DLA Piper’s West Coast finance practice and one of the partners spearheading the partnership with ABL. “These are all great kids with a lot of spunk and terrific energy. I’m really pleased we have partnered with ABL to help these students realize their potential.” Adds Anna Ouroumian, President and CEO of ABL, “We are excited about DLA Piper’s leadership and commitment to provide high level support to help set up ABL’s legal infrastructure, which will facilitate our national and international expansion. DLA Piper is an important partner in our mission to create ‘leaders now instead of 20 years from now.’ These students will walk away this summer knowing that they are the future of our country and will return home empowered with the skills to uplift and build prosperity for themselves, their families, our country, and the world.” In the coming year, DLA Piper will continue its association with the WNBA with plans to collaborate on a law firm challenge in which various Los Angeles law firms will be asked to host events like this one for worthwhile inner city programs in conjunction with the Sparks organization and its players. About the Academy of Business Leadership (www.goabl.org) The Academy of Business Leadership (ABL) is a dynamic and innovative social entrepreneurial venture that is at the forefront of providing business and leadership education to underserved youth in Southern California. ABL strives to bridge the economic and educational divide among minority and low-income students. In conjunction with its extensive corporate partners and collaboration with local universities, high schools, and entrepreneurs, ABL has enriched and impacted the lives of more than 80,000 high potential, low opportunity students throughout the region.
Honor Recognizes Exceptional Contributions to Legal Profession and Pro Bono Work
(Chicago) – DLA Piper today announced that Grace Y. Poe, a real estate partner in the firm’s Chicago office, has won the Maurice Weigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award from the Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF). She will be honored at a luncheon July 14 at the Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Drive. The Maurice Weigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award is presented annually to honor one young Chicago-area attorney who has made outstanding contributions to the legal profession, the organized bar and the Chicago community. “We are proud that the CBF has recognized Grace’s dedication to the Chicago legal community and her unyielding commitment to pro bono work as well,” said William Rudnick, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Chicago office. “She is truly deserving of this award, and everyone in the Chicago office, and throughout the entire firm, congratulates her.” Poe has been significantly involved in pro bono work throughout the Chicagoland area. Currently, she is one of two co-leaders for the Lawyer’s Committee on Civil Rights Under Law’s Chicago branch of Election Protection, the nation’s largest non-partisan voter protection coalition. This project not only covers the greater Chicago area, but is reaching out to other communities throughout the country. The goal of Election Protection, which was born out of the difficulties surrounding the 2000 elections, is to guide voters through the voting process, helping to ensure that all eligible American citizens have the opportunity to cast a meaningful ballot and have that ballot counted. On February 5, the day of the Illinois primary, Poe helped run the first-ever Chicago-based Election Protection hotline for voters – headquartered at DLA Piper’s Chicago office. To prepare for this event, Poe met with local election officials in Cook County to familiarize them with the nonpartisan goals of Election Protection. In addition, she coordinated publicity for the hotline and ultimately managed the hotline operation, including arranging the facilities, phone banks, computers and materials for the volunteers. The Election Protection project was a great success in Chicago with the volunteers receiving a steady stream of calls throughout the day. Poe is now preparing her team for the November election. Poe also works with the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms, participating and volunteering in mentoring events on its behalf such as receptions for law students. She is co-chair of the nominating committee of the blue ribbon panel for the Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards Dinner. The benefit has raised nearly $10 million over the past 20 years to support the hunger relief programs of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Poe concentrates her practice in commercial real estate development, acquisition and disposition, finance and leasing. She has represented numerous institutional, commercial and developer clients in connection with the purchase, financing, development, leasing and disposition of a broad array of property types, including office, retail and hotel. She is experienced in drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, reciprocal easement and operating agreements, site development agreements, financing documents and leases. Poe received a B.S. from Northwestern University and a J.D., cum laude, from Northwestern University School of Law. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Cologne – DLA Piper has appointed a team of five lawyers to its German Corporate practice. The team comprises partners Dr Andreas Meyer-Landrut and Kerstin Schnabel, and three associates join DLA Piper's Cologne office from White & Case in Düsseldorf.
Dr Ulrich Jüngst, Regional Managing Partner of DLA Piper in Germany, said: "Dr Meyer-Landrut and Kerstin Schnabel are leading lawyers who will further extend the capital markets expertise of the Corporate practice group in Cologne. Their experience will strengthen the practice and its profile in stock corporation law and capital market transactions."
Commenting on his appointment, Andreas said: "We are looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities awaiting us at DLA Piper. The firm's growth has been impressive and we hope to make a valuable contribution to the Corporate practice."
Andreas and Kerstin's main area of expertise is corporate law, with a focus on capital markets. Andreas is a well-known specialist on IPOs, restructuring, capital-market related corporate reorganisation and stock corporation law aspects of M&A. In addition, he regularly acts on M&A transactions for public sector companies. Kerstin advises listed companies in the preparation and organisation of annual general meetings. She also assists businesses on structural and capital measures, such as share buyback programmes, subscription rights issues and share capital increases, as well as the legal aspects of changing the corporate status of a company, inter-company agreements and squeeze-outs.
Andreas, who recently advised Drägerwerk AG & Co KGaA on its change of status and the merger of listed company Broadnet AG with QSC AG, will be joined by associates Dr Cornelia Wendel, Meike Dresler-Lenz and Uta Carpier. Together the team acts for companies on a range of legal matters related to capital market compliance and corporate governance.
Andreas, 49, has a law degree from the Law School of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University in Bonn (1984) and a doctor's degree from the University of Bonn (1988).
Kerstin Schnabel, 38, holds a law degree from the University of Heidelberg (1994).The team will officially join on 1 August 2008.
Additions Support DLA Piper’s Strategy to Expand Global Practice
(New York) – DLA Piper announced today that Yvan-Claude Pierre and Leon Medzhibovsky have joined the firm’s Corporate and Finance practice as partners in its New York office. Pierre represents both privately held and publicly traded companies on a full range of corporate matters, among them private equity, venture capital, M&A, securities, joint ventures, contract negotiation and corporate governance. Focusing his practice on counseling clients in the technology and intellectual property (“IP”) area, Medzhibovsky is experienced in all aspects of protection, licensing and enforcement of IP rights, including providing IP-focused advice in connection with M&A transactions and other corporate matters. Medzhibovsky represents domestic and international clients in IP-related transactions and in litigation matters. “The additions of Yvan-Claude and Leon support our strategic expansion of the Corporate and Finance practice in New York and globally. DLA Piper has a great platform for them to expand their business, and we think their skills and client base will be a great fit,” said Roger Meltzer, global chair of the Corporate and Finance practice. “Their diversified experience and network of contacts in the technology, IP, private equity and investment banking community are tremendous assets and will contribute to the continued growth and success of the practice.” The arrivals represent the latest expansion of DLA Piper’s Corporate and Finance practice since Meltzer joined the firm last year to lead the practice as its global chair. He has been working to attract and manage significant engagements in the US and abroad and to spearhead recruitment of leading corporate and finance lawyers in major financial centers around the world. DLA Piper has recently added a number of leading corporate attorneys, including well-known and highly regarded emerging growth and venture capital partners Craig Andrews, Michael Kagnoff, Martin Nichols, Jeffrey Thacker and Ross Burningham in San Diego and corporate finance and energy partner Michael Bolton in Houston. About Yvan-Claude J. Pierre Pierre comes to DLA Piper from Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, where he was a partner in the corporate and securities practice. He has represented numerous investment banks, financial institutions and venture capital firms in corporate and capital markets transactions, including IPOs, follow-on offerings, convertible debt, PIPEs, private placements, mergers & acquisitions and debt financings. Many of his clients are based, or conduct business, not only in the United States but also throughout Europe and India. Pierre was recently named to The Network Journal’s “40-Under-Forty” list of rising African-American Stars in the US. He received a J.D. from the University of Buffalo School of Law and a B.A. from the University at Albany, State University of New York. He is a member of the Financial Reporting Committee and an adjunct participant of the Securities Regulation Committee of the New York City Bar and is admitted to practice law in New York and Connecticut. About Leon Medzhibovsky Before joining DLA Piper, Medzhibovsky was senior counsel in the intellectual property practice at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP. His practice focuses primarily on counseling domestic and international companies in technology/IP matters, including protection, licensing and enforcement of IP rights. He advises clients in connection with technology/IP-focused M&A transactions and represents clients in IP litigation matters. Medzhibovsky received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and a B.A. from New York University. He is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), and is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.
'E-fencing', the sale of counterfeit and illegal goods via online auction sites, is on the increase according to new research from global legal services organisation, DLA Piper. Figures compiled by DLA Piper and online intellectual property infringement specialists, ComSec International(i), show that the estimated value of counterfeit goods passing through online shopping sites in the UK each year totals £800m – double the amount over the last 3 years. For every £100 spent at online auction sites, the research reveals an estimated £5 is spent on counterfeit items. The sorts of products most at risk of infringement and typically removed from online sites include fashion and cosmetic items, consumer electronics, motor equipment and sports goods. In addition to fake brands and trademark infringements, the research also warns online auction sites are a second home for ‘grey market’ trading, in particular the sale of imported manufactured goods at highly inflated prices.The growth in online shopping, in particular internet auction sites, means that counterfeiters now have more direct and discreet channels to reach consumers. Many fraudulent sellers can earn as much as £20,000 a month trading bootlegged or counterfeit goods with some UK sellers topping the million mark in annualised earnings. Simon Levine, joint global head of DLA Piper's technology, media and commercial group commented: "Counterfeit goods dilute the value of brands, undermine the integrity of auction sites and ultimately cost the UK economy millions of pounds in lost income. But this is not just about protecting brand owners – it's for the consumer's benefit also. If you invest your trust and money in a brand you want to know you're getting the real thing, whether that's make up and cosmetics or domestic appliances and children's toys. Buyers most certainly need to beware – you may think you are getting a bargain, but you could be funding organised crime or buying faulty or dangerous goods in the process." "Equally, this is not just a problem for the auction sites to address alone. Consumers need to report illegal or counterfeit trading and copyright owners need to work together with their legal representatives to take more active steps to police their brands online." Over the last 2 years ComSec International has recovered its clients £25 million in stolen or counterfeit goods, but it fears its efforts only reveal a fraction of the overall problem. James Ramm, Director, ComSec International added "E-fencing poses a significant threat to brands and is a false economy for buyers. We use the very latest software to track the infringement of brands online scanning both image and text descriptions, but our data is still only the tip of the iceberg - the full extent of counterfeit trading online may never be known and will continue to thrive unless consumers and brands alike, as well as the sites in question, take action against illegal traders." About the research: All estimates are based on data retrieved from ComSec International’s bespoke Watchdog software programme, an internet and online auction house monitoring tool which protects brands and products from online counterfeit sales. The system constantly monitors online auction sites for key terms specified by a given client and then determines whether they fall foul of parameters established in conjunction with that client. Should an item fall outside of what is deemed to be acceptable, the system will inform the site that this item needs to be removed. Analysis is conducted on specified targets only rather than on a brand or product-wide basis.
About the research:
All estimates are based on data retrieved from ComSec International’s bespoke Watchdog software programme, an internet and online auction house monitoring tool which protects brands and products from online counterfeit sales. The system constantly monitors online auction sites for key terms specified by a given client and then determines whether they fall foul of parameters established in conjunction with that client. Should an item fall outside of what is deemed to be acceptable, the system will inform the site that this item needs to be removed. Analysis is conducted on specified targets only rather than on a brand or product-wide basis.
(Chicago) – DLA Piper recently won the Chambers Award for Excellence in Real Estate including Hospitality & Leisure. The award was announced in New York City on June 12th. In addition to the Award for Excellence, Chambers and Partners, the leading international research firm, recognized 17 members of the US Hospitality and Leisure Group, including Global Co-Chair Sandra Kellman. “We are proud that Chambers has once again highlighted the leadership and dedication put forth by Sandra and the entire Hospitality and Leisure practice group,” said Jay Epstien, Chair of the US Real Estate Practice Group. Kellman concentrates her practice on all aspects of complex commercial real estate development and finance, with particular focus on acquisition, disposition, development, management and financing of hotels and mixed use projects, representing owners and brands in single property and complex multi-state portfolio transactions. According to Chambers, Kellman is “practical, pragmatic and effective.” She works on projects throughout the United States and abroad, including projects in the Middle East and Central America. She is a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants. Additionally, members of the Hospitality and Leisure practice group recognized by Chambers include Michael Bedke in Tampa, Eric Berg in Chicago, Linda J. Bozung in Los Angeles, Stephen Cowan in San Francisco, John Dienelt in Washington, DC, Ann Ford in Washington, DC, Ross Green in Chicago, Ann Hurwitz in Dallas, Jeffrey R. Keitelman in Washington, DC, Frederick L. Klein in Washington, DC, Bret Lowell in Northern Virginia, Adrianne C. Mazura in Chicago, Richard Mendelson in California, Portia Owen Morrison in Chicago, Martin D. Polevoy in New York, and Caryl Welborn in San Francisco. Nationwide, 120 DLA Piper attorneys were ranked as leaders in their fields in the new edition of Chambers USA, and the firm itself was ranked in several practice areas. The Chambers rankings are based on extensive research conducted by Chambers and Partners Legal Publishers, a highly respected English publisher of renowned directories assessing and ranking the world’s leading lawyers. Unlike other publishers that allow firms to purchase a mention or ranking, Chambers’ listings are based solely on outside evaluations of merit. Its researchers investigate law firms and lawyers in each US state through an exhaustive process of interviewing clients and competitors in major areas of business law.
(Washington, DC) – DLA Piper today announced that 20 attorneys in the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia offices have been ranked by their peers and clients as leaders in their fields in the newly published Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Beyond individual attorneys, the firm’s Washington, DC office’s Real Estate practice garnered a top-tier ranking. The firm’s national Franchising practice, with a large percentage of attorneys based in the Washington area, also received a top-tier ranking. DLA Piper’s Environment practice, based in the Washington, DC office, and the Tax practice, with several attorneys based in the Washington, DC office, was also recognized by Chambers. Additionally, the Washington, DC office’s Corporate/M&A and Private Equity practice was ranked highly in the publication. The firm’s Northern Virginia office’s Corporate/M&A practice was also recognized by Chambers. DLA Piper’s leading lawyers are:
(Washington, DC) – For the second consecutive year, DLA Piper’s Franchising practice group garnered a top-tier ranking in the newly published, prestigious Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. “We are pleased that Chambers has once again ranked DLA Piper’s Franchising practice group as a leader in its field on a national level,” said Dennis Wieczorek, chair of DLA Piper’s Franchise and Distribution practice group. “This distinction is a prime example of the hard work and dedication our talented franchise attorneys put forth to provide the highest-quality service to our clients.” DLA Piper’s leading Franchising lawyers are:
Moscow - DLA Piper has appointed Vyacheslav Khorovskiy as a partner in its Finance & Projects group to lead the banking practice in Russia.
Vyacheslav has over 13 years of experience in banking law and specialises in syndications, trade and property finance, and debt capital markets. He advises banks and financial institutions, as well as major Russian and international companies.
Prior to joining DLA Piper, Vyacheslav was a counsel in Allen & Overy's banking department since 2005 and also headed the Russian banking practice at Lovells CIS. In addition to his private practice experience Vyacheslav spent three years working as a senior lawyer at Mosnarbank, a Russian subsidiary of Moscow Narodny Bank Limited (UK).
Constantine Lusignan-Rizhinashvili, DLA Piper Regional Managing Partner in the CIS, said: "The arrival of Vyacheslav Khorovskiy is a tremendous boost to our Finance & Projects group and the banking team specifically. Vyacheslav is an upcoming individual of high calibre and I am delighted to welcome him to the team."
"Russia is a country where we see a lot of activity and we want to increase our finance capabilities in the market. Vyacheslav will be key to our plans to expand our banking practice. I look forward to working with him," said Stefan Eder, DLA Piper's EMEA Group Head of Finance & Projects.
Vyacheslav Khorovskiy graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Faculty of International Law in 1995. He also holds an LLM from University College London, University of London (2003).
Vyacheslav has started at DLA Piper.
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