Husch Blackwell announced today that 18 attorneys have been elected to the firm’s partnership, effective January 1, 2018.
“Our new partners reflect our firm’s commitment to recruiting and advancing exceptional talent,” said Maurice Watson, Husch Blackwell’s Chairman. “They have subject-matter and industry sector expertise along with extraordinary commitment to client service that our clients expect from us. We are proud of their accomplishments and welcome them to the partnership.”
Members of Husch Blackwell’s 2018 partner class include:
Joseph E. Bredehoft, St. Louis, Financial Services & Capital Markets – Joe has extensive experience in state and federal historic rehabilitation credits, as well as state and federal New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC). He has worked on the development and redevelopment of projects ranging from office and retail properties in low-income communities to community facilities, hotels, factories and grocery stores. Joe earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law (2009) and his B.A. in Political Science from Truman State University (2005).
Frank DiCastri, Milwaukee, Financial Services & Capital Markets – Frank focuses his practice on creditors’ rights, bankruptcy and commercial litigation. He has represented debtors, financial institutions, creditors’ committees, trustees, secured creditors and unsecured creditors in insolvency proceedings that include reorganization cases, liquidations, workouts and Chapter 128 receiverships. He was previously a partner at an AmLaw 100 firm. Frank earned his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School (1997) and his B.A. with distinction from the University of Wisconsin (1994).
Matthew P. Diehr, St. Louis, Technology, Manufacturing & Transportation – Matt’s practice is focused on representing and advising clients in white collar investigations and litigation. He has successfully defended corporate clients combating claims raised by whistleblowers under the False Claims Act, among other claims. He advises clients on effective ways to prevent and, if necessary, prosecute actions for trade secret and intellectual property theft, and was part of a team that obtained what is believed to be the first permanent injunction issued under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 in a high-profile corporate espionage matter for a Fortune 500 client. Matt earned his J.D. cum laude from Saint Louis University School of Law (2009) and his B.A. cum laude in Political Economy and Political Science from Tulane University (2006).
David W. Eckhardt, Milwaukee, Financial Services & Capital Markets – David specializes in employee benefits, executive compensation, and taxation. He is experienced in the implementation and operation of tax-qualified retirement plans, ERISA compliance, and employment taxes. He also has extensive experience in executive compensation issues, tax treatment of equity arrangements, and employee issues in mergers and acquisitions. David earned both his LL.M. with honors (2012) and his J.D. cum laude (2009) from John Marshall Law School - Chicago and his B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin (2006).
Anthony G. Grice, St. Louis, Technology, Manufacturing & Transportation – Anthony focuses on labor and employment matters, advising employers on a variety of human resource issues. He has significant experience litigating single and multiple plaintiff discrimination and harassment cases. He also conducts workplace investigations and has successfully represented employers before a variety of federal and state administrative agencies. As part of the firm’s presence in St. Louis’ Cortex Innovation Community, Anthony helps manufacturing and tech-based startups address a variety of employment needs. He earned his J.D. from Washington University School of Law (2009) and both his M.B.A. summa cum laude (2005) and B.S. summa cum laude in Marketing (2003) from Florida A&M University.
Lauren M. Hawkins, Springfield, MO, Technology, Manufacturing & Transportation – With a focus on corporate and transactional law, Lauren’s practice is primarily focused on buying and selling businesses and business assets. She also counsels companies on a wide variety of legal and business issues present in day-to-day operations, such as trade and operational issues, regulatory requirements, corporate governance, creating and implementing company policies and procedures, risk management and drafting and negotiating many different types of agreements. She advises clients in a range of industries, including commercial airline, business aviation, automotive, transportation, energy, construction, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, resort and hospitality, and real estate. Lauren earned her J.D. from Washington University School of Law and her B.S. in Political Science from Missouri State University.
Matthew D. Knepper, St. Louis, Healthcare, Life Sciences & Education – Matt concentrates his practice in healthcare and commercial litigation, frequently defending healthcare and technology clients in lawsuits related to privacy issues and commercial disputes, and has extensive experience defending class actions. Matt also represents all types of healthcare entities, including physician groups, hospitals, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers on a variety of legal issues related to reimbursement, contractual disputes, and general liability. He earned his J.D. magna cum laude from Saint Louis University School of Law (2009), his M.S. in Teaching from Pace University (2005), and his B.A. with honors in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis (2003).
Steven W. Laabs, Milwaukee, Financial Services & Capital Markets – Steve represents companies and business owners in a variety of corporate, commercial finance and real estate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, private placements and business succession planning. He also works with entrepreneurs and emerging companies on entity formation, governance, equity and debt financing, and other general business matters. Steve earned his J.D. cum laude from Marquette University Law School (2008) and his B.S. cum laude from Marquette University (2005).
Chauncey M. Lane, Dallas, Energy & Natural Resources – Chauncey puts his experience with mergers and acquisitions, capital market transactions and regulation of securities industry professionals to work for clients that include public and private companies, private equity firms and investment advisers. As a veteran of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Corporation Finance, Chauncey also advises clients on SEC compliance and reporting and corporate governance issues. Chauncey earned his LL.M. in Securities and Financial Regulation from Georgetown University Law Center (2012), his J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law (2009), his MBA from Texas Tech University (2009) and his B.S. magna cum laude in Business Management and Marketing from Park University (2005).
Lindsey C. Lund, Springfield, MO, Real Estate, Development & Construction – Lindsey focuses her practice on transactional work that spans the commercial real estate space. She has experience in the areas of investment real estate, condominium/timeshare projects, property owners’ associations, real estate litigation and workouts, title insurance coverage, tax issues, arena/stadium development, and other environmental, land use and development matters. Lindsey earned her J.D. cum laude from Southern Methodist University (2007) and her B.A. cum laude in Journalism from Butler University (2004).
Samantha A. Lunn, Chattanooga, Financial Services & Capital Markets – Samantha, a commercial litigator, counsels national and international clients on complex financial matters, including securities litigation, corporate and fiduciary governance, insurance litigation and white collar investigations and litigation. She also has extensive expertise in the areas of e-discovery and data retention. Samantha earned her J.D. cum laude from Duke University (2005) and her B.S. in Accounting from Pepperdine University (2002).
Steven A. Neeley, Washington, DC, Energy & Natural Resources – Steve focuses on the litigation and arbitration of complex commercial disputes involving renewable energy, construction and government contracts. He works closely with renewable energy developers in the preparation and pursuit of warranty claims against several global original equipment manufacturers and assists renewable energy project owners on day-to-day transactional and corporate matters. His construction and government contracts practice includes assisting owners, general contractors and subcontractors in claims or disputes in both state and federal court litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. He earned his J.D. cum laude from American University, Washington College of Law (2009) and his B.A. from the College of William and Mary (2006).
Lawson Parker II, Denver, Healthcare, Life Sciences & Education – Lawson’s practice is focused on mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions in the healthcare industry. He works with private equity funds, strategic buyers, hospitals, single and multi-specialty group practices, and other healthcare professionals on their transactional, operational and regulatory compliance matters. He also advises clients on corporate governance matters, equity issuances, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Lawson earned his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law (2010) and his B.A. in Government from St. Lawrence University (2007).
Lisa J. Parker, Chicago, Healthcare, Life Sciences & Education – Lisa, a former vice president for Kaplan Higher Education Campuses, has extensive on-the-ground industry experience at large and small educational institutions. Her practice is dedicated to counseling post-secondary institutions in institutional and programmatic accreditation, regulatory compliance, risk management, litigation and student-related concerns. She earned her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law (1995) and her B.A. in American Studies from Lake Forest College (1992).
Brooke E. Robertson, St. Louis, Healthcare, Life Sciences & Education – Brooke counsels hospitals, physician and dental practices, pharmacies, payers, medical and pharmacy benefits managers, and other healthcare clients on diverse healthcare transactional, corporate, and regulatory matters. She assists healthcare clients with sales and acquisitions, affiliations, mergers, and start-ups as well as general corporate and contracting matters. Brooke regularly advises clients on regulatory compliance issues, including payer reimbursement, Medicare and Medicaid, managed care, fraud and abuse, telemedicine, licensing, research compliance, insurance regulations, and government agency and private payer audits and has served as interim corporate counsel at health systems, a pharmacy benefits manager, and an air ambulance organization. Brooke earned her J.D. cum laude from Washington University School of Law (2009) and her B.A. summa cum laude from Drury University (2006).
Jason P. Romero, Kansas City, Real Estate, Development & Construction – Jason, a transactional attorney, assists companies with real estate and construction projects throughout the country. He is often a member of project teams consisting of developers, end-users, brokers, consultants, designers, and contractors, with the collective goal of satisfying objectives for national portfolio development and business growth. Jason earned his J.D. and his M.S. in Construction Management from the University of Kansas (both 2009), his MBA from the University of Kansas (2013) and his B.G.S. in American Studies from the University of Kansas (2006).
Wakaba Y. Tessier, Kansas City, Healthcare, Life Sciences & Education – Wakaba focuses her practice on healthcare law. She counsels clients on HIPAA and other related privacy issues and advises hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers on complex federal and state regulatory compliance issues. She regularly develops compliance strategies and programs, policies, and procedures and conducts training. In addition, she is particularly experienced working with specialty pharmacies to resolve licensing and other compliance challenges. Wakaba earned her J.D. from Washington University School of Law (2009), her M.S. in International Commerce and Policy from Valparaiso University (2008), and her B.A. in Psychology and Japanese Studies from Wellesley College (2002).
Jeffrey L. Vercauteren, Madison, Real Estate, Development & Construction – Jeff represents clients in all aspects of project development. He is a leader on historic preservation issues, including landmarks, historic districts, municipal approvals and historic preservation tax credits. He also represents clients in land use and zoning disputes, condemnation proceedings and appeals of municipal decisions, and advises clients on detailed and complex regulatory and government affairs issues. Jeff earned his J.D. cum laude from the University of Notre Dame Law School (2008) and his B.A. with distinction in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin (2005).