BRIEFINGS
News From and About the People of
NELSON MULLINS SECURES PRO BONO CUSTODY CASE WIN
The Washington, D.C. office celebrated a pro bono case win, in which partner Debra McGuire Mercer and associate Michael Nemcik secured custody for a client seeking guardianship of a juvenile family member.
They were connected to the client through Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), an international organization devoted to the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who enter the United States. Seeking out ways to make a difference, members of the firm’s Telecommunications practice group in D.C. partnered with KIND to help minors from other countries, who do not have access to legal representation, remain in the U.S. legally.
In this particular case, the team was tasked with helping a minor from El Salvador seek what is known in the U.S. as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). If granted, it allows the minor to pursue lawful residency in America, instead of having to return to their home country. Debra and Michael set out to help the minor’s aunt, who lives in Washington, D.C., seek custody of the minor. To do so, Michael and Debra petitioned the Family Law Division of the Superior Court of D.C. on the aunt’s behalf. This process involved submitting a complaint for custody to the court and attending an inperson hearing with both the minor and his aunt so the Court could hear their testimony. They also submitted motions asking the judge to make decisions on legal and factual findings related to obtaining SIJS for the minor. These findings are required before one can submit a form to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services seeking SIJS.
Nelson Mullins received new rankings by Chamber and Partners in the outlet’s Chambers USA 2024 Guide. The firm was ranked in dozens of practice areas, along with more than 110 attorneys. Eight of the firm’s practice areas were ranked nationally with 26 lawyers also receiving national rankings.
MULLINS FIRST LAW FIRM TO JOIN NATIONAL COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING
The firm is pleased to announce its recent membership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to mitigating gambling-related harm. The partnership marks a milestone moment as Nelson Mullins is the first law firm to join NCPG since its founding 50 years ago.
Nelson Mullins
Guarino Baker Kirschner
This year, Nelson Mullins received a Band 1 ranking in the following 12 practice areas and jurisdictions:
• Construction (Florida)
• Tax Law (North Carolina)
• Healthcare (North Carolina)
• Energy & Natural Resources (North Carolina)
• Banking & Finance (South Carolina)
• Corporate/M&A (South Carolina)
• Environment (South Carolina)
• Healthcare (South Carolina)
• Litigation: General Commercial (South Carolina)
• Litigation: General Commercial (West Virginia)
• Healthcare (USA Nationwide)
• Product Liability: Automobile (USA Nationwide)
There were also four newly ranked practice areas this year including:
• Litigation: Product Liability (Florida)
• Labor and Employment (Maryland)
• Insurance (North Carolina)
• Real Estate (South Carolina)
Check out the full list of Nelson Mullins’ 2024 Chambers rankings.
BRIEFLY
Construction Executive magazine has, once again, selected Nelson Mullins as a Top 50 Construction Law Firm™ in its 2024 edition. The firm is ranked in the Top 50 and was selected among hundreds of law firms throughout the United States for our comprehensive construction team.
Nelson Mullins partner John McElwaine was recognized by World Trademark Review (WTR) in the sixth edition of its WTR Global Leaders 2024 guide. McElwaine is named on the WTR Global Leaders: Private Practice list under the category representing the D.C. Metro Area of the United States.
The Nashville Business Journal has announced its 2024 Best of the Bar honorees and three Nelson Mullins attorneys from the firm’s Nashville office were selected to this year’s list. Partners Larry M. Papel, Mark L. Miller, and Jason I. Epstein were all honored as part of the list of Nashville-area attorneys selected.
Managing Intellectual Property magazine recognized Nelson Mullins this year as a recommended firm in the area of Intellectual Property for 2024. The magazine also recognized the following attorneys as “2024 IP Stars.” Jill Sloper, Anthony Laurentano, Jane Remillard, Jason Kraus, John McElwaine, Susan Jackson, Craig Killen, and Mark Dukes.
was attended by South Florida’s federal judges and lawyers. Partners Harsh Arora and Peter Goldman from the Fort Lauderdale office attended the reception.
The Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Bar Association is Miami’s largest historic Black lawyers association, and the annual scholarship gala is a cornerstone of Miami’s legal community — fostering connections, celebrating achievements, and raising vital funds for the organization’s most important causes — legal clinics, community services, and scholarships. This year’s Gala featured remarks from the Honorable Nancy Abudu, who was recently appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.
At the gala, associate Sam Ludington was sworn in as the organization’s treasurer by Judge Abudu, and partner Jason Murray was recognized for his service as a past president of the organization. Congratulations, Sam and Jason!
Our firm was a Gold Sponsor at the Federal Bar Association’s Judicial reception that was held today in Fort Lauderdale at the Towe Club, which
Daniel Gabuardi, Esq., Jason M. Murray, Samuel Ludington and Daniel Newman attended the WILKIE D. FERGUSON,JR. BAR ASSOCIATION, INC. 43rd Annual Scholarship Gala.
The Washington, D.C. office hosted more than 300 colleagues, clients, and friends on the office terrace overlooking the U.S. Capitol on May 22. Members of Congress in attendance included Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC), Rep. William Timmons (SC), Senator Lindsey Graham (SC), Senator Bob Casey (PA), Cong. Gabe Amo (RI), Cong. Jeff Duncan (SC), Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD), Rep. Dan Bishop (NC), and more. Steve Benjamin, assistant to the President, senior advisor, and director of the Office of Public Engagement was also in attendance. Nelson Mullins policy advisors and the D.C. office managing principal, Chris Cushing, helped host the annual event.
In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, Nelson Mullins partner Harsh Arora, Esq. spoke on the “Pathways to Leadership” panel for the South Asian Bar Association of Florida, Inc. (SABA) on Wednesday, May 29. This panel focused on statewide bar involvement, leadership within the legal community, and related achievements of AAPI attorneys and judges.
Other panelists included Honorable Judge Raag Singhal, Southern District of Florida Court Judge; Shahabudeen Khan, Shepard Broad College of Law professor; Debbie Satyal, assistant general counsel for The ODP Corporation; Sowmya Bharti, Akerman partner and former federal public defender; and Jay Kim, managing partner at Kim Vaughan Lerner, LLP. The panel was moderated by Farheen Jahangir, partner at Hardin Thompson PC.
Nelson Mullins partners Ed White and Mike Segal spoke at the RISE Value-Based Care Summit panel "Using A Value-Based Enterprise to Integrate Specialists and Primary Care: Taking Value-Based Care to the Next Level," alongside other healthcare professionals.
Thomas Moran, healthcare transactional team leader, and of counsel Heather Miller also attended the conference and supported their fellow healthcare attorneys Ed and Mike.
Pro Bono Custody Case Win
From Front Page
As a result, Debra and Michael not only secured third-party custody for the minor’s aunt, but also got the judge to sign the necessary predicate orders needed to pursue SIJS. On May 2, they received two orders from the Superior Court of D.C. The first order granted the client (the aunt) custody of the minor (her nephew), and the second order made findings related to the special status.
While the court portion of the case is concluded, some of the case is still ongoing. Currently, they are now finalizing and submitting the form that will allow the minor to seek SIJS in the U.S. Once that status is granted, they will help the minor pursue lawful permanent residency in the U.S. and obtain a work permit.
The custody determination and the other findings were uncontested, so there was no adversarial process. To ensure a successful ruling, Michael and Debra secured legal consents from the minor’s parents, drafted strong legal documents with facts that clearly supported their positions, and prepared the minor and his aunt for the inperson hearing ahead of time.
The team has handled this case with kindness and compassion since the very beginning. Michael worked hard to ensure the court scheduled a hearing before the minor’s 18th birthday. Nelson Mullins associate Andrea Olsen-Leyden also played a crucial role in the successful outcome, serving as translator for the client and minor who only speak Spanish.
“We feel very good about the outcome of the D.C. Court portion of the case, and we are looking forward to more success as we assist the minor with the remainder of the process,” said Michael. “The team effort has been great, and everyone has worked hard to reach our desired outcomes. We are happy with what we have been able to accomplish on behalf of the minor so far, and we are glad to see that we are making a real difference in his life. We also look forward to securing Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for the minor and seeking any other benefits that flow from this status on his behalf. We are also grateful that Nelson Mullins has enabled us to pursue this type of case.”
ASSOCIATE GIVEAWAY
Thank you to everyone who responded to the Bar Dues reminder in The Associates Press from the CLE and Professional Development Department. We received a remarkable response and are pleased to announce the winners are associates Caambridge Horton, Patrick Hagen, and Sarah Swerdloff. Winners received a Nelson Mullins Pickleball set with two NM paddles, two neon yellow pickle balls and one NM blue pickleball.
MINNEAPOLIS PARTNER
JENNY COVINGTON RECEIVES
PRO BONO
SERVICE AWARD FROM LSC
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), an independent nonprofit corporation that promotes equal access to justice and provides grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans, has named Nelson Mullins partner Jenny Covington one of the recipients of the organization's annual Pro Bono Legal Service Award.
Covington was awarded with the honor due to her, "commitment to shrinking the justice gap for underserved Minnesotans and members of Tribal Nations." She will be recognized in Minneapolis by the LSC Board during a July reception in Minneapolis. At the event, she and other recipients of the award will be honored for their commitment to bridging the justice gap for underserved communities across the United States.
Covington and her team have assisted ALS with custody matters, orders for protection, and other legal activities supporting women and children freeing themselves from family violence. Anishinabe Legal Services (ALS) provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals living on or near the Leech Lake, Red Lake, & White Earth Reservations.
An attorney with more than 20 years of experience, Covington's practice focuses on the defense of product liability, class action, mass tort, commercial litigation, and intellectual property matters. She has represented well-known medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers in high-profile claims, often involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death.
West Palm Beach associate Anna Schmelzle, Esq. attended the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. Justice For All Celebration 75th Year Gala.
It was a wonderful event supporting the Legal Aid Society in Palm Beach and networking in the community.
The North Carolina Bar Association’s Litigation Section recently presented the 2024 Advocates Award to partner G. Gray Wilson at the section’s annual meeting at Truist Stadium. This award not only commends Wilson’s intelligence and career success, but his ethical and moral practices on a regular basis. Congratulations, Gray!
GA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM CONCLUDES WORK FOR 2024
SESSION OF GA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Georgia Government Relations team, consisting of partners Stan Jones and George Ray, director of Georgia state policy and government relations advisor Helen Soat, and policy analyst Olivia Buckner, successfully concluded its work for the 2024 Session of the Georgia General Assembly. In addition to securing millions of dollars in appropriations for clients in the State's Amended FY 2024 and FY 2025 budgets, the team also achieved several policy wins, including:
• Enactment of HB 206, establishing a Commercial Property Assessed Conservation, Energy, and Resiliency (C-PACE) financing program in Georgia
• Enactment of HB 926, the Second Chance Workforce Act addressing driver license suspensions for hardworking Georgians
• Enactment of HB 1083, enabling implementation of licensing for adult residential mental health services
• Veto of HB 1192, which would have suspended the state sales tax exemption for data centers currently under development
• Amendment of HB 1339, modernizing the State's Certificate of Need regime for the development of health care services
• Enactment of SB 449, creating streamlined pathways for discharging military medics and corpsmen to access civilian healthcare employment
The team has already begun working with state agencies and local governments to implement enacted legislation while also preparing with clients for the 2025 Legislative Session. If you are interested in Georgia legislative happenings, the Georgia Government Relations team publishes a daily Gold Dome Report while the legislature is in session.
PARTNER FRANCES HYEWON KIM-CHRISCOE NAMED A “20 UNDER 40” BY CRE FINANCIAL COUNCIL
Partner Frances Hyewon Kim-Chriscoe has been selected by the CRE Financial Council as one of its 2024 20 Under 40 recipients. This distinction spotlights the significant contributions attorneys make to their companies and the CRE finance industry as a whole.
CRE will be hosting its CREFC Annual Conference being held June 10–12 in New York, where the recipients will be recognized by receiving a glass plaque.
Kim-Chriscoe focuses her practice at Nelson Mullins in the areas of commercial real estate, representing commercial real estate lenders, including life insurance companies, regional and national banks, national CMBS lenders, and other fixed-income lenders.
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Nelson Mullins First Law Firm to Join National Council on Problem Gambling
“Our Gaming Group at Nelson Mullins prides itself on being a market leader across all aspects of gaming. With the proliferation of gambling in the United States, it is more important than ever to have a seat at the table and connect with key stakeholders in the industry on the most pressing issues of our day,” said Nelson Mullins partner Katherine Baker, Chair of the firm’s Gaming Industry Group. “We look forward to working with NCPG and its membership to pursue common sense responsible gaming initiatives and education. This partnership will enhance our ability to advise on best practices for responsible gaming and strengthen our clients’ positions and future outlooks in the sector.”
Today, an estimated nine million adults in the United States suffer from gambling addiction or problem behaviors. There is currently a patchwork of state regulation, oversight, education, and funding to support problem gambling treatment or research, but no uniform legislation or federal oversight. NCPG and its members provide the resources and leadership needed to further cultivate awareness around responsible gaming.
DC OFFICE HOSTS CONGRESSMAN LYNCH
The Washington, D.C. office hosted a New England Council breakfast on June 12 with Massachusetts Congressman Steve Lynch. Congressman Lynch discussed the upcoming elections, highlighted Biden Administration accomplishments (Infrastructure Bill, CHIPS Act, ARPA-H, IRA) benefiting Massachusetts and the country, and stressed the importance of collaboration and bipartisanship in Congress.
"We are thrilled to welcome Nelson Mullins as a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of NCPG. “The inclusion of stakeholders from all sectors of the industry is essential to advancing our collective mission of mitigating gambling-related harm. Their diverse perspectives and collaborative efforts are invaluable as we strive to create a safer gambling environment.”
Nelson Mullins has nearly 40 attorneys who are part of the firm’s Gaming Industry Group, which represents some of the top gaming operators and service providers in the country. The Group employs a practical, business-minded approach to help clients navigate the complex state and federal, commercial and tribal gaming regulatory landscape. The Group’s subcommittee on responsible gaming is led by Senior Associate, Joshua Kirschner, formerly general counsel at one of the leading U.S. daily fantasy sports operators.
Washington, D.C. policy advisor Liz Demaree represented Nelson Mullins in the 2024 Congressional Staff vs. Lobbyists Soccer Match at Audi Field on May 8, 2024. Members of Congress, Hill staffers, athletes, corporations, embassies, community leaders, and organizations were featured in the match. Liz and the lobbyist team won the match, but everyone in attendance came to support one cause. All proceeds from the event will go toward the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s work to provide underserved communities with access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs.
Photo (from left to right): New England Council President Jim Brett, Congressman Lynch, former Congressman Ron Klink of Nelson Mullins, Rod Hall of Nelson Mullins, Joe Donovan of Donovan Strategies and former member of Nelson Mullins government relations practice.
THE BOSTON OFFICE RUNS FOR THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
On Thursday evening, June 6, attorneys from the firm’s Boston office participated in the annual Lawyers Have Heart 5k for the American Heart Association.
The Lawyers Have Heart 5K is an annual event held in Boston to raise awareness of cardiovascular health, particularly among members of the legal community.
The event draws runners and walkers from across the region and raises funds to fight heart disease and stroke. This year’s event included more than 110 Boston Law Firms; nearly 1,800 runners and walkers.
The Boston Office roster included Managing Partner Brian Moore, Attorneys Catherine Summa, Rachel Chen, Samantha Ahearn, Colin Barrett, Benjamin Lichtman, Sarah Swerdloff, Joe Murphy, Kweku Thompson, Lindy Reed, our Summer Associates Abigail Thomson and Garrett Amorello, along with Senior Administrative Assistant Kim Bakeberg, Tyler Chan, and Cassidy Chhoeun.
SOUTH CAROLINA LAWYERS
PARTICIPATE IN AFGHAN
FAMILY REUNIFICATION CLINIC
Firm attorneys Sydney Hames, Christian Herrmann, and Elaine Yap (pictured above on Friday, May 30, 2024) worked with Afghan families granted asylum and worked to help reunite the families with their loved ones during the Afghan Family Reunification Clinic in Columbia from May 30 to June 1.
Nelson Mullins partnered with Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA) to participate in an impactful Afghan Family Reunification Clinic held from May 30 to June 1 in Columbia, South Carolina.
ILSAA provides free immigration legal services to Eligible Afghan Arrivals nationwide and strengthens the capacity of immigration legal services providers to deliver these essential services. Through this collaboration, Nelson Mullins assisted Afghans who have asylum status to complete the immigration forms to bring their family members to the United States.
The clinic's preparation involved a comprehensive virtual training session for volunteers, ensuring they were well-equipped to navigate the complexities of immigration law.
Hosted at Reformation Lutheran Church, the clinic included a dedicated team of Nelson Mullins attorneys, including Raymond Prince, Andrew Rawl, Sydney Hamer, Christian Herrmann, Elaine Yap, Phillip Mullinnix, Michael Moran, and Emily Guerrero. These attorneys worked hand in hand with seasoned immigration attorneys on ILSAA’s clinic staff and interpreters. They provided crucial assistance to Afghan families who had been granted asylum, helping them navigate the intricate paperwork required for family reunification.
The clinic was also supported by VECINA, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering immigrant justice advocates through mentoring, education, and volunteer mobilization.
The clinic gave Nelson Mullins attorneys an opportunity to contribute their time and skills in a vital aspect of the broader immigration process, aiding Afghan families in their quest to reunite and rebuild their lives together in the U.S.
Pictured left to right: Attorneys Kweku Thompson, Rachael Chen, Samantha Ahearn, Catherine Summa, and Summer Associate Abigail Thomson.
GREENVILLE OFFICE RAISES
$1,600 FOR AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
The Greenville office participated in the Upstate Heart Walk held downtown on April 21, raising over $1,600 for the American Heart Association. Despite the cold and rainy conditions, walkers from Team Nelson Mullins and their families still came out to support the cause. The office held a fundraising campaign by signing up to walk and asking friends and family members to sponsor their participation in the event.
Partner Brittany McIntosh and Special Advisor Ashley Aldebol organized the firm’s participation in the Heart Walk. The Upstate Heart Walk raised $295,000 with a total of 59 companies and 1,270 walkers participating. The walk is put on by the American Heart Association in more than 300 locations throughout the country, raising money to fund lifesaving science for heart health. The 2024 walk coincided with the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association.
BRIEFINGS
Joe Dandron, Editor
Jessica Blahut, Design & Layout
Washington, D.C., Partner Craig Metz hosted an event on June 12th for Senate and House staff to be briefed on compliance and regulatory issues affecting the firearms industry. Deborah McCallum, chief compliance officer for Nelson Mullins client Palmetto State Armory, joined three attorneys and a representative of a firearms and suppressor manufacturer on the panel that provided the briefing.
E. Scott Moïse (center) was sworn into the South Carolina Bar Association House of Delegates on May 16.
PRO BONO SPOTLIGHT: MONEE HANNA
This series is aimed at bringing attention to Nelson Mullins attorneys and legal staff who are committed to pro bono work as a part of their legal practice. See how they made a difference through pro bono!
We are pleased to introduce Torrance, California partner Monee Hanna. Monee represents pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in intricate product liability cases nationwide. She also possesses experience in business litigation, including class actions, unfair competition claims, and antitrust actions. On top of her practice, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to the firm’s pro bono efforts throughout her time at Nelson Mullins.
Why is pro bono important to you?
My most meaningful experience as a law student was a two-year legal clinic program in which we assisted the most vulnerable members of the community in obtaining critical benefits and keeping their homes. The experience not only helped me develop more practical legal skills than any classroom could provide, but also highlighted the profound impact we as lawyers can have on our communities by donating our time and services.
Describe a compelling pro bono matter in which you were or are currently involved.
Early in my career, I was fortunate to have partnered with a wonderful local pro bono organization assisting foster care families in finalizing adoptions. Each case I’ve handled involved a family who spent years navigating a labyrinth of courtrooms and government agencies for the chance to be officially recognized as the child’s parent. In one recent case, I assisted a retired gentleman in the non-relative adoption of an adorable, precocious three-year-old girl. As we chatted before the hearing, the client described his regret in not being involved in his own children’s lives and his deep gratitude for a second chance at being a parent. And like most adoption hearings, the occasion was marked with teddy bears, a photo shoot with the judge, and tears of joy.
Why do you think it’s important for the legal profession and our firm to champion pro bono?
I believe we have a professional duty to donate our legal services and ensure our communities have greater access to representation. It is critical for the legal profession and law firms to not only encourage law students, law clerks, and every member of the bar to take on pro bono, but to facilitate those opportunities. And our firm does just that.
Nelson Mullins of counsel Jon Sale and the Honorable Roy Altman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida spoke at “Then and now: A conversation on antisemitism,” a panel discussion addressing the pressing issue of antisemitism in our society presented by DLA Piper’s Jewish Resource Group and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. Partner Jonathan Etra gave the closing remarks to this important conversation that aimed to deepen understanding, raise awareness, and foster solidarity in combating this form of discrimination.
SUMMER WITH NM
NM CELEBRATES PRIDE
Happy Pride Month! Lyndsey Stults, Boston partner and LGBTQ+ Affinity and Ally Group co-chair, shares more about her experiences in leadership at Nelson Mullins, and the community and support the firm's LGBTQ+ Affinity and Ally Group offers.
The LGBTQ+ Affinity and Ally Group serves as a resource and outreach group for LGBTQ+ attorneys of the firm as well as their allies. The group seeks to cultivate a better understanding of the unique issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, enhance the recruitment and retention of LGBTQ+ employees, and support the professional and social development needs of our LGBTQ+ employees.
NELSON MULLINS JOB OPENINGS
Below is a listing of current job openings at the firm, ranging from business professionals to attorney positions. Don’t forget the firm has a referral bonus in some cases for associate level hires and business professional hires. Reach out to a member of the HR Recruiting Team to see if you’re eligible.
Litigation Administrative Assistant | Charleston
Paralegal | Houston
Administrative Support Assistant | Columbia
Legal Executive Assistant | Washington, D.C.
Corproate Administrative Assistant | Atlanta
Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Associate | Nationwide
Litigation Docketing Manager | Atlanta, Charlotte
Litigation Associate | San Diego
Product Liability Litigation Paralegal | Denver, Minneapolis
Litigation Associate | Chicago
Administrative Assistant | Raleigh
Litigation Administrative Assistant | Columbia
Discovery Counsel | Columbia, Nashville
Litigation Administrative Assistant | San Diego
Patent Agent | Boston, Charlotte, Minneapolis
Litigation Of Counsel | Cleveland
Conflicts Assistant | Columbia
Litigation Administrative Assistant | Greenville
Staff Attorney Commercial Litigation | Columbia, Charleston
Commercial Real Estate Paralegal | Boca Raton