Marketing and Business Development Update - October 2025

Arianna Chronis joined Taft Chicago as an associate in the Litigation group.\

Jackson Froliklong joined Taft Cleveland as of counsel in the Litigation group.

Joe Heerens joined Taft Indianapolis as senior counsel in the Public Affairs Strategies group.

Rachel Horn joined Taft Cincinnati as an associate in the Litigation and Intellectual Property groups.

Briana Long joined Taft Denver as an associate in the Intellectual Property group.

Nahshon Lora joined Taft Indianapolis as an associate in the Real Estate group.

Garrett Merville joined Taft Denver as an associate in the Public Finance and Economic Development group.

Beverly L. Perry joined Taft Washington, D.C. as a partner in Government Resource and Response group.

Stephanie Rice joined Taft Denver as an associate in the Intellectual Property group.

Cecelia Satterthwaite joined Taft Indianapolis as an associate in the Litigation group.

Ben Tooley joined Taft Indianapolis as a senior director of public affairs with the firm’s Public Affairs Strategies group.

Marissa Geannette joined Taft Denver as director of recruiting and attorney advancement.

Lynne Weitzel joined Taft Denver as of counsel in the Domestic Relations group.

Business Wins

Legal Wins

Ronan Johnson, Brett Wilson, Liliana Jimenez, and Lauren Lambert acted as legal counsel to OneCause, a digital fundraising solutions company for nonprofits, in its acquisition by Bonterra, a social good software company.

A federal judge in the Southern District of Ohio denied Twin City Fire Insurance Company’s motion for judgement on the pleadings. The case centers on whether Twin City is obligated to cover Taft’s client RK Family, Inc., which operates Rural King stores, and it affiliate in connection with sexual harassment claims and lawsuits brought by a former employee. The court found ambiguity in the insurance policy language regarding whether criminal proceedings related to the harassment were covered. Because of the ambiguity, the judge rules that Twin City’s request for judgement was not justified, allowing the case to proceed. RK Family, Inc. was represented by Manny Herceg, Amy Vogel, and Jack Huffman.

A Colorado federal court dismissed HDI Global Specialty SE’s insurance suit seeking to deny coverage for a sexual abuse case involving the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), Taft’s client. The judge ruled that USOPC as a federally chartered corporation has only national citizenship, not state citizenship, so federal diversity jurisdiction does not apply. Will Reed and Allison Burke represented USOPC.

Led by Liz Butler with Janet Stengle, Eric Singer, and Braeden Lord, Taft served as legal counsel in securing key approvals for the redevelopment of The Bankers Building at 105 West Adams, a historic office building in Chicago’s Loop, as part of a citywide strategy for inclusive economic growth.

A federal judge in California granted summary judgment in favor of Taft’s client, Spreckels Sugar Company, dismissing all remaining claims in a wage and hour lawsuit brought by a former seasonal employee. Among the nine claims brought by the former employee were allegations of failure to pay minimum wages and overtime for time spent waiting to clock in at biometric iris scanners, as well as failure to reimburse business expenses.

Recent Taft Publications

Tax Law Bulletin / Navigating California’s Groundbreaking Climate Laws: What Out-of-State Businesses Need to Know / Oct. 28

Privacy & Data Security Insights Blog / Passwords, Policies, and Trade Secrets: Lessons from NRA Group v. Durenleau and what it Means for Employers / Oct. 27

Business Law Bulletin / The Cost of Trapping Subscribers / Oct. 27

Government Contracts Law Bulletin / Are you CMMC Ready? DFARS Phase I Enforcement Begins November 10, 2025 / Oct. 24

Mergers and Acquisitions Law Bulletin / Reshaping the Deal: Using AI in M&A / Oct. 23

Employment Law/Immigration and Citizenship Law Bulletin / Updated Guidance: H-1B Presidential Proclamation – $100,000 Payment Requirement / Oct. 22

Government Contracts Law Bulletin / Shutdown Alert: Impacts and Contractor Preparedness / Oct. 6

Real Estate Law Bulletin / Chicago Expands Eligibility for Ground Floor Commercial-to-Residential Conversions / Oct. 1

Privacy & Data Security Insights Blog / Virginia is for Lovers (of Privacy): VCDPA Amendments Merge Components of Consumer Data Health Laws to Better Protect Reproductive and Sexual Health Information / Sept. 30

Corporate Governance Law Bulletin / H.F. No. 747: Minnesota Business Corporation Act Amendments Now in Effect / Sept. 27

Employment Law/Immigration and Citizenship Law Bulletin / 72 Hours Later: What We Know and Don’t Know About the H-1B Presidential Proclamation / Sept. 22

**Please remember to add your clients and contacts to our law update distribution lists. Please email Jessi Nill with the information. JNill@taftlaw.com

Published

Larry Gigerich / 2025’s Top States for Business: How the Winners Are Outpacing the Rest/ Area Development / Q3 2025

Liz Shuster and Anthony Tomsuko / The Rise of “Settled Expectations” in USPTO Review and the Fallout for Patent Owners and Challengers / The Intellectual Property Strategist / October Edition

Larry Gigerich /2025’s Top States for Business: How the Winners Are Outpacing the Rest / Birmingham News Network / October 2025

Larry Gigerich / Site selection experts raise a warning flag at Denver economic development event / Denver Gazette / October 2025

Richard Levin, Bobby Wenner, Jorge Castiblanco, and Taylor Hill John / Stranger things have happened: The evolving regulation of staking / Global Leading Insights – Fintech 2025 / 7th Edition

Larry Gigerich / Austin-San Antonio corridor on track to be America’s next great megaregion / San Antonio Express-News / October 2025

Joe Krabacher and James Fukazawa / Real Estate Leasing: Colorado / Thompson Reuters / Sept. 25

John Mitchell, Carly Chocron, and Mira Aftim / Snyder and the Evolving Jurisprudence Surrounding Public Corruption Statutes / National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ (NACDL) The Champion / September Edition

Quoted and Featured

Camila Gutiérrez Writtenberry / Camila Gutiérrez Writtenberry, Recognized at Maracab Translation Services & Taft Law / Albuquerque Business First / Sept. 29

Rob Bilott / The Invisible Poison in Your Kitchen: The Secret History of Teflon You Should Know and How It Spread From the Stovetop to the Blood of Millions / Click Oil and Gas / Sept. 18

Rob Bilott / Invisible Danger: How PFAS Harm Our Lives and Our Environment (Part 1) / Cash Media Group / Sept. 16

Rob Bilott / To the last drop / The Globe And Mail / Sept. 12

Rob Bilott / Poisoned Cities: How PFAS Chemicals Poisoned Millions of People / Rijeka Danas / Aug. 31

Rob Bilott / The permanent compounds hidden in the blood of ordinary people and the truth that has been “covered up” by chemical giants for decades / Tencent / Aug. 22

Rob Bilott / Understanding PFAS: A global challenge with local solutions / Innovation News Network / Aug. 27

Rob Bilott / The Lawyer / Cleaning House / Aug. 5

Rob Bilott / Book Review: The Secret History of Forever Chemicals / Undark / Aug. 8

Rob Bilott / This lawyer revealed a major PFAS scandal 25 years ago / Trouw / Aug. 6

Rob Bilott / What Are PFAS? A Guide for ‘Forever Chemicals’ / Everyday Health / Aug. 18, 2022

Upcoming

On Oct. 29, Anastasia Geminden Lowe is co-presenting on “RFI Best Practices, ZoomProspector, and Creating a Memorable Site Visit” at the Indiana Economic Development Association’s “2025 Practitioner’s Forum: A Deep Dive into Best Practices” event in Syracuse, Indiana.

Terri Connolly will present “Cross Border Employment Laws: Are We Borderless Yet?” at Osgoode Professional Development’s The Future of Work conference on Oct. 30, where she will discuss key difference and trends in U.S. and Canadian remote work laws.

On Oct. 30, Jackie Benson will moderate a panel discussion on sell-side panel processes for companies at the 2025 Denver Smart Business Dealmakers Conference.

On Nov. 5-6, Nicole Meisner, Sean Ruff, and Katherine Razdolsky Rothstein will speak at Electronic Transactions Association’s Payments Compliance Conference in Washington, D.C. about PayFacs, surcharging, money transmissions, and FinTech oversight.

Rob Bilott will be the keynote speaker on Nov. 9 at Brunch for the Bay 2025 in Sarasota, Florida. He will present “Uncovering the Global Threat of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contamination.

Roshan Shrestha will co-present on a panel during the “AI & IP Law: Ownership, Infringement, and Enforcement” webinar hosted by Pincus Professional Education on Nov. 13.

On Nov. 19, Roshan Shrestha will host a free CLE webinar on 2025’s most influential pharmaceutical patent rulings shaping Hatch-Waxman and biologics litigation.

Past (Not previously reported)

On Oct. 24, Sharon Ng spoke at Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law Arizona State University, joining fellow attorneys from top firms at the Asian Pacific American Law Students Assocation (APALSA) Big Law Panel.

Michael Leo Pomeranz presented at the AI Tools in the Litigation Lifecycle event at the Institute of Continuing Legal Education on Oct. 23.

Jackie Benson joined a panel of attorneys on Oct. 22 to discuss the legal challenges and opportunities facing quantum startups at Dynamic Tech Media’s Quantum Community Forum, sponsored by Taft.

On Oct. 22, Richard Levin spoke on the panel “Tokenization of Public Equities – Disruption or Evolution?” at the Securities Transfer Association Annual Conference, discussing how blockchain and SEC regulation are transforming modern capital markets.

Terri Connolly spoke on the panel “Safeguarding Trans Employees: Legal Developments and Employer Responsibilities in the US and UK” at the Employment Lawyers Association and ABA Transatlantic Conference in London on Oct. 22.

On Oct. 21, Ann Zwick moderated a panel at the 2025 Annual Air Conference, leading a discussion with industry professionals on the complexities of monitoring and managing PFAS in the air.

Zach Heck and Zenus Franklin will present on Oct. 17 at the Northern Kentucky University Cybersecurity Symposium on, “AI, Kids, DNA & Disclosures: The FTC’s New Data Priorities Unpacked.”

On Oct. 17, Craig Morgan sat down for a video with the Phoenix Business Journal to share the enhanced value the merger with Taft brings to clients throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

Graham Grady presented the Civic Leadership Icon award on Oct. 16 to Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. The award was bestowed by the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate of Roosevelt University.

Alex Gorelik participated in a panel at the Wharton Aerospace Community’s Wharton Aerospace Ventures Summit, on Oct. 15-16, held at Taft’s Washington, D.C. office, discussing how creative financing and international partnerships are reshaping defense and manufacturing supply chains.

On Oct. 16, Payal Keshvani spoke on the panel “Buy and Build: Mastering the Art of Roll-Up Strategies” at the Chicago Dealmakers Middle-Market M&A Conference.

Shirley Kaigler was selected as a panelist by The Black Law Students Association and Alumni Relations for the Leadership Panel at University of Detroit Mercy Law on Oct. 16.

On Oct. 15, Mike Lafeber hosted a webinar on the First Sale Doctrine and online infringement, covering brand-owners strategies, resale risks, and how courts address downstream sales.

On Oct. 14, Rob Bilott was featured in a video titled, “Forever Chemicals: A Toxic Legacy,” by Aljazeera about how PFAS has caused one of the most widespread contamination crises in history.

Michael Gordon joined Elise Powers on Oct. 14 on her Corner Office podcast to discuss networking, authentic relationship-building, and business development in the legal industry.

Patrice Givens spoke at the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.’s 2025 Annual Convention on Oct. 10. She discussed strategies for recognizing and managing microaggressions and unconscious bias at work.

On Oct. 10, Cari Sheehan and Chasity Thompson Osborn presented during the Indiana State Bar Association’s annual meeting. The session focused on how to be a successful modern law office.

Celeste Friel moderated a panel on Oct. 9 at the Greater Ohio Valley Women in Defense Partnership Luncheon, leading a discussion on mentorship, leadership, and empowerment in the defense and technology sectors.

Richard Levin spoke on the panel “Tokensation, DLT, and the Digitisation of Financial Markets” on Oct. 9 at the WTS Global Shaping Tomorrow’s Capital Markets Conference in Frankfurt, Germany.

On Oct. 9, Rob Bilott was a featured speaker at Michigan State University’s Gupta Ethics Lecture Series, sharing insights from his decades-long fight against PFAS contamination and corporate misconduct.

Blair Harrington spoke at The Sedona Conference’s WG12 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, taking place from Oct. 6-7, and joined a panel on developing effective trade secret incident response plans and strategies to mitigate risk.

On Oct. 8, Zach Heck presented at StartUpCincy Week to provide entrepreneurs and business professionals with a strategic overview of the key legal considerations surrounding the use and deployment of AI technologies.

On Oct. 3, Gene Zelek presented the ChiefPricingOfficer.com webinar, “Is That Really Legal? Pricing and the Law,” covering reseller policies, price fixing, AI in pricing, and more.

On Sept. 28, Rob Bilott was featured on the Environmental Transformation Podcast with Sean Grady, titled, “Robert Bilott on PFAS, Dark Waters and Fighting Forever Chemicals.”

Aisha Hall and Katherine Razdolsky Rothstein presented “2025 Payments Hot Topics from a Legal Perspective” at Concepts 25 – The Art of Payments on Sept. 25, discussing key legal trends shaping the payments industry.

Upcoming

On Nov. 5, Cleveland Women of Taft will host their annual SHE event at Flight Wine Bar.

On Nov. 6, Taft Columbus associates will host their annual networking event at Aubergine Private Dining Club.

On Nov. 7, Taft Cincinnati’s Employment & Labor Law group will host its annual update on an in-depth discussion of the latest laws, directives, and decisions shaping workplaces.

On Nov. 7, Taft will host the ALA Moot Court Wine and Cheese Reception as part of the annual Moot Court Competition.

On Nov. 19, Taft’s Intellectual Property group will host the webinar, Influential Updates in U.S. Patent Law: Key Decisions and Strategic Takeaways for Pharma & Biotech 2025, as part of its monthly IP Webinar Series.

On Nov. 20, the Taft Indianapolis Employment group will host its Employment Law Annual Update.

Past (Not previously reported)

On Oct. 23, Taft Columbus served as presenting sponsor of Columbus Business First’s Fast 50 Awards, recognizing the 50 fastest-growing companies in Central Ohio.

On Oct. 23, Taft Denver hosted an open house celebrating the merger between Sherman & Howard and Taft.

On Oct. 22, Taft West Palm Beach hosted a terrace reception for friends of the firm in celebration of the new office space.

On Oct. 21, Cid Froelich, Graham Grady, Kim Copp, and Tony Licata attended the Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards Dinner, where Taft served as a Patreon Sponsor.

On Oct. 21, Taft Cleveland business attorneys and CM Wealth hosted clients at the Hill ‘N Dale Club for an afternoon of sport shooting.

On Oct. 15, Taft hosted and sponsored the National Veteran Small Business Coalition – NVSBC Dayton Engagement Breakfast. Suzanne Sumner, Brandon Dobyns, and Jordon Jennings discussed FAR reform, CMMC compliance, joint ventures, and strategies for success in the federal marketplace.

On Oct. 14, Ioana Guset hosted a panel discussion and reception for the Romanian Bar Association featuring a discussion where seasoned legal professional’s shared their firsthand experiences navigating both sides of the legal practice.

In celebration of Pro Bono Week, Taft Dayton partnered with the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project to assist Montgomery County residents with real estate, debt, and employment issues.

On Oct. 8, Janet Stengle hosted the Skyline Council Board Meeting followed by a reception at the Chicago office.

On Sept. 27, Sharon Ng, Ashley Cheff, Christina Ge, and Rayce Miller attended the Native American Bar Association of Arizona Seven Generations Dinner and Silent Auction, an event sponsored by Taft.

On Sept. 25, Taft’s Indianapolis office hosted its annual client appreciation golf outing for a fun day on the course at Broadmoor Country Club Indy with clients and friends on the firm.

On Sept. 23, Blair Carter, Zach Heck, and Nicole Meisner spoke at the most recent Technology and Artificial Intelligence Briefing at Taft’s Denver office. They discussed Colorado’s nuclear energy legislation, risk management for agentic AI, and the evolving legal landscape of payment processing.

On Sept. 17, 19, and 26, Cincinnati Women of Taft hosted a spa day for friends of the firm at Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa. Guests enjoyed networking, spa day treatments, and catering from a women-owned business.

On Sept. 19, Taft served as an Empowerment Sponsor for Dress for Success Indianapolis’ Stepping Out in Style event at the JW Marriott.

Taft’s Litigation practice and attorneys were recognized in the 2026 edition of Benchmark Litigation (Benchmark). Multiple offices ranged from recommended to highly recommended and 23 attorneys were named “Litigation stars.”

Roy Fitzgerald and Manny Farach were named to Palm Beach Illustrated’s 2025 Top Lawyers list, honoring excellence in the legal profession as voted by their peers.

Vincent Sallan has been appointed to the Editorial Board for the official publication of the Oakland County Bar Association, featuring articles from members on various legal topics.

Emily Elmer was appointed to the State Bar of Michigan Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee where she will support its diversity goals of the SBM Strategic Plan and develop and carry out collaborative programs.

Liz Butler has been named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2025 “40 Under 40” list, honoring her exceptional achievements and leadership among Chicago’s next generation of business and community leaders.

Shirley Kaigler was accepted to the Class of 2025 Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellows program for her professional achievements and dedication to her community.

Michael De Matteis was named to Smart Business Network’s 2025 Dealmakers Rising Stars list, recognizing his work in mergers and acquisitions transactions.

m boulette recently received the 2025 Private Practice Award from the Minnesota Justice Foundation, recognizing their exceptional commitment to pro bono service and expanding access to justice.

Bethany Venegoni was recognized by Minnesota Lawyer as an Up & Coming Attorney.

Kiley Bizzle-Brown was elected to the Board of Directors for Dress for Success Cincinnati, supporting its mission to empower women through professional attire, development tools, and a strong network of support.

Thomas Bemenderfer was selected as a 2025 IndyBar Foundation Distinguished Fellow.