Business Law

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce its 2021 Management Committee.

David C. Roberts, a Member of the firm and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, has been appointed Chair of the firm, succeeding John N. Vanarthos, also a Member of the firm, who has served since 2018.

David T. Harmon, Co-Chair of the firm’s Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Practice Group, and S. Graham Simmons, III, Co-Chair of the firm’s Business Law Practice Group, have been elected to the firm’s Management Committee, joining Roberts, David S. Blatteis, Bruce S. Londa, Robert Mahoney, and Melissa A. Peña. With Simmons on the Management Committee, Theodore J. Zeller, III, Chair of the firm’s Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing, and Distribution Practice Group, will succeed his current role as the Pennsylvania office’s Administrative Partner.

Dolores A. Laputka is stepping down after three years on the Management Committee and will continue to serve on the Norris McLaughlin Finance Committee. Both Vanarthos and Laputka continue as equity members of the firm.

About the Norris McLaughlin Management Committee

The Management Committee collaborates on and oversees the day-to-day operations of Norris McLaughlin with the goal of preserving the firm’s values, mission, and culture, as well as implementing strategic growth plans for the firm’s future success.

“First, I want to thank John for his exceptional leadership and Dolores for her invaluable contributions to the committee and the firm,” said Roberts. “I am humbled and honored that the firm has selected me for this role, and I am excited to work with our broad and collaborative team of creative and talented colleagues.”

Vanarthos added, “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as the Chairperson of the firm and I thank the Management Committee for all of their hard work. I know that the management and leadership of the firm is in excellent and capable hands with Dave at the helm. I have full confidence in their ability to lead the firm into the future, and I will do all that I can to help with those efforts.”

“It remains an honor to contribute to the leadership of the firm as a member of the Management Committee,” said Mahoney, who has served since 2012, “I offer my congratulations to Dave and know that the firm is well-positioned to deliver outstanding client service through our diverse practices and capabilities.”

Peña, who was elected to the Committee in June 2020, commented, “Dave and the entire committee are deeply committed to the firm’s core values and to supporting the Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s mentoring programs for women and minority attorneys throughout their careers.”

About the Attorneys

Dave Roberts

Roberts devotes his practice to handling complex commercial litigation matters such as fraud, fraudulent transfers, trade secrets, and restrictive covenant litigation, with particular emphasis on business partnership and shareholder disputes in New Jersey. He aims to resolve matters through mediation, if that approach fits the client’s goals and objectives, but is an experienced trial attorney prepared to litigate matters that cannot otherwise be resolved. In 2007, Roberts launched the firm’s Shareholder Disputes in New Jersey Law Blog, “Business Divorce in NJ,” which addresses minority shareholder disputes in New Jersey.

David Harmon

Harmon focuses his practice on the areas of executive compensation, employment, and business law. He represents senior-level employees of both public and private companies in the negotiation of their employment packages and all associated agreements, whether at the commencement of the employment relationship through offer letters and employment agreements or at termination through severance agreements. Harmon’s representation also includes providing advice and counsel to employers in the preparation and negotiation of employment and severance packages with their employees, the design of human resources compliance programs, and counseling and training concerning the implementation of those policies. He authors the firm’s Employment Transitions Law Blog, “Transitions in Employment.”

Graham Simmons

Simmons is a business and real estate lawyer. He has served both public and private sector clients on all types of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions, commercial and syndicated credit facilities, economic development projects, real estate transactions, leases, and land use and zoning matters. Simmons has represented clients across a diverse spectrum of industries and is deeply experienced in the banking and financial services, health care, real estate development, economic development, and automobile dealership industries.

Posted in: Bruce S. Londa, Business Law, David C. Roberts, David S. Blatteis, David T. Harmon, Dolores A. Laputka, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits, John N. Vanarthos, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Litigation, Melissa A. Peña, News, Robert Mahoney, S. Graham Simmons, III, Theodore J. Zeller III | Tags: Bruce S. Londa, Business Law, David C. Roberts, David S. Blatteis, David T. Harmon, Dolores A. Laputka, executive compensation and employee benefits, III, John N. Vanarthos, liquor law, Litigation, Melissa A. Peña, Robert Mahoney, S. Graham Simmons, Theodore J. Zeller III

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is proud to announce that its client, Summit Drilling, a leading provider of environmental drilling services, has partnered with a group of strategically aligned investors to recapitalize the business. Jeffrey K. Cassin and Nicholas F. Pellitta, Members of the firm, were the working attorneys and lead counsel on this matter.

“Working with Summit Drilling for some time now, I have grown to truly appreciate the relationship, and this growth is just another indication of how much work the company has put into its success,” said Pellitta.

Cassin added, “We’re proud to have had this opportunity and look forward to many more.”

About Summit Drilling

Through this transaction, Summit will gain access to the capital and resources required to grow aggressively. The move signals Summit’s confidence that major growth opportunities exist in the environmental drilling sector.

“This partnership will enable us to accelerate many aspects of our strategic plan,” said Robert Kreilick Jr., President and CEO of Summit Drilling. “I am grateful to Norris Mclaughlin and in particular Nick Pellitta and Jeff Cassin for their work on behalf of Summit during the recapitalization process. Norris Mclaughlin has been counsel to Summit Drilling for more than 20 years and has helped us navigate numerous challenging and diverse issues.”

Summit Drilling, which has grown steadily since 1986, offers a diverse set of drilling solutions and continually evolves to anticipate and meet the needs of the industry. They are well-regarded by customers for their dedicated health and safety culture and have successfully supported some of the world’s largest environmental engineering firms. For more information on Summit Drilling and its environmental contracting services, call 800-242-6648.

About Jeff Cassin

Cassin is a business attorney, concentrating his practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, investment transactions, corporate law, and business contracts. He represents middle-market, mid-size businesses, funds, start-ups, media and technology companies, and individual investors, among others. Cassin counsels clients concerning complex middle-market M&A transactions, deal negotiations, and management decisions, and has served as the primary attorney on dozens of sell-side and buy-side transactions, across industries.

Cassin also has extensive transactional experience. He represents many start-up companies and founders in initial formation, early operational matters, and friends-and-family, seed, and venture capital rounds of investment. Cassin handles matters ranging from financing rounds, both equity and debt, to negotiating agreements among business owners, investors, executives, and employees. His representation of start-ups, particularly technology companies, has included taking companies from their early stages through sale. Cassin earned his J.D. in 2005 from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and his B.A. in 2002 from The George Washington University: Elliot School of International Affairs.

About Nick Pellitta

Pellitta has substantial experience in a variety of legal areas in both federal and state courts. It is his goal to maximize efficiency for his clients by promptly analyzing their objectives, identifying necessary strategies, and implementing an appropriate course of action. Pellitta provides a wide variety of litigation strategies and assistance for business clients in commercial matters, including contract review, insurance-related issues, and real property tax appeals. He has served as Second Vice President in the C. Willard Heckel Inn of Court, an organization designed for the continuing education of newly-admitted attorneys. Pellitta has also lectured at the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and on behalf of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office in the area of trial practice.

Pellitta has served as Chairman of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and is currently Legal Counsel to the Chamber, aiding in contract review, lease and vendor agreements, and general legal advice. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees and a Past President for Prevention Resources, an organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness and preventing substance abuse and violence in the community, and as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Raritan Valley Community College Foundation. Pellitta earned his J.D. from New York Law School and his B.A. from Rutgers University.

Posted in: Business Law, Jeffrey K. Cassin, News, Nicholas F. Pellitta | Tags: Business Law, Jeffrey K. Cassin, Nicholas F. Pellitta

Danielle M. DeFilippis, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Intellectual Property Law Practice Group, Jeanne M. Hamburg, a Member of the firm and Chair of its Internet Law Practice Group, and Michael J. Locke, an Associate of the film, will present the free webinar, “U.S. Corporate and Branding Legal Essentials for Food Businesses,” hosted by the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub.

Corporate and Branding Legal Essentials

Discussion topics will include:

• Types of business entities that can be formed in the United States
• How an African parent company can own a U.S. subsidiary
• Tax considerations for the U.S. company and African parent company that may impact how the U.S. subsidiary is formed
• Co-packing and private label agreements
• Distribution and sales agreements
• Choosing and registering a mark
• Licensing to third parties

When: Tuesday, April 20, 2021

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

About Your Presenters

Danielle DeFilippis

Danielle focuses her practice on intellectual property matters and litigation. She appears on behalf of individual and corporate clients in all phases of litigation from commencement through trial.  Danielle regularly serves as lead counsel in cases before federal and state courts, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and alternative resolution forums.

Danielle has represented clients in a variety of industries, most notably, food and beverage, liquor, jewelry, cosmetics, sports, and entertainment. Her focus is on trademark prosecution and litigation. Danielle has represented clients in cases involving trademark and copyright infringement, false advertising, commercial disparagement, business torts, deceptive trade practices, Lanham Act claims, state and federal unfair competition laws, corporate branding, and other business disputes.

Danielle is involved in several organizations including the IP Section of the New York State Bar Association and the International Trademark Association (INTA), serving on the Trademark Offices Practice Committee. She is also a regular contributor to the Norris McLaughlin Trademark, Copyright, and Unfair Competition Law Blog, “More Than Your MaⓇk™.”

Jeanne Hamburg

Jeanne concentrates her practice in all aspects of copyright and trademark law, both in litigation and in the transactional area. She litigates copyright, trademark, and cybersquatting cases through trial and, if necessary, appeal. To this end, Jeanne has acted as national counsel in federal courts across the country to bring and defend infringement claims for clients, both foreign and domestic. Additionally, she has recovered domain names for clients in many Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Proceedings and prosecuted and defended numerous opposition and cancellation proceedings and ex parte appeals in the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Jeanne recently litigated through appeal to the Federal Circuit a food trademark case that has been described as generating one of the most important trademark decisions in 2018.

In the transactional area, Jeanne counsels clients on the intellectual property aspects of corporate branding for mergers and acquisitions. She is experienced in copyright and trademark clearance, prosecution, and enforcement, and has particular expertise with contentious and transactional issues arising from the Internet.

Jeanne is a co-author of the firm’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition law blog, “More Than Your MaⓇk™.” She is a frequent speaker and writer on intellectual property topics and is active in many trade groups in industries whose clients she serves. Additionally, she is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), currently serving on the Leadership Development Committee. She formerly served on the Government Officials Training Committee, was nominated and served as Chair of INTA’s Law Firm Committee, and was selected as a speaker for INTA’s Trademark Basics “Maintaining the Perfect Partnership” seminar held in New York for inside and outside counsel.

Michael Locke

Michael is a member of the Business Law Practice Group. His practice focuses on providing counsel to small businesses in all phases of their corporate existence, from formation through merger and acquisition. Michael also works closely with clients as they grow and expand their businesses, offering advice and legal guidance in connection with customer and supplier agreements, terms and conditions of use (for both physical and digital products), inter-business relationships (including joint ventures), export regulations, securities regulations, litigation support, and more.

Michael is especially focused on working with businesses that seek to bridge the gap between commercial success and environmental or social responsibility. He has counseled clients in forming “benefit corporations” (also known as “B-corps”) and drafting corporate governing documents for those seeking to maximize profitability and have a positive effect on their communities while simultaneously minimizing their environmental impacts. Michael also has experience assisting larger corporations to conduct cross-border transactions, including the international purchase and sale of goods as well as the international purchase and sale of assets and equity.

Michael joined the firm after spending three years with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. As a Deputy Attorney General, he led a trial team that handled complex, white-collar criminal and regulatory matters. Michael investigated and prosecuted cases involving insurance fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and other related financial crimes. As such, he has worked closely with many of the country’s largest insurance companies and financial institutions as well as state and federal regulators. Drawing on this diverse experience, Michael offers a unique perspective to clients seeking a broad and creative approach to growing and protecting their businesses.

Posted in: Business Law, Danielle M. DeFilippis, Events, Food, Beverage & Hospitality, Intellectual Property, International Business and Tax Planning, Jeanne Hamburg, Michael J. Locke | Tags: Business Law, Danielle M. DeFilippis, food and beverage, Intellectual Property, International Business and Tax Planning, Jeanne Hamburg, Michael J. Locke

Jeanne M. Hamburg, a Member of the firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Internet Law Group, and Michael J. Locke, an Associate of the firm, will co-present the free webinar, “Catering Contracts Post COVID-19: What Operators Need to Know,” hosted by the New York State Restaurant Association.

Catering Contracts Post COVID-19

Discussion topics will include:

• When caterers cannot perform or customers will not honor catering contracts due to the current COVID-19 business climate
• The language affecting performance and obligations in supply chain, distribution, and customer contracts
• Critical clauses in catering contracts relevant to the current COVID-19 pandemic
• Clauses that must be included in supply chain, distribution, and customer contracts going forward

When: Thursday, April 8, 2021

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

About Jeanne Hamburg

Jeanne concentrates her practice in all aspects of copyright and trademark law, both in litigation and in the transactional area. She litigates copyright, trademark, and cybersquatting cases through trial and, if necessary, appeal. To this end, Jeanne has acted as national counsel in federal courts across the country to bring and defend infringement claims for clients, both foreign and domestic. Additionally, she has recovered domain names for clients in many Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Proceedings and prosecuted and defended numerous opposition and cancellation proceedings and ex parte appeals in the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Jeanne recently litigated through appeal to the Federal Circuit a food trademark case that has been described as generating one of the most important trademark decisions in 2018.

In the transactional area, Jeanne counsels clients on the intellectual property aspects of mergers and acquisitions. She is experienced in copyright and trademark clearance, prosecution, and enforcement, and has particular expertise with contentious and transactional issues arising from the Internet.

Jeanne is a co-author of the firm’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition law blog, “More Than Your MaⓇk™.” She is a frequent speaker and writer on intellectual property topics and is active in many trade groups in industries whose clients she serves. Additionally, she is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), currently serving on the Leadership Development Committee. She formerly served on the Government Officials Training Committee, was nominated and served as Chair of INTA’s Law Firm Committee, and was selected as a speaker for INTA’s Trademark Basics “Maintaining the Perfect Partnership” seminar held in New York for inside and outside counsel.

About Michael Locke

Michael is a member of the Business Law Practice Group. His practice focuses on providing counsel to small businesses in all phases of their corporate existence, from formation through merger and acquisition. Michael also works closely with clients as they grow and expand their businesses, offering advice and legal guidance in connection with customer and supplier agreements, terms and conditions of use (for both physical and digital products), inter-business relationships (including joint ventures), export regulations, securities regulations, litigation support, and more.

Michael is especially focused on working with businesses that seek to bridge the gap between commercial success and environmental or social responsibility. He has counseled clients in forming “benefit corporations” (also known as “B-corps”) and drafting corporate governing documents for those seeking to maximize profitability and have a positive effect on their communities while simultaneously minimizing their environmental impacts. Michael also has experience assisting larger corporations to conduct cross-border transactions, including the international purchase and sale of goods as well as the international purchase and sale of assets and equity.

Michael joined the firm after spending three years with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. As a Deputy Attorney General, heled a trial team that handled complex, white-collar criminal and regulatory matters. Michael investigated and prosecuted cases involving insurance fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and other related financial crimes. As such, hehas worked closely with many of the country’s largest insurance companies and financial institutions as well as state and federal regulators. Drawing on this diverse experience, Michael offers a unique perspective to clients seeking a broad and creative approach to growing and protecting their businesses.

Posted in: Business Law, Events, Food, Beverage & Hospitality, Jeanne Hamburg, Michael J. Locke | Tags: Business Law, food and beverage, Jeanne Hamburg, Michael J. Locke

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., has announced that eight of its Members have been selected for inclusion on the list of New Jersey Super Lawyers® for 2021. Only five percent of New Jersey lawyers are given this honor.

The following attorneys were named in New Jersey Super Lawyers:

• Morris S. Bauer, Creditor Debtor Rights
• Martha N. Donovan, Environmental
• William A. Dreier, ADR
• Edward A. Hogan, Environmental
• Jill Lebowitz, Estate & Probate
• Shana Siegel, Elder Law
• Edward G. Sponzilli, Business Litigation
• Bruce J. Wisotsky, Bankruptcy: Business

In addition, the following Norris McLaughlin attorneys were named in New Jersey Rising Stars:

• Nicholas A. Duston, Employment Litigation: Defense
• Michael J. Locke, Mergers & Acquisitions

To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for ten years or less. No more than 2.5 percent of New Jersey lawyers are included on the Rising Stars list.

About New Jersey Super Lawyers

New Jersey Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, published in New Jersey Monthly and in New Jersey Super Lawyers Magazine. New Jersey Super Lawyers are selected based on a peer-review survey mailed to more than 32,000 attorneys throughout the state, a “blue ribbon review” process, and independent research on each candidate. Polling, research, and selection are performed by Law & Politics, a publication of Key Professional Media, Inc. For more information on the selection process, visit superlawyers.com.

About Norris McLaughlin

At the heart of it all, Norris McLaughlin is more than just a law firm. The firm boasts a community of legal practitioners and business professionals dedicated to responding to the needs of established and emerging small, middle-market, and Fortune 500 companies, as well as the individuals and families who build, own, and manage them. The Norris McLaughlin attorneys adhere to a strict philosophy of service that delivers on promises of quality, integrity, and value.

Norris McLaughlin is recognized by clients as a trusted advisor and virtual business partner, delivering efficient and practical legal counsel to support their needs with a focus on their bottom line and what is best for their future. The firm brings an entrepreneurial, collaborative, client-centered spirit to the table so that every single client gains a strategic and competitive advantage partner.

Posted in: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights, Bruce J. Wisotsky, Business Law, Edward A. Hogan, Edward G. Sponzilli, Elder Care & Special Needs Law, Environmental, Estate Planning & Administration, Jill Lebowitz, Labor & Employment, Litigation, Martha N. Donovan, Mergers & Acquisitions, Michael J. Locke, Morris S. Bauer, News, Nicholas A. Duston, Shana Siegel, William A. Dreier | Tags: alternative dispute resolution, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights, Bruce J. Wisotsky, Business Law, Edward A. Hogan, Edward G. Sponzilli, Elder Care & Special Needs Law, environmental, Estate Planning & Administration, Jill Lebowitz, Labor & Employment, Litigation, Martha N. Donovan, Mergers & Acquisitions, Michael J. Locke, Morris S. Bauer, Nicholas A. Duston, Shana Siegel, William A. Dreier

The Honorable Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will present the webinar, “Leadership During COVID-19: How to Provide, Protect & Pivot,” hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter.

Leadership During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced significant changes in the workplace, creating additional threats to business, especially in the area of cybersecurity. Rebecca will help business leaders understand the current employment and cyber environments and how to better protect their business in response to COVID-19 challenges.

When: Tuesday, February 23, 2021

9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

This program costs $25.

About Rebecca Warren

Rebecca devotes her practice to labor and employment, cybersecurity, business and corporate matters, and litigation. As a former in-house corporate attorney, and having counseled businesses for over 25 years, she is keenly aware of the unique and varied legal needs of business clients, especially in today’s climate. Rebecca is well-versed in providing legal strategy and guidance regarding daily business issues, as well as for challenges ranging from employment matters to third party disputes to pandemic-related impacts.

As a former elected official and prosecutor, Rebecca is well-positioned to sagely counsel clients in crisis management, internal and governmental investigations, charges and indictments, and regulatory and business compliance. She has also pursued certification in cybersecurity to more astutely advise businesses in creating a culture of cyber awareness and data protection, assisting clients in the midst of a cyberattack, determining breach notifications required by law, and guiding recovery post-attack.

Rebecca also handles all aspects of litigation for her clients, having appeared in court for over 30 years for hearings, non-jury trials, jury trials, mediations, arbitrations, appeals, and other legal proceedings. She was formerly solicitor for various non-profit organizations and government agencies and had regularly served as a county arbitration panel member and arbitration chairperson. Rebecca has represented prominent clients in high-stakes and multi-million-dollar cases at the county, state, and federal levels.

Posted in: Business Law, Events, Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), Labor & Employment | Tags: Business Law, cybersecurity, Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), Labor & Employment

S. Graham Simmons, III, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Business Law Practice Group, will be a panelist for the free webinar, “Legal Impact of the First 100 Days,” hosted by Lehigh Valley Business and the Central Penn Business Journal.

Legal Impact of the First 100 Days

A new administration has begun in Washington, D.C. This webinar will address the Biden administration’s impact on the following:

• Criminal justice reform
• Labor and employment law
• Immigration
• Environmental policies

When: Tuesday, February 16, 2021

noon – 1:00 p.m

About Graham Simmons

Graham is a business and real estate lawyer. In his practice, he has served both public and private sector clients on all types of M&A transactions, commercial and syndicated credit facilities, economic development projects, real estate transactions, leases, and land use and zoning matters. Graham has represented clients across a diverse spectrum of industries and is deeply experienced in the banking and financial services, health care, real estate development, economic development, and automobile dealership industries.

Graham has been proud to represent the Lehigh Valley’s area loan organizations in numerous economic development loans funded by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority and Small Business First Fund. He also serves as Solicitor to the City of Easton Parking Authority and the Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority.

Graham has been recognized in Philadelphia Magazine as a “Rising Star,” a distinction for lawyers age 40 and under or who have been practicing for less than 10 years and reserved for no more than 2.5% of all attorneys in Pennsylvania. He has been honored by Lehigh Valley Business as one of their annual “Forty Under 40,” which recognizes young professionals who exhibit talent and promise and have a well-documented track record of achievements in business. Graham is an active member of College Hill Presbyterian Church, of the Board of the Greater Valley YMCA, and of the Greater Easton Development Partnership, where he currently serves as Chairman.

Posted in: Business Law, Events, S. Graham Simmons, III | Tags: Business Law, S. Graham Simmons

The Honorable Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will participate in the “2021 NJBIZ Cybersecurity Panel Discussion.”

Cybersecurity Panel Discussion

Rebecca and her fellow panelists will discuss:

• The latest on such traditional threats as cyber theft, identity fraud, and ransomware
• Emerging threats such as those created by the expansion of 5G technology and artificial intelligence
• Pandemic-related issues like stimulus fraud and attacks on remote learning and working
• Importance of an IT Risk Assessment
• Weaknesses in email systems, along with best practices for dealing with phishing attacks and impersonation or spoofing
• New uses in artificial intelligence to protect email and zero-day threat

When: Tuesday, February 16, 2021

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

About Rebecca Warren

Rebecca devotes her practice to labor and employment, cybersecurity, business and corporate matters, and litigation. As a former in-house corporate attorney, and having counseled businesses for over 25 years, she is keenly aware of the unique and varied legal needs of business clients, especially in today’s climate. Rebecca is well-versed in providing legal strategy and guidance regarding daily business issues, as well as for challenges ranging from employment matters to third party disputes to pandemic-related impacts.

As a former elected official and prosecutor, Rebecca is well-positioned to sagely counsel clients in crisis management, internal and governmental investigations, charges and indictments, and regulatory and business compliance. She has also pursued certification in cybersecurity to more astutely advise businesses in creating a culture of cyber awareness and data protection, assisting clients in the midst of a cyberattack, determining breach notifications required by law, and guiding recovery post-attack.

Rebecca also handles all aspects of litigation for her clients, having appeared in court for over 30 years for hearings, non-jury trials, jury trials, mediations, arbitrations, appeals, and other legal proceedings. She was formerly solicitor for various non-profit organizations and government agencies and had regularly served as a county arbitration panel member and arbitration chairperson. Rebecca has represented prominent clients in high-stakes and multi-million-dollar cases at the county, state, and federal levels.

Posted in: Business Law, Events, Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.) | Tags: Business Law, Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.)

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce that Lifetime Wealth Planning and Management LLC, a long-standing client of the firm, has closed an acquisition deal to transfer its ownership of their investment advisory practice to Wealthstream Advisors, Inc., a New York City independent boutique wealth management firm.

About the Acquisition of Lifetime Wealth Planning and Management

Lifetime Wealth Planning and Management, a fee-only, privately-held financial planning and SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm with offices in National Harbor, Maryland, helps clients discover their definition of a wealthy life and to grow their monetary wealth to achieve what is important to them. The firm offers comprehensive wealth management, such as financial planning, investment management, and ongoing financial advisory services, typically dealing with life transitions, retirement, loss, or an inheritance. The firm manages more than $112 million in assets.

Wealthstream Advisors offers personalized, in-depth financial planning and unbiased, independent investment management services and advice. Through a uniquely-integrated, hands-on approach, they combine an academic perspective on investing with advanced financial planning to help clients make better decisions about their money. Since 1997, they have earned many accolades, including Certified Financial Planner^TM practitioner, Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst®, Personal Financial Specialist, among others.

For Wealthstream Advisors, with offices currently in New York City, New York, the goal of the acquisition was to further the firm’s presence in the Northern Virginia and D.C. Metro area. Over the last four years, Wealthstream Advisors has strategically acquired three firms, increasing its assets by 160%. With this acquisition of Lifetime Wealth Planning and Management, Wealthstream Advisors achieves $967 million in assets. The financial terms of the deal remain confidential. For more information, please click here.

About the Norris McLaughlin Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group

The Norris McLaughlin mergers and acquisitions attorneys have structured, negotiated, and closed numerous U.S. and international transactions ranging from small-scale to complex multi-million-dollar deals. The firm’s attorneys have vast experience in all aspects of such corporate transactions, including asset and stock sales, statutory mergers, tax-structured transactions, corporate reorganizations, tender offers, leveraged buyouts, LLC and limited partnership interest exchanges, financing arrangements, due diligence investigation, governmental approvals and clearances, and international transactions.

Our dedicated business law attorneys can also assist with the analysis of tax, securities, labor, employee benefits, antitrust, real estate, intellectual property, environmental, and other legal issues related to mergers and acquisitions. More than 30 business law attorneys spend all or most of their time in a variety of disciplines within the field of business law. As a result, we have enough diversity of talent and bench strength to form teams of cross-functional attorneys, striving to create the right blend of general competence and expertise that are best situated to address our clients’ needs promptly, efficiently, and creatively.

As experienced advisors, our attorneys ensure that each client has the proper structure in place to guide them on what they can expect and what investors will expect, prior to a client meeting with any potential investor. We take a unique approach in the early stage of company relationships, in that each client can expect a single partner to be responsible and accountable for that relationship. Recognized by clients as their trusted advisors and virtual business partners, our attorneys deliver efficient and practical legal counsel, supporting each client’s needs with an eye on their bottom line and what’s best for their future.

Posted in: Business Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, News | Tags: Business Law, Mergers & Acquisitions

S. Graham Simmons, III, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Business Law Practice Group, and the Honorable Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), also a Member of the firm, will be panelists for the webinar, “Protecting Your Financial Future,” hosted by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce as part of its “PPP & Me” mini-series.

The PPP and Protecting Your Financial Future

Graham and Rebecca will address the legal impacts of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) on a business and how to ensure that its owners are protecting its financial future. Each webinar in the mini-series will explore different aspects of the PPP to provide insight into a business’s secure financial future.

When: Friday, February 26, 2021

9:00 – 10:00 a.m

This program is free, but a $10 or $20 donation is an option.

About Graham Simmons

Graham is a business and real estate lawyer. In his practice, he has served both public and private sector clients on all types of M&A transactions, commercial and syndicated credit facilities, economic development projects, real estate transactions, leases, and land use and zoning matters. Graham has represented clients across a diverse spectrum of industries and is deeply experienced in the banking and financial services, health care, real estate development, economic development, and automobile dealership industries.

Graham has been proud to represent the Lehigh Valley’s area loan organizations in numerous economic development loans funded by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority and Small Business First Fund. He also serves as Solicitor to the City of Easton Parking Authority and the Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority.

Graham has been recognized in Philadelphia Magazine as a “Rising Star,” a distinction for lawyers age 40 and under or who have been practicing for less than 10 years and reserved for no more than 2.5% of all attorneys in Pennsylvania. He has been honored by Lehigh Valley Business as one of their annual “Forty Under 40,” which recognizes young professionals who exhibit talent and promise and have a well-documented track record of achievements in business. Graham is an active member of College Hill Presbyterian Church, of the Board of the Greater Valley YMCA, and of the Greater Easton Development Partnership, where he currently serves as Chairman.

About Rebecca Warren

Rebecca devotes her practice to labor and employment, cybersecurity, business and corporate matters, and litigation. As a former in-house corporate attorney, and having counseled businesses for over 25 years, she is keenly aware of the unique and varied legal needs of business clients, especially in today’s climate. Rebecca is well-versed in providing legal strategy and guidance regarding daily business issues, as well as for challenges ranging from employment matters to third party disputes to pandemic-related impacts.

As a former elected official and prosecutor, Rebecca is well-positioned to sagely counsel clients in crisis management, internal and governmental investigations, charges and indictments, and regulatory and business compliance. She has also pursued certification in cybersecurity to more astutely advise businesses in creating a culture of cyber awareness and data protection, assisting clients in the midst of a cyberattack, determining breach notifications required by law, and guiding recovery post-attack.

Rebecca also handles all aspects of litigation for her clients, having appeared in court for over 30 years for hearings, non-jury trials, jury trials, mediations, arbitrations, appeals, and other legal proceedings. She was formerly solicitor for various non-profit organizations and government agencies and had regularly served as a county arbitration panel member and arbitration chairperson. Rebecca has represented prominent clients in high-stakes and multi-million-dollar cases at the county, state, and federal levels.

Posted in: Business Law, Events, Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), S. Graham Simmons, III | Tags: Business Law, Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), S. Graham Simmons