National Law Journal Names Morrison & Foerster On Its 2018 Pro Bono Hot List
National Law Journal recognized BASF Leader Circle firm Morrison & Foerster for a case it filed in 2009 against the U.S. Army, the CIA, and other government entities on behalf of veterans who, during their service, were used as unwitting test subjects for biological and chemical agents as well as psychoactive drugs. Known as the Edgewood case for the military facility where many of the tests were conducted, the case sought information and medical care for thousands of these veterans, some of whom have suffered long-lasting health effects from the testing. Morrison & Foerster lawyer Gordon Erspamer, a hero to many in the veteran’s community, developed and filed the case, and after his retirement in 2014, San Francisco partner James Bennett continued it alongside fellow Morrison & Foerster’s associate Ben Patterson and partner Stacey Sprenkel.
Daily Journal Announces Top Women Lawyers in California
The following BASF members were recognized as Top Women Lawyers in California by the Daily Journal:
Elizabeth Cabraser and Kelly Dermody, both of Lieff Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein; Daralyn Durie, Durie Tangri; Susan Mac Cormac and Stefani Shanberg of Morrison & Foerster; Laurie Edelstein, Steptoe & Johnson; Gay Grunfeld, Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld; Melinda Haag, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe; Susan Harriman, and Jan Nielsen Little, both of Keker, Van Nest & Peters; Susan Hollander, Venable; Cheryl Orr, Drinker Biddle & Reath; Karen Silverman, Latham & Watkins; and Alison Wright, Hanson Bridgett.
Daily Journal Announces CLAY Awards
In addition to the individuals listed in last month’s BASF Bulletin, the following BASF members were recognized by the Daily Journal with California Lawyer of the Year (CLAY) Awards:
Robert Rubin, Law Office of Robert Rubin; and Lesley Weaver, Bleichmar Fonti & Auld.
Daily Journal Recognizes Top Intellectual Property Lawyers
The following BASF members were recognized by the The Daily Journal its list of 2018 Top Intellectual Property Lawyers:
Mike Bettinger, Sidley Austin; Laura Chapman, Sheppard Mullin, Richter & Hampton; Daralyn Durie and Mark Lemley, both of Durie Tangri; Robert Van Nest and Brian Ferrall, both of Keker, Van Nest & Peters; Susan Hollander, Venable; Kelly Klaus, Munger, Tolles & Olson; Catherine Polizzi, Stefani Shanberg, and Michael Ward, all of Morrison & Foerster; Ashok Ramani, Davis Polk & Wardwell; Darin Snyder, O’Melveny & Myers; Lorna Tanner, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton.
Latham & Watkins Receives Diversity Leadership Award from PracticePro
BASF Leader Circle firm Latham & Watkins received PracicePro’s 2018 Diversity Leadership Award, which “highlights law firms that are actively working toward a more inclusive and diverse legal profession.”
Cooper, White & Cooper Receives CCCBA Gold Diversity Award
BASF Leader Circle firm Cooper, White & Cooper was recently honored with the Gold Diversity Award at the first annual Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA) Diversity Awards. CCCBA created its Diversity Committee in 2002 to promote and support diversity within the legal community and throughout Contra Costa County and CWC has been an active supporter.
Elizabeth Cabraser Named a “Titan of the Plaintiffs Bar” by Law360
BASF Leader Circle firm member Elizabeth J. Cabraser, Lieff Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, was selected by Law360 as a “Titan of the Plaintiffs Bar” for 2018. Last given in 2014, the “Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar” awards recognize lawyers who “not only excel in the courtroom in large-scale litigation, but also take on leadership roles at their firms.”
Minette Kwok Honored By SF Supervisor Norman Yee As Part Of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
San Francisco Supervisor Norman Yee recognized BASF Leader Circle firm partner Minette Kwok, Minami Tamaki, as a District 7 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month honoree for her leadership advocating for immigrant families and mentoring the next generation of Asian American leaders.
Joe McMonigle President-Elect of ABOTA SF Chapter
BASF Leader Circle firm member Joe McMonigle, Long & Levit, has been elected President of the American Board of Trial Advocates (“ABOTA”) San Francisco Chapter.
ABOTA advocates for preservation of the traditional American jury system and to improve the methods of procedure of the present-day trial court system. ABOTA also seeks to elevate the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession.
BASF Members Recognized as Plaintiffs’ Lawyer Trailblazer by the National Law Journal
The following BASF members were included in the National Law Journal’s 2018 list of Plaintiffs’ Lawyers Trailblazers:
Eric Fastiff, Lieff Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein; and Lesley Weaver, Bleichmar Fonti & Auld.
