As the changing colors of fall pave the way for the lights and hustle of the holiday season, we thank you for taking a moment to catch up on the latest news from Faegre Drinker and our alumni.

We encourage you to subscribe to Alumni News & Events, share what’s new with you in our LinkedIn alumni group, or email us at alumni@faegredrinker.com. Let us know what you think of this latest edition and how we can better serve your needs as alumni. Our inbox is always open.

Our People

In the Spotlight with Helen Chacon 

This edition’s spotlight is on former IP Partner Helen Chacon; read our Q&A to find out why Helen incorporates poker principles in her decision-making process — and how her current role can feel as thrilling as skydiving!

Alumni News & Moves

From professional anniversaries and promotions to presidential appointments, book publications and other years-in-the-making milestones, your personal and professional accomplishments continue to inspire us all. Read our deep dive into the latest news and moves from our global network. 

New Faces

We are glad to welcome several new colleagues to the Faegre Drinker family:

• Josh Anderson | Partner, Business Litigation, Los Angeles
• Maddie Augustus | Senior Director, Government & Regulatory, Indianapolis
• Adam Ballinger | Counsel, Finance & Restructuring, Minneapolis
• Rupert Barnes | Counsel, Investment Management, London
• Nick Begakis | Counsel, Product Liability & Mass Torts, Los Angeles
• Lacey Berkshire | Counsel, Government & Regulatory, Indianapolis
• Eli Burriss | Partner, Business Litigation, Dallas
• Tom Duncan | Partner, Government & Regulatory, Philadelphia
• Ilene Froom | Partner, Investment Management, New York
• Craig Heeren | Partner, Business Litigation, New York
• Tim Katsiff | Partner, Business Litigation, Philadelphia
• Carolyn Fitzhugh McNiven | Partner, Business Litigation, San Francisco
• Peter Meyer* | Partner, Product Liability & Mass Torts, Indianapolis
• Michelle Moran | Partner, Investment Management, London
• Jessica Natali | Partner, Business Litigation, Philadelphia
• Ali Olszeski | Partner, Business Litigation, Chicago
• Joseph O’Keefe | Partner, Labor & Employment, New York
• Diego Ortega | Counsel, Government & Regulatory, Washington, D.C.
• Elyor Pogorelskiy | Counsel, Insurance, New York
• Glenn Reitman | Partner, Finance & Restructuring, Dallas
• Avi Schick | Partner, Business Litigation, New York
• Gwendolyn Williamson | Partner, Investment Management, Washington, D.C.

*We are thrilled to welcome Peter back to the firm.

Retirements

As new friends joined us, we also had to say goodbye to several close friends and colleagues over the past few months. Please join us in sending our best wishes to those who recently retired from the firm:

• Janet Fries (Intellectual Property), Senior Counsel, Washington, D.C.
• Kristin Jameson (Real Estate), Counsel, Minneapolis
• Diane Mason (Intellectual Property), Senior Counsel, San Francisco
• Jim Pfau (Finance & Restructuring), Senior Counsel, Minneapolis
• Tom Kelly (Business Litigation), Senior Counsel, Washington, D.C.
• Matt Thompson (Investment Management), Senior Counsel, Minneapolis 

Alumni Events

Indianapolis, IN

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, local alumni, current attorneys and operations professionals gathered at the firm’s downtown Indianapolis office for an alumni reception. Attendees enjoyed a fun evening full of good food, drinks and great conversation. Guests commented that they appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues, mingle with industry peers and expand their networks. Enjoy some photos from the event.

Minneapolis, MN

Retired Partners Lunch

On Monday, October 21, 2024, retired partners from the Minneapolis office enjoyed lunch at the firm and the opportunity to hear firm updates from Chair Gina Kastel. It is always nice to gather this group of the leaders who helped make the firm what it is today. Here is a photo of the group.

Women Forward and Alumnae Social

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, women attorneys and alumnae gathered at the Rooftop Lounge of the Chambers Hotel for afternoon tea, cocktails, conversation and hors d’oeuvres. Everyone enjoyed an opportunity to connect and reminisce while enjoying the downtown theatre district views. Enjoy some photos from this event.

Real Estate Alumni Reunion

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, current and former Minneapolis real estate attorneys enjoyed food, drink and an opportunity to reconnect at the Reserve at Wells Fargo Center. Here are photos from this event.

What Else Is Happening?

General Firm News

Faegre Drinker Advances Innovation With Relaunch of Design Lab in Scottsdale

Originally launched in 2017 in partnership with Stanford University’s Legal Design Lab, the Faegre Drinker Design Lab — launched September 30 — uses design thinking to help our clients solve legal problems and improve legal processes.

Faegre Drinker Celebrates Global Recognition for Legal Excellence and Workplace Culture

Since our last newsletter, the firm has achieved multiple significant accolades, highlighting both its legal proficiency and commitment to a supportive workplace culture. Recognized by the China Business Law Journal for excellence in Corporate Compliance, the firm has demonstrated its proficiency in managing cross-border regulations. Additionally, the firm was named a finalist for The American Lawyer’s Corporate Culture & Wellbeing Award for its wellness initiatives, which include access to mental health support and workshops to normalize wellbeing discussions.

Moreover, the firm’s litigation capabilities earned it a spot as a BTI Consulting “Litigation Powerhouse,” reflecting a strong national reputation for client advocacy. The Legal 500 recognized Faegre Drinker’s extensive legal services in the U.S., and many attorneys were included in both the Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom lists, showcasing the firm’s global influence. Law360 also named Faegre Drinker a “Dream Firm” for summer associates, affirming its appeal to emerging legal talent and commitment to positive, professional development.

Faegre Drinker Welcomes Nolan Kurtz as Chief Operating Officer

The firm welcomed Nolan Kurtz to the executive leadership team on September 5, 2024. As chief operating officer, he will lead the firm’s C-suite and the firm’s global operations team. Nolan joins us from another national law firm where he played a key role in its growth, data and innovation strategies. Read more about Nolan and download the full press release.

Faegre Drinker Relocates London Office to Heart of City’s Financial District

Faegre Drinker recently moved its London office to 8 Bishopsgate, a 50-story tower in the financial district, reflecting the firm's focus on growth, sustainability and client service. The new space offers a modern, efficient layout with enhanced technology and energy features. This relocation follows recent growth efforts in the UK, including the addition of high-profile partners in the corporate and investment management practices. Read more about the move.

Faegre Drinker Partners With Orgaimi

Faegre Drinker has partnered with Orgaimi to integrate AI-driven predictive analytics aimed at improving client relationships and anticipating client needs. By leveraging this technology, the firm can gain insights from its data to enhance service delivery, reduce client churn and support collaboration across practices. This innovation is part of Faegre Drinker’s commitment to using data to create value and strengthen client interactions. Read more about the partnership. 

Pro Bono

ABA Honors Jim Volling With 2024 Pro Bono Publico Award

Business litigation senior counsel Jim Volling was honored by the American Bar Association with a 2024 “Pro Bono Publico Award” — the ABA’s highest pro bono recognition. The prestigious award honors both law firms and attorneys that have enhanced the human dignity of others by improving and/or delivering volunteer legal services to our nation’s low-income and marginalized communities. Jim was recognized for his sustained service and leadership over the course of his career, including his work focused largely on three areas: children, post-conviction representation and prisoner reentry.

2024 Public Interest Law Initiative Pro Bono Recognition Roster

Faegre Drinker was named to the Public Interest Law Initiative’s (PILI) 2024 Pro Bono Recognition Roster. PILI's Pro Bono Recognition Roster honors law firms and corporations that have made significant commitments and contributions to pro bono throughout the state of Illinois and are helping ensure that individuals, families and communities who are in need receive legal services. In the program’s 25th year, 37 law firms were named to the list.

Faegre Drinker Attorneys Recognized in Inaugural Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales

Nine London-based attorneys were recognized in the inaugural publication of the “Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales.” The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, is the Patron of the Pro Bono Recognition List, which recognizes barristers and solicitors who gave 25 hours or more of pro bono legal assistance over the last year. The nine Faegre Drinker attorneys included on the 2024 list are Sinead Cuthill, Hugh James Ellis-Rees, Jonathon Gunn, Paige Izquierdo, Christopher Jefferies, Eleni Michaela, Charlotte Perowne, Abigail Taylor and James Wagner.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Faegre Drinker Achieves Mansfield Certification Plus for Seventh Consecutive Year

Faegre Drinker is proud to have achieved Mansfield Certification Plus, awarded by Diversity Lab. The firm has participated in the Mansfield Rule since its inception in 2017 and has received the “Plus” designation for the past seven years. The Mansfield Certification measures the structural changes and steps the firm has taken over the past year to ensure its paths to leadership — including lateral hiring, client pitch teams, promotions, appointments and more — are open and transparent to all qualified attorneys. Advancement processes and leadership role descriptions at the firm are written, clear and accessible. This high level of transparency is part of a larger effort Faegre Drinker is undertaking through Mansfield to broaden the slate of talent considered for opportunities.

Faegre Drinker Recognized With 2024 “Top Performer” and “Compass Award” Designations by LCLD

Faegre Drinker is proud to be recognized by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) as one of only 111 organizations to receive both the 2024 “Top Performer” and “Compass Award” designations for its continued commitment to building a more diverse law firm and a more inclusive legal industry. The “Top Performer” award recognizes those organizations in the top 20 percent for participation in LCLD programs and activities. The “Compass Award” recognizes members who personally attend LCLD’s annual meeting, leadership summit or submit a Leader’s Pledge, as well as participate in the organization’s Fellows and Pathfinder Programs and at least one pipeline program, such as mentoring or 1L Scholars, in a single calendar year.

Faegre Drinker Recognized by Seramount as a “Best Law Firm for Women and Diversity”

Faegre Drinker has been named to Seramount’s “Best Law Firm for Women and Diversity” 2024 list. Seramount annually surveys law firms to benchmark best practices for recruiting, retaining, developing and advancing attorneys who identify as underrepresented in the legal profession. Seramount’s survey includes more than 300 questions regarding workplace policies that include flexibility, paid time off and parental leaves, along with representation of leadership across various levels and inclusive efforts to develop talent and build connections throughout the firm.

Minnesota Lawyer Names Faegre Drinker “Best Women-Led Law Firm” Honoree

Minnesota Lawyer named Faegre Drinker to its inaugural “In the Lead: Best Women-Led Law Firms” list. The publication honored firms based on demonstrated legal success and efforts to empower other women. The publication highlighted that “equity and inclusion is a given” for Faegre Drinker. The profile piece highlighted how the firm promotes and supports its attorneys and consulting professionals by creating an environment where all professionals can build strong practices, create great client experiences, progress in their careers and thrive.

Faegre Drinker Hosts Pride, Heritage Programs

The firm has observed an array of heritage months and other celebrations since the last newsletter. In April, Faegre Drinker’s Arab American Heritage Month program featured Dave Serio, curator of education at the Arab American National Museum. He shared information about the history, culture and immigration of Arab Americans to the United States. We marked Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May with Kenji Yoshino, professor of constitutional law at New York University. Professor Yoshino shared a tool known as the “Empathy Triangle”, which helps allies reflect on their role, support people affected by bias and respond to those who engage in non-inclusive behavior. Also in May, our 2024 Jewish Heritage Month program featured the deep history and culture of Jewish Americans showcased in the Capital Jewish Museum.

The firm’s Pride program this June featured Montrose Center CEO Avery Belyeu. Avery shared information about sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression and outlined opportunities for law firms to create a culture of understanding, awareness and allyship where all people can thrive. Acclaimed human rights lawyer, author and speaker Haben Girma joined us for the Disability Pride program in July. Haben, a deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, shared the importance of choosing inclusion and aspects of her incredible career journey. In October, our Hispanic Heritage Month program featured award-winning author, poet and spoken word artist, José Olivarez. José shared his compelling journey and incredible works of poetry that represent the Latine culture and identity. 

We couldn’t continue to perform at the level we have if not for the exceptional counsel and dedication of our attorneys and consultants. And we couldn’t reach for new levels if not for the support of former colleagues and forever friends like you.

Thank you.