Joseph W. DiCecco
Managing Partner, Houston office

For more than 25 years, Mr. DiCecco has served the transactional and litigation needs of a multitude of industrial, financial, manufacturing, business services, and healthcare clients. He has a large Insurance Defense practice and is panel counsel for several major international insurers.

Robert M. Mayer
Managing Partner, Miami office

A 9th generation Floridian and 4th generation Miamian who has practiced law in Florida for more than 25 years. He has handled 150+ litigated matters involving complex commercial litigation, employment law, intellectual property, environmental torts, and financial fraud claims.

J. Hayes Ryan
Managing Partner, Chicago office

National Litigation Coordinating Counsel for the largest full-line wheel-service equipment manufacturer in the U.S.; represents corporate clients in multi-plaintiff product liability and real estate class actions; recently obtained dismissal of school district in age discrimination/retaliatory discharge case.

Terrence B. Robinson
Partner, Houston office

Certified as a labor and employment specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization; 18+ years of experience consistently obtaining dismissals via summary judgment in federal and state courts, and numerous appellate victories; rated one of Houston’s “Top Attorneys”.

David W. Silke
Co-Managing Partner, Seattle office

20 years experience in employment and commercial litigation in Washington and Oregon; obtained a defense verdict on discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation claims in Washington’s first transgender discrimination trial; serves as lead counsel in class action matters.

Donald J. Verfurth
Co-Managing Partner, Seattle office

SuperLawyers® distinction in the fields of Insurance Coverage and Environmental; insurance coverage practice focuses on environmental, products liability, professional liability, D&O, excess casualty, ERISA, and construction; previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington.

Sara M. Thorpe
Partner, San Francisco office

Insurance coverage litigator recognized with “Top 10 Defense Verdicts” award in environmental coverage/ bad faith case (Daily Journal) and with “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” award (San Francisco Business Times).

Thomas A. Packer
Partner, San Francisco office

Represents clients in California and Oregon, primarily in product liability and environmental litigation, and recently successfully completed a 16 week trial representing the manufacturer in the first respiratory protection equipment product liability case tried in California.

Mary Goodrich Nix
Co-Managing Partner, Dallas office

Recognized trial attorney in commercial, franchise, and employment matters. Board Certified in Employment. Honors include "40 Under Forty" Business Leaders; “5 Outstanding Young Dallasites”; "5 Outstanding Young Texans"; “Best Employment Lawyers”; and "Best Business Attorneys."

Eduardo A. Bolt
Partner, Orange County office

Chair of the firm's business-related Immigration Practice Group. Specializes in representing U.S. and international companies and investment groups seeking to do business in Latin America, with an emphasis on the Republic of Panama, Mexico, and Central America.

Peter Ito
Partner, Denver office

Chair of Bankruptcy, Restructuring, and Creditors’ Rights Group. National practice representing creditors’ committees, debtors-in-possession, chapter 11 and 7 trustees, litigation trustees, secured and unsecured creditors, and buyers of distressed assets. Also handles workouts and receiverships.

Manuel Saldaña
Partner, Los Angeles office

Nationally-recognized trial attorney and litigator for general negligence, products liability, and commercial litigation. Aviation expert ranging from product liability (engine, fuel and electronic systems, air frame and avionics) to negligence claims (pilot error, maintenance, air traffic control, and weather).

Jack B. McCowan
Partner, San Francisco office

Who’s Who Legal International (2007-2010); Product Liability Defense Lawyers; Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee; Chair of DRI’s Drug and Medical Device Committee; faculty member of the IADC’s Trial Academy; California trial counsel for a number of medical device companies.

Kathleen M. Rhoads
Managing Partner, Sacramento office

Litigation attorney with more than 20 years of trial experience focusing on Health Care, Real Estate, Professional Liability, Product Liability, Construction, and Environmental law. Active member of Defense Research Institute, Women Lawyers, and CAHF.

Ronald A. Giller
Managing Partner, Florham Park office

Co-Chair of the Franchise Practice Group. Litigation attorney representing clients in intellectual property and commercial disputes. Previously served as in-house counsel to an international franchisor. Mr. Giller is also involved with the ABA’s Military Pro Bono Project.

Laura Leigh Geist
Partner, San Francisco office

Leader of San Francisco Commercial Litigation Group. Specializes in class action defense; defense of Unfair Competition and Unfair Business Practices; life insurance and financial services litigation including market conduct and annuity sales practices; FINRA arbitrations; and broker-dealer disputes.