The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce that Robert C. Gabrielski, Esq., Chair of the firm’s International Business and Tax Planning Group, led a multi-disciplinary team that finalized a successful M&A cross-border transaction involving companies in Canada and the United States, the financial terms of which remain confidential.

Gabrielski noted, “Our firm worked closely with lawyers at Toronto-based Minden Gross, and collaborated to structure, negotiate, and close a significant equity investment for a leading Canadian telecommunications services provider.”

The Norris McLaughlin legal advisory team, led by Gabrielski, included William L. Brewer, Charles A. Bruder, Jeffrey K. Cassin, and LaShawn Oxendine.

About the Norris McLaughlin M&A 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.

Norris McLaughlin’s 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, the firm has 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, the firm’s 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. Norris McLaughlin takes 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, the 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, Charles A. Bruder, International Business and Tax Planning, Jeffrey K. Cassin, LaShawn A. Oxendine, Mergers & Acquisitions, News, Robert C. Gabrielski, William L. Brewer | Tags: Business Law, Charles A. Bruder, International Business and Tax Planning, Jeffrey K. Cassin, LaShawn A. Oxendine, Mergers & Acquisitions, Robert C. Gabrielski, William L. Brewer

The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome LaShawn A. Oxendine as an Associate of the firm. She joins the firm’s Taxation Practice Group in its Time Square, New York City, office.

“Grateful for the opportunity, I look forward to being a part of Norris McLaughlin’s growth strategy in bringing my taxation experience to the firm’s New York office. I am excited to work with the firm’s attorneys in a multi-disciplinary approach,” Oxendine said.

“With LaShawn on board, we are expanding our team of taxation attorneys into New York to better serve our clients and their needs, and further enhance our reach. With her experience, LaShawn will be a valuable asset not only to the group and the New York office but to the entire firm,” said Andrew N. Parfomak, Administrative Partner of the firm’s New York office.

About LaShawn Oxendine

Oxendine focuses her practice on tax law, negotiating tax representations, warranties, covenants, and other key tax provisions of various transaction agreements. In business taxation, she analyzes tax-optimal entity structures for private equity and investment funds. Oxendine counsels C corporation clients on tax planning opportunities and applicable Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions related to IRC 163(j) business interest expense deduction limitations, use of net operating losses, Subpart F income, and global intangible low-taxed income. She also drafts tax distribution and allocation provisions of operating agreements for clients structured as pass-through entities, memoranda and opinions for transactions analyzing IRS Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 liabilities, IRC Section 301 distributions, and other transaction tax-related issues.

Additionally, Oxendine develops tax-favorable transaction structures for domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and internal restructurings. She has designed and effectuated tax-deferred equity and asset acquisition structures including F reorganizations and leveraged buyouts. Oxendine has also developed and overseen the complex internal restructuring of a multinational transportation company, and prepared a step plan and analysis of sales tax and real estate transfer tax consequences following an asset acquisition of railroad properties valued at over $2 billion. With this experience, Oxendine will also assist the firm’s International Business and Tax Planning Practice Group and write for its blog, “Business Without Borders.”

As a young lawyer, Oxendine recognizes that her involvement in the legal industry is crucial to her work and success. She is an active member of the American Bar Association, participating in the Taxation, Business Law, and Young Lawyers Sections; the New York State Bar Association; and the New York City Bar Association, where she serves as Secretary of its Personal Income Taxation Committee. Oxendine received her J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 2013 and her B.A. from Spelman College in 2010. Most recently, she earned her LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center in 2014.

About the Norris McLaughlin Taxation Practice Group

The Norris McLaughlin Taxation Practice Group has vast experience in all aspects of state, federal, and international tax law. Many in this diverse group of attorneys hold a Masters Degree in tax law and they frequently lecture on tax and business issues to organizations such as the taxation sections of the American, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York State Bar Associations and the Society of Certified Public Accountants. The firm provides services in four main areas: business tax, employee benefits, trusts and estates, and tax controversy.

Posted in: International Business and Tax Planning, LaShawn A. Oxendine, News, Taxation | Tags: International Business and Tax Planning, LaShawn A. Oxendine, taxation

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

Legal E-commerce Essentials

Discussion topics will include:

• E-commerce sale terms and conditions
• Privacy policies
• Social media policies
• Amazon brand registry
• Enforcement of e-commerce platforms

When: Tuesday, April 27, 2021

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

About 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™.”

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.

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

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

January 15, 2013

So you”ve decided to go global; Now What? Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A., PNC Wealth Management, WithumSmith+Brown, PC & the Somerset County Business Partnership cordially invite you to a complimentary panel style seminar on how to conduct business internationally.  Designed for business owners, professionals and others responsible for managing business operations, our speakers will offer practical information on how you can be successful in the global marketplace.

Corporate Planning (Model Country: India) – Robert C. Gabrielski, Esq., Norris McLaughlin, P.A. General overview, formation of business entity, business registrations, structure of U.S. owned business abroad, ownership and control of business abroad, inter-company transactions, and treaty issues

International Letters of Credit – Michele Stacey, Vice President of International Banking Group, PNC Bank Understanding letters of credit, reducing payment risk and control exchange of shipping documents, trade finance, and EXIM bank working capital program

Foreign Exchange Issues – Jeffrey Placido, Director of Foreign Exchange, PNC Capital Markets
The role of a Foreign Exchange Advisor, risks and challenges associated with conducting business overseas, and understanding currency risk

Tax Issues – Kimberlee Phelan, WithumSmith+Brown, PC
Understandng the tax planning opportunities and compliance requirements when operating internationally.  Most importantly, avoiding the high cost of non-compliance.

Moderator – Mike Kerwin, President and CEO, Somerset County Business Partnership

8:00—8:30 a.m.         Registration & Breakfast
8:30—10:00 a.m.       Program
10:00—10:30 a.m.     Q&A

For information on how to register, click here.

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Posted in: International Business and Tax Planning, Robert C. Gabrielski |

Bruder and Gabrielski to Present Seminar on International Business

Bridgewater, NJ (September 13, 2013) – Charles A. Bruder and Robert C. Gabrielski, Members of Bridgewater-based law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will co-present “Going Global: A Primer on Tax and Corporate Isssues For Your Domestic and Foreign Business Operations” with Vinay Navani of Wilkin & Guttenplan, P.C. The seminar will be held on Tuesday, September 24, at the firm’s Bridgewater office.

This seminar is designed for business owners, financial planners, accountants, human resource professionals, and others responsible for managing business operations. The program will offer practical information on general corporate planning, tax issues, compliance, and international executive compensation. “The reality is, in today’s business world it’s either go global or go home,” said Gabrielski, Chair of the Business and International Law Groups. “For some time now, it’s not been a matter of whether you will be conducting international business, but why aren’t you? Our program will help those who are thinking about going global, those who are currently in the process, and even those who are already global and but may want to expand.” Please click here to register.

Bruder concentrates his practice in the areas of employee benefits and executive compensation. He is co-chair of the Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits Group at Norris McLaughlin, P.A.. Bruder is experienced in all aspects of defined contribution and defined benefit plans, deferred compensation arrangements, stock option plans, employee stock ownership plans, and other incentive and equity-based compensation arrangements. He frequently counsels clients on plan qualification and administration issues, ERISA fiduciary matters, plan compliance issues, and employee benefits matters in the context of business reorganizations. In addition, Bruder is knowledgeable in the handling of group health plans, cafeteria plans, and other health and welfare benefits arrangements. He is a frequent lecturer on employee benefits and has published articles in The Exempt Organizations Tax Review and the New Jersey Law Journal and has been quoted in The Hedge Fund Law Report. Bruder received his LL.M., with distinction, from Georgetown University Law Center, his J.D. from Widener University School of Law, and his B.A. from LaSalle University.

Gabrielski, Chair of the firm’s Business and International Law Groups, devotes his practice to business transactions, both international and domestic; e-commerce and taxation. He has over 25 years of experience in advising corporate and entrepreneurial businesses on matters including business and tax planning, corporate acquisitions, divestitures and reorganizations, both domestically and internationally. He is instrumental in assisting businesspeople with the development of their business ideas to the exit strategy for entrepreneurs and closely-held businesses, particularly in the technology and health care fields. Gabrielski also counsels clients and acts as a discussion partner with business owners and executives with respect to e-commerce, technology development, health care, and commercialization of intellectual property. He regularly structures and negotiates technology licensing and development agreement and corporate partnering agreements. Gabrielski earned his LL.M in Taxation from New York University School of Law; his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law, and his B.A. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Navani, a Shareholder at Wilkin & Guttenplan, P.C., joined the firm in 1998. His client roster includes emerging and established businesses in the high-tech and software industries as well as other closely-held businesses and business owners. He assists his clients on income tax planning and compliance matters such as business sales and restructuring, retirement plans, charitable giving strategies, tax audits and other topics. Navani also advises on U.S. tax aspects of international business, U.S. citizens living overseas, and foreign nationals present in the United States. Immediately prior to joining the firm, Navani served as Technical Manager for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Tax Information Phone Service. In this capacity, he provided tax research services as well as professional expertise to other Certified Public Accountants.

Posted in: Charles A. Bruder, International Business and Tax Planning, News, Robert C. Gabrielski |

November 10, 2010

Norris McLaughlin, P.A.
721 Route 202-206, Suite 200
P.O. Box 5933
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-5933
Contact: Edward C. Miller, Jr.
Chief Marketing Officer
(908) 722-0700 x4224
ecmillerjr@norris-law.com

Norris McLaughlin, P.A. Launches International Business Blog

Bridgewater, NJ (November 10, 2010) – U.S.-based law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A. has launched Business Without Borders, an international business blog located at old.norrismclaughlin.com/category/bwob/. The blog keeps executives informed on the multifarious issues involved in successfully operating a business when expanding in to a new marketplace, namely the United States of America (U.S.).

“Upon entering a foreign jurisdiction, such as the U.S., foreign businesses are confronted with subtleties and complexities of state and federal law. Likewise, a U.S. firm looking to expand abroad faces dissimilarities and unknown nuances in other markets and legal systems. To prosper, businesses need the proper legal guidance from seasoned business attorneys that are knowledgeable in handling these matters, both inside and outside of the U.S.,” stated Robert C. Gabrielski, a Member of the firm and Chair of its International and Business Law Groups.

Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is a full service commercial and international legal practice with corporate, tax, intellectual property, immigration and litigation being significant components. Being properly informed on business, tax, employment, and environmental laws is especially pertinent to U.S.-bound businesses. Having knowledge and guidance up-front in those areas may not only reduce their legal risk in the U.S., but also increase the prospect of a profitable and successful business venture. The Norris McLaughlin, P.A.attorneys and invited experts that write for the blog provide clients with information that will be useful in taking advantage of the opportunities and laws in the U.S. and its 50 constituent states, as well as offering insight to those companies seeking to expand into non-U.S. markets.

The attorneys in the Norris McLaughlin, P.A. International Law Group offer a full range of legal services to foreign and domestic clients who are engaged in international commerce in over 50 countries. The firm is the exclusive New Jersey member of both Meritas and Legal Network International, which are affiliations of highly select independent law firms located in every state in the U.S. and throughout the world. Its membership in these organizations provides its clients with immediate access to high quality legal services in many jurisdictions.

Norris McLaughlin, P.A.’s international law services include acting as U.S. counsel for foreign-based corporations and their U.S. subsidiaries; advising on international trade matters involving the sale of goods and services into and from the U.S., including competition laws and trade regulation issues; structuring and negotiating complex international transactions including cross-border mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, financing, and equity investments; advising and protecting patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret rights worldwide, as well as cross-border intellectual property litigation; advising on immigration, labor & employment and employee benefits issues; providing services for acquisition and construction of U.S. and foreign real estate projects; providing international tax planning, treaty interpretation, and handling of international tax controversies before the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Tax Court and U.S. Federal District and Appellate Courts; assisting international e-commerce companies with market access problems, tax issues, intellectual property protection, corporate structuring, and commercial transactions; handling complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts involving a wide range of matters including complete arbitration and mediation services; counseling on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and related issues; and providing advice and legal support services on international financing transactions.

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Posted in: International Business and Tax Planning, News |