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Business Law

  • Aug 17, 2021Norris McLaughlin Welcomes Bartley J. Breinin to New York Business Law Practice Group

    The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome Bartley J. Breinin as a Member. He joins the Business Law Practice Group in the firm’s New York office, and will collaborate with its growing staff of attorneys throughout the Bridgewater, New Jersey, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, offices as well.

    “We are pleased to welcome Bart to the firm and are confident that his extensive experience in business law and his exceptional level of client service will be an asset to our clients and to our team,” said Andrew N. Parfomak, Administrative Partner of the firm’s New York Office.

    “I am excited to join the firm’s New York office and look forward to collaborating on M&A and other corporate and commercial work with my colleagues at Norris McLaughlin across multiple practice areas,” Breinin said.

    About Bart Breinin

    Breinin focuses his practice primarily in business law and has served as both outside and in-house counsel for large and small companies, professional and financial services organizations, and private equity and venture capital firms. He has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions and has advised on hundreds of domestic and international deals including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic alliances.

    Additionally, Breinin is proficient in a variety of corporate and commercial practice areas and serves clients across industries including investment banking, accounting, management and technology consulting, and retail, and acts as a consultant to private equity funds.

    Clients rely on Breinin for his experience and practical approach to their business matters. His background as an in-house legal advisor has given him a unique perspective that allows him to take a hands-on approach to transactions, maintain a flexible negotiation style, and focus on creative solutions.

    Breinin received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and his B.A. from Yale College. He is a frequent speaker and has lectured at NYU Law School and at various New York City Bar Association events.

    Posted in: Bartley J. Breinin, Business Law, News | Tags: ,

  • Aug 12, 2021Norris McLaughlin Named in Lehigh Valley Business 2021 Reader Rankings

    The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is proud to be listed in the 2021 Lehigh Valley BusinessReader Rankings” in three categories. The firm was voted one of the top three winners in Law Firm – Business, Law Firm – Mergers and Acquisitions, and Law Firm – Real Estate.

    “We value our clients, community, and employees, and our clients value a personal level of service. Therefore, we strive for a deep, meaningful, people-first relationship with each one. With large firm talent in a small firm setting, we ensure that all clients receive exceptional service. This award is a testament to that mission, and we are grateful every year,” said David C. Roberts, Chair of the firm.

    About the Lehigh Valley Business 2021 Reader Rankings

    The 2021 “Reader Rankings” awards, based on over 24,500 votes, were announced online on August 11 and will be published in the Lehigh Valley Business October 25 special edition. To celebrate, the winners’ category-specific video roll will be promoted each day, October 11-22, on the magazine’s social media channels and daily email alerts, and online at LVB.com.

    About Norris McLaughlin

    At Norris McLaughlin, over 20 business law attorneys spend all or most of their time in a variety of specialties within their field. The range of clients is broad, as are the legal services that we provide to them. The firm’s mergers and acquisitions attorneys have structured, negotiated, and closed numerous U.S. and international transactions, ranging from small-scale ventures to complex multi-million-dollar deals. They have vast experience in all aspects of corporate transactions.

    The real estate and finance attorneys of Norris McLaughlin have the experience and depth to handle virtually any type of real estate transaction and development project—large or small. With a keen understanding of the complex, ever-changing regulations and restrictions that affect the firm’s real estate clients, Norris McLaughlin achieves each client’s goals in the most cost-effective manner possible.

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

  • Jun 18, 2021Norris McLaughlin Welcomes New Associates to the Firm

    The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome Anthony M. Brichta to its Allentown, Pennsylvania office and John V. Kelly III to the Bridgewater, New Jersey office.

    “We are thrilled to be adding more young talent to our already established practice groups and offices. Our goal is to continue our growth plans, providing the firm a great succession plan to secure our future,” said David C. Roberts, Chair of the firm and Co-Chair of its Recruiting Committee.

    About Anthony Brichta

    Brichta concentrates his practice on commercial litigation, corporate matters, and liquor law. He has joined the firm’s expansive Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing, and Distribution Industry Group and brings his wide-ranging experience to its alcohol manufacturing and distribution clients.

    In addition, Brichta has handled a broad range of civil litigation matters for private and municipal clients. He has extensive experience in creditors’ rights, municipal litigation, tax assessment and tax claim litigation, appellate practice, insurance defense and coverage, plaintiffs’ litigation, commercial disputes, bankruptcy, and juvenile dependency matters.

    A resident and native of the Lehigh Valley, Brichta is co-founder and CEO of a start-up craft distillery in Allentown and Easton. He has volunteered for an income tax clinic relief program in New Orleans and taught the Junior Achievement Program at Brooklyn High School. Brichta was selected for inclusion in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 “Rising Stars” lists in Philadelphia Magazine by Super Lawyers®.

    Brichta received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2008, where he participated in the mock trial and trial practice programs. He was also a member of the university’s wrongful convictions clinical program and assistant editor of its national political science journal, Political Communication. From Lehigh University, Brichta received his M.A. in 2005 and his B.A., summa cum laude, in 2004.

    About John Kelly

    Kelly, who is joining the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, focuses his practice exclusively on labor and employment law. He advises clients on various local, state, and federal labor and employment laws.

    Additionally, Kelly handles litigation matters from pleading through appeal, including discrimination and sexual harassment suits, workplace investigations, and wage and hour compliance, and employer investigations. He drafts employer and employee policies, handbooks, and contracts, and negotiates vendor contracts and agreements.

    Prior to joining the firm, Kelly was a clerk for the New Jersey Superior Court, Hudson County Vicinage Law Division in Jersey City for the Hon. Christine Farrington, J.S.C. He is an Army Veteran and JAG Officer in the New Jersey Army National Guard. In 2020, Kelly was elected to the Nutley Board of Commissioners, where he serves as Commissioner and Director of Nutley’s Public Affairs and Health Department.

    Kelly earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2012, where he was a member of the Legislative Law Journal and recipient of the Del Tufo Constitutional Law Award; and his B.S., cum laude, from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2007.

    Posted in: Anthony M. Brichta, Business Law, John V. Kelly III, Labor & Employment, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Litigation, News, Real Estate & Finance | Tags: , , , , , ,

  • May 11, 2021Norris McLaughlin Appoints David Roberts as Chair and Elects David Harmon and Graham Simmons to Management Committee

    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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Apr 30, 2021Norris McLaughlin Assists Summit Drilling to Take on Partners to Support Aggressive Growth

    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: , ,

  • Apr 12, 2021U.S. Corporate and Branding Legal Essentials for Food Businesses

    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.

    Register for Norris McLaughlin, Attorneys at Law, Legal Events in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

    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: , , , , , ,

  • Mar 24, 2021Catering Contracts Post COVID-19: What Operators Need to Know

    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.

    Register for Norris McLaughlin, Attorneys at Law, Legal Events in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

    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: , , ,

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