News from the Firm
Upcoming MS-LABS: “Pitfalls and Misconceptions
Regarding MBE and WBE Certification”
Leslee M. Cohen (Principal, Business & Finance) and Pamela Mitchell Belyn (Associate, Business & Finance) will conduct a complimentary 90-minute seminar on MBE (minority-owned business enterprise) and WBE (women-owned business enterprise) certification. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on August 15 at the W Chicago City Center Hotel, this program will explore the benefits and pitfalls of becoming MBE/WBE certified, including:
- The business case for diversity and how MBE/WBE certifications can help
- How diversity can impact your bottom line
- The certification process
- Examples of acceptable corporate structure
- What documentation is required
- How to take on a partner without losing your MBE/WBE status
Who should attend?
- Companies with significant women or minority ownership that do business with governmental entities and Fortune 1000 companies, or respond to RFPs that require diversity statistics
- Companies that are interested in using diverse suppliers but don't know where to find them
- Accountants, brokers, loan officers and others who work with businesses that meet the WBE/MBE criteria, but have not yet pursued the marketing advantages of certification
MS-LABS (Much Shelist Legal and Business Seminars) is offered as a value-added service to clients and friends of the firm. This complimentary seminar series is designed to provide useful information on legal and business matters that relate to owning and operating a business.
Click here to register.
Attorneys on the Speaking Circuit
James M. Dash (Principal, Litigation & Dispute Resolution) will be a featured speaker at “Real Estate Law: Advanced Issues and Answers” on September 17 at the Radisson Hotel Schaumburg in Schaumburg, Illinois. Presented by the National Business Institute, the seminar will include a session devoted to “Liens on Real Property,” where Jim will discuss state, county and municipal property tax liens; federal tax liens; liens of judgment; foreclosure; mechanic's and materialmen's liens; and other liens that impact real property. For more information, visit http://www.nbi-sems.com/.
James D. Weier (Principal, Real Estate) will be a presenter during “Legal Issues for Illinois Civil Engineers” on October 26 in Wheaton, Illinois. Jim’s session, titled ”Accessibility Law and Issues,” will focus on a range of topics, including the Americans with Disabilities Act; new construction, alterations and historic properties; construction guidelines; and the Illinois accessibility code. For more information, visit http://www.halfmoonseminars.com/.
James D. O’Connell (Special Counsel, Business & Finance) will speak on “ERISA Compliance for Health Plans” on October 18 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and on November 29 in Dallas, Texas. He will also deliver a presentation titled “HIPAA Portability, Privacy and Security” on November 30 in Dallas. All three seminars are offered by the Employee Benefits Institute of America. For more information, visit http://www.ebia.com/.
Scott R. Fradin Joins Much Shelist as Principal,
Firm Expands Capabilities in Construction Law
Much Shelist recently announced the addition of Scott R. Fradin as a Principal and member of the Construction Law practice. Scott has significant knowledge of construction-related matters gained from his experience as an attorney and a licensed architect. He is the second attorney with an architecture background to join Much Shelist in the last year.
In addition to drafting and negotiating complex design and construction agreements on behalf of owners, architects, engineers and contractors, Scott represents clients involved in a wide range of construction-related matters, including breach of contract, delay and disruption claims, design- and construction-defect claims, and mechanics lien disputes. He has represented owners and contractors in numerous multi-million-dollar delay and disruption disputes across the country. Scott has also represented architects and engineers in design-defect cases involving public works projects, residential developments consisting of hundreds of units, and other commercial and institutional facilities.
“Scott’s unique understanding of architecture and the law adds considerably to our firm’s capabilities in the complex area of construction law,” said David T. Brown, Chair of the Management Committee at Much Shelist. “His depth of knowledge will further enhance our ability to help property owners and developers navigate legal issues, manage expectations and understand risks throughout the course of a construction project.”
Welcome to the Firm
Much Shelist is pleased to welcome the following attorneys and staff, who have joined the firm since our last issue:
Colleen E. McManus (Special Counsel, Bankruptcy, Reorganization & Creditors’ Rights) represents creditors, creditors’ committees, trustees, debtors-in-possession, lessors and individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, as well as business reorganizations and disputes involving the Uniform Commercial Code (Article 9) and lien priorities. She has particular experience advising developers, lenders, landlords, franchisors and other parties on bankruptcy-related lease issues, sales of assets (including 363 sales), benefits plans, contracts, preference actions, vendor relations, disputes with environmental agencies, and disputes with unions and pension funds.
Myles A. Cochran (Associate, Real Estate) represents buyers, sellers and developers in a range of land and property transactions, including sales, acquisitions, conversions and financing. He also helps clients address land-use, zoning, contractual and tax issues, and assists landlords and tenants in negotiating a variety of commercial, retail and office leases.
Autumn L. Sharp (Associate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution) represents clients in a range of business and commercial disputes, including matters involving state and federal franchise law, motor-vehicle dealer law, federal securities law, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), federal antitrust law, International Securities Dealer Association agreements, trade secrets, government contracts, Sarbanes-Oxley employer retaliation issues, product liability, breach of contract and breach of warranty.
Lisa M. Kluck (Director of Attorney Recruitment and Development) manages the firm’s lateral and associate recruitment efforts. In this newly created position, she also develops, implements, and enhances attorney training and professional development initiatives at Much Shelist.
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