Ice Miller LLP - News Feed

Prominent Intellectual Property Attorneys Join Ice Miller

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Duo Expands the Firm's IP Litigation Practice

Indianapolis, Ind. January 18, 2012– Ice Miller is pleased to announce that Holiday Banta and Troy Cole (T.J.) have joined the Firm as partners in the Intellectual Property Group. Banta and Cole both join the Firm from Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, McNett & Henry LLP where they practiced for over 18 years. Over the course of their careers in Indianapolis, they have been highly visible members of the local intellectual property bar.

Banta, originally from Knoxville, Tenn., graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She received her juris doctorate from Vanderbilt and served one term as an intern for The Honorable Sarah Evans Barker, Federal District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana.

Banta is a registered patent attorney and concentrates her practice in the areas of intellectual property litigation, dispute negotiation, U.S. and foreign trademark prosecution and intellectual property licensing.

Cole is also a registered patent attorney with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Theoretical and Applied Physics from Bradley University. He received his juris doctorate from the Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Prior to law school, Cole obtained over five years of technical experience as an electrical engineer, specializing in classified high frequency military electronics, at Texas Instruments. Inc. His practice is focused on assisting clients with obtaining protection for their intellectual property by securing patents trademarks and copyrights, as well as intellectual property licensing, enforcement and defense.

"This is an enormous opportunity for the Firm to broaden our experience in a variety of industries including telecommunications, wireless technology, music, automotive/motorsports and complex electronic systems fields," stated Michael Wukmer, chair of the IP group. "Their ability to manage domestic and international patent and trademark matters on a daily basis, combined with their ability to navigate U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, will be an asset to our clients," concluded Wukmer.

Banta and Cole are active in the Indianapolis community as chairs of the Elegant Vintages International Wine Auction, former chairs of Zoobilation and volunteering for the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation, the Indianapolis Museum of Art as well as other philanthropic and not-for-profit organizations.

Ice Miller's intellectual property group includes registered patent attorneys with decades of experience in assisting our clients with their intellectual property needs and issues on a cost-effective basis. When necessary, Ice Miller attorneys enforce or defend those rights at the trial and appellate levels in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The IP group also includes attorneys with industry experience and advanced degrees in technology and business.

This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Gov. Daniels' Policy Director to Join Ice Miller Strategies

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Indianapolis – Ice Miller Strategies LLC, a bi-partisan government affairs firm and an affiliate of Ice Miller LLP, is pleased to announce that Lawren Mills has joined the Firm as of counsel. Mills previously served as the senior policy director and legislative director at the Office of Gov. Mitch Daniels. Mills also served as the policy director for human services under Gov. Daniels. Mills joins other recent additions, Andy Mueller (Comm. Navy Ret) and Nicole Elam in their DC office.

Mills will lead Ice Miller Strategies practice in Indiana focusing on public affairs management, including legislative monitoring and representation, administrative law and government procurement, campaign finance and election law compliance. She will have a particular focus on policy issues affecting the health care and life science industries.

"Lawren brings a new level of capability to our firm. Her experience in public service, combined with her understanding of health care and other regulated industries, will be a great addition to our growing public affairs team," said firm Principal Graham Hill.

Mills previously served as the senior policy director and legislative director at the Office of Gov. Mitch Daniels. During her five years as aide to the governor, she advised on issues relating to Medicaid, public assistance, child welfare, public health, and insurance. Mills also helped lead a state team tasked with analyzing and implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Further, Mills served as the governor's chief lobbyist, successfully coordinating a legislative agenda that included a balanced budget without a tax increase, transparencies in local government, historic education reforms, economic development legislation, and redistricting.

She earned her bachelor's degree from DePauw University and received her juris doctorate from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2004. She is a recipient of the DePauw University Alumni Community Leader Award and a member of the DePauw University Indianapolis Alumni Council Board. She is a past recipient of Gov. Daniels’ Public Service Award, a graduate of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series and listed among Howey Politics Indiana 2011“Power 50” list.

Ice Miller Strategies’ diverse public affairs team has experience at the local, state and federal levels. For more information please visit www.icemillerstrategies.com.

On Jan. 1, 2012, Ice Miller LLP combined with Schottenstein Zox and Dunn Co., LPA, the fourth largest Columbus, Ohio-based law firm. This combination created a regional firm of 314 lawyers with offices in Indianapolis, Columbus, Chicago, Cleveland, DuPage County, Ill., and Washington, D.C. The combined firm, will operate as Ice Miller LLP and rank among the top 150 largest law firms in the United States.

This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Ice Miller Announces New Partners

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Indianapolis – Ice Miller LLP is pleased to announce that eight attorneys have been named new partners of the Firm effective Jan. 1, 2012. The attorneys are: Timothy Capen, Jeffery Dack, E. Rod Davisson, Matthew DeLaruelle, Steven Forry, Steven Jones, Scott Snively and Nathaniel Uhl.

Capen concentrates his practice in corporate and securities law and in the representation of emerging growth companies and venture capital and private equity funds. He has extensive experience in venture capital financings; private placements; private equity/venture capital fund formations, operations and portfolio company transactions; public offerings; mergers and acquisitions; and general corporate representation.
Dack is a member of the Firm's Real Estate Group, where he concentrates his practice on business and commercial real estate transactions, including financing, acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and real estate tax appeals. Dack has negotiated and documented loans for various types of properties and loan structures, having represented borrowers and lenders in transactions ranging from traditional real property secured loans to seller financing, to mezzanine debt financing.

Davisson is a member of the Firm’s Public Law Group. He is a LEED-AP certified attorney and experienced trial attorney and has litigated cases in Ohio State and Federal Courts, and in the Ohio Court of Claims. He represents municipalities, counties, school districts, joint vocational districts and other political subdivisions on public construction projects such as municipal buildings, public utility infrastructure, courthouses, road and bridge projects, school facilities, recreation centers and athletic facilities. He is a well-known lecturer and author on Ohio municipal, construction and economic development topics and is a 2006 recipient of Business First's Forty Under 40 award.

DeLaruelle focuses his practice in all aspects of commercial real estate, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing and development. He represents regional and national real estate developers in connection with a variety of office, retail, hotel, industrial, multi-family, condominium, time share and mixed-use developments as well as international corporations in connection with real estate transactions throughout the country.

Forry is a member of the Firm’s Litigation group and has extensive experience handling all phases of commercial litigation. From initial case assessment, through appeals, and negotiated resolutions along the way, Forry has represented clients ranging from individuals to multi-national corporations. He has defended and prosecuted disputes involving, among others, interpretation of state and federal statutes, contracts, business interference, fraud, fiduciary obligations, unfair competition, and products liability.

Jones is a member of the Firm's Construction Law Group focusing on all aspects of construction law, including contract drafting, negotiation, arbitration and litigation. His experience includes drafting and negotiating contracts on behalf of public owners, private developers, contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers and design-builders. Jones has also prosecuted and defended numerous construction related disputes including mechanic's lien actions in various forums including litigation, arbitration, mediation and private judge litigation. As a civil engineer, Jones is also knowledgeable in the technical aspects involved in many construction disputes.

Snively's primary areas of concentrations are in venture capital, private equity financing, mergers and acquisitions, recapitalization transactions, and general corporate matters. His experience includes representing private equity clients in numerous equity and mezzanine investments, and leveraged buy-outs, and commercial lending transactions. In addition, Snively serves as primary legal advisor for many small to mid-size companies. He has advised clients on investment structures, exit strategies, securities law issues, corporate governance and various contract issues.

Uhl is a member of Ice Miller’s Litigation and Intellectual Property Services Group, practicing primarily in the areas of construction, manufacturing, and products liability litigation. In addition, he has extensive experience handling electronic discovery issues.

On Jan. 1, 2012, Ice Miller LLP combined with Schottenstein Zox and Dunn Co., LPA, the fourth largest Columbus, Ohio-based law firm. This combination created a regional firm of 314 lawyers with offices in Indianapolis, Columbus, Chicago, Cleveland, DuPage County, Ill., and Washington, D.C. The combined firm will operate as Ice Miller LLP and rank among the top 150 largest law firms in the United States.

This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Tom Walsh was quoted in the article "Pros, cons of Changes in Domain Naming"

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Tom Walsh was quoted in the article "Pros, cons of Changes in Domain Naming" in the Indiana Lawyer dated October 12-25, 2011.

Ice Miller LLP and Schottenstein Zox and Dunn (SZD) Mark Milestone

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Two Firms Complete Combination

INDIANAPOLIS – Ice Miller LLP announced today it has finalized its combination with Schottenstein Zox and Dunn Co., LPA (SZD). The combined Firm, operating as Ice Miller LLP, ranks among the top 150 largest law firms in the United States with approximately 314 lawyers and offices in Indianapolis, Columbus, Chicago, Cleveland, DuPage County, Illinois and Washington, D.C.

"The combination will allow us to provide clients with deeper levels of service, knowledge and experience," stated Phil Bayt, chief managing partner, Ice Miller. "As one combined firm, we'll expand our geographical reach and increase our depth in many areas to better serve our clients."

The two firms announced the combination on August 19, 2011. The agreement was finalized when partners at Ice Miller and SZD unanimously approved the combination last fall.

Each firm has a successful track record. SZD is known for handling complex business transactions and high-stakes commercial litigation and serves the legal needs of many governmental entities throughout Ohio. Ice Miller is recognized for municipal finance, employee benefits, private equity and other business transactions, as well as complex litigation, real estate and public affairs. Each firm offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, creditors' rights and intellectual property.

Both firms have strong community ties with a culture of building relationships that are locally based. These relationships have been built one at a time by serving as trusted legal advisors for decades.

"We are excited to start the new year by building on the strengths of our individual attorneys to provide a united team of advisors to meet the growing demands of our clients," said Jim Davidson, deputy managing partner, Ice Miller.

Many of the combined firms' lawyers have been recognized in national and international publications which rank legal professionals, including Chambers USA and U.S. News and World Report’s Best Law Firms in America. The firms have each been recognized in their markets as a best place to work by local publications.

"We now have decades of history to build on as we look forward to working with our new colleagues to provide cost-effective legal counsel to business and nonprofit communities, from large corporations to small, entrepreneurial and family-owned companies and organizations throughout the Midwest," concluded Bayt.

About Ice Miller LLP
Established in Indianapolis in 1910, Ice Miller represents a full portfolio of private and public companies, government entities and individuals and serves as legal counsel to many of the Midwest's leading businesses, to state and local governments and to companies throughout the country and the world. Ice Miller's clients include Angie's List, Allison Transmission Inc., Indiana University, Citizens Energy Group, Cook Group Incorporated, Indiana Finance Authority, Vera Bradley, ExactTarget, Fifth Third Bancorp, Lucas Oil, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp., Big Lots, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Limited Brands and Honey Baked Ham. Ice Miller is committed to helping its clients achieve their legal and business goals. The Firm has offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, DuPage County, Ill., and Indianapolis. Ice Miller Strategies, an affiliate in Washington, D.C., provides high-level strategic services and government affairs counsel to global corporations, industry associations and non-profit organizations. For additional information, visit www.icemiller.com and www.icemillerstrategies.com.

This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Class Bids Nixed Again In MDL Over BPA In Baby Bottles

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Law360, Chicago (December 22, 2011, 9:14 PM ET) -- A Missouri federal judge on Thursday shot down class certification bids by consumers suing Gerber Products Co. and others in multidistrict litigation over the use of bisphenol A in baby bottles and sippy cups, finding the proposed classes were too broad.

Erin Eckhoff Joins Ice Miller LLP

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Indianapolis, Dec. 21, 2011 -- Ice Miller LLP is pleased to announce that Erin Eckhoff has joined the firm as an associate in the Litigation and Intellectual Property Group in the Chicago office. Eckhoff joins the firm after practicing the last four years as a litigation associate for Goodwin Proctor LLP.

Eckhoff's experience includes complex contractual and commercial disputes, securities litigation, products liability defense, and white collar criminal investigation and defense.

Eckhoff graduated cum laude from Truman State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication-Journalism, and she earned her juris doctorate from the Northwestern University School of Law in 2007. Eckhoff is admitted to practice law in the states of Illinois and New York, and in the Southern District of New York.

Ice Miller's lawyers and business professionals help simplify the complexities faced by its clients through their understanding of businesses, industries, and government entities. Ice Miller has offices in Chicago; DuPage County, Ill.; Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. As of January 1, 2012, Ice Miller will also have offices in Cleveland, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio through its combination with the law firm of Schottenstein, Zox and Dunn, Co. LPA. For additional information, visit online at www.icemiller.com.

This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Ice Miller LLP Expands Its Health Care Transactions Group

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Indianapolis (November 15, 2011) Ice Miller LLP is pleased to announce that Taryn Stone is rejoining Ice Miller as an associate in the Firm's health care transactions group, concentrating her practice on various aspects of health law.

Stone joins Ice Miller with experience from Moore & Van Allen PLLC and PriceWaterhouse Coopers. Most recently, Stone was senior corporate counsel for Amedisys, Inc.

Stone graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2002 with a bachelor of arts. She received her juris doctorate, magna cum laude, from Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis in 2005. While in law school, she was an articles editor for the Indiana Law Review, a volunteer in the school's pro bono program, a member of the Health Law Society, and a member of the Dean's Tutorial Society. After graduating from law school, Stone worked in Ice Miller's health care transactions group from 2005 to 2008.

Stone is admitted to practice law in Indiana and North Carolina.

Ice Miller's lawyers and business professionals, through their understanding of businesses, organizations, and government entities, help simplify the complexities faced by its clients. Ice Miller is committed to helping its clients achieve their legal and business goals. The Firm has offices in Chicago; DuPage County, Ill.; Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit online at www.icemiller.com.

This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Ice Miller LLP Expands Its Municipal Finance Group

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Indianapolis (November 15, 2011) Ice Miller LLP is pleased to announce that Susan Price has joined the Firm as of counsel in Ice Miller's municipal finance group, concentrating her practice in the area of tax-exempt financing for private schools, health care institutions and other nonprofit organizations. Price's practice also focuses on providing Section 103 tax analysis and advice to clients.

Price joined Ice Miller in August 2002 and practiced at the Firm until 2006. She practiced municipal finance law with Ohio law firms Peck, Shaffer and Williams LLP and Benesch, Friedland, Coplan and Aronoff LLP until recently rejoining Ice Miller.

Price graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history from DePauw University in 1999. She played basketball for DePauw University and has been inducted into the DePauw University Athletic Hall of Fame. She earned her juris doctorate from the University of Cincinnati in 2002.

She is admitted to practice law in Indiana and Ohio.

Ice Miller's lawyers and business professionals, through their understanding of businesses, organizations, and government entities, help simplify the complexities faced by its clients. Ice Miller is committed to helping its clients achieve their legal and business goals. The Firm has offices in Chicago; DuPage County, Ill.; Indianapolis; Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit online at www.icemiller.com.

This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Ice Miller and Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Together Announce Fifty-Seven Practices Ranked Top-Tier by U.S. News and Best Lawyers: Indianapolis, Illinois, and Ohio Practices Selected

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Indianapolis, Dec. 9, 2011 - Ice Miller LLP and Schottenstein Zox & Dunn are pleased to announce that together they are ranked as a top-tier firm in 57 practice areas by U.S. News and Best Lawyers in their "Best Law Firms" ranking.

Ice Miller and Schottenstein Zox & Dunn (SZD) will combine January 1, 2012 to create a regional, full-service law firm. Ice Miller received tier two national rankings in Litigation-IP, Private Equity Law, Venture Capital Law, and a tier three national rank in Litigation-Trusts and Estates. SZD received a tier two national ranking in Patent Law and tier three national rankings in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debts, Commercial Litigation, Communication Law, and Employment Law-Management. Also, there were a total of 33 tier one metropolitan ranked practices between the two firms. They were both named a tier one firm in the following categories:

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debt Rights
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Eminent Domain & Condemnation
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Mergers & Acquisitions
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Trusts & Estates Law

See full list of rankings for Ice Miller and SZD.

The methodology for the U.S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" involved surveying thousands of law firm clients; leading lawyers and law firm managers; partners and associates; and marketing officers and recruiting officers. Each were asked what factors they considered vital for clients hiring law firms, for lawyers choosing a firm to refer a legal matter to, and for lawyers seeking employment.

Ice Miller's lawyers and business professionals, through their understanding of businesses, organizations, and government entities, help simplify the complexities faced by its clients. Ice Miller is committed to helping its clients achieve their legal and business goals. The Firm has offices in Chicago; DuPage County, Ill.; Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit online at www.icemiller.com.

Schottenstein Zox & Dunn is a full service business law firm with nearly 100 attorneys. It has offices in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, and serves the business and nonprofit communities, from large corporations to small, entrepreneurial and family-owned companies and organizations. For additional information, visit www.szd.com.

This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Kenneth Chigges spoke about "Handling Real Estate Transactions With Confidence"

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Chigges spoke at the National Business Institute's "Handling Real Estate Transactions With Confidence," on December 5, 2011.

Ice Miller mentioned as Bond Counsel for "Illinois Finance Authority"

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Ice Miller was mentioned as Bond Counsel for the Illinois Finance Authority in the Council of Development Finance Agencies' (CDFA) publication Built by Bonds.

Kevin Alerding's seminar was mentioned in the Brazil Times

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Kevin Alerding's seminar was mentioned in the article "33rd Equipment Show Scheduled" by the Brazil Times dated November 24, 2011.

Ice Miller and Hoosier Ag Today produced a program for agricultural law

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Ice Miller partnered with Hoosier Ag Today to produce a special feature program dealing with the many aspects of agricultural law. This special feature was mentioned in the USDA Broadcast Letter called "Off Mike" dated November 24, 2011.

Aaron Dixon received award for his service to the "Indianapolis Bar Foundation"

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Aaron Dixon was mentioned in the Awards section of the Indiana Lawyer for receiving a certificate of appreciation for his service to the "Indianapolis Bar Foundation" as Counsel to the Board on November 23, 2011.

Eric Singer Spoke about "Mechanic's Liens" at an Illinois webinar

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Eric Singer spoke at an Illinois webinar regarding "Mechanic's Liens" for the "Finishing Contractors Association" on November 23, 2011.

Ice Miller was mentioned in the article "Gibson Dunn, Ice Miller Guide ExactTarget To $100M IPO"

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Ice Miller was mentioned in the article "Gibson Dunn, Ice Miller Guide ExactTarget To $100M IPO" by Law360.com on November 23, 2011.

Ice Miller sponsored Indianapolis Startup Weekend

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Ice Miller was mentioned in the article titled "Video Game Technology Wins Startup Honors" dated November 22, 2011 for sponsoring Indianapolis Startup Weekend in Inside INdiana Business.

Seven Ice Miller Attorneys Named Best Lawyers’ 2012 Lawyer of the Year

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Indianapolis, Nov. 17, 2011 -- Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named the following Ice Miller attorneys as the 2012 Indianapolis Best Lawyers' Lawyer of the Year:

Zeff A. Weiss - Land Use & Zoning Law
Brenda S. Horn - Health Care Law
John R. Hammond III - Government Relations Practice
John R. Thornburgh - Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Marc W. Sciscoe - Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Philip Whistler - Litigation - Antitrust Practice
Stephen J. Hackman - Corporate Law

After more than a quarter of a century in publication, Best Lawyers is designating “Lawyers of the Year” in high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities. Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is being honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.”

Best Lawyers compiles its lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The current, 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in America (2012) is based on more than 3.9 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.

The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” have received particularly high ratings in surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

Steven Naifeh, President of Best Lawyers, says, "We continue to believe – as we have believed for more than 25 years – that recognition by one’s peers is the most meaningful form of praise in the legal profession."

Ice Miller's lawyers and business professionals, through their understanding of businesses, industries, and government entities, help simplify the complexities faced by its clients. Ice Miller is committed to helping its clients achieve their legal and business goals. The Firm has offices in Indianapolis; Chicago; DuPage County, Ill.; and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.icemiller.com.

This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
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Ice Miller mentioned in article titled "Merger To Create 330-Atty Ohio Firm"

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Ice Miller was mentioned on Law360 in their article, "Merger To Create 330-Atty Ohio Firm," dated November 16, 2011.