News + Resources

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Member Jim Milano has been elected to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) Board of Directors. Members of the board come from various businesses across the reverse mortgage industry and must be nominated and then elected to serve. As one of the country’s leading lawyers in reverseMore

A presentation by Michael Blumenthal during the International Elastomer Conference was covered extensively in Rubber News. The conference, which took place in Cleveland on October 17, 2023, was hosted by the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that several members of the firm have been appointed to leadership roles within the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Aukse Joiner has returned to the firm as Of Counsel in the Baton Rouge office. With a diverse background in complex commercial transactions, title work, and litigation, Aukse is a multi-faceted real estate and corporate lawyer. McGlinchey has hired 48 attorneys so far in 2023, and Aukse isMore

Politico quoted associate Brittany Adikes (New York City) in an article detailing the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s recent revoking of hemp licenses from farmers who are also growing marijuana.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron P. Kouhoupt to the Governing Committee of the Conference on Consumer Finance Law (CCFL).

Member Jim Sandy (Cleveland) was quoted by Law360 in an article detailing the highlights of a recent report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFBP).

On November 19, 2023, Member Perry Salzhauer (Seattle) joined Sean Hocking, editor at the Cannabis Law Report, for an episode of the “Karma Koala” podcast, a weekly podcast about all things law, business, and culture in cannabis, to discuss the latest developments New York City regarding licensing.

Member Ronnie L. Johnson (Dallas) edited the sixth edition of Annotations to Surplus Line Statutes. Published by the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, this resource is the most comprehensive analysis of surplus lines statutes available.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that Perry Salzhauer, co-chair of the firm’s Cannabis Industry Group resident in Seattle, has been recognized as a 2023 Notable Leader in Cannabis by Green Market Report.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that Heidi Urness has been named to the 4th Edition of the Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers 2023-02024 published by Cannabis Law Report & Cannabis Law Journal.

Readers have likely heard about Diversity Lab’s “Mansfield Rule” Certification process, which aims to “boost and sustain diversity” in legal leadership. As a firm that has always sought diverse candidates for open positions and already tracked those efforts, we had been considering the Mansfield process for some time. In the fall of 2021, we decidedMore

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows an employee to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid and job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. The FMLA also requires employers to maintain health benefits while an employee is on FMLA leave and to restore the employee to the same or equivalent job upon return.More

McGlinchey has joined a group of law firms in signing a letter that urges leading U.S. law schools to denounce antisemitic rhetoric, violence, and harassment on campuses.

Member Jim Milano (Washington, DC) was quoted in the article "Watchdog Launches Inquiry into Ginnie Mae's Handling of Reverse Mortgage Funding (RMF)" in National Mortgage News.

Member Robert Driscoll (Washington, DC) was interviewed in “How Jamaica-born Judge Tanya S. Chutkan Became Trump’s Latest Target” in the Washington Post on September 27.

Member Kathy Conklin (New Orleans) was interviewed in "The Bucket List," a feature in the November Edition of New Orleans Magazine.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce three national practice group rankings and 44 metropolitan practice area rankings in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms®.

Member Jim Milano (Washington, DC) was profiled in the article “Jim Milano talks move to new law firm, ongoing reverse mortgage work” in Reverse Mortgage Daily, during which he discussed his transition to McGlinchey and his ongoing reverse mortgage work and commitment to the industry.

Managing Member Michael Ferachi (Baton Rouge) spoke with ALM on the topic of Big Law attorneys moving to midsize firms for a Law.com article titled "Big Law Attorneys Are Hitting the Lateral Market. Should Midsize Firms Hire Them?"

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that Deirdre McGlinchey has been honored with the 2023 “Women of the Year” Award from New Orleans CityBusiness in recognition of her business success and dedication to the community.

McGlinchey’s growth was profiled in the Birmingham Business Journal on October 29, 2023: McGlinchey has grown substantially across its footprint in the last year, and there are no plans to slow down anytime soon. Chris Bottcher, managing member of McGlinchey Stafford PLLC’s Birmingham office, said the firm hired nearly 30 lawyers in the last yearMore

Members of McGlinchey's Financial Institutions Compliance team authored and co-authored several chapters in the latest edition of The Law of Truth in Lending.

Five McGlinchey lawyers co-authored chapters in the latest edition of the Practising Law Institute (PLI)’s Consumer Financial Services Answer Book. The 2024 edition is the leading desk reference for consumer financial services lawyers and compliance professionals.

Of Counsel Marilyn Cayce (Houston) was interviewed by Law360 on her decision to join McGlinchey's Houston office.

Of Counsel David Waxman (Cleveland) was interviewed by The Columbus Dispatch in "Ohio GOP Leaders Don't Like Recreational Marijuana. What Happens if Voters Say Yes to It?" on September 18, 2023.

Member Heidi Urness (Seattle) was quoted in The Financial Brand‘s October 19, 2023 article on the latest piece of Congressional legislation related to financing cannabis. Things could go either way, says Heidi Urness, co-chair of the cannabis practice group for the law firm McGlinchey Stafford in Seattle. “I think there’s excitement over some actual bipartisanMore

Marilyn Cayce has joined the firm’s Enterprise Litigation and Investigations practice group in the Houston office as Of Counsel. With over three decades of experience in crisis management, Marilyn is a seasoned attorney known for her unwavering dedication to helping clients navigate and recover from disasters, emergencies, and incidents.

Member James Sandy was quoted in Law.com’s Corporate Counsel in a piece detailing the complications that may arise following the Federal Trade Commission’s new proposed ban on junk fees. Indeed, “perhaps one of the strongest defenses to an attack on alleged ‘junk fees’ is to make clear the fees were disclosed clearly and conspicuously toMore

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce the addition of Colin T. Dean to our Birmingham office as Of Counsel. Colin is joining the firm's Financial Services Litigation practice group, bringing valuable experience to this team's nationally recognized group of attorneys.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Kevin A. Buryanek has joined the firm’s Financial Services Litigation Group as an Associate Attorney in the Cleveland office. Kevin is one of 42 attorneys McGlinchey has added in 2023 as part of a concentrated recruitment initiative to grow its nationally recognized team of attorneys.

Both of McGlinchey's Louisiana offices have been honored this month among the “Best Places to Work,” by Baton Rouge Business Report and New Orleans CityBusiness, respectively. This is the third year in a row McGlinchey’s New Orleans office has received this honor.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that Director of Human Resources and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Eliska Plunkett (New Orleans) has been recognized in New Orleans CityBusiness’ Leadership in Law Class of 2023.

McGlinchey is proud to announce that Member (Partner) Francis "Rasch" H. Brown, III has been named to Lawdragon’s 2024 list of 500 Leading Litigators in America in the areas of commercial liability, products liability, and torts.

Associate Daniel Shortt (Seattle) was quoted in "The Feds Consider Making Marijuana Less Regulated," in Essence from his article "From Schedule I to Schedule III: Potential Shift in Marijuana’s Legal Status" where he discusses the possible classification change of cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III classification.

Member Gregg Stevens (Dallas) was interviewed by Auto Finance News in "CFPB Proposes $2.7B Settlement Against Credit Repair Providers," where he discusses the ongoing litigation surrounding credit repair providers.

Associate Daniel Shortt (Seattle) was quoted in "Rescheduling Cannabis Probably Won't Change as Much as You Think," in Cultivated about the proposed classification change of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Benjamin P. Lajoie has joined the firm’s Enterprise Litigation and Investigations practice group as a Member (Partner) in Boston. Ben is one of 34 attorneys McGlinchey has brought on in 2023 as part of a focused hiring effort to expand its highly integrated team of best-in-class attorneys.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Chantel Wonder has joined the firm's Financial Services Litigation practice group in Florida as Of Counsel. Resident in Tampa, Chantel is one of 33 attorneys McGlinchey has brought on in 2023 as part of a focused hiring effort to expand its highly integrated team of best-in-class attorneys.

Of Counsel Aimee Guidry Szygenda (Dallas) was interviewed in "Financial Litigator Rejoins McGlinchey Stafford In Dallas" in Law360 on her recent return to working at McGlinchey.

When the artist can meet certain criteria, the decision will allow even the non-author to trademark a lyric or phrase when attached to specific goods and services. Whether a trademark will be approved by the USPTO stems, in part, upon an analysis of whether the artist has elevated the phrase to a more memorable status.

With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic–era student loan repayment pause, regulators and lenders alike are preparing for repayment to begin again in the fall of 2024. Federal government backed student loans will start accruing interest again on September 1, and payments will be due starting in October 2023.

Member Rudy Cerone (New Orleans) was interviewed in "Bankruptcies Bounce Back" in the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Associate Daniel Shortt (Seattle) was quoted in "Marijuana Classification Change Would Alter Tax Collections" in The Bond Buyer.

Associate Daniel Shortt (Seattle) was interviewed in "Lawmakers Get Blunt About Pot Reforms They've Rolled Out" by Law360.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that Aimee Guidry Szygenda has returned to the firm’s Dallas office as an Of Counsel in the firm’s Financial Services Litigation practice group.

Member Lauren Ybarra (Dallas) was interviewed in "How to Land the Best Insurance Deal" in MG Magazine. She discusses insurance in the cannabis industry.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Heidi Urness and Daniel Shortt, attorneys in the firm’s Seattle office, have been named to the Super Lawyers 2023 Washington Rising Stars List.

Robert Driscoll (Washington, DC) was quoted on NPR’s “All Things Considered” on August 25 discussing U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is handling the federal investigation into President Donald Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

It was an incredible honor to represent McGlinchey Stafford at the LGBTQ+ Bar Association's Lavender Law Conference earlier this month, serving as our first delegate to the event in our firm’s history.

Member Jim Milano (Washington, DC) was profiled in the article "Origins: How Jim Milano Became a Reverse Mortgage Industry Attorney" in Reverse Mortgage Daily.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Member Marc Lifset (Albany) is one of ten honorees inducted to the Recreational Vehicle (RV)/Manufactured Housing (MH) Hall of Fame class of 2023. A reception will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023, at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana, to honor this year’s inductees.

Of Counsel David Waxman (Cleveland) was quoted in “Marijuana Initiative Could End Up on Ohio November Ballot Alongside Reproductive Rights Amendment” in the Ohio Capital Journal and Benzinga. He discussed Ohio’s Issue 1 and its impact on legalizing recreational marijuana in Ohio. “The failure of Issue 1 really, really is going to create a massiveMore

Chief Business Development Officer Heather Morse (New Orleans) joined Gary Mitchell's The LawBiz Podcast™.

Member Perry Salzhauer (Seattle) was quoted in an article, "Psychedelics Are Reaching New Highs in Acceptance, and Businesses Want In," in Inc.

Member Jim Sandy (Cleveland) was interviewed in a Bloomberg article, "Struggling Marijuana Industry Eyes Ohio for a Much-Needed Boost," on the future of marijuana in Ohio and the likelihood of a ballot passing.

McGlinchey Stafford is proud to announce that 65 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. These attorneys represent 12 of the firm’s 17 offices throughout nine states and Washington D.C. The recognized attorneys practice in 39 distinct areas of law. Seventeen attorneys are being recognized for the first time.

Member Jim Milano (Washington, DC) was quoted in a National Mortgage News article on the Federal Housing Finance Agency's plan to replace the FICO Classic credit score used by government-sponsored enterprises with two new ones by 2025.

Member Heidi Urness (Seattle) was quoted in an article titled "Cannabis Flower 101: Everything You Need to Know" for the Cannabis Regulator Blog.

McGlinchey Stafford continues to bolster its talented team with the addition of three accomplished attorneys. Pamela Gautier, Melissa Losch, and Taylor Lombardo have joined the firm's New Orleans office, bringing their deep knowledge to the firm's Labor & Employment, Enterprise Litigation and Investigations, and Financial Services Litigation practice groups, respectively.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that the firm has been ranked nationally among many AmLaw 100 and 200 firms in three categories on Vault’s 2024 Best Law Firms for Diversity rankings.

Law360 interviewed McGlinchey Member Bob Driscoll (Washington, DC) for his unique insight into Judge Tanya Chutkan's

er Bob Driscoll (Washington, DC) for his unique insight into Hunter Biden's upcoming appearance in Federal Court for a plea hearing on tax charges.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Jordan Goldfarb has joined the firm’s Enterprise Litigation and Investigations group as Of Counsel in the Fort Lauderdale office. Jordan represents the insurance industry and others in civil litigation and investigations. Jordan is one of 13 attorneys McGlinchey brought on in May, and the firm has hired 33 attorneys as of July 28, 2023.

Boston Member Patrick T. Voke was quoted in a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article on spoliation sanctions ordered in an unpaid commissions case on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

McGlinchey is pleased to welcome eleven summer associates from eight law schools who will work in seven offices over two sessions alongside our attorneys nationwide

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Rudy J. Cerone has been included in Lawdragon’s 2023 list of 500 Leading U.S. Bankruptcy and Restructuring Lawyers. Rudy is a Member (Partner) of the firm and Chair of the Creditors’ Rights, Financial Restructuring, and Bankruptcy Group.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Christopher John has joined the firm’s Financial Services Litigation Group as an Associate Attorney in the Dallas office. Christopher focuses his practice on representing financial services clients in the mortgage lending, automobile finance, and insurance industries.  McGlinchey hired 31 new attorneys, including 28 litigators, from January to the end of June, 2023.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Member Camille Bryant has been named Vice Chair of Outreach for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD). As such, Camille joins the LCLD’s Executive Council for the 2023-2024 term.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce the addition of Will Wojcik as a Member (Partner) and Cole Hodge as an Associate to its Nashville office. Bolstering the firm's prominent Litigation practice, these two attorneys are part of a larger expansion initiative within the firm and in Nashville. McGlinchey has hired 31 new attorneys, including 28 litigators, from January to the end of June, 2023.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that four attorneys in the firm’s Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville offices have been named to the 2023 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce the addition of three litigation attorneys in California. Leslie Fales and Summer Smith join the Enterprise Litigation and Investigations practice group as Of Counsel, and Zeeshan “Zee” Iqbal has joined the Financial Services Litigation practice group as an Associate. Affiliated with McGlinchey’s Irvine office, the attorneys work from various locations in California.

McGlinchey Stafford is listed among the Top 400 law firms in the country by Law360. 

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Thomas Anastos has joined the firm’s Enterprise Litigation and Investigations group as an associate in the Houston office. Thomas focuses his practice on representing the insurance, transportation, construction, and energy industries in litigation.

As President Trump prepared to give a speech regarding his indictment, Member Robert Driscoll (Washington, DC) and former U.S. DOJ official weighed in on NewsNation's "On Balance."

Member James Sandy (Cleveland) was interviewed for Inside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Volume 34:12 on June 12, 2023.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Zir-Wei "Wendy" Lin has joined the firm’s Consumer Financial Services Compliance practice group in Albany, New York as legislative and regulatory developments attorney.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that the firm’s New York City office has strengthened its prominent Financial Services Litigation and Commercial Litigation practices with the addition of Jason Lipkin, who joined as of counsel, and Melisa Zukic as an associate.

Member Camille Bryant (New Orleans) was interviewed by Fortune in "This Supreme Court Case Could Spell the Beginning of the End for Affirmative Action. It’s a Looming Crisis for Corporate America" about diversity initiatives and possible impacts on companies.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that four members (partners) in its Financial Institutions Compliance practice are among the firm’s 23 attorneys recognized in the 2023 edition of the Chambers USA Guide. The practice group itself also sustained its nationwide ranking as one of only 14 firms ranked in the Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Compliance) category.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that litigator Courtney T. Joiner has joined the firm’s Labor and Employment group as a member (partner) in the Baton Rouge office. Courtney is the eleventh attorney to join McGlinchey firm-wide in May alone, and the thirteenth to join in Louisiana in the past year.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that 23 attorneys and nine practice areas have been recognized in the 2023 edition of the Chambers USA Guide. This year’s rankings include six newly ranked attorneys (two with nationwide rankings, one in Washington, DC, and three in Louisiana) and one newly ranked practice group.

Managing Member Michael Ferachi (Baton Rouge) was quoted in a May 2023, 2023 article by Law360 on McGlinchey's recent achievement of the Mansfield Certification.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that it has achieved Midsize Mansfield Certification. Following a rigorous 18-month process led by Diversity Lab from September 2021 to March 2023, this distinction certifies that McGlinchey aims to track, measure, and achieve diversity in law firm leadership. As participants in the second certification cohort, McGlinchey is among the first 100 firms to achieve this recognition to date in the U.S. and Canada.

Of Counsel Michael Blumenthal (Cleveland) was interviewed by Wired, "A Republican-Led Lawsuit Threatens Critical US Cyber Protections," on May 11, 2023.

Member Zelma Murray Frederick (Baton Rouge) was profiled by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report on May 2, 2023.

Since 1993, the Baton Rouge office of McGlinchey Stafford has provided innovative legal services to local and national clients. Yet throughout its 30-year history, McGlinchey has been much more than a law firm. Deeply embedded in the community, the firm maintains an active commitment to community development, education and strengthening local organizations.

Member Gary Pate (Houston) was interviewed by Law360 on April 20, 2023, on joining McGlinchey.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that three nationally recognized attorneys who specialize in complex litigation, transactional, and regulatory matters across the spectrum of cannabis businesses have joined McGlinchey in Seattle and Albany.

McGlinchey congratulates its New Orleans attorneys and business professionals on a historic victory at the New Orleans Bar and Grille, a law firm cooking competition and fundraiser that supports the Veteran Justice Fellowship.

rvine) were profiled by Law360 on May 9, 2023, on their recent move to McGlinchey. They discuss the factors that contributed to their move to McGlinchey, including culture, people, and growth strategy.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that litigator Jonathan “Jon” Cornfield has joined McGlinchey as an associate in the firm’s Washington D.C. office. Jon represents financial services institutions in litigation, commercial disputes, complex torts, and class actions at the state, federal, and appellate levels.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that John Rouse, Member, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Capital Area Bar Association (CABA). John will serve as a Director for the 2023-2024 term. On May 10th, John will also receive CABA’s 2023 Service Award at the Evening Honoring the Judiciary hosted by CABA and the Jackson Young Lawyers Association at the Country Club of Jackson.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Zelma Murray Frederick has been named the 2023 Sustaining Member of the Year by the Junior League of Baton Rouge (JLBR). Zelma received the award at a ceremony on Friday, May 5.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that distinguished attorneys Kere Tickner and Michelle McCliman have joined the firm’s Enterprise Litigation and Investigations Group as Members (Partners) in the Irvine, California office. The pair is joined by a paralegal, Kirsten Zell, and a legal assistant, Elizabeth May.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce that Managing Member of McGlinchey’s Birmingham office, Chris A. Bottcher, has received the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2023 Best of the Bar honor, which recognizes the most notable attorneys serving the Birmingham area.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Lauren Baudot has joined the firm’s Enterprise Litigation and Investigations Group as Of Counsel in the New Orleans office. Lauren focuses her practice on representing the insurance and transportation industries in litigation.

McGlinchey is pleased to announce Sanford (Sandy) Shatz, Of Counsel in the firm's Irvine office, has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers (ACCFSL).

McGlinchey Stafford congratulates Michael H. Rubin on the national release of his third novel, A White Hot Plan. Co-authored by his wife, Ayan, the book was published by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press.