Polsinell adds 3 new Phoenix shareholders
Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli announced the election of 31 attorneys, based on their superior client service and dedicated legal commitment. The new shareholders span across 11 offices and 19 practice areas. Tim Fontes, Adam Merrill and Gus Schneider of the firm’s Phoenix office are among the new shareholders.
Tim Fontes is an intellectual property attorney who works with clients on trademark and patent matters involving medical devices, artificial intelligence including machine learning applications, semiconductors, audiology devices, software, internet technology, media technology and other computer, electrical and mechanical devices.
Adam Merrill is a labor and employment attorney who works with clients on wage and hour issues including litigation defense against anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, wrongful termination, worker misclassification, and other employment related matters.
Gus Schneider is a real estate finance attorney who primarily represents lenders and loan servicers in connection with the origination, servicing and restructuring of commercial real estate loans, with particular emphasis on the commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized loan obligation, and capital markets execution industries.
“It takes dedication, hard work and proven results to become a shareholder at our firm,” said Polsinelli Chairman and CEO Chase Simmons. “On behalf of the entire firm, I’d like to congratulate all of these esteemed attorneys who have achieved the coveted position of shareholder. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to rise through the ranks in their legal careers.”
The election of the 31 new shareholders concludes another year of significant growth for Polsinelli. In 2019, the firm added more than 140 new attorneys and opened its newest office in Miami, an important geographical expansion in the Southeast to serve clients in the health care, real estate, financial services, logistics and entertainment industries.
Polsinelli’s Lindsi Weber selected as ABI 40 Under 40
Polsinelli Shareholder Lindsi Weber has been selected as one of 40 distinguished national honorees who will be recognized as a member of the 2019 American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) “40 Under 40.” Weber was chosen for this distinction in recognition of her commitment to the highest standards of achievement in the insolvency profession and her leadership in the community. In her practice, Weber works closely with clients to deploy creative solutions to complex bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring situations and creditors’ rights matters.
She served as a member of the Arizona Bankruptcy Court Local Rules Committee, where she worked with judges, trustees, attorneys and others to formulate recommendations and revisions to local procedures that have subsequently been approved and implemented. Weber was recently sworn in as a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. ABI is the largest multi-disciplinary, nonpartisan organization in the U.S. dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency.
Investment team joins Velocity Retail Group
Velocity Retail Group announces two industry veterans have joined the firm’s Investment Advisory Group. Greg Abbott, Vice President, formerly with CBRE has 27 years of Metro Phoenix retail real estate industry experience. Mike Duffy, Vice President, most recently with ORION Investment Real Estate has 25 years of experience. Working in partnership, the team will utilize their deep industry experience, superior knowledge of the Arizona retail market and extensive industry relationships in order to achieve market-leading results for owners of shopping centers and retail buildings that they represent. Combining Abbott and Duffy’s track record of investment sale success with Velocity Retail Group’s best in class team of outstanding retail professionals will create a unique platform for the team to offer owners the ability to achieve maximum pricing and greater efficiency in the investment sale process.
Greg Abbott brings a valuable multi-layered retail brokerage skill set to the team. His successful background includes both leasing and investment experience which, combined with a highly analytical approach provides a critical contribution to their team. His experience includes over $500 million in transactions totaling over 3 million square feet.
Mike Duffy’s background includes all facets of acquisition, disposition and leasing of retail properties. While serving as president and managing partner for a Denver, Colorado development company Mike gained experience in project development, construction management and finance. This unique background provides their clients an added benefit when evaluating properties for repositioning or redevelopment. He is a dedicated professional that provides best-in-class customer service while bringing considerable knowledge of the industry into every transaction.
Long-time friends, the duo has come together and built a market differentiating business plan that connects their unique strengths and experience. “The innovative platform at Velocity Retail Group provides the ideal springboard for Greg and Mike to launch their partnership and help broaden our investment sale platform. They are a perfect complement to our office culture, and their experience and skill sets blend well with our existing sales expertise and client base,” said Eli Castronova, Senior Vice President with Velocity Retail’s Investment Advisory Group.
“We are excited that Greg and Mike have joined our firm. Individually they have outstanding reputations and are known for their intelligent approach to the business, strong character and superior customer focus and service. Together, their business model and partnership will prove to be very beneficial for property owners wanting to achieve maximum value for their properties with seamless execution,” added Dave Cheatham, President of Velocity Retail Group.
Fidelity announces appointment of Patti Graham
Fidelity National Title Agency, Inc. of Maricopa County, Arizona, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patti Graham to Vice President, Manager of its Homebuilder Development Department.
A veteran in the industry with Fidelity National Title, Graham has 35 years of experience in the commercial title and escrow field, including expertise with local, regional and national homebuilders. Graham has gained the respect of countless real estate industry professionals because she places such a high value on the customer relationship.
Graham holds the prestigious “Hall of Fame” status at Fidelity National Title Agency and has garnered numerous company awards. She is an active member of HBACA (Home Builders Association of Central Arizona) and holds a real estate license with the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE).
“Because she places such a high value on the customer relationship, Patti has gained the respect of countless local and national real estate industry professionals,” said Mary Lou Paulk, President and County Manager with Fidelity National Title Agency. “Patti’s ability to focus on communication and demonstrate integrity will serve to enhance Fidelity National Title’s already solid partnerships with homebuilders and residential developers. We are so fortunate to have Patti Graham take on her new role.”
