Guidant Law Firm hires Stockton Banfield
To help small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) affected by state-mandated shutdowns, Guidant Law Firm has hired attorney Stockton Banfield to address their unique challenges.
In addition to assisting Guidant’s SMB clients with COVID-19 related business issues, including Small Business Administration loans and loan workouts on business loans and mortgages, Banfield will help them with commercial leasing, real estate disputes, contractor agreements, employment agreements, asset sales and general operational matters.
“SMBs face a variety of complex legal issues in the best of times and understandably have heightened concerns from current economic conditions. With Stockton joining the firm, Guidant has a deeper bench able to steer them through everything from contracting with employees and third parties to regulatory compliance and corporate governance,” said Lamar Hawkins, Guidant partner. “With Stockton’s addition to the firm, the bankruptcy group will be strengthened by his knowledge and expertise as it relates to workout and bankruptcy issues. Guidant clients also benefit from Stockton’s extensive litigation experience—although he is adept at helping clients avoid costly litigation, his proven track record helps SMBs triumph in court.”
Banfield, who is also a licensed real estate agent, frequently assists real estate agents and brokers in starting and managing brokerages, complying with Arizona Department of Real Estate regulations and handling complaints and administrative hearings for brokers and real estate agents accused of violations administrative rules.
A graduate of The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, Banfield volunteers with the American Heart Association and assists a Phoenix TV journalist in resolving viewers’ legal issues.
To learn more about Banfield and Guidant, visit www.guidant.law.
American College of Trial Lawyers elects JSH partner
Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, PLC announced that the National Committee of the America College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) has elected JSH partner John Masterson to its Fellowship. ACTL is one of the premier legal associations in North America, with Fellowship by invitation only and not exceeding 1% of the total lawyer population in any state. ACTL seeks to elect experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds who have mastered the art of advocacy, and whose careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.
John has been practicing law since 1982, and joined JSH in 1989. He represents governmental entities in issues involving civil rights law, government and constitutional law, police defense, prison matters, insurance defense, wrongful death and personal injury law, general civil litigation, and appeals.
JSH partner and long-time colleague of John’s, A. Melvin McDonald, acknowledges John’s exceptional trial skills by stating, “Having observed John’s work on highly-publicized and complex cases, it’s an honor well deserved. He is a fabulous trial lawyer. Less than one percent of all trial lawyers are accepted and receive Fellowships into the ACTL. Congratulations, John.”
Michele Molinario, JSH partner and Governmental Liability Trial Group Leader, furthers this sentiment by adding, “Not only is John a gifted trial lawyer but he teaches the rest of us, especially our young lawyers, how to try cases. Congratulations, John!”
Jeffrey L. McLerran joins Gust Rosenfeld
Gust Rosenfeld, P.L.C., announced that Jeffrey L. McLerran has joined the firm’s Health Care Group and Insurance Group. Jeff has over 13 years of health care, insurance, and litigation experience.
“Adding someone of Jeff’s caliber and experience to our firm, Health Care Group, and Insurance Group gives us added depth and experience to better serve our health care and insurance clients,” said Séan O’Brien, Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. “He has the litigation experience and knowledge that our clients look for.”
Jeff’s litigation-based practice focuses on the defense of claims asserted against health care providers. He has extensive litigation and trial experience in the areas of medical malpractice, medical negligence, professional licensing, credentialing issues, personal injury defense, contract interpretation, and wrongful death.
Jeff earned his J.D. from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law He earned his B.A. in Economics Accounting from the University of Texas.
Bryan Gottfredson named managing partner of Sacks Tierney
Sacks Tierney announced the election of a new managing partner beginning second quarter 2020.
Bryan Gottfredson has been elected by the shareholders to be the new managing partner of Sacks Tierney. Bryan steps into the shoes of Judith Dworkin who has been the firm’s managing partner since 2004. Judith will remain on the firm’s Executive Committee.
Judith Dworkin commented, “After 16 years as the firm’s managing partner, I am pleased that Bryan Gottfredson has agreed to take on the leadership of the firm, so that I can focus my attention at Sacks Tierney’s growing Indian law practice. Bryan’s track record of building strong client relationships bodes well for the future of the firm. Bryan has been significantly engaged in firm management and a key contributor for some time, and he’ll be a terrific managing partner.”
Gottfredson will now lead the firm’s strategic initiatives and oversee its day-to-day operations, while continuing his active law practice. Bryan’s practice includes all aspects of commercial litigation, from state and federal court proceedings and trials, to private arbitration and mediation. He also serves as an advisor to business owners and executives to solve or work through their complex corporate, real estate, commercial lending, and financing issues and objectives.
Bryan Gottfredson said, “I am honored by the trust placed in me to build on the founders’ vision and the firm’s historic success in providing outstanding legal services to our clients. The current landscape will present tremendous opportunities for our talented and entrepreneurial attorneys to grow our practice and build on decades of accomplishment. Sacks Tierney is more committed now than ever to continue to provide innovative, value-added legal services and solutions to our clients.”
Bryan joined Sacks Tierney as an associate in 2011 and has served on the firm’s Executive Committee since 2016. He is a two-time graduate of the University of Arizona, earning his B.A. in economics from the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences and his J.D. from the James E. Rogers College of Law.
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