César Nakazaki

In complex business, technology, and intellectual property matters involving parties and interests around the country and beyond, John DeGroote has served as a mediator and arbitrator in significant disputes since 2013. His experience as a litigator, corporate counsel and business executive brings rare and valuable perspective to dispute resolution. Mr. DeGroote previously served as chief litigation counsel to KPMG Consulting, LLC/BearingPoint, Inc., a $3 billion global consulting firm with a...

Bruce W. Ficken chairs the firm’s Construction Law group and is a recognized authority in representing clients in construction and commercial litigation, as well as managing risk in construction projects. As lead counsel he has successfully conducted more than 60 major trials in the United States and in international arbitrations. He has also helped numerous owners and developers with contract documentation, contract and project administration, and dispute avoidance and resolution. Bruc...

Adam structures and negotiates secured financings in commercial lending transactions. His experience ranges from representing lenders in single-bank deals to broadly syndicated investment-grade credit facilities, but his focus is representing banks and financial companies in middle market cash flow acquisition financings. Adam Monich represents banks, direct lenders, borrowers, and sponsors in debt financings. He has experience in structuring and negotiating both secured and unsecured financi...

Mark G. Cooper is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Mark G., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Charles D. (Chuck) Brecker principally represents residential and commercial real estate builders and developers, as well as investors and joint venturers, in acquiring, financing, developing, constructing, selling and leasing residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects, many of which consist of vast acreage and vertical mixed-use towers. In addition, Chuck has extensive experience in the creation of condominium and homeowners' communities, hotel and office condominiums, and has handled r...

Julie C. Berson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Julie C., who practices law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Julie C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Thornton concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate finance, securities, commercial transactions and general corporate counseling. He assists businesses and individual clients with secured financings, restructurings, company acquisitions and dispositions, SEC compliance, and other general corporate matters. Of particular note, Steve is committed to providing the clear and straightforward communication required to advise privately held businesses. He focuses on taking the time t...

John M. Murphy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Real Estate Law. John M., who practices law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Patrick J. Concannon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trademark Law. Patrick J., who practices law in Boston, Massachusetts, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brent Barriere has over forty years of experience litigating commercial cases. He represents clients in a wide variety of commercial disputes, including bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, securities litigation, breach of contract, business valuation disputes, director and officer claims, error and omission claims, and class actions. Brent has developed a national practice niche representing trustees and receivers in varied litigation. He is currently Receiver’s counsel in Securitie...