Håkan Bjerle

The Honorable Douglas E. Arpert (Ret.) joined Walsh after a distinguished legal career spanning four decades, including 15 years as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of New Jersey. He brings tremendous legal and judicial experience and an incredible insight into resolving highly complex disputes. Judge Arpert is a leader in the firm’s Mediation, Arbitration, and Special Master Appointments practice alongside the Honorable Mark Falk (Ret.). Judge Arpert was appointed to h...

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

Andrea Ostapowich is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals. Andrea, who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrea is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

“Chris is just really willing to get in and get the job done. He understands the need to balance costs against trial preparation. He’s also willing to say, this isn’t my area, let me refer you to somebody else.” The above quote, from a national construction client with outside counsel in nearly every state, was shared with Thomson Reuters, the company behind Westlaw, during its global research with senior in-house counsel to identify top-performing lawyers in private p...

Azim Chowdhury advises domestic and international corporations on regulatory compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its global counterparts, particularly focusing on vapor, nicotine, tobacco product and cannabis/cannabidiol (CBD) regulation, as well as food contact materials. He counsels tobacco, e-cigarette, e-liquid and CBD manufacturers, distributors, retailers, suppliers, and trade associations on matters relating to regulatory compliance, as well as public policy...

Bryan Bates is an experienced bankruptcy attorney with a practice focused on business bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, and related commercial litigation matters. Through thoughtful strategy and a client-focused approach, he helps his clients achieve their goals in all aspects of insolvency and litigation proceedings. Bryan has significant experience representing creditors (secured and unsecured), contract parties, debtors, trustees and other parties-in-interest in Chapter 11 reorganizatio...

James D. Rhorer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Oil and Gas Law. James D., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Billie focuses his real estate and corporate practice on a broad spectrum of private equity, financial, commercial, and real estate transactions that includes the acquisitions, financing, development and sale of all types of properties and companies. Please read more here: https://www.winston.com/en/who-we-are/professionals/ellis-billie-j.html

Benjamin J. Howard is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Benjamin J., who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Birke serves as co-chair of Akerman’s M&A and Private Equity Practice Group. David’s practice focuses on representing private equity funds, family offices and their portfolio companies in complex acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, restructurings, growth capital investments, and debt and equity financings. David’s wide ranging practice also encompasses representing other private and public companies with corporate governance, joint ventures, executive co...