John Xu

Susan L. Steffey was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1987 and to the Mississippi Bar in 1991. She is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Mississippi and Florida and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Before joining Watkins & Eager in 1991, Susan practiced in Tampa, Florida, with the law firm of Sessums & Mason (1987-1990), and served as law clerk to the Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1990-19...

Jeffrey A. Udell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Jeffrey A., who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David J. White is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Finance Law, Public Finance Law and Real Estate Law. David J., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic a...

Clients depend on Mike's congressional and administration experience, serving as health policy counsel to the Senate Committee on Finance and in several roles in the Department of Health and Human Services, for representation on both legislative and regulatory matters. His direct work with policymakers enables him to meet the legislative and regulatory needs of his clients. Michael served as health policy counsel to Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance,...

Mr. Crawford is the General Products Team Leader overseeing products, admiralty, and general negligence matters defended by the firm. He has substantial experience in the defense and trial of product design and manufacture defect claims involving products such as heavy construction equipment and power tools, motor vehicles, recreational watercraft, gas, and diesel engines. Mr. Crawford has been involved in complex litigation regarding the defense of foreign substance food cases, carcinogenic ...

Bennett Lee is a founding member of Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, and manages the firm's San Francisco office. Bennett is a recognized expert in federal government contracting on issues ranging from compliance, bid protests, to claim preparation, pricing, and dispute resolution. He has extensive experience in claim preparation, prosecution and dispute resolution on federal, state, municipal and private contracts.

Kathleen Carothers Paone, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been an Orange County resident since 1980. She and her husband, Tim Paone, have 3 adult children. Ms. Paone graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, (cum laude, 1977) and received her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University (J.D., 1980). While in law school, she was a member of the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society. She was admitted to the California State Bar in 1980 (and the Northern, Central and Southern Fe...

Brian P. Muething is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Brian P., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Aron Zwi Karabel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Aron Zwi, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Aron Zwi is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stanley Pupecki is an experienced civil litigator who represents clients in a variety of industries, including insurance and health care. His representation encompasses all aspects of litigation, from inception through trial, including mediations and arbitrations, appellate practice, and motion practice in municipal, state, and federal courts. Before joining Pierce Atwood, Stan was a partner at Rice Dolan & Kershaw, where he practiced for 19 years. During law school, Stan interned for the...