Philip Smith

A seasoned trial attorney with big firm experience, Sean McCaffity primarily represents plaintiffs in complex commercial litigation as well as matters involving business fraud, audit malpractice, fiduciary litigation, director and officer liability, fraudulent transfer and whistleblower litigation. Mr. McCaffity has previously represented Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees, liquidating trustees post-confirmation and receivers attempting to collect and liquidate assets for the benefit of creditors....

Kelly A. Cameron is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kelly A., who practices law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kelly A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christian Hancey is a partner in the firm’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group. He focuses on designing, reviewing and implementing a wide range of benefit and compensation programs structured to suit businesses and nonprofit organizations. What do you focus on? I counsel employers on all types of traditional benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans, 401(k) and 403(b) plans, multiemployer plans, medical benefit plans, cafeteria plans, disability plans and o...

As the first in his family to attend college, Tom Vertetis was inspired to attend law school based on the encouragement of his father. It was the clearest path to try and make a big difference in helping others. If waking up at 3 a.m. and emailing colleagues to share a new legal strategy is an indication, Tom clearly found his calling. With a passionate commitment to assisting victims in complex personal injury cases, including medical malpractice, wrongful death, sexual abuse, school liabili...

Paul B. Ranis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Paul B., who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

In 2001, William Heath Brooks moved to Oregon as a way of purposely removing himself from his comfort zone. He wanted to try something completely new and different. That time away helped him to focus and plan his goals, paths, and aspirations for the rest of his life. One of those paths led him to Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Since law school, Heath has spent his career representing individuals who cannot represent themselves. After over a decade as a lawyer, he continues t...

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

The Honorable Peter J. Polos (ret.) is Of Counsel to the firm and serves as its Director of Litigation. In that role, he assists in overseeing the firm’s entire litigation practice, providing a unique perspective as both an experienced trial lawyer and as a judge who understands effective case presentation. Prior to joining Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, Judge Polos spent eight years as a Superior Court Judge in Orange County, California. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Gray Dav...

Ms. Cole, a director of the firm, advises clients in immigration matters relating to employment, education, research, investment and entrepreneurial business. Employment Ms. Cole advises clients on immigration compliance for employment of international professionals in the United States. Education and Research Ms. Cole advises colleges, universities and research institutes on immigration compliance for professors, researchers, staff, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and campus immigration ...

Mr. Lewiston specializes in a wide range of business litigation, formation, and negotiation. He has represented major sports franchises including The Detroit Lions and The Detroit Red Wings, as well as numerous business executives and their companies, law firms, and real estate developers. He has been involved in major antitrust action suits, recovering in excess of $50 million for his clients. He has served as a mediator/facilitator/lecturer in business matters throughout Michigan. For many ...