News

William E. Russell Elected Co-Managing Partner and Four Attorneys Elevated to Income Partner

CHICAGO Jan. 25, 2018Freeborn & Peters LLP is pleased to announce the firm has elected William E. Russell as its new Co-Managing Partner. In addition, the firm elevated attorneys Jason P. Stearns, Robert A. Stines, Meghan E. Tepas and Julian C. Wierenga to Income Partner, effective Jan. 1.

 

“The firm is thrilled to welcome Bill as our new Co-Managing Partner,” said Freeborn Co-Managing Partner Michael J. Kelly. “Bill’s extensive experience and knowledge as a corporate attorney, and his leadership skills and acumen, will help ensure continued success for our firm and for our clients. We also congratulate Jason, Robert, Meghan and Julian on their much-deserved elevation to Income Partner.”

 

As Co-Managing Partner, Mr. Russell is responsible for development and execution of the firm’s overall growth strategy and its various industry initiatives. He succeeds Michael A. Moynihan, who served as Co-Managing Partner for eight years and remains with the firm.

 

As a member of the firm’s Corporate Practice Group, Mr. Russell advises closely held businesses and professionals on business and tax matters. His practice consists of corporate transactions and business consulting, advanced estate planning and probate, and asset protection. Mr. Russell received his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) from Duke University.

 

Mr. Stearns is a member the Litigation Practice Group and the Insurance/Reinsurance Industry Team. He focuses his practice in the area of complex commercial litigation. He has litigated several patent, copyright and trademark infringement claims in federal courts throughout the country. In addition, he represents clients in various industries with regard to contract, antitrust, fraud, trade secret and other business disputes. Mr. Stearns is based in Freeborn’s Tampa, Fla., office. He earned his J.D. (cum laude) from Stetson University College of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Valdosta State University.

 

Mr. Stines is a member the Litigation Practice Group and the Insurance/Reinsurance Industry Team. He concentrates his practice on business litigation, commercial disputes, and professional liability defense. He also assists companies with contract negotiation, intellectual property acquisition and financial structuring. His clients cover a broad scope of industries, including entertainment, healthcare and insurance. Also based in Freeborn’s Tampa office, Mr. Stines received his J.D. (magna cum laude) from Stetson University College of Law and his Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University.

 

A member of the Litigation Practice Group, Ms. Tepas focuses on complex commercial litigation and employment disputes. She represents businesses of all sizes in lawsuits involving negligence and breach of fiduciary duty claims as well as various contractual claims, including breach noncompete agreements and restrictive covenants.  She has also litigated cases involving the Lanham Act and claims brought under the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act.  Based in Freeborn’s Chicago office, Ms. Tepas received her J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.

 

Mr. Wierenga is a member of the Litigation Practice Group and the Private Equity/Portfolio Company Team and focuses his practice in the area of complex commercial litigation. He has extensive experience representing clients in various industries with respect to business disputes involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and shareholder claims. He has also defended clients in a variety of federal regulatory investigations, including OFAC and SEC inquiries. Based in Freeborn’s Chicago office, Mr. Wierenga earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) from Covenant College.

 

Click the button below for a PDF version of the release. 

This news has also been featured by The Chicago Tribune's "The Ladder" section on January 25, 2018, The Tampa Free Press on January 27, 2018, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (subscription required) on January 31, 2018, the Florida Business Observer on January 31, 2018 and Attorney at Law Magazine on February 25, 2018. 

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