Powell Goldstein establishes Dallas office with Akin Gump attorneys
Atlanta-based Powell Goldstein has embarked on an aggressive growth plan. The law firm has acquired two partners and 11 staff attorneys and paralegals from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's capital markets practice. Powell Goldstein has also opened a new office in Dallas.
In addition to this, 13 new attorneys will be inducted in the law firm's existing branches in Atlanta and Washington, DC, to supervise operations in Dallas. The firm's new Dallas office has one partner, four senior attorneys, two staff attorneys and three paralegals.
According to the firm's website, Powell Goldstein has existing capabilities in serving the capital markets industry. The incoming group adds a national practice that will appeal to an institutional client base and enhance the firm's depth, especially in the area of commercial mortgage-backed securities.
Toll-free consumer hotline to interpret new bankruptcy laws
Houston-based Busby & Lee has set up a new consumer bankruptcy hotline number that will answer general questions about the Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act.
The changes in the bankruptcy laws announced recently have created confusion in the media, as well as in the minds consumers and creditors. With the hotline, the firm hopes to eliminate such confusion.
The facility evolved out of the efforts of attorneys Michael G. Busby, Jr., and Ricardo Contreras, who assisted with last year's national seminars that addressed the implementation of the reform act. The firm claims they will cater to people facing lawsuits, foreclosure, and/or repossession, particularly those contemplating bankruptcy due to debt problems.
King & Spalding's growing energy practice
Atlanta-based King & Spalding is moving ahead with its expansion plans in Washington, DC. The firm has augmented its energy practice through lateral hires and internal growth. Attorney Erik J. Swanson, specializing in energy regulatory matters, has been hired at the Washington, DC, office to that end.
With 23 years experience, Swanson has advised several electrical and natural gas industry clients and enjoys the reputation of an expert and authority in such matters.
King & Spalding has a team of 75 attorneys dedicated to the energy sector, offering a range of services related to energy and natural resources matters worldwide. The Washington, DC, office has a staff strength of 160 attorneys, which includes non-attorneys, trade consultants, and policy advisors.
Lovells launches in-house English Language training
International law firm Lovells has teamed up with GlobalEnglish Corporation, an online English learning and support service for business communication, to launch an English Language Training service exclusively for its attorneys and legal staff. Recognizing the need to improve international language skills in a global economy, it has embarked on a drive to make training available to its staff members across the world.
Previously, 49 employees of the firm had been selected globally to participate in a pilot project. Based on this 2005 module, the online training service is expecting the involvement of nearly 200 employees in its start-up phase, including legal and support staff from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain. The facility is to be provided free and can be accessed from home or in the office. The firm's Director of International projects, Marc Bartel, has expressed the firm's continued commitment to investing in growing the skills of its people.
