News

WSHB is thrilled to announce that after a three-week jury trial in Kern County, a jury returned an extremely favorable verdict in favor of our client. The client and the carrier are extremely pleased with the result. The case was handled by partner Summit Dhillon over the last four years, with support from trial expert and fellow partner Daniel Webster.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces that founding partner Stephen Henning was awarded the prestigious Legend of an Era Award at the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar, held May 15-16, 2025, at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

WSHB is proud to announce a significant appellate win achieved by partner Richard Singer, in a case involving complex issues surrounding forced place insurance policies. The decision by Florida's Third District Court of Appeal affirms the trial court's dismissal of a borrower's claim for lack of standing and delivers critical guidance on the rights of borrowers under lender-placed insurance policies.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Garry Stevens, a seasoned litigation attorney, has joined the firm as a partner with extensive experience in complex commercial litigation, securities litigation and arbitration, employment disputes, and a diverse range of professional liability matters.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announce that founding partner Stephen Henning has been recognized once again as one of the Los Angeles Business Journal's Top 100 Lawyers for 2025. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights his outstanding leadership, legal expertise, and significant contributions to the legal profession. Additionally, Henning was singled out for the prestigious Community Service Impact Award, underscoring his dedication to public service and community leadership.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Dhvanil "Neil" Zaveri has joined the firm as a partner in its Birmingham, Alabama office. A seasoned trial attorney with a broad litigation background, Zaveri brings a wealth of experience in insurance coverage, construction law, and complex commercial litigation.

In a sweeping courtroom win in one of the most plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions in the country, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP secured a big win for its clients- a condominium ownership group and homeowner association (HOA)- in a high-stakes fraud trial stemming from a disputed real estate transaction.

In a significant win for WSHB, partner Ryan Schoeb, senior counsel Oliver Moll and associate Jonathan Garvin successfully obtained an order of dismissal in a high-exposure negligent security case stemming from a shooting at a commercial shopping center in Miami, Florida. The plaintiff, who was left paralyzed from the waist down after the incident, alleged that he was shot during a robbery gone wrong while on the property owned and managed by the client.

Led by partners Michelle Birtja and David Rubaum, Wood Smith Henning & Berman secured an excellent outcome for an orthopedic surgeon client following arbitration in a contentious medical malpractice case. The matter centered on allegations that a total right hip revision in 2019 was negligently performed, specifically regarding the surgeon's decision to retain some of the hardware over the course of five surgeries.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that partner Chris Seusing will return as a professor and serve as Provost, alongside Dave Rock, Chief Claims Officer for Trium Cyber U.S. Services, at the upcoming ClaimsAcademy, presented by ClaimsXchange. The event will take place July 16-17, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.

WSHB proudly announces another significant trial victory, achieved by partner Ryan Schoeb and senior counsel Oliver Moll, who successfully defended a large commercial property owner and property manager in a high-stakes negligence suit. The trial, held in Palm Beach County, Florida, culminated in a directed verdict, effectively dismissing the plaintiff's claim during jury proceedings.

WSHB is proud to announce that a Harris County District Court granted summary judgment in favor of the client, a real estate development company, dismissing all claims in a premises liability lawsuit alleging permanent injury. This decisive victory comes amid a sharp rise in nuclear verdicts, jury awards exceeding $10 million, in Harris County and across Texas.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is thrilled to announce Frances O'Meara, partner and nationally recognized attorney, has been named the 2025 CLM Professional of the Year - Outside Defense Counsel Category. This prestigious award recognizes France's outstanding contributions to claims and litigation management, her commitment to mentorship and education, and her dedication to advancing diversity and collaboration in the legal industry. 

It is with great pride that Wood Smith Henning & Berman announces Catherine Deter, a nationally recognized litigation attorney, has been named the CLM Professional of the Year - Outside Defense Counsel Young Professional. This outstanding honor showcases her exceptional contributions to the legal profession.

In a high-stakes liability case, Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) delivered a decisive summary judgment victory, protecting its client from a meritless claim and underscoring the power of precision litigation strategy.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share a successful motion for summary judgment for its client in a dental malpractice suit. Led by New York partner Jeremy Chen, the case involved allegations of pain, neuralgia, bone loss and infection stemming from the removal of a dental implant, the preparation for the placement of a new implant and subsequent treatment. The court ruled in favor of our client, granting summary judgment on the grounds that Plaintiff's claims were time-barred under New York's statute of limitations.

In a remarkable culmination of legal perseverance, trial attorney Philip Grennan of Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) triumphed in a fiercely contested racial discrimination trial that spanned over two grueling months. Described by Grennan as “the craziest and most challenging trial I’ve ever had in 40 years of practice,” this case underscores the exceptional dedication and expertise that WSHB brings to its clients.

A federal judge in Arizona has dismissed a data breach class action, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked standing and failed to state a claim despite multiple attempts to amend their complaint. The Wood Smith Henning & Berman defense team comprised of partners Chris Seusing, John Darminio, and senior associate Sean Patel, successfully defended the client in this multi-faceted and complex case. The decision was not only a critical victory for the client, but also serves as important precedent, reinforcing that courts can and will strike class allegations at the pleading stage, an action they have historically been reluctant to take.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman obtained a decisive victory for a large financial institution in a data breach class action, leading to the voluntary dismissal of the case in Nebraska State Court. The lawsuit, which alleged violations of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), was withdrawn after the WSHB team, consisting of partner Chris Seusing and senior associate Sean Patel, demonstrated that the named plaintiff was not an adequate class representative.

WSHB successfully secured a summary judgment in favor of its client in a high-stakes premises liability case in Florida. The plaintiff alleged that an optical illusion of a handrail on a sloped landscaped area caused a fall, resulting in over $400,000 in medical expenses and lasting physical limitations. Despite a $2.5 million demand from the plaintiff, WSHB's partners Ryan Schoeb and Zachary Williams, along with senior associate Kyle Woodford, prevailed by crafting a compelling legal argument that convinced the court to dismiss the case entirely.

Catherine Deter, a trailblazer in the legal industry and previously named Phenom Under 40 by CLM, is now being considered for the prestigious CLM Professional of the Year Award- Outside Counsel Young Professional. This recognition highlights her outstanding contributions to the claims and litigation community, including exceptional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to mentoring the next generation of female attorneys.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share a hard-fought victory for the defense, with senior counsel Megan Michaud successfully arguing a motion for summary judgment in a complex premises liability case. The outcome is particularly noteworthy given the challenges of prevailing on summary judgment in negligence cases, especially given the serious nature of the plaintiff's alleged injuries.

WSHB is proud to announce that powerhouse litigator and trusted advocate, Frances O'Meara, has been named a finalist in the CLM Professional of the Year Award in the Outside Defense Counsel category for 2025. This recognition places O'Meara among the top legal minds in the field of litigation, honoring their dedication, innovation, and ability to tackle complex litigation with skill and strategy.

WSHB is pleased to welcome trial litigator Christine Atwood as a new partner in the Dallas office. Licensed to practice in Texas, Nevada and Colorado, federal courts in Nevada and Colorado, Atwood has built a distinguished career successfully handling complex, high-stakes litigation and disputes across a variety of jurisdictions. That experience includes being the lead attorney on hundreds of party and expert depositions, trying more than a dozen jury trials to verdict, and repeatedly securing favorable defense outcomes for clients in matters with multi-million-dollar exposure.

New York's legal and insurance systems have long been fertile ground for exploitation, but recent revelations from a court filing by Tradesman Insurance provides an inside look at how a sophisticated construction accident fraud scheme has allegedly operated. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants- comprised of corrupt runner-claimants, attorneys, medical providers, and litigation funders- are orchestrating a wide-ranging criminal enterprise to stage construction accidents. From these false accidents the defendants file fraudulent claims, and reap millions of dollars in settlements, workers' compensation benefits, and litigation funding. This article explores the details of how this criminal enterprise operates.

In today's 24/7 information era, the influence of media on jurors is more intrusive than ever before. What began historically as sensational newspaper coverage in the early 1900's has evolved into a world dominated by social media, algorithm-generated content, and an endless stream of information at jurors' fingertips. For legal professionals, this presents significant challenges. Jurors arrive at the courthouse already influenced by external narratives, biases and often misinformation. This article explores the intersection of media and jury behavior, highlighting trends that attorneys must contend with and offers practical strategies to ensure that the judicial system is not undermined by the reach of the social media.

In a high-stakes personal injury case involving multiple alleged defendants and complex discovery battles, the legal team at Wood Smith Henning & Berman, led by partner Keith Smith, secured a decisive resolution in favor of the client on the footsteps of the courthouse just prior to the commencement of trial. The defense successfully dismantled the plaintiff's claim resolving the original $1.5 million claim to a settlement of only $50,000, and less than a previously issued 998 offer to compromise in the case.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announce another trial victory achieved by partner Ryan Schoeb and senior associate Olivia Rosenthal, who successfully defended a local construction company in a negligence suit, culminating in an involuntary dismissal during a bench trial

With a career spanning over 30 years and a reputation for excellence in civil litigation defense, Michael Kowalski has joined WSHB's Riverside office. His extensive experience across diverse legal areas, including first and third-party claims, SIU investigations, catastrophic personal injury, construction defect and construction disputes, enhances the firm's ability to deliver top-tier legal solutions to clients.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman announces a significant victory in a case involving a fraudulent accident at a work site. Senior associate, Megan McDonough, successfully secured a stipulation of discontinuance with prejudice after uncovering critical evidence that revealed false claims made by the plaintiff about an alleged workplace accident.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a significant victory in a highly contentious lead paint action. Partner Bolam Kim and senior associate Lauren Davies successfully defeated the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment on liability and prevailed on a cross motion to dismiss the claims against the individual defendants.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is excited to share that managing partner Fred Vasquez, has been selected for inclusion in the Los Angeles Business Journal's Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys section, published on January 20, 2025. This recognition highlights Mr. Vasquez's exemplary contributions to the legal profession and his impact as a leader in Southern California's legal community.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Sheila Fix, a partner in the firm's Glendale, California, office, has been selected for the Los Angeles Business Journal's prestigious Woman of Influence in Construction, Engineering, and Architecture. The January 20, 2025 issue will feature Sheila among a distinguished group of women who had made significant contributions to their industries through significant expertise, leadership, and innovation.

Demonstrating legal expertise and strategic precision, the Chicago office of WSHB secured a significant victory in a contentious slip-and-fall case, winning summary judgment on behalf of a prominent property management company. Leading the charge was senior associate, Jon Kangwa, who successfully argued that the plaintiff's claims were barred by the "open and obvious" doctrine- a challenging defense to prevail upon in Illinois courts.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce the promotion of twelve exceptional attorneys to partnership, effective January 1, 2025. Representing a wide range of practice areas, geographic regions, and backgrounds, this diverse group of new partners exemplifies WSHB's commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusion. 

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces the largest class of Senior Counsel promotions in its history, elevating 37 exceptional attorneys to this prestigious role in 2025. This achievement reflects the firm's continued commitment to recognizing exceptional legal talent and its dedication to achieving real results for its clients across all practice areas

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share that partners Michelle Arbitrio and Molly Wilcox successfully defended their clients in a significant public procurement dispute, securing the dismissal of all claims. In a decision affirming the trial court's ruling, the Connecticut Appellate Court determined that the plaintiff lacked standing to pursue its claims, setting a key precedent for cases involving unsuccessful bidders in government contracting.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to share a significant legal victory in a case led by partner Nicholas Donzuso and senior associate Lauren Vicencio, securing a motion for summary judgment for the client in a complex personal injury case in Philadelphia.

WSHB is pleased to announce its Raleigh office has been bolstered with the addition of  litigation partner Robin Seelbach. With an exemplary track record in securing exceptional outcomes, both in early case resolutions and at trial, Seelbach is widely recognized for his remarkable proficiency in the realms of all facets of complex civil litigation, spanning from construction, bad faith, transportation and professional liability matters.

In a major victory for the defense, the California Court of Appeal affirmed a summary judgment in favor of WSHB's client involving a significant injury case brought by a longshoreman who was injured at the Port of Long Beach. The plaintiff, who alleged a traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injuries after his rig tipped over while hauling cargo at the Port, originally sought $20 million in damages. This appellate decision marks a rare complete dismissal in this high-stakes area of law.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman has achieved a full defense victory in a complex FINRA arbitration, securing a complete dismissal of claims against its client, a seasoned investment advisor. The case, which was by led by partner Michelle Arbitrio and senior associate Seth Bursky, involved claims that the advisor breached his fiduciary duty by making unsuitable investment recommendations. However, the FINRA arbitration panel found the advisor's investment strategy to be both suitable and prudent, given the claimant's stated investment objectives and market conditions.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is honored to announce its recognition as a Tier 1 law firm in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® by Best Lawyers^®, achieving top-tier rankings across seven metropolitan regions and six practice areas. This prestigious recognition underscores the firm's unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance across diverse legal disciplines.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman, LLP is proud to announce that partner Catherine Deter has been awarded the prestigious CLM's Phenoms Under 40 Award. This honor recognizes her exceptional contributions to the legal field, and highlights her commitment to leadership, mentorship, and advancing diversity within the profession.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a significant victory for the defense, celebrating a unanimous verdict in favor of a respected, world-renowned neurosurgeon in a high-profile medical malpractice case. Philadelphia partner, Andy Kessler, prevailed on behalf of the client after a hard fought eight-day trial.

The managing partner of Wood Smith Henning & Berman's Seattle office, Tim Repass, has secured back-to-back success in yet another high-profile jury trial. Repass successfully defended a housing authority in an important premises case in which an elderly tenant claimed $2.2 million in damages after a fall on an icy surface. Ultimately, the jury awarded less than one-fifth of the amount claimed, agreeing with our analysis.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share that founding partner Kevin Smith has been selected as the San Diego Business Journal's 2024 Leader of Influence in Law. This prestigious honor, awarded after a highly competitive selection process, places Smith among an elite group of legal professionals in the area.

In a significant legal win, the Dallas office of Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) secured an exceedingly rare appellate victory through a restricted appeal, a seldom-used legal tool with strict limitations. The successful appeal overturned a default judgment, offering new hope for clients who believed all legal avenues had been exhausted.

WSHB is proud to announce that the New Jersey office secured a significant victory in a property management case involving a severe injury claim. Under the supervision of partner Jill Mucerino, and led by senior associate Alison McClave, the case was successfully resolved in favor of the client, the owner and manager of an apartment building, after a successful motion for summary judgment in Middlesex County.

On June 3, 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed Colorado House Bill 24-1472 into law, marking a pivotal change in the state's legal framework around damages. This legislation significantly raises the limits on noneconomic damages, wrongful death claims, and medical malpractice awards, while also allowing siblings to bring wrongful death actions in certain cases. These updates carry substantial consequences for businesses and insurers operating in Colorado. This article explores the practical outcomes of these changes and how they may impact litigation and risk management.

Illinois recently passed SB2979, amending the state's Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). This amendment narrows the scope of liability for businesses that collect biometric data, addressing concerns raised by the Illinois Supreme Court in Cothron v. White Castle System, Inc., 2023 IL 128004. In its opinion, the court had suggested legislative review of BIPA's potential for excessive damages, and SB2979 now aims to provide that clarity.

In a significant victory for the medical community, trial partner Ryan Deane of WSHB has achieved a unanimous defense verdict in a two-week medical malpractice trial that concluded on October 15, 2024. The jury deliberated for only 35 minutes before determining that the physician involved was not negligent, underscoring the strength of the defense presented.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is proud to announce a significant victory in a high-stakes jury trial in King County, Washington, securing a decisive win for our esteemed clients—a leading general contractor and a real estate developer. Led by the exceptional legal acumen of seasoned trial attorney Tim Repass and senior associate Nohl Speck, WSHB skillfully dismantled a construction site injury and premises liability claim, delivering a powerful defense.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is excited to announce that it has added new partner, Nicole Koumasidis, to further bolster its national practice teams in the areas of employment, professional liability and coverage practices. Nicole's unique background working first as a defense attorney on the law firm side and then as a complex claims manager on the insurance company side will strengthen the firm's capabilities in handling high stakes insurance and liability matters.

In a significant victory for Wood Smith Henning & Berman, partner Christopher Seusing, senior associate Sean Patel, and associate Kyle Woodford successfully obtained a voluntary dismissal without prejudice in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. The case, which involved a class action against a major entertainment corporation, alleged viol

WSHB is proud to announce momentous victories achieved by partners Richie Singer and Kimberly Jones and senior associate Erica Pope. Richie Singer successfully argued a complex Motion for Summary Judgment concerning a coverage issue on a forced place policy. This win was followed by an unsuccessful appeal filed by the Plaintiff thanks to the strong briefing and arguments by partner Kimberly Jones. This outcome not only underscores the firm's legal prowess but also exemplifies its commitment to providing exceptional representation for clients.

In a decisive legal victory, the Alabama office of Wood Smith Henning & Berman successfully defended an insurance agent against negligence and wantonness claims in a high-stakes trial in Perry County, Alabama. The plaintiffs alleged that the agent failed to procure adequate insurance and mishandled the processing of a liability claim, which led to collection actions being taken against them. The trial unfolded after a year of contentious litigation, culminating in a directed verdict, after the plaintiffs rested their case.

The Kings County Superior Court has granted summary judgment in favor of a leading equipment manufacturer for the meat packing industry, represented by Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB), in a high stakes products liability case. The important ruling is a significant victory in a multi-party lawsuit involving a tragic incident in which the plaintiff lost a limb while sanitizing equipment at a packing plant. Plaintiff is seeking a minimum of $26 million against all parties in the product's distribution chain and the operators of the plant.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce its recognition as a 2024 L.A. Business Journal Leaders of Influence "Most Admired Firms to Work For." Selected from a highly competitive pool, WSHB is honored to be recognized for its outstanding achievements and leadership in the legal community.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB), a distinguished national law firm, proudly announces the opening of its 42nd office in Reno, Nevada. This strategic expansion underscores the firm’s commitment to providing exceptional legal services throughout the State of Nevada with key locations and talent in both locations. This office further establishes WSHB as the go-to firm in this vibrant and rapidly growing community.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is pleased to announce that a Santa Monica judge returned a favorable verdict for our client in a challenging business litigation case. Trial attorneys Andreea Custurea and Greg Amundson expertly navigated a multitude of claims brought forth by the plaintiffs, who alleged breaches of contract, fraud, and other serious offenses. WSHB successfully defended against claims exceeding $2 million with the court awarding the plaintiff less than $50,000. In addition, as the plaintiff failed to surpass the statutory offer to compromise and are now responsible for all expert fees and costs.

As students across the nation return to class, partner Christopher Seusing is adding yet another role to his active cyber practice. He was recently appointed as an Adjunct Professor at Suffolk University Law School, where he will be teaching courses in cybersecurity and data privacy law. As an active litigator handling all facets of cyber exposures at Wood Smith Henning & Berman, Seusing will bring real time experience to law students aspiring to move into cyber exposures.

In a remarkable demonstration of legal acumen, Wood Smith Henning & Berman successfully resolved a complex security negligence case through a strategic motion for summary judgment. This decisive victory, spearheaded by trial attorneys Lauren Kane and Frances O’Meara, exemplifies the effectiveness of well-crafted legal motions in bringing clarity and finality to challenging cases.

Melanie Thomas, an exceptional trial attorney with extensive experience in healthcare law, has joined Wood Smith Henning & Berman as a partner in our Las Vegas office.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) proudly celebrates the recognition of forty-two of its exceptional attorneys in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.^® This prestigious accolade, awarded by the oldest and most-respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, highlights the remarkable contributions and professional achievements of emerging legal talent from law firms across the country.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) proudly announces the inclusion of its partners from around the nation in the annual listing of distinguished attorneys named in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers in America.^® This prestigious recognition highlights the extraordinary achievements and unwavering dedication of the top legal professionals in the nation.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to report yet another successful jury trial, this time led by trial lawyers Jade Tran and Vanessa Herzog. Together, Tran and Herzog successfully defended a national trucking company and its driver in a challenging jury trial in the San Bernardino Superior Court. This intricate case, which stemmed from a significant accident on the northbound I-15, culminated in the jury determining that the plaintiff driver bore 95% of the liability for the collision.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce the addition of a new partner, Spencer Dunn, to the Houston office. Dunn brings a wealth of litigation experience and a proven track record of success in well-rounded plethora of complex legal areas.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman has achieved a notable legal victory in Michigan in a complex automobile accident case. The case involved a vehicle rented by a leading delivery company from our client, which resulted in an accident with the plaintiff. Partner Michael Spinazzola and senior associate Hass Merhi showcased their expertise in the handling of this matter.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a remarkable legal victory on behalf of a multi-million dollar construction client, securing the dismissal of complex data breach class action lawsuit in the Northern District of California (NDCA). The case, which consolidated multiple class action suits, involved the compromise of 24,000 employee files following a ransomware attack.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces its recognition as the #9 firm in the prestigious Law360 Pulse Diversity Snapshot. This top ten ranking once again underscores the firm's continued commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

In a decisive ruling, a Nevada court has granted Wood Smith Henning & Berman's motion for summary judgment in a personal injury case stemming from a shooting incident at a rental property in Las Vegas. Led by Las Vegas managing partner, Janice Michaels, the WSHB team including Kyle Hoyt and Jaden Braunagel argued their way to victory on behalf of owners of a short-term rental. The case involved homeowners who utilized an online marketplace in order to rent their property to a third-party tenant, who subsequently hosted a party in violation of house rules, leading to a nearby shooting away from the home that injured the plaintiff.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Katie Gordon, a distinguished attorney with nearly two decades of experience in defending medical practitioners and facilities, has joined the Las Vegas office.

It is with great pride that Wood Smith Henning & Berman announces that partner Greg Amundson, a distinguished leader in the Orange County office, has been selected as the National Representative for the Orange County Chapter by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Amundson's term will commence in January 2025.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce a significant victory in a bench trial led by trial attorney Thomas Fama. The case, which had been pending for nearly five years due to pandemic-related delays and unreasonable demands by the plaintiff, concluded with a resounding judgment in favor of the defendant.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman, a leading defense litigation firm, is pleased to announce a resounding victory in a high-profile medical malpractice case. After an intense over month long jury trial, celebrated trial attorney, Ryan Deane, successfully secured a defense verdict on behalf of the client, a gynecological surgeon.

WSHB, a leading litigation and trial law firm, is pleased to announce a significant win in a complex transportation case handled by the Michigan office. The litigation involved an unfortunate incident where a vehicle rented by a well-known national overnight delivery service was hit by the Plaintiff, resulting in a series of legal claims.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce the addition of four exceptional medical malpractice defense attorneys all joining the firm from LaFollete, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames. WSHB welcomes partner Scott Blakeley, senior counsel Tyrone Toczauer, senior counsel Jason Scupine, and senior associate Robert Rhoten.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is pleased to announce its distinguished inclusion as one of the top ten law firms on the National Law Journal's 2024 Women in Law Scorecard. This prestigious annual ranking evaluates the percentage of female attorneys and female partners at the largest 350 firms in the country. With a climb to the number eight ranking, up one from last year, this recognition solidifies WSHB's unwavering commitment to promoting gender equity, fostering diversity, and empowering women in the legal industry. 

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce the addition of Marjorie "Marjie" Kratsas, an accomplished attorney specializing in medical malpractice defense, to its distinguished legal team in Las Vegas. With a proven track record in navigating complex and catastrophic civil defense litigation, Marjie brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to client advocacy.

On June 18, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom and several labor and business groups came to an agreement regarding the future of the highly contentious California Private Attorney General Act known as PAGA. The agreement proposes to pass bipartisan legislation amending the statute. Should the legislation pass, the agreement would successfully halt a November ballot initiative for the voters which proposed eliminating PAGA altogether. To date, the agreement has been welcomed by businesses who have long criticized widespread, abusive, and costly PAGA litigation.

Plaintiff attorneys rushed to the courthouse to file claims upon hearing of the overhaul, unaware that while the new reforms are not retroactive, they would took effect as of June 19th once passed. Although the proposed amendments add to a business's quiver of possible defenses, it remains to be seen how effective these will be, and we do not expect the amendments to halt the avalanche of PAGA litigation statewide.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce the arrival of partner Krystina Butchart, a skilled trial lawyer in the realm of complex civil litigation. Known for her tenacity, expertise, and track record, Ms. Butchart has joined the growing team at WSHB’s Las Vegas office which services the entire State of Nevada.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces the arrival of trial lawyer, Philip John, to its Nevada office. Philip, who joined the firm as a partner, brings substantial trial experience handling trial issues that captured national headlines.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a remarkable result for our client, a major construction company and property owner, in a high stakes negligence case. Despite the plaintiff initially securing summary judgment on vicarious liability, partner Cole Munson's strategic trial tactics led to the voluntary dismissal of claims against the client.

In a significant legal triumph, Luana DiSarra Scavone, a partner in the Boston office of Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB), successfully obtained the dismissal of all claims in a professional liability complaint filed against a real estate agent and their brokerage firm. The Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons issued a favorable decision, clearing the respondents of all allegations.

In a significant victory for the construction industry, trial attorney Maggy Mazlin obtained a unanimous defense verdict on liability in favor of her client during the trial of a high-stakes New York Labor Law case. In doing so, the defense steadfastly rejected a $4 million dollar demand from plaintiff.