News

The Wood Smith Henning & Berman Orlando trial team recently delivered a significant victory for a national home builder, obtaining three separate summary judgment rulings that resulted in a complete dismissal of all claims in a premises liability action in which the plaintiff demanded a seven-figure settlement.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP is pleased to announce the return of Claudia Borsutzki as a partner in the firm’s Ventura County office. A seasoned litigator with more than 17 years of combined experience in California and Germany, Borsutzki brings an exceptional blend of international perspective, strategic insight, and proven advocacy to the firm’s robust litigation practice.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP is pleased to announce that highly respected legal advocate and trial attorney Elizabeth Hernandez has joined the firm’s Jacksonville office as Partner.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is delighted to announce that Minerva I. Zamora, a highly respected litigator and community leader, has joined the Rio Grande Valley office as a partner. A Rio Grande Valley native, Zamora brings more than two decades of experience in civil litigation, commercial disputes, fiduciary and probate matters. Her arrival marks a significant expansion in legal services throughout South Texas, continuing the firm's long-standing commitment to client-focused representation in the region.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman has been recognized as one of the top law firms in the country in the 16th edition of Best Law Firms, a prestigious ranking published independently by Best Lawyers.

This annual list serves as a trusted benchmark of excellence in the legal profession, spotlighting only the top 3.8% of firms nationwide. The 2026 results are based on the most comprehensive evaluation process to date, which includes over 110,000 client references, 70,000 peer attorney surveys, and nearly 1,000 interviews with law firm leaders across the United States. This rigorous methodology emphasizes the significance of the rankings and their increasing influence within the legal industry.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman's own Tracy Abatemarco, Co-Managing Partner of the New York City office, has been named to the New York Business Journal's prestigious 2025 Women of Influence list, an annual recognition honoring women whose leadership, professional achievements, and community impact are transforming the business landscape across New York.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces that Partner Greg Amundson, a distinguished trial attorney and long-standing member of the firm, has been elevated to the esteemed rank of Diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). This recognition, formally approved at ABOTA's board meeting on October 4, 2025, honors and acknowledges Amundson's exceptional achievement in taking 100 jury trials to verdict. This milestone is reached by only a select few in the legal profession.

In a complex case led by Senior Counsel Sean Patel, Wood Smith Henning & Berman secured a voluntary dismissal of a class action lawsuit filed against one of the largest healthcare providers in Arizona following a third-party data breach.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP (WSHB) is pleased to announce a significant victory obtained by Senior Counsel Arthur Rushforth, who successfully secured an order enforcing a settlement agreement in a contentious New York case involving a self-represented (pro se) plaintiff.

In a significant victory for the defense, Wood Smith Henning & Berman partner Kate Adams, successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of the defendant insured following oral argument before the Connecticut Superior Court. The court's ruling in the insured's favor brought a decisive end to a high-exposure premises liability action.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman partner Graham Miller and senior counsel Kenneth Hepworth successfully defended an appeal before the Court of Appeals of the State of Oregon in a wrongful death action arising from a traffic accident. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's dismissal, finding no basis for imposing liability on WSHB's clients.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is elated to announce a favorable result secured by Senior Counsel Megan Michaud and Partner Kate Adams in a long-running case that was pending before the Office of Public Hearings (OPH) at the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO).

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share that it ranked fourth nationally among law firms with 251 to 600 attorneys in the Law360 Pulse 2025 Women in Law Report. This ranking underscores the firm's ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the organization.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to report that it ranked eighth among law firms with 251-600 attorneys in the Law360 Pulse 2025 Diversity Snapshot, marking an upward move from ninth place in 2024. The recognition underscores the firm's continued efforts to recruit, promote and retain diverse talent at every level.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP successfully defended a complex, high-profile lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, where the plaintiff — a former investigative journalist known for undercover work on terrorism, Chinese espionage, and political scandals — claimed his archive, allegedly worth more than $30 million, was wrongfully destroyed by an apartment complex.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Partner Kamela Devole will take the reins as Managing Partner of the Philadelphia office. An accomplished attorney with experience as a litigator in both state and federal courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Kamela brings a distinguished history of success and leadership to her new role.

In recent years, social media has become the new public square as many express their views on issues of political importance. Whether the subject is the war in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the U.S. presidential election, or the assassination of political figures, employees increasingly take to platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to share their views. These posts are often made in real time, are highly visible, and can go viral well beyond the author's intended audience. Employers, keenly aware of public perception and the potential impact on their brands, are responding with swift and severe measures. Employees are being terminated, suspended, or placed on administrative leave based on their online speech.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Los Angeles Senior Counsel, Nathaniel Brown, has been named among The National Black Lawyers 100, an elite honor reserved for the most accomplished Black attorneys across the United States.

WSHB proudly announces that Alphonso Peets, a courtroom-tested trial lawyer with more than two decades of litigation experience, has joined the firm as a partner in its Boca Raton office.

New York City is no stranger to national scrutiny when it comes to its courts, but the 2024–2025 Judicial Hellholes® report hit especially hard. Ranked the No. 2 “Judicial Hellhole” in the country, New York City has been flagged as a jurisdiction where abusive litigation flourishes unchecked, leaving businesses, insurers, and ordinary citizens footing an extraordinary bill.

In a world where every word matters, ensuring that witnesses feel grounded and prepared is not simply a strategic advantage, it is a necessity for achieving justice in the courtroom. Modern litigation is increasingly dependent on video depositions and recordings, which are often replayed and scrutinized. This magnifies the importance of a witness's demeanor as much as the content of their responses. Witnesses who falter under pressure risk having their testimony dismissed not because of factual inaccuracies, but because of how their communication is perceived.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a significant appellate win in the New York Appellate Division, Second Department, where the firm successfully defended against fraud claims. White Plains Managing Partner Michelle Arbitrio, Partner Jared Levy and their talented litigation defense team, achieved a decisive affirmance of the trial court's dismissal, protecting the client from prolonged and costly litigation.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP (WSHB) is proud to announce a significant defense victory in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where Partner Andrew Kessler and Senior Associate Lauren McDowell successfully secured summary judgment in a complex medical malpractice matter brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces that White Plains Managing Partner, Michelle Arbitrio, will be installed as President of the Professional Liability Defense Federation (PLDF) during the organization's Annual Meeting, held September 17-19, 2025, at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. Arbitrio will serve as President-Elect until she assumes the role of President in 2026.

Following a hard-fought five-week jury trial, a Rancho Cucamonga jury returned a full defense verdict in a multi-million product liability trial.  Wood Smith Henning & Berman trial partner Jade Tran together with Ashley Beagle successfully obtained a full defense verdict in favor of their client following a complex jury trial involving allegations of product liability and negligence.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a major defense victory in Harris County, Texas, where partner Spencer Dunn and associate Grace Cousins obtained a motion for summary judgment (MSJ) on behalf of a trucking company and its driver in a hotly contested personal injury case.

Led by partner Alicia Kennon and senior associate Illise Schulman, Wood Smith Henning & Berman successfully obtained a defense judgment in favor of its clients following a two-day court trial involving allegations of professional negligence in the preparation, administration, and management of a residential fumigation.

In a protracted and hard-fought legal battle, Partner Andrew Kessler and Senior Counsel Sarah Connor of WSHB achieved a decisive victory on behalf of a non-profit mental health provider and its licensed professionals. The team successfully secured summary judgment against an aggressive pro se plaintiff, bringing years of contentious litigation to a close.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that 28 of its attorneys from offices nationwide have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America^®, one of the most respected peer-reviewed legal guides in the profession.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is thrilled to congratulate fifty-eight attorneys recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America^®, a prestigious accolade that highlights excellence in private practice among attorneys earlier in their careers.

In a hard-fought trial in one of Florida’s most plaintiff-friendly venues, an Orlando jury rejected a $1.42 million damages claim, awarding just $95,458.06 to the plaintiff after finding him 40% at fault for his own injuries.

In a powerful one-two punch, Wood Smith Henning & Berman secured consecutive wins in Connecticut premises liability cases, each supervised by Partner Kate Adams, delivering complete dismissals of claims targeting property management clients. The victories involved two separate contentious pieces of litigation: one stemming from an alleged vicious dog attack inside a tenant's apartment, and another involving a serious injury allegedly caused by a defective sidewalk ramp. Both cases were successfully resolved at the motion stage, sparing the firm's clients the cost and risk of trial. The winning motions were argued by Attorney Kendra McGuire and Senior Counsel Megan Michaud, respectively, who both effectively advocated their clients' positions before Connecticut Superior Court judges.

In a significant and hard-fought win, Wood Smith Henning & Berman successfully defended a major corporation in a lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court. The team, composed of Senior Counsel Caitlin Mitchell and Associate Adriana Valdez, persuaded the court to grant a forum non conveniens motion and dismiss the case in favor of adjudication in South Africa, where the underlying incident occurred. The plaintiffs, two of whom reside in California, sued in the state, citing defendant's principal place of business in San Francisco. Despite the steep odds, the court agreed the case belonged elsewhere.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Dilkash Khan has joined the firm as a partner in the Glendale office. With a reputation as a skilled and resourceful legal strategist, Khan brings deep experience in healthcare law, particularly in risk mitigation for hospitals, acute care facilities, and corporate medical entities.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman partners Frances O'Meara and Mindy Bae have secured two significant victories defeating claims brought under California's Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA), a statute that has rapidly emerged as a major source of high-volume, high-risk litigation targeting landlords and property management companies.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is excited to announce that Christine Atwood has been appointed Managing Partner of the Dallas office. Her promotion reflects her outstanding legal accomplishments and her leadership within the firm as well as the broader legal community.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces a significant victory in the California Court of Appeal, which upheld the trial court's grant of summary judgment in favor of the firm's client, a respected cardiothoracic physician, in a complex medical malpractice lawsuit.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest office in Knoxville, Tennessee, continuing the firm's targeted expansion in the Southeast and commitment to providing exceptional legal services in the region. Accompanying the expansion, WSHB welcomes trial attorney Chris Brown as managing partner of this new location, the firm's 43rd office.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that John Stiglich II has joined the firm's Detroit office as partner. A seasoned litigator, Stiglich brings a wealth of experience in resolving complex liability claims with efficiency and precision.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman successfully defended a licensed child psychologist who was sued after offering professional opinions on visitation in a contentious custody case. The appeal, led by Nicholas Gedo, was successful with the Court of Appeal finding that the plaintiff's claims arose from protected activity and lacked any probability of success.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to report a decisive litigation victory on behalf of its clients, the property owners and manager of a historic building in New York City. Partner John Cofresi and Senior Counsel David Incle's legal prowess as well as exceptional motion briefing led to a complete dismissal of all claims in this multi-plaintiff action arising from a catastrophic ceiling collapse that exposed the defendants to more than $10 million in potential liability.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is thrilled to share the addition of Dan Fox as a partner in the firm's New York office. A respected trial attorney, he is known for his creative approach to complex litigation, Fox brings a formidable track record in high-stakes property damage and construction defect matters.

In a major legal victory showcasing the success of strategic risk transfer, WSHB attorneys, Senior Associate Matthew Lavoie and Senior Counsel Brad Sessa, successfully secured summary judgment against three third-party defendants in a high-exposure Labor Law case. The court's 26-page decision also dismissed all cross and counter claims, fully validating the firm's risk transfer strategy and contractual interpretation.

WSHB proudly announces that two of its visionary founders, Dan Berman and Stephen Henning, have been named to the prestigious Los Angeles Business Journal's 2025 LA500 list. This annual honor recognizes the 500 most influential leaders who are shaping the future of the Greater Los Angeles region. The award is particularly meaningful for Berman, as this marks his fourth inclusion in the LA500. Henning adds this accolade as a Top 100 Lawyer in both 2024 and 2025, as well as the LABJ Community Impact Award recipient received earlier this year.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share that partner Frances O'Meara has been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a 2025 Woman of Influence in the "Attorney" category. This prestigious honor celebrates women leaders in the legal profession who have made significant contributions to their clients, communities, and the advancement of the industry. She was also recently named CLM Professional of the Year in the Outside Defense Counsel Category 2025.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly congratulates partner and senior trial analyst Jade Tran on being named a 2025 Woman of Influence in the '"Attorney" category by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This honor recognizes women attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional achievements, and influence within the legal community. 

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 David 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 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, 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.