News

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is thrilled to share that Florida partner Ryan Schoeb and senior associate Janeé Prince secured a significant victory on behalf of a national property management company and property owner, obtaining summary judgment in a high-stakes negligent security lawsuit arising from an alleged sexual assault at the client's property. The case involved serious allegations, a complex factual record, and a $10 million demand.

Wood, Smith, Henning, and Berman is proud to announce a significant defense victory achieved by New Jersey partner Brendan Johnson and associate Danielle Harris, who secured a summary judgment dismissal in a high-stakes personal injury case involving multiple surgeries, implanted hardware, and a $1.5 million demand.

Wood, Smith, Henning, and Berman is proud to announce a significant litigation victory led by senior associates Megan McDonough and Matthew Lavoie in a complex New York Labor Law matter.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces that Founding Partner and Executive Chairman Daniel Berman has been named Innovator of the Year – Law Firm (Individual) at the 2026 Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Senior Counsel Jackie Macias, Senior Associate Lauren Davies, and Associate Erin Howlin successfully secured dismissal of all claims against their client, a referee, through a post-answer motion to dismiss in a case arising from an alleged sideline injury at a high school football game.

Demonstrating strategic precision and disciplined advocacy, the New Jersey office of Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) achieved a coordinated series of victories disqualifying a key plaintiff's expert in multiple high-exposure recreational sporting facility cases. The rulings, issued across several New Jersey courts, underscore the judiciary's commitment to protecting privileged information and preserving the integrity of the litigation process.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce another strategic win on a motion summary judgment in a high-exposure wrongful death action arising from a fatal automobile accident.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman announces a significant defense verdict in a complex medical malpractice case involving allegations that a urology procedure caused permanent sexual dysfunction. The physician defendant was represented by Partner Ryan Deane, who led the defense through a highly scrutinized trial centered on issues of new to market invasive procedures, informed consent, documentation and resulting sexual dysfunction.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Founding Partner and Executive Chairman, Daniel Berman, has been named a finalist in the Innovator of the Year-Law Firm (Individual) category as part of the 2026 Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a successful outcome in a significant arbitration matter on behalf of its client, a construction manager involved in a private shopping center project. Partners Keith Smith and Mike Kowalski and Senior Counsel Courtney Jakofsky led the defense team to a complete victory. The arbitrator ruled entirely in the client's favor, dismissing the property owner's counterclaim, and awarding the client full recovery of its attorney's fees.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share that Partner Megan Michaud recently secured a complete summary judgment victory in a high stakes wrongful death action arising out of an incident in Middletown, Connecticut.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is thrilled to share that Neely Fortinberry has joined the firm as a partner in the Dallas office, bringing decades of frontline experience and a formidable courtroom presence to the firm's Texas litigation team.

Chad Dunigan, Managing Partner of Wood Smith Henning & Berman's Orlando, Florida, office, has been selected as one of just four finalists for the prestigious Jerrold S. Oliver Award of Excellence, affectionately known in the construction defect community as the "Ollie" Award. This distinguished honor recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions and demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing the field of construction defect law.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Peter Burfening Jr., has been named Managing Partner of its San Diego office, reflecting the firm's continued focus on experienced leadership and sophisticated client service in Southern California.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is thrilled to share that Partner Dhvanil "Neil" Zaveri has been named Managing Partner of the firm's Birmingham, Alabama office, reflecting the firm's continued investment in leadership excellence and strategic growth across the Southeast.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Hernandez has been named Managing Partner of the firm's Jacksonville, Florida office, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth and leadership of the firm's Florida presence.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Amy Robertson has been elevated to Managing Partner of its Mobile office, strengthening the firm's leadership presence along the Gulf Coast and underscoring its commitment to delivering exceptional client service across the region.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share the achievement of a significant appellate victory in the First Department of New York, securing a complete reversal of the lower court's decision. The team consisted of a group of talented attorneys including New York Co-Managing Partner James Tyrie; Partner Jennifer Provost; Senior Associate Lauren Davies; and Associate, Chloe Hassenfratz.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces that Jon Kangwa, a senior associate in the Chicago office, has been named to the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, an honor reserved for a select group of attorneys across the nation that have demonstrated excellence and achieved outstanding results in their legal careers.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman's nationally recognized cyber defense team secured yet another victory for the client in a high stakes class action suit. Boston and Westport Managing Partner Chris Seusing and Partner Sean Patel successfully secured the voluntary dismissal of a proposed data breach class action pending in Texas state court after demonstrating that the named plaintiff lacked standing to pursue the claims. Following targeted legal analysis and strategic engagement with opposing counsel, plaintiff's counsel agreed to dismiss the action, bringing the matter to a decisive close at an early stage.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a major litigation victory in Louisiana, securing summary judgment for certain London based insurance syndicates in a significant dispute connected to a multimillion-dollar first-party property claim arising from a 2022 storm event at an academic learning center in Baton Rouge. The underlying property claim is valued at approximately $7.5 million, amplifying the importance of eliminating ancillary litigation risk.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman announced that Clint Raney has joined the firm as Partner in the Houston office, bringing more than two decades of litigation experience and a proven track record of success as a first chair trial lawyer in complex, statewide matters.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Ross Broussard has joined the firm as a partner in the Houston office, bringing a robust litigation practice and extensive courtroom experience to the firm's growing Texas platform.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly congratulates Partner Frances O'Meara on her admission to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), one of the most prestigious professional organizations for trial lawyers in the United States. She was formally admitted and voted into membership at ABOTA's national board meeting held January 17, 2026, in Newport Beach.

When complex, high-stakes disputes demand courtroom precision and steady leadership, clients turn to Los Angeles partner Sheila Fix. Wood, Smith, Henning and Berman is proud to announce her well-deserved recognition in the Los Angeles Business Journal's Women of Influence: Construction, Engineering, and Architecture.

Wood, Smith, Henning and Berman announced today that Partners Kamela Devole and Sarah Connor obtained summary judgment on behalf of the firm's clients in a premises liability action filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The ruling resulted in the dismissal of all claims against the defendants, who owned a property listed for rent through a vacation property rental company.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Courtney Murphy will join the New York office as a partner, expanding the firm's national bench of trial-ready insurance litigators and further strengthening its ability to advise carriers, reinsurers, and sophisticated policyholders in high-exposure, fast-moving disputes.

A coordinated, cross-office effort between WSHB's Jacksonville and Tampa teams delivered a decisive victory in a high-exposure personal injury lawsuit involving significant alleged damages at a commercial storage facility.

A Los Angeles County jury returned a complete defense verdict following an eight-day jury trial in a hotly contested medical malpractice action arising from an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. The verdict marks Partner Ryan Deane's third defense trial victory in the past 18 months and further solidifies his reputation as a formidable trial advocate in complex personal injury/medical negligence cases.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman has named Jack Pemberton Managing Partner of its Phoenix office, recognizing his leadership, litigation experience, and long-standing commitment to client advocacy.

The Tampa office of Wood Smith Henning & Berman achieved a noteworthy win after the Fourth District Court of Appeal affirmed in full the trial court's dismissal with prejudice, a contentious civil action against one of the nation's leading real estate development and affordable housing organizations. The WSHB team was comprised of Partner Ryan Schoeb, Senior Counsel Caitlin Reese, and Senior Associate Teddy Bilirakis.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to report a decisive victory as Partners James Tyrie, Jennifer Provost and Charlene Lanez along with Senior Associate Matthew Lavoie, prevailed on a motion for summary judgment that resulted in the complete dismissal of the plaintiffs' complaint. The court delivered a well-developed, detailed order and decision, bringing a complete and favorable resolution to a case that had drawn significant public attention to the local community.

The Dallas team of Wood Smith Henning & Berman achieved a decisive summary judgment victory on behalf of a nationwide restaurant chain in a premises liability action alleging negligence arising from a claimed slip-and-fall incident at the restaurant's entrance. The team was led by Dallas Managing Partner Christine Atwood and Senior Counsel Larissa Wakelin.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce the addition of Stefany Tewell as partner in the firm's Las Vegas, Nevada and Dallas, Texas offices. A highly experienced, results-driven attorney and former judge, Tewell brings over three decades of legal experience, including 16 distinguished years on the bench and 13 years in private practice, strengthening the firm's growing presence in Nevada and Texas. 

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to share a significant appellate victory secured under Partner Christine Atwood. The Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth affirmed a trial court order granting complete summary judgment in favor of a wedding venue owner. The ruling eliminated negligence claims seeking more than $1 million in alleged damages and reinforces important statewide principles governing premises-liability law.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce and celebrate the elevation of 27 attorneys to Senior Counsel, recognizing their exceptional legal skill, leadership, and continued commitment to client service across the firm's practice areas.

Please join Wood Smith Henning & Berman as we celebrate the elevation of 26 attorneys to the partnership level, marking a significant milestone in the firm's continued growth and long-term commitment to excellence, leadership and client service.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman achieved a significant appellate victory in Allen v. Patel, in which the California Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court's order granting a new trial on liability and compensatory damages. The court held that pervasive plaintiff attorney misconduct fundamentally compromised the integrity of the jury's verdict and irreparably prejudiced the defense. The WSHB team led by Greg Amundson, Stephen Caine, and Fred Vasquez claimed victory for the client through superb advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to professionalism and decorum in the courtroom.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share a significant win in Kings County Supreme Court, New York, where the court granted summary judgment and dismissed all claims against the property owner client based on the "trivial defect" doctrine. Senior Associate Colin Brucia secured the dismissal by marshalling compelling expert testimony and exposing fatal deficiencies in the plaintiff's evidentiary showing.

A Tulare County jury has returned a highly favorable verdict for a major national grocery chain, awarding $100,000 in damages, an amount suggested by defense counsel, and far below the $1.6 million requested by plaintiff. The defense team was led by Partner David Benton, who guided the case through trial and emphasized that the disputed medical causation did not support the plaintiff's claimed cervical fusion surgery and extensive damages.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce a significant victory on behalf of a national insurance carrier in a coverage dispute before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. The Court granted our client's motion for judgment on the pleadings, deciding in favor of the insurer in a case involving claims-made coverage under an Employment Practices Liability ("EPL") policy endorsement.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce the achievement of a decisive appellate victory in a highly contested dog bite case involving a minor plaintiff and alleged damages reaching tens of millions of dollars. The California Court of Appeal granted the firm's petition for writ of mandate, directing the trial court to vacate its prior order denying summary judgment and to enter a new order granting the firm's motion for summary judgment in full.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman, led by Partner Luana DiSarra Scavone and assisted by Senior Associate Brandon P. Ruggieri, secured a significant victory on behalf of our client, a former property management company, in a complex case arising from a catastrophic fire that involved two wrongful death actions and four personal injury lawsuits, plus other potential claimants not yet identified. Despite tenacious opposition and the complicated discovery posture, the court granted the firm's motion for summary judgment, finalizing the case in the client's favor and the judicial decision was not appealed by any party.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP (WSHB) is proud to announce a decisive and sweeping defense victory secured by Partner Melanie Thomas and Senior Counsel Rena Hughes, who prevailed on a motion for judgment on the pleadings in the District Court of Clark County, Nevada. The ruling eliminates every claim against the firm’s client in a case involving allegations of severe burns, infection, and disfigurement arising from a non-laser chemical tattoo removal procedure.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP is proud to announce its selection to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence: Most Admired Law Firms to Work For” list. This distinguished honor recognizes only 50 firms across the region that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented environments for attorneys and staff.

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.

Slogans such as "We fight for millions" or "Get the settlement you deserve" do more than attract potential clients, they reset expectations. Constant exposure to these messages convinces jurors that multi-million-dollar outcomes are not only common but also deserved in nearly every case. Instead of weighing damages based strictly on evidence, jurors often come into deliberations with inflated benchmarks already in mind.

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.

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 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.