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After more than a decade of dedicated leadership within the Professional Liability Defense Federation (PLDF), WSHB White Plains Managing Partner Michelle Arbitrio was installed as the organization's president during its 2026 Annual Meeting. This event took place September 23-25. Michelle assumed the presidency following years of distinguished service to PLDF, a national organization of attorneys and insurance claims professionals dedicated to defending professional liability claims across a broad range of professions. 

Congratulations to Los Angeles Partner Domingo Tan on his appointment to the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA). Domingo’s selection is a testament to his enduring dedication to professional leadership, mentorship, and service. In his new role, he will advance PABA’s mission to promote diversity within the legal profession, champion equal access to justice, and foster the growth and development of attorneys and law students alike. 

WSHB has expanded its Orange County, California, construction practice by adding Keith Haskins as a partner. An experienced construction litigator, Keith represents developers, general contractors, and subcontractors in complex construction and civil litigation. He also advises on construction contracts and early dispute resolution. In addition, Keith has substantial experience defending businesses in general civil litigation, including premises, products, and employment liability matters.

WSHB proudly announces that Los Angeles Partner Melissa Saracyan has been named a CLM Magazine 2027 Phenom Under 40. In less than ten years since joining the California Bar, Melissa has built a leading litigation practice, earned recognition in complex civil disputes, and educated claims professionals and defense counsel. She will be featured in CLM Magazine's November/December 2026 issue and on its website. This honor also makes her a finalist for CLM's 2027 Young Professional of the Year, to be awarded at the annual conference.

We are proud to share that WSHB Senior Counsel Jacob Wilson has been appointed to the advisory board for the Strategic AI for Legal Professionals Program at UCLA Law Executive Education. Drawing on his experience in privacy law and litigation, Jacob will help inform a curriculum addressing the legal profession's growing need to understand artificial intelligence and its implications for legal practice. This appointment reflects Jacob's commitment to professional education and to helping the legal community respond thoughtfully to technological change.