ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
JULY 2024
We are delighted to launch the inaugural edition of the Neal Gerber Eisenberg Alumni Newsletter. This publication is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and milestones of our distinguished alumni, while keeping you informed about the latest developments within our firm.
We are also pleased to announce the formation of the Neal Gerber Eisenberg Alumni Network. Our alumni are a core part of our NGE family, and are valued clients, respected professionals, and ambassadors of the legal community. Whether you have moved on to new legal challenges, ventured into different industries, or retired from active practice, you remain an integral part of our story. We hope that the NGE Alumni Network will foster a sense of community, providing opportunities for networking, professional development, and reconnecting with former colleagues and old friends. Through our quarterly newsletter, we will share updates on the firm’s milestones and accolades, highlight the accomplishments of our alumni, and offer insights into the latest legal trends and developments.
As we launch this initiative, we hope that you will actively engage with us by sharing your updates, attending our events, and contributing to the newsletter with your stories and achievements. Your involvement will be key to the success of the NGE Alumni Network, making it a vibrant and supportive network for all its members.
Thank you for being a part of our extended family. We look forward to reconnecting and celebrating your journey together.
Warmest regards,
BOBBY GERBER Managing Partner
2024 PROMOTIONS & NEW ARRIVALS
Promotions to Partner
Lateral Hires
Kara C. Michels
Kevin G. Schneider
LIFE AT NGE
NEWS & ACCOLADES
NGE Named One of Vault’s Top 150 Under 150
We are proud to be named to Vault’s Top 150 Under 150, a list of leading small and midsize law firms with 150 lawyers or fewer. Additionally, we ranked third amongst the best midsize law firms in Chicago and first amongst the best midsize law firms for our pro bono commitment.
Neal Gerber Eisenberg Recognized as One of the “Best Law Firms For Women and Diversity” By Seramount
This is our tenth year of recognition, and we are proud to be inducted into Seramount’s Hall of Fame.
NGE Achieves 100% Participation in the Investing in Justice Campaign
For the fourth consecutive year, 100% of our firm’s attorneys made personal contributions to The Chicago Bar Foundation’s Investing in Justice Campaign. We are proud that every NGE attorney came together to support the pro bono and legal aid needs of our community’s most vulnerable members.
Neal Gerber Eisenberg Achieves Top Rating in All Legal Industry Sustainability Standard (ALISS) Assessment
NGE is one of just four firms globally to receive this top rating from ALISS, which assesses sustainability and ESG efforts in the legal industry.
NEWS & ACCOLADES
Nine Ranked Practice Groups and 23 Recognized Attorneys in Chambers USA 2024
Four Intellectual Property Attorneys Recognized in IAM Patent 1000
Our Intellectual Property practice along with partners Tom McDonough, Brad Rademarker, Emer Simic and Jeff Ward have once again been named in IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals 2024. This directory recognizes the top patent professionals worldwide.
Litigation Partner Eric Choi Honored by Illinois State Comptroller
Eric Choi was recognized for his trailblazing efforts and support of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community by the Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
Insurance Policyholder Practice Group Chair Angela Elbert Appointed
President of the American College of Coverage Counsel
Angela Elbert recently began her term as President of the ACCC. Angela has been a member of ACCC’s Board of Regents since 2020 and previously served as President-Elect and Secretary-Treasurer.
Partners Tonya Newman and Sonya Rosenberg Named to Crain’s 2024
Notable Women in
Law
In February, Litgation Practice Group Chair Tonya Newman and Labor & Employment partner Sonya Rosenberg were recognized in Crain’s 2024 Notable Women in Law list.
Real
Estate Associate Kelly Bershader Leyens
Receives
the David C. Hilliard Award for
Outstanding Committee Service
On June 18, Kelly Bershader Leyens received the David C. Hilliard Award for Outstanding Committee Service for her work as the Chair of the Real Estate Law Committee of the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) of the Chicago Bar Association (CBA).
2024 NGE CLIENT ALERTS
IP
IP
Navigating the CIPA Landscape: Understanding Tracking Technology Litigation and Compliance Strategies
07.23.24 | Kate Campbell, Alfred Tam, David Wheeler and Josh Hanson, Intellectual Property
Last year saw an increase in lawsuits targeting website Tracking Technologies as a result of a broad interpretation of privacy laws, particularly the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). This alert discusses how these lawsuits often claim that using tracking tools such as pixel tags and session replay software constitutes unauthorized wiretapping or using a pen register under CIPA. It also highlights that recent decisions have been inconsistent, with some courts broadening the scope of CIPA while others have pushed back, thus creating uncertainty for companies facing potential claims.
Read More >
United States Patent & Trademark Office Proposes Rule that Would Limit Patent Owner’s Enforcement Rights of Patents Subject to a Terminal Disclaimer
05.10.24 | Tom Campell, Intellectual Property
The USPTO’s proposal to change terminal disclaimer language will significantly impact an applicant’s prosecution and litigation strategies. This alert highlights that this proposed rule would require applicants to agree that if a referenced patent is invalidated, claims from the continuation patent are unenforceable, which could lead to challenges invalidating a single patent within a portfolio instead of the entire portfolio, requiring individuals to consider their strategies carefully.
Read More >
IP Amazon APEX Complaints Convey Personal Jurisdiction in Amazon
Seller’s Forum
05.08.24 | Mike Turner and Charlie Shih, Intellectual Property
This alert notes that Amazon’s APEX program will allow patent holders to request product takedowns, permitting sellers to opt into APEX or file declaratory judgments.
Read More >
FTC Issues Final Rule Banning Most Non-Compete Agreements: Takeaways and Next Steps for Employers
04.25.24 |
Chad Moeller and Alissa Griffin, Labor & Employment
The FTC’s new rule banning most non-compete agreements in employment contracts, expected to begin in August 2024 pending legal issues, will allow only those with senior executives to keep their contracts, requiring employers to inform those affected employees, though this alert notes that litigation may delay or invalidate the rule.
Read More >
L&E New Final Overtime Rule Set Forth by the Department of Labor
04.24.24 | Jason Kim and Jon Ksiazek, Labor & Employment
This alert highlights the new U.S. Department of Labor overtime rule increases salary thresholds for exemptions to minimum wage and overtime requirements, effective July 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, with adjustments every three years, likely affecting four million workers and requiring employers to reevaluate their exempt workforce for compliance.
Read More >
IP USPTO and Trademark Services Fraud Schemes
03.07.24 | Michael Kelber and Alexandra Maloney, Intellectual Property
This alert notes that scammers target trademark applicants and registrants by impersonating the USPTO and using public records to solicit personal information or payments. It advises recipients to avoid suspicious communications, verify the authenticity of messages, and contact their attorney or the USPTO if they are unsure.
Read More >
IP To Mark or Not to Mark? U.S. Patent Holders Should Take Time to Carefully Consider Their Patent Marking
02.29.24 | Mike Turner, Intellectual Property
U.S. patent holders must review their patent marking strategy carefully, as improper marking can limit infringement damages, and false marking decisions can result in legal penalties involving complex considerations and should include patent counsel.
Read More >
Join the Neal Gerber Eisenberg Attorney A lumni Network on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest news from the firm and connect with your fellow alumni.
Visit the NGE Alumni page on NGE.com to share your updated contact information with us.