Aurora Packing Company, Inc.
Caputo's New Farm Produce
CGB Enterprises, Inc.
CKE Restaurants, Inc.
Crop Production Services
El Greg
Franklin Baker Co. of the Philippines
Gerber Products Company
Kerry Group
Monsanto
Nestle Purina PetCare
Noble Roman's, Inc.
The NutraSweet Company
Papy's Foods, Inc.
PepsiCo
Rabo Agrifinance, Inc.
Reignon Farms L.L.C.
Riceland Foods, Inc.
SEMO Milling, LLC
Sukup Manufacturing Company
As companies in today’s agriculture and biotechnology industries develop products and methods to improve the world’s food supply, they face constant change brought on by advances in research and development and new regulatory standards. Developments in bioenergy production and use, biosecurity legislation, new international trade rules, pesticide legislation, and advances in genomics, plant growth factors and transgenic plants, for example, have a tremendous impact on the these industries. Businesses involved in agriculture must also deal with a complex set of laws and regulations governing nearly every aspect of the life cycle of their products.
We have assembled a group of attorneys and scientific advisers, many with advanced degrees, who understand the science driving the industry, communicate new regulations and industry trends to clients, and know the dynamics of the business. They counsel companies on the regulation and litigation of a wide spectrum of agriculture-related issues, including product distribution, especially via railway and barge; seed trait stewardship; GMO-related issues; seed law, including matters under the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA); environmental law, including the Federal Insecticide Fungicide & Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); patent law; commercial law; and product liability law.
We have decades of combined experience handling agricultural matters in the context of intellectual property, including PVPA and patent issues, environmental matters including FIFRA, commercial finance, product distribution and transportation, and product liability. Our litigators are highly experienced in handling agricultural and biotechnology-related disputes.
We can help protect our clients—and the significant amount of time and resources they invest in their efforts—as they conduct research, follow regulatory processes, and bring their products to the marketplace. Our agriculture clients are involved in every facet of the industry, from genomics to chemical and fertilizer development, to food production and transportation.
Securing global trademark protections for PowerBar
We represented an agribusiness owner of large hog farms in north Missouri in a multi-plaintiff lawsuit by individuals claiming nuisance and personal injury from insects and odors associated with the farms. The firm won a favorable result at trial in the City of St. Louis. Approximately half the plaintiffs received no award, while the remaining plaintiffs were awarded an amount well below the plaintiffs' demand.
Thompson Coburn represented a company in negotiating the terms of its minority investment in and strategic relationship with Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG), the biodiesel industry leader and a full-service biodiesel company. Our client's investment was part of a $100 million private equity financing involving multiple strategic partners and investors. The firm also negotiated the terms under which our client would supply REG with raw materials, risk management and logistics expertise.
Our attorneys recently represented a manufacturing company at trial in a patent and unfair competition case in the Central District of Illinois. We took over representation of the company from another firm and litigated the matter through trial.
We have handled several acquisitions for a global baking ingredients business, as well as substantial contract and general corporate work. We also have handled issues for the business with respect to importing raw materials from Cuba.
We represented a supplier of processed food products and ingredients in an acquisition of coconut operations in the Philippines. We also have done general corporate work for the client, including all of their distribution and warehouse agreements and tax issues.
We successfully defended a baking industry client against potential class claims brought by independent owner/operators asserting various claims for breach of contract, fraud, ERISA and payroll taxes.
We handled $30 million in sales of restaurants to franchisees for a large national operator of quick-service and fast-casual dining restaurant brands. We also handled their operational real estate issues, including disputes and condemnations and purchases and sales of restaurants and other properties.
We have represented a large manufacturer and distributor of soda products nationally in its ERISA litigation since 2000. We have defended the company in litigation pending in California, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
We represent an international operator of bakery-cafés in all of their employee benefits-related matters. In the past, we have acted as the company’s dedicated outside corporate counsel in reviewing and negotiating many of their vendor contracts.
Do You Have a Constitutional Right to Food? Understanding the Food Sovereignty Movement
Kind Bar MDL plaintiffs appeal federal district court smack down
Chapter 12 family farmer cases in Missouri: An updated look inside the numbers
Regulatory risks of marketing CBD-infused food, beverages, and dietary supplements
Hawaiian style or made in Hawaii: Class action lawsuit highlights product origin labeling laws
We’ve got ‘beef’: Plant-based meat maker appeals decision in favor of Oklahoma’s new labeling law
Seventh Circuit rejects 'ingredient list' and 'common sense' defenses in cheese labeling lawsuit
No preemption for you: “No preservatives” soup label lawsuit not preempted
Made in the USA: False US-origin labeling class actions dismissed
‘Butter’ believe it: Federal court makes decision in vegan dairy label fight
Regulations for businesses owning farmland: A primer on AFIDA and state rules
EEOC issues new guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace
Missouri legislature passes new protections for businesses from COVID-19 suits
The sky’s the limit as the EPA releases a flurry of 2019 air permitting guidance and proposals
What the President’s executive order means for transactions involving the Government of Venezuela
Could your company’s freebie for furloughed workers be an ethics problem for them?
NAFTA, tariffs and trade wars: Are you ready to do battle in Missouri?
5 points to remember before relying on the EPA’s new NSR guidance on projected future emissions
Amendments to Chapter 12 make it easier for a family farmer to reorganize
What to do when the government comes calling: A checklist for handling facility inspections
USPTO launches new proof of use audit program
Environmental deregulation under President Trump: Business as usual?
5 tips for environmental due diligence in business transactions
Missouri to join Right to Work ranks: Is the fight over or just warming up?
Court rejects contractor’s mechanic’s lien because of ‘intent’
Are HR employees ‘investment advisors’ under the DOL’s fiduciary rule?
California expands pay equity, limits pay stub requirements
Nevada case a reminder to foreign entities: Protect your due process rights when served
What U.S. companies need to know about their IP rights post-Brexit
U.K. now requires supply chain transparency on human trafficking risks
Doing business in California or the UK? You may be required to be a watchdog for human trafficking
New Illinois law prohibits non-competition agreements with low-wage employees
U.S. Department of Labor issues final rule updating overtime regulations
New OSHA reporting and anti-retaliation rules
Shippers, are you ready for SOLAS’ verified container weight mandate?
Government contractors must address domestic trafficking
CFTC rule change brings record-keeping relief for commodity dealers and end-users
And on that farm he had a drone: UAS deployment in precision agriculture
FAA grants exemption for large crop-spraying unmanned aircraft
Supreme Court overturns EPA’s 'Tailoring Rule,' upholds GHG BACT for 'anyway' sources
World Trademark Review names Tom Polcyn to WTR 1000 list
Thompson Coburn releases 2021 Ag Innovation Survey on the impact of COVID, future of the ag industry
Jennifer Post talks to Business Insider about startup considerations before going public
Rabo AgriFinance and Thompson Coburn recognized as 2019 ACC Value Champions
Thompson Coburn presents ‘Secrets of the Firewalkers’ at the 2019 CLOC Institute
Thompson Coburn supports agricultural growth through the Center for Soybean Innovation
Rabo AgriFinance, Thompson Coburn recognized in Top Legal Innovation Awards
Gain Executive Insights on trade developments with Thompson Coburn, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Missouri Court of Appeals rules for Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council
Agribusiness professionals enjoy hands-on farm simulation at Thompson Coburn
Thompson Coburn leads Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council to $600,000 jury verdict
Updated trade compliance materials now available
Closing the food gap in D.C. and L.A.
Thompson Coburn earns corporate counsel recommendations five years running in national report
Sixth Circuit rules cows can be leased
Fred Strasheim featured in Law360 ‘Dealmakers’ series
Chemical Safety Board investigator shares insights from two high-profile environmental incidents
27 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2014 Chambers USA
Krissa Lubben, Mark Sableman named 2014 Lexology Client Choice Award winners
Steve Ritchey publishes article on patent basics for American Ceramic Society
Jeff Masson named ‘Influential Appellate Advocate’ for Monsanto Supreme Court win
Ryan Kemper, Thompson Coburn environmental practice featured in St. Louis Lawyer
Three partners named 2013 Up & Coming attorneys
Cliff Godiner, Hope Abramov to dissect a modern labor dispute at SHRM annual conference
Monsanto wins unanimous ruling from U.S. Supreme Court
Eric E. Boyd joins Thompson Coburn's Environmental Group
19 Thompson Coburn partners named 2013 St. Louis Lawyers of the Year
Partner
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St. Louis
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A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive labor and employment practice is bolstered by her experiences as an in-house attorney for more than ... A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive labor... |
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Partner
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New York
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John draws on his more than 30 years of litigation experience to represent a wide variety of clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts. John draws on his more than 30 years of litigation experience to represent ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Matt represents major agricultural companies in business-critical disputes. Matt represents major agricultural companies in business-critical disputes.... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Companies navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the food and beverage industry turn to Kim Bousquet for her experience handling disputes and providing guidance. Companies navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the food and bever... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Matt is vice chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group. Matt is vice chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group. |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Dan Cox is a litigator handling sophisticated business, tort, product liability, intellectual property, and class action defense cases. Dan Cox is a litigator handling sophisticated business, tort, product liabi... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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John represents domestic and international clients in complex litigation and multi-district litigation in some of the most challenging state and federal venues in the cou... John represents domestic and international clients in complex litigation an... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Cliff is a nationally recognized labor and employment attorney who advises executives and HR leaders on all aspects of employment litigation and labor disputes. Cliff is a nationally recognized labor and employment attorney who advises ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Ed is a veteran litigator and head of the Firm's Antitrust Practice Group. Ed is a veteran litigator and head of the Firm's Antitrust Practice Group. |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Amanda is a litigator and highly experienced trial team leader for Fortune 500 companies facing class actions and complex business disputes. Amanda is a litigator and highly experienced trial team leader for Fortune ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Matt’s practice is focused on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in a variety of mechanical and electrical arts. Matt’s practice is focused on the preparation and prosecution of patent app... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Chris serves as Chair of Thompson Coburn, managing the 800+ person firm and leading the firm's executive and management committees in the execution of its strategic plan. Chris serves as Chair of Thompson Coburn, managing the 800+ person firm and... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Wil has a PhD in cellular and molecular biology and experience as research scientist working for a major biotechnology company. Wil has a PhD in cellular and molecular biology and experience as research ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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David strategically advises clients in a variety of intellectual property disputes including patent prosecution, IP litigation, brand protection, counterfeiting, Post-Gra... David strategically advises clients in a variety of intellectual property d... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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David is Co-Chair of the Firm's national Corporate and Securities Practice Group. David is Co-Chair of the Firm's national Corporate and Securities Practice ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Ryan has a broad and diverse practice serving clients navigating sophisticated matters related to air, water, land, energy, agriculture, emergency response and climate is... Ryan has a broad and diverse practice serving clients navigating sophistica... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Krissa practices human resources law, focusing on the representation of employers in employment litigation and client counseling. Krissa practices human resources law, focusing on the representation of emp... |
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Partner
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New York
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Steve represents financial institutions, businesses and constituencies in major commercial disputes, with a particular focus in lender liability cases, fraud-based invest... Steve represents financial institutions, businesses and constituencies in m... |
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Counsel
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St. Louis
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As a member of the firm's mass tort litigation practice group, Allison has extensive experience in complex litigation, including tort claims, product liability, negligenc... As a member of the firm's mass tort litigation practice group, Allison has ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Jeff is a litigator, former crop consultant, and agronomic crop specialist. Jeff is a litigator, former crop consultant, and agronomic crop specialist.... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Gayle is a thoughtful and detail-oriented attorney valued by clients for her practical legal counsel. Gayle is a thoughtful and detail-oriented attorney valued by clients for he... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Manoo serves as a strategist for high-stakes litigation, tapping his well-honed research and writing skills to craft motions and briefs that help clients navigate thorny ... Manoo serves as a strategist for high-stakes litigation, tapping his well-h... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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Jack tries complex cases involving intellectual property, product liability and commercial issues before various state and federal courts. Jack tries complex cases involving intellectual property, product liability... |
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Partner
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New York
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Shoko helps companies protect their valuable brands in markets around the world through strategic trademark counseling and enforcement. Shoko helps companies protect their valuable brands in markets around the w... |
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Partner
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New York
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Consistently recognized for his dynamic, passionate, and resolute approach, Zachary delivers practical, tactical, and experienced advice to a diverse clientele that inclu... Consistently recognized for his dynamic, passionate, and resolute approach,... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Tom provides strategic intellectual property counseling to some of the world's largest consumer products companies and service providers, with a focus on IP portfolio man... Tom provides strategic intellectual property counseling to some of the worl... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor to private and public sector employers across a wide spectrum of industries. Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor t... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and provides comprehensive counsel on licensing and technology transfer. Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Sharon develops and executes highly effective MDL and class action defense strategies for major companies across a variety of sectors, including agriculture, transp... Sharon develops and executes highly effective MDL and class action de... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Carl is a trial lawyer who defends complex, high-profile cases. Carl is a trial lawyer who defends complex, high-profile cases. |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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Ken has spent his entire legal career in the public and private sectors in Washington, DC and has a thorough understanding and appreciation of how lobbying can advance cl... Ken has spent his entire legal career in the public and private sectors in ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Peter is an environmental attorney who helps companies respond to major environmental incidents, navigate regulatory actions and successfully resolve civil and criminal l... Peter is an environmental attorney who helps companies respond to major env... |
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Partner
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Southern Illinois
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Erick is a litigation partner in the Firm's Southern Illinois office. Erick is a litigation partner in the Firm's Southern Illinois office. |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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David is a 30-year veteran of the financial restructuring world who provides practical, straight-forward advice to all types of institutions that interact with a distress... David is a 30-year veteran of the financial restructuring world who provide... |
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Partner
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Dallas
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Nicole is a highly experienced trial lawyer representing clients in matters involving antitrust, advertising, business divorces and disputes, fraud investigations and lit... Nicole is a highly experienced trial lawyer representing clients in matters... |
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NOTICE.
Although we would like to hear from you, we cannot represent you until we know that
doing so will not create a conflict of interest. Also, we cannot treat unsolicited
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By clicking the ‘ACCEPT’ button, you agree that we may review any information you transmit to us. You recognize that our review of your information, even if you submitted it in a good faith effort to retain us, and, further, even if you consider it confidential, does not preclude us from representing another client directly adverse to you, even in a matter where that information could and will be used against you. Please click the ‘ACCEPT’ button if you understand and accept the foregoing statement and wish to proceed.