News

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Associates Alli Davidson and Sarah Sheridan presented a CLE during the 2023 Professionalism for New Attorneys program at the NC Bar Center in Cary on Wednesday, December 6.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Beth Friedrich has joined the firm’s Public Affairs team as director of public affairs. Friedrich, who most recently served as senior policy advisor and deputy general counsel to the North Carolina Speaker of the House, Tim Moore, will be based in the firm’s Raleigh Public Affairs office.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Member Nader Raja served as a panelist during the TradingHub RegHub Summit 2023, which was held in New York on November 29. The event brought together regulators, senior risk and surveillance professionals, and industry thought leaders for a morning of insightful discussion.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for our commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. MVA is proud to have been awarded the recognition of Equality 100, the highest possible score for the seventh consecutive year.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Head of Swaps & Derivatives Edward Ivey was quoted in the American Banker article, “RIP BSBY: Bloomberg to shut down its lagging Libor replacement” published on November 27.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Associate Sarah Sheridan was selected by the Duke Law Associate Dean for Alumni & Development to serve on the Duke Law Alumnae Leadership Council. The Council fosters an active network of Duke Law women through providing opportunities for women graduates to connect with each other and with current students and faculty at Duke Law School.

The MVA HR Team organized a teambuilding event to benefit Classroom Central. The team organized 800 Kits for a Cause to support Charlotte Mecklenburg School students. Classroom Central fosters equity in education by providing teachers and students with the free resources they need to succeed.

The Moore & Van Allen Business Resource Groups had an opportunity to join a fireside chat sponsored by the MVA Diversity Committee on November 9.

This past Monday, MVA Co-Head of Investment Team Ryan Smith and MVA Client Steve Hale (Hale Capital Management), participated as guest speakers in a fall semester class at Duke Law taught by Co-Head of Bankruptcy & Restructuring Zach Smith. 

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Services Associate Jordan Dunbar volunteered for the Wills for Heroes event held at the Fire Department Head Quarters on November 11. Jordan joined other area volunteers to interview Mecklenburg County first responders and residents to provide a free legal clinic offered by the North Carolina Bar Foundation to assist with estate planning wishes and drafting wills, health care powers of attorney, durable powers of attorney, and advance directives.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-head of Bankruptcy & Restructuring Zachary Smith, and current Duke Law 3L and incoming new associate and MVA Diversity Scholar Larissa Burke, represented the firm this week at Duke Law’s 2023 Sharing Our Affinities: 1L Diversity & Inclusion Networking Event.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Head of Environmental Mary Katherine Stukes presented to the Network of Trial Law Firms for the Napa Litigation SuperCourse: Wine Sips and Trial Tips on November 3. Her discussion titled, “There’s an Acronym for That: Hot Topics in Environmental Litigation,” examined the recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Sackett v. EPA and West Virginia v. EPA.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Member Jim McLoughlin, Head of Environmental Mary Katherine Stukes and Litigation Associate Pierce Werner, co-author the title, “In Loper Bright and Relentless, Supreme Court returns to high-stakes question of viability of the Chevron doctrine” which was published by Thomson Reuters Legal and Westlaw Today on November 7. Additional contributions were made by Litigation Associate Chassity Bobbitt. This article discusses the arguments, background and questions surrounding the Supreme Court's upcoming review of the Chevron doctrine.

Moore & Van Allen’s Samantha Skains-Menchaca is appointed as Co-Chair of LES USA & Canada YMC.  For over 50 years, LES has been the leading association for intellectual property, technology, and business development professionals. The group brings IP and licensing groups together to network, collaborate and discuss some of the most critical issues facing the industry today and tomorrow.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is honored to be named as one of two area firms selected for the Wells Fargo Legal Department’s 2022-2023 Outside Counsel Diversity Award recipient. This annual award recognizes an outside law firm demonstrating great efforts toward improving engagement of diverse personnel at all levels of participation in Wells Fargo matters and in creating a culture of equity and inclusion in their workplace and community.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-head of Financial Regulatory Advice & Response Neil Bloomfield and Member Kate Wellman served as moderators for FMA's 32nd Annual Legal & Legislative Conference which was held on November 2 and 3.

Moore & Van Allen’s (MVA) Commercial Real Estate Group represented TTX in the recent new headquarters space relocation negotiations. Commercial Real Estate Member Richard Simons advised TTX on their lease, for just under 70,000 square feet of office space at the mixed-use development known as The Line located in South End, which will serve as TTX’s new headquarters in their relocation from Chicago next year. Additionally, Head of Commercial Real Estate Evan Bass, Litigation Member Scott Tyler, Head of Environmental Mary Katherine Stukes, and Environmental Counsel Laura Truesdale advised during the relocation negotiations.  

Moore & Van Allen signed a letter with a group of 125 law firms urging law schools to condemn anti-Semitic harassment and violence on campuses.

Moore & Van Allen’s Co-head of Litigation and White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations John Fagg Jr. is one of five individuals named a Law360's 2023 MVPs of the Year Award in the White Collar MVP category.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that the firm received national rankings for nine practice areas in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms®. Additionally, the firm garnered 47 Tier 1 rankings among its 70 metropolitan rankings in multiple practice areas.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Associate Precious McLaughlin served as a guest lecturer for a Race, Law, and Politics class at Francis Marion University.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is pleased to announce it has been ranked #42 by the Charlotte Business Journal in Charlotte’s Largest Private Companies List. The list highlights companies that have made important contributions to the local business landscape.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Bridget E. Grant, co-head of the firm’s Zoning, Entitlement & Land team, has been selected as a Connect CRE (Commercial Real Estate) 2023 Women in Real Estate Awards winner in the Atlanta & Southeast region.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Corporate Associate Toni-Ann Hines was selected to join The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. The National Black Lawyers is an invitation-only professional development and networking association comprised of African American attorneys from around the country.

The International Trademark Association (INTA) has appointed four Moore & Van Allen attorneys to INTA committees and project teams. The International Trademark Association is a global network of professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is pleased to announce its success in receiving unanimous approval for a 230-acre annexation and rezoning to ID-1, west of Edgewood Road near I-85.

FT Innovative Lawyers North America has shortlisted both Moore & Van Allen (MVA) and Co-head of White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations and Head of Civil Rights & Racial Equity Assessments Valecia McDowell.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce its role in the success of a monumental equity structure transformation on behalf of firm client MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (“MSC”), a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair and operations products and services.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is pleased to announce that it has been ranked as a “highly recommended” firm for Dispute Resolution in the 2024 edition of Benchmark Litigation. This is the 15th consecutive year in which MVA has earned Benchmark recognitions.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-head of Litigation and Co-head of White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations John Fagg is one of five individuals named a Law360's 2023 MVPs of the Year Award in the White Collar MVP category. The elite group of attorneys chosen as Law360's 2023 MVPs have distinguished themselves from their peers by securing hard-earned successes in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters and record-breaking deals.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Services Member Matt Mollozzi was profiled in The American Lawyer article, “How I Made Partner: 'Don't Assume a Career Path Is a One-Size-Fits-All Situation.”

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Intellectual Property Member Kate Cole and Intellectual Property Counsel Sam Merritt were recognized in IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2023.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Regulatory Advise & Response Senior Counsel Sarah Byrne served as a presenter for the Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership panel titled, “Human Trafficking and Financial Exploitation: Credit Repair Needs of Survivors and the Debt Bondage Repair Act,” which took place on September 20.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Corporate Associate Miles Reynolds joined with other members of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to meet with Senate and Congressional offices representing North Carolina to advocate and lobby on behalf of cancer patients and those whose lives have been changed by cancer forever in Washington DC.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-head of White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations and Head of Civil Rights & Racial Equity Assessments Valecia McDowell was named to the 2023 Charlotte Business Journal Power 100 List. The Power 100 List recognizes the region’s leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Associate Elena Mitchell was named to the 2023 Charlotte Business Journal Power 100 List. The Power 100 List recognizes the region’s leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Health Care Member Charles M. Jordan, Jr., through a rigorous application and interview process, was selected to participate in the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI), an award-winning program of Furman University’s Riley Institute. Jordan is one of 42 individuals selected for the 17th Lowcountry cohort and joins a network of more than 2,700 other distinguished leaders who are committed to creating social and economic progress in South Carolina.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Regulatory Advice & Response Senior Counsel Sarah Byrne served as a presenter for the “ACAMS Carolinas Chapter: 2023 AML and OFAC Symposium” which took place on September 13.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Transportation, Infrastructure & Logistics Member Tony Lathrop presented the NCDOT Finance & Charlotte Region Update at the 2023 Regional Transportation Summit hosted by South Charlotte Partners on September 11th.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce its recent victory on behalf of Clear Blue Specialty Insurance Group (Clear Blue) in a lawsuit that deals with an important issue at the intersection of banking/lending and insurance. As a result of the win, Clear Blue has been fully dismissed from the lawsuit.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) members John Fagg and Jim McLoughlin were named to Lawdragon’s 2023 list of “500 Leading Litigators in America”. Co-head of Litigation and White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations John Fagg was named for the Criminal & Government Investigations & Enforcement practice category and Litigation Member Jim McLoughlin was named for the Civil & Criminal Litigation and Appellate categories.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Daniel Young has joined the firm as Director of Economic Development. In this role, he will leverage his many years of experience serving as executive director of the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development (CCED) to help lead MVA’s nationally recognized Economic Development & Incentives team.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Richard I. Simons, a Member in the firm’s Commercial Real Estate Practice, has been named a 2023 Influencer in Net Lease by GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Regulatory Advice & Response Member Kate Wellman and Senior Counsel John Stoker served as guest speakers for a live 90-minute premium CLE video webinar with interactive Q&A on August 29.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is pleased to announce that Co-head of White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations and Head of Civil Rights & Racial Equity Assessments Valecia McDowell has been named to the "50 Most Influential Women" list for 2023 by The Mecklenburg Times. The publication will be hosting an event to honor these individuals in partnership with its sister publication, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly on October 19, at the Hilton Charlotte University Place.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that, following 13 years of contentious civil litigation and arduous fact and expert discovery, the Western District of North Carolina entirely denied defendants’ motion for summary judgment in Mason v. Health Management Associates, Inc. Thus MVA, on behalf of the plaintiffs, Thomas L. Mason, et al., will now prepare for trial by jury and ultimate pursuit of justice in a matter involving the fraudulent and retaliatory actions of a major regional healthcare group.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© lists 109 MVA attorneys who were highly recommended by their peers. This includes five firm attorneys were named Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year.” In addition, 42 MVA attorneys were selected to the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® lists 16 MVA attorneys in South Carolina who were highly recommended by their peers. This includes firm Member Douglas “Doug” M. Muller, who was named a Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year.” In addition, MVA attorney William R. Stroud was selected as among the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Commercial Real Estate attorney William Stroud has been named to the Charleston Business Magazine’s 2023 South Carolina Legal Elite listing of top attorneys in the region as recognized by their peers.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Bankruptcy Member Gabriel Mathless has been reappointed as the Chair of Mecklenburg County’s Citizen’s Capital Budget Advisory Committee, which provides oversight over, and facilitates community input into, the County’s $1.75B Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). During this reappointment, Gabe will serve for a three-year term.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-head of White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations Valecia McDowell is included in the Business Today list, “Top 10 Powerhouse Lawyers Influencing White-Collar Crime Litigation in North Carolina 2023.”

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that firm Member Frank E. Schall has been named to the 2023 Benchmark Litigation 40 & Under list – a guide to the most notable up and coming litigation attorneys in the United States.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Head of Environmental Mary Katherine Stukes has been elected as a Fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL). ACOEL is a professional association of distinguished lawyers who practice in the field of environmental law. Membership is by invitation and members are recognized by their peers as preeminent in their field.

In observance of the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that the Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project, in collaboration with Lexington Law and Credit.com, has developed an online financial wellness tool for human trafficking survivors.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Services Associate Hugh Ebb served as a panelist for the Charlotte Freedom School Partners “Net Gala” on July 25. Hugh joined local professionals to share their knowledge to college aged interns about the benefits of networking, relationships, accountability, reading, and so much more.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-Heads of Financial Regulatory Advice & Response, Neil Bloomfield and Ed O’Keefe have been named to Law360's 2023 North Carolina Editorial Advisory Board. Law360 is the leading primary source of legal news based on award winning journalism in the U.S. and internationally. The Editorial Advisory Board provides feedback on Law360's coverage and expert insight on how best to shape future coverage.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations Member Frank Schall was named to the 2023 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation list.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Members Tanisha Palvia and Jim McLoughlin’s article titled, “The Fourth Circuit Has the Most Liberal Rule 33 Interpretation” was published by Bloomberg Law on July 18. Tanisha and Jim McLoughlin analyze the Rule 33 standard, the path to the Supreme Court for this important circuit split, and its potential impact on criminal cases.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is pleased to announce that the following individuals have been ranked in the 33rd edition of IFLR1000 United States. MVA chairman Tom Mitchell was rated as a “highly regarded” banking in North Carolina, and member Steve Hope was rated as a “highly regarded” M&A lawyer in North Carolina. Member Carolyn Meade was rated as a “notable practitioner” M&A lawyer in North Carolina and member Ed Ivey was rated as a “rising star” capital markets: derivatives and capital markets: structured finance and securitisation. Additionally, Joe Fernandez, Wayne McKinzie, Tripp Monroe and Ryan Smith also being recognized for their respective fields.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Counsel Julianne Farnsworth was appointed as a member of American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Litigation Federal Practice Task Force for the 2023-2024 bar year. Julianne, as a Section Leader, will be engaged in the implementation of the ABA’s Strategic Plan goals, in coordination with Section Leadership.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Public Affairs Practice Amy Murphy Curlis has been named 100 Most Powerful Women: South Charlotte 2023 by South Charlotte Weekly. South Charlotte Weekly launched its 100 Most Powerful Women list a few years ago to provide a who’s who of influential women.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) has been recognized by IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals, a unique guide that identifies the top patent professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe. MVA members Kate Cole, Jeffrey Gray, Chris Knors, Dick Lupo, Kevin Ransom, Nick Russell, Peter Stewart, Todd Taylor, Henry Ward and Mark Wilson were listed as recommended attorneys in their respective practice areas.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) moved up three spots to be listed at number 132 on the “Law360 400,” Law360’s annual ranking of the 400 largest law firms in the nation for 2022. The list features the largest U.S.-based law firms as measured by U.S. attorney head count.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Services Associate Lauren Burns, Corporate Associate Toni-Ann Hines, Corporate Member Steve Hope and Financial Systems Manager Stephanie Ward have collectively provided 73 hours of tutoring to Charlotte students through Heart Math Tutoring this school year. During the 73 hours of individualized tutoring, Lauren, Toni-Ann, Steve, and Stephanie impacted four schools and supported numerous students with important math practice and mentorship. 

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Financial Services Member Kaitlin D. Powers has been selected as a North Carolina Lawyers Weekly “Icons and Phenoms of Law” winner. Honorees will be recognized at an awards event on July 20.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) and Robinson Bradshaw are pleased to announce that Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses (CLIMB) is the recipient of the North Carolina Bar Association’s 2023 Filling the Justice Gap Award. Part of the 2023 NCBA Pro Bono Awards, the award recognizes "an attorney, law firm or organization making innovative strides with providing legal services to close the legal services gap in North Carolina."

MVA commends the US Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina District on the Balcazar Nature Harvesting, LLC (BNH) labor trafficking and fraud in foreign labor contracting case which resulted in significant sentences and restitution for the survivors. Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Senior Counsel Sarah Byrne, who served as a legal navigator for several of the victims, stated “the collaboration among federal agencies, service providers and pro bono counsel in this case meant that the victims’ rights remained protected, and ought to be a model for future forced labor cases.”

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) attorneys who have been named to the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (CCLA) pro bono honor roll for 2022 are:

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Firm Chair Tom Mitchell was profiled by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (NCLW) for being named to the Class of 2023 Leaders in the Law by NCLW. In this profile, Tom provides insight to his early years, his practice, and advice for aspiring attorneys, among other topics.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is proud to support Charlotte Rescue Mission’s Miracle at Cedar Street campaign. The Miracle at Cedar Street campaign is raising funds to build a new facility for their Rebound Men’s Program. The program provides a cost-free residential recovery program for men in the Charlotte community.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Head of Derivatives Ed Ivey has been profiled by The Daily Report as an “On the Rise” honoree. The On the Rise is part of the Daily Report’s annual Southern Legal awards formerly the Georgia Legal Awards. It recognizes the region’s top lawyers 40 and under.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Corporate Member Lesley Attkisson Lewis has been selected as a winner of The M&A Advisor’s 14th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards. Lewis was chosen from a pool of prominent nominees based on her notable accomplishments in business and service to the community. 

MVA celebrated its longstanding commitment to public service by hosting the 22nd Annual Sally & Bill Van Allen Public Service Award luncheon presentation on June 6. This annual event serves as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our employees and community partners who are making significant service contributions.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) Members Jim McLoughlin and Frank Schall and Associates Lexi Narducci and Catherine Prater contributed to an article published in the American Bar Association’s Spring 2023 Antitrust Magazine titled “Why Economics Matters in Criminal Antitrust Cases”. The article focuses on the use of economic evidence in criminal antitrust cases, including having economists testify as expert witnesses.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Health Care Member Charles Jordan has been named to the 2023 South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Healthcare Power List which will be published in the upcoming June issue. Charles is one of only 11 South Carolina lawyers being recognized. The Power List program recognizes top lawyers in a particular practice area.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that three firm practice areas and 11 MVA attorneys are recognized nationwide in the 2023 edition of the Legal 500 United States legal industry referral guide.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Tanisha Palvia has joined the firm’s White Collar & Government Enforcement Defense Group as a Member, based in the firm’s Charlotte office.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that longtime securities lawyer Charles W. Kemp has joined the firm’s Securities & Capital Markets Group. Kemp most recently served as lead securities counsel for CarMax, Inc., and formerly was chair of the Corporate Governance and Securities Department at Williams Mullen in Richmond, Virginia.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Head of Derivatives Ed Ivey was quoted in the American Banker article titled, “Libor ends next month. Some borrowers may be in for a nasty surprise,” which was published on June 1.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) German Desk Director Daisy Birtalan served as a guest speaker for the AdvantageAustria USA Bootcamp Atlanta in May, focusing on US legal issues and the comparisons between Austrian and US law. AdvantageAustria Atlanta assists Austrian companies interested in doing business in the Southeastern US, identifies business opportunities and partners, and offers guidance regarding US import and Customs procedures.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that the 2023 Chambers USA legal industry referral guide has ranked the firm and two MVA attorneys as national leaders in Financial Services Regulation: Banking (Compliance). In addition, the firm was ranked nationally in Banking & Finance, and 10 MVA practice areas and 34 firm attorneys were highly ranked in the Carolinas.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Intellectual Property Associate Sam Skains-Menchaca was selected for inclusion to the Wells Fargo Legal Department’s 2023 Diversity College. The individuals selected are experienced and successful attorneys who have been with their respective firm for five or more years.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Restructuring Member David Wheeler was quoted in the Post and Courier article titled, “SC mortgage rules from last foreclosure crisis fade away,” which was published on May 30.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) was named one of North Carolina’s leading Intellectual Property firms in Managing Intellectual Property’s edition of IP Stars, a legal directory that provides state-by-state analysis of the nation’s IP market. 

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Associate Sarah Sheridan was selected to Leadership Charlotte’s 45th class. The Leadership Charlotte program, considered a “backstage” pass to the Charlotte community, was established for emerging and existing leaders. It is a two-part program, starting with ten, once-a-month program days where approximately 50 participants explore current issues with a variety of community leaders.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Head of Global Services and Co-head of ESOP Transactions Member Mike Zeller served as a guest speaker at The ESOP Association National Conference in Washington, DC on Friday, May 19. The panel titled, “Private Capital Investments in ESOP’s,” discussed alternative strategies for ESOPs to partner with private equity investors and considerations to factor into your decision making.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) was recognized as a recipient of the Lawyers of Color (LOC) Aspire Diversity Award on May 18. MVA Financial Services Senior Counsel Jonathan Murray and Litigator Jamea Richardson represented the firm at the LOC awards last week in Washington, D.C. Lawyers of Color is devoted to promoting diversity in the legal profession and advancing democracy and equality in marginalized communities.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Zoning, Entitlement & Land Use team was featured in Charlotte Business Journal article titled, “Charlotte law firm Moore & Van Allen adds former city zoning administrator to land-use team,” which was published on May 22. The article discussed MVA Land Use & Zoning Consultant Shad Spencer joining the team and Co-head of Zoning, Entitlement & Land Use Bridget Grant’s recent promotion.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Services Member Kaitlin Powers was profiled for the Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under 40 award. Kaitlin provides insight on her greatest accomplishments, current volunteer activities, and living in the Charlotte region.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Restructuring Member Gabe Mathless served as guest speaker at the 2023 WDNC Bankruptcy Seminar panel titled, “Cryptocurrency and Bankruptcy,” on May 19. The speakers discussed the recent crypto-related bankruptcies and the crypto-related updates to the Uniform Commercial Code.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Member Tony Lathrop served as moderator for the NC Chamber Transportation & Infrastructure Summit panel titled, “NC DOT Funding,” on May 18. The speakers discussed North Carolina’s transportation funding model, future revenue needs, project delays, and their perspectives on public perceptions and innovative ideas.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) was proud to sponsor Walk A Mile With Safe Alliance 2023, which took place May 13. MVA Associates Taylor Boyles, Aishaah Foster, Precious McLaughlin, and Alexis Narducci served on the Walk A Mile 2023 committee.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Felicia M. Gardner has joined the firm’s Employee Benefits & Compensation team as member. She most recently served as associate general counsel at Bank of America, where she advised on benefits, compensation, and litigation management.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) General Counsel Caroline Yingling served as a panelist for the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association’s event, “Reactivating Charlotte’s Central Business District,” on May 9.

MVA was thrilled to once again participate in the North Carolina Legal Feeding Frenzy — a food and fund drive competition among all North Carolina law firms, law schools, and organizations to assist Feeding The Carolinas. The Frenzy, which is held throughout the month of March, is an annual joint program of the NCBA Young Lawyers Division and Feeding the Carolinas food banks that aims to fight hunger across the state. MVA has been named the winner of the Legal Feeding Frenzy’s Large Law Firm Division for three years in a row.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Head of Global Services and Co-head of ESOP Transactions Member Mike Zeller served as a virtual speaker for the Winston-Salem Black Chamber of Commerce's Road to Business Resilience Cohort 3-Road to Business Resilience Training on May 9. Mike spoke on the topic titled, “Funding, Leadership & Management.” The Cohort 3 took a deeper dive into the nuts and bolts of the major forms of EO, EO as a succession planning tool, the benefits of EO, and an overview of the conversion process.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Chair & Managing Partner Tom Mitchell and Head of Civil Rights & Racial Equity Assessments and Co-head of White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations Valecia McDowell were named to Business North Carolina’s Power List 2023. The annual report highlights the state’s most influential leaders from several area industries.

Moore & Van Allen Head of Employment & Labor Wood Lay was quoted in the Human Resources Director article titled, “Secret ballots, independent contractors in spotlight with proposed changes to ERA,” which was published on May 3.

CAB Worldwide LLC completed a growth recapitalization led by Heritage Growth Partners LLC in order to expand capabilities of CAB and support CAB’s growing operations. PNC Bank, N.A., represented by Financial Services Counsel Derek Marks, amended the existing senior secured debt facility in connection with the transaction.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Associate Sarah Sheridan’s article titled, “ABA Guidance Doesn’t Fully Clarify Ethics and Interstate Practice” was published by Bloomberg Law on May 3. 

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Shad Spencer, former zoning administrator for the City of Charlotte’s Planning, Design & Development Department, has joined the firm’s Zoning, Entitlement & Land Use team as a zoning consultant. Additionally, the firm has elevated Land Use & Zoning Consultant Bridget Grant to co-lead the team, along with veteran Commercial Real Estate Member Jeff Brown.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) is pleased to announce that four attorneys of the Charleston office have been selected to the 2023 South Carolina Super Lawyers list. Financial Restructuring Member David Wheeler has been selected as a South Carolina Super Lawyer in the Bankruptcy: Business category. Health Care Member Jessica Simpson has been selected to the 2023 South Carolina Rising Stars list in the Health Care category.

Moore and Van Allen’s Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project was recognized by United States Attorney Dena King during the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week event hosted by the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina. MVA attorneys Sarah Byrne, Jennifer Braccia and Kristin Arnold represented the firm at the event.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Member Beth Buckner served as a guest speaker for the SME Business Development Conference panel titled, “Scaling your US footprint: Opportunities & challenges when growing in the USA,” which was moderated by MVA German Desk Director Daisy Birtalan on April 24.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Head of Derivatives Edward “Ed” H. Ivey has been selected as one of The Daily Report’s 2023 Southeastern Legal Awards “On the Rise” honorees. Honorees will be presented at a gala in Atlanta on June 22. Also in June, The Daily Report will publish a special report highlighting the accomplishments and skill of this year’s winners.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Members John Fagg and Jim McLoughlin, both Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators and Chambers-ranked practitioners, recently provided commentary to Lawdragon regarding the White Collar Enforcement Under the Biden Administration. They provided their take on the Administration’s enforcement efforts so far, and what might be coming down the pipeline as the Biden Administration follows through on campaign promises to pursue more white collar criminal cases. Federal prosecutors have been pursuing COVID-related frauds, giving prosecutors significant trial experience and the Department of Justice numerous victories in court.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) was honored on April 19, 2023, for its dedication to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence through the delivery of pro bono legal representation. Under the direction of Litigation Associate Rachael Coe, the MVA Domestic Violence Pro Bono Partnership - in collaboration with the Safe Alliance Legal Representation Project and Wells Fargo legal department - work alongside clients to secure domestic violence protective orders and advocate for their rights and safety.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that Financial Services Member Kaitlin D. Powers has been selected for the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2023 class of 40 Under 40 honorees. All honorees will be formally recognized at an awards event on May 17 and featured in a CBJ special report on May 19.

MVA Member Charles Jordan serves on the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) Board of Directors and its Leadership Development Committee. CRDA assists businesses that are located elsewhere around the country and outside of the United States to relocate or expand their operations into the Charleston region and also provides resources for local businesses to expand their operations. 

MVA Health Care Associate Kevin Siebs served as a guest speaker for the AHLA podcast titled, “ACO REACH: Exploring CMMI’s New ACO Model,” which was published on April 14. The podcast focused on the ACO Realizing Equity Access and Community Health (REACH) Model discussing reasons for participation in ACO REACH, aspects of the model’s benchmark methodology, the model’s payment mechanisms, and key compliance issues related to the model.

MVA Litigation Associate Sarah Sheridan served as guest speaker for NCBA Antitrust & Complex Business Disputes Law Section CLE on February 2. This CLE provided insight on insurance and the effective use of experts, challenges lawyers face in complex business disputes, mental health issues, and how to build trust with clients and colleagues. 

MVA and CRDA Board of Directors Member Charles Jordan and Associates Michaela Cronin and William Stroud attended the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) Quarterly Investor Briefing event on April 11. Attendees heard from a panel of three local entrepreneurs about how they’ve grown their businesses in an unsteady economic time.

MVA Wealth & Estate Planning Member Caitlin Horne was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Established in 1949, ACTEC is a national, nonprofit association of approximately 2,400 lawyers and law professors from throughout the United States and abroad. ACTEC Fellows are peer-elected on the basis of professional reputation and expertise in the preparation of wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, trust administration and related practice areas.

MVA Member Ryan Smith served as a guest lecturer at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Law. The class, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, is taught by MVA Senior Counsel Beth Grimes.

Moore & Van Allen Employment and Labor Member John Zaloom quoted in the SHRM article titled, “When Fitness-for-Duty Examinations Are Allowed” which was published on April 7.  

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) was ranked within the 2022 Leopard Law Firm Index ("LLFI") top 200 law firms by legal intelligence provider Leopard Solutions. The top 200 law firms consistently performed well in the Leopard Law Firm Index throughout 2022, resulting in this top-ranking achievement. The Index objectively ranks the overall growth and stability of law firms using hard data. MVA ranked #144 in the 2022 Index.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-head of Financial Regulatory Advice & Response Ed O’Keefe and Senior Counsel John Stoker served as guest speakers at the UNC Banking Institute CLE for the panel titled, “Developments in UDAAP As an Enforcement Tool” on March 31.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Senior Counsel Financial Regulatory Advice & Response Sarah Byrne and Head of Civil Rights & Racial Equity Assessments Valecia McDowell served as guest speakers for the Corporate Counsel Symposium 2023: ESG for In-House Lawyers webinar on Friday, March 31. Sarah and Valecia discussed analysis of opportunities to advance “social” goals through governance mechanisms; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) external audits, internal privileged reviews, and related interventions; recent backlash to DEI initiatives; anti-human trafficking practices; supply chain due diligence to identify forced labor, and overview of common key performance indicators (KPI) for S-linked loans.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) has been recognized as a Global Competition Review (GCR) 2023 “Behavioural Matter of the Year – Americas” award winner. MVA, along with other defense firms, received the award for securing complete acquittals in a high-profile U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal antitrust prosecution of executives in the chicken industry.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-heads of Trademark Michele Glessner and Henry Ward, Members Kate Cole, Arlene Hanks, and Mark Wilson, and Senior Counsel Ellen Andelman receive 2023 World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR 1000) recognition.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Regulatory Advice & Response Senior Counsel John Stoker served as guest speaker for The University of North Carolina School of Law CLE titled “ABCs of Banking Law” on March 29. This CLE provided an introduction, or a primer, for attorneys seeking an understanding of the regulatory framework governing the banking industry.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-head of White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations Valecia McDowell was named to the 2023 North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Power List for Business Defense. The Power List program recognizes top lawyers in a particular practice area. These attorneys are experts in their field, known for their expertise, and accomplishments.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Financial Restructuring Member Luis Lluberas served on two panels for the 2023 Southeastern Bankruptcy Law Institute (SBLI) 49th Annual Seminar which took place March 22-24 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

MVA celebrated International Women’s Day Program by gathering for a TED Talk Video titled, “A Girl Who Demanded School” by Kakenya Ntaiya. Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya is the founder and president of Kakenya’s Dream, an international nonprofit organization leveraging education to empower girls, end harmful traditional practices, and transform communities in rural Kenya.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Firm Chair Tom Mitchell has been named to the Class of 2023 Leaders in the Law by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly. “Leaders in the Law” is an annual award that celebrates those lawyers who are setting the standard for other lawyers.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that F. Eugene Allison has joined the firm’s Commercial Real Estate team as senior counsel.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Counsel Julianne Farnsworth was elected as a member of the Charleston County Bar Association Executive Committee on February 23.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Co-head of Financial Regulatory Advice & Response Member Ed O'Keefe served as speaker at the SIFMA C&L Annual Seminar which took place on March 12-15 in San Diego, CA. Ed joined as a panelist for the session titled “Prudential Bank Regulators’ View of Compliance Programs” on March 13.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Litigation Counsel Tiffany Payne was quoted in the Law360 article, “Mob Mentality: DOJ Wields RICO With Mixed Results” which was published on February 17.

MVA Senior Counsel Beth Grimes continues to serve as Adjunct Professor in her sixth year of teaching Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation at UNC Chapel Hill School of Law. This semester long course focuses on non-cash employer provided benefits designed to help employees save for retirement and cover health care costs through the use of plans that are qualified under the Internal Revenue Code.

Moore & Van Allen White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations Member Frank Schall was quoted in the Law360 article titled, “White Collar Attys Brace For More Latin America FCPA Action” which was published February 8.

Moore & Van Allen Intellectual Property Member Suzanne Gainey served as a guest speaker for the Association of Corporate Counsel webinar on February 9 titled, “Emerging Issues in Third Party Contract Negotiation Webinar.” Over 150 members attended the webinar. 

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) has ranked top for Charlotte largest law firms and most female attorneys in the recent Charlotte Business Journal article for 2023. MVA, which remains Charlotte’s largest law firm, has the most female attorneys in its local office with 126, including 31 partners.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) represented an investor and executive during the recent transaction of Groundworks, LLC , a leading foundation repair and water management services company, and KKR, a leading global investment firm, in which KKR made a significant investment in Groundworks as part of a new strategic partnership. The transaction was highlighted in M&A Weekly on February 2nd.

Moore & Van Allen’s (MVA) Finance team has ranked at the top of the Refinitiv Loan Pricing Corporation’s (LPC) 2022 U.S. Law Firm League Tables for representing Lead Arrangers on syndicated loan transactions. Through 2022, MVA advised on 185 syndicated loan transactions, which generated over $126 billion in aggregate gross proceeds and earned the firm a first-place position on the league table for all syndicated loans based on number of deals.

MVA Environmental Member Peter McGrath joined myLawCLE on January 30, 2023 for a live webinar titled, “Policy Changes Relating to CERCLA Liability: Status of CERCLA contribution and indemnity law, definition of potentially responsible partis, and CERLCA settlement arrangements.”

On January 31, Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Bankruptcy Member Gabriel Mathless was elected chair of Mecklenburg County’s Citizen’s Capital Budget Advisory Committee, which provides oversight over, and facilitates community input into, the County’s $1.75B Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

MVA Senior Counsel Sarah Byrne joined Kym Kurey with Vital4 Strategic as guest speakers for a live webinar that was held on January 26 titled, “CFPB’s New Rule on Human Trafficking: Overview & Updates.”

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that 28 of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2023 edition of North Carolina Super Lawyers or North Carolina Rising Stars lists. Additionally, Member Valecia M. McDowell was named to the “Top 25” list of Charlotte Super Lawyers, “Top 50” list of Women North Carolina Super Lawyers and “Top 100” list of North Carolina Super Lawyers. Member Karin M. McGinnis was named to the “Top 50” list of Women North Carolina Super Lawyers and Member James (Jim) P. McLoughlin, Jr. was named to the “Top 100” list of North Carolina Super Lawyers.

The MVA Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association (APALA) kicked off the new year by holding a social at Bad Axe Throwing on January 23.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that prominent employment and labor attorney has joined the firm as a member and new head of the firm’s existing Employment and Labor Practice.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that 45 of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2023 Business North Carolina “Legal Elite”. This marks the firm’s largest-ever class of honorees for the magazine’s annual list of the top business lawyers in North Carolina.

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that it has elected nine attorneys as members of the firm. The new members are Robert K. Burrow, Suzanne K. Gainey, James “Van” V.C. Gambrell, Matthew “Matt” R. Mollozzi, Kaitlin D. Powers, C. Cowden W. Rayburn, Ben E. Shook, and Emily Pera Stevenson.

Moore & Van Allen Land Use team members Jeff Brown and Bridget Grant were engaged to assist DreamKey Partners, Roers Development, and Winterwood Development with three rezonings designed to provide affordable housing options in Charlotte. All three rezonings were approved by Charlotte City Council on December 19.

Moore & Van Allen Head of Derivatives Ed Ivey was quoted in the IFLR article titled, “Synthetic Libor vs. Libor Act: troubles ahead” which was published December 20.

Moore & Van Allen (MVA) Senior Counsel Sarah Byrne was profiled for her work at the intersection of financial institution regulation and the fight against human trafficking in the Tech For Good section of Vital4’s December newsletter. Vital4 is a leader in providing global data for corporate risk and compliance.