Meritas Law Firms Worldwide

Delivering Global M&A Excellence Through Collaboration In this new video, Jonathan Polin of Howard Kennedy LLP (London, UK) and Christian Henrich of Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP (Buffalo, New York, USA) share how the Meritas M&A Group offers coordinated, cross-border expertise to address complex business challenges worldwide. Explore the M&A Microsite and our capabilities brochure to see the broad support our members bring across regions and legal landscapes. As Jonathan and Christian highlight, our global network ensures that clients achieve their goals with confidence, supported by trusted partners in each jurisdiction. Discover how the Meritas M&A Group provides local insight with global reach on our M&A microsite: https://lnkd.in/gqDpzvNp Download our brochure for a quick overview of our services: https://lnkd.in/g_kQS9B3 #MeritasGlobal #IndependentButUnited #WeAreMeritas #MergersandAcquisitions

On May 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) adopted a final rule expanding anti-discrimination protections for healthcare providers participating in federal healthcare programs. These updates include specific protections for LGBTQI+ individuals, addressing factors such as pregnancy or related conditions, intersex traits, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex stereotypes. While the rule's primary provisions took effect on July 5, 2024, ongoing litigation may delay enforcement of certain parts in specific jurisdictions. Brandon Shirley of Krieg DeVault, a Meritas member firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA explores the implications of these changes in his article, “New Additions to Federal Anti-Discrimination Rules Giving Healthcare Providers Regulatory Déjà Vu.” Published in the latest Meritas Healthcare and Life Sciences Group newsletter, this piece highlights key insights into navigating the complexities of these regulations. With global expertise across member firms, the Meritas network is here to help you address legal challenges in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/g59F3Ukh #WeAreMeritas #IndependentButUnited #HealthLaw

The Meritas Litigation and Labor & Employment Groups recently concluded a productive and engaging meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, hosted by our local member firm, King & Ballow. A big thank you to King & Ballow for their warm hospitality, to the speakers who shared their expertise, and to all the attendees who brought valuable perspectives to the discussions. In-person meetings like this are at the heart of what makes Meritas unique. They provide opportunities for members to collaborate on critical legal developments, share best practices, and strengthen the relationships that enable seamless, cross-border solutions for clients. From thought-provoking sessions on landmark cases like Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway to time spent connecting at Ole Red Nashville, this gathering reinforced the power of face-to-face interactions in driving meaningful connections and insights. We’re grateful to everyone who participated and look forward to continuing these important conversations throughout the year. #IndependentButUnited #WeAreMeritas #Litigation #EmploymentLaw

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for the Meritas EME Regional Meeting last week in Warsaw! Special thanks to Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka (DZP) for hosting and to our speakers and panelists for sharing their insights on topics ranging from business development strategies to fostering innovation and psychological safety. In-person meetings like this are invaluable for building the strong relationships that enable our members to collaborate seamlessly across borders and deliver integrated solutions to clients worldwide. Thank you to all attendees for your engagement and contributions—your participation is what makes these events so impactful. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on the ideas shared in Warsaw! #WeAreMeritas #IndependentButUnited #GlobalReach #MeritasEME

Last week, Meritas members gathered at our 2024 Black Lawyers Forum General Meeting in San Diego, California, USA, hosted by our local member firm, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP. We want to thank all speakers, attendees, and especially Procopio for making this event possible. The agenda covered business development, career navigation, and provided a platform for sharing experiences. Such in-person forums are vital to Meritas’ commitment to enhancing connections across our network and supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within our member firms. We’re proud to create spaces where meaningful conversations take place, strengthening our network and empowering our members to better serve clients, communities, and team members. #WeAreMeritas #IndependentButUnited #DiversityEquityInclusion

The third annual National Association of Manufacturers - NAM Legal Summit took place in Washington, D.C., USA last week bringing together members from manufacturing companies across the United States. Meritas is thankful for our partnership with NAM and is proud to sponsor an event with such thoughtful and insightful programming for lawyers who practice in the manufacturing industry. Representing Meritas at the conference were staff members Molly Andresen and Kim Gendron; Meritas member Brian F. Walsh, from Barnes, Richardson & Colburn, LLP (Chicago, Illinois, USA), co-leader of the Meritas Manufacturing & Industrials Group; and Eran Kahana from Meritas member Maslon LLP (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA), who presented a session titled “The Future of Manufacturing: AI Advancements and Ethical Implications.” Eran’s session provided an in-depth look at how AI is shaping the future of manufacturing, addressing ethical challenges such as transparency, accountability, and the treatment of workers affected by automation. Our partnership with NAM and sponsorship of events like this reflect Meritas’ commitment to supporting the manufacturing sector and building strong relationships with organizations that serve it. Collaborating with NAM allows us to share insights and resources while ensuring their members can connect with trusted legal counsel to navigate complex challenges. Through partnerships like this, we deliver value to the Meritas network and the broader industry. Some key takeaways from the summit include: Regulatory Environment: Manufacturing operates in highly regulated settings. Discussions highlighted risks in areas like antitrust, supply chain management, labor relations, and product liability. The surge in PFAS-related regulations and litigation was a focal point, alongside predictions of shifting regulatory priorities with the changing U.S. administration. Proactive Risk Management: Companies were urged to invest in systems and processes to identify vulnerabilities and comply with global regulations. Understanding the supply chain, anticipating litigation trends, and countering “junk science” claims were emphasized as critical strategies. Building robust scientific documentation was highlighted as a key defense in regulatory and legal challenges. #WeAreMeritas #IndependentButUnited #ManufacturingLaw

Congratulations to Jenea Reed of Meritas member Stearns Weaver Miller (Miami, Florida, USA) for being named as the new Chair of the Black Lawyers Forum Leadership Council. The Black Lawyers Forum (BLF), part of Meritas’ commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, fosters connections, mentorship, and a platform for our Black lawyers to address unique issues and advance professional and business development goals. We look forward to supporting Jenea in furthering this mission and creating meaningful impact across our network. Many thanks to Brian Newby of Cantey Hanger LLP (Dallas, Texas, USA), who has led the BLF since its inception in 2021, for his dedication and contributions to the group’s success.

Next week, Meritas members from the Litigation and Labor & Employment Groups will gather in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, for a valuable time of learning, collaboration, and networking, hosted by our local member firm, King & Ballow. These in-person gatherings are more than just meetings: they’re opportunities to stay up-to-date on critical legal developments, discuss regional and global challenges, and strengthen the relationships that allow Meritas members to deliver seamless, cross-border support to clients worldwide. From sessions on recent changes in U.S. laws to roundtables on best practices and deep dives into landmark cases like Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway, members will come away with insights and strategies to bring back to their local communities. The group will also take time to connect and experience Nashville, where they can enjoy local flavor and camaraderie in true Meritas spirit. Events like these build the foundation for the trusted partnerships that our clients rely on across regions. Safe travels to all attendees, and see you in Nashville! #IndependentButUnited #WeAreMeritas #Litigation #EmploymentLaw

The E.U. Merger Regulation establishes certain turnover thresholds above which mergers and acquisitions must be approved by the European Commission before they can be closed and implemented by the parties to the transaction. This is complemented throughout E.U. member states with a variety of national turnover, market share, and/or value-of-transaction thresholds that also trigger the obligation to notify and stay the transaction while the competent national authority examines its impact in the relevant markets. By way of an exception, the E.U. Merger Regulation foresees certain “referral mechanisms” that allow [in principle, notifiable] concentrations to be referred from one competition authority to another if the circumstances so advise. In a very novel (and widely criticized) interpretation of such referral mechanisms, the European Commission recently used Article 22 of the E.U. Merger Regulation to review the acquisition of Grail by Illumina. These are two U.S.-based pharma companies whose turnover or market shares did not trigger any formal obligation to notify the transaction to the European Commission or to national merger control authorities. This option has been reviewed and (finally) rejected by E.U. Courts. In their article, “The Quest For the Holy Grail: A Lost Battle For the European Commission,” Yolanda Martínez Mata and Rodrigo Sánchez Díaz of Marimón Abogados (Spain) analyze the implications of this case for cross-border transactions. As active members of the Meritas Healthcare and Life Sciences group, they bring valuable insights on how evolving merger control practices may impact the global healthcare industry. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gvCNUg42 #WeAreMeritas #IndependentButUnited #HealthLaw

We are pleased to announce that Kampala Associated Advocates (Law Firm) has joined Meritas as our exclusive member in Uganda. Located in Kampala, Kampala Associated Advocates brings over 23 years of experience as a premier full-service firm, delivering expert counsel across diverse areas like litigation, arbitration, aviation, banking, oil and gas, IP, tax, telecom, media, tech, and corporate advisory services. With a team of eleven partners and nineteen skilled lawyers and consultants, they are dedicated to personalized, effective client service and are a valued leader in Uganda’s legal landscape. Join us in welcoming Meritas contacts Augustine Idoot Obilil (ACIArb) and Jet John Tumwebaze, Emerging Leader Patricia Kamugisha, as well as the full Kampala Associated Advocates team to the membership! Curious to learn more? 🔗Check out their profile on our website: https://lnkd.in/gWbE2XTH 🔗Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/gnFDshd7 Looking for legal assistance in Uganda? Reach out to Vicky Berrington, our Africa Regional Director, for an introduction to Kampala Associated Advocates. #MeritasAfrica #IndependentButUnited #NewMember #WeAreMeritas