Justice K Barber
Partner – Real Estate
Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Description of field of expertise

Clients face a rapidly changing environment heavily impacted by the advancement of technologies that influence where and how people choose to live, work, and commute—which all affect investment and leasing strategies. Justice has a strong understanding of the traditional matters clients confront. She stays at the forefront of new challenges and opportunities so she can provide timely guidance to clients regarding how their businesses may be impacted and propose appropriate responses.

Justice represents institutional investors, developers, lenders, and private fund sponsors with acquisition, disposition, development, leasing, and financing of office, industrial, retail, senior care, multifamily, and other real estate assets. 

Justice provides counsel regarding the structuring and formation of partnerships, and limited liability companies for the purpose of owning, developing, and managing various real estate assets. Her practice also includes guiding clients in connection with joint ventures and general corporate governance matters. In addition to representing her clients in their core real estate transactions, she also works with clients to develop transactional processes and forms to maximize efficiency, reduce errors, and improve outcomes for her clients.

Justice advises a diverse range of clients. These include institutional investors, developers, lenders, and private fund sponsors in their wide-ranging types of investments. This experience has provided Justice with the insight to properly guide clients to the best result in connection with their acquisition, disposition, development, leasing, and financing of a multitude of asset classes in several different geographic locations.

Justice presents the legal analysis and options to her clients, alongside the practical risks, so they can make informed decisions that are in line with their institution’s objectives and risk profile. She is skilled at communicating both key legal and business matters so that different client stakeholders thoroughly understand the issues and feel confident in their ultimate decisions.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Real estate law is a multifaceted practice. Early in your career, take steps to be involved with a variety of the concentrations represented in real estate transactions (such as acquisition, disposition, development, leasing, and financing work) so that you gain a better understanding of the practice areas and how they are important to the success of each client’s business. It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when you’re starting out. Embrace the learning curve and know that it is a part of your growth process. Take the opportunity to ask questions about changes in drafts. That way, you’ll understand the larger context around the issues and apply that knowledge in future transactions. In addition to refining your craft with coworkers, consider joining industry or legal organizations so that you can make valuable connections outside of work. Those relationships can ultimately benefit you in your professional career and personal life.

Ephraim J. Pierre
Partner – Labor & Employment (New York)
Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Description of field of expertise

Effective management of complex employment litigation is key to a productive enterprise, a sustainable workplace culture, and achieving business goals. Clients look to Ephraim for insightful and practical solutions to the legal, strategic, and operational challenges presented by complex employment litigation.

Ephraim has worked with clients in the financial services, media and entertainment, technology, health care, education, retail, energy, and nonprofit industries to manage complex employment litigation. Ephraim’s experience in representing employers in a variety of industries across the nation provides him with unique insights into the challenges that employers face in complex employment litigation. He has extensive experience with single-plaintiff and class action employment litigation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. For example, Ephraim has won summary judgment or obtain dismissal on a range of claims including, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) interference and retaliation claims, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims under federal and state law, and class action claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Additionally, Ephraim has significant experience with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration proceedings representing broker-dealers.

Ephraim has significant first-chair trial experience in many different litigation and arbitration matters. For example, he once obtained the dismissal of four out of six claims on a motion for directed verdict and secured a defense jury verdict on the remaining claims of gender discrimination and retaliation for a Fortune 25 client. He has also obtained dismissal of eight of ten claims in a FINRA arbitration on a motion to dismiss and then obtained a defense verdict following a 16-day arbitration on breach of contract claims against a Fortune 50 client.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Every assignment is an opportunity to demonstrate your critical reasoning and judgment, even though it may seem intimidating to work with experienced attorneys. Young attorneys must demonstrate judgment and take ownership of their cases. You can influence positive outcomes by anticipating the next steps, asking questions, and providing insights.

Final thoughts…

I would like to thank the NBA for being a place for us, a voice for us, and a champion for us in the legal profession.

Description of field of expertise

Arnold’s field of expertise is technology transactions, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, startup financings and tax-exempt associations. Arnold has represented technology clients in a wide variety of venture capital financings, IPOs, joint ventures, strategic investments, and mergers and acquisitions. Arnold has also advised more than 80 technology standards organizations on governance, technology transactions, strategic intellectual property matters, open-source licensing, and trademark enforcement. He is a member of the ANSI Technology Consortium Council and spearheads the firm’s representation of technology consortia, alliances, and open-source software groups.

With an inhouse background in corporate governance and intellectual property law at several leading Silicon Valley technology companies, Arnold brings a proven track record as a trusted advisor in the technology sector. His clients include semiconductor companies, SaaS companies, major automotive companies, medical device companies, and venture and social impact investment firms.

His association clients include major technology standards organizations across various sectors such as computing, telecommunications, automotive, and IoT. As the first elected chairman of the Board of Directors of the HDMI Forum, the corporation responsible for publishing the HDMI cable specification, Arnold possesses extensive knowledge of the technology development process, international standardization and open-source software development.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

New attorneys in the technology transaction field should focus on building a strong foundation in intellectual property and commercial contracts. Attorneys interested in working with global technology companies or global technology organizations should build skills in international business transactions, patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. In addition, it is helpful to stay updated on technology trends, engage in conferences in areas that you are interested in developing a client base, and write articles that explore legal issues and topic important to professionals working in that sector. The technology landscape is constantly changing, and it is important to remain flexible and open to new ideas.

Final thoughts…

Arnold is actively involved in issues related to Black land loss in California and providing representation to those impacted by wrongful eminent domain proceeding in California. He has represented venture capital firms that have a focus on investing in entrepreneurs that have been previously denied access to capital. Arnold has been a technology founder and entrepreneur having founded the digital music startup, Mjuice, and an internet browser company, Blackbird Solutions. Arnold is the co-founder of an AI legal tech SaaS company, and is a recognized inventor, holding a registered U.S. patent in artificial intelligence.

Natalie M. Lagunas 
Associate – McGuireWoods

Description of field of expertise

Natalie Lagunas, a McGuireWoods associate in Los Angeles – Century City, focuses her practice on employment litigation.  Natalie represents employers in wage and hour class, collective and representative actions, as well as in state and federal litigation of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and FMLA/CFRA claims.  Her practice also includes counseling clients on a variety of employment matters.   

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

California employment law is nuanced and fast-paced.  I would therefore encourage new attorneys to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing employment litigation landscape in California by reading, attending seminars and finding mentors in the field.  I would also remind new attorneys to build strong relationships with colleagues and mentors.  These relationships will change your practice, and will serve as an advisory board as you progress in your career. 

Final Thoughts..

Natalie works to champion diversity in the legal industry.  She was the first in her family to go to college, graduating from Northwestern University where she played Division I soccer.  Natalie earned her law degree from Pepperdine University where she served as senior staff editor for the Pepperdine Law Review.

Angela J. Reddock-Wright, Esq.​
Employment Mediator, Arbitrator, Investigator – Reddock Law Group​

Description of field of expertise

Angela Reddock-Wright is the Founder & Managing Partner of the Reddock Law Group, a dispute resolution, workplace and Title IX investigations firm based in Los Angeles, CA and servicing clients throughout the U.S. and abroad.  Named a “Best Lawyer in America” for employment law, a Southern California Super Lawyer, and a top California employment and woman lawyer, among other accolades, Mrs. Reddock-Wright has been an employment and labor law attorney for more than 25 years.  Prior to becoming a full time neutral in 2010, Ms. Reddock-Wright was an employment litigator for 15 years working at some of the country’s most distinguished law firms.  In addition to managing her own firm, Mrs. Reddock-Wright also is a member of the panel of mediators and arbitrators of Judicate West and the American Arbitration Association. 

Deeply committed to the ADR profession, Mrs. Reddock-Wright also serves on the panel of volunteer mediators for the United States District Court Central District and is an Adjunct Lecturer in Law in the Employment Mediation Clinic at USC Gould School of Law.  She is a member of the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers, a past president of the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA) and a former Member of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA).  She now serves on the Executive Committee of the LACBA Labor & Employment Law Section. 

In addition to her work as a mediator and arbitrator, Mrs. Reddock-Wright also provides services as an independent workplace & Title IX investigator and DEI trainer.  Mrs. Reddock-Wright is a published author, news and media legal analyst, and frequent blogger and speaker.  She is passionate about the workplace and considers it her life’s mission to help employers and employees work together to create great, thriving, and healthy workplaces.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

For new attorneys looking to become a neutral (mediator or arbitrator), I say “we need you.” There are not enough Blacks, other people of color or women in the ADR field or choosing to enter the ADR field.  For those interested in this path, I recommend you first distinguish yourself as a leader in your field of practice and that you practice in your field of law for at least 10 plus years prior to pursuing a career as a neutral.  Once you decide to embark on this path, I recommend you get the recommended 40-hour training for entering the field of mediation at a program such as the Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law and that you seek opportunities to have on the ground training through volunteer mediation programs.  For example, most state and federal district court systems have pro bono and volunteer mediation programs where they are looking for qualified volunteer attorneys and mediators.  While embarking on your path, find a mentor who is already working as a mediator or arbitrator, and seek to join professional organizations such as the American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section or the Southern California Mediation Association and other similar state and regional organizations.  Most lawyers choose the ADR path after practicing law for many years and/or after serving on the bench for a number of years.  It is a rewarding profession and one where we need a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds.  

Final thoughts…

Mrs. Reddock-Wright and her firm are proud to have served as the Co-Project Labor Administrators (managing labor and union relations) on the recently built SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA where the LA Rams and Charges play.

Dana Lumsden
Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

Description of field of expertise

I’m a business litigator who enjoys trying cases.  I focus my law practice on working constantly to improve my ability to persuade judges and juries to adopt my clients’ point of view and to learn everything I can about the client’s business and industry.  In recent years, that has meant developing a deep understanding of the financial services industry.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

My advice to new attorneys entering the field of business litigation is to seek out opportunities to stand up and talk.  There is no substitute to spending time in court.  The sooner that you develop the skill to speak plainly to people, the better litigator you will become.  That skill will help you in all aspects of a business dispute.  You will get to the heart of the issue in discovery and your briefs will be more helpful to the court.  More importantly, you will develop the habit of thinking about how to try the case at the beginning of the engagement. Trials are expensive.  Most business disputes are resolved before trial as a result.  An adversary who knows that you are comfortable with trial practice is much more likely to move toward your client’s proposal in settlement negotiations.”

Final thoughts…

I listen to John Coltrane every day and I recommend that you also listen to Coltrane’s music when you can.  Coltrane has a famous quote that has always resonated with me: ‘I want to be a force for real good. In other words. I know that there are bad forces, forces that bring suffering to others and misery to the world, but I want to be the opposite force. I want to be the force which is truly for good.” I try to be a force for good in the spaces where I operate and with the people with whom I operate.

Stephanie Gaston
Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

Description of field of expertise

Stephanie C. Gaston is a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP.  She has more than 11 years of experience representing employers in all facets of employment law, including litigation, arbitrations, injunctive relief, administrative proceedings, counseling, and trainings throughout the United States.

She is a specialist in the field of Labor and Employment Law and has chaired a multitude of lawsuits on behalf of employers in state and federal courts (including class and FLSA collective actions), arbitrations, and agency proceedings at the EEOC, DOL, OFCCP and TWC, among others.  Stephanie also regularly works with clients on complex employment matters such as wage and hour (FLSA and state law equivalents), discrimination and harassment (Title VII, Section 1981), retaliation, leaves of absence (ADA, FMLA), employee terminations, accommodations (ADA– both Title I and Title III), affirmative action plans (AAP), pay equity, trade secrets, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants, whistleblowers and reorganizations/reductions in force (WARN Act).  Additionally, Stephanie often conducts complex, sensitive, and significant workplace investigations on behalf of her clients.  Stephanie is a frequent lecturer/presenter on numerous employment law topics, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, harassment, diversity, conducting investigations and social media.  She spends a lot of time on calls and video conferences meeting with executives, HR teams and managers to problem solve and/or figure out how to comply with changing legal requirements relevant to their industry and regions of operations.

After graduating summa cum laude from University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas with a degree in Political Science, Stephanie earned her law degree from Baylor Law School. Throughout Stephanie’s career, she has received numerous awards including Top 50 Women Lawyers in Houston (2017, 2019), Top 15 Women in Business in Houston, Lawyers of Color’s Second Annual Hot List by Lawyers of Color, Inc., 2014 and she was recognized as a Labor and Employment Star, Benchmark Litigation Labor and Employment Guide, 2021.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

I love labor and employment law.  In this specialty, in my opinion, you get the best of both worlds: you get the opportunity to be involved in the transaction side of things by drafting and negotiate agreements, advising on policies and partnering with the business team to make decisions, but you also get to advocate through litigation when things go wrong.  One skill that I have found is useful in L&E law is being able to think on your feet and problem solve quickly.  When clients call with L&E issues, they are looking for a legal answer, and your recommendation – they need more than just “what the law says,” they need a partner in making the best practical decision for their company.  I find my field highly rewarding, but you have to be available, prepared, and comfortable with talking with others and working together to find solutions in order to be successful.