Marking the success of its fiscal year, McCarter & English, LLP has elected six partners to its equity ranks, effective October 1. The newly named equity partners are Michael DeGrazia, Zack Hadzismajlovic, Laura Kelly, Natalie Mantell, Leigh Martinson and Rolan Joni Young.
“The ability to grow our equity partnership ranks with these six lawyers is a source of tremendous pride for our firm,” said Chairman Joseph Lubertazzi. “They are distinguished professionals, collaborative and supportive colleagues, and a reflection of our enduring success in an ever-changing marketplace.”
Joseph Boccassini, the firm’s Managing Partner, added, “We are incredibly proud to welcome Mike, Zack, Laura, Natalie, Leigh and Rolan to our equity partner ranks. In addition to being exceptional lawyers and trusted advisors to their clients, our new equity partners are accomplished and dedicated leaders both within the firm and their broader communities. I look forward to continuing to work with them to advance the firm’s growth, and congratulate them on this great achievement.”
Michael DeGrazia, PhD, is an experienced patent strategist whose practice focuses on chemical, pharmaceutical and bio technologies, with a particular emphasis on small molecule drugs. Based in Boston, Mike counsels clients on protecting their domestic and foreign IP portfolios. He is involved in every aspect of the patent life cycle, including drafting, filing, prosecuting and patent term extension.
Zack Hadzismajlovicheads the firm’s Global Trade group. Zack counsels clients on a broad range of international trade matters, including foreign direct investment controls (CFIUS), export controls, sanctions and customs matters. Based in New York, his practice includes companies in the defense and critical technology space. He also represents entrepreneurs, as well as employers, in all aspects of U.S. and U.K. immigration and nationality laws.
Laura Kelly, based in the Newark office, advises clients in planning and administering their complex trusts and estates including sophisticated estate, gift, generation-skipping transfer, and income tax planning. Her knowledge and understanding of tax law assists clients in the effective disposition of their assets, including businesses, real estate, life insurance and other possessions.
Natalie Mantell, a Newark-based partner, is a leading product liability litigator. Natalie’s experience as a first chair trial and appellate lawyer, coupled with her knowledge of New Jersey law, has earned her an esteemed reputation and her clients’ trust in handling their complex and multi-district litigations from initial filing through appeal in state and federal courts, and in offering strategies to mitigate risk before litigation occurs.
Leigh Martinson is a trial lawyer who focuses on litigating complex patent disputes in the computer and electrical fields and life sciences, as well as medical devices. Based in the Boston office, Leigh also advises start-ups and Fortune 500 companies regarding their patent portfolios on issues ranging from acquisition, maintenance, and enforcement.
Rolan Joni Young focuses on commercial real estate development with an emphasis on complex affordable housing, community healthcare and economic development projects. Based in the Hartford office, Rolan advises clients through all stages of a project, beginning with site selection to closing multi-layered financing through public/private partnerships. Rolan is particularly adept at devising strategies and building consensus amongst various stakeholders, leading projects to successful completion.