Taylor English Named As Finalist For 2012 Client Advisor Awards

Atlanta– December 15, 2011 Atlanta law firm Taylor English Duma LLP has been named as a finalist in the 2012 Client Advisor Awards. The Client Advisor Awards is the country’s only award program honoring the economic impact of Professional Services Firms, advisor professionalism and ‘clients of choice’. The program, which was established in 2005, sets the standard for best practice behavior and results in the relationships between professional services firms and their clients.

Taylor English is nominated for its representation of entrepreneur Bill Allen and his Undoda app, a revolutionary program designed to help students with dyslexia improve reading skills through three-dimensional learning. The Taylor English legal team led by attorney Jonathan B. Wilson, assisted Allen in structuring the transaction with the developers that made the final product possible.

“We’re extremely grateful to be nominated for the Client Advisor Award,” Mr. Wilson says. “It has been a privilege to work so closely with the Undoda team and to contribute in some small way to their success. We hope that any attention we get from the nomination will introduce more people to the Undoda app so that it continues to make a positive difference in the lives of children.”

Each year the Client Advisor Awards evaluates numerous nominations for each category, and three finalists are selected per category. Each finalist is then interviewed individually and evaluated on the basis of creativity, teamwork and client value. Once completed, a small, confidential panel of judges convenes to determine the winner.

Award recipients will be unveiled during the 2012 Client Advisor Awards dinner on January 31, 2012 at the Cherokee Town Club in Atlanta, GA, featuring a keynote presentation on innovation and creativity in professional services by Todd Henry, author of The Accidental Creative:  How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice.

Ten Taylor English Attorneys Recognized As State’s “Legal Elite”

Atlanta– December 15, 2011 – Georgia Trend magazine named 10 attorneys from Taylor English Duma LLP to its ninth annual listing of the state’s “Legal Elite.” The magazine recognized attorneys from five separate practice areas as among the best in the state, based on votes cast solely by practicing attorneys in Georgia.

“The Taylor English model remains quite simple: attract the area’s best attorneys, give them the flexibility to be efficient about how they structure engagements, and ask everyone to be laser focused on driving client results,” said Al B. Hill, managing partner of Taylor English. “Our growth, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit that we’ve maintained, is a testament to the outstanding group of attorneys that make up the firm. We applaud the 10 Taylor English attorneys recognized to this year’s Legal Elite, as well as our peers from other Atlanta firms that were part of this prestigious group.”

In addition to the recognition by Georgia Trend magazine, the firm was also recognized by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of the Top Work Places for 2011 and by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the Best Places To Work. The firm was also recognized in 2010 by Atlanta Business Chronicle as the fastest-growing law firm in Atlanta.

Taylor English members of the 2011 Legal Elite ranking include:

Ilene W. Berman – Employment, Labor, and Immigration

Scott G. Blews – Employment, Labor, and Immigration

Foy R. Devine – Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Paul G. Durdaller – Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy

Joe M. English – Employment, Labor, and Immigration

Randy C. Gepp – Employment, Labor, and Immigration

Aaron J. Kowan – Taxation

John K. Rezac – Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy

Marc A. Taylor – Employment, Labor, and Immigration

Jonathan B. Wilson – Corporate & Business Law

Taylor English W. Dennis (Denny) Summers Leads Firm’s ESOP Practice

Atlanta- December 5, 2011- Behind the expertise of attorney W. Dennis Summers, Atlanta law firm Taylor English Duma LLP becomes a leader in advising companies on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Mr. Summers, who joined the firm earlier this year, brings over 30 years of corporate law experience focusing on ownership succession, mergers and acquisitions, and general business law matters. Summers is part of the firm’s growing and impressive Corporate & Business practice group.

“ESOPs are an invaluable option in today’s marketplace for business owners looking for liquidity, diversification, and tax savings,” says Summers. “I advise a wide range of companies seeking to explore their options for selling the business, redistributing ownership, or creating an exit strategy for some of the owners. ESOPs also provide compelling tax benefits, including the ability to create a tax free entity, the opportunity to defer the capital gains taxes on sale of a company’s shares, as well as tax deductions on both principal and interest paid on ESOP loans.

Mr. Summers brings to Taylor English over 30 years of broad experience in a variety of industries, with an emphasis on the healthcare and service industries. He has represented clients in virtually every aspect of ESOP transactions, including corporate ESOP sponsors, ESOP trustees, shareholders, lenders, and buyers and sellers of ESOP companies.

“Denny has the experience and a skill set that are unique and invaluable to the firm. He has been a leader in corporate transactions for over 30 years. The potential to deliver value to our existing and prospective clients is exciting,” says Managing Partner Al Hill.

“Joining Taylor English was a great opportunity for me to bring a much needed skill to a rapidly growing firm,” says Mr. Summers. “Taylor English’s approach to client relationships encourages each of us to be creative, flexible and thorough in how we deliver client solutions. I’m thrilled to be a vital part of this exciting firm as we redefine how law firms help business.”

In addition to the ESOP expertise Mr. Summers brings, Taylor English has recently expanded its Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice group with the addition of Don Kohla from King & Spalding. For over 30 years, Mr. Kohla has been representing clients with mergers and acquisitions, employee benefit, and executive compensation plans. His expertise on ERISA and ERISA-related matters and his experience assisting and implementing all types of employee benefit plans has earned him the highest industry honors, including The Best Lawyers in America each year for over 25 years and Super Lawyer every year since its inception in Georgia.

Prior to joining Taylor English, Mr. Summers was a partner in the Atlanta office of McGuire Woods LLP, a national law firm, for eleven years. Prior to 1999, he practiced law with various law firms, including nearly 20 years in his own firm. Before entering private practice, he served as law clerk to the Honorable James C. Hill, U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and as staff counsel to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities (Watergate Committee).

Seven Taylor English Attorneys are selected as The Best Lawyers in America® for 2012

Atlanta- September 7, 2011- Atlanta law firm Taylor English Duma LLP is proud to announce that attorneys William A. Clineberg, Jr., Chloe Dallaire, Foy R. Devine, Jeffrey R. Kuester, John D. Hopkins, Michael E. Ross and Don S. Kohla have each been selected via an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey process for inclusion in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. For nearly three decades, Best Lawyers has been regarded – by both the profession and the public – as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States. This marks the sixth selection for Mr. Clineberg, the second for Ms. Dallaire, the twentieth for Mr. Devine, the fifth for Mr. Kuester, the fifth for Mr. Hopkins, the fifth for Mr. Ross, and the twenty-fifth for Mr. Kohla.

“These selections are well deserved and well earned. These attorneys represent our industry with the highest levels of expertise, knowledge and a genuine dedication to being client-focused. We applaud them and appreciate what they bring to our clients and our firm,” says Al Hill, managing partner at Taylor English.

Mr. Clineberg was selected for his expertise in the area of Employment Law. He is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution group and has been involved in high-stakes, complex business litigation on behalf of corporations and individuals for 40 years.

Ms. Dallaire was selected for her expertise in the area of Personal Injury Litigation. She handles all aspects of complex civil litigation with specializations in the areas of transportation, construction, defective products, employment, complex business disputes, premises liability, automotive, catastrophic injury and healthcare matters.

Mr. Devine was selected in the area of Personal Injury Litigation and Product Liability Litigation. He chairs the Taylor English Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group, and since 1969, Mr. Devine has focused his practice in civil trial work, handling litigation of all types including catastrophic personal injury and death cases that arise from product-related injuries.

Mr. Kuester was selected in the area of Patent Law. He is the chair of the firm’s Patent practice and handles intellectual property issues, including patent preparation and prosecution. Additionally, Mr. Kuester was named as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia for 2011.

Mr. Hopkins was selected in the area of Corporate Law and is a member of the firm’s Corporate & Business practice group. John’s practice has focused on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and insurance regulatory and transaction matters. Mr. Hopkins has more than 30 years of cumulative service on the boards of NYSE and NASDAQ -listed corporations, with service on executive, nominating/governance and compensation committees.

Mr. Ross was selected for his expertise in Employment Law and Labor Law. He is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. He is a seasoned litigator with more than thirty-five years experience in federal and state trial and appellate courts and arbitration proceedings across the country, including a number of class and collective actions cases.

Mr. Kohla was selected in the area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. He recently joined the firm and brings with him over 30 years of experience representing clients with ERISA and ERISA-related matters. He assists plan sponsors in designing, preparing, implementing and administering all types of employee benefit plans and executive compensation arrangements. Mr. Kohla is a member of the firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice group.

Taylor English Attorneys Deborah Ausburn & Amanda Hyland Successfully Represent Tea Party Patriots in IP, Trademark Rights Case

Atlanta-November 11, 2011- Attorneys Deborah Ausburn and Amanda Hyland of Atlanta law firm Taylor English Duma LLP won a significant jury verdict in Cobb County Superior Court last week. Their client, Tea Party Patriots, Inc., had been forced to go to court against a former member of its Board of Directors who claimed that the name of the organization and related websites belonged to her. The defendant, Amy Kremer, worked with other people to start the organization in the summer of 2009.

After disagreements developed among board members concerning the direction of the organization that culminated in her leaving a few months later and joining another tea party group, she claimed that she owned the group’s identifying marks. Tea Party Patriots, Inc., successfully convinced the jury that it owned the trademark because Ms. Kremer and many others had done their work on behalf of the organization, including many activities far beyond Ms. Kremer’s original online groups.

“We are happy that the Taylor English team was able to help our client retain rights to its identity,” said Ms. Ausburn. “Many people invested time and energy to build the organization in its early days. The jury recognized that when a group of people, including Ms. Kremer, work as part of an organization, it is unfair for one individual to claim rights to everyone’s work.”

Ms. Ausburn and Ms. Hyland are members of the Taylor English Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group. Ms. Hyland is a fifth-year associate with a strong background in trademark and defamation law, and Ms. Ausburn is an experienced litigator who has twice successfully appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Taylor English Welcomes Michele Golivesky As Director of Business Development & Marketing

Atlanta-October 24, 2011- Atlanta law firm Taylor English Duma LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Michele Golivesky as its first Director of Business Development and Marketing. For over 20 years, Golivesky has been a leader in business development, marketing, and public relations with top Atlanta companies. She joins Taylor English from the Atlanta law firm Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP, where she worked as the firm’s Marketing and Business Development Director.

“At Swift Currie,” says Golivesky, “I had the privilege of participating in reimagining the firm’s corporate identity, managing the launch of its first website, and integrating the firm into social media. I’m looking forward to beginning a new chapter in my career at a firm with a commitment to innovation like Taylor English.”

In her twelve years with Swift Currie, Golivesky was an integral part of the firm’s overall strategy, practice group plans and initiatives. She spearheaded development of an in-house associate training program and directed marketing initiatives, such as seminars, newsletters, sponsorships, articles and presentations, marketing collateral and enhanced website content.

Golivesky has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from The University of Georgia. She was the 2010 Legal Marketing Association Southeastern Chapter’s Member of the Year in honor of her leadership and active involvement with the LMA.

“This is a perfect fit for Taylor English,” says the firm’s founding partner Marc Taylor, “Michele’s expertise in the industry paired with her creativity and insight will certainly take our firm in exciting new directions. And we enthusiastically welcome her to the Taylor English family.”

Taylor English Tax Attorney, Vivian Hoard, Named One Of Atlanta’s Top Wealth Managers By Five Star Wealth Manager and Atlanta Magazine

Atlanta, October 4, 2011- Attorney Vivian Hoard of Atlanta law firm Taylor English Duma LLP has been named to Atlanta Magazine’s list of Atlanta Five Star Wealth Managers for 2011. The list is comprised of a highly select group, representing less than 2 percent of licensed wealth managers in the Atlanta area.

Five Star Professional partnered with Atlanta Magazine to determine the top metro area wealth managers who “provide exceptional service and overall satisfaction.” More than 68,500 households and 7,800 registered financial services professionals, including clients, peers, and industry experts were surveyed and asked to rate their experiences working with a wealth manager on criteria such as integrity, value for fee charged, and quality of recommendation.

“The selection is a great honor,” says Hoard, who is a member of Taylor English’s tax controversy practice, “particularly since it comes directly from the endorsement of clients and colleagues.” Hoard has been handling civil and criminal tax controversy litigation for more than 20 years and successfully represents a diverse set of clients including small businesses and their owners, publicly traded companies, professional athletes, and entertainers.

Hoard frequently consults with accounting firms and their clients during complex audits, assisting them on the most effective options and procedures. In these roles, Hoard always focuses on resolving disputes and creating long-term solutions. “The Taylor English model encourages flexibility in the way we collaborate internally and structure compensation with our clients. This value proposition leads to greater communication, a more streamlined effort, and more effective results.”

The 2011 list of Atlanta Five Star Wealth Managers is in the October issue of Atlanta Magazine.

Taylor English Named One of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2011 Best Places To Work.

Atlanta- September 22, 2011- Atlanta law firm Taylor English Duma LLP was recognized as one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Best Places to Work at the seventh-annual awards event at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis on September 16th.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle describes this year’s Best Places to Work Awards as being particularly timely given that, “there’s almost no topic of greater public interest in America these days than jobs.” 100 Atlanta employers were ranked in three categories: large employer, medium sized employer and small employer. Taylor English (which has over 140 attorneys and employees) was awarded this honor in the medium-sized employer category, which recognizes companies and organizations in the metro Atlanta area with 101 to 500 employees.

“Creating a more vibrant and rewarding workplace was one of our primary goals when we launched the firm nearly 7 years ago”, says Marc Taylor, one of the firm’s founders. “This is a something that we will share collectively with our attorneys, employees and clients”.

“This award is a tremendous honor”, says Taylor English managing partner Al Hill, “especially since it’s based solely on employee surveys. At Taylor English we’re committed to offering our employees an alternative to the traditional law firm model that encourages an entrepreneurial spirit, so it’s reassuring that, as we continue to steadily grow, our colleagues agree that the firm is purpose-built for them and the needs of their clients. We are thrilled with the award, and we already have out sights set on next year.”

Earlier this year, Taylor English was also was also recognized by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of Atlanta’s Top Work Places for 2011.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle partnered with Quantum Workplace to survey metro Atlanta employers to determine the top 100 Atlanta’s Best Places To Work. This year readers nominated nearly 500 companies and organizations, and Quantum surveyed employees from participating companies and organizations.

Taylor English Attorney’s Coverage of College Football Conference Realignment Goes Viral

Atlanta, September 8, 2011- Attorney Kristi Dosh from Atlanta law firm Taylor English Duma LLP has emerged as a leading authority on the economic impact of Texas A&M moving to the SEC with her latest August 19th blog post.

An August 16 report from a Waco economist claims the state of Texas will suffer multi-million dollar losses if Texas A&M University leaves the Big 12 Conference for the Southeastern Conference. Taylor English attorney and Businessofcollegesports.com founder, Kristi Dosh offers a differing opinion, and the sports world has taken notice.

According to the Waco economist the move would result in a reduction of gross product and jobs in the Texas economy. Dosh challenges this position in her post, pointing out that the only anticipated losses would be from Texas A&M fans no longer descending upon Waco to watch their team play Baylor. That game only represents an estimated 0.024% of the taxable activity in Waco for a given year, and only occurs once every two years. “Not exactly hysteria-inducing numbers,” Dosh writes.

Dosh goes on to point out that whatever new travel costs the school incurs will more than likely be covered by the larger conference distributions offered by the SEC and new revenue from out-of-state schools. “When an out-of-state school visits and brings in its team, coaches, band, cheerleaders and fans, new money is being pumped into the state economy,” Dosh says. “If anything, I think you will see an increase in economic impact in College Station as SEC fans, who are known to travel, descend upon the town.“

To date, Dosh has been invited to discuss the Texas A&M story on a number of radio shows, including the nationally syndicated Tim Brando Show, and her work has been mentioned by writers at ESPN and Sports Illustrated. “Kristi is becoming increasingly recognized as a national authority on the business of sports,” says Taylor English managing partner Al B. Hill, “we’re proud of her accomplishments and will continue to support her efforts.”

Dosh is a member of the Taylor English Real Estate, Development & Construction and the Lending, Workout & Foreclosure groups, with a portion of her practice focused on sports law. She is also a regular contributor to SportsMoney on Forbes.com and a variety of other sports websites and a frequent guest lecturer in sports management and sports administration programs.

Taylor English Expands Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Practice Group With Addition Of Highly Acclaimed Atlanta Attorney/Consultant

Atlanta- September 6, 2011- Atlanta law firm Taylor English Duma LLP announces the addition of attorney Don Kohla as its newest member to the firm’s expanding Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice group. Joining Mr. Kohla is Jan Marsh, a senior consultant with over 25 years of experience in this area.

Mr. Kohla brings with him over 30 years of experience representing clients with mergers and acquisitions, employee benefit, and executive compensation plans. Don’s expertise on ERISA and ERISA-related matters coupled with his deep experience assisting, designing, and implementing all types of employee benefit plans has earned him some of the industry’s highest honors, including The Best Lawyers in America each year for over 25 years and Super Lawyer every year since its inception in Georgia. “With Don and Jan joining the group, we clearly have the depth and expertise to represent any client (big or small) in this area. We’re thrilled to have them as part of the team”, says Managing Partner Al B. Hill.

The decision to move their practice over to Taylor English was heavily influenced by the firms entrepreneurial business model, personality, and culture. “We were very impressed by the people, top to bottom”, says Kohla. “They’re genuine about being client focused, and their enthusiasm for creating a more collaborative law firm was contagious. Everyone we met walks-the-walk.” Both say they are eager to begin introducing their clients to the benefits of TE’s unique operating model. “We are re-energized by TE’s approach that focuses entirely on the client which means we can also be more flexible and cost efficient in designing engagements that work better for both sides”, says Marsh.

Kohla and Marsh join Taylor English from King & Spalding where they led the firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice group advising public, private, taxable and tax-exempt clients.