Business

Irene F. Bahr is a beverage and alcohol regulatory lawyer that established her private practice in 1987. Attorney Bahr previously worked for the Illinois State Liquor Commission and has experience working with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Irene is a founding partner of Bahr Anderson Law Group, LLC., located in Wheaton, Illinois. Ms. Bahr is a former President of the Illinois State Bar Association, has spoken at various seminars, and is published in the Illinois Bar Journal. To schedule an appointment with Attorney Bahr, contact her Wheaton office by calling 630-462-1113.

In 2002, attorneys Andrew Hollis and Josh Wright joined together to form the Hollis Wright Law Firm. The two attorneys had one simple philosophy in starting the firm: to put clients first at the law firm and to work hard each and every day to protect the client’s interests by seeking compensation for the injuries they sustained. This goal has served them and the other attorneys at the firm incredibly well throughout the years and has helped them achieve some outstanding and fulfilling results. Hollis Wright has become one of the leading personal injury firms in the State of Alabama and has already established itself as a key law firm nationally in the area of mass torts. Our attorneys are aggressive, zealous advocates for the clients we represent. We are highly skilled in litigating and trying complex and contentious cases while always maintaining a sense of professionalism, integrity and respect for others. Our attorneys have literally tried or settled hundreds of million-dollar cases. However, our efforts are not only directed at achieving great monetary results for our clients. We understand that when you contact our firm, either you or a loved one has sustained an injury, oftentimes life altering. It is a time such as this that you need an attorney who will demonstrate compassion and take the time to truly understand your situation and the difficult challenges that you face. Our attorneys and staff members are dedicated to helping you through the litigation process and communicating with you about the developments in your case every step of the way.

Mr. Pearson has 30 years experience in business law, business management and consulting. He has received a Martindale-Hubbell top AV@ rating for attorneys and is President of Pearson & Paris, P.C., a prestigious Colorado law firm which emphasizes commercial transactions and litigation, real estate, banking, insurance and recreation law, and criminal defense. Mr. Pearson has an extensive background in business transactions and litigation and he routinely advises on matters related to both. He founded and is chairman of the board of RiverReach Youth Initiative, an organization that helps young people gain a sense of responsibility to their community and environment, rewarding participating youth with recreational outings. He holds a B.S. and Juris Doctorate degrees and lectures frequently in the areas of business and related liability issues including recreational liability. He is also a past contributing editor for Adventure Travel Business Magazine and the American Bicyclist. EMPLOYMENT AND PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS Founding Partner and President, Pearson & Paris, P.C. Founding Partner and President, Pearson, Horowitz & Burnett, P.C. The firm acted as general counsel for a variety of business clients on a regional, national and international level. Chairman and Founder, RiverReach Youth Initiative, a non-profit organization which provides outdoor recreational opportunities for disadvantaged population segments. RiverReach recently merged with another similar organization, cityWILD. Board Member, American Mountain Guides Association, a non-profit organization that represents the interests of American mountain guides by providing support, education and standards. Former Chairman of the Board and General Counsel, Adventure Travel Society, an international association which emphasizes the development of adventure travel and the economic benefits of eco-tourism. Former National Defense Counsel for Outfitters and Guides Insurance Program, The Connecticut Insurance Group (program was discontinued). Former Advisory Board of Trustees, American Wildlands, an international non-profit organization which emphasizes preservation of North America's natural resources. Former Board Member, Denver Rail Heritage Society, a non-profit organization which is dedicated to preserving historic rail travel in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area, including operation of a trolley system. Former Advisory Board Member, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Springs, CO. Former Board Member and Founder, Alpenglow Mountainsport, Inc., a retail and wholesale supplier of equipment related to outdoor adventure and recreation. Licensed Colorado Real Estate Broker Certified Ski Instructor, emeritus status, Professional Ski Instructors of America Member: Denver and Colorado Bar Associations; Federal Bar Association, International Law Society; Colorado Real Estate Commission.

Deena R. Merlen is a Partner at the firm. She serves clients at both our New York and Stamford offices and heads the Connecticut practice. Her practice areas include intellectual property, employment and labor law, media and entertainment, general business law, commercial transactions and dispute resolution. In her employment practice, Ms. Merlen is a trusted “go to” problem solver and counsel to individuals, established name brand companies and startups alike. She has extensive experience representing clients in matters including general counseling, discrimination actions, mediations and dispute resolution, investigations by federal or state agencies, as well as wage and hour claims and other labor law matters. She also advises on and regularly negotiates employment and separation agreements, independent contractor arrangements and other services-related arrangements. Ms. Merlen also counsels clients on employment and business matters in response to a crisis or other unexpected business impact, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business closures, including continuity plans, employee furloughs, reductions in force and other critical measures. In her intellectual property practice, Ms. Merlen helps her clients with the development, acquisition and protection of their valuable brands and other vital intellectual property assets. She manages and grows trademark portfolios in the U.S. and internationally; negotiates licensing, assignment, distribution and branding agreements; prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations; enforces intellectual property rights; and provides strategic counsel to safeguard brand platforms and expand the value of her clients’ intellectual property assets. Ms. Merlen’s media practice encompasses the development and protection of creative works in the fields of music, film, television, theatre, publishing, literary arts, performing arts, design and technology. She ran her own business in the entertainment industry for over a decade and brings that business experience and acumen to her legal practice. In addition, Ms. Merlen provides general business counsel and represents clients in company and transactional matters such as partnerships, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, the purchase or sale of businesses, and a wide range of other corporate matters, including company formation, capitalization and governance, compliance and contracts. Representative clients include technology companies, schools and other academic institutions, personal care and beauty companies, fashion and design companies, media, arts and entertainment companies, wholesalers, retailers and more. Prior to her work with RPJ, Ms. Merlen served as Law Clerk to The Honorable Roger J. Miner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, after which she joined Debevoise & Plimpton, where she practiced for over five years in the areas of corporate law and intellectual property. Ms. Merlen is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.

Kate Bihm is a well-versed family law and divorce attorney who brought her name to the public eye in Montgomery County during her campaign for the 9th District Court in 2016. In her time since starting her solo practice in Conroe, Kate has worked in both divorce and family law matters, including child support, child custody, and more. When you hire Kate, you will be getting knowledge and experience that you can trust. To schedule your free consultation with a skilled Conroe Divorce Attorney, visit Kate online or call 936-788-6100.

Sam Blink is the Founder and Managing Member of Midtown Legal. He is a member in Midtown's Business Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Corporate and Business Transactions Practice Groups. Sam defends businesses and their owners, directors and officers in governmental investigations and related enforcement actions. He preserves his clients’ reputations and resources while representing them through all stages of disputes, from pre-litigation investigations through administrative proceedings, trial and appeal. Sam focuses this part of his practice on environmental, consumer protection and securities investigations. He also has extensive experience representing contractors in construction disputes in court and arbitration. He both defends contractors in mostly construction defect cases and pursues collection efforts on behalf of his contractor clients. Sam also regularly represents businesses in contract litigation and business owners in corporate and partnership disputes. Sam routinely guides companies in various corporate and commercial transactions, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, asset sales, capital raises and corporate governance matters. He represents businesses in connection with complex contract negotiations, including SaaS agreements, complex commercial real estate agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, independent contractor and employment agreements, and technology agreements. Sam is a business owner, being the founder of Midtown Legal and is the owner and partner of multiple other business ventures. He uses this experience to practically represent his clients and provide what business owners actually want out of their legal representation. When Sam is not working he enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He enjoys golfing and watching all sports. He is an avid traveler, reader, hiker and a less avid fisherman and carpenter.

Maikel N. Eskander is the principal and owner of Capital Partners Law, a full-service business and real estate firm with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton. The firm handles a wide variety of commercial, real estate, and business litigation matters, including representation of small and mid-sized businesses, investors, developers, and owners. As the firm’s founding member, Mr. Eskander was recently recognized as an AV Preeminent Rated business attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, as well as receiving the Elite Lawyer Award for Business Law, and being recognized by Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation in 2021. He brings a wealth of knowledge & experience to the firm, including representation of numerous Fortune 500 companies and a track record of having never lost an appeal. Prior to opening Capital Law Partners, Mr. Eskander was a founding partner at Eskander Loshak LLP.

Maikel N. Eskander is the principal and owner of Capital Partners Law, a full-service business and real estate firm with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton. The firm handles a wide variety of commercial, real estate, and business litigation matters, including representation of small and mid-sized businesses, investors, developers, and owners. As the firm’s founding member, Mr. Eskander was recently recognized as an AV Preeminent Rated business attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, as well as receiving the Elite Lawyer Award for Business Law, and being recognized by Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation in 2021. He brings a wealth of knowledge & experience to the firm, including representation of numerous Fortune 500 companies and a track record of having never lost an appeal. Prior to opening Capital Law Partners, Mr. Eskander was a founding partner at Eskander Loshak LLP.

EXPERIENCE: ScaleUp Legal – Managing Partner Miami, FL • Manage formation and development of ScaleUp program for startups seeking representation and counsel to raise capital, overcoming due diligence difficulties, and structuring deals. • Qualify, evaluate, and manage affiliated PE investments and portfolio of startups. • Counsel US and global clients (businesses and executives), on corporate structure, immigration, PE/VC, international tax, compliance, and complex international transactions. • Review, negotiate, and supervise hundreds of commercial, procurement, and licensing contracts, DPAs, and more with clients, vendors, and partners . • Counsel clients on the legal aspects of investing in blockchain technology and making other cryptocurrency investments. • Counsel domestic and international (including Egypt, Philippines, Spain, and Argentina) clients on entity formation in Delaware, Florida, and Nevada, tax implications, registered agents, power of attorney, and tax IDs for corporate and individual clients. • Search, and file for, new trademarks, respond to office actions, and manage trademarks. CoachHub – Sr. Legal Counsel Miami, FL and Berlin, Germany • As VP and officer of the US subsidiary, negotiate and manage hundreds of deals in the US, Latin America (including Brazil), and Spain. Counsel and negotiate with C-level executives, on corporate structure, immigration, PE/VC (more than $300M raised in VC), international tax, compliance, and complex international transactions. • Review and determine adequacy of software as service platforms, and their compliance with our internal requirements as well as FedRAMP, GovCloud, GDPR, CCPA, SOC II, and ISO. • Hire, lead, and mentor team members in the UK, Germany, and the US by examining their work, setting priorities, providing feedback, and facilitating improvements and growth. • Work with Human Resources to establish a nationwide employment strategy minimizing labor costs and risks for a workforce of around 150 employees across 27 states and several countries. • Clients and partners included Silicon Valley Bank, Amazon, Meta, Twitter, T. Rowe Price, Capital One, Kellogg's, Thomson Reuters, Repsol, Banco Santander, and more. Indiana Department of Workforce Development – Investigator Miami, FL and Indianapolis, IN • Determined the facts and created a record relevant to the claimants’ claims by using questioning techniques similar to the ones used for deposition, direct, and cross examination. • Applied relevant Indiana labor law and jurisprudence to assist in adjudicating unemployment and COVID-19 pandemic benefits claims. Maine Department of Labor – Appeals Hearing Officer Miami, FL and Augusta, ME • Heard appeals from unemployment claimants in the state of Maine and applied relevant law concerning unemployment benefits and emergency assistance related to COVID-19. • Conducted hearings with claimants over the phone, created a record, and made decisions over the qualifications of claimants to receive unemployment benefits. • Affirmed or reversed decisions by unemployment benefit deputies based on the record created during the hearings and the applicable law. M3N – Founder Miami, FL and Barcelona, Spain • Founded M3N, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and established the corporate documents necessary for corporate governance and operations in Florida. • Developed the business and technology to invest in triple net CRE using data science. • Through the COVID-19 pandemic, developed and leveraged the network of contacts necessary to raise the funds necessary to begin operations and deploy capital. Trueba & Suarez – IP Law Miami, FL • Drafted motions for Federal court, State court, and TTAB proceedings. Drafted responses to USPTO office actions. Provided litigation support including document management, document review, eDiscovery, and client coordination. • Researched and summarized TMEP, the Hague convention (for service on international defendants), Federal (Lanham Act, DMCA, and the Copyright Act), and Florida statutes related to trade secrets, international copyrights, trademarks, and franchises. • Initiated, followed up with, negotiated, and delivered take down notices, demand letters, and cease and desist letters to content and service providers (like YouTube, GoDaddy, and others) and opposing parties as necessary to protect the intellectual property rights of our clients. • Evaluated searches performed by outside vendors on trademarks and patents. Evaluated potential pre, and post, AIA patent cases, patent office actions, and patents used by examiner to deny patents. InternetDynamo – Founder Miami, FL • Acquired clients generating more than $800,000 in revenue per year. • Led the team responsible for the design, deployment, growth, and maintenance of the hosting infrastructure necessary to sustain the website ranked number 20 in traffic in the world. • Led the design and development, with a team of DBAs, the cluster database infrastructure responsible for hundreds of millions of transactions per day spanning several databases, servers, networks, and geographic locations. EDUCATION: Universidad de Barcelona, Facultad de Derecho Barcelona, Spain Grado en Derecho (Legum Baccalaureus (LL.B.)/Bachelor of Law) – EU Law and Data Privacy University of California - Berkeley, School of Law Berkeley, CA Legum Magister (LL.M.)/Master of Law – Intellectual Property (IP) Nova Southeastern University, College of Engineering and Computing Miami, FL Master of Science in Management Information Systems (M.MIS) – Data Science Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law Ft. Lauderdale, FL Juris Doctor (J.D.) – International Law & Civil Law Stetson University College of Law: Tampa, FL International Institute of Social Studies The Hague, Netherlands Truman Bodden Law School Georgetown, Grand Cayman Florida Institute of Technology, Nathan M. Bisk College of Business Melbourne, FL Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), cum laude – Business Administration & Computer Information Systems OTHERS: Native Reader, Writer, and Speaker of Legal and Business English and Spanish Member of the Florida Bar – Bar No. 1027712 Miami, FL CIPP/US Miami, FL Startup @ Berkeley Law/VC University – Certificate in VC Berkeley, CA Chairman of Board of Our Children, Our Future (non-profit) Hollywood, FL Nova Southeastern University – Certificate in Civil Law Ft. Lauderdale, FL University of California, Berkeley – Certificate in Law and Technology (IP) Berkeley, CA InfraGard, South Florida Members Alliance Miami, FL Nova Southeastern University – Certificate in International Law Ft. Lauderdale, FL HNBA/Microsoft, Intellectual Property Law Institute (IPLI) Scholar Washington, DC Master Swimmer Miami, FL

Jules Porter is an attorney, business law professor, legal analyst, artificial intelligence (AI) developer, and video game developer who enjoys simplifying complex legal issues to make the law more approachable for all. Jules is an Associate Attorney at Ed Shaw Law Firm where she practices business law, family law, criminal law, and intellectual property law. She is also a game director at Seraph 7 Studios, a console video game development company that provides work-study experience for local students. Jules is also an AI developer and trainer who works to improve the analytical capabilities of various large language and natural language models. Jules is a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran who earned both her JD and MBA from the University of St. Thomas where she currently serves as an adjunct business law and intellectual property law professor. Jules also earned a B.S. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is a seminary theology degree holder. Jules frequently lectures at local, national, and international schools where she speaks to students about various legal, government, business, civil rights, and science and technology topics to include: augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, computer programming, game development engines, and design. Jules also serves on the University of St. Thomas School of Law Outreach and Connections Committee and recently held the positions of Treasurer and Secretary on the Board of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers. Most recently, Jules was named one of Minnesota’s Top 20 technopreneurs and was named a Twin Cities Global Corporate Citizen by the International Leadership Institute and Twin Cities Unsung Hero by Planting People Growing Justice. In her spare time, Jules cheers on the Minnesota Vikings, rocks out to the Pointer Sisters’ music, and enjoys thriller and sci-fi movies. ​