McCormack was US Chair and Global Co-Chair of his previous firm’s Insurance and Reinsurance Sector Practice. He advises on and litigates insurance and reinsurance disputes and regulatory matters, across every line of coverage and across the world, including matters in the Americas, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Deckman similarly handles complex coverage disputes and counsels on all areas of exposure to insurers. Deckman has notable experience in the London insurance market, representing clients in high-exposure international arbitrations and litigations.

“Aidan and Mark joining Dentons reflects that our firm is simply the number one go-to law firm for insurance-related matters,” said Sandy Hauser, head of Dentons US’s Commercial Litigation practice. “This team’s history of trust with their US and global clients to navigate difficult, high-risk issues—and their proven success in precedent setting matters—is the perfect strategic fit for our team, and we’re thrilled they have joined us.”

“We are committed to strategically building on our strength in New York, our largest market, while enhancing our culture by bringing in new colleagues who prioritize teamwork and share our commitment to exceptional client service,” said Sonia Martin, CEO of Dentons US.

McCormack and Deckman join several other laterals who have joined Dentons US’ Litigation practice in recent months, including partners Richard Hong in New York, Peter Bekker in New York, James Newland in Washington, DC, and Jonathan Shulan in St. Louis, and counsels Brett Grindrod in Washington, Lyndy Chang Stewart in Oakland and Kaitlin Wallace in Honolulu. These additions reflect the Firm’s investment in building a world-class litigation practice—growing both in capacity for serving our clients and in prominence as a leader in the law globally.

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Ms. Wild has 30 years of experience practicing in all areas of environmental law, with a particular focus on managing issues related to contaminated land and remediation law. She advises clients on business and legal issues associated with: disputes regarding contamination; strategies for the investigation, remediation and marketing of contaminated land; and obtaining planning and environmental approvals for the remediation and development of contaminated land. Ms. Wild has been involved in a number of landmark cases in this area of the law, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes environmental disputes, including in relation to alleged PFAS contamination.

“Liz has a robust understanding of the various environmental and contaminated land regulations across Australia, which has enabled her to provide strategic and legal advice to a wide range of public and private sector clients regarding their obligations with respect to contaminated land holdings within their property portfolios,” said Francoise Labrousse, Co-Leader of Jones Day’s Government Regulation Practice. “Her deep experience navigating complex regulatory challenges and ESG corporate compliance requirements will be a tremendous value to our clients. We are delighted that she has joined Jones Day.”

Ms. Wild joins Jones Day’s global Government Regulation Practice comprised of former high-ranking government officials and leading regulatory lawyers that deliver results in high-profile regulatory, crisis, investigatory, enforcement, and litigation matters. She will work alongside her colleagues in Australia and around the world to counsel Jones Day clients on administrative and agency litigation, government contracts, government inquiries, international trade, national security, product regulatory and other commercial matters.

“Our lawyers in Sydney work closely with their colleagues in Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne — as well as colleagues in Jones Day offices worldwide — to help guide our clients through complex regulatory law and compliance issues,” said Chris Ahern, Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day’s Sydney Office. “Liz has worked on a number of significant environmental law disputes and negotiations in Australia over the course of the past three decades, and she is highly respected here for her legal skills and business acumen. We are pleased to welcome her to our Sydney Office.”

Ms. Wild’s arrival follows a number of recent lawyer additions to Jones Day’s Australia offices, including: Charles Bogle and James Wood (Corporate), Alastair Gourlay and Dean Bao (Financial Markets), and John Walker (Tax) in Sydney; and Lewis Grimm (Financial Markets) in Melbourne.

Ms. Wild served on the board of directors for the NSW Environment Protection Authority in Australia for five years, and she has been recognized by The Legal 500 APAC (“Environment & Planning Law”) and Doyle’s Guide (“Environment & Climate Change in NSW”) as a pre-eminent lawyer in her field. Fluent in English, German, French, and Italian languages, she earned her law degree, and undergraduate and master’s degrees, from the University of Sydney.

“Jones Day is renowned for its global team of former high-ranking government officials and leading regulatory lawyers who have been involved in some of the most important government regulatory legal matters worldwide,” said Ms. Wild. “I am delighted to join this elite team and look forward to working alongside my new colleagues.”

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Mr. Herbster has 15 years of experience as a lawyer in both corporate and private practice, focused in the areas of energy, transportation, and logistics. He served in various in-house counsel positions at Amazon.com for the past six years, most recently as senior corporate counsel for worldwide operations—the sole business-line corporate lawyer for Amazon’s North America Customer Fulfillment network—and was previously senior corporate counsel for workplace health and safety.

Prior to joining Amazon.com, Mr. Herbster was assistant general counsel at Houston-based TotalEnergies, where he defended the company in high-stakes environmental litigation matters, and was an in-house counsel at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company in The Woodlands, Texas. He began his legal career as an associate in the Houston offices of two major law firms, representing energy clients on environmental, land use and natural resources issues.

“Joe has advised some of the most prominent worldwide corporations in the energy, transportation, and logistics sectors, as both a senior in-house counsel and as outside counsel,” said Jeff Schlegel, who leads Jones Day’s Energy Practice. “His experience in these areas, and perspective on what clients both face day-to-day and what they can expect to face in the future during a period of tremendous change, is an incredible asset to our practice. I am delighted that he has joined Jones Day.”

Mr. Herbster joins a team of more than 120 lawyers in Jones Day’s Energy Practice who provide counsel to clients in all aspects of the worldwide energy and natural resources industry. He will both support and expand the Firm’s capabilities to serve clients on energy-industry disputes, regulatory compliance, competition, state aid rules, infrastructure development, marketing and trading, workplace health and safety, and M&A and joint venture transactions.

“Joe is well-known here in the Greater Houston legal community and has cultivated a reputation for excellence as a corporate lawyer in the areas of workplace safety, environmental compliance, and logistics operations,” said Nicole Perry, Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day’s Houston Office. “He is an exceptional addition to the Jones Day team and we look forward to welcoming him to our office here in the energy capital of the world.”

Mr. Herbster earned his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas.

“Jones Day’s global Energy Practice has always been at the forefront of evolving trends that impact the energy sector, helping their clients get ahead of changes that will shape the future of the industry,” said Mr. Herbster. “I am grateful for the opportunity to return to private practice at this dynamic global law firm that has achieved its success by focusing on client service excellence and the seamless collaboration of their lawyers. As in-house counsel, I considered Jones Day the ‘go-to firm’ for my most complex and challenging matters, so I look forward to joining this team of trusted advisors in Houston and throughout the Firm.”

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• Alexandre Verheyden—Co-Leader, Antitrust & Competition Law Practice
• Steve Geise—Co-Leader, Business & Tort Litigation Practice
• Artur Badra—Chair of Latin America Practice
• Sébastien Champagne—Partner-in-Charge, Brussels Office
• Nicole Perry—Partner-in-Charge, Houston Office
• Shireen Matthews—Partner-in-Charge, San Diego Office

Alexandre Verheyden—Co-Leader, Antitrust & Competition Law Practice

With a focus on antitrust and competition law and significant experience in transatlantic mergers and cartels, Alexandre Verheyden represents major corporations and governments before the European Commission, European courts, and national authorities. His practice spans all areas of antitrust/competition law, including mergers, cartels, abuse of dominance, state aid, and litigation. Mr. Verheyden joins Craig Waldman in leading the Firm’s Antitrust & Competition Law Practice, which has successfully represented clients in many of the most challenging and complex antitrust matters.

Mr. Verheyden has practiced competition law in Brussels for over 30 years and has deep knowledge in the technology and telecommunications sectors. Recent achievements include obtaining Phase I clearance of a multibillion dollar acquisition by a leading chip manufacturing company and involvement in several follow-on antitrust damage claims. Other achievements include the successful dismissal of a Commission investigation under Articles 101 and 102 TFEU of the pricing practices of a global chip manufacturer and the dismissal of a Commission cartel investigation of a major automobile parts manufacturer. He has served as Partner-in-Charge of the Firm’s Brussels Office since 2018 and as co-chair of the Communications Committee of the International Bar Association. 

Steve Geise—Co-Leader, Business & Tort Litigation Practice

A nationally recognized first-chair trial lawyer who has tried dozens of high-stakes cases in courtrooms throughout the United States, Mr. Geise joins John Majoras in leading the Firm’s Business & Tort Litigation Practice, a team of over 400 lawyers serving clients from pre-suit counseling through appeal, including trial lawyers with “bet-the-company” experience who have taken more than 100 cases to trial in the last three years. Mr. Geise was recognized as one of the 100 “Leading Commercial Litigators” in California, “who lead major litigation in California and nationally” by the Daily Journal in 2024 and is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers.

His trial teams secured a defense verdict for Celgene in a multibillion-dollar fraud case in Pikeville, Kentucky in 2023, and earned the Daily Journal‘s “Top Defense Verdict Award” for a 2017 win in Oakland for R.J. Reynolds. Mr. Geise has served as Partner-in-Charge of the Firm’s San Diego Office since 2020 and, before that, served as its Administrative Partner for eight years. A Master in the Welsh Inn of Court who also serves on its Executive Committee, he also served as a Lawyer Representative for the Southern District of California. 

Artur Badra—Chair of Latin America Practice

Artur Badra, based in Jones Day’s São Paulo Office, brings over 20 years of experience in coordinating corporate legal strategies for global clients across Latin America, as well as Latin American companies in their global businesses. In his new role as Chair of the Firm’s Latin America Practice, he will work closely with Luis Riesgo, Partner-in-Charge of the region, to strengthen the Firm’s integrated approach to the increasingly complex, multijurisdictional challenges faced by clients operating in the region.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Mr. Badra was born and raised in São Paulo. He earned his LLM from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid after studying at Holy Cross College in Brazil. Mr. Badra joined Jones Day in Madrid in 2007 and moved to São Paulo in 2011 to assist with the opening of the Firm’s office there. He regularly leads the Latin American aspects of global M&A transactions, coordinating teams across multiple offices and collaborating with local counsel. He also advises major Latin American companies on their international operations.

Sébastien Champagne—Partner-in-Charge, Brussels Office

Sébastien Champagne is part of the Firm’s Global Disputes Practice and he focuses on complex domestic and cross-border litigation. He also has an active arbitration practice both as counsel and arbitrator. For over 30 years, Mr. Champagne has regularly represented and advised major national and international corporations in pretrial negotiations and in litigation before judicial and administrative courts as well as before various arbitral institutions. His practices concentrates mainly on commercial, telecom, antitrust, and regulatory/ESG matters. Notably, Mr. Champagne successfully represented several telecom operators and electronic payment companies in various high-stakes antitrust private enforcement matters. He also represents a leading global integrated energy company in a major climate change litigation.

Mr. Champagne serves as a deputy judge at the Enterprise Court of Brussels since 2015. He is also a member of the Firm’s Investigations & White Collar Defense Practice advising and assisting clients in internal compliance investigations. Mr. Champagne has been a member of the Brussels Bar Council since 2023.

Nicole Perry—Partner-in-Charge, Houston Office

With more than 18 years of experience successfully leading trial teams, Nicole Perry focuses on complex civil litigation in state and federal courts, with an emphasis on energy, technology, and tort matters. Recent achievements include defeating class certification in an Airline Deregulation Act matter for Global Medical Response, dismissal of 17 human trafficking matters filed across the country on behalf of Hilton, a nonsuit of fraud and other claims after just three weeks of litigation, and two zero-dollar settlements in arbitration and breach-of-contract matters. She previously served as the Administrative Partner, Hiring Partner, and Pro Bono Partner in Houston; and she continues to lead Firm anti-human trafficking initiatives related to public awareness and data issues.

Ms. Perry has significant hearing, trial, and arbitration experience and has represented clients in Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act cases, preemption matters, purported class actions, trade secret and copyright lawsuits, declaratory judgment actions, fraud and breach of contract proceedings, and employment disputes. She also represents clients in disputes across the energy industry, including litigation related to natural gas processing facilities, cogeneration plants, polypropylene plants, refining operations, and pipelines. Ms. Perry counsels clients on cybersecurity issues, data protection measures, and compliance with privacy laws and regularly speaks and writes on cybersecurity, open source, and anti-human trafficking topics.

Shireen Matthews—Partner-in-Charge, San Diego Office

A former federal prosecutor who helps companies conduct internal investigations and build, enhance, and maintain effective corporate compliance programs, Shireen Matthews regularly defends clients in high-stakes government investigations and regulatory proceedings relating to health care, false claims, cybersecurity, and data privacy. She also is an experienced civil litigator who represents businesses facing complex, and often enterprise-threatening, litigation, and has managed civil discovery, including depositions and motion practice, from case inception through trial. Ms. Matthews served as Hiring Partner, Diversity Chair, and Administrative Partner in San Diego.

Prior to joining Jones Day in 2013, Ms. Matthews served as the Criminal Health Care Fraud Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California. Her achievements included uncovering a multimillion dollar fraud involving stolen medical equipment from Camp Pendleton, prosecution of wide-ranging contract fraud by a San Diego-based biotech firm, and obtaining one of the largest individual restitution awards for the Social Security trust fund. She serves on the board of trustees for Scripps Health and is a past president of the San Diego Chapters of the South Asian Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association. Ms. Matthews also serves on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County and the San Diego Federal Bar Foundation.

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Joe’s practice is in the transactional Real Estate space, advising Private Equity in particular. He has focussed on a range of aspects in this area, representing international funds in the US, Europe, Asia and Middle East in their purchases of high-end assets in London and further afield. He has practical experience of providing seamless counsel and business advice as these clients invest in jurisdictions they are unfamiliar with. This international client roster has given him a global outlook which is well suited to DLA Piper’s international platform.

James Knox, UK Head of Real Estate, commented: “Having worked with Joe at Linklaters I appreciate and value his collaborative approach across offices and jurisdictions. This, coupled with other already established relationships within DLA Piper, makes him a perfect fit for the firm. We pride ourselves in providing seamless counsel and business advice to our clients across an unrivalled number of geographies and Joe will be an invaluable addition to providing this outstanding service. We look forward to him joining the team.”

This latest hire is a clear illustration of the firm’s ongoing commitment to the international growth strategy of the Real Estate practice. Joe’s appointment comes on the back of other recent hires within the past 12 months, including Federico Barbara in Milan, Kathi Ó Riain in Dublin, Sarah Fleury in Paris, Dr. Birgit Kraml in Vienna and Dr. Gerold Jaeger in Dusseldorf.

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Founded in 2003 by managing partner Chris Else, the firm has developed a strong reputation for commercial litigation, as well as commercial property and private client services, including wills and probate. Else Solicitors has grown in prominence to cover Burton, Derby and Birmingham – as well as supporting national and international clients.

Tim Hastings, chairman at Nelsons, said: “Else Solicitors is a well-respected firm that has built an impressive reputation in Burton and beyond, so we are pleased to welcome Chris and the team. 

“Through this acquisition we are able to bolster our commercial litigation practice, offering specialist knowledge for both new and existing clients. We are keen to build on the reputation they have established to further enhance our East Midlands offering. We are looking forward to the new opportunities this may bring.”

Speaking on the acquisition, Chris Else said: “We have built a team of highly skilled lawyers, all providing a responsive and first-class service, working to deliver our clients’ goals and objectives. I want to maintain the growth and future of our talented team as well as continuing to offer more to our loyal client base, however I feel I have taken the firm as far as I can on my own.   

“An opportunity presented to become part of Nelsons, which has a strong emphasis on building long-term relationships, so there is an immediate sharing of values. Joining forces enables our clients and employees to benefit from the greater resources that Nelsons as a Lawfront firm can provide.”

Neil Lloyd, Lawfront CEO, said: “It is great to see Nelsons complete its third acquisition since joining Lawfront. We back our regional firms to accelerate their growth ambitions.  Acquisitions such as this are a positive demonstration of our commitment to invest in our firms. We are proud to welcome the Else Solicitors’ team into Nelsons and look forward to watching the team grow and develop.”

Clients of Else Solicitors with current matters will be notified and any archived files, wills or deeds will be transferred to Nelsons for safekeeping.

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Matt is an experienced infrastructure, major projects and energy partner. Matt focusses on the development and delivery of complex, large-scale projects across all market sectors, with extensive experience in project structuring, project management, procurement and delivery strategy and risk analysis. He has extensive experience with all forms of development, construction and energy related agreements.

Louise is a leading financial institutions lawyer specialising in securitisation, debt capital markets, structured finance, derivatives and sustainable finance. She has over 25 years of experience in a wide range of domestic and cross border securitisation and debt capital markets transactions and is highly regarded for her structuring work on highly complex and bespoke derivatives. Louise has a strong profile in the Australian capital markets and is an active member of several industry groups. Louise has been recognised in the 2024 Chambers Global and in the IFLR1000 2024 as a highly regarded individual for debt capital markets. Additionally, she is listed among the 2025 Best Lawyers in Australia.

Both Matt and Louise act for national and international clients.

Commenting on the appointments, newly elected Australia Chair and Australasia Region CEO, Amber Warren said meeting client needs was a key factor in expanding the Infrastructure, Energy and Major Projects, and Financial Institutions offering.

“The addition of Matt and Louise, who both have extensive cross-border experience, will be of great value to our clients. I warmly welcome them.”

Dentons Partner and Head of Construction, Planning and Real Estate in Australia, Marcus Graham said, “Our team has been growing rapidly over the past few years, with a complete offering along the East Coast of Australia. It’s wonderful to have Matt join us.”

Dentons Partner and Head of Financial Institutions in Australia, Anthony Walsh, said “We’re delighted to have Louise join our market-leading team. Louise’s experience will add even greater depth to the financial institutions advice we can offer our clients.”

Commenting on his appointment, Matt Coleman said, “I’m delighted to join Dentons, and look forward to working closely with my new colleagues across the region, and playing a leading role in the growth of our infrastructure, energy and major projects client offering.”

Louise McCoach also said, “Being part of Dentons’ market-leading financial institutions team, as well as the world’s largest global law firm brings significant opportunities for my clients, which I’m very excited about.”

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Jon joins Dentons following more than 20 years at EY, most recently serving as the US Partnership Operations Leader and Tax Matters Partner. His expertise includes leading strategic business planning and coordinating the harmonization of member firms and departments to increase efficiency and drive client success. He also has a deep appreciation of M&A and tax law having served as an M&A specialist for large clients in the transaction space.

Global CEO Kate Barton commented, “We are excited to welcome Jon to our global leadership team and to the Firm and to benefit from his decades of experience and the fresh perspectives he will bring. His operational acumen combined with his deep understanding of client needs will greatly enhance the Firm’s strategic direction and our clients across the globe. On a personal level, Jon is a wonderful individual and I look forward to working with him as we continue to take Dentons from strength to greater strength.”

“I am excited to be joining such an impactful and differentiated Firm with strong roots across so many geographies around the world. Kate is a dynamic and personable leader and I look forward to collaborating with her and the global leadership team on this next chapter and being of service as Dentons focuses on growth, solutions and exceptional client service,” commented Jon Glazer.

Jon received his undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and his JD from Boston University School of Law. He subsequently graduated from the Boston University School of Law Graduate Tax Program.

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“Rob and Barron are exceptional leaders whose commitment and vision have consistently driven the success of our firm,” said Bracewell Managing Partner Gregory M. Bopp. “I look forward to working with them as members of our firm-wide management committee.”

Robert R. Collins III – Resident in the firm’s Dallas office, Collins is a partner in the public finance practice, with a focus on tax-exempt financings. He serves as bond counsel, underwriter’s counsel and disclosure counsel in financing transactions for cities, counties, school districts, economic development corporations, venue projects, water districts and special districts. Collins has successfully represented several cities and special districts in expedited declaratory judgment actions filed in response to or in anticipation of certain legal challenges asserted against the clients’ proposed issuance of bonds and/or projects to be financed with bond proceeds. He also advises clients in connection with economic development incentives for public/private projects. Collins has been annually ranked by Best Lawyers since 2008, and was honored as Dallas Lawyer of the Year in Public Finance Law in 2019. He received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University and earned his J.D., cum laude, from Baylor Law School.

Barron F. Wallace – Resident in the firm’s Houston office, Wallace has played a central role in creating one of the leading public finance practices in Texas and the United States. His broad practice includes traditional and highly structured project finance conduit transactions involving state agencies, cities, school districts, airports, higher education, housing, industrial development, private and primary secondary schools, cultural arts organizations, regional mobility authorities, special districts and not-for-profit organizations. Wallace serves as Chairman of the Houston Parks Board and is a member of the board of directors of the Discovery Green-Downtown Park Corporation and the Houston Social Justice Fund. He is currently ranked in Texas Public Finance by Chambers USA and has been consistently ranked as a leading lawyer by Best Lawyers since 2006. Wallace is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and University of Michigan Law School. He has served twice before on the management committee, from 2017-2019 and again from 2021-2023.

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