Legally Speaking - Legal Recruiter Blog

Heller Ehrman management had hoped that other firms would pick up large groups of lawyers and office leases from the defunct firm.  These deals have fallen through.

Peter Benvenutti, chairman of the dissolution committee now controlling Heller Ehrman, confirmed rumors that Baker & McKenzie and Winston & Strawn had withdrawn proposals to pick up large groups of lawyers and the real estate they inhabit.  While the large deals have fallen through, Baker is apparently still looking at taking on five to twenty Heller partners in a variety of practice areas and locations and Winston is also apparently still after some Heller attorneys.

Heller employees have also been told not to expect to be paid for accrued vacation time, leading to bankruptcy rumors.  This could happen if at least three creditors who are owed more than $13,475 file an involuntary bankruptcy petition.  Given that the creditors include landlords, vendors and employees in addition to banks, this may not be far off, even though bankruptcy would make it more difficult for some of those creditors to collect.

Wayne Streibich

Attorney Wayne Streibich describes his relationship with recruiter Nancy Grimes of Grimes Legal, and the placement that led to his partnership at Dilworth Paxson, LLP.

It was indeed a great pleasure working with Nancy Grimes and GLI.  When Nancy approached me, I was not even contemplating making a move.  Nancy presented an opportunity which was intriguing, and we maintained consistent contact for quite some time in exploring the potential lateral move.  Nancy’s objective approach, discussing both the positives and negatives of such a transition, were invaluable in the process.  Moreover, her personal touch, and the thought and care that went into the relationship we developed, was the most impressive component of our collaboration.  At the end of the day, I felt that I was as much Nancy’s client as was the firm she was representing.  Not surprisingly, I am now a partner with that firm.  To this day, Nancy continues to maintain contact to discuss my integration process with the firm, and she continues to give truly valuable advice which comes from her years of experience in the industry.  I have heard it said, and have learned for myself, that a partnership with Nancy Grimes and GLI is one that encompasses the lifetime of your career.  Thanks Nancy!

Wayne Streibich serves as Chair, Middle Market/Emerging Company Group and Co-Chair, Banking and Financial Services Group at Dilworth Paxson, LLP.  For nearly 20 years, Mr. Streibich has focused his practice on general corporate matters, both domestic and international, with a special emphasis in representing middle market and emerging growth companies in a broad array of matters including the planning and formation process through the preparation of shareholder and operating agreements, employment agreements and noncompetition agreements.  Mr. Streibich’s practice includes the representation of lenders and borrowers in commercial loan transactions.   He also counsels financial institutions in issues relating to consumer loan disputes and real estate tax sales.

Additionally, Mr. Streibich represents both franchisors and franchisees in acquisition and sales transactions and in structuring franchise, license and distribution agreements.