DC-area Lawyers across Practices Selected for Leadership Positions

WASHINGTON, DC—The first quarter of 2015 has seen several Pillsbury lawyers recognized as authorities in their respective fields with appointments to leadership positions in various distinguished organizations.

Global Security Services practice co-leader and Public Policy partner Brian Finch has been selected as a senior fellow for George Washington University’s Center for Cyber and Homeland Security (CCHS). The new cohort of senior fellows was named following an open, competitive process and will serve a two-year term, effective April 1. According to an announcement from the CCHS, the senior fellows help set the Center’s policy and research agenda through their role serving on one of the organization’s four standing task forces, in addition to speaking, writing and engaging with the media about the work of the Center. Finch, a recognized authority on cyber threats and data security based in Pillsbury’s Washington, DC office, will serve on the Center’s Cybersecurity Task Force.

Also based in Washington, DC, Communications partner John Hane has been named General Counsel of the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI), effective March 19. SSPI’s mission is to promote the growth of satellite technology by educating current and potential end users and the general public about the benefits of satellites to business, government and human welfare and by connecting satellite professionals worldwide. With his appointment, Hane replaces former Pillsbury partner and SSPI General Counsel Bruce Jacobs.

John Jensen, firmwide leader of the Government Contracts & Disputes practice and former managing partner of the Northern Virginia office, was asked to join the editorial board of a new Lexis publication, The Government Contracting Law Report. Focusing on statutory and regulatory developments relating to federal government contracting law, it will discuss, review, and analyze case law, dispute resolution, and industry developments and cover topics of interest to government contractors, attorneys and law firms, in-house counsel, government lawyers, government officials, and senior business executives in industries ranging from aerospace, communications, defense, and electronics to financial services, health care, life sciences, and transportation. Jensen’s practice includes the representation of clients in bid protests before the Government Accountability Office, the Court of Federal Claims, and Federal agencies, representing companies in government audits and investigations, defending against government claims, and in matters of suspension and debarment.

Additionally, two of the firm’s Washington, DC lawyers have been appointed to Law360 editorial advisory boards for 2015. According to Law360, the purpose of its advisory boards is to gain insight from experts in the field on how best to shape future coverage.

Insurance Recovery & Advisory partner and practice co-leader Peter Gillon was named to the publication’s Insurance editorial advisory board. In his practice, Gillon advocates for policyholders in their dealings with insurers. Recognized by clients and peers as a leader in areas such as D&O, property and pollution, he was recently named one of the 10 most admired attorneys in insurance coverage.

Lastly, Finance partner Lynn Soukup was re-elected to the 2015-16 Executive Committee of the American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers Inc., a professional organization dedicated to promoting the field of commercial finance law through education, legislative reform and the recognition of distinguished practitioners, jurists and academics. Soukup, also based in Pillsbury’s Washington, DC office, has been affiliated with the college since 2004, having served as a Fellow, a member of the Board of Regents and on the Executive Committee for several years, including as Immediate Past President.

About Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury is a full-service law firm with an industry focus on energy & natural resources, financial services including financial institutions, real estate & construction, and technology. Based in the world's major financial, technology and energy centers, Pillsbury counsels clients on global business, regulatory and litigation matters. We work in multidisciplinary teams that allow us to understand our clients’ objectives, anticipate trends and bring a 360-degree perspective to complex business and legal issues—helping clients to take greater advantage of new opportunities, meet and exceed their objectives and better mitigate risk. This collaborative work style helps produce the results our clients seek.