Five Top Financial Service Industry Lawyers Join Jorden Burt

21 March 2006

Jorden Burt LLP, a leading financial services and litigation law firm, has boosted its Investment Products, Mutual Funds and Investment Adviser practices with the addition of five new attorneys who are authorities in their field. Joining the firm are: Richard T. Choi, Gary O. Cohen, Thomas C. Lauerman, Marvin "Chip" Lunde III, and Peter E. Panarites.

"The addition of Richard and Gary and this practice group gives Jorden Burt a strong presence in the representation of mutual funds and advisers, and adds to our cutting edge expertise in the regulation of investment products and sales practices for the financial services industry," said James Jorden, Jorden Burt's managing partner in the Washington, D.C. office. "Jorden Burt has for some time had the reputation as the 'go to' firm on litigation issues for the financial service and insurance industries. This addition to our regulatory teams will insure that we continue to have the same reputation on regulatory counseling and sales practice issues."

"We're thrilled to be joining Jorden Burt," said Mr. Choi. "Most importantly, combining our talents and resources enriches the value proposition for our clients. Now, with one phone call, clients can more efficiently access the deep experience of what had been two highly regarded counseling practices."

All five lawyers come to Jorden Burt from Foley & Lardner LLP.

Richard Choi, Partner, focuses on the regulation of investment companies and investment advisers, and will head Jorden Burt's Mutual Funds and Investment Advisers practice team. Mr. Choi received his B.A. from the University of Chicago (with honors) and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Gary O. Cohen, Partner, specializes in mutual funds, variable annuities and variable life insurance. He is a pioneer in development of SEC regulation of variable insurance products, both as an SEC staff official and in private practice. Mr. Cohen has spoken and published articles in this area for over 30 years. He serves on the American Bar Association's Subcommittee on Securities Activities of Insurance Companies, the National Association for Variable Annuities, Inc.'s Regulatory Affairs Committee and the editorial board of The Investment Lawyer. He received his B.A. from Vanderbilt University (with honors) and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Thomas C. Lauerman, Partner, focuses on securities law issues that arise in connection with mutual funds, variable annuities, and variable life insurance. He helps clients to plan and implement strategies to achieve SEC compliance for new or innovative financial products. Mr. Lauerman also negotiates and structures contracts and other documentation in connection with securities offerings; manages corporate law aspects of securities transactions and counsel's mutual funds and their directors/trustees. He received his B.A. from Yale University and his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School.

Marvin C. (Chip) Lunde III, Of Counsel, focuses on matters pertaining to variable insurance products and investment company securities. He drafts and prepares registration statements, proxy statements, SEC applications, and annual prospectus updates related to variable annuity products, mutual funds, and variable life insurance companies. Mr. Lunde received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina (with honors) and his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

Peter E. Panarites, Of Counsel, focuses in federal securities law matters relating to the public offering of securities, regulatory accommodation and resolution of issues associated with the development of new forms of securities and distribution methods. He also specializes in insurance company variable annuity products and their regulation under the federal securities laws. Mr. Panarites received his B.S. from Cornell University and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Jorden Burt LLP is a national law firm with a unique focus on financial services and a national reputation in high stakes litigation, financial regulation, and product counseling. For more information on the Firm and its practice, visit http://www.jordenburt.com.

Source: prnewswire

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