Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Margo Hellman
Twelve Lathrop GPM Attorneys Named 2026 Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
(June 30, 2026) — Twelve Lathrop GPM attorneys were recognized in the 2026 Super Lawyers® Magazine Northern California edition. Six were named “Super Lawyers” and six were named “Rising Stars” in the annual publication. A Thomson Reuters business, Super Lawyers is a rating service that is based on peer nominations that are supported by interviews, independent research, data verification and good-standing review. Only five percent of the lawyers in each state or region are named Super Lawyers.
AI Litigation Exposure for Health Plan TPAs
For many Third Party Administrators (TPA), AI is becoming woven into claims processing, either as a tool they’ve adopted themselves or one required by the health plan client. Courts are beginning to scrutinize not just the outcome of a claim decision, but how AI may have shaped it. This scrutiny can create unexpected, material litigation exposure for healthcare TPAs, even when the AI tool wasn’t theirs to begin with. In Kisting-Leung v.
California Employment Law 101: What You Need To Know About Paid Time Off
The California employment law landscape is not intuitive and does not allow employers to skate by on common sense. Employers must be diligent, informed, and proactive as they navigate hiring, employing, and terminating employees working in California. One critical area where California is quite particular is paid time off. The following is a summary of the California requirements for employers implementing paid time off programs.
Federal Circuit Decision Highlights Priority Risks from Changes Between Provisional and Non-Provisional Applications
In a June 23, 2026, precedential ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts invalidating Enanta Pharmaceuticals’ U.S. Patent No. 11,358,953. The court held that Enanta could not rely on its provisional application filing date because the provisional application did not provide written description support for subject matter later included in the issued patent.
Evolving Government Priorities and What They Mean for Businesses
Federal agencies are operating in an environment of unprecedented turnover and shifting priorities, which is changing how enforcement actions play out in practice. Understanding these dynamics is critical for companies seeking to manage regulatory risk effectively, as evolving enforcement priorities and reduced agency resources can materially affect investigation outcomes, negotiation leverage and overall exposure.
How Closely Held Businesses Can Retain Top Talent
Closely held businesses face a unique challenge when it comes to talent: how do you attract and retain your best people without giving away ownership or control? Unlike public companies, these businesses often need to preserve ownership structure, manage limited liquidity and navigate succession planning while still competing for top performers. Consider a second-generation family manufacturing company.
Lathrop GPM Partner Alma Soongi Beck Recognized as 2026 Woman of Influence
REDWOOD SHORES, Ca. (June 22, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that Partner Alma Soongi Beck has been recognized as a 2026 Woman of Influence honoree by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Beck is one of 100 women leaders selected from the public, private and nonprofit sectors for their influence in their industries as well as their communities.
Lathrop GPM Welcomes Lane Adams to Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 22, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that attorney Lane Adams has joined the firm’s Intellectual Property Litigation practice group as an associate. Adams focuses his practice on complex patent litigation and has experience representing clients in district court litigation and parallel proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
Lathrop GPM Partner Bernie Rhodes Recognized with 2026 ICON Award
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 18, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that Partner Bernie Rhodes has been recognized by Missouri Lawyers Media with a 2026 ICON Award. ICON Awards are presented to members of the Missouri legal community aged 60 and older who have demonstrated notable, sustained success and strong leadership within and outside the field of law. Rhodes will receive this honor during the ICON Awards luncheon on June 18.
Lathrop GPM Partner Brian Dillon Named 2026 Notable Litigator & Trial Attorney
MINNEAPOLIS (June 9, 2025) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that Brian Dillon, Partner in Charge of the firm’s Minneapolis office, has been recognized as a 2026 Notable Litigator & Trial Attorney by Twin Cities Business magazine. The recognition highlights attorneys across the Twin Cities who have demonstrated exceptional skill and impact in litigation. Dillon is a member of Lathrop GPM’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group.
New Executive Order Signals Evolving Federal Approach to AI
On June 2, 2026, in a rapidly evolving federal AI policy landscape, President Trump signed a new Executive Order (EO) titled Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security (the “June Order”). This EO establishes new cybersecurity mandates and a voluntary framework for the secure deployment of frontier AI models. It also reinforces the administration’s position that AI innovation must not be stifled by excessive regulation.
South Dakota Federal Court Allows Race Discrimination Suit to Proceed Against Denny’s Entities Despite Arguments that Separate Affiliate Was the Franchisor and the Franchisee Was Solely Responsible for its Employees’ Conduct
The plaintiffs, both African American truck drivers, alleged that a server at the Denny’s® restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota refused to take their order, twice referred to them as “you people,” took away their menus and an orange juice, and caused police to be called to remove them from the restaurant.
Lathrop GPM Expands Business Transactions Practice in Dallas and Kansas City
(June 5, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that attorneys John M. Byrom and Charles Heins have joined the firm’s Business Transactions practice group as associates. Byrom will be based in the firm’s Dallas office and Heins will be joining the firm’s Kansas City office. Byrom focuses his practice on energy-related transactional matters, with an emphasis in the upstream oil and gas sector and title examination.
South Dakota Federal Court Allows Race Discrimination Suit to Proceed Against Denny’s Entities Despite Arguments that Separate Affiliate Was the Franchisor and the Franchisee Was Solely Responsible for its Employees’ Conduct
A federal court in South Dakota denied Denny’s Corporation and Denny’s Inc.’s motion to dismiss a Section 1981 claim after rejecting their argument that the plaintiffs, Damon Whitfield and Hector Madera, had named the wrong Denny’s entities and that a separate entity, DFO, LLC, was the franchisor of the Denny’s® franchise system. Whitfield v. Denny’s Corp., 2026 WL 1361492 (D.S.D. May 15, 2026).
Federal Court Grants in Part and Denies in Part Motion to Dismiss Noncompetition and Misappropriation Claims Brought by Franchisor
A federal court recently denied a motion to dismiss a franchisor’s claims in Valenta Franchise LLC v. Innerworks LLC, 2026 WL 1453649 (D. Ariz. May 22, 2026). Valenta Franchise LLC, a technology and business consulting franchise system, sued its former franchisee, Innerworks LLC, and its owner and guarantors. Valenta alleged that Innerworks breached its franchise obligations by developing and operating a competing business, VaQya.
51 Lathrop GPM Attorneys and 17 Practice Groups Ranked in Chambers USA 2026
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 4, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to share that the firm and its lawyers have been ranked in Chambers USA 2026, which was released today. Seventeen of the firm’s practice groups and 51 attorneys received national and regional honors in this year’s directory.
Bankruptcy Court Approves Equity Auction and Debtor’s Plan to Assume Hospitality Franchise Agreement Over Lenders’ Objections
A bankruptcy court approved a hotel debtor’s plan to sell new equity through an auction and to continue operating the hotel under the debtor’s Marriott International, Inc. franchise agreement over lenders’ objections. In re Wisconsin & Milwaukee Hotel LLC, 2026 WL 1278550 (Bankr. E.D. Wis. May 8, 2026).
Hotel Franchisors Escape Direct TVPRA Liability but Face Vicarious Liability Claims
A federal court in Illinois granted in part and denied in part several motions to dismiss TVPRA and Illinois Trafficking Victims Protection Act claims arising from alleged sex trafficking at multiple Chicago-area hotels. Emily T. v. SBY Downers Grove, 2026 WL 1265381 (N.D. Ill. May 8, 2026). Two plaintiffs brought sex trafficking claims against multiple hotel operators and franchisors, alleging in part that the franchisors were liable for trafficking that occurred at the franchised properties.
New Jersey Appellate Court Remands Franchise Worker-Classification Decision Under ABC Test
The New Jersey Appellate Division remanded a final agency decision which concluded that janitorial franchisees of Coverall North America, Inc. were employees under the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law. Coverall N. Am., Inc. v. N.J. Dep’t of Labor & Workforce Dev., 2026 WL 1425167 (N.J. App. Div. May 21, 2026).
Subway Obtains Judgment Against Franchisee and Attorneys’ Fees in Lease Dispute
The Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court recently affirmed summary judgment in favor of Subway, holding that a former franchisee was required to reimburse Subway for a settlement payment in a lease dispute, plus attorneys’ fees and costs, and further holding that the attorneys’ fees and costs were reasonable. Woodrose Props. Golden Swan Urb. Renewal LLC v. Subway Real Est., LLC, 2026 WL 1255825 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. May 7, 2026).
When ICE Comes to the Jobsite: What Construction Employers Need to Know Now
Immigration enforcement is no longer a remote or theoretical risk for construction employers. ICE is conducting active site visits nationwide – detaining workers, halting projects, and triggering cascading contractual and financial consequences. Our latest construction law alert outlines 1) why the risk has escalated; 2) what contractors should do before, during and after an ICE visit; and 3) the legal limits on ICE authority – now being litigated – that could reshape enforcement nationwide.
Matt Shea Named 2026 Great Plains Super Lawyer
MINNEAPOLIS (June 2, 2026) — Lathrop GPM LLP is pleased to announce that Partner Matt Shea has been named a 2026 Great Plains Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers, a distinction recognizing outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition . Shea is a trusts and estates attorney whose practice focuses on high-net-worth estate planning, with an emphasis on federal transfer tax and business succession planning.
Colorado Enacts New Law Regulating Automated Decision-Making Technology
On May 20, 2026, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 26-189, establishing comprehensive requirements for the use of automated decision-making technology (ADMT) in consequential decisions affecting consumers. The new law repeals and replaces the 2024 Colorado AI Act (SB 24-205), which had drawn criticism from business stakeholders for its broad risk-management obligations and impact assessment requirements.
Lathrop GPM Represents Edge Home Finance in Strategic Investment by Presidio Investors
MINNEAPOLIS (June 1 , 2026) — Lathrop GPM represented Edge Home Finance in a strategic investment by Presidio Investors. The transaction provides the mortgage brokerage platform with capital to accelerate growth through investments in technology, infrastructure and acquisitions. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Edge Home Finance is a mortgage brokerage platform with over 1,200 loan officers. The company provides technology, operational support and lending solutions to loan originators.
Three Things Every Lawyer and Leader Needs to Know About Insurance
Modern businesses face mounting pressures to manage risk effectively while maximizing operational efficiency. Insurance represents one of the largest annual expenditures for most companies, yet it remains one of the least understood corporate assets. Smart leaders who treat insurance strategically can unlock significant value, while those who don’t often discover costly gaps when they need coverage most.
Lathrop GPM Partner Malaika Tyson Recognized in 2026 IAM Patent 1000 Guide
CHICAGO, Il. (May 28, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that Partner Malaika Tyson, Ph.D. has been recognized in the 2026 edition of IAM Patent 1000. This marks the fourth consecutive year Tyson has been included in the guide and identifies her among the outstanding intellectual property attorneys globally based on detailed market feedback.
Lathrop GPM Names Ronald Valenzuela as Partner in Charge of Los Angeles Office
LOS ANGELES (May 26, 2026) — Lathrop GPM LLP is pleased to announce that Ronald Valenzuela has been named Partner in Charge of the firm’s Los Angeles office. He succeeds Laura Reathaford, who has served in the leadership role since January 2022. Laura has passed the baton to provide Ron with the opportunity to lead the office while she continues to focus on expanding her practice and supporting her clients with the personalized counsel she is known for.
Minnesota Wealth Tax Proposal Stalls in 2026 Session but Expected to Reemerge in 2027
Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session concluded without passage of House File 4616 (HF 4616), the high‑profile proposal that would have created the nation’s first state‑level annual wealth tax. Although the bill advanced far enough in committee to signal meaningful legislative interest, it ultimately did not move forward as part of the final tax package.
Three Lathrop GPM Partners Receive 2026 Minnesota Legal 250 Honors
MINNEAPOLIS (May 18, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that Partners Jennifer Reedstrom Bishop, Sheryl Morrison and Mark Williamson have been named to the 2026 Minnesota Legal 250 list. Published by Minnesota Lawyer, the Minnesota Legal 250 special section celebrates the professionals who lead and influence various parts of the Minnesota legal community. The publication features 250 people across 17 categories.
Navigating AI Ownership in Commercial and IP License Agreements: Key Considerations for Tech Providers and Customers
The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries has introduced a new set of legal and strategic questions for parties on both sides of commercial and intellectual property license agreements. Whether you are a technology provider offering AI-powered solutions or a customer licensing those tools, the terms governing these relationships carry consequences that extend well beyond the typical software or services deal.
Mara Cohara Recognized for Sixth Consecutive Year as Top Business Defense Attorney
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 14, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is proud to announce that Partner Mara Cohara has been named to the Missouri Lawyers Media “POWER List” for Business Defense Attorneys for the sixth consecutive year. The “Power List – Business Defense Attorneys” features the most powerful business defense attorneys in Missouri as identified by Missouri Lawyer Media.
Lathrop GPM Partner Monique Jewett-Brewster Named to 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy and Restructuring Lawyers
SAN JOSE, Ca. (May 13, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that Partner Monique Jewett-Brewster has been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy and Restructuring Lawyers list. Jewett-Brewster is one of 500 attorneys from around the world who were selected. This marks her third consecutive year receiving the honor.
Lathrop GPM Expands Financial Services Practice in San Jose
SAN JOSE, Ca. (May 13, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to welcome Gueverly Mendez as an associate in the firm’s Financial Services practice group in the San Jose office. Mendez represents businesses and organizations across a range of dispute-related and advisory matters, with experience in litigation and regulatory settings.
Lathrop GPM Partner Marie Gribble Honored in 2026 California Legal Awards
REDWOOD SHORES, Ca. (May 12, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that Partner Marie Gribble has been named a Lawyer on the Fast Track – Real Estate honoree in the 2026 California Legal Awards. Law.com and The Recorder announced the finalists for all categories on April 27. Winners will be celebrated at the California Legal Awards ceremony on June 24 at the Sheraton Grand in Los Angeles. Gribble is a partner in the Real Estate practice group.
Virginia Governor Signs Law Banning Post-Term Non-Compete Provisions in New Franchise Agreements
On April 13, 2026, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed HB 69/SB 240 into law, which amends the Virginia Retail Franchising Act. This law bans the offer or sale of a franchise in Virginia containing a post-term non-compete provision, after the effective date of July 1, 2026. Existing franchise agreements and those entered into on or before June 30, 2026, are not affected by the new law.
California Federal Court Orders Hospitality Franchisor to Show Cause Regarding Civil Contempt for Failure to Release Proceeds
A federal court in California granted in part a franchisee’s motion to enforce a temporary restraining order (TRO) and ordered a defendant franchisor to show cause why it should not be held in civil contempt for failing to release $406,958 in reservation proceeds. Camarillo Hosp. LLC v. G6 Hosp. LLC, 2026 WL 1113871 (E.D. Cal. Apr. 24, 2026). Camarillo Hospitality sued G6 Hospitality in state court because of the parties’ ongoing dispute over amounts owed under the franchise agreements.
Illinois Resident’s Use of Hilton App Doesn’t Establish Personal Jurisdiction over Hilton Worldwide in Illinois
An Illinois federal court recently dismissed a slip-and-fall plaintiff’s negligence claims against Hilton Worldwide that stemmed from a fall at a Nebraska Hampton Inn. Roeber v. Hilton Worldwide Holdings., Inc., 2026 WL 891865 (N.D. Ill. Mar. 31, 2026). While traveling through Nebraska, Gary Roeber and his wife, both of whom were Illinois residents, used the Hilton app to book a room at a Hampton Inn property in North Platte, Nebraska (the Hotel).
Missouri Federal Court Grants Summary Judgment to Franchisor In Dispute Over Termination for Confidentiality Violations
A federal court in Missouri granted H&R Block Tax Services, LLC’s motion for summary judgment, holding that H&R Block properly terminated Colorado Tax Specialists Co.’s franchise agreements after Colorado Tax disclosed confidential information without required safeguards. Colorado Tax Specialists Co. v. H&R Block Tax Servs., LLC, 2026 WL 973283 (W.D. Mo. Apr. 10, 2026). Colorado Tax operated H&R Block offices under two franchise agreements.
Nebraska Federal Court Dismisses Franchisees’ Suit Alleging Early-Renewal Rights
A Nebraska federal court granted franchisor Home Instead, Inc.’s motion to dismiss nineteen Home Instead franchisees’ claims for breach of a 2024 Settlement Agreement. WJM Home Care, LLC v. Home Instead, Inc., 2026 WL 904279 (D. Neb. Apr. 2, 2026). The franchisees alleged that Home Instead breached the 2024 Settlement Agreement by refusing to allow them to obtain early renewals of their franchise agreements and by attempting to force them onto Home Instead’s newer “Care Platform” business model.
North Carolina Superior Court Permits Advertising Fee Misappropriation Claims to Proceed Against Franchisor but Not Guarantors
In a dispute over alleged misappropriation of systemwide advertising funds, a North Carolina superior court permitted franchisees to proceed with claims against their franchisor but dismissed claims against the franchisor’s guarantors as premature. PJC Management Group, LLC v. MAACO Franchisor SPV LLC, 2026 WL 1096903 (N.C. Super. Apr. 22, 2026). MAACO is the franchisor of a chain of vehicle painting and auto body repair businesses.
Minnesota Tax Court Scrutinizes “Loans” to Shareholders of Closely Held Entities
The Minnesota Tax Court recently issued a significant decision reinforcing the strict scrutiny applied to advances from closely held corporations to their owners. In Purcell v. Commissioner of Revenue, the court held that more than $587,000 advanced by an S corporation to its controlling shareholder over two years constituted taxable shareholder distributions – not bona fide loans – resulting in additional state income tax, penalties and interest exceeding $81,000.
Lathrop GPM Adds Four Associates Across Four Offices
(May 4, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce the addition of four associates across four of its offices. Kristopher Fernandez joins the Chicago office, Nathan Moorse joins in Minneapolis, Rachel McCauley joins in Redwood Shores and Vy Do joins in Denver. The new attorneys bring valuable experience and enhance the firm’s bench breadth and depth in three practice areas.
The AI Coverage Gap: What New Insurance Exclusions Mean for Your Business
As companies increasingly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) – particularly generative AI – into day-to-day business operations, insurance carriers are moving quickly to limit their exposure. Several carriers have already introduced new policy exclusions that may significantly narrow coverage for companies that develop, use or rely on AI‑generated content. Recent Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) endorsements aimed at generative AI are only part of the story.
Mitigating CIPA Risk: Practical Steps Businesses Can Take Now
Most companies want to understand how visitors interact with their websites. That insight supports better user experiences, improved conversion rates and more effective marketing. However, practices that were once routine are now being challenged under privacy laws that were never written with modern web technologies in mind.
Lathrop GPM to Move Washington, DC Office to 1015 Fifteenth Street NW
Washington, D.C. (April 27, 2026) — Lathrop GPM LLP has announced plans to relocate its Washington, D.C. team this summer to a new 7,000-square-foot suite on the 10th floor of 1015 Fifteenth Street NW offering open views of downtown and McPherson Square. The new space will adopt the firm’s hybrid open seating layout and private, assigned workspaces for team members in the office three or more days a week with flexible hoteling options for others to support a modern workforce.
Arbitration of Employment Disputes: Evaluating Tradeoffs in Private vs. Public Adjudication
Employers are well aware of the fact that disputes with employees can result in expensive lawsuits and unfavorable jury verdicts that make newspaper headlines. In order to avoid claims from employees, most companies make a strong effort to comply with applicable laws and to utilize state of the art human resources practices. Unfortunately, even the best efforts of employers to “do it right” are not always enough to prevent employees from asserting claims of unlawful conduct.
Will Environmental Hazards Make a Mess of Your Estate Plan?
Careful estate planning is vital if property you own, such as a former agricultural site or dry cleaners, could be contaminated. Here’s how to avoid handing your beneficiaries a huge legal and financial burden. Environmental issues can significantly complicate estate planning, particularly when real property carries a risk of contamination.
Estate Planning for Intellectual Property
Individuals who create or own valuable intellectual property face unique challenges in estate planning that traditional strategies may not adequately address. For authors, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, inventors, software developers and other creators, intellectual property could represent a substantial portion of their net worth, and these assets may include complex ownership structures, valuation considerations, tax implications and succession requirements that demand careful attention.
Charitable Giving Strategies Under OBBBA
Philanthropic-minded individuals face changes to their charitable giving strategies as new tax provisions take effect in 2026. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces both opportunities and limitations that require attention to maximize tax benefits while achieving philanthropic goals. The OBBBA provisions alter the charitable deduction landscape.
Minnesota Lawmakers Propose New Wealth Tax
Minnesota lawmakers are advancing a significant tax proposal that would establish a first‑of‑its‑kind, state‑level wealth tax beginning in tax year 2026. House File 4616 (HF4616), authored by Rep. Aisha Gomez, would impose an annual 1% tax on “taxable wealth” exceeding $10 million for individuals and certain trusts.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Margo
Contact Margo, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack