Michael Arnett
Conduct forensic investigations, analyses, and testing as related to vehicle accident reconstruction and product failures, including ADAS currently in use on heavy commercial trucks. Design evaluation of consumer products using engineering analysis techniques to determine the source of the failure. Perform causation and reconstruction of accidents involving automobiles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, agricultural/construction equipment, and pedestrians. Evaluates visibility conditions in nighttime accident scenarios. Utilizes various CAD and simulation software packages to aid in analysis.
Andria Beckham
Andria M. Beckham is a Vice President, Legal, at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. She currently oversees all specialized legal areas of practice, including Compliance, Litigation, Real Estate and Global Security, and was formerly the lead commercial counsel for the ScottsMiracle-Gro North America business.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Andria received a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a minor in Political Science from The Ohio University (2000), and a Juris Doctor with a Sports Law certification from Tulane University School of Law (2004). After law school, she served as a judicial clerk in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and as an Associate with Bricker & Eckler LLP, where she practiced in the Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy and Business Law groups. Further, she has worked in a variety of areas and venues, including domestic violence in the Columbus City Attorney’s Office, Athletics Compliance at Tulane University, labor law with the National Football League’s Management Council, and as Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Sport Management at Ohio Dominican University. Andria has also owned a legal services business. She is a true generalist with experience in bankruptcy, general business and corporate matters, litigation, M&A, contracts, real estate, sport law, advocacy, entrepreneurship, start-ups, compliance, IoT, e-Commerce, transportation, diversity, equity & inclusion, executive training, and legal strategy.
Andria is a proven leader, communicator, and commercial counsel that collaborates across the board to build trust and relationships with all colleagues through personal interaction and service within the ScottsMiracle-Gro organization and her community at-large.
One of Andria’s favorite quotes is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Bradley Bertkau
Bradley Bertkau, Partner at Orleans Canty Novy, LLC, Chicago, Illinois, provides litigation defense for large and small corporations and individuals, including cases where his clients are self-insureds or insured by insurance companies. Brad primarily concentrates his practice on legal representation in all areas of transportation litigation, including casualty claims, cargo claims, and insurance coverage. He handles matters from the initial inception of a claim through trial, including post-judgment appellate work. His responsibilities include managing clients’ files from the event/incident through resolution, and he works with clients to prepare and implement a strategy for defense from the initial investigation. His litigation experience extends throughout the state of Illinois and Indiana. Brad is a member of the the Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA), the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA), and the Conference of Freight Counsel (CFC).
Brad graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly the John Marshall Law School). He earned his B.A. from Lafayette College in 2003. He has been recognized as an Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyer magazine and a Rising Star and Top Rated Lawyer by Super Lawyers. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and Indiana. He is also licensed in United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois, and Northern District of Indiana.
Jean-François Bilodeau
Jean-François Bilodeau is a legal counsel with the BLG national firm and focuses his practice on maritime law and transportation-related matters. As a former maritime surface warfare officer of the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve, his experience in navigation and ship management enables him to provide relevant legal services, supported by technical knowledge of the marine industry.
He represents different interests active in this industry, in particular as adviser to shipowners, charterers, shippers, consignees, freight forwarders, brokers, warehousemen, port authorities, shipyards before Québec and federal courts and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Jean-François also has expertise in litigation relating to road, rail and air transportation. He advises clients in those sectors and represents them both before civil courts and the Quebec Transport Commission and the Canadian Transportation Agency, in all regulatory and penal matters. He has a vast experience in the drafting and correction of transportation and warehousing contracts. In addition, Jean-François specializes in disputes relating to insurance coverage and the liability of insurers, including, inter alia : errors and omissions cases, directors’ liability, product liability and the liability of ocean, rail and air carriers.
Notably, Jean-François was a member of the CP Rail defence teams that successfully obtained the dismissal of the actions instituted against the rail carrier following the Lac-Megantic derailment of July 7, 2013. The Quebec Superior Court judgement is under appeal before the Quebec Court of Appeal.
He graduated from Laval University Law School in 1985 and was called to the Quebec Bar in 1987 and is a former president of the CTLA. Jean-François lives in Montreal with his wife Brigitte and son Simon, while the older daughters Anne-Julie and Laurence have left the family nest to pursue their respective career in the field of social work and mechanical engineering.
Callie Castillo
Callie Castillo is a Shareholder with Lane Powell PC where she assists clients with complex litigation, regulatory advice, and appeals. Callie represents both public and private entities in matters related to commercial disputes; civil rights and election laws; consumer protection, antitrust and regulatory defense; class actions including wage and hour; and state and local tax controversies. In addition to handling litigation matters from start to finish, Callie has successfully briefed and argued numerous cases in front of the Washington Court of Appeals, the Washington Supreme Court, and the Ninth Circuit.
Before joining Lane Powell in 2019, Callie spent twelve years with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office with her last position as Deputy Solicitor General. During her time there, she independently handled and oversaw appellate cases at all levels of state and federal courts, and served as advisor to elected officials. Callie’s experience included defending Washington state, both in state and federal litigation, against constitutional challenges to various laws and initiatives.
Callie received her B.A. from the University of Washington and J.D. from George Mason School of Law.
Edgar Davison
Edgar Davison is the owner of Davison Law Firm and the General Counsel for Baxter Bailey & Associates, an agency that specializes in freight charge collections.
Edgar obtained a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from the University of Tennessee in 2002 and then attended law school, graduating in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law.
After a few years of practicing employment law, Edgar shifted his attention to freight charge litigation and now concentrates on collecting on behalf of the trucking industry.
Edgar is licensed to practice law in Tennessee and Arkansas. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Western District of Tennessee, and the Eastern District of Tennessee.
The vast majority of Edgar’s work is devoted to collecting on behalf of motor carriers. Edgar enjoys golfing, playing chess, and reading during his free time.
Rui Fernandes
Rui Fernandes is a partner at Gardiner Roberts LLP in Toronto Canada. He represents domestic and international clients involved directly and indirectly in transportation, insurance and related industries. He advises clients with respect to contract and commercial law including risk analysis and regulatory matters. He provides corporate and commercial advice to foreign clients setting up and doing business in Canada. His insurance practice includes policy drafting, coverage issues, errors and omissions claims, professional liability claims, marine and aviation, inland marine, property and casualty liability defense, products liability and subrogation.
Rui has a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He holds certificates from the University of Windsor for its ADR Workshop and for its Advanced ADR Workshop and Pepperdine University for its STAR program (Systematic Approach to Mediation Strategies). He is a qualified arbitrator and obtained his Q. Arb. designation in 2019 and his FCIArb in 2020. Rui has conducted numerous mediations and arbitrations both as counsel and as a mediator or arbitrator.
Rui has run a number of successful businesses including vessel chartering, biotechnology, small hydroelectric and publishing.
He has appeared as senior counsel in trial and appellate courts and agencies across Canada: The Supreme Court of Canada, The Federal Court, Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta, Canadian International Trade Tribunal, Canadian Transportation Agency, Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada, and the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario Discipline Committee.
Richard Grant, ESQ
GRANT LAW, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION
FOUNDER, MANAGER MEMBER, SENIOR LITIGATION ATTORNEY
ALFRED UNIVERSITY, BA DEGREE, 1973
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY, MS DEGREE IN URBAN STUDIES, 1975 WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW, JD DEGREE, 1978
CALIFORNIA STATE BAR, 1980
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA, 1981
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA, 2022 TRANSPORTATION LITIGATION ATTORNEY FOR MOTOR CARRIERS & FREIGHT FORWARDERS
Kristen Johnson
Kristen MJ Johnson is Chief Legal Officer, Transportation Affairs, of Cargomatic. She is a legal strategist and thought leader, providing deep transportation industry knowledge and business partnership to oversee risk management, litigation and corporate strategy, and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining the Cargomatic executive team, Kristen was a partner managing the litigation group at Taylor Johnson PL, a transportation specialty law firm with a national footprint, and she now serves of counsel to the firm. In 2020, Kristen was the only private practice attorney selected as a Top Woman to Watch in Transportation by the Women In Trucking Association. She advises on risk management, case and witness preparation, regulatory response, compliance programs, and critical strategy. Kristen was a Fulbright Scholar and is active in her industry and community. She is a member of Women in Trucking, the Transportation Lawyers Association, the American, California, and Florida Trucking Associations, and the Conference of Freight Counsel. When she is not practicing law, she advocates for children and those in need.
Steve Kennedy
Steve Kennedy is a trial attorney and regional managing partner of Wilson Elser’s Mississippi office. He also serves on the Wilson Elser National Trial Team and as national and regional counsel for several trucking companies. Steve is a member of the firm’s 24-hour Emergency Response Team and its primary contact for incidents that occur throughout Mississippi and Arkansas, where he is also admitted. He has tried more than thirty-five cases, handling matters across multiple states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Wyoming, Colorado, Indiana and California, among others.
Matthew Koch
Matthew C. Koch is a shareholder with Marwedel, Minichello & Reeb, P.C.
His practice includes:
- Defense of property brokers, transportation intermediaries, and multimodal equipment owners against claims for wrongful death and personal injury arising out of catastrophic trucking accidents
• Defense of carriers, transportation intermediaries, warehouseman and customs brokers against claims for cargo loss and errors and omissions
• Defense of maritime personal injury claims under the Jones Act, LHWCA, general maritime law
• Insurance coverage counseling and litigation involving Shippers’ Interest/Open Marine Cargo, Cargo Legal Liability, Errors & Omissions, Hull, and P & I policies
• Drafting and counseling transportation service contracts, standard terms and conditions, bills of lading and tariffs
• Counseling on compliance with federal and state regulations applicable to maritime and transportation industry
• Ship collisions, accidents, environmental incidents, including on-site rapid response investigation
Matt is admitted and licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, and in the United States District Courts for the Northern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Western District of Wisconsin, Northern District of Indiana, Eastern District of Michigan, and in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Matt is a member of the Transportation Lawyers Association, Conference of Freight Counsel, Transportation Logistics Council, and Maritime Law Association. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago magna cum laude in 2001. He received his law degree from Saint Louis University in 2004, where he was an editor for the Saint Louis University Law Journal and a recipient of the Academic Excellence Award in Evidence.
Thomas Martin
Thomas C. Martin concentrates his practice primarily in the areas of transportation law, community association law and commercial litigation. He serves as legal counsel to internationally recognized motor carriers, freight brokers and related transportation business entities. Mr. Martin addresses a multitude of issues including defense of cargo loss and damage claims, personal injury, workplace issues, claims management, risk assessment and federal and state compliance. Mr. Martin is in the forefront of this sophisticated and constantly evolving field of transportation law. As a member of the nationally recognized Conference of Freight Counsel, Mr. Martin works with industry insiders to consider and address legal issues facing carriers on a nationwide basis. He has authored numerous articles in the field and has been an active speaker as a member of the Transportation Lawyers Association, the Conference of Freight Counsel and the Transportation Loss Prevention & Security Association. Currently, Mr. Martin is a member of the Freight Claims Committee of the Transportation Lawyers Association.
Mr. Martin is also counsel to a substantial number of community associations and is actively engaged in a wide range of unique and complex areas of litigation and regulatory practice. He has extensive knowledge of all aspects of this increasingly complex field. As a member of the Legislative Action Committee of the New Jersey Community Associations Institute, Mr. Martin works with members of the New Jersey State legislature to help educate and clarify issues on pending legislation. Mr. Martin is on the forefront of this evolving practice area. He worked with others on amicus briefs for the Appellate Division and Supreme Court on the landmark Twin Rivers case – the first in the nation to address the contours of public constitutional free speech within private common interest associations. He has also been quoted as an authority in the field by leading publications, is the author of numerous articles and is a frequent speaker.
Mr. Martin is a graduate of the University of Maryland and Seton Hall School of Law. While attending law school, he volunteered for the Honorable Seymour Margulies, J.S.C., Hudson County and served with the New Jersey Bureau of Securities. As a member of the Seton Hall Legislative Journal, he authored the Note, The Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act of 1995. He also served as judicial law clerk for the Honorable Frank M. Donato, J.S.C., Passaic County.
Mr. Martin is admitted to bar of the State of New Jersey, the United States District Court, for the District of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third and Sixth Circuits. Mr. Martin has been granted pro hac vice admission status in several State and Federal Courts throughout the country.
Brett McGinnis
Brett joined McGriff in 2007 to partner in the leadership and development of the National Transportation Practice. Prior to McGriff, Brett worked for the Marsh Transportation Practice and lead a large expansion of a regional Great West agency, RIS. Having been in the insurance industry for the past 35 years, Brett’s focus has always been in the transportation industry with client experience including WWEX/UNI/GTZ, ECHO Global Logistics, Radiant Global Logistics, UShip, Amazon, TI/NTG, Curri, TF Worldwide, XPO and several others for coverage design, placement and oversight. Brett has also developed the insurance programs of TripCargo.com, TripExcess.com as an innovator to streamline transactional coverage solutions for the transportation and logistics industries.
Brett has extensive experience in program design, market negotiations, alternative risk solutions and collateral management. Over 90% of his client base requires these services and he, along with other team members, are in the marketplace each and every day staying abreast of the latest market trends in supporting not only their client’s risk needs but also drive channel solutions for their profitability and growth as well.
Clark Monroe
Clark Monroe is a founding member of DunbarMonroe, PLLC located in Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated, magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is bar admitted in all state and federal courts in Mississippi and has appeared pro hac vice in numerous other states. Mr. Monroe is a long time member of the Transportation Lawyers Association. His transportation practice involves litigation of casualty claims related to motor carriers, advising over the road, LTL, bulk and tank carriers regarding the complex issues surrounding the use of independent contractors. In addition to providing contractual advice, he assist motor carriers and freight forwarders with cargo claims litigation and freight collection. He is an AV rated attorney with Martindale Hubbell and has been recognized in Super Lawyers in the area of Transportation.
Bryan Nelson
Bryan J. Nelson is a partner with Taylor Johnson PL, practicing in its Tampa Bay office. He graduated from Florida State University in 2006 with degrees in Accounting and Finance from Florida State University, earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Stetson University in 2009, and graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2009. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. Prior to joining Taylor Johnson, Bryan practiced as general counsel and served as a chief administrative officer in the transportation industry for over a decade, representing a family of companies that included a motor carrier, a third-party logistics corporation, and a transportation management system provider. His practice focuses on developing, reviewing, and negotiating transportation agreements, processing, mitigating, and resolving cargo claims, guiding and assisting clients in selecting, securing, and auditing insurance policies, and analyzing and implementing the corporate structure and risk management policies of transportation entities in order to mitigate risk and develop scalability of operations.
Joelle Nelson
Joelle G. Nelson Equity Partner, Vice-Chair, National General Liability Practice, Vice-Chair, National Transportation Practice
South Texas College of Law, Jruis Doctor University of Southern Maine, Bachelor of Science
Admissions:
State Bar of Texas
United States District Courts – Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western
United States Bankruptcy Courts – Southern
United States Court of Appeals – Fifth Circuit
United States Supreme Court
Stephanie Penninger
Stephanie S. Penninger is a Senior Director, Legal Counsel at RXO, a publicly traded, leading provider of tech-enabled freight brokerage services connecting customers to approximately 100,000 independent carriers and more than 1.5 million trucks across North America. In her role, Stephanie assists RXO in navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape in the transportation and logistics industry, developing operational best practices and global customer solutions. Stephanie works close to the business in its performance of international freight forwarding, domestic truckload brokerage and customs brokerage operations.
Stephanie’s expertise in advising on global supply chain legal matters has also proven valuable to industry associations. Stephanie is a Past Chair and a Current Vice President of the American Bar Association’s Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee and has served as a Member-at-Large, on the Transportation Lawyers Association’s Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s International Affinity Group and the Transportation Intermediaries Association’s Food Advisory and Carrier Selection Committees. Stephanie has spoken before various industry groups and their membership throughout North America and written numerous published articles regarding maritime law matters, avoiding and litigating cargo claims and mitigating risk when transporting or arranging the transportation of food.
Judson Price
Judson Price is a civil defense litigator and trial lawyer in the San Diego office of Price Pelletier, LLP, where he practices on the firm’s transportation and general liability teams. Mr. Price has handled hundreds of litigated matters from inception to resolution. The vast majority of Mr. Price’s practice focuses on defending corporations and their employees in catastrophic personal injury matters. Mr. Price is admitted to practice in California’s state and federal courts.
Mr. Price received his B.A. in Psychology with honors from San Diego State University in 2007. Mr. Price received his law degree with honors in the Creative Problem Solving Concentration from California Western School of Law in 2010.
Mr. Price has been named San Diego Super Lawyer’s Rising Stars, 2016 through 2023. In 2014, Mr. Price was named by The San Diego Daily Transcript as a Top Attorneys Semi-Finalist in the Insurance Practice Category. In 2014, Mr. Price was named by The San Diego Daily Transcript as a Top Attorneys Semi-Finalist in the Insurance Practice Category. In 2012, Mr. Price was named by The San Diego Daily Transcript as Top Young Attorneys Finalist. In 2009, Mr. Price received the Wiley W. Manuel certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services.
Peter Quinter
Globally ranked U.S. Customs and international trade law counselor and advocate, Peter Quinter, represents individuals and companies involved in the wide variety of legal issues associated with international trade and transportation, including litigation before federal courts across Florida and before the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York. Peter is a Florida Bar Board Certified international law attorney.
Peter represents importers, exporters, customs brokers, international freight forwarders and other companies involved in a myriad of industry sectors and international supply chain matters, such as regulatory compliance and enforcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In addition, Peter’s practice includes skill in 1 of 7 advising on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated products, such as food, dietary supplements and cosmetics, and involving detained or refused merchandise. He also advises on the submission of petitions for removal of FDA Import Alerts.
Moreover, Peter advises on legal issues involving licensing, investigations and penalties issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). He advises clients on reducing penalties by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for hazardous materials or dangerous goods transported by air. Peter is passionate about solving the difficult problems his clients face. A people person at heart, Peter personally cares about establishing and maintaining productive relationships of trust – some of which include decades-long relationships with clients, colleagues and federal representatives – and offering the potential to realize efficient resolution to even the most challenging trade conditions.
Prior to private practice, Peter served as legal counsel at the Southeast Regional Headquarters of the U.S. Customs Service (now known as U.S. Customs and Border Protection) in Miami, Florida. His responsibilities included providing legal advice and representation to management of customs on all matters involving the administration and enforcement of the customs and international trade laws. He advised on virtually all U.S. Customs activities undertaken by its enforcement, commercial operations, fines, penalties and forfeitures, and regulatory audit personnel. Peter also assisted the U.S. Department of Justice in civil and criminal prosecutions on various customs violations, including commercial fraud, trade embargoes and export controls.
Prior to joining Gunster, Peter was a partner in a major commercial law firm, and head of its U.S. Customs and International Trade Law practice.
Lisa Reeves
Lisa Reeves is the senior partner at Reeves McEwing LLP, a boutique transportation law firm serving vessel owners, logistics providers and their insurers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and beyond. Lisa is received her BA at University of Michigan, and graduated magna cum laude from Washington College of Law at American University in 1985. She is admitted to the United States Supreme Court, Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Pennsylvania, the Districts of New Jersey and Maryland, as well as Pennsylvania and New Jersey state courts.
Lisa has served in many leadership roles, including Past President of the local chapter of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association and the Philadelphia Maritime Society, and former director and committee chair of the Maritime Law Association. She continues to be active in those organizations, and is currently on the board and executive committee of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay. Lisa regularly contributes to industry legal columns and speaks on a variety of transportation topics.
Lisa has been recognized as one of the Best Maritime Lawyers in Philadelphia for the past 12 years, and her firm has been listed as the best Tier One Maritime Firm in the Delaware Valley since 2012.
In her spare time, Lisa enjoys yoga, kayaking, hiking with her dogs, and volunteering with the elderly through her church and neighborhood associations.
Cameron Roberts
Cameron Roberts is a partner at Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP in Long Beach, California, with more than thirty years of experience in international trade. His practice areas include customs law, export compliance, domestic and international transportation law, maritime law, trade and insurance issues. He is a past president of the Foreign Trade Association and the Harbor Transportation Club. Mr. Roberts is an adjunct professor at California State University, Long Beach. He is a licensed customs broker (1989) and former transportation executive. He earned his B.A. degree in political science from CSULB and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the Seattle University School of Law. Mr. Roberts is admitted to practice in California, Washington, the Court of International Trade and before the Federal Maritime Commission.
David Sarrasin
David Sarrasin is currently the Assistant Director of Field Operations for Trade in the San Diego Field Office. He has programmatic oversight of Trade and Agriculture operations within Southern California. In addition, his area of responsibility encompasses deployed Non-Intrusive Technologies, Trusted Traveler Program, Fines Penalties and Forfeitures, and Training.
Before his current position, Assistant Director was the Assistant Director of Operational Support for the San Diego Field Office. In this position he oversaw Training, Communications Management.
In 2018, AD Sarrasin was promoted as the Assistant Port Director of Commercial Operations at the Calexico Port of Entry. During his tenure, he established standardized inspections and actively engaged with the Trade Community to improve processes that would improve the efficiency of processing commercial trade.
In addition to the San Diego Field Office, AD Sarrasin has held leadership positions in both the Tucson and Boston Field Offices, and has served several assignments to CBP Headquarters.
Beata Shapiro
Beata Shapiro has extensive experience representing national and international entities and individuals in personal injury, wrongful death and property damage claims, as well as emergency response matters. She also advises clients on and handles matters related to regulatory compliance, administrative actions, acquisitions, contracts, employee guidelines and licensing issues.
Beata has represented clients from 32 states and 7 countries, including all provinces of Canada, helping them achieve their business objectives, minimize exposure, mitigate risk and recover losses. She likewise defends clients in litigation, in many instances securing complete dismissals on motions, defense verdicts or settlements for a fraction of the demand. In addition, Beata’s representation of her clients in litigation has frequently resulted in case law that is positive for her clients, and at times has involved novel and complex issues.
Beata brings to her work a wealth of talent and experience gained from diverse ventures, including study of economics and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, professional experience in finance and investment, and linguistic skills in Russian, Italian and French.
Beata has published articles and conducted educational seminars for clients and industry organizations on topics ranging from state and federal court procedures to substantive legal issues and litigation strategies for avoiding and defending actions related to catastrophic personal injury, property damage, and strategies for emergency response, regulatory compliance, product liability and insurance coverage.
William Taylor
Bill Taylor is a partner at Hanson Bridgett LLP and chairs the firm’s Transportation & Logistics Practice Group. He maintains transactional and litigation business practices representing both public and private ventures. Bill’s transactional practice includes M&A advice and counsel for both domestic and international deals, corporate reorganizations and other strategic business plans.
Bill has significant experience in all aspects of the transportation industry and is well-versed in all areas of domestic and international logistics law and policy. He has a keen understanding of the intricate multi-party contractual arrangements and business relationships central to the movement of products in intrastate, interstate and foreign commerce, including the sale or purchase of companies in or out of this market. Bill regularly consults with and defends clients regarding co-employer or misclassification claims related to independent contractor relationships in this industry.
Whether in transportation or any other enterprise, Bill has represented private and publicly-traded corporate clients in asset and equity-based mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, successorship planning, complex contract strategies and negotiations. He provides day-to-day counseling and assists business clients with internal and external legal requirements, including regulatory compliance matters before local, state and federal administrative agencies. He regularly represents clients in hearings before administrative agencies with jurisdiction over enforcement and compliance issues, including the California’s PUC, DMV, and CHP, and CARB, as well as the U.S. DOT, FMCSA and other federal agencies, including defensive structural options in order to minimize exposure to such actions.
Bill is frequently called upon to address industry associations regarding contract issues and related litigation strategies. He is a certified AAA Mediator and Arbitrator. In addition, Bill is a former President of the Transportation Lawyers Association and currently serves as an Executive Committee Member.
Eric Zalud
Eric L. Zalud is a Partner at Benesch and Co-Chair of the firm’s Transportation & Logistics Practice Group, Vice Chair of the Litigation Group, and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Eric is a Past President of the Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA).
Under Eric’s leadership, Benesch was named Law Firm of the Year for 2023, 2022, 2020, 2017, 2016 and 2014 in the area of Transportation Law by Best Lawyers®/U.S. News & World Report “Best Law Firms”. Only one law firm per practice area in the U.S. receives this recognition each year, making this award a particularly significant achievement. For the ninth consecutive year (2014-2023), Benesch also received a national first-tier ranking in Transportation Law by U.S. News & World Report/Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.”
Eric has litigated or arbitrated matters in 29 states, before state and federal trial and appellate courts in various jurisdictions, and before the Surface Transportation Board, the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals, the United States Olympic Committee, the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Maritime Commission. Eric serves on the TLA’s committees on freight claims, motor carrier transportation, litigation, logistics and e-commerce.
Eric has experience in Warsaw Convention litigation matters, Carmack Amendment litigation, COGSA litigation, PUCO dealings, NHTSA matters and DOT and Surface Transportation Board matters. He also has general experience in air and surface freight disputes, freight intermediary issues and litigation, private fleet formation, truck sale and purchase issues, freight undercharge and over length disputes, admiralty litigation, freight loss and damage litigation, motor carrier casualty and personal injury work, regulatory and registration issues, driver leasing issues and general regulatory compliance matters.
Mark Barber
Mark Barber is a shareholder in the Atlanta office of Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC. Mark has been practicing transportation law for over 35 years. During that time, he has handled cases throughout the southeastern U.S. for motor carriers, logistics companies, shippers, brokers, and trucking insurers. In his litigation practice, Mark is responsible for all aspects of the truck accident case, including the on-scene rapid response investigation, litigation, discovery, trial, and appeal. In addition to handling accident cases, Mark also handles cargo and insurance coverage cases. Mark has tried numerous cases to verdict, has mediated several hundred more to resolution, and has been involved in numerous appeals involving tort, transportation, and insurance coverage issues.
Hillary Booth
Hillary Arrow Booth is the Managing Partner of Booth LLP, a small Los Angeles based firm. She successfully represents clients in jury trials, court trials, administrative hearings, and arbitrations throughout California. Ms. Booth concentrates her practice on the transportation industry, representing brokers, motor carriers, and freight forwarders in freight claims, casualty claims, fee disputes, and employment related disputes including anti-competition and anti-solicitation provisions and alleged misclassification of independent contractors. Ms. Booth negotiates and prepares the unique documents required by the industry, including broker-carrier agreements, shipper-broker/carrier agreements, co-broker agreement, bills of lading, lease agreements, and warehouse agreements. She provides advice on compliance with California environmental and labor laws. Ms. Booth is a Past President of the Transportation Lawyers Association and is a member of the Conference of Freight Counsel. Ms. Booth served for many years as a member of the Board of Directors of the California Trucking Association, and as the Chair of its Los Angeles/Orange County Unit.
Kevin Brejcha
Kevin is devoted to serving his clients on a wide variety of legal issues directly affecting the transportation industry. Kevin’s practice includes litigation and transactional work. As a litigator, Kevin focuses primarily on the transportation and logistics arena and has advised clients on a variety of litigation matters, including contract disputes, insurance coverage issues, and fraud claims. Kevin also handles commercial and residential real estate, employment-related litigation, and corporate transactional work. Kevin has represented clients involved in all aspects of transportation including motor carriers, brokers of motor carriage, and shippers.
Kevin received his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he was a member of the Appellate Advocacy Honors Program and Loyola’s Mock Trial Team.
Billy Davis
Billy Davis defends businesses and professionals in a variety of contract and tort claims. His practice areas include professional negligence, transportation litigation, catastrophic accidents, legal malpractice, medical malpractice, nursing home liability, premises liability, products liability, contractual obligations and insurance coverage.
In additional to handling individual matters throughout the state of Georgia, Billy also serves as national coordinating counsel for several clients, leading investigation and pre-litigation strategy for claims across the country.
He is dedicated to providing value by establishing cost-effective defense litigation strategies. Billy is a proponent of alternative dispute resolution procedures such as mediation and arbitration resulting in favorable outcomes to his clients. When specific cases have necessitated protracted litigation, he has successfully advocated for his clients at trial and in the appellate courts.
Prior to entering the practice of law, Billy was a financial advisor for major international and regional financial services firms advising Atlanta businesses and businesspersons on various transactions in commercial finance, debt structuring, management of interest rate risks and personal portfolio management.
Billy remains active outside of the office. He is the Chairman of the Technology Committee for the Transportation Lawyers Association, an international bar association of lawyers practicing in all modes of transportation. He is a member of the Grand Lodge (the national board of directors) of Theta Xi Fraternity and he is closely involved in the Beta Zeta Association of Theta Xi–the alumni organization for the Auburn University chapter of Theta Xi fraternity. He was twice awarded the Franklin Award for Outstanding Alumni Service in recognition of his outstanding service to that organization.
When the work is done, Billy is a recreational triathlete who enjoys cycling, running and swimming. He’s also a cinephile and audiophile and loves discussing movies, music and home theaters.
Jim Dedman
Jim Dedman is an attorney at the law firm of Gallivan, White, & Boyd, P.A. in Charlotte, North Carolina. As such, he represents manufacturers, transportation companies, and other businesses in state and federal litigation. He is licensed to practice law in the states of Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Born in Tennessee, he spent his formative years in Texas. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Radio/Television/Film, he earned his law degree from Baylor Law School, where he served as a Senior Editor of the Baylor Law Review. Following law school, he worked as a briefing attorney for the Honorable Eva M. Guzman of the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston, Texas. He practiced with a defense firm in Southeast Texas before coming to the Carolinas in 2006.
Patrick Foppe
Patrick E. Foppe is a member of Lashly & Baer, P.C. and practices throughout Missouri and Illinois. He frequently handles claims involving complex commercial motor vehicle accidents, cargo disputes, transportation-related contract disputes, premises liability, products liability, wrongful death and general negligence. Also, he advises insurance companies on a wide variety of insurance coverage issues and handles declaratory judgment and bad faith actions. In addition, he advises transportation companies regarding compliance issues with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. He leads rapid response investigations to serious accidents as a part of Lashly & Baer’s Rapid Response Team.
Patrick serves as Co-Chair of the Transportation Lawyers Association’s Membership and Regulatory Committees. He also serves on Defense Research Institute, Inc.’s Trucking Law Committee’s Steering Committee and is Chair of Publications. Patrick has an “AV Preeminent” Peer Rating™ with Martindale-Hubbell®. He has received numerous awards for his pro bono work, community service, and professional accomplishments. Patrick is also a regular author and is an invited speaker by many industry groups. Patrick and his wife Kate have seven children.
Craig Helmreich
For more than 22 years, Craig Helmreich, owner of Helmreich Law LLC, has advised his clients on transportation contracts, cargo claims, freight charge disputes, transportation bankruptcies (risk mitigation when a shipper, broker or carrier goes bankrupt), as well as consulting on corporate structure, liability, and regulatory issues. After 21 years of practice at a large transportation law firm, Craig struck out and formed his own firm in 2021. Taking advantage of changing attitudes towards remote work arrangements, all attorneys and staff at Helmreich Law LLC work remote – providing services from wherever they are. Craig attended Butler University and received a BA in Political Science and Philosophy in 1997. He graduated from IU McKinney School of Law with a JD in 2000 and has been admitted to the Indiana bar that same year. Craig is admitted to all Indiana state and federal courts and has appeared pro hac vice in dozens of additional courts across the country. Craig is currently a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, Transportation Lawyers Association and Canadian Transport Lawyers Association. Craig lives (and works) in Fishers, Indiana, with his wife Jeanne and their children Chloe and Gibson.
Alexander Karcher
Alex Karcher is an attorney with the Columbus, Ohio office of Roetzel & Andress, L.P.A.
His practice is focused on the modern supply chain, assisting transportation and logistics clients in a wide array of matters, including regulatory and compliance, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (and state equivalent) audit representation, safety consulting, contract review and drafting – such as broker-carrier, shipper-carrier, independent contractor/owner operator, and warehousing agreements – and obtainment of state and federal motor carrier and brokerage authorities. In addition, a large portion of Alex’s practice involves transactional matters, including due diligence work specific to transactions involving significant transportation components.
Having handled a variety of business-to-business and transportation-related cases, such as prosecution and defense of Carmack claims, and employment disputes, Alex is also an experienced litigator in state and federal courts throughout the country, and is currently admitted to the bar in Ohio and Wisconsin, and admitted to the Northern and Southern District Courts of Ohio, the Western District Court of Michigan, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Alex is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Shannon King
Shannon C. King is a litigator who focuses her practice on civil litigation in Missouri and Illinois, with an emphasis on transportation and commercial litigation. She is a member of Lashly & Baer, P.C.’s Litigation Department and Transportation Practice Section.
She has experience in all phases of the litigation process from intake, evaluation, investigation and discovery, motion practice and trial preparation. She also has extensive experience with e-discovery programs and managing large cases with thousands of documents.
Shannon is also a member of Lashly & Baer, P.C.’s Rapid Response team, providing immediate response to serious vehicular and trucking accidents. This helps to achieve early evaluation of accidents and ensure the proper preservation of evidence. Shannon earned her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. She also attended University of Missouri St. Louis graduating magna cum laude with a degree in English and Communications.
Hon. Joan M. Lewis, Ret.
For over 30 years, Judge Joan Lewis has been committed to serving the legal community with compassion, deference and toughness. While on the bench during her 20-year judicial career as a Superior Court Judge, she spent five years in the Family Law Division, and for the last fifteen years until her retirement, she presided over a Civil Independent Calendar. Throughout her time on the bench, she handled a multitude of settlement conferences in both the Civil and Family Law
divisions. Prior to her appointment, Judge Lewis tried civil cases in private practice for ten years, focused on representing health care professionals in medical malpractice lawsuits.
Judge Lewis has always been active in leadership positions on judicial committees, including the court’s Executive Committee and serving as chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee. Judge Lewis is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Friend of the Community Award by the Tom Homann LGBT Law Association in recognition of her commitment to LGBTQ rights, and, most recently, the Witkin Award for excellence in the practice of law and advancing access to justice. Known for her thoughtful and fair command of her courtroom, Joan Lewis brings a wealth of experience to the practice of neutrality, mediation and arbitration.
Nathan Lombardo, P.E.
Mr. Lombardo earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He comes to S-E-A with five years of experience in the forensic engineering field with an emphasis on vehicle accident reconstruction. Prior to his entry into forensic engineering, he spent eight years in commercial refrigeration research and development, and eight years in the industrial/commercial construction industry.
Mr. Lombardo is responsible for the inspection, evaluation, and reconstruction of accidents involving tractor-trailers, passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. He is trained and certified in downloading and analyzing both passenger vehicle and heavy-vehicle electronic data recorders (EDR), and Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). He is proficient in the use of 3D scanner technology and small unmanned aerial systems (drones) to document vehicle and accident scene evidence utilizing his background and experience in design, testing, manufacturing, and construction. Mr. Lombardo is also responsible for forensic investigations of product defects or mechanical system failures as they relate to commercial and passenger vehicles, as well as heavy-equipment and machinery.
Mr. Lombardo is a registered Professional Engineer, an FAA licensed sUAS pilot, and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists (NAPARS).
Ryan Mahoney
With over eighteen years of experience covering numerous practice areas, Ryan is able to provide his clients a full spectrum of legal services. A seasoned litigator, Ryan is committed to finding the best possible outcome for his clients, whether inside or outside the courtroom. Ryan’s litigation practice focuses primarily on the transportation and logistics arena, representing brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers in various matters, including freight charge claims, cargo claims, general contractual disputes, and regulatory compliance matters. Ryan has also represented a variety of clients in labor and employment cases, general commercial matters, and multimillion-dollar personal injury and property damage claims. Ryan’s experience as a litigator also provides the perspective necessary to advise his clients on non-litigation matters, including risk assessment, contract negotiation and drafting, alternative dispute resolution, and real estate transactions.
Christopher McNatt Jr.
Christopher C. McNatt, Jr. represents motor carriers, logistics companies, international freight forwarders, and customs brokers in a variety of issues including operational and regulatory compliance, contract review and formation, insurance, cargo liability, collections and litigation. His areas of practice include regulatory compliance, litigation, contracts and general transportation issues.
Mr. McNatt focuses on international transportation and customs issues as well as independent contractor and employment matters. He advises domestic and international transportation companies and customs brokers on the full range of business issues from regulatory matters and contracts to cargo liability concerns. Mr. McNatt is also often involved in litigation concerning commercial transactions, cargo claims disputes, personal injury, employment-related matters and independent contractor disputes.
Chris Merrick
Chris Merrick is a graduate of Villanova University law school and a shareholder at Flaster Greenberg, where he leads the firm’s transportation group and sits on the firm’s board of directors. While Chris lives and works in the Philadelphia area, he is admitted to practice in twenty federal and state courts located throughout the country. Chris’s practice is focused on assisting clients located worldwide with their unique legal needs related to transportation and storage of goods, along with commercial supply chains. This has included successfully defending two carrier clients against a nationwide antitrust class action involving over 122,000 members and prosecuting a carrier client’s right to recover under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Chris has helped clients secure numerous trial and appellate court victories in complex disputes arising out of loss or damage to goods, car hire and demurrage, and regulatory compliance. Chris’s practice also includes unique engagements from time-to-time, such as: transportation of goods from the White House, claims involving priceless works of art, and even a cargo claim filed by a former number 1 overall NFL draft pick. In addition to TLA, Chris is a member of a variety of industry groups including the Conference of Freight Counsel. Chris and his wife, Hillorie, are the proud parents of two young children: Simon (8) and George (6).
Jason Orleans
Jason’s practice has focused on transportation and logistics related matters, including casualty defense and cargo claims and litigation under the Federal Carmack Amendment. His practice has included trial work in State and Federal courts, the Illinois Court of Claims, and hearings at private mediation and arbitration. Jason has served as outside transportation counsel for motor carriers and freight brokers. His practice has also included insurance coverage litigation in State and Federal courts. Jason has also drafted extensive appellate briefs and argued appellate cases in State and Federal Appellate Courts on far reaching transportation and insurance issues. In March of 2023 Jason joined the Coyote Logistics, LLC legal team.
Stephen Panoff
Inspect, analyze, and reconstruct vehicular accidents involving automobiles, heavy trucks, tractor-trailers, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Download and analyze automobile “black box” systems utilizing the Bosch CDR System. Survey accident sites, build 3-D computer models of accident site and vehicles, and model the accident scenario with HVE (Human-Vehicle-Environment) simulation software. Conduct forensic investigations, analyses and testing as related to consumer product failures to determine the source of failure.
Christine Pham
Christine Pham is Associate General Counsel at Cowan Systems, LLC and General Counsel of its affiliates, Cowan Intermodal Group, LLC, Cowan Transport Systems, LLC and Cowan Logistics, LLC. Among their dedicated fleet, intermodal agents, warehousing, and brokerage operations, the Cowan Group of companies provides transportation services across the country, collectively employing 2,700 employees and operating over 2,400 power units.
In 2020, Christine joined Cowan’s executive team with more than 25 years of state and federal litigation experience handling medical malpractice, complex commercial, real estate and employment actions. Her unconventional set of skills and breadth of experience allow her to work effectively with each of the companies to advise on their particular needs. Christine oversees litigation, claims and worker’s compensation matters for all Cowan business entities, and handles contracts, real estate matters and acquisitions. In addition, drawing from her experience litigating EEO matters and defending FLSA class actions, Christine provides advice on company policies, HR, and employment matters.
Virginia Price
Virginia Price formed Price Pelletier, LLP in January of 2020. She is an experienced trial attorney who devotes her practice to service of the transportation industry. For over twenty years she has represented the transportation industry in a variety of litigation matters including catastrophic loss claims, cargo liability, and employment liability. She also counsels her clients on employment decisions, contract negotiation, and compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Ms. Price has also offered coverage advice and opinions as well as audits of insureds to transportation insurers.
She instituted and adheres to a 24 hour rapid response protocol ensuring the Transportation Practice Group’s availability to our clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for immediate response to accident and catastrophic loss scenes. Ms. Price has also compiled a team of experts who are at the top of their respective fields, and are available to respond immediately to accident and catastrophic loss scenes.
Ms. Price has substantial experience with all phases of transportation litigation involving a wide array of legal issues, including catastrophic personal injury defense, cargo liability, premises liability, product liability, employment claims, labor law, business litigation and contract claims. She has defended members of the transportation industry up to and through trial, including arbitration, mediation and motion practice. Virginia demonstrates a high success rate for her clients through trial and motion practice.
She is a frequent speaker on transportation legal topics and very involved with industry organizations both locally and nationally.
Prior to forming her own firm, Ms. Price had the honor of serving as a Shareholder of Klinedinst PC and an Equity Partner of Higgs Fletcher & Mack.
Ms. Price hails from Waynesboro, Virginia, and graduated from Mary Baldwin College and Washington & Lee University School of Law.
Ms. Price has received the highest rating (A-V) available from Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and legal ability.
Greg Reed
Greg Reed is Executive Director and Transportation Industry Counsel to the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association (NSRMCA), one of the oldest transportation trade associations in the United States. It is comprised of transportation companies, including some of the largest trucking companies in the U.S., that contract with the United States Postal Service to move mail and parcels throughout the country. Greg advocates for the interests NSRMCA members with the Postal Service and federal agencies, provides regulatory and legal guidance to members at the state and federal levels, and works with the Postal Service to implement new contracting practices. Prior to joining NSRMCA, Greg was outside litigation and regulatory counsel to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). He began his legal career representing small businesses in state and federal court in challenges to onerous, anti-competitive laws.
Jaclyne Reive
Jaclyne is a corporate, commercial and regulatory lawyer who works with a wide range of clients in the transportation and logistics industry, as well as those in the product regulatory, marketing and advertising space. This includes road, rail and ocean carriers, passenger vessel operators, load brokers, logistics providers, warehouse operators and other freight intermediaries. She also assists manufacturers, importers, exporters, shippers, distributors and growers.
Jaclyne regularly provides advice with respect to various regulatory compliance issues, including federal and/or provincial laws regarding food safety, cannabis, pharmaceuticals, natural health products and cosmetics, medical devices, privacy and anti-spam/CASL, import/export, customs, autonomous vehicles, maritime law and the transportation of dangerous goods. She also provides compliance advice in the marketing and advertising space, including consumer protection matters, product classification and label reviews, as well as reviews of contests, promotions, and advertising campaigns.
Ken Sansom
Ken Sansom is a founding partner at the Birmingham, Alabama, boutique of Spotswood Sansom & Sansbury LLC. The firm was founded in 2001 and handles both routine and complex matters, the latter including class and collective actions; high-stakes commercial, competition-related, and other complex cases; and issues and appeals. In the transportation realm, the firm has extensive experience representing both air and motor carriers in actions involving pricing, cargo liability, alleged contraband, contractor classification, joint employment, punitive damages or civil penalty exposure, jurisdictional, and other issues; representing major industry groups on key issues, such as preemption, in courts up to the Supreme Court of the United States; and advising clients on issues related to the litigation environment and the complex federal-state legal regime governing common carriage in the era since deregulation. Ken has litigated in venues throughout the country, including California, Illinois, New York, Texas, New England, and the Southeast, and he has been involved in a number of United States Supreme Court cases.
Ken was educated at Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law. Before entering private practice, he served as a nuclear submarine officer in the United States Navy and, later, as a law clerk to the late Judge Emmett R. Cox on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Ken started his career in private practice at one of the Southeast’s oldest and largest firms before co-founding Spotswood Sansom.
Hank Seaton
Henry E. Seaton is a graduate of Duke University and Vanderbilt School of Law. He has practiced law for 46 years with the Law Office of Seaton & Husk, LP in the Washington D.C. area representing motor carriers and brokers. The firm specializes in freight claims, freight charge collection, contracting issues, carrier representation before the FMCSA and bankruptcy issues.
He serves as Counsel for the National Association of Small Trucking Companies, the Air & Expedited Motor Carriers Association, The Expedite Alliance of North America, the American Home Furnishings Alliance and the Auto Haulers Association of America.
Mr. Seaton serves as Co-Chair of the TLA’s Federal Regulations Committee
and is a frequent speaker and lecturer regarding cargo claims, freight charges, contracting and risk/insurance issues affecting carriers and brokers.
As Counsel for a number of trucking related trade associations and the Alliance for Safe, Efficient and Competitive Truck Transportation (ASECTT) he is a frequent advocate for industry stakeholders on issues of common interest in response to rulemaking and other requests for comments before administrative agencies such as the FMCSA, the Department of Labor, NLRB and SBA.
Andrew Steif
Andrew Steif is a trial lawyer with more than fifteen years of practice experience in complex transportation and commercial litigation matters in state and federal court. As co-leader of the firm’s Transportation Industry Sector Group, he represents clients in a full range of transportation related disputes, including complex matters under the Carmack Amendment, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, shipping delay and demurrage issues, rate disputes, and a variety of tort claims. Andrew has assisted clients in addressing many different types of transportation issues and he is dedicated to providing creative solutions that solve problems and reduce risk.
Andrew has also defended clients in hundreds of real property, banking, product liability and trust and estate litigation matters. He has handled or worked on dozens of appeals before Florida’s appellate courts, as well as before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh and Sixth Circuits and the United States Supreme Court.
Ashley Winsky
Ashley Winsky is a partner at Gentry Locke’s Richmond, Virginia office. She specializes in defending motor carriers against personal injury claims resulting from roadway accidents. She has over a decade of experience defending trucking companies in catastrophic injury, brain injury, spine injury, and wrongful death cases. Ashley responds to accident scenes throughout the Commonwealth and works with experts in the fields of human factors, biodynamics, and accident reconstruction. Her trucking clients range from small, family-owned operations to some of the nation’s largest truckload carriers.
Ashley is a member of American Trucking Association (ATA), the Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA), the Transportation Defense Advocates Council (TDAC), and Immediate Past Chair of the Virginia Bar Association’s Transportation Section. She has been consistently recognized in the transportation arena by Chambers USA and was recently named an “Up and Coming” lawyer in Nationwide Transportation: Road (Carriage/ Logistics). In 2019, she was selected as a “Rising Star” in Transportation by Legal 500. For the past eleven years, Ashley has been recognized in Virginia Super Lawyers by her peers. She maintains an AV Preeminent peer rating with Martindale-Hubbell. In 2022, Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly honored Ashley with an Influential Woman of Law Award.
Ashley is a graduate of George Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School. She is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Virginia, West Virginia state courts, and the Southern District of West Virginia.