GRSM Partners Recognized as “Stars” in Benchmark Litigation U.S. 2026 Edition

GRSM Partners Recognized as “Stars” in Benchmark Litigation U.S. 2026 Edition

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani and three of the firm’s attorneys are recognized in the Benchmark Litigation U.S. 2026 list of the nation’s leading litigation firms and lawyers. The firm’s partners below have been identified by Benchmark’s research as preeminent litigation practitioners in the United States.

  • Nancy Erfle
    • Jurisdiction: United States (National), Oregon
    • Practice area: Commercial, Product Liability and Recall, Transport
    • Rating: Litigation Star
  • Franz Hardy
    • Jurisdiction: Colorado
    • Practice area: Commercial, Professional Liability
    • Rating: Litigation Star
  • Angela Richie
    • Jurisdiction: United States (National), Kentucky
    • Practice area: Construction
    • Rating: Future Star

Benchmark Litigation U.S. researchers conducted extensive interviews with a record number of litigators and their clients to identify the leading litigators and firms. During these client and peer interviews, researchers examined recent casework handled by law firms and individual litigators and asked litigators to offer their professional opinions on peers.

Explore the full Benchmark Litigation U.S. 2026 guide.

GRSM New York Founding Partner Mercedes Colwin Honored with 2025 Excellence in Diversity Award by PLUS Foundation

GRSM New York Founding Partner Mercedes Colwin Honored with 2025 Excellence in Diversity Award by PLUS Foundation

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani New York Founding Partner Mercedes Colwin has been named the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Diversity Award by the PLUS Foundation.

The Excellence in Diversity Award is presented annually to a member of the insurance industry who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession. Honorees are recognized for creating meaningful change through mentoring, advocacy, thought leadership, and the development of inclusive policies and initiatives that broaden opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Colwin was selected for her longstanding dedication to fostering inclusive workplace cultures, her active mentorship of diverse attorneys and professionals, and her visible role as a thought leader on the national stage. In addition to her leadership within GRSM, she has made a significant impact on the broader insurance and professional liability industries by raising awareness of equity issues, supporting educational initiatives, and championing the next generation of diverse talent.

Reflecting on the honor, Colwin said, “I am beyond grateful for this incredible award. When I learned of the recognition, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I have always led my life in the service of others, never expecting recognition in return. To be honored in this way is profoundly meaningful, and I am so thankful to the PLUS Foundation for this blessing. Helping others has always filled my heart, and this award inspires me to continue that mission with even greater passion.”

Colwin will be recognized at the annual PLUS Conference during the PLUS Foundation Luncheon, taking place from November 10 to 12, 2025.

Learn more about the PLUS Foundation’s Excellence in Diversity Award.

New Construction Law Updates in California for 2026

New Construction Law Updates in California for 2026

This webinar will provide an overview of the major construction law changes taking effect in California in 2026. Attendees will learn about updates to Title 2, the state’s building code, reflecting California’s continued shift toward energy efficiency, sustainability, and climate resilience.

Topics include requirements for all-electric new construction, expanded EV charging infrastructure, wildfire and overheating prevention standards, and increased accessibility in high-rise projects.

The program will also cover when these new rules take effect and highlight other key legislative updates, including AB 2696 and SB 216, which expand contractor liability and workers’ compensation requirements.

Register here.

Partner Hannah Brown Goehring Authors Article on Importance of Trademark Registration for Protecting Your Brand

Partner Hannah Brown Goehring Authors Article on Importance of Trademark Registration for Protecting Your Brand

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Partner Hannah Brown Goehring authored an article titled “Why registering your trademark protects your business,” published in ColoradoBiz, a magazine dedicated to the coverage of the economy of Colorado, business, finance, and technology.

This article explores the importance of selecting and registering a trademark for your business to secure nationwide protection and exclusive rights over your brand. It highlights the benefits of registration, such as legal protection, deterrence of infringement, and the ability to pursue higher damages in cases of trademark violations.

Goehring’s experience spans both intellectual property prosecution and litigation, with a focus on trademark, trade secret, and copyright matters. Her experience makes her a strong litigator able to handle all phases of litigation, including drafting complaints and motions, taking and defending depositions, and managing discovery. In her intellectual property prosecution practice, she handles matters before the World Intellectual Property Organization Arbitration and Mediation Center and the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Read the full article on ColoradoBiz‘s website.

The Essential GovCon Brief – October 2025

The Essential GovCon Brief – October 2025

In this month’s episode, Patrick Burns and Jeremy Camacho break down the Department of Defense’s long-awaited final rule implementing CMMC across all defense contracts and explain what contractors must do before the November 10 effective date.

They also discuss two recent decisions from the Court of Federal Claims: the IRS’s flawed limited-sources justification for a sole-source bridge contract, and NASA’s termination of a Space Act Agreement over missed milestone payments.

GRSM Partner Roy Viola Obtains Dismissal on Behalf of Equipment Manufacturer Client in Asbestos Case

GRSM Partner Roy Viola Obtains Dismissal on Behalf of Equipment Manufacturer Client in Asbestos Case

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Partner Roy Viola obtained a dismissal in a Philadelphia asbestos matter on behalf of the firm’s client, an electric equipment manufacturer. This was the first time the client had been sued anywhere in the United States in an asbestos product liability lawsuit, making it a potentially dangerous case that could set a precedent for new lawsuits to be filed across the country.

GRSM presented an aggressive defensive strategy, demonstrating to the plaintiff’s attorney that the client was prepared to defend the case through trial. Ultimately, the plaintiff decided to dismiss the client, understanding that protracted litigation would likely be costly and yield poor results.

The dismissal was a significant outcome for the client, who was pleased with both the result and the efficiency with which GRSM achieved it. This case further demonstrates GRSM’s strength as a litigation firm capable of obtaining outstanding results in complex cases.

Y’Noka Y. Bass Named Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer in Illinois by The National Black Lawyers

Y’Noka Y. Bass Named Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer in Illinois by The National Black Lawyers

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani attorney Y’Noka Y. Bass has been named a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer in Illinois by The National Black Lawyers. This honor recognizes and celebrates African American attorneys under 40 who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in their legal careers.

The selection is based on a rigorous nomination process that includes peer recommendations, executive committee referrals, and independent research into the attorney’s professional achievements and contributions to the legal field.

Bass focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, employment litigation, and environmental and toxic tort. She has represented clients in a variety of matters, including breach of contract, employment discrimination, premises liability, and toxic tort. She is also a current Adjunct Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she instructs a class of first-year law students on the importance of their professional identity and how to be ethical leaders in the legal profession.

The National Black Lawyers organization offers networking opportunities, continuing legal education, and national recognition to African American lawyers across the nation.

Learn more about The National Black Lawyers honorees.

Wayne L. Gladstone Joins GRSM as Professional Liability Defense Partner in New York Office

Wayne L. Gladstone Joins GRSM as Professional Liability Defense Partner in New York Office

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani welcomes Wayne L. Gladstone as a Partner in the firm’s New York office. He strengthens the Professional Liability Defense, Product Liability, Environmental and Toxic Tort, Healthcare, Class Action Defense, and Transportation practices, expanding the firm’s capabilities in New York.

Gladstone is a seasoned litigator with extensive experience in pre-suit risk analysis, trials, and appeals, handling both single-plaintiff cases and class actions. He serves as national and local counsel in numerous multi-district litigations for life sciences clients, overseeing hundreds of cases to completion and negotiating countless settlements.

“I joined GRSM because I was impressed by the collegiality of GRSM’s attorneys who all spoke enthusiastically about the firm’s ability to offer superior service to their clients through its 50-state platform,” said Gladstone.

Gladstone’s practice includes a wide array of high-profile product liability actions involving power tools, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, personal care products, consumer-use products, and products named in class action PFAS litigation. He also has extensive experience handling both civil and criminal environmental matters, including CERCLA actions, addressing claims of property damages, stigmatization, and personal injury alleged in response to exposure to mold, mixed chemical exposures, PFAS, residential heating oil, and other environmental factors.

Gladstone is admitted to practice in New York, Pennsylvania, the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his law degree from Fordham University and his undergraduate degree from Cornell University.

The Professional Liability Defense practice offers skilled defense and strategic counsel to professionals facing litigation across a wide range of industries. GRSM attorneys bring deep experience and insight to the unique challenges presented by claims against attorneys, health care providers, architects, engineers, accountants, directors and officers, real estate and insurance brokers, and financial planners. Our team represents professionals nationwide, both under errors and omissions policies and directly when self-insured, providing thoughtful, effective advocacy grounded in a strong understanding of the professional standards and risks involved.

The New York team works closely with GRSM attorneys nationwide, utilizing the firm’s extensive 50-state framework to ensure thorough legal solutions for our clients.

Learn more about GRSM’s New York office and the exciting opportunities available there and across the country.

Alexandra Garchie Joins GRSM as Commercial Litigation Partner in Sacramento Office

Alexandra Garchie Joins GRSM as Commercial Litigation Partner in Sacramento Office

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani welcomes Alexandra Garchie as a Partner in the firm’s Sacramento office. She enhances the Commercial Litigation practice, strengthening the firm’s presence in Northern California.

Garchie advises clients across all stages of litigation and in alternative dispute resolution, with a focus on commercial liability matters. She has represented businesses in healthcare, transportation, property management, and hospitality throughout California. Her experience also includes handling matters involving workers’ compensation, general liability, and insurance coverage. Her comprehensive background allows her to deliver strategic and effective representation across multiple areas of civil litigation.

“What drew me to GRSM was the exceptional caliber of its attorneys,” shared Garchie. “I am thrilled to be part of a firm that cultivates a collaborative and collegial environment.”

Garchie is admitted to practice in California and has represented clients in both state and federal court. She earned her law degree from Southwestern Law School and her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine.

GRSM has built a sterling reputation for its adept handling of multi-party and complex claims across all areas of commercial law. Our lawyers have a proven track record, having tried or arbitrated bet-the-company cases in nearly every industry and profession. We are a firm that thrives in the courtroom, with a history of handling multiple consecutive complex matters and lengthy trials. Our reputation allows our clients to project strength, undeterred by the prospect of trial. Our extensive industry experience equips us with the knowledge to effectively present even the most intricate cases to judges, juries, and mediators.

The Sacramento team works closely with GRSM attorneys nationwide, leveraging the firm’s expansive 50-state platform to deliver comprehensive legal solutions for our clients.

Learn more about GRSM’s Sacramento office and the exciting opportunities available in Northern California and across the country.

Partner Brian Dougherty Authors Article on Construction Negligence in DCBA Brief

Partner Brian Dougherty Authors Article on Construction Negligence in DCBA Brief

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Chicago Partner Brian Dougherty authored an article titled “Understanding Construction Negligence: Theories and Strategies,” published in the DCBA Brief: The Journal of the DuPage County Bar Association in its September/October 2025 issue.

This article explores the various liability theories used when a construction professional is alleging an injury at a construction site and explains key details to look out for during litigation when defending against liability claims.

Dougherty’s practice area includes representing contractors and architects in construction negligence, premises liability, professional liability, and construction defect cases.

Read the full DCBA Brief article.