Husch Blackwell

We are proud to celebrate the fourth anniversary of our Communities for Change (C4C) program, which empowers #TeamHB to make a positive impact in their communities. In this spotlight, we introduce Quinncy McNeal, Pro Bono Counsel and a C4C leader. Quinncy shares information about his role, his passion for the C4C program, and some fun facts about himself. 🔷Describe your role as Pro Bono Counsel at Husch Blackwell and the responsibilities it entails? My job is varied and active: I lead our effort to represent under-represented businesses in under-resourced communities. This means I speak with entrepreneurs every day; I encourage them to keep going. I work with our attorneys and firm leadership to put the right attorneys in place to help their businesses grow, and in turn, to help our communities grow. And I use every bit of charm and persuasion I possess to keep our mission alive and active. 🔷Was there a particular moment or experience that motivated you to focus on #probono work? I was in a court room representing an innocent man in his quest to get off death row. While questioning one of my witnesses, I caught a glimpse of my client’s shackles and instantly knew pro bono work was for me. 🔷How has the C4C initiative grown or changed since its inception? It has grown in so many ways – in our own internal engagement with businesses; in our impact on companies and communities; and in the name recognition of the initiative, among other ways. Each year, we have seen more clients, more matters opened, more hours billed and greater dollar value in those hours. Last year, working with one client, we made it all the way to the White House, where our attorneys discussed the initiative with members of the Executive Branch on behalf of the client. How exciting!  🔷What do you enjoy doing outside the office? I spend time with my little girl, Charley. She is the light of my life. I lost my wife in December 2020, when Charley was only two years old. I hit such a valley of despair but have begun to come back from that dark place. My little girl is the reason why. I am beyond grateful she is in my life. 🔷If you had to sing karaoke right now, which song would you pick? Mandy by Barry Manilow. Go listen to it. #HBC4C #probonoproud #uncommontogether

At Husch Blackwell, our Summer Associate program not only offers exciting social activities but also provides hands-on client experiences that truly define what it means to work as a legal professional. St. Louis Summer Associate Gabriela Carrillo had the unique opportunity to tour the largest water plant in the American Water system. This plant was constructed in 1903!   A big thank you to Martin Robison and Tim Luft for giving us an insider look at American Water's daily operations.   #HBSummerProgram #LawStudents #ClientsFirst

We're thrilled that Chambers and Partners has nationally recognized Husch Blackwell's Cannabis practice! Chambers highlighted #TeamHB for its "cross-disciplinary team that guides clients operating and investing in the cannabis sector," emphasizing the team's experience in regulatory compliance, transactions, and business structuring. Partners Hilary Bricken, Marshall Custer, and Steve Levine earned individual national rankings by Chambers. In addition, Legal 500 recognized the practice for its deep cannabis knowledge on a national level, naming Marshall and Steve as Leading partners, Alyssa Samuel and Megan Beebe as Leading associates, and recommending attorney Lindy Martinez for Cannabis. A client noted, "No matter the issue, the firm's experience in that field has been able to help guide us in the correct direction." Discover more about the Husch Blackwell Food Systems Industry Group: https://lnkd.in/gh6_SZyY

Join us in welcoming Jeff Vercauteren back to #TeamHB! We talked with Jeff about his career path and return to Husch Blackwell: 🔶Describe your history with Husch Blackwell. I joined Husch Blackwell through its legacy firm, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, in 2014. When HB merged with WHD in 2016, I stayed with the firm until 2019 then went in-house with a client, Invenergy LLC, as Associate General Counsel for Permitting & Local Affairs. My career then took me to Vanguard Renewables and RWE Clean Energy, where I was most recently Director of Real Estate & Permitting Law. In May 2024, I returned to HB, and it feels like a homecoming. I'm thrilled to be part of this innovative firm and the Husch Blackwell Energy & Natural Resources Industry Group. 🔶What led you to your in-house positions, and how was your experience at Husch Blackwell useful in those roles? I was drawn to in-house legal work to deeply understand and support a single business. My time at HB equipped me with exceptional client service skills, allowing me to fulfill the needs of my role effectively while supporting other business units. I refined these skills at HB and applied them to my in-house roles, making a positive impact on the company’s performance. 🔶Why did you decide to rejoin the firm? I decided to return to Husch Blackwell for several reasons. As an AmLaw 100 law firm with over 1,000 attorneys, the legal talent is impressive and the firm offers an excellent platform for my practice to grow and evolve. Additionally, the uncommon firm culture stands out. The firm offers flexible work arrangements, ERGs and cutting-edge office spaces, all of which create a supportive environment. I am passionate about the legal work we do. The renewable energy industry is rapidly evolving, and I get to work on a diverse range of projects for our clients. This environment motivates me to grow and excel as an attorney. 🔶Share any emerging trends that you’re seeing in your practice area. In my practice areas of real estate and renewable energy, there are exciting trends emerging. AI in real estate is changing the legal space and we have established a task force dedicated to leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency for clients. While the commercial real estate market continues to face high interest rates and shifting occupancy trends, the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act has provided a clear path forward for sustained growth in the renewable energy sector over the next decade. Our Energy & Natural Resources team is experiencing rapid growth to keep pace with the market and will continue to expand. 🔶What hobbies do you enjoy outside the office? In October, I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon for the second year to raise funds for Recovery on Water (ROW), a nonprofit that helps breast cancer survivors find support through rowing. Additionally, I adopted a Blue Heeler named Luna from PAWS Chicago and we walk 3-4 miles per day along Lake Monona in Madison.

🎉 Celebrating 4 years of Communities for Change (C4C)! 🎉 C4C, Husch Blackwell's flagship program, champions economic empowerment for underrepresented and minority-owned businesses and nonprofits in under-resourced communities across the country. Through pro bono legal services, we help drive job creation for these enterprises and expand opportunities for wealth and equity. The program’s success speaks volumes: more clients, more cases, and more dedicated attorneys and business professionals joining us each year. ✔️ Learn more about this incredible initiative led by Margaret Richards, Quinncy McNeal, Luisa F. Castaneda-Cano, and new hire Jillian Bridges: https://lnkd.in/eQP-8ua #HBC4C #ProBonoProud #UncommonTogether

Are you curious about a day in the life of a Summer Associate at Husch Blackwell? Join Austin Summer Associate Erica Martinez as she shares a glimpse into her typical day with our #HBSummerProgram. Discover the experiences and opportunities that make our summer program uncommon. 🎥 Check out available 2L opportunities on our website: https://lnkd.in/dnS3CKp #DayInTheLife #LawStudent #lawstudentlife

We are thrilled to share that St. Louis-based attorneys, Joe Glynias and Terry Potter, have been named to Missouri Lawyers Media’s POWER list for Employment Law for the fourth consecutive year. Congratulations to Joe and Terry on this well-deserved recognition. 🎉 Read more about their client work in the Husch Blackwell Labor and Employment Law Practice Group: https://lnkd.in/gw2SF2PR #EmploymentLaw #TeamHB

20 Husch Blackwell attorneys have been named "Austin's Top Attorneys" for 2024 by Austin Monthly Magazine! 🌟 Kudos to each honoree who exemplifies excellence in their respective practice areas: Lynn Butler, Ellee Cochran, Lauren Collins, Remy P. Fesquet, Joe Geraci, Danielle Gilbert, Lorinda Holloway, Cacki Jewart, Doug Jones, Hal Katz, Kevin Koronka, Albert Lin, Nikelle Meade, Baxter Morgan, Timothy Ribelin, Jameson Sauseda, Mark Tobey, Jameson Watts, Bob Werner, and Taylor Wood. Austin Monthly's selection process involved nominations from Austin-area attorneys, ensuring that only those highly regarded in their fields made the cut. Congratulations again to our outstanding attorneys! Read more: https://lnkd.in/g4h-hr9V

We are so proud of Shaunessy Carr! Shaunessy has been selected by The National Black Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40, an honor given to a select group of lawyers with reputations for providing excellent representation in their respective practice areas. Shaunessy shared, "This award encourages me to reflect on the exceptional legal skills I have developed thus far, my dedication to clients, and my commitment to advancing the field of law. This accolade highlights my professional achievements, leadership abilities, tenacity, and promising future at Husch Blackwell and the legal community." Learn more about Shaunessy and how #HBAlum Tricia "TJ" Jackson Lee, JD, along with #TeamHB mentors Cacki Jewart and Tessa K. Jacob, played roles in shaping her career: https://lnkd.in/g_5jzYDa