We’re approaching one of the busiest times of the year, as late fall brings us into a season of holidays, celebrations, and the travel that often comes with these festivities. We thank you for taking a moment to catch up on the latest news from Faegre Drinker and our alumni.

We encourage you to subscribe to Alumni News and Events, or share what’s new with you by emailing us at alumni@faegredrinker.com. Let us know what you think of this latest edition and how we can better serve your needs as alumni. Our inbox is always open.

Our People

In the Spotlight with Elsa Bullard

This edition’s spotlight is on Elsa Bullard, who made the shift from Faegre Drinker to Minnesota’s federal district court earlier this year. Read our Q&A to find out how the transition to her new role as a magistrate judge is going, the barrier in the legal system she wishes she could remove, and her current recommended reading.

New Faces

We are glad to welcome several new colleagues to the Faegre Drinker family:

• Joseph Andolina | Partner, Investment Management, Philadelphia
• Megan Bender Center | Counsel, Corporate, Philadelphia
• Jared Hershberg | Partner, Corporate, New York
• Cynthia Lee | Counsel, Benefits & Executive Compensation, Minneapolis
• Alena Markley | Counsel, Product Liability & Mass Torts, New York
• Dan Smulian | Partner, Product Liability & Mass Torts, New York
• Angie Snavely | Partner, Corporate, Minneapolis

Retirements

As new friends joined us, we also had to say goodbye to several colleagues over the past few months. Please join us in sending our best wishes to those who recently retired from the firm:

• Jennifer Miernicki (Finance & Restructuring), Partner, Minneapolis
• Richard Duncan (Business Litigation), Senior Counsel, Minneapolis
• Patricia Reding (Intellectual Property), Counsel, Minneapolis
• Robin Sampson (Corporate), Counsel, Philadelphia

Alumni Events:

Indianapolis

On September 25, Faegre Drinker welcomed 75 alums and colleagues to the downtown Indianapolis office. Our guests enjoyed food and drinks while being entertained with jazz standards of retired Faegre Drinker partner, colleague and friend Chris Scanlon and his friends, 2NorthQuartet.

Philadelphia

On November 4, more than 80 guests gathered at the Fitler Club for Philadelphia’s alumni reception. Our alums and current colleagues gathered at this members-only club and enjoyed the Garden and Trophy Room — complete with bowling, pop-a-shot basketball and vintage pinball games!

What Else Is Happening?

• Fireside Chat with Elizabeth Lopez

  At our November Associate Engagement Summit in Chicago, we hosted a series of interactive professional development and substantive learning sessions, including a fireside chat with firm alumna Elizabeth Lopez. Elizabeth, who currently serves as both in-house counsel and chief of staff to the president at United Airlines, shared valuable insights drawn from her multifaceted role. The discussion highlighted the importance of deeply understanding our clients’ businesses and fostering genuine collaboration — core values and principles we strive to uphold every day. Elizabeth also offered practical advice for career development, relevant to associates and seasoned professionals alike:

  • Embrace new opportunities: Step outside your comfort zone and say yes to challenges.
  • Cultivate relationships: Be intentional about building and nurturing your professional network.

  Her perspective was both inspiring and actionable, reminding us of the value of continuous learning and connection.

  

• Faegre Drinker Recognized in 2025 China Business Law Awards

  China Business Law Journal has awarded Faegre Drinker with a practice honor as part of its 2025 China Business Law Awards. The firm was recognized in the “International Trade” category. Faegre Drinker’s attorneys in China are experienced professionals who understand how to bridge the culture gap between Chinese and foreign investors and provide practical solutions to help clients achieve their objectives. They have a working knowledge of governmental compliance issues and restrictions and understand the way Chinese and foreign companies conduct business in the unique legal and government landscape in China.

• Faegre Drinker Recognized in BTI Consulting '2025 Client Service A-Team' Report

  Faegre Drinker has been recognized as a client service leader by BTI Consulting (BTI) in their “Client Service A-Team 2025: Survey of Law Firm Client Service Performance” report. The firm was ranked 11 out of 260 law firms, up from number 18 last year and landing a spot on the “BTI Client Service 30” 2025 list. Clients recognized Faegre Drinker as one of only 55 “Client Service Trailblazers” — the firms best at turning chaos into solutions for clients.

• Faegre Drinker Shortlisted as a “UK Growth Leader” for 2025 British Legal Awards

  Faegre Drinker was named to the shortlist in the “UK Growth Leader” category of the 2025 British Legal Awards hosted by Law.com International. The award examines firms that have “excelled in expanding their operations in the U.K. market, and have made significant progress over the past 12 months,” with an eye to specific examples of strategic vision, business acumen and talent acquisition. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Nov. 26.

Faegre Drinker wishes our alums, clients, colleagues, and their loved ones peace, health, and prosperity in the year ahead — you can find our 2025 holiday greeting on YouTube.

We couldn’t continue to perform at the level we have if not for the exceptional counsel and dedication of our attorneys and consultants. And we couldn’t reach for new levels if not for the support of former colleagues and forever friends like you.

Thank you.