Law firm Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith has seen a leading member of its transportation practice, Julie Maurer, depart for rival law firm Husch Blackwell. This move falls in line with a period of further disruptions that started within the firm last year. Maurer, based in Phoenix, led the transportation as well as cargo and logistics groups as reported by Bloomberg Law.
Maurer joins Husch Blackwell along with four other attorneys who have also left Lewis Brisbois. During her eight-year tenure with Lewis Brisbois, Maurer specialized in advising motor carriers, businesses involved in autonomous vehicle technology, and energy firms among other industries. Her bio is now available on the Husch Blackwell website. However, Maurer was not immediately available for comment.
Los-Angeles based Lewis Brisbois shared in a statement that it wished Maurer and her team all the best and added that the year 2023 was their best year yet and they are looking forward to an even better 2024.
Several departures have occured since last year at the law firm. A significant one being nearly 140 labor and employment attorneys, led by practice leaders John Barber and Jeff Ranen, departing to form their own legal operation. Followed by the stepping down of Bob Lewis, the firm’s leader who had served as chair since its 1979 founding.
Despite these disruptions, Lewis Brisbois ended 2023 on a hopeful note, adding several new lawyers to its team, which largely focuses on insurance defense matters. Their client list includes big names such as Chubb and American International Group Inc.