Sutherland Welcomes New Partners

ATLANTA, August 12, 2013 — Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP is pleased to announce the addition of four new attorneys to its Atlanta office. Matt Block has joined the firm’s Corporate Group as a partner and Jason S. McCarter has joined the firm’s Litigation Group also as a partner, while John D. (J.D.) Shipman joins as an associate and Stephanie H. Philips joins as litigation attorney. All were previously with Dow Lohnes.

“We are pleased to welcome Matt, Jason, J.D. and Stephanie to the firm,” said Mark D. Wasserman, Sutherland’s managing partner. “Their exceptional knowledge and experience with the media, communications, technology and automotive services sectors further enhances our corporate and litigation practices.”

Mr. Block counsels clients in all types of transactions, including mergers, stock and asset purchases, divestitures, auction transactions and joint ventures. He also advises on other strategic corporate, governance and compliance matters. He received his J.D. and B.A. from the University of Michigan.

“Sutherland has a rock solid reputation, and I am privileged to join the partnership,” said Mr. Block. “The depth of the firm’s corporate group and the preeminent tax practice provide a tremendous platform to expand my practice and grow the client base here at Sutherland.”

As a commercial litigator, Mr. McCarter counsels major automotive, utility and educational enterprises in highly complex business disputes and regulatory investigations. He typically represents clients facing lending, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), privacy, licensing and contracting-related issues in state and federal courts, as well as alternative dispute forums, around the country. He received his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School and his B.A. from the University of Tennessee.

“It’s an honor to join a firm that’s highly regarded throughout the legal and business communities,” said Mr. McCarter. “I’m looking forward to continuing my practice at Sutherland.”

Mr. Shipman represents leading communications, technology and automotive companies in mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and general corporate and securities matters. He also advises clients on day-to-day contractual matters. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law, Mr. Shipman has particular experience with software, licensing and other technology-related agreements.

Ms. Philips focuses her practice on commercial litigation, representing automotive, communications and media clients in both federal and state court. She advises clients on pre-litigation strategy, workouts, perfection of security interests, government administrative investigations and inquiries; represents them in creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, collections and contract disputes; and responds on their behalf to investigative and private party subpoenas. Ms. Philips received her J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Alabama.

ABOUT SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP

Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP is a law firm with global reach known for solving challenging business problems and resolving sophisticated legal issues for many of the world’s largest companies. Founded in 1924, the firm handles matters throughout the United States and worldwide. Seven major practice areas—corporate, energy and environmental, financial services, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, and tax—provide the framework for an extensive range of focus areas, allowing Sutherland attorneys to serve a diverse client base that ranges from small and medium-sized start-up businesses to a significant number of Fortune 100 companies.