For more information contact:
Peggy Schicantek (414) 978-5346
pschicantek@whdlaw.com
MILWAUKEE – July 2, 2015 – The law firm of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. (WHD) is pleased to announce that Kate Bechen has been named leader of the firm’s Emerging Companies Team and that Thomas Gonzalez has joined Frank LoCoco as co-leader of the Product Liability Litigation & Risk Avoidance Team.
Bechen is a shareholder in WHD’s Milwaukee office where she is a member of the Corporate Transactions, Health Care Law and Technology Law teams. As leader of the Emerging Companies Team, Bechen works with high-growth, early-stage and scalable companies by providing general counsel services, including assistance with forming entities, preparing articles, bylaws, shareholder agreements and operating agreements, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contract negotiation and drafting, public and private placement of securities, venture capital financing and general corporate law matters.
Bechen received her J.D., with distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law, and her B.A. in Political Science, Psychology and International Business, with distinction, from the University of Iowa. She is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and serves on the Board of Directors for the Health Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Within the community Bechen serves as board member and vice president for both the Volunteer Center of Ozaukee County and Advocates of Ozaukee, Inc., board member and secretary for Bucketworks, Inc. and volunteer for Tailwaggers 911.
Gonzalez is a shareholder in WHD’s Milwaukee office where he a member of the Construction Services—Litigation and Toxic Tort Litigation & Consultation teams and co-leader of the Transportation Litigation & Compliance Team.
Gonzalez has extensive product liability experience in both state and federal courts, serving as panel counsel for product manufacturers and consulting across the country as part of WHD’s national product liability practice. His experience covers all aspects of a product liability claim from coordinating accident response and investigation through trials and appeals.
Gonzalez also has broad experience in all aspects of construction litigation, with his diverse litigation fields ranging from engineering malpractice and architectural copyright claims to work site injury suits. Within transportation litigation and compliance, he serves as panel counsel for transportation insurers and handles all aspects of transportation claims, and for toxic tort litigation and consultation he has managed MDL litigation for product manufacturers in the asbestos arena—from small tool makers to large industrial and power plant equipment manufacturers.
Gonzalez received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and his B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He serves on Defense Research Institute’s Product Liability Committee, and is a member of the Trucking Industry Defense Association, Transportation Lawyers Association and Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association. Gonzalez is a member of the Board of Directors for Centro Legal, and has been named a “Rising Star” by Wisconsin Super Lawyers.
“Kate and Tom are assets to their respective practice areas,” said WHD’s Chief Executive Paul Eberle. “With their broad ranges of experience and strong records of delivering client success in corporate and finance, and litigation, they will enable WHD to continue supporting its clients and their business needs as newly appointed team leaders.”
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Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C., one of Wisconsin’s leading full-service law firms, plays a significant role in shaping political, economic, environmental and legal landscapes. With offices in Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha County, Wis., and Chicago, the firm has more than 150 professionals practicing in more than 50 industry and specialty areas. WHD is committed to delivering exceptional service and innovative, practical solutions to state, regional and national clients.
