Lecturer Bios
Michele K. Gibbs, Esq.
Michele K. Gibbs works closely with clients to structure transactions to achieve that most favorable tax results. Her practice encompasses all aspects of federal, state, local and international taxation, with an emphasis on onshore and offshore investment funds, venture capital transactions, corporate acquisitions, financial instruments and real estate acquisitions and dispositions.
Financial Services Matters: Michele assists clients in the structuring of onshore and offshore investment funds (such as general equity funds, fund of funds, distressed debt funds, arbitrage funds and global macro funds).
Corporate Matters: Michele assists clients in the structuring and organization of private partnerships and limited liability companies (primarily investment management and real estate management companies and start-ups).
Andre R. Jaglom, Esq.
Andre R. Jaglom regularly counsels clients in the distribution and marketing field, including the establishment and restructuring of distribution networks; negotiation and preparation of domestic and international distribution and supply contracts, as well as franchise offering circulars and agreements; establishment of e-commerce distribution agreements; counseling with respect to distributor and supplier relations; negotiating and structuring business transactions; and handling dealer termination litigation. In addition, Drew assists clients with the development of corporate legal compliance programs in antitrust and other areas, as well as providing general corporate counseling to new and established businesses.
Drew has extensive experience representing clients in the food and beverage industry, including alcoholic beverage law and soft drink distribution, in computer law, and in representing trade associations and non-profit organizations. Drew was the principal draftsman of the New Jersey Malt Alcoholic Beverages Practices Act, which was signed into law on December 15, 2005. He is frequently quoted in beer, wine and spirits industry trade publications. See News tab above for more information.
For over thirty years, Drew has chaired the annual American Law Institute-American Bar Association Course of Study on Product Distribution and Marketing, to rave reviews from lawyers who attend. Drew has spoken for many years on international distribution and marketing law and intellectual property protection issues at meetings of the New York State Bar Association International Section. He is Chair of the International Section and Chair of its International Distribution, Sales and Marketing Committee. He served for eight years on the Computer Law Committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, including five as Secretary.
Drew has been selected for inclusion in New York Super Lawyers for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 every year that selections were made. He has also been selected for inclusion in the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Best Lawyers Guide, 2012 Avenue Magazine legal elite list, Fortune Magazine's 2012 top ranked lawyer list and the American Lawyer and Corporate Counsel's 2012 top ranked attorney list.
Donald Prutzman, Esq.
L. Donald Prutzman has a broad-based intellectual property and trade regulation practice that encompasses both litigation and non-litigated matters. Donald has broad experience in commercial litigation, particularly disputes involving trademark, copyright and antitrust issues. Other areas in which he is an experienced litigator include securities regulation and insurance coverage.
Donald's practice also includes a full range of non-litigated intellectual property matters including licensing, purchase and sale of intellectual property assets, copyright registration and trademark registration and prosecution, including representation of clients before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and antitrust and trade regulation advice and compliance.
Donald is also a member of the American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Neutrals and is available to serve as an arbitrator in intellectual property and other commercial matters.
Donald has been selected for inclusion in New York Super Lawyers for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Robert J. Leo, Esq.
Robert J. Leo is a partner in the New York office of Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury. The firm’s practice focuses on U.S. and international law and regulations affecting exports and imports. Bob has been in private practice since 1991.
After law school, Bob joined the staff of the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), a national trade association representing U.S. companies before Congress and the Executive Branch. He served as its Vice President and Counsel from 1989 to 1991. Currently, Bob is a member of the AAEI Board of Governors. He is also a Board member of the New York based trade association, NEXCO, and is active in various other associations, including the Home Fashion Products Association, which the firm serves as Counsel.
Bob is a cleared advisor to the U.S. government on customs and trade facilitation issues and has served in that capacity since 1991. He was re-appointed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation (ITAC 14).
He served as Chair of the New York State Bar Association’s International Section from January 2005 through January 2006, continues on the Section’s Executive Committee Chair and was Program Co-Chair for the Section’s Fall Meeting in Shanghai. He was just re-elected as Co-Chair of the Section’s Committee on Customs and International Trade after previously serving as Chair from 1991-1996. Bob is also a long-standing member of the Customs and International Trade Bar Association. He graduated from the State University of New York at Albany and received his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. While in law school he was Managing Editor of the Brooklyn Journal of International Law, and served as an intern for former Chief Judge Edward D. Re of the U.S. Court of International Trade.
