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26 addition to the litigation team at Potestivo & Associates. Prantzalos is licensed in the state of Michigan and permitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. Managing Partner Brian Potestivo commented, "We are excited to bring Melissa onboard. Her depth and litigation experience in the default servicing industry adds considerable strength to our team. As always Potestivo & Associates is dedicated to diversity hiring and promotion. Although it has been a difficult year for business in both Michigan and Illinois, we are committed to the further development of our firm and continue to enhance technology and roll out new initiatives with a growth mindset for 2021." NEW YORK FIRM ANNOUNCES PARTNER AND PROMOTIONS New York-based real estate firm Clair & Gjertsen welcomes Wendy Marie Weathers as partner. As Ira Clair retired after a 41-year career practicing law, the firm will now be known as Clair Gjertsen & Weathers PLLC. Gary Gjertsen, who worked with Weathers since they formed the practice in 1992, said, "We are proud to continue the firm's culture of innovation and collaboration as we partner with Wendy." Prior to joining the firm, Weathers was Senior Managing Attorney at Cabanillas & Associates, P.C. in charge of the Litigation and Consumer Bankruptcy Departments. She brings more than 20 years' experience representing both institutional lenders and borrowers in all aspects of the mortgage banking industry and residential foreclosures. Weathers currently serves as the President of the Westchester County Bar Association. Additionally, Mary Aufrecht, Erin K. Flynn, and Brett M. Milchman have been promoted from associates to partners in the firm. Aufrecht has been with the firm for eight years, and Flynn and Milchman have been with the firm for almost three years each. e three attorneys together are the engine that keeps the firm running. FREED JOINS MAYER BROWN'S REIT PRACTICE Mayer Brown appointed David Freed as a partner in the firm's New York office. Freed represents issuers and underwriters in private and public offerings of equity and debt securities. He has years' experience working with issuers in various industries, with a particular focus on REITs, including equity, mortgage, and net REITs. Mayer Brown appointed David Freed as a partner in the firm's New York office. Freed represents issuers and underwriters in private and public offerings of equity and debt securities. He has years' experience working with issuers in various industries, with a particular focus on REITs, including equity, mortgage, and net REITs. "David joining the firm underscores the growth and importance of Mayer Brown's REIT practice," said Matt Ingber, partner and head of Mayer Brown's New York office. "We're pleased to welcome him to our firm." Freed began his career at Hunton & Williams LLP before moving to Vinson & Elkins LLP. He is recommended by e Legal 500 US in the guide's REITs category. He also advises REIT clients on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, governance, and compliance matters. "I am looking forward to joining Mayer Brown and working with the capital markets, real estate funds, mortgage regulatory, and securitization teams to continue to enhance its presence in the REIT industry," said Freed. "David joining the firm underscores the growth and importance of Mayer Brown's REIT practice. We're pleased to welcome him to our firm." —Matt Ingber, Partner and Head of Mayer Brown's New York office Movers & Shakers Got something to share with us? Send it to Editor@DSNews.com. Register to receive your Daily Dose at DSNews.com GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DEFAULT SERVICING NEWS Start your day with the most current and critical news on the mortgage default servicing industry from DSNews.com. Sign up for our email newsletter and get the top stories delivered direct to your inbox every day. Register to receive your Daily Dose at DSNews.com

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