Varnum LLP

Employee Stock Ownership Plans can provide physician-owners with a unique succession planning option that combines liquidity, potential tax advantages, and long-term independence.

In this advisory, Varnum partner John Arendshorst and Nick Adamy, managing director at Adamy Valuation, discuss how ESOPs work for medical practices and the key factors to consider when evaluating ownership transition strategies.

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Medical Practice Succession Planning: Unlocking Value with ESOPs - Varnum LLP ESOPs for medical practices, including succession planning, ownership transition, tax considerations, governance and private equity comparisons.

As featured in Law360’s Legal Lions column, the Federal Circuit recently overturned a lower court decision in a complex, multimillion-dollar trade dispute involving Versata Software and Ford Motor Company.

Varnum partner Jaye Quadrozzi has represented Versata in connection with the long-running dispute. MoloLamken argued the appeal, and the trial team included Quadrozzi, Dan Webb and Matthew Carter of Winston & Strawn, and Steve Mitby of Mitby Pacholder. Read more:

Federal Circuit Rules for Versata Software in Trade Secrets Dispute Against Ford Motor Company - Varnum LLP Federal Circuit reinstates $82.26M award for Versata in dispute with Ford, advancing trade secret claims and further proceedings.

Varnum was proud to sponsor the 42nd Annual Women Lawyers vs. Judges charity softball game at LMCU Ballpark. The event raised funds for the YWCA and its mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and advance justice and dignity for all. Varnum attorney Carolyn Sullivan represented the firm as the lawyers earned a spirited victory.

Varnum is pleased to welcome Susana Arce to the firm's Litigation Practice Team in our Naples office. Susana advises clients in construction, contract, condo and HOA, and other business-related disputes, bringing valuable experience in litigation, insurance coverage matters, and mediation. Read more:

Varnum Welcomes Litigation Attorney Susana Arce - Varnum LLP With a background in litigation, insurance coverage, and dispute resolution, Susana Arce joins Varnum's Naples office.

Many Disney Vacation Club owners don't realize their membership is a deeded real property interest. Attorneys Rebecca Wrock, Robert Huff, and Marcos Martinez outline key estate planning considerations for transferring a DVC contract to the next generation. Read more:

Transferring a Disney Vacation Club Interest to the Next Generation - Varnum LLP Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contracts are deeded real property interests. Ownership structure and titling can affect probate, inheritance and estate planning.

Employee Stock Ownership Plans are reshaping succession planning for medical practices. Join Varnum's Employee Benefits team to learn how ESOPs compare to private equity and what key tax and financial considerations matter most. https://varnumlaw.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k5lDHMhWSLaXDTQSsJOV8A #/registration

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC significantly expands potential liability for freight and transportation brokers. Attorneys Gary Mouw, Neil Youngdahl, and Kylee Nemetz discuss the ruling and how brokers may face increased exposure to state-law negligence claims arising from their carrier-selection decisions. Read the full article:

U.S. Supreme Court Holds FAAAA Does Not Preempt Negligent-Hiring Claims Against Freight Brokers - Varnum LLP The Montgomery decision expands freight broker liability by allowing negligent-hiring claims to proceed under the FAAAA safety exception.

We're excited to welcome nine law students to Varnum's 2026 Summer Associate program. Over the next 10 weeks, they will engage in meaningful legal work, collaborate with our attorneys, and explore a variety of practice areas. Meet the Class of 2026 below. https://www.varnumlaw.com/news/varnum-welcomes-2026-summer-associates/

Varnum partners Harvey Koning and Luis Avila traveled to Dublin, Ireland for Ally Law's 2026 Annual General Meeting. Through Varnum's partnership with Ally Law, we collaborate with trusted law firms across more than 60 countries, allowing us to support clients with seamless legal service across borders, industries, and jurisdictions. Find out more about our partnership here: https://www.varnumlaw.com/about-our-firm/affiliation/

The federal government has signaled its intent to appeal the Court of International Trade's order requiring refunds of certain IEEPA tariffs. In their latest advisory, Varnum attorneys Eric Post and Neil Youngdahl discuss the potential impact on importers, including those that have not filed suit, and what businesses should consider to preserve potential refund rights. Read more:

Federal Government Signals Appeal of Order Requiring IEEPA Tariff Refunds - Varnum LLP Importers may face increased uncertainty as the federal government appeals the Court of International Trade's IEEPA refund order.