News

Derek Apanovitch JD ’98 has been named CEO of LegalBillReview.com, a provider of outside counsel legal bill analysis and review services. Apanovitch previously served as chief operating officer of cloud communications software company Viirtue and has held executive roles at software and technology-enabled services companies. He began his career as a federal appellate clerk and corporate attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell.

Ed Comber LLM ’17 has joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner in its structured finance and securitization practice in New York. Comber advises sponsors, issuers, borrowers, banks, investors, lenders, and private credit funds on structured finance, securitization, and other secured financing transactions across a range of asset classes. He previously practiced at Latham & Watkins.

Marisa Darden JD ’08, a partner at Benesch and chair of the firm’s White Collar, Government Investigations and Regulatory Compliance Practice Group, was named Mentor of the Year in the Large Company category by Engage! Cleveland as part of its Generation NEXT Awards. Darden, a former state and federal prosecutor, also serves on the Duke Law Alumni Association board.

Anna Dodson JD ’97 has joined Foley Hoag as a partner and co-chair of its Debt Finance Practice in Boston. Dodson advises sponsors, borrowers, lenders, private equity funds, credit funds, and other non-bank lenders on complex debt financing transactions. She has been recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, and The Legal 500 for her work in banking and finance.

Dr. Sue Maggioni JD ’97 has been named provost and vice president of academic affairs at Middlesex Community College in Massachusetts. Maggioni, who has more than 15 years of teaching and leadership experience in higher education, previously served as assistant provost at MassBay Community College. In her new role, she plans to expand support for adult learners and increase career-connected learning opportunities.

Dayatra Matthews JD ’97 has been appointed by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein to the Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees, which governs the 401(k) and 457 plans for state employees. Matthews is a legal executive with nearly 30 years of experience representing individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and cooperatives in highly regulated environments. She began her career in private practice as a litigator handling complex civil and commercial matters.

Brian L. Rubin JD ’87, a partner and co-head of the Securities Enforcement and Regulatory Investigations practice at Eversheds Sutherland, received the National Society of Compliance Professionals’ 2026 JH Award, the organization’s highest honor. The award recognizes exceptional lifetime contributions to the financial services compliance profession and sustained service to NSCP. Rubin has served on NSCP’s Board of Directors and Regulatory Advisory Committee and co-chairs its Broker-Dealer Forum.

Jonathan Tam JD '09 joined Gibson Dunn as a partner in the firm’s Mass Torts and Product Liability Practice Group in Los Angeles. An experienced trial lawyer, Tam represents pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer electronics, and other companies in complex product liability litigation, mass torts, class actions, and civil actions brought by state attorneys general. His practice includes litigation in federal and state courts nationwide, including trials and appeals.