Quarles & Brady LLP announced today the opening of a Washington, D.C. office. The Firm’s newest office welcomes John F. Dienelt and Scott McIntosh, two highly regarded litigators who are bringing their national franchise practice to the Firm. Both were previously with DLA Piper.

“John and Scott’s arrival furthers our efforts to create the preeminent franchise industry team in the U.S.,” stated John W. Daniels, Jr., Chairman of Quarles & Brady. “They add depth to the litigation side of the practice.” 

According to Daniels, over the past two years, the Firm has added six attorneys to its 20-member franchise and distribution industry team. In 2010, nationally recognized franchise attorney David Beyer joined the Firm’s Tampa office along with partner Chris Burden and associate Cheryl Lucente. Then in 2011, James Ullman, Jeffrey Wolf and Aaron Schepler joined the Firm’s Phoenix office, he said. 

“We want to further develop the skills and services we can provide franchise and distribution clients,” stated Dienelt. “With the Firm’s existing industry focus and strong team, we think Quarles offers the best platform to do so.” 

While the franchise and distribution industry will be the initial focus of the Washington, D.C. office, Daniels anticipates a broader service selection as clients begin to use the office. “Clients who use us for their government relations, intellectual property and health care regulatory work will benefit from our new office,” he said. 

Thomas Hart, who formerly was a partner at Holland & Knight and has been working with the Firm specializing in government affairs, telecom, transportation, banking, real estate and public private partnerships, will also be relocating to the new D.C. office. Currently, Hart is leading the U.S. High Speed Rail Association’s (USHSR) efforts to advocate for policy and legislation for high speed rail in America.