Boston, MA. Nixon Peabody is pleased to announce the promotion of four attorneys to counsel: Alicia Anderson, Dustin Hawks, Dara Newman Histed and Kenneth Nichols.
“Ken, Dara, Dustin and Alicia are innovative and forward-thinking. They know their clients’ industries and work closely with our clients to help anticipate what’s ahead for their businesses,” said Andrew Glincher, CEO and managing partner. “Outside of the office, these attorneys give back to those in need through pro bono work and are very involved in the communities where they live and work.”
Alicia Anderson (Labor and Employment, Los Angeles)—Alicia’s practice focuses on employment litigation, employment advice and counseling, and commercial litigation in California courts, federal courts, and courts of appeal. She advises health care and corporate clients on issues pertaining to doing business in California and compliance with state and federal employment laws. She has tried a number of cases before the National Labor Relations Board, provides strategic advice, and counsels clients on union issues and collective bargaining negotiations. Alicia is on the board of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Los Angeles, which supports community volunteers who serve as advocates for foster children.
Dustin Hawks (Corporate, Boston)—Dustin’s practice spans a broad range of transactional matters, from mergers and acquisitions to all types of debt and equity financing, and a broad range of industries, from software and technology to industrials and food/beverage. Acting frequently as general counsel, he supports the core strategic and operational decisions driving the growth of his clients’ businesses. Dustin acts as first chair on deals with a number of key firm clients. Dustin has worked with several nonprofit organizations to provide pro bono counsel (e.g., the negotiation of a complicated merger of two nonprofit aviation organizations).
Dara Newman Histed (Real Estate, Washington DC)—Dara represents developers, landowners, and investors in commercial real estate transactions. Her clients’ transactions range from complex tax credit and affordable housing to market-rate multifamily and seniors housing as well as permitting and land use matters. Dara is the deputy team lead for the General Real Estate Transactions team. From a pro bono perspective, Dara assisted with the NP Solar Project, serving as the lead in the license agreement drafting and negotiation process for two of our projects.
Kenneth Nichols (Complex Commercial Disputes, Washington DC)—Ken represents government contractors, real estate owners, media companies, startups, franchisors, property management software companies, and individuals in all phases of litigation. Most recently, Ken has expanded the substantive scope of his practice to focus on employment discrimination and related litigation, particularly in the federal courts. Ken was just named a fellow of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), a growing organization of more than 300 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners focused on creating a more diverse and inclusive legal industry. LCLD identifies, trains, and advances the new generation of legal leaders.
