Benesch, recognized as one of the fastest-growing firms on the AmLaw 200 list, is thrilled to introduce seven new associates to our Cleveland and Columbus offices. We extend a warm welcome to Dorothea Carleton, Morgan McCracken, Samantha Meng, Megan Parker, Kate Powell, Zach Tomi, and Alyson Waite as they join our esteemed team.
Dorothea focuses her practice on Corporate and Securities. She has experience conducting due diligence for multiple transactional deals, including asset acquisitions, special purpose acquisition companies, and stock purchases. Additionally, Dorothea has created multiple deal-related documents, including various deal checklists, operating agreements, diligence memorandums, and written consents. She received her undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University, her M.B.A. from Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management, and her J.D. from Cleveland State University College of Law.
Morgan focuses her practice on business formation, reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and commercial contracts. Before joining Benesch, Morgan externed for the Hon. Judge Jennifer Brunner at the Supreme Court of Ohio. She also served as an Articles Editor for the Capital University Law Review and a member of the ABA National Moot Court Team and Women’s Law Association. She received her undergraduate degree and Master of Arts from Miami University and her J.D. from Capital University Law School.
Samantha focuses her practice on public utility and energy industry matters. She advises competitive retail electric suppliers, electric utilities, gas utilities, and other energy companies on federal and state regulatory and litigation issues. Samantha earned her law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2023, graduating cum laude. She graduated from the Ohio State University in 2019 with a degree in Environmental Policy and Decision-Making.
Megan specializes in intellectual property law, boasting a robust background in legal research and writing. Her practical experience in trademark law was gained during her tenure as a legal intern at the Akron Law Trademark Clinic. In this role, she skillfully executed comprehensive trademark availability searches using Corsearch and the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). Megan also managed client communications, overseeing their trademark needs and prerequisites, and successfully filed and prosecuted trademark applications under a limited recognition license through the USPTO Law School Clinic Certificate program. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Akron and her J.D./LL.M from the University of Akron School of Law.
Kate represents private equity funds and their portfolio companies in complex M&A transactions. Kate also regularly offers guidance on a variety of corporate and governance issues. Before joining Benesch, Kate externed for the Hon. David K. Thomson of the New Mexico Supreme Court, where she honed her skills in legal research and writing. Enriching her understanding of the business world, Kate has experience working alongside the founder and CEO of a successful home improvement company, gaining valuable insights into the dynamics of entrepreneurship and business operations. Kate earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, where she focused her studies on corporate law and securities regulation.
Zach received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University’s School of Law, where he served on the Executive Board as Notes Editor for Case Western Reserve University’s Journal of International Law. He was Dean Michael P. Scharf’s research assistant. Zach argued as First Chair in the Nationals Moot Court competition and served as an Honors Writing Fellow for Legal Writing I and II. Before joining Benesch, Zach externed for the Hon. Cathy Bissoon from the Western District of Pennsylvania, performing various legal research and writing tasks, including authoring draft judicial opinions and decisions. He received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business.
Alyson has facilitated resolutions in employment and immigration matters before state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies. She has experience conducting legal research and drafting pleadings. Alyson has also conducted labor and employment due diligence for various transactional deals. Before joining Benesch as a Summer Associate, Alyson worked for The United States Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, where she counseled Army commanders to ensure legal and regulatory compliance under both U.S. law and military law. She also provided personal legal advice to soldiers, families, and retirees. Alyson received her undergraduate degree from The University of Toledo and her J.D. from The University of Toledo College of Law.