Press Release - Austin Office Moves to New Space to Accommodate Rapid Growth

February 2007

Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold LLP announced that the firm has added three attorneys to its Austin office, which opened in June of 2006.  With the addition of Partner Mike Shaunessy, Associate Debby Loomis and Special Counsel Taline Manassian, Sedgwick has more than doubled the number of attorneys in its Austin office and expanded the firm's commercial practice.  The 7,100 square-foot office has room for additional growth, and overlooks the Texas state capital.

"Already home to a thriving media practice, the addition of these commercial attorneys further establishes our footprint in the Austin community," said Neil Rambin, managing partner of the Dallas office.  "Alongside our offices in Dallas and Houston, the Austin office will continue to provide outstanding legal services to clients throughout Texas." 

Mike Shaunessy closed his own firm of The Shaunessy Law Firm, P.C in order to join Sedgwick.  Throughout his career Shaunessy has amassed an impressive number of significant trial victories for Fortune 500 companies.  Recognized as a leader in his field, his articles are widely published.  Shaunessy is also a long-standing contributor to his local community, serving on the board of directors for the Center for Child Protection (formerly the Children's Advocacy Project), as well as previously serving on the board of the Women's Advocacy Project.  After earning his B.B.A. from the University of Texas, he received his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.

"It is very exciting to join Sedgwick, a powerful firm with an international reputation for excellence," said Shaunessy. "Sedgwick has an incredible number of talented litigators in all of their domestic and international offices, which will greatly benefit my clients."

Debby Loomis, previously a senior associate in Shaunessy's firm, joins him at Sedgwick.  Loomis represents public and private entities and individuals in matters involving commercial and general civil litigation.  She also has extensive experience representing clients in securities and insurance matters in court cases, as well as in regulatory matters and hearings before administrative agencies.  For five years, Loomis was the division chief of the Insurance Banking and Securities Section (now known as the Financial Litigation Section) of the Texas Attorney General's office.  She earned her B.A. from Southern Methodist University, and went onto graduate with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.

Taline Manassian, the third attorney joining the Austin office, comes from the firm of George & Brothers, L.L.P. Manassian concentrates her practice in commercial matters, specializing in general business and commercial, securities and real estate litigation.  She is a member of various professional and community organizations, such as the LBJ Library Future Forum, which was founded and is chaired by fellow Austin attorney and LBJ's granddaughter: Catherine Robb.  Manassian received her B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated with highest honors, and continued at the University of Texas School of Law for her J.D.