Five McDonald Hopkins attorneys recognized as 2026 Thomson Reuters "Stand-Out Lawyers"

McDonald Hopkins is proud to announce that Members Teresa Metcalf Beasley, Todd Benni, David Cupar, Michael Latiff, and Micah Marcus have been named a 2026 Thomson Reuters "Stand-Out Lawyer."

Thomson Reuters list of Stand-Out Lawyers is compiled each year through its Sharplegal study. The study asks more than 2,000 senior legal buyers worldwide to identify up to three lawyers who have distinguished themselves over the past 12 months. It recognizes attorneys for their high quality of work, business and commercial savvy, and ability to turn legal advice into practical solutions. 

Teresa is the chair of the firm's Public Finance and Public Law Practice Group, chair of the firm's Civic Engagement and Community Relations, a member of the Real Estate Group, and has 30 years of legal experience. She is experienced in bond transactions, economic development incentives, and real estate development and financing. She has served as bond, underwriter’s, borrower’s as well as placement agent counsel. She has represented private sector for profit and non-profit entities and local, county and state governmental agencies, including municipalities, port authorities, higher education, commercial financing real estate matters, construction, and government relations.

Todd is the chair of McDonald Hopkins' IP Prosecution and Management Practice Group, leading the team on strategic issues for clients related to cost-effective patent and trademark portfolio management, preparation and procurement of patents and trademarks, IP-related due diligence, competitive analysis, new product clearance, and IP related agreements. In particular, Todd has significant experience drafting and negotiating a wide range of software-related agreements, both as a licensee and licensor. This also includes drafting and negotiating subscription and software as a service-related agreements.

Dave serves on the firm's Board of Directors and is Chair of the firm’s IP Department, where he oversees a diverse and experienced team of more than 20 attorneys, paralegals, and staff. The Department counsels market-leading companies and institutions on cutting-edge IP issues around the world. He focuses his practice in two key areas: Strategic IP Solutions for Innovation Leaders and IP Enforcement and Dispute Resolution Strategies.

Michael serves as Chair of McDonald Hopkins' Litigation Department and on the firm's Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Michael has extensive experience as lead counsel in the litigation of significant commercial, business, automotive, construction, trade secret/non-compete, product liability and toxic tort, real property, OSHA/MIOSHA, and professional liability disputes. He has tried several jury and non-jury trials in state and federal courts. In addition, he has represented clients in many arbitration disputes. 

Micah is a member in our firm’s Litigation and Strategic Advisory and Restructuring Departments. He focuses his practice on all aspects of complex commercial litigation, from case development and discovery through trial and appeal. He has more than 23 years of experience in general commercial litigation handling an array of matters including contractual disputes, asset and business valuation disputes and all forms of commercial torts, such as fraudulent transfer, fiduciary duty and negligence claims.