Shook, Hardy & Bacon Enhances Leadership with New Appointments in Key Practices

Shook, Hardy & Bacon Announces Leadership Changes

In a move that underscores its commitment to excellence in legal practice, Shook, Hardy & Bacon has appointed Jeremy Wikler as the co-chair of its Complex Litigation & Strategic Counseling (CLSC) practice. He will work alongside Jennifer Stevenson, who has been co-chairing the practice since January 2024. Additionally, Chris Wray has stepped into the role of chair for the Government Investigations & White Collar practice.

New Leadership Dynamics

Jeremy Wikler has a wealth of experience, having dedicated nearly two decades to defending clients across various facets of multidistrict litigation (MDL) and mass actions, with a notable presence in both state and federal courts nationwide. His expertise extends across multiple sectors including life sciences, automotive, financial services, technology, and retail, focusing on discovery and information governance. Wikler's involvement in complex cases covers all aspects from early assessment through resolution, making him a vital asset to the practice.

Wikler is also recognized as the editor-in-chief of the Electronic Discovery Institute's influential publication, Discovery Cases that Count, which catalogs over 1,300 landmark discovery cases from the past 30 years. His contributions to the fields of discovery and artificial intelligence (AI) are significant, providing a guiding framework for practitioners.

His co-chair, Jennifer Stevenson, complements this partnership with her extensive background in managing multi-district litigation and class actions, ensuring clients are well equipped for complex disputes. Together, they preside over a robust team of over 40 attorneys dedicated to advancing Shook's capabilities in tackling high-stakes legal challenges across diverse industries, such as automotive technology, consumer goods, food and beverage sectors, as well as pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Chris Wray: A New Force in Government Investigations

On the other hand, Chris Wray brings a dynamic perspective to the Government Investigations & White Collar practice as its new chair. Like Wikler, Wray is based in Kansas City and has a rich history of navigating high-stakes government investigations, including litigation tied to consumer product class actions and product liability. His experience spans various levels of litigation, including appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Prior to his tenure at Shook, Wray held prestigious positions within the Missouri Attorney General's and Treasurer's offices, including serving as the chief of staff. This background affirms his leadership skills and his familiarity with the intricate legal and operational questions that arise during government investigations of all types. His focus will be on guiding clients through complex legal terrains involving subpoenas, tax controversies, audits, and financial investigations.