Emily focuses her practice in the areas of trademark and copyright law. She counsels clients on prosecution, portfolio management, clearance, enforcement, and dispute resolution, helping businesses protect and defend their valuable brand assets.

Ryan is a paralegal in the firm’s Corporate Practice Group. He assists Michael Best attorneys with a variety real estate, corporate, and data privacy matters. He conducts property and tax assessment research, performs due diligence, ALTA/NSPS land survey analysis, title and policy review, evaluation of agricultural foreclosures, and manages closings for commercial, residential, and agricultural real estate transactions throughout the country.

Luke focuses his practice in the area of employee benefits and executive compensation.

Luke counsels employers on a variety of benefit arrangements including health and welfare plans and qualified retirement plans. He advises plan sponsors and fiduciaries on compliance with applicable laws, including ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA, COBRA, and other regulations. He also has experience helping clients respond to compliance audits by the Department of Labor. Additionally, Luke has experience assisting clients with tax considerations and issues surrounding the drafting and administration of incentive plans, deferred compensation plans, and equity-based compensation arrangements.

With over 25 years of intellectual property experience in the legal industry, Janet brings a strong background to her role as an IP administrator. Familiar with all aspects of patent, trademark, and copyright processes, she has assisted with every step of portfolio and record management.

Nancy is a partner in the Real Estate group. Her more than 30 years of experience covers a broad range of real estate law, including assisting clients in purchases, sales and leases of property, and development and zoning work; representing borrowers and lenders in real estate loans; assisting in foreclosures and workouts; advising on questions of condominium law; negotiating construction and architects' contracts; and assisting in real estate litigation.

Julie provides business-related immigration services to clients with a particular focus on employment-based immigration, including nonimmigrant petitions, permanent residence applications, and naturalization.

In her role at Michael Best, Julie drives strategic growth and business development initiatives for the firm’s Raleigh office. With a background in growth and development in the professional services industry, more than a decade of experience as a practicing lawyer, and deep roots in the Raleigh business community, Julie identifies growth opportunities for Michael Best and facilitates mutually beneficial business partnerships.

Aaron leverages his background and connections in Illinois state government to help clients further their business objectives. Before joining Michael Best Strategies, he held influential positions in Illinois’ Office of the Governor, Department of Juvenile Justice, and State Police.