MILWAUKEE, WI (Jan. 1, 2019) ─ Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. is pleased to announce the election of Dan Blinka, Shannon Braun and Jonathan Smies to shareholder status, effective immediately.

Blinka is a member of the Litigation Practice Group and the Government Investigations, White Collar & Compliance team in the firm’s Milwaukee office. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, government enforcement actions and internal investigations. Blinka’s civil litigation experience includes a wide variety of matters in state and federal courts throughout the United States where he represents clients involved in matters that stem from mergers and acquisitions, theft of proprietary information, fraudulent transfers, embezzlement, professional liability and breach of contract. He received his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Braun is a member of the Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration Practice Group in the Milwaukee office. She works closely with her clients to help them achieve their financial goals while minimizing certain tax risks. Braun represents a diverse client base that includes owners of closely held businesses, philanthropists and high net-worth individuals. She regularly provides legal advice on matters involving succession planning, sophisticated charitable giving, wealth transfer techniques, estate and gift taxation, fiduciary income taxation, marital property agreements and probate and trust administration. She received her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School, cum laude, Order of the Coif.

Smies is a member of the Litigation Practice Group in the Green Bay office. Smies’ practice is focused on complex business litigation, including contract disputes, intellectual property, product liability, commercial torts, employment, real estate, insurance coverage, and dealership disputes before federal and state courts and arbitral tribunals. He received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.

With more than 160 lawyers, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. is one of Wisconsin's leading business law firms. Founded in 1957, Godfrey & Kahn maintains offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, Green Bay and Waukesha, Wis.; and Washington, DC. For more information, please visit the firm's website at www.gklaw.com.

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