Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce the addition of seven associate attorneys, strategically growing the firm’s presence in Nashville, Minneapolis, and the Dallas Metroplex. This diverse group includes:
- Andrew Boone, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Dallas
- Leah Creathorn, Corporate and Business Transactions, Nashville
- Haley Ekhaml, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Minneapolis
- Brianna Griffin, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Nashville
- Jessica Lee, Real Estate, Plano
- Travis Strickler, Tax, Trusts, & Estates, Nashville
- Ashley Zárate, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Dallas
“Spencer Fane maintains an established commitment to attract and retain top legal talent that aligns with client demand and complements the needs of our growing attorney teams,” Spencer Fane Chair Patrick J. Whalen said. “We have been impressed with the credentials and work ethic of this group of attorneys and feel confident in their ability to collaborate with their peers while contributing to our dynamic culture and adding value to the businesses we serve.”
One of the fastest-growing firms in the nation, Spencer Fane currently operates from 23 offices across the U.S. and recently surpassed the 450-mark for attorney headcount, while achieving double-digit percentage revenue growth for each of the past ten years.
Meet each of our newest associate attorneys below.
Andrew Boone (Dallas)
Experienced in complex commercial litigation matters, Andrew provides collaborative legal services to a wide range of clients with a focus on developing and implementing strategies that win or favorably resolve disputes as early as possible. He develops a deep understanding of clients’ specific needs and business goals by proactively working to define, assess, and minimize litigation risks, while being prepared to handle matters from inception and through to conclusion and appeal, when necessary.
Andrew completed his undergraduate studies at Abilene Christian and earned his Juris Doctor from the Baylor University School of Law, where he served as Managing Senior Executive Editor of the Baylor Law Review. Prior to entering private practice, he completed internships with the Office of the Texas Attorney General and the Hon. Andrew Brasher in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Alabama.
Leah Creathorn (Nashville)
Leah’s private practice focuses on helping startups and large public companies develop agile solutions to challenges and opportunities related to business operations and transactional matters. She brings the ability to provide efficient and effective legal counsel designed to streamline processes or take advantage of acquisitional and sale opportunities. Her clerkships included two stints at Spencer Fane, where she gained valuable insight into research, document drafting and review, and court proceedings.
After completing her undergraduate studies at Belmont University, Leah earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law. While in law school, she served as ABA Representative for the Student Bar Association and Communications Editor for The Tennessee Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice.
Haley Ekhaml (Minneapolis)
By developing a deep understanding of each client’s operations and associated industry, Haley works to align litigation strategies and legal counsel to the unique business goals, objectives, and priorities of her clients. She recently spent more than two years as a law clerk for Spencer Fane in the firm’s Minneapolis office, where she conducted legal research, drafted documents, and attended litigation proceedings.
Haley completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota and earned her Juris Doctor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. She also completed an externship focused on data privacy and security with a company focused on digital identity, payment, and security before completing a legal externship with a company creating digital infrastructure for contact centers.
Brianna Griffin (Nashville)
Brianna’s collaborative approach to legal services drives an ability to successfully advocate for her clients’ interests regardless of the legal venue. Her private practice focuses on all aspects of the process for handling complex commercial litigation matters with cost-effective representation for clients. In 2022, she completed a summer associateship with Spencer Fane in the firm’s Nashville office, where she gained significant experience with the firm’s unique and dynamic culture and value proposition.
After completing her undergraduate studies in finance at the University of Arkansas, Brianna earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law. While in law school, she completed a clerkship with the Tennessee Office of the Attorney General and served as an editor for the Tennessee Law Review.
Jessica Lee (Plano)
Jessica focuses her private practice on a diverse range of real estate, finance, and business law. She assists clients with various real estate matters related to the purchase, sale, and exchange of property, as well as leasing, lending, disputes, and workouts. In 2022, she completed her summer associateship with Spencer Fane in the firm’s Plano office, where she gained significant experience assisting owners of residential communities, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and office buildings.
Jessica earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Mathematics-Economics and Public Policy at Brown University. She then earned her Juris Doctor degree at SMU Dedman School of Law, where she served as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Law Review Association, President of the Corporate Law Association, and Secretary of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association. Jessica is also a proud recipient of the Dallas Bar Foundation’s Sarah T. Hughes Diversity Scholarship. Prior to law school, she worked for a leading global investment banking and financial services firm, where she supported the global markets group.
Travis Strickler (Nashville)
Travis continuously evaluates and helps define a client’s tax objectives and estate planning and business succession goals while providing them beneficial insight into the full spectrum of options available. This allows him to help structure transactions and arrange personal finances to satisfy immediate needs while planning for long-term success. Prior to entering private practice, he spent time as an associate with one of the largest financial security companies in the nation, where he received significant experience related to his current legal work.
After completing his undergraduate studies at Amherst College, Travis earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky’s J. David Rosenberg College of Law. He completed a summer associateship at Spencer Fane in the summer of 2022. Prior to entering private practice, Travis earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
Ashley Zárate (Dallas)
With a unique blend of professional and legal experience, Ashley addresses complex litigation matters for clients across a wide range of industries. She prioritizes collaborative and responsive legal services that address the full scope of risks and vulnerabilities that threaten the reputation, success, and viability of business operations, with a focus on proactive counsel that helps minimize risk and avoid costly claims and disputes.
Ashley completed her undergraduate studies in finance at Texas Christian University and earned her Juris Doctor from the Baylor University School of Law. Prior to entering private practice, she gained professional experience in insurance, employment, and financial trading. In addition, Ashley is fluent in Spanish.
