Duane Morris announced that it has promoted 11 associates to special counsel, two of whom are from California offices: Steven J. Sweeney, of the Los Angeles corporate practice group; and Sean Patterson of the San Francisco trial practice group. Sweeney concentrates his practice in M&A, bank and financial institution regulatory matters, technology law, corporate finance, corporate governance, technology law, bank regulatory matters and loan and credit transactions. Patterson practices in the area of complex litigation, including toxic tort and general liability claims.

Judicate West, one of California’s providers of private dispute resolution services, has added retired Judge Frederick L. Link, formerly of the San Diego County Superior Court, to its roster of neutrals. Based in the San Diego office, he is available as a mediator, arbitrator and private judge for matters statewide. Link brings more than 50 years of combined legal experience, including the past four decades as a San Diego County judge. He was elected to serve on the San Diego County Superior Court bench in 1990, following a nine-year stint as a judge for the Municipal Court of San Diego. He has presided over a variety of criminal and civil matters, including personal injury, wrongful death, business/commercial, employment, professional and medical negligence and real estate.