Higgs Fletcher & Mack attorney Molly H. Teas has been selected as the “Outstanding New Attorney” by San Diego Defense Lawyers (SDDL), and she is set to receive the award at the organization’s 39th Annual Installation Gala on Jan. 27. The Outstanding New Attorney award is presented annually to one outstanding defense attorney in recognition of their success and overall achievements in law. Teas’ practice primarily focuses on the transportation industry, where she defends trucking and rideshare companies in personal injury litigation. She also has experience in premises and products liability defense as well as representing individuals in trust litigation. Additionally, Teas is admitted to the Intertribal Court of Southern California where she defends local federally recognized Indian tribes in injury and premises liability cases.

Jackson Lewis announced that Paul J. Cohen and Angela Quiles Nevarez of the firm’s Los Angeles office have been elevated to principals, effective Jan. 1. Cohen’s practice focuses on representing employers in all types of employment-related litigation in state and federal courts and in arbitration. He has broad experience litigating single plaintiff and class action cases involving wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and related claims. Nevarez regularly leads the defense in lawsuits and administrative proceedings brought against companies and managers involving a variety of claims including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation. She has litigated matters before state and federal courts in California and Pennsylvania and offers a unique perspective, particularly for employers with bicoastal operations.