FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Karen Korr
for Nukk-Freeman & Cerra
karen@fullkorrpress.com
(619) 944-0650 (cell)
Chris Sisco
csisco@nfclegal.com
(973) 507-7638 (direct)
CHATHAM, NJ – January 14, 2025
Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C. (“NFC”) is pleased to announce that Kerrie R. Heslin will assume the role of Managing Partner, effective January 1, 2025. Heslin succeeds Suzanne M. Cerra, who has served as Managing Partner since co-founding the firm 19 years ago and will remain actively involved, transitioning to a senior advisory role.
“It has been an honor to serve as NFC’s Managing Partner for nearly two decades, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together,” said Cerra. “We grew the firm from a start-up to a bi-coastal firm with over 75 employees and the most incredible clients and team.” “I am thrilled to pass the torch for managing day-to-day operations to Kerrie, who has been instrumental in our firm’s success and will continue to lead with excellence.”
Heslin has been with NFC for nearly 18 years and brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Heslin has successfully led many key initiatives at the firm and manages several of the firm’s major client relationships. In addition to being a skilled litigator, Heslin has been an integral contributor to NFC’s overall success, growth, and reputation. Her leadership, legal acumen, and commitment to client service will help guide the firm through the next chapter of growth and innovation.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Managing Partner. I look forward to working closely with our talented team and clients as we build on the firm’s legacy of exceptional service and innovation, said Heslin. “We will continue to uphold the core client service values that have made us successful, while embracing new opportunities to strengthen our position as a leader in the legal industry.”
With Heslin’s elevation to Managing Partner, NFC also announced that Ryan S. Carlson has advanced to the role of Head of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. Carlson, who has been with NFC for nearly 9 years, is a seasoned litigator who consistently achieves favorable outcomes for the firm’s clients by providing strategic advocacy and a vigorous defense. In addition to his impressive litigation experience, Carlson is known for his strategic thinking, approachable demeanor and collaborative style, qualities that help him build strong relationships with clients and colleagues and will be instrumental as he leads the team forward.
In addition to the leadership transitions, NFC has announced the promotion of attorneys Kegan S. Andeskie and Iman A. Wells to Partner. Both individuals have demonstrated exceptional legal expertise, dedication to client service excellence, and strong leadership within the firm and NFC is delighted to elevate them to Partner.
Andeskie has distinguished himself as a skilled litigator and leader at the firm. Throughout his tenure at NFC, Andeskie has provided innovative legal solutions to the firm’s clients, successfully managed many complex litigation matters, and been a valued mentor for junior attorneys. He has consistently shown a commitment to delivering exceptional results and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Wells is a talented litigator who has distinguished herself through exceptional client service and leadership, both inside and outside of NFC. Wells is known for her rigorous approach to handling complex litigation matters, her strategic thinking, and legal acumen. A tenured member of the National Employment Law Council (NELC), Wells has a proven track record of success managing litigation matters for many of the firm’s key clients and has earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike. Wells co-chairs the firm’s Social Responsibility Committee and is a member of NFC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee.
NFC attorney Julie S. Alarcón has been promoted to Counsel. Alarcón is a valued member of the firm’s Counseling Department and has played a pivotal role in providing employment law solutions to NFC’s clients. Julie also regularly conducts interactive trainings on a wide variety of employment law topics and is a member of the firm’s Investigations Practice Group as well as the DEI Council. Given her past experience working in California, Alarcón also assists clients with complex bi-coastal legal challenges and works closely with NFC’s clients to achieve successful outcomes.
NFC is committed to recognizing and rewarding talent within the firm, providing opportunities for growth and leadership for its attorneys. This new chapter for the firm marks a continued commitment to maintaining the firm’s reputation for excellence, while providing clients with the highest level of progressive, creative, and forward-thinking legal representation.
About Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C.
Recognized as a top employment law firm with offices in New Jersey, New York and California, NFC provides a progressive, creative and forward-thinking approach to the practice of management-side employment law. Staffed with highly experienced employment attorneys and a robust support team, NFC delivers superior work product and incomparable client service. NFC attorneys have litigated thousands of cases and handled appeals at all levels in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Our substantive knowledge encompasses all areas of employment and benefits law. In addition, NFC has an entire team dedicated to developing meaningful and impactful employment law training for its corporate clients.
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