Seyfarth Expands Leadership Team for Premier Trade Secrets, Computer Fraud & Non‑Competes Practice

February 9, 2026 — Seyfarth Shaw LLP has extended the leadership structure of the firm’s premier Trade Secrets, Computer Fraud & Non-Competes Group, with Dawn Mertineit and Marcus Mintz joining Michael Wexler as co-chairs, further strengthening the nationally recognized practice.

This leadership expansion follows the retirement of longtime partner Katherine Perrelli. It reflects Seyfarth’s continued investment in a collaborative leadership model that builds on the group’s established success while positioning it for sustained growth and innovation.

Wexler has led the group for nearly two decades and will continue to drive its strategic direction and enhance its national market presence. Under Wexler’s leadership, the practice has grown into one of the country’s leading trade secrets teams, regularly recognized by Legal 500 USA, World Intellectual Property Review, IAM Patent 1000, Chambers, and Best Lawyers.

The appointments of Mertineit and Mintz bring additional depth and momentum to the leadership group. They have played key roles in advancing some of the practice’s signature initiatives, including the firm’s 50-State Non-Compete Desktop Reference, its robust national webinar series, and the award-winning “Trading Secrets” blog.

“This trifecta leadership team reflects the extraordinary depth and talent within our Litigation Department,” said Giovanna (“Gina”) Ferrari, chair of Seyfarth’s Litigation Department, which includes the Trade Secrets practice. “Michael has built one of the nation’s foremost trade secrets practices, and Dawn and Marcus bring the vision, energy, and collaborative approach that will guide the group into its next chapter. Together, they are exceptionally well-positioned to continue delivering the strategic, business-focused counsel our clients rely on. This next generation of leadership reflects a continued commitment to equipping clients with timely insight, practical guidance, and innovative resources amid rapidly shifting non-compete laws and increasingly complex trade secret protection and enforcement challenges.”

Seyfarth’s Trade Secrets, Computer Fraud & Non-Competes Group helps companies holistically protect their intellectual capital by advising on how to avoid trade secret misappropriation and by aggressively litigating when a violation occurs.

About Seyfarth Shaw LLP

With approximately 1000 lawyers across 17 offices, Seyfarth Shaw LLP provides advisory, litigation, and transactional legal services to clients worldwide. The firm is recognized for its innovative approach to delivering legal services, combining deep industry knowledge with advanced technology and substantive excellence.