Baker Donelson Expands Atlanta Office with Addition of Two Attorneys

"We are delighted to welcome Rena and Jamie as we continue to grow our team in Atlanta," said Ivy N. Cadle, managing shareholder of the Firm's Atlanta office. "Rena's extensive background in executive compensation and employee benefits, as well as her experience with federal statutes, such as the ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA, will greatly benefit our clients navigating these intricate areas. Jamie's proficiency in complex litigation, including commercial, professional liability, ERISA, and product liability disputes, combined with his active appellate practice, positions him as a strong advocate for our clients. We are excited to have both of them join us, and we look forward to the valuable contributions they will make."

Mrs. Felton joins the Firm as a member of the Labor & Employment Group and focuses her practice on advising employers on the design, implementation, and administration of complex employee benefit plans. She has significant experience in executive compensation, including negotiating and drafting equity compensation plans, employment and severance agreements, and other compensation arrangements. Additionally, Mrs. Felton advises on health and welfare matters related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), HIPAA, COBRA, and state and local leave laws, as well as qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and governmental plans. Her practice also includes guiding clients through benefits matters related to mergers and acquisitions, taxation issues associated with executive compensation, ERISA fiduciary and pension investment issues, and correction programs under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor.

Before joining the firm, Mrs. Felton served as associate director of health and benefits compliance at a leading global advisory, broking, and consulting company, where she advised clients on health and welfare plans and compliance with federal statutes, such as the ACA, ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA, and COBRA. Mrs. Felton frequently speaks on employee benefits compliance issues and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center, teaching an introductory employee benefits class. She also volunteers with several Atlanta-based organizations, including Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, Black Women Will, and Atlanta Legal Aid, assisting non-profits and indigent individuals with legal matters.

Mr. Kastler joins the Firm as a member of the Complex Litigation and Class Actions Group. His practice is focused on complex and high-stakes litigation, including commercial, professional liability, ERISA, and product liability disputes. Additionally, Mr. Kastler maintains an active appellate practice, representing clients before numerous appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States and the Georgia Supreme Court.

Mr. Kastler is a graduate of Carleton College, and he obtained his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude. He previously served as a law clerk for the Honorable Sheila K. Oberto of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California and the Honorable Thomas E. Johnston of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.