Firm News

Capes Sokol is pleased to announce that four attorneys have been promoted to shareholders, effective January 1, 2021. The promoted attorneys are Andrew W. Blackwell, Sarah J. Luem, Andrew B. Shanfeld, and Drew H. Westbrook. Their practices cover a variety of legal areas, including business and finance, corporate, digital currency and blockchain technology, intellectual property, healthcare, real estate, and litigation.

“These attorneys are emblematic of what we strive for in shareholders of Capes Sokol,” said Jeffrey A. Cohen, Managing Shareholder. “Their depth of knowledge and their legal skills strengthen our practice areas and enhance our ability to meet the needs of our clients. We are excited that they will be part of the team leading the law firm into the future.”

Andrew W. Blackwell

Andrew W. Blackwell is an experienced litigator who focuses his practice on commercial disputes, with an emphasis on business torts and business separation. Andrew has successfully tried cases to resolution in state and federal courts, in arbitrations, and before administrative commissions. Since 2017, Andrew has been included in the Missouri & Kansas Rising Stars list for business litigation.

In addition, Andrew is a charter member of the firm’s Digital Currency & Blockchain Technology Practice Group. Andrew represents businesses and investors in litigation related to digital assets and advises clients on regulatory and compliance issues. Prior to joining the firm, Andrew worked at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

Andrew received his law degree in 2012 from the University of Missouri School of Law. He graduated from The George Washington University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts (International Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies) degree.

Sarah J. Luem

Sarah J. Luem represents individuals and closely-held businesses of all sizes and in all stages of growth in corporate and transactional matters. She helps her clients resolve complex legal problems, particularly ownership disputes, succession planning, and business divorces.

Sarah’s work on general corporate matters also includes drafting organizational and other documents such as employment and consulting agreements, and advising on issues related to corporate governance, capitalization and financing, contracts and charitable giving. Prior to attending law school, Sarah worked as a management consultant, where she provided strategic communication and transformation consulting to Fortune 500 companies.

Sarah received her law degree in 2011 from Saint Louis University School of Law. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Organization & Human Resources and Psychology) degree.

Andrew B. Shanfeld

Andrew B. Shanfeld’s practice focuses on real estate and corporate law.  Andy represents clients buying, selling, exchanging, leasing and financing commercial, retail, industrial and multi-family properties. He also acts as an outside general counsel and advisor to closely held-businesses and regularly assists clients in the negotiation and execution of business transactions such as asset and stock/membership interest acquisitions and divestitures, financing transactions, mergers and joint ventures.

In addition, he counsels clients on such matters as choice of business entity, challenges that accompany growth, financing, general business and contract matters and shareholder and member disputes.

Andy received his law degree in 1996 from the Saint Louis University School of Law, with honors. He graduated from Miami University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science (Business and Finance) degree.

Drew H. Westbrook

Drew H. Westbrook focuses his practice on the healthcare and digital health industries. He represents corporate and individual clients at every stage of the business venture, from startups to mature multinational companies.

Drew regularly advises health information technology companies, medical device vendors, physicians and other providers on compliance and contracting matters as well as on general corporate, finance, and real estate matters. He also represents manufacturers, distributors, and other clients regarding supply chain procurement issues, corporate ownership disputes, licensing, real estate acquisition and sale, and leasing.

Drew received his law degree in 2011 from the Washington University School of Law. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville in 2007 with Bachelor of Science in International Business (Economics) and Bachelor of Arts (French) degrees.