Sandra L. Brown and David E. Benz have joined the Washington office of the law firm Thompson Hine LLP. Brown, a partner in the firm's Transportation practice group, focuses on representing bulk commodity shippers and other entities that use transportation services, such as electric utilities, state and local government entities and ports, as well as coal, aggregates, chemicals and plastics shippers. Her practice covers freight moving domestically and internationally. Benz is an associate who focuses on matters involving freight
railroad regulation, contracting and strategy. Both were formerly with Troutman Sanders LLP.

On joining the firm, Brown says, "I was attracted to Thompson Hine for its commitment to client service and the strength of its national Transportation practice. I look forward to sharing this commitment and strength with clients."

Brown was a member of the Washington staff of Congressman Eric D. Fingerhut (D-Ohio) from 1993 to 1994 and then worked at the Interstate Commerce Commission. Prior to entering private practice, she worked on a special investigations team at the White House Counsel's Office during the Clinton administration.

Karyn Booth, Transportation practice group leader, states, "Sandy's background adds to the depth of our Transportation practice and increases the firm's representation of utility clients and other companies that ship by rail. We're delighted that both Sandy and David are bringing their substantial railroad experience to our multimodal Transportation team."

Brown earned her J.D. from Ohio Northern University and her B.A. from Goshen College. She is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Ohio. Benz earned his J.D. and B.A. from the University of Virginia. He is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and the commonwealth of Virginia.

About Thompson Hine LLP: Established in 1911, Thompson Hine is a business law firm dedicated to providing superior client service. The firm has been recognized as one of the Best Corporate Law Firms in America (in an annual survey of corporate directors conducted by Corporate Board Member magazine). With approximately 400 lawyers, Thompson Hine serves premier businesses worldwide. The firm has offices in Atlanta, Brussels, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, New York and Washington, D.C. For more information, go to www.ThompsonHine.com.

Thompson Hine LLP
Stacy F. Weiner, Business Development Manager, 202-263-4127