In the law firmsBarnes & Thornburg LLP added James R. Vergara as an associate and member of the intellectual property department.Vergara has experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications directed to complex software and electrical arts.He was previously with Patterson & Sheridan LLP in Houston.•Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP managing partner Lawrence C. Eppley moderated a conversation with ACE Hotel Group President Brad Wilson about the opening of the ACE Hotel Fulton Market during …