BakerHostetler Hires New Leader to Grow LA Office

LOS ANGELES - BakerHostetler announced Monday that Eric E. Sagerman will join the firm as managing partner for its Los Angeles office.

BakerHostetler said the hiring of Sagerman was meant to signal its intent to make a significant investment in its Los Angeles and the West Coast presence. His hiring coincides with Paul M. Schmidt taking over as chairman of the firm.

"Eric is both an exceptional lawyer and a proven leader. We're thrilled to have him join us as the managing partner of our Los Angeles office," Schmidt said. "BakerHostetler is showing its ongoing commitment to investing in the West Coast by bringing on someone like Eric, who is a well-known figure in the Los Angeles legal community."

Schmidt is a tax partner in BakerHostetler's Washington, D.C. office.

Sagerman, a restructuring specialist, spent 28 years at Winston & Strawn LLP, much of it as managing partner of the Los Angeles office, which saw significant expansion in headcount and revenue under his leadership. He also sat on firm's executive, operations and compensation committees.

"I could not be more enthusiastic about joining BakerHostetler and having the opportunity to use my skills to help grow the firm's West Coast presence. There is a palpable energy among the firm's attorneys to take BakerHostetler to the next level," Sagerman said. "I'm excited to join the firm as a new chairman takes the reins. There is a feeling of being on the ground floor of something special, and I look forward to helping the firm increase its momentum by broadening its roster of impressive attorneys on the West Coast."

BakerHostetler has 40 lawyers in its Los Angeles office, which is in Brentwood. The firm also has offices in Costa Mesa and Seattle.

BakerHostetler, which is full service, is known for having one of the best privacy and data protection practices in the nation. The firm also has a significant presence in the intellectual property, business, technology, media and employment and employment spaces. The firm has helped to recover billions of dollars for victims of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme and is involved in responding to some of the world's largest cybersecurity incidents.

Sagerman will continue his restructuring practice, in addition to the management duties.