Haaas & Najarian

Lisa Van Velsor
joined Haaas & Najarian as senior counsel in San Francisco.
Van Velsor joins partner Rob Nicholas, Tom Panelli, Aaron Gumbinger and Gary Hines in the firm's real estate practice group, which specializes in representing owners and developers in the acquisition, disposition, financing, leasing, management and constructi0n of commercial real estate.
Van Velsor has broad experience in real estate and finance law and handling multiple and multi-faceted transactions for both buyer and sellers. Her previous experience includes energy and real estate law for Orion Energy, and for Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliff. Van Velsor received her J.D. from New York University, where she specialized in real estate, urban policy and environmental law.
Haas & Najarian LLP is a boutique law firm in practice since 1973, serving diverse domestic and international clients. Its other areas of practice include 1) business law that dovetails with its real estate services in forming new entities, restructuring and compliance with the highest corporate standards; and 2) a complete estate planning and probate practice for individuals and corporations.
Address
58 Maiden Lane , San Francisco 94108 US
T:
(415) 788-6330
Rutan & Tucker
Alan B. Fenstermacher
was promoted to partner of Rutan & Tucker in Costa Mesa.
Alan Fenstermacher specializes in land use and regulatory issues, including general municipal law, handling both litigation and transactional matters for public and private clients. He currently serves as the City Attorney for the City of Poway, and regularly assists private parties secure entitlements and other project approvals in other jurisdictions across the state.
He graduated with a J.D. in 2011 from Washington University and he earned a B.A. from the University of Southern California in 2008.
Andrew S. Lamming
was promoted to partner of Rutan & Tucker in Costa Mesa.
Andrew Lamming has substantial experience in the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of a broad range of real estate and finance transactions. He primarily represents developers in the acquisition, disposition and financing of various real estate asset types, including multifamily projects, master planned communities, retail and industrial projects, and raw land.
He graduated from Stanford Law School with a J.D. in 2011 where he was editor of the Stanford Journal of Law Business and Finance. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude in 2008 from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Ravi Mohan
was promoted to partner of Rutan & Tucker in Costa Mesa.
A member of the firm’s Intellectual Property group and co-chair of the firm’s Automotive Practice, Ravi Mohan manages IP strategy and thoughtfully scales IP portfolios that attract funding. He also guides companies in IP transactional matters and assists in pre-litigation and settlement counseling. He currently serves as outside general counsel to a variety of businesses and institutions.
He graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law with a J.D. and an IP Law Certificate with honors and he earned a B.S. from University of the Pacific.
Proud Usahacharoenporn
was promoted to partner of Rutan & Tucker in Costa Mesa.
Proud Usahacharoenporn, a member of the firm’s Litigation and Trial section, handles a broad range of business disputes, including litigation regarding contracts, real and personal property, fraud, class actions, insurance coverage, business and intentional torts, unfair competition, and intellectual property.
She earned a J.D. from Duke University as a Womble Scholar in 2011 and graduated magna cum laude from University of California, Los Angeles in 2008.
Kenneth J. Zielinski
was promoted to partner of Rutan & Tucker in Costa Mesa.
Kenneth Zielinski handles a wide variety of employment-related litigation matters on behalf of employers, including wage and hour class actions; employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims; wrongful discharge; and prosecuting theft of trade secrets by departing employees. His practice also focuses on complex commercial litigation including contractual disputes and business torts.
He graduated magna cum laude from Chapman University School of Law and he earned a B.A. from California State University, Fullerton where he was summa cum laude.
Norton Rose Fulbright

James Berger
was promoted to projects partner of Norton Rose Fulbright in Los Angeles.
James Berger represents sponsors, lenders and equity investors in connection with the financing, development, sale and acquisition of renewable energy projects, with a particular focus on wind and solar projects located throughout the United States. After spending several years in the New York Office, Mr. Berger has been based in Los Angeles since 2013. He earned his JD from Georgetown University Law Center and earned his BA from Kenyon College.

Amanda Rosenberg
was promoted to projects partner of Norton Rose Fulbright in Los Angeles.
Amanda Rosenberg focuses on federal income tax law, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy investment, energy tax credits, government incentive programs and domestic and international project finance transactions. Based in Los Angeles, Ms. Rosenberg also has extensive experience on CFIUS filings for foreign acquisitions of US companies and projects. She received her JD from Columbia Law School and her BA from George Washington University.
Details
Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm. We provide the world's preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have more than 4,000 lawyers and other legal staff based in Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa. Recognized for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and healthcare. Through our global risk advisory group, we leverage our industry experience with our knowledge of legal, regulatory, compliance and governance issues to provide our clients with practical solutions to the legal and regulatory risks facing their businesses.
Larson O'Brien LLP

R.C. Harlan
was promoted to partner of Larson O'Brien LLP in Los Angeles.
Effective January 1, 2019, R.C. Harlan has been promoted to partner at Larson O'Brien LLP. His practice includes complex commercial disputes, including wrongful death issues, mass torts, complex business disputes, and securities class actions. Mr. Harlan has conducted several internal investigations of large and small companies. Mr. Harlan has represented clients in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare industries. Mr. Harlan is also an experienced appellate lawyer, having worked on appeals in state and federal court.
Mr. Harlan clerked for the Honorable Boyce F. Martin, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeal for the Sixth Circuit. Mr. Harlan received his law degree from Boston University School of Law where he received cum laude honors, and graduated from Claremont McKenna College.

Dana Marie Howard
was promoted to counsel of Larson O'Brien LLP in Los Angeles.
Dana Howard has been promoted to is counsel at Larson O'Brien LLP. Her practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and business disputes. Ms. Howard has represented clients in all facets of litigation in state and federal courts. Ms. Howard has considerable experience representing public entities in litigation related to land use, construction, wireless telecommunications, tort, and civil rights disputes. Ms. Howard has also represented private companies and business owners in contract, shareholder, intellectual property, entertainment, employment disputes, and False Claims Act litigation.
Ms. Howard received her law degree from the USC Gould School of Law and her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. During law school, Ms. Howard was a topic editor on the Hale Moot Court Honors Program Executive Board. As a member of the Hale Moot Court National Team, Ms. Howard won semi-finalist honors at the National First Amendment Moot Court Competition. She also served as vice president of the Women's Law Association and received the Charles H. Whitebread Public Interest Memorial Grant for her work with Mental Health Advocacy Services, Inc.

Steven Alan Haskins
was promoted to counsel of Larson O'Brien LLP in Los Angeles.
Steven A. Haskins has been promoted to counsel at Larson O'Brien LLP. He specializes in complex commercial litigation with particular emphasis on appeals and writs.
During his career, Mr. Haskins has prepared briefs for cases heard by the Supreme Court of the United States, the California Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the California Courts of Appeal. He has also participated in complex litigation in trial courts across California and the nation, representing clients in the manufacturing, healthcare, media and entertainment industries, and non-profit corporations. Mr. Haskins's considerable appellate experience allows him to bring a unique perspective to litigating cases with a high-likelihood of appeal. He has worked on anti-trust and constitutional issues, labor and employment, contract disputes, class actions, and probate matters, as well as matters involving complex constitutional issues.
Mr. Haskins received his undergraduate degree from Claremont McKenna College and graduated magna cum laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. He is a member of the Order of the Coif. During law school, Mr. Haskins served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Paul Cassell of the United States District Court for the District of Utah and the Honorable Jill Parrish of the Utah Supreme Court.
Details
Larson O'Brien is a trial boutique in Southern California, founded by former federal prosecutor and U.S. District Judge, Stephen G. Larson, and Robert C. O'Brien, the former California managing partner of a national AMLAW firm. Larson O'Brien LLP focuses exclusively on complex business and criminal disputes, internal investigations, international arbitrations, and appeals. Larson O'Brien LLP is one of the go-to litigation, white collar, and appellate boutiques in California. The law firm represents clients such as The Walt Disney Company, Federal Express, Live Nation, Korbel Champagne Cellars, International Business Machines Corporation, Renovate America, Colonies Partners, and the Orange County Water District.
Fisher & Phillips LLP
Wendy L. Baker
joined Fisher & Phillips LLP as of counsel in Irvine.
Baker defends employers in state and federal court against a variety of employment matters. Baker was a partner at Fisher Phillips from 2007-2011. She graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law.
Buchalter Rome LLP
Terrence A. Everett
joined Buchalter Rome LLP as partner in Los Angeles.
Terrence, a seasoned transactional lawyer, focuses his practice on a range of corporate and finance transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and securities, and real estate dealings. Terrence joins Blank Rome from Carlsmith Ball LLP.
"We are delighted that Terrence is joining our Firm," said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome's Managing Partner and CEO. "Terrence brings to Blank Rome significant strength in corporate matters across several thriving industries. He will make a fantastic addition to the Corporate group and our growing Los Angeles office, which just welcomed a prominent family law team of attorneys and professional staff led by Kristina Royce and Ashley Silberfeld to our nationally recognized Matrimonial and Family Law group."
Terrence serves as outside general counsel to various establishments that range from New York Stock Exchange companies to start up entities, often in connection with corporate structure and governance, acquisitions, operations, and financing. His clients have spanned numerous industries, including retail, financial services, agriculture, entertainment, hospitality, and gaming, among others.
"Terrence's work aligns seamlessly with our practice and we are thrilled to have him join our team," said Peter Schnur, Co-Chair of Blank Rome's Corporate, M&A, and Securities practice group. "Terrence will be a key resource for both our clients and attorneys as he brings with him invaluable knowledge gleaned from a storied career of successful deals."
At Blank Rome, Terrence will continue to counsel clients on complex international and cross border operations and transactions as well as equity, debt, and venture capital financing alike.
"The decision to join Blank Rome came naturally," said Terrence. "My work aligns considerably with the Firm's Corporate group and I couldn't be more excited to join such a collegial team. I look forward to continuing to provide my clients with the outstanding service they've come to expect at a firm that's growing from coast to coast."
Terrence earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School, cum laude, and his B.A. from the University of California, magna cum laude.
Details
Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 13 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries, and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome's culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients, and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.
HKA Marketing Communications

John R. Giovannone
joined HKA Marketing Communications as partner in Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger LLP, Los Angeles.
John R. Giovannone is a partner in the Los Angeles office where he represents employers in the full range of employment law matters, from single plaintiff to class-based wage/hour, contract, discrimination, harassment, and licensing litigation, and including traditional labor proceedings as well. While his bedrock skill set lies in employment litigation and trial advocacy, a major component of his practice involves advice and counsel so as to position his clients to avoid disputes where possible, and to prevail via litigation when necessary.
Specifically, he has litigated class actions and single plaintiff matters on behalf of employers in a wide array of industries including manufacturing, outside service and repair, financial services, defense contracting, aeronautics, commercial banking, healthcare, education, childcare, retail, pharmaceutical, construction, telemarketing, retirement services and assisted living, information technology, package delivery, and uniform services.
Giovannone has successfully litigated class and collective actions ranging the gamut of statewide, regional, and local scope under a wide-range of employment laws including, but not limited to, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Title VII, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the California Labor Code including the California Private Attorneys' General Act (PAGA), the California Education Code, the California Unfair Competition Law, the California Auto-Renewal Statute, and California's Title 22 Child Care Licensing Regulations.
Giovannone also has extensive experience litigating issues pertaining to the interpretation and enforceability of arbitration agreements. He has represented management before federal and California state courts, as well as federal and state administrative agencies. He has successfully opposed numerous class certification attempts and has successfully brought motions for summary judgment, preemptive denial of class certification, class decertification, class action trial plan demands, reduction of the size of purported and certified classes (by as much 90%), terminating sanctions and to recover attorneys' fees.
Giovannone also provides advice and counsel services to his clients regarding state and federal labor and employment law, including human resources training, policy drafting, and workplace investigations.
Details
Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger LLP, for more information please visit https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/.
Address
150 Yorba Street , Tustin 92780 United States
T:
(714) 422-0903
Hogan Lovells LLP
Clay James
was promoted to managing partner of Hogan Lovells LLP in San Francisco.
A member of the firm's board, James specializes in intellectual property litigation, and class actions, privacy and data security cases, and complex commercial litigation, with a focus on technology-related matters. He joined Hogan Lovells in Denver from Sun Microsystems where he was chief litigation counsel.
David W. Skaar
was promoted to counsel of Hogan Lovells LLP in Los Angeles.
Skaar focuses on products liability, with an emphasis on the food, chemical and life sciences industries. He is experienced in class actions, contract disputes, mortgage lending and servicing matters, and other commercial and personal injury suits. Skaar is a Loyola Law School alumnus.
Miller Starr Regalia

Kevin M Corbett
was promoted to shareholder of Miller Starr Regalia in Walnut Creek.
Miller Starr Regalia (MSR), a preeminent California real estate law firm for more than 50 years, announced that Kevin M. Corbett has been elevated to shareholder in the firm's real estate transactional department. Corbett joined MSR as senior counsel in 2016 in the firm's Walnut Creek headquarters.
Corbett, who has more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate and corporate law, represents developers, owners, investors and tenants in commercial transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions, retail, office and industrial leasing, real estate secured finance, joint ventures, private offerings, tenancy-in-common agreements, construction contracts, and all aspects of the ownership and operation of commercial real estate. He also advises developers and investors regarding optimal entity formation strategies in the context of their specific deal structure.
Details
Miller Starr Regalia has had a well-established reputation as a leading real estate law firm for more than fifty years. For nearly all that time, our firm has written Miller & Starr, California Real Estate 4th, a 12-volume encyclopedia on California real estate law. We call it "the Book." The Book is the most widely used and judicially recognized real estate treatise in California and is cited by practicing attorneys and courts throughout the state. Our firm has experience in all real property matters, including full-service litigation and dispute resolution services, transactions, acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, common interest development, construction, management, title insurance, environmental law, and redevelopment and land use. For more information, visit www.msrlegal.com.
Troutman Sanders

Christine Ann Byrnes
was promoted to partner of Troutman Sanders in Orange County.
Christine Byrnes represents clients in connection with the financing, development, acquisition and restructuring of energy projects, including in connection with the negotiation of tax equity partnership and lease investment structures. She has negotiated financing and commercial agreements for both lenders and developers, including debt and equity financing documents, letter of credit facilities, and joint venture agreements.
Details
With a diverse practice mix, workforce and footprint, Troutman Sanders has cultivated its reputation for a higher commitment to client care for over 120 years. Ideally positioned to help clients across sectors realize their business goals, the firm's 650 attorneys transact for growth, resolve mission-threatening disputes and navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges. See troutman.com for more information.
Best Best & Krieger LLP

Rebecca Andrews
was promoted to partner of Best Best & Krieger LLP in San Diego.
Rebecca Andrews focuses on federal, California and Texas-specific water and administrative law matters, as well as telecommunications. She works extensively with water districts, cities, counties and private clients on all aspects of water quality matters, including permitting, regulatory compliance, administrative and civil enforcement, and litigation. Rebecca is based in the firm's San Diego office and spends significant time in Texas. She earned her law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law.

Sigrid Asmundson
was promoted to partner of Best Best & Krieger LLP in Sacramento.
Sigrid Asmundson is a public law attorney providing general and special counsel services to local agencies with a focus on elections law, economic development, affordable housing, land use and state mandates. She serves as general counsel for the Cosumnes Community Services District and Nevada County Consolidated Fire District. Sigrid works in BB&K’s Sacramento office. She earned her law degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law.

Thomas O'Connell
was promoted to partner of Best Best & Krieger LLP in Riverside.
Thomas O’Connell handles all aspects and stages of litigation for both private and public clients. Last year, he served as lead counsel on behalf of five of the largest franchisor and franchisee organizations in a matter brought to the United States Supreme Court regarding “joint employer” liability. His franchise practice focuses on the registration, renewal and organizational fundamentals of franchisors. Thomas is based in the Riverside office. He earned his law degree from Georgetown Law.

Scott Campbell
was promoted to partner of Best Best & Krieger LLP in Los Angeles.
Scott Campbell is the new Municipal Law practice group leader. He is a veteran public agency attorney and City Attorney of the City of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island.
Jeffrey Ballinger
was promoted to partner of Best Best & Krieger LLP in San Diego.
Jeffrey Ballinger was elected to the Best Best & Krieger LLP Executive Committee. The former Municipal Law practice group leader, Jeff's practice focuses on all aspects of local government law. He is city attorney for the cities of San Juan Capistrano and Fontana.
Details
Best Best & Krieger LLP is a national law firm that focuses on municipal, environmental, business, education, employee benefits and telecommunications law for public agency and private clients. With more than 200 attorneys, the law firm has 10 offices nationwide, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and Washington, D.C.
Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger LLP
John R. Giovannone
joined Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger LLP as partner in Los Angeles.
Giovannone specializes in labor and employment law, from single plaintiff to class-based wage/hour, contract, discrimination, harassment, and licensing litigation, as well as traditional labor proceedings. He also is experienced in litigating arbitration agreements' interpretation and enforceability. He is a Loyola Law School alumnus.
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Scott Oliver
joined Greenberg Traurig LLP as shareholder in Silicon Valley.
Oliver specializes in intellectual property. He handles patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret matters.
Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP

Alexander DeGood
was promoted to partner of Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP in Los Angeles.
Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP, one of the preeminent full-service law firms focused on real estate in the United States, proudly announces the election of Alexander DeGood and Christopher Stark to the firm's partnership, effective immediately. DeGood and Stark each have contributed significantly to the firm's land use and joint venture practice teams, serving as counsel on myriad complex development projects that have significantly shaped California's real estate landscape.
"DeGood and Stark's best-in-class legal services, passion and commitment to their practices have earned them the trust and esteem of clients and peers alike," said Mario Camara, senior partner on Cox, Castle & Nicholson's Management Committee. "We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued achievements as they advance our capabilities in two essential practice areas of our firm."
DeGood joined Cox, Castle & Nicholson's land use practice group in 2013 and handles zoning matters, environmental compliance and litigation, with a focus on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. DeGood also maintains an active litigation practice, frequently representing developers and property owners on high-stakes land use and CEQA matters. DeGood served on the litigation team that successfully secured a $35 million settlement on behalf of Forest Lawn in 2017 to remedy damage caused by Caltrans freeway construction and improper maintenance. He also served as lead counsel to Philena Properties overseeing and managing every aspect of the entitlement process for one of Los Angeles' largest mixed-use projects, the Martin Expo Town Center. Currently as lead counsel to Ratkovich Company, he is working to secure entitlements for its more than 1,000-unit residential project in Alhambra.
DeGood is on the editorial board of California Land Use Law & Policy Reporter and is a member of Westside Urban Forum, Moriah Society for Real Estate Professionals and Lambda Alpha Los Angeles.
"It's a great honor to help grow Cox Castle's preeminent land use practice. I'm grateful to be part of a firm that encourages all attorneys to be well-rounded professionals and authoritative figures in their practice areas," said DeGood.
DeGood earned a J.D. from University of Southern California, Gould School of Law and holds a bachelor's degree from Emory University.

Christopher Stark
was promoted to partner of Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP in Los Angeles.
Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP, one of the preeminent full-service law firms focused on real estate in the United States, proudly announces the election of Alexander DeGood and Christopher Stark to the firm’s partnership, effective immediately. DeGood and Stark each have contributed significantly to the firm’s land use and joint venture practice teams, serving as counsel on myriad complex development projects that have significantly shaped California’s real estate landscape.
“DeGood and Stark’s best-in-class legal services, passion and commitment to their practices have earned them the trust and esteem of clients and peers alike,” said Mario Camara, senior partner on Cox, Castle & Nicholson’s Management Committee. “We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued achievements as they advance our capabilities in two essential practice areas of our firm.”
As a transactional attorney in Cox, Castle & Nicholson’s joint venture team, Stark leverages more than two decades of experience to champion acquisitions, dispositions and sophisticated development work for institutional developers and homebuilders. He has extensive experience representing developers and investors in the formation of real estate joint ventures and recently represented Carmel Partners on its property acquisition and joint venture to develop 595 apartments and 15,000 square feet of retail space in Los Angeles. Stark also is experienced in M&A deals and represented Taylor Morrison in a $165 million homebuilder M&A that involved extensive purchase agreement negotiations and risk management analysis. He is a member of the SoCal chapter of NAIOP and Lambda Alpha Los Angeles.
Stark added, “I am proud to be a part of an accomplished group of legal professionals who are recognized leaders in the real estate industry. With the full resources of the firm, I am well positioned to provide our clients with sound business and expert legal advice during their most complex real estate transactions.”
Stark earned a J.D. from University of Southern California, Gould School of Law and graduated cum laude from Arizona State University.
Details
Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP delivers strategic legal counsel and services to developers, public agencies, energy companies, lenders, investors, joint ventures, pension funds, landlords, tenants, corporations, high net-worth individuals and others in the management of their complex real estate, business and litigation challenges. Founded in 1968, the firm has more than 130 attorneys in offices in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.coxcastle.com. Follow the firm on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Susannah K. Howard
Howard is a labor and employment lawyer experienced in wage-and-hour disputes, discrimination based on age, race, sex, national origin, physical handicap, enforcement of non-compete agreements, background check procedures and employee discipline and termination. She also conducts independent investigations on behalf of companies into high-profile allegations of employee misconduct. Howard is a University of Toronto alumna.
Dimitri D. Portnoi
was promoted to partner of O'Melveny & Myers LLP in Los Angeles.
Portnoi focuses on complex business litigation, financial service, and entertainment matters, including consumer class actions, unfair competition, business torts, fraud, contract and related commercial litigation. He is experienced in water and regulatory law, federal constitutional cases, international law and the Alien Tort Statute, copyright and trademark law, products liability, federal anti-discrimination law, state tax litigation, consumer class actions, Employee Retirement Income Security Act litigation and contract and related commercial litigation. Portnoi is a New York University School of Law alumnus.
Daniel R. Suvor
was promoted to partner of O'Melveny & Myers LLP in Los Angeles.
Suvor previously served as chief of policy and senior counsel to California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. He specializes in high-stakes litigation, government investigations and controversies, and regulatory matters. Suvor has represented government agencies in appellate litigation and regulatory counseling matters and has filed amicus briefs to further a large public entity’s support of immigrants and local law enforcement priorities. He is a George Washington University Law School alumnus.
Vincent Zhou
was promoted to partner of O'Melveny & Myers LLP in Los Angeles.
Xin-Yi “Vincent” Zhou is an intellectual property litigator who represents technology companies in high-stakes, complex cases involving electronics, semiconductor, telecommunications and software technologies. Before attending law school, Zhou worked as a product engineer for AMD and as a process engineer and program manager for eSilicon Corporation. He is a UCLA Law School alumnus.
Nelson Hardiman LLP

Stacie K. Neroni
was promoted to managing partner of Nelson Hardiman LLP in Los Angeles.
Neroni is joining Harry Nelson as co-managing partner of the firm. She specializes in complex regulatory and business issues impacting health care providers on operational and ownership changes issues, including licensing, certification, accreditation and participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Neroni is also an experienced pharmacy regulatory lawyer and over the last few years handled 13 pharmacy deals exceeding $700 million in total value. She has also defended one of the largest hospital chains in the United States in a False Claims Act investigation involving over 14,000 alleged false claims. Neroni is a Loyola Law School alumna and is based in Los Angeles.
"We are setting new targets, including making better use of analytics to manage client services, increase attorney productivity, and achieve financial goals," Neroni said when asked what she hopes to achieve as managing partner. "We have attracted attention as a leader in the healthcare law industry and want to continue to aim higher and set a new bar for what law firms can do and be."
Neroni also had some words of wisdom for attorneys aspiring for leadership roles. "Don't be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and volunteer to handle tasks that need to be done," said Neroni. "Don't wait to be asked for your opinion or assistance. Be proactive. Also, be wary of law firm leaders who aren't transparent and open to discussing how things are currently done or could be done differently."
Co-managing partner Harry Nelson said in a statement, "It was evident from day one that Stacie is a natural leader. She had an immediate, significant impact in improving our internal operations. We felt it was an important step in our continued growth to formalize her management role."
Snell & Wilmer LLP
Steffi Gascón Hafen
was promoted to partner of Snell & Wilmer LLP in Orange County.
Hafen's practice is concentrated in tax, trust, estate planning, trust and probate administration, and estate and gift taxation. She also advises clients in succession planning, income taxation, sales and use taxation, and property taxation as well as issues regarding residency and domicile. Hafen also represents clients in front of the Franchise Tax Board, the State Board of Equalization and the Internal Revenue Service. She is a University of Southern California, Gould School of Law alumna.
Patrick W. Kelly
was promoted to partner of Snell & Wilmer LLP in Los Angeles.
Kelly focuses on business and commercial litigation, including contract disputes and claims relating to corporate, franchise and partnership disputes, commercial lease disputes, and uniform commercial code issues. He is also experienced in disputes involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, trademark and copyright infringement, insurance defense and bad faith claims, and defamation claims. Kelly is a UCLA School of Law alumnus.
Alina Mooradian
was promoted to partner of Snell & Wilmer LLP in Los Angeles.
Mooradian specializes in product liability litigation, mass tort litigation, medical malpractice and commercial litigation. She has represented the manufacturers of automobiles and other consumer products and is also experienced in asbestos-related personal injury and wrongful death litigation in the automotive industry. Mooradian has also defended full-service laboratories in malpractice lawsuits. She is a Pepperdine University School of Law alumna.
Kevin L. Zen
was promoted to counsel of Snell & Wilmer LLP in Orange County.
Zen has represented public and private corporations, investment banks and private equity sponsors in domestic and cross-border transactions, including public and private offerings of debt and equity securities, exchange offers, tender offers, note redemptions, share repurchase programs and private placement offerings. He also advises clients on corporate governance and SEC reporting obligations. Zen is a UCLA School of Law alumnus.
Greenspoon Marder LLP
Jayesh Patel
joined Greenspoon Marder LLP in Los Angeles.
Patel focuses on complex financial, real estate, and commercial litigation. He litigates business issues that cross sovereign borders, particularly in relation to India, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Patel is experienced in providing advisory and litigation services, including trial, on insurance coverage, securities and financial misrepresentation, lending and loan guarantees, shareholder or member disputes, and dissolution claims.
Sidley Austin LLP
Rachel A. Straus
was promoted to partner of Sidley Austin LLP in Century City.
Straus specializes in complex commercial litigation, such as statewide, national and multidistrict class actions, false and deceptive advertising actions, business torts and consumer claims. She has represented clients in high-stakes litigation in the automobile, health and wellness, and entertainment industries. Straus is a Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University alumna.
Matthew J. Dolan
was promoted to partner of Sidley Austin LLP in Palo Alto.
Dolan focuses on complex commercial and securities litigation. He is experienced in representing corporate clients and individual officers and directors in class action, shareholder derivative, and corporate governance litigation in state and federal courts in California, New York, and Delaware as well as in response to Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice investigations. Dolan is a Tulane University Law School alumnus.
Kevin R. Rubino
was promoted to partner of Sidley Austin LLP in San Francisco.
Rubino is experienced in complex civil litigation and international commercial arbitration. He has been a member of multiple trial teams that have prevailed in high-stakes trials and arbitrations spanning a variety of industries, from real estate to e-commerce. Rubino is a Columbia University School of Law alumnus.
Jones Day
Aarthi K. Belani
was promoted to partner of Jones Day in Palo Alto.
Belani focuses on M&A, venture deals, and social enterprise and impact investment. She represents strategic acquirers of cross-border businesses in tech and industrial tech, venture funds, strategic venture investors, and emerging growth technology companies. Belani has also advised on deals in the sustainability, health care, and financial services sectors. She is a New York University Institute for International Law and Justice alumna.
An P. Doan
was promoted to partner of Jones Day in Palo Alto.
Doan practices intellectual property law with an emphasis on technology transactions. She advises clients on structuring, drafting, and negotiating intellectual property development agreements, including IP commercialization and license agreements. Doan also represents buyers and sellers in domestic and cross-border corporate transactions and has significant experience in the computer hardware and software, education, and energy industries. Doan is a University of Virginia School of Law alumna.
Rowan T. Mason
Mason specializes in high-value construction and infrastructure disputes. He has represented private owners, public entities, and general contractors in large delay, breach of contract, and defect claims. Mason also has experience representing clients in consumer and tort class actions as well as insurance recovery matters. He is a University of San Diego School of Law alumnus.
Cameron A. Reese
was promoted to partner of Jones Day in San Diego.
Reese is experienced in mergers and acquisitions and venture capital transactions. He represents private equity funds, emerging companies, venture capital firms, institutional investors, and corporate acquirers in structuring and negotiating domestic and cross-border transactions. Reese’s practice also includes leveraged buyout transactions, minority investments and spin-out transactions. He is a Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School alumnus.
Carol W. Su
was promoted to partner of Jones Day in Irvine.
Su represents national financial institutions in structuring, negotiating, and documenting real estate secured transactions and advises lenders with respect to troubled loans. Her practice focuses on construction lending, loan portfolios, lines of credit, syndicated loans, and secured and unsecured revolving facilities. Su is a University of California, Davis alumna.
Carolyn A. Woods
was promoted to partner of Jones Day in Los Angeles.
Woodson represents clients in high-stakes litigation pending in federal and state courts and ADR forums. She focuses on business disputes, class action defense, and insurance coverage. Woodson has defended cases seeking billions of dollars in damages and alleging class action claims involving data security, unfair competition, labor and employment, false advertising and antitrust allegations. She has also helped clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars for insurance claims. Woodson is a University of Southern California Gould School of Law alumna.
Catherine T. Zeng
was promoted to partner of Jones Day in Palo Alto.
Zeng is a litigator focusing on antitrust and unfair competition, class actions, product liability, and commercial disputes. She has defended a health care client against multiple lawsuits alleging unfair competition claims, worked for the successful dismissal of a lawsuit against a large energy company and represented two technology companies in an antitrust class action. Zeng has also represented pro bono clients in unlawful detainer, conservatorship and domestic violence matters. She is a Case Western Reserve University School of Law alumna.
Jenner & Block LLP

AnnaMarie A. Van Hoesen
was promoted to partner of Jenner & Block LLP in Los Angeles.
Van Hoesen, one of Jenner & Block's 12 new partners for 2019, focuses her practice on entertainment, intellectual property and professional responsibility matters. She has robust experience representing companies and law firms in complex, high-stakes disputes in both state and federal courts, as well as arbitration. Ms. Van Hoesen advises clients on disputes involving copyright and trademark infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, profit participation, idea submission, film finance and media torts. She also represents clients in complex commercial cases, such as breach of contract claims, business torts and corporate governance matters. As a significant part of her practice, Ms. Van Hoesen represents national and international law firms in a variety of contexts, including malpractice actions, disqualification motions and internal investigations. She maintains an active pro bono practice, often representing survivors of domestic violence. Ms. Van Hoesen graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California Berkeley and received her JD from Columbia University School of Law, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.
Details
Jenner & Block LLP (www.jenner.com) is a law firm with global reach, with offices in Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC and more than 500 lawyers. The firm is known for its prominent and successful litigation practice, and experience handling sophisticated and high-profile corporate transactions. Firm clients include Fortune 100 companies, large privately held corporations, financial services institutions, emerging companies and venture capital and private equity investors. In 2018, The American Lawyer named Jenner & Block to the A-List, which recognizes the top 20 US law firms. The American Lawyer also recognized the firm as the #1 pro bono firm in the United States nine of the past eleven years; the firm has been ranked among the top 10 in this category every year since 1990. In 2018, the publication named the firm its first "Pro Bono Champion."
WilmerHale
Matthew D. Benedetto
was promoted to partner of WilmerHale in Los Angeles.
Benedetto is a member of the firm's Litigation/Controversy Department. He has more than 10 years' experience representing clients in complex civil, criminal and administrative matters, often involving crisis management and public policy responses. He has represented pharmaceutical companies, healthcare companies and financial institutions in both federal and state False Claims Act actions. In the healthcare space, he has experience litigating California's Insurance Frauds Prevention Act, a qui tam statute in the Insurance Code, including arguing before the California Court of Appeal.
Holland & Knight LLP

Robert C. Barton
was promoted to partner of Holland & Knight LLP in Los Angeles.
Barton is a member of the firm's Business Section. He focuses on complex trust and estate litigation and trust and estate administration, as well as conservatorship and guardianship matters for individuals, families and charities. Mr. Barton has represented clients in federal, state and tribal courts throughout the country. He received a J.D. degree from the University of Minnesota Law School and a B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Details
Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 1,300 lawyers and other professionals in 28 offices throughout the world. Our lawyers provide representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location. www.hklaw.com
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Matthew Benedetto
was promoted to partner of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in Los Angeles.
Benedetto is a member of the firm's Litigation/Controversy Department. He has more than 10 years' experience representing clients in complex civil, criminal and administrative matters, often involving crisis management and public policy responses. He has represented pharmaceutical companies, healthcare companies and financial institutions in both federal and state False Claims Act actions. In the healthcare space, he has experience litigating California's Insurance Frauds Prevention Act, a qui tam statute in the Insurance Code, including arguing before the California Court of Appeal. Benedetto is based in Los Angeles.
Jenner & Block
AnnaMarie A. Van Hoesen
was promoted to partner of Jenner & Block in Los Angeles.
Van Hoesen focuses her practice on entertainment, intellectual property and professional responsibility matters. She has robust experience representing companies and law firms in complex, high-stakes disputes in both state and federal courts, as well as arbitration. Van Hoesen advises clients on disputes involving copyright and trademark infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, profit participation, idea submission, film finance and media torts. She also represents clients in complex commercial cases, such as breach of contract claims, business torts and corporate governance matters. Van Hoesen was one of 12 associates firmwide who Jenner & Block promoted to partner. She is based in Los Angeles.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
Christopher R. Fredrich
was promoted to special counsel of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP in Los Angeles.
Fredrich focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, with an emphasis in financial services matters and consumer class and individual action defense. He represents banks, lenders, loan servicers, investors and other financial institutions in state and federal court proceedings at both the trial and appellate levels. He has experience litigating claims arising under the Truth in Lending Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Telephone Consumer Protection Act, as well as claims based on state laws regulating debt collection, loan servicing, loss mitigation and foreclosure practices. Fredrich has defended multiple actions alleging violations of state consumer protection laws, including California's Unfair Competition Law and Rosenthal Act, and also has experience advising clients in regulatory and compliance matters, including conducting comprehensive internal procedure reviews, assessing risk in connection with institutional investment opportunities, and counseling clients on privacy and data breach notification issues. Strook promoted firmwide 2 attorneys to partner and six to special counsel. Fredrich is based in Los Angeles.
Boies Schiller Flexner LLP
Julia Bredrup
was promoted to partner of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in Los Angeles.
Bredrup has represented clients in cases involving securities violations, malpractice and professional liability, healthcare, insurance coverage, partnership and shareholder disputes, employment, copyright, entertainment, civil rights, and environmental issues. Her civil practice includes both plaintiff- and defense-side representation at the trial and appellate levels. On the criminal side, she has represented clients in both state and federal courts at every stage of investigations and charged proceedings. She is one of three attorneys promoted firmwide to partner. The firm also promoted size attorneys to counsel. Bredrup is based in Los Angeles.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
Christopher R. Fredrich
was promoted to special counsel of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP in Los Angeles.
Fredrich focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, with an emphasis in financial services matters and consumer class and individual action defense. He represents banks, lenders, loan servicers, investors and other financial institutions in state and federal court proceedings at both the trial and appellate levels. He has experience litigating claims arising under the Truth in Lending Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Telephone Consumer Protection Act, as well as claims based on state laws regulating debt collection, loan servicing, loss mitigation and foreclosure practices. Fredrich has defended multiple actions alleging violations of state consumer protection laws, including California's Unfair Competition Law and Rosenthal Act, and also has experience advising clients in regulatory and compliance matters, including conducting comprehensive internal procedure reviews, assessing risk in connection with institutional investment opportunities, and counseling clients on privacy and data breach notification issues. Strook promoted firmwide 2 attorneys to partner and six to special counsel.
Boies Schiller Flexner LLP
Julia J. Bredrup
was promoted to partner of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in Los Angeles.
Bredrup has represented clients in cases involving securities violations, malpractice and professional liability, healthcare, insurance coverage, partnership and shareholder disputes, employment, copyright, entertainment, civil rights, and environmental issues. Her civil practice includes both plaintiff- and defense-side representation at the trial and appellate levels. On the criminal side, she has represented clients in both state and federal courts at every stage of investigations and charged proceedings. She is one of three attorneys promoted firmwide to partner. The firm also promoted size attorneys to counsel.
Shira Liu
was promoted to counsel of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in Santa Monica.
Liu’s practice is focused on antitrust and general commercial litigation. She is one of five attorneys firm-wide promoted to counsel.
Umberg Zipser LLP

Thomas J. Umberg
was promoted to co-founding partner of Umberg Zipser LLP in Irvine.
Umberg Zipser LLP (U/Z) is pleased to announce that co-founding partner Thomas J. Umberg has been elected to the California State Senate 34th District. During his term, Tom will remain a key member of the U/Z team.
In his role as State Senator and one of the few practicing lawyers in the legislature, Tom will serve the citizens of the 34th District, which encompasses various parts of Los Angeles County and Orange County. Prior to being elected, Tom was a U.S. Army Colonel, Federal Prosecutor and U.S. Drug Czar under President Bill Clinton.
Co-founding partner Dean Zipser remarked, "We congratulate Tom on his election victory. Tom's leadership and commitment to our community and country has been an integral part of the success of our firm. We wish him every success as State Senator."
Tom commented, "I am humbled and honored to represent California's 34th State Senate District. I am dedicated to fighting for the things that matter to our communities and families, including quality healthcare, educational opportunity, high-wage jobs, affordable housing and veterans' services. I have dedicated my career to delivering justice through the practice of law, and I look forward to representing our community in my new role."
Tom is a seasoned trial lawyer who has successfully tried over 100 cases to verdict or judgment, combined with extensive experience in the public sector. He is active in the community and serves on the board of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and is Chair of the Veterans Treatment Court Committee. During his military career, Tom served in Korea and Afghanistan, was awarded the Bronze Star and served as a JAG officer trying felony cases and attacking corruption. He has been selected as a "Best Lawyer" for the prestigious publication "The Best Lawyers in America(r)" in Commercial Litigation for 11 consecutive years.
Details
U/Z is a premier business litigation and intellectual property boutique. Drawing on its lawyers' many decades of experience in some of the nation's largest and most prestigious law firms, as well as national and state government service, U/Z provides clients with unparalleled legal services. Named one of the Daily Journal's Top Boutique Firms, U/Z is a go-to firm for litigation and intellectual property in Orange County and around the state. http://umbergzipser.com/