CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE : ATTORNEYS
elcome to the 2021 edition of our annual special supplement honoring LA’s most influential women attorneys. According to the American Bar Association, 37% of practicing attorneys today are women – and that number will continue to move toward balance when you consider that law school enrollment is currently W 54% female. Los Angeles is truly a national leader when it comes to influential women – and the field of law is no exception. There are some particularly stellar attorneys in the LA region who happen to be women and we’ve alphabetically listed some of the very best of them here, along with details about their careers, practices and relevant recent successes they’ve achieved. The women covered in these pages have been recognized for exceptional legal skill and achievement across the full spectrum of responsibility, exemplary leadership as evidenced by the highest professional and ethical standards, and for contributions to the Los Angeles community at large. Congratulations to the extraordinary women included this year and thank you for your contributions to the people and businesses of our region. 84 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL APRIL 26, 2021
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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
ANGELA AGRUSA KALLEY AMAN JESSICA BABRICK MONICA BAUMANN Partner Shareholder Shareholder/Director Partner DLA Piper Buchalter Weinstock Manion Scali Rasmussen, PC
LA Piper partner Angela Agrusa is of alley R. Aman is a shareholder and einstock Manion is the nation’s lead- onica Baumann is litigator and advis- the country’s top litigation attorneys, serves as one of Buchalter’s officers of the ing estate planning firm, and Jessica er with extensive experience in the Dhandling high-stake matters that com- Kcorporation as the senior vice president, WBabrick, shareholder and director, is Mautomotive industry and in consumer mand headlines and shape legal precedent. chief legal officer, and assistant secretary. a member of several important teams that environmental litigation, including Prop- In the last five years alone, Agrusa has suc- She is also a member of the firm’s Labor and resolve disputes involving trusts, estates, osition 65 issues. She advises dealer clients cessfully defended her clients in more than Employment, Litigation, and Hospitality, probate and conservatorships for Los Ange- and litigates all aspects of dealership legal 50 putative class actions with combined Restaurant, Food and Beverage Practice les’ most wealthy constituents. She is known and regulatory compliance. She previously potential exposure of over $100 billion. Her Groups. Aman specializes in employment for being a fervent advocate for her clients, served as director of legal and regulatory track record has resulted in long-term part- litigation and counseling, commercial liti- and works closely with them to efficiently affairs with the California New Car Dealers nerships with such iconic brands as Danone, gation, and complex and class actions. She and effectively handle claims that often Association, where she developed cutting Hilton, Chipotle and Motel 6. Agrusa is represents employers in litigation involv- never make it into the public purview. edge compliance programs for dealerships the managing partner of DLA Piper’s Los ing claims of employment discrimination, Babrick has represented clients in complex and focused on emerging legal and regula- Angeles offices, helping grow the firm’s wrongful termination, sexual harassment, estate planning matters, including a matter tory issues impacting the sales, finance and presence in the market. She is an active, retaliation, wage and hour violations, unfair worth over $100 million for Tom Petty’s service of vehicles. Baumann has extensive successful recruiter and has brought in sev- competition, defamation and misappropria- first wife, Jane Benyo, who was under a experience working with dealers and their eral high-profile lateral partners in recent tion of trade secrets. Aman regularly counsels conservatorship. When Petty died, the pub- staff to find practical business solutions to months. She is also on the firm’s Executive employers on wage and hour compliance, ter- licity rights, intellectual property rights and tough legal issues. As a member of Scali Board (its first Latinx board member) and minations, disciplinary matters, harassment personal property rights were being fought Rasmussen’s Data Protection, Privacy, and co-chair of the firm’s Business and Commer- and discrimination complaints, and compli- over by the children, Benyo, and Petty’s Cybersecurity team, she received certifica- cial Litigation sub-practice, and its Food and ance with federal, state and local laws and second wife. Babrick successfully petitioned tion as an information privacy professional Beverage sub-sector. She is also the execu- regulations. Aman represents clients across a to remove the conservatorship on Benyo, through the International Association of tive sponsor of the firm’s Hispanic Latino wide variety of industries, including banking, which is rare. She now continues to rep- Privacy Professionals, the world’s preemi- Resource Group. restaurants, retail, apparel, beauty, manufac- resent Benyo over some of the intellectual nent organization for credentialing privacy turing, artificial turf and real estate. property of the estate. professionals.
KOREN BELL GINA BIBBY KERI BORDERS SARAH BROOKS Partner Partner and Global Head of the Fashion Tech Practice Partner; Co-Leader, Food & Beverage Group; Partner Larson LLP Withersworldwide Co-Leader, Food False Advertising Group, Venable LLP Los Angeles Office oren L. Bell is an experienced, bilingual ormer software engineer and current Mayer Brown LLP partner in Venable’s Intellectual Prop trial and appellate lawyer and former global fashion-tech practice lead, Gina erty Litigation Practice, Sarah Brooks Ksupervising federal public defender who FBibby is a trailblazer for fashion-tech eri Borders is a Mayer Brown partner, a A focuses her practice on intellectual has litigated high-stakes cases in court- entrepreneurs and women in male-dom- co-leader of the Food False Advertising property disputes, including patent, trade- rooms around the country. At every stage inated spaces. From “Big Law” in Silicon KGroup in the Los Angeles office and mark, trade secret, and copyright litigation. of litigation, Bell delivers results for her Valley to forming her own firm to leading at a co-leader of the firm’s Food & Beverage The proactive and creative counsel she pro- clients through aggressive, creative, and Withers, Bibby’s innovative legal practice is Group. For more than a decade, she has vides in these complex areas has been rec- focused advocacy. She has handled complex opening paths for innovators, women and tackled legal issues where there isn’t a lot ognized in many legal publications. She has white collar criminal matters – including women of color. Bibby is a partner in With- of precedent in class action suits, continu- prevailed in numerous cases in federal court, as counsel of record in a case she advanced ers’ corporate team focusing on technology, ing to push the envelope with innovative and in 2014 she obtained a willful patent to, and argued before, the U.S. Supreme fashion, and fashion technology, helping arguments, making case law – and winning infringement jury verdict for a client in the Court which invalidated the Ninth Cir- clients protect their innovation through cases. Some of the nation’s biggest brands U.S. District Court for the Central District cuit’s model fraud jury instruction – and commercial agreements, and patent, trade- have turned to Borders to lead their defense. of California. Among her recent high stakes civil matters – including as trial counsel mark and copyright procurement and liti- She has responded with a multipronged matters was her work successfully defend- in widely publicized complex commercial gation. She leads a global practice focused strategy and a goal of not only defeating ing Target Corporation against a patent and civil rights cases for prominent clients on advising fashion-tech clients on matters the case at hand, but also developing cre- infringement lawsuit filed by competitor around the world. In the past year, Bell and involving corporate formation, venture ative strategies to establish legal precedent Funrise in the Central District of California. her co-counsel, Stephen G. Larson and capital, corporate transactions, real estate, through published opinions that will guide The Plaintiff also filed a TRO against Tar- Jonathan E. Phillips, secured a $65 million privacy, e-commerce, IP, and more. Bibby and corral these types of cases for years to get, which was denied. The Plaintiff then settlement in the civil rights lawsuit filed on routinely handles matters involving data come. In the process, Borders has distin- filed three additional lawsuits against addi- behalf of developer Colonies Partners and privacy, IP and technology licensing, and IP guished herself as the country’s go-to defense tional competitors Vons, Albertsons, and its co-managing partner, businessman and counseling. She has significant trial experi- lawyer for defending food companies in con- Big Lots. The patent and product at issue philanthropist Jeff Burum. ence handling complex IP, unfair competi- sumer class actions alleging that products covered a bubble machine. Brooks obtained tion, and trade secret disputes. Bibby is also have misleading labels. a successful settlement for all three retailers. a registered patent attorney. 86 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
DIANE CAFFERATA ALYSSA CARIDIS GINA CAVALIER VICKI CHOU Partner Partner Partner Partner Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan Orrick Cooley LLP Hueston Hennigan
or 18 years, Diane Cafferata has been a lyssa Caridis has quickly emerged as a ina Cavalier is among the first gener- icki Chou is a partner and a key member partner at Quinn Emanuel, the world’s go-to lawyer in many of the high-profile ation of attorneys who has dedicated of the White Collar and Investigations Flargest all-business-litigation firm. She AIP litigation battles unfolding in courts Gthe entirety of her career – nearly 25 Vteam at Hueston Hennigan. She is a litigates complex commercial matters in fed- across the country. She is one of the lead years – exclusively to representing health seasoned trial and appellate attorney and eral and state courts nationally. Her clients attorneys for Sonos in global patent litiga- care and life sciences entities. Her practice recently served as a deputy chief in the U.S. include many Los Angeles-based companies tion against Google in a multi-billion dollar focuses on helping clients navigate complex Attorney’s Office in the Central District such as Mattel, Northrup Grumman, and IP fight over wireless speaker technology. fraud and abuse and compliance issues, as of California. As an AUSA in the Central Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Cafferata has She has been on IP trial teams representing well as cutting-edge data privacy and security District of California, she represented the represented the Rose Bowl’s Legacy Founda- Oracle, Netflix and other major companies. challenges. Her practice includes regulatory United States in hundreds of criminal cases, tion pro bono for the last six years. Caffer- She was also first-chair at trial in fending counseling as well as internal investigations, including computer and internet fraud, ata’s teams have brought in more than $3 off a bet-the-company patent infringement government investigations, diligence and intellectual property, money laundering, billion through trials and settlements. She challenge against Donghee America, a judg- policy advocacy; this substantive expertise is bank fraud, tax fraud, and racketeering enjoys a general litigation practice, and has ment upheld last year by the Federal Circuit. unparalleled in the California marketplace. offenses. Many of her matters involved high expertise in intellectual property and finan- The Sonos patent litigation against Google Cavalier has led many recent significant level, international coordination, including cial matters, and probate litigation. Caffer- defines what top IP lawyers strive to develop matters, including counseling on pandemic a case in which she successfully negotiated a ata co-chairs the firm’s Sexual Harassment – building a case that fundamentally seeks related issues/OWS. She has assisted numer- first of its kind joint investigative agreement and Employment Discrimination practice to protect the innovation at the heart of a ous entities in the health care supply chain with a European country. She has success- group. She also fits in smaller litigation and company’s existence. With the Sonos litiga- – including pharmaceutical manufacturers, fully tried over 10 cases as lead counsel and counseling matters. In recent years, Caffera- tion, Caridis is essentially coordinating an pharmacies, and group purchasing organiza- won every one of her appeals before the ta expanded her financial litigation practice. expanding universe of patent cases between tions – on myriad issues arising during the Ninth Circuit. She was awarded the Nation- She represented the Lehman Brothers Estate the two companies, ensuring the arguments global pandemic. This includes assisting al Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation for in financial derivatives matters against JP are aligned and crafting many of the key manufacturers in connection with making her work involving China. Morgan, Citibank and Credit Suisse. Those legal arguments. charitable donations of PPE and safety equip- settlements recovered billions for the Estate. ment to health care providers.
AMY CHURAN MONISHA COELHO MICHELLE COOKE ELIZABETH COUSINS Partner Shareholder Partner; Leader, Intellectual Property Protection and Partner-Infrastructure Group Robins Kaplan LLP AlvaradoSmith, APC Enforcement Practice Nossaman Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP n her complex insurance and business lit- onisha Coelho moved to the U.S. lizabeth Cousins joined Nossaman in igation practice, Amy Churan deals daily after practicing law in India. Being ichelle Cooke is a nationally recognized early 2014 after a highly regarded legal Iwith earth-shattering events – literally. Mdually-licensed in India and Califor- attorney and the go-to advisor for Ecareer in Melbourne, Australia. She has Her current and recent caseload includes nia, Coelho has successfully guided clients Mcompanies navigating global market extensive experience on complex and cut- high-stakes matters stemming from a range through US-India cross-border legal matters, expansion, brand development and entrance ting-edge transactions in an array of infra- of catastrophic events, including COVID- including setting up business operations and into the digital landscape, as well as for those structure sectors including road, rail, health, 19 claims, wildfires, mudslides, floods, market entry in both countries, negotiating facing complex, multijurisdictional trademark justice, and particularly water – where she volcanoes, hurricanes, building collapses, commercial contracts, resolving US-based disputes. As leader of Manatt, Phelps & Phil- currently serves as lead on a number of explosions, tsunamis, and earthquakes. She litigation and arbitration, and handling lips, LLP’s intellectual property protection cutting edge infrastructure projects through- also handles a broad spectrum of builder’s India-related real estate matters. She has a and enforcement practice, Cooke is known out California. In 2020, she reached a risk, supply chain disruption, and business growing tech practice covering data privacy, for the breadth and depth of her knowledge significant milestone as the lead on the interruption claims. Churan has built her cyber law, and a wide range of disputes that of the intellectual property landscape both East County Advanced Water Purification practice around her ability to resolve novel can arise in a business context, including in the United States and abroad. Her clients (ECAWP) project which will develop four coverage questions in complex cases on breach of contract cases, trade secret theft, benefit from her unparalleled understanding progressive-design-build/transitional oper- behalf of international insurers. Her cli- and partnership disputes. Her recent work of the full gamut of intellectual property ations packages to provide East San Diego ents are sophisticated and knowledgeable includes defending a technology company issues and also from her truly global approach County with a new, safe, sustainable and insurance industry leaders, but when they against a competitor’s claims of trade secret to preplanning, management and vigilance, drought-proof water supply. In October of have a truly unique and intractable prob- theft and price-fixing, litigating claims as well as her masterful guidance through del- 2020, the ECAWP Joint Powers Author- lem, they call Churan. She has achieved between majority and minority sharehold- icate brand rehabilitation issues. She counts ity Board awarded the first phase of two numerous favorable results on behalf of her ers, resolving partnership disputes between well-known entertainment, multimedia, soft- progressive design-build agreements. The clients throughout her career, often in cases hotel owners and managers, and represent- ware, apparel and consumer products compa- roughly $700 million project will implement with claims totaling nine or ten figures. In ing companies in various breach of contract nies among her clients. She is a member of a potable reuse program to create a new addition to her legal practice, Churan has and non-performance lawsuits. Manatt’s board of directors and a member of drinking water supply for East San Diego long devoted her time and experience to the the firm’s Strategic Growth and Recruiting County, and is a closely watched project in Boys & Girls Club of Venice. Committee. the water industry. APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 87
Lewis Brisbois congratulates Jana I. Lubert and Alexis G. Crump on being selected as �omen o� In�uence by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Jana I. Lubert Alexis G. Crump
We are pleased that Los Angeles Partners Jana I. Lubert, Los Angeles Office Co-Managing Partner, Firm General Counsel, and National Chair D&O Practice, and Alexis G. Crump, National Co-Chair Commercial Lending and National Vice-Chair Corporate Practice have been listed as Women of Influence by the Los Angeles Business Journal! Jana and Alexis consistently show their commitment to the firm, its clients, and its people by excellence in their practices, and respectively, as co-chairco of Lewis Brisbois' Women's Initiative and co-chair of Diversity & Inclusion. We thank them for their hard work and congratulate them on this recognition.
LewisBrisbois.com
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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
SANDRA CRAWSHAW-SPARKS ROBYN CROWTHER ALEXIS CRUMP MARA CURTIS Partner; Chair, Entertainment, Co-Managing Partner of Steptoe’s LA office Partner Partner Copyright and Media Practice Group Steptoe & Johnson LLP Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP Reed Smith LLP Proskauer Rose LLP obyn Crowther, who serves as co-man- lexis Crump is a partner in the Los ara Curtis is a partner in the Labor & recognized litigator in LA and beyond, aging partner of Steptoe’s Los Angeles Angeles office of Lewis Brisbois and Employment Group of Reed Smith. Sandra (Sandy) Crawshaw-Sparks rep- Roffice, has considerable first-chair trial Aserves as co-chair of the firm’s Com- MCurtis’ practice focuses on counseling A resents the most iconic names in the and arbitration experience across a variety mercial Lending Practice, as well as vice and litigating wage and hour matters. Curtis music business in matters involving record- of litigation fields. Her arrival to Steptoe chair of its Corporate and Italy Practices. has handled more than 100 class/representa- ing, publishing, licensing and management in January 2019 has strengthened the firm’s Crump handles debt and equity financing, tive actions over her young career, and she contracts, copyrights, trademark rights, presence on the West Coast and added real estate, municipal finance, and mergers is currently lead counsel on more than 15 unfair competition claims, and the rights of depth to the litigation capabilities the and acquisitions for private equity, insti- class/representative action lawsuits in Cali- privacy and publicity. In addition to advising firm has in the Los Angeles office. In the tutional lenders, developers, and public fornia. She has extensive experience repre- Billboard top recording artists, she serves as past two years, Crowther once again led entities throughout the United States. She senting employers both in state and federal deputy national legal counsel to the National all-women teams in arbitration and trial. handles both buy-side and sell-side business court, and has handled numerous putative Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. Since 2018, she first-chaired five different acquisitions for small to mid-market com- and/or certified class actions alleging over- (the GRAMMY Award organization). She arbitration and trial proceedings. In each panies, and has assisted in the growth of the time, minimum wage, meal and rest period, has focused her legal practice in the music proceeding, she led a team of all women, firm’s Italian cross-border practice. She has waiting time penalty and wage statement sector since approximately 1988 and is one of with all team members gaining stand-up led over $1 billion in transactions during claims. Curtis also has experience in single few senior level women litigators in the busi- experience with direct and cross exam- her career. As co-chair of the Diversity & employment cases including suits alleging ness. Among other high profile clients, Craw- inations, arguing motions and making the Inclusion Committee, Crump works with claims of discrimination, harassment, retal- shaw-Sparks represented Live Nation and opening statement. Moreover, Crowther the firm’s chief diversity partner and direc- iation, defamation, wrongful termination, Madonna in successfully defending against a was the only repeat attorney on each team, tor of diversity to strengthen Lewis Brisbois and misappropriation of trade secrets. Curtis motion to remand a putative class action to meaning that she assembled five different through diverse associate and lateral hiring, and her team successfully defended Ralphs Florida state court. She also represented the teams of women to handle substantive civil support, mentoring, promotion, and reten- Grocery Company in a PAGA trial that was Recording Academy in a dispute regarding litigation. tion. In addition, she has remained a pres- originally filed as a class action. defendants’ registration and use of “Christian ence in the Los Angeles legal community, Grammy Awards” word and design mark. despite the ongoing pandemic.
MARISSA DENNIS RITA DIAZ LORRAINE (LORI) ECHAVARRIA ALLISON ETKIN Partner; Operating Partner of Los Angeles Office Partner Partner Partner Allen Matkins Hahn & Hahn WilmerHale Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP
arissa M. Dennis is a highly acclaimed ita Diaz is a member of Hahn & Hahn’s ori Echavarria represents public compa- llison Etkin is a civil litigator who works litigation partner in the Los Angeles litigation, employment, and trust and nies, including many household names, a broad range of complex cases in the Moffice of Allen Matkins where she was Restates practice groups. She has significant Lcorporate officers, financial institutions, Aareas of transportation, construction recently appointed office operating Partner. experience handling contentious trust and hedge funds and other financial market par- defect, subrogation, products liability, real She also serves as the co-chair of the firm’s estates litigation, as well as advising trustees ticipants facing serious government investi- estate and habitability. During the past Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Her and beneficiaries through trust administration gations and potential enforcement actions. year, she worked with several national litigation practice is focused on commercial, issues. She is also skilled at advising com- She brings a deep understanding to this companies to provide an aggressive defense real estate, and financial services litigation. panies on employment matters, including work, having previously spent more than when necessary. She also assists our clients Dennis commonly represents commercial discrimination, leaves of absence, and wage 15 years at the US Securities and Exchange in developing an overall strategic approach landlords, tenants and developers in a vari- and hour issues, and reviewing and drafting Commission, where she most recently to minimize exposure and risk. With respect ety of breach of contract and tort actions, employee handbooks. Recent matters have served as Associate Regional Director and to community service, following the death as well as national lenders and servicers in included trust administrations (including a head of the enforcement program for the of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Etkin coor- complex consumer finance litigation. She complex trust administration involving oil Los Angeles Regional Office and oversaw dinated two donation based charity events, also has extensive experience representing and gas interests and various pieces of real all the office’s attorneys and accountants in titled “Dance for Democracy,” raising nearly technology companies in unfair competi- property); preparing estate plans (both new the investigation and litigation of federal $6,500.00 that was donated to Justice Gins- tion and false advertising claims, includ- and updated) for numerous families; assisting securities law violations in Southern Cali- berg’s favorite charities in her honor. This ing in multiple class actions. Dennis has trustees with administration of trusts, includ- fornia, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam. past year, Etkin also volunteered for We The chaired numerous jury trials, bench trials, ing trusts with difficult beneficiaries and com- Echavarria is a thought leader in the broader Action to provide pro bono legal services to and arbitrations, and has argued before the plex assets such as business interests, valuable legal community and frequently speaks at nonprofit organizations on the front lines of California Court of Appeal and federal and artwork, firearms, and high-end vehicles; highly regarded securities and corporate law social change. Her most notable experience state courts throughout California. A large assisting executors with probate administra- conferences across the country, including has been with Homeless Children’s Playtime portion of her practice of late has been tions; preparing and successfully prosecuted the Securities Regulation Institute, Securi- Project, a non-profit with a mission to pro- representing landlords and tenants in fair objections to an overreaching trustee’s ties Enforcement Forum West, Los Angeles vide transformative play experiences to chil- market rent disputes. accounting; and many other challenging pro- County Bar Association’s Annual Securities dren experiencing family homelessness. cesses on behalf of clients. Regulation Seminar and more. APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 89
Congratulations
ALISON PLESSMAN VICKI CHOU Women of Influence — Attorneys —Los Angeles Business Journal
HUESTON.COM
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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
MARTA FERNANDEZ RACHEL FISET TANYA FORSHEIT DEBORAH FOX Partner Partner Partner; Chair of the Privacy & Data Security Group Principal; Chair of First Amendment Practice and Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP Zweiback, Fiset & Coleman LLP Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, PC Trial & Litigation Practice Mayers Nave arta Fernandez has a traditional labor achel L. Fiset is a co-founder and partner n a world where privacy and data security law practice with 35 years of experi- of Zweiback, Fiset & Coleman LLP. Her are among the most urgent issues facing eborah Fox is a principal in the Los Mence in the representation of employ- Rpractice includes state and federal civil Igovernment, business and individuals, Angeles office of Meyers Nave, a mem- ers in union/labor collective bargaining in and white-collar criminal matters, including nobody knows more about how to navigate Dber of the firm’s three-person Executive both the private and public sectors. She has government and internal investigations. In the fast-changing regulatory landscape than Committee, and the founder and leader of negotiated well over 100 labor contracts for 2018, Fiset left a large international firm Frankfurt Kurnit Privacy & Data Security the firm’s Trial & Litigation Practice and her clients with every major labor union in with a clear mission – to build a powerhouse chair Tanya Forsheit. A lifelong Southern First Amendment Practice. The cases Fox California, primarily in the healthcare and woman owned law firm focused on diversity, California native and current supervising handles confirm her reputation as a go-to hospitality industries. The labor contracts leadership and efficiency. Since forming partner of Frankfurt Kurnit’s LA office, For- attorney for high impact complex litigation she negotiates represent multiple millions of Zweiback, Fiset & Coleman, Fiset has been sheit is widely considered one of the coun- and crisis management involving controver- dollars to employers in labor costs covering involved in several of the highest profile try’s top privacy and data security lawyers. sial matters that are already front-page news wages, benefits such as health care and pen- investigations and cases in the Central Dis- Forsheit has advised on high-profile matters or likely to become headlines in the greater sion plan contributions, and work rules. Fer- trict of California. She currently defends an involving confidential data and other sen- Los Angeles region and across the U.S. She nandez is the chair of the Labor & Employ- unindicted co-conspirator in the indictment sitive information for over 20 years. Widely is particularly well known for handling cases ment Law Department at Jeffer Mangels of various entities relating to allegations of a recognized as one of the leading advisors in new areas of law that define pivotal eras Butler & Mitchell LLP and is a member of fraudulent $2 billion-dollar scheme to avoid on the California Consumer Privacy Act in history that will leave powerful legacies, the firm’s Management Committee. Recent- paying U.S. tariffs. Recently, Fiset defended (CCPA), Forsheit has advised hundreds of such as her pioneering COVID-19 litigation ly, as the chief negotiator, Fernandez suc- and achieved a declination from the Depart- organizations on compliance with the law. that lies at the intersection of law and high- cessfully negotiated a three-year labor con- ment of Justice on behalf of a chain of And she testified before the California leg- ly charged considerations for society. She tract on behalf of a major healthcare system long-term care pharmacies relating to False islature during its consideration of CCPA is currently defending counties, cities and covering seven separate healthcare facilities Claims Act allegations amounting to over amendments. Forsheit is currently advising public officials in 10 lawsuits throughout and approximately 5,000 registered nurses $100 million dollars. Villamizar v. Senior clients on the new California Privacy Rights California in cases filed by businesses chal- with the United Nurses Association of Cali- Care Pharmacy Services, Inc. et al. Act, Proposition 24, which will take effect lenging COVID-related restrictions. fornia/Union of Health Care Professionals. in 2023.
Davis Wright Tremaine congratulates our friend and colleague, Beatrice Nuñez-Bellamy, for being honored among the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2021 Women of Influence - Attorneys List!
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Anchorage | Bellevue | Los Angeles | New York Portland | San Francisco | Seattle | Washington, D.C. APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 91
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:MOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
BARBARA GADBOIS MICHELLE GASAWAY ABIRAMI (ABI) GNANADESIGAN GALI GRANT Partner Partner Member Partner Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Dykema Gossett PLLC Glaser Weil LLP
arbara R. Gadbois, is a senior partner at ichelle Gasaway is regularly sought bi Gnanadesigan joined Dykema as an ali Grant, a partner in Glaser Weil’s the Gibbs Giden law firm in Los Ange- after for her unique, broad experience associate and quickly rose to member Litigation Department, handles various Bles, with over 35 years of experience in Mwith an extensive range of complex Awith invaluable contributions to help Gmatters on behalf of a diverse range of public and private construction law. She capital markets transactions that leverage clients reach success. Along with those con- clients, including large and small businesses, concentrates her practice in the develop- her in-depth knowledge and allow her to tributions, she has been actively involved in financial institutions, municipalities and ment and management of construction provide customized, comprehensive service mentoring associates, serving as a member of individuals. Grant’s practice has included projects, including drafting and negotiation to her clients. Gasaway, together with her the firm’s associate’s committee, and acting cases involving complex contract disputes, of bid and contract documents, procurement team, offers among the most comprehensive as a member of a committee tasked with the intellectual property, the False Claims Act, issues, public works, competitive bidding variety of capital markets services within retention of minority lawyers. Outside of civil rights and employment disputes. Grant requirements, bid protest issues, pre-quali- the legal marketplace. For Gasaway, the her practice, Gnanadesigan contributes to is also a valuable original member of the fication, project delivery methods, design- last two years have been the busiest in her the legal industry through membership in firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. build projects, risk allocation in contracts, career, continuing to an even greater degree professional organizations, such as the South She’s the first female litigator to start at the claims avoidance, and project closeout. She in 2021. She is a leader in the explosion Asian Bar Association and the Los Angeles firm as a first-year associate and become a represents municipal clients, private devel- of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies County Bar Association. She is committed partner. She is part of the external initia- opers, and general contractors in all aspects (SPACs), both on front-end IPOs and to giving back to the community and ded- tives team to promote outward diversity of major multi-million dollar projects. Gad- back-end “de-SPAC” mergers and PIPE icates part of her practice each year to pro on behalf of the firm. Additionally, she has bois’ clients value her experience, insight, financings, having been involved in well bono work. She served as a law clerk for been involved with planning events, includ- and practical advice, in design and construc- over 50 SPAC-related transactions just the HIV & AIDS Legal Services Alliance ing last year’s 100 year anniversary of the tion contract negotiation, administration, since summer 2020. Most recently, Gasaway helping clients to obtain crucial medical women’s right to vote panel. Grant is com- and dispute resolution. Over the past year, represented PWP Forward Acquisition benefits. She has volunteered for Bet Tzedek mitted to serving her community and works her practice focused on transactional and Corp. I, a first of its mission SPAC focused and the Los Angeles County Bar Associa- with other attorneys in Los Angeles to orga- project administration matters for residen- on improving access to public financing for tion Domestic Violence Project, at which nize drives for food and other necessities to tial development, hospitals, and school con- companies that are founded by, led by or she helped clients obtain restraining orders help those in need. struction as well as dispute resolution in the enrich the lives of women. against their abusers. hospitality sector. 92 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
VANJA HABEKOVIC LINDA HATCHER TERRI HILLIARD SHAWN HOLLEY Partner Senior Attorney (Partner) Principal Partner Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP Theodora Oringher PC Terri Hilliard, PC Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump LLP
anja Habekovic is a partner in Ervin inda Hatcher is a corporate, transactional erri E. Hilliard is the principal of Terri hawn Holley, a partner at Kinsella Cohen & Jessup LLP’s Business & Cor- and health care lawyer. She has repre- Hilliard, P.C. in Westlake Village. Her Weitzman Iser Kump LLP routinely Vporate and Tax Departments. Her clients Lsented clients across diverse industries Tpractice centers on advanced estate Srepresents top entertainment talent in rely on her dynamic counsel to establish, and has extensive experience in the health and business succession planning, asset highly publicized cases with the main goal grow, maintain and sell their businesses and care industry. Hatcher’s earlier career was protection, special needs trusts, and family of keeping very personal matters out of the to navigate the important tax consequences in business management. Prior to becoming protection planning for seniors. Hilliard and public eye. She has represented or current- that arise when making deals. Habekov- a lawyer, she was a business manager with her team are trusted advisors to individuals ly represents Kanye West, Justin Bieber, ic has a reputation of not only working American Hospital Supply Corporation and their families, partnering with them Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, closely and collaborating with her clients (now Baxter). That experience enables to develop a roadmap that includes all of Michelle Rodriquez, the Kardashian/Jen- on existing matters, but looks long term to her to appreciate the needs of her clients the elements necessary to ensure long-term ner family, Katt Williams, Shemar Moore, further develop strategies to advance a com- when assisting them with legal matters. financial security. They also help manage accused Symbionese Liberation Army pany’s future endeavors. She digs deep to Since 1994 she has practiced with Theodora care when there is a life altering event bomber Sara Jane Olson, celebrated Black understand the business concerns to ensure Oringher PC, a firm celebrating its 30th such as a hospitalization. Many of Hilliard’s Panther leader Geronimo Pratt, Michael business and tax counseling is seamless and Anniversary this year. Hatcher is a senior clients have children who live out of state, Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, The comprehensive. Addressing taxation issues attorney (partner) with the firm. Her areas which can make management of care very Game, Axl Rose, Mike Tyson, “Sugar” Ray as part of a greater business plan helps cli- of expertise include business formations, challenging. She provides critical assistance Leonard, Lamar Odom and Reggie Bush. ents maintain the tax efficiency of organiza- mergers and acquisitions, contracts, licens- by creating asset, business and estate pro- Current matters include representing actor tions and transactional decision. Habekovic ing and regulatory (business and profes- tection plans as well as probate and trust Shia LaBeouf in an ongoing civil case filed advises clients in a variety of industries, sional), health care regulatory, governance, administration. Hilliard also helps with by FKA Twigs; representing rap artist Tony including real estate, technology, fashion corporate maintenance, employment, disso- financial and long-term care planning for Lanez who has been accused of shooting and restaurant. She thrives on representing ciations and dissolutions. She often serves individuals with special needs and assembles Megan Thee Stallion; and representing women founders, women executives and as outside general counsel to clients. She is and works collaboratively with a specialized songwriters Justin Raisen, Jeremiah Raisen, women-run businesses, advising and empow- also well-known as a health care business team of advisors. and Justin “Yves” Rothman in a massive ering them to not sell themselves short. lawyer, representing primarily those in the countersuit against singer Lizzo over her business of providing care. breakout song “Truth Hurts.” APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 93
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:MOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
NANCY INESTA ROBBIN ITKIN KIRSTEN JACKSON SALLY JAMES Partner, Labor and Employment Partner Partner Partner BakerHostetler Sklar Kirsh LLP Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger LLP ancy Inesta, partner in BakerHostetler’s obbin Itkin is a partner in Sklar Kirsh’s irsten Jackson is a Partner at Kasowitz Los Angeles office, advises and rep- Bankruptcy practice group. Her expe- Benson Torres LLP, where she handles ally James of Greenberg Glusker has a Nresents clients on employment and labor Rrience restructuring billions of dollars Kcomplex business litigation and insur- breadth of practice unparalleled in the law. In addition to her traditional labor of debt includes insolvency resolutions in ance recovery matters. Her accomplish- Sentertainment industry, handling high and employment practice, her focus in the chapter 11 cases and numerous restructurings ments in her insurance recovery practice level corporate financing transactions along- last year has been guiding employers on outside the courtroom. As a mediator, Itkin establish her nationally as one of the top side deals for A-list talent. Recently, James responding to COVID-19. Inesta quickly uses her problem-solving strength to advise go-to lawyers for policy holders. She was represented Ubisoft Entertainment in con- developed new approaches to employment both healthy companies and those in distress, part of a team that obtained a non-confi- nection with its high-level, unique content issues in the confusing days of March 2020. leading them to negotiate effectively with dential, eight-figure settlement on behalf of deals with Netflix to develop live-action, Taking a leadership role at BakerHostetler, their own creditors and counterparties who the Hawaii Department of Transportation animated, and anime series based on the she provided daily updates to the firm’s are in fragile economic straits. Experienced in a dispute with Ciber Inc. and its insurer, video game “Assassin’s Creed,” and a feature chairman and chief operations partner on at representing a range of parties in the bank- XL. Jackson successfully helped resolve adaptation of the popular video game fran- protecting firm personnel. Inesta used this ruptcy process, Itkin has protected the claims another large insurance coverage claim chise “The Division.” In addition, she han- experience to assist in developing internal and interests of debtors, creditors’ equity and by Cottage Health against insurers CNA dled financing work with Neon’s Super Ltd policies for BakerHostetler and also advise bondholders’ committees, purchasers, and and Beazley involving the application of for “You Cannot Kill David Arquette” on her clients. She kept clients informed with trustees in corporate restructurings and bank- a cyber liability policy’s minimum security behalf of the filmmakers, represented lead webinars and email alerts – sharing best ruptcies. Her industry experience spans real requirements, a matter of first impression talent for a new series being developed and practices for employers. Her work remains estate, entertainment, sports, retail, transpor- in California. Kirsten is currently litigating produced by Netflix, and handled numerous focused on California, and through COVID- tation, manufacturing, and hospitality. Many a variety of cutting-edge business interrup- endorsement deals (including with corpo- 19 she strengthened relationships with LA of her clients are high-profile individuals tion claims stemming from the COVID-19 rate equity components) for A-list talent. hospitality clients and become an expert in in entertainment, sports, and business. She pandemic around the country. In addition She represents XR Studios, a producer of the area for entertainment industry clients. discreetly guides them through out-of-court to her insurance recovery practice, Jackson extended reality content, including in con- Nancy continues to advise companies on workouts and financial transactions, often represents major clients like Chevron and nection with Billie Eilish’s live streaming COVID-19 regulations including CAL-OS- advising at all stages of business growth and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in high-stakes concert “Where Do We Go?” and the 2020 HA, federal, state and local guidelines. on early signs of distress. civil litigation. VMAs.
Most Influential Women Lawyers In Los Angeles
Meyers Nave congratulates DEBORAH J. FOX and her team of Trial, Litigation and First Amendment attorneys for their outstanding results, exemplary client service and highly ranked legal expertise.
Principal and Executive Committee Member Chair, Trial and Litigation Practice Chair, First Amendment Practice
O ces Throughout California meyersnave.com | 800.464.3559 94 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
ARWEN JOHNSON BARBARA A. JONES ASHLEY JORDAN BETH KASE Partner Co-Managing Shareholder, Los Angeles Partner Partner King & Spalding LLP Greenberg Traurig, LLP Reed Smith LLP Fenton Law Group
rwen Johnson is a consummate trial arbara A. Jones constantly seeks oppor- shley B. Jordan is a partner in Reed eth Kase of leading healthcare law firm lawyer and litigator. She has achieved tunities to drive positive change in her Smith’s Los Angeles office and a mem- Fenton Law Group is widely considered Asignificant victories for a range of clients Bprofession, the firm and the community. Aber of the firm’s Insurance Recovery Bto be one of the preeminent healthcare involving some of the most contentious She achieved a major career milestone in Group. Jordan has a proven track record attorneys in the state for her representation and significant business and societal issues. January 2021 being named co-managing of maximizing insurance recoveries for of a wide range of industry players. Her These include representing entertainment shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Los Ange- policyholders, through negotiation, litiga- business and regulatory experience encom- companies such as Netflix, Warner Bros., and les Office, and has demonstrated significant tion, or alternative dispute resolution. Her passes handling complex matters on behalf New Line in intellectual property disputes; achievements on behalf of her global capital practice focuses on claims for financial of ASCs, hospitals, community clinics and successfully defending employment and con- markets, blockchain, and fintech clients. A services clients; natural disaster claims for affiliated mobile clinics, dialysis centers, sumer class action cases; and tackling private highly accomplished securities transactional property owners; and claims for construc- skilled nursing facilities, hospices, labora- and public litigation relating to COVID-19. attorney, Jones serves as co-chair of the firm’s tion and manufacturer clients. Jordan has tories, and others. Recent matters include Johnson was co-lead strategy counsel for global Blockchain and Digital Assets group helped recover tens of millions in insurance representing a physician in sale of medical Postmates in a putative class action in which and coordinates the firmwide COVID-19 proceeds for Fortune and Global 500 com- practice to a hospital system, representing a the plaintiff alleged improper mass texting in Economic Stimulus Task Force. Considered panies, as well as individuals and start-up physician in the sale of a medical practice to violation of the TCPA. The plaintiff assert- a pioneer as legal counsel in the blockchain businesses. Throughout 2020, Jordan a private equity affiliated group, establishing ed that Postmates was vicariously liable for and fintech industry, Barbara collaborates helped lead the Insurance Recovery Group’s a California LLC to manage an ambulatory downstream marketing vendors who allegedly with regulators and government agencies response to the COVID-19 pandemic, run- surgical center and an office based surgery sent thousands of text messages to promote on issues involving this rapidly evolving ning the group’s weekly COVID-19 Task center, negotiating a contract dispute Postmates’ platform and attract delivery and complex financial technology. She also Force meetings and ensuring clients stayed between a physician group and an indepen- drivers. The team litigated several dispositive represents many of the businesses creating at the forefront of rapidly evolving judicial dent practice association, and representing a motions, resulting in early victory. Among groundbreaking blockchain technology, and legislative developments. Jordan rou- pharmacy in responding to HIPAA breach. her work, Johnson is currently representing including Spring Labs, Inc., Global Smart tinely writes and presents on topics concern- She also currently serves as the vice chair of entertainment companies Netflix, Warner Commodity Group, Ultra Infinity LLC, ing insurance coverage, risk management, the American Bar Association Healthcare Bros., and New Line productions in various ORU Market, VeriBlock, RUON Trading and bad faith liability. Policy Task Force. copyright infringement and idea theft cases. Ltd. and Veritable Data Solutions.
GTLAW.COM Congratulations Greenberg Traurig congratulates the Los Angeles Business Journal Women of Influence honorees, including our Los Angeles Co-Managing Shareholder, Barbara A. Jones. Barbara A. Jones Thank you for your leadership, vision, passion and advocacy. Co-Managing Shareholder, Los Angeles O ce; Co-Chair, Blockchain & Digital Assets Practice
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP | ATTORNEYS AT LAW | 2200 ATTORNEYS | 40 LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE°
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reserved. Attorney Advertising. Contact: Barbara A. Jones in Los Angeles at 310.586.7700. °These numbers are subject to fluctuation. 35196 Latin America
APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 95
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:MOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
CHRISTIANNE KERNS LIZ KLEBANER LINDA KORNFELD LORI KOZAK Managing Partner Partner, Environment and Land Use Partner and Vice Chair of Insurance Recovery Practice Partner; Co-Chair of Trademarks Practice Group Hahn & Hahn Nossaman Blank Rome LLP Fox Rothschild LLP
hris Kerns is the first female managing iz Klebaner is a partner in Nossaman’s awdragon calls Linda Kornfeld, Blank o-chair of Fox Rothschild’s Trademarks partner of the prestigious 121-year-old Environment & Land Use Practice Rome partner and vice chair of its Practice Group and member of a tight- CPasadena-based law firm – which has LGroup, where she advises public agency Lnationally recognized Insurance Recov- Cknit group of current and former U.S. transitioned from an historic “old-line and corporate clients on a variety of com- ery Practice, “a card-carrying member of Patent and Trademark Office examiners, firm” into a majority women and minority plex land use and environmental matters, the ultra-elite club of insurance recovery Lori Kozak combines inside knowledge of owned firm. As managing partner, Kerns is and litigates in both state and federal court. specialists.” She is at the top of the highly the trademark examination process with a responsible for managing day to day business Over the past several years, Klebaner has competitive, male-dominated insurance sophisticated understanding of global intel- operations, developing, implementing and worked on a number of high profile mat- policyholder bar – one of only three women lectual property systems and industry-specific driving organizational goals, procedures ters, including leading the Land Use Law ranked nationally by the prestigious Cham- goals and challenges. This multifaceted expe- and policies, managing firm lawyers and team for the San Diego Association of bers USA. Kornfeld has more than 25 years rience, and a solid track record of success, the director of administration, collaborat- Governments (SANDAG) on projects that of experience representing corporate poli- make Kozak a go-to attorney and strategist ing with other partners, and maintaining would revitalize downtown San Diego and cyholders in high-stakes litigation, recov- for U.S. and multinational corporations, positive client relationships. She and her enhance transportation to and from the San ering hundreds of millions of dollars for her award-winning artists and emerging tech- team handle sophisticated financing trans- Diego International Airport. On the former clients. While some attorneys fight every nology companies seeking to protect and actions and restructures; manage complex projects (Navy Old Town Campus Revital- fight, she cuts through disputes, building monetize their most valuable assets: their commercial business relationships and ization and SANDAG Central Mobility consensus, and solving intricate problems intellectual property. Kozak’s recent engage- contracts; and lead multifaceted real estate Hub and Airport Connector Projects), one to find favorable resolutions for her cli- ments include managing global trademark deals and projects. Kerns is a trusted board of her primary roles over the past year was ents. She is well-known for her innovative clearance and registration for multiple inter- member and advisor to boards of directors, helping craft legislation (AB2731) intended approach, having, on multiple occasions, national musicians and provide legal support equity holders, and C-suite executives with to support the potential redevelopment of set precedents in court which created new on intellectual property matters related to a track record of identifying and effectively the 70-acre Navy Old Town Campus SITE. law. Kornfeld handles coverage matters that licensing, sponsorship agreements and brand addressing risks and legal issues as well as This legislation was signed into law by Cali- are frequently in the news, including data enforcement. Among her other work, Kozak strategic and operational challenges with fornia Governor Gavin Newsom on August breaches, child sex abuse cases, wildfires, manages the trademark portfolio of a major the overarching goal of optimizing results, 29, 2020. and other natural disaster events. international filmmaker and brand owner. value, and ROI. 96 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
CAROLYN KUBOTA IRENE LEE DOMINIQUE SHELTON LEIPZIG MOLLY LENS Partner Partner Partner Partner Covington & Burling LLP Russ August & Kabat Perkins Coie LLP O’Melveny & Myers LLP
arolyn Kubota is a nationally acclaimed rene Lee is a partner at Russ August & ominique Shelton Leipzig has made an o-chair of O’Melveny’s Entertainment, litigator with extensive first-chair trial Kabat, where she focuses her practice impressive mark as global co-chair of Sports and Media Group, Molly Lens has Cexperience and a near undefeated record Ion all aspects of intellectual property, DPerkins Coie’s Ad Tech Privacy & Data Cearned a reputation as one of Hollywood’s in over 20 trials in state and federal courts. including patent, trademark, trade secret, Management practice, and she is well-rec- top litigators – with her achievements for Kubota draws upon her twelve years of copyright, and IP licensing. Lee has exten- ognized among clients and colleagues for her clients regularly making front-page head- experience as an Assistant U.S. Attorney sive experience in trademark and copyright her experience providing counsel and lines. In one of the most high-stakes and in the Los Angeles U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecution, litigation, and licensing with defense related to global privacy and cyber highly-publicized entertainment litigations in when representing major domestic and an emphasis on global brand expansion and preparedness compliance and data breach recent memory, Lens is co-lead counsel of the international companies in their most high- content management. As a registered patent response, and guidance on privacy impli- O’Melveny team that secured a key win in stakes investigations and litigation matters, attorney, she also counsels clients concern- cations related to healthtech, fintech, AI, 2019 for Twentieth Century Fox against Net- including National litigation counsel for the ing patent protection and monetization and IoT solutions. She was elected to the flix – with industry-wide ramifications – aris- United States Olympic & Paralympic Com- with an eye toward building value to their Executive Committee of the International ing from Netflix’s efforts to poach Fox exec- mittee (USOPC) in hundreds of cases pend- overall business focus. Clients from varying Association of Privacy Professionals, an utives. Lens and her team won a motion for ing in five states in which athletes, includ- industries seek and heed Lee’s advice and organization that has over 65,000 members. summary judgment and a permanent injunc- ing former Olympic gymnasts, contend that her peers respect her opinion because of her In her role at Perkins Coie, she guides global tion stopping Netflix’s interference with the USOC should be held liable for abuse considered legal analysis balanced against organizations through the fourth industrial Fox’s employment contracts. The victory by former USA Gymnastics physician, Dr. her pragmatic approach to legal problems revolution. This requires involvement in all importantly reaffirms the use and importance Larry Nassar. She also served as counsel for with real-life solutions. Lee has managed key aspects of a business including product of fixed-term contracts. The case is now on Johnson & Johnson in consumer fraud liti- over 5,000 brands as part of her role in man- development, future planning, compliance, appeal. Following her success in the Fox/ gation arising out of the sale and marketing aging IP portfolio for high profile clients M&A, and partnerships. Over the past 18 Netflix case, Lens is facing off against Netflix of the company’s mesh implant products. such as The Honest Company, Inc., Carroll months, besides advising clients such as again in another headline-making showdown Hall Shelby Trust, Scantron Corporation, Microsoft Commercial Business, Discovery as co-lead counsel of the team representing Britney Spears, Cardi B, and many others. Inc., and Verily, Leipzig represented the Cal- videogame heavyweight Activision Blizzard ifornia Chamber of Commerce in a six-week in a dispute over Netflix’s alleged executive negotiation. poaching of Activision’s CFO.
CONGRATULATIONS Russ August & Kabat proudly congratulates our partner and colleague, IRENE Y. LEE on being named among the 2021 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
Russ August & Kabat provides sophisticated, creative, and business-focused intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, real property transaction and litigation counsel to our clients.
www.RAKLaw.com I 310.826.7474 APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 97
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:MOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
L. RACHEL LERMAN RACHEL LOWE JANA LUBERT BETHANY LUKITSCH Partner Partner General Counsel Partner Barnes & Thornburg LLP Alston & Bird Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP McGuireWoods LLP
achel Lerman – co-chair of Barnes achel Lowe is a partner in Alston & ana Lubert serves many leadership roles cGuireWoods partner and class action & Thornburg’s Appeals and Critical Bird’s Litigation & Trial Practice Group. at Lewis Brisbois, the 7th largest law firm co-chair Bethany Lukitsch shaped the RMotions group – advises clients on RShe represents clients in a variety of Jin the United States. As general counsel, Mlandscape of class action and com- trial, mediation, and appellate strategy in industries, including food and beverage, Lubert provides legal advice to more than plex litigation in 2020 as national retailers, complex civil cases, and handles writs and telecom, and retail; in false advertising and 1,500 lawyers nationwide, and serves as a financial institutions and global product appeals in state and federal courts nation- privacy class actions; and in other complex resource available to firm attorneys to dis- manufacturer clients turned to Lukitsch to wide. Beyond drafting policy arguments in commercial disputes. Lowe is a member of cuss ethical and practical problems that arise defend novel class actions arising from the cases involving issues of first impression, Alston & Bird’s Chambers-rated Food, Bev- in the everyday practice of law, as well as COVID-19 pandemic and high-stakes litiga- Lerman openly shares that what she enjoys erage & Agribusiness Team and works hand a resource to the firm’s administrative staff tion. She also cemented her reputation as a most about her work is putting difficult in hand with regulatory counsel to advise when employment and policy issues arise. go-to adviser for companies needing guidance problems and thorny questions of law into industry-leading food producers, distributors, Lubert has been co-managing partner of the navigating the California Consumer Privacy language that a generalist judge and her and retailers facing litigation and investi- firm’s Los Angeles office, the firm’s first and Act in the first year of its implementation clerks appreciate. Widely known for her out- gations. She helps multinationals navigate largest office, since 2018, and has served and interpreting the California Privacy standing writing and communication abil- sustainability issues, labeling requirements, since 2017 as a voting partner on Lewis Rights Act, which passed last November ities, Lerman identifies and articulates the supply chain disputes, and other issues. She Brisbois’ 11-person national Management and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2023. Clients issues and merits in a way that will interest is also a member of the firm’s Privacy & Committee – the first woman to hold this requested her assistance in defending against and appeal to appellate and Supreme Cybersecurity Litigation Team. She advises position at the firm. During 2020, Lubert claims and to comply with laws that arose out Court judges. She has played a lead role in retail industry and other clients on data was a member of the firm’s internal response of the COVID-19 pandemic. She spearhead- bet-the-company cases in a wide variety of breaches and CCPA, CIPA, and other state- team to the COVID-19 pandemic, which ed significant thought leadership in a multi- industries and practice areas, including com- law privacy claims. Lowe recently secured remains active as the country continues to part blog series on coronavirus and class plex commercial disputes, labor and employ- a complete judgment in favor of a major deal with and respond to the pandemic. actions for the firm’s Class Action Counter- ment, insurance recovery, bankruptcy, trade- alcohol distributor in a putative class action measures blog and co-authored the chapter mark, tribal, and utilities litigation. pending in Orange County Superior Court’s on class actions in the timely 2021 American Complex Division. Bar Association publication, “Infectious Dis- ease Litigation: Science, Law & Procedure.” 98 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
MARINA MANOUKIAN NATALIE MARTIROSSIAN DEBRA MEPPEN LINDA MICHAELSON Head of Family Law Partner Partner & Chair of the Gordon & Rees National Labor Partner ADLI Law Group Goodwin and Employment Law Practice Group Sheppard Mullin Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP arina Manoukian is the head of the atalie Martirossian is a rising star in inda Michaelson is practice group leader Family Law department at ADLI Goodwin’s Technology group, where ebra Ellwood Meppen is a litigation of Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate and Secu- MLaw Group. Her practice focuses on Nshe’s played a pivotal role in several of partner and the chair of the Gordon & Lrities Practice Group and is based in the family law and civil litigation and includes the firm’s recent market-altering M+A deals, DRees National Labor and Employment firm’s Century City office. Michaelson’s prac- business, real estate, and construction litiga- venture financings and capital markets trans- Law Practice Group, one of the firm’s larg- tice focuses on the representation of compa- tion. Manoukian is a Certified Family Law actions. Martirossian has represented many est practices nationwide. She has an active nies involved in corporate transactions, with Specialist with the California Bar, which clients for several years, and her philosophy employment litigation and counseling prac- a particular emphasis on the entertainment, demonstrates her skills and knowledge in is emblematic of the firm’s focus on building tice defending celebrities, and both private digital media and technology industries. She the area of family law. One of her recent long-term relationships and providing guid- and public entities against claims of discrimi- represents major motion picture studios, accomplishments came in May 2020, when ance throughout the corporate life-cycle. Her nation, retaliation, FMLA, wrongful termina- television networks, independent production Manoukian successfully represented a vic- varied practice includes pre-incorporation tion, defamation and harassment claims. In companies, digital media companies, inves- tim of domestic violence in trial court and planning, general corporate representation addition, she handles large-scale class action tors and other institutional entertainment, on appeal. The Court of Appeal certified and counseling, venture capital financings, litigation throughout California and nation- media and convergence clients in strategic the opinion for publication based on issues mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, ally. She regularly counsels employers on hir- transactions, including mergers and acquisi- of first impression. The Family Violence corporate governance, SEC compliance, ing practices, terminations, workplace inves- tions, strategic alliances and other corporate Appellate Project celebrated the victory and public company representation. She tigations, reductions in work force issues, and finance transactions around the world. by saying, “We believe this case will help also works with venture capitalists in private litigation avoidance practices. Meppen has Recent transactions include representing other survivors like Nicole G who are seek- stock offerings as well as investment banks in been lead counsel in numerous hotly litigated Sony Pictures Entertainment, Lakeshore ing move-out orders and property control public stock offerings. Martirossian has served matters including one in which she defeated Entertainment and Lions Gate Entertain- orders, particularly in cases where survivors as a key figure on numerous recent matters, class certification in a wage and hour class ment, Inc. in connection with their M&A have moved to another residence, a DV including advising Powered Brands on its action with nearly 10,000 putative class and other corporate transactions. She is also shelter, or other place while the abuser upsized $240.0 million IPO; and advising members. She is a highly sought-after attor- a member of the board of directors and Exec- remains living in the parties’ shared MyoKardia, Inc. in its acquisition by Bristol ney for her expertise, negotiation abilities, utive Committee of Bet Tzedek, a pro bono dwelling.” Myers Squibb for $13.1 billion. and for the discretion that she offers to celeb- legal services organization (2011-present). rity, corporate, and other clientele.
GORDON REES SCULLY MANSUKHANI CONGRATULATES 2021 Women of Influence
Debra Ellwood Meppen Brenda Radmacher Partner & Chair of Women’s Initiative Partner
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani—Your 50 State Partner® As the only law firm with offices and attorneys in all 50 states, Gordon & Rees delivers maximum value to our clients by combining the resources of a full-service national firm with the local knowledge of a regional firm. With 1,000+ attorneys, Gordon & Rees is recognized among the fastest growing and largest law firms in the country.
Best Law Firms for Female Attorneys TOP 40 for firms with 600+ attorneys · Law360
Top Law Firms for Women TOP 25 in the AmLaw100 · National Law Journal www.grsm.com APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 99
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:MOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
JANICE MILLER VIRGINIA MILSTEAD CONSUELO (BEATRICE) ARAMEH O’BOYLE Managing Partner Partner NUÑEZ-BELLAMY Member Miller Haga Law Group, LLP Skadden, Arps, Slate, Megher & Flom LLP Senior Associate Mintz Davis Wright Tremaine LLP anice Miller is the managing partner of irginia Milstead is the newest partner in rameh Zargham O’Boyle, member at Miller Haga Law Group, LLP. and is a Skadden’s Los Angeles litigation group, eatrice Nuñez-Bellamy is an experienced Mintz, is a trailblazer and is the first Jhighly recognized legal expert with over Vhaving been promoted in April 2020. litigator who bridges her creativity and Afemale partner in the firm’s growing Los 25 years of experience as an innovative gen- She has a broad commercial litigation prac- Banalytical skills to advocate passionately Angeles office. In her 16 years of practice, eral counsel. She serves as a strategic legal tice, with a particular emphasis on securities and persuasively on behalf of her clients. She O’Boyle has become one of the most sought partner and business advisor, providing the class actions and shareholder and M&A focuses her practice on labor and employ- after attorneys that product innovators and firm’s clients with pragmatic, cost–effective litigation. She represents clients in both ment law, representing employers facing a manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, medi- legal and business solutions that minimize federal and state courts, and is known for broad range of issues including discrimina- cal device, personal care and cosmetic sectors risk and maximize profits. Miller represents developing shrewd, innovative arguments tion, retaliation, and harassment claims; rely on when faced with potential or actual clients in business transactions, real estate based on her encyclopedic knowledge of the government investigations; and alleged viola- litigation. She concentrates her practice on leasing, entertainment, intellectual proper- law and thorough and precise analysis of the tions of federal and California wage and hour defending companies in product liability ty, licensing, hospitality and the emerging matters in which she is involved. Milstead is laws. A creative and strategic trial attorney, litigation. She counsels manufacturers and legal field of unmanned aerial systems also especially noted for her ability to secure Nuñez-Bellamy enjoys collaborating with distributors on various issues arising through- (drones). Over the past 18 months she is early, pleading-stage victories for her clients clients to ensure compliance with complicat- out a product’s life cycle, including product proud to have assisted numerous companies through meticulously researched and written ed California and federal employment laws, development, market launch, regulatory and entertainment-related businesses with briefs and persuasive oral arguments, thus helping them to establish safe, inclusive, and compliance, and document retention/man- a wide range of legal transactions and dis- avoiding protracted litigation and a trial. effective work environments while avoiding agement issues. She represents life sciences putes. These include negotiating celebrity Over the past several years, Milstead has unintended future litigation. Her background companies in complex mass tort litigation. endorsement for an alcohol brand, serving had a remarkable track record in securing in public policy has also led her to become Currently she represents an international as general counsel for a major entertainment early dismissals of her matters, but particu- one of the firm’s go-to subject matter experts medical device manufacturer in product lia- venture and a large Southern California larly in her frequent cross-border work on on public accommodation laws under the bility and other general litigation throughout theme park, negotiating the sale of an behalf of Asia-based clients in litigation. ADA and California’s Unruh Civil Rights California and other jurisdictions relating to eight-figure grossing manufacturing compa- Act. products ranging from EMS supplies, surgical ny, and brokering more than 80 leases for a instruments and power tools, to orthopedic casual dining restaurant chain. implants and bone morphogenetic proteins. 100 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
ABIGAIL (ABBY) O’BRIENT KELLEY OLAH ANN PARK ELISA PASTER Member Partner Partner Partner and Co-Chair of the Government Mintz Barnes & Thornburg LLP Foley & Mansfield & Regulatory Department Glaser Weil LLP tarting as an associate in Mintz’s Bank- o-chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s nation- nn I. Park is a partner in Los Angeles ruptcy and Restructuring group in 2009 ally recognized Drug and Medical Device office of Foley & Mansfield PLLP. She Lisa Paster is a committed advocate to Sand elevated to partner in 2019, Abby Cpractice group, Kelley Olah serves as a Ahas extensive experience in toxic tort the development of housing in Los O’Brient has risen to the top in the high-de- trusted adviser to the world’s leading manu- defense, commercial business disputes, EAngeles, through her work as a land use mand male-dominated commercial bankrupt- facturers and retailers in the area of product insurance coverage, and environmental law attorney, her volunteer work with affordable cy practice due to her ability to lead success- liability and mass torts. She is regarded as matters. Park concentrates her practice in housing organizations, and as a planning ful trial teams and guide buyers in distressed an extremely effective and efficient litigator, defending complex, high-risk toxic tort, commissioner in the City of Santa Monica. transactions. She maintains a wide-ranging regularly obtaining excellent results in high asbestos products liability, and premises lia- She believes that safe and secure housing insolvency and litigation practice, repre- profile litigations, with minimal business bility actions. She is skilled in the complex should be provided to those at every income senting secured and unsecured creditors in interruption to these companies – which are medical and scientific aspects of defending level throughout our community. She rep- bankruptcy cases and other insolvency pro- currently assisting and employing frontline the firm’s clients in toxic tort lawsuits. Ann resents a mix of developers, family offices, ceedings, purchasers and sellers of distressed responders in the global pandemic. One has briefed and argued successful published institutions, affordable housing developers, assets, bankruptcy trustees and receivers. example of her expertise in action was her appeals in the California Court of Appeals. and individuals with obtaining land use O’Brient led the Mintz team defending six recent work successfully flipping the tenta- In 2020-2021, she served as senior vice entitlements and approvals, compliance real estate investment companies in the tive ruling on summary judgment in a major president of the Los Angeles County Bar with the California Environmental Quality Stillwater Liquidating LLC litigation. In the talcum powder litigation after two days of Association, helping to lead one of the Act, and, public policy and housing issues. past year, she represented several creditors oral argument, earning her two national largest metropolitan bar organizations in the Paster currently serves as the vice-chair of in high-profile bankruptcy cases, including retailer clients rare summary judgment wins United States, with 16,000 members. She the Santa Monica Planning Commission. a member of a creditors’ committee in In re on the eve of a preference trial against a currently serves as vice chair of the LACBA She has also been an active board member RGN-Group Holdings; a landlord in In re formidable opponent. This hard-fought Task Force on Racial and Social Justice, of Menorah Housing for over ten years and 24-Hour Fitness Worldwide where client’s victory is notable as a first of its kind win for where she is helping to organize events to is currently Secretary of the Board. She is lease was assumed applicable debtor; and retailers being sued in mass tort litigations increase awareness and support for equity also a volunteer with the Southern Califor- Marin Clean Energy, a community choice that historically have included only manu- under the law and racial justice. nia Association of Non-Profit Housing. aggregator, in Pacific Gas and Electric Com- facturer defendants. pany (PG&E) bankruptcy cases.
MILLER HAGA LAW GROUP, LLP Proudly Congratulates Janice L. Miller, Esq. Managing Partner and all honorees on being named Los Angeles’ Women of Influence – Attorneys
www.millerhaga.com APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 101
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:MOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
STACY D. PHILLIPS ALISON PLESSMAN ROBYN POLASHUK JENNIFER POST Partner, Matrimonial & Family Law Partner Partner, Co-Chair of Communications and Managing Partner Blank Rome LLP Hueston Hennigan LLP Media Industry Group, Managing Partner Thompson Coburn LLP of Los Angeles Office tacy Phillips is one of the country’s most lison Plessman has established herself Covington & Burling LLP ennifer Post is a skilled attorney, client well-known and respected family law as a top litigator, representing clients relationship partner, leader and active Spractitioners, handling primarily high Ain high-stakes matters, including trade obyn Polashuk has more than 20 years Jmember of the community. As an attor- net worth and high profile divorce, custody, secret theft, mass torts, breach of contract of experience in network distribution ney, she leads corporate clients in sophisticat- and domestic violence cases. She has guided and professional negligence matters, and Rand content licensing, both as a lawyer ed transactional work. She serves as primary clients through critical transitions in their white collar defense. She recently secured for Lifetime Television as well as in private outside counsel to a variety of individuals, lives for more than 36 years. She is known a preliminary injunction against SweeGen, practice, currently as co-chair of Covington’s institutions and companies, including entre- for her skilled persuasion, adept negotiation, Inc. in favor of its minority shareholders Communications and Media Industry Group. preneurs, venture capital firms and emerging aggressive advocacy, and compassion in in an action alleging breaches of fiduciary Her practice encompasses some of the most companies, as well as domestic and inter- representing her clients, whether in litiga- duties, self-dealing, and securities fraud, precedential deals in the television industry, national public companies. Post’s practice tion, mediation, or Collaborative Divorce. and in February 2021, she further defeated having a significant impact on how content encompasses all areas of general corporate In a recent case, Phillips was retained by SweeGen’s demurrer on all grounds. Pless- providers make their programming available and securities law, including private place- an internationally famous music star in a man also recently won a motion to dismiss to viewers. She is called upon by an extensive ments of equity and debt securities, mergers complex child custody and child support in favor of Broadcom Corporation against number of networks and content owners, and acquisitions and venture capital fund matter worth tens of millions of dollars. Her TomTom International, B.V. in a breach of such as The Walt Disney Company, Fox formation. Post advises her company clients role is central to the negotiations, which are warranty action, and is currently defend- Corporation, NFL Network, Ovation, Pac-12 in many aspects of their businesses: capital ongoing and could erupt into litigation, and ing Broadcom in a copyright infringement Networks, PBS, Pluto TV, TV One, Uni- raising, acquisitions, licensing and distribu- likely will continue for years. She is manag- matter in the Eastern District of Tennessee. vision Communications, and ViacomCBS tion, equity compensation, joint ventures and ing attorneys and custody and support laws Plessman is also representing PacifiCorp in to advise on high profile distribution strategic partnerships. She also represents in three countries. Phillips is also an author, multiple lawsuits, including a class action. agreements and transactions. Polashuk also investment entities including venture capital philanthropist, mentor, and sought-after Plessman serves on the Western Center provides counsel on media rights strategies, firms in their formation, fundraising efforts, speaker and commentator on family law on Law & Poverty Board of Directors. She regulatory issues, due diligence in connection governance and maintenance, as well as issues. has also served on the Board of Governors with corporate transactions, and support for their transactions with emerging companies, of the Women Lawyers Association of Los media and copyright related litigation. including complex investment structures, Angeles. exit transactions and restructurings.
Thompson Coburn congratulates our LA office Managing Partner Jennifer Post on her recognition by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a 2021 Woman of Influence
thompsoncoburn.com
Los Angeles | Chicago | Dallas | St. Louis | Southern Illinois | Washington, D.C. 102 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
HILARY POTASHNER BRENDA RADMACHER ELSA RAMO ANGELA REDDOCK-WRIGHT Partner Partner Managing Partner Employment Mediator, Arbitrator, Investigator Larson LLP Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Ramo Law PC Reddock Law/Judicate West
he twice-selected former Federal Public renda Radmacher is a noted expert in lsa Ramo is an established entertain- practicing attorney for nearly 25 Defender for the Central District of construction law and is called on as ment attorney representing producers, years, Angela Reddock-Wright is the TCalifornia, Hilary Potashner has been Ba counselor, litigator, and speaker on Efinanciers, and production entities in Afounding & managing partner of the continually recognized throughout her over issues involving land owners, general con- film, television, and digital content. Named Reddock Law Group, a boutique, minority, 25-year career as being among the top trial tractors, developers, and builders. She has a to Variety’s 2020 Legal Impact Report and and woman-owned dispute resolution and lawyers in California and the nation. Recog- multi-faceted practice handling litigation and 2020 Dealmakers List, Ramo has become a investigations law firm based in downtown nized by judges and peers for her “unwaver- providing advice and counsel/transactional lead commentator for the industry, and has Los Angeles, focused on the resolution of ing commitment to high-quality, client-cen- support to her construction-industry cli- been interviewed by Fox 11 News, KNX employment, Title IX sexual assault, haz- tered representation,” Potashner is highly ents. Radmacher has significant experience 1070, Variety, Indiewire, and TheWrap. She ing, and bullying legal claims. She also is a regarded by the bench and bar alike. Since advising her clients on risk management best frequently participates on panels and webi- member of the panel of mediators and arbi- joining Larson LLP in 2019 after serving as practices, drafting critical documents and nars, is a committee member for the UCLA trators at Judicate West, a leading dispute the federal public defender, Potashner has procedures, and effectively resolving disputes. Entertainment Law Symposium, the founder resolution firm. Reddock-Wright is a past taken on many of the firm’s top white collar Radmacher’s practice emphasizes resolving of PEFA (a professional organization for president of the Southern California Medi- defense matters, investigations, and complex complex construction disputes through female entertainment attorneys), and she ation Association; a panel mediator with civil cases, as well as achieving appellate negotiation, mediation, and, when necessary, regularly supports charities advocating for the USDC, Central District of California; a victories. She successfully defends individ- arbitration and litigation, on projects in Cali- women in the industry such as Women In member of the LA County Equity Oversight uals facing charges in both state and federal fornia, nationwide, and internationally. Con- Media, Women Creating Change, Film Commission; and an Adjunct Professor in court in matters involving conspiracy, wire struction companies and design professionals Fatales, and Film Independent. As the the Negotiations, Conflict Resolution and fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, and call on her legal and negotiation expertise founder and managing partner of Ramo Law Peace program at CSU Dominguez Hills, bankruptcy fraud. In her civil practice, she for issues including course of construction PC, Ramo oversees a staff of fifteen full-time and an instructor in the HR program at represents both plaintiffs and defendants in disputes, claims of construction defects, lien attorneys and a Packaging and Sales depart- UCLA Extension. She has served in lead- intellectual property and contract disputes, claims, and insurance issues. Many of the ment who provide production, distribution ership roles on numerous government and civil forfeiture, misrepresentation, negli- nation’s largest contractors, developers, and and finance legal services in feature films, non-profit sector boards. gence, civil theft, and garnishment cases. homebuilders have found her to be their documentaries, scripted and unscripted tele- go-to trusted legal counsel. vision and digital content.
Shining Brightly
Congratulations to our partner Jade Turner-Bond and all of the Women of Infl uence honorees for their outstanding leadership in the legal community.
300 South Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA Nixonpeabody.com @nixonpeabodyllp APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 103
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:MOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
TANA RYAN CORTNEY SHEGERIAN MONICA SHILLING STACEY J. SHIN Partner Partner Partner Attorney Kirkland & Ellis LLP Shegerian Conniff LLP Kirkland & Ellis LLP Kaufman Legal Group
ana Ryan is a mergers & acquisitions ortney Shegerian is a founding member onica Shilling has been at the forefront tacey Shin is an attorney at political law partner in Kirkland’s Los Angeles office. of Shegerian Conniff LLP and lead trial of creative financing structures her firm Kaufman Legal Group. Shin advises THer practice focuses on highly structured Clawyer. Her practice focuses on employ- Mwhole career. Her experience helping Scandidates, officeholders, labor unions, and complex transactions, including mergers ment law and includes all aspects of case clients navigate regulatory changes and inno- ballot measure committees, major donors, & acquisitions, restructurings, recapitaliza- management from inception through trial, vations in the marketplace has placed her independent expenditure committees and tions and financings. Demonstrating the with particular emphasis in jury trials and among a handful of senior female attorneys other political organizations on compli- breadth of her practice, Ryan has served case resolution. Shegerian has extensive leading the current special purpose acqui- ance with federal, state and local campaign as the lead M&A attorney in the complex experience and success in mediation, all sition companies (SPAC) boom. Since the finance, election and governmental ethics carveout sale of J.C. Penney’s operating aspects of litigation, trial preparation and COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S., laws. She also counsels lobbying organiza- business to Simon Property Group and jury trials. Throughout her career as an Shilling has worked with clients to raise tions and lobbying firms on compliance with Brookfield Asset Management as part of J.C. attorney, she has tried numerous cases in over $10 billion in a variety of transactions, lobbying laws. Prior to joining Kaufman Penney’s restructuring, which was one of the both State and Federal Court. Shegerian has including the recent $1 billion SPAC for Legal Group, Shin served as Legal Counsel largest restructurings of 2020, and also coun- argued in the California Court of Appeal longtime client, Ares Acquisition Corpo- to then-Chairman Steven T. Walther of seled Oaktree Capital and Array Technolo- and the Supreme Court of California. She- ration. She brings her vast experience and the Federal Election Commission. Recently, gies in the largest renewable IPO in history. gerian places her focus on discovering each sophisticated skillset to assist clients – includ- Shin provided counsel and representation Ryan’s clients not only look to her for legal client’s personal experience in order obtain ing asset managers and private equity funds to political candidates during the 2020 elec- advice, but as a key business and strategic the best possible outcome for their case. and their portfolio companies, as well as pub- tion cycle, including Vice-President Kamala advisor as well. Ryan also applies her strate- In February 2017, she became one of the lic companies, financial advisors, investment Harris; numerous federal congressional can- gic vision to the recruiting and professional youngest attorneys in California to argue a banks and issuers – in complex mergers & didates and officeholders including Adam development of Kirkland’s attorneys. She case before the California Supreme Court. acquisitions and capital markets transactions, Schiff, Karen Bass and Ted Lieu; LA County serves as co-chair of the LGBT Subcommit- Shegerian is an active Board Member for including IPOs, SPAC-backed mergers & Supervisorial candidate Janice Hahn; and tee of the Firmwide Diversity Committee the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House and a acquisitions and business combinations. Her LA City Council candidates Nury Martinez, and a member of the Firmwide Pro Bono volunteer at the Sojourn Battered Women’s practice also has a particular focus involving Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Mark Rid- Management Committee. Shelter. specialty finance enterprises, distinguishing ley-Thomas. her from many other transactional lawyers.
Congratulations to our partner Lara Shortz on being named a Woman of Influence by the Los Angeles Business Journal, a wonderful honor that recognizes her extraordinary impact upon our clients, her colleagues, and the City of Angels.
Los Angeles Orange County San Francisco 310.299.5500
Chicago New York
www.mrllp.com 104 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
LARA SHORTZ LAURA D. SMOLOWE JULIA STRICKLAND CASEY SYPEK Firm Recruiting Partner Partner Managing Partner of Los Angeles Office and Chair of Partner Michelman & Robinson, LLP Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP National Financial Services Litigation, Regulation and Miller Barondess, LLP Enforcement Practice Group ara Shortz’s stature within the legal com- aura D. Smolowe is a partner at Munger, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP asey Sypek is a business litigator with munity continues to rise. Not only is she Tolles & Olson, where she co-leads the experience representing clients in con- Lresponsible for the strategic growth of LTrade Secret and Employee Mobility s chair of Stroock’s Financial Services Ctract, fraud, employment, copyright, Michelman & Robinson, LLP, she has also Practice Group. She publishes regularly and Litigation, Regulation and Enforcement trademark, entertainment and false advertis- built an extraordinary employment practice co-authored the chapter on trade secrets AGroup, a member of Stroock’s national ing disputes. Sypek successfully represented representing some of the most admired com- and restrictive covenants in the 2016-2017 Executive Committee and managing partner the City of Inglewood and Mayor Butts panies in L.A. Recently, Shortz has been editions of the California Business Litiga- of its Los Angeles office, Julia Strickland is against Madison Square Garden’s attempts involved in dozens of notable employment-re- tion handbook. Smolowe has also litigated often the first attorney called when a financial to block construction of the new LA Clip- lated matters. She provided employment-re- multiple constitutional issues pro bono, services company needs anything from prac- pers arena in Inglewood. She played a key lated advice and counsel for the launch and including section 1983 and state and federal tical guidance to the fierce defense of conten- role in defending the City against MSG’s operations of a TV network for the streaming habeas cases. Smolowe joined the firm after tious and high-stakes litigation and regulatory claims in seven different lawsuits; and generation, including hiring and executive clerkships with Judge Richard A. Paez on enforcement matters. She also is routinely worked hand-in-glove with the lawyers negotiations and guidance in connection the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth sought out for counseling on federal and state for the Clippers. After nearly three years with COVID-19 and also represented a talent Circuit and Judge Dean D. Pregerson on the regulatory compliance matters and the full of hard-fought litigation, a settlement was agency in connection with employment-relat- U.S. District Court for the Central District range of issues arising from lending and ser- reached in May 2020 by way of Clippers ed fallout due to COVID-19, including advice of California. Smolowe’s practice focuses on vicing, retail banking, real estate and unfair owner Steve Ballmer purchasing The and counsel concerning furloughs; separa- complex commercial litigation and trials in and deceptive practices. She has amassed a Forum, and MSG dropping all opposition tions; health and safety requirements (OSHA, federal and state court, as well as counseling client list that includes American Express, to the project. Among other work, Sypek etc.); workplace procedures, manuals, and clients through difficult issues. She has par- Citigroup, Discover, Goldman Sachs, JPMor- also represents Kovac Film against PMC employee training; telecommuting and elec- ticular expertise in trade secrets and employ- gan Chase, Lending Club, HSBC, Synchrony Retaliators and Fluke Studios involving the tronic use policies; employee reintegration; ee mobility, as well as privacy law. Financial and OneWest/CIT Bank, among financing and production of a feature-length and regulatory and municipal compliance. many others. Strickland recently successfully motion picture. She also represents approx- She also guided multiple restaurant properties represented Verizon in obtaining a ground- imately 800,000 Prius drivers in a federal through COVID-19-related furloughs and breaking Ninth Circuit decision relating to class action against Toyota Japan and U.S. returns to work. appellate review of arbitration orders. subsidiary, Toyota Motor Sales.
CONGRATULATIONS DIANE CAFFERATA on being named a 2021 Woman of Influence by the Los Angeles Business Journal
DIANE CAFFERATA PARTNER APRIL 26, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 105
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:MOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
JADE TURNER-BOND EMILY BURKHARDT VICENTE TANYA VINER LAURA WASHINGTON Partner Partner; Co-Chair Diversity & Inclusion Committee; Shareholder Partner Nixon Peabody LLP Co-Chair of labor & Employment Practice Buchalter Latham & Watkins LLP Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP ade Turner-Bond, a public finance part- anya Viner is a shareholder and Los aura Washington is a driving force of ner at Nixon Peabody LLP, is known mily Vicente was selected as co-chair Angeles chair of Buchalter’s Corporate Latham’s litigation team, representing Jthroughout California for her high-profile of the national labor and employment Tpractice group. She focuses her practice Lmany high-profile clients in complex and high-impact work in the public finance Epractice of an American Lawyer 100 firm on mergers and acquisitions, representing business disputes in the entertainment, space, as well as at her prior role with the after only eight years as a partner. This is both the buyer and seller in large complex media, and other sectors, with wide-ranging California State Treasurer’s Office. She no small feat and a testament to her lead- transactions ranging from the sale of close- litigation experience that includes pre-lit- represents diverse clients in the financing ership abilities. She has defended some of ly-held family businesses to transactions in igation counseling, trial, and appellate and refinancing of infrastructure and capital the largest Fortune 100 companies in high- excess of a billion dollars. In addition to work. She’s currently active in leading improvement projects for state and local stakes employment litigation and is one of her mergers and acquisitions practice, Viner several closely-watched cases connected to municipal entities, as well as cultural insti- the few lawyers to successfully take hybrid provides day-to-day counseling on a broad the #MeToo Movement, and continues to tutions and foundations, including the City class and collective action cases to jury range of transactional and governance mat- represent leading entertainment and media of Los Angeles, the State of California, the trial. She has helped clients navigate sexual ters advising emerging growth companies on clients in litigation, internal investigations, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transpor- harassment claims fraught with legal and formation, venture capital financing, licens- and to manage crises responses. Washing- tation Authority, the Metropolitan Water public relations challenges in the #metoo ing, and employment issues, often acting as ton has earned her place at the forefront of District of Southern California, the State era, equal pay challenges, implementation outside general counsel, and trusted advisor entertainment and media matters, having of New Jersey, the County of Contra Costa, of AI and emerging technologies in the throughout every aspect of growth. Viner led one of the biggest #MeToo cases that the J. Paul Getty Trust, and The Broad. workplace, and most recently COVID-19 advises clients on matters in nearly every continues to make headlines. Representing During the economic crisis precipitated by related employment issues. She has also major business sector, including consumer Miramax and a former board member of COVID-19, Turner-Bond worked tirelessly helped Fortune100 companies develop and product, apparel and textiles, food and bev- The Weinstein Company – current deputy to serve her clients by working on various implement ESG programs around diversity erage, technology, beauty, financial services, CEO of Technicolor Tim Sarnoff – in the financing to ensure that state and local gov- and inclusion that balance legal, business manufacturing, and retail. Currently, she US-based Harvey Weinstein-related litiga- ernment had the necessary resources to con- and social interests, while accomplishing is serving on the Board of The Professional tions, she has defeated every single Wein- tinue to serve their communities despite the the clients’ goals to increase representation Club and on the Board of the California stein-related lawsuit filed against Miramax declines in revenues due to the pandemic. and inclusion of diverse talent within their Fashion Association. and Sarnoff in the US. workforce.
BUCHALTER.COM
AZ | CA | OR | WA CONGRATULATIONS Los Angeles Business Journal Women of Influence – Attorneys
Kalley R. Aman Tanya Viner Shareholder Shareholder 106 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT APRIL 26, 2021
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
DONNA WILSON LIAT YAMINI DEBRA WONG YANG ANNITA ZHONG CEO and Managing Partner Partner Co-Chair, Crisis Management Group Partner Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP Jones Day Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP Irell & Manella LLP
n June 2018, Donna Wilson was elected to iat Yamini is a natural leader who has ebra Wong Yang has spent the past partner at Irell & Manella LLP, Annita serve as Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP’s set herself apart from peers through her decades honing a practice where she is Zhong focuses on patent litigation, ICEO and managing partner, a role that Ltrack record of success in significant Dbreaking through barriers and practicing A contested patent office proceedings and officially began in July the following year. client matters coupled with her dedication where the law is just emerging, whether in licensing in the U.S., the European Union Her elevation stands out in the legal indus- to community service. Yamini focuses her litigation or investigations or white collar and China. She has deep experience liti- try for numerous reasons, not the least of practice on employment litigation, as well defense. She has had a groundbreaking gating before federal and state courts, the which is the fact that she is both a woman as class and representative wage and hour career – first Asian-American woman to International Trade Commission, arbitral and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. actions, and she has both bench and jury serve as a U.S. Attorney, former California panels and the Patent Trial and Appeal Since her elevation in July 2019, Wilson has trial experience. She has played key roles on state judge, and, reflective of her broad Board. Dr. Zhong earned her J.D. from Yale successfully brought this unique perspective case teams litigating significant wage and practice and comprehensive abilities, Law School, her Ph.D. in chemistry from to bear in her efforts to expand Manatt’s hour class and representative actions, and current co-chair of Gibson Dunn’s Crisis California Institute of Technology, and her reach into new geographies as well as the helped secure summary judgment and denial Management Practice Group. Given the B.S. in Chemistry and Chemical Engineer- restructuring of the firm to focus on indus- of class certification for important clients depth of experience and record of success, ing from MIT. Dr. Zhong’s engineering and try groups, rather than traditional practice of Jones Day. In the past year, she has suc- Yang focuses part of her practice on strategic research background have enabled her to areas. Through her efforts to build the pro- cessfully resolved three wage and hour class counseling and litigation. She leads critical digest new technologies quickly and has fessional services firm of the future – one and representative actions on an individual representations, both high profile and high- proven valuable in delivering significant built on a foundation of inclusivity – she basis in a coordinated proceeding pending ly confidential, involving a wide variety of victories for clients in complex litigation. has overseen the opening of the firm’s 10th in the Complex Division of Los Angeles industries, economic sectors, regulatory bod- She is well versed in technical areas such as office in Boston and the acceleration of the Superior Court. In another action, Garcia v. ies, law enforcement agencies, global juris- semiconductor fabrication and packaging, growth of Manatt’s pool of elite talent. Great Wolf Lodge, Yamini is the lead lawyer dictions and all types of proceedings. Her computer architecture, telecommunications, defending the employer in a Private Attor- clients are in the private and public sectors artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and neys General Act (PAGA) case alleging and include the University of Southern Cal- chemicals and materials. Dr. Zhong was a various representative Labor Code violation ifornia, MGM Resorts, UCLA and the UC principal member of the team that obtained claims. Regents and NeoPollard Interactive LLC. a $506.2 million jury award for PanOptis in a patent suit against Apple.
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Managing Partner(s) • name that the Legal industry provides to help strengthen our business NEXT WEEK Profile • phone Environmental Engineering Firms,Offices • headquarters city • executive director Environmental Waste Management• year founded Firms in L.A. Steven Lewis • no. offices Jana Lubert (L.A./total) Los Angeles (213) 250-1800 Robert Lewis community. The Business Journal provides extensive coverage of LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL Practice Areas 1979 Derek Havel 20 (partial list) 1 / 52 R. Gaylord Smith Polly Towill LAW FIRMS Financials Los Angeles John Stigi Ranked by number of attorneys• revenuein L.A. County (213) 620-1780 CUSTOM CONTENT L.A. County 1927 Ted Tinson • profits/partner Attorneys 2 / 15 John-Paul Motley (2019 / 2018) • total Amy Siegel NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ($ in millions) LIST • partners NA corporate, environmental, health care, intellectual (213) 430-6000 property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate NA the legal industry through custom supplements, industry lists and (current/2019) THE 1885 George Demos Firm / 316 326 Jay Srinivasan • name bankruptcy, corporate, entertainment, intellectual 2 / 15 • address 174 / 176 Peter Wardle Rank 799 / 707 property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate • website NA (213) 229-7000 / 258 1.80 / 1.69 266 1890 Charles Laurence Seymour 95 / 95 2 / 20 Woodhouse (213) 485-1234 special events throughout the year. Reach our af uent business Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith capital markets, project development and NA 633 W. 5th St., Suite 4000 835 / 801 infrastructure, water, bankruptcy, corporate, entertainment, health care, intellectual property, labor 1934 Eric Goldreich Los Angeles 90071; lewisbrisbois.com / 238 2.32 / 2.26 250 and employment, litigation, M&A, technology 2 / 30 1 Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton 67 / 66 333 S. Hope St., 43rd Floor bankruptcy, intellectual property, M&A, antitrust, Damon Fisher Los Angeles 90071; sheppardmullin.com NA / 1,820 corporate, entertainment, labor and employment, (310) 552-4200 litigation, real estate, white-collar crime 2 / 241 NA / 3.35 NA readers by strategically positioning your rm in the following issues: 235 Maryanne Patton O'Melveny & Myers CONTENT 73 / 75 corporate, entertainment, environmental, litigation, 1989 M&A, tax, technology 400 S. HopeCUSTOM St., 18th Floor 2020 3,768 / 3,386 1 / 15 Los Angeles 90071; omm.com / 228 3.78 / 3.45 27, 227 Donna Wilson 3 72 / 70 (310) 312-4000 Gibson,APRIL Dunn & Crutcher Los Angeles 333 S. Grand Ave. 1965 Kristan Morrell Los Angeles 90071; gibsondunn.com NA private equity, debt finance, intellectual property, litigation, M&A, real estate, white-collar crime 1 / 10 4 Latham & Watkins / 126 Alyse Pelavin 355 S. Grand Ave. 176 (310) 282-2000 Los Angeles 90071; lw.com 73 / 55 5 NA government, corporate, entertainment, intellectual 1909 Alan Cutler 322 / 313 property, litigation, M&A, real estate 1 / 8 Kirkland & Ellis / 146 1.42 / 1.34 Hailyn Chen LISTS CUSTOM CONTENT & EVENTS 2049 Century Park East, Suite 3700 149 Malcolm Heinicke Los Angeles 90067; kirkland.com 83 / 88 (213) 683-9100 6 Los Angeles trusts and estates, corporate, entertainment, 1962 Kevin Posterro 370 / 345 intellectual property, litigation, real estate, tax, 1 / 3 Fastest Growing Private Companies Manatt Phelps & Phillips technology IP & Licensing Law Roundtable 1.74 / 1.71 / 140 Richard Mendelson TOP WOMEN2049 Century Park East 148 Aaron Lubeley Los Angeles 90067; manatt.com 71 / 71 Chicago Nicholas Waddles 7 NA (310) 277-7200 NA class action, privacy and data security, antitrust, 1973 Investment Banking Firms corporate, entertainment, intellectual property, labor 2 / 16 John Quinn Labor & Employment Roundtable Loeb & Loeb and employment, litigation, real estate (213) 443-3000 / 149 10100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 2200 147 Los Angeles 69 / 68 ATTORNEYSLos Angeles 90067; loeb.com Richard Schirtzer 1986 8 1 / 23 NA immigration, bankruptcy, corporate, intellectual Largest Employers property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate Leaders in Law Awards Event INLOSANGELES Adam Bass Munger Tolles & Olson (213) 891-0700 / 152 350 S. Grand Ave., 50th Floor 135 Los Angeles Los Angeles 90071; mto.com 62 / 63 antitrust, bankruptcy, entertainment, intellectual 1933 Jonathan Hawkins 9 Largest Public Companies NA / 1,251 property, litigation, technology, white-collar crime 1 / 9 / 143 NA / 860.58 Leaders of Influence: 131 David Hernand Seyfarth Shaw 63 / 64 Siobhan Burke 2029 Century Park East, Suite 3500 Los Angeles (213) 683-6000 Los Angeles 90067; seyfarth.com commercial finance, bankruptcy, corporate, health 1951 Tim Wright Dan Clivner Law Firms 10 185 / 157 care, intellectual property, labor and employment, 2 / 22 Rollin Ransom CUSTOM CONTENT NA Litigators & Trial Attorneys Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan litigation, M&A, real estate, tax Chicago (213) 896-6000 / 126 OCTOBER 19, 2020 865 S. Figueroa St., 10th Floor 131 1980 Shawn Derfer Mark Palin Los Angeles 90017; quinnemanuel.com 62 / 63 2 / 20 (562) 653-3200 11 corporate, entertainment, environmental, intellectual Cerritos Private Equity Firms Larry Kleinberg NA / 1,220 property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate 1979 Women of Influence: Attorneys Buchalter 2 / 9 1 / 131 NA / 3.25 1000 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500 128 1 / 44 private equity, bankruptcy, corporate, entertainment, Joseph Duffy Los Angeles 90017; buchalter.com 45 NA / 2,220 labor and employment, litigation, M&A, real estate APRIL 6, 2020 (213) 612-2500 IP & Licensing Law Venture Capital Firms / 143 NA / 2.55 NA 127 Andrea Hodges Minority Leaders of Influence: Attorneys 42 / 50 NA water, education, construction, business and tax, 1976 Paul Hastings public PRIVATEentities, corporate, EQUITY environmental, health care, 2 / 31 515 S. Flower St. 12 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL/ 93 intellectualSPECIAL property, REPORT labor and employment, Los Angeles 90071; paulhastings.com 125 litigation, real estate A R OUNDTABLE D ISCUSSION 67 / 55 13 Sidley Austin 555 W. 5th St. Researched by Joshua Niv Most Admired Law Firms to Work For Los Angeles 90013; sidley.com NA corporate, environmental, health care, labor and employment, litigation, M&A, tax Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo 14 / 114 12800 Center Court Drive, Suite 300 112 SPECIAL REPORTS 39 / 39 Cerritos 90703; aalrr.com corrections or additions on company letterhead to the Research Department, Los Angeles Business Journal, 11150 LOADED FORStaff Reporter BEAR By JAMES B. CUTCHINSanta Monica Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles 90025. ©2020 Los Angeles Business Journal. This list may not be reprinted 15 Private equity firms ready for the worst, look forin whole the or best in part during without prior the written market’s permission downturn from the editor. Reprints are available from Wright’s Media (877) Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship amid the uncertainty. 652-5295. While damage control is likely to be a full-time job at many firms in the coming months, some industry insiders Morgan Lewis & Bockius the new coronavirus, but it was largely limited to side see opportunities for those with the funds to pursue them. conversations. “There’s more of a willingness to transact at much Cannabis “This was before, a it USC started professor getting and really private bad,” equity said more attractive values than just a few months ago,” said 300 S. Grand Ave., 22nd Floor n March 6, more than two dozen private equity - , founder and chief executive of Manhattan researchers representing universities from Arthur Korteweg Neil Malik BEAR page 14 Please see Los Angeles 90071; morganlewis.com Vancouver to Copenhagen gathered at the researcher who co-organized the event. Like nearly every business in Los Angeles, private eq os Angeles has long been a national leader when it comes to law firms – some of the most successful Southern California Private Equity Conference O uity is facing an unprecedented challenge from Covid-19. TAMANY VINSON BENTZ IRENE Y. LEE in Pasadena. 16 Firms have been forced to rethink their strategies nearly Partner Partner Women’s Leadership Series & Awards Event The outlook was good. With record-breaking — the industry levels overnight, searching for ways to survive — and thrive — Preqin of funding — nearly $1.5 trillion globally at the end of and most prominent attorneys and fi rms in the world are based here. Naturally, some of theDLA Piper top legal talent Russ, August & Kabat 2019, according to research firm Largest Private Companies had never been stronger. There was some concern about comes to LA to build their careers. But which fi rms are the most admired? 1 Business Journal estimate. NA - Not Available N/A - Not Applicable This section is dedicated to distinguishing the most admired and best law fi rms to work for in the LA area. As Note: The information on this list was provided by representatives of the firms. Firms are ranked by the number of attorneys. To the best of our knowledge, this information is accurate as of press time. While every effort is made to L Law Firms ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the list, omissions and typographical errors sometimes occur. Please send the legal industry continues to grow, attracting and retaining top talent is a key component to the health and success of a fi rm. We’ve listed an assortment of particularly outstanding law fi rms who are consciouslys the legal working landscape continuestowards to evolve in terms of intellectual property and licensing law, the Los Angeles Business Journal once creating diverse, positive, and supportive environments to help drive the success of their attorneys.again turned to some of the leading IP attorneys and experts in Private Equity According to the American Bar Association, 38% of practicing attorneys today are women the region to get their assessments regarding the current state of IP elcome to the 2020 edition of our annual special supplement honoring LA’s most influential Alegislation, the new rules of copyright protection, licensing and technology, and the various trends that they have been observing, and in some cases, women attorneys. driving. Professional Services – and that number will continue to move toward balance when you consider that law school enrollment is Here are a series of questions the Business Journal posed to these two leading experts and the unique responses they provided – offering a glimpse currently 49% female. Los Angeles is truly a national leader when it comes to influential women – and the into the state of intellectual property law in 2020 – from the perspectives of W those in the trenches of our region today. field of law is no exception. There are some particularly stellar attorneys in the LA region who happen to be women and we’ve alphabetically listed some of the best of them here, along with information about their careers, practice and some relevant recent successes they’ve achieved. These are the honorees and finalists we singled out for exceptional legal skill and achievement across the full spectrum of responsibility, exemplary leadership as evidenced by the highest professional and ethical standards, and for contributions to the Los Angeles community at large. Congratulations to the superb attorneys who made this list and thank you for all you do for the people and businesses For more information and to secure space, please contact of the Los Angeles region. Lanna Solnit at [email protected]