Most Influential Minority Lawyers in Los Angeles

c us t om co n t en t ja n ua ry 28, 2019

m o s t influential Minority Attorneys i n l o s a n g e l e s

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 87 1/23/19 12:18 PM 88 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 28, 2019

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

NEERAJ ARORA TERRY B. BATES SABRINA A. BELDNER WILLIAM J. BRIGGS, II Partner Partner Partner Partner Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Reed Smith LLP McGuireWoods LLP Venable LLP

eeraj Arora’s work also involves erry Bates is a litigation partner with cGuireWoods partner Sabrina Beldner’s illiam J. Briggs, II, a partner with representing clients such as Prudential Reed Smith’s Los Angeles’ office and has clients refer to her as their “Swiss Army Venable LLP in Los Angeles, is NCapital Group, in connection with a $100 Tsubstantial first chair trial experience MKnife” for employment matters. She is Wrecognized as a leading trial lawyer million private placement to a wholly owned for both plaintiffs and defendants. He is a a go-to attorney in high-stakes employment and civil litigator, with extensive experience subsidiary of a global developer of solar energy member of Reed Smith’s Complex Litigation discrimination, wage and hour litigation in the entertainment industry. He provides resources for construction debt used to finance Group where he serves as Deputy Practice and traditional labor matters. Beldner also counsel to some of the most recognizable a new 75 MW solar photovoltaic generating Group Leader. He is also a member of Reed represents the next generation of leadership names in the film, television, music, and facility located in North Carolina. He worked Smith’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s within McGuireWoods. Since being elevated sports industries. His clients include actors, with Prudential Capital in connection with firm wide Advisory Board, having previously to partner, she has assumed significant musicians, comedians, producers, high-net- another significant project, a first-of-its-kind served as the Los Angeles Office Diversity leadership roles, including serving on the worth individuals, celebrities, athletes, and $80 million private placement to a developer Committee Partner engaged in assisting in firm’s Recruiting and Diversity & Inclusion entertainers. of distributed renewable energy resources. the firm’s implementation of policies and Committees and chairing its LGBT Lawyers Because of his substantial courtroom Other clients include Nexamp Inc., a practices designed to enhance diversity Network. experience, clients turn to Briggs for growing developer of clean solar-powered and inclusiveness, and a member of the Beldner recently won a defense verdict representation in disputes that involve generation, with which Arora worked in Los Angeles Office Recruiting Committee, for a Fortune 100 company and an individual trademarks, copyrights, the First Amendment, connection with a credit facility for two new engaged in selecting new attorneys. manager on allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy, right of solar projects to be located in Massachusetts. Bates has extensive litigation management retaliation and failure to prevent harassment publicity, guild disputes, profit participation, He also represented Diamond Generating and first chair trial experience in state and brought by a female employee following a six- royalty payments, violations of the Talent Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, federal courts, managing cases from inception day arbitration hearing in which 10 witnesses Agencies Act, and interpretation and Mariposa Energy, in an approximately through trial, as well as parachuting in during testified and more than 75 exhibits were enforcement of talent, executive, distribution, $80 million refinancing of its project level the final stages of litigation to negotiate introduced. She also prevailed on an Anti- film, and recording contracts. He has handled indebtedness. settlements or take matters to trial. His SLAPP motion challenging a client’s former a number of high-profile matters within the recent trial verdicts include a defense verdict employee’s lawsuit, resulting in an award of entertainment industry over the last year. following a seven-day jury trial in 2017 and a more than $17,000 in fees and costs against plaintiff $5.76 million verdict in 2018. the employee.

RALPH CAMPILLO PAUL S. CHAN CHERYL CHANG HAILYN J. CHEN Member Managing Principal Partner Partner Mintz Levin Bird, Marella, Boxer, Wolpert, Nessim, Drooks, Blank Rome LLP Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP Lincenberg & Rhow, P.C. alph Campillo is a nationally renowned heryl Chang is a Partner in Blank Rome’s rom early in her career, Munger, Tolles trial attorney whose specialty includes ith over 20 years of extensive trial Consumer Financial Services practice & Olson partner Hailyn Chen, an Asian Rmass torts and all forms of complex experience, Managing Principal Paul Cgroup. She is a formidable litigator who FAmerican woman, distinguished herself litigation, including product liability, WS. Chan is lead defense counsel in focuses her multifaceted practice in consumer as a leading litigator who tirelessly represents commercial disputes, and class actions. Ralph numerous complex litigations involving financial services and corporate litigation. a broad base of clients, from the University often assumes lead roles in high-stakes cases, alleged violations of the federal and state She consistently strives to achieve favorable of California and other leading higher federal multidistrict litigations, and bellwether False Claims Act and civil RICO statutes. He outcomes for her clients in complex corporate education institutions in high-stakes internal product liability cases. He draws on more regularly represents Fortune 500 companies matters using her creative, pragmatic investigations to large companies, such as than three decades of experience to regularly including JM Eagle, Herbalife, Mattel, approach to conflicts and solutions in Airbnb, in their most complex litigation and represent life sciences, pharmaceutical, KB Home and Charles Schwab in major litigation, trial, and settlement negotiations. trials. medical device, and manufacturing companies litigations as well as professional partnerships Chang’s client representation ranges Chen’s commitment and success as an in federal and state courts around the country. and individuals. He regularly represents both from multinational corporations to limited influential leader expands well beyond her Campillo has an unparalleled track record individual and corporate clients from China, liability companies and privately held family practice. In 2017, she was appointed by the of success in high-profile cases involving Taiwan and other Pacific Rim countries as businesses, across a variety of industries. She California Supreme Court as one of its five product liability, mass torts, class actions, and well as local subsidiaries and affiliates of Asian is recognized by co-counsel and opponents appointments to the State Bar of California’s other complex litigation matters. He also has businesses. alike for her keen ability to see legal issues Board of Trustees, which protects the public considerable experience handling commercial Chan is well adept at navigating the and business decisions from her clients’ point through licensing, regulation and discipline matters. He has defended prominent unique challenges often confronted by foreign of view. She is fluent in spoken Mandarin of attorneys, promoting the ethical practice of pharmaceutical and medical device litigants in complex securities, commercial Chinese, Taiwanese, and French. Chang law and supporting efforts to achieve greater companies and other top-tier enterprises in fraud and intellectual property disputes. She litigates for corporate and entertainment access to justice. In the higher education bet-the-company litigation, often managing recently secured a significant victory on clients before state and local courts in matters industry, Chen is frequently called on by UC their national dockets and serving them as behalf of client JM Eagle, the world’s largest including: intellectual property, antitrust and to solve its most challenging issues related to lead trial counsel and as national or regional plastic pipe manufacturer. He also represents consumer class action defense. litigation matters and investigations. coordinating counsel. three Herbalife entities in a class action pending in the Southern District of Florida.

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 88 1/23/19 12:19 PM JANUARY 28, 2019 CUSTOM CONTENT - LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 89

Congratulations to all the trailblazers and changemakers recognized as

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY LAWYERS

and to our very own MOEZ KABE

HUESTON.COM

007-115_labj-fullpages20190128.indd 89 1/22/19 4:57 PM 90 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 28, 2019

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

NANCY CLAPP CARMEN J. COLE SCOTT COMMERSON MICHELLE COOKE Partner Principal Partner Partner and Co-chair, Intellectual Property Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Polsinelli LLP Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

ancy Clapp is a Real Property partner in armen Cole is a high-profile, highly cott Commerson is a litigation partner in ichelle Cooke is co-chair of Manatt’s the Los Angeles office of Davis Wright accomplished attorney at the top of her the Los Angeles office of Davis Wright intellectual property practice. Her NTremaine LLP. She has a unique practice Cfield. In her labor & employment practice, STremaine LLP. He has a diverse litigation Mwork spans many industries and regions, centered on affordable housing lending, Cole represents several of California’s major practice focused on prosecuting and defending and her client list includes Universal City advising commercial banks and other lending employers in addition to many businesses with trademark infringement, false advertising, Studios LLC (entertainment), publicly traded institutions in providing construction and national operations in the banking, trucking, and trade secret misappropriation claims. In Alliance Healthcare Services (healthcare), permanent financing for tax credit supported aerospace, entertainment, construction, retail, addition to intellectual property litigation, Yoobi LLC (consumer products) and Eurostar, affordable housing projects. Over the and real estate industries, as well as Fortune he also regularly defends companies in class Inc. (retail). She has specialized in the past ten years she has seen many shifts in 500 companies with global operations. actions brought under California’s consumer trademark and copyright arena for over 20 funding sources, and has worked arduously Cole has prior experience as an in-house protection and unfair competition laws. years. Since joining Manatt, she has extended to advise her clients on the nuances of such human resource professional working on the Commerson represents clients in state her experience in developing and executing new sources of funding and to help protect client side of issues with outside counsel. and federal courts and arbitration tribunals brand-centric legal strategies for multiple their interests in what is at times unfamiliar Her unique knowledge-base combined with across the country. He has won numerous new and existing firm clients, particularly in territory. her legal acumen have helped her build dispositive motions, and has litigated cases entertainment, multimedia and consumer Living in Los Angeles, seeing the a reputation as a “go to” attorney for the through trial, arbitration, and appeal. Some products. tent communities grow and housing costs resolution of client industry-specific, one-of-a- of his victories over the past several years A trusted partner to her clients, over the continue to rise, Clapp is proud to be a part kind employment law disputes. She provides include obtaining a preliminary injunction past year, Cooke has helped establish, guard of a professional community that strives clients with both legal strategies and practical on behalf of the Academy of Television and grow prominent brands by working with to address some of these needs. She closes advice when navigating complex employment Arts and Sciences enjoining the auction of clients such as AT&T; Credit One Bank, approximately 20 new affordable housing law issues involving state and federal anti- Whitney Houston’s Emmy statuette; and N.A.; Herbalife International Inc.; and transactions each year for a wide range of harassment and anti-discrimination statutes obtaining summary judgment on claims that Passionflix, Inc. Her work included providing commercial banks and other lenders. Some as well as claims for wrongful termination, the use of the IPANEMA trademark for global strategies to create and increase brand of her clients include Bank of America, Wells breach of contract, defamation, claims of pay sandals by a Brazilian multinational footwear value and revising those strategies to reflect Fargo Bank, U.S. Bank, MUFG Union Bank, disparity, invasion of privacy, whistleblowing manufacturer infringed the plaintiff’s use of each client’s evolving business needs. and California Community Reinvestment. and other employment related torts. the IPANEMA trademark for swimwear.

MILES COOLEY VICTOR DE LA CRUZ ROCKARD DELGADILLO MARISSA DENNIS Partner Partner and Co-chair, Land Use Practice Partner Partner DLA Piper Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP DLA Piper Allen Matkins

iles Cooley spent the formative part of leading entitlements and California ockard “Rocky” Delgadillo has more arissa M. Dennis is a litigation partner his career honing his litigation skills and Environmental Quality Act attorney, than 30 years of experience in litigation, in the Los Angeles office of Allen Msuccessfully resolving “bet the company” AVictor De la Cruz’s successful track Reconomic development transactions, and MMatkins. Her litigation practice is commercial cases for major corporate clients. record with controversial land use matters government law and public policy. Delgadillo focused on commercial, real estate and Over the past 13 years he applied those skills has led to his engagement on some of the served an eight-year tenure, the term limit, financial services litigation and she currently while handling complex dispute resolutions most politically sensitive projects in Los as the City of Los Angeles City Attorney. leads the firm’s FinTech Litigation Initiative. and sophisticated transactional matters for Angeles, many of which have played a As the city’s chief lawyer and chief criminal She commonly represents commercial entertainment and media clients on a local, prominent role in shaping and defining the prosecutor, he led more than 550 attorneys landlords, tenants and developers in a variety national and global scale. He now leverages Southern California landscape. In 2016, he who comprise the second largest municipal of breach of contract and tort actions, as well the synergies created by representing was also selected to co-chair the Central City law firm in the nation. He was the first Latino as national lenders and servicers in complex international clients in the local Los Angeles Association of Los Angeles’ Housing, Land to win citywide office in more than 100 consumer finance litigation. market for the benefit of his clients. Use and Development Committee, where years when he was elected in 2001. Running Dennis also has extensive experience Coley’s practice takes a holistic view to he just completed his two year term. He also unopposed, he was re-elected in 2005 to a representing technology companies in unfair the entertainment, music, media and sports currently serves on the Boards of Community second four-year term. competition and false advertising claims, arenas. He serves as counsel to a variety of Partners, the Mexican American Bar During his tenure as City Attorney, Delgadillo including in multiple class actions. She also entertainment and media entities, major Foundation, and Uncommon Good. implemented a number of innovative has experience representing court-appointed multinational companies and high-profile This year, De la Cruz successfully programs to further his vision of a better and permanent receivers in connection with individuals (celebrities, recording artists and represented Kilroy Realty Corp. in entitling safer Los Angeles. His top priorities included securities fraud actions. She has chaired athletes) in both dispute resolution matters its $350 million Academy Square project fighting crime, improving the quality of life numerous jury trials, bench trials, and and talent-related entertainment transactions. in Hollywood, and Athens Services with a in local neighborhoods and reducing the arbitrations, and has argued before the He has earned a reputation for being a 265,000-square-foot materials recovery facility city’s civil liabilities. In his first term, he more California Court of Appeal and federal resolution-driven advocate and a practical and transfer station in Irwindale. He also than tripled the number of gang injunctions, and state courts throughout California. In problem solver for his clients with a record of represents Mount Saint Mary’s University in contributing to a steep decline in crime in the last 24 months, Marissa has chaired six providing winning solutions both in and out its first building project in over three decades. affected areas. arbitrations involving real property disputes. of the courtroom.

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 90 1/23/19 12:19 PM JANUARY 28, 2019 CUSTOM CONTENT - LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 91

Holland & Knight congratulates all of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Most In uential Minority Attorneys,” including Holland & Knight’s own Vivian Lee Thoreen and Karl J. Lott.

Vivian Lee Thoreen Karl J. Lott Executive Partner Partner Chair, Private Wealth Services Chair, Los Angeles Diversity Dispute Resolution Team Committee Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles, CA 213.896.2482 213.896.2436

By implementing diversity-related programs and initiatives, Holland & Knight is dedicated to promoting a culture that values individual respect and dignity.

Holland & Knight is a global law rm with more than 1,300 lawyers and other professionals in 28 ofces throughout the world. We focus on the major industries and services that drive the Los Angeles marketplace, including:

• class action defense • Native American law • commercial litigation • private wealth services • construction law • product liability • corporate law • real estate, land use and development • environmental law • retail and consumer products • energy and clean technology • software, hardware and Internet • nancial services • taxation • gaming and casino • technology • hospitality and resort development • telecommunications and media • intellectual property • transportation • labor and employment • white collar and compliance • local, state and federal government advocacy

Mans eld RuleTM Certi cation 2018 Americas Women in Business The American Lawyer magazine Recognized as one of only 27 rms to earn the Law Awards High rankings in ALM’s 2018 Diversity Mans eld Certi ed Plus 2018 designation Named “Best Firm for Diversity” in Scorecard where women and minority lawyers represent North America in recognition of the rm’s at least 30 percent of a signicant number of culture of diversity and inclusion in the rm leadership roles and committees workplace and “Best in the U.S. West” for its support of women attorneys

www.hklaw.com

007-115_labj-fullpages20190128.indd 91 1/23/19 9:54 AM 92 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 28, 2019

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

AMBER FINCH ALFRED FRAIJO, JR. TERRENCE M. FRANKLIN STEPHEN M. GARCIA Partner Partner Partner Founding Partner Reed Smith LLP Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP Sacks, Glazier, Franklin & Lodise LLP Garcia & Artigliere

mber Finch is a partner in Reed Smith’s s a partner and member of the Executive errence Franklin has developed a rior to founding Garcia & Artigliere, Los Angeles office and currently is the Committee at Sheppard Mullin, Alfred reputation as a leading trusts and estates Stephen Garcia was trying criminal cases ADiversity Chair leading diversity and AFraijo constantly works to ensure Tattorney in his nearly 30 years of practice, Pout of his office in Manhattan Beach when inclusion efforts for the Red Smith downtown that both his law firm and the larger legal handling the most complex, high-value cases. he took on an elder abuse case on behalf of Los Angeles office. A member of the firm’s industry are diverse and inclusive. He is the He is responsible for several published appeals a Hispanic family whose mother was being Insurance Recovery Group since joining first openly gay equity partner to serve on and the landmark Moeller v. Superior Court abused in a long-term health care facility. As in 2011, Finch has quickly become a go-to the firm’s Executive Committee, which is case, which was brought before the California a Hispanic lawyer, Garcia empathized with lawyer for resolving disputes with insurance charged with the overall administration and Supreme Court and established a fiduciary the family, who was being ignored by the companies. With her commercial litigation strategic direction of the firm. He helped exception to the attorney-client privilege facility because they didn’t speak English, and environmental background, she has develop initiatives that support LGBT+ for successor trustees. Franklin was also and he knew he had to help. It was the first recovered hundreds of millions of dollars partners and associates at the firm and ensure counsel in: Giammarrusco v. Simon, which case he tried under the elder abuse statute, in insurance proceeds for her commercial greater retention and promotion initiatives addressed whether a no contest clause barred and he won. Given his strong desire to seek clients. She helps her clients negotiate better are implemented. He is a member of the an attempt to reform a trust document due to justice for these victims and many others, he insurance coverage on the front end, tender firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, a scrivener’s error; Estate of Cleveland, which refocused his practice to do just that. and collect on insurance claims, and litigate which focuses on expanding diversity addressed the rights of inheritance for foster Now, representing plaintiffs for more than insurance cases. recruiting efforts, increasing the retention and and stepchildren under the California Probate 30 years in thousands of elder/dependent Finch’s environmental experience includes promotion of women and diverse attorneys, Code; Estate of Richter, which held that a adult abuse, nursing home neglect and the representation of landowners, tenants, and enhancing diversity and inclusion in firm proposed action to determine a surviving wrongful death cases, Garcia has served as and other operators of property on a variety management. spouse’s community property interest would counsel on behalf of consumers throughout of hazardous waste, water, air, and other Fraijo dedicates much of his life outside of not violate a no-contest clause in a decedent’s the United States in matters resulting in more environmental impact issues. Finch also the office to working with community-based will. than $1.25 billion in settlements and jury defends her clients in private cost recovery organizations. He utilizes his high-caliber Regularly recognized by leading lists and verdicts. actions brought under CERCLA and RCRA. experience to support the development and awards, Franklin was ranked by Chambers and sustainability of organizations that are trying Partners’ High Net Worth guide in the Private to support low-income communities. Wealth Law category for the past two years.

LISA GILFORD JOSEPH A. GUARDARRAMA PATRICK HARDER NICKY JATANA Partner Partner Partner, Chair–Infrastructure Practice Group Principal Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Kaufman Legal Group Nossaman LLP Jackson Lewis P.C.

isa Gilford is consistently recognized as oe Guardarrama joined Kaufman Legal ver the past several years, Patrick Harder icky Jatana is a Principal in the Los one of the leading complex civil litigators Group in 2011, bringing a unique blend of – Chair of Nossaman’s Infrastructure Angeles office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Lin California. Her practice is focused Jprivate practice experience and service as OPractice Group – has served as lead NHer practice focuses on employment on class actions, products liability law and a public official to the firm’s Governmental counsel to public agencies on some of the litigation, as well as on advising employers jury trials. She represents several major Ethics, Campaign Finance, and Election largest, most innovative, and most technically regarding daily workplace issues. She is a members of the automotive, pharmaceutical, Law practices. At Kaufman Legal complex Public-Private Partnership (P3) Certified Information Privacy Professional communications, oil and gas, aerospace and Group, Guardarrama advises candidates, projects in Los Angeles and nationally. (CIPP) with the International Association of chemical manufacturing industries and has officeholders, political action committees, Currently, he is serving as the lead attorney Privacy Professionals (IAPP). earned a reputation as a “go-to” lawyer for independent expenditure committees, major for the City of Los Angeles/Los Angeles Jatana has experience with litigation companies facing their most challenging and donors, lobbyists, and corporations regarding World Airports (LAWA) Landside Access involving wrongful termination, significant issues. As well, superb advocacy all legal aspects of their involvement with the Modernization Program (LAMP), a massive discrimination, harassment, breach of skills have played a pivotal role in shaping political process at the state and local levels. $6 billion-plus overhaul/modernization contract, wage and hour, preventive the outcome of numerous class actions Prior to joining the firm, Guardarrama of LAX, and the largest P3 program ever advice and training, and other labor and nationwide. Gilford has been engaged by served as a Planning Commissioner in the undertaken by the City. employment-related matters. She has litigated an impressive roster of clients who have City of West Hollywood for over seven years. This approximately $5 billion project is numerous wage and hour class and multi- positioned her at the forefront of weighty During his tenure on the Commission, he the core of the LAMP project, and will ease plaintiff actions and has trial experience. litigation. She is also highly experienced at presided over its meetings as both Chair transit throughout LAX, while connecting Jatana conducts training seminars and defending class action lawsuits through the and Vice Chair, and dealt with complicated the Airport with the Crenshaw Metro station frequently speaks publicly on a multitude class certification process and trial. land use policy matters. He has extensive and allowing travelers to take the train of employment law topics. Her experience Gilford received the J. Michael Brown experience with land use, zoning, and directly into LAX for the first time. This will includes handling employment matters from Award from DuPont in 2008 for her personal planning issues, as well as with the California significantly improve access to LAX, and both in-house counsel and outside counsel commitment to diversity, recruiting and Environmental Quality Act. He managed enhance how 75 million travelers experience perspectives. She practices in both state and mentoring in the legal profession. the Democratic Party’s on-the-ground post- the nation’s second busiest airport. Harder’s federal court and also before such tribunals election vote canvass in Orange County, mother is from Jalisco, Mexico, where he as the United States Equal Employment ensuring that all votes were properly counted. spent much of his early childhood. Opportunity Commission.

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 92 1/23/19 12:19 PM JANUARY 28, 2019 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 93

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

MARK JONES MOEZ M. KABA TEDDY KAPUR NISHA KANCHANAPOOMI Partner Partner Partner Partner Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Hueston Hennigan LLP Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP Kirkland & Ellis LLP

ark Jones is a recognized authority oez Kaba has assumed leading roles on eddy M. Kapur is a Partner at Pachulski isha Kanchanapoomi is a corporate in the design and administration of cases and in trials, which have led to a Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP, the nation’s partner in Kirkland & Ellis’ nationally Mcompensation and benefit programs Mstring of notable victories for high- Tlargest corporate restructuring Nrecognized Debt Finance Practice Group. for senior executives and other employees. profile clients. As a diverse, young attorney, boutique. As a Partner at PSZJ, Kapur Recently ranked “Finance Firm of the Year,” He provides strategic counsel to public and Kaba is quickly becoming a trusted advisor, is actively involved in the nation’s most Kanchanapoomi is an integral piece of private corporations and senior executives serving as co-lead or second chair on the high profile insolvencies. He represents Kirkland’s premier Los Angeles team that on deferred compensation, stock awards, firm’s most significant matters, including the debtors, creditors’ committees, trustees, serves over 50 private equity sponsors and retirement benefits and severance pay. He Navajo Nation’s environmental suit against assignees and asset purchasers in chapter portfolio companies and serves as counsel in has particular experience with international the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 11 corporate bankruptcies, chapter 9 an unmatched volume of transactions. compensation, banking regulations and IMDb.com’s First Amendment suit against municipal bankruptcies, assignments for the Kanchanapoomi’s practice focuses on California blue sky laws. Jones frequently the State of California, and multiple lawsuits benefit of creditors, and other out-of-court all aspects of debt financing transactions, handles executive compensation and facing the State Bar of California. restructurings. including the representation of private equity employee benefit issues that arise in M&As, Kaba previously served as the Secretary of PSZJ perennially ranks as the law firm sponsors, hedge funds, public and private spinoffs, IPOs and financings. the Board of Directors for Equality California handling the most creditor committee and companies and alternative capital sources Among his matters in the past 12 months and continues to dedicate considerable time debtor engagements. Kapur has played an in complex financing transactions ranging was his work representing AT&T Services to pro bono work. He represented Equality integral role in PSZJ cases that have been from leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, in the multi-billion dollar acquisition of California in challenging the constitutionality awarded the “Mid-Size Company Turnaround restructurings to other special situation various providers of entertainment content of California’s ban on same-sex marriage of the Year” by the Turnaround Management transactions. She also advises major high for its subsidiary Warner Media, which closed in the United States Supreme Court. For Association and “Reorganization of the Year end retailers in connection with financings in August, 2018. He also advised Chevron several years, he represented various women’s Award” by The M&A Advisor. He recently and liability management transactions and Corporation on the global rollout of its stock rights groups in cases challenging the handled the real estate restructuring of The has negotiated and closed transactions in incentive plan into 28 jurisdictions; and constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Source at Beach LLC. Kapur and his PSZJ a diverse group of industries that are on restructured the $460 million pension plan Act (DOMA) and state bans on same-sex team were able to restructure the terms of the pulse of the culture here in California, of a major defense contractor to reduce and marriage. over $125 million of existing debt and save including technology, energy, retail, stabilize annual funding expenses. the company from bankruptcy. entertainment, media and healthcare.

Thompson Coburn For ten consecutive years, Thompson congratulates partner Coburn has earned a Jennifer Post for her perfect score of 100 points on the Human recognition among the Rights Campaign (HRC) Most Inﬂ uential Minority Corporate Equality Index and Best Places Attorneys in Los Angeles. to Work Survey.

TOTAL COMMITMENT to Diversity & Inclusion Jennifer Post Corporate Finance & Securities

thompsoncoburn.com

LABJ Ad Minority Attorney_v1_3318.indd 1 1/22/19 4:09 PM

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 93 1/23/19 12:20 PM 94 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 28, 2019

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

STEPHEN KING EMILY KUWAHARA SALVADOR (SAL) P. LAVIÑA IRENE Y. LEE Trial Lawyer Partner Partner Partner Carpenter, Zuckerman, & Rowley Crowell & Moring LLP Barnes & Thornburg LLP Russ August & Kabat

tephen A. King is a reputable and rom large corporations to leading alvador P. LaViña is a partner in Barnes rene Y. Lee is a partner at Russ August & seasoned trial lawyer with over 100 jury institutions, clients turn to Crowell & Thornburg’s Los Angeles office. A Kabat, where she focuses her practice on all Strials to verdict. His passion for justice F& Moring partner Emily T. Kuwahara Smember of the Real Estate Department, Iaspects of intellectual property, including has led him to obtaining several million to litigate their complex disputes. She LaViña has nearly 30 years’ experience patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, and dollar jury verdicts including serving as a has represented clients in appeals, class working on complex transactions and IP licensing. She has extensive experience lead trial lawyer on a team of lawyers who actions, government investigations, unfair providing strategic advice to his clients. He in trademark and copyright prosecution, obtained the largest non-economic damages competition actions, and breach of contract has supervised or closed transactions totaling litigation, and licensing with an emphasis verdict in Riverside County of $40 million actions, resulting in satisfied clients and the billions of dollars in several states across the on global brand expansion and management in 2015. His other recent successes include a recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars. U.S., and nearly $10 billion in transactions through strategic trademark and copyright $1.1 million verdict against the Los Angeles In September, she was recognized among since the economic downturn in 2008. He protection and enforcement programs. In Sheriff’s Department for First Amendment the National Asian Pacific American Bar advises clients in virtually all areas of real addition, as a registered patent attorney, Irene violations in 2015 and a record-setting $3.1 Association’s (NAPABA) 2018 Best Lawyers estate, including acquisitions and sales, joint employs her patent prosecution experience million verdict against the Los Angeles Under 40 for achieving prominence and ventures, multifamily transactions, complex in strategizing patent litigation and licensing County Department of Children and Family distinction in her field. 1031 exchanges and tenant-in-common issues. Services in 2016 for Fourteenth Amendment Most notably, Kuwahara was part of a transactions, real estate fund formation, Lee represents clients in a wide range violations. Crowell & Moring team that obtained several development, public-private and multistate of industries, including jewelry, fashion, King is also a founding instructor at Trojan great results for The Regents of the University matters. automobile, entertainment, advertising, Horse Method where he travels across the of California over the span of seven years. In a In the corporate realm, he focuses on pharmaceutical, integrated circuits, security country teaching lawyers trial presentation dispute relating to the licensing of compounds mid-market mergers and acquisitions, stock and surveillance, housewares, baby products, skills and is also a graduate of the Gerry to treat prostate cancer, the team first obtained and asset transactions, fund formation, and food and beverages. Clients from varying Spence Trial Lawyers College. a summary judgment win for The Regents on syndication, and private placements. LaViña industries seek and heed her advice and her breach of contract claims, followed by a bench represents family offices, investors and peers respect her opinion because of her trial win for declaratory relief, securing future entrepreneurs. He also counsels clients on considered and precise legal analysis balanced payments of $32 million from the licensee, complex workouts, crisis management, as well against her practical and pragmatic approach Medivation, Inc. to The Regents. as with investor and LLC disputes. to legal problems with real-life solutions.

CZR Congratulates LA’s Most Influential Minority Attorneys

Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 94 1/23/19 12:20 PM JANUARY 28, 2019 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 95

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

KARL J. LOTT STEPHEN Y. MA KEVIN MASUDA MARCELLUS MCRAE Partner Partner Partner Partner Holland & Knight LLP Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae LLP Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

arl J. Lott is a partner in the Real Estate teve Ma, Partner with Early Sullivan evin Masuda, co-chair of Gibson Dunn’s arcellus McRae is a member of Gibson Group of Holland & Knight, based in the Wright Gizer & McRae, LLP, has a Media, Entertainment and Technology Dunn’s White Collar Defense and Kfirm’s Los Angeles office, and is the chair Svast, high profile litigation practice Kand Betting and Gaming practice groups, MInvestigations, Government Contracts, of the office’s Diversity Committee. Lott has as evidenced by several recent, notable regularly represents content companies, Media, Entertainment and Technology, and 28 years of experience as a commercial real achievements on behalf of well-known including motion picture studios and music International Trade Practice Groups. His estate attorney, and his practice focuses on all clients. He successfully defended Warner/ companies, technology companies, gaming litigation and white-collar criminal defense aspects of commercial real estate transactions, Chappell Music, Inc. against fraud and companies, private equity funds, sports and practices focus on a wide variety of business including real estate finance (representing copyright infringement claims filed by a talent agencies, and other clients in various disputes, internal investigations, and criminal lenders, borrowers and joint ventures, and plaintiff songwriter against the publishing types of business transactions, including prosecutions including defense of individuals representing lending entities established to behemoth regarding compositions covered by mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporations in cases involving participate in the EB-5 immigration program), The Rolling Stones and George Thorogood & investments, restructurings, public and private allegations of: financial fraud, False Claims acquisitions and dispositions, and leasing. The Destroyers. He also achieved a summary securities offerings, licensing agreements, Act violations, public corruption, violations In the past 12-18 months, Lott has judgment on behalf of East West Bank against sponsorships, and other strategic agreements. of federal and state environmental laws, negotiated a number of complex leases, liens and related claims in connection with Masuda works with some of the highest health care fraud, wrongful death, criminal including representing the landlord of an a $30 million hotel development project. profile names in the sector. Among his recent antitrust violations, and other matters. office building in San Francisco in a lease Further, he is currently defending tech- deals are advising MGM Resorts International McRae also represents and advises of 10 floors of the building to a technology hardware leader Glass Apps against wrongful in its 50/50 joint venture with GVC Holdings employers in wrongful termination, company; working on a major restaurant lease termination and employment claims, and PLC to create a leading U.S. sports betting retaliation, and whistleblower claims. He has in Beverly Hills; assisting a property owner defending blockchain innovator MetaXchain and interactive gaming platform and the first chaired numerous jury trials, bench trials, in restructuring the leases on an industrial against contractual claims. Hugh M. Hefner 1991 Trust in connection and arbitrations in both federal and state property to position the property for sale; Ma serves as trial counsel and a trusted with the sale of the Trust’s shares in Playboy. courts. From 1995 through 1998, he served as and conducting all the leasing on a number legal advisor to other billion-dollar public Masuda also represented Ladder LLC an Assistant United States Attorney with the of office buildings and shopping centers in companies, private investment firms, in its formation, licensing, commercial Criminal Division, Major Frauds Section, of various locations in California. entertainment companies, and cutting-edge arrangements, and capital raise through 2017 the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. start-ups. and 2018.

DIVERSITY INCLUSION IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our success. Congratulations to Nancy Clapp and Scott Commerson for being named “Most Inﬂuential Minority Attorneys”

DWT.COM/DIVERSITY

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 95 1/23/19 12:20 PM 96 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 28, 2019

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

HAMID R. NAMAZIE KRISTEN J. NESBIT PHILIP NULUD SAMUEL PARK Partner Partner Senior Counsel Partner McGuireWoods LLP Fisher Phillips LLP Buchalter, P.C. Alston & Bird LLP

amid Namazie represents Bank of s a partner in Fisher Phillips’ Los Angeles hilip Nulud is Senior Counsel in am Park is a litigator in Alston & Bird’s America (BofA) in some of its biggest and office, Kristen Nesbit plays a major Buchalter’s Los Angeles office and Los Angeles office. He has more than Hmost innovative financing deals and has Arole in defending employers against Pa member of the firm’s Intellectual Sa decade of experience representing played a lead role in crafting legislation coast- discrimination and wrongful termination Property Practice Group. Nulud focuses companies in high-stakes class actions, to-coast that could impact the commercial claims and wage and hour matters, from case his practice on counseling clients in all complex commercial cases and arbitrations, lending landscape in the years to come. inception through trial. She is a trusted, aspects of intellectual property, including: and regulatory matters. He has spent his When BofA first considered establishing strategic partner to her clients, which range domestic and international trademarks, career effectively and efficiently guiding international asset-based credit facilities from Fortune 500 companies to privately patent and copyright prosecution, strategy, clients through all phases of class actions. a decade ago, they needed a lawyer with held, billion-dollar companies to public enforcement, licensing, marketing, policy, Sam understands the complexities and costs the necessary skills and acumen. Namazie entities, providing legal advice and creative and social media issues. He is regularly called associated with litigating class actions and stepped in and advised BofA on its first-ever resolutions that have led to favorable, upon by his colleagues to represent their the ever-changing landscape of class action multijurisdictional asset-based financing informal outcomes and helped them avoid clients, and they often turn to him for sound law. He has defeated class actions on the deal, which involved lending to Targus potentially headline-worthy scandals. intellectual property counsel. Nulud also merits and at the certification stage and Corporation in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Nesbit’s triumphs in the labor and publishes articles on these topics in various has implemented strategies for clients that Singapore and Taiwan. employment arena, combined with her publications, intellectual property blogs, and have significantly reduced exposure before The success of that deal paved the way for active community involvement, prestigious Buchalter’s website. He regularly lectures settlement. Namazie, who now handles many of BofA’s award recognitions and commitment to in undergraduate and law school classes, Park has served as counsel for clients in a most important and challenging international championing diversity, establish Nesbit as and hosts round tables for the International wide range of industries, including insurance, lending transactions. For example, he recently a leader in the legal industry and one of the Trademark Association. financial services, wealth management, represented the bank in a high-profile, $1.6 most influential lawyers in Los Angeles. Having successfully represented clients life sciences, marketing, beverage, food billion credit facility that provided the Within the firm, Nesbit stands out as a in high-stakes intellectual property litigation processing, and nutritional supplements. multinational toy and game manufacturer, powerhouse lawyer, capable of handling the in both Federal and California state courts, His extensive experience includes helping Mattel, Inc. with cash infusions in Spain, most high-stakes cases. She is co-chair of the Nulud has also assisted clients with complex clients defend against claims for violations Germany, the Netherlands, France, Canada firm’s California litigation practice group. infringement and counterfeiting matters of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt and the U.S. domestically and worldwide. Organizations Act, among others.

Venable Celebrates William J. Briggs, II and Belinda Martinez Vega 2019 Most Influential Minority Attorneys We are delighted to recognize the outstanding work of our colleagues, and thank them for their service to our clients, and to the Los Angeles community.

2049 Century Park East, Suite 2300, Los Angeles, CA | Attorney advertising.

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 96 1/23/19 12:20 PM JANUARY 28, 2019 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 97

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

JENNIFER POST ASHE P. PURI ELSA RAMO ANGELA REDDOCK-WRIGHT Partner Partner Founder & Managing Partner Founding & Managing Partner Thompson Coburn LLP Fox Rothschild LLP Ramo Law, P.C. Reddock Law Group

s a partner with Thompson Coburn, she Puri is a Partner in the Los Angeles lsa Ramo represented over 90 films and 15 ngela Reddock-Wright is the Founding Jennifer Post serves as primary outside office of Fox Rothschild LLP, a national television series in 2017 alone, including & Managing Attorney of the Reddock Acounsel to a variety of individuals, Alaw firm, and a remarkably accomplished E14 that debuted at the Sundance Film ALaw Group, a boutique employment law institutions and companies, including patent lawyer with more than 15 years of Festival in 2018. She provides comprehensive firm based in downtown Los Angeles. She entrepreneurs, venture capital firms and experience litigating and counseling clients in legal services to producers, financiers, creators was installed as President of the Southern emerging companies, as well as domestic and the electronics, software and medical device and owners of film, television and digital California Mediation Association (SCMA), international public companies. Her practice sectors. He currently serves as Co-President of content and projects across a range of budgets at the SCMA’s 30th Annual Conference last encompasses all areas of general corporate and the South Asian Bar Association of Southern and production levels. She established her November. Reddock-Wright was hired securities law, including private placements California (SABA-SC) and Secretary of own law firm to enable filmmakers and to oversee compliance for contractor and of equity and debt securities, mergers and the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law producers to bring their stories to life. local worker diversity and inclusion for acquisitions, and venture capital fund Association. He also has served on the Ramo’s leadership within the legal the Los Angeles World Airports/LAX $5 formation. She is a member of Thompson Board of Governors of the Asian Pacific and entertainment communities extends Billion Dollar Landside Modernization Coburn’s Management Committee and American Bar Association of Los Angeles beyond her successful Beverly Hills firm. Access Modernization Program (LAMP), a founded the firm’s Blockchain Technology for the past two years and as a Board Advisor She dedicates substantial time to mentoring construction and infrastructure program to and Digital Currency practice. (and past Board member) of the Public women though various organizations. rebuild, renovate and modernize LAX. Dedicated to helping other LGBTQ Interest Foundation of the South Asian Bar Additionally, Ramo is a go-to commentator Reddock-Wright continues to work professionals succeed, Post founded FSIX Association of Southern California, a 501(c) and instructor on legal issues related to film with the Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA Advisors Circle, a networking and resource (3) organization. financing and the entertainment market. on overhauling and updating their sexual group for LGBTQ professionals in the In his current practice, Puri recently She founded the firm in 2005 on the harassment reporting protocols for its financial industry. Additionally, she serves won summary judgment for his client, the Universal Studios backlot after several clients members. She also continues to be a leader as a member of the Steering Committee of Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute approached her to handle their independent in advocating for Project Labor Agreements StartOut LA, which provides resources and (LA BioMed) in a protracted dispute with a productions. Now as managing partner to on public and private sector construction and mentorship to LGBTQ entrepreneurs in research that included claims related to the the firm, she handles client matters as well as infrastructure projects. Reddock-Wright also technology and related industries. imminent construction of a state-of-the-art manages the firm’s attorneys and packaging serves on the Los Angeles County Equity research facility. and sales department. Oversight Panel (CEOP).

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 97 1/23/19 12:20 PM 98 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 28, 2019

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

EKWAN E. RHOW FRED A. ROWLEY, JR. EUGENE RYU CHRISTIAN SCALI Principal Name Partner Shareholder Managing Partner Bird, Marella, Boxer, Wolpert, Nessim, Drooks, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP Littler Mendelson, P.C. Scali Rasmussen Lincenberg & Rhow, P.C. red A. Rowley, Jr., who is Filipino ene Ryu is one of Littler’s rainmakers and hristian Scali has devoted his 20 year legal recent inductee of the American College American, stands apart from his peers diversity champions. Representing major career to representing automotive dealers of Trial Lawyers, Name Principal Ekwan Fas a legal advocate and thought leader Gemployers throughout the country, Ryu Cand other key players in the automotive AE. Rhow has first-chaired more than 30 in the legal profession. Consistently ranked works with clients on a wide variety of matters industry. He serves as outside general counsel cases, winning verdicts covering a diverse as a leading appellate lawyer in multiple in all areas of labor and employment law. to many automotive groups/companies set of industries including healthcare, publications, Rowley is a member of the This year, some of his client accomplishments around the country, who seek his counsel on a technology, banking, entertainment and real California Academy of Appellate Lawyers. He include obtaining a complete defense ruling wide range of legal issues including litigation, estate. His in-depth knowledge, tenacity is a former Assistant United States Attorney in a contentious race discrimination case for commercial transactions, legislative analysis and commitment to clients has brought in the Central District of California, where a national client; handling multiple class and and regulatory compliance. him much success, as well as an impressive he handled criminal appeals. During the collective actions on wage and hour matters; Scali is also a realist and pioneer in forging roster of clientele that includes California last 12-18 months, Rowley has won several and assisting several international clients to the path to change what is often perceived as companies, such as Vizio, JM Eagle, Newegg important cases – including scoring a legal streamline their employment agreements and “unethical” and “non compliant” conduct in and Hanmi Bank; Fortune 500 companies, trifecta in the July/August 2018 timeframe, in policies to be consistent across the globe. He the car business. He co-founded a compliance such as Western Digital and Aramark; which he won major appeals in the California is also on the forefront of litigating multiple and ethics company designed to mentor and international conglomerates, such as Supreme Court as well as the Second and cases alleging independent contractor dealerships on internal policies, programs and Samsung, CJ Entertainment & Media and Ninth Circuits. misclassification within the “gig” economy. processes so that ethical corporate culture, Hyundai. Not only were Rowley’s victories With tech start-ups as a major segment compliance and best practices are staples Rhow recently scored a major victory as important to the firm’s clients, but they of his client base, Ryu was instrumental of the business. The first of its kind in the lead counsel for multiple claimants in the also involved vastly different industries and in developing an innovative technology industry, the compliance and ethics program high profile 1Malaysia Development Berhad areas of the law. To prevail, Rowley had to solution – Littler’s X-celerator toolkit – to is adopted by a number of local dealerships case where he defeated the government’s demonstrate both persuasive lawyering and support emerging companies in building and setting the bar in California. Among his attempt to forfeit the assets by default. Rhow deep technical mastery of several distinct sets maintaining their workforce. Ryu is co-chair successes, he recently favorably resolved represents Hyundai Motor America in a new of issues. These are skills he has developed in of Littler’s Ohana Affinity Group and serves franchise dispute with luxury automobile class action. arguing more than 50 appeals and serving as on the board of the firm’s Diversity and manufacturer for a $1 billion luxury auto lead counsel in many more. Inclusion Council. dealer group.

McGuireWoods celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Congratulations to our partners Sabrina A. Beldner and Hamid R. Namazie and the other honorees in the Los Angeles legal community on this recognition.

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 98 1/23/19 12:21 PM JANUARY 28, 2019 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 99

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

ARTIN SHAVERDIAN AMY F. SOLOMON ELIZABETH SPERLING PAUL W. SWEENEY, JR. Partner Partner Partner Partner Nossaman LLP Girardi Keese Alston & Bird LLP K&L Gates LLP

rtin Shaverdian is a Partner in the my Fisch Solomon, a partner with lizabeth Sperling is a partner in Alston & aul Sweeney’s practice focuses on complex Eminent Domain and Valuation Group Girardi | Keese, specializes in the areas of Bird’s Los Angeles office and co-chair of business disputes, both individual and class Ain Nossaman’s Los Angeles office. Aprofessional liability, products liability and Ethe firm’s California Diversity Committee. Paction, involving breach of contract, unfair He represents public agencies, business catastrophic injury. She is a Past President She focuses her practice on providing counsel, business practices, false advertising, consumer entities and individuals in a broad range of of the Consumer Attorneys Association of advice, and representation to clients in the fraud, trade regulation, and privacy violations. commercial and real estate related disputes. Los Angeles (CAALA), the largest local areas of business litigation, financial services, He recently won a motion to dismiss a In addition to his civil litigation practice, plaintiffs bar association in the nation. She products liability, toxic torts, and real estate class action complaint on behalf of clients Shaverdian specializes in eminent domain/ has successfully tried over 45 jury and bench litigation. She represents corporations, Starbucks and PepsiCo, in a nationwide inverse condemnation and other valuation- trials in both State and Federal courts, and partnerships, and business owners in a consumer class action alleging that Starbucks related litigation. obtained numerous seven and eight figure broad range of litigation matters involving Doubleshot ready-to-drink beverages do not He is widely recognized as an expert in verdicts and settlements on behalf of her class actions, business torts, false and unfair contain two shots of Starbucks brand espresso California in eminent domain and inverse clients. business practices and related consumer and, consequently, the products are falsely condemnation matters and publishes and Solomon is on the Board of Directors protection actions, unfair debt collection advertised. The decision is shaping the law of speaks regularly on right of way acquisition for the Inner City Law Center, the Western practices, and intellectual property litigation. false advertising and consumer deception. and valuation related issues. In addition to Justice Center and the Consumer Attorneys Sperling has extensive experience In July 2017, he obtained a major victory representing clients in litigation matters, of California. She sits on the Los Angeles representing financial services institutions for Compass Group, USA in Los Angeles he also provides strategic advice and County Bar Central Civil Bench/Bar Liaison such as mortgage servicers and reverse federal court. The judge granted a motion for counseling to his clients to creatively resolve Committee, the LACBA Presidents Advisory mortgage lenders in defense of foreclosure summary judgment in favor of Compass and or proactively avoid disputes. Recently, Committee on Women in The Legal actions (wrongful foreclosure, violations of The Hershey Company in an action alleging Shaverdian has assisted the City of Los Profession and the LACBA Complex Court the California Homeowner Bill of Rights, antitrust violations, unfair competition, and Angeles/Los Angeles World Airports with Committee. Solomon is a Commissioner HAMP). She also represents clients in class intentional interference with contract. The acquisition of properties and advised on real for the California State Bar serving on the action, products liability, and complex toxic case is one of the few price discrimination property matters related to the $6 billion Judicial Evaluation Nominee Committee. tort cases involving serious personal injuries cases decided under the California Cartwright Landside Access Modernization Program to and wrongful death claims. Act where there is a written judicial decision. ease access in and out of LAX airport.

Ashe P. Puri Congratulations to our Most Inﬂuential Minority Attorneys

Daniel Wu

www.foxrothschild.com

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 99 1/23/19 12:21 PM 100 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 28, 2019

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

VIVIAN LEE THOREEN JULIA TRANKIEM ELLISEN S. TURNER ALBERT VALENCIA Executive Partner, Chair of Private Wealth Services Partner Partner Partner Dispute Resolution Team Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP Irell & Manella LLP Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP Holland & Knight LLP ulia Trankiem’s clients recognize her ne of the few African-American leaders l Valencia’s practice is focused on real olland & Knight’s Private Wealth as a go-to practitioner in California on of an Am Law 200 firm, Ellisen Turner, estate transactional matters. His clients Services practice is among the largest Ja range of workplace-related matters, Oformer managing partner of Irell & Ainclude developers, operators, private Hsuch practices in the United States. including significant, high-stakes employment Manella LLP, maintains a robust practice equity investors, and commercial banks in Vivian Lee Thoreen is the executive partner class actions and single and multi-plaintiff focused on intellectual property law, with a broad range of real estate transactions, of Holland & Knight’s Los Angeles office litigation. Her practice is distinctive in an emphasis on patent litigation and IP including acquisitions and dispositions, and chairs the firm’s national Private Wealth that she has also represented employers transactions. Along with his dedication to joint ventures and syndications, commercial Services Dispute Resolution Team. She has in complex employee benefits litigation, client work, he has long been involved in leasing, financing, loan modifications, been first chair in numerous high-value and namely “stock drop” class actions brought recommending strategies and initiatives workouts and restructurings. Clients look to high-profile estate and fiduciary disputes. under the Employee Retirement Income geared at advancing minorities in the firm and Valencia for his experience in a broad range Thoreen represented the late actor Mickey Security Act (ERISA). She understands that the legal profession. of real estate asset classes including multi- Rooney and his court-appointed conservator employment litigation throughout California Turner has helped clients secure victories family, office, retail, mixed-use, and industrial and executor in an elder abuse action against presents serious risks, especially when damage in patent litigations that have led to more properties. He regularly represents clients Rooney’s stepson and stepson’s wife that multipliers, penalties and various other than $5 billion in total client compensation. in forming joint ventures and syndications, garnered national media attention. As a remedies available under California law are An IP strategist who combines business negotiating structured finance transactions result of the Rooney case, Holland & Knight’s considered. As a result, she develops and sets acumen with a deep understanding of the law (including obtaining CMBS loans, mezzanine Trusts, Private Wealth Services Dispute a strategic charge, striving to position matters in the field, he has completed more than $600 debt, and preferred equity), and assisting Resolution Team founded The Mickey for the most effective and efficient outcome. million in patent licenses and IP transactions property owners in asset management. Rooney Elder Abuse Pro Bono Project, which Trankiem understands that clients this year alone. Among his work, Turner lead Valencia is an active member and helps protect senior citizens from becoming with operations in California often need a team that represented Technicolor in the panelist for Filipinos in Institutional Real victims of financial abuse. Thoreen served business-savvy legal advice to help them July 2018 sale of its patent licensing business Estate, and is a regular speaker to students at on the board of governors of the Southern navigate complex California as well as federal to InterDigital, Inc. for a total valuation of UCLA’s Riordan Scholars program. Recent California Korean American Bar Association employment law issues and avoid litigation. $475 million, including an upfront payment transactions include his work leading the sale and is an active member of the National of $150 million. of Regent Towers (158,728 square foot office Asian Pacific American Bar Association. building in Dallas).

Diverse. Inclusive. Supportive.

Kirkland & Ellis proudly congratulates our partner and colleague Nisha Kanchanapoomi

on being named among the 2019 Most Influential Minority Attorneys in Los Angeles.

Learn about Kirkland diversity initiatives at www.kirkland.com/diversity We salute you.

Manatt is proud to congratulate our partners Michelle Cooke and Victor De la Cruz on being named among the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Most Influential Minority Attorneys.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, llp manatt.com

Kirkland & Ellis LLP | 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 +1 213 680 8400 | Attorney Advertising

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 100 1/23/19 12:21 PM JANUARY 28, 2019 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 101

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

BENJAMIN VALENCIA II BELINDA MARTINEZ VEGA BENJAMIN T. WANG BART H. WILLIAMS Partner Partner Partner Partner Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP Venable LLP Russ August & Kabat Proskauer Rose LLP

enjamin Valencia II is a partner at Meyer, elinda Martinez Vega is a partner in en Wang is a partner at Russ August art Williams is one of the nation’s most Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP (MOLM) Venable LLP’s Los Angeles office. She & Kabat. He is a member of the firm’s sought after trial lawyers, with experience Band certified as a Specialist in Family Bfocuses on complex commercial litigation, Bgeneral litigation, intellectual property Bin a wide array of commercial litigation Law by the Board of Legal Specialization including matters involving unfair business litigation, trial and appellate groups. His as well as white collar criminal defense and of the State of California, a distinction just practices, securities litigation, intellectual practice focuses on representing clients in internal corporate investigations. He has .55 percent of the state’s attorneys achieve. property, contract disputes, and fraud. Vega complex business and intellectual property served as lead trial counsel for top companies Working exclusively in family law since 2001, also counsels clients on corporate compliance disputes, particularly in patent and trade facing the most significant litigation that Valencia has helped establish MOLM as one and conducts internal investigations in secret trials and appeals. could make or break their business. A of the nation’s most respected firms working response to government inquiries and During the last 18 months, Wang has member of the American College of Trial in the arena of high-asset and high-conflict allegations of misconduct. served as lead trial counsel in a patent jury Lawyers, Williams has an impressive list of family law matters. Valencia has extensive This past year, Vega was actively involved trial that resulted in a verdict in favor of his victories under his belt in jury and bench experience and expertise in all aspects of in advising a commercial real estate client client on all issues and damages; argued and trials throughout the United States. family law including high-conflict custody in a dispute over a potential breach of an won an appeal before the Federal Circuit Williams has also served as an assistant disputes, cases involving substance abuse and agreement by an educational institution, Court of Appeals resulting in one of only 10 U.S. attorney in the Central District of domestic violence, and divorces with complex successfully resulting in the client obtaining precedential decisions at that time upholding California where he concentrated on complex financial issues. Fluent in Spanish, he has a favorable settlement and a new transaction patent eligibility after the Supreme Court’s criminal prosecutions involving allegations of combined his language and legal skills in deal that was more favorable. She also ruling in Alice v. CLS Bank; successfully fraud or other business crimes, racketeering several complex international cases. represented a construction management obtained judicial correction of a patent claim, and money laundering and obtained Valencia thrives on handling difficult company and a consulting firm in a dispute joining approximately only a dozen district convictions in 11 out of 11 jury trials. He cases in which his legal sophistication, involving the construction of medical court decisions to do so; took or defended received several special commendations tenacity, and compassionate approach help facilities and offices in which her clients, nearly 30 fact and expert witness depositions during his tenure, including one from the clients overcome seemingly unsurmountable originally sued for fraud and breach of around the world; argued 21 substantive Honorable Louis J. Freeh, then-director of obstacles to achieving their goals. contract, were able to reach a successful motions before U.S. District Courts across the the FBI. settlement where the plaintiff paid damages country; and obtained settlements for clients to her clients. in excess of $15,000,000.

Congratulations! mintz.com

DLA Piper is pleased to congratulate all the honorees named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2019 list of Most Influential Minority Attorneys – and Diversity and inclusion especially our partners Rocky Delgadillo are fundamental to and Miles Cooley. our success. Mintz is honored to congratulate our Member Ralph Campillo Rockard Delgadillo Miles Cooley on being named among the 2019 Partner Partner Most Inﬂuential Minority Attorneys by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Information herein may be considered attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Stuart A. Liner, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 400 North Tower, Los Angeles, CA 90067 DLA Piper LLP (US) | Attorney Advertising | MRS000119617

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 101 1/23/19 12:21 PM 102 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 28, 2019

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS

DANIEL WU STACIE YEE Partner Partner – Firmwide Leader of Diversity & Inclusion Fox Rothschild LLP Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

aniel Wu is a leading lawyer within the n addition to being named Pillsbury’s tech community, sought after by emerging Executive Chair of Diversity & Inclusion Dcompanies and investors that are on the Iin June of last year, Stacie Yee maintains cutting edge of innovation. Over his career, an active employment litigation practice. he has provided legal and strategic advice to She focuses on wage and hour, California participants in hundreds of venture capital Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act, and M&A transactions with a collective discrimination, retaliation/whistleblower, value of more than $10 billion. including qui tam, actions, trade secret Wu is a Partner in Fox Rothschild’s misappropriation, unfair competition and Emerging Companies & Venture Capital false advertising claims. Practice. He is the lawyer tech companies Recently, Yee served as lead counsel look to hire as a strategic advisor when defending government contractor client they are getting ready to incorporate and against wage and hour class/collective raise venture capital investment, turn to and representative action alleging unpaid when they cash out with a sale and rely on overtime; after successfully moving to for advice on everything in between. Wu transfer the case to Maryland, the case settled represents emerging companies at all stages favorably for the client on an individual of development and the venture capital and plaintiff, non-class basis. She also served private equity firms and strategic investors as lead counsel representing a film industry that finance them. His clients are constantly trade association in defending against wage breaking new ground in digital media, and hour class and representative action consumer internet, SaaS, video games, virtual alleging noncompliant meal breaks and reality, fintech, e-commerce and other tech associate claims; the representative claim has sectors. been dismissed, and Yee’s team successfully compelled the matter to arbitration.

ALSTON &BIRD

congratulates our colleagues SAMUEL PARK ELIZABETH SPERLING on being named among the 2019 Most Influential Minority Attorneysby the Los Angeles Business Journal

www.alston.com

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 102 1/23/19 12:21 PM JANUARY 28, 2019 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 103

MOST INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ATTORNEYS Los Angeles County Bar Association Introduces a New 40-Hour Mediation Training Program

be particularly relevant for business leaders Participants who complete the and others in the community without law degrees who would like to acquire the skills program will have fulfilled the and fundamentals of mediation so they can requirements to lead mediations put them to practice in their businesses or communities.” throughout California “The Los Angeles County Bar Association has been at the forefront of providing the he Los Angeles County Bar Association preeminent mediation training programs (LACBA), one of the largest voluntary for years,” said Jack Goetz, a lecturer in law Tmetropolitan bar associations in the at USC Gould School of Law specializing country, is introducing a new 40-Hour in mediation and academic director of Mediation Training program with a curriculum LACBA’s 40-Hour Mediator Training designed to fulfill the training requirements of program. “LACBA’s 40-Hour Training the California Dispute Resolution Programs program is impactful and practical for today’s Act. Upon completion of the program, evolving field of mediation because it was attendees will have met the mediator training developed to meet the California Dispute and educational requirements to serve as Resolution Programs Act requirements panelists throughout California. while incorporating real-world experience of Registration for the training program mediation experts.” installments is now open and each session The training program introduces those is limited to 40 attendees. Those interested who are interested in mediation to the core in registering for the program can visit www. principles and methods of alternative dispute Rich in both theory and practice, the Mediation, had previously operated the lacba.org/40-hour for more information. resolution and provide a strong foundation in training will cover the nature of conflict, region’s popular 30-Hour Mediator Training “LACBA’s 40-Hour Training program mediation skills through lecture, small group history of mediation, structure and Program from the 1990’s through 2016. is important because it helps attorneys exercises, and role-playing. management of the mediation process, intake interested in incorporating mediations into Each attendee who successfully and convening, mediation models, cultural The Los Angeles County Bar Association their practice obtain the necessary credentials completes the training program will receive awareness and diversity, legal requirements (LACBA) is one of the largest voluntary to serve as effective mediators,” said Seth a certification reflecting this education and and ethics, maintaining neutrality, metropolitan bar associations in the nation and has Chavez, director of LACBA’s Attorney-Client training. Lawyers attending the training communication skills, negotiation, breaking nearly 20,000 members. LACBA is engaged in Mediation and Arbitration Service, which program will receive 40 hours of Continuing impasse, closure and drafting agreements. advancing the administration of justice and meeting will oversee the program. “The program has Legal Education credit, including four hours of LACBA, under its then existing Dispute the professional needs of lawyers. For more been designed to be inclusive and would Ethics credit. Resolution Services and Center for Civic information on LACBA, visit lacba.org.

Congratulations Emily Kuwahara

Recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a 2019 Most Influential Minority Attorney

CROWELL.COM

087-103_MinoritySupp.indd 103 1/23/19 12:22 PM